Watkins' Wishes & Wonders

UNDER CONSTRUCTION!!!

2009-10-06T15:37:00.003-05:00

Hello My Blogger Friends...

I have had some issues with my blog lately and posts not working. I am revamping the site and getting a face lift.

Stay tuned for the cutest blog you've ever seen! Meanwhile here is a few pics of Smiley Ryleigh...

Muah~
Blissful Mommy

Well Hello Blog...My name is Ryleigh's Mommy!

2009-06-22T20:10:00.004-05:00

My oh my...Time has gone by SO fast. People tell you that before you become a parent but is it ever true 10x more! I have so much to tell you about in the past two months! Here is a sneak peak and I will begin to go into more detail over the next week...

Smiley Ryleigh Hearts Baby Einstein

2009-04-29T12:41:00.001-05:00

This crazy world we live in...

2009-04-24T13:38:00.007-05:00

We are crazy in love with Miss Ryleigh Kate and all her giggles and talking. She lights up our world every morning and we couldn't imagine a better start to our day. But watch out people because when those sounds become real words I have a feeling they will not stop. Here is a "mellow" video the other morning.

We are crazy busy with birthdays and showers and charity events and LIFE! This weekend we have Race for the Cure, NWA Boutique Sale, Ashley Linam's Baby Shower, Wendy Nauman's Birthday Party, and Dinner at Courtney & Joey's on Sunday. I also am making tutus, frames and gifts that are due to people this weekend! Sounds like tonight will be spent with a bottle of my fav Pinot and some tulle.

In the meantime trying to stay on top of working out, keeping the house clean, searching for downtime ( :) ), and WORK! Coming up in the next few weeks we have Tour De Fun, The Miller Twin's 1st Birthday Party, Hillary Tillman's Baby Shower, Mother's Day, and I'm sure something else will pop up too. Stay tuned for crazy pics from this crazy busy weekend we are about to experience!

First of many Baseball Games...

2009-04-20T15:08:00.006-05:00

Here are a few pictures from our Friday night at the opening weekend of the Arkansas Naturals. Cold and Rainy but Fun!

A BEAUTIFUL rainbow!

Ryleigh Kate & Auntie Wendy
She slept in her arms forever!

Here is the Future husband for Miss Ryleigh. His name is Kaden...and he is SOO cute!

Ryleigh Kate with Aunt Sara & Uncle Matt...all bundled up

And the boys...

Ryleigh Kate is Three Months

2009-04-16T10:09:00.003-05:00

WOW! She is growing so fast! At 12lbs and 5 oz, Ryleigh Kate is the happiest baby on the planet! Her nickname at the academy is Smiley Ryleigh. Here are some of her favorite things...

She LOVES her daddy! Every time he speaks she is all smiles and she tells him all her stories
She likes to watch TV....especially Baby Einstein
She still loves milk :)
She is sleeping usually from 9pm to 6 or 7am :) :)
She loves her bath time
She LOVES all her little friends at Woodland
She likes to watch Gracie and thinks she is SO funny

Her little personality is starting to come through and we are having so much fun with her. For the next month we are working on rolling over and tummy time. Once she gets it she will take off because she is already trying to crawl but just doesnt have the strength yet. :)

Happy Three Months Princess!!!

Ryleigh's First Easter!

2009-04-15T16:40:00.003-05:00

Ryleigh Kate found her "voice"...and its beautiful.

2009-04-09T11:20:00.003-05:00

We are SLOWLY adjusting to "normal" life in the Watkins' house. It is by far the hardest adjustment I have had to make in my life. Bringing her home was a breeze compared to this chaos! I am completely exhausted. Poor Kyle...not much time for him.

At Woodland Academy they tell me that Ryleigh is far more advanced than any of the other babies her age. She never cries there (one time a few peeps) and they nicknamed her "Smiley". I picked her up yesterday and heard her first laugh! It melted my heart and I LOVE her voice. I cant wait to hear it ALL the time. She enjoys her daycare and sleeps soundly for 9 hours a night! I couldnt ask for a better baby. We are truly blessed...and in trouble when she is 14 becuase Im not sure this can last forever. :)

We are transitioning over to 3-6 month clothes in the next couple of weeks because she is growing like a weed! Not length-wise but those rolls keep on coming and I love them.

Stay tuned for more Easter pics on Monday!!

HoPpY First Easter Ryleigh Kate!

