My Miscellaneous

I figured that doing a post based on my past several iphone pictures would be fun. After all, that phone is really what captures our daily lives it seems! So, updates in the form of pictures and captions and then a little something from my heart at the end.


Eskimo kisses!

 Monogram problem

While getting ready to meet friends for lunch at a splash pad, I realized that I have a monogram problem. I'm not apologizing for it but I understand the extent of it now! :)

 Parenting

My parenting is worsening the further I get into pregnancy.  By the end, he will probably be drinking beer and staying out all night. KIDDING.

B-day parties and lots of 'em!

Happy 3rd Birthday, Carter! I loved everything about this party and want to copy all of it for Grayson's 3rd! Coo Coo's is the COOLEST place for the young kids, the Market Street cupcakes were awesome (and Oni said affordable) and she put together a basket of unwrapped favors (puzzles, chalk, coloring books, etc.) for the kids to pick out their own since the age range was pretty large. Love that idea!!

Always front and center for the cake! 

Amazing little Beau replica

Beau has always had this incredible MacGyver thing going on and  Grayson seemed to get that. Watching him put random household items together is so cool. Here he wanted to load up all his lumber in the back of his Jeep but realized that the space was too small for all of it to balance. So he wedged the doggie door cover in there as a make-shift shelf. All done on his bathroom step stool of course. Love this Little Beau!

Daddy's softball game

Beau was home this week so he got to play with his old team. Grayson was interested...for a second.

This about sums up his interest: back to the game while eating. ;)

Smoke detector

Hahaha, this thing started chirping during a bad storm in the middle of the night (of course). Beau could NOT get it to stop so he threw it out into the front yard. Ha! Once it dried out, it went right back to chirping loudly and rapidly! 

Daddy snuggles

Are these Daddy/Son snuggles not the best? Melts my heart. We loved having Beau home this week!

New vacuum

Ugh, we did it. A lot of people recommended that pesky little Dyson Animal vacuum that costs more than my car. Just kidding but good grief are those things expensive....AS WELL THEY SHOULD BE! This thing has changed our lives! You only think your house is clean until one of these babies combs through it. And I'm not even talking pet hair here. Dust. Allergens. Dirt and stuff that you can't see. Beau is ready to become a door to door Dyson vacuum salesman b/c he's so passionate about the thing! Seriously, he wants to take it to people's houses to show them the nasties that come out of their "clean" carpet!

Death grip on the "dirt"

NO ONE comes between a man and his dump truck.

A cool gift

This photo just doesn't do this pen justice. My Dad (not Jeff, talking about Carol here) sent this to Beau last week. He hand-makes these from scratch! The gold is a bullet casing, the marble is something cool and the shirt clip is a small rifle. He is amazing and I'm glad to hear he's now selling these! You should see his wood work too - I'm so proud of him!

Last but most importantly...

I have the need in my heart to mention a sweet sorority sister of mine. She lost her baby girl at 40 weeks gestation. Just days before, she posted her final pregnancy picture so eager for Baby Madeline to arrive. My heart breaks for her and her family. I sometimes hate how the world continues to revolve when someone's life is shattered like that. I have been bouncing between communication with sorority sisters coordinating flowers and donations and while posting pictures of Grayson and commenting on other friends' baby & pregnancy pictures and writing this blog post. All the while painfully aware that I just feel like we should all freeze for a long, long time to mourn with her. I remember feeling angry that things kept going on around me when my grandfathers passed away in the same week. Like the world didn't get that it should just stop! But I guess the fact that things DO keep going is the only thing that forces us to continue on. Danielle and her family continue to be in my thoughts and prayers every day. 

16 Week Pregnancy Update

At 16 weeks, Baby is the size of a large avocado!

How far along? 16 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 7 pound gain from pre-pregnanct weight (counting what I lost when I was nauseous for all those weeks: like 10+)
Maternity clothes? I'm loving them all! Fully in maternity bottoms and tops and they're so comfy.
Stretch marks? So far, so good!

