Day 49 September 19th, 2010

Today, we have had a lazy and relaxing Sunday watching football and spending quality time together!  This is Zander with his first experience in his bouncer.  He absolutely loved it and was completely content when I put him in it.  The only problem with this was the one that I have sits up way too high and since he is so small it didn't support his head very good.  So I talked to my cousin Robin because I knew that she still had her baby stuff from when her kids were smaller to see if she had one I could buy off her.  She did and it's much better and lays back.  He absolutely loved that one too and it worked much better for him so I'm glad that I found one and that it keeps him so happy.  We also started warming his bottles yesterday to see if that would help his tummy so he wasn't so fussy and miserable and so far it is seeming to work well.  He is sleeping alot which worries me because I don't want him to get his days and nights mixed up again, but I'm hoping it's just natural for him to sleep alot and that he hadn't been because he was so miserable!  I love being a mommy so much and couldn't ask for anything more in my life!  My life is completely perfect and filled with love!

Day 48 September 18th, 2010

Okay, so this is Saturday's picture and I couldn't resist taking it!  Yesterday, my mom and I took Zander and we went to Quincy to the mall!  We didn't really need anything, but we just felt like going and looking around and spending a day out of the house.  Plus, I wanted to go to the Walmart there to get some more drop in bottles and slow flow nipples (In Macomb they only have pink and purple bottles and no nipples) so I finally got them!  Anyways, I dressed Zander warm because in the morning it was chilly out and I figured it would stay that way for the majority of the day, but it ended up getting hot (which I had to buy a new shirt too because I wore a sweater and was dying) so I was taking the sweater off of him and just letting him wear his short sleeve onsie.  Zander's head is hard to get things on and off of so when we went to pull the sweater off this is the face that he made so we couldn't resist taking a picture of it!  We had lots of fun shopping though and of course Nana Porter had to spoil the baby and buy him 3 new outfits that are extremely cute :)

Day 47 September 17th, 2010

Well, I ended up 2 days behind on my blog so I'm trying to play catch up!  It gets really hard to get online when you're busy with a baby!  So this would have been Friday's picture and Friday we spent the day with Grandma Margie!  Mommy didn't wan't to stay at home alone all night so we thought it would be a good idea.  Although, it was a bit hetic at her house because she was babysitting Ava and then Jadalyn lives there it was nice to be able to have adult conversation.  I think that's the part that is the most difficult with a new baby is having to sit at home alone and not having anyone to talk too.  Having someone to talk to makes dealing with the stress of having a new little baby much easier!  So anyways, we had a nice relaxing evening at her house and she ordered pizza and we all just hung out!  Zander and I enjoyed ourselves very much!

Day 46 September 16th, 2010

This is my other baby Princess and I.  I took her picture to send to her dad because since the baby she has felt pretty neglected.  In fact she refuses to sleep in my room because of having to get up in the middle of the night so she has been sleeping with my brother.  I try to spread my attention between her and the baby, but of course the babies needs must come first so she gets very jealous.  I'm hoping as Zander gets a bit older they will adust better and learn to share the attention.  I also think it will be easier once we are back in North Carolina and her dad can give her attention while I'm giving the baby attention or vice versa.  Zander and I had a good day hanging out with Jennifer and we went to a candle party and he slept the whole time and was a very good boy!  Jennifer is going to go to Peoria with us next week too so I can get Zander enrolled in Deers so he is covered on our insurance!  We are both very appreciative of all of our friends and family :)

Day 45 September 15th, 2010

Today, we went and visited Zander's grandma and great-grandma!  We had a really nice time and it was nice to get out of the house and not have to be at home alone.  It's been a rough couple of days because Zander has been constipated, but the doctor suggested we switch his formula today to Gentlease for gas and fussiness.  So far it hasn't given him much relief, but I'm hoping after a few days too adjust to the new formula it will help him some.  It sucks so bad seeing your baby in pain and knowing that nothing you are doing is giving him any relief!  He did poop a little bit this morning and was completely content and not fussy at all afterwards until this afternoon so I know that he has a belly ache.  But this picture was taken at the nursing home when we went out there for supper!  Zander loves spending time with his grandma and great-grandma and they both love seeing him :)

Day 44 September 14th, 2010

Baby Z and I are not feeling well today so we decided that we were going to lounge around in P.J.s and not leave the house.  I got my online test taken and my other homework done this morning, and I'm almost done with my laundry so I did get something accomplished today.  Zander is a bit cranky today and is down for a nap now so I'm hoping that he wakes up a bit more happy this afternoon!  Anyways, this picture is a picture we sent to daddy this morning and I thought it was adorable because his hand is in the symbol of I love you in sign language.  I just happened to look down when I was feeding him his bottle and saw his hand and instantly took a picture to send to Chris.  Chris called immediatly to see if I had put his hands that way or if Zander had done it himself.  I told him that he was just wanting to tell his daddy that he loved him!  We are both really missing Chris right now and we are counting the days until we get to go visit!  Only 44 days left until we go and see him and it's going to be the best test ever!