2009-04-02T14:03:00.006-05:00

I LOVE EASTER. We have pictures at the clubhouse this Sunday with the Easter Bunny and next week at her PaPaw's work next Saturday(BeKaert). We won't start our tradion of Easter egg dyeing until next year and I can't wait!!

We received a little package with these gifts on Saturday from her Aunt Amy in Wisconsin. Thank you!! The little slippers and bib are adorable. There is a book in there as well as a bunny and a bath scrunchie that is a frog!

Her Auntie Tabby brought us this CUTE outfit to wear...

AND Here is her Easter Basket!!!! I put it in front of her and she was a little scared...okay she started to cry a bit. I think it will grow on her. I cant wait to fill it up!~

Here are some little presets for her little friends, Katie & Kenzie, Zac, and Adelynn Mae.

Stay tuned for pictures of Ryleigh!!!

Ryleigh's First day of Daycare!!

2009-04-02T13:44:00.004-05:00

Okay...I knew the day would come that I had to get back to "Real Life" but I didnt think it would be so soon. The past 10 weeks have went by VERY fast. I was actually scheduled to be out until April 20th but needed to get back now to serve my client. So yes...the first day I cried. Not in the daycare but on my way to work. She is going to Woodland Christian Academy in Bentonville. And we love it there. She has two little boy friends and one girl friend in her room. She did great her first day and didnt cry at all! She took a few naps, played and giggled a TON! The ladies love her there. I go visit her at lunch to nurse and it makes it so much easier and the days are shorter. We are almost done with Week One and I am EXHAUSTED! I have a feeling life is going to be this crazy from now on!

KU BABY!

2009-04-02T13:24:00.003-05:00

Here are a couple of pictures from a baby gift I made for our friends Scott & Katrin Clubine. They are HUGE KU fans and I know their little Hannah Kate will be born as one too. We enjoyed their BBQ and can't wait to meet their new baby girl in a couple months!

This is a BIG hobby of mine and I would love to make some for you if you ever need a gift. I would charge $25 for the TuTu and $15 for the frame. Just let me know!

I'm a BIG girl now!!

2009-03-25T03:48:00.001-05:00

Here I am in my BUMBO...

2 Month Checkup Stats with Dr. Foster: Heart Update

2009-03-20T10:12:00.003-05:00

We had our first appointment with our new doctor on Tuesday, 3.17.09. WE LOVE HIM!! She was 11 pounds, 4 ounces and 22 1/4 inches long. Both fell in the 50th percentile!! Her head measured at 15 3/4 and fell in the 50-75th percentile. He could hear her heart murmur but feels that we are okay. The hole in her heart is 3 to 4 mm wide so it is not too big. If he still hears it at her 4 month checkup then we will visit with the cardiologist. HOPEFULLY it closes up and we are in the clear. Dr. Foster said she is a "PERFECT" baby girl and we've got a keeper.

Latest activities are...

Blowing milk bubbles
Standing on her legs (LOVES this)
Trying to find her thumb to suck on...too cute
Following Mommy & Daddy's every move (She could stare at us all day, and vice versa)
Playing Paci Wars
Smiling and Cooing all day
Enjoying Baby Einstein DVD and Playmat
Grabbing at objects in front of her

Happy 2 Month Birthday Ryleigh Kate!

2009-03-20T09:59:00.003-05:00

Here are a few picture of her 2 month Birthday day!

Ryleigh Kate is 2 Months Old!

2009-03-14T17:43:00.002-05:00

Wow. Time flies by! Ryleigh is 2 months on Monday. We spent today getting things for her "Birthday" outfit. It is going to be so cute. A little hint: St. Patty's Day. :) Pictures will be posted on Monday. We go to her 2 month checkup on Tuesday with her new Pediatrician, Dr. Foster. We have heard wonderful things about him. We did not care for her previous Pediatrician nor their clinic so we have decided to move. Hopefully we will learn more about her heart problems, sickle cell trait, belly aches and we think she has some ear drainage.

Other than that she is a healthy baby...growing more and more every day. I think she is about 14 lbs already. Her eyes are so blue and turning brighter as we speak. Her hair is lightening to more blonde and she smiles ALL the time. She makes so many noises and loves Baby Einstein mat. The only complaint mommy has is "Paci Wars". She doesnt realize that is her friend and how to keep it in her mouth. We go back and forth all the time. She started sleeping in her crib last night :( And I woke up (After 8 hours :) ) to find her sideways. She squirms so much. We got a new full body positioner today so maybe that will help. I miss hearing all her grunts and meeps at night but I slept like a BABY! I didnt even hear her at all. Which I suppose is good but kind of scary.