Sleep: Better! Grayson is sleeping until 8am, I'm mostly sleeping through the night except for a bathroom trip or two and my dreams are awesome! So far, this baby is going to be a girl that we should name Sinclair and we are to decorate her nursery in peacocks. Ha! Loving this crazy subconscious. Beau is more relieved than ever that this is a boy with the whole Sinclair thing ;)

Best moment this week: Beau was home to help with Grayson! Since I'm not supposed to lift G, or really anything, Beau stayed home. Lovies. We have loved laying in bed with Beau in the mornings and having dinner with him in the evenings! (and bugging him through the office doors every minute in between) Also, Beau's 31st birthday! We loved having him home to celebrate!
Movement: Nothing yet

Cravings: No cravings really. But my Market Street bill was something to fear this week. Eek!
Symptoms: I think I've forgotten to mention my intense headaches. They are few and far between now but still can sneak up every once in a while. Ouch. My stomach feels stretched and I get aches sometimes. The good kind though. 
What I miss: I'm digging all the new Fall clothes out now! Of course I want more of them than I ever do when I'm not pregnant. Grass is always greener.

What I am looking forward to: We know the gender but are still looking forward to knowing for sure. I mentioned that Beau and I aren't 100% confident enough to go buy stuff. A week from today! And then the next day I shop Divine Consign - look out Mamas! I'll be ready to shop!

Weekly Wisdom: I'm really going to miss holding Grayson as my belly gets bigger. Even though I'm not supposed to pick him up, I still sneak in a quick hug when he wants "up" and I'm just going to miss it so much! He's still so squirmy for seated cuddles - boo!

Milestones: People can tell I'm pregnant now and aren't afraid to say something. Love being out of that beer belly/tumor/gained weight awkward phase!

Bump at 15 1/2 weeks. Family picture time went downhill from here....

Grayson finds his Daddy's discomfort so funny! 

Hopefully he'll grow out of that ;) Happy 31st Birthday, Daddy!

Is it February yet?! Killer designer duds for like 80% off.  It better be a boy! ;)

A Little bit of everything...

Probably too many updates for one post but I'll give it  a shot. Where do I begin....in story form, I guess...

Grayson
This past week, Grayson was referred to a third-party speech testing place by his pediatrician (at my urging) and little did we know, this would be the most eventful day of all of our lives (with the exception of his emergency c-section - that was just nuts).  The testing results are pretty much non-news so a quick summary: He didn't qualify for their services because he doesn't have any delays. That's right, we had him tested for no reason. He scored at his correct age or advanced in every area (they test for everything: motor skills, cognitive, etc; but I was only concerned with speech). I felt like I wasted everyone's time but in the end, I'm relieved and so proud of his behavior at the appointment. Two hours of three therapists (albeit the sweetest women in the world) throwing questions, tests, activities, etc. in his direction and he did great. They took about 4 minutes to deliberate before they came back and told us that he doesn't qualify for their services. I felt silly. Hand-written thank you notes headed their way this week - ha!

This would be the least exciting part of that day...

Me
After testing, we headed to the grocery store. This is where I might lose you. The moment Gray and I walked in the store, I felt something. Every woman knows it. It's when she knows her period has arrived. Except I'm pregnant so this was a problem. The quicker Grayson and I walked to the bathroom, the faster and worse things were getting. It was getting bad. So there the two of us were in the Tom Thumb handicap bathroom stall with blood everywhere. Everywhere. I can only be thankful that Grayson is too young to remember any of it because it was traumatic. There was sobbing from me, stern instructions for him to remain in the corner and not touch anything. He just didn't know what was happening.

Mama and Jeff
My parents came to the rescue within minutes. They always do! They were in separate cars doing different things in their days and they dropped everything to be in that grocery store with me. My Dad took Grayson with him for the afternoon. My Mom and Ma (they were on the way to Ma's doctor's appointments that they quickly canceled to be with me) took me to my OB's office. The bleeding and crying continued there and I was met with a lot of hugs from their staff (love them all). I was just distraught... 

Baby
Michelle, the best sono tech in the world, brought me in to her room and within seconds of having the wand placed, she told us there was a heartbeat. Stumped and emotional I said, "but there was so much blood"....I can't really explain the mix of emotions I had: sadness, relief, elation but so confused. The diagnosis from the doctor (warning: I might lose you for real now): Placenta Previa. I know, I know, that word should never be spoken or written and I'm not talking about "previa," you understand? But it's important to me that other women know that  you can have a terrifying experience like that and the baby can really be okay! It happens to 1 in 200 pregnancies, it's really not related to the baby much at all and just means that I need to take it easy, bed rest might be ordered if it doesn't correct itself (which it most always does) oh, and the grocery store bathroom episode could happen again anytime or anywhere throughout my pregnancy. Oh, joy. But the bright side of all of this - we found out Baby #2 is a BOY! I love my boys! :) 

To summarize, I went in to that office thinking I had lost my baby and came out knowing I had a healthy baby boy. Again, words will never be able to express the roller coaster of emotions that day.

