The Hurt Family

Thank Goodness It’s Friday {Seriously Full of Thanks}

2012-01-27T20:14:00.001-06:00

First and foremost, I’m listening to Daddy D read to Ramsey and I am dying from the cuteness. Ramsey has about six “Baby Jesus books” that we read over and over and over. It’s to the point that she can fill in the blanks---hearing her little voice say, “Bethlehem, stable, Joseph, Mary,” etc. is cracking me up. I’m in awe at her obsession for the Jesus babe. The world would surely be a better a place if everyone had a Jesus love like this girl.

{Daddy D and Rams reading her new mouse book from my friend, Gigi New---this was pre-Baby Jesus book marathon}

I am some kinda tired from my five day work week with 60 or so fragrant, ornery, and sometimes hormonal 5th graders. I can’t believe I only have 18 school days with the little darlings until my maternity leave begins {not that I’m counting…oh, surely not}. I let my principal know that my plan is to take the rest of the year off---she said she had a feeling I’d probably go that route. She was fine with it…..whew, what a relief!

{Big Sister showing off Baby Sister’s diaper shower tower---yes, she’s closing her eyes on purpose ‘cause she’s cute like that!}

{Baby Sister got some precious and adorable outfits, as well. The green and white polka dot jacket is beyond presh.}

This momma has a smile plastered on my face from ear to ear. My new lens came in today! {Thanks to Daddy D who ordered this little gem for me!} Oh yes, there will be a Ramsey photo shoot very soon! I must make up for lost time!

I have just a few things left on my Baby #2 shopping list---a diaper bag being one of them. Uh, why can’t we just use Ramsey’s? Well, being the monogrammed obsessed momma that I am I had her initials put on it. And darn it if we couldn’t come up with a RKH name so we could reuse and recycle. Anywho, this is the front runner at present time:

Big weekend ahead: shopping, friends over for dinner, church, family baby shower, and LifeGroup. Surely, I can squeeze some relaxation in there, too! {I hope, I hope, I hope!}

33 Weeks!

2012-01-24T20:53:00.001-06:00

I’m 33 weeks today!

Yes, people, I have 5 weeks left and I’m praying I don’t get any BIGGER! Lord help me! This pregnancy is on my nerves….literally. Last night, my sciatic nerve was being pinched in the most excruciating pain. I was in so much pain that I was paralyzed…while bending over in the living room. It was ugly….and probably would’ve been comical to an outsider. Ha! This, along with rib kicks and a head pushing on my cervix {so Dr. Google tells me…}, makes me beyond ready to have my sweet girl on the outside instead of the inside!!

I was SO excited to wake up and get out of bed this morning----after school my co-workers threw me a baby shower! I was so happy my mom was able to pick up Ramsey from Vicky’s house so they could come. We talked about Baby Sister’s shower all morning and she was so excited. When we walked into Vicky’s she told her, “I’m going to momma’s school to take a shower!” Ha!

{Here we are with my team from last year, Casey and Pfaffer}

My shower was “drop by” style in my classroom. Everyone was so sweet, bringing tons of diapers, wipes, and other precious things.

{Ramsey sharing a bagel with Gigi New (aka my friend, Gloria, who I taught with my first 2 years)}

{My current fabulous 5th grade team: Casey and Ashley:::I just love them!}

Ramsey looked adorable in her Big Sister shirt and loved opening presents! She got excited about every pack of diapers! She also decided a few things are hers, not sister’s, especially a baby doll and a super soft blanket.

I will admit Ramsey was in rare form. She was shy, bashful, happy, sad, outgoing, hyper, clingy, and pretty much experienced every emotion a human being can have. It was either the cookies she kept sneaking off the table or the Terrible Two’s. Goodness!

{Momma, Rams, and our sweet baby friend, Gabbie}

After the shower was over the real water works began. After telling Rams no less than a dozen times to stop playing with the doors, she smashed her fingers. Don’t worry, it was kind of slow motion and she was fine after a few minutes. Even though momma tried to warn her, I guess that was just a lesson she needed to learn on her own. Poor baby girl.

This was such a wonderful day! I am beyond thankful and shocked at the generosity of my wonderful co-workers!

Nursery Update: Bedding Woo Hoo!

2012-01-22T14:28:00.001-06:00

I was so excited to pick up Baby Sister’s bedding yesterday! The curtains {which need a little ironing} are chocolate on top and pink and brown paisley on bottom. They have the black out material on the back, which make naps long and glorious for all.

The quilt is really soft and sweet. We’ll actually use this one, unlike Ramsey’s Pottery Barn quilt which is really stiff.

The bumper is really thick and fluffy, pink and brown paisley on one side and brown on the other. David’s fave, the pink and brown diamond pattern, makes the skirt.

I can’t decide if I like the brown on the inside or out…

A few other odds and ends…I bought the little laundry hamper at Ross the other day and added the pink ribbon. David and I painted the little chair pink and I white washed it. It’s hard to see just how cute it is in this picture!

The little chair came from my dad. {He’s somewhat of a junk collector..ha!} It’s been living in our garage for months. Here it is back in October…

The whole ensemble…

I LOVE this picture!

My sweet neighbor, Jennifer, gave us a changing pad for the dresser. I got the brown cover on sale from Carter’s. Love this…

Things are moving right along! The lady who made my bedding is also making a pillow and a changing pad cover with the extra material. Just a few more things and the nursery will be ready for a BABY!

right quick

2012-01-18T20:07:00.001-06:00

Does anyone else say “right quick”? I do. A lot.
I’m going to make this post “right quick” because Daddy D and I have 934 shows DVR’d, which means a TV marathon in our very near future.
Ramsey and I did a great tactile {teacher talk} activity this evening. I may have loved it more than her. Shaving Cream+Elmer’s Glue+Food Coloring=A Jolly Good Time!

Why glue? After they make their creation, leave it for a few hours and it will dry fluffy, puffy, and super cute. I see a snowman picture on our first snow day {not that I’m asking for snow…oh no!}
Ramsey is knee deep in Terrible Two-isms. Oh my. Just a few of the things that we hear…often…
“I do it myself!”
“My turn!”
“NO!”
“WHAT!?”
She’s also really into laying down when she’s supposed to do something—like picking up, following directions, etc.
I’ve been around kids forever and ever and know this is completely normal, Daddy D on the other hand…not so much. He’ll get used to it soon, I’m sure…after all, we have at least 8 more months of this. AHHHHH!

We went to the doctor today, all is well.
Baby Sister weighs 4 pounds 10 ounces---give or take 10 ounces.
We tentatively scheduled my c-section for February 29th, if she’s big enough and ready, of course.

Birthday shout out to my mom who turned 50 yesterday. Gosh, I feel old just typing that…I wonder how she feels? We celebrated with dinner and chocolate cake, which Rams thoroughly enjoyed.

Rams and I took a little trip to Buy Buy Baby {aka Heaven on Earth to toddlers and mommas alike}.
I thought it would be just like Babies R Us, but oh how I wrong I was. Its my new favorite store and I plan to go back very soon.
Rams found a few things she “needed”, especially this $149 Big Bird…

Happy Hump Day!

32 Weeks!

2012-01-17T18:50:00.002-06:00

Raise your hand if you’re sick of reading my pregnancy updates! Don’t worry, only about 6 more to go and then you get to suffer through my weekly baby updates. Here I am today at 32 weeks:

There’s not really much to report from last week. Luckily, I haven’t had any Braxton Hicks contractions the past week. I have noticed that I’m not able to eat as much, I guess this little gal is squishing my stomach, along with my bladder, ribs, and everything else. We go to the doctor tomorrow and I can’t wait to hear how much she weighs. I’m guessing right at 5 pounds. I’m also hoping my doctor’s ultra sound machine is fixed so I can get some 4D pictures. I want to see what this little face looks like! It seems we have a name….for sure. I bought her name in wooden letters to hang on her nursery wall once she gets here. {Weird---I just heard her name on TV while I was typing. Was that a sign? I think so.}

I ordered these little pieces of adorable-ness from Carter’s the other day. Big Sister, Little Sister shirts! I love them!!

32 down, 6-ish to go {I hope I make it that long!}.

Friday the 13th!

2012-01-13T21:03:00.001-06:00

Mmmmm….k. Today was my first full week of school since mid-December and I’m 31 kinds of tired {coincidentally, I’m also 31 weeks preggers}. I scheduled my maternity leave today at work, February 24th will be my last pre-baby work day. This means I only have 27 days of work left! WOWZERS.

{Little presh and a cup of hot cocoa. Not sure which is cuter the girl or the miniature coffee cup…okay, the girl.}

So it seems Ramsey thinks she’s the boss of this house. Just tonight I walked in the bathroom to check on her….as she sat on the toilet she literally shooed me away with her hands while saying, “Go away, momma, go away.” She loves bossing Dexter and yelling “Get down, Dex!” anytime he’s anywhere but the floor. She also yells at us…often. It’s amazing how much spunk can fit into someone so small. I guess this will just go down as a “terrible two-ism” and will pass {we pray}. Otherwise, I feel for her baby sister.

{Me bossy? Nooooo….}

When she’s not being Bossy Flossy, she’s busy being A.DOR.ABLE. The other night she wanted to eat dinner with her baby doll. David and I died laughing at baby doll’s ketchup covered face. Ha! At least she shares.

{Dinner: baked chicken, roasted veggies, strawberries, and cranberry grape juice…YUM!}

We added this big ol’ beauty to the nursery. This thing is HUGE---2 by 3 1/2—ish at least. Carrying this, Rams, and my humongous self through Hobby Lobby was a site, I’m sure. The nursery bedding is *this close* to being finished. I surely cannot wait!

I also got Baby Sister’s “coming home from the hospital outfit” the other day. I LOVE IT. It is teeny tiny and so soft.

I was so excited to find something so similar to Ramsey’s hospital outfit. Isn’t that the best!?! And matching first blankies! They’re destined to be best sister friends!