On the mommy front...WE ARE BACK! in the gym. Attended my first cardio blast class today...Holy cow. Lots of work to do.

Stay tuned for more updates on Monday and the cutest pics you have ever seen!

Gifts of Love...

2009-03-10T08:55:00.009-05:00

Here are a few pictures of gifts that Ryleigh has received lately. Too cute!
(Please note...Her Mamaw, Nini & Auntie Tabby have bought her too many gifts to show :) She loves them too!!!)

This adorable burp cloth is from Dr.
Hinton. We love her!

This cute pale was gifted to Ryleigh from Mary Kate Beckham, Kyle's boss's wife. It had the most adorable summer dress in it.

And then...Her daddy came home with these! She is going to be SO cute!!

Spring is in the air...

2009-03-06T23:54:00.004-06:00

Today was a beautiful day and...a sad day too. I packed up all of Ryleigh Kate's newborn clothes and newborn diapers that are too small. Makes me sad already. I don't want her to grow. She fits perfect on my chest and in my arms. We went for a walk and enjoyed the day. My tulips have bloomed!! Everything is growing!

Sleeping Beauty

2009-02-20T05:46:00.004-06:00

Throughout the whole pregnancy I always worried that I would be one of those new moms that had mismatched shoes, zombie eyes, no time for any fancy hygiene, hungry and NO sense of control. I have been surprisingly surprised! Ryleigh is such a good baby. She ONLY fusses when she cant get her milk fast enough or gets too cold after a bath. But by fusses I mean a cute little whimper followed by some squeaks. She sleeps at night for usually 5-7 hours. Sometimes she wakes up right at 5 hours and then eats and goes back to bed for another 3. It is a miracle. I never thought I would be so happy with 5 hours of sleep because pre-baby I loved my sleep. I am so thankful for how things are going and I hope to keep it this way. We are getting into a really good routine now. It was meant to be! I thank the lord everyday for such a blessing.

Imagination Photography... by Cody Smith

2009-02-19T20:35:00.005-06:00

Our friend Cody Smith took Ryleigh Kate's pictures at 2 weeks old. She did a GREAT job. She is still editing most of them but here are a few...

Where did the month go?

2009-02-19T18:00:00.002-06:00

So Ryleigh Kate is ONE month old! WOW. It goes by very fast. For that matter...each day goes by very fast. Before I know it, it will be time to go back to work and send her to daycare. :( She is going to go to Woodland Academy in Bentonville. We are VERY pleased with the staff there, the cleanliness, the christian learning environment and that they only keep 4 babies at a time. She is going to love it there.

This weekend is very busy for us. Tomorrow we are running errands all day and then my aunt Heidi flies in for the weekend (Through Tuesday)from Wisconsin to see Miss Ryleigh. We have dinner at Olive Garden and then mommy is off to girls night. :) Saturday Ryleigh will go to her PaPaw & Mamaw's for her first overnight trip. She is going to be so spoiled. :) Kyle and I are attending our friend Emery's 40th birthday party.

Well I better get to the gym while her Autine Tabby is here to watch her...

Multitasking Mommy's!

2009-02-09T10:49:00.002-06:00

Wow...where does the time go? I cant believe Ryleigh Kate is almost 4 weeks! Every time I have gotten on here to blog about my new bundle of joy...I am reminded that I could be using that time to nap, clean the house, run an errand or just relax. And by the time this short window of opportunity is beginning...it is over and then it is time to feed or change a diaper. My heart goes out to ALL mommy's as it is the hardest and most rewarding job ever.

Being a mommy has been the most amazing experience of my life. I love watching her and holding her. We have adjusted well to our new life and enjoying every minute. She is a WONDERFUL baby and we hope it stays that way :) We usually get 5 to 6 hours of sleep a night and then wake up to eat and change and then its back to bed for a few hours. Breastfeeding has gotten so much easier and a lot less painful. It took a few weeks of patience and strength and I am very happy that we stayed with it. She truly is a blessing.

We have had wonderful support from our family and friends over the past few weeks. I want to say a special thank you to my mom who has helped me a ton! She comes over a few times a week to help with the house and any other things, like rest and running errands that I need. I couldn't have done it without her. Ryleigh is SO lucky to have all of you in her life. We look forward to raising her with all our loved ones.

