A FedEx Kind of Christmas

Please let me preface this entry by saying "I love FedEx." No really, "I LOVE FedEx!" They pay my husband a good salary, provide excellent benefits to our whole family, and for 11 months out of the year are a very flexible employer. However, when you are hired at FedEx, they will very honestly tell you that in the month of December, you belong to the company. This December, poor Bryan belonged to FedEx even on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

So with that being said, this is Jillian and I on Christmas Eve. We always spend Christmas Eve with Bryan's family. We go to church and then dinner at the in-laws followed by presents. As we were putting on our church clothes, my sister calls and reports that it is standing-room only at the church. I am almost nine months pregnant with an almost 2 year old. I needed a seat. Without a seat, I made the decision to skip church. I feel really bad writing that down but it makes me tired to think about standing up, chasing Jillian around for an hour without Bryan to help while we are not paying attention to the service. However, don't we look cute in our church clothes???

After trying to kill an hour waiting for church to get out, we then went over to my in-laws for dinner and presents. Bryan finally got off work and got to his parents' house around 8:30. He got there just in time to see Jillian open her presents. She got a very cute outfit from her Grandma with poodles on it and a very handy travel doodle screen (which will not mark on the car because it uses water not ink).

I got one picture of Bryan on Christmas Eve. This is proof that he did make it.

Finally, on Christmas Eve, we spend the night at my parents' house. Our Christmas Eve tradition since I can remember is to receive a new pair of pjs. Jillian screamed and yelled when she got her new pjs and insisted on putting them on immediately.

So Christmas Day arrived and Bryan was off to work at 7:30 a.m. Jillian and I spent the morning with my parents. We helped Grammie cook in the kitchen. We sung Christmas songs with my Dad. Finally, our extended family arrived at noon for Christmas lunch. My Grandma, my aunts, my sister, multiple cousins and their families all came over. I think we had over 25 people.

Bryan finally got off work around 1:00 p.m. He came over, ate lunch, and crashed on the couch. Poor thing! He looks a little pathetic considering he is wearing his uniform on Christmas Day.

Finally, all the extended family left, we woke Bryan up from his nap because it was time to open presents!!!

I don't know if it was because it was the end of the day or Jillian's age or just too much going on in the day but Jillian was NOT interested in opening her gifts. Just plain did not interest her. She looked at the boxes and frowned. So everybody else opened their gifts and she did like to watch.

Finally, Bryan went and got her "big" gift.....a play kitchen. We did get a big reaction over that gift. She played with it for the rest of the night and the next day and so far, she seems to really like it.

That's it. After the presents were opened, it was about 6:00 in the evening and we were all exhausted. We packed up and went home.

Poor Daddy had to be back at work at 6:00 a.m.

"Deer"

No time to blog! I am enjoying every second of my Christmas break! All the presents are wrapped underneath the Christmas tree. Jillian and I have watched "The Grinch" about 1,000 times. Even though she is 14 days away from being 2, she is pretty aware of "Christmas." She loves all of the lights on the houses, loves looking at all of the ornaments on the trees, and LOVES singing Christmas songs. That brings me to the video. Jillian loves singing "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" which she refers to as plain-ole "Deer." So without further adeiu, let me introduce Jillian Avery singing her rendition of "Deer."

p.s. Please take note that my FAVORITE part is when she sings, "and they shouted out with glee." Cracks me up!!!!

School's Out for the Winter!!

Yippee!!! 3 hours and counting - then I am a free woman for over 2 weeks. I am going to enjoy every second of my break. I am going to nap everyday with Jillian. I am going to sleep in "late." I am going to eat chocolate, wrap presents, listen to music and......fight my reflux. That's right. Not everything is perfect. I went to the Dr. yesterday and she says that I will have the reflux until the baby comes. Alriiiiiiighty-then!!! Baby looks good. He is measuring right at 34-35 weeks.

Gotta go finish my last day. Will post more later.

Lip*stick Jun*gle

Maybe this whole lipstick as a reward program is getting out of control? What do you think?

