Jackson's Newest Gift!

Jackson's Grand-papa came and spent the night with us last night.  We had dinner and visited for a little while before calling it a day.  Both Ray and I have caught whatever this congestion stuff is that is going around so I don't know how much company we really were to him last night.  But I was certainly nice to visit since we didn't get to travel to Louisiana for his birthday this weekend.  Just a little far to travel for a pregnant lady at this time.  We hope to travel over during the summer.  So, during my dad's visit, he brought Jackson a stroller/car seat combo.  That is his and Marguerite's gift to us for Jackson.  It is the exact one that I picked out at Babies R' Us.  I am pretty excited about it.  We laughed because the box it came in was extremely heavy.  And the thought was that I would certainly get a good workout dealing with that that thing on a regular basis.  It was also quite funny watching Ray and my dad try to figure out how to put the stroller together (without looking at the instruction first :) ).  Ray asked, "How many Auburn degrees does it take to put together a baby stroller?"  We laughed and decided between the three of us it took almost 5 college degrees to get the things rolling.  We got it all together and Queenie was able to inspect the carseat but didn't seem interested in going for a drive in the stroller.

The Nursery...in Progress.....

Pictures are below.

We picked up the furniture for Jackson's room over the weekend.  Ray put the crib together while I was away at a conference on Saturday.  Yes, the cabinet started out as red but we turned out nose up at the color so it was quickly changed to blue.  Don't really know what else we are going to do at this point.  It comes together in sections at different times.  We still have a rug to buy, curtains to hang, and many other things before calling the nursery complete.  Also, we let Queenie check out his crib.  We are trying to allow her to check out everything we bring into the house for Jackson.  She was pretty funny.

More Gifts for Little Jackson

I have included some pictures of the things that my brother's girlfriend, Jamie brought for Jackson two weekends ago.  She was so sweet to bring several outfits, a blanket, shoes, and hangers.  We appreciate her thinking about us.  Also, there is a picture of a sippy cup with Roll Tide on it...now I just don't know what to say about that.  Jackson's Aunt and godmother, Beth, from work left that thing in my box at work one day.  She is a huge Alabama fan - which many of my family members will appreciate - and is attempting to corrupt my innocent child...just kidding!  I am afraid to see what other "red and white" items are going to appear at our house for Jackson...I will just have to make sure he as more orange and blue items to wear!  Nonetheless, I certainly enjoyed the laugh and I know when all the other dishes are dirty in the house, we might have to bring that one out for him to use...:)!

Going on Record....

Jackson's arrival date is May 9 - which is Mother's Day this year.  However, those of you that have had children or know someone who has, recognize that little ones don't always arrive right on target.  They can decide to enter the world early or a little late.  However, I would like to go on record saying that I think that Jackson will arrive on or just before April 30.  I don't think he is going to be a May baby.  I think he is going to decide he wants to be a April baby.  Just wanted to go on record ahead of time.  Now all we have to do is wait to see if my prediction is correct.

Doctor Visit and Indigestion

Well, I am sure that not all of you want to read about my doctor visits and other such not so exciting information but I am including that sort of information so I can remember it years from now.  So, we went to our doctor visit yesterday - which is becoming a routine in my life - and will become more so of a routine now that the visits will come 2 weeks apart instead of 4.  I don't mind so much because everyone is so nice and I really don't have to wait as long as some people do to see their doctor.  On this visit, I had to finally complain to my doctor.  I have been dealing with the leg cramps and the indigestion without much trouble so I haven't mentioned any of it to my doctor.  Well, I had reached my limit on the indigestion that starts after lunch and continues until around 4 am.  She told me what over the counter medicine to get since Tums really weren't doing the job.  And I have to tell you that I took one before dinner last night and I am considering Pepcid AC my miracle drug at the moment.  Boy did that stuff kick in and start to work.  My doctor told me I could take up to 2 a day but I am going to try to survive on just one a day.  Outside of that, the doctor visit went fine.  So, I will be going back in two weeks.  We are approaching our 10th week and counting down.

Special Delivery

I came home from work today to find a package that arrived from South Florida.  Our friends, Chris, Brandy & Cole sent Jackson two outfits.  I have included a picture of the contents of the box.  The outfits are too cute!  Also in the box was a sweet note and two pictures.  The funny part about this package was that there was a gift in the box for Queenie...that would be the zebra you see in the picture.  Queenie went absolutely crazy when she heard it.  She enjoyed tearing off the tissue paper it was wrapped in.  And then she went crazy.  The picture of her is not very clear because I could not get her to be still.  What a huge surprise to come home to today.

