Dawson Delights...

Our Last Month To Buy Formula--YAY!!

2012-01-23T09:12:00.013-06:00

This month, Lord willing, will be our last month to have to buy formula. I will be very, very thankful not to have to add that item to my grocery list---It is so, soo expensive, and we go through it so, sooo quickly! One more month of buying formula means Grady turns 11 months old today! I really can't believe how fast time is speeding by with Grady---I literally feel like we just brought him home from the hospital. I honestly can't wrap my mind around the fact that in a short month, he will be a year old---CRAZY!!

At 11 months Grady...

*Is into everything!! In the past few weeks he has knocked over and destroyed one of my big potted plants, has on more than one occasion, been caught with his hand in the toilet, stirring the potty water, has eaten a mouthful of dog food, has shattered one of my glass bread pans, and is constantly clearing the living room shelves and end tables of any picture frames or home decor. My poor living room is pretty much bare!

*He cruises around the entire house, and gets anywhere he needs to go with one hand on furniture or the wall.

*He really thinks he can walk all by himself. He stands for a few seconds, wildy flails his arms, moves his feet, and looks like he's trying his hardest just to take off and run. He usually just ends up in a heap on the floor. His mind is definitely ready to walk, but his little body is not quite there yet:)

*In the past month he randomly decided to get up on all fours to crawl. Although when he wants to get somewhere really fast, he will still choose his army crawling methods:)

*Just this week, he finally cut a top front tooth. This makes a whopping total of THREE teeth! (But from the looks of things, it looks like he might get a mouthful of teeth before his first birthday. His top and bottom gums are all red and bubbled up, and we can see teeth everywhere!---Poor guy, I'm sure all those teeth hurt!)

*He eats table food for most meals these days, and likes pretty much everything. We definitely know when he doesn't like something because after one bite, he will immediately start sweeping all the food off his high chair tray, and start shaking his head "no."

*He has a few "words" in his vocabulary---"Mu-Mu", "Dah"(Daddy), "No-No", "MMM-Yum-Yum", and "Siss" (Sissy)

*He's in size 4 diapers and wears 9-12 month clothing.

*He takes a morning nap around 10/10:30 and takes an afternoon nap around 2:30/3:00.

*A bottle, snuggling, and rocking are all still part of his bedtime routine:)

*Bedtime has been not so great these days. I guess Grady has become aware that he is alone in his dark room at night, and he doesn't like it one bit! A night light has helped a little, but he still cries (A LOT) when we lay him down, and he's still waking up at least once during the night a couple of times a week. It has been a little better the last few days, so maybe we're on the downhill slope---(FINGERS CROSSED!)

*He LOVES his Praise Baby DVDs! He "sings" and dances the entire time they're on! It's sooo funny and cute!! (I have a video of it---I need to upload it soon!!)

*He loves to point.

*He has recently started hugging and snuggling his blankies and stuffed animals, and saying "Aww!" while he does it---So sweet!

*He drinks juice out of his sippy cups, but still hasn't got the tilting of the cup down. I think we might try a sippy with a straw soon.

*Some of his favorite activities include: unloading the dishwasher, playing outside (And eating leaves, grass, and dirt!), drumming and playing all his musical instruments, (Such a great toy---Grady and Addi both love it!) rolling a ball back and forth to Mommy, playing "the swing game" and all the other silly games Addi has invented for the two of them to play, wrestling and "bumping noggins" with Daddy, and playing "Where's Grady!"

*He cracks up every time he sees me peeling an apple with our vegetable peeler. I don't know why it's so funny, but Grady thinks it's hysterical!

*He still hates the mixer, blow dryer, and his car seat. All these things produce tears and screams!

*He's still my sweet, smiley, happy boy.

Happy 11 Months, Grady Lukey!! We're so thankful to have you in our lives!!

My handsome 11 Month Old :)

Playing on the bar stools---One of his faves:)

Showing off his new top tooth (And his puffy gums---Check out all those teeth he's going to be getting soon!)

"Hiding" from Addi

9 Months Old!

2011-11-23T08:59:00.003-06:00

Somehow I managed to let Grady's 8 Month Post slip away from me...Ooops! Sorry Grades!! :( Life is kinda crazy, but I promise I will TRY to do better!

Happy 9 Months to you, Grady Luke!

At 9 Months...

*You army crawl all over the place. You've been doing this for about a month now, and you have it down to an art. You are super fast, and your Daddy and I both think you will skip the traditional "up on all fours" crawl. You get where you need to go without any problems, and don't seem to have any desire to change your crawling methods :)

*You "talk," squeal, jabber, and make all sorts of "boy" grunting and growling noises. "Da-Da," "Ma-Ma," and "Ba-Ba" (bottle) are the three words in your 9 month vocabulary :)

*You still enjoy baby food. Pears and sweet potatoes (And any kind of combo of the two) still remain your favorites.

*You are beginning to eat a few "big people" foods without choking or gagging:) You eat puffs (Sweet Potato flavored only-No apple cinnamon or peach puffs for you-ha!), lil' crunchies, saltine crackers, corn, and your all time favorite, pancakes---You LOVE pancakes!

*You have two teeth.

*You like to give fives and play patty cake and peek-a-boo.

*You like to pull Mommy & Addi's long hair, as well as chew on it. You gag yourself almost daily, trying to eat our hair---Gross!

*You have recently learned how to push your cars and trucks around on the kitchen tile. You have so much fun doing this...It's pretty cute:)

*You are still totally in love with your sister. You two sure have lots of fun playing together---She makes you laugh like crazy and you do the same to her. Mommy loves hearing the both of you play and giggle.

*Speaking of sister, it's not always laughs and giggles with you two. You make her so mad when you knock down her block "towers" and "castles." And she makes you just as mad when she grabs a toy out of your hands or sits on your back when you're trying to crawl:)

*You love, love, love your Mommy, and Daddy is convinced you are a complete Mamma's Boy:)

*You can spot the smallest speck of paper/food/trash/etc.---And whatever you find goes directly into your mouth! You are a little vacuum, and I am constantly having to rush over to you and finger sweep things out of your mouth!

*Your hair is absolutely WILD. It sticks up in all directions, and cannot be tamed (Not even with water, gel, or hair spray!) You are definitely in need of your first hair cut!

*You can clap your hands and wave "bye-bye." You only do these things when YOU want to, though! Mommy can never capture it on video! Your favorite person to wave at is your sweet little reflection in the mirror---So cute!

*If you see Mommy leave the room, you scream and cry. Yep, we have entered that phase:)

*You still go to strangers without fear. (Just as long as you don't see Mommy leave!)

*You have the sweetest smile, and you love to share your smiles with others. Anyone who comes in contact with Grady never fails to say, "He is such a happy baby." or "He is the happiest baby I have ever seen." It's true, you're a pretty sweet boy...And you definitely love it when people "make a fuss" over you. You truly enjoy being the subject of some one's undivided attention---You just eat it up!

We love you so, so much, Grades! These past 9 months have flown by too quickly! You are a precious gift, and we couldn't imagine our lives without you in it!

If you think about it, please keep our sweet boy in your prayers these next few months...We would definitely appreciate it!

7 Months!

2011-09-23T08:51:00.000-05:00

Little Grader is 7 Months Old today! (I'm sure my blog is thankful---These monthly posts about Grady are really the only thing kinda-sorta keeping this blog alive. I really do miss blogging, but it's just one of those things that has to be put on the back burner these days!)

Here are some 7 month tid-bits:

*Is eating all fruits and veggies. He definitely has his favorites and not-so- favorites. Favorites are sweet potatoes, squash, and pears. Not-so-favorites (AKA: Things that make him gag) Peas, Green Beans, and Peaches:)

*Can swat a spoon filled with baby food right out of your hand when you're least expecting it like NONE OTHER! Especially if it happens to be a spoonful of something he doesn't like. WOW! Blake and I are both super impressed by how good he is at this-The boy has great eye-hand coordination;)

*Has learned to start shaking his head "no" when he doesn't like something---Again, most often if we're trying to feed him some of his not-so-favorites:)

*Is still toothless. His bottom gums are so puffy and swollen, and you can just see those two bottom teeth ready to poke through. Every day I think, "Today is the day!" It looks like he could just bite down on one of his toys, and that would be it.. They would cut through...But alas, anything like that has yet to happen:( Poor guy has worked so hard trying to get those stubborn teeth in. Fingers crossed something happens soon!

*Is sitting up like a champ.

*Is riding in the grocery store baskets like a big boy, without his car seat.

*Can get anywhere he needs to go by rolling-He's pretty fast. Doesn't seem anywhere close to crawling though (Crawling would require him to lift his big belly off the floor---And that is hard work!)

*Speaking of big bellys, the boy weighed in at a whopping 18 lbs 12 ounces at his 6 month check up. Exactly 6 ounces more than his sister weighed at 1 year old:) (75th% for weight, 50th% for height {26 in}, and 50th% for head circumference {17.25 in})

*He loves to roll places and get himself in a bind. (Big sister was the same way) Some his favorite "binds" are under the ottoman and in-between the doors on the entertainment center.

*Has recently learned to say "Baw-Baw." We don't really know what "Baw-Baw" is, but he says it quite often these days---Usually in a really loud voice:) "Baw-Baw-Baw-Baw-Baw-Baw!!"

*Crosses his little feet all the time--Especially when he's being rocked to sleep or fed a bottle. It's pretty precious:)

*Sleeping is pretty good for the most part. Most nights he goes to bed around 10:30 and wakes up around 8:30. We still have bad nights too (At least once a week)---And those are still not fun:)

*Is still the smiliest, happiest boy ever. So sweet. (But if he's tired or hungry he will definitely let you know about it!)

*Loves to play with (pull) my hair or his hair when he's being rocked to sleep.

*Speaking of hair, he's getting A LOT of it. He has full head of dark, brown hair, and it's kinda wild:) He has a patch of long, wispy, baby hair that never fell out...It hangs down in his eyes a lot---Think it may be time for a little trim:)

*He doesn't mind the noise of the vacuum, but is ab-so-lut-ely TERRIFIED of the mixer. If I have to use the mixer, and he's nearby, it's over. Tears, Screams, Trembling...O-V-E-R!

This is what 7 Months Looks Like :)

Happy 7 Months Sweet, Smiley, Boy!!! We love you so much!!

Until Next Time... (Aka:Probably when Grady turns 8 months old!) ;)

Big Girl Goes To Tuesday School

2011-09-06T15:33:00.003-05:00

Our big girl had her first day of Tuesday School today.

She walked in, cool as a cucumber, no hesitation or nervousness whatsoever.

For sure a BIG lump in my throat, and tears in my eyes that I refused to let fall (Didn't want to scare her or make her worried)

I picked her up this afternoon and the first thing she said was, "I had fun, Momma!"

So thankful for a good first day, and for the sweet, smart little girl she's growing up to be.

Time, slow down please.

Until Next Time...

Baby Boy is 6 Months Old!

2011-08-23T08:31:00.000-05:00

My sweet baby boy turns 6 months old today---That's 1/2 a year---INSANE! I can't believe how quickly time is passing---Definitely faster the second time around!!

Here's what Grady's up to at 6 months

*He's been eating rice cereal for about 2 months now, and in just the past few days has finally started on some vegetables. He LOVES his cereal, and is adjusting to the veggies:) There were a lot of awful faces and gagging the first night (carrots), but things have already improved. We've only tried carrots and sweet potatoes at this point, but he seems to like the sweet potatoes best:)

*Despite all the drooling, chewing, fist gnawing, and nose running, he has yet to cut any teeth. He definitely has two hard white spots where his eye teeth will come in, so maybe they'll cut through soon?! He's going to look like a little vampire if those are the ones to come in first-ha!

*He rolls wherever he needs to go---He can get pretty much anywhere--My lil' steam roller:)

*We recently started letting him CIO when he wakes up at night. It has gone really smoothly. He cried hard the first night (SAD!!), but he has done well, and put himself back to sleep with minimal crying ever since. I know some people don't agree with this particular sleep training method, but it worked so well with Addi at this age, we knew we had to give it a try with Grady too.

*He's getting pretty good at sitting up by himself---Still needs work, but he's gotten especially good at this new trick in just the past day or two.

*He is wearing 6 month clothing and about 3 month shoes:)

*He has recently started sitting up in his stroller and in high chairs at restaurants.

*He squeals and laughs like none other---He is such a happy guy!

*He loves "rough housing" and "boxing" with his daddy. This always makes for lots of laughs and giggles from Grady.

*He loves to "drum." He especially likes to sit in Daddy's lap and drum on the computer desk while Daddy plays country music YouTube videos:) Maybe we have a little musician on our hands!

*He's fascinated by, and totally in love with his big sister. They are pretty precious together---Makes this Mommy's heart smile!

*We definitely don't have any kind of rigid schedule (Much harder to do the second time around!) MOST days he takes some sort of morning nap around 10 or 11, and an afternoon nap around 2:30 (Which usually coincides with Addi's nap time---Hallelujah!!)

*His big, sweet grin is such a pick-me-up! The boy is a smiler, and I.JUST.LOVE.IT.

*He has recently learned to scream and throw a little tantrum when he drops a toy or we take something away from him. It's pretty pitiful and pretty funny!

*He survived his first long car ride (About 6 1/2 hours) to the beach a few weeks ago. He did really well---We were pleasantly surprised!

*He also survived his first trip to Sea World, the ocean, and his first hotel stay. Unfortunately, he ate a lot of sand while at the beach...A LOT! He got waaay constipated as a result---SO SAD! But he (and we!) survived this too.

*He seems like such a BIG guy---Much bigger than Addi at this age. He looks MASSIVE in his car seat. I'm sure he's just average, but I'm definitely curious to see his 6 month stats. (His well check is still a few weeks away--His pediatrician is on maternity leave until September)

Sweet boy, just 6 short months ago!

Growing up fast!

Wow!

Happy 6 Months sweet boy, Grady! You're a precious gift, and we love you so much!

Until Next Time...

Dwight Yoakam

2011-07-29T10:29:00.019-05:00

We took a little trip to Waco last weekend. We enjoyed lots of things during our quick weekend trip---Rosati's, Shipley's Donuts, Waco Water Park, Chuy's, Marshalls, and Five Guys just to name a few (Can you tell we like to eat?!) The hi light of the weekend, however was getting to see Dwight Yoakam in concert at the Waco Cattle Baron's Ball. The concert didn't start until 10 o'clock Saturday night---Blake and I weren't sure if we would be able to stay awake for it (You know, since we're kinda old!-lol), but I'm happy to report we made it through the entire show, and had so much fun! We had good seats and good company (Travis, Alison, Kristen, Brent, and Kirsten---We were just missing Kyle, who happens to be the biggest Dwight Yoakam fan of us all:[)

Do you know how many great songs DY has??
Well, there's...
Honky Tonk Man
Guitars, Cadillacs
Little Sister
Little Ways
Streets of Bakersfield
I sang Dixie
Long White Cadillac
You're The One
Suspicious Minds
Ain't That Lonely Yet
Thousand Miles From Nowhere
Fast As You
Things Change

Just to name a few!! (You should definitely look up some of those songs on YouTube---You'll sure to be boot scootin' around your house the rest of the day! :) )

On the road to see Dwight!

The Guys...

The Gals...

All coupled up:)

Dwight in action:) (And yes, the jeans are just as tight as you'd expect from DY!)

Shenanigans in the parking lot after the concert--ha!

Three things I didn't know about Dwight Yoakam before this concert:

1. He's from Hollywood, California

2. He looks like this without his signature cowboy hat pulled down on his head, shadowing his face and eyes...

Pretty crazy, huh?!! I had no idea he was bald! Total shocker for all the girls when we got home and googled his image after the concert!

3. He was in the movies, Sling Blade and Panic Room. Sure didn't know he was an actor!

It was definitely a great weekend---Thanks for the memories, DY!

Until Next Time...

The Dog Days...

2011-07-19T16:10:00.010-05:00

This is about the only way we can venture outside these days...

Our thermometer on the back porch currently reads 108 degrees! Wow---We are definitely in the dog days of summer! I'm a summer girl, and love all things summer, but this constant heat, no rain, no relief has been CRAZY! I kinda feel like I have a case of summer cabin fever. It's waaaay too hot for Grady to be outside (Way too hot for Addi and Mommy too!) and there aren't whole lot (ZERO!) of indoor activities here in Coleman for the kids and I to do. We've been making lots of trip to the Dollar Store for entertainment (And just to get out of the house!) these days;)

This little girl has turned into a FISH this summer! She was terrified of the water when summer first began, but after a few trips to the pool here in town and several days of swimming at Broozer and JoJo's, she has become pretty fearless! She loves to go down the slide, jump into the pool all by herself, and go under water to look around with her "gobbles." She's even using her arms and kicking her legs to swim under water all by herself! She's come a long way in a short amount of time, and we are so proud of her! (I was the same way when I was little---I LOVED the water, and always had to be drug out of the pool during the summers)

Put him in a floatie in the pool and he's out---Just like his mommy;)

Lovin' her pink "gobbles" :)

Taking it easy

How are you spending these dog days??

Until Next Time...

Oh Poop!