Talk to the Hand

On Saturday, we had a 4D ultrasound. Baby Boy was NOT cooperating. For the entire 20 minute ultrasound, he was snuggling next to the placenta and he had his hand in front of his face. The sonographer tried and tried to get him to move his hand but no luck. We did briefly get to see glimpses of his face but the sonographer had a hard time capturing the picture. For those brief moments, his face reminded me of sweet Jillian's little newborn face but only time will tell. We will get to see his face soon enough I guess!!!

For those of you who are unable to read ultrasounds, the placenta is on the left (blocking his cheek and mouth) and his little hand is in front of his right eye. He does seem to have Jillian's nose (well, ultimately Bryan's nose) but again, I guess we will see when he gets here!

Flying Colors

At yesterday's appt., the exact words of my doctor were "You passed the test with flying colors." She said my weight gain is right on track and I definitely do not have gestational diabetes. Yay!!!! Now, gestational reflux....that's a whole other story. Lately, when I go to bed and get in a horizontal position, I start feeling very sick. Sometimes, I throw up, sometimes I don't. It actually happened when I was preggo with Jillian but I didn't realize the feeling had a name. I thought I just ate something funny. This pregnancy it is happening quite frequently. But dr. prescribed some medication that I can take with dinner and hopefully it will work. Otherwise, baby is head down. He was measuring a little small at 31 weeks. HB was 142. On Saturday, we have the exciting 4D ultrasound, so maybe we can get a sneak peek of what he looks like!!!!!

All Things Concerning the Bathroom

Last weekend, after I was busy loading and unloading the laundry, I found Jillian playing in my bathroom. As you can see, she had everything set up...babies, blankets, pillows. The whole scence was very cozy except of course, that the scene was set in the bathroom. Since then, she loves playing with her babies in my bathroom. Since then, I have been very busy keeping my bathroom very, very clean.

I cringe when I see how close her head is to the toilet. Note to self, need to clean it again when I get home.

Now on to the most exciting news EVER..........................................................................................................in addition to playing by the potty, Jillian has been using the potty!!!! You read that right. My big girl has been doing her business in the potty. She does it about 2 times a day.

Like any red-bloodied American, Jillian likes to watch TV while she goes (her head is turned watching Barney) and this part is a little weird, she likes the doggies to be with her. See Gizzy in the corner of the picture??

Bryan and I have been so excited. After the first time, Bryan asked if she wanted a treat. She immediately went to the pantry and tried to get the doggies' treats. We then asked if she wanted a cookie. She looked straight into our eyes and said, "No, lipstick." So now when she goes in the potty like a big girl, she gets lipstick. Dang, she is a girl after my own heart.

Look at her form!!!! Such a supermodel!!!

What do you think I can get her to do if offer eye shadow next?? Something to think about.....

Turkey Recap

Well, I started my Thanksgiving vacation with a trip to the Dr. I failed my one hour glucose test by 3 points so I was asked to come in for the 3 hour glucose test. I was mentally dealing with my failure but someone forgot to tell me that the nurse would take my blood 4 times during the 3 hour test. 4 times!!! My family has a history of terrible veins. Nurses struggle on a regular basis to get blood out of our veins. Is that a weird family trait?? Well, after she struggled the first time, I spoke with the nurse in the nicest voice I could muster and explained my veins' shortcomings. She did much better the next three times. I guess if I failed, the Dr.'s office will call today or my next appt. is Wednesday, Dec. 3 so I guess I'll find out either way. Hopefully, I passed.

Thanksgiving Day was awesome!! We had lunch with my family. I don't know if I was really hungry or what? but the food was fantastic. Totally delicious!!! I went back for seconds and would have gone back for thirds had my stomach had any more room. Jillian was so good. She ate turkey, corn, cheese.

We then went over to Bryan's parents' house and had dinner with his family. Bryan and I have a deal.... I pig out at my family's house and he pigs out at his family dinner. That way nobody gets their feelings hurt. I was so full from lunch, I barely ate a thing.

Friday morning, my mom and I did some shopping. We hit the Gymboree sale and I got Bryan some stuff. Saturday, we went to see Australia. Bryan and I really liked it!

