sickness ruins everything

When the first week of school started no one was too thrilled about it. School starts so early here in Atlanta, not only that but the first week Averie caught a bad stomach virus. It's not even fall yet and all the kids are going through a horrible virus. We had to cancel our plans for Averie's birthday celebration and now this weekend looks like our 5k/boys stay over/Craig and I anniversary night is no longer happening. We have been planning these last few weekends for months now. The 5k has been on our "looking forward to" calendar for quite some time. It's so depressing when one kid gets sick over there. They can't escape it going to all the kids. Then it seems like it lasts a whole month. Just enough time for someone else to catch something else. Please be praying for the kids and Hannah/Rachel. I wish I could be of more help. I'm helpless over here. Praying for them, wishing there was something I could do. Or even give them more sleep.

Sleep is precious and I'm soaking it in as much as possible on this side of the city. My little man is still sleeping great and taking 2 hour naps. He is still sleeping in his crib and loves it. He played with his animals and will sit in there and be content until I come get him (most days).

Yesterday I took him to Soap Creek Trail to feed some fishes and turtles. It was so cute to see him watch them eat the bread and get so excited. When you watch the video ...you will hear how excited I get as well. I may be just as thrilled do these things as M is.
The funny thing is when I tell him to smile for a picture right now...he looks like he's in pain. We are trying to get better at this because his real smile is so cute. I swear he is happy in these photos.

Today I met a new friend at a place called Chattahoochee Coffee Company. I had heard a lot about it and really wanted to go, but just never did. So I told this new friend I met at the Pastor's bbq to meet me there. It was so pretty. Right on the water. I guess they aren't open to the public on the weekends, only to residents that live on the property. It's really awesome how cool the scenery is. It wasn't that busy because it's tucked away and you would never know its back there.  The new friend's name is Emilee and she has a 5 month old little boy names Andrew. She reminded me of my friend Courtni from College and we totally had a weird connection. So when I was leaving today, she was saying how there was something about me that told her we should be friends. I told her about how she looked like a friend I had and then she said I looked like a friend she had in Michigan. So weird. Like we were meant to be friends. She also opened up to me about a lot going on in her life right now. I know why God has placed me in her life and I hope I can be there for her and (she just texted me) haha I forgot my train of thought. Anyways, here are some pics we took of our fun time this morning.

We are still enjoying our minivan. Micah is watching "Bolt" all the time. We tried to put in other movies, but Bolt seems to be the winner right now. 

Thursday I scheduled my Chiropractor appointment! I'm doing it. I would rather go and be out of pain for a few days then be hurting this much at night. I hope he can help me! They said I can bring M with me and it's not a big deal. Hopefully he will be good. He's been such a sweet boy lately. (I mean he always is) I just get excited thinking about him being sweet to his little sister. 

NJ's dresser is almost done and I have some new ideas for her decoration. I also got a canopy from a friend to put over the crib. It's really fun and different. Can't wait till it's all put together and I can show you all. 

We are getting excited for our trip home. Wish we could bring the van with us. haha It would make for easy travel. Maybe we will try it when Noelle is here, but I doubt it. I feel the possibilities are endless with this van. I can go anywhere and do anything. I have to make sure when I put M in the car we have a few places to go. Otherwise he gets mad because he wants to STAY in the van. LOL

Good problem to have. 

Love you all

MOPS

Hello there!

Hope you all are having a fabulous week. We are having a blast this week. Now that we are the proud owners of a minivan, life has been different this week. Micah just wants to get in the car and go anywhere!! Today we picked up the van from the shop so they could install a DVD player for us. Now M can watch movies. He's so happy. I put on his favorite movie in the car and then he didn't want to get out. So I had planned on going for a walk with my neighbor, but instead I went to DD to get donuts since my son was so content.

This is us the day we brought home the van. I still can't believe it's mine. It's so nice. I will miss my little jeep. I am a little nervous to drive this big boat around town. haha It's really great though. I don't have to use my back to get M in the car because he gets in himself. I think it's going to be a life save when NJ is here : )

Today I am 22 weeks and I still feel huge. I've been lathering up my belly almost every time I go upstairs. I can't get enough of the oil on my belly. I got this stuff called Mama Bee (Burt's Bee) that smells so good. 