I am just plain giddy that Rams and I have a 3 day weekend ahead!

31 Weeks!

2012-01-10T20:46:00.001-06:00

Today I turned 31 weeks! I read back at my 31 week post with Rams and I was all sorts of miserable {and look like it, too}. I can honestly say I feel pretty good at this moment. I am making myself sit more at work and not carry Ramsey around---and that’s making a huge difference!

I am MASSIVE and I know this. I get the “You’re going to POP!”; “Are you sure you’re having just one?”; “You look like you could deliver any second…” comments all day every day. Really, that’s okay, I don’t mind at all….when I look at pictures like these I think the same thing. Ha!

I know I keep saying this {not sure if I’ve typed it} but this pregnancy is so totally opposite of my pregnancy with Rams. Another major difference: my skin! I think I can count on one hand the number of zits I’ve had in my life. Since July I’ve had TWO! UGH! Still no stretch marks from either pregnancy and I’d like to keep it that way….PRETTY PLEASE!

Now I know this has become down right annoying, but we changed this child’s name again over the weekend. No really. And this is exactly why we don’t go public---we don’t want anyone getting attached to a name…as it may change. Ha!

{These crazies tried to steal my spotlight! Gah, that’s a cute girl!}

Although for the most part things are a-okay at this moment, I must rewind a bit. Saturday night, for the third time this pregnancy, I had the WORST Braxton Hicks contractions. I guess they were Braxton Hicks? I thought the spawn of Satan had entered my body and was taking over. My mom diagnosed me otherwise. I feel for anyone who has to experience a “real” contraction since these occurrences have really been my first uncomfortable contraction experiences. I didn’t have this joy with Rams and of course, had a scheduled c-section. I think I’m being paid back for all times I’ve bragged, “I wouldn’t know a contraction if it slapped me in the face!” I KNOW NOW. GOT IT. THANKS.

When I was preggers with Ramsey I created a little questionnaire for Daddy D and me. {You know back when I had time to kill…} I typed it up and stuck in Ramsey’s baby book. We looked at it tonight and decided we pretty much tied, 3 to 3.

The answers are: 1. September 23rd 2. 7:47 am 3. dark brown 4. slate gray 5. 8 pounds, 6 ounces 6. 21 inches 7. Neither of us, both of us?? 8. yes 9. quiet, soft, sweet—thank goodness! 10. She really was a good baby, very alert and active, but really good!

So of course, having two girls I realize that I’m going to have to do everything equally forever or I will never hear the end of it. So here’s Baby Sister’s questionnaire…

What are the answers? We’ll find out soon!

Ohhhh….the things Ramsey will teach her. Lord help us!

She got in BIG trouble shortly after this…

I don’t think she’ll do it again…for at least a day or two…

31 weeks down…..

R-R-R-R-R-R-Ramsey

2012-01-07T13:51:00.001-06:00

Ramsey is still stuttering non-stop and its driving us crazy! I’ve been reading about it and supposedly it’s a phase that over 80% of kids go through from 2 to 4 years. “They” say it should only last a few weeks. Geez, I hope!

On a fun note, Rams is almost a pro at pedaling around on her trike. I can’t believe she’s this BIG! The weather around here has been so nice, 60 degrees in January?! A winter with no snow and ice would be great with me especially since we’re having a baby NEXT MONTH {Oy, that’s still sinking in!}.

I must say I was pretty darn tired after my first week (of only 3 days) back to work. I wonder how I’m going to survive the next 7 or 8 weeks…. I really want to work up until my delivery day so I don’t waste any sick days. I think I can, I think I can…

Okay, off to a fun filled family game night. Can’t wait for a great time!

A Mixed Bag

2012-01-05T20:39:00.001-06:00

It seems there’s a lot of information, a mixed bag of sorts, to share about the Hurt’s happenings on this Thursday evening….

*We went to the doctor yesterday and BIG news, BIG. Baby #2 weighs 4 pounds, 2 ounces {average is 3 pounds}. She is BIG just like Rams. Gosh, I might have a 9 pounder this go ‘round.

*Another piece of craziness, she is head down ready to come on out. I guess she didn’t get the c-section memo? No need to hang out upside down for 8 or so weeks, little gal. Makes me wonder if she’ll have a cone head? Oy.

*My blood pressure was a bit high {did I mention I teach 5th grade?} and I’m having some extra fun aches and pains SO my doctor told me to get off my feet. Sitting + Teaching = This.Could.Be.Interesting

*On Christmas Eve Eve {that would be December 23rd, of course) we went to our church’s Christmas service. We took a picture that would’ve been too-cute-for-words, but sadly someone didn’t listen to someone else and used the broken lens on the camera instead of the non-broken lens. One day someone will learn to listen to someone, right?

*Someone changed the lens to show someone the difference. What a cutie!

*Houston, we have a Baby Jesus lovin’ daughter! This is the most hilarious thing EVER. Since the Jesus-napping of my nativity sets over the Christmas holiday, Ramsey has turned into quite the Holy Roller. She talks about Baby Jesus constantly. Tuesday I took her to Mardel’s, she was in Heaven. Ha! We picked up this, which she played with for hours….

*She wanted every Jesus book in the place. She pretty much planted herself on the floor and went to town reading. We made our way out of there with a pack figurines and two Jesus books, which we’ve read over and over and over.

*Yesterday, on our way home {from our first day back to the real world} we stopped and got ice cream. I asked Rams what kind she wanted and she said, “strawberry!” like she had done this a million times, when it was actually our first ice cream outing. I should’ve known she was a lyin’…she ate three bites and said she didn’t like it. Shortly after she turned around, looked at the people in the booth behind us, and announced, “That girl yikes chocolate ice cream!” {girl=50 year old woman}. Ha!

*I know/hope/pray this is just a phase: Ramsey has started stuttering. I-I-I-I-I-I want that. Wh-wh-wh-wh-wh-wh-where’s dad? We’re ignoring it for now….

*I can’t believe I hadn’t posted about our super fun play date a few weeks ago with some of our favorite friends. Ramsey with Baby Laetyn {2 months}:

*And Laetyn’s big brother, Dawson {he’s 1 month younger than Rams}:

*BIG weekend ahead---so happy tomorrow is FRIDAY! I LOVE 3 day work weeks!

30 Weeks!

2012-01-03T14:21:00.001-06:00

Woo hoo, I’m in the 30’s! And lucky for me and my ever growing self, I get to deliver at 30-something weeks.

I don’t think there’s much NEW news to report. This baby is definitely bigger and moving more. She’s up in my ribs all the time. My neighbor asked if I “had dropped” the other day and I had to crack up. I think the opposite is happening—she’s moving on UP! One weird thing that I’ve been battling is sleeping on my back! I keep waking up on my back, which is a huge NO while preggers {cuts off all sorts of circulation and oxygen to the babe and me}. And then for some reason (I’ll blame the pregnancy crazies) I told David so now at least twice every night I wake up to “Roll over! Roll over! You’re on your back!!” Scares the bejeezus out of me, goodness!

The weeks leading up to Christmas I was asked if I was having a Christmas baby and guess what? At church Saturday one of the volunteers said, “Ouu, looks like we might have a New Year’s baby!” Ha! People are so funny.

Hi ho, hi ho, back to work I go {tomorrow} and a doctor’s appointment, too!

Yippee…..8 {or 9} weeks to go!!

It’s 2012!?!

2012-01-02T14:14:00.001-06:00

Two thousand and twelve is HERE! Ramsey looked 2,012 kinds of adorable on New Year’s Eve. Of course, my last photo shoot of 2011 Ramsey wouldn’t even look in my direction much less smile. Darn it….still cute, though.

We went to church and then came back home to ring in the New Year….by going to bed at 10 {Ramsey only made it to 8:15…slacker!}. Of course, this little gal was up at 6:20 am on the first day of the year.

New Year’s Eve 2009 {Ramsey—3 months}

New Year’s Eve 2010 {Ramsey—15 months}

New Year’s Eve 2011 {Ramsey—2 years, 3 months}

To ring in the new year, I got a new ‘do. Out with the OLD:

And in with the NEW {that I’ve had 94 times before}:

Our first day of 2012 was spent cleaning house, playing with our precious Roo, and wearing panties on our heads, but of course.

I’m off to enjoy my last couple of days of Christmas Break. WHY DOES IT HAVE TO END!?!?

Top 11 of ‘11

2011-12-31T21:10:00.001-06:00

We had some pretty huge moments this year! The TOP 11 life changing, memory making, sometimes future altering moments are:

11. Our FUN Branson mini-vacation.

10. Momma moves to 5th grade?!? {Rocked my world.}

9. Ramsey becomes a BIG girl---in her new room and big girl bed.

8. Daddy D’s office moves to an awesome location closer to home {I’m still jealous}.

7. Ramsey is potty trained! Woo hoo!

6. We are members of LifeChurch.tv the entire year {We started attending in the spring of 2010}.

5. Ramsey starts talking! {and hasn’t stopped since…}

4. Ramsey is dedicated at church.

3. We joined a LifeGroup.

2. We took a fabulous beach vacation to Destin, Florida.

and our number ONE top moment of 2011:

1. We’re having a BABY SISTER!

And my FAVORITE pictures from each month of 2011:

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

I am so looking forward to 2012 and ALL it will bring! Our second precious baby girl will be here in just a couple of months making us a family of 4! Ramsey is learning and growing every day, I can’t imagine how much more “grown up” she will become in 2012. She’s also going to become a BIG sister, which should be an experience for all of us. Daddy D has some exciting changes on the horizon at work. And with my school, changes happen daily so who knows what the next 12 months will bring.

Sayonara 2011!