Just a quick history for you - Brandy and I became friends when we were in the 2nd grade after my family had move to Lake Wales, Florida.  We lived in Lake Wales for about 18 months before we returned to Atmore.  Brandy and I wrote letters from the time we were in 4th grade until we were seniors in high school.  I was able to travel to South Florida and attend her high school graduation but we lost touch shortly there after for about a year or two.  You know sometimes that is what distance does to friendships if you aren't careful.  Well, we eventually got back in touch and since that time, Ray and I have been able to visit with them when on vacation to Orlando.  Last May, Ray and I sent two nights at Stone Mountain with them while they were on their family vacation.  It has been so much fun to get back in touch over the past few years and I look forward to more vacations that we can take together in the future.  Their package arrived today with the news that they would not get to visit with us this summer while on vacation.  It is sad to watch the economy put a damper on things as simple as family and friend vacations.  Hopefully we will be able to get together with them very soon.  Even across the miles, we appreciate their friendship and their thoughtfulness.

And A Shopping We Will Go....First Official Baby Purchase!

For those of you that know me well, you know that I am not a very good shopper.  I really only enjoy shopping for electronics and cars.  Outside of that, I would prefer to get someone else to do the shopping for me.  So, this past weekend my mother and I set out to shop for our little Baby Jack.  We were determined to set up baby registries at Target and Babies R' Us.  Well, Target was an easy place to start because they do have an electronics department - no I didn't put my wish list of DVDs on the baby registry but I could at least divert from the shopping experience and find some sanity in the electronics department.  So, we got a few things on our list at Target but I still have to go online and possibly add to the list.

Then the day of shopping really got started when we finally found a parking place at Babies R' Us and made our way into the store.  I have a feeling that Saturday is not the best day of the week to visit that zoo...I mean store.  We should have known we were in trouble when we saw all the shopping ladies' family members piled in the area where the gliders were.  All that was missing was the big screen tv and a bar...now that would have completed the picture.  Anyway, mother and I fought our way through the idle buggies in the aisles and the know-it-all mothers giving out their free advice to their new mother friends as to what purchase to make and made our way around the store attempting to make some sort of sounds decisions.  We managed to put about 12 things on the list and I gave up and said I would either go back during the week or do it online.  Thanks to Amanda and her helpful list of favorite items, we were able to get a good start on things.  We did manage to purchase a crib and dresser/changing table to match.  That will probably be the only matching furniture in there.  I am including a picture that I would of the crib but it isn't our crib and bedding.  The crib will not arrive for another week or so.  When we get it put together and set up I will definitely be posting more pictures.  We toyed back and forth with what to do about a crib - we had been offered a crib from a friend, my mother still has my crib from when I was a child, etc. - but we decided to go with purchasing one on our own.  We got a pretty good deal on the one we bought.  So, here we are.  We have made our first official purchase.  I will also be posting pictures soon of some of the clothes and other items we received over the weekend from my brother's girlfriend, Jamie.  Quite a productive weekend if I might add.

Snow Day...Take 2 or 3...Which is it?

Well, we got out of school early today for the snow and this time the forecast was correct.  I am sitting here watching the snow coming down.  It is sticking but not too bad because it really isn't cold enough.  I came in from work and let Queenie out (after getting the camera) and she was so funny.  She walked along the edge of the yard up next to the house because snow is not exactly her favorite.  She was rather hesitant but finally made her way out into the yard.  I enjoyed a good laugh and enjoyed taking some pictures.  Thought I would share some that I took. 

Doctor Visit Number??? I Lost Count :)

 First, I must say that the Queen herself decided that it was a good idea to go outside at 3:30 this morning.  So, she wakes me up and I get up and let her out.  Only to discover a couple of hours later that Ray was awake the whole time but really felt no need to get up and take care of her.  Hum.... 

Today was the doctor visit where we had to be tested for diabetes and have our iron counted tested again. I was told no to eat after midnight, so all morning I was doing everything that I could to keep from thinking about food.  My mistake involved drinking water as I walked out the door which got my stomach churning and growling.  I go to work for a little while and leave for the appointment.  When I arrive, I am given this yummy drink, which my doctor said was basically sugar water with some flavoring.  My choices in flavoring - fruit punch or orange....now on a normal day I would pass on both of those and ask for water.  But not this morning...I opted for the fruit punch...what a way to start the day.  So, I passed the sugar and iron test and was on my way.  Now, by this point I would have loved to have gone home and back to bed but I had to return to work.  After drinking that yummy and delicious drink, food didn't sound so appealing but I knew I had to have something.  Lunch was ok and I am hoping that dinner will be better.

I am just relieved that that test is over and without any problems.  I must admit I was a little anxious about it so now I am over that hurdle.  Got another appointment in 3 weeks and then my appointments will come every 2 weeks...which means one thing - the 3rd trimester will soon be here!  Jackson Bennett will be here before we know it.

In the midst of a rather quiet week, I have been trying to figure out what I want to do during spring break.  Traveling a great distance is really out of the question considering by then I probably will not be the most easy-going of traveling companions for anyone.  So, back to the drawing board on those plans.

Still no furniture in the nursery so no new pictures just yet.

It's Official.....

The decision has been made...to answer the question that has been floating around since Day One..."So, what are you going to name him?"  Well, here is it ~ Jackson Bennett Sellers!