Friday

Happy Friday! I am bored to tears at the office and only have the weekend to look forward to. 12 work days straight! I need a day off just to clean my house! Pawpaw is picking up Dub from school today and he is so very excited about that. Tomorrow the first Mardi Gras parades roll which means there will be beads and toys all over our house because JW likes to recreate the parades at home. I think it is funny, until you slip on one in the middle of the night and just about break your neck. I'm sure Griswold (our new cat) will be happy to have some new toys.

Speaking of Griswold and necks breaking, he loves to get right under your feet when you are walking and no, he doesn't care if you have a baby in your arms or your feet are wet because you forgot to grab a towel before you got in the shower. He's cute so he gets away with it, for now. He is also a fan of attacking feet/arms when we are in bed. The thing about it is that he doesn't let go until you fling him off. I felt bad the first few times, but not anymore. Note to self: buy a spray bottle!

Back to the weekend, I'm meeting mom early in the morning to drop off Hayden so she can get back before the traffic gets too bad on the Island. My plans for the rest of the day are as follows.

CLEANING MY DIRTY DAMN HOUSE!

For the past 3 weeks there has been a birthday party and this weekend is no exception. Corbin's 2nd birthday party is Saturday afternoon and Eithon's is Sunday. I think Mark and I may go grab a drink somewhere Saturday night, but who knows. My only goal is to clean my house. There are just not enough hours in the day for me to get everything done.

Since starting my new job at Breland Homes, my schedule has been very hectic. I get up at 5:30 and get myself showered and dressed. Then JW gets up at 6:30 (not by choice) and I have him dressed and eating breakfast by 7. Hayden gets up at 7 (not by choice either) and I have to change and feed her. JW helps feed her most mornings but he just has to hold her bottle because she is already strapped in the car seat. We are all out the door by 7:18 and at school to drop off Dub by 7:25 and at Jess's to drop off Hayden by 7:35 or so, unless it is Tuesday or Thursday and I have her at Mawmaw's by 7:45 or so. I usually get to work no later than 8:30 and most of the time I'm earlier than that. Come 4:30 I'm out the door and picking up the kids, then do homework, feed and bathe both of them and put them to bed.

Did you notice that I haven't mentioned Mark yet? That is because he gets up at 3:30 am, out the door by 4 am and when he gets off at 4:30 pm, he is on his way to his other job and home by 10:30 or so. We hardly get to see each other so we don't feel bad for taking one night out of the week to spend together. Friday's are usually his day off (if it doesn't rain) and he spends it with Hayden. He also takes JW to school and picks him up when he can.

Sunday is family day. I love going to Nanny's to eat lunch with them, mom and dad. I love how Grampa keeps filling our plates even though we can't eat another bite and Nanny makes sure to send leftovers home with us for Mark to take to work. Mom usually bakes a cake and sends that with us as well. The rest of the time Mom and Nanny cuddle with Hayden while Dad, Grampa and Mark watch JW run around like a wild man. After lunch we find our way to Blockbuster to rent movies, then home for a nap. Then it's laundry time. I like to have JW's uniforms all lined out for the week so I don't have to think about it in the mornings.

So this is my life now. Work work work and little play time. It's worth it. I'm hoping that it will all payoff in the long run. I breathe a little easier now and I know some of the pressure is off of Mark now and that is a very good thing. We're getting there! Just have to keep on keepin on!

Hope you all have a super duper wonderful weekend! Love to all...

Weekend at the Camp

It is a crappy Monday morning and Hurricane Ida is on her way to ruin the next couple of days for everyone down here, so why not reflect on a great weekend with my boys, Hayden, Mom and Dad at the camp. I will let the pictures speak for themselves...

JW telling "pooky" stories

It may look like a "shanty town" but we love it! Mark built a deck on the brown building. Mom has big plans for it like installing some antique french doors, building bunk beds and screening in the porch. If you every want to just get away, this is the place to go!