Cody Smith took her first baby pictures last week and we can't wait to get those back! Stay tuned this week for the cutest pictures you have ever seen!!

Ryleigh Kate's Nursery...

2009-01-25T16:15:00.003-06:00

We are ALMOST done with her nursery. We still have a dresser to pick up but other than that we completed it on January 16th with the addition of Ryleigh Kate.

Hello Ryleigh Kate...It's me, your mom

2009-01-15T21:59:00.002-06:00

As I sit here in the hospital waiting for you to arrive there are a million thoughts going through my mind. I can't believe this is actually happening. That we have been so blessed to be here right now. It is very surreal and exciting. I can't wait to see your beautiful face and kiss you all over and smell you and hold you. I know I will fall in love all over again. I want you to know what an incredibly amazing journey this has been so far and I look forward to spending the rest of my life with you in it. I wouldn't have traded one moment of watching you grow inside of my belly. I am going to miss feeling you all day, especially after your hiccups. You are a feisty one my dear and it was never a dull moment with you. I am anticipating for it to be the same once you arrive. I LOVE your little personality already.

I hope everything goes very smoothly tomorrow with inducing and you are healthy and happy. I am nervous, scared, anxious and sleepy. I hope to be the best mom ever and to love you unconditionally every moment of your life. This will be new for both of us so please bear with me as we learn together. I can't promise I won't make mistakes but I do promise to fix every hurt, catch every tear, and wipe away any fears. You have a wonderful family and already some little friends. The best part about tomorrow besides you joining this world...You will share your special birthday with your Daddy! He is very excited to meet you. He will be the best dad ever I promise. He is an amazing husband and has taken care of me very very well. He has a huge heart but a strong mind. I can only imagine how much of a daddy's girl you will be.

I love you SO much. More than you will ever know.

Ready and Waiting Miss Ryleigh Kate...2 MORE days.

2009-01-11T19:13:00.003-06:00

At our 39 week appointment last week Dr. Hinton once again provided us with an update that was not favored. We had not progressed AT ALL. Monday and Tuesday last week there was a significant decrease in movement from Ryleigh...mind you she is probably the most active baby ever so it was just a little concerning. They hooked us up to the monitors and she put on the biggest show with more punches and kicks in the 10 minutes than she had all week!

So we go back to Dr. Hinton on Wednesday this week (1/14/09) for our 40 week appointment and to discuss dates and options for inducing. HOPEFULLY we have made some progress in dilating. They will not induce unless we are because they don't want us sitting there forever...I agree. My hope is that we go ahead and schedule the date but that she comes before then.

I have learned that she makes the rules and will come when she wants. I can't wait to hold her and kiss her all over. This week will be VERY busy at work with a new client and meeting my new supervisor and I am expecting she may make an appearance because of this. Stay tuned for an update from our appointment on Wednesday!!

Love, A

Week 39....Mommy needs some wine!

2009-01-06T12:14:00.004-06:00

You are your mother's daughter. The oh so familiar phrase my mom's mom said to her and then said to me. Miss Ryleigh Kate is her mother's daughter. This little lady is as stubborn as they make them. Obviously because she doesn't want to come out. We knew we would have a wild one when we realized that she never stops moving and kicking...even when its time for bed. What we didn't realize is that she would be this rebelious before she is even here! Come out I said! We have had many talks and she is still not here. Well soon enough she will have to come out.

We go for our 39 week appointment tomorrow with Dr. Hinton again. Yes...I am seeing her again because she said she would "assist" with pushing labor along. No, not inducing but I will spare you all the gruesome details. We have tried everything else (well except drinking Castor oil). Hills, spicy food, chiropractic adjustments, massage, and sex. Not that you needed to know that part. SO hopefully we will have some more news tomorrow or the end of the week.

If for some CRAZY reason she is not here by the 15th we will induce that afternoon. Dr. Hinton will do it as early as the 12th but if we are going to plan this we would rather wait until the weekend so Kyle can have extra time with her since he only gets a week off of work.

Stay tuned for more updates!!! And please keep us in your prayers for a speedy and healthy delivery. Love, A

The Last Supper...

Baby I can't wait to meet you...