2011-07-11T16:08:00.005-05:00

I think I've mentioned more than once on this blog that Grady is an "explosive pooper." Something involving Grady and a big, crazy, poopy mess happens at least once a week...It's quite crazy if you ask me. I remember Addi having a few of these, but Grady has them ALL THE TIME. We've tried every diaper out there and we've tried bigger sizes and smaller sizes---Nothing seems to phase the explosiveness. I'm starting to think it might just be a "boy thing" (Or more specifically, a "Grady Thing!")

The explosiveness tends to happen most frequently when we're out in public (Church, doctor's appointments, story time at the library---Just to name a few!)

It's been happening at home a lot here lately too!

This is a picture I posted on FB last week---(Um, thank goodness for Shout and Spray n Wash!)

Today Grady took his explosiveness to a whole new level...

I had him in his bumbo chair in the living room while I was folding clothes. I noticed the typical far away look in his eyes and the grunting that usually happens when Grady is "taking care of business." I didn't think much about it, and continued folding my clothes. Not long after I hear Addi yell, "Oh my gosh! That is so disgustin'!" I knew what that meant---But I definitely wasn't expecting this...

Here's Grady, sitting in his bumbo (Please ignore the spit up on his chin!) Notice anything???

Let's look a little closer...

Um yes, that would be poop underneath the Bumbo chair!! Out the side of the diaper, filling up the seat of the Bumbo, running out of the chair, and onto the blanket under the chair---Not to mention all in his shorts and up the back of his onesie! That is A LOT of poop, ya'll!!

Addi was completely appalled and I was completely dumbfounded!

You are one nasty little dude, Grady:)

Some of you may be totally grossed out by this post, and Grady is sure to be humiliated when he reads this when he's a teenager, but this is life right now, and I want to remember it all---Even this! Addi and Grady will be grown up all too quickly, and believe it or not, I will probably miss days like this! It's something Blake and I can look back on and laugh:)

Until Next Time...

Making Memories

2011-07-06T00:03:00.006-05:00

We had a wonderful 4th of July weekend in Sterling City.

The drive home was not quite as wonderful.

Grady hates his car seat, so he screams...

Addi hates that Grady screams because she can't hear the radio, so she screams...

I'm sure many of you can relate.

A good 60 miles of nonstop screaming.

And all Blake and I could do was laugh:) (And take pictures for memory making sake!)

Oh, and this was all AFTER we hit the deer...Ha! (Remember, all we could do was laugh!)

Until Next Time...

Go here to see all the FUN 4th of July pics;)

4 Months!

2011-06-25T09:51:00.007-05:00

Grady turned 4 months old this past Thursday!

Here are his stats:

Weight: 14lbs. 13 oz (I'm certain he would have hit the 15 lb mark, but in normal Grady fashion, he had a massive poopy diaper right before he was weighed---I'm positive he lost a few ounces in that diaper! lol)
Height: 24.75 inches
Head circumference: 16.25

He is in the 50th percentile for height and weight and the 25th percentile for head circumference. He is healthy and doing great!

Here are a few Grady facts for this month:

*He LOVES his sister. He is truly fascinated by her! She runs around him giggling, tickling him, kissing him, and hugging him, and his eyes just light up. She's a little rough with him at times, but he doesn't seem to mind. I can't wait until he's old enough to actually start playing with her! (He's already gotten really good at pulling her hair!!)

*He's strong. He loves to pull up, bear weight on his legs, and stand. He thinks he's pretty big;)

*He's still rolling from his tummy to his back, and is getting really close to rolling the other way too. I don't think it will be long before he is rolling from back to tummy.

*He takes his shots really hard. He does fine we he gets the actual shots (Barely even cries), but the night that follows the shots is pretty rough. He just cries and cries, and you can tell he doesn't feel good---Poor little guy! Addi was just the opposite---She would scream bloody murder and cry hysterically when she got the shots, but once they were done, she was fine.

*His sleeping is consistently inconsistent:) He'll go for a few nights where he sleeps all night (Not even waking up until 9 or 10 the next morning!) and then he'll have nights where he wakes up around 4 am. He'll eat and go back to sleep until around 8. It's not too bad---4 am is definitely manageable. I can handle 4 am, but hopefully we'll get a little more consistency in these next few months...Fingers crossed!

*He went through a rough spell this past month. Our happy little guy was just crying, fussy, and generally upset and not content. We've come to the conclusion that he is already trying to cut teeth! We can see and feel a white bump on his top left gum. It actually looks like one of his eye teeth (Which are usually the worst and most painful to cut!) Dr. Jennifer also commented that his bottom gums looked pretty red and swollen at his appointment yesterday. I'm really hoping the teething process won't be too miserable for him. If this little spell was a preview of things to come, I'm afraid it may be pretty awful:(

*It seems like he is learning something new every day. Just this week he has discovered his feet and toes and he's learned to arch his back when he gets mad;)

*He's grabbing and playing with his toys and clasping his hands together more and more.

*He's decided he's not a fan of the carseat and pretty much screams anytime we're in the car---Short trips or long trips, he's usually crying:(

*He's still a squealer and a smiler:) Soo cute!

Here are a few pics of the 4 Month Old Little Man at his doctor's appointment yesterday:)

He loved the paper on the examining table!! He did lots and moving and shaking just so he could hear all the noise the paper was making:)

Guess that's it for now---I'm only 2 days late with this post---Not too bad for me these days;)

Until Next Time...

Quick Catch Up!

2011-06-05T14:50:00.008-05:00

Just playing a quick game of catch up!!

Addi had a great 3rd Birthday.

She woke up to a chocolate donut with sprinkles (Her fave!) and ended the day with Chick-fil-A (Her choice) chicken nuggets and ice cream!

Saturday we celebrated Minnie Mouse Style! It was a fun day filled with cake, cookies, ice cream, punch, and LOTS of presents!

Having "Happy Birthday" sung to her was her favorite part of the entire day!

Her "big" present from Blake and I was a bike. She hopped on, and rode it like a pro! We were super impressed:)

Go here to see all the fun party pics!

The next day was Addi & Grady's dedication service at church. Blake and I are so thankful for these precious little blessings the Lord has given us, and we pray we are raising them in a way that brings glory to Him. We praise God for our family and church family who have committed to help and encourage us in this journey. And of course, we pray the Lord would draw Addi and Grady to himself, that it would please Him to call each of them His own, and that a day of salvation would come in both of their lives.

Here are a couple of pics---I didn't get many!

The following week we headed to San Angelo for Addi's 3 year check up. She's doing great!! She weighs 28.4 pounds (25th percentile) is 37 inches tall (50th percentile). While we were in town, Cozart Photography so kindly took Addi's 3 year pictures. They turned out soooo good! Quite possibly Addi's best pics to date. Go here to check out the sneak peek. I've had a chance to look at all of the pictures, and they are ALL SOOOO FABULOUS!! I don't know how I will ever narrow them down!

This past week was VBS at our church. The theme was Pandamania-God is Wild About You! It was such a great week! Blake, Janie, and I were in charge of games---We had lots of fun!! We had a Pre-School class this year, so Addi got her first REAL VBS experience, (Not just the VBS nursery) and she loved it!

Grady & Addi looking good for Family Night at VBS

Getting ready to sing

I'm really bummed I didn't get any pics of Add lifting up her dress for the entire church during the VBS program---YIKES! What a little stinker!!

Addi has recently started going to gymnastics. She has been to two class so far, and just loves it. I am so proud of how well she's done! She's super-duper shy, and parents aren't allowed to stay and watch the class, so I've been really surprised at how "brave" she's been! She's definitely needing more social interaction with kids her age, so I think this class is going to be great for her!

Hopefully I can sneak some "action" shots of her soon!

Mr. Grady got to try out the exersaucer for the first time this past week. He seems to enjoy it! Little guy has had a rough week---Just really fussy and not napping or sleeping well. The past few days have been a little better, so I'm hoping for a better week this week!

He loves his big sister and She loves her little brother!

Whew! Guess that's it for now!!

Does anyone even read this blog anymore?? Just curious...

Until Next Time!

3 Months!

2011-05-23T11:50:00.001-05:00

The Grady Man is 3 months old today!

Here are some of his 3 month facts:

*Grady has recently discovered his hands. He plays with his hands a lot, and he loves to suck and chew on his fists. I'm pretty sure he would stick an entire fist in his mouth if it would fit.

*He loves rattles! He is very content and easily entertained if he's laying on his blanket with a rattle being shaken above him. It's a sure way to get him to smile and squeal.

*He is such a talker! He "coos" and "goos" "ohhhhs" and "awwws" All the time! He is squealing and laughing out loud now too-- I love it!

*He is such a smiler too! He is very generous with his sweet grins and big smiles--He will smile for pretty much anyone and everyone---I love this too!

*He has decided he is no longer content in his swing or bouncer. He's happiest when he's being held these days:)

*He's not on any kind of "set in stone" schedule yet, but we sorta-kinda have a little routine going. Most days he will take a morning nap around 10:00 or 11:00 and then an afternoon nap around 3:00. (The 3 o'clock afternoon nap is when Addi naps too---It's so nice when it actually works out for them to nap at the same time!)

*We put him down at night around 10:30, and he wakes up once to eat, usually between 4:00-6:00 am. Most days he will go back to bed until around 8ish. (Not too bad!!) (And yes, we sometimes still have a random 2:00 am wake up every now and then...And we've also had some random times where he has slept until 7:30 or 8:00am---Those are sure nice!!)

*He's recently started wearing size 3 diapers-They're a little big, but fit for the most part. I'm pretty sure Addi was wearing size 3s when she was a year old;)

*Speaking of diapers, I don't know how, but he manages to have an explosive, 'poop all the way up his back' diaper at least once a day. It doesn't matter if he's sitting up, laying down, in his carseat, being held, whatever---He manages to get "it" all over his back---It's insane! The craziest thing is that most of the time when I change the diaper, it's not full at all...It's just the very back of the diaper and his back that has anying on it!

*He still enjoys bath time, and has recently started "running" while he's in the tub. He gets his arms and legs moving soooo fast!! He really looks like he trying to sprint---It's pretty funny. Hopefully I'll have a video of this soon!

*He holds his head up really well these days, and can roll from his tummy to his back. Sometimes I think he's forgotten how to roll over because he never will roll for me. Some days he just rolls and rolls, but most days he refuses to do it---Little stinker;)

Pics of our little 3 month old this morning:)

Happy 3 Months, Grady!! You're getting too big, too fast! We love you bunches!!

Until Next Time...

THREE YEARS OLD!!!

2011-05-20T08:41:00.002-05:00

Today our favorite girl turns three years old! We are so thankful for our Addi Shea and the beautiful little girl she is growing up to be.

Here are some fun 3-Year-Old Facts about you, Addilyn Shea:)

You have your own little words, like "Fifs" (If) and "Lasterday" (Yesterday)(Daddy and I love when you say both of these---It's so cute!)

You're a total wild woman and jabber box at home, but super shy and timid when we're out and about.

You absolutely love your little brother. You ask to see him every morning when you wake up, and when you see him you're sure to hug him and smooch him and say, "Awww, he's sooo cute, Mommy!" You're a great big sister.

You have given Grady many affectionate pet names. Some of them include, Ittle Grater, Baby Brudder, Boo-Boo, Babe, Grades, and many more.

Since the arrival of baby brother, Daddy and I have noticed you telling us, "Shhhh! You have to be very quiet...My babies are sleeping." Hmmm...Wonder if you've heard this before?? ;)

You still love bath time. You have so much fun playing with all your bath tub friends--- Ariel, Gong-Gong, Loo-Lee, Lilly, Quackers, and Leo are just a few of the names you have given your bath time buddies:)

You can be seen several times a day in full princess attire, walking around with your crown, slippers, and fancy dress, going to a party.

You can also often be seen with your black church shoes on, tap dancing in an "importaant" talent show. (Aka: Dancing and making lots of noise on the kitchen tile)

Your most recent favorite TV show is Quints by Surprise. You are in awe of all those babies! Mommy loves that we have a "show" to watch together:)

You love when people come to our house. You will usually grab whoever it is by the hand, drag them to your room, shut the door, and then proceed to tell them to lay on your bed and take a nap. You even turn off the light and turn on your lullaby cd---It's your favorite thing to "play" when people come over---I don't know why, but you do it all the time--lol!

You love church. You love Mrs. Helen and your Sunday school class and you love all the kids on Wednesday nights. You ask several times a week, "Are we going to see the kids at church tonight?"

You can still throw a good fit when you don't get your way. You can be really defiant and hard headed--- This definitely tests Mommy and Daddy's patience. We're working on these things...And will keep working on them (As well as sharing and using kind words and not whining and minding and not talking back and LOTS of other things! lol:)

You love to clean and cook---This makes Mommy very happy! You're such a good helper!

You're sooo over having your picture taken. You run and hide when you see me with the camera or video camera-Just like your daddy!! :)

We've been reading this sweet book here lately at bedtime. It was given to me by my parent's when I was about 10 years old. Here's what is written on the inside cover:

Merry Christmas Shaunna!
Dec, 25, 1992
We love you very much...Just in case you ever wonder.
Love, Mom and Dad

Makes me tear up. I pray Addi knows just how much she is loved too!

Here are some of my favorite words from the book (I would really like to type out the entire book, but I wont)---Just perfect for my precious 3 year old!

Long, long ago God made a decision- a very important decision...one that I'm really glad He made. He made the decision to make you.

The same hands that made the stars made you.
The same hands that made the canyons made you.
The same hands that made the trees and the moon and the sun made you.
That's why you are so special. God made you.

He made you in a very special way.
He made your eyes so they would twinkle.
He made your mouth so you could smile.
He made your laugh so you could giggle.
God made you like no one else.

If you looked all over the world-in every city in every house-there would be no one else like you...
no on with your eyes,
no one with your mouth,
no one with your laugh.
You are very, very special.

..........................

You're bigger now and do more things.
You can walk and run.
You can play and talk.
You can eat and sing and look at books.
You're not a little baby any more.

But as you grow and change, some things will stay the same.
I'll always love you.
I'll always hug you.
I'll always be on your side.
And I want you to know that...just in case you ever wonder.

Remember I'm here for you.
On dark nights when you hear noises in your closet, call me.
When you see monsters in the shadows, call me.

On hard days when kids are mean and don't treat you like they should, come to me.

If your grades are bad and your teacher is mad, come to me...'cause I love you.
And I always will, just in case you ever wonder.

We love you more than you can imagine, Addi---Just in case you ever wonder!

Happy 3rd Birthday Sweet Girl---And many, Many More!

1st Birthday

2nd Birthday

Invite for 3rd Birthday

Until Next Time...

Latest...

2011-05-11T16:04:00.000-05:00

Just another fast and furious post while the kiddos are napping:)

*I came down with a cold Sunday afternoon. It came on so quickly. One minute I was fine, and the next I was achy, my throat was hurting, and my nose was running like crazy. Blake woke up the next day feeling the same way. He got home from work that afternoon, still feeling yucky, and running fever. I was feeling better, so I banished him to our room, away from the kids and I for the rest of the evening. Thankfully we're both feeling better now...Still not 100%, but definitely better. I still can't believe how fast and strong it hit both of us!

*I came out of my orthodontist appointment yesterday with rubber bands on my teeth. I was really, REALLY hoping I could make it through this process WITHOUT the rubber bands. I look ridiculous. And the silly things HURT like crazy! I sure wish I would have gotten braces at age 12 instead of age 27...Oh well...It will be worth it...It will be worth it...It will be worth it;)

*I scored some super cute clothes for Addi & Grady at Wal-Mart yesterday! They had so many cute things!! Yay for bargains!!

My cuties in their new duds

Pretty Addi Girl

The many smiles little Grady Man

*It rained here today. A REAL rain-Praise God! It was really cloudy and really dark all morning long. A perfect day to sleep late or snuggle up with a good book...I didn't get to do either of those things, but it definitely would have been a good day to do them;)

Enjoying the rain

*I have been a crazy-grouchy mommy this week. I get frustrated, lose my temper, and then end up crying because I feel like a horrible mother after everything is said and done. It's a vicious cycle, and I'm hoping it ends soon. (I'm sure Addi and Grady hope it ends soon too!) Being a mom is a precious gift. It's wonderful. It's hard. It's fun. It's challenging. It's rewarding. It's full of all sorts of emotions. Praying I will be less grouchy and more loving in the days to come. (Sorry, just had to get that out---It's been a rough day!)

This was a funny from Addi last night---We were reading this book at bedtime. When we got to this page she stopped me and said, "Look Mommy! She's wearing her black Toms just like you!!"

The girl knows her shoes! I can't believe she will be 3 years old next week!! We sure do love her!!

Until Next Time...

Grady's 2 Month Stats

2011-04-29T21:56:00.004-05:00

The 2 month stats are in!

Weight: 12 lbs. 6oz. (75th percentile)
Height: 23 1/2 inches (75th percentile)
Head Circumference: 15 1/2 (25th percentile)

Grady is growing and doing great! He talked, smiled, flirted with the nurses, and even rolled over at his appointment this afternoon. Dr. Jennifer said he is just perfect and doing things on a 4 month old level! He survived his shots with minimal tears, but has been pretty fussy since we've been home. Poor guy:( Blake and I are hoping tonight isn't too horrible! Praise the Lord for a healthy baby and good doctor's visits!

