Whatever it takes...

I'm back... maybe...

2009-06-12T10:10:00.001-04:00

i'll leave you with this.

Wordless Wednesday.

2009-05-06T14:43:00.000-04:00

it seems I didn't publish this yesterday...

2009-05-05T14:33:00.000-04:00

So, I finally found out about the pictures from the March for Babies walk that I did back last month, supposedly the photographer was going to have the photo's up 2 weeks after the event... which would have been last saturday, but they still aren't on her website. I'll show ya'll when I get them...

Secondly, the diet. I am doing so-so... I have been very good about breakfast... some type of fruit and a slim fast... which has been awesome for me... (I used to go to McDonalds EVERYDAY) ... Lunch is okay, I've been doing my best to eat healthy... although sometimes i've been running out and getting something quick that has been somewhat healthy... like today, I had grilled chicken (healthy) potato wedges (eek!) and mac n' cheese (double eek!)

so, we still don't have a scale so I can't really tell you what i've lost until I get to my parents this weekend.

Not Me Monday...

2009-05-04T13:24:00.003-04:00

being brutally honest and living to tell about it...

Well, this little story is absolutely hilarious and makes me laugh just thinking about what a kook I am!... yesterday both Dustin and I had a lazy afternoon after church and

decided to get to our chores about 6:00 (after catching up on all of last weeks GH episodes) Dustin was outside working and I had some things to do inside, like cleaning

Pressley's crib, bedding and carpet due to a diaper disaster we had during nap time. But we both finished up around 9:15. Dustin popped his head in the house and found me on the couch eating dinner and watching Desperate Housewives. He asked me if I wanted to come join him

outside just to hang out and listen to the sounds of summer and a little music. Due to my favorite show being on, I declined and told him maybe another night I would. As I sat and watched my show, I noticed that the rain began to fall pretty steadily outside. If you know me, you know I am super spontaneous and mostly crazy, I had this wild idea to strip down to my skivvies and run outside to dance with Dustin in the rain. I assumed he was sitting in the garage watching the rain come down, but as I took my first step off the deck I was

spotted, he was sitting in the landscaping trailer listening to some hispanic music! I WAS CAUGHT, you see, my plan wasn't to have any lights on because I really didn't want to see what I looked like after 2 pregnancies and I didn't want him to see me either, but the outside light was on! Needless to say, we both got a huge laugh out of it, him laughing at my indecent exposure and me laughing at his choice of music.

Thats all she wrote...

Schedule for the week...

2009-05-04T13:18:00.003-04:00

Monday: "Not Me" Monday... being brutally honest and living to tell about it.

Tuesday: Follow up on MOD and SFD..

Wednesday: Wordless Wednesday

Thursday: Craft Corner

Friday: The Daybook.

A Simple Womans Day Book...

2009-04-24T09:57:00.003-04:00

FOR TODAY 4/24/09...
Outside My Window... I don't have windows in my office... but If I were to imagine what is going on outside my window, here is what I would want to see. my two little girls playing in the green green grass with their dollys...
I am thinking... that the dear sweet lady that dropped off some very yummy brownies, and I think that I am going to have to have one.I am thankful for...the beautiful weather today. It is a nice change from the past few weeks.
From the kitchen... this morning before I left, I noticed a stack of bottles that need to be sanitized.
I am wearing... a wonderfully bright coral shirt with a fun pair of jeans.
I am creating... plans for the weekend, house cleaning.
I am going... to kill Tina for spilling her coffee down my wall!
I am reading... I was a Good Mother before I had kids... hilarious. Its a must read for all mothers.
I am hoping...that the A/C man will come next week and repair my A/C unit.
I am hearing... tina's endless chatter and Stars.Around the house... is alot of weeds that need to be pulled
One of my favorite things... is when my little girl is almost asleep but she sees me and starts smiling.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: ... Saturday is house cleaning, laundry, and meal planning..
Here is picture thought I am sharing... I am the one in the middle... from when I was a small child.

Day 4... Big girl beds, and such.

2009-04-23T10:09:00.003-04:00

So on Sunday, we made the long trip out to Babies R Us to buy a bed guard for Prissy's convertible crib, we needed to start transitioning her out of the crib so that when Brae is ready to go there she can. We decided that Brae was just too big for her bassinet but that since she isn't sleeping through the night yet we didn't really want her to be in a room with Pressley and wake her up all night...

So what we've decided to do is to, bring the old pack'n'play back into our bedroom for Brae to sleep in, and take the front of Prissy's crib off and replace it with a bed guard... here's how the weeks gone so far.

Sunday night:
- Braelyn slept all night!
- Pressley didn't know what to do w/ herself... she was up and down all night

Monday night:
-Braelyn got up at 4:00
- Pressley finally went to sleep in her crib after climbing into bed with Daddy... up again a few times.

Tuesday night:
-Braelyn got up at 1:00
-Pressley repeated the same schedule as the previous night.

Wednesday night:
-Braelyn got up at 4:00
-Pressley fell asleep face down on the floor at 8:30... and so Dustin put her in her bed and she slept ALL NIGHT!!! yah!

I'll post pics soon...

p.s. I can't get anyone to help me find the pics from the March of Dimes walk!!!

Wordless Wednesday.

2009-04-22T10:09:00.002-04:00

Lets see, where did I leave off.

2009-04-22T10:00:00.003-04:00

So I know I was supposed to blog every day but Pressley was sick and at home with me yesterday, and the fact that we don't have internet service at home is the reason I didn't blog. ... so here I am, posting today (wednesday)... get over it.

I started a diet on Monday, I have some extra baby weight that would be nice if I could get it off so I decided that a little diet would do. Maybe a little exercise, but you all know how I am about getting to the gym!

Here's what the diet consists of:

1300 cals/day

Breakfast:

1 slim fast optima shake

1 banana

Snack:

3 egg whites

Lunch:

Baked chicken breast seasoned w/ garlic and parsley

1 cup of plain rice

5 plain steamed broccoli florets.

Snack:

1 pear

Dinner:

Salad w/ olive oil basalmic vinegar dressing topped w/ sliced Chicken breast

** I am taking my vitamins daily too**

any fluids consist of ... water. :)

I'll let you know how much weight I lost on the following Monday.

March of Dimes...

2009-04-20T12:31:00.003-04:00

Well this past Saturday, I loaded up the jogging stroller, threw the girls in the car and headed to Jackson Park for the annual March of Dimes walk. As many of you know, I had wanted to do a 3k (run) for my new years resolution... that still hasn't happened YET, but I have started off nicely by walking 3.5 miles with my 2 little girls. It was nice seeing everyone out there supporting such a wonderful charity. The weather was just perfect and nothing could have been better! Originally, I had 4 ladies sign up to do the walk with me... slowly but surely, all but 3 backed out due to various reasons. It was only me and Katie left to do the walk with Pressley and Brae... it was such a wonderful time. There was a professional photographer taking pictures through out the walk and I've contacted the local MOD division to find out where we can see these pictures at... but until then, just use your imagination and picture me, sweating it out, pushing a double jogging stroller up a hill with 2 babies, either hollering "hello" or crying. To top it off, as I was packing up the car... they began to call out the door prize winners and LO AND BEHOLD I WON A DOOR PRIZE! **I don't think I've ever won anything in my life so I was super excited! ...

If I ever get ahold of the pictures, I'll be sure to post them...

Love Love-

Its just another manic monday...

2009-04-20T12:17:00.003-04:00

what does that really mean anyway?

Here is the plan... and I am sticking to it.

I will blog 5 times this week, once a day. I swear.

Topics will include:

1. March of Dimes walk

2. The new diet thing I'm doing.

3. Wordless Wednesday

4. Big girl beds and such

5. ... uhhh? Maybe we can scoot them all down and let this one count as the first one?

i'll leave you with these...

2009-04-16T13:14:00.003-04:00

thats all...

a few...

2009-04-09T10:31:00.003-04:00

I went to the Dr.. yesterday and that appt. was great. He basically ruled out graves disease (which I didn't even know was a possibility) Got some blood work done, again, and so he should know exactly what the problem is ... He thinks is postpartum hyperthyroidism which can he fixed with meds and will more than likely go away on its own.

Chance is back home for the week, and Pressley has enjoyed having him around. Where ever he is, she is right on his heels... I found them both in her crib watching Tarzan 2 this morning...

He got the opportunity to give Braelyn her first taste of baby food... apples.

a month has passed.

2009-04-08T09:57:00.003-04:00

hi everyone, several of you have emailed me wondering where in the heck I was! I've been here, but not really. Its been about a month now since I've been feeling extremely down, highly irritated, super tired, hair falling out... and much much more. I had done some research on Post Partum Depression and went to see my Dr. about getting on some meds until this all passes. I had some tests done after an extremely disturbing night and it was brought to light that I was actually experiencing thyroid issues. After getting on some meds to help regulate everything in my life things seem to be going back to normal. I do get to see the endocrinologist today at 3:15 to start treatment and hopefully get my thyroid fully functioning again. Thanks to Google, I have done some research on this thing called the thyroid... what it does, and how important it is. I found what's called "postpartum thyroiditis" that about 10% of all women get after childbirth. And after 12 months or so it usually goes away on its own... All in All-- there is help-- and of-course hope that I wont have to face the last month again. Thanks to all ya'll who keep up with this blog. Keep my family in your prayers.

Blowing up the blogger...

2009-03-09T10:04:00.002-04:00

Well I've got a lot to update... our anniversary was a blast. We ended up having dinner at P.F. Changs... We just got one near our house (about 45 minutes, really) so we ate there... it was so good! We had a blast. No pictures though. :-/

Then comes our little "ribbit ribbit" (she's got a little frog belly) I was trying to get her to goo and coo but this is all I got.