2008-12-29T20:25:00.002-06:00

With two weeks to go until our due date we are getting more and more excited and more and more nervous. Last week Dr. Bailey said there was no progress...again. We see Dr. Hinton on New Year's Eve for our 38 week appointment. We are going to discuss our options for speeding things along. Cody is out of town from Thursday through Sunday so we have to wait (if we can) for anything to happen. She will be capturing our special day for us (including Kyle passing out :))I am still walking at least 2 miles per day and trying to get plenty of rest. We had a wonderful yet very busy 5 Christmases with our family and friends. Now that the holidays are over we are focusing on getting the house just perfect for her. Kyle has been very supportive and he is very ready as well as nervous too.

We had an ultrasound on Friday and Ryleigh was 6 lbs & 15oz!! Her head measured 39 weeks and her belly was right on track. Her legs however were at 35 weeks :) I guess she will be a little short. Stay tuned for more updates and soon some big news!!!

Down to Three...Oh Ryleigh!

2008-12-22T10:55:00.002-06:00

What an eventful week! We had our 36 week checkup on Wednesday with Dr. Seale and there was "not even a smidgen" of progress. Kyle was amused and kept repeating it all the way home. He is very lucky to have me...Any other hormonal pregnant lady would have killed him by the 3rd time. In fact, this whole pregnancy I have to say he has been pretty lucky. Week 37 he is still sleeping in the bed, hasn't had to witness one breakdown yet, has gotten away with rubbing my feet and legs 2x, has a self sufficient wife, gets to go out with his friends and gets picked up in the am hours by me...need I say more?

We see Dr. Bailey this week on Christmas Eve! Hopefully he will give us a great present by announcing SOME progress! I am not going to get my hopes up this time but it would be nice.

Christmas shopping is all done, Graduation @ JBU is over, Our recliner/rocker chair came in!, New dishwasher was delivered, Bedroom was rearranged, Bags loaded in the car with the car seat, and last few touches to the nursery have been made. AND i get a full body massage on Tuesday!

We are looking forward to spending time with our families this week...5 stops total! Starting Xmas eve with 2 followed by 3 the next day. (Maybe it will put me into labor :)) Speaking of. Had a dream last night that Dr. Gorman delivered her. She was chubby and pink and had lots of hair. She was beyond adorable. I am dying to see her.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL! we look forward to updating you soon with PROGRESS!

Only Four More... & almost out the door...

2008-12-15T14:35:00.002-06:00

A pretty quiet weekend but a lot accomplished! Had a wonderful OVERDUE lunch with the gals from RHS at Crumpet Tea Room. Finished the CPR class with the family. (Yes, I made them take it. God forbid something were to happen but I feel much better knowing they know.) Then Sunday spent all day organizing the house and making more room for Miss Ryleigh then of to mom & dad's for tree decorating and a wonderful dinner.

This weekend I graduate from JBU on Saturday!! I literally have 2 inches of room in that big black gown. Hopefully my water doesnt break when we are there...like it did in my dream!

So the bags are packed, car seat is loaded, house is organized, baby clothes are washed and mom is about to POP! We have our 36 week checkup this Wednesday with Dr. Seale and I am SO looking forward to finding out if there is any progress. YAY!!!She is "dropped" and has assumed the position. Now we just wait and wait...

Down to FIVE...Waiting for Ryleigh to Arrive

2008-12-08T13:04:00.004-06:00

I can't believe 35 weeks have passed, my how it goes by so fast!

Here we go! Weekly visits, Packing THE bag, loading the carseat and waiting...and waiting...

How to tell a pregnant lady is "READY..."
She shows up to work in a Old Navy sweat suit.
She is out of breath from walking to the water cooler.
You start seeing less and less of her around.
She rotates through the last remaining 3 outfits and 2 pairs of shoes that fit.
The cute waddle becomes more like a painful, slow and unsteady attempt at walking for fear that the baby may fall out any minute.
The glow on her face turns into puffy eyes and swollen cheeks.
The potty breaks become more frequent with less accomplished each time.

This week we have the breast feeding class, CPR classes,a friend in town from Texas and the annual tree decorating at Mom & Dads! Hopefully pretty uneventful.

Getting Ready for Baby Ryleigh...6 weeks to go

2008-12-01T19:25:00.005-06:00

Happy Week 34!!!
After a wonderful week off work I feel more "ready" for Mommyhood...
Washing her blankets, bibs, some clothes, and towels...
Learning how to use the "milking machine"...
Organizing and REORGANIZING her nursery...
Starting to pack THE BAG...

