The Start of Baby #2's Journey

Just thought I'd share how the journey of baby blessing #2 has started.  I've been meaning to start a journal for this one, like I did for Knox, but I haven't gotten around to it just yet.

In January, Keith and I decided to start trying for baby #2 in June.  By then, if we got lucky right away, Knox would at least be 2.  It took 10-11 months to get pregnant with Knox, so if that was the case again Knox would still be 3.  At first, I was so preoccupied with Knox that, even though our attempts didn't result in anything, I wasn't too upset--plus we were still in our ideal range.  When we finally did get pregnant, I actually didn't expect it!

I first tested positive on November 2nd.  I barely saw a line and just stared, trying to decide if I was crazy or not.  So I went out to get a digital one--like I did with Knox, to make sure I wasn't mistaken.  To my luck, when I got out to the car, I had an extremely low tire.  I had to go have it filled with air while I ran errands (and got my test) while the line to have it patched dwindled.  I sat in "agony" waiting at the tire place!  I flew home and got a PREGNANT result just a few minutes later!  I about flipped!  I didn't want to call Keith at the office, so I whipped up a shirt for Knox to wear when Keith got home that read, "Big Bro Knox."  (see pic!)  I initially wanted to tell family in person when we were home for Thanksgiving so I didn't tell anyone ALL DAY, especially since Keith didn't know yet.  (I about died to tell someone!)  Once Keith did get home, Knox wouldn't sit still for Keith to see the shirt, so I had to hold Knox up so Keith could read.  Keith isn't a drama king, so I got a "you're pregnant?"  :)

By the next day, I couldn't keep it quite any longer.  I called my mom and Keith called his dad.  We told my dad and Keith's mom over Skype so Knox could show off his new shirt.  I sent my brother and Lindsey picture messages of Knox's shirt (on their 2 year dating anniversary, coincidentally!)  We slowly told extended family and close friends over the next few weeks (once my blood work came back with good results), until we had our first ultrasound last week, on Knox's second birthday!

As far as how I've felt, it's similar to how I felt with Knox.  I'm nauseated most every day, most all day, though it's been slightly better the past two days.  By that I mean I've only gotten sick once compared to about 4 times.  I'm not sick as often as I was with Knox.  When pregnant with him, I was sick EVERY time I ate ANYTHING.  I'm keeping more things down, but still haven't gained any weight!  That a plus to all this yucky sickness, in addition to the reason I'm sick, of course!  :)  Nothing helps the nausea--I've tried everything from eating crackers before getting out of bed, eating crystallized ginger, lemons, lemon ginger tea, small meals throughout the day, motion sickness bands, vitamin B6 AND two types of Zofran (regular and instant that dissolves--and being in a car only aggravates it.)  Think I might have to try a combo of the aforementioned for the drive home for the holidays.  The nasty cough I have now doesn't help things either.  I have a headache most every day from coughing so much.  And please don't think I'm just complaining--it actually gives me a small piece of mind that the pregnancy is progressing as it should.  I actually freak out a tiny bit when I'm not as sick.  :)

I'm also excited that my baby bump has already popped out.  I've always heard that after the first it makes it's appearance much sooner, but to have it actually happen is just plain awesome.  Besides, I love me some stretch pants and I stocked up at Target the other day.  I didn't have tons of long pants when preggo with Knox--it was unseasonably warm (or that's what I thought then).  I actually love fitted clothes when pregnant--it's the only time I can show off my belly and be proud!  Haha!  It's also great knowing that the pooch is all from the baby since I haven't gained any weight from all the sickness.  See--it's all good!

Mucho Fabuloso

So here's a few random fabulous things that are happening and will happen over the weekend...

First thing's first.  Knox had his 18 month check up yesterday, and is healthy as a horse.  A whopping 29 1/2 pounds heavy, and a tall 33 3/4 inches long.  As of yesterday, he still hasn't said his first word yet.  Michelle, his NP, still isn't too concerned since Knox is able to communicate without using words.  (Turns his hands up like he's

 asking a question when I ask him where something is, etc.)  Well last night I SWORE he quacked at his duck when I asked him to find it in the tub, which he always picks right up.  This morning when he was eating his applesauce, I asked if he wanted some cheese, he looked at me and said clear as a bell "cheese?"  So I think it was clear as a bell, but he wouldn't say it again.  30 minutes later I asked him if he wanted to watch Jay Jay The Airplane, and again so clear he said "Jay Jay" and has said something similar to "Jay Jay" three other times I've said it.  Of course, I called my parents crazy when, over a month ago, they SWORE Knox said about 3 different words with them.  We'll see if he continues to do this, what I think is talking!