Oh yeah, and I can't forget Saturday's at our house, its all about diapers, paul mitchell and neon blue tinker boots.

Today.

2009-03-03T15:37:00.003-05:00

Today, 2 years ago, is the day I married my best friend. We got married at dusk on a very beautiful evening. It was a full lunar eclipse ...it was just so beautiful... so in honor of our anniversary, I decorated his car (unbeknown to him) while he was at work...

Wowza

2009-02-23T11:11:00.002-05:00

Thanks to Kara I found this really neat blog. After spending an outrageous amount on groceries yesterday and coming home with not much its been eating me alive to find better ways to spend our hard earned money... Low and behold I stumbled upon pure gold, in the form of a blog. I'm still trying to understand the logistics of some of these deals but I'm sure that re-reading it a few times will help out. Let the savings begin! :)

Thanks!

Money Saving Momma.

FUNG SHWAY Cousins...

2009-02-23T09:30:00.004-05:00

So a couple weeks back, I send out an email to all of my mothers side of the family, in search of my Cousin Arianna's blog address. Since switching over to Mac computers, I lost it and wanted to get back connected with her... unfortunately no one responded... Well today, upon checking my blog out for any comments on what to do with my office, she responds! At first, I didn't know who it was by the username, but upon clicking on her name, I realized it was her. Now I've got lots of blogging to catch up on. Its been since Aug 08 that I read anything she wrote. She will be added to the blog roll so any of you can check her out too! (I hope you don't mind Ari!)

The comment she left was about adding a mirror to my office... that it is supposed to be Feng Shui. But what exactly is Feng Shui and how do I achieve it for my office... Good question. I'll be doing some research on this topic and will post my findings... for now, I've got some cleaning up to do here at the 'ole office.

Ta-Ta

updates...

2009-02-20T15:16:00.003-05:00

Here is one of my huge empty walls.. It needs something more... but what?

What should I put behind my monitors? An orchid maybe? Bamboo? Willow?

The office is done but needs to be cleaned and put back together.

My other huge wall that needs help.

Should I really be blogging?!?

2009-02-18T13:09:00.005-05:00

Not much is going on in my personal life right now, other than the fact that BRAE SLEPT THROUGH THE NIGHT LAST NIGHT & Pressley got a little scratch from another kid at daycare. But here at work we are doing a lot! As we speak, the painter is painting the walls and the flooring guys are laying the beautiful laminate.... here take a look...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here's a pic looking from the back of the office to where I sit now.

Here's from my new office out into the "new" waiting area

This is a view from where I used to sit towards the side/back of the office.

Here is Scooter Dave, He is painting my office now... Yellow!

And Little J laying the flooring!

Compairsons...

2009-02-13T15:16:00.000-05:00

I will add to this as the months go by....

No Title.

2009-02-13T09:47:00.002-05:00

I'm kinda glum, worn out, sad... and a lot more things.

I feel that I'm so overwhelmed. Mom always used to say to just "cry it out" and I did a good job at that this morning, but it didn't seem to help. I love having 2 little angels, I love their smiles and their laughter and tons more about them. I love my husband, his smile, his hugs, his laughter and tons more about him too...

I just need some time away. Away from the hassle of dishes, and laundry and crying babies and barking dogs (any type of responsibility.) Can Someone come watch the girls for the weekend so I could run away and sleep on a nice sandy beach somewhere?

Love-

J

4th Picture...

2009-02-09T09:46:00.003-05:00

Okay ML, I think you were talking about me when you "tagged" me... but I really don't understand the rules... and I've got a ton of folders in my photo's section of my mac so I'll just do the 4th one out of every folder... lots of fun! :)

Now I tag, Lindsey, Kellan, Mendy & Kara

A Helpful child

2009-02-02T10:23:00.005-05:00

This weekend my parents came into town for a short visit... My mom was helping me clean the kitchen after lunch on Saturday and had opened up the dishwasher to put some dirty dishes in. Any time Pressley hears the dishwasher open she immediately comes running so that she is able to help un-do what ever I have done! :) However, on this specific day she decided that she would add to the already loaded dishwasher by putting her crocs in there! :o) Needless to say, we took them out before starting the dishwasher!

Survey on Pressley

2009-01-28T10:02:00.003-05:00

Name: Pressley Danyelle Chapman

Age: 15 Months

Favorite color: Pink

Favorite Stuffed animal: Her Pink Poodle named Bey-Bee

Favorite Food: Italian mostly, either speghetti or pizza pronounced (Num Nums)

Favorite Drink: Probably Orange Juice pronounced (Jooooz)

Favorite T.V. Show: Its a toss up between the Wiggles and Yo Gabba Gabba

Favorite activity: Dancing, climing on anything and reading books

Favorite Game: Peep eye...

Favorite Song: Old McDonald or BINGO

Lifetime Goals:

1. to be on Soul Train :)

2. to be a librarian

3. to climb Mount Everest

(hey, a momma's gotta dream!!!)

Sweet Baby Brae...

2009-01-27T13:57:00.002-05:00

5 Things that melt my heart about Brae...

1. Her cute belly... She has the cutest belly in the world. She looks like a little birdie... skinny little legs but a huge stomach!

2. Her sweet smile. I love talking baby talk to her... I always get this HUGE smile back, she is beeming... then comes that little tounge. With every smile she sticks out her tounge! Not quite sure why but it is precious!

3. Her manouvering to get her hands out of anything we put them in... ever since she was born, in every swaddle she was able to get her hands free... I could put little mittens on her, or even socks on her hands to keep them warm but by the end of the night she has removed them!

4. Her slate blue eyes... Dustin and I are still unsure as to what her true color will be or if they will even change but she has the prettiest color eyes...Depending on the light you can almost always see a green or brown hugh hiding behind the blue.

5. The way she loves to snuggle. She is so "needy" in that she wants to be held or talked to or cuddled with at all times.

More Memorable Moments during the snow day

2009-01-21T12:55:00.003-05:00

Not too sure what is going on here, Pressley pulled out a bunch of paper towels, ripped them off and then got her laid her dolly's on the paper towels... maybe like this was their bed? Either way, it made me laugh...

After bath time fun- She never plays with her tub toys while she's actually in the tub... :)

The Snow beginning to fall!

My Smiley girl Braelyn!

This is what happens when you get snowed in...

2009-01-21T11:31:00.000-05:00

Resolutions.

2009-01-16T12:14:00.003-05:00

Here are 2 of my new years resolutions:

1: Be a better "load bearer"

A couple weeks back one of my devo's was about bearing the load for other people. And I thought about what that meant and how I could bear the load for those close to me as well as those that aren't.

2. Get in Shape!

I've been thinking a lot about getting back into some other shape other than round and decided that I wanted to work towards running, dare I say a marathon?!? :) So I want to start out with the easiest run possible, a 3k.

So that got me thinking about How can I accomplish both my resolutions at the same time, some what... I began to pray about doing a run for a cause... not sure which one I wanted to do, but I knew that God would direct me to which one He would have me to do. After a little research and some personal reflection, I felt that God was pushing me to the March of Dimes. As a mother of 2 little ones, that were perfectly healthy newborns I don't know what I would do if one of them were pre-mature, or anything worse... but I do know that I would want people like me to go out and raise money to help find the cure for things that ale little babies. Before I started doing research, I didn't know exactly what the March of Dimes was... I'd heard about it but never knew.

Not only will I be running in the 3k to raise money. I would also like to be a team leader of a group of people that will be running. Hopefully, this will not be a hard task, to find people to run and raise money with me. If you are interested in donating money or running on my team, check out our website for Team W-I-T (that stands for whatever it takes)

Thanks guys!

Thoughts.

2009-01-16T09:53:00.005-05:00

This has been my first week back to work. Thankfully, the Lord blessed us with a wonderful WONDERFUL daycare facility! So far Brae has done great, but Pressley is having a tough time. She was so used to being loved on NON STOP all day long... and I am sure that she is getting loved on a lot, it is just a little different for her. Please keep her in your prayers that she will continue to do better day by day. Another thing the Lord has really been working on has been my organization and my job as a working WIFE and mother. It had always been a little difficult with my duo roles but God has really been with me this week. I have tried hard to stick to a schedule in my evenings. It seems that over the last 4 evenings, that I have been able to easily get both girls into that schedule and things are flowing fairly well. The mornings are still very hairy... I have my idea of how things are supposed to go... but they don't always work out that way! :)

Family Pictures.

2009-01-13T10:37:00.004-05:00

For quite some time now, I have been wanting to get family pictures done, but every time I try to plan a trip to Picture People, or meet with a photographer something comes up! But, Finally... after much preparation and a whole lot of chaos we got them done! Luckily, Chance was able to be home when we went which was just perfect!

Picking up where I left off...

2009-01-05T15:45:00.003-05:00

While I enjoyed my trip to Raleigh, I was ready to come home by the time the week came to a close. Being a "city girl" I never thought I'd ever say the words, I'm so glad to be back at home (now, Zirconia NC aka the sticks) Thinking on how my life has changed in the last 6 years still amazes me. I never thought I'd be dying to get back to a small 2 bedroom home nestled (like that word Dustin?) in the back woods of N.C. but I was. I didn't realize how hard it would be to tame a 1 yr old and get a new born on a schedule while away, but it proved that I was totally wrong. Both Pressley and I were out of our normal enviroment and it was more of a stressful time, spending the majority of my day telling her No, or chasing after her to prevent her from going up the stairs. :) The Joys of mother hood...

After I got back from Raleigh, I spent the next two weeks... doing... ummm I don't really remember! It obviously wasn't anything too important if I can't remember what it was, I'm sure it was going Christmas shopping, cooking, cleaning... resting, ... thats probably it. I guess looking back, I didn't do a darn thing, but isn't that what you supposed to do while on Maternity leave? It was a sweet time with my babies though, I enjoyed that!