~Happy New Year~

Hurt Home Sweet CHRISTMAS-Y Home

2011-12-29T21:03:00.001-06:00

This year for Christmas, we gave goody baskets to our family members and a few others. Homemade gifts are the best! In years past, we’ve done the deer corn neck warmers and honey butter {yummo!}. David had this year’s idea and it sounded scrumptious so we went for it. They turned out really cute and tasty, no doubt.

We filled the baskets with No Bake Cookies {North Pole No Bakes}, Chex Muddy Buddies {Santa’s Snow Chow} along with peanut butter fudge, Reindeer Chow, and chocolate covered peanuts. They all had cutesy names, but a few have left my brain forever. *Dang pregnancy brain shrinkage.* A few of the baskets also had crafty ornaments made by Ramsey and me. I got this idea from Pinterest and they turned out A.DOR.ABLE. I kept this one for myself.

I will never take “goody baskets” for granted ever again. They are a labor of love, for sure.

Every year I ask David over and over, “Where’s this go?”, “How do I arrange this?”, and so on. So I’m getting smart and blogging my Christmas décor so I will wonder no more.

Ramsey’s Tree: Pink, pink, and more pink along with all of her keepsake ornaments and a big tulle bow atop.

She has lots of personalized ornaments, baby’s 1st Christmas, etc.….

She loved having a tree in her room this year. It was about the same size as her and she had a blast decorating and showing it off.

My favorite piece of the Christmas décor pie has to be our stockings. I got them from Pottery Barn two years ago for so cheap {I think $19.99}. They still have them and they’re still that cheap! And don’t worry, I already have Baby #2’s picked out for next year. I also love last year’s Santa and Ramsey picture in the chunky frame—cracks me up!

In our house we all have our own trees…and this is David’s. He loves the white and really wanted a tree in the living room, not just out of sight in the office. This one is pretty simple with lots of red and silver. I guess I should’ve taken a picture when the gifts were still under it---looks a little bare, eh?

And my tree…which is filled with all our keepsake ornaments. We always get an ornament when we go on vacation and a personalized ornament each year. I LOVE this tree the most.

Disney World

This year’s ornament {from Silver Dollar City}

I love this one from my friend, Melody, the year we got married {yes, I had blonde hair back then so its accurate..ha!}

Ramsey’s bathroom has a few Christmastime touches…

I always put garland with ribbon that matches my tree on the banister. I think I need to spice it up next year…it’s a little dull.

Sadly, I took these pictures yesterday after I had disassembled my entry table, sofa table, and most of my kitchen. Maybe next year I’ll capture everything!

And this is my little dumpling “smiling” for a thank you picture.

{Thank you, Beth, for the Barney and books! She loves them!}

29 Weeks! {and more…}

2011-12-28T13:09:00.001-06:00

So it seems I’ve turned a not-so-great corner in my pregnancy filled with back and hip pain. I’m hobbling around like a 90 year old woman most days. Just today I cracked the code on some of this: carrying around my 30 pound daughter. All day I’ve made sure not to carry her around and I feel a lot better. I guess this humongous belly is enough weight, no extra necessary. It’s pretty crazy that in 2 months from this week {or maybe next week…} we will be a family of FOUR!

Now time for the more…

Ramsey is growing up and cracking us up every step of the way. Today she was coloring and she told me she couldn’t find some of her crayons, so I said “Oh no!” She said, “Mom, don’t freak out!” I died laughing, of course, and asked her where on earth she heard that! She said, “Tangled told that to Flynn.” Oh my gosh, she’s a smartie! She also said, “Awesome!” while we were shopping this morning. Ha!

Does anyone else have a potty seat in their kitchen? We do! And that’s where she was sitting when I took the above picture.

Her mouth. She actually woke up in the middle of the night crying saying, “I hurt my mouth!” I don’t know if it hurt or if she was having nightmares about it. Ugh. This is a picture the day after it happened, it still pretty much looks like this.

I really just can’t take my eyes off this girl! She’s a climber, sneaky, adventurous, and very high energy---not a good combination! A few weeks ago, her babysitter told me she turned on the oven and all the stove burners when she was supposed to be making her way to the bathroom. OY!

Just one week from today {don’t remind me!} and then it’s back to the working world. I also have a doctor’s appointment now that I get to go every 2 weeks. This pregnancy will be over before we know it….and then the real FUN begins!

Merry Christmas {2011}

2011-12-25T21:10:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas!

Yesterday, on Christmas Eve, my dad stopped in to bring “pessants”. Rams picked out her outfit that morning, David was down right giddy.

She got a baby doll who talks NON-STOP. I think she may actually talk more than Ramsey. Ha! Good thing this one has an off switch.

Later that day we went to my mom’s house for soup, cookie decorating, and more presents. I strategically cropped at least 15 pounds off my back side. Clever, eh?

I’m so thankful to have my beloved camera back for the holidays, however my usual lens is toast and must be replaced. So I have been stuck using my other lens, which means I literally, not kidding, have to stand at least 15-20 feet away from my “objects” for pics. Bad news: I took less than 20 pictures this *Christmas* weekend because of this little snafu. Good news: My dad gave me camera money to get fixed up…which is happening SOON!

Ramsey had fun decorating cookies…and unlike her cousins, she only ate one.

I LOVE this face! Ha!

And for the love of all things Christmas, I just wanted a good picture of Ramsey with her cousins and aunt. This is as good as it got and then there were tears {from the only boy, no less}.

{Zoe 9, Mason 4, Kiley 6, Ramsey 2, and Caroline 10}

Look what her aunt and uncle got her---a BICYCLE----and look how grown up she is!! Oh my! She loves it and has been trying so hard to pedal on her own. I’d say my little girl is growing up!

Once home on the Eve of Christmas, I gave Roo a bath and dressed her in her most adorable Christmas jammies to date {pink and reindeer!}. She cried for her “jammie jacket”. Ha! Girl likes a routine…

Santa ready. Ramsey “signed” her name on top of the reindeer. She was amazed when she woke up and the jolly fellow had eaten most of the cookies. She talked about it all day.

What would the night before Christmas be without the story itself? Daddy D read it to her {along with her “baby Jesus book”—aka The Christmas Story} before bed.

She coughed all night, as she has done the last few nights {tis the season!}, and woke up bright and early at 6:20. There was poop in the equation, but I won’t go there… She was SO SO happy that Santa came! He even brought her a Barney doll of her very own and the only thing she had specifically asked for: pink and purple Play Doh.

She’s really gotten the hang of opening presents! Goodness, that didn’t take long.

Santa even brought her a Ramsey shirt in her favorite colors: “purple and pink”.

I had big plans for pictures of Ramsey with all her gifts, a family photo on Christmas day, and the list goes on and on. Didn’t happen, darn the luck. Of course, we did have a minor emergency moment that got me a little off track…

So here goes the please-Jesus-let-it-be-minor accident that happened today. In a nutshell, Ramsey busted her gums above her front teeth open. Her worst accident ever, I’ve never seen so much blood gush from that child! Daddy D talked to his dentist friend who said there are 3 outcomes: its fine; she may have to have her tooth pulled; or her tooth could turn brown. We’ll take option ONE pretty please. Oh, and he said sometimes the tooth won’t turn brown until a year later or the permanent tooth will come in with a spot. I’m seriously praying it heals like it never happened! Poor girl.

Merry Christmas to all and to all {I’m exhausted so…} a GOODNIGHT!

The Christmas Train

2011-12-23T21:07:00.001-06:00

Choo, choo! Last night we went to The Christmas Train in Dry Gulch, USA! The drive was a little over an hour, our destination: The Boondocks, without a doubt. *Thank the Heavens for GPS or we’d still be looking for the train!* Leading up to this trip I heard very mixed reviews, which made me question whether we should even go. I had ordered our tickets over a month ago {before I knew much about this place}…and glad I did since they sold out in 48 hours.

The train we rode…

{Picture from their site}

I’m so thankful I got lots of advice on what to do {and not to do}. I think all the pointers really made our trip great. Although our tickets specifically said Arrival Time 6 pm, we showed up at 5:30 (so smart!). We were bundled in about 3 layers of clothing, being that it was 39 degrees with a north wind. Brrrrrr. Poor Ramsey could hardly bend her arms, but by golly she was as snug as a bug in a rug the entire night.

Daddy D and Rams right after we got in (via my phone camera)… {I didn’t take my “real” camera----I know, I know, did I have a fever?!}

After we got into the “park” Daddy D went straight for the train line while Ramsey and I rode a donkey and a zebra {on the carousel}. We swapped and I stood in line while Daddy D took her to the playground. It was about a 20 minute wait in line until…ALL ABOARD! And we were on the train.

The train was neat, it took us through billboards and live scenes of “the true Christmas story”. I thought Ramsey might wet her pants when we passed the live nativity scene. Luckily, she didn’t. After the 15 or so minute train ride we went to a puppet show, shopped a little, grabbed a hot chocolate and a snack, and let Rams ride the “Elf Train.” She was the conductor….setting a bad example to all her passengers. Sit down, Ramsey!

We also stopped by and saw Santa. Ramsey was super excited to “say hi to him”. Once in the Santa room Daddy D said she was trembling and clinging to him for dear life. Santa asked if she wanted to sit on his lap and she said “NO!” in the most scared, serious voice. Ha! He did give me a candy cane to give to her and she’s talked about him (in a positive way) ever since. It’s love/hate relationship, I suppose.

This place reminded me so much of Silver Dollar City, obviously on a much, much smaller scale. It had that really neat, old time-y feel. Very cute.

Our family photo {almost frame-able…not!}

It was a fun first time experience! We decided it’s definitely something we want to do again, but maybe every few years, not annually. I truly enjoyed every second with my little family.

the high points.

2011-12-21T20:02:00.001-06:00

*I went to the doctor today and had the WEIRDEST appointment ever. My doctor was off delivering a baby so I had to see the nurse. The ultra sound machine was broken so they used a machine circa 1982 as the back-up. I had to drink the thick, orange pop-like drink {which I find to be quite tasty} and give blood for my glucose test. Everything that happened today was out of the ordinary.