Day 43 September 13th, 2010

I'm still a day behind but I'm catching up today!  Yesterday, was a very busy day for us!  We went to lunch with my sister in law at the pub at 12:30 and had a very nice time!  Zander was a well behaved baby and slept the whole time during lunch!  Then we had to go to baby Z's WIC appointment which took quite awhile.  We got there at 1:30 and didn't get gone until 2:30.  After that we went to see my mom at work because all of her friends wanted to see the new little man.  I finally got into the chiropractor yesterday so my mom rode with us to the chiropractors office so she could keep an eye on little man while I got my back adjusted (which feels so much better thankfully).  Afterwards, we had to run out to Walmart for a few things!  I got some shirts because mine fit but they are a little tighter than I would like for them to be so until I lose the weight I got a few new things.  I also tried to get some more bottle nipples, but they were out of the slow flow ones of course so we will have to try back again later!  Anyways, finally on to the picture!  This was after we finally got home from all of that and I told Zander to say hi to daddy so we could send him a picture and he started streaching as soon as I said that and it looked like he was waving.  I snapped a picture and sent it to his dad!  Our little man is too cute for words :)

Day 42 September 12th, 2010

This is baby Zander after he had his bath last night!  Sorry for the day of lateness on my blog but I barely got a free moment for anything yesterday!  We went to see my father in law and his girlfriend Shannon for lunch yesterday, and then we drove to Roseville so Zander could meet his other great grandma!  I never knew how many people would want to see the baby after he was actually here and how hetic it would be trying to make sure they all got too!  We got home around 4 in the afternoon and grandma kept an eye on the baby while mommy did some much overdue homework!  After we ate supper baby Z got his bath which he absolutely loves.  His towels are a little big and kinda take over his whole body but I couldn't resist taking a snapshot of this picture because he just looked so darn cute!  I have noticed that about every blog from the time of his arrival has been a photo of him, but how can it not be because he is my whole life and I wouldn't change on second of my days with him!

Day 41 September 11th, 2010

Tonight, I went to the balloon glow in Macomb with Shelby and Harlow.  It was pretty cool!  Zander and I went to Shelby and Harlow's new apartment before the balloon glow and Shelby cooked us dinner which was delcious!  Then we sat and talked and caught up on everything which is always nice to do!  Zander slept the whole time we were at Shelby's and during the whole balloon glow!  He slept for 5 hours straight despite my efforts to wake him up so I hope that he will sleep tonight like he has been but I don't know!  Harlow was pretty fasanated with the balloons though and it was cute to see her watch!  I can't wait until Zander is a little bigger and gets to enjoy things like this a little more although I'm in no hurry for him to grow up anytime soon!  We had a great night and it was nice getting out and doing something with a friend for a change!  Can't wait until the 4 of us get together again!  Would also like to say in observance of 9/11 that the ones who were lost will never be forgotten and thank you to all the brave men and women who continue to serve our country and defend our freedom...especially my husband!!  Your sacrfices are greatly appreaciated!

Day 40 September 10th, 2010

Tonight little man and I went to the nursing home to see Zander's great grandma Ford and Great Aunt Becky, then we went over to his grandma's Margie and had dinner.  Zander slept away for 4 hours during alot of his visits, but he finally decided to wake up and be social half way through the night.  He got to see his cousins Jadalyn and Ava, and his Aunt Patsy, Tasha, and Uncle Wayne!  We had alot of fun and dinner was really good!!  He got to wear his new rockstar outfit and his skull stocking cap that Jessica got for him!  He takes after his daddy and is his daddy's little rockstar!  It's been a long and eventful day, but that's okay because we like to spend time with the family!  Now, Zander is sleeping peacefully and I need to get my butt to bed if I want to get any sleep.  I'm hoping since he slept so much during the day that he will still sleep tonight!