I'll leave Christmas break for a future blog entry, and I will add pictures... But for the next one, I will simply post our Olan Mills Christmas picts... Enjoy them when I get them up!

I'm back... well, sortof!

2009-01-03T23:22:00.003-05:00

okay those of you out in cyberland that keep up with my blog, I'm sorry that I've not done a better job at blogging, but that should probably tell you how my life has been very stressful and hectic~ tonight I have spent quite a bit of time reading blogs from all my friends and smiled in delight and things I learned! Congrats Kellan and Rob!! Sara -- wow, another boy! Good for you!! ML- I loved reading about your holiday adventures! and Jana, you're lucky that Brody didn't get into your Christmas decor (I was less lucky!)

I will be going back to work 1 day a week starting Monday, January 5th. I will begin picking up where I left off at that point, Family Christmas pictures, Thanksgiving, Christmas, babies that don't sleep at night... toddlers that do the funniest things... family times... wow, I've got a lot to tell you about.

But for now, I'd like to wish everyone a blessed new year!

hummmm...

2008-12-06T13:19:00.002-05:00

So the other day, I went across the street to Duncan Donuts. I knew that my father and my uncle would be excited if I brought home donuts, so I ordered 1 dozen assorted doughnuts. To my surprise, they didn't ask me what type of donuts I wanted, so I was certain that when I pulled to the window they would ask me which types I wanted. However, upon pulling up to the window, I was met with a box of donuts. DO you know that they don't let you pick out which donuts you want!!!! Isn't that RIDICULOUS!... anyway. This blog seems pretty pointless... I'll blog important stuff later.

J

Raleigh

2008-12-03T16:28:00.002-05:00

Well, I am home (in Raleigh) for a week to show of our girls and spend time with Grammy and Poppa while trying to get into the swing of being a mother of 2! The last couple nights have been great, Brae has only gotten up 2 times and Pressley has been sleeping late so I am loving that! I remember when Pressley was first born everyone said to "Sleep when she sleeps" and now I was curious, how do you do that with 2! I guess that means we've gotta get them on the same schedule... right now, that doesn't seem to be too tough considering Brae sleeps 18 hours our of the day... and I would ask all ya'll out ther for advice... but the majority of my readers only have 1 baby! ... Brae is crying and Pressley needs to get up from her nap... so I better go, but if anyone has any advice... I'm all ears!

Holidays...

2008-12-01T16:59:00.004-05:00

Sheesh! The past 2 weeks have been a pure whirlwind! Everything seems to be a big blur... not sure if it is the lack of sleep or all the excitement that is causing this... :)
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving full of all the things that make holidays special. Time with family... great food... more great food... movies... desserts... laughing... relaxing... napping... football! Chance got to meet his baby sister so it was extra special... and I got my Christmas present early of having professional family pictures done... it couldn't have been better!

One proud daddy...

One excited big brother

A little angel...

and someone about to get into BIG trouble. HA

A Momma's Journey...

2008-11-25T20:44:00.003-05:00

Okay, Mary Lindsey... :)

So Braelyn is here... Both Dustin and I will blog on our experience of her birth.

Here's my Journey...

12:30-1:30 Contractions about 5 minutes apart... very uncomfortable...

now if you remember, the Dr. told me to get to the hospital when my contractions were 10 minutes apart...

I woke up Dustin worried because my water hadn't broken and my contractions were so close, we were both convinced that they were the braxton hicks and that if we'd wait things out they would go away... but the pain kept getting worse so Dustin called the Dr. and she instructed us get to the hospital ASAP!!! We both started getting ready, luckily I had everything pretty much ready to go, but Dustin wanted to shave and shower before leaving, so I decided that while he was doing that I would do my hair and makeup! :) I wanted to look good for any pictures that would be taken!!

We got on the road about 2:30 and dropped Pressley off at Janes; and then headed to the hospital. As we were getting off 40- the snow started falling... it was a nice treat!

They checked us in at the ER and sent us up to get checked out, I informed the nurses no matter how close to 10cm I was I wanted an epidrual! :) I'm gonna do a little dialog...

Nurse: Wow, your blood pressure sure is high... I think I know why... (she begins checking to see how dialated I am) oh yeah---
Jessica: what?
Dustin: what?
Nurse: You're 8.5 cm dilated with a bulging bag... you're gonna have a baby in a couple hours...
Jessica (about to cry): and mom and dad aren't going to make it in time! Dust, CALL MOM AND DAD~
Nurse: okay, we've gotta get you to Labor and Delivery quick!

They wheeled me up to labor and delivery very quickly... as we would pass a nurse, each one had something to throw on my bed that I would need in my room! It was quite funny! Our room over looked the mountains where I-40 passed through, so it was a pretty view!

We got into our room, and the nurses immediatly drew my blood and sent it to the labs so I could get my epi! Dustin called our Doula and she arrived ...

It took 2 times for my epidrual to take, but once it did, I was mucho relived!!! We tried to hold off as long as we could for my parents to get there but as any mother who has delivered a baby, the "need to push" came and we had to push!

Just as the sun was coming up behind the mountians... with snow slowly falling, our daughter was born. I began pushing aroun 6:45 a.m and somwhere before 7:02 Dustin got to get in the action and deliver our little girl.

Braelyn Mae Chapman
Born 7:02 a.m. on 11/16
7lbs 8oz 19.4" long
Black hair
Dark Blue eyes

...
...
...

I am exhausted... emotionally & physically... I will write more later... right now, we all just need prayer.

keep your eyes peeled for a Daddy's Journey--- Dustin's story of Braelyn's birth.

Happy Place...

2008-11-14T10:11:00.002-05:00

The other night, while trying to breath through some pretty painful and uneventful contractions, I remembered something I learned in my child birth classes last year... taking yourself to a relaxing place... in your mind... or as my brother Joel calls it, your happy place...

I thought it would be neat and fun to go find some pictures of things that make me happy... some of the images may seem stupid to you, but each one of these things brings joy to my heart. There are many more things, like my husband and my little girl... those are my true happy places... but I will have him there with me so I won't need to imagine him... plus he is pretty much responsible for the "pain" that I'm enduring!!! :)

The beach, I love the sound of the waves... the smell of the air, the soft breeze... I imagine sand squishing between my toes, and the taste of a shaved ice from that little local place by the pier. Most often, this is where I try to picture myself at... pure relaxation.

Home... Dad & Mom's home... but a place that will always bring back such great memories... This picture is way old (1995) but those old times were some of the most precious! I remember family suprising us for special holidays on that front porch... climbing the cedar tree to the left of the house... "writing" poetry :)

Kate Spade, Diaper Bags & Purses... I love Kate Spade ANYTHING... the clean lines and the great colors... she's such a great designer... :)

Pink Cars... especially, Mini COOPERS! :) This just makes me smile... I think that if I got to ever drive something like this around that I would alway have a smile plastered on my face!

Things that make me think of my Grandma Johns... Grandma was always such a fun person, creative, ... so many things all wrapped into one... but every memory I have of her is priceless... she taught me how to sew, crochet, knit, build tee-pee's, and I'm sure a ton of other things too... She always had home made bread, and those yummy peach milkshakes... fishing off her dock always was the perfect end to a fun day of swimming in the lake...

Crab Legs... yummy yummy!! I doubt that I will be thinking about Crab Legs while in labor... I doubt that I will be thinking about anything edible... but I thought it would be funny to throw this one in... now that I am starving for some of these... I'll have to find someone who sells them!!! :)

Miserable.

2008-11-13T09:34:00.003-05:00

Here's how last night went... I finally fall asleep around 9:30ish... at 12:00 am, the stupid beagle's are back barking up a storm... finally fall back asleep 45 minutes later... from 3:00 - 5:00 I had contractions every 12-15 minutes apart... I finally get up, and they stop. ugh. I am over this pregnancy... It dawned on me on my way to work, the first trimester of this pregnancy was such a nightmare compared to my Pregnancy with Pressley, so why wouldn't the 3rd Trimester be any different? My luck, I'll be having these contractions for another 4 weeks... Oh and who ever posted on my poll that I will make it to 40 weeks... you're dead meat! :)

On to another subject, my bosses daughter was diagnosed with Melanoma last January... she went through chemo-- with flying colors and is now cancer free... well last night, my boss called me to tell me that his oldest son (28 yrs old) has a growth on his Thyroid... Please be in prayer for this family... its been a tough year for them.

Brae Updates

2008-11-12T10:25:00.002-05:00

Well, I am 3 cm dialated! WOO HOO!!! YAY! YIPPEE!! and she has dropped just a tiny bit... nothing to write home about... still 50% effaced... The contractions are more sharp but are still irregular... :-/

C'mon Brae!

The little things...

2008-11-11T14:26:00.002-05:00

During my pregnancy with Pressley, God brought someone very special into my life by way of my job. A very nice couple was almost done with their home being built, but I got to get to know them through the last phases of construction. While carrying Pressley, this lady's daughter in law was expecting their first also; a girl, named Avery. So naturally, we always had a lot to talk about, me being pregnant with a little girl, and her, expecting her first grandchild! We struck up a friendship before meeting each other, so by the time we got to meet each other for the first time, it felt like we'd known each other for ages! To make a long story short, she made Pressley a beautiful blanket that she totes around the house... she just LOVES it! Well, today, she brought in one for Braelyn... Here is what it looks like... so snuggly and girly! I know Braelyn will love it as much as Pressley loves hers...

Among other things...