*The fun news: Baby Hurt weighs 2 pounds, 11 ounces, which is still right on track. So the nurse said. I read average at 28 weeks gestation is 2.22.

*The BIGGEST news had to be this baby girl sucking her thumb the entire time! The nurse said, “Oh, looks like you’re going to have a thumb-sucker on your hands!” OH NO!!! I’m already plotting a paci and mitten plan to break her from that ASAP!

The messy faced BIG sister buckling in the driver’s seat of my car as she said, “Bye, see you tomorrow!” Ha!

*Ramsey went to her daycare Christmas party while I was at the doctor. They had a gift exchange and she got a baby doll. Good thing a girl can never have too many babies. She loves it!

*She said she had fun and actually didn’t want to leave when I picked her up. Vicki said she kept saying that she doesn’t like Santa Claus. Sounds like she was being a show-off…

Her latest: panties on the inside and outside of her pants.

CHRISTMAS:
*I have a few more things to pick up tomorrow and I’m finished shopping. Hallelujah.

*We’re doing homemade gifts again for our families and a few others.

*I LOVE HOMEMADE ANYTHING!*

*Ramsey said, “Ho, ho, ho, Murray Kissmas” about 900 times today. So cute.

*We are loving the Elf on the Shelf tradition! We’ve had such fun with it the last few days.

Wow, Christmas is in FOUR days!!!

28 Weeks!

2011-12-20T20:23:00.001-06:00

Here we go….28 Weeks! The picture is blurry, this I know.

I wore a “normal” shirt today with a Belly Band and look huge, maternity wear looks so much better! 28 weeks with Ramsey {in a maternity shirt}….I’m definitely bigger this time around.

At 28 weeks I feel good. I’m having more lower back pain, but it’s still not as bad as it was with Rams. I think things are still pretty much the same, nothing new to report. I’m going to the doctor tomorrow for my glucose screening. Blah. I’m not sure if I’m getting an ultrasound, but I hope so! I made a list today of everything we need for the nursery, nothing major---just minor things like a laundry hamper, diaper bag, and such. I have had 2 people {one at Subway and one at school} ask me if I’m having a “Christmas baby”. Ummmm….no, I’m not due until March, thanks.

And just for fun…here’s the belly expansion from 14 weeks until 28 weeks. I should’ve worn the same shirt every week, that would’ve been better. Shucks.

3 weeks and a few hundred dollars later I got my camera back today----yippee! I had to take a few pictures of Ramsey Roo to welcome it back, but of course!

Today at 2:50 I was officially on Christmas Break and might I just say Hallelujah and Amen! The day before Christmas Break is always all kinds of crazy and kinda makes me want to run for the hills and never return. I survived and now I’m home with my angel baby for 2 whole weeks! WOOT, WOOT!

Sontag Family Christmas {2011}

2011-12-19T20:48:00.001-06:00

Yesterday was the annual Sontag Family Christmas gathering!

The Hurt Family

And next year there will be TWO sweet little girls…

And this picture kinda makes me gag a little. My cousin, Bridget, is due 2 weeks after me…she’s having a BOY and this is her THIRD baby! She doesn’t even look pregnant, people! Me on the other hand….VERY pregnant. She’s so sweet, I can’t be mad at her.

I have a bunch of cousins, but these are the COOLEST of them all {there’s an inside joke there that no one really cares to know…}

Left to right…Jennifer, Amy, (Iris), me, and Bridget

I LOVE getting Rams all gussied up, but I released my inner-prissiness and dressed her for the Great Outdoors. Why? Because I knew there would be hay hopping. And hay hopping there was.

She and Daddy D ran, jumped, and had more hay play than one girl can stand.

She also climbed…what’s new?

All the kids went on a cow excursion with my dad and cousin, Ritchie. She’s sitting behind the driver (Ritchie) on my dad’s lap. What was I thinking letting my girl go with that crazy lookin’ driver? Ha! Just kidding…she had tons of fun and went on and on about all the cow poop.

The cutest girl…

We were so ecstatic to hear that Ramsey’s BCF {best cousin forever}, Iris, is MOVING TO OKLAHOMA soon! Woo hoo! They’ll be having sleepovers and doing each other’s nails before we know it!

Since I can remember my cousins and I were tortured with an age-ordered group photo every Christmas. It was painful smiling and sitting still while 10 people snapped picture after picture. It was so awful, we are passing on the torture to our offspring.

Zoe, Jacob, Abigail, Kiley, Addison, Jonathan, Mason, Laney, Jack, Jace, Ramsey, and Iris

And just for kicks we updated our very outdated cousin picture…

Todd, Amy, Jarrett, Ritchie, Mariah, Erin, Jennifer, Cory, Kari, Sarah, Bridget, Matt, Kirk, and Me {they saved the best for last…ha!}

After the festivities, we stopped by Walmart on our way to LifeGroup. Ramsey was beside herself when we walked in and saw this guy…her main squeeze….Barney!

Merry Christmas Sontag Family! It was ANOTHER fun one!

December Happenings.

2011-12-17T21:06:00.001-06:00

Daddy D and I went to his company Christmas party last weekend for a festive good time. We left Rams with my mom. She could’ve just spend the night {away from us for the first time ever}, but *just for the record* the overprotective Daddy D said we had to go get her. And here we are (all 3 of us!)…

Oh my goodness, I’m already feeling some effects of the third trimester of pregnancy. Waddling. Back pain. Tired-ness. Shall I go on? I hope this is just a fluke thing because of our busy week and not the way my next couple of months are going to be!

Miss Priss in her Santa shirt. She is pretty obsessed with him right now. She asks, “Where’d Santa go?” no less than 20 times a day. She also says “Santa’s at North Pole” and “Santa’s making presents.” So cute.

One day this week Ramsey wrote Santa a letter {almost all by herself…ha!}. Everything in quotes is from the mouth of my babe. And frankly, she is so funny.

She says she wants to “hold Santa”, but she lies. We dropped by Bass Pro today and she was good with just saying “hi” and “bye” to him from afar. She was clinging to David like a spider monkey the entire time.

I broke a sweat trying to get a good picture of her with her Santa letter in front of the Christmas tree. She thought it was a fun game of momma chase. This is as good as it got.

I am beyond ready for Christmas Break, which starts Wednesday {3 more days!}. Two weeks off----bring it on!

And this is after she ate a sticker off Santa’s letter…

Yes, Ramsey is a Santa lovin’ little gal, but words cannot express her love, obsession, and interest in BABY JESUS! She has a Christmas story book that we have to read a few times a day. She also really likes Mar-wee and Joseph quite a lot. I got her a nativity set of her very own for Christmas---she’s going to love it! This is how I found my nativity sets the other day. Baby Jesus-less.

She likes carrying them around and putting them on pillows, blankets, and such. I guess our girl knows the “Reason for the Season”!

This evening we went to church, ate dinner, gave Rams a bath, and drove around looking at Christmas lights in our jammies. She loved it! I called one house down the street “the big daddy” {because it’s awesome!}. Ramsey had us laughing so hard talking about “big daddy”. “Look at big daddy!” and “I yike big daddy!” So funny.

This has been quite the week, sadly, my family suffered a loss with the passing of my Aunt Anna. We love her so much and will miss her deeply. I pray there’s a cure for cancer soon, it’s such a terrible disease.

****

27 Weeks!

2011-12-13T17:07:00.000-06:00

And the THIRD trimester begins….

All is still well in my pregnancy world. I did suffer from some fajita inspired indigestion last night, which kept me up all night. I’ve only had indigestion a handful of times this pregnancy, versus my pregnancy with Rams which was filled with daily indigestion and heartburn. I’m considering myself lucky. But I won’t be doing Mexican food again until this little bambino makes her arrival. I can definitely tell I’ve grown the past week {two people at work said the same thing today!}. This may be the beginning of a growth spurt----oh golly, watch out! I feel like waddle mode is very near.

The Name. We have her name locked down for sure. I told Daddy D he could pick the spelling and I’d say he’s about 90% sure he’s going with my second choice. Ha!

Who knows if I’ll have this baby at 37 weeks, 6 days like Ramsey….but if so, that means I only have 10 weeks, 6 days left?!? Wowzers. That seems really SOON!

The Nursery {thus far}

2011-12-10T14:08:00.001-06:00

I’ve been working my hiney off in the nursery the past few weeks and it looks really cute {thus far}. There’s still so much to do, but the bedding and curtains will make a huge difference once they’re finished. I still have lots of odds and ends to add, but here goes…

From the doorway…

I made the canopy and trust me: it looks so much better in person. It looks a little chincy in the pictures, but I actually doubled the amount of fabric so its really full. I may add a little something to the top ring, flowers maybe?

Canopy supplies: tons of net or tulle fabric (I used 15 yards), some ribbon, a hot glue gun, and an embroidery hoop….the cat helper is optional.

Back to the room…we’re using Ramsey’s old bookshelf. The glider that matches the ottoman will go back in the corner as soon as Ramsey puts herself to sleep for naps. I’m doing name letters on the wall above the bookshelf, but since her name is a surprise those won’t go up until she gets here. {Yes, having an unfinished room is going to drive. me. crazy.} The lamp on the floor is going to be revamped {or relamped?} and used next to the rocker on a table of some sort.

I walked down the hallway earlier today and the baby in the swing caught my eye. It was like I was looking in a crystal ball at my future! Big sister loves playing baby dolls in here. The blanket hanging on the side of the crib is identical to the one I used for Ramsey when she came home from the hospital. She’s used it so much its worn and torn. I thought it would be cute to have matchy-matchy blankies for my girls.

Last weekend, I took a couple of prints and turned them into nursery art. These were hanging in the hallway---they were Garden Ridge $5-ish dollar clearance items many moons ago.

