big baby news (not mine)

Paige is going home today!!

I got to meet the newest member of our book club/VW/friends family! Maya Jaklien Williams Hale was born yesterday, and she is a doll baby!

So much to Praise the Lord for this weekend!

week 20

HALF WAY THERE!!

I know, the second half will go by much slower (considering the first four weeks of this 20-week stretch are basically unaccounted for), but with all the holidays and travel and showers and nursery coordinating going on, I am sure we'll be plenty occupied.

We saw Dr. Brody (Best of the Best! Again!) for my 20-week check up yesterday, and it was so fun. It's so hard going four weeks in between seeing this little guy! I realize now how spoiled I was to get to go every two weeks for the beginning of this pregnancy. Not to mention, I'm still spoiled since we get to SEE him at every single visit! Seriously, Dr. Brody is the best.

Anyway, Crawford is doing just wonderfully. His heartbeat is good and strong, and he looked just like he is supposed to at 20 weeks. He is still in the breech position (feet down), but I already knew that because I can feel this little boy kicking like crazy. All the movement I feel is reealllly low on my abdomen, and he's a busy little bee these days. David loves hearing about how much he's kicking because he's sure it means he'll be a soccer player like his daddy :). I keep trying to catch a chance for David to feel the kicks, though I know it's too early for that. I thought he could still flip flop around in there, but Dr. B said he's pretty much stationary in his feet-down position. Granted, it's no concern at this point because he has plenty of time to turn over before February gets here.

We started talking about pediatricians, birthing classes and delivery preferences, and it's wild to me that we're already far enough along in this process to do that stuff!

I've gained 7 pounds, and I'm loving all of Beth's maternity stuff. Apparently I still don't "look pregnant" depending on what I wear (which is hard to imagine from that last picture above!), but I'm sure before long that will switch to people asking if it's multiples... People just have to say something (which is annoying... don't be one of those people!).

the motherload

I had been looking forward to our trip to Ohio for a number of reasons, one (pretty insignificant) of which was inheriting some maternity clothes! I'm to the point where I can still wear most of my stuff, but it's uncomfortable and given the choice I'll always choose loose-fitting. Beth had quite a collection of maternity clothes, and I made out like a bandit. We filled two giant garbage bags (that barely fit into our toy-sized car), and I'm having so much fun with my new-to-me wardrobe! Thanks, Beth!!

shower, race, babies

1. Shower. We had planned a baby shower for Beth in early September, but we cancelled it when the babies were born so early. It worked out perfectly that everyone was willing to reschedule it for a weekend that David and I were already planning to be in town, so we were able to kill two birds with one stone! Beth has so many people who love her and the new babies, and it was so nice to be able to celebrate them.

Grammy Rae and cousin Lydia

Uncle Joe, Aunt Connie and Beth (who does NOT look like she had twins 4 weeks ago!!)

2. Race. David ran the State-to-State half marathon in Oxford on Sunday. Though he really wanted to run this race a while ago, as we approached race day, he was kind of dreading it. His training wasn't nearly as consistent as last time, so he was anxious about how he would do. Plus, he was coming down with a cold, stayed up late Saturday night hanging out with his friend Mike, and knew the course was super hilly and boring. Regardless, he finished in 1:55- only 3 minutes longer than last time!

Brianna looked like such a big girl with her purse and her hot chocolate... she's so grown up!

first sighting of Uncy Dawid

 Worn out, and D with Katie Rhodenbaugh!

It was great to see our friends the Pechans, also waiting to cheer on their daughter Jessica! She did a great job too!

3. Babies! Definitely the highlight of my time in Ohio... Since David was feeling sick he didn't want to be around the babies (which was a big bummer), but I took lots of pictures for him. They are so. sweet. Of course, all new babies are sweet, but I love Paige and Bryce so much already. I met David's family when Brianna was 3 months old, so this is my first time loving on newborn niece/nephews. I cannot wait for Crawford to be here and for the cousin-loving to begin! These are lots of lucky kiddos.

Pretty mama! Beth has been a rock star this whole time. She has been run ragged nursing around the clock, taking care of Brianna and going back and forth (an hour) to the hospital, but she has shown such grace!

The doctors are saying that Paige is doing well enough to possibly go home this week. Pray with us that Bryce will catch up to his sister so they can go home together!

Miss O

Earlier this week we got to babysit for our new friends Matt and Samantha. They recently moved here from Dallas, but Samantha and David grew up in the same town and we connected through mutual friends. We had so much fun with this little lady, and it was a totally unrealistic impression of what parenting will be like (aka... super, duper easy and fun for the entire time). Olivia loved Harley, and in typical Harley-form, he was mostly indifferent (unless he thought he could get food out of the deal).

Come back soon, Olivia!

weeks 18 & 19

Week 18

Week 19

I guess you can tell I spent most of the day in bed today... yikes!

Emotions: Overwhelmed. In every sense of the word. I've hashed this one out with friends recently, so I'm reluctant to go in depth again... Let's suffice it to say that I am so thankful for the grace of God that sustains me.

