I love looking back on past holidays and reminicing on all the neat little details that were thrown in by someone who just wanted to start a family tradition.
Some of my favorites:
~Nut Salad- passed down from the Johns family. Mom makes it every Thanksgiving and Christmas, although I don't eat it with the raisins in it, it still wouldn't be the Holidays with out it, Thanks Mom.
~Reading the REAL Christmas Story~ Every morning, before the first present was opened, My father & brother have began the morning reading (one of the Gospels) the Christmas Story of Jesus's birth.
~P.J.'s for some reason, I remember getting a new pair of pajama's each year!
~Dad's gift for mom: the most memorable time was when we ventured out on Christmas Eve-- the only thing open was K-Mart. I don't know how long was spent there but I do know that mom really enjoyed her Christmas CD Dad bought her... I think it was right around the time that CD's came out and it was a "really" neat gift. LOL! Mom gets one every year now... :o)
Each of these Traditions take me back to wonderful timees with my family, I know I couldn't tell you exactly what I unwrapped that year, but I could tell you that each one of these "family traditions" were present. And that thinking of them, fills my heart with a warm feeling of love, peace and holiday spirit.
Since this will be our FIRST "Chapman Family Christmas" we will incorporate some of Dustin's family traditions with ours. (We'll keep the moonshine in the freezer though, babe! LOL)
1 week till Christmas. Keep a smile on your face through out this week!
Here is the most recent picture of our "Santa Baby!"
I hope all of you are enjoying the Holidays and treasuring each moment you have with your loved ones. Dustin and I have almost finished our Christmas Shopping, now time to wrap!
Never forget your Christmas spirit this year as you are doing your final Christmas shopping... you never know that a simple smile could brighten someones day. We love you all and will post more pics!
Pressley turned 2 months old on Tuesday! Wow! Time has flown by!
How cute it is when Pressley tries to talk! She spends most of her time (when she's awake) playing in her play yard, looking at ceiling fans???? and most enjoyably... who-ing like a little owl! Here is a video clip of her "talking"-- enjoy!
Dustin and I are working hard at planning our Christmas vacation... This will be our "first Chapman Family Christmas" Chance will be home so we are wanting to do something special!
Well, I tried to upload the video of Pressley's convo with her daddy butttttttttttttttttttt- the site is having some issues--- so I guess I'll try again later-
But here's a sweet little picture of her smiling at her Daddy! She sure does love him!
- I got a new hair cut -Whoa! Time has flown since Pressley's birth! I am in shock that it will be 2 months on Tuesday! She is 9 weeks old in about 40 minutes... We purchased her a play yard on Sunday and we set it up the other night... it has several cute little flowers dangling from the pole and a extra large plastic mirror too! She spent about 30 minutes just staring at her self saying "whoooo-whoooo whooo" lol! She is so darling! I will post some pictures next week probably! Lots going on here in Green River! Hopefully getting a tree up next week sometime! The holidays are almost upon us!
Well-- after spending 10 minutes trying to put a picture up for my Thanksgiving Greeting (and it not working, obviously) I gave up! So--- to all-
It was wonderful spending Thanksgiving with my family. I really wish the rest of my family could have been here, but considering they are half way across the world, they weren't able to make it. Bill, Julie & Kids-- We all missed you and hope that your Turkey day was full of all the things that you are thankful for.
We enjoyed tons of good food and good conversation.
Several Things That I'm Thankful for...
1. My brothers, they can simply make me laugh just by laughing themselves.
2.The fact that my daughter brights up every second of my day just by her sweet little personality.
3. My sister-- for most always being available for me to call her when I need a good recipe!
4. My parents, for not only teaching me, but showing me the correct way that parents should live.
5. My husband, his sweet kind heart and all his hopes and dreams for our family.
Now for hopefully, a restful night of sleep--- tomorrow starts early... BLACK FRIDAY! Amy & I are going to hit the road at 5 am! WOOOT WOOT!
Okay- So this is my new blog spot... I figure this one is alot easier to figure out and less stuff to mess with than my Tots Site! Keep your eyes out for new info and if you haven't already read my old blogs then GO READ THEM!
Chance hadn't met Pressley until today--- here is a video clip of his reaction! Sorry for the videowork!
By the way-- Chance is an awesome brother! He loves to help and wants to be involved in EVERYTHING! I think he gave her kisses about 40 times today! And when she cries, he comforts her by saying "its okay, your big brother is here..." Priceless!
Check out our little road trip to Pretty Place... it is a tiny stone chapel hidden somewhere in Greenville County SC. Dustin, Daddy, Mom, Pressley and I headed out there after spending some time in Hendo!
Mom and Dad and Little Prissy Pooh!
Poppa and Grammy admiring the "beautiful view"!
The wooden cross as the end of the Chapel... it is breathtaking!
We got to spend some more quite time during the day--- resting-- recooping--snuggling! We love having our little bundle!
We have seen this little tounge stick out about a million times already! She either has her mouth open or her tounge sticking out!
We had several visitors today! Maggie & Chris, Tedd & Jeanie, Jerry & Heather... and ofcourse our families! Thanks to all who came out to share in the special time! We love you!
