Austin's Going to be a Big Brother!!

Yep, it's true. :) I'm about 10 weeks along now, with Baby #2, with an expected due date of January 30, 2011. I'm still shocked at how quickly it happened this time; I thought for sure we were in it for the long haul again. But I guess at some point, your body figures out what it's supposed to do. I found out pretty early, and called the doc up right away. After an exam and several rounds of bloodwork, I was put on some meds again to make sure this little one stays put in there.

I wished so much that things would be different for me this time around, but it hasn't. Constant nausea and vomiting, all day long. Yuck! We've only had to make one trip to the ER so far for IV fluids, and hoping not to have to go back again. And I'm just completely worn down and tired. It's so hard to function like this, but I know it won't last forever (let's hope not!) and will be completely worth it in the end. I'm already down 10 lbs. And once again, I went on a cruise pregnant, on my birthday, again. Not as fun as they used to be. :( I swear, the next cruise I go on, I will not be knocked up! ;)

We had our first ultrasound at 8 weeks, right before we left for vacation. We were pretty nervous, and had suspicions that maybe there were two in there. Yikes! Don't get me wrong, we would have been happy either way, but when we saw only one baby in there, it was a little bit of a relief. I don't think it's really set in all the way yet, that our family will soon be complete! But this is it for us, no matter what the gender is. I would be perfectly fine having another sweet little boy, or would also enjoy the unknown adventure of raising a little girl. We are just very thankful and feel very blessed.

I hope the end of the pregnancy goes better than it did with Austin, too. Being put on strict bedrest at 34 weeks was no fun at all, due to my blood pressure and swelling. But at least we know we'll be having a scheduled c-section this time around. Last time, we found out a day and a half before that this kid was only coming out by c-section, and it was alot to swallow, since that wasn't in our original plan. I love my doctor and know that he will take great care of me and our baby!

Well, that's our big news! Sorry for holding out so long, but we wanted to wait until we were sure everything was great, and little longer before I spilled the beans at work. I'm not so sure they're going to be so happy that I will be missing out on busy season.......again. But I have no control over when I get pregnant; it's out of my hands. So, here we are! Many more updates to follow!

Bon Voyage!!!

Pack, pack, pack!! So much to get ready for our big trip! We fly out Saturday morning to Miami, where we'll spend the rest of the day. Then Sunday morning we'll head to the big ship! Since we've upgraded to a suite this time, we are happy to be considered V.I.P. and get to bypass all the lines. :) Our week of fun consists of stops at Grand Cayman, Belize, Honduras, and Cozumel. While we're gone, we'll be celebrating Father's Day for Jordan, Mom's Birthday, my birthday, and Katrina's graduation, so it should be a great time for all! Well, that's just my quick update for now. Next time I post, it'll be full of details, pictures, and fun news!

18-Month Checkup!

Whew! Is it really June 1st?! This year is just going by so fast; I can't believe summer is already upon us. We took Austin to the doctor this morning for his 18-month check-up. He weighed in at 27lbs. 4oz. (60th percentile) and measured 32 1/4" tall (short) (50th percentile), and his big 'ol head was still in the 95th percentile. Some things never change. :) He wasn't so excited to see Dr. Granger today and all his toys he uses to look in his ears, eyes, etc. He was much more interested in just latching onto Mommy. Only one shot today, screamed for about 5 seconds, and then we were on our way.

Austin has such a great personality, but still throws his tantrums here and there. I think we may have actually entered the 'terrible two's' a little earlier. If he doesn't get his way, he proceeds to throw himself on the floor kicking and screaming. It usually only lasts a few minutes, and then he forgets what he was mad about to begin with. He is definitely an outdoors-lover! Anytime he hears/sees the backdoor or garage door open, he's like a bolt of lightning trying to escape. Once he's outside, it's usually a chore (and a tearful struggle) to get him back inside. He's managed to master his new playset out back, being able to climb the ladder solo and slide down the slide all by himself (all under close adult supervision, of course).

They've had 'Concert by the Lake' on Thursdays the past few weeks in Rockwall. We load up a blanket, picnic dinner, snacks, and head down for some fun and people watching. I was nervous about how Austin would do. But he loves to people-watch and pet all the puppies that are in attendance. And the music is great too, especially for my little dancing maniac. He LOVES to 'dance dance', as he commands CiCi when she pulls out her iPhone. He'll snap his fingers, stomp his little foot like it's the Cotton-Eyed Joe, and spin around in circles. It is absolutely the cutest thing; I'll have to take a video of it to share. Since summer is finally upon us and the Texas heat is rising, we've ventured up to the community pool and splash park a couple of times to cool off, too.

Happy Mother's Day!

Another Mother's Day, filled with so much love and happiness of finally experiencing motherhood. The Friday before Mother's Day, Austin's class had 'Muffins with Mom', so I showed up a little early to share breakfast with my little monkey. Then he gave me his gifts he made; the first one was a sweet little poem with his hand print inside. Then there was another gift wrapped in tissue paper. When I unwrapped it, there was the cutest frame, decorated with little puzzle pieces that read, 'I Love You to Pieces!'. Too sweet!! It definitely brought tears to my eyes. And to top the day off, Austin sent me some beautiful pink and purple tulips to work.

On a side note, I want to thank my mother for always being there for me and showing me how to be a great mom to my own kids. Love you momma!