I painted the matte (and plan to repaint to make them a wee-bit lighter pink) and added some scrapbook paper art. I’m planning on changing out the art and putting her handprint and footprint in these after she gets here, of course. I don’t really want a giraffe and elephant theme, just pink and brown everywhere. The smaller frame I picked up at Hobby Lobby the other day for $4 {another giraffe?}.

This is my inspiration:

I still LOVE the pink dresser and LOVE the ribbon board I made last week.

Remember these uglies? I turned one of them into a bow hanger for Rams, but thought two huge bow hangers in one house was a little much so I went with a ribbon board for Baby #2.

Before:

And After:

My inspiration:

I painted and whitewashed the frame, stapled fabric and ribbon to the canvas, and added painted thumb tacks to hold down the ribbons. I LOVE it!

And lastly, the precious angel baby with wild hair and snotty nose because she wanted her picture taken. I see Tangled is on in the background, which has become an evening routine around here. She can’t get enough and luckily, Daddy D and I enjoy it, too. Beats the heck out of Barney and Elmo!

Camera Update: $275 to fix it. I want to throw up. To be continued on that topic….

Camera Withdrawal

2011-12-08T20:11:00.001-06:00

Oy! I miss my second born, my beloved Nikon D3000. The Nikon people received my camera Tuesday, but have yet to send us an estimate of how much the repair is going to cost. Just waiting in suspense daily. In the meantime, I’ve taken a few *grainy* pictures with my phone.

Ramsey and her new gloves from her aunt Caroline:

The past week our decision to move Ramsey to a home daycare {Vicky’s} from my school nursery has been confirmed as the right decision for us. First, there was a Fifth Disease outbreak in the nursery early in the week, which caused them to close until Monday. Eeek! Then, this morning I was chatting with Vicky when I dropped off Ramsey when all of a sudden Ramsey said, “Go to work, momma!” as she pushed me toward to the door. Not kidding. She actually opened the door for me to leave. Ha! She really likes her new home away from home, which is such a relief! Although, you know I miss her like crazy and wish I could spend every waking moment with my angel baby!

{Rams helped me with the Nursery over the weekend: here she is painting a frame as I wondered what on earth I was thinking letting her help…}

For the second time ever, we woke up to a stinky situation this morning. Around 5…that would be A.M…..we woke up to noises from Ramsey’s room. Daddy D got up to see what on earth was going on. Ramsey had woke up, pooped in her diaper (which she only wears at night), took off all her jammies and diaper, and was in the middle of redressing when Daddy D walked in. Poop everywhere. Her carpet is going to need a good old fashioned shampooin’ real soon. {I had the pleasure of cleaning up last week’s disgusting episode.} She’s doing really well with potty training…except for this kinda thang. UGH! I do think it’s kind of funny that she thinks she can just take it upon herself to take care of the situation.

A Christmas cookie treat after dinner the other day….

Ramsey seriously has a Play-Doh addiction. It’s bad. We play Play-Doh at least once or twice a day for 30 minutes to an hour. If only I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard “I wanna fway fway dough, momma.” Since I’ve had lots of practice lately, I’ve created some amazing artwork. I may just go into business soon… Any buyers?

The Ramsey Tree---with bird and squirrel---two of her favorite things.

On a pregnancy note: I have to say being pregnant in the frigid months is so much harder than the summer. Everyone told me how awful and horribly hot I was going to be during my pregnancy with Rams. It wasn’t bad at all---I wore flip flops, sundresses, and laid in the pool all summer. This pregnancy I have to get dressed from head to toe, in layers, coats, socks, and shoes. Not easy. Getting dressed every morning is just exhausting. Today I couldn’t even zip up my coat because of my big ol’ belly----it made for one chilly recess! And I’m scared to death I’m going to slip and fall when things get slick out! Oh my!

Yay for Friday….coming SOON!

26 Weeks!

2011-12-06T20:44:00.001-06:00

Here we go again…..Today I’m 26 Weeks! Some say the third trimester starts at 26 weeks, others say 27 or 28 weeks. Either way, we’re on the home stretch {am I saying this too soon?}. I just read my 26 Week post from my pregnancy with Rams. I love the part where I talk about Ramsey moving non-stop. This pregnancy and baby couldn’t be more opposite from the Big Sister. She only moves a few times a day, usually in the evening before bed or while I’m trying to go to sleep. {Of course, she’s moving like crazy right now after talking about how lazy she is!}

I got so much done in the Nursery over the weekend! It looks really cute and I love how it looks so far. I can’t wait for her bedding---I hope I can pick it up soon!

I still feel pretty good, thank goodness. Getting up from the floor when I play with Ramsey is getting harder and harder. I’m so grateful that I don’t have back pain this pregnancy---that was the worst! My friend gave me a Boppy pregnancy wedge pillow that is AWESOME. It’s the answer to pregnancy sleepless nights. Anyone with a huge belly should invest in one of these puppies!

{I miss my Nikon camera so much! These pictures were taken with my cheapy digital camera and UGH!} Don’t worry, once my Nikon is fixed there will be a proper photo shoot of BIg Sis Ramsey in her cute Christmas-y shirt. {This was taken right before we left for Santa…} She’s the cutest (I can still say that for a few more months and then she’ll have to share the title)!

26 weeks down…..is it just me or is this pregnancy flying by?!?

We saw Santa….

2011-12-05T21:02:00.001-06:00

And this is what Ramsey thought of him….{again this year}

She’s been talking about him for weeks and couldn’t wait to meet him. She did tell me a few times that she was going to cry when she sat on his lap. Girl doesn’t lie. She’s also relived this moment over and over and over. “I cried on Santa’s yap.”

And then a hatless Santa got a picture with David, Rams, and a beached whale…

Ho, ho, ho!

Hurt Family Christmas Card {2011}

2011-12-02T20:58:00.001-06:00

I sure enough wish I had a few brain cells left to make this a clever Christmas-y card post. But alas, it is Friday evening and I’m still recovering {recovering not suffering=positive thinking!} from my sore throat. I have been dying to share my new favorite Christmas card EVER, which were signed, sealed, and delivered this week. {This pregnant momma was on top of her Christmas card game!} So without further ado, here is The Hurt Family Christmas Card 2011:

I know, I know I’ve said it 348 times, but surely once more won’t kill anyone….Christmas cards are one of my very favorite things! I had about 10 different cards designed and ready to order and loved them all so much. Finally, I narrowed down the litter to a handful and put the pressure on Daddy D. He just happened to pick my favorite of the group. I surely do love when that happens.

So I was looking at this picture the other day and couldn’t get over how much David and I look alike. {I have several family members who have been saying this for years….} I compared each feature and seriously believe we could pass as siblings. I just think it’s so funny…..with a side of strange. But of course, we all know Ramsey looks more like me, right?

A few other Hurt Happenings:

*Ramsey is COMPLETELY potty trained {even poop potty trained, which deserves its own post at some point}.

*There are a couple of different spellings of Baby Hurt #2’s new name. Daddy D is choosing and the suspense is killing me!

*I am SO excited about the series starting at church this weekend: Carols {as in Christmas carols with a message tied in…should be fabulous!} You can watch it, too, if you wanna….

*Daddy D is gearing up to freeze his hiney off tomorrow night at the OU-OSU game. He’s all sorts of crazy for sitting in the rainy coldness, but swears if OU wins it’ll be well worth it. Mmmmm…k.

*Ramsey is going to have a blast at Daddy D’s work Christmas party on Sunday. I can’t wait to see her reaction to Santa---that part may or may not be a blast. Remember last year? Ha!

Happy Weekend!

25 Weeks!

2011-11-30T18:28:00.001-06:00

25 weeks of baking Baby Hurt #2! Exactly 3 months from right now we’ll be putting the final touches on our house and hospital bags, and making sure everything is ready for Baby Sister {as she’s called most of the time}!

At 25 weeks things are still great. I’m so very thankful as I know the 3rd trimester {which is just days away} may not be as fun. I woke up from 1 to 4 this morning with my throat killing me and my stomach not feeling much better. I missed school (my first time to miss this year!) because of it. Sick + Pregnant = NO FUN!

I waited until today to post my 25 week update because I had a doctor’s appointment this afternoon. Everything looked great and this baby is right on schedule weighing 1 pound, 9 ounces. {She also looked at my throat and said it wasn’t strep, but probably a virus that’s going around.} We got to see the little darling in 3D….

I know this picture isn’t the best, the live footage was much better. She doesn’t really look like Ramsey….yet. Ramsey was all cheeks! But I guess she has some time to fill out. Her lips seemed really thin and her eyes and nose looked a little bigger than Ramsey’s. She also had the cord or her hand in front of her chin.

Same picture with labels {in case you can’t see her}….

Name update: Pretty sure Sadie is OUT and our new *secret* name is IN {unless David tells me differently after reading this…}. I wonder if we’ll actually be able to keep it a secret?! So far, so good. Daddy D is Stillwater bound this Saturday for the OU/OSU game so I think Rams and I will give the Nursery some TLC.

And lastly, FREE to a good home: Cute, extra fluffy, mostly friendly, 7 year old Dexter Owen. Any takers? Just kidding, but last night I would’ve given him away in a heartbeat. Every week I set my camera on my staircase to take my belly pics. Last night, right after the 10 second timer went off Dex ran up the stairs, batted at my camera, and knocked it onto the tile floor. The fall broke the autofocus and now my camera won’t take pictures! I could cry. Seriously.

My Nikon D3000 is one of my most prized possessions. I use it almost every day and LOVE it with all my heart. Daddy D shipped it to Nikon today and I am praying they can fix it {without it costing an arm and a leg!}. We should know something in a few days. Until then, I guess we’ll keep him….

We’re back to the doctor in 3 weeks for my glucose test----can’t wait for that!!!

It’s Monday!

2011-11-28T20:04:00.001-06:00

But before it was Monday, it was last Wednesday and my little punkin’ looked cute as a button. We thought we better break out the pumpkin shirt one last time before the Christmas wear begins.