And officially getting no sleep at night. God has a funny way of preparing new moms for the lack of sleep they are about to experience. However, I just wish it was in a more comfortable manner. The back pain is atrocious and I am not sure how WE will make it through the next 6 weeks! I know it will all be worth it very soon.

On Saturday last week we had an ultrasound and found out that Ryleigh is 4lbs & 12oz! Her head and belly measured bigger (a week ahead) and her legs were actually a week behind (who would have figured she would have short legs??) She was head down and ready to go!

We see Dr. Partridge this Wednesday for our 34 week checkup and will hopefully finish all of our Christmas shopping this week too. Never know when she will come!

Welcome to the Blog World Cody Smith!!

2008-11-25T14:16:00.003-06:00

To all who didn't know...One of my best friends, Cody Smith recently took our "Belly Laughs" pictures and did an AMAZING job. She has joined us all in the blog world and you can check out some of her other recent clients. She is very flexible with her schedule and is very reasonable. She will be taking pictures for us on "D Day" as well as Ryleigh at 2 weeks old. We are grateful to have her in our lives and can't tell you how happy we are with her work. She has immense talent and tons of love for what she does....Welcome Cody!!!

Imagination...Photography by Cody Smith
http://codyksmith.blogspot.com

Less than 8 weeks to go... Oh my!

2008-11-20T18:44:00.002-06:00

I can't believe it...7.5 weeks? Really? It is coming so fast! We have our 32 week check up appointment tomorrow with Dr. Cole. Everything is going really well. A LOT of swelling in the feet the past couple of days but overall a girl couldn't ask for a better pregnancy. It is hard to think that in 3 weeks we will need to have our bags ready to go and the carseat installed. WOW! Before, my biggest worry was the delivery...as we get closer it is becoming the idea of what we are going to do after they say "it is time to go home." Then what?

We are looking forward to the very busy weeks ahead...Family is in town for Thanksgiving next week, then Holiday Parties & Christmas Shopping, Graduation at JBU, 4 Family Christmas Events, New Year's and then....Baby Ryleigh.

Her Poppi Watkins came over last night and excitedly brought over a little pink baby beanie that has her name on it...TOO CUTE! She will wear it right when she arrives and will be the cutest baby in that nursery. He was so proud!

Ryleigh Kate's Nursery

2008-11-20T17:56:00.004-06:00

I am ready when you are...
We are waiting for "THE CHAIR" and dresser to come in and a few pics to hang up and we are all set. It is exactly what I imagined it to be...perfect.

Oh Baby(ies)!!

2008-11-12T18:24:00.001-06:00

Sunday I attended my best friend Kara's baby shower. She is due 2 weeks after me on 1.27.09. I look forward to sharing this new mommy experience with her and raising our little girls together. Kara is precious and I can't wait to meet Miss Adelynn Mae!

"Daddy Needs a Bottle Too" 11.8.08

2008-11-11T11:23:00.005-06:00

Saturday Night was SO much fun! Our wonderful friends; The Nauman's, The Lassiter's, Derick Holmes and Kate Kressen hosted a baby shower for Kyle. The guys brought him a bottle of his favorite adult beverage and the ladies brought Ryleigh some gifts...including a life saving Rainforest Jumparoo! The cutest were the little HOG outfits that Uncle Kevin brought. She will be all set for football season 09. We just have to teach her the fight song. The theme of the shower was Razorback and everything was so cute! They did an amazing job. We are truly lucky to have such wonderful friends. It is a blessing to share this journey with them and we can't wait to introduce Ryleigh to all her awesome aunties and uncles!

10 weeks to go and counting...

2008-11-03T12:42:00.002-06:00

I have the most amazing family and friends. Ryleigh's baby shower was perfect. The food, decorations, cake and gifts were far more than I ever imagined. It was beyond beautiful. I am so excited to be a mom...it actually feels real now. Not that the 24 hour kicks don't feel real..but now that her nursery is getting settled and we are in the home stretch...it really feels real.

We start the new Mommy & Daddy classes this week. I am not sure what to expect going into these but I am really excited to learn more because honestly I dont know anything. I hear you learn as you go and it will "come to you" but a few pointers would still be nice. :)

We are trying to take it easy this week because in our appointment on Friday the doctor was concerned with high blood pressure and swelling. I have to monitor it very closely so I dont get put on bed rest. I was told to STAY OF MY FEET. Easier said than done. But I promise to do my best and make sure we get in our 2 mile walks 5 to 6 times per week no matter what. We go back in 2 weeks if it is still high and 3 weeks if it has lowered. Other than that everything is looking great! We all feel she will be early but I guess you never know. They come when they want to. We can't wait to meet her.