Soo yeah. 4th sonogram in 14 weeks. :)

It's a boy! Okay so Beau and I aren't really convinced by this picture BUT our sono tech rocks and I trust her more than this pic. But to be safe, we aren't shopping until after 20 weeks. Except for what I already bought. ;)

Beau
Where does Beau fit into all of this? Everywhere. He can so be my rock even across the country (Minneapolis in this example) and the speed for which he can drop what he's doing, head to the airport and hop a flight to get to me still amazes me. He's my some kind of wonderful. Because I haven't told the FULL story. It involves a crazy freak situation where, after my Dad took Grayson out of the restroom that day, I called Beau at work to tell him what was happening. The phone rang and then went silent and I just held the phone forgetting to hang up, I guess. The crazy part is that he answered and could hear me but I couldn't hear him. So he heard me just sobbing in silence. He didn't know where I was, or where Grayson was, or that I couldn't hear him calling out to me. What a terrible thing to have to happen for him. No doubt he thought we had been in a car accident or something. He called back and I remember wondering why he was already in tears. I let him know we were both okay but that the baby probably wasn't, what was happening and that's when he headed to the airport. I don't even think I've changed a diaper this weekend. He's so hands-on and he's staying home with us this week. It will make his trip to Ireland on Saturday a little easier than last time! 

I'm still shocked that all 3.5 of us are here. We're healthy and happy and that's all I can ask for! 

What a day! My little trooper.

In the (Reynolds) News

Things have been buzzing along pretty nicely since we returned from Florida and as I mentioned before, it was exactly what I needed to feel refreshed and productive again. We have had a play date and/or My Gym every day since we have been back. It's nice to be out the door at a certain time every morning. One of the few things I miss about my work days: structure!

He was a little embarrassed when I caught him playing with George and the doll stroller at Emmie, Joe and Kate's house.  How does he already know that emotion?

The weekends have been a nice mix of time with friends/family and relaxing as a family of 3 - a balance that Beau was really needing from me and my calendar-booking craze.

I love this picture of Beau and Cole :) And of course, Cole's outfit!

If your Saturday night doesn't involve goggles and a towel cape, you aren't living.

Grayson is getting so good at projects and activities. I have said before that I'm most excited about seeing his imagination grow. I love seeing his ideas!

Okay, so maybe most of the resting is done by the dogs :)

Grayson had a haircut last week that went all kinds of wrong. But it made me realize that he already has a certain personality at this young age and it doesn't involve a buzz cut!

Before

Okay so it's not a buzz cut but it looks like....

this most of the time. [sigh]

We have been doing a good job of cooking at home and making some pretty healthy meals. Well, healthy for Beau and I make sure I have a carb side for Grayson and me.

It makes dining out so much more indulgent!

Anyone remember how stoked I was about my stroller and how it coverts to a double and how I have recommended it to anyone who would listen b/c it's so much cooler than buying a single stroller and then a double stroller later on? Yeah well, that only makes sense if your first kid isn't huge! Grayson is already outgrowing this stroller that is supposed to convert into my double! No idea what to do. I will need to have him strapped to something when #2 comes along. I can't even imagine the alternative.

His head is off the back of the stroller and that silver is the sun shade! Poor little big dude.

So, there's this resale group on Facebook for women in Frisco/Allen/McKinney/Plano who sell some pretty nice stuff and let you know about awesome garage sales and such before most other people know. I love being a part of it. We scored the twin mattress for Grayson's big boy bed (un-used) for $35. Also, I got 3 huge trash bags and a box of children's books for cheap, cheap. Keeping a lot, giving some to my mom and SIL and donating the rest. I'm addicted to a bargain!

Grayson and I going through all the books was like Christmas at Barnes and Noble. We had fun together :)

I have really enjoyed some girl time recently. Kelly, Martha and I (Alison's sitter was a no-show so she couldn't make it - ugh!) had dinner at Seasons 52 Thursday night and had so much fun. We just couldn't possibly fit in all the topics we wanted to. Next trip is to Blue Martini, which absolutely looks like a meat market/cougar den/plastic surgery convention - I can't wait! ;) And since I'm not a martini drinker at all, pregnancy is a great time to check out the place. Taking bets on how many other pregnant women will be there? I'm going with zero!