Until Next Time...

For Those Not On Facebook...

2011-04-26T20:48:00.003-05:00

Easter pictures are up---Go here to check them out.

Grady rolled over tonight! We're so proud!! He's done it twice now, can't wait to see him do for a third time!

Until Next Time...

2 Months

2011-04-20T12:58:00.002-05:00

Today our handsome little Grady turns two months old!! What a fast two months it has been---I guess time really does fly when you're having fun:)

Here are some 2 month facts about you, Mr. Grady Luke:

*You are SUCH a content, happy, and laid back baby! What a blessing this has been to your Mommy and Daddy!

*You love your swing, and will always smile, coo, and giggle at your "little friends" (the mobile) above the swing.

*You are such a smiley boy---You smile all the time and will share your smiles with pretty much anyone who smiles at you!

*You are most happy and smiley when you first wake up in the mornings--So sweet!

*You LOVE ceiling fans. One of your favorite places to be is lying on your blanket in the living room, right under the fan. We have caught you laughing out loud at the fan on several occasions.

*You LOVE to eat, and when you're fussy it's usually because you want to eat or need to burp;)

*You pass gas more than any baby I know! All the gas passing has started to settle down a little bit, but you're still a big tooter!! :)

*Unlike your sister, you loved to be held and snuggled (Mommy is happy to have a little snuggle bug this time around!)

*You're not nearly the active little wiggle worm your sister was at this age either. Big Sister was rolling from her tummy to her back at 7 weeks old, and although you're getting good at holding your head up, and even rocking onto your sides at times, I don't think you will be rolling over anytime real soon. Like I said, you're SUPER laid back!

*You very rarely will take a paci--You just don't like it that much:( (Mommy hopes you will change your mind about the paci some day soon!)

*You've been sleeping in your crib, in your room by yourself at night for about 2 weeks now.

*You have finally decided you can sleep more than 2 hours at a time at night (Most nights), and will now sleep 4 hours stretches (Again, MOST nights.) You've even slept 4 1/2 hours straight a time or two. Mommy and Daddy are thankful for the longer stretches of sleep, and hope that maybe a full nights sleep is in our near future!

*You're a sweet little "talker" and your favorite words these days are "Goooo," "Ahhhh," "Ohhhhh" :)

*You like bath time, and you love to sneak little drinks of your bath water---Just like your sister;)

*You can, and will take a bottle if needed (So nice!)

*You have showed no signs of colic thus far---PRAISE THE LORD!

*You enjoy watching your Big Sister play and dance all around you, and are very tolerant of all the "love" she gives you. She can't wait until you're big enough to play with her.

*You have chubby cheeks, a crazy, (but precious) double chin (Sometimes TRIPLE chin), are wearing some 3 month clothing, and seem to be bigger than your sister was at this age. I'm anxious to see how much you've grown at your next well check.

We sure do love you, Grady!! What a wonderful addition to our family you are!!

His well check is next Friday---I'll make sure to give you the big, 2 month stats!

Here are a few (Well, maybe more than a few!) 2 month Grady pics...

Happy morning boy:)

Stretch!

So over it:)

Melt my heart-So sweet!

Sticking his tongue out

Big boy

And just for comparison's sake...

Addi at 2 months

Grady at 2 months

And again...

What do ya think? Do they look alike???

Until Next Time...

Barley Breathing...

2011-04-06T14:25:00.006-05:00

Yes, I know this blog is hanging on by a thread, and barley breathing, but I assure you, I'm still alive and well:) Things just get kinda busy when you have a newborn and an almost 3 year old!

Here are the random thoughts buzzing through my head these days:

*I'm really getting ready for some sort of routine/schedule to develop with Mr. Grady Luke. He's still a really, REALLY good baby, but he's still pretty much waking up to eat every 2 hours at night, and still really prefers to sleep snuggled up in Mommy's lap. He turns 6 weeks old today (WOW!) and the lack of sleep is starting to get to me. This Momma is T-I-R-E-D! Fingers crossed that some longer stretches of sleep start happening soon!

*I have the best husband ever. I really do. I can't even begin to list everything he does to help me out with Grady, Addi, and all the daily household stuff. He hates when I brag on him like this, but seriously, he is SUCH a good husband and daddy. I definitely couldn't do it without him! Love you, Blake!

*I can't believe Addi turns 3 next month?! Where does the time go??!! I've been thinking about her birthday party, and I think we're going to keep it simple this year. A cake and presents party is the plan. It will still be cute and fun, but nothing over the top. The less hassle and stress, the better! And I know whatever we do, Addi will love it---She's pretty easy to please! I have no idea what to get her this year---Any thoughts or suggestions?

*Mother's Milk Tea makes me gag. Seriously. I drink it every now and then when my milk supply is feeling low, but the stuff is soo nasty. Just the smell makes me cringe. I have to hold my nose to drink it. YUCK! Have any of you tried it?? What did you think??

*I am in desperate need of some new spring/summer clothes. I always start hating my wardrobe around this time of year. It's even worse this year because I've just had a baby. Nothing looks as good as it did last year....And I am in SERIOUS need of a tan...Shorts and Capri's definitely look better with a little sun on the legs! Don't really know when I'll get to go shopping, and I for sure don't know when/if I'll ever get to work on my tan, but I'm hoping that MAYBE it will happen one day soon!

*I'm having major mommy guilt over Addi these days. I feel like my entire day is spent stuck in the recliner, nursing Grady while Addi sits in front of the TV watching cartoons. I feel AWFUL about it, but I don't know what to do?! It's very rare that the wind isn't blowing 100 mph here in Coleman, so I really can't take Grady outside if Addi wants to play, and she can't go outside by herself. Coleman doesn't offer any kind of Mother's Day Out, etc...And I know Addi gets super bored at home all day every day. I'm telling ya, serious mommy guilt! We plan on getting her enrolled in Tuesday School and gymnastics next year---(You have to be 3 years old for both of those) I'm hoping these things will help lessen some of the boredom!

*We went to MOPS for the first time in a while this past Friday. MOPS starts at 9:30am, and it's in Brownwood---35 miles away. Yes, it was hard. Yes, I took Grady upstairs to the meeting with me. Yes, he was awake the entire time. Yes, it was stressful. Yes, I'm pretty sure his eating, tooting, pooping were a distraction to the other Mommies there. And yes, I'm almost positive I didn't hear a single word of the testimony that was shared by the guest speaker who was there. We also ventured to Chick-fil-A for lunch by ourselves. Yes, Grady woke up right as Addi and I got our food. Yes, Addi spilled her chocolate milk everywhere. Yes, Addi fell head first off the stroller onto the tile floor as were were leaving. Yes, everyone stared at us as I held screaming/crying Addi in one hand and pushed screaming/crying Grady out of Chick-Fil-A in the HUGE sit-n-stand stroller with the other. Yes, my face turned bright red and I was feeling rather flusterd. BUT...WE DID IT and WE SURVIVED! I don't want to NOT do things just because I have two young children. It was hard, and it might not have been worth all the trouble in the long run, but we were able to do it, and I'm sure we'll brave up and do it again!

Here are some recent favorite pics of my two favorite kiddos! What precious blessings they both are!

That's All For Now!

Until Next Time....Whenever that may be;)

Things That Make Me Smile:)

2011-03-21T13:48:00.006-05:00

A few things that make me smile on this Monday... (In spite of the massive headache I have---Pretty sure I'm having caffeine with drawls!)

In the past few days, Grady has started to FOR REAL smile. He can focus on our faces better, is starting to recognize our voices, and will smile the sweetest little smile. I just love it! He was all smiles yesterday morning before church...

And this just makes me laugh out loud. Saturday evening, Addi was going potty and was taking a REALLY long time. I asked Blake to go check on her, and he came back cracking up. He told me I should go check on her myself. When I poked my head in the door, this is what I found....

When I asked her what she was doing, she said "I'm just weading a story in my magazine about the Texas Wonghorns." What can I say, the girl likes her Sports Illustrated! hehe:)

This makes me laugh too...We swaddle Grady at night, and he LOVES it. Once the swaddle blanket is on, he can hardly keep his eyes open---FOR REAL!

Seconds after being swaddled, his eyes start to close---So funny!!

My beautiful big girl in cute spring clothes for sure makes me smile:)

Comparing Addi & Grady in their shared UT onesie makes me smile too:)

Newborn Adds

Adds at about 2 months old

Grady sportin' the same onesie at almost 1 month old

Yep---Lots of smiles:)

Until Next Time...

Team Emily :)

2011-03-14T16:58:00.000-05:00

So I have newborn, a 2 1/2 year old, and I happen to be going on an average of 4-5ish hours of sleep at night, but don't think for one second that any of those things have stopped me from watching and keeping up with 'The Bachelor.' Yes, I may have dozed while watching a few episodes, but for the most part, I've been pretty faithful to my favorite Monday night show:)

I have loved Emily from day one. Loved her before I even knew her story. Brad loves her too...At least that's how it seems to me. He is so smitten and giddy and nervous around her. I will be highly shocked and disappointed if he doesn't pick her tonight. And although the previews seem to allude to all sorts of heartbreak on tonight's finale, I am really hoping for a drama free, happy ending.

I saw this magazine cover the other day while at the grocery store. I refuse to believe it. I didn't even pick the magazine up because I'm such an Emily fan. I really, really hope none of what the cover says is true.

I suppose that's all I have for today...What are your Bachelor thoughts??

Go Team Emily:)

Until Next Time....

Link....

2011-03-11T16:09:00.002-06:00

This is for friends and family not on facebook---I know you all like to keep up with the latest Addi & Grady pics! Go here to see them all!!

Here's a little preview---Isn't he handsome?!

In other news, we have officially survived 2 weeks and 2 days as a family of four! Yippie:)

Happy Friday!

Until Next Time...

The Story...

2011-03-10T09:24:00.001-06:00

Yes, I should totally be folding the mountains and mountains of laundry that have taken over my laundry room, but what fun would that be? I think I'll share Mr. Grady Luke's birth story instead:)

Blake, Addi, & I headed to San Angelo for my last doctor's appointment Tuesday afternoon, February 22nd. We walked in to see Dr.Henke, and I was half way expecting/hoping he would tell me I was in labor. No, I hadn't been having any contractions, but that's how things happened with Addi, so I think I was kind of wishfully hoping that's how things would turn out again. (I was pretty nervous about the whole induction thing.) I was 3 cm dilated, 85% effaced, and NOT in labor.

After the appointment, we met up with Slade, Laura, & Wyatt and my parents at Rosas for Taco Tuesday. After supper, my parents took Addi for the night, and Blake and I spent the night in town at his aunt & uncle's lake house out at Lake Nasworthy. We treated ourselves to a Sonic Oreo Blast, and were hoping for a good night's sleep. Unfortunately, I got on a coughing kick (You know, one of those tickle in your throat, super annoying coughs) that kept Blake and I up for most of the night. We probably wouldn't have slept well anyways, but we FOR SURE didn't sleep with me coughing every 5 seconds!

We got up around 6:15, showered, and headed to the hospital. We arrived at the hospital at 7:30. I met my nurses, got checked into my labor room, changed into my gown, and got ready for things to get started. The first thing done was my IV...And let's just say things didn't go real well. It took forever for the nurse to find a vein, then when she finally found one it didn't work, so she had to start over. I got hot, light headed, and totally felt like I was about to pass out. Not a great way to start off the labor process. I was really nervous after that---I mean, I almost passed out during the IV!! What was I going to do once the pitocin and contractions started coming??

After the IV drama, things settled down. It was just Blake and I at the hospital for the first two hours or so. It felt kinda strange...I guess because we had a good 13 (Yes, 13!!) people in the labor room when I was having Addi:) Dr. Henke came in around 9:30 and broke my water. Shortly after came the scariest part of either of my labor and delivers. It was just Blake and I in the room, and one of the monitors started beeping...I didn't think much about it since all those machines and monitors randomly beep from time to time. All of a sudden my nurses rushed in the door, they started calling for more nurses, started paging Dr. Henke, started turning off the pitocin, started strapping the oxygen mask on my face, and making me roll onto my side. Grady's heartbeat had dropped really, really low, and was not coming back up. Thankfully after a couple of minutes (Which seemed like an eternity to me), the heart rate slowly came back up. Blake's hands were shaking like crazy and I was in tears. It was so, so scary. Crazy how things can change in a matter of seconds. They think he probably grabbed his umbilical cord with his hand, and that's what made the sudden drop in his heart rate. Finding meconium when my water broke with Addi (Which was scary) was NOTHING compared to this. If the heart rate would have dropped like that again, I would have had to have an emergency c-section. Again, so, so scary---And we are so, so thankful that everything turned out okay.

Right after that scare, Laura & Wyatt showed up...And then Janie & Kristen, followed by Addi, Whitney, and my Mom & Dad. Blake's Ma and my Grandmommy showed up a little later too.

About 10:30 or so, my contractions started getting pretty intense. I definitely had a white knuckle, death grip on the rails of my bed---OUCH!! The nurse checked me and I was 5 cm and 90% thinned out...Perfect timing for the epidural:) Soon after, the epidural man arrived. With Addi the epidural was a piece of cake---Didn't hurt AT ALL. This time I felt the pain. When he was sticking the needle in my back he first hit bone...He said there would be lots of pressure until the needle found the right spot. Pressure does not even describe it...It was excruciating---A needle poking and scraping your back bone---Ugh! He finally hit the "sweet spot" and all the pressure and pain was gone. Thank goodness! My contractions were coming really fast and strong at that point, so I was so relieved to get that wonderful, wonderful epidural! :)

By about 11:50 I had made it to 8 cm. At that point I began to notice that I could definitely move the left side of my body, and I could definitely feel some of the contractions on the left side too. I kinda freaked out. I FOR SURE didn't want to be feeling ANYTHING when the time came to push (Which was really soon!) I told my nurses, and thankfully the epidural man came back and gave me another dose on the left side. It numbed the left side of my body pretty well, but it TOTALLY numbed the right side...Which was already SUPER numbed up. I kinda felt paralyzed on my right side...Such a strange feeling!

By 12:45 I was 10 cm dilated and it was time to push! The nurses got me all situated and wanted me to do a few "practice pushes" before Dr. Henke got there. Well, one practice push was enough...Grady was right there! (His head had been extremely low during the entire labor.) Dr. Henke arrived and got scrubbed in. I did 2-3 more rounds of pushing, and at 1:05pm, Mr. Grady Luke Dawson was born! He came into the world with a full head of dark hair, screaming , and weighing in at 6 pounds 15 1/2 ounces and measuring 20 1/2 inches long. Of course, I cried. Of course my mom cried. Even a few of the nurses cried too. What a truly overwhelming miracle. I was so happy to see Grady being born and to get to hold him and love on him immediately. I didn't get to do that with Addi. Since there was meconium with her, she was instantly rushed to the pediatric nurses...I didn't get to see her or hold her for quite a while. I was so thankful to have such a different experience this time around.

After the delivery, and after lots of holding, picture taking, and loving on little Grady, Blake and his mom brought me a Dr Pepper, a Quiznos turkey guacamole sandwich, and a double fudge chocolate chip cookie---All so, soo good! A much deserved post labor lunch:)(I have been craving a that turkey guacamole ever since!) It took a good 4 hours for my epidural to wear off. That double dose really did the trick. The left side of my body was back to normal in about 2 hours---The right side however took FOREVER. So crazy that it was my left side that needed all the numbing, and it ended up being the right side that seemed to feel the effects of all the drugs.

My recovery in the hospital wasn't too horrible. It was that dumb "tickle in the throat" cough that made things miserable for me. I don't think I realized how much of your body is involved in coughing...Recovering from delivering a baby and having stitches in all sorts of unmentionable places while coughing makes you realize just how much of your body is involved in a simple cough---OUCH! I dreaded every little tickle that popped up in my throat because I knew the cough and the PAIN were soon to follow.

All in all, everything went really well. I have been blessed with two fairly easy labors and deliverys, and I couldn't be more thankful! We have a beautiful healthy daughter and a just as beautiful and healthy son. What an answer to our prayers. Praise God for His love and blessings upon our family!

Last prego belly pic---The morning of the induction

IV is in...Ready to get things going!

10 cm!! YAY!

About to push!

Welcome to the world, Grady!!

Updates...

2011-03-07T16:40:00.004-06:00

Things are just rolling right along with this Dawson family of FOUR!

Mr. Grady is doing great. He naps really well in his bassinet during the day, and prefers to be held when he sleeps at night:)(Although we did get him to sleep most of the night in his bassinet last night--YAY!! Mommy got some sleep in her bed instead of the recliner for the first time in almost 2 weeks!!) He likes to be swaddled, and is waking up every 2 1/2 to 3 hours (And truth be told, he would probably sleep longer, but this Mommy wants to make sure her milk supply stays plentiful [Yes, the milk finally came in], so I always make sure he eats---Even if it's just a little snack!) Waking up every 2 or so hours might not sound good to some people, but after having a little girl who woke up every FORTY-FIVE minutes, 2 hours seems like heaven! Blake and I really can't complain at all! Just in the past day or two, he's been doing lots of grunting and crying and tooting:( Poor guy---Mommy definitely needs to head to the store for some Mylicon. We sure are hoping and praying colic skips our house this time around. Addi had it, and it was just awful...Probably the hardest part of having a newborn. Guess we'll see what happens in a week or so...Addi's hit at right about 3 weeks. Our fingers are crossed!