Day 39 September 9th, 2010

This is me with my two babies.  It took a few days for Princess to adjust to having a new baby brother because she is used to getting all the attention so when we brought the baby home she wasn't very happy.  She is a very hyper dog even though she isn't a puppy anymore and has been fixed and she wanted to jump on me and everything else as soon as I got home from the hospital.  It's safe to say I was pretty sore so I couldn't let her jump all over me!  Now, though that I'm not really sore anymore she gets on my lap when Zander is being held because she wants attention too.  It's been an adjustment for all of us but we are finally getting the hang of things and she has actually calmed down around the baby.  She just likes to snife his head and his butt like he is another dog, but she doesn't try to jump all over him anymore!  I hope things keep going well between the two of them because it makes things alot less stressful when you don't have to worry about the dog hurting the baby!! 

Day 38 September 8th, 2010

Today, wasn't the best day in the world because I have been really sick all day, but we did go to Grandma Margie's house so that she could see baby Zander.  This is him after he had his bottle and he was completely content and happy laying with his grandma.  I gave up on breastfeeding.  I know I probably shouldn't have but it was stressing me out way too much and that wasn't good on Zander or I plus he wouldn't get satisfied off my breast milk so we are hoping that formula works out for us.  So far he seems to be a completely different and happy baby and he has taken the bottle really good so we are keeping our fingers crossed.  Zander really enjoyed his visit with his grandma, aunt, and great grandma!! 

Day 37 September 7th, 2010

 

This is my little boy sleeping like an angel!  I know I'm suppose to sleep when he sleeps but it's so hard because he is so beautiful and peaceful when he is sleeping and it's hard to not just want to stare at him.  Yesterday, was a pretty eventful because we had to go have Zander's jaundice test done and I cried more than he did.  It was hard watching them cause pain to my little man :(  We are still having some issues with the breastfeeding but last night was much better so I'm crossing my fingers that today will be good too and we will start getting the hang of things!!  Obviously, this blog is a day behind but that might happen some now that the baby is here because babies are lots of work but I think it's the most rewarding kind of job that I have every had and I wouldn't change my profession for anything :)

Day 36 September 6th, 2010

This is Zander and his first shopping adventure to Walmart.  I can tell that he is more like me than his daddy.  His daddy loves to go to Walmart and would pretty much go everyday if he could, but I dread going to Walmart because it's always busy and crowded!  I must say though that Zander was the angel baby while we were shopping and he slept during the whole adventure!  Everyone keeps telling me I need to rest during the day when he is sleeping (because so far we have been up 2 nights in a row all night) but the only time he seems to want to sleep is when we are on the move.  I guess that is because I was on the go alot while I was pregnant and they say that movement puts the baby to sleep while they are in the womb so maybe that's why.  He has done better today and seems a bit more satisfied because my milk finally came in so maybe we will have a better night, but either way I don't care because I love him so freaking much!  I could stare at him all day long :)

Day 35 September 5th, 2010

This is Zander at his first Labor Day parade.  He didn't really care about it though and he slept through the whole thing.  He didn't even wake up when the fire trucks went by and honked their horns.  He loves to be pushed in his stroller and today that seemed like the only time that he wasn't fussy so I was happy for that!  We also went up to the talent show this evening and he slept through all of that too.  We are getting ready for bed though because momma is exhausted and hopefully we will have a little more successful night tonight than we did last night, but either way I love him to pieces!!

Day 34 September 4th, 2010

This is Zander in his car seat for the first time and I just think he looks so darn small!!  Don't get me wrong he was a very healthy baby at birth but the carseat just swallows him up and he looks so tiny!!  We got to come home from the hospital on Saturday even though they really like you to stay for 48 hours they made an exception for us.  Chris had to leave at 3:00 in the morning and we really wanted to spend our last few hours together at home as a family.  The doctor came in and checked Zander and he passed all his first infant tests, we went over everything to watch for or to bring him back in for, and we also went over his discharge instructions and my discharge instructions.  The doctor was comfortable with letting us leave early because he did score high on all his infant testing and breastfeeding was going really well for both of us.  They called him the most natural nurser they had seen in a really long time so that made us feel good!!  Anyways, this was his first trip outside in the real world and we even went to see his great grandma Ford for a few minutes and took a walk uptown for Labor Day so mommy and daddy could get a lemonade shake up!!  Our first night home from the hospital was a little rough with Chris leaving and Zander has his days and nights mixed up (which they said lots of babies do) so we have to work on getting him on a schedule and awake more during the day, but other than that everything is perfect and him and I are both healthy!!

