goodbye 2010

I can't say that I am sad to see 2010 go.  Yes, lots of great things happened this year, but it was the slowest year and full of the most pain I have ever felt.  January 2010 started off wonderfully, we were so excited to be bringing our twins into this world in May.  January 7th, we were excited to find out their sexes and begin dreaming about who they were. Within one moment our world came crashing down on January 7th and then it was finalized on January 9th when they were born.  2010 I said hello and goodbye to my sweet twin boys. Their faces will always be engraved on my heart, they are my firstborns.

But good things happened too. 

We found and purchased our 2nd home.  Renovating our new home pouring our blood, sweat and tears into making a beautiful place was therapeutic and rewarding.  When making decisions about the house my husband would respond with "whatever you want".  That want list was long, but we both saw it as small pleasures that would replace the ache in our hearts for a moment.  Popcorn ceiling was scrapped, sanded, muddied, sanded and more sanded then painted.  Crown molding was added.  All the walls were painted.  The fireplace, built-ins, kitchen all received makeovers.  Light fixtures were sold and replaced, can lights added, recepticals and switches changed to white and tamper resistant.  Curtains were purchased and hung and eventually move in day happened.

Living in our new home has been amazing.  I didn't understand the want or need for LAND.  Chris really wanted some surrounding acreage and when we found this house that had most of my wants and a HUGE basement and almost 8 acres I knew this was it.  Since living here, I get it.  It is so peaceful to look out on our land and see deer, beautiful trees and just the natural landscape that God created.  Wow, amazing.

Then, in the midst of getting settled in our new home we found out we were expecting again!  We couldn't have been more excited and scared.  This pregnancy has been wonderful and we have fallen in love again, this time with a little boy that reminds me he is there with his kicks and jabs.  We have listened to his heartbeat more than I would admit and it has been the music that has healed parts of our hearts.  I am scared to get too excited about bringing in another year and repeating the heartache of this past year.  There will be pain as we are approaching the 1st birthday of our twins and yet we know we need to get passed that day so that we can be closer to this little one's arrival.

So, 2011, I have a request of you bring this little boy to me-healthy and whole.  I want to use this year to celebrate his life.

I know that 2010 had to be part of my life story, but I am so glad it is over. 

lil spark: 32 weeks

How far along: 32 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: will find out next week
Maternity clothes: yes, bought some new pants today and still don't love them.  I don't like the secret fit belly anymore and I don't like a HUGE 4" elastic band cutting into the bottom of the belly either.  I am about to buy some suspenders.
Stretch marks: bought new lotion today, smells way better!  Of course though nothing is easy and it wouldn't come out the pump, so I opened it up and it was SOLID in there, then as I was using the pump straw to stir it got lost in there.  I told Chris and he fixed it all for me!!! I didn't even ask!! He is so sweet!  Gosh I love that man! 
Sleep:  is about the same, just tossing and turning
Best moments this week:  The wonderful baby gifts we got over the holidays.  My dad or Papaw out did himself this year!!  Check out the cuteness he picked out all by himself.
Belly button in or out?: starting to pop out all the time when I stand up, flat when i am sitting
Craving: organic skim milk (have I mentioned this?)
What I am looking forward to: 2011!!!  And this BABY!!! 

If you are wondering if it is strange to be wearing a summer dress in the winter, yes I agree; but if you didn't have any pants that fit you would wear it too!  Plus, I am usually hot when I am inside, so it works!  This is the day after Christmas, Owen we would have loved for you to see all the snow; you will just have to take our word for it that it was beautiful!!  Daddy wanted a pictures of us, so I braved the weather and I am sure you will recognize our building and house!  We think it is so cool that this is the place you will call home and it will give you that warm fuzzy feeling driving up the drive. 



Thanks to baby center dot com:  By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds (pick up a large jicama) and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, she'll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb.

letter to Owen

Warning:  if you are not in a good place and want to avoid the sentimental baby talk please skip this post, I understand.

Owen, my darling son,

There are times when I wonder what you are doing in there.  Why does my WHOLE belly jump?  Are you falling asleep and have that falling feeling where it makes you jump at the end?  Why do you like my right side and snuggling under my rib?  Wouldn't a rib be uncomfortable to rest your little butt on or a foot?  Do you think my bladder is a trampoline to get to the top of my uterus?  I feel ya buddy, I am not very comfortable either.  I know we are both beginning to feel very squished and are competing for space. I will probably let you win.