Baby Update

Well, it has been a while since I have done a baby update. I am happy to say we only have 7 more weeks until Miss Hayden arrives. We still have tons of stuff to get before she gets here. Mom ordered her bedding on ebay, but the seller never sent the product so she had to get her money back and order it from someone else. Hopefully it will be here soon so we can match the color pink and paint her room. We have to move some stuff out of the nursery, put the crib back together, wash all of her clothes and towels and we should be done in that department. The only piece of the bedding set that Mama didn't order was the mobile.

Crystal, Meg and Angelique threw a baby shower for me a couple weeks ago and Hayden racked up on clothes, diapers and wipes. We couldn't be more greatful for such wonderful friends and family. Sabrina and Savannah got her a pink bathtub and a wipes warmer. Got some cute frames from Amber and Becky. Lots of socks, hats and mittens. Angelique even got her some Mary Jane socks that are just too cute! Nanny had a chenille bunny made with her name on the ear and a diaper organizer that matches her bedding. My Aunt Claire sent a silver cup that I will have engraved and Carol gave her a pearl handled serving set that she will have engraved and Hayden can use on her birthdays and even at her wedding. I just thought that was so thoughtful. Anyway...The shower was wonderful and the food was awesome! It was so nice just to hang out with my girlfriends for a little while.

Even though we got lots of stuff at the shower, we still need the bigger stuff. Below is a list of what is left, if you wanted to know. Still registered at Babies R Us.

Fisher Price My Little Lamb Papasan Swing

Fisher Price My Little Lamb Infant Seat

Bumbo seat and tray

Travel system (stroller and car seat)

Shopping cart cover

Changing Pad

Sleep Positioner

Changing pad covers - light pink

Crib sheets - white or light pink

High Chair

Bottle Warmer

Monitor

Burp cloths

Floor Gym - pink

Soother

Bibs

Boppy

Diaper Bag with changing pad

Bottle bag

Baby toys

Car seat mirror

Next weekend I will be in Birmingham to see JB, Terry and the whole Bham crew. I'm sure that will be my last trip anywhere for a while. Mark was going with me but was offered a chance to work overtime, so he took it. JW will probably stay with Nan and Pawpaw, but I guess we'll have to see. I'm just excited to get out of the house and socialize for a couple of days! Really looking forward to Pepper Place!

Oh well...I'm sure I have bored you enough. 49 days to go!! Love to all...

Baby Update

It has been a while since I have done a baby update so here goes.


I will be 26 weeks along on Friday and next week will be the end of my 2nd trimester. I can't believe how fast time is flying by this time. I thought I was going to be pregnant forever with JW but it seems I only found out about this one yesterday. Must be because I'm getting older. Who knows. Anyway, Hayden is definitely a dancer! She moves all the time! JW like to watch my stomach move and he likes it when she kicks his hands. I think it's sweet. He says that he will read to her all the time and share his toys. He even said she could have his green blanket and "2 Puppy," both of which are his prized possessions. What will really bring a smile to your face is when he gives the baby a hug by wrapping his arms around my baby bump and a kiss. JW will be the best big brother ever!


Mark is still not really ready for a girl. He is going to be SUPER over protective of her from day one. He is not digging all the cute dresses with bloomers and the short skirts and high heels to come. I think he is more nervous about her being just like me! But that can't be too bad, he did marry me after all and I still haven't killed anyone in 28 years so that is a plus. He is going to melt in a big puddle when she gets here and it will be all over with. Daddy's little girl will begin her reign!


My next appointment is July 1 and I will have to do the sugar test when I get there. I;m sure that will go just fine. I still haven't gained a ton of weight this time, which is awesome! After that appointment, I will start going every 2 weeks. Time will really start zipping by then.