Sunday, Bryan put up our outside lights. That brings us to today. I am back at work, ready to go!!

Cutest Turkey on the Block

Today, at Jillian's MDO, the school was hosting a traditional Thanksgiving feast. Poppy got to go and surprise Jillian with a visit. He said before the meal, the children marched out wearing different costumes. The one-year old class wore turkey headbands. I have to say my turkey is as cute as a button. Have I said that before?

Why does she look so serious? Is it too much to ask for a happy turkey?

Proud Moment

As a parent, sometimes (well, maybe all of the time) you wonder whether you are doing a good job. Is your child listening at all? Most of time, probably not. But after 500 million times of reminding Jillian to say thank you, she's got it. At 22 1/2 months, when you give her something, she says thank you....WITHOUT BEING REMINDED!!! Isn't that great!! I don't know why but these two tiny words make me sooooooo darn proud of her. Such a little sweet potato!!!

Tale of Three Bellies

Once upon a time, there were three girls who met in law school. They were young, wild and carefree. We were from very different parts of Texas but we became the very best of friends that studied together, traveled together, partied together, etc.

This is us on a trip to New Orleans. Shanna, Jamie, me and my sister Summer. We look so young (well, we were) and we had so much fun!!!

Jamie and I at her wedding in Dumas!

Shanna and I doing the whole bridesmaid routine!

We have seen other friends come and go, several boyfriends come and go, we have been on trips, we have gone to each other's weddings, we have lost grandparents and a parent. But we are still together!

So how fitting is it, when we got together this weekend in Dallas, this is what we looked like -

A whole lot older and wiser and very, very pregnant. Me at 30 weeks, Shanna at 34 weeks and Jamie at 38 weeks. (No feather boas in this picture!) Isn't that funny?? We got together for Shanna's baby shower. If you can imagine, we were the talk of the party. Jamie is having her second boy and Shanna is having a girl.

I wonder what the picture will look like in another five years?? I can only imagine!

Not a Mozart but maybe a Picasso

Jillian is always into something. Shocker, right? At Grammie and Poppy's house, she gets to use markers. But sometimes she forgets to use the markers on paper!!!!




Julliard, here she comes!

In a Tree

A couple of weeks ago, we went down to Devine to visit my Grandma. Afterwards, we took Jillian to a very adorable Pumpkin Patch. It didn't just have pumpkins, but also had a petting zoo, playground, fishing pond, hayrides, etc. One of the animals in the petting zoo was a goat. On that day, I learned that goats can climb trees. Did you know that? See Exhibit A.




So much to my surprise, when I arrived home last night, this is what I found in our tree located in the front yard. What is with all of the climbing??

Please ignore the fact that it is November and she is not wearing a shirt outside. She had gotten hold of the hose and was soaking wet. Also, notice the expression on her face - such a little smirk! I am getting gray hair as we speak!

Have a super Friday!!!

Dr. Appt.

I saw beloved Italian Dr. yesterday. Everything looked good with Baby Boy!! Heartbeat found right away by my belly button and clocked at 144 bpm. Less that 12 weeks left and she said since this is my second baby that we could "plan" it so that she will definitely be my delivering doctor. She then had to leave to do a c-section so more details to follow. The best moment of the appt. was actually the dreaded weight analysis.....only 15 pounds gained. Not too shabby!!! Since I am snacking on a donut as we speak, it could be a lot worse! Hee hee!!

Happy Halloween!!!

From our pumpkin to yours, we hope you have a Happy Halloween!! Yesterday, Jillian was in a Storybook Parade at her MDO. Poppy and Daddy got to go and cheer her on and took lots of pictures for Mommy. Bryan said all of the mommies kept asking if I made her costume. I said "You told them yes, right? That I am the craftiest mommy in town, right?" He looked at me in total confusion and said "Why would I say that? You bought the costume." Sometimes they really don't get it!! Ha ha!!! Anyways, she looked so adorable. We are going trick or treating tonight and visiting a little party.

T*exas F*ight!

