Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Name Game

Obviously, Barry and I have been talking for weeks about names. That's the Type A in us coming out way we roll. In case you're wondering, we have made very little progress. We cannot agree on anything. With Branner, we had one boy's name nailed down, and zero girl's names. This time, we aren't on the same page for either gender. The only thing we can agree on is that we will use family names. This limits us greatly, but it is our personal preference that our children be named after people who are or were important parts of our life. This leads me to the great Leighton debate.

Leighton is Barry's brother, Jason's, middle name. Jason just so happens to be the family member with whom Barry is closest and has always, always looked up to. He is Barry's role model. So, naturally, Barry is pushing big time for Leighton as a name. My problem with it is how popular this name has become for girls in the past few years. Now that it is used primarily as a female name, I would feel bad if my boy Leighton (may have to change the spelling if I could bring myself to agree to using it) was in the same class as a girl Leighton. So, while I like the name, I am very torn about it. UGH.

Current Names on My List

Girl:  Cranford (maternal grandmother's maiden name), Catherine (Barry's grandmother's name, my great aunt's name), Alice (Barry's mother's middle name, middle name of my paternal great-grandmother), Louise (my mom's middle name—would use this as a middle name), Leighton (see above, would use as a middle name), Elizabeth (my middle name, my aunt's middle name, would use as a middle name).

Boy: Cranford (see above, obviously this is my favorite name in the running), Leighton (see above, middle name), James (maternal grandfather's name, middle name), Thomas (my mom's maiden name), Robert (Barry's grandfather's name, his oldest brother's middle name).

There is a good chance (if I get my way) that this child will be named or called by Cranford regardless of gender. Fingers crossed!

Thoughts? Opinions???


Days 27-28


Day 27: I am very thankful for Bravo TV :)

Day 28: Thankful that I am able to do the small amount of work that I do (and for "clients" who have turned into friends). 

Monday, November 26, 2012

Days 22-26


I did it again! I really need to get my blogging act together, I've just been busy and tired lately. Le sigh.

Day 22: Thankful for yummy food and a lovely family to share it with! 

Day 23: I am thankful for grace and forgiveness.

Day 24: Grateful to have the most wonderful friends a girl could ask for. I love y'all!

Day 25: Thankful for every minute spent with Barry and Branner (Bailey and Chloe, too)!

Day 26: So petty, but I'm thankful for Cyber Monday (specifically at ASOS, Land of Nod, and Snapfish)!


Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Day 21


Know what I'm super thankful for today? The fact that I don't have to cook tomorrow!!!!

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Baby Kirby #2 is on the Way!!!!!!

Taken the day I found out!

Sweet Baby Kirby #2. November 20, 2012.

By now, y'all all know my little secret. 

We found out on September 22, at four weeks, that I am pregnant! We are over-the-moon excited! Things have been a little crazy around here, and it seems the first 12 weeks passed at the blink of an eye. Everything is going great so far. I had my second appointment today, and the baby is measuring right on track and looks healthy.

How far along? 12 weeks, 4 days

Weight gain/loss: 0 lbs 

Maternity clothes? Not yet. My regular pants still fit comfortably and button (for now).

Sleep: I'm sleeping great at night. I'm worn out by 9. Surprisingly not as tired as I was with Branner. Nowhere near it.

Best moment this week: Today's ultrasound. Baby was very cooperative, so we were in and out in no time!


Hearbeat: 170 at 8 weeks, 154 at 12 weeks.


Food cravings: Salads, lemonade, bagels, cereal.


Food aversions: Depends on the day.

Gender: No clue. At this point, I will be surprised either way. We find out on January 2nd!

Pregnancy symptoms: Occasional headaches, evening nausea, hunger.

Exercise: Still taking my regular classes at the gym. I've been doing Total Strength, Cycle Strength and Zumba classes. I've been busy lately, so I haven't been as often in the past two weeks, but I'm keeping up just fine at the moment.

What I miss: RED WINE.

I'm not really showing yet. I do have a tiny bump, but you can't tell I'm pregnant in regular clothes. I'm sure that won't last much longer. I've been trying to keep up my exercise routine this time. I always feel so much better after I exercise! This time around, I've had a lot more nausea. In the beginning, I had bouts all day, but now, it's mainly in the evening. It's not too bad, and I haven't actually been sick.