Day 33 September 3rd, 2010

Baby Zander has finally made is arrival and mommy and daddy couldn't be more happy!!  This picture was taken Friday evening after all the guests had left and it was just us three (our own little family).  It's so weird to see our first family photo with baby Zander in it after waiting 9 long months to finally get to meet him!!  Friday night (reluctantly) we let the nurses take the baby around 11 p.m. so we could get some sleep.  Labor started at about 7 that morning and we didn't have a nap at all that day because of all our visitors that came to see us so we were pretty tired.  They brought Zander in once around 2:00 a.m. to nurse and then we were up for the day around 6:00 a.m.  Chris told me the next morning that I handled letting the nurses take him better than he did because after I fell asleep he got up and went to the nursery to check on him and watch him for awhile!  It was nice getting some rest at the hospital, but by the next morning we were both more than ready to have him back in our arms.  You really can't get enough of having a new baby to care for!!

Day 32 September 2nd, 2010

I'm behind on my blog because we were admitted on Thursday to start the induction of our baby boy!!  This is a picture of me all hooked up to the monitors on Thursday night and waiting for them to start the cervidal.  I went in at 8:00 pm on Thursday and after all the admitting process they put the cervidal in about 11:00 pm.  I was dilated to 3 cm and 60% effaced when I went into the hospital and the cervidal did it's job and I started feeling intense contractions around 6:45 am the next day.  I slept pretty much through all the minor contractions that started a couple hours after the cervadil was in place.  I was dialated to 6 cm when they checked me in the morning and by 10:30 a.m. I was 10 cm dilated and ready to push.  Zander Michael Ray Ford arrived at 11:06 a.m. on Friday Septemeber 3rd, 2010.  He weighed 8lbs and 13 oz, and was 20.5 inches long!!  Labor was a bit intense because I didn't have an epidural (she was scared it would slow down the process and he wouldn't make it in time to see daddy), but looking back I'm kind of glad I had him nautrally!!  We couldn't be more happy to have him in this world :)

Day 31 September 1st, 2010

Today, is a picture of my husband and I because we spent the whole day together just enjoying being together!  We visited my Aunt Rhonda this morning, then we went to lunch together, and came back home and relaxed together.  We really want Zander to come but it has been nice to enjoy some alone time with my husband.  We went on 2 long walks today and I'm feeling a lot of pressure in my pelvis tonight but we shall see what we find out tomorrow at the doctor's appointment.  Regardless, we know we will have a little one by this weekend, we were just hoping that he would come a little sooner so that way his daddy would have more time with him.  God just has other plans, and I have faith that he will be here in time for Chris to at least spend a few hours with him.  Anyways, we enjoyed a nice dinner at my mother in laws and watched Letter's to God and then came home for our second walk!!  All in all it was a nice night and we both enjoyed getting to be with each other <3

Day 30 August 31st, 2010

I'm a day behind on my blog again because my husband and I are sharing my laptop for him to do school work but this is last night's picture of the West Prairie Volleyball girls.  My husband and I went to see my cousin Erica play and because it was Cyclones versues the Bombers which is my old high school team and my husband's old high school team!  Unfortunatly, the Cyclones didn't beat Macomb but they did play a good game and Erica looked really good.  The only thing I forgot is how hot West Prairie gym gets!!  At almost 40 weeks pregnant I thought I was going to die of a heat stroke!!

Day 29 August 30th, 2010

Today, my husband took me to get a pedicure.  We heard there were nerves in your feet that can trigger labor, but that's not really th reason I went.  I just really wanted to do something relaxing because we have been stressing and so anxious the last few weeks about the baby!  We have finally given up trying the old "wives tales" and are just going to relax and stop stressing and enjoy the few days we have together before he does come!  We are both just happy that the doctor is going to induce us so that way my husband can be here for the birth and spend a little bit of time with him before he has to go back to North Carolina!  We also decided that I would fly down there for Halloween weekend and then he will be back for Christmas so we broke up the big chunk of time that we won't see each other!  Anyways, these are my pretty toes after the pedicure (and I let my husband be a "part" of the process by picking out the nail polish, which he did a good job and knows me well.)  I feel more relaxed now and I have pretty feet so you can't really go wrong with that!!

Day 28 August 29th, 2010

This is a picture of my hubby and our little pug Princess!  She is so excited to have her daddy home and it's kind of funny how much emotion she has towards him being back.  She went crazy yesterday when she first saw him and she has been attached to his hip ever since he has been back!  In this picture she is giving him lots of kisses because that is her favorite thing to do.  Right now she is very use to being an only child so we are hoping that she adjusts okay when her baby brother decides to make his appearance into the world.  I can't believe it's been almost a year since we got her (Labor Day).  She was a great first addition to the family and we are very, very excited for our second addition to the family.  We just hope that he decides to come sooner than when she will be inducing!!