Then there are other times when I can feel the shape of your head to the left of my belly button; I can feel your little bottom on my right side and feel your kicks down near my hip.  I am sorry if I poke you or pat your bubble all the time.  I can't keep my hands off your home, first my belly is itchy and while I am there itching I might as well feel you move and enjoy them as you will only be in there one time!  Later in life, when I touch your face, hold your hand and kiss your feet just know it is because I am making up the time where I couldn't touch you these months. 

The other night, I was snuggled in my favorite spot before bed with my head resting on your daddy's shoulder.  Once, I settled in I could feel you move about and you got settled and comfy too.  Chris and I were talking about you and how much we love you already, how much we are so excited about your arrival in a few months.  I noticed that there was this little flutter in my belly, in the location where your feet usually rest. Then I noticed your daddy was rubbing his feet together as he was talking to me and it was like you were doing the same thing!!!  My boys ops my MEN are so alike already!  Daddy totally thinks this was very cool, so you are allowed to be like him like that country song says.  If he is anything like me by Brad Paisley.  You need to look up this song, this melted your daddy's heart when the video came on tv the other day.  I looked over at him and tears were in his eyes and his arms opened and I had to crawl in there and he wrapped his arms around me placing his hands on my belly-on you.  We listened to the rest of the song together.  I, so, hope you are like your daddy.  You will make a woman very lucky one day if you are.  The Holmes men are of a different breed and you've got a lot to live up to, but we know you can do it and we will help you become that man.  We can't wait till you are here on the outside world to show you all the beautiful things life has to offer.

Owen, when you may read this one day and look back at all the times your dad calls you son, it is only because he never believed he would have a boy of his own and that word son means so much to him. So humor him if he calls you son more than by your name.  You are not a replacement for your older twin brothers, but a more cherished child because of them. We know the pain in our hearts that we would feel if we ever lost you and it makes you so much more important to us.  We have prayed for you our special boy.  Our first son that we are able to take home and give all the love in our hearts too.  We promise to be the best parents we can be even though we know it will be hard and there will be difficult times, I know that the good times will out weigh them. 

Right now, it is past midnight and I am tired from a full day of getting ready for Christmas; you are kicking my right rib from underneath and you seem so far away even though you are a mere inch beneath the my skin the closest we will ever be.  Just remember that what this whole thing is about:  LOVE.

I love you sweet boy, my prince.
your mommy

Christmas Fun Part 2

On December 13th, my sisters joined Chris and I at the dr's office to see Owen's ultrasound.  It was a quick ultrasound only 15 minutes, but I think they enjoyed seeing all his parts on the screen!  Spine, tummy, hands, heart, and FACE!!!  Oh, that face that I have fallen in love with and I just can't imagine what it will feel like to see it in person and KISS it!

Just in case you didn't remember his face!

The rest of the day consisted girls day out!  We shopped, ate and then baked Christmas cookies and if  you are interested you can see us in action below!

Part 1:  What cookies are we going to make?


Part 2:  A little cookie cutting time! 


Aren't my sisters beautiful?? Don't they look like sisters and I am the random one thrown in!  haha!

the cookies!

sisters:  Sara (the middle child), Robyn (the baby) and me (the #1)
I am so lucky to have these women!

so back to the cookies, they were awesome when iced with whipped buttercream icing!

I hope everyone has a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!! 

Christmas Fun at the Holmes: Part 1

Yippie the tree is going up! Notice the turkeys still need to come down from the mantle.

My sweet santa hubby!

My Goofy Santa hubby!!

LOVE HIM!

Did you need a close up of that face?  I did!

Me fluffing the tree with attitude!

Owen, what will you look like next year when we put the tree up??

And of course the old faithful picture taken at arms length!

28, 29, 30, 31 week belly pics

Wow, I am way over due for the bump picture updates!

28 Weeks:

This is in front of my friend Christie's tree!!  We had a great night with friends, 

eating chinese then hanging out at their house after Camryn went to bed.

29 Weeks:

I spent this week working on Owen's room and Christmas shopping!

30 weeks:

31 weeks:

This was the night of our Christmas party for our friends and their kids!  It was a great night full of laughter and cookie decorating!  I thought it was funny to try on the apron over the big belly and we decided to use this picture for our weekly addition!