2008-11-11T13:26:00.002-05:00

So today, I will hopefully come home to a "care package" sitting on my front porch from my mother. I don't know everything that is in this little package but I do know that each thing that is in it was thought out by someone very special to me... Is it the fact that I am getting a box filled with neat little things just for me that makes me so excited, or the fact that my mother loves me enough to think of me to put together a box full of things that she knows I will enjoy... it probably is a little of both... but I am so thankful to have a mother so wonderful! I am quite lucky!

The past couple of nights I have still been having those painful irregular contractions... I think last night they were regularly coming every 12 minutes for about 30 minutes or so... ha... so I had 2 before they became irregular! But I spent most of the night, watching the clock, waiting and wondering when we'd be in labor... so today, I mainly feel pooped... like a big giant fat zombie wandering around... :) I am still at work though, not sure of how much I want to be here or at home. I feel like both places are needing me... but what is most important... right this minute? Well, unless I go into labor today or tonight, I will have another Dr. Appt tomorrow at 9:15... maybe we'll be closer to having another little one in our lives by that point!

Baby Showers!

2008-11-10T14:40:00.004-05:00

On Saturday, our good friends, Maggie & Chris threw us a baby shower! We sat on the front lawn enjoying a perfect fall day, the weather was just perfect! Maggie served up some wonderful food, and some delicious apple cider! We were surrounded by several of our close friends & family from the area, which made a perfect day even better!

Chris, Maranda & Reese

Our sweet angel... cheeks all rosie from the crisp fall air!

Pressley and her cousin Reese, hanging out for pictures!

Pressley and her "uncle Tedd" he's such a great man! (he's also my boss)

Last but not least, Maggie, she did such a great job throwing the shower! THANK YOU!

Brae Updates...

2008-11-07T09:01:00.002-05:00

okay, so I am 37 weeks now... I went to the Dr. on Wednesday and no progressions have been made... I am still having lots of painful Braxton Hicks contractions and having to breath through them. Dustin likes to call them "practice contractions"... I'm over them and ready for the real thing! I have got 60% of my "nesting" done so far... but we've got a few more things left to do at home before I will feel great about leaving for the hospital. I finished Braelyn's name and hung it with pretty lavender ribbon above her bassinet. It is just beautiful... her bassinet is something beautiful too! Mom and Dad bought it for us, it fit for a princess, very frilly, and I also added a run of lavender ribbon with a beautiful bow at the front to make it just perfect... I'll put pics up so that you're able to see what I'm talking about. I have Prissy's bags packed for her short stay with Ms Jane... cabinets are packed of things that she will need while we're at the hospital... I've even made a little booklet of everything Mom and Dad will need to know while watching her! I am short a few things in our hospital bag, but for the most part I've got that all done and packed...

Here's whats left to do:

- I'd like to buy a different digital camera that is easier to work... I've got my eye on this Sony Cybershot... seems like an amazing purchase.

- Complete Dustin's L&D Shirt that says "Team Braelyn" on the front and "Daddy" on the back

- Get all the baby clothes out of storage and re-washed for Brae.

- Install the car seat.

- Put Hospital Bag in the car... ready to go!

- Have the baby!

Back To 10/31/08

2008-11-06T13:19:00.010-05:00

Okay, So let me fill you in a little bit about our halloween experience.

First of all, Pressley was a fairy princess...

and she discovered what balloons are...

and I discovered was how much her and her daddy look alike (Braelyn better look like her momma!)

We danced in the streets...

We filled our bellies with fake icecream...

Pressley learned about bubbles, and how much fun they are!

All in all... the next 3 pictures will sum up my first halloween experience as a mother...

But whatever my experience... she still is and will forever be... our fairy princess!

Halloween...

2008-11-05T11:28:00.001-05:00

This post will be a continuos post... I don't have the time at the moment, but I at least wanted to share this cute video with you...

Lots of cute photo's to come.

Love-
J

Laughing.

2008-10-29T09:37:00.003-04:00

Its getting cold here... it would be wonderful to fit into one of my nice cozy winter coats... but that is just unrealistic right now. A friend of mine told me to just wear one of Dustin's coats... so finally, after freezing in the snow & wind yesterday, I gave in... I would take a nice little photo of my get up but... you might crack a rib laughing at me... so I won't do that! :)

But yes, it did snow here yesterday!

SEE!

Isn't that just so fun! It didn't stick at all, and by mid afternoon there were no signs of winter... just cold wind!

On another note, We've got our registry online... somewhat... We are registered at Babies R Us... but there was quite a few other things that I wanted to register for that weren't available at "BRUS" so I found this cool web site and begun our online registry!

Check it out here

Looking back in time...

2008-10-28T11:29:00.002-04:00

Today I had my 35 weeks and 5 days appt... :) Technically, 36 weeks... I don't remember how much I weighed... :-/ but I will tell you that I am progressing quicker than with Prissy...

During this week, LAST PREGNANCY, I showed no dilation and 10% effaced. This week, THIS PREGNANCY (obviously) I am 1.5 cm dilated and 50% effaced. :) WOO HOO! Dr. Pestoff did say that Braelyn is still way up there and has really yet to drop... and that alot of 2nd time mothers drop later than they do with the first child... her exact words... she may just slip right on out... I thought, great! with a 55 minute drive to the hospital... she better not be just slipping right out! HA!

Here is how big I am....

Here is a pic of how big I was this time with Miss Priss...

:) Fun stuff!

EEEK!

2008-10-28T10:32:00.007-04:00

WOW, no blogging on my end for a while... tisk tisk... yes I know.

Lets start at the very beginning... a very good place to start... when you read you being with ABC, when you sing you begin with Do-Re-Me... : )

Okay, enough Sound of Music.

Last post was October 13th... What has happened since then? (Checking my calender) 8-/ Wow-- two weeks since a post... sorry folks!

Well, First, we decided that Couper was house trained enough to start spending the nights outside of his kennel... So we bought him a dog bed... Poor Couper, Prissy would barely let him get in it!

Pressley got a hold of my scarf... she thought she was something else, walking around the house in her jammies and scarf... She's such a diva.

This past weekend, we decided to get out of the house for a family trip through Pisgah and around the Blue Ridge Parkway... We had SO much fun! Dustin and I hadn't done anything like that before, and so it was a neat memory for us! We drove through Etowah, and ate at this YUMMY place called Ed Bordeaux Bayou BBQ... it was delish! Luckily, they have one in Asheville so we will be back! Driving through Pisgah National Forest was really neat too... the trees were beautiful, and the waterfalls were stunning! WOW! We hit the Blue Ridge Parkway and got out to stretch our legs and boy were the Lady Bugs out... It must have been mating season for them or something.... Heres a sweet pic

As you can tell, Prissy enjoyed the opportunity to get out of the car...

Finally, we stopped off at Babies R Us to go potty, change diapers and look around at any new and exciting baby product! We firmed up our stroller purchase too!

As Promised...

2008-10-13T09:06:00.002-04:00

Here is a quick little slideshow for the last year of our daughters birth to her first birthday!

p.s. one of our customers just brought me brownies! YUM!

the post with no name...

2008-10-12T09:56:00.002-04:00

This morning, Pressley got up a little earlier than normal for a weekend morning... 6:30 a.m. (we've not got up that early on a weekend in a LONG time) Yesterday she slept till almost 9:00 a.m. which was quite nice for us too! But I guess I'm being a little "nostalgic"--- is that the word??? The last year has really flown by... we had a brand new baby this time last year, one that had these tiny cries, and who's diapers were the size of half a piece of bread... who loved to be swaddled tightly and sleep all day long! She has changed so much this first year, looking at her now, sitting in her high-chair eating her dry cheerios it almost makes me want to cry (no, its not the hormonal pregnancy tears... but true tears) Since I am at home, and we only have dial up I can't do it, but I'll add a little slide show of her month by month so you can look back with us and enjoy all her changes too! I didn't fill any one in her first year doctors appointment either! We met with her Dr. last Monday... she wasn't quite sure about him at first but found his pager and cell phone and thought he was pretty cool after that! She is in the 98% for her height. As far as weight goes she was more around the 75%... He told us we could start her on milk... so we tried this week... and her poor little tummy didn't like it at all... I am going to have to call because I am worried that she has a milk allergy like most of us do in this family... He also said that it looks like her molars seem to be about ready to start cutting through. Woopie!

That was about it before the nurse swooped into give her the shots.. :-/ No good! She didn't mind the finger prick, but the three shots she got didn't go so well... poor things!

That's all from here, I'm sure I'll post more through out the week... but as for now. TTYL BFF's! :)

Our Family Motto...

2008-10-09T16:34:00.002-04:00

Dustin and I have had this little motto for a while, and its been on the blog, but I've never really expanded on it. "Whatever it takes"... Having been married only a short time, and having a little one too, life is tough! I know, I know--- Everyone's life is tough in its own way, or it could always be alot tougher than it is now. But over the last few weeks, Dustin and I have been trying to focus only on positive things... removing the negative...

wow, where am I going with this? I started out talking about doing "whatever it takes" then jumped to being positive. : )
Maybe I'm supposed to write about both...

Whatever it takes-- so as I said before, Dustin and I started saying this when we were both so tired and didn't have any more to put into doing something... but finishing what we were doing was important... or if I didn't want to do something for Dustin... but he needed me to do it, I made the promise to him to do "whatever it takes" and he promised the same to me. We both hope that we can instill this principle into the children... that they can look back on their lives and say that their Mom and Dad loved each other and them so much that they would do whatever it took to make a difference. : ) That is a legacy I'd love to leave...