Day 27 August 28th, 2010

I got busy yesterday so this is yesterday's blog picture but it is of my husband and I at the races!  He got in yesterday morning at 9:00 am and I have never been so excited to see him in my life!  It's amazing how much you miss someone until you are forced to be apart from them.  Yesterday we went and saw his dad and his brother Brandon.  We also stopped and saw his mom, sister, and neice.  Then later that night we went to the races to watch my cousin Ryan race.  We hung out with my cousin Robin and her husband and kids!  It was a blast and I'm so glad to have my husband home!  We are hoping our little one decides to come soon, but they are inducing on Friday so we can make sure that my husband gets to be here for the birth!!  We are just praying he comes a little sooner so that way daddy has a little more time to spend with him!!

Day 26 August 27th, 2010

Today, we really didn't do much, but in anticipation of my husband coming home tomorrow I had to find something worth doing!!  So I decided to take my brother to the first Cyclone football game of the season.  They Cyclones entered into a new conference that was suppose to be more challenging and competive for them (last year when my brother played we played HUGE teams and got slaughtered everytime).  The boys made a good effort, but they still couldn't pull it out.  The score when we left in the 3rd quarter was 40 to 0 West Central.  So anyways, that was my day today and I'm so excited to see my husband I doubt I will be able to sleep!  Needless, to say that he and I will probably be the picture for tomorrow :)

Day 25 August 26th, 2010

My picture today is of my mom and I because today was my parent's 32nd wedding anniversary!  They work seperate shifts though so I wasn't able to get a picture of them together.  We were all hoping that today Zander would come and be their anniversary present, but I guess that he has other plans so they had to settle for the news we got at the doctor as a present instead.  The doctor told us that if Zander doesn't come by September 2nd then on the 3rd we will be admitted into the hospital to start the induction process!  So there are only 8 days until our due date and Zander could be here in 8 to 9 days depending on how fast the induction goes!  Everyone is so excited to meet him, but we are still hoping that he decides to come naturally when his daddy gets home on Saturday!  Anyways, today was 32 years for my parents which seems like forever to me since my husband and I are just now approaching 9 months of being married.  I hope that we can have as many happy years as my parents have had and in 32 years we can be celebrating our own anniversary!!

Day 24 August 25th, 2010

Today, my picture is of my best friend Shelby's little girl.  Shelby and I have been best friends since like 2nd or 3rd grade!  We have defiantly had our ups and downs but we have always remained friends through all the bad times.  This is her little girl Harlow and she is one of the best, and happiest babies I have ever seen!  She is so cute in her little walker and she is on the go constantly now!  She has started to crawl now too so there is no stopping her!  Being around her defiantly makes me want Zander here even more.  I'm getting very impatient but I know that he will come whenever he is good and ready to come!  Tonight, Shelby, Harlow, and I just hung out and talked because it has been awhile since we got to just sit and talk!  I love just hanging out and being able to talk and catch up better than even going out or having to do something!  So anyways, that's my picture and tomorrow is my doctors appointment so I'm hoping the technique she is going to try will speed up the process and possibly get labor started in the next few days!  Plus, my hubby will be here on Saturday and I'm really excited to see him....we are just hoping Zander comes to mee his daddy too!!

Day 23 August 24th, 2010

Today, is a picture of my pregnant belly at 38 weeks and 4 days.  I picked this picture today because there are a few people that are thinking that he will come today or tomorrow because it is a full moon.  There is an old myth that more babies are born when there is a full moon.  I don't believe in all those myths, but I thought it would be a good day to use this picture to see if anyone ends up being right.  I still stand by the fact that I have a stubborn little guy on my hands who is only going to come when he is good and ready to come!  I'm a little bit miserable in these final weeks of pregnany.  It's weird looking back and knowing that I only have 10 days until my due date and that at the most in 20 days the baby will be here.  Worst case scenario is that I will be induced 10 days after my due date if he hasn't come on his own, but we are hoping that he comes on his own and in time for his daddy to see him!!  My doctor is stripping membranes on Thursday to hopefully nudge me along, which I have had a few people tell me it worked right away for them and a few people say that it didn't do anything for them so I guess we will see!!

Day 22 August 23rd, 2010

Today's picture is not a very good one because I have literally been awake 6 hours.  For some reason I have a very bad cold or allergies that has caused me to be miserable today.  Princess my little pug knew I wasn't feeling good and she made it a point to snuggle up with me and try to make me feel better!  I'm hoping taking bendryl helps me out because that's about all I'm able to take.  So I know this blog post is short but that is about all I can say about my picture and my dad.  Hopefully tomorrow will be better!