We still haven't done much to Hayden's room except for moving JW's toy and stuff out. I still need to clean out the closet, scrub down the crib and paint. I have picked out the bedding, just don't have the funds to buy it. If you are feeling generous, and I hope you are, you can find the set here. I love the colors and it's not too girly for Mark. The furniture is white (thank goodness we kept all of it) and I really want to find a big lime green shag rug to go with it, but again, I have no money. Hopefully some good things will start happening and we can get out of this slump we are in. Until then...oh well.

Crystal, Angelique and Meagan have been busy working on my baby shower. Crystal calls at least once a week to ask about this and that. I'm just as excited as they are. Our house could use more pink! Supposedly, JB is to throw me a shower in Birmingham. I hope so anyway. For one it would be nice to get away and see my Birmingham family. He's so busy all the time, so if it happens, it will be a last minute deal.

I hope you weren't too bored to death by my endless baby prattle. When my due date gets closer we can start taking bets on due date, time of arrival, weight, length, hair color, eye color, how long before I have my first beer. You know, things like that. Hope you have a wonderful day!


Love to all...

Mama's Green Thumb

You know there are some things that one is born with and some things that just don't make it through the whole process of making a child. My mother was definitely born to grow stuff. She got it from Nanny and she even gave some to JB, but some how that gene skipped me completely. I am really good at killing poor innocent plants.



If you ever happen to be on Dauphin Island and you go to Mama's house, it is immediately clear that she loves to garden. From Angel Trumpets, Oleanders, Bottle Brushes to Plumeria and Birds of Paradise, she is the master. Here are some pictures that I took last week of some of her flowers. Enjoy!

Plumeria - Smells so good!!!

Desert Rose - Mom says they sell for $150 an inch. Hers is huge!

Birds of Paradise

White Oleanders - These are poisonous to dogs!

Not only does she grow flowers, she has a thriving garden at the camp as well. I'm trying to learn. I haven't killed my pumpkins yet so that is a plus. I will try to post some pictures of the garden later on.

Love to all!

Baby Update 2

Ok so the BGUP stepped in and said hell to the no to the name Victoria. We are back to Hayden Lee Chapple Boltz and I am so happy about that. Mark is still not thrilled about the name because it reminds him of the mechanic from Wings. You know, the guy from Smart People? Oh well, he will get over it.

The history of this name is as follows:

Hayden: My mother is from Hayden, AL so that is in honor of her.

Lee: I told you yesterday, but it has been a family name since forever.

Chapple: My paternal grandfathers middle name.

Boltz: The last name of some guy I met about 8 1/2 years ago and fell in love with. Tall, dark, handsome and great to be around! I'm sure you would like him! :)

Family names are so important to me and its a great way to honor the ones you love.

Now for other stuff...

My hydrangeas and pumpkins are blooming. The pictures were taken this morning with my new camera. I'm really hoping that the pumpkins do well. I think its funny that I didn't plant them. They fell out of our jumbo pumpkin from Halloween. Anyway, thought I would share. Hope you like.

Love to all!

Baby Update

Well if you haven't seen it already on facebook, I have been overruled by my boys as far as the name goes. Her name will be Victoria Lee and we will call her Tori. I really wanted Hayden, but Victoria is after my uncle who recently passed away and Lee has been a family name since the 1900's. Since I got to name JW, I guess it is only fair to let Mark name this one.

I have been racking my brain for days trying to come up with ideas for her room and I keep drawing a blank. Hopefully my brother will find time in his busy schedule to help me out (hint hint, wink wink, nudge nudge). I found a picture that one of my friends painted and I would like to create the room around that, but, I have to get her to sell me the picture first. Hopefully she will.

After surfing the web most of the weekend, I found this super cute blanket that is so me that it isn't funny. Kind of pink and tough and tattooed but it is still girly. Mark likes it because its not uber girly.




Oh, I almost forgot! Thank you Meagan, Chad and Eithon for buying the first pink stuff for Tori. It makes it more "real" to have that and I appreciate y'all being such great friends!

Love to all!