We went to play with two of our favorite boys, cousins Jace and Jon. They were in rare form (so I thought, but their mother tells me this was their “norm”). They ran, screamed, wrestled, and did every other boy thing that we’re not used to. Ramsey even came home and yelled a few times. Ha! She LOVES hanging with these guys!

During our long weekend, we spent 3 of the 5 days unloading, fluffing, and arranging Christmas stuff {not my favorite thing….}. But I do LOVE how our house looks now that we’re Christmas-fied. Ramsey only broke 3 ornaments in the process. Surprised? Nope. We told her so many times to “be careful, that’s breakable” that she finally just started calling all Christmas decorations “breakables”. Smart girl.

Oh did I say smart? I actually meant Girl Genius. She is currently obsessed with play dough and we must play at least once, if not multiple times, per day. Over the weekend, we were playing and she said “o”….then she said “y”. And this is what I saw….no kidding…

A little later she made an “s”….

Then she told us she was going to make an OU. We braced ourselves as we were sure to fall completely out of our seats if she actually came through. Sadly, no OU, but definitely an A for effort.

Off to see what all this Cyber Monday stuff is about….

Happy Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-24T21:13:00.000-06:00

Omigoodness. Thanksgiving has come and gone once again!

It seems like just yesterday we were out in my mom’s front yard with our sweet 2 month old girl….

And then last year with our still sweet, yet wild, 14 month old gal… {after seeing this picture I will be revisiting that haircut…}

And here we are today with our crazy 2 year old angel-sent-from-the-Heavens…

I love looking back and do I really even need to say….TIME FLIES!!? I was so worried with a 5 o’ clock dinner we wouldn’t have enough light for our annual picture---thankfully, we made it just before the sun went down. I just love our Thanksgiving tree pictures!

This is one of David’s favorite holidays so he was happy to stuff himself until he was miserable. I’m not a huge fan of turkey, but I am thrilled that Christmastime is here. Ramsey is going to have so much fun this year and I can’t wait!

I told David today that next Thanksgiving we’ll be giving thanks with a 3 year old and an 8 month old. Oh my! That’s sure to be a fun time.

24 Weeks!

2011-11-22T19:58:00.001-06:00

Is this right? I’m 24 weeks today! Wowzers.

This little gal is growing fast and furious. She kicks more, moves more, and grows bigger by the minute {so my elastic waist pants tell me}. Sciatic nerve pain? Check. Pregnancy insomnia? Check. Indigestion? Check. But really, truly I am still feeling pretty good and those things are really pretty minor. Yay!

With Thanksgiving so close I can smell the turkey baking, I absolutely have to stop and express how *thankful* I am for my healthy pregnancy. Granted, I was near death the first 14 or so weeks, but I truly haven’t had any complications or “scary” moments. I have a friend, due just after me, who has placenta previa and I am just devastated about what she’s going through. I am counting my *large-and-in-charge* baby blessings.

{And they say black is slimming? Hmmmm….}

I am making lots of Nursery progress. I washed, dried, folded, and hung up all 947 items of clothing {and that’s only through 6 months…} over the weekend. After 2 full days of laundry I decided the 6-12 month things can wait till at least mid-summer.

On the name note….there is a possibility that this precious sweetie may have a name change. Sadie no more, you say? Just maybe. I happened to have the BEST name pop into my head yesterday seriously from nowhere land and I immediately sent Daddy D a text. He’s in the pondering process as I type this. Now here’s the deal: IF we change her name, it will be kept a SECRET until the day of birth. So mean, I am aware of this.

To be continued on the Baby Hurt #2 Name Game…

a BIG girl

2011-11-21T20:19:00.001-06:00

Ramsey has turned into such a big girl lately: a big girl bed, potty training, talking. I know I keep saying it, but just when I think she can’t get any “older”, she does.

Lucky girl got a gift card from her Papa the other day and we bought this adorable tricycle (and of course, two baby dolls and another stroller). We’ve been practicing pedaling and steering the past few days. She’s doing such a great job and looks so big and old. We were so happy they made these trikes in pink and purple {which Rams says are her favorite colors}.

Funny Ramsey moment of the day….

This morning she told her babysitter *out of the clear, blue sky* “momma has a bra on.” {Ha! We died laughing!}

I just LOVE my BIG girl!

Family Picture Outtakes

2011-11-19T20:48:00.001-06:00

We took family pictures a few weeks ago in an attempt to get a good Christmas card picture. Out of almost 200 pictures we *thankfully* got a few good ones. We also got more than a few not-so-good ones…to be expected with a 2 year old!

Exhibit A: Why on earth would anyone suggest a pregnant gal of this size squat for a picture? I’ll never know {PS I think this was Daddy D’s idea} I look and felt completely awkward and uncomfortable….and could hardly make my way up from gettin’ low.

I love this idea {pretty sure it was mine---ha!}. But we took these toward the end of the day and Ramsey wouldn’t smile….

Until she saw an “air-fane”….And that idea was out. Ha!

So then we sat and tried to force our girl to smile. This is the only time she did.

She really liked doing this much more than picture taking…

We also had the arched-back-wet-noodle girl join us a few times….

And her tongue was out on more than one occasion…

There are many, many more where those came from. That day was a full body workout. For sure. I did get our Christmas cards in the other day and I can’t wait to get them out to everyone!

Thursday Thoughts

2011-11-17T20:23:00.001-06:00

After an *almost month long* break from school I am exhausted 4 days back in the working world.
I think school should start mid-week after breaks.
I’m thankful tomorrow is FRIDAY! {Not to wish my life away…}
Ramsey brought me “momma’s camma” and wanted to “yook at Ransey.” {translation: take my picture and let me see it} So I did…even with food from dinner still on her face. Ketchup mustache?

Ramsey has done great at her new babysitter’s house this week….except for this morning when she cried. I was so sad. It totally ruined my day.
She loves her new little friend, Kamron, who’s 4. For some reason, out of the clear, blue sky she bit him yesterday while they were playing. He was still talking about it today. Those 4 year olds don’t forget!
She is rockin’ and rollin’ with potty training. Yay!
Ramsey’s babysitter asked me today “where she gets her accent?” Ha! From her country fried, hicks for parents, I guess. {David swears he thought I was from Georgia when he met me. Ha!}

Baby sister Sadie is getting so big and moving so much! Just this evening I could see her bouncing around. *In fact, she’s kicking my arm while I type this---not a baby blogger fan? What?*
I have no idea how I’m going to teach by time January and February get here. I’m picturing this big momma trying to keep up with my wild toddler and sixty 5th graders. I also wouldn’t think clumsy, pregnant mommas and ice and snow mix. Things could get interesting.

tgif:::::THANK GOODNESS {TOMORROW} IS FRIDAY!!

23 Weeks!

2011-11-15T20:35:00.001-06:00

Gosh, it feels like just yesterday I was typing up my 22 week update. This baby will be here before I know it!

I still feel really good, but a few things have popped up that are a wee bit less than comfortable. Last week, and after our zoo trip, I had the worst sciatic nerve pain EVER. I was sitting with Ramsey on the floor to read books and literally couldn’t get up. I told her to go get her dad for help. She ran into the living and said “Dada help momma get up.” Ha! He said she looked really concerned. So after he hoisted up this big gal, I slowly hobbled into the living room like a 90 year old woman. I’ve a few painful moments, but that one takes the cake. Sleeping is also becoming a harder, darn it. My hips and back are a little achy….might be time to break out a few more pillows.

Momma at 35 weeks with Ramsey, in the same shirt I wore today. And may I just say GOOD GOLLY!

The big sister had an eventful second day at her new babysitter’s house! I guess she’s practicing her new role as big sis….

In a nutshell, while her babysitter had her back turned Ramsey took it upon herself to PICK UP THE BABY AND DROP HIM. {Luckily, she only got him a few inches off the ground and he wasn’t hurt!} She seriously moves so fast, you can’t blink around this girl. Her little sister better be one tough cookie or she’s going to be in trouble!

{Big sister in her “jammie jacket”---yes, she came up with that all on her own! Ha!}

Lastly, it looks like my “NAME THAT BABY!” Poll is over and the winner is:

SADIE *with 13 votes*

{Demery *7 votes*, Raven *6 votes*, and Sienna *4 votes*}

Thanks for voting!

A Surprise Party and a First Day

2011-11-14T20:47:00.001-06:00

Yesterday, November 13th, we celebrated my little sister’s 10th birthday. It was a surprise party! Is there anything more fun?!

{Rams “riding” the piñata pre-party. Ha!}

We had the party at my mom’s cooking studio---it was full house!

Finally, the birthday girl arrived! She said she “just knew she was getting a surprise party!” But I think she was pretty shocked!

{Caroline and her dad coming through the back door to everyone shouting SURPRISE!}

I love this picture of Roo and her momma! She is so adorable. And what a perfect day for a cupcake clippie {thanks to her BFF, Campbell!}.

I can’t believe Caroline is 10! I was 18 when she was born and remember that day like it was yesterday. I also remember thinking “when she’s 10, I’ll be 28 and when she’s 20 I’ll be 38, and so on.” That seemed so far away and here we are!

Rams, the birthday girl, and my mom…

HAPPY 10TH BIRTHDAY, CARO!

***

So it seems school started back today, although I think another week off would’ve been more than delightful. With ALL the school nursery changes we decided to put Ramsey in a home daycare with my mom’s friend, Vicki. She and another little boy are full-time and there are two part-timers so its very small. We stopped in twice last week to help her “warm up”. Thankfully, she had such a great day! She did pretty well with potty training today even in a new environment—thank the Lord. Okay, so I have to have a momma’s-gotta-brag-please-don’t-gag moment: Vicki said Ramsey is so smart and articulate for her age (she’s only been watching kids for 30 years!). She also said she’s an “old soul” and talks about things {the moon, stars, etc.} that 2 year olds normally don’t care about. I’m so happy she had such a great day, but of course, I would MUCH rather be home and spend every second with my girl!!