Onto the next, being positive--- also, another great legacy! With so much bad happening around the world, it can be so easy to get wrapped up in sad things... Its sad that the only thing on the new these days is bad news. It has got to the point where Dustin and I don't even turn the news on in the morning so we can start our day off on a good, happy note! I know that it is important to know what is going on in the world around you--- but really, is it necessary to do a news broadcast of a murder every night of the week... or the fatal crash that killed a family of 5? Yes, people do need to be informed or those things... but to focus so much of your time and attention on it?

H2O

2008-10-07T14:12:00.003-04:00

For the last couple of days, our water supply has been getting smaller and smaller... did our well run dry, you ask? No-- if it had then the other houses would be effected too... so maybe its the pump... who knows... either way- last night was our first official night with out running water. No dishes or clothes can be washed (yay for not having to do them...), no showers/baths can be given (yuck)... and the list goes on. So what do you do when you want a cup of coffee so bad you'd kill for it? --- run down to the "crick" and boil ya some!?! ---um, no! Luckily, I had a few water bottles filled up in the fridge to get my caffeine fix for the morning... but man is it a bummer when you don't have water... I never realized how much I relied on it! It is huge! Making a bottle is tough with out it... However, I'm sure Couper enjoyed his fresh spring water! Today, before heading back to the sticks, I'll pick up a few gallons at the grocery store!!-- that should work until we get things working again!

Funny story, I had to get ready at the YMCA today--- shower, hair, make-up... the whole nine yards... boy was that an experience! I have never had to get ready in public place before and there are somethings I learned that I thought I would share with you.

1. Don't forget to pack a towel if you're getting a shower away from home. Yeah, that wasn't too enjoyable, realizing I didn't have a towel
2. Wear your blinders while in the ladies dressing room... those old ladies are relentless when it comes to talking in the showering area--- naked. GAG!
3. If you're planning on blow drying your hair--- don't forget your brush!

All in all, it was a fairly un-eventful trip... I never realized how nice it was to take a shower in a big shower stall with lots of hot water and A GREAT DEAL OF WATER PRESSURE! I think I may sneak back tomorrow just for those things! ... but I'll be prepared with my towel & hairbrush, & make sure that I don't look to friendly while walking into the dressing rooms!

Our birthday Girl...

2008-10-06T11:13:00.003-04:00

Wow, I can't believe that it has been 1 year since we had Pressley! This year has flown by so fast... I never knew how much being a Mother would bless my soul. She is such a wonderful little girl, and each day is heart warming to know that God let us borrow her for this time... and that I am her "Mamma." Both Dustin and I are truly blessed with her... and we can't wait to meet Braelyn.

For Pressley's birthday, we invited several of our friends to Fun Depot--- a huge conglomeration of activities for children... Some people said that she was too young to enjoy something like Fun Depot, but if you were there, you would know she had a blast! I have never seen her so excited! From the yummy pizza (her favorite food) to the wonderful Cake that Jane made to the bright colors of the kiddie rides to the soft play area- everything was just perfect! I couldn't have asked for a better day for our girl! Thank you to all who were able to come out and celebrate the birth of our daughter!

Here are some pictures for those of you who didn't make it!

For My father...

2008-10-01T08:59:00.001-04:00

Thanks for playing little piggies with me... please carry on the tradition with our girls...

Love you-
J

Soap Box...

2008-09-30T15:20:00.002-04:00

Okay so first off, AT&T is the only phone company in the area... secondly, they are the worst phone service provider ever.

Two weeks ago, our phone line was hit by lightening and didn't work after that, so I contacted them because it is imperative that Dustin have access to a phone at all hours of the night for his job... they told me it would be 1 week before they could get a tech out to repair the line... WHAT THE HECK! 1 WEEK! I was so mad! I told them that if they couldn't get someone to our house before that then they can cancel our service we'd find another means of communications... the lady thanked me and said let me transfer you to customer service where you can cancel your account. OH BOY WAS I GETTING REALLY TICKED OFF! at that point I hung up... called Dustin and tried to vent as much frustration out on him as is humanly possible... So we got our bill... and there are no adjustments for interruption in service... okay so I have to call them... on hold for about 15 minutes to get transferred to repair... only to be told I need to speak to customer service again to get the credit on my account... (um why do I HAVE TO CALL TO GET MY ACCOUNT CREDITED???) either way, I got that handled...Was the money I saved worth the time I spent? not at all...

Then yesterday I begin trying to add a new email account to our work email... hmmm do you think I'm going to have issues? No, you wouldn't think so? It should be simple to add another account... I've done it before... but nope... this time, they've changed the procedure. Does it work? nope! So I try to do an online chat with a representative... but its not any type of chat system... I have to download a application... do you think they offer that application in mac version? Nope, so onto my next option... email... I email them the issue I'm having... do they get back to me? Nope... (my blood is boiling now) so I call them... on hold for 15 minutes again, switched all over the place... back and forth... FINALLY get tech support on the line and guess what... THEY CANT HEAR ME! Well, the thing with that is, our office phones are AT&T too, so they are the ones responsible for that issue... shocker... so I have to hang up with that tech rep... needless to say I am beyond frustrated with this stupid AT&T.

hummm....

2008-09-29T15:44:00.002-04:00

Today I finally made it to my appointment, with the gas shortages, Dustin and I decided that we should just hold off until Henderson County had replenished the fuel situation! :-/ So Braelyn is growing perfectly, she is head down already... which is good... : ) I'd say only about 6 or so more weeks to go!

Here are a few cute pictures I took over the last week... enjoy!

Bah = Bad

2008-09-25T10:30:00.000-04:00

Prissy's convo with her daddy! :)

Not too Sure...

2008-09-23T11:48:00.002-04:00

Hmmm... well I am not too sure if this is my way of nesting this pregnancy or what... but instead of organizing the house, I have been in quite a bit of a crafty mood... Apple Butter, Hair Bow making... what else! I think I'd like to try my hand at cooking... I found this cook website The Pioneer Woman that has a ton of neat stuff on it! Recipes that look so scrumptious... they've got my mouth watering... the only problem is, I'm not too good in the kitchen! HA! For the last few weeks I have been craving a chocolate pound cake... yesterday it transitioned into a chocolate cheese cake... now its both... a bite of one... then a bite of the other.. oh dear! Here goes that 3rd trimester extra weight gain again if I'm not careful!

I am curious as to what my weight is now (we don't have a scale at home...) I feel like I'm not as massive as I was last pregnancy (this time) and that for 30 weeks, I'm kicking butt in the looking like a whale arena... but we will see! I have a Doctors appointment today-- so maybe if I've not gained too much, I'll treat myself to a WHOLE CHOCOLATE POUND CHEESE CAKE! :) or maybe a pound of chocolate cheese cake...haha!

On a more serious note, Dustin and I have been trying to eat healthIER... for the last 2 weeks I've been eating, brown rice, steamed veggies & baked chicken for lunch... and snacking on boiled egg whites through out the day... I've not had a problem with it until today, I'm eating as I type but my tummy is telling me that it is still hungry... is it my metabolism speeding up? hmmm? Who knows... either way I've been trying my hardest to eat better than I did while I was preggers with Miss Priss...

Wow 30 Weeks...

2008-09-22T11:21:00.003-04:00

well, here it is the first day of fall! What more beautiful weather than this! I think it dropped into the 40's last night, and was crisp and cool this morning. I just love it. I'm trying to make our house smell like you're stepping into Martha Stewart's house... or at least how I think hers would smell... pumpkin-y or maybe apples and spices? either way, both of those smells are just scrumptious! I bought some potpourri this weekend and dumped it in a nice jar... but its not potent enough... should I buy more??? Idk! I just want that wonderful fall smell in our house! :)

If I can find the time, I'd like to get some pictures done of Prissy... I will probably do them myself, in the front pasture... it is so pretty and green right now... I bet I could get some good shots... I'll keep you filled in on that and hopefully I'll have a few priceless shots to show ya!

Pressley learned how to blow kisses this weekend! She is just a pure doll when she does it! Her little kiss sound is adorable too!
She also learned how to play peek-a-boo; but hasn't gotten that one down pat yet... She covers one eye up and 1 cheek up... its too cute!

Brae is kicking up a storm these days... Sleeping is still hard... my hips have begun to fall asleep w/i a hour or 2 of falling asleep... what joy! We are 30 weeks now, wow... where did the time go! If I go into labor the same time I did with Pressley-- then I've got about 8 more weeks... shew! We can't wait to see her!

Another exciting thing about fall-- ALL THE TV SHOWS COME BACK ON!

here's how my evenings will go:
Sunday- Desperate Housewives
Monday - Samantha Who
Wednesday- LOST & Private Practice
Thursday - Greys Anatomy

WOOO HOO! I CANT WAIT! :)

Sweet Things...

2008-09-17T14:44:00.002-04:00

Well, once again, I've been hit by the country bug--- I was given a huge amount of apples the other day and was told- Go make apple butter. So, I got the recipe, peeled the apples, cored them and put them in the crock pot to cook over night. I didn't know how much I would actually enjoy doing it, but I really did! The smell of cinnamon, cloves, sugar and apples cooking in your house always make for a welcoming scent! Plus with the weather being a little chilly and rainy, it has made the house very cozy! Last night, I started my second batch of apple butter, and so far it has turned out better than the first batch. Man is it Good!

Another sweet thing I have at my house is our sweet little girl! She is such a dear! Last night, we were playing in the floor and Pressley walked over and grabbed a book out of her toy box, brought it back to me and sat in my lap. It was so sweet to see that she just wanted to spend some quiet time reading with her Mommy! I don't think I'll ever forget that moment as long as I live.

Test Results... & other things

2008-09-11T08:22:00.003-04:00

I had my follow up appointment yesterday for my Gluecose tolerance test- all was great!