Day 21 August 22nd, 2010

Today's picture is a pretty boring one because it's Sunday and I don't normally do much on Sundays.  Mom and I went grocery shopping this morning and fought the crazy college kids at Walmart (which is always a treat).  Anyways, about my picture this is my school book for the online college class I'm taking.  I was going to be taking a full load for my early childhood education degree but a few weeks before school started I decided I wanted to change my major to nursing so I didn't want to take the early childhood education classes and waste my army spouse money.  This is just a fundamental course I needed in order to fulfill requirements for the college itself.  Right now I'm really glad I decided just to take one class because the workload is twice as much online and with a newborn baby on the way I'm not sure I would have been able to keep up.  So today I just did some homework because I'm trying to get ahead in the class so when Zander decides to come I won't have to worry about what I will miss while I'm in the hospital!!  And we are hoping that he decides to come soon :)

Day 20 August 21st, 2010

Today, was my husband's brothers wedding in Quincy and this is a picture of me before we went into the wedding.  I picked my own picture because you would not believe how hard it is to find something decent to wear to a wedding when you are 9 months pregnant.  For the last couple months I haven't felt like dressing up or doing my make up and today since I actually looked good I decided to get my picture taken and I thought it turned out nice.  The wedding was beautiful and it brought back memories of my own wedding that was only 8 months ago!  I think weddings and pregnant women just don't mix because this is the second wedding I have been too since I have been back in Illinois and I cried at both of them!  There is just somethign about people getting married that plays with you're emotions more so when you are pregnant or maybe it's when you are away from the one you love and you're watching others be so happy together!  Anyways, the day was a success and everything turned out very nicely so congrats to the happy couple!

Day 19 August 20th, 2010

Tonight, I went to my cousin Erica's Meet the Cyclones for volleyball!  I can't believe that she is a senior already this year!  They didn't scrimmage like normal though because of the downpour that we had all night!  I have to admit being back at the high school and seeing the volleyball players defiantly brought back some memories!  I can't believe that after my cousin graduates this year I will have been out of high school for 4 years!!  It doesn't seem real that, that much time has went by.  I can't wait to go watch some of the volleyball games this year though and see how the girls do!  Their first game is August 31st and my hubby will be back so I'm hoping (depending on if the baby has come or when he decides he is going to come) that we will be able to go to it especially since it is against Macomb.  I went to West Prairie in high school and my hubby went to Macomb :)  Oh, and one more thing about this picture.....#3 rocks (it was my number in volleyball too) 

Day 18 August 19th, 2010

Today, I took a picture of my silly husband showing off his muscles that he is working so hard to obtain!  I'm really proud of him because he has been sticking to his diet and his exercise routine to a T.  He is trying very hard to get promoted to make a better life for Zander and I.  I couldn't ask for a better guy to call my husband!  He can also always make me laugh no matter how depressed I am.  Just like with this funny little pose when I was feeling down in the dumps and he cheered me right up!  I know that sometimes we fight and we will never have a perfect relationship, but somehow we just work in the off balanced sort of way.  I couldn't imagine my life without him and he is going to be a wonderful father!  I love you baby!!

Day 17 August 18th, 2010

Well, today I went to a friends house and she had 7 boxes of boy clothes for me to go through and lots of shoes.  I ended up getting about 10 pairs of shoes and 4 boxes of clothes for Zander!  He now has more shoes than any baby probably ever needs and his dad thinks that he will end up gay because I'm giving him a shoe fetish already and he is not even here.  The only problem with that theory is that his daddy has a bit of a shoe fetish and buys shoes like crazy and as far as I know he is not gay!  The clothes are mostly for when Zander gets older, but there are still really cute ones that he will get to wear when he gets a little bit older!!  I'm very thankful for all the people that have helped us out with getting clothes for the baby and he defiantly has a full wardrobe up until he probably turns a year old, but I have a bit of a baby clothes shopping addiction so he will probably end up getting more outfits as time goes on!

Day 16 August 17th, 2010

I didn't do much today because I have been sick all day long, but today was a pretty tramatic day for Princess.  Baxter (my parents puggle) is like her best friend and he has a hematoma on his ear so he had to go to the vet today and have surgery.  He also had to stay over night for observation to make sure that everything went okay.  They called my mom and said that he was doing fine and would be ready to pick up tomorrow.  Princess didn't understand why he wasn't here and she searched for him all day, and had just walked around looking all depressed.  This afternoon she started sitting on the back of the chair and getting on the coffee table to look out the window like she was waiting for him to come home!  It was too cute and I took the time to capture one of the times she was looking out the window for him and she just looks so sad.  So since I didn't do anything today I just decided to use that as my blog picture because it was too cute!!  Hopefully tomorrow she will be a happier puppy because her little playmate will be home sometime in the morning!