In other news, we made it to church yesterday for the first time since Grady was born. He looked precious, and of course, slept the entire time.

A few before church pics...

My beautiful babies!

Precious blessings!

Little Bro & Big Sis

Miss Priss decided to change shoes right before we were heading out the door

Check out Grady's shoes, too!

Addi's first Sunday at church--2008

Grady's first Sunday at church--2011 (Not the greatest pic, but oh well!)

Grady has his 2 week check up this Thursday. I'm curious to see how much he's grown. Other big Grady news---He lost his stump today!! He has a real belly button now---Yay!

Guess that's enough excitement for today;)

Until Next Time...

He's Here

2011-02-27T18:05:00.005-06:00

He's Here.
He's Precious.
He's quite possibly the sweetest, most laid back baby ever.
He's definitely stolen our hearts.

Grady Luke Dawson
February 23rd, 2011 1:05 pm
6 lbs. 15.5 ounces
20 1/2 inches long

Everything went really smoothly with the induction. Things got going about 8:30 Wednesday morning, and he was here by 1:05 that afternoon! Recovery is going good, although things seem a little harder this time around than they did with Addi. I still have some swelling in my hands and feet and I'm still moving kinda slow. Hopefully I will get to post about everything in more detail soon. Thanks for all your prayers!

Until Next Time...

PS-With Addi, my milk came in FULL FORCE...Doesn't seem to be happening that way this time around. I have SOME milk, but not very much. What do I need to do?? How do I get things flowing? I really, REALLY want to nurse. Pray that something happens soon!

PPS-As always, here's the FB link for ALL the pics!

Induction Eve...

2011-02-22T08:20:00.002-06:00

Well, here we are...February 22nd...The eve of the big induction. It really doesn't seem real. It definitely doesn't feel like I will be checking into the hospital in the morning to have a baby. So crazy. To be completely honest, I don't feel prepared (But, can you ever REALLY be prepared???) I'm pretty anxious about labor and delivery this time around...Everything with Addi went so easily, and I just don't know what to expect with Mr. Grady. I guess you can say "ignorance is bliss" with your first baby, and with the second you're more aware (and NERVOUS!!) about everything that is about to happen, and everything that could possibly go wrong.

Blake and I go in for my final doctor's appointment this afternoon, and then we'll spend the night in San Angelo. We're looking forward to enjoying some Rosa's Taco Tuesday while we're in San Angelo this evening too...Our "last supper," so to speak;)

Please remember to pray for us!

Pray:
*That everything will go quickly and easily with the labor and delivery tomorrow.
*Pray for a healthy baby and healthy mommy
*Pray for an easy recovery
*Pray that my mind will be at ease tomorrow
*Pray that Blake and I get some good rest tonight
*Pray for Addi--Pray that she will completely get over her cold before meeting baby brother, pray that she will actually sleep tonight at my parent's house (Remember she spent the night with Blake's parent's the other night and was up until 2am??? Yeah, we DON'T want that to happen again!) Pray that she will adjust well to being a big sister.
*Pray that I would not worry about Addi (Sometimes I think I'm more worried about how Addi is going to act while she's away from Blake and I than I am the actual labor & delivery process!!)
*Pray for Dr. Henke and his nurses

We are so excited to welcome our new little blessing, Grady Luke into the world. We can't wait to see his sweet face, to hold him, and to love him. He's sure to be the perfect addition to our little family!

I will update when I can---I'm hoping I get to borrow a laptop from friends or family and upload pictures ASAP---No promises though;)

The next time I post, I'll be a Mommy of TWO, and part of a family of FOUR!! What blessings!!

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
So are the children of one’s youth.
Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them...

~Psalm 127:3-5~

Until Next Time...

Pregnancy Thoughts, Addi Thoughts, Random Thoughts...

2011-02-13T15:53:00.005-06:00

I'm not going to promise that it will be anything spectacular, but it will be an update...Here goes!!

Pregnancy Thoughts:
As most of you probably already know, I went to the doctor last week. It was a Monday, and definitely a wild day at the doctor's office. My appointment was supposed to be at 10:20 that morning. When I checked in, I was told that Dr. Henke was covering for another doctor, that he was in the process of delivering two babies, and that I would probably have to wait. Wait I did. Once I was finally called back, I did some more waiting. By about 12:00 I heard Dr. Henke's voice outside the door...It was only for a moment though, and then he was gone again. The nurse walked in and informed me that one of his surgeries had a complication and that I would need to come back around 1:30. I finally got to see Dr. Henke around 2:00 that afternoon. He walked in and the first thing he asked was, "Do you want to have this baby February 23rd?" (He likes to induce at 39 weeks if you live waaay out of town like I do!) I was a little hesitant because I hadn't completely decided if I wanted to be induced. I was scheduled to be induced with Addi, but ended up going into labor the afternoon before the induction date---It was perfect! I couldn't have asked for a more ideal situation. I answered him by saying that I wanted to be a good 3 cm dilated before we started talking inductions. He said that was not a problem at all. He proceeded with the exam, and quickly informed me that I wouldn't have to worry too much since I was already a good 2 1/2 to 3 cm dilated! Wow! I was pretty shocked!! Looks like February 23rd it is!! (That's a week from Wednesday!!!) I have another appointment in the morning, so I'm anxious to see if any more progression has taken place. I got to a 3 with Addi pretty quickly too (Not quite THIS quickly), so I won't be surprised if not much has changed. So hard to believe we will be meeting our little guy in a little over a week!! Please pray for us. Pray that things will continue to go well with the pregnancy, pray for an easy, complication free delivery (FYI, I am totally terrified that I will have to have a c-section this time around...I don't really know why, but the thought crosses my mind quite frequently!), and of course pray for a healthy baby and mommy!! I've heard making the change from 1 to 2 kids is the hardest, so pray for Blake and I as we take the leap to Mommy and Daddy of TWO!

Addi Thoughts:
So in the past few weeks, Addi has definitely been showing signs that she knows something is up. I think she for sure feels a change coming. She has been waking up, crying in the middle of the night, waking up waaay early in the mornings, being super whiney, refusing to nap, and wanting Mommy, and ONLY Mommy to do everything for her. I'll be honest and say it has left me exhausted, wondering how things will be once Grady arrives, and on more than one occasion, it has left me in tears. She spent the night with Blake's parent's last night to get some "practice" being away from Mommy and Daddy...She was up until 2 am and was awake again by 7 this morning. She has been a total booger bear all afternoon. SOO!NOT!GOOD! I know it's normal for kids to have a hard time adjusting to all the changes a new sibling brings. I know things will be rough...I'm just afraid Addi will take the changes a little harder than most:( I know she will LOVE her baby brother, and once the adjusting finally happens, I know she will be a great big sister. It makes me a teency bit sad to know her little world is about to be turned upside down! I am thrilled for her to have a little bother and playmate, but at the same time just a little sad for her. (Did anyone else ever feel this way?) Pray for Addi too. Pray that she adjusts to all the changes that will soon be taking place in her little "All About Addi" world!

Random Thoughts:
My baby shower was last week. It was SUCH a nice shower, and we were blessed with sooo many wonderful gifts. All the pictures are on facebook.

Blake and I had a date night last night---First one in a long, LOOOONNNNNGGGGG time!! It was wonderful. We went to the movies and saw "The Fighter." Besides all the horrible language, it was really good! Blake and I both enjoyed it.

I am loving the beautiful, sunshiney weather! Such a welcomed relief from all the ice and snow! (I am NOT a winter gal, so I have definitely NOT enjoyed the recent blizzard like conditions!)

This should probably should go under pregnancy thoughts, but I am soo ready to be able to sneeze without the fear of wetting my pants! Oh, the lovely things pregnancy does to your body;)

I'll wrap up this post with some Addi pics. This her looking all cute and "Valen-tiney" for church today. She may be a whiney, booger bear, but she sure is cute:)

Until Next Time...

Still Cold...REALLY Cold!!

2011-02-02T15:54:00.005-06:00

Well, it warmed up to a whopping 21 degrees this afternoon, and Addi was begging, so we ventured outside for some more time in the "snow" (ice).

Before I could even get outside, this is the assumed position that Addi took

Who knew she knew how to make a snow angel??!

Smart girl!

Still cold and dreary today:(

HAPPY SNOW DAY #2!!

Trying really hard to make a snowball. (This snow is more like ice, so snowballs and snowmen aren't really possible)

Proof that Mommy was out in the cold too!

Self Timer Pics

And again

ADDI!!

Warming up with some hot chocolate

In "lounge mode"

We made some cinnamon bread today too-Just cause we were bored....

It has GOT to warm up soon! Cabin fever has totally set in, and I'm gonna be as big as a barn if I have another day of baking, eating, and no exercising!!

It is supposed to warm up, right?? Coleman & Panther Creek schools are supposed to be closed again tomorrow--Day #3!! I'd love to be able to go to MOPS Friday morning and have my baby shower Saturday afternoon. Here's hoping for sunshine and above freezing temps SOON!!

Until Next Time...

Snow Day 2011

2011-02-01T18:01:00.005-06:00

Here are a few pictures from our snow day this morning. Addi didn't stay outside long (Which was fine with me---It was 16 degrees and the windchill was 1!!) It's still snowy, icy, and waaayyyy cold! Can't believe this crazy weather!!

The sunshine was very deceiving--It was SOOOO cold!

She was very happy to come inside, snuggle up in the chair, and watch Max & Ruby:)

And what better to do on a cold, snowy afternoon than make chocolate chip cookies--Yum! :)

I had to cancel my doctor's appointment this morning...I was kinda disappointed. Oh to actually live in the same town as your doctor;)

Random Pregnancy Thoughts:
1.It's really hard to nest when there's a 2 1/2 year old "birdie" constantly messing up the nest:)
2.I feel like this baby has already dropped...It doesn't look like it, but it definitely FEELS like it!! (Never had this bowling ball between the legs feeling with Addi!)
3.I developed what my doctor deemed to be a "pregnancy rash" on one of my arms the last month of pregnancy with Addi...Lo and behold, I woke up Sunday morning with what seems to be another pregnancy rash...On my arm. So strange. Anyone else have this experience? Thankfully with Addi, it disappeared about 2 days after delivery.
4.Pregnancy back pain is so NOT fun---Another thing I never experienced with Addi.
5.My baby shower is this Saturday-I'm excited-And hoping the cold weather doesn't scare everyone away.

Guess that's all for now! Make sure to check out the two Addi videos below---Pretty cute!

Until Next Time...

Little Minnie

2011-02-01T18:00:00.000-06:00

This was a wardwrobe change during the tea party---Adds decided to sing the Mickey Mouse Club House theme song---Too cute!

Tea Party

2011-02-01T17:58:00.000-06:00

Here's the video of Addi's first tea party:)

Pictures

2011-01-20T16:04:00.006-06:00

These are the tea party pics from last week that I promised to post. It was Addi's first tea party and she absolutely loved it!

One excited little girl!!

Baby Molly & Baby Lisa were guests at the tea party too!

Of course, any good tea party requires a wardrobe change;)
Such a cute little Minnie Mouse!!

In other news, Adds and I headed to San Angelo Tuesday morning for another doctor's appointment. I will be 34 weeks tomorrow...That's 8 1/2 months...Meaning there are only 42 days (or less!!) Until Mr. Grady Luke gets here!! Unreal!! Time has just flown by this time around! All is well with Mommy and Baby. I am thankful. Please pray for us during this last stretch of pregnancy. Pray that things will continue to go well, and that life around here might settle down a little bit and that we ALL might get a little rested up this final month of pregnancy. (Today was the first day in a long time we were able to just be at home and do NOTHING--It was so nice!) After the doctor's appointment, we enjoyed a beautiful afternoon with Laura and Wyatt! The kids played outside and Laura and I soaked up the sun in our lawn chairs and chit-chatted. It was so nice--Just what I needed!

Tuesday night we got to watch T-Man's Midway Panthers play basketball against San Angelo LakeView. (Isn't it insane that Waco Midway and San Angelo LakeView are in the same district...Yes WACO and SAN ANGELO!! What a long drive!!) Midway stuck it to Lakeview. Definitely an entertaining game to watch (A lot more dunks than we see at the Panther Creek or Sterling City games--lol!)

Here are some pics of Wyatt and Adds at the game---They were pretty entertaining to watch too---So funny!

Addi has decided she likes to sit with her legs crossed these days--Cracks me up!

Cutie Pies!

"It's too woud in here, Momma!"

Clapping and cheering for the Panthers

More claps and cheers!

That's it for today!

Until Next Time...

PS-I promise I will upload those oh so cute tea party videos sometime soon---Just not today!

PawPaw

2011-01-17T08:13:00.006-06:00

As most of you know, Blake's PawPaw passed away Thursday night. We had just got home from visiting him in the hospital when we got the call. It has definitely been a sad and exhausting past few days. As always though, the Lord has been good to us. He has comforted us and strengthened us, as well as shown his love through the kindness of His people. The food, the hundreds of flower arrangements and plants, phone calls, visits, and kind words have truly been overwhelming. Makes me realize that I need to be better about showing that kind of love and kindness to other people when they are grieving the loss of a loved one. You just don't realize how much it means until you are in the situation yourself.

The funeral was yesterday. It was SUCH a sweet service, filled with a standing room only crowd. Blake's older twin brothers, Brent and Kyle gave a beautiful tribute to PawPaw, filled with wonderful memories shared by all the grand kids. What a special legacy he has left behind.

Jackie Jim Dawson, age 74, of Coleman, died Thursday, January 13, 2011 at Abilene Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday, January 16, 2011 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel. Family visitation will be 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Saturday, January 15, at Stevens Funeral Home, 400 W. Pecan Street, Coleman.

Jackie was born on July 4, 1936 in Junction, Texas to Ollie Jack Dawson and Hattie Lou Hamrick Dawson. He was raised in Rock Springs, Texas and moved to Coleman at the age of 16. Jackie married Linnie Dee Nations on July 29, 1955 in Coleman. He was a mechanic and owned Jack's Garage in Coleman since 1978. He was a member of the Elm Street Church of Christ.

He is survived by his wife, Linnie Dawson of Coleman; two sons, Billy Jack Dawson and wife Janie of Valera, Texas, Ricky Jo Dawson of Clinton, Mississippi; one brother, Tommy James Dawson of Coleman; grandchildren, Kyle Dawson, Brent Dawson, Blake Dawson and wife Shaunna, Travis Dawson and wife Alison, Kristen Dawson, A.J. Dawson, Ross Dawson and Kara Dawson; one great-grandchild, Addie Dawson.

He was preceded in death by one son, Terry James Dawson in 1966.

The family suggests memorials to the West Texas Boys Ranch, 10223 Boys Ranch Road, San Angelo, Texas 76904-3665.

Please sign his online registry at www.livingmemorials.com

One of the hardest things about the past few days has been trying to explain everything to Addi. How do you explain death to a 2 1/2 year old? She saw PawPaw on an almost daily basis, so she definitely knew something was going on. As I attempted to talk to her about things Friday morning, she innocently responded by saying, "Mommy, I just need to go to the hospital and give PawPaw a big smooch on his heart, and then he will feel better, and he won't die anymore." Oh, the precious innocence of a child! It makes my heart ache to know that she probably won't remember PawPaw. He loved her so, soo much! And even though he had not met little Grady, he already loved him so much too. In fact, the reason he agreed to have the surgery that ultimately ended his life was because he longed to meet (and spoil) his first great-grandson. Breaks my heart that in less than two short months little Grady Luke will be here, and PawPaw wont.

There are many, MANY words that could be used to describe PawPaw, but these are a few of the favorites I've heard from others over the last couple of days...
"Fair. Honest.Generous. Dependable. Hardworking. Kind. Always willing to help. He loved his kids and grand kids. He ran his business the old-fashioned way. A good man."

Please continue to keep the Dawson family in your prayers. It has been a hard loss for everyone. Especially pray for my sweet Blakey, his dad, and his Granny. I know going to work today at Jack's Garage without Jack there is going to be extremely hard.

These are just a few of the MANY pictures displayed at the visitation and funeral. Precious pictures, filled with precious memories!

"Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away." ~James 4:14~

"...The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD.” ~Job 1:21~

Until Next Time...

G. L. D.

2011-01-13T16:23:00.008-06:00

G. L. D. = The initials of our little boy.

"Baby Brother," as he has affectionately been called for the past months FINALLY has a name! (And I have finally talked Blake into letting me share the name!) For some reason I'm really nervous. We never shared Addi's name before she was born, so this is new territory for me.

Drum Roll Please.......

Sweet little baby brother's name will be......