{her latest face when we tell her to smile---squinty eyes}

So I guess I actually have to work ALL week? Geesh, I’m not used to this abuse! One day down and four to go….

11 Hurt Happenings on 11.11.11

2011-11-11T21:03:00.001-06:00

1. We went to the zoo today---our little monkey had a blast!

2. The trees this time of year are ah-mazing! My favorite of fall.

3. iPad + Potty = Rotten Roo

4. Ramsey’s latest…

Ramsey: Momma/dada, whatta you doin’?

Momma/dada: Nothing, what are you doing?

Ramsey: I goin’ to get my haircut.

We’ve had this conversation no less than 20 times the past 2 days. Ha!

5. School starts Monday. The school nursery issues seem to be somewhat worked out although our beloved Miss Priscilla has decided to explore other options. We decided Ramsey will go to a great family friend who has watched little ones for 25 or so years. *Fingers crossed this is a good transition.*

6. While we were prepping the nursery for its new paint job, Ramsey wanted to “fway in the “cib”. She showed us just how quickly she can pop her precious self out of it.

7. I had my TENTH Sadie DOG moment this evening. Okay, I’m back to being worried and might start looking at names again…

8. I am so glad we decided to paint over this green in the nursery. It’s official: I’m a boring ol’ neutral gal---color *in large doses* bugs me. {BEFORE}

9. I still hate painting, especially 5 1/2 months pregnant, but by golly we got ‘er done and she’s a beaut! {AFTER}

10. This crib is FILLED with 0-12 month baby girl clothes, which we pulled out of storage yesterday. If I buy this bambino as much as a new sock, Daddy D will FLIP.

11. Tonight is the second or third night in a row that Ramsey has gone to sleep without a peep. No crying at all. Geesh, shoulda done the light off, door closed nighttime routine from the get go. Speaking of Ramsey’s sleep, she woke up from her nap today telling us “Dada went to the store and got spankins’.” Guess it was a dream? Ha!

Happy 11.11.11---what a cool date!

I’ve got a secret….

2011-11-09T20:31:00.001-06:00

I’m pregnant. Ha! Just kidding, that’s old news.

Actually I’ve been keeping a secret about my little princess. We’ve been working on potty training the past week and a half and she is doing AWESOME! I pretty much used the 3-day method and the girl has pee down {she hasn’t mastered poop in the potty just yet….unfortunately}.

I must say potty training has to be my least favorite piece of the parenting pie. I am beyond grossed out by poop in the pants---gagging included. I’ve read that it takes longer for some kids to do #2 in the pot----hopefully not too terribly long!

{Giving Dexter some love…and he’s enjoying every second of it! Ha!}

My favorite potty training moment happened the other day when we were out shopping. She said, “Momma, I gotta go to the bathroom. Real bad, momma, real bad.” Ha! Hilarious, I tell you, the girl is hilarious! She also likes to tell random people when she “pee pees in the potty” and asks to watch strangers pee in the potty when we’re in public restrooms (“I wanna yook at her pee pee in the potty.”).

I didn’t follow the 3-day potty training book exactly. I did reward her with M&M’s from the get go. After days and days of candy five or six times a day I realized her teeth were going to rot completely out of her head. We switched to stickers shortly after. She still gets candy every now and then, but she’s pretty happy with the stickers. Her teeth will thank me later, I’m sure.

I am so proud of my big girl! And I love seeing how proud she is of herself!

Woo hoo! No more diapers in the Hurt Home! {Well, at least for a few months….}

22 Weeks!

2011-11-08T20:36:00.001-06:00

Today I am officially 22 weeks! It was a cold, rainy day so Ramsey and I stayed indoors, sans make-up and in comfy clothes. Here’s the proof and the BIGGER belly…

Today was the first day I could see kicks and punches, not just feel them. This girl must be getting big and strong! She only moves a few times a day, which is so weird after being pregnant with Ramsey. Rams never stopped moving….and still hasn’t! I think Sadie Belle is going to be my laid-back girl *crossing my fingers*. Today Ramsey and I were talking about her little sister and I asked her if she was going to help me take care of her. Rams said, “I gonna rock her.” She is so sweet and absolutely can’t wait to be a big sis! We went down the list of everything she’s going to do…feed, bathe, change, rock, sing to, play with, and most importantly hug and kiss.

I’m not sure if I’ve talked about this, but I have had {close to} no back pain this pregnancy. Hallelujah! I had so much lower back pain with Ramsey from the beginning to the end. It was awful! I am so thankful my back is a-okay this time around, especially since I’m carting around my 27 pounder so much.

I still feel great---and still hope it lasts until this bun is ready to leave my oven!

Before & After {Sadie’s Dresser}

2011-11-07T20:36:00.001-06:00

Not to sound like Pete Repeat, but…..a few weeks ago we bought a dresser via Craigslist for Sadie’s Nursery. It was $60 and in really great shape. The sellers said they really didn’t use it for their daughter as planned because of space or something. I completely forgot to take a true Before picture---so this is after the knobs were taken off and Daddy D sanded it.

Before:

He slapped a couple of coats of primer on it and then to the good stuff----PINK paint! It’s actually called Bubblegum Pink.

I cannot express in words how cute this dresser is. I think it might be the cutest piece of furniture I have ever laid eyes on. I just LOVE it!

The {so pretty in pink} After:

The wild big sister couldn’t keep her hands off the new addition. {She’s wearing momma’s headband---ha!}

After paint, but Before knobs---the lighting is so much better in the kitchen!

It coordinates with the pink in her bedding fabric perfectly.

Notice the green wall? That’s the next paint project…goodbye green!

My inspiration for this little pop of preciousness came from the beloved Pinterest. Gah, it’s addicting and so beyond wonderful. This is the little changing table that made my heart go pitter patter…

This has to be one of my favorite Before & Afters EVER! Daddy D deserves a big ‘ol hug and a kiss for his hard work! Any volunteers?

Quite a lot of things….

2011-11-06T20:25:00.001-06:00

First and foremost, Ramsey had her first sleepover---her sweet cousin, Kiley. We went to my dad’s house most of the day Saturday while Daddy D was in Soonerland cheering on one of his loves. Kiley came home with us and we’re so happy she did! After having Kiley here for a little less than 24 hours, I now know why people have more than one child. We never heard a peep from either one of them. They played and played and played some more. We considered keeping her forever and ever.

Big girl bed training has taken somewhat of a turn {hopefully for the better}. Ramsey has slept through the night for almost a week, but putting herself to sleep is another story. {We were sitting outside her room and putting her back in bed when she attempted to escape.} That’s over. It was taking 30 minutes to an hour every night and not consistently getting better. So a few nights ago {after way too long} I turned off the light and closed the door. She cried for less than 7 minutes and went to sleep. Last night was less than 5 and asleep. Tonight was less than 3 and asleep. Makes me wonder if we were acting as more of a distraction than a comfort.

Since this blog acts as our “family memory book” I have to talk about my world being rocked last night. Literally. I had the worst stomachache and wasn’t sleeping well anyway when a few minutes before 11 the house starting rattling. I thought Ramsey was trying to open our bedroom door….then the rattling got stronger and stronger. I was scared to death! I started screaming to wake up David. Once awake, he jumped up and ran around the room, bathroom, and closet saying “It’s okay, it’s just an earthquake!” over and over. I sat frozen on the bed SHAKEN up---in more ways than one! Ha! It was a 5.6 earthquake….in Oklahoma---never thought I’d see the day! Needless to say, I didn’t sleep much after that…and don’t plan on moving to California anytime soon.

{Sweet Kiley off to cheer….it seems like she was born yesterday and now she’s 6!}

Ramsey has Daddy D and I cracking up *and kinda worried*. She has become all sorts of bossy lately. Some of the latest things that have been coming out of her sassy self:

“Go away, momma/dada”

“No, I do it”

“My turn” or “Ransey’s turn”

“Stand up” or “Get up”

and today…

“Go away, momma, go downstairs!”

She was definitely the “leader” while Kiley was here. {Did I mention Kiley is the easiest, sweetest, most laid back child to ever walk on this planet?} We feel so sorry for poor Sadie Belle---she doesn’t have a chance with a bossy big sister like Ramsey!

{And the last week of fall break begins…then back to the working world.}

Pictures {via Momma’s iPhone}

2011-11-03T21:29:00.001-05:00

As of tomorrow I’ll only have one week of fall break left. Staying home with my Roo has been the best! We’ve had such a great time---I can’t get enough of her!

{Her latest thing—wedging herself in between the footboard and the mattress of our bed and yelling “I stuck!” She thinks it’s hilarious.}

Today we made pumpkin sugar cookies and surprised Daddy D at work with a few. Ramsey was a show stopper with her adorable new outfit and furry boots. {Thanks to her Uncle Matt and Aunt Candace—‘cause we all know this momma doesn’t pay full price at Gap any day of the week.}

Funny things she’s been saying lately:

“I wanna hold momma for a minute.” (when her dad was trying to get her to go to bed)

“Ou, that scared me!” (almost falling out of her carseat)

“I wanna fway blocks for a yittle bit.”

“Goodness.”

We LOVE when she says:

“I yike it, tooooo!”

Everything ends with momma or dada.

“Dexy’s over there, momma/dada!”

“I wanna apple juice, momma/dada.”

Too cute in her “Snooki boots!”

{Good morning!….Well, sometimes it takes a few minutes to realize how good it is…}

Halloween: Ladybug’s dang antennas kept falling off so we found a better place for them---atop Daddy’s D’s punkin’ head. They were quite the pair!

The most fun part of my week---shopping for Sadie’s bedding fabric!