Another great thing is that our back porch garden is doing wonderfully.  We just picked our first zucchini and about two handfuls of green beans.  There are tons of squash, cucumbers and tomato blooms, so we'll have tons of veggies in the next month or so.  Check out the "before" and "after photos below.  Before pics were just taken on May 2nd and the after pics were taken today, just about 5 weeks later!

You can't tell how tall the tomato plants are but one is almost a foot taller than the cage.  I have one Better Boy plant and one Sweet One Hundred.  The smaller plant in the green pot is a pepper plant, but I thought it was the Sweet One Hundred.  I can tell better now that the little blooms are popping out!

Fab thing number three:  Keith is finally home from a four day out-of-town business trip.  While away, we sweetly set up a massage for my BFF Holly and I to enjoy.  We're going to have some great girl time tomorrow getting pampered at the spa, following it up with a great lunch somewhere.  The later is still to be determined!  :)

Last, but definitely not least:  Knox and I get to go meet Molly on Sunday!!!  On top of meeting/loving on Molly and getting to see her amazing parents, we also get to spend some time with Tutu and LindseyToo!  We'll be invading Lindsey's apartment, an invitation that she graciously offered, since they live only 45 minutes from Jayma & BJ.

Hope your weekend will be as equally fabulous as mine will be!

MOLLY IS HERE!

Molly Katherine Bowling has made her grand entrance into this world.  The only stats I know are that she is 6 lbs. 10 oz and 20 1/2 inches long--and that she is awesome (direct from her daddy!)  :)

I'm so excited for Jayma & BJ!  They have waited a long time, and gone through much heart ache to finally become parents to an amazing little girl.  Hopefully, I'll get to go love on the beautiful little thing this weekend.

MUCH LOVE TO ALL THREE OF YOU!  XOXO!!!

The Space Between...

is what's driving me insane! Well, not literally, but almost.

Today is only the second of four days that Keith is on a business trip. Knox, thankfully, attends "school" for four hours, four days a week. If I didn't have this time to get work done, grocery shop and just regain mental strength, I don't know what I'd do.  It's not that Knox is terrible, though he can throw a pretty mean tantrum, it's just the mental stress of being a temporary single-mom.  All you single moms out there get some major props--you are all very strong women and must have amazing support groups around you to raise a child on your own.  It's just so hard when ALL of your family is four to four and a half hours away, and your friends that live the closest are 30 minutes away, others being an hour or more away. On top of that, the only people we trust with Knox (to babysit) are our amazing next door neighbors who won't let us pay them, so we don't want to take advantage of them by asking too much from them. We've visited churches in search of a Christian community were we feel we belong, but the only one that we felt welcomed at is 30 minutes away--even 45 minutes during the weekday due to commuter traffic. It gets frustrating when you know a place of worship is were you want to be, but don't feel totally welcome when you're there. And if you don't feel welcome there, you don't feel comfortable exploring groups where you could potentially meet new friends--especially if you can't even find if and when the small groups meet...

So basically, it's just been Knox and I for almost 48 hours (he, luckily gets a reprieve from me by seeing "school" mates and teachers.) Only about 48 more to go...

Maybe Molly will come tomorrow, to at least break up my monotony. Oh! Noah Clark Moss, one of the tickers on the right hand side, made his debut today. From what I hear, he was breach at Cacey's appointment yesterday, so they scheduled a C-section for today at noon! He weighs a healthy 7lbs 10oz! Congrats to my SATL!

Random Happenings

Before I let you in on all the good stuff that will be happening this weekend, let me inform you of a few things that have taken place the past few days.

I found out that my "magic" machine, is in fact, NOT magic.  I guess I jinxed myself with the last post, and Knox has NOT slept well at all the past two days.  BOO!  Up at 5:30 the past two days and only an hour long nap today!  I'm grasping for straws here, but I guess it's still his poor little teeth.  About the only thing making him feel better, besides the frequent doses of Motrin, is watching WIggles DVDs over and over again.  I know I'm a horrible mother for letting him watch so much TV, but isn't it better that I keep what sanity I have left?