So today is the first of October... 5 days past the full moon... very discouraged that she isn't here yet!
I had some cramping in my lower back that moved to my abdomen this morning starting around 4am... by 5 I was in the tub relaxing because I couldn't sleep... I called mom to find out the scoop around 5:50 and she told me it sounded like REAL contractions... LOL--- real contractions YAY! I'd never thought I'd be so excited to have REAL ones! anyways- I layed back down after sending Dustin off to work with an empty stomach (SORRY HUNNY!) and they came about every hour or so, everytime I flipped over to a different side, they would begin... it makes me wonder if I would have done some walking if my REAL contractions would have progressed... however I didn't do anything but lay in bed. Needless to say, I've yet to have her and have had only 1 more contraction since this morning. (about an hour ago 1:46 pm)
Alright I forgot to fill everyone in on what the Doctor said on Tuesday!
SORRY!
I only gained half a pound- which is a dramatic change from previous appointments!
Pressley's Heart Rate was at 140 BPM and while she was getting her heart rate I was having a contraction--- little did I know it though! ;o)
We were told that Pressley has already got her head down in the pelvic area and that although we may not deliver early she is ready to go and will continue to drop as the weeks progress! HOW EXCITING! Dustin and I have both notice my belly dropping over the last couple of days but its not been to drastic.
We will begin putting her room together sometime by the end of this week. Dustin is going to build a bed out of some wood that he cut down out of our woods... Chance will have himself a little bunk bed... Lets just hope Dustin doesn't go "Tim-the-tool-man-Taylor" on me and try to "rig" it up with all these neat little things. Simple is the key! ;oP
Thanks to Dustin's parents, my in-laws, Macky & Sharron for their sweet gift. They purchased Pressley's Crib.
Well, lets just say todays appointment was a LONG appointment... boy was I irratated! After waiting to see the doctor for an hour and a half, Pressley's HR is down to 140 BPM and I am 1 cm dialated and still 50% effaced. However- mommies blood pressure was a little high! LoL! I was so frustrated at the fact that I had to wait that long! If it happens again I believe I will just get up and walk out! PHEW!
So this morning, I was doing my hair when I had about 1/4 cup of fluid come down... Not sure exaclty what it was but it stopped, I called the Doctors and they said if it continues to come on in. Luckily, it didn't so Dustin and I were able to go to Waynesville with Mom & Dad. I am so really for her to be here its not funny! Dustin is packing his bag tonight, and getting it in the car. I've got all mine & Pressley's stuff ready to go! YAY 13 days till her actual due date... although she'll be born this week... I just know it!
We went to meet Pressley's pediatrician today! His name was Dr. Chu- he kinda reminds me of my brother-in-law, Bill... He was very informative and Dustin and I both really liked him... Hopefully "the princess" will like him too! We got the referral from my OB-GYN that they were a "Christian" practice- Dustin like the fact that we will have doctors that have similar beleifs...
ok- today was our first appointment where we found out effacement & things l like that... I was kinda nervous! Thank God Dustin will be able to go with me to it! I didn't gain any weight! YAY! I am about 10% effaced. Pressley is about 5.5lbs- and we are both very healthy... only 4 more weeks till we are full term... we can't wait! YAY!
OH YES! and we are meeting Maggie on Saturday night (she taught our Child Birthing Class) we are going to discuss with her about being our Doula! HOW FUN!
My boss came to me about a month ago and asked me for a wish list of things that I wanted for Pressley... he thought it would be a neat idea to throw me a "MAN STYLE" baby shower! LOL!Here are a few photo's from my baby shower thrown by Regal Homes...
Today is Uncle Joels Birthday!
I accidentally called him on the 14th to wish him a happy birthday, however, it wasn't his birthday- But I have a good excuse! Read Below!!
It has been said that there is alot of forgetfulness that occurs during pregnancy. Here's a little bit of info as to why Pregnant women are forgetful!
Why have I felt so absentminded since I've been pregnant?Many pregnant women say their short-term memory isn't up to par during pregnancy, particularly during their first and third trimesters.It certainly seems to make sense: In your first trimester, you may be distracted by thoughts about this new adventure you're beginning or worries about your baby's health, as well as exhausted and nauseated from the hormonal changes you're undergoing. During your third trimester, you may be overwhelmed or just plain distracted by the huge life changes you're about to experience and again exhausted if you're having trouble getting a good night's sleep.Research on pregnancy and memory is limited, so no one knows for sure what's really going on. While some studies have found evidence of verbal and memory deficits during pregnancy, others have shown that pregnant women actually do just as well in cognitive tests as women who aren't pregnant.One study found that pregnant women did experience a decline in memory, but only in the third trimester. Interestingly, in a different study, pregnant women rated themselves as having performed worse than they would have before pregnancy, even though they tested just as well as a group that wasn't pregnant. So if you think you're flakier than usual while you're pregnant, it may just be your perception.