I have been so busy this week with work, work and work. Plus babies, husband and Halloween. Last weekend, we went to the TX vs. OK. St. game. This was Jillian's first collegiate game and she was all over it. She got a new TX dress, TX socks and TX bows. She really did great however, the weather was hot, hot, hot. There was not a cloud in the sky, not a breeze to be felt and not a piece of shade in sight. Thank goodness I did bring sunscreen and we took lots of breaks down under the bleachers but it was so. darn. hot. We did spend $40 in bottled water. I. am. not. exaggerating!

Texas won so that is all that is important!

This was the scene. (Notice the lack of clouds and the lack of shade)

This was before the game and Jillian was not impressed yet.

The gazilla-tron worth a kazillion dollars. Jillian was impressed by this.


Her face in these pictures does not show how much fun she had at the game. But she does look good for the weather being 5000 degrees. (Notice some shade arrived right when we were leaving)

A quick whine

I love my doc dearly. She is great, always sweet and positive and makes me comfortable. However, the staff at her office is a whole other story. They always have my paperwork messed up, they have my appt. time messed up, they call me the wrong name, etc. There's more but I won't get into that long story. Monday, my appt. was at 4:40 p.m. I did not leave the office until 6:15 p.m. My doc wasn't there so I saw another doc (she was very nice - that is not the issue). But an hour and a half wait for a 5 minute doc visit is ridiculous.

Good news - baby hb was 152. I am measuring great. Test results look great. So I really should not be complaining at all and that is why I am making this a quick whine.....

I HATE WAITING IN DOCTOR'S OFFICES!!!!!!

Always a Competitor

I know I focus on Jillian most of the time but I am going to give a moment to Bryan. Bryan was born to do well in sports. It doesn't matter which sport - soccer, golf, tennis, basketball, baseball, football, etc. - he excels in everything. Most of the time, it is an admirable quality but sometimes it is annoying (when he beats you at everything so he is no fun to play with) and sometimes it is funny. For example, yesterday in Devine, I officiated for a family sack race. Of course, you know who wins the race.....but look how funny he is doing it.

It cracks me up every time when he starts jumping backwards at the very end of the clip......but if I was in the race myself, it would have been annoying.

Devine for the day

After church, we headed down to Devine and had lunch at my Grandma's house. After lunch, we packed up and headed to a local pumpkin patch with lots of fun activities. It was super hot, Jillian had no nap, but she was a trooper and we had a really nice time with our family.



Jillian loved feeding all of the animals. She saw chickens, ducks, a goose, goats, a llama, sheep, a sleeping pig. She would have stayed with them all day.
Bouncing all by herself!
Daddy was a little too big for the slide but Jillian loved it!

We were hunting for gold!!! We didn't find any but found some really pretty rocks. Thanks Aunt Masure!

She slept all the way home!!!

Corn for Breakfast??

On Sunday morning, we are getting ready for church. In my usual fashion I ask Jillian if she wanted Ch*eerios for breakfast. No? OK, how about some waffles? No? Maybe some cheese? No. Have I ever told ya'll how much my girl loves her some vegtables? Sometimes she requests green beans for breakfast. But yesterday, she said she wanted corn and pitched a fit because she wanted to eat the corn from the can with a spoon. How can I be upset? The girl ate her corn like a champ and used her manners with a spoon.

Time Out for a Crab

Yesterday afternoon, Jillian was acting like the 2 year old toddler she almost is. She was told "no" a lot and was put in time-out for not listening. Imagine that! During her bath last night, Jillian decided to put her toy crab in time-out. I am not sure what the reason was???





Poor crab!!!

October is here

Well, today is the first day it kind of feels like fall. In South Texas, we don't really get seasons. We get hot and that's it. But today is cloudy and in the low 80s and the pumpkins have arrived at our church!!! Jillian was much harder to catch on camera this year. Last year, she was just starting to pull up. This year, she was picking up the pumpkins and throwing them. Thankfully, she did not bust any open (our church charges a lot for a pumpkin)! Here is our girl:

Last year at the Patch - It freaks me out how much she has grown. Such a cutie patootie!

P.S. I hit 25 weeks this weekend so here is a picture of me. Pretty much just looking pregnant.