It doesn't look too big here, but I feel like it. When I toss and turn at night it feels like I'm grabbing a big melon and turning over. I woke up today ready to call the chiropractor and of course they were closed. I guess Wednesday's are no good for helping people's back pain. I really wanted to see if I could get in tomorrow since some of my plans fell through. 

Last night I got to have Mexican food again and went out with the MOPS mom group for a moms night out. Everyone was having a margarita but me. It doesn't bother me though. I spent like 5 dollars on tacos and ate a ton a chips and salsa. Also, had bad heart burn from it too.

I've been looking for a babysitting job recently. I signed up for Care.com and have already gotten a few requests for babysitting. I like that I can be really picky and chose who I want. I really only want to do like 1 or 2 days a week, but not many people need that. I was thinking while it's just M and I, it would be nice to make some extra money before the baby gets here. He loves playing with other kids, so hopefully we can find the perfect family.

Today I had a play date with some of my moms from my MOPS table come to my house. We had such a fun time. The kids decided to put balls under their shirts and all have babies in their bellies!!

M is so much happier when he has friends over. I just love it. Everyone tells me how much they think he's going to be an awesome big brother. My neighbor even got him a cute little book called, Goodnight, New Baby. He's been loving it.  He loves kissing my belly and feeling NJ through my belly button. (That part gets a little weird, but Craig encourages it)

I'm guessing when Craig gets home tonight we may just camp out in the van and watch a show. haha it will be fun to do things in the van as a family. It's so roomy in there. I think I may start liking this #minimom thing. 

Praying for a lot of people in my life today. So many are going through struggles. My sister is interviewing for a job closer to Hannah's house and this may be an answer to her prayers. I hope she really likes it and everything works out. She needs this. 

Love you all

Roaches

They came and sprayed today for our little friends. It makes me laugh a little bit because I've never seen Craig so afraid of something. He says he's just "grossed out" by them. I don't know. I sense a lot of fear. haha. They are pretty scary and gross looking. Hopefully we won't have any problems after today. I guess they live in the trees here and since we have a ton around us it makes sense that they are getting in to our home. While we had to stay home today (for the pest control) I took M to the small park in our neighborhood and then we played at home and I took some videos.

Then we were in the basement and awhile ago I took a video of him saying his friends name, Victor and Eliana. So today he thought he needed to say their names again. He also remembered his sister's name! So sweet.

Also...when I mention Caleb he remembers biting him! I don't know why he's biting right now. But he has a few times and it really hurts. Maybe he's just trying to see a reaction?

He's a little under the weather but still a fun little boy. He helped me make banana bread this afternoon. He loved mixing and doing anything to help in the kitchen. It really is a sweet time. This week we had MOPS and again he loves it there. The childcare worker was telling me all the stuff he was saying to her. I think he may be the only one talking a lot in the classroom. She said he was obsessed with all the girls. I feel like that's a good sign. I'm glad he likes the girls. One in particular whose name is Tindell. She waited with him by the door and then they hugged and he gave her a kiss. I had to go tell her mom what happened, just so she knew our kids are already kissing each other.  Mostly Micah though, he doesn't understand a goodbye without a kiss yet. 

Yesterday we went for a walk with Lindsay and baby Weston. Micah loves him. He's so sweet. We were walking and he started singing a song about baby Weston and Micah. I mean...seriously. This little boy is the cutest. He surprises me everyday. He's becoming a little man too fast.  I really think the more time he has to understand the "big brother" concept...the better. He is learning and growing and loving so differently now. He might be the best big brother ever! 

Last night I had choir practice and I'm very excited to be a part of this church. The songs are awesome and we all sound great together. It's been a long time since choir. I'm thinking maybe since high school. I have sung in bands at church, but not in a choir. It's a whole different dynamic. 

This weekend is pretty quiet for all of us. Might try and go to hobby lobby again on Saturday and see if they have the bible verse frame I wanted for NJ's room. 

Hope you all are having an awesome week. Happy Friday. Can't wait to see family again in a few weeks. 

Rambunctious little girl

Oh my goodness. This little girl is so active. I don't remember Micah being to crazy at 21 weeks!! I barely started feeling him then and now this one is punching right through me. I mean it's almost to the point where you can see her when I lay down. That's freaky!! haha.  I keep thinking she's so tiny in there, but now I'm starting to think she's going to be a big baby!