Grady Luke Dawson

Blake and I have been in agreement on the first name being Grady for a while now, we just couldn't come to terms on a middle name. Blake eventually concluded that it would just be easier to let me choose the middle name than for the two of us to be stuck in an uncompromising deadlock;) I had it narrowed down to two middle names I liked equally for the longest time. About a week ago we just decided to ask Addi what name she liked best, and she chose "Wuke." So, Grady Luke Dawson it is---Let the monogramming begin! :)

Grady:"The name Grady is a name for a male used in the English language and widely used in the Irish language as well. It was borrowed from the Irish surname O Gradaigh, meaning 'descendant of Gradaigh'. In Gaelic terms, the name Gradaigh means 'noble'."

Luke:"The name Luke is a beautiful name given to boys. Its origin is Latin/Greek, which means "Bringer of light" or "morning"."

So our little Grady Luke is a "noble, bringer of light." I like it:)

The nursery is coming along slowly, but surely. We've hung a few things on the wall, and have dug out some of the baby toys. Here's another little peek...

Blake and Travis' toy box when they were kids---So glad another little Dawson boy gets to use it!

Piggy Bank

These are some pics of Addi helping daddy with the shelf for Grady's (So strange to finally be able to say/type his name!) room. She was awesome with that hammer---She hit the nail on the head almost every time! Such a good big sister:)

Last, but not least, Addi had her very first tea party today. She LOVED it! Lots of cute pictures and videos to come in my next post!

Until Next Time...

PS-Doesn't "Addi & Grady" have a nice little ring to it?? :)

Crazy Days...

2011-01-07T15:42:00.007-06:00

To say things in the Dawson house have been a little crazy these days would be an understatement. All the stress and numerous trips to San Angelo the week of Christmas for all my glucose tests, all the driving and busyness of the holidays, and countless trips to the hospital in Abilene to visit Blake's PawPaw have made the past few weeks feel like a whirlwind! (And let's not forget the price of gas these days...Good grief! The gas stations have definitely been making a fortune off of us!)I am hoping things slow down a little bit...It would be nice to at least TRY to get a little rest before baby # 2 arrives!

Here are some updates...

Blake's PawPaw:
He went into the hospital the day before Christmas Eve. He was having some problems with his leg that was amputated last fall. (He is diabetic and had an amputation surgery last October) There was some clotting in the leg, so the doctors performed surgery to clean out the blockage. That surgery went really well. During the recovery process from that surgery, he had a few "episodes" where he was having trouble catching his breath. More tests were done, and blockage was discovered in his heart. It was determined that open-heart surgery needed to be done---Immediately. The open heart surgery was done last Thursday. The surgery went fairly smoothly, and although the doctor was not able to preform as many bypasses as he wanted, everything seemed to have gone really well. The recovery from this surgery has been pretty rough. There have definitely been some really scary and sad days. Things right now are improving...The progress is really slow, but it's progress, and we are thankful for it. He is off all the machines, is no longer in the ICU, and has been moved to a regular hospital room. We are praying for continued progress and healing during the long road of recovery ahead. Thank you to those of you who have been praying---It means so much!

Whitney's Visit:
My sister Whitney came down for a visit this past week. We (especially Addi) enjoyed her so much! She was such a BIG help to me!! While she was here, we took down all the lingering brown and pink polka dot decor in baby brother's room, painted baby brother's room, got the baby bedding out of the bag it had been sitting in for a month and actually put it on the crib, registered for all sorts of baby boy goodies at the little stores here in Coleman and at Target, she helped me with my Wednesday night kiddos at church, we worked on the baby scrapbook and of course she entertained Addi! I definitely put her to work!! :) (And we for sure watched The Bachelor...Duh! We have our faves already--Do you?)

This next part has nothing to do with Whitney's visit, but I just need to say I'm a little annoyed with Target. I registered in the store in San Angelo this past Tuesday. My registry has yet to show up online. I just assumed the registry had not been saved Tuesday after I registered. We were in Abilene last night to visit Blake's PawPaw, so I went to the Abilene store to check things out. Much to my surprise the registry is saved and prints out perfectly in the store, it just doesn't show up online. I called the Target 1-800 number today hoping to get the issued resolved. Didn't happen. After being transferred to three different people, the only thing I know is that when they type my info into their online registry system, account information for when I was pregnant with Addi shows up. Registries are only supposed to last 90 days....I registered for Addi 2 1/2 years ago. Doesn't make sense??!! They even tried to delete that information...Nothing worked. I left a voicemail with some "top dog" supervisor, but I have yet to hear back from him. I'm glad the registry prints out in the store---Most people I know will shop in the store anyway. The annoying part is that two of the BIG items I need (Car seat and stroller) are only available online. It's really difficult to add items to my online registry when the site keeps saying there is no information available for me! Ugh! SUPER ANNOYING!! This is the car seat and the stroller I am hoping to get---Just in case any of you want to buy it for me;)

Okay--Back to Whit's visit...Here are some pics...

A few onesies for Baby Brother from Aunt Nee-Nee:) I love them!!

Of course Adds had to show Nee-Nee her new "playground"

Making Blueberry Muffins

Addi LOVED Nee-Nee's "bed" (air mattress!)

Little posers pretending to be asleep:)

Baby Brother:
Today marks the 32 week mark---AKA: 8 months!! I had my latest appointment this past Tuesday, and all is well. I am always thankful for a good report! I am starting to get kinda uncomfortable---Worries me just a bit because I was a little further along with Addi before I started feeling uncomfortable. I'm not miserable---just a tad uncomfortable:) Rides in the car usually trigger most of the uncomfortable feelings. I feel rather L-A-R-G-E, feel like everything in my belly is getting stretched and squished, and having my fair share of round ligament pain and lower back pain on the right side of my body. Other than that, I really can't complain. I'd say that means things are pretty good for this pregnant gal! Praise the Lord!! As I mentioned earlier, I FINALLY started getting a few things ready as far as the nursery goes while Whitney was here earlier this week. Not much is done, but it's a start. Blake and I are hoping to get some more done this weekend. Here's a little sneak peek:

Oh yeah---I think Baby Brother has a name!! Blake and I have battled and battled, so having a name is huge!! He's had a first name for quite a while now, but I think he FINALLY has a middle name too! The next Dawson Delights post will quite possibly include the "BIG NAME REVEAL!!" Oh the suspense! :)

Neighbors:
I don't know if I've mentioned it on the blog before, but Blake and I definitely have some interesting neighbors. We are BY FAR the youngest family on our street---We are surrounded by lots of older people (By older I mean around 70ish years old!)They're all super sweet, and they all just love Addi, but they are definitely interesting! While taking a walk this afternoon, a neighbor who lives about 3 houses down from ours, was outside, and of course wanted to talk to Addi. We stopped and chit-chatted a bit. She asked how far along I was and then proceeded to say how I wasn't "very big at all and was looking really great!" Of course I LOVED hearing that!! We talked a while longer, and then Addi and I started back our our walk. While walking away from her house, Neighbor Lady yells (This is a quote) "Oh, I see why you don't look big---You're carrying it all in your butt!" Yes, my 70 year old neighbor YELLED that at me. She wasn't joking either...She was totally eyeing my rear-end and totally serious. Lovely. Just exactly what this 8 month pregnant girl wanted to hear!

And this is the view from my kitchen window into my next door neighbor's yard

"What's that??!" you might ask. Well, THAT is none other than my neighbor's pet buzzard. Yep, her PET BUZZARD. He even has a name..."Buzz," of course. Yes, my next door neighbor just loves "critters" and can't stand to see any animal hurt or lonely. She loves to feed raccoons, skunks, and of course all the neighborhood stray cats. Buzz fell out of the nest, and his mother was hit by a car, and of course she couldn't just leave him by himself. Buzz can't fly, and most of the time can be seen hopping around the back yard with the dogs. I just love washing dishes, looking out my kitchen window, and watching Buzz play (Yes, that statement is dripping with sarcasm!!) Like I said....INTERESTING!! :)

Well, I think that's it!! You're up-to-date!! (And I totally think all the typing I did deserves a comment or two!!)

Until Next Time....

Mommy's Christmas Present/Happy Birthday Daddy!

2010-12-29T19:31:00.000-06:00

So this was my Christmas present from Blake this year!! He did it all on his own with no "subtle" hints or suggestions from me! I just LOVE it!! Guess that means you can expect lots more videos on Dawson Delights:)

Here's the first one--- Addi was so hyper last night---She couldn't wait to dig into Blake's birthday pie (Please ignore how ugly the pie looks---Might be the ugliest buttermilk pie I've ever made! It tasted good though, and that's all that matters!)

On another note, please be in prayer for Blake's PawPaw. He has been in the hospital since early last week. He goes in for open heart surgery at 8:30 tomorrow morning. He is diabetic and not in the greatest health. We are nervous, but praying all goes well. Your prayers are appreciated as well!

Happy ALMOST 30 :)

2010-12-28T09:11:00.005-06:00

Happy 29th Birthday to my sweet Blakey!! He's such a great husband to me, a wonderful Daddy to Addi, and seriously one of the most hard working people I know!! We love you so much Blake! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

And now Adds and I must head to B-Wood for a Wal-Mart run....We have NO groceries in this house, and a birthday pie and birthday supper are on our to-do list for today!!

Go check out all our Christmas pictures here We had such a great holiday with lots of family!!

Until Next time...

Best Ever Christmas Present...

2010-12-21T16:03:00.006-06:00

So I think I've already received my favorite Christmas present this year. I had my 3 hour glucose test yesterday, and everything came back normal! Praise the Lord!! Yep, definitely a GREAT Christmas gift!! After taking my 1 hour test last Tuesday, my doctor's office called and said my numbers were in the "borderline" range. Dr Henke wanted me to come back for another 1 hour test. I was bummed. I headed back to San Angelo Thursday afternoon for my second 1 hour test. They promised to have the results to me late that afternoon. They called, and much to my surprise my numbers weren't borderline the second time around, they were REALLY ELEVATED!! I was SUPER bummed! I knew what was coming next...The dreaded 3 hour test. The fasting began Sunday evening and I was off to San Angelo yet again bright and early Monday morning. I cannot tell you how nervous I was about that test. I had done a big "No-No" and googled everything I could find concerning gestational diabetes. Google is definitely a great way to scare yourself. Needless to say, after all my google research, I was pretty anxious. The test went exactly the way google said it would;) They drew blood to get my fasting blood level. Waited an hour. Gave me the WAAAY sweet drink (MUCH sweeter than the drink they give for the 1 hour---The nurse told me that one little drink was equal to a 6-pack of soda---Gag!) Waited another hour. More blood. Another hour. Some more blood. Another hour. More blood. I had two different ladies take my blood-One was really gentle and one was really, REALLY rough! The rough one got me twice in the same arm, and I have the bruises to prove it!! OUCH!! There were two other pregnant women in the lab taking the test too---I really hope they passed. We all kinda bonded during those LOOOOONNNGGG three hours:) After the 3 (almost 4) hours were finally up, it was time to eat!! I met up with Mom and Whit for lunch at McCallister's. I was so thankful for them---They woke up bright and early (during their Christmas break!) to meet me in San Angelo and watch Addi while I was at the hospital. Adds definitely had a blast playing at the park for 3 hours with JoJo and Nee-Nee:) Once we got to McCallister's it was FOR SURE time to eat. While Mom and Whit were ordering I started getting really hot and light-headed...My soup and salad couldn't get there fast enough! And believe me, I scarfed it down! After lunch, I treated myself to a pedicure---I think it was much deserved! Finally at about 3:45 yesterday afternoon, Dr. Henke called and said everything came back normal, and I had nothing to worry about!! What a relief!! I wonder why so many people fail the one hour test and then end up passing the 3 hour test? Many of you have told me that you have gone through the same ordeal. Seems like there should be a better way to get more accurate results during that one hour test!! Needless to say after going through all of this, I am very THANKFUL and much more empathetic toward those who've had gestational diabetes and those who deal with diabetes on an every day basis. Attending ONE Christmas party and not being able to eat any sweets or carbs or drink any punch was TORTURE for me. I can't imagine having to be so conscious about everything I ate on a daily basis!

I'll end this post on a lighter note with some pictures from the past week!

Cheesin' after supper at Zentner's Daughter Friday night

Addi & Anslee in their pretty dresses after Sunday school

Pretty girls!!

Looking fancy for our church Christmas candle light service

Addi & Mommy

Trying to get a picture of Daddy & Addi and their candle

The best I could get!

My Wednesday night kiddos sang two songs at our church Christmas service Sunday night. They did so good! Addi was part of the group too. Although she didn't sing much, she DID stand at the front with the rest of the kids during both the songs (I was almost certain she would be too shy and coming running to Mommy!) She smiled and swayed her "fancy dress" back and forth during the songs. It was pretty cute! So sad I didn't get any pictures:( Guess that's what happens when Mommy is leading the songs and Daddy is taking care of the music and sound...Oh well, I'm sure we'll all survive:)

Last, but not least....Merry Christmas from the Dawson Family!!! Hope your holidays are blessed with God's goodness and grace--He is the reason we celebrate!!

Until Next Time...

She's A Dawson---Repeat Post

2010-12-16T21:49:00.003-06:00

With baby boy's arrival quickly approaching, I catch myself thinking more and more about what he will look like. Will this baby look anything like his Mommy?? We all know Addi doesn't look a thing like me, so who knows if this little guy will either??!! Thinking about all this made me think of a previous post from back in May 2009. Crazy how similar Blake and Addi's baby pictures are! I still think she looks like her daddy, but not as much as she did when she was a baby...Wow!

Hope you enjoy this Dawson Delights 'archive' :)

Since Addi's been born there has been absolutely no denying who her daddy is. She's pretty much a spitting image of Blake. She really doesn't look like me...AT ALL. I think a woman from my hometown put it best when she said, "Shaunna, I think you were just the incubator for Blake's baby, because Addi doesn't look a thing like you!" Ha:]

These are some pictures that prove just how much they favor one another:]

With Addi looking so much like Blake, it's been no surprise for Blake and I to hear the comment, "She looks so much like her daddy." quite often. However it's not the comment we hear the most. The comment we get most frequently is, "Yep, she's definitely a Dawson." It never fails! When people here in Coleman see Addi, it's always the first thing they say! And for people who know the Dawson family, it's usually the first thing they say too. I got tons of comments on the blog and on facebook saying the same thing about many of her pictures- "She's definitely a Dawson." People have said it since she was first born, and they still say it today. Blake and I have often wondered what exactly this means. What makes a 'Dawson' a 'Dawson?' And what about Addi gives her that Dawson look?

Until Next Time...

Baby Boy :)

2010-12-14T17:41:00.005-06:00

I had my 28 week appointment, 3D sonogram, & glucose test today. All is well with baby boy. He weighs 2 lbs 15 oz. and is measuring just perfectly! What a blessing!! The umbilical cord was in front of his face during the entire sonogram, so we didn't get very many clear pictures. Addi's were definitely better, but I was just thankful we got to see his chubby little cheeks and big, pouty lips---Even if everything was little fuzzy!

Baby Boy at 28 Weeks 4 days!

This pic is probably my favorite. It's hard to tell, but the nurses were tapping and jostling my tummy, trying to get him to move, and he stuck his bottom lip out, acted like he was mad, and started to pout. It was totally precious!

I definitely don't see Blake in him like I did with Addi---You could tell immediately in Addi's 3D sono that she was a spitting image of her Daddy. I don't know who this baby looks like---Like I said, I don't really see Blake, but I don't really see me either. Maybe he's going to have his own look---Who knows?! What do you think? See any resemblances??

While Blake and I were at my appointment, Nee-Nee and Adds were having a girl's day at the mall. We were so thankful Whitney was able to watch Addi for us---She was a life saver!! Addi was SUPPOSED to go see Santa, but chickened out (As expected!) Whitney said she was so cute, and so excited, but totally backed out once she got face to face with Santa Claus. She is definitely our little scaredy cat:)

Whit took some pics for us!

Addi & her BIG cookie:)

Posing with the gingerbread man

Having fun on all the mall toys

In other news, I still don't have all my Christmas shopping done---What about you?? I better get on it, considering Christmas is NEXT week!! INSANE!!

Until Next Time...

Happy Birthday, Jesus--Addi.mov

2010-12-09T19:50:00.000-06:00

Addi requests to hear the "Birthday Jesus" song every time we get in the car (It's on one of our Christmas cds.) This afternoon while running errands she asked to hear the song, and much to my surprise I heard her sweet little voice singing along. I thought it was pretty precious, so when we got home I immediately asked her if she could sing the song for me one more time. She did such a good job! I think it's pretty adorable! Makes me tear up a little too! (Please excuese my singing---Didn't think I was singing loud enough for the camera to hear! And also please ignore Addi's occasional yawn---It was naptime!)

We've been talking a lot about why we celebrate Christmas here lately. Addi knows Christmas is because of Jesus and his birth. She has asked me more than once what kind of birthday party Jesus had. I try to explain that he didn't have a party, but that we have Christmas 'parties' and celebrate because He was born. Well, today we went through the entire conversation (Like I said, she asks quite often) again...This time she told me, "I love a Christmas birthday, but Jesus will probably like a zebra party like mine." All I could do was laugh- (BTW, her last birthday party was zebra print themed) So sweet what her little 2 year old mind can comprehend.

Until Next Time...

PS-Make sure the volume is turned WAAAY up! It's kinda hard to hear!