How far along: 31 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: more than I probably should have
Maternity clothes: yes, though I am not loving my maternity pants anymore, they are getting too tight around my belly and the band at the top that used to be above my bump is now cutting into my bump.
Stretch marks: .........truthfully.....yes......on the underside of my boobs!  Ladies don't forget about the lotion there!
Sleep:  well I am still tossing and turning and now not sleeping as much.  My left shoulder is really bothering me when I lay on it and my right side falls asleep when I lay on it so.....tossing and turning between pain and limbs falling asleep.  The couch and guest bed have been visited on different nights.
Best moments this week:  All the kicks and movements are so wonderful and just make every day special.  Belly button in or out?: 1/2 flat and the top 1/2 is starting to pop out.
Craving: Cookies and milk are our best friend!
What I am looking forward to: Seeing all our family at all the Christmas celebrations this week!!!

31 weeks by baby center dot com:   This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.

a little show from Owen

so i didn't realize how CLOSE Chris was zoomed in on my belly!  Oh well, enjoy!

some dr apt updates with pics

Eye Dr appointment:  the blood from the back of my eye is gone, but the optic nerve is still red and inflamed (not good); but the good news is that my vision test show that I gained some vision back!!  So we are keeping a "eye" on my eye.

30 week u/s:  we went in today to check on my partial placenta previa, no move on the placenta's placement, but Owen is measuring right on track at 3.5 pounds!!!  Chris weighed just over 3 pounds when he was born, but this little boy is going to stay put for a little while longer!  Everything looks great with us!!! Enjoy the photoshoot!  Chris thinks he has my nose!! 

some updates

Well, the holidays are here and that means TONS to do!  I've been so busy here is a little recap and a hint of whats ahead:


Saturday and Sunday were our childbirth blitz classes.  We learned a lot and got a tour of the local hospital, even though we will probably be delivering at the Greensboro Hospital.  Next week we are taking the Infant CPR class and in January the breastfeeding classes.

Monday:  I picked up the birthday invatations for a special little girl that is almost 1 and then had a great lunch with her mommy catching up!

Tuesday: I had an orientation with the unemployment office, good info but a bit dull.

Today: I babysat a precious 2 month old little girl to help out a friend and I also dealt with the gas company (LONG story there).

Tomorrow/Thursday: is a busy day.  I am eating lunch with a fellow blogger for the first time, Krista!!  Then I have my follow up eye doctor appointment, please say a prayer that my eye bleed has gotten better and no surgery or medication is needed.  If all goes well I will end the day with a birthday/holiday celebration at another friends place before heading back to btown.


Friday: no plans except for usual house cleaning, cooking, and catching up from this busy week.  Maybe, I will finish my Christmas shopping!  Oh, did I mention that Owen will be the big 3-0!! 30 weeks!

So, I do have to mention that I WON a contest!!  I entered to win $500 worth of Avent products and I WON!!  WOW!  I feel so blessed!!!  It includes a manual breast pump, a twin electric breast pump, a breast milk storage set, a bottle warmer, 12 bottles and a bottle brush.

PS: I know my 29 week belly pic is still stuck on my camera and it is almost 30 weeks on FRIDAY!! OPS!  Bad blogger......

bloggers get excited! FREEBIE!

Shutterfly is offering 50 Christmas cards to bloggers who blog about their stuff!

We've used shutterfly for tons of stuff in the past from photobooks to personalized gifts, it is so fun to see your pictures come to life in person, how many of us take tons of digital photos and never do anything with them.  I am guilt of this!!

Click here for the link to their Christmas cards, or here for calendars, or here for holiday invitations!  See they have stuff for everything!

Right now I am debating between the following 2 cards.

I think once I select a picture to  use in the card I will know which one to purchase!!  I just love getting christmas cards in the mail so I figure others love getting them too and we all know I have a little extra time on my hands right now!!!

If you are interested click here, to find out more about how you can get your free cards too!

80 days!

Just had to point out that this little man could be here in 80 days give or take a few!!!

just sayin' we are a little excited over here in the H house!

cloth diapering 101 my way!

I have spent the past few months researching and when the black friday sales started so did our shopping.  Here is our plan for our cloth diapering adventure.

Newborn:  

All the experts (aka mom's) recommend having 24 diapers for newborns, I have ordered 18 fitted Kissaluvs, so first we will put this little fleece diaper on our little boy.  I ordered natural, but they were out of stock so instead we got these pretty colored ones! 

Since, I ordered the Kissaluvs as a package deal I got three of these old school (like our mom's used) covers.  They are the Bummis Whisper pant which will be a great back up for when the other covers are dirty.