I'm so excited I got my nursing poncho and baby girl headbands in the mail today. I worked with a girl in College Station, TX named Nastasia Morris. She was a reporter with me for a bit. She was so sweet and a hard worker. I really loved her. She moved back to Las Vegas and has three little girls now! They are so precious. She also started her own little  business making the nursing ponchos and headbands. I love the poncho! It's so comfy and cute. I can even wear it if breast feeding doesn't work out this time (which I pray it does).

I took some pics.

Also, we got to see Nolan this morning while Leslie visited Lindsay and baby Weston. Micah was so happy to be surprised with a friend. Then we had a lunch picnic with Betsy, Victor and Eliana. Micah loves his friends so much. When I say they are coming over or we are going to see them he gets ready really fast!

I took a pic of him in the car and a little video before we got out of the car. 

I mean. I am so lucky to have this guy. He is so special. He makes me so happy. 

Here is a video from last night as we were watching Olympics.

Love this!

Meeting new friends

Today was a relaxing day compared to Friday and Saturday. During the day on Friday we hung out with new friends and old. Went to a mom's house that has a 2 year old and is due a week after me. All three of us have boys and soon we will all welcome little girls! So fun having mom's around me about to go through the same thing.
Friday night we met another couple at a parenting seminar at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church. It was all about honor. Really cool to see how they described it and how to promote it in your children.  The definition: to make someone feel special, to value others before yourself, and to have a good attitude.  They talked about how kids are so self consumed that we need to start teaching them at a young age why it's important to make others feel special and to do things for others. Very good stuff. They even talked about making bible stories fun activities for kids. To help them understand and bring it to a level they can put into real life. Really great stuff! So glad we went.

Saturday night we went to a BBQ at our pastor's house. They had childcare and we were able to connect with a few couples. I saw a mom from my mops group and also met a new mom who just had a little boy five months ago. She looked like my old friend Courtni Bean.  It was her dobbleganger and I was feeling connected to her right away.

Saturday while M was sleeping I finally got to run to Hobby Lobby to look for some wall decor for baby girls room. I kinda went crazy.  I got a few letter N's and a big frame. I can't wait to show you all when it's done. Looks like I'm
going with Noelle. I keep going back to it. Noelle Joy. NJ. Elle Joy.  Just some nicknames I'm thinking of. I found a bible verse at Hobby that I also really want but it was out of stock. It's from psalm 139. "You are fearfully and wonderfully made."
Craig is still working on the dresser too! We have a long way to go still, but I'm not too worried. I like taking my time.

Micah is talking up a storm. He says everything. We have conversations in the car....I mean Real conversations. I forget how smart he is until he sees something out the window and asked me about it.
He's so smart. Very sweet to others. Makes a mother proud. Right now he likes to talk about his friends. He loves to make new friends. I always tell him he is going to play with his friends. So practically everyone he meets is his friend right now.

Looking forward to MOPS this week and maybe a night out with Leslie. Also have choir practice on Thursday.

Hope you all had a great weekend.

It's a....

Today we got to see our little girl. And yes, it's a GIRL! Craig and I wanted to make sure. For some reason it's hard for us to believe. Today was the day my fears were cured. It's a girl and I couldn't be happier to welcome her soon. 20 weeks today and feeling like I'm 30! I think I feel a lot bigger than I actually am. I'm walking again in the morning and doing yoga for my back before I start my day. The yoga has really been helping. I just need to keep it up.

Here's a pic of me walking in the neighborhood. 20 week bump.

She is about 13 ounces and was putting her hands by her face the whole time we were trying to look at her in there. Reminds me of Micah. He always had his hands by his mouth even after he was born. Also, from what we can see right now she looks very similar to how Micah did. I may have another mini Craig as a girl. haha He must have some strong sperm. I'm still holding out that she got my good looks. : )

Not only did I get to see my baby girl. Craig was with M and I at the appointment which was so nice. Micah loved seeing his sister on the TV. He kept saying, "Where'd momma's baby go?" After the ultrasound M and I headed out to a trampoline place again. We met a few friends and my sister came out with Riley. We had so much fun!! He loves that place. I got to see my good friend Meg, who is due with her little girl in October. Micah was happy to see her son Shep too! They get along really well.
After jumping Hannah said she wanted to try sushi. I was taken back when she said that. I tried to get her to eat it back when I was in college and she had a bad experience and never wanted it again. Today she was feeling adventurous and we went to a little sushi place in Roswell. We both got Tempura Shrimp roll and it was amazing!! And guess what ...She liked it!!