Is there anything I can do about it?Try devising strategies to help you remember what's important. Mimi Towle, a journalist from Mill Valley, California, pregnant with her first child, couldn't remember the phone numbers she'd dialed for years. "I'd take a break from whatever I was doing and try to visualize myself dialing that number," she says. "The process of calming down often helped."You can also reduce frustration by using tactics such as carrying a small notebook for jotting down reminders, keeping a detailed daily calendar, and assigning items you use often, such as keys, to one place.Forgetfulness may be your cue to simplify your life. Easier said than done, of course. But you don't absolutely have to wallpaper that room you've been meaning to get to for a while now. Or clean all your closets just because a new baby is arriving. This sort of self-imposed stress, part of the feverish nesting that women often get into before a birth, can lead you to forget things.If this is your first baby, make time for some long baths, leisurely dinners by candlelight, long walks, and satisfying spells with a novel or two. If this isn't your first child, then you know the importance of finding help so you can take care of yourself. In short, try to relax and save your energy so you can better focus on the things that are really important to you. Is forgetfulness ever a sign that something's wrong?Not by itself. However, if you find you're really having trouble thinking or concentrating, and you're also feeling down or you notice a loss of interest or pleasure almost every day, you could be suffering from depression.If you're feeling unusually sad or overwhelmed, it's important not to suffer alone. Be sure to discuss it with your caregiver so you can get the help you need.
So I'd like to say how thankful that God blessed me with so many wonderful people in my life! My Best friend Abby & her Mother & Sister threw me a Baby Shower today! Pressley got soo many cute little things! We can NOT wait to put all her things up in her room! The shower was so much fun! Check out the photo section labeled Baby Shower for some photos! Thanks Brenda, Abby & Jenn for your kindness, I LOVE YOU! And thanks to everyone else who attended the shower- your kindness will not be forgotten!
Mom got to go with me to the Doctors appointment today- She heard Pressley's heartbeat! The Doctor said everything was PERFECT!
Dustin has been teasing me that I'm gaining "TOO MUCH WEIGHT" So I thought I'd throw this one on here for him...
MY BMI is 19.5
Your BMI
Recommended Weight Gain
Below 19.8
28 to 40 pounds
How to use these charts to plot your weight
19.9 - 26.0
25 to 35 pounds
26.1 - 29.0
15 to 25 pounds
29.1 and Above
Less than 15 pounds
Dustin and I attended our first "Birthing Class" today! We had so much fun! Our Teacher is a very kind lady named Maggie- She is also a doula... I have heard both positive and negative feedback about our choice to do birthing classes and have a doula. Thankfully, this is our child and WE are able to make the decisions regarding bringing her into the world! Anyways! Dustin and I had a very posative experience on Sunday and can't wait until our next class.
Last night, I had a dream that my brother Joel, made me eat a live iguana- and that it was moving around in my stomach--- its funny how things play games on your mind- pressley's activity is getting more and more easy to feel- which sometimes has an adverese effect on my sleep...
YUCK! I just got back from our 28 week visit and had to take that gluecose screening! I had to drink this orange drink that tasted like pure sugar mixed into a orange soda- I don't think i'll ever have an orange soda as long as I live.... Pressley is growing great! and unfortunately so is mommy... UGH!
Last night was a ROUGH night... between the Braxton Hicks Contractions and the Restless Leg Syndrome I was in for a long night! Luckly, Dustin slept well and was refreshed enough in the morning to get me up and out of bed and off to work looking good and with a full belly! He's such a good man!
Today we had our Dr's appointment to find out what we are having... ITS GIRL! Pressley Danyelle Chapman! We were told that she is 12 oz. A BIG GIRL! and that she is a show off! A lot of times, the ultrasound tech isn't able to get everything they need to correctly analyze the baby, but in our case Pressley was moving around enough so that she could see EVERYTHING! Chance was excited to see his little sister, he kept wanting to see the screen! How CUTE! After finding out, Dustin took Chance and I to Michael's to get Pressleys scrapbook so we could begin recording memories of our pregnancy! Then Daddy and Chance went and bought her a little onesie that reads: Daddy does my hair. I can't wait to see her wear it!
We had our very first Dr's appointment today- We go to an awesome practice in Biltmore called Grace OBGYN- I can not express my feelings enough about how wonderful it was to see our child for the first time. Dustin and I both were in tears when we saw that little life and heard that little heart beat. That will be a day I will never ever forget as long as I live! We are 9 weeks and 5 days! They are saying we should have baby Chapman on October 10th,2007! Our Doctors name was Dr. Pestoff!
I weighed 128lbs!! wooo hoo! Dustin says I can only gain 20lbs... we'll see!
Today Dustin & I said our Wedding Vows infront of our families at the N.C. State Capital Blding. We were married in between susent and the lunar eclipse which made for a very romantic setting. It was very windy and a little bit chilly but Dad got through the ceremony fairly quick and got us inside to eat! We went to Five Star Chinese Bistro for our "reception" Dustin and I went there many times while we were dating, it is such a good venue for food and fun! I am so blessed to have a husband like Dustin. He really listens to my needs and trys his best to do what he can to get what I need. I have never met anyone in my life that has so much drive and passion than my husband. I know that his drive and passion will carry over into our life.
We found out today that we are expecting a little one in our lives. Who knows what it will be or when they will be here! We are excited and very nervous for what the future holds!