Speaking of….I feel better about the name Sadie. Since announcing her name, Sadie Belle, to everyone under the sun a few weeks ago, I’ve had 7 people tell me they know dogs with the name Sadie. SEVEN people. By numero seven I was a little concerned. I wouldn’t want my sweet girl to go through life hearing, “I know a dog named Sadie” or “We had a dog named Sadie.” Today I Googled "Top 10 Dog Names” and here’s what I got:

MALE

1. Max*
2. Buddy
3. Rocky
4. Bailey*
5. Jake*
6. Charlie*
7. Jack*
8. Toby
9. Cody
10. Buster

FEMALE

1. Bella*
2. Molly*
3. Lucy*
4. Maggie*
5. Daisy*
6. Sophie*
7. Sadie*
8. Chloe*
9. Bailey*
10. Lola*

Whew, I feel better. I put an asterisk next to all the names I like, love, or have considered {for a BABY not a dog!}. A few of them are even names of family members! So it seems people are really into naming their dogs people names these days. What ever happened to Shadow and Lady?

{A close up of her pink and chocolate bedding fabric---Daddy D picked the diamonds and I am in love with the paisley. The chocolate is extra chocolatey}.

This evening, we took all the above fabric to the lady who is making Sadie’s bedding. The teacher in me took over and I jotted down a “few” notes…with illustrations. Ha! I wondered if she’d think I was crazy, but she actually seemed to appreciate the direction.

Rams and her dad looking alike this evening after Roo’s bath. They were watching Tangled---I can’t decide who was more into it.

This weekend’s goal: Paint Sadie’s dresser. *Hopefully Before and After pictures coming soon!*

Farewell, Fullet!

2011-11-02T07:30:00.000-05:00

It’s no secret that Ramsey Roo has been sporting a fullet for sometime now. {fullet=female mullet} Shortish on the sides and top and crazy, longish in the back.

Before: (I told her to smile and this is what I got….)

I had an appointment to get her haircut last week, but long story short her appointment needed to be changed and there wasn’t a good time open…yadda, yadda, yadda. So this evening, momma got a wild hair (ha!) and did a little fullet trimmin’. {Something I swore I’d never do to my girl’s ‘do---ha! again}

It was really the back that just drove David and I crazy. It was a stringy mess {and I’m saying this in the most loving way}.

We just happen to have some *almost* brand new, super sharp, probably dangerously, scissors. {Have I mentioned that Daddy D was playing golf and I was a lone cutter? He came home to completely made-over, most adorable daughter.}

I hope you’re sitting down….because here’s the cutest new ‘do this side of the Mississippi:

Don’t freak out----I know this picture may give the illusion that the back is a little off, but she has her head turned. I promise it is straight as an arrow back there. Doesn’t it look a million times healthier, shinier, and down right more adorable? Trust me…it does!

I left her bangs and top alone since we’re going bangless.

I actually chopped off that little flip over her ear after this After picture was taken. She’s flip free.

I don’t know that I want to become her full-time hair stylist. Homemade haircuts get a little scary, especially when the kid gets older. {We’ve all seen the girl with the bangs that start halfway back on her head.} But for this one (which was easy peasy), momma got the job done with zero tears or bloodshed. She looks so cute and way too grown up---I LOVE it!

Just for kicks….let’s compare one last time:

Farewell, Fullet! Hello, CUTERness (who knew that was possible?)!

21 Weeks!

2011-11-01T13:53:00.001-05:00

I’m twenty one weeks today! {Sick of my updates, yet? Only 17-ish to go….}

~Daddy D, Ramsey, and I are beyond tired today (and I know I am no shape for picture taking). Precious Rams decided to wake up from 2 to 4 AM this morning just because. I may fall asleep typing…~

We went to the doctor this morning for check up and my big ultrasound. We waited for over an hour---a new annoying record for us. Doctor’s office+Ramsey Kate=HELP!

The good news: All is well in Baby World. The “big ultrasound” checks for deformities (just the thought scares me to death!). Sadie Belle weighs 13 ounces, which is just a touch big for 21 weeks {normal is 10 ounces}. I have had the most disturbing dreams with this pregnancy—last night’s dream I had stomach cancer—so I told my doctor, which totally cracked her up. She blamed the crazy pregnancy hormones. I also told her about my inability to walk after our trick-or-treating excursion. She lost me at pubic bone separation. Oy.

*Big sister wanted in the picture---she took out her ponytail and had wild hair---ha!*

I’m going shopping this week for all Sadie’s bedding fabric. I can’t wait! Hopefully, we’ll get the nursery and her dresser painted before I go back to school (November 14th).

Ramsey has been rubbing her stomach saying “my baby sister’s in my tummy.” Ha! Love it!

She said, “my turn with my baby”….

I almost forgot to take a before picture of Sadie’s dresser. I would’ve been so mad at myself! David sanded it Sunday and I cleaned it yesterday.

Drawers:

Just $60 via Craigslist<<< I LOVE. I have a gaggle of pink paint samples, but I’m waiting until I buy the bedding fabric to choose one. I think this is going to be the cutest little pink dresser!

*Sadie’s name* I’ve had a few second thoughts about her Sadie Belle’s name lately. What’s wrong with me!? Surely, she’ll stay Sadie, but it truly won’t be official until I have something monogrammed and that hasn’t happened yet…

Happy Halloween! {2011}

2011-10-31T22:01:00.001-05:00

Happy Halloween from the cutest little ladybug in all the land!

Ramsey LOVED trick-or-treating and even said “trick-or-treat” and “thank you” to everyone she met.

We must be the meanest parents in the world---she didn’t get one piece of candy when we got home. It was straight to bath and bed for our sleepy little ladybug.

She was much more into walking around and knocking on the doors than the candy part. Unlike her momma and Daddy D who raided her punkin’ just after she drifted off to sleep.

Her very first trick-or-treat house---our sweet neighbors who own Ramsey’s dog friends.

We met up with our neighbor friends and these two stole the show. A ladybug and bumble bee trick-or-treating together—everyone thought they were the cutest. They just needed a big ol’ flower to land on….

Campbell and Ramsey were acting like 2 year olds {what were they thinking?} and didn’t want to take a picture together so Cami’s dad, Tim, helped out.

Our first true Halloween experience with Ramsey was so much fun! I think being the momma of a trick-or-treater is just as much fun as being the trick-or-treater! {Although this pregnant momma can hardly walk after the fun festivities—a few miles of walking some hills did a number on my hips and back.}

Happy Halloween until next year…..{which I’ve already planned---for the 4 of us!}

Fall Family Photos 2011

2011-10-30T21:49:00.001-05:00

We attempted to get a family picture for our Christmas cards today. Although it was beyond exhausting, we ended up getting a few that are definitely Christmas card worthy. {Terrible to tease, but I’m going wait to reveal those pics until my cards have been signed, sealed, and delivered.}

I think organized pictures of any sort border child abuse, especially for my child who tends to be highly energetic, curious, and practically a professional squirrel chaser. {We went to the Tulsa Rose Garden, which was full of squirrels---poor girl was dying to catch herself one.}

This is by far, without a doubt, the best picture of David and me (maybe ever). Ramsey, on the other hand, looks very scary {ready to scare some trick-or-treaters tomorrow, eh?}. I actually considered using this picture just because…..THIS IS SO RAMSEY *wild *crazy *silly *cute *and *HAPPY*! If only I could figure out how to pop on a not-so-evil-looking Ramsey head—I would love this picture with all my heart.

This was also in the “Top 4”, but the placement of my hand bothered me. Picky, much?

I know, I know, this one is just okay, but we’re all smiling…kind of.

My perfect preciousness who climbed no less than 872 steps and loved every second…

After an hour or so at the Rose Garden we hopped over to The Philbrook Museum. Just look at this! Why didn’t we start here? Geesh, I’ll never know. I know we look like ants (under the gazebo), but when the scenery looks like this, it’s not all about us.

After 196 pictures {seriously}, we were poop-ticated. We explored and took in the beauty of our surroundings and then said sayonara.

We treated ourselves to a Red Lobster lunch, which was delish. {I take back what I said about RL going downhill---it was scrumptious today!} After lunch, Ramsey decided to take a 2+ hour nap, understandable after all the “abuse” she endured. Oh, but the tables certainly turned as a little momma/dada abuse took place this evening. We ventured to an “indoor trick-or-treat” thang, which we went to last year. {No pictures were taken and all memory from this event will be deleted from my brain very soon.} Let’s just say there was chaos, crowdedness, lines a mile long, and stank no pregnant momma should ever encounter. Ramsey was happy to grab a few Tootsie Rolls and a couple of Starbursts and we were out the door. My mom’s cooking studio had a face painting booth so at least she got a smeared ladybug on her cheek---the highlight of the experience. Not kidding. Okay, delete.

I have to thank my mom for taking pictures of us today! I know we’re a pain and the reason professional photographers were invented and charge so much. I told Daddy D with a bun in the oven our days of family photos are only going to get harder….if that’s possible. And oh yes, I must do a post of all of our outtakes from today---they are hilarious!

Happy Halloween Eve!

Baby Laetyn & Pumpkins!

2011-10-29T14:29:00.001-05:00

Ramsey and I went to my mom’s last night for a pumpkin carving party!

She was so excited to see her cousins!

{Kiley}

{Mason—in one of the best pictures of him…ever!}

Ramsey kept saying “punkins’ stink!” I completely agreed and luckily, she was happy not carving one.

These two gals lasted about 5 minutes at the smelly carving station and they were off to the swings.

My poor brother always gets the worst jobs-----ha! I think he ended up carving all 4 pumpkins.

{Matt’s hair, Mason, Caroline, Zoe}

Ramsey, the monkey, loves this thing. She’s finally big enough to climb it, with a little help from cousin, Kiley.

My mom rescued a baby bird from a cat attack. She planned to let him go just as soon as he was well….that was 3 years ago. Ramsey loves/hates him. She made