 My sugar cravings are back in full effect with this pregnancy. .98 cents a box at Walmart - don't mind if I do!

Upcoming! 
Beau and I have two sets of friends who are bringing their families home to Texas for a visit so that everyone can meet their babies! Their sip 'n sees are at the same time Saturday so I'll head to Dallas to see Brooke, Aaron and James (from New Zealand) and Beau will head to Ft. Worth to see Katie, Justin and Henry (from CA). Wish we could all make both!

My neighbor Britney and I have decided to brave a baseball game in August. In Texas. With three young children. Beau will be in Ireland and Scooter in Austin so who knows what kind of trouble we can get into! More bets on how long we'll last there? I'm going with 30 minutes! :)

Co-hosting Andrea's bachelorette party in Colorado! A spa weekend with average temps at 75/45. This is my mental happy place when it's 108 outside these days!

Divine Consign season! My friend Lori and I are volunteering again to get into the pre-sale. We (hopefully!) find out the gender of #2 the day before so, either way, I'm going to have a list!

Spin class with Mama at the FAC! No excuses, I have my energy back and feel amazing. Time to make use of it!

14 Week Update (& Second Trimester!)

How far along? 14 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: Not sure but I did gain a few lbs at my last appointment and am certain I've gained even more because...
Maternity clothes? I'm 100% in maternity clothes. I probably don't HAVE to be in shirts but thanks to a recent shopping trip and my belly continuing to expand, I don't even want to try anything else on. Plus, I don't like stretching out my normal clothes since I keep things forever.
Stretch marks? No. I kind of don't like that this is a question b/c I don't think about these until I see this! :)

Sleep: Same as last time but add 2 extra trips to the bathroom each night to this madness: It's all over the place but not b/c of pregnancy. Between random bouts with insomnia and Grayson getting up lately, I'm a mess.

Best moment this week: Getting new maternity clothes that are so comfortable! Leggings and the softest shirts. I should have just been shopping at Pea in the Pod since the beginning. Old Navy, Shmold Navy!
Movement: Nothing yet

Cravings: Cravings have really subsided (except for that whole sugar candy thing). Oh, and any time I think about an Auntie Anne's pretzel, my mouth waters like something else. Just like my first pregnancy.
Symptoms: No symptoms, really. I feel great and can't complain! I do have some soreness and fullness in my belly but that's more comforting than anything. Oh! And I'm so emotional! I tear up over most everything: the Olympics, when I tell(what I think is) a funny story, talking about any half serious topic. But then things that should make me cry, don't. So strange! 
What I miss: Same: Wine and champagne. I miss the taste. Never had that with Grayson.

What I am looking forward to: Same: Finding out the gender! 

Weekly Wisdom: I have a couple of amazing friends who have reminded Beau that their husbands gave them foot massages all through their pregnancy. Even if it's not entirely true, I will definitely pay that one forward. ;) Pregos have to look out for each other - ha!

Milestones: I am officially in my 2nd trimester! Woo hoo!

This is the strange point where I feel pretty full and round but in maternity clothes, you can't really tell yet. This point last time, I was still very much in my regular clothes!

This week, Baby #2 is the size of a lemon!

What's that you say?

You want to see a ton of pictures of Grayson Cuteness putting on my cowboy boots? And video too?! That's so funny because I HAVE a ton of pictures and videos of that very thing. I love being able to read your mind!

There was no prompting by me with this little activity.  Actually, I'd rather him not touch those beauties. :)

But it was too cute to stop.

Alas, he got them both on by himself!

This is how BIG this kid is - they look like his boots!

What is a cowboy without his trusty hunting dog?

One last thing about his height, which I mentioned above. Y'ALL. He's huge. We have been told everywhere we go just how big he is. People at the pool in Florida, the valet guy, any place we go with other parents...everyone tells us that he is a BIG kid. I'm fine with it all (although I'm so sad that I can barely pick him up anymore :( ) but I'm quick to tell people that he just turned 2 since they expect so much more out of him! He's only 2! He plays like a 2 year old, talks like one, is diapered like one and has the (lack of) manners of one! We get funny stares sometimes. Poor kid!