Day 15 August 16th, 2010

Today, I didn't do much because I have had a migraine all day.  I did up my walking to twice a day, a mile each time, and I also started online school today!  As far as my picture today I decided that it might be time to make sure my bags were packed for the hospital.  I packed my bag with all the suggested things on the list except for my blankie "Fred" who I will grab on the go.  It makes me anxious knowing that delivery day is so soon, but at the same time I still have this feeling that it's going to be awhile before Zander decides to come along.  We are just praying that he decides to come by September 3rd so his daddy is able to meet him.  While I was packing my bag I decided to go ahead and pack Zander's bag with the suggested materials!  It gave me a sense of accomplishment knowing that everything is ready for his arrival and we are just waiting for him to appear!!

Day 14 August 15th, 2010

Today, was Tiffany Lotz and baby Lotz's baby shower and Zander let me feel better so that way I could go to it!  We had lots of fun and they had some really unique games!  I espesically liked the one where we had to use toliet paper and try to guess how big around she was.  I tried to cheat and use my pregnant belly and just suck in a little but I didn't suck in quite enough because I was still too long.  Baby Lotz got alot of really cute clothes and I told Tiffany that our babies could be dressed up as twins after they are both here because Baby Lotz got lots of the same outfits that Zander has.  Our due dates are only 33 days apart too so hopefully we can do playdates with each other because we both know what it's like to be army wives and away from our husbands!  I hope you enjoyed the baby shower as much as we did Tiffany!  I'm also secretly hoping all the baby talk will make Zander decide he should come out soon :)

Day 13 August 14th, 2010

Today, my mom and I finished the cabinet that we started a couple weeks ago for Zander!  We orginially just had the idea to paint it the yellow and green colors to match his winnie the pooh stuff that we bought him, but then we found the stickers and decided we had to incorporate them as well.  This was a really ugly cabinet that was just sitting out in our garage not getting any use and as everyone with children knows they require a lot of supplies.  I have a small bedroom so I had limited space to put everything so my mom decided we could re-do the cabinet and hang it up on the wall that the changing table is on that way I would have some space to store his baby supplies and it would be easy access for me!  The cabinet turned out alot better than we both expected it too and I think it looks darn right cute!  The only step of the process left is getting my dad in gear to hang it up for me :)

Day 12 August 13th, 2010

Well, I took this picture a little unexpectantly and Jolene didn't have her eyes open.  We went out to eat with her, her husband, her brother, and her brother's wife to a little place in Carthage.  It was actually really good food but the pop (I know I'm not suppose to be drinking pop anyways) wasn't the best because it had no fizz and was very watered down.  Afterwards, we stopped by her neices house for a little bit and chatted with them and then we stopped at Dairy Queen for dessert.  After all that not so good food we went on a walk with my mama and Princess and Jolene because I walk every night (hoping it helps with labor).  It was a pretty good night except now I'm really sick and not sure exactly what caused it, but oh well hopefully it's just a 24 hour thing and it will go away!  That pretty much sums up this picture and my day!  Jolene is like my second mom and this would have been a great photo if I had warned her first.  Lol!

Day 11 August 12th, 2010

Today, my mom and I both went to my neighbors and had her dye our hair and this picture was too priceless to pass up!  She was dying her hair burgandy (sp) and so I named her the spiked purple people eater!  It was the funniest thing ever but her hair did turn out good when she got it finished!  I was going to use a picture of my new hair color for my blog post but this picture was too funny to pass up.  Plus, I had somewhat of an emotional day and my mom and Jolene Mason cheered me up and made things seem better or made it so I didn't think about it for awhile at least.  Anways, now I can look back and remember my mom as the spiked purple people eater whenever I need a laugh!

Day 10 August 11, 2010

I got a day behind on my blog because we had a pretty eventful day yesterday!!  I had a gush of fluids and thought that my water might have broken so we went to labor and delivery but everything was okay and was still only 1 cm dilated.  I took a picture of the book I'm reading because that is what my night consisted of because I was trying to take it easy!  I have been having really bad migraines lately and its painful to really get up and do much, but I have managed to keep walking at night with my mom so I'm glad I'm able to still get my exercise!  Welp, that's all for yesterday and I will try to take a more eventful picture today!