Speaking of sanity, baby number two is not in the plans for the immediate future, but hopefully in the next year or so.  With this in mind, I have already planned to collect ovulation and pregnancy tests with coupons and sales, since last time we tried to get pregnant we probably spent a pretty penny on those things.  So today I got a notification that I can get $5 a $20 total sale at Rite Aid.  Rite Aid is normally my last go-to store in regards to couponing and sales.  I got on www.couponmom.com to check out the deals for this week, since they are almost up.  I saw they had EPT test on sale and there was a current coupon.  Rite Aid also had some cereal, which we have none of.  I also remembered at the last minute that I had a gift card for $10 for spending $50 there during the month of December in qualifying products.  Once there, I knew my total before taxes would be a penny short so I grabbed two individual rolls of paper towels on sale.  I had coupons for them but not with me--boo.  Anywho,  I saved $20.50 in coupons/gift card alone--and only spent $1.39--YEP!  ONE DOLLAR and THIRTY NINE CENTS!  That was for a pack of two pregnancy tests that retail at $17.99 (they don't expire until December of 2010), two boxes of Smart Start Cereal and two rolls of Bounty!!!  Yay me!

Back to Knox for a second.  I bought a pair of official hair cutting scissors from Sally's Beauty Supply so I can start cutting Knox's hair at home.  His hair has already grown a baby mullet since mid-December.  I did pretty decent for my first time cutting a toddler's hair.  Keith kept him distracted in his high chair, but he still kept turning his head to see what the heck I was doing to him.  I cut his hair at all one length from his scalp, which isn't the best option for those of you tempting the thought of the same.  Because I didn't keep his hair longer on the top, his sweet blonde-white hair sticks straight out from the crown on his head!  At least the cotton ball look is cute on one-year-olds! :)

Looking at the upcoming weekend, I'm super excited and the tiniest nervous, but for a good reason.  Tomorrow will be my first paid photography session, with me behind the lense!  I'm so excited that Mandy Hyde has decided to let me document this time in her, and her husband's life.  Mandy is about 8 months pregnant with their first baby, and I'm doing a maternity photo shoot with her.  I have so many great ideas, I just hope they transfer through the lense.  I'm heading over to her house Saturday afternoon, with a reprise visit on Sunday afternoon so her hubs can get his mug captured too!  After the photo session with Mandy, she's following me to our house for a mini-potluck with Natalie and Kaylie (and Knox).  Us girls and kids are kicking Daddy out of the house for the night, but he's not complaining.  He's going to see a silly movie I'd prefer not to see--everybody wins!  The great thing is that I get to see where Mandy lives, since it's only about 5 minutes away--a friend that lives close!  AND Knox gets to love on his girlfriend, Kaylie.  He has ALWAYS loved that girl, and think she reciprocates!  Anywho, Sunday I think we're going to get back to church after a two week hiatus with 2/3 of us having colds.

Wish me luck tomorrow!  Hopefully this can blossom into something a little more!!!

Poor Baby, Chapter 2

Last night, as I was getting Knox ready for bed, I noticed that his elbow and thighs seemed to be a bit "textured" so I thought he had some extremely dry skin.  I greased him down with lotion and put him to bed.  He slept well until about 5:15.  We let him cry for awhile, hoping he would go back to sleep like he normally does.

Well, he didn't.  I changed his diaper in the dark, and laid down with him in his bed hoping he would drift back to sleep.  That didn't work either.  When we finally got to the point of getting dressed for the day, I got a little surprise.  His "dry" skin was a new rash that predominately covered his checks, one ear, arms and thighs.  Great.  I already knew this warranted another trip to the doctor, and the gym clothes I just put on would not be put to proper use.

We got in right away, and actually saw the MD, or whatever his professional initials are.  He confirmed what I already suspected--Knox was also allergic to antibiotic #2, Omnicef.  This rash was more bumpy/pimply-er, as to the more blotchy rash he developed Monday with the penicillin-form antibiotic.  Good news was that he deemed his ear infection clear, so there was no need to progress to antibiotic #3.  Bad news is that we don't know what antibiotic his sweet little body will play nice with.  Doctor did prescribe a stronger form of Benedryll (sp?) for the itchiness.  I guess the Omnicef just has to work its way out of his body before the rash goes away, but it steadily got worse throughout the day.  Having said that, he was significantly "happier" today than the past two days.  No real tantrums until this evening, and I know his little body is just worn out.  Check out the poor baby's pictures below.