I had a conversation with my boss where she lovingly admonished me to chill out. I'm struggling with wanting to do it all (carry stuff, run up and down the stairs, etc.) and be totally competent and not look like a wussy. I don't want to be whiny or for anyone to think I'm slacking on my job because I'm pregnant, so I think I'm erring on the opposite side of productivity.

Granted, the past few weeks have been nutty. After our trip to Ohio this weekend, we'll be pretty chill for a while, and it will be good.

Oh, and I'm irritable like whoa.

Movement: Yes! I first felt him kick (I think that's what it was...) on September 12 while waiting at Abra Auto Body (no, I did not run into a pole at the bank drive through... nope.). I was waiting for the "flutter" feeling everyone talks about, but it felt more like a "thump, thump, thump" to me. I've been feeling whatever this feeling is a whole bunch lately... pretty much every day! It's usually when I'm sitting up and totally still (like at the movie theater yesterday) or laying on my back (like this morning at 5am when I woke up randomly and definitely couldn't fall back asleep since I could feel him so much!). At my last doctor's appointment he was feet down, and it definitely still feels that way. All the movement I feel is super low, but this morning I felt some crazy movement that may have been him flipping around. We'll see!

Growth: Definitely. I'm rocking out a pair of black maternity capris I snagged for $12 at Old Navy as much as humanly possible. They are the bomb. I've gained about 5 pounds so far, and I feel good with that. I know I won't feel this way for long, but I'm anxious to look obviously pregnant. Depending on what I'm wearing, you can't tell at all (well, I can tell...). Several nursing professors told me today that I looked like I had lost weight! I would normally be pleased to hear that, but it's super counter-productive at this point (oh, and definitely not the case).

Cravings: Cold fruit. Wine (don't worry, I'm not partaking... it is on my list to ask the doctor about though...). Carbs.

Miscellaneous: Itchy stomach!

We go back to the doctor on Monday for my 20 week check up! I'll be halfway, and I can't wait! This is the first time I've gone 4 weeks in between visits (I went every 2 weeks for the first several months), and it seems like forever... We can't wait to see our boy!

baby stuff

While, I have been steadily collecting baby paraphernalia over the past several months (mostly from thrift stores and garage sales), we recently made what I would consider our first major baby purchase.


We are in a giant quandary about the whole nursery (you could basically scrap this whole plan...), so we've been diligently researching all kinds of furniture options. We ventured to Children's Fair because, well other than Babies R Us, they have the monopoly on good-quality baby furniture in Chattanooga. We didn't make any decisions on furniture, but David was quickly sold on a different item. First, I should mention how extremely not impulsive this man is. Second, I should mention how extremely thrifty he is. Third, he bought a BOB jogging stroller. On a whim. What?! Yep, that was my reaction. David is big on buying quality things (rubber wheels, not plastic, etc...) that will last a while, so that was his motivation here. Plus, they had a 2010 model (ridiculous that the model changes each year...) WITH the car seat attachment for nearly $200 less than what that package would normally cost. We couldn't pass it up! Plus, we had already decided on just getting jogging stroller with the car seat attachment instead of your standard travel system (we do also have a snap and go stroller, courtesy of Craigs List).



Anyway, David was/is pumped. I'm excited too! He pushed that thing all around the house and raves about the shocks. Harley is freaked out by the thing.


Second on our must-research list (second to crib/furniture) has been a rocking chair. I have been SO torn about what I want/what we want to spend, but while in Columbus a few weeks ago I found an awesome solution! My mom and I found this chair (that rocks and swivels) at Goodwill! Price? $25! Oh, and... it was 1/2 off! Yep, I paid $12.50 for this awesome chair.





Granted, it needs a slipcover something fierce, but it is super sturdy and even very clean. I figured, instead of debating about the "perfect chair" we should just use this one until we know exactly what we want- that is, if we decide to make a major investment in a(nother) piece of furniture down the road. We couldn't fit it in the Audi, so it's hanging out at my parents' house until we make our next trip to Columbus (in our new Routan! We are trading in the convertible for a mini van... haha! It'll be a fun no-commitment test. Thanks, VW!)

weekend projects

When our Labor Day weekend plans changed at the last minute, David and I ended up at home with a lot of time on our hands. It was WONDERFUL to just sit around and rest for several days. Our weeks end up so busy and our weekends usually have plans booked far in advance, so this was a true rarity. We watched tons of Law & Order SVU (DVR-ed) and 30 Rock (on Netflix). The rain started on Sunday night, and it pretty much kept us home bound all day on Monday. By that time I was starting to get a little stir crazy, so I busted out the craft projects.

2 new pillows:

an updated lamp shade:

and a baby monogram (that's finished now... oops):

I stayed pretty occupied and had so much fun finally doing stuff around my house. It had been way too long!

lake wedding

This is mostly for my family who wanted to see pictures from the lake wedding (oh, and Claire will appreciate it, I'm sure :)).