Day 9 August 10th, 2010

Today, I picked my husband for my picture!  He is the biggest goofball and sweetest man I have ever met!  He has changed my life so much and he will never know how much I appreciate everything that he does for me and our new little family!!  He works hard for his country and never gets any credit for it but Zander, Princess, and I are proud of everything he has done and will continue to accomplish!  We have been married 8 months on August 19th and together for 15 months on the same day!  It has been the best year and a half of my life and I know that things will only continue to get better for us!  We are both excited about the arrival of our new baby boy and we know that we can make it through anything life throws at us as long as we face it together!!  I love you baby and we will be together soon :)

Day 8 August 9th, 2010

Today I thought it would be fitting to take a picture of a place that I have been seeing alot lately!  This is my doctor's office for the baby and today we had our 36 and 3 day check-up.  Everything is looking good and they gave me some medicine for the migraines I have been having.  I have progressed since the last time I was seen and I'm now a cm dialated and my cervix is continueing to soften so we are headed in the right direction.  I just hope it continues to go good and he is here before his daddy leaves to go back to North Carolina!!  Chris will be here on Aug 28th and returning on Sept 5th so we are hoping that Zander is already here or will make his arrival while his daddy is back!!  Other than that the pregnancy is going well and our next appointment is on Thursday the 19th!  As long as he makes it to the 37 week mark we are free and clear to deliver at Carthage!!  *So just remain where you are until Friday Zander and then you can come whenever you would like <3 *

Day 7 August 8th, 2010

Today, is a pretty uninteresting day!  I'm pretty sore and been cramping and sorta sick to my stomach so I'm staying home and relaxing and talking to my husband on Skype!  Completely boring I know but somedays you just need days to relax and on this hot Sunday I think it's the perfect thing to do!!  Plus, I got a few things accomplished like getting batteries for my camera and taking my car to get washed so I deserve to be lazy I think.  LOL ;)

Day 6 August 7th, 2010

Last night I went to the races ( I'm a day behind on my post) to watch my cousin and uncle race.  Ryan didn't end up racing because he had a very bad migraine but my uncle Tom did.  He is the 91 car in the distance and he hasn't raced in several years.  He got 4th out of 13 cars which was pretty awesome considering how long it has been since he raced!! I hope he continues to race with my cousin.  Although, I'm really sore from sitting on the bleachers and getting up and down the bleachers when I needed to move.  All in all we had a really good time and I look forward to next Saturday (baby permitting) to do it again!!

Day 5 August 6th, 2010

Today I didn't do much but we did go to the DMV to get Zander's baby carseat professionally installed.  I was going to try to read the instruction manual and install it myself but I'm really glad I took it in to be installed because there was alot more to worry about than what the book actually covered!!  The lady was very informative and showed what a baby looked like in the seat properly (not using a real baby obviously lol) and then she showed us the different ways to install the carset and how to install it in the middle or on the either side of the car. 

Everything is ready for the baby now that the carseat has been installed!  The only thing missing is the baby but he needs to wait until next Friday so I can deliver in Carthage!!  We are very excited for his arrival and has had a fairly healthy and easy pregnancy :)

Day 4 August 5th, 2010

This is my cousin Ryan's girlfriend Brittany cutting my grandpas hair.  It was really funny to watch because my grandpa is particular about his hair and I think Brittany was a little nervous about cutting it.  Grandpa said she did a good job though and that she was a keeper because she was so gentle.  Ryan said she wasn't every gentle on his head and always jabbed him in the neck with the clippers lol!!  There was only one mishap during the whole haircut when the clippers were dropped but luckily they landed a couple inches from my grandpa's foot and not on his foot.  It's safe to say that Brittany might think twice next time she accepts a dinner invitation of turkey and noodles :)

Day 3 August 4th, 2010

I picked this picture because it's one of the outfits that we are planning on bringing Zander home in.  We bought a newborn outfit that we both loved but since they are telling me that Zander is going to be big I decided to buy something 0-3 months.  Since his daddy is in the army and is a hero in our eyes I went with this shirt and I couldn't resist!!  We are so excited to meet our little man!!

Day 2 August 3rd, 2010

I picked this picture for today because it was too cute not too.  This is Princess and she was our first addition to the Ford family.  We got her at the end of August and she just turned 1 year old in July.  She is a lot of fun and has many cute moments!  In this picture she was trying so hard to fight her sleep and was falling asleep while sitting up.  She is a very spoiled little dog so I'm curious to see how she is going to react to having a baby brother.  We are hoping they get along and everything goes smoothly!!

Day 1 August 2nd, 2010

I choose this picture today because we had our 36 week checkup.  Everything is going good with the baby and we are just hoping that he waits for his daddy's arrival to present himself into the world!  I have gestational diabetes so they are a little worried about the size but in one week I will be considered full term and should be able to deliever without any problems.  We are hoping for the best and we can't wait to meet our little guy!!