Tis the Season...

2010-12-07T17:38:00.001-06:00

Tis the season for small town holiday parades...

Tis the season for playing in Christmas tree boxes...

And for decorating the tree...

For watching sweet Christmas movies (Polar Express)

For looking festive & posing in front of the tree:)

And unfortunately it's also the season for catching all sorts of yucky "bugs."

This was Addi yesterday after a long Sunday night of battling the stomach bug! Lots of laying around and sleeping! (Thankfully, she's feeling much better today!)

And last but not least, tis the season for FOOTBALL! My hometown Sterling City Eagles will be playing in the state championship football game this Saturday---First time in the school's history! Read more about it here and here Blake and I plan to be in Abilene to cheer them on. Regardless of if they win or lose, it will be fun. I know the entire Sterling City community is so excited and so proud! GO EAGLES!!!

Until Next Time...

Pretty sure it was a good idea...

2010-12-01T16:14:00.003-06:00

Yep, I'm pretty sure making my blog private was a good idea. Since going private, my little "blog stalker" has:
1.Emailed and asked to be added to list of people who can view the blog.
2.Has commented on a friend's blog asking to follow her blog so that he/she could keep up with Addi since he/she could no longer view my blog.
3.And just this morning, this person tried to add Blake as a friend on Facebook!! (Of course all their settings are private, so we couldn't get any info about them through the FB friend request)

Can you say C-R-E-E-P-Y??!!

Keep in mind, we don't know this person AT ALL, we don't have any friends in common with this person and we have NO connections whatsoever to this person! Kind of crazy!! Sheesh---Get a life, and quit trying to keep up with mine!!--Ok, that last part was kind of rude of me, but seriously, why are you so interested in my family?!

On a happier, un-stalkerish note, here's Adds looking cute in one of the MANY Christmas outfits I bought for her at the after Christmas sales last year. (This little dress was regularly 24 dollars at Kohl's, and I snagged it for a meager 4 bucks after Christmas!)

Apparently I went WILD at those sales though, because I keep finding more and MORE little Christmas outfits! Addi's gonna be decked in holiday attire every day for the month of December!! Yikes---Note to self...Must have more self-control when shopping the after Christmas sales this year-Even if they are really good bargains!

Most of my Christmas decor is up---The tree will go up sometime Friday or Saturday! Can't believe it's already that time of year!!

Happy December:)

Until Next Time...

Gobble, Gobble

2010-11-29T21:35:00.001-06:00

Here's how Thanksgiving 2010 went down:)

Thursday morning I woke up to coffee, donuts, and birthday presents! Yes, it was Happy Thanksgiving and Happy 28th (gasp!) Birthday to me!

I got several cute maternity dresses from Blake (pretty sure his mom and sister helped him out!) and a pair of these...

Definitely a good way to start the day!

Addi woke up with a cold Tuesday morning, and by the time Thursday rolled around she was feeling pretty crummy and acting VERY grouchy! Made for a not so Happy Thanksgiving for her---Poor girl...Last Thanksgiving was not the best for her either! Keeping our fingers crossed that next year will be a GREAT turkey day for her (and for Mommy and Daddy!)

Adds not feeling great---Snuggled up with Daddy watching Beauty & the Beast Thursday morning

Mommy & Addi's Thanksgiving Smiles-Take 1

Take 2

I spent the rest of the morning finishing up my cooking. We headed out to Blake's Mom and Dad's house for Thanksgiving lunch--It was the first time for Janie to host the Thanksgiving meal--Everything turned out just perfectly, and the food was delicious!! Great job, Janie!!

Some of the Thanksgiving crew--Brent, Barry, Blake, & Linnie (AKA: Granny)

The turkey place cards Addi made

Some of the yummy spread

The pies (Chocolate-Peanut Butter, Cherry Cheesecake, Pecan, Buttermilk, & Pumpkin!)

Adds digging in

Blake digging in too:)

Yummy!

PawPaw & Blake looking tough

PawPaw, Kyle, and Blake

Close up of Blake and I---Try not to smile too much, Blake! lol!

Addi enjoying her first ever piece of pumpkin pie!

Skyping with Uncle Bink (He had to leave pretty soon after lunch)

More skyping---Check out her tongue!

Blake & Michael skyping with Brent

Blake, Brent, Michael, & Kyle

Addi looking for some Black Friday Deals (And yes, she requested her reading glasses!)

Cracks me up!!

Friday morning Janie, Kristen, and I got up around 7 and headed to Abilene for some Black Friday shopping (Missed you, Alison!) I didn't get as much shopping done as I had hoped, but I definitely made a dent in my list. (And FYI, it was way too early for any pictures-lol!)

Friday evening, Blake, Addi, and I loaded up and headed to my parent's house in Sterling City.

Saturday the guys headed out to watch some 6 man football and the girls headed to San Angelo for a movie.

I woke up to another pair of these Saturday morning---I feel so trendy;)

Posing in the leaves

Sisters!

Whitney had the great idea to throw the leaves up in the air for a picture...

It didn't work out too well...

And I'm pretty sure I never got off the ground (But Addi sure thought it was fun!)

Walking into the movies with Nee-Nee and JoJo

We saw Tangled---It was so, soo cute!

Such a big girl in the movies

JoJo and Adds

Nee-Nee & Adds (Someone REFUSED to wear her 3D glasses!)

We ended the night with pizza, chocolate birthday cake, and Ramona and Beezus (Another SUPER cute movie---I loved the book, had been wanting to see the movie for a long time!)

Addi's Saturday night was occupied with playing with Nee-Nee's Barbie dolls! She LOVED them!! Pretty sure Barbie can be added to her Christmas list!

Overall, it was a great Thanksgiving---What wonderful families Blake and I have been blessed with!

On a totally unrelated note, I think it is worth mentioning that Addi has without a doubt entered the TERRIBLE TWOS! And though it may not seem like it, (She's usually pretty shy and quiet around non family members theses days) she is VERY strong willed. When she makes up her mind that she isn't going to do something, SHE WILL NOT do it! It seems like everything has been a battle these days---Getting her to eat breakfast, lunch, and supper is a battle. Getting her to go potty has been a battle (And yes, she has been perfectly potty trained since July!) Getting her to nap and go to bed at night has been a battle. Big things, little things, you name it, and we have battled over it! It seems like my days are filled with spankings, time outs, arguing, and saying, "Please mind Mommy, Please listen to Mommy, Please be a nice girl, Addi." It's exhausting. I'm not going to lie---Days like we've been having here lately have left me feeling like a horrible Mommy! I've had two crying meltdowns myself! I know this is just a season, and I know this phase, like all phases, will eventually run it's course, but man, it's HARD! Definitely makes me nervous about what kind of craziness will erupt when Baby Brother arrives. I'm praying, and will continue to pray that Addi adjusts well, and will love being a big sister to her little brother. I pray that they will be the best of friends. If you think about it, please pray for me and my patience. I love my Addi girl so very, VERY much, and I want to be the best Mommy I can be for her!

Whew---I think I'm finally done!! Thanks for hanging in there!! Hope you had a great Thanksgiving too!!

Until Next Time...

Weekly Check In

2010-11-21T17:01:00.002-06:00

Looks like Sunday afternoons/evenings are turning out to be my weekly blogging days!

Just bullets today---Here goes!

*Last Tuesday was my 6 month doctor's appointment. Everything is going great! And as I predicted, the scale was NOT very kind do me---I knew it was going to be bad, and it was! Not horrible, but definitely not great. I remember having one BAD scale month with Addi, so I'm trying not to freak out too much---Just as long as it doesn't continue to happen, I'll be okay:)

*The baby's heartbeat was loud and FAST---Running about 160BPM (The old wives' tale about slower heartbeats being for boys and faster heartbeats being for girls has been totally wrong this time around!)

*My next appointment will include the glucose test and 3-D sonogram--Can't believe it's that time ALREADY!! Things seem to be moving very quickly with this pregnancy (Have I mentioned I have NOTHING prepared for this baby??!! I had so many more things ready by this point of pregnancy with Addi---Guess that's one of the differences between the first and second child!) Pray for my glucose test---I was pretty close to failing it with Addi, so I am praying that I will pass it this time around too!)

*While in San Angelo Tuesday, Laura & Slade were able to take Addi's Christmas pictures. They turned out so cute! Check out the sneak peek here! Addi is not the most cooperative client, so I was really thankful for Laura and Slade's patience with her, and for their willingness to squeeze us into their busy photography schedule---Thanks again, Cozarts!!!

*This week I turn 28. Blake said we're going to celebrate with a REALLY big meal and lots of desserts:) Ha- My birthday falls on Thanksgiving day this year---I'm hoping we can snag a date night sometime before or after my actual birthday---Guess I'll just have to wait and see!

*Last year was my first Black Friday shopping experience, and I'm hoping to make a repeat of it again this year! Too bad I don't have ANY IDEAS on what to get ANYONE for Christmas this year---Ugh! I hope I get some hints from family members soon!! Anyone else Black Friday shopping this year?? Where/what are supposed to be the biggest and best deals??

*Today is my Mom & Dad's 29th Wedding Anniversary! What a gift!! I am so thankful for each of them, and for the testament their marriage is!! Happy 29 years, Mom and Dad!! We love you!!

*Last but not least, here's a picture of my cute little Turkey ready for church this morning. Too bad it was a whopping 83 degrees outside today---Bet those tights and snow boots were a little warm---Sorry Adds!! :)

Guess that's it for now---Hope everyone has a blessed and memorable Thanksgiving! We have so much to be thankful for!!

Until Next Time...

Sunday Evening Updates

2010-11-14T17:19:00.006-06:00

I'm happy to report that Addi's dentist appointment this past Thursday went perfectly!! Dr. Poorman said he noticed NO discoloration in Addi's two front teeth, he said the teeth had moved down out of the gums very nicely, and that over the years they would continue to gradually drift down further and further. He concluded his observation by saying that we couldn't ask for anything better---Especially with the trauma those poor little teeth had been through!! What a relief and answer to prayers!! We are VERY thankful! Addi's teeth cleaning went really well too. She sat perfectly still, was very cooperative, and was such a BIG girl--Mommy was super proud of her! I highly recommend Dr. Norm Poorman if you live in the Abilene area, and are looking for a pediatric dentist. He is a wonderful Christian man, and he and his staff are so great with kids--Addi just loves him!! (He was the only person who could convince her to finally give up her passies for crying out loud--That's HUGE!! She will still say from time to time, "Dr. Poorman says no more passies." Ha!)

All ready to see Dr. Poorman! (I wanted to take some pictures of her in the dentist chair while she was getting her teeth cleaned, but Addi really wanted me to hold her hand instead) :)

In other news, Mom, Whit, and I had fun girls night last night in San Angelo. My birthday just happens to fall on Thanksgiving this year (I was born on Thanksgiving too), so Mom and Whitney wanted to take me out and celebrate early. (They will both be out of town next weekend.) We went to the movies and saw this

It was soooo cute!! I had been wanting to see it for FOREVER! (Pretty sure the last movie I saw before this one was "Despicable Me" back in August with Addi!) I was so glad it was still in the theater. I laughed and cried---It was great! Very easy to relate to if you have kids!

After the movie we headed to dinner at one of the new "hot spots" in San Angelo, Sealy Flats. We enjoyed some live blues music while we ate our bacon cheeseburgers and sweet potato fries outside on the patio--Such a fun atmosphere! (We couldn't even tell we were outside---They had tons of tiki torch gas heaters, so everything was nice and toasty!)

Toasting our Dr Peppers at Sealy Flats:)

The patio...

Warming up outside Sealy Flats

Entrance

Pointing to the Blues sign--Just in case you missed it in the other pictures;)

Mom & I (Don't know why it turned out so dark?)

After Sealy Flats when ended our night with dessert at The Wharf. If you've ever had dessert at the Wharf, then you already know what we ordered.....

The Turtle Pie, of course!!

Laura and Leah both worked at the Wharf during our college days---I always loved it when one of them would call and say, "Wanna come up here and share a piece of Turtle pie with me??" I probably hadn't had a piece since college---It was just as delicious as I remember it being:)

Ready to dig in!!

We were excited!

Super excited:)

Mom & Whitney

The damage is done!! (And this is one of the reasons I am soooo not looking forward to stepping on the scale at my doctor's appointment this Tuesday!!--It's NOT going to be pretty!)

In pregnancy news, I am currently 24 weeks, 3 days pregant. This has definitely been the month of the "blossoming belly." Baby Brother and Mommy have eaten really WELL this past month (Can you say Halloween candy??!!) Makes me a little nervous to see how much weight I've gained---Pretty sure it's going to be A LOT---And I've still got Thanksgiving, Christmas, & New Years to eat my way through---YIKES!! The ladies at the orthodontist's office Tuesday said they didn't even know I was pregnant, much less 6 MONTHS PREGNANT! Then the very next day at JC Penneys, the lady checking me out asked me if I was almost due?? Ummmm, "NO!!!" Not too sure how I feel about that...I definitely prefer the comments from the orthodontist ladies (Even if they were lying! ha!!) Other than that, things seem to be moving along quite smoothly and quickly!! I feel good, and I am loving feeling all the baby kicks and wiggles, and letting Blake and Addi feel them as well---For sure one of my favorite parts of pregnancy!

Well, I supposed that's all for today!!

Until Next Time...

This Little Cutie...

2010-11-09T16:28:00.002-06:00

This little cutie has a dentist appointment Thursday morning...And this Mommy is NERVOUS!! It will be Addi's first trip back to Dr. Poorman since her big teeth boo-boo back in May. Things with her teeth look pretty great to me (Except on my paranoid days when I notice a little grayish tent to them.) But I'm not a dentist, and just because things look fine to me, doesn't mean they really are. Addi's teeth have made so much progress since her accident-Much more progress than I ever dreamed they would!

It's hard to believe this is what her two front teeth looked like back in May!!

We are so thankful for the Lord's mercy thus far in this situation, and we're praying that this normal, routine teeth cleaning (Addi's first!) will be just that--Routine and normal! As always, your prayers are appreciated!

In other news, Sunday afternoon I was able to head to Sterling City for Hollie's (My best friend from high school) bridal shower. Hollie has been doing mission work in Kenya for the past few years, so it's very rare that I get to see her! What a treat it was to visit and catch up!! Hollie was looking beautiful (as always) and seemed happier than ever---Matt (her fiance) sure is a lucky guy!!

My gift to Hollie--Every newly married couple needs a little PW in their home:)

One of Hollie's gifts- I LOVE it!!

Kristin & I admiring Hollie's bling:)

High school besties, reunited---We missed you Anna!! (Try to ignore the glare!)

Guess that's it for now!!

Until Next Time...

PS-See the post below if you haven't read why Dawson Delights went Private!!

Reason for the Privacy Pain....

2010-11-08T09:50:00.002-06:00

Thank you to all of you who are still continuing to follow Dawson Delights in spite of the big PAIN IN THE REAR going private brings!

Here is the reason I suddenly decided to go private....
From time to time, I get comments on the blog from people I don't know. It's never really bothered me because the person just usually ends up being a friend of a friend or someone who happened to stumble across my blog through one of your blogs. Not a big deal. Well, Friday night I got an email from someone who reads the blog---I don't know the person. The first question I had after reading the email was, "How did this person get my email address?" You can't access my email address through my blog (I made that part of my privacy setting when I started the blog.) And I'm pretty sure I've never shared my email address on the blog...If I have, it hasn't been any time recently The second question I had was, "How did this person find my blog?" I searched through many of YOUR blogs, seeing if maybe this person was a friend of yours or if they had ever commented on your blogs. I came up with nothing. Anywho, that kind of creeped me out. The email basically said that this person really loved my blog and that they had been reading for a long time. The end of the email however, said something like, "I have some questions I would like ask you...They're about Addi." That REALLY creeped me out! What kind of questions would need to be asked through an email? Why didn't this person just leave a comment on the blog, asking the questions? After that, I looked through some of my older posts and realized this person has been leaving comments for a while, and some of them are kind of strange... Like, "You should really update your blog more often. I love seeing pictures of the three of you." This person may be the NICEST PERSON IN THE WORLD, and I might have no reason to be creeped out or worried, but Blake and I were just a little concerned that someone we don't know would be so invested/interested in our blog, in Addi, and in our family. Just kinda made us feel like we had a FOR REAL blog stalker! So there you have it---That's the reason for going private. Am I being paranoid? I hope not! I will try to leave updates on facebook to let you know when I have new posts on the blog!

Thanks Again!!

Until Next Time...

P-R-I-V-A-T-E!!

2010-11-07T13:48:00.002-06:00

I don't really want to, but I think the time has come for Dawson Delights to go private:( Makes me sad, cause I know it's gonna be a pain for everyone, but I just feel like it's something I need to do! If you still want to read, leave a comment with your email address, and we'll go from there! Thanks to all my loyal readers---Hope you'll still continue to read and comment, even when I go private!!

Until Next Time...

Are You Fabulously Frugal??