Pressley's little birthday outfit came in yesterday! IT IS SO CUTE! I can't wait for her to put it on so I can get some pictures!
I'm still needing to find a couple more things to make the whole outfit complete:
1. A hot pink undershirt
2. Hot pink bloomers
3. Shoes

I think I've decided to get her 1 year professional pictures done in this outfit, it is just too stinkin cute not to document!

:)

Gluecose tolerance...

2008-09-09T13:24:00.003-04:00

Today was the always enjoyable Gluecose tolerance test... :/

Last year, during my pregnancy with Pressley I took the test and chose the "orange" drink to try... This year, I chose the "Fruit Punch" one. They were both nasty! I will go back tomorrow to get those test results and get my RhoGAM shot.

Braeyln's bassinet came in today! We will have to put it all together now, get her name painted and hung, move furniture out of the house and into the storage building and get the house ready for baby girl #2! Dustin and I talked and talked about middle names... if you've been reading, we were trying to decide between Braelyn NOEL Chapman and Braelyn CHASTAIN Chapman. I LOVED NOEL & didn't care for Chastain too much... but we've come up with another name. This WILL BE our "sweet baby brae's" middle name. MAE. Braelyn Mae Chapman. Both of our Paternal Grandmothers middle names are/were May (Mae)... and I love that name... as does Dustin! SO WE MADE A DECISION! WOOHOOO!

Hope all of you are doing well out there in cyber world! Thanks for reading our blog and caring about our little family!

Top 10 phrases about Pressley

2008-09-03T08:16:00.005-04:00

These are thoughts that either Dustin and I have had sometime in the past 11 months.

Here are some thoughts over the last 11 months that Dustin or I have had. (I hope they make sense!)

10. (Jessica) It felt so good to sleep on my tummy last night. (the day after Pressley was born)
9. (Dustin) I can’t wait till we can talk about our day together.
8. (Jessica) Yay for buying everything PINK!
7. (Dustin) We must remember to remove her hairbow from her head when in the car or else she will devour it.
6. (Dustin) Do you think she’ll ever grow out of making that funny swallowing noise when she eats? (she sounds like a turtle does when eating)
5. (Jessica) She has to have a new dress for every holiday EVERY YEAR.
4.
3. (Dustin) Jessica—do you know how blessed we are to have such a sweet & cute little girl... I mean just a cute little girl... :)
2. (Jessica) Now I know how much my mother and Father love me. Wow
1. (Dustin) I think its pretty cool to be in love with 2 women at the same time and neither one cares!

blub blub blub...

2008-09-02T14:48:00.003-04:00

okay, the majority of this video is of me "blub-blubbing" but Pressley is very good at it actually! Heres a sneak peak into her skills...

:)

2008-08-25T08:51:00.005-04:00

This day has been LONG awaited!

Pressley took her first steps on Saturday, she was going after a Book that I had and stood up and took off toward me! The first steps were ofcourse, a little shakey, but she did it! Dustin and I were so excited that our little girl is getting so Big!

Another thing she learned this weekend was how to climb up onto the ottoman and then onto the loveseat or couch, it was so funny to watch her do it, once she accomplished climbing up, she'd throw her head back and just lay back and relax while watching T.V. I couldn't help but laugh. She's getting so big!

Our Big Gril!

2008-08-18T08:39:00.003-04:00

We transitioned over into the convertible car seat this weekend, Pressley is so cute, looking out the window while we're in the car! She loves her new car seat! (And so does mommy, isn't it the cutest thing ever) Dustin and I really enjoy looking in our rear-view mirror and seeing her huge smile and look of wonder and awe in her eyes! She's such a doll!

Straight from Daddies mouth...

2008-08-14T09:40:00.003-04:00

Lately, Pressley has been getting into alot of stuff! I've been looking at her and telling her "NO-NO" well yesterday, as she was trying to get into the dogs water bowl for the 10th time, I walked over and picked her up and said, "Pressley, NO NO!" and she looked at me and said, "no no no" in this cute little baby girl voice. It was priceless. On that note, Dustin and I were talking about Pressley's communication skills this morning. Here's what he had to say about a convo they had just this morning after Brehpass (Breakfast).

This am when she was done with her bottle.
she threw it at me and stretched back out and just sat there.
I was like.. Prissy? she went.. growwwwWWWWLLLLLL
I love it when she growls at me. She's is the best little girl I could ever hope to have.

I thought this story was too cute not to share, and I'm sure if Dustin had the time, he would have posted it himself! :)

Ouuuu-

2008-08-13T09:33:00.001-04:00

FYI- We're at 25 weeks, so only 11 more weeks till I'm full term! Wow this has flown by! I'm still wearing my pre-pregnancy jeans, but today when I put them on I did have a little trouble buttoning them up. :-/

My belly finally popped out this week, here's a quick pic!

Dustin and I decided that this baby name game is gonna have to be on hold till we see Braelyn, so we will decide when we see her what her middle name will be, Noel or Chastain... just a couple more months.

Creamin' corn.

2008-08-06T08:33:00.002-04:00

**The above picture is not my corn, nor my kitchen... but I thought it went well with the jist of the blog**

hmm so I got a little carried away apparently... I shucked, cleaned, creamed & put up about 24 ears of corn yesterday. I had such a fun time doing it too! Had I had the camera, I would have done some artistic pictures! But, its still in Dustin's truck!

Jane, the lady that watches Pressley had a "creamer" which made the creaming process a whole lot easier! I thought it would make a more than I ended up with but, it should cover us for about 4 meals of corn. I sampled it before putting it up and I thought it was just delish! :)

Brae Updates...

2008-08-06T08:26:00.003-04:00

Preface: When deciding on baby names Dustin has always loved the name Chastain. Me-- ehhh-- well, its not my top pick. So I've always said no.

SO- NEW NEWS! Dustin & I are changing Braelyn's middle name. This whole family tree thing has been effecting us since we started & not in a bad way... but really just making an impact on us. Back in the Chapman History--- his GGGGrandfather married a Jane Chastain Adams. So Braelyns name will be changed to Braelyn Chastain Chapman.

BTW- She is a lot more active than Prissy ever thought about being! :) I love feeling her move, Dustin finally felt her move so we are both enjoying her now!

Right now, we are almost 24 weeks pregnant. wow- only 4 more weeks till our 3rd trimester. WOW. :)

Family Thoughts...

2008-08-06T08:15:00.002-04:00

I've got pictures from this past weekend that I will upload on here as soon as I get the camera out of Dustin's truck before he leaves for work... On Sunday, Dustin, Pressley and I packed it up and headed for Liberty, South Carolina. The drive down SC HWY 11 was breathtaking and Table Rock Mountain was beautiful too, but meeting his Grandfather (Tubby's) Family was the most wonderful of all. Liberty, S.C. is a small little town that looks like something out of a old story book. Dustin & I pulled into his Great Aunt Nora's house right before his Great Uncle Ray got there! (Since we've been doing family research, we found out that he's got some family still alive that would know about his family history... and boy did they!) Both Nora & Ray were such sweet people. They told us stories of Tubby when he was young, and of their father. Nora got out a couple photo albums and we were shocked to find pictures of Dustin's father as a child. Dustin was floored by emotion, it was very important to find this lost information on his father & grandfather! Nora, gave Dustin some pictures of Tubby and offered some others but Dustin wanted to come back and make copies of them so he wouldn't take something special to her. Nora also had a book called "The Chapman Family" and gave Dustin a copy of that too! He was so excited! We learned that several of the Chapman's were buried in Liberty or somewhere in Pickens County. So after leaving Nora's house, we headed out to find the grave of a Confederate Soldier who was also his Great, Great, Great Grandfather, George Chapman. Like I said, we've got pictures, so I will get them on here as soon as I can.

Baked Ziti & Baths

2008-08-01T09:19:00.004-04:00

On Wednesday, I decided to make Baked Ziti, and let Pressley begin trying new foods! She LOVED the ziti and loved to smash it into her tray and smear it all over everywhere! After eating, straigt to the tub we went!

She is now at the stage where she LOVES tub time. She is intrigued by water and can't seem to ever figure out the water faucet and why she keeps getting splashed when trying to grab the stream of water coming from it! Endless moments of pure joy!

The Cows are out...

2008-08-01T08:56:00.003-04:00

Let me start with a short preface:

We live on Rock Creek Rd. Rock Creek Rd is a road where several cattle farmers keep their cattle. With in maybe half a mile, there are 4 cow pastures full of cows.

When Dustin and I first moved to Green River we would always see cows out of their fence. Sometimes they'd be full grown, sometimes yearlings and sometimes they'd be a new calf. Either way, we'd do our best to herd them up and get them back into the pin that we thought they were from... It was a daily chore, rounding the cattle up... if only we had a cattle dod that would do the work for us... nah- that wouldn't be as entertaining as chasing a cow around an empty field in your truck... :) On one accasion we had a few cows in our front yard so I decided to hop onto the 4 wheeler and round em' up and get them back where they belong! Not such a good idea... after several attempts at herding them to the lower pasture, the farmer came by and with a quickness (and a few laughs) rounded them up with in a matter of seconds. :) I still blush thinking about it--- I can hear him now, "you know that city girl that lives up yonder..." LOL

Well- to my point- last night, right before 8:00 p.m. I had a knock at our door. Now, if you've ever been to my house, people don't just drive up our driveway or come looking for something this deep into the mountians. So I found it a little suspicious. I cracked the door open and found a lady standing outside my door wearing a suit. She immediately told me that she was driving through and there were a bunch of cows out and wanted to let someone know so they could take care of it. I laughed and told her my little stories. She ended up being from the local cemetery, selling burial plots. I should have told her if she wasn't careful, she might be needing a burial plot. You don't drive into the deep mountians and stop by people's houses that late in the evening. But I didn't. I told her we were going to be creamated and our ashes scattered at sea. :)

... now to proof read my little story and make sure it make sense!