 The covers that we are going to use are:

This morning I got a phone call that I won one of the Black Friday giveaways and would you believe it was something that I was planing on purchasing later anyway!  An $18 value, 12 prefold diapers that can be used on babies 7-17 lbs.  These work great in a pinch when the kissaluvs fitted diapers are in the wash and as burb cloths too! 

The next step will be moving to the Nicki's Best Bottom Diaper System:

So far we have these colors: vanilla, double chocolate, mint chocolate chip, key lime pie and cow print (thanks Amber!).  These are super easy, snap in the insert and put on the baby!

 Click here to go directly to their website and learn more!

We are also going to use cloth wipes because it is just as easy to throw those in the wash too!

Updates and Belly Pic

Here I am at 27 weeks and 4 days!!

Today was an eventful day for Owen and me.  Yesterday, I completely slept through/forgot about our doctor appointment so it was rescheduled for today.  Today's appointment was the gestational diabetes test and an OB checkup.  I selected the orange drink and it wasn't bad.  They gave me a timer and put me in a room to wait for my doctor.  About 30 minutes later I began to feel really sickly.  I started feeling hot and began to pull my hair off my neck and fan myself.  Then I felt like I might puke so I yanked off my nice shirt and in the process felt like I was going to pass out.  I was scared to stand up to try and find someone, so I just laid back and then the hot sweats broke out.  Finally, I was able to cool down and feel more normal.  I think I should have had Chris with me and he WILL be next time!  I can't handle that again alone!  The good news is that we PASSED, no 3 hour glucose test for me!  Whew!

After leaving the dr's office I wasn't feeling 100% so I grabbed some lunch and did a little Christmas shopping before heading back home.  I thought I might fall asleep driving, but I made it home and I am looking forward to bedtime in an hour!!  

lil spark: 27 weeks

How far along: 27 weeks 3rd Trimester
Total weight gain/loss: boring question....who cares!~
Maternity clothes: yes, we are in the 3rd trimester and I think I am begining to look very pregnant
Stretch marks: that stretch mark I thought I found...couldn't find it today :)
Sleep:  about the same, still tossing and turning but sleeping as great as possible in Gin Gin's guest bed!  Thanks girl for letting me stay for almost a week!!
Best moments this week:  all the movement and I think I felt the first hicups!  I didn't know that is waht I was feeling and then I read the weekly update and I KNOW now that is what was going on. 
Belly button in or out?: 1/3 in, 1/3 flat, 1/3 out!! it is so WEIRD looking
Craving: Still cookies and milk....just call me Santa.
What I am looking forward to: ready to get back home and relax, it is really amazing how different being pregnant is and it really does take out a lot on your body, the things I used to do are more difficult and just different.

No belly pic till I get home to my camera....sorry ladies!

Thank you baby center dot com:
This week, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with her legs extended. She's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing her eyes, and perhaps even sucking her fingers. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. While her lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if she were to be born now. Chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and they don't bother her, so just relax and enjoy the tickle.

Baby Shower!

I can't say enough thanks to all that came to the shower to help celebrate Owen.  I had a wonderful time visiting a little with each of my friends and family and can't believe all the amazing gifts that we received!  Here are a few pictures of our day together!  There were a few women that seemed to have escaped the picture taking, but all in all I think everyone had a great time!

Sister Robyn, Cousin Weslee and Cousin Julie (my original baby!)

Me and my Aunt Jamie

Me and Owen's Great-Grandmom,  she is so proud to FINALLY be a GREAT!!!  Don't you know ALL her friends are!!

me and the ducky tub!

the mom-to-be chair

the original sisters!  Jamie, Justine and Jeanine (my mom)

the food, one word: YUMMY!

Christie my BFF and my momma and soon to be Neanna

My cousin Weslee and sister Robyn (they were inseparable as kids!)

My junior league girlfriends, Emiley and Megan and Chris' Mom Judy/Owen's Grandmommy!

Bunnykins from Sara!!!  This is a line of children's china that we used when we were little.  Owen got his own set, hand selected with an antique car on it b/c of all of the antique cars that Grandaddy Holmes owns, and Chris' passion for antique cars!! How thoughtful!

My ChiO girls!  Elysha (my big sis) and Mason!!!

What is a cool kid without some cool clothes!

Bathtime fun!  Marcia, KD and Lexi did a bathtime themed gift in this bathtub!

Beautiful Its a Boy flowers!!!