2010-10-29T08:58:00.003-05:00

If you are, then I need your help!! My MOPS group is speaking on budgeting, saving money, and being a stay at home mom without going broke at our next meeting. Each of the steering team members is speaking on a specific topic. I am speaking on how to save money at retail stores like Kohl's, Target, JC Penny, etc. I will be the first to admit that I am NOT fabulously frugal. Budgeting and saving money is something I definitely need to work on!! So as you can see, I desperately need your help---I don't know how I am going to speak on something I'm not really good at or know much about. Please leave comments with tips & suggestions on how YOU save money at retail stores, links to websites/blogs that might be helpful to other 'not so frugal' moms like myself, and any other advice you think is worth passing along. Our meeting is a week from today--November 5th. Thank you in advance for your help---It is greatly appreciated!!

Until Next Time...

PS-If you would rather email me, just let me know and I'll get you my email address!

Weekly Update!

2010-10-27T16:54:00.001-05:00

Just a few things that have been going on at the Dawson house this week!

Monday Night Pumpkin Carving:

She requested a happy Jack-O-Lantern, not a "pooky" (spooky) one!

Paying careful attention

First time scooping out the seeds- She was NOT a fan!

Addi & Mommy

Addi & Daddy's traditional Longhorn Jack-O-Lantern (Yes, we're Longhorn fans during good seasons AND not so good seasons:) )

Her reward for all her hard work (Definitely her favorite part of the pumpkin carving! lol)

Wednesday Morning Cookie Baking:

Baking peanut butter cookies for Grammy's birthday

Yep, she licked the peanut butter spoon:)

Big smiles:)

Her concentration face!

Wednesday Morning "Big Girl Room" Tour:

Someone has recently moved into her big girl room, and is LOVING it!! Addi whispers to me every night when she gets in bed, "I wove my new big girl room, Mommy." And one night this week she asked, "Where you buy this pretty big girl room, Mommy?" So sweet! Mommy is definitely glad the transition has been a smooth one!

Until Next Time...

So Much Fun!

2010-10-18T17:13:00.000-05:00

We had SUCH a fun weekend!

Here's a peek at all the fun!

Check out all of the pictures here

Until Next Time...

Have You Seen It??

2010-10-13T10:53:00.000-05:00

I have yet to buy myself one of these (Even though I kinda want one!) This commercial just might be the extra push I need to finally get one this winter! I mean, how can you not want one after genius advertising like this:) LOL!!

Enjoy!!

Until Next Time....

Sunday Picture Post!

2010-10-10T18:50:00.001-05:00

Just a post with lots of pictures!

A customer at Blake's work dropped this little toy off for Addi last week. It was bought for his grand kids, and they had outgrown it. It's a SUPER nice battery operated 4-Wheeler! What a great surprise! Unfortunately, Addi (for some reason) is pretty scared of her new "Four Wheelah." She has only ridden on it once, and only with her Daddy. We're hoping our little scaredy cat gets brave sometime soon---Until then, Blake and I are having lots of fun riding around on it;)

A few randoms...
Looking cute in her tu-tu!

Just chillen on the coffee table, eating a snack, while watching Mickey Mouse (Her fav!!)

This weekend Travis & Alison (T-Man & Ali) were in town for a visit. We enjoyed a fun weekend hanging out with them, and of course Addi just LOVED all the extra attention she got!

T-Man, Ali, & Addi enjoying lunch at Owl Drug Store

Adds thoroughly enjoying her fried pickles at the Owl--YUM!

One of Addi's latest favorite things to do is play with blocks. She got a set of blocks for her birthday back in May, but she has just now become really interested in them. The phrases "Wanna pway bwocks, do you?" and "Wanna build a Mickey Mouse Cwub House?" can often be heard coming out of her mouth on a regular basis:)

Saturday evening, Slade, Laura, & Wyatt stopped by on their way home from Strawn. The weather was so nice, and Wyatt & Adds just had a blast playing outside together!

Unlike Addi, Wyatt L-O-V-E-D the 4-Wheeler!! (Must be a boy thing!)

He did so good riding by himself!

This is what Adds did while Wyatt was on the 4-Wheeler (Must be a girl thing!)

"What did you cook me, Addi??"

Adds finally decided to ride along with Wyatt in her little car;)

Running, Laughing, & Having fun!

Wyatt showing off is perfect shooting form;)

One of the few shots Addi made:)

I'll end with a few little pregnancy updates. I stumbled across a garage sale Saturday morning, and was able to buy several cute maternity tops and two pair of maternity pants---All name brands, and all only a $1.00 each! I was super excited---Especially since I went to the garage sale NOT knowing there would be any type of maternity stuff! I was also able to snag baby boy's first clothing purchase for a mere 50 cents---So cute! (Broozer should be proud!)

Last, but not least...You know you're pregnant and showing when someone comes up to you and says, "Wow! You've finally just popped out, haven't you?!" Ummm....Pretty sure I never heard anything like that at 19 1/2 weeks when I was prego with Addi! Oh well...Guess I better get used to it! :)

Until Next Time...

Monday Updates!

2010-10-04T17:30:00.001-05:00

Last Thursday was my follow up sonogram to confirm weather or not this little baby inside of me is a boy. Although he was still pretty uncooperative, we were able to conclude that this 'he' truly is a HE!! We are EXCITED!!! In other pregnancy news, I am about 4 1/2 months along, and I seem to be getting bigger by the day! I am so glad I decided to buy a belly band---It has definitely been a life saver!! I'm just not ready for maternity clothes yet!! Speaking of maternity clothes, anyone have any fall/winter maternity clothes they would be willing to let me borrow?? I will be my biggest during the fall and winter months this time around, as opposed to the Spring months when I was prego with Addi. I hate to buy expensive maternity clothes (And we all know they're expensive!!) when I know that I will only be wearing them for a short amount of time! I promise I will take good care of them, and I will make sure to return the favor to any of you who might need to borrow some Spring/Summer maternity clothes---Let me know!

My BFF, Laura is always so sweet to watch Addi while I go to my appointments---Isn't she the greatest??! I sure do love and appreciate her!!

And of course Adds loves getting to spend time with her BFF, Wyatt:)

All dressed up to go play at Wyatt's house

Wyatt taught Addi how to play t-ball!

Sweet, sweet kiddos!!

Saturday, Blake, Addi, and I enjoyed some small town fun here in Coleman at the annual Fiesta de la Paloma (See more pics of the "big" event here)

Addi picking out her fiesta souvenir

Thankfully she is easily impressed;)

While at the fiesta, we attended our first ever tractor pull. And let me tell ya, it was just as exciting as it sounds!! HA!! We really did have fun---Just wasn't the most "riveting" event I've ever been to! (Addi happened to LOVE it---She cried when we had to leave!)

Addi and Daddy checking out the tractors

Lots of tractors!

Mommy and Addi taking it all in:)

Addi loves to cook, so today I let her have a special treat, and let her make some Funfetti Halloween cupcakes! (Funfetti was a first for both of us!)

Using the mixer all by herself!!

Super excited!

Last, but not least, some MOPS fundraising news... My Southside MOPS group is hosting a Bunco fundraiser Tuesday night, October 26th. The cost of a ticket is $10.00. I know most of you reading this blog don't live in the Coleman/Brownwood area, but if you want to come, and are able to come, that would be great!! If you can't come, but still want to support me, and support MOPS, a $10.00 donation would be greatly appreciated!!

MOPS is such a great organization. If you don't know much about it, you can learn more here! Better Moms DO make a better world!

Well, I think that's it for now!

Until Next Time...

Thankful

2010-09-28T15:06:00.001-05:00

We are so thankful for the cooler, fall like temperatures we've been having! It means we finally get to do things like...

This

And

This!

Yes, we are definitely thankful---Aren't you?!:)

Until Next Time...

Uncooperative Little Stinker!!

2010-09-21T16:57:00.001-05:00

Well, I made sure to drink plenty of orange juice before my appointment this morning, but it didn't seem to help much. This baby had it's legs clenched tightly together the entire time!! After lots of wiggling and pressing on my tummy, we were finally able to get a good idea of the sex of this little stinker!

We are 97% sure Baby Dawson #2 is a B-O-Y!!!

My ultrasound nurse wants me to come back later next week so she can give me a 100% "boy shot" picture. (She says she HATES when she hears stories from people who say, "They told me I was having a girl, and I had a boy..." And vice versa.) She says she always likes to make sure everyone knows FOR SURE what they are having! I definitely wish she would have been my nurse when I was pregnant with Addi- At Addi's big ultrasound they were able to give us an 85-90 percentage that she was a girl...And I was always kinda worried that she might be a boy---I wasn't able to be 100% sure until her 28 week 4-D sono pics...That was a long time to wait!! I'm sure Blake and I will both breathe a little easier when we hear the words, "I'm 100% sure you're having a boy." 97% is pretty darn close, but 100% just makes you feel better-ha:)

Blake and I are really, really happy, and of course Addi is happy about "baby brudda" too! I can honestly say that I have no clue about anything when it comes to little boys, but I am anxious and excited to find out! (And just for the record, we will still be just as happy if this little boy is actually a little girl!)

Everything is looking great, and baby is growing right on track. What a blessing--We are so thankful!

Here are some profile shots of our little guy at 16 1/2 weeks!

I'll make sure to let you know if something changes next week-ha! :)

Until Next Time...

Just Things...

2010-09-20T15:36:00.001-05:00

First of all... HOOK 'EM HORNS!!!! It wasn't a pretty win Saturday night, but it was a win, and the Dawson crew sure was happy! (I think we had waaay too many Tech friends talking trash on facebook--- So the win was definitely a good thing!!)

Secondly, tomorrow we go in for the BIG SONOGRAM! I can't believe it is that time already! We're praying for a healthy, growing, cooperative little baby at our appointment tomorrow morning. And just for the record, my gut feeling makes me think Addi is going to have a little sister...No reason--Just a gut feeling. What do you think---Is baby Dawson #2 a girl or a boy?? Also, I've heard that drinking orange juice before the sonogram makes for a very active baby...True?? Any other tips I should no about to help ensure that baby will be awake and moving during the sonogram?

Thirdly, did you happen to hear about this?! This is totally the pool where Addi I swam all summer! From what I heard, they think it happened sometime Wednesday night...And the body wasn't found until Saturday morning! Kinda creepy!!

Last but not least, an Addi funny. Yesterday we were at Blake's parent's house, and Addi kept telling me, "Turn on that wight, Mommy!" Referring to the reading lamp next to the couch. I told her we didn't need the light on because it wasn't dark. She then proceeded to tell me, "I need that wight, Mommy. I'm gonna put on my glasses and read the paper!." HA!! I guess she's been paying attention when Grammy and Pop read the newspaper on Sunday afternoons! Too funny!!

Until Next Time...

Beautiful Song--Makes Me Cry Every Time I Hear It

2010-09-15T10:06:00.000-05:00

A friend and I were discussing this song on Facebook last night. She and her family are going through a difficult time right now---Her little niece was born a few weeks ago--There were complications after she was born, and there is a good chance that sweet little baby isn't going to make it. In the midst of all the sadness and mourning, my friend herself is 9months pregnant expecting her first child, a baby boy. She is due any day now, and I can't imagine the fear, along with the excitement & anticipation, and many other mixed emotions she and her family are going through. We were talking about this song last night, and how it has been such a comfort to her during this extremely hard and confusing time. I have always loved this song--It makes me cry every time I hear it. God never promised us that this life would be easy or that we would always understand His plan, but He HAS promised that in the midst of life's heartache and pain, He would be here to hold us, to love us, and to wipe away our tears.

Here are the beautiful lyrics:

"Two months is too little
They let him go
They had no sudden healing
To think that providence
Would take a child from his mother
While she prays, is appalling
Who told us we'd be rescued
What has changed and
Why should we be saved from nightmares
Were asking why this happens to us
Who have died to live, it's unfair
This is what it means to be held
How it feels, when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive
This is what it is to be loved and to know
That the promise was that when everything fell
We'd be held
This hand is bitterness
We want to taste it and
Let the hatred numb our sorrows
The wise hand opens slowly
To lilies of the valley and tomorrow
This is what it means to be held
How it feels, when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive
This is what it is to be loved and to know
That the promise was that when everything fell
We'd be held
If hope if born of suffering
If this is only the beginning
Can we not wait, for one hour
Watching for our savior
This is what it means to be held
How it feels, when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive
This is what it is to be loved and to know
That the promise was that when everything fell
We'd be held"

And this is the video- Hope you enjoy!

Just Things...

2010-09-08T16:45:00.002-05:00

A lot of this post will be repeats from Facebook--You've been warned:)

First of all, thank you all for you sweet comments on my anniversary post. I enjoyed coming up with that post, and thinking of just a few of the ways Blake and I are so different, but yet so perfect for one another. The Lord has blessed me with a great guy, and I sure do love him!! We had a pretty low key anniversary. We had a date day in San Angelo- Just the two of us. And of course our anniversary gift to each other this year was a new bedroom and bathroom:) While in San Angelo, I enjoyed stuffing my face with an always delicious chicken fajita burrito loaded with sour cream and guacamole and topped with Franco's sauce. Blake and I LOVE Franco's so much...Sure wish it was in Coleman instead of San Angelo (Actually, it's probably a good thing Franco's isn't in Coleman! We would both be total fatties! ha!) After a little shopping and "piddling" when ended our day with EVEN MORE food! Swiss chocolate ice cream, strawberries, Oreo cookies, and chocolate syrup...My favorite Marble Slab combination! So yum!

Happy 5 Years to The Blakester and Me:)

It really should have come as no surprise to me (Especially after eating all the food I listed above-YIKES!) but a belly band had to be purchased. I never bought one with Addi, because I really never needed it. I didn't actually start wearing maternity clothes with her until around 6 or 7 months pregnant---SOOOO NOT the case this time around! I am almost 4 months pregnant, and my clothes are already fitting a little snug. Yeah, it's kinda depressing. (Just makes me a little (A LOT!) nervous to see what things are going to be like when February rolls around!) People aren't kidding when they say thing are "different" the second time around! S-C-A-R-Y! So, much to my dislike, I got online and ordered a lovely belly band this morning. Yay for wearing my jeans and Capri's unbuttoned and being able to breathe;) (I know a lot of you on Facebook mentioned that you weren't really fans of the belly band, but I thought I needed to try it out for myself nonetheless- I'll let you know what I think! Also, thanks to your suggestions, the next thing to purchase on my shopping list will be some Old Navy maternity tanks! Keep the advice coming!!)

In other pregnancy news, my latest craving has been pickles. The more sour they are, the BETTER! So strange. Addi tried to eat one of my sour pickles yesterday at lunch...After one bite, she made an awful face, and said, "Too sour Mommy!" Blake can't handle them either...So luckily for me, the sour pickles are all mine, and I don't have to worry about sharing-hehe!

Last, but not least, apparently my pregnancy hormones have randomly started making the skin on my face SOOOO UNBELIEVABLY DRY! I feel like a snake! It's pretty gross. It also makes putting on make up pretty impossible---Everything just flakes right off! Moisturizer has done NOTHING for me. I am going to try some pregnancy fish oil tablets soon. Many of you have said they're the BEST thing EVER for any pregnancy skin issues- I sure hope you're right!! ;) Let me know of anything else I should be trying!

Well, tonight kicks off the first night of Wednesday Night Kid's Club at church--I better go do some last minute preparation for the little darlings:)

Until Next Time...

Happy 5 Years!

2010-09-03T07:24:00.001-05:00

-I love ketchup on my burgers and hot dogs...You love ketchup on everything BUT burgers and hot dogs.

-I can't sleep without two, big, fluffy pillows...You can't sleep without one, flat like a pancake pillow.

-You love a big breakfast-Biscuits, sausage, hash browns-the works...I am perfectly content with a Nutrigrain bar or cereal.

-You're an early bird-Always early to bed, early to rise...I'm a night owl-Stay up late and sleep in late.

-I'm always the first to pull out my camera and want a picture taken...You're always the first to duck out and hide from the camera.

-I remember sitting one row in front of you in Dr. Olsen's government class during college...You don't remember me even being in the class.

-You'll always root for the Colts... I'll always root for the Cowboys.

-You can remember every play, every score, every detail from any Panther Creek or UT football game...I can't remember the score from the game we watched 30 minutes ago.

-I stress and worry about EVERYTHING...You're so easygoing- I've never seen you anxious or stressed about ANYTHING.

-I'm quick to get mad or get my feelings hurt...It takes a lot for you to get mad or upset.

I'm more of a pessimist...You're more of an optimist.

-I went through the ringer filling out paper work and making sure I had all the right connections to get a summer life guarding job at Goodfellow Air force Base six years ago...You had no connections and randomly submitted your application on a whim.

-I had given up on finding any good guys in San Angelo...A few weeks later a sweet guy from Dr. Olsen's government class turned out to be one of my fellow lifeguards at the base.

-I talked your ear off all summer, and smiled a lot...You rarely talked at all, and smiled a lot.

-I prayed for a husband...The Lord gave me you.

I praise God for answering my prayers. In the areas I am weak, you are strong. He made you just for me, and I couldn't be more thankful. I love you so much Blake-Thank you for loving me! Happy 5 Years!!

Oh the fun we've had...Looking forward to many more years of fun:)

~I am my beloveds, and my beloved is mine... Song of Solomon 6:3~

Until Next Time...