Family Tree's

2008-07-30T10:43:00.002-04:00

I didn't know what I was getting into when I started... honest! Doing geneology is so addicting! Dustin is very very very much into the "Chapman" name... and all the history behind it, but has been unable to find anything as far as info goes from his family because his father and his grandfather have both passed away. But, DUH, in this modern world.... everything is online! :)

I found this neat site www.Geni.com where you can put together all the info. I'm an amature for sure, knowing my sister has my family tree back to the 1500's, but I'm really enjoying this exploration stage of our families!

Bele Cher...

2008-07-28T09:31:00.002-04:00

This weekend was the 30th anniversary of Bele Cher Dustin & I have been in the area for 3 Bele Cher's now, but haven't made it to one until this year! Well, it was an interesting time. Anytime we go to Asheville there are always someone we do a double or triple take at... but this weekend, Asheville was FULL OF QUACKS! Between the goths, hippies, homeless and the Gay Pride... our night was full of never ending entertainment. I guess Asheville is a mecca for the Homosexuals and is advertised in San Fransisco and Mass as a city that is welcome to that type of lifestyle... All that being said... we had our extremely religious people with signs shouting that all sinners are condemned to Hell and the Homo's right in front of them shouting their beliefs. To be honest, it was very sickening... I kind of felt like I was in that 1970's movie A Thief in the Night All in All, we took $40.00 out of the ATM, bought 2 limeades, 2 corn dogs, 1 cheese fry and a candy apple... good eating & good times...

lots of teeth...

2008-07-25T14:50:00.003-04:00

hmmm. when should a babies Incisor's start coming in? Our poor baby, She has 3 teeth on bottom and 2.5 teeth on top. Her two bottom teeth came in first... those weren't so bad as far as crankiness goes... then her top left came in.... she became a little more of a hand full... and then her top right has begun to poke through and then all of the sudden her top & bottom incisors came through on the same day! Ouch! I couldn't imagine! I'm glad they have tylenol for infants... and oral gel... because she is in some serious pain!

Pressley stood by herself for about 10 seconds last night. She was holding onto my knees and I moved and left her standing there clapping. It was quite exciting... especially for Daddy--- snoorttt snooorrrt! :) haha!

Braelyn has been so active. I honestly don't remember if Pressley was this active at this point in my pregnancy with her. I know she was our tiny dancer during my 3rd trimester but for some reason I don't think I could feel her this much around 22 weeks... I just can't honestly say. Either way- Brae is a big mover!

Lunch with Justin

2008-07-25T14:43:00.003-04:00

So, living 4 hours away from your family is tough. Each day, I sort-of dread the lul of lunch time at work. Mostly, my boss and I go grab lunch... or one of the 2 friends I have in town go and each lunch... or sometimes, more rarely than any, Dustin & I actually get to eat together. But today... today was a ton of fun! I saw that Oreo commercial where the Daddy & son are about to eat an oreo--- little did you know that they are eating it via webcam... So I got the idea Justin & I could have lunch together... via WEBCAM! We both went and got our lunches, came back... logged onto Skype and sat and talked and had lunch! It was quite fun and hopefully we can do it more often!

Busy weekend

2008-07-22T11:53:00.002-04:00

...It is finished! :) Maggie & Chris' baby shower turned out well! Everything was perfect (to me) and I enjoyed spending time with mom getting ready for the shower!
Here are some pictures of the shower...

Twinkies & Krispy Kreme

2008-07-17T09:02:00.004-04:00

Well I am not sure where to start this blog, because it's going to be a conglomeration of several things that have happened this week. :/ I had planned to come back into town with a new healthy kick! Dustin and I have been talking for several months now about finding foods that will help his heart or heart healthy foods! So I planned meals, went online found good foods, reciepes etc. On Sunday, we both went to the grocery store and begun to work through my list of heart healthy foods. We didn't even make it to the bread section when my list was veto'd. He told me that he was going to stick to his 3 main food groups. Chicken, broccli & egg whites. Now, if you know me, I am very strong willed, and it ticked me off that he would throw all my planning out the window because he didn't want to eat preztels as a snack. Seriously... are you kidding me? So I told him that I was going to eat the heart healthy foods, and what ever he chose would be up to him to cook and eat. I wouldn't be any part of it! He then took the cart and proceeded through the isles looking for his items. About 30 minutes later we were in the check out line, getting ready to check out, and I look into the bottom of our cart and low and behold, there is a box of TWINKIES! I about fell out! Needless to say, he returned those twinkies. :)

During relax time last night, Dustin admitted to getting 4 twinkies out of the vending machine at work yesterday! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT! I packed him a nice meal of turkey speghetti with wheat pasta and a side of fresh pineapple to eat for lunch. Instead he had 4 twinkies. tisk tisk tisk.

So this morning, on my way into work, I picked up a whole DOZEN of fresh glazed HOT krispy kreme doughnuts... they are fabulous. I bet those twinkies don't taste too good now.

Don't eat a Joes...

2008-07-17T08:36:00.002-04:00

While at the beach, we went out to eat at Joe's Crab Shack... the food was good, the atmosphere was entertaining... and the whole experience... well, I won't be going back.

No A/C & baby showers.

2008-07-16T08:44:00.003-04:00

I think 3 times total this year, something has gone wrong with our HVAC. During the winter, we were with out heat for a day... brrrrrr. And now, this makes the second time this summer that the A/C is out. We've pulled out all the box fans and stuck them in the window, called the repair guy immediately and still, he is yet to come out! AHHHH! So when we get home at the end of the day, the house is nice and hot! Forget cooking or doing laundry, any extra heat will make the house go up in flames :)

Makes me think, life would stink if there were no a/c! I'm thankful that I don't live back in those days! Thank God for modern technology... when it works that is!

Well, on Saturday, I am hosting a baby shower for Maggie & Chris, they are dear friends of ours from Hendo. Maggie was our teacher for child birth class and also our Doula! They are expecting their first in September so we are going to throw them a shower! I am super excited because I love planning parties and I love decorating and cooking (only for parties!) Mom is headed down on Friday to help out! Keep us in your prayers for the a/c guy to come and fix our a/c and for traveling mercies for mom.... and that the shower goes well too!

Blueberry Pancakes

2008-07-14T13:11:00.003-04:00

Here is our baby enjoying her blueberry pancakes while at the beach... She ate 1 whole pancake by herself!

worn out.

2008-07-11T22:23:00.003-04:00

Today is the last day at the beach. To be honest, I am so worn out and ready to be at home with my hubby. Life is so different when you're a single parent even if only for the week! I know that Dustin is missing both Pressley and I tons too! I will be heading back west on Sunday...

I really did enjoy myself, and I know Pressley enjoyed meeting her Cousins again and getting to play with them too! She sure did love them!

Right now, Baby Brae is kicking and swimming around. And I am about to pass out from tiredness--- laying on the air mattress listening to the news... ready to sleep. Well, this blog was pretty much pointless... but I felt like I needed to blog about life, today... this week.

Have a great weekend!

Life's a Beach!

2008-07-10T08:47:00.004-04:00

Here is a picture our girl at the beach for the first time, she had so much fun! She would look at the sand, and play in it and then get up and bear crawl deeper into the surf! I had to keep a close eye on her so she didn't get toppled by the small waves! She did get a taste of the sand a few times... yuckie! I was trying to tell her no but she was insistant upon doing it so, I let her... :P

sitting here, missing my hubby..

2008-07-09T22:15:00.003-04:00

Well, I know its not too late, but it is late for me, I am usually in bed by around 9 ish, and here it is 10:15, and I am blogging. This week has been so fun, so many new first... but also bitter sweet. Dustin has been at home working this whole week which has left me and my family to enjoy the sweetness of Pressley's new things. First off, she got in the pool for the first time, then she went to the beach for the first time, and had blue berry pancakes for the first time too! Right now, as I am blogging, she is over there tossing and turning in her pack-n-play trying to lul herself to sleep. Our lives are off balance with out daddy! WE MISS YOU! :)

Today was an eventful day, Mom, Pressley and I made a short trip down to Charleston, SC to catch up and have lunch with my Best Friend Abby. With in seconds of pulling into Charleston, we were involved in an accident (IT WASN'T MY FAULT!!!) Everyone is fine, Pressley was asleep and didn't even wake up when the collision occurred, but never the less, it was a fiasco. Mom and Dads car is a little mangled and my spirit was dampened by the lack of attention on the other drivers part. We are all safe though, and it could have been worse so I will take what I got. We did have a wonderful lunch and got to spend about an hour catching up and visiting with old friends!

We arrived back home and had some fun times playing around and being excited that we were finally out of the car!!! Pressley was in rare form as she gallivanted through the condo searching for something... :)

pool time... for daddy!

2008-07-07T21:20:00.001-04:00

These are for Daddy because he wasn't able to be here with us for Pressley's first time in the pool! She had such a wonderful time and kicked and splashed and played with Cousing Abby & Andrew! Poppa got actual video footage of it and as soon as we find the cord to transfer that over from Video camera to computer, I will post it!

Today, we are headed off to the beach for the first time, hopefully we will be out there soon so the sun won't be so hot, and I'm sure we'll be back around noon or 1pm before it gets way too hot! I'll post pictures of those too!

I've got a few things in the hopper as far as pictures goes, we attended the McLaurin Family reunion and the pictures from our Fourth of July extravanza! :)

4th of July...

2008-07-05T21:56:00.002-04:00

Dustin, Pressley and I all had a WONDERFUL 4th of July! We just had good 'ole family time! Around 7:30, we headed off to Greens Six Oaks, the local Gas Station, Library, Grocery Store and Post office all in one. They had a barbecue and singing and then around 9, there were fireworks! Here is a slide show of all the festivities.