We had fun at our first MOPS play date on Tuesday and got to meet the triplets. Wow. I give that mom so much credit. Three 2 year olds running around. She seems really calm though.  I'm glad we can all hang out. Seems like they are up for getting out and about. Just like me!

Tomorrow we have another MOPS event in the morning and Friday we are spending the day with Leslie, Nolan, a new friend Emily and her son Preston.

Tonight I got to hang out at Maggie's house with Lindsay and baby Weston. I have a pic of him. Here is your baby fix for a while!! He is so precious. Love him!! He's already 2 weeks. Crazy

Hope you all are having a great week!

Zoo..festivals..park

I'm 20 weeks pregnant on Wednesday and get to see my little girl for the first time since she was 7 weeks. I couldn't be more excited and actually can't wait for Micah to see her too. Craig  is meeting me at the doctor and will hold him so I won't have to worry. She's kicking me and also giving me major back pain. I will talk to my doctor on Wednesday but I already have a chiropractic recommendation and I'm ready to make an appointment! I didn't have this with M, but I know it's really common in pregnancy.

On Friday, we went to the zoo with Hannah, Riley, Averie and Uncle Jay. It was Averie's last week before starting school. It was cloudy in the morning and made it a little cooler. Thank goodness. It's felt like Houston weather around here. Can't breathe...moisture in the air. Yuck!! So gross. It drains you right when you walk outside.
I'm still taking naps with M. I fall asleep really fast during the day. Haha I sometimes wake to him crying. It's good for both of us.

Saturday we went to Xdrenaline  (trampoline place) with all our neighbors.  Oh my. I don't know who had more fun..Craig or Micah!! Haha. He was like a big kid in there. Then we had breakfast at Le Madeleine and got some chicken salad from a little Shop next door for the week. I love chicken salad these days!!
It was such a fun morning. After nap we headed to a festival in Smyrna. We met are old neighbors there, Leslie, Jeremy and little Nolan.
Micah got a snowcone and then got to go on all the jumpy rides. I can't believe how big he is now. Everytime I think he's too small to do something...be proves me wrong!! He has no fear.

Sunday was church and then after nap we went to a park and then aurelios pizza!! Micah is just like his dad and loves that Chicago style pizza!!

Tomorrow we have our first MOPS play date at one of the moms houses. She has 2 year old triplets. So we all decided her house was the best option!!

This week is packed full of goodness. I'm getting so excited for this year and all the fun we will have at BSF, MOPS and I signed up for Teeny Tykes and Tunes class again. 

Hope you all had an amazing weekend!!

Chicken ranch enchiladas

So tonight I made this meal and I really enjoyed it. Of course it was just me because Craig is not home yet. So I tried to make way less than I could have. Wanted to post the recipe if you want to try!

INGREDIENTS:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 package taco seasoning
1 package dry ranch dressing mix
1 (15 ounce) can chicken broth
1 cup bottled ranch, plus more for topping
1 cup salsa
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
8-10 flour tortillas
You favorite toppings. I love guacamole, sour cream, tomatoes, and salsa!

Instructions
Spray slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray and place chicken inside.
Sprinkle taco seasoning and ranch dressing mix over chicken.
Pour chicken broth over chicken in slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours.
Remove chicken from slow cooker and shred with two forks.
In a small bowl, mix together ranch and salsa; set aside.
Spray a 9x13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray and spread a thin layer of salsa/ranch mixture on the bottom of the pan.
Assemble enchiladas by spreading a few spoonfuls of the salsa/ranch mixture on each tortilla. Add shredded chicken and cheese on top and roll up.
Place enchiladas seam-side down in the prepared pan and sprinkle remaining 1 cup of cheese on top.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes.
Serve with your favorite toppings

I used two chicken breast and only ended up shredding one of them. I made 5 enchiladas from one breast. That kind of gives you an idea of how many chicken breasts to use.

Also the main thing I added was refried Bean to the taco. Spread the beans first then add sauce and chicken and cheese. The beans help secure the roll up and added much needed flavor!