I'm due May 31, but I am planning on having another C-section. My doctor has mentioned the date May 24. That's the day after my 32nd birthday! I feel like this pregnancy is going to fly by! 











Days 15-20



Okay, I'm behind. Time to play catch up!

Day 15:  I am so, so thankful for our new little miracle, baby #2, coming in May! We're so excited!

Day 16:  I couldn't be more thankful for Branner. He is truly a gift from God, and I can only hope to teach him a tiny fraction of what I have already learned from him.

Day 17:  I am thankful for my home. It may be driving me crazy that it's not "done" yet, and won't be for a long while, but having a roof over my family's head is not something I take for granted.

Day 18:  Date nights. It's so nice to escape for a few hours and take the parent hats off.

Day 19:  DVR. I can barely keep my eyes open past 9 pm these days!

Day 20:  Our insurance and modern medicine. 

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Days 13 & 14


Day 13: I am thankful that Branner still naps!

Day 14: ChickfilA milkshakes. Delicious. Enough said!

Monday, November 12, 2012

Day 12


Branner is sick today, but he is rarely under the weather. I am so very thankful for the good  health of my family!

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Days 9, 10, 11


We've had a bit of a busy weekend as we had wedding festivities to attend Friday and Saturday nights! So, here's a mash-up of the past three days of 30 Days of Thanksgiving:

Day 9:  Monkee See, Monkee Do. Amazing. I have connected with a mom who needs a little help right here in NC, and I am so thankful we found each other!  

Day 10: Fall in North Carolina. It's gorgeous!

Day 11:  I am so very thankful for each and every United States veteran and their families. All that they have sacrificed so that we may be free is amazing and awe-inspiring.

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Day 8


I am so thankful for grace and the ability to wake up and start each day with a clean slate!

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Day 7


I am thankful for the ability to help others today. One of the greatest feelings in life is to positively impact the life of someone else, and I am so glad that I am capable of giving time and resources for the benefit of people in need.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Artiste

My little artist, hard at work.

Handprint turkeys!

Abstract.
He definitely doesn't get it from Barry or I, but Branner loves to create art. He must get this trait from his Gigi, who is a super talented artist! After going to vote, I ran in Michael's to pick up a few supplies to do an art project or two on this cold, yucky day. Handprint turkeys for Thanksgiving and a painting have already been created! We'll see what else we can make after nap!


Day 6


Today, I am thankful to live in the USA, for the right to vote, and the right of free speech. God Bless America! 

Monday, November 5, 2012

Day 5


I am so very thankful for Barry! His unconditional love and fathering constantly amaze me. It doesn't hurt that he's been known to help out around the house a lot. Love you, Bar!

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Day 4


I am thankful Bailey and Chloe and their unconditional love, companionship, and cuddles today. Love my sweet boo boos!

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Day 3


I am thankful for my senses today. Being able to see, hear, touch, taste, and smell the things that surround us in this beautiful world is not something to take for granted!

Friday, November 2, 2012

Day 2


Today, I am thankful for family. 
Young and old, near and far, in good times and in bad, no matter what happens, I feel so blessed to have the family I do! I love each and every one of you dearly!

Thursday, November 1, 2012

30 Days of Thanksgiving


I wanted to do this last year, but for some reason, I did not. So, I'm going to give it a shot!

November 1, 2012

Today, I am thankful for hot showers, hot tea, and a warm home.

Halloween 2012

Another fun year of ghouls and goblins is behind us, and Branner had a blast! There was a Halloween parade at school yesterday morning that was just precious. We kicked off the evening festivities with pizza, goodies, spiked spiced cider/mulled wine, friends, and fun! We moved right on to trick-or-treating, and capped the night off with a visit to Aunt Jen and Uncle Trey's! Branner had a wonderful time, and so did we! Can't wait to do it again next year!

A while back, Branner had asked to be a shark for Halloween, so that is the first costume we ended up with. However, when we got to school yesterday for the big parade, he wasn't having any part of being a shark. So, he decided to be a fireman last minute instead. His teachers sent the costume home *just in case*, because they are the best, and that's what B ended up being. He held onto the hat all night long while walking from door-to-door (no wagon this year, we have a big boy on our hands), and was just too cute for words in general! Hope everyone had a safe, happy Halloween and got tons of good candy!
 
Dressed and ready to get some candy! 
Group shot!
...and another!
  
Trick or Treat!

Yay, candy!

Walking with Daddy!