More Details on My Doctors Appointment...

2008-07-05T21:49:00.002-04:00

So I didn't have much time to write a detailed blog about our doctors appointment.
Dustin and I met with the ultra-sound tech that did Pressleys ultra sound so it was kind of neat that both our girls had the same technician! :) Anywho- Baby Brae was very active during the ultrasound and it was super neat to see her eat her hands and just move and move in my belly! Like I said in the earlier post, Dustin swore he saw "tools" but it was pretty evident that there were no "tools" to be found! We were both extatic about having another girl, but had yet to pick out a name... The ultra sound tech took lots of pictures for us and we are still peeking at them and just eating up our newest little girl! After the ultrasound we met with the Doctor to discuss the pregnancy and we were introduced to the fact that I am classified as a high risk pregnancy. Since we got pregnant before 8 months after having Pressley, the probablility of me going into Pre-term labor is extremely high. The Dr told both Dustin and I that starting in October I needed to start taking it easy to prevent going into labor. EEEK! That really worries me! :( So, please please please be praying for all of us that we prepare ourselves for whatever God has planned for Baby Brae and her arrival!

Braelyn Noel Chapman

2008-07-04T13:00:00.004-04:00

Well, we met our second little girl yesterday, Braelyn Noel Chapman. She was so active and we got to see so much cute little things she did! Dustin was certian it was a boy but he had no luck! :) Here are some cute pictures of our Baby "Brae"

Laughing at the end of a rough day...

2008-06-30T10:52:00.004-04:00

Whew, I sure am glad this weekend is over, I hope that it was'nt the prelude to a rough week! The weather has been such a doozy lately. Friday, I get off work and head to the Seafood Mkt to pick up some crab legs and oysters to fix for dinner, little did I know that when I get home the power is going to be off due to storm clouds? :) I think in everything we had planned to accomplish this weekend, we completely finished 2 things (and not the top priority items either!) With all that negaitivity, we do have several things positive to happen this weekend!

Dustin turns 32 on Wednesday, and I have an exciting/romatic evening planned for him!
We find out sex of Peanut on Thursday! I'm betting Dustin that its a girl, if it is, I get to buy all the pink stuff I want because this will be it for a while! (having babies that is!)
Julie is coming home! My older sister, who's husband is a Squadrant Commander :) in the Airforce, will be back east for a couple years!
Lonestar Steakhouse is opening on July 1st! Woo Hoo! I worked at one in Raleigh for several years and LOVE the food... I'll be going for lunch tomorrow!
Headed to Raleigh for the annual McLaurin Reunion on Sunday then off to the beach on Monday, less one wonderful man... Dustin. (He'll be staying home to work so that he will have quite a few days off when Peanut arrives!)

So all that being said, say a prayer for us this week that each moment will be fun and exciting and AS PLANNED! :)

Goals...

2008-06-26T09:50:00.003-04:00

So I was watching the Batchelorette the other night, and one of the guys that was on the show had recently taken a state bar exam for Lawyers... and on his bedroom wall on about 10 different posters were different things that were important to know for the exam. He would pass the posters several times a day and each time it would remind him of something he needed to remember. So, I've come up with something I'd like to do at our house! I am going to get pictures of our "goals" and "dreams" and post them up above our headboard so that we can be more focused at getting those goals. Weather it be saving $$, buying a new car, getting a bigger home or whatever... It will be up above our heads for us to look at as a constant reminder that we have work to do. One of my fun goals that I would like to attain for us is for Dustin and I to be able to go on a "babymoon" before baby #2! We will see though!

On another note, we find out on July 3rd at 1:30 pm the sex of "peanut!" We are so excited and can't hardly stand it... I'm rooting for a girl, and Dustin, however is rooting for a boy... :) Have a great day!

A Few Beautiful Pictures...

2008-06-25T14:46:00.000-04:00

Heavy Heart...

2008-06-23T16:25:00.003-04:00

"The moment you become afraid, is the exact moment you quit trusting God"

I guess since I've been raised in such a "faith-based" home I more often than not rely on God's help. I wouldn't like to think I expect God to swoop in and intervene on different situations, but in a way I do. I've said this many times over the last few years, but I will say it again... If my parents have showed me one thing in this life it was that God will always provide if you have faith AND ARE faithful. Yes, I know, we can't expect God to just clean up our messes or work when we ourselves have not. But I do know that if we truely need God, and ARE faithful, He will be there just like the poem "Footprints in the sand". Most often when we feel like God isn't there, He is, we just can't see Him or don't know it. Is it so hard to trust God? For me, most often no... but that may be my personality... to just let it happen... But for others... yes it is. And this is where I am at, with a heavy heart, longing for complete trust in Him. Completely trusting that HE will show others how to completely TRUST HIM.

To: My Father

2008-06-16T15:10:00.006-04:00

Well as Daddy's little girl, I am pretty sure that my words don't need to be said, but Since Justin and Joel blogged about Dad, I knew that I couldn't go another day with out jotting some thoughts down. Now both of my brothers covered things well talking about Dad putting "tools" in our tool boxes and being a wonderful Christian Role model... so what would I have to say about my daddy that would compliment their thoughts...

My father's hands... always fit my hands perfectly... when I think of daddy's hands, I can imaging how big God's hands are... they make everything alright when you're being held by them.

My fathers smell... being 4 hours away from him I sometimes become anxious to be able to sit next to him and breath in the way he smells... this may be funny sounding... its not that he smells good or bad... its just his scent. As I sit at my desk at work, I can smell it... it reminds me of home.

My fathers stories... if you know my daddy, you know how animated his stories are... each detail is thought out and explained perfectly... he always knew how to add in that neat little extra... from hitting him in the mashed potatoes and gravy (his belly) to Jack and the bean stalk.

My fathers humor... the picture above says enough.

My fathers love... is so great, is so warm... is perfect.

To: The Father of my Children

2008-06-16T11:59:00.004-04:00

Dear Dustin,

As you can see, you are the king of our castle. While pondering what to do for fathers day, many things crossed my mind... if I had about 1 extra empty day a week and maybe an extra $1 million I'd have it covered. But, unfortunately... "it is what it is" :)

Thank you for being such a wonderful Father to my babies (born & unborn) I know with out a doubt that you are the provider that God has said all fathers should be. Your protecting skills go with out saying... un stoppable! Our castle has got the deepest moat, the most ravenous aligators, the highest towers... no one will penetrate it because of the strength you built it with.

Now for the chariot... Chance did want to buy you a new car... :) that of course, didn't happen either. But he did have it in his heart for you to have something nice to go to work (to make money for him to buy more toys with)... and I'm sure Pressley would have wanted to buy you .... mmm maybe some juice or something that you could share with her!

But from me, I'd like to buy you perfection & beauty. Limitless perfection & beauty... So here you go....

Oops I forgot!

2008-06-13T10:59:00.001-04:00

Needless To Say...

2008-06-13T10:44:00.002-04:00

First of all, each time I log into this thing, I tell myself, next week I'm going to be better at blogging... I am going to write more in it than I do now... but this still hasn't happened. Oh well... maybe next week!

I'm sitting here thinking to myself if each one of my post will be identical to posts last year this time. Being pregnant is ... well, different! I think I've been through every emotion today and its only 11:00 a.m. I've had tears in my eyes twice, been frustrated and mad twice, been excited and happy... sleepy and wide awake (not sure that those two really work as emotions but don't tell me or else you might make me cry HA!) Needless to say, I don't need a mood ring to tell me what mood I 'm in but maybe a mood ring to tell me *WHEN* my mood swings will hit... so I can plan better and maybe change my reactions!

I had my 15.5 week appt on Tuesday, Peanuts HR is 150 BPM which is good. I met with Doctor Jackson, and for the very first time in my life was so uncomfortable lifting my shirt a little bit to show my stomach. Last summer, and every summer before, I was glad to hop into a bikini and get some sun but now, just allowing someone to see me is almost painful. haha... *here goes the emotions again* Moving on, Dustin and I will find out on July 3rd at 1:30 pm what our Peanut is! If you asked me a month ago, I'd say its a boy... ask me now, I'd tell you I have no clue.... kind of exciting!

I think thats all from here. Dustin's been working hard, Chance has been sickly (but much better now) Pressley's been into everything... and I--- I am--- Emotional. :) Have a great weekend!

Momma....

2008-06-03T14:51:00.002-04:00

Pressley said her first word! MOMOMOMOMMOMOMOM.... I guess you can't really say it the way she does, I'll try to get an audio clip or something so you can hear it! Yesterday, I put her in her high-chair to watch some Baby Einstien while I did the dishes and she'd look over at me and say MOMOMOMOMMOMOMOM! :) and then turn back and watch her video. We went to Target and bought this high-chair that has 3 stages, an infant stage where you can semi-lay them down to eat, a older baby stage for regular use and then a booster seat for toddlers! Both Dustin and I are really glad we got it! I think Pressley is too, she spent about 10 minutes "inspecting" all the different parts of it. It was too cute! Today, we had some issues with the IRS and their unkindness and complete lack of good customer service... needless to say I was pretty ticked, and all I could think about is if I was snuggling with Pressley right now, everything would be okay... :) I think its so wonderful to have her in my life as a comfort...

YMCA

2008-05-30T12:11:00.002-04:00

So after 5 months of having a YMCA membership, I have finally got my stuff together (and it made it to the car with me) so I will be going to the gym after work today! I am supposed to keep my heart rate low and all so I'm not going to over excert myself, but I figured I could do the treadmill & stair stepper... but this just hit me, I FORGOT MY IPOD! How am I supposed to work out with out music! AHHH! maybe I can read? :)