Some of my "after" college girlfriends:  Erin and Kim

lil spark: 26 weeks

How far along: 26 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: boring question....who cares!~
Maternity clothes: yes, though I can't decide if I am hot or cold in this weather
Stretch marks: .........truthfully.....yes...... :(  small ones on my right hip/side near my old ones
Sleep:  about the same, still tossing and turning
Best moments this week:  The receiving our first shower gift came in the mail from Jena!!!  So much fun opening that box and seeing the little boy stuff and the baby shower!!!  
Belly button in or out?: 1/3 in, 1/3 flat, 1/3 out!! it is so WEIRD looking
Craving: .  Carmel Apples from the Xmas show!
What I am looking forward to: organizing and putting away all the wonderful gifts from the baby shower!

This is me at the baby shower!!

Baby shower pictures coming soon!

Baby.center dot com:

  "The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. He may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when he's born and takes that first gulp of air. And he's continuing to put on baby fat. He now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel. If you're having a boy, his testicles are beginning to descend into his scrotum — a trip that will take two to three days." 

Chris got a kick out of this!! 

lil spark: 25 weeks

Wow, time is flying and now that I seemingly have more time on my hands I am busier than ever.  This could have to do with my never ending running lists in my head.  I seem to come up with more "to do's" everyday!

How far along: 25 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: really, did my Dr really tell me not to eat those cookies?  I can't remember......crunch crunch, ops is that some cookie crumbs in my keyboard?
Maternity clothes: yes, though I can't decide if I am hot or cold in this weather.
Stretch marks: nope, though Karen (SIL) gave me a little lecture on using the lotion twice a day, if I use it once a day I am lucky!  I may regret this later!
Sleep:  about the same, still tossing and turning, did get a new pillow for my legs and now I am thinking I need a new one for my head. 
Best moments this week: working the Greensboro Christmas show and all the little Owen things that we made for displays!!  (there might be a lot of other Owen's out there...but don't tell me about it!). 
Belly button in or out?: 1/3 in, 1/3 flat, 1/3 out!! it is so WEIRD looking
Craving: still just cold milk and cookies...brownies are always good too. 
What I am looking forward to:  The upcoming baby shower on the 13th!!

Bare belly shots are over...belly's out there enough!  Look how tired I am!

Nursery Progress: Part 5

The changing table is here!  Thanks Kristy!!  A major fun project is planned for the wall space above the changing table!  Stay tuned!

I've had this since high school and it always seems to come in handy.  The Black Rock-n-Roll Piggy Bank is from Aunt Kristy.  The teal piggy bank is from the other Aunt Christie (my BFF who is a bank manager).   The picture frame is of me, my mom, my grandmother and great-grandmother.  I hope I get to get a similar picture once Owen is here!  The lamp was from my office desk and works perfect in the room.  The baskets are already filled with soft books, and baby toys all hand-me-downs (of course they have been through the washing machine or dishwasher and are clean ready for fresh baby drool!).

Here is Chris' childhood dresser and the letters we need to hang on the wall.  I was thinking of painting them, but I am kinda thinking the white is so fresh and bright.

Think this boy has enough clothes?  These are all hand-me-down clothes that are washed, sized and ready to wear!

This side may not seem organized but it is.  There is a container of blankets, one with Chris' old onsies, and more clothes that need to be sized and hung up.  Oh and check out the breast pump in the corner with bottles and accessories!! Yippee!!  (is it weird that I am excited about a breast pump?)  I guess I am more excited about having other items checked of my list!!!

You have to see these cute pieces!  My great aunts on my dad's side of our family hand made this little vest.  Years ago I rescued it from the trash pile and have been waiting for a little boy to put in it.  Next is Chris' sweatshirt from his first day of 1st Grade. I mean he was already rocking some awesome clothes (remember this was 1986ish); don't worry there is a matching pair of pants!  Lastly, is a hand made overalls from Grandmommy Holmes, Chris wore these when he was little too!

  Check out the valance!  It is up! Thanks to Daddy Chris!

Bedding is complete except for the bumper and sheet that are on our registry.

Nursery To Do List:

• organize changing table and station
• put away baby clothes (this is a never ending project!)
• put liner in drawers of the chest of drawers (awkward sentence!)
• sew seat cover for rocking chair (pick up rocking chair from mama holmes after Christmas!)
• need little table for under window for next to rocking chair (might be painting one that is in the basement)
• artwork for the walls
• hang the "OWEN" letters on the wall

Seems like a lot left to be done and I feel like I have done a TON already!


So excited that this little boy is on his way to my arms!!!!!!!!