26 Weeks....and Growing!

Since I hadn't really posted a belly picture yet, I decided to do so since we finally took another one. These things slip your mind with baby #2!!! Here is the growing belly!

A Visit with Santa

I have always said "no matter what, we are getting a picture of Tyler on Santa's lap". And, yesterday, we did just that. I wasn't sure how Tyler would react this year, because it took two attempts last year to get a decent picture. So, cutting it very close to Christmas, I decided to head on down to North Point Mall early yesterday to enjoy (or not) that annual tradition. Tyler was a champ. We had a 45 minute wait in line and he waited patiently with anticipation. I gave him several "pep talks" to boost his confidence, too. I kept saying how important it was the he told Santa exactly what he wanted, so he knew what to bring him for Christmas. And, to smile big for Mommy for a quick pic. Well, one out of two isn't bad. The second I sat him on Santa's lap, he leaned over and whispered "train". Hysterical. I think in his little mind he kept saying over and over to himself "gotta tell him what I want, gotta tell him what I want". I didn't get a smile out of him, but he didn't fight it, and that was perfect. Here is the picture to share with you all.

Clifford Baby Shower

Our wonderful neighbors, Mike and Allyson Clifford, are expecting their first baby in January! So, we hosted a baby shower on Saturday night to celebrate the upcoming arrival of little baby girl Madelyn Elise Clifford. We had a great time hanging out with our neighbors and enjoyed some great food, compliments of Chef Tim. Todd and Rachel Crew helped out with the planning/hosting and together we had a successful party!

Blythe's Diaper Cake for Mike and Allyson

Todd, Mike, Adam and Tim

Allyson and Heather

Hosts: Tim, Blythe, Rachel and Todd

Two Expecting Moms: Allyson and Blythe

Baby Update - 24 Weeks

We are moving along with this pregnancy, just as we should be! It sure is going by fast! As the baby grows (about a lean 12 inches now!) the belly is growing, too!!! At my last appointment on Friday, we got a great report. My blood pressure is reading very good (WHEW!), as well as weight gain, and measurements. The doctor said I was measuring a little small, so she'd watch out for that in future visits. The baby may have been laying funny, which made my stomach measure a centimeter or two off. The heartrate was in the 140-150's bpm range. This was the first visit that I took Tyler to and he was great. He got to hear the baby's heartbeat, which was so special. He had so many questions as we waited in the exam room. He did a little exploring, too, and as you could imagine, that is pretty funny in a Ob/Gyn office. The nurse was sweet to bring him a juice box and some pretzels to munch on as we waited. Mom was very thankful for that! As we continue on, we have been dicussing the options of whether to do a repeat c-section or a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean). There are so many things to consider between the two. I have a choice (at this point) because I had c-section with Tyler, only because he was breech. We'll take one appointment at a time, and along with our doctor, decide was is best for me and the baby. Stay tuned!

A Ride with Priscilla the Pink Pig

It is a holiday tradition here in Atlanta to ride the Pink Pig at Macy's at Lenox Mall. So, we did just that the other day with our friends Jennifer and Ava Morrow. We tried to beat the crowd by getting their first on a weekday, but that didn't matter! All the other "stay-at-home moms" had the same idea! After a slightly grueling wait in line, we made to the ticket booth, got our tickets and headed for the ride. It isn't much, just two turns around a pink, Chrismas-decorated tent, but the kids LOVE it. And, it's CHEAP! Once we finished our ride, we treated them to a yummy lunch.

It always fun getting together with these girls!Tickets ready - waiting to ride!

Blythe and Tyler

Ava and Jennifer

A Thanksgiving Visit

Over the Thanksgiving holiday, we got to pay a visit to our great friends, The DeMauro's. They were in town visiting from Charlotte. We hadn't seen them since our visit to their house back in July. Little Mason is growing so big! He is nearly 7 months old now. Here is a picture of Tyler with his godfather, Chris, Melanie and Mason.