Shower Ryleigh Kate with Love 11.2.08

2008-11-03T12:21:00.003-06:00

My sisters, and wonderful friends Cody Smith and Ashley Miller hosted a baby shower for Ryleigh on Sunday 11.2.08. They did an amazing job! From the food to flowers to cake and music it was all perfect! Thank you all who came and everyone who generously brought Ryleigh a gift...She will love them all!

Bubbles & Breathing...

2008-10-29T10:33:00.002-05:00

Week 29 and 11 more to go..but who is counting?? We go to see Dr. Cole this Friday on Halloween for a follow up. Everything is going really well. I can definitely feel the weight and pressure now and find myself out of breath after unloading the dishwasher. :) Still swelling in my feet quite a bit but I am sure its because I cant sit down. The 2mile walks every night do help a lot with it. I have a bad case of "nesting" with a bit of OCD. Poor Kyle. So now he is freezing and cleaning all the time.

Ryleigh's Nursery is coming a long exactly as I dreamed it would be. I love to just go in there and sit. I just cant wait to get the rest of her furniture.

Last night I discovered this thing called taking a bath. Haven't soaked in a tub since before I was preggo. It was AMAZING! It takes all the pressure off and was so relaxing. I didn't want to get out. You can find me in that tub for the next two months. Between that and yoga...I am all set. I go to yoga 2 to 3 times per week. It is a life saver and I recommend it to all, pregnant or not but definitely if you are pregnant.

Busy weekend ahead...More nesting, Last HOGS Football Home Game, Wedding, Couple's Baby Shower for the Maddick's and my Baby Shower on Sunday! Wheeuuuw. Time flies by. No wonder I don't remember the past 29 weeks.

The best carved pumpkin ever...

2008-10-28T09:51:00.003-05:00

Our traditional family pumpkin carving day was on Sunday. We all sit on the back porch at mom's and whip out some creative masterpiece. Only this year...everyone did the most simple stencils in the book. Last year there were some of us out there until dark trying to finish our pumpkins only for them to be destroyed that night by very chilly weather. I do believe I have the best pumpkin of the bunch. Afterwards we enjoyed a nice warm meal of porcupine meatballs. Yum!

2008-10-24T18:33:00.002-05:00

I am so excited about our shower next weekend! Cody, Ashley, Courtney & Tabitha are doing a wonderful job and I am so thankful to have this love and support!!

Ryleigh Kate's Nursery...almost ready

2008-10-24T17:43:00.005-05:00

We are now in Phase2 of Ryleigh's nursery. Slowly but surely we are getting everything put in its place and the decorations up. Here is a sneak peak...

2008-10-21T15:54:00.001-05:00

I got a couple of photos back from our photographer and awesome friend...Cody Smith. She did an amazing job!! We love her! Here is a sneak preview of a few. There are many more to come...(500 were taken!)

Week 28...

2008-10-21T13:26:00.003-05:00

We have officially dipped into the third trimester and have 12 weeks left! That is if Ms. Ryleigh will stay in there that long. Everything is going really really well and I cant complain a bit. I am sure Kyle will say otherwise but honestly I couldn't have asked for a better pregnancy. I just hope this last home stretch plays out the same way. Our next doctor's appointment is on October 31...Halloween!! I will see Dr. Cole and just do a routine checkup. My glucose test came back positive and I don't have to do the Rh shot. We are good to go. Last visit I was at 26 lbs...We'll see how far I have come this time. There has been less and less walking going on as I grow bigger and bigger. I never thought I would say this but 2 miles is A LOT! I do love it though and can tell when I don't go.

We are working on Ryleigh's nursery and trying to get everything ready. MeMaw and Mom are getting ready to start on all the bedding and we have a few things to put up. The baby shower is in 1.5 weeks!! I can't wait.

Sleeping at night?? No. This belly seems to make things a bit uncomfortable. And baby Ryleigh flies around in there ALL day and night. Oh Lord...I hope she is not this active when she comes out. Kyle is SO lucky he is still in the bed. There is not much room in there for all 3 of us. Windows are open at night so that helps. Poor Kyle is freezing by the time morning comes and I am still walking around in a tank top burning up. :) It will be December...and we will still have the windows open, and 3 blankets on the bed. :)