Again, I'm back-tracking several weeks here... David and I (mostly David) helped out one Saturday with a wedding at the Bryant's lake house. The bride was the daughter of one of Kevin's employees, and it really turned out to be such a nice event! The bride really made every detail special for the two of them, and I know their day was that much more memorable because of her hard work.

The whole day was a family affair, and everyone pitched in to help out. We all served food and refilled drinks and took pictures, and it worked out really well as a team effort.

This day wore.me.out. so I headed home early (to meet Ash & Chase who came in town for the night!), but David stayed until the bitter end and helped shoot fireworks off as the bride & groom left for the evening (by boat!). I know he was super helpful to the Bryants and the Cochrans, and they really appreciated all of his work. The Bryants went above and beyond to make that day special for Linsey and Brandon, and I think they're considering a side business in the wedding industry... maybe... :)

all grown up

I am oh-so-behind on blog posts, so forgive me if they come fast and furious over the next few days...

A cough... few... cough weeks ago I hurried up the mountain after work to watch Laney at her first football game! She is on the JV dance team at Signal Mountain Middle School, and oh. my. word.

I seriously died watching. I laughed. I cried. I kept hitting Shelby saying "Did you see that? Oh, she's so good! Look how happy she is!" and being all-around annoying, I'm sure. She was the most precious thing I have ever seen. Ever. So grown up and mature and... coordinated!

Now, a few observations:

• How the heck is Laney old enough for this kind of activity? Isn't she still, like, 5?
• Make up, zebra print uniforms, coordinated feathers... holy moly
• Out of all the Jenkins girls' activities I've seen over the years (swim team, cross country, dance recitals, etc.) dance team is BY FAR the most entertaining one yet.
• If she ever has a boyfriend, I swear I will kill him. Mark, I'm sure you'll beat me to it, but I'll tag team with you.
• I kept catching myself saying "Whoa, he caught the ball! Whoa, he blocked that guy!" and being all-around impressed that those tiny little boys (seriously, they were tiiiiny) actually played a real game of football. How do they know how to do all that stuff?
• I am so thankful this baby is a boy. I would not know how to handle all that craziness! Granted, the football playing may have been just as overwhelming as the dance team, so who knows what we're in for!

week 17

Compared to my 16-week belly, I feel like I'm smaller now than I was then. It's weird how some mornings I wake up with no signs of being pregnant. I'm trying to remind myself to enjoy it while it lasts, but I'm definitely ready to look obviously pregnant (not like I just ate a big meal). I'm still wearing all my normal clothes sans belly band and I'm still about +2-3 lbs. Sleeping is weird. I've been a belly sleeper my whole life, so I'm beginning to adjust to a new way. I'm not good at sleeping on my side yet, so I wake up a lot throughout the night. Fortunately, I'm not having to get up to pee anymore, so I can usually fall back asleep pretty easily.

The good news... I'm feeling human again! I haven't thrown up in about a week, and it's awesome. I forgot how wonderful it is to not be sick- I totally appreciate it now!

I forgot to mention... my sister gave me THE BEST pants for my birthday. I'm wearing them in my 16 week picture, and I rarely take them off (at home). I would love to finagle a way to wear them to work, and I would really never take them off then... They are going to be the bomb to have from now until... forever. I will wear them forever.

Sorry for the bare belly pics each week... I definitely didn't think I'd be the kind of person to take those, but at least for now, I don't think you can really see my bump when it's covered up. And admittedly, I walk around the house with my shirt pulled up all the time because it's so cool to see the changes. Weird, I know.

You can't tell in this picture (because my shirt is pulled up... geez!) but with 16 weeks completed, I'm 2/5ths of the way through this pregnancy! Ha! Not a normal milestone, but one this fun little shirt will help me celebrate :)

Just so I remember later... things I'm craving: fruit (strawberries, bananas, grapes, apples), ice cold water (cup FULL of ice with water poured on top, refil the water after every swig) and biscuits (individually frozen buttermilk Grands have saved the day)

week 16

Even though I forgot to cross out 15 on my shirt, this is really my 16-week-old baby belly! It looks huge uncovered! He's really doing some growing in there.

I'm actually feeling really good (right now)! The weekend apparently really took a toll on me, and it's pretty much taken all week to recover. I literally went to bed by 8pm every night this week, and I felt like I could have slept until noon the next day. It was awesome and ridiculous. Our 3-day-weekend plans have changed because of good ol' Irene, so we're staying home and getting stuff done! We (totally a team effort) did manage to get the house vacuumed, the kitchen mopped and the laundry and ironing done this week, but not much else. I'm anxious to start on some baby related projects, but I can't really justify that when there's a lot of other stuff that needs doing. 

PS- Did you see my facebook status? True story. I definitely just ironed a pair of pants with furniture polish instead of starch. Oops. At least they smell lemony fresh! And no, I'm not going to wash them and start over... it worked just fine :)