"My Bump, My Lovely Baby Bump...Check it Out!"

2010-09-01T23:00:00.004-05:00

So I'm definitely starting to sport the baby bump...And here it is in all it's glory at about 14 weeks pregnant! I still feel like I'm showing A LOT sooner this time around, but I think that maybe, I'm kinda-sorta coming to terms with it-Ha!

And this is what I walked in on after coming home from my MOPS meeting last night. My sweet girl just playing and having fun in the tub! LOVE HER!!!

Until Next Time...

Randoms

2010-08-30T16:50:00.001-05:00

Life has been crazy here lately, and I've done a really bad job of taking pictures, but here are the randoms I happened to have on my camera. I hope to be back to my "crazy, picture taking self" soon!

Addi loving the car cart at Home Depot---We've been in that store waaay too often here lately!

Enjoying her daily Push-Up ice cream at Broozer & JoJo's house

Wild-Haired Addi making play dough with JoJo

All fixed up, and busy "cooking"

The Dawson Girls on the morning of our 2nd Annual Ross shopping trip

Addi had lots of fun playing in all of KiKi's bathing suits & clothes while staying a Grammy & Pop's house

Wyatt & Adds fascinated by the tortillas at Rosa's

In other news, Blake and I are pretty much moved into our new room. There is still some plumbing work to be finished in the bathroom, and the workers will be coming back one day to do some "fix ups" on our bedroom door, and on the trim in the bathroom, and of course there are still pictures to hang, etc, etc, BUT we have officially spent two nights in our new bedroom! We are so thankful!! Oh yeah, we also still have to paint our old bedroom (soon to be Addi's new room), move Addi into her new room, paint her old room (Which will be the new baby's room) and prime and paint the entire exterior of the house! Anyone want to help us paint?? We could sure use the help!!! ha:)

In baby news, things are moving right along. My last doctor's appointment went really well. I got to hear the heart beat for the first time---Loud and strong at 150bpms (Sounds like it could be another little girl if you believe this old wives's tale!) We'll (hopefully) find out the sex of the baby for sure when we go for our "big" sonogram on September 21st! Can't believe how fast this pregnancy seems to be going!! Wow!

Speaking of babies, look at my baby one year ago today! I randomly stumbled across this photo this afternoon, and it just happened to be taken exactly one year ago! She's getting way too big, way too fast!! Tear:(

Well, I guess that's it for now. I'm off to start getting the lasagna ready for supper tonight. This is my first time to cook in a really LONG time! Between my pregnancy "blahs" and the renovation craziness, I just haven't cooked...AT ALL---Hope my stove still works;)

Until Next Time...

Almost There!!

2010-08-23T22:21:00.001-05:00

Just a SUPER quick update! We're not home yet, but hopefully in just a few more days we will FINALLY be back in our house! I can't wait! We have some electric and plumbing work left, then things will (fingers crossed) be done!!

A few pictures of the progress----YAY!!

Hall

Walking into the room

Closet

Into the bathroom

Bathroom (Still needs some work)

Tub filled with paint buckets :)

That's it for now!!

Until Next Time...

Still Here

2010-08-16T12:50:00.002-05:00

Just letting you know I'm still here! Things on the house are moving right along, and if all goes well, we'll be back home for good next week! I'm so pleased with how quickly things have progressed! We will still have lots of work to do once the workers are done (Painting, moving furniture, rearranging rooms, etc.) but at least all three of us will be together in our own house!! Last week we were in Sterling City, we were in Waco for the weekend, and this week we're at Blake's parents' house! I feel kinda like a gypsy:) One of these days I'll be on my own computer, and will be able to post pictures, but until then, this will have to do!! Don't give up on me---I promise the blog will come back to life one day soon! :)

Until Next Time...

Documenting the progress...

2010-08-05T08:29:00.001-05:00

I mentioned in an earlier post that we were getting ready to begin a new home improvement project...Well it has officially begun! Bright and early Monday morning the hammers started pounding and the saws started buzzing, and it hasn't stopped since! We're adding another bedroom and bathroom to our house. We have been wanting to do this ever since we bought the house 3 years ago, and we decided that this summer was the time we were finally going to get the process started. I'm so glad we made the decision to get the ball rolling, because just a few months later we found out I was pregnant! The extra bedroom and bathroom will be much needed when Baby # 2 arrives in March. Anyone who knows me, knows I do not do well during home renovations...The mess, the chaos, and the noise drives me crazy. I'm surprised to say things have been going really well with this project so far. I haven't felt like I am going to lose my mind yet, so that is definitely a good thing:) I was so ugly during our last home improvement project. I was sure not a pleasant person to be around! I am determined to have a better attitude this time around:) (I'm sure Blake will appreciate my efforts!!) Addi and I hope to be at my parent's house when the real craziness starts (Like when there will be big holes in the walls of our hall and bedrooms!)

What things were looking like Tuesday night

What things were looking like Wednesday night

In other news, I'm 10 weeks pregnant today. Still not feeling super great, and still feeling like I'm getting rather large, rather quickly. I am having lots of symptoms I never had with Addi. I don't really want to blog about them, (Might be TMI!) but if any of you mommies are curious, don't care about TMI subjects, and think you might be able to give me some advice on how to make the symptoms better, shoot me an email (Sunshineshaunna@aol.com) I think tips from other Moms are the BEST!

We're having our garage sale this weekend. There's a good chance we might die from heat exhaustion, but we're going to give it a go none the less! If you're in the area, please stop by!! (And buy lots and lots of stuff!!)

Guess that's all for now!

Until Next Time...

In Case You Missed It...

2010-07-28T18:31:00.000-05:00

In case you missed it, I am pregnant! 8 1/2 weeks to be exact. Blake and I were both really surprised when we saw the positive result on two pregnancy tests back in June, and I still don't think it's truly sunk in for either of us, but we're both really excited and happy!

I had my first doctor's appointment yesterday, and everything looks right on track. Baby Dawson #2 is set to arrive somewhere around March 4th.

Our sweet little "Baby Blob" at 8 1/2 weeks :)

I have already noticed lots of differences with this pregnancy than when I was pregnant with Addi. Here are just a few of the differences

1. I don't really feel that good this time around. Don't get me wrong, I don't feel horrible, I just don't feel "normal." With Addi I always had the feeling that I could throw up for the first couple of hours when I woke up in the mornings. I never actually threw up, I just always felt like I could. This time around I have that same feeling, but it's all day long. It seems to be the worst in the evenings, right after we've eaten supper. Again, I never throw up, but sometimes it seems like I might feel better if I could! I'm trying not to complain because I know it could be A LOT worse, but I'm really ready to start feeling more like myself soon!! I hope this is just one of those first trimester things, and that I will be feeling more like me in the next month or so!

2.Feeling tired. With Addi the first trimester was a snooze fest for me. I was so tired. I would take naps after I got off work, and would seriously get in bed at around 7:30 or 8:00 every night! It was insane! I'm still tired this time around, but it's a different kind of tired. I don't get in bed at crazy early times, but it seems like I always have to rest after doing anything. After I vacuum, I need to rest. After I cook supper, I rest. After I unload the dishwasher, I have to rest. It's crazy that the simplest tasks seem to make me so tired!

3.This next little pregnancy symptom is so strange...But apparently its pretty common. Ever since about week two of pregnancy, I have had a HORRIBLE taste it my mouth. It never really goes away...Not with gum or mints or anything! The only time I don't seem to notice it is when I'm actually eating something! (This is sure to work out well for my weight gain- YIKES!!) Read more about it here. Thankfully within the past week or so, this has gotten a little better. It's still here, but a little more bearable!

4.Speaking of weight gain...Good grief! I haven't really gained any weight yet, but I feel like I am definitely already showing! I know things happen quicker with your second (Because those lovely abdominal muscles are already good and stretched out!), but I didn't expect to start showing this soon! I was looking at pictures of when I was pregnant with Addi, and right now (At 8 1/2 weeks) I look about the same size I did with Addi at around 15 to 20 weeks!! SCARY!!! To say I'm freaking out is an understatement. I gained right at 20 pounds with Addi, and I was really hoping not to gain much more this time around...Please tell me this big 2 month belly of mine is normal!!

5.Caffeine. Giving up caffeine was hard with Addi, but it is REALLY HARD this time. I think I was more "addicted" this time around. I gave it up cold turkey for the entire 9 months with Addi, but I'll admit that I've already a few caffeinated beverages this time around! The strange thing is that I don't want Dr Peppers. I am wanting sweet tea with lots of lime! So weird! I have tried faking myself out with decaf tea and lime, but it's just not working. I am in LOVE with Sonic sweet tea with extra lime. I had never ordered this beverage at Sonic before this pregnancy. I guess it's my first pregnancy craving this time around. Too bad I won't be able to enjoy it very often...I am going to try really hard to stay away from it as much as I can!

Those are some of the big differences I've noticed thus far. I would love to hear from all you mommies of more than one kiddo. How were your pregnancies different?? What freaked you out the second (or 3rd or 4th) time around? I'm curious!

In other news, I think it is safe to say that Addi is officially potty trained! The first week was absolutely horrible, and I was ready to give up, but by the second week she just decided she wanted to be a big girl! She goes potty all by herself on her little potty chair (She even requests that we leave when she's going potty! Guess she needs her privacy!)...I rarely have to ask her if she needs to go...She does it all on her own! She had trouble going potty other places than home at first (Because she was scared of the regular sized potties!) But she has recently overcome that fear too! We have actually had to make stops at convenience stores in Miles and Ballinger during our last two trips to San Angelo so Addi could go potty (And she did it both times!) She still wears a pull-up at night, but I'm totally ok with that! It's definitely a new chapter in this crazy parenting adventure! We are so proud of our big girl, and are so thankful that this process has gone fairly smoothly!

Thank you all for your sweet comments about our pregnancy news on this blog and on Facebook! Please pray for a healthy baby and a healthy mommy!! We appreciate it!! We are truly blessed!!

Until Next Time...

DP Junkie

2010-07-27T16:15:00.000-05:00

If you've been reading this blog long, you know I'm a HUGE lover of Dr Pepper. Some might go so far as to say I'm a Dr Pepper junkie (I think Blake would agree that DP junkie is a fairly accurate description of me!) I really don't know when my "like" of Dr Pepper turned into a "love," and I don't know why I love it, but I really, really do!

I'm not a coffee drinker, so many times, a cold DP is my breakfast/caffeine kick in the mornings (Sad but true!) There's nothing better than a Dr Pepper on ice with a plate of Mexican food, or a hamburger, or with pizza, or with a bowl of popcorn. And of course, nothing beats a Sonic happy hour DP on a hot summer afternoon- They're the best!

I know my Dr Pepper addiction isn't healthy. There have been many times on this blog where I have mentioned I need to give up DPs or at least cut back on them. I do good for a little while, but it never lasts long. In fact there is only one time in my life I can actually remember really giving up Dr Peppers. That was when I was pregnant with Addi. And technically, I didn't COMPLETELY give them up because I still had a caffeine free DP every now and then. Caffeine Dr Peppers are good, but they're still not the real thing.

Well, I wasn't really planning on it, but it looks like I'm committing yet again to cut back on my DP intake. I've actually been cutting back for about 8 weeks now. I'm not giving them up cold turkey, but I'll definitely be drinking the caffeine free version for a while...At least until March or so:) I'll let you guess what that means:)

Until Next Time...

Scatterbrain

2010-07-22T09:45:00.001-05:00

Still not much in the mood for blogging (And from keeping up with your blogs, I don't think I'm the only one!!) You can definitely expect this post to be random and scatterbrained, but here goes....

A few weeks ago Addi and I met up with Leah, Laura, and their kiddos in Ballinger. We had lunch at Alejandra's and then headed to the pool. We got rained out a little sooner than we had hoped, but it was still a good day. The kids had lots of fun playing and the mommies had lots of fun chit-chatting and catching up. Hopefully we can do it again on a less cloudy/rainy day. Here are some pics...

Steven, Wyatt, and Addi

Wyatt and Adds

Again

Gabby

All the kids, plus Leah & Laura.

Addi just LOVES "Dora"

Playing in the rain and the bucket of foot disinfectant (Yep, they had been playing in that little bucket for at least 20 minutes before someone decided to inform us that there was a "mild disinfectant" in the bucket! ha!) Thankfully no one's feet got bleached or anything crazy like that;)

A lot has happened in the past week or so. Our refrigerator died (Soo not fun! And what a mess!!), Blake and I signed papers to move forward with our upcoming home renovation project (More on that later!), I have taken a MILD approach, and have kinda-sorta started trying to potty train Addi (Some days are successful, and some days are not so much!), I have been cleaning out closets like crazy, getting ready for the 3rd Annual Dawson Garage Sale coming up in August (I'll for sure have tons of clothes for sale- Feel free to stop by and buy them ALL!!),and last but not least, Blake randomly took it upon himself to cut his own hair. He has convinced himself it's not a burr, but it is waaay short. Shortest I've seen it in the 6 years I've known him! (And anyone who knows me, knows I am NOT a fan of short hair, especially not burred hair!!) He likes it though, and he says it's MUCH cooler for him at work...So I guess that's a good thing...I guess;)

We are still enjoying summer SOO much! Hard to believe it will be over soon. Things will be starting up and getting busy before we know it! Wednesday night kid's club at church and MOPS (I'm on the steering team this year) will be in full swing....And I need to get ready!! I started working on some lessons/craft ideas for Wednesday nights, but as always, I'd love to hear your ideas and suggestions! Know of any fun, EASY, crafts for kids ranging from 3 years old to 5th grade?? (Yep, we've got quite an age range to work with!!)

And now, here are some random pictures:)

Addi in her "work clothes," ready to help Daddy mow last Saturday

My hard workers:)

Showing off her new t-shirt that KiKi got her at the Beatles "Love" show in Las Vegas. "A" is for Apple and "B" is for Beatles :)

I'll wrap up this all over the place post, with a few Addi funnies from this past week.
-I always tell Addi that she is my favorite girl. Well, she was sitting in Blake's lap one night this past weekend, and she looked up at him and said, "You're my favorite girlfriend, Daddy." Ha!! We laughed a lot after that one! Blake said that same night at bath time, she kissed all her bath toys one by one and told them that they were her favorite girls. It went something like this, "You're my favorite girl whale. You're my favorite girl fish. You're my favorite girl crab." Etc, Etc. Too sweet!
-Addi looked up at Blake after her bath one night this week and said, "I love your big, blue eyes, Daddy." Apparently she gets told this pretty often...lol! (And FYI, Blake has brown eyes! ha!)
-Bink and KyKy were in town this weekend, and Addi's favorite thing to 'say' (AKA: SHOUT!) to them was, "Quacky on the duck!" Don't really know what that means, but it's pretty funny!

Hope you kept up with all my scatterbrain thoughts!

Until Next Time...

Addi Funnies

2010-07-13T22:49:00.000-05:00

Addi has been saying some pretty funny things here lately. My mom and mom-in-law have both told me I need to write them down or I'll forget, so here goes.

1.Addi can often be seen climbing up into the computer chair, and saying, "I'm checkin' my emails." Ha! About a month ago we had to go to the Chamber of Commerce office, and Addi nicely asked the lady working (Who happened to have a computer at her desk) if she could check her email!

2.Blake and I have been talking a lot about potty training here lately, and I guess Addi has been listening because last night she was wearing a t-shirt that had a train on it, and she went up to Blake and said, "See the potty train on my shirt, daddy? See it??"

3.Addi and Blake play a little game where they tickle each other's neck. Blake will always say, "Gonna get your neck!" right before he starts tickling her. Well, Addi has translated "Get your neck" into her own words, and can often be heard running around screaming and laughing while saying, "Get you necked, Daddy!" "Get you necked, Mommy!" Yes, in our adult words, it sounds exactly like she's saying "GET YOU NAKED!" LOL! So, if Addi ever comes up to you or your child and says, "Get you necked!" Please don't take offense...She only wants to tickle your neck! Ha! :)

4.Blake and Addi were playing basketball on her Little Tykes goal the other night. Blake told her she needed to practice shooting so she can be a really good basketball player when she gets in high school. Addi responded by saying, "When I get in high school I'm gonna eat ice cream." She has continued to tell us this ever since! She might not end up being a good basketball player, but I guess she might be a good ice cream eater??? LOL!

5.Addi is fascinated with my braces. She loves looking at them, and she is always asking to touch them. The other day she randomly came up to me and said, "When I get big, I'm getting orange braces. They're cute!" I've never had orange braces, but maybe orange will be the color I choose at my next orthodontist appointment...Apparently they're cute!;)

6.Just in the past few weeks Addi has started naming her baby dolls. She has Baby Molly, Baby Sammy, Buggy Baby, and Baby Sarah. I don't know how she came up with the names, but all her babies seem to like them:) (FYI: All these babies have a tendency to get in trouble from time to time. I've heard Addi telling them more than once, "You're not being a sweet girl. You go sit in the corner!" Hmmmm...Wonder where she heard that??? Ha!)

I'm sure there are more funnies, but these are the ones that stuck out the most tonight. I am going to try to do a better job of typing up all these funny things because I definitely do not want to forget them!!

Until Next Time...