Baby Update - 19 1/2 Weeks

IT'S A.............

very healthy baby!!! Yes folks, once again, we are keeping us and the rest of the world in suspense until the birth day! I went for a routine appointment, as well as the ultrasound today. The baby is perfectly fine and growing as it should be! It must have been taking a little nap and didn't want to be disturb, because when we got our first look, it was curled up with it's hands covering it's face! The ultrasound technician had to wait 5 minutes and come back hoping it had moved! We got some great views of it moving it's legs and arms and turning here and there. Here is a picture of our precious little baby!

As far as the routine appointment goes, I am doing great. Blood pressure was perfect, as well as growth, weight gain, etc. We got to hear the baby's hearbeat, too, and it was in the 150's bpm. I have been feeling movement for a couple of weeks now, and Tim has been able to feel a few bumps or kicks himself! That is one of my favorite things about pregnancy - feeling the baby move. It is so comforting. Another 4 weeks until the next appointment - we'll keep you posted!

Happy Halloween!

Halloween was a fun night for us this year! Unfortunately, Tim had to work and couldn't get home in time to trick or treat. But, we were able to go to our neighbor's house and enjoy some pizza, get the kids dressed in their costumes and hit the street! Tyler was a scarecrow this year and couldn't have been more excited. I guess you could call this his favorite Halloween character. So, it just made sense to dress him up as one! My mother in law helped me put the costume together. I think it turned out pretty cute!

Here he is with his pals, Ella as "Pebbles" and Teagan as a peacock. Too funny!

Trick or Treat!!!

Susan and Ava Larkin's Visit

We had the pleasure of hosting some great visitors October 18 - 22!! Susan (my childhood best friend) and her daughter, Ava, came to visit us from Phoenix, Arizona. We had a blast with them while they were here. We planned some great things to do with the kids. Since Tim, Tyler and I hadn't yet been to the Georgia Aquarium, we figured this would be a great opportunity to go and take the girls. Ava and Tyler loved it! We were very impressed and can't wait to go again!

The next day, we took the kids to the pumpkin patch at Berry Patch Farms. They loved this, too, and were determined to pick out that perfect pumpkin! Tyler and Ava were hysterical together. They had their moments (as all 2 year olds do), but all in all they enjoyed each other's company. We wish they lived a little bit closer! We have been fortunate enough to visit each other two times a year, so the kids will get to know each other as they grow up. Next trip - to Phoenix!

Tyler's New Room

Well, it's official....our little baby boy is growing up! Tyler made the transition from crib to toddler bed back in August, and is now in a big boy bed! He's actually been in his new bed for over a month now, but we've fallen a little behind with our entries to the blog. He is remaining is his original room. We've painted it a new color, started changing the decor and have moved the nursery furniture into his old playroom. He has been so good with this new bed. He sleeps great and stays in it all night. A very smooth transition for all of us! Here is a peak at our little man enjoying his newly decorated room!

Baby Update - 15 weeks

I had another appointment today, I guess you could call it the "almost-4-months appt". Everything is checking out just fine! We got to hear the baby's heart rate (Tim for the first time) and it was in the 150's bpm. My blood pressure has continued to be excellent, so that has been a HUGE relief. My blood pressure was high during the entire pregnancy with Tyler. At this point with him, I was already on medication. They are going to continue to closely monitor it, but so far so good! Maybe we'll have less bumps in the road with this one! I am definitely feeling so much better - more energy and less nausea. My pants fit a bit tighter, though! It is beginning to show a little bit, but I am still at that awkward in between point where you are growing out of your normal clothes and not quite in maternity clothes yet. I am sure that will come soon enough! My next appointment is in exactly 4 weeks - the big ultrasound!!! Stay tuned!!!

Colleen McCann's Wedding

Here are some pictures from this fabulous wedding! She married Dan Cichy on September 22, 2007 in Denver, CO.

Everything was perfectly beautiful!

Wynne, Nicole, Colleen, Kim, Melissa and I the night before the wedding

The Mr. and Mrs.-to-be the day before the wedding

My mom and I at the wedding

Me and the beautiful bride!