On a side note, I would like to say YAY to Jayma and BJ!  I reported previously that they are expecting, and were expecting a boy.  Well, we stand corrected.  Jayma had her official 18 week ultrasound and found that Baby Bowling is, indeed, a GIRL! :)

His poor little legs were the worst!

His ears were the things that got significantly worse throughout the day.

Still a silly boy despite the itchies

Bad, Bad Blogger

So I have no excuse for not blogging recently, other than the fact that I'm outta my frickin' mind. But what's new?

We had a fabulous Christmas running all over the place for about a week solid. We managed to get two and a half solid days in before heading back out to the Blue Ridge Mountains for a New Year's Eve vacation with some of my best friends from high school, minus Tiff and her family (Norah is only two months old--we all know that schedule!).


During my blogging hiatus (sp?), Knox, along with Keith and myself, had mucho fun with family and friends. We didn't get to see all of our BFFs, but someday soon we will. We also received many fabulous presents that we can't begin to express our gratitude for--all of mine added up to a most wonderful embroidery machine. You will more than likely receive a gift of some form of monograming in the near future. I could sit and stare all day long--work, what's work???


Our trip to the mountains was great. Keith got to tinker with nature photography with his brand new fancy camera (that I also claim as my own). I got to spend some quality time with two BFFs from high school, since Jayma was on "bed rest" from her cerclage (sp?). The cabin was peaceful and the beds oh so comfy, so sitting around all day and taking naps was a dream! Oh, and now Clark may be Clarke--latest sonographer said she thought it was a GIRL, NOT A BOY!!! Oh well, if that's the worst of our worries, I'll take it! :) Jayma still likes the name Clarke for a girl, and I think it ROCKS!!!

The only down side to our stay in the mountains was Knox's ability to acquire a black eye on the last day there--he must have gotten that from me. He decided to whine (what's new?), threw his head back while continuing to walk--and SMACK into the tree shaped table. At first, I didn't pay him close attention. He's always running into things and ALWAYS WHINING! Once myself and Alba actually looked at Knox, blood was all over his right eye. So much so that we thought he cut his eyeball! Once we kind of cleaned it up, we were relieved to see that it was only a small cut above his eye, on the brow bone. Small, but probably deep enough to leave a small scar. Once the adrenaline of the shock of blood hit, I felt a little light headed. I can't start feeling like that--no telling what the wild man will get into in years to come! It is now nice and blue--you would almost think the wild man is wearing eyeshadow since the black eye is solely on the eyelid. Below are a few pics of the shiner. They would be ones of the best photos I've taken of him, if not for the BLACK EYE! :)

I'm a proud Auntie-To-Be!

My sweet BFF, Jayma, found out today at an amazing 12 weeks, that she will be having a sweet baby boy on or around June 30th!!!  I can't wait for Clark to get here--Knox is so ready for his Auntie Jay and Uncle Beej to be parents to his future BEST FRIEND!  We can't wait to hug on the belly in the Blue Ridge Mountains!  Beebee--take good care of Jay next week!  We know you will! :)  We love you guys--AND CLARK!  Let the monogramming begin!

Happy Birthday Knox (One Day Late!)

Knox had an amazing first birthday!  We had a fantastic birthday party with wonderful family and friends, though we missed Grammy & Grandaddy, who weren't able to make it.  The party was puppy dog themed from the invites to the decorations and the cake.  

I made Knox a sign for outside in the shape of a dog bone that read, "Happy 1st Birthday Knox" completed with a bunch of balloons.  The center piece was a dog bowl full of tennis balls and smaller signs that read "Knox" and "1".  All food was served out of dog bowls (new and never used, obviously).  I made party hats out of felt for the adults and doggy ears out of felt for the kiddos.  Food included veggie pizza, kiwi & pear salad with banana smoothie dip, sausage balls to resemble dog food, bread sticks tied to resemble dog bones and pineapple cream cheese dip with crackers.  We had one large cake flanked by four smaller cakes to resemble a puppy paw.  Knox didn't dig into the cake as much as I thought he would, but I still think he enjoyed the sugar.  :)  Opening presents was more like playing with presents as Mommy opened them.  Everyone was so generous and Knox loves all of his gifts.  The party came to end with handing out favors in the form of "doggy bags" full of dog bone shaped cookies, cups with puppy paws and names, and small containers of Play-doh for the kids.  Check out a few pics of the festivities below.