Hope you enjoy!!

MOPS

I can't tell you how excited I am for this year! After having the best mom's group in Texas and moving here without one was a sad year. I loved the bible study and work out classes but nothing compares to MOPS. Micah and I went to Cumberland Community Church mops yesterday and it was amazing.
Crazy thing is that my leader was named Elizabeth and there were 3 others Liz's there. Not only that but one of the Liz's is due with a little boy December 29th!! Out of all the women there  (about 50) there was only two of us pregnant.
My table of women seems incredible.  Almost all of us have a two year old! After the meeting one of the girls and I were picking up our kids at the same time. Micah seemed so happy and loving the class. When I saw my friends little girl I asked Micah if he made a new friend. Her name is Tindell. We started walking out and I was holding Micah's hand and Sarah was holding Tindell's hand. All the sudden I look down and Micah grabs Tindell's hand and we are all connected. It was the cutest thing ever. When we got to our car she was behind us and wanted to give M a hug. I couldn't believe the mom from my table had a little girl who got along so good with M. I mean he is a ladies man and all. He loves the girls!!
Anyways...it was just so uplifting and got me so excited to have some new friends and connect with women. Two hours of mom talk without kids is priceless!!! Haha

Also...yesterday was exactly a year ago that I was in the hospital.  I told them all my story and I made it through without crying!! Woohooo
Crazy part was another women at my table, Heather, had the same thing happen to her. She then went on to explain that she had triplets after the ectopic. She was on fertility drugs...but still!!! We were all in awe of her story and how she survives every day. Sometimes you think you have it hard and then...you realize someone else has it way harder. Haha

Last night Rachel slept over again. She is still childless this week and it's so nice for M to have some time with her. He absolutely loves her. The weird part is he doesn't act the same towards Hannah. I mean they even look alike. I don't get it. We are still trying to figure it all out.

Hope you all are having an amazing week.

One of the best parts about this week: I started to feel her kick. Just tiny movements in there. The best feeling ever!!! It's so exciting to finally feel her and connect with her. I'm so in love with this little girl:)

Weekend at home

Relaxing weekend at home. Craig worked on the babies dresser and cleaned out the garage on Saturday while M and I went to the pool. A thunderstorm came through while we were there and it was actually fun to stay and watch it. 20 mins later the sun came out and we got to enjoy the pool. My neighbor was there and found some mice in the garbage that were stuck. So of course Micah and I had to release them and save them. It's only in my nature to help out animals. Micah loved it. Once we released them he wanted to go look for them. So we took a chunk of time searching for them.  I told him they went back to their mommy. He was happy about that part.
Saturday night I took Micah to chickfila for dinner so he could play. It was a disappointing situation when we found out the play place was closed. Whenever something is broke Micah always says, "need hammer." I have NO idea where he got this but for almost a month now whenever something is broke he says we need a hammer to fix it. I just play along now.

Sunday I got to sing for the first time at church. I was able to meet alot of people and start my journey at Cumberland. Everyone was so nice. I had some nice compliments and looking forward to singing again. Also Pastor Alan remembered me and we laughed about how I tried to make a joke about being a Hooker and he didn't get it.
We signed up to go to a BBQ at his house next weekend. Hopefully we can connect a little more then!

I also got to see the newest addition to our neighborhood.  Weston Scott was born on Thursday night. He is Lindsay's new little man. What a cutie. How life had changed for her!! I am making her a lasagna (and also us one) for Wednesday. 

Today is kim mom's birthday!! We celebrated and sang to her on YouTube. Our present to her is a visit home to see her in September!! I wasn't planning this but realized it was the best present she could get. Micah always talks about Hannah and zeke and Tammi. I know he needs to see them all again before baby #2 gets here!!

This morning we got a rude awakening that our water heater broke and leaked on the garage where the babies dresser was. Craig says it soaked up too much water. I hope we can still paint it, but we'll see.
Looking at the bright side..the 850 dollar new water heater we got today was free. That's what happens when you rent!

Tonight I am going to a movie. Can you believe it?? I'm going to see a movie with Rachel since her kids are out of town. I'm so excited.

It will be nice to get out since Craig is leaving me half this week for a work trip.

Happy Monday!! And Happy Birthday GrAndma!!