Visit to Denver, Colorado

My mom and I had a wonderful little getaway to Denver last week. We had two very good reasons for the trip. First, to visit my sister, Suzanna, who has lived out there since February. Second, to see my very good friend Colleen McCann get married! It was a fabulous trip filled with lots of fun. We got to see a lot of the city, as well as taking a little drive to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains to see the Red Rocks Ampitheatre. Aside from the sight-seeing with Suzanna, we got to enjoy ample time with Colleen as we helped her with many wedding related things. What made the whole trip easier is that Colleen and Suzanna live 1/2 mile from each other, on the same road! Walking back and forth is a piece of cake! It was hard to come home, but I missed my boys!!! Tim and Tyler had a great time handing out together, and getting some big house projects accomplished!! Tim painted our master bedroom and bathroom, as well as Tyler's bedroom. What a hard workin' man! Here are some pictures from the trip..........

Me and Suzanna at her apartment

Red Rocks Ampitheatre

Suzanna's dog, Sophia, enjoying the view

Baby Update - 11 Weeks

I went to my second doctor's appointment on Thursday and everything checks out great! I was able to hear the baby's heartbeat. It was a fast 160-170 bpm!! The doctor confirmed a due date of March 28th. Exactly one week after Tyler's original due date!! Good month to have a baby! :)
I am feeling okay. I have been nauseous quite frequently, some moments worse than others. Then I'll have days where I feel perfectly fine. I have been napping a lot, too. That could be either the pregnancy or having a very active 2 year old!
Tim is super excited and has been very supportive through this first trimester. You can't wipe the smile off his face! We are still waiting a while longer before we really explain to Tyler what is going on. He doesn't really understand, yet. We'll keep you posted on the progress!

Summer Vacation 2007

We are relaxed and revived - home from Hilton Head Island! We took our annual summer vacation to our favorite place. We had a blast!!! This was Tyler's third time down there, and definitely the best. He was able to enjoy everything much more this time. He loved splashing in the ocean, playing in the sand, and swimming in the pool.

The frozen custard wasn't so bad, either!! Uncle Jordan ("Bubba" as he calls him) came for a visit Sunday - Monday. Tuesday thru Saturday, we had Mimi and Papa stay with us.

Each day we would get up for a morning walk on the beach with coffee (and the occasional pastry...) then, we'd head home for breakfast and get ready for the pool. Our complex has a great kids' pool, so we enjoyed many hours at that one. The "big" pool is nice, too, and would take Tyler there to "practice" his strokes! We took a break from the sun one day and visited the island's Children's Museum. Tyler enjoyed it. It was simple and not so overwhelming. He even brought some artwork home. Tim and Blythe even got a date night out which was a nice treat. What a fun week for everyone!

Fun at the Pool

We had a nice visit with our friends, Jennifer and Ava Morrow today. So, we packed up and yummy lunch and headed to the pool for some fun. It was a beautiful day. Not nearly as hot as it has been, and there was a cool, crisp breeze in the air.

Tyler and Ava had fun showing off their swimming techniques and splish splashing around! We even saw a few ladybugs and helped them to safety so they wouldn't drown!

Tyler was so ready to swim that he actually jumped in as soon as we got there without anyone being ready. He is definitely a gutsy little guy! We can't wait for our next visit with Jennifer and Ava. Thanks for driving up to see us and to play!

Our Growing Family!!

Time to make room for another little one here in our home! Yes, that is right, we are expecting a new baby. Baby Daniels #2 is due at the end of March (again!!) - exact due date to be determined. Tyler will have a new baby sister or brother! So, our projects for the next several months is to re-do Tyler's room into a "big boy" room and move him into a "big boy" bed and then clean out the playroom to make room for the new nursery! Wow - time is already flying by!

We had our first doctor's appointment yesterday, and everything is looking great! Baby is growing as he/she should and we saw a strong heartbeat on the ultrasound! Here is it's debut picture.........many many more to come!