I can't believe it's been a year since our crazy hospital visit that resulted in the birth of our amazing baby boy.  Well, he's actually classified as a toddler now.  I can't believe that either.  He has been such a wonderful blessing in our lives--he has made me a better person and watching him grow everyday is truly a gift.

While I'm talking about birth and a child, I want to stop a second to share this website with you, which I found on a sorority sister's blog.  The Compassionate Friends is asking people who know someone who has lost a child at any age for any reason to light a candle on December 14th at 7:00pm (your local time) in remembrance of that child.  I'll be lighting one for Katherine Nix Bowling--I love you, Jayma.  As we remember your sweet angel Katherine, we'll be looking forward to the bright life and future of Baby Bowling you now carry with you.

The centerpiece

The puppy print cake

Knox wearing the doggy ears

The grown-up kids in the hats I made

Happy Birthday, sweet boy!

Quick Update

So, here's a few things I wanted to share:

Thing number one is that Norah Katherine Daily arrived on November 13th.  She weighed in at a scale toppling 7lbs 10oz, and measured 19 3/4 inches.  I hear that Mommy Tiff and baby are doing great.  That's all I know, since I haven't talked to the Mommy yet (hint, hint Tiffy!!!)  But I know how all that goes, and we weren't as fortunate, as the Daily's, to have family close by to pop in for visits.  A random few pictures are at the bottom of this post.

Thing number two would be that Knox is FINALLY starting to try to clap!  YAY!  He was waving quite often about a month ago, but that seems to have tapered off.  Over the weekend, when he got excited over something, he'd smile his big squinty-eyed smile and start shaking his hands.  Keith would mirror Knox's actions in all his glorified goofiness, and Knox would do it again.  Once I started clapping and praising him, he started clasping his hands like a clap.  Today, while watching one of his Baby Einstein videos, he started clapping at a part when they sing, "If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands."  It's so amazing to see things start to click in his precious little head, and to see how happy it makes him--and me for that matter!

Thing number three is that I have already started listening to Christmas music!  I know, I know.  But, I am the one that does start listening the day after Thanksgiving.  So, I found out today that XM/Sirius radio (on the TV) already has a station dedicated to Xmas music.  In my defense, Keith and I had already decided that we would have to start decorating for Christmas this coming weekend for the sheer fact that we don't have another weekend to get it done--next weekend is Turkey Day weekend, the following is Knox's BIRTHDAY weekend, then the weekend after that is the second weekend in December and it wouldn't be Christmas if we waited that late to decorate.  Besides, we'll be in AL/TN the third weekend, so it really would be too late.  Anyway, I feel justified, or at least like I'm not the only crazy person, since Keith attempted to get Knox to watch Polar Express two weekends ago (NOVEMBER 9th!), but I followed in his footsteps by watching Polar Express, Garfield Christmas and Claymation Christmas Sunday morning after Knox and I made pancakes while Daddy was hunting.  I have also seen many friends' status on Facebook that read something to the effect that they were decorating for Christmas over this past weekend.  So I'm not crazy.  Right?  :)

More fabulous family time!

We spent another fabulous weekend with out-of-town guest...my parents!  We love when any friends come to visit us, but there's something about being with our family that is just so special.  It's probably the fact that we don't get to see them as often as we would like!

We had a nice, laid back fall weekend full of football and food.  Homemade chili, pot roast, and full breakfast were topped off with the victories of two of my favorite teams--The Alabama Crimson Tide and The Tennessee Titans!  Whoo-hoo!  Mom and I made a trip to the Dekalb Farmers Market, which I LOVE as I have mentioned before.  We had the fabulous lunch buffet, so we were pretty much stuffed for the day.  The whole fam still made it out for some dinner at Logan's on Sunday evening.  Like I said, a weekend full of food and not much else, other than enjoying each other's company.  Well, that along with Ma Jack and Big Daddy getting to see Knox's new tricks of screaming when he wants something or just because he can, and throwing little temper tantrums.  *sigh*  We did figure out if we talk really deep like Big Daddy, he wonders what in the world you are doing, and pipes down a notch or two.  :)

I'm sure I'll have some more exciting news by Thursday--one of my BFFs, Tiffany will be having her labor induced late Wednesday evening.  SO, sweet baby Norah should be here sometime Thursday!  Good luck, Tiff, and the Lamm-Rogers can't wait to meet her when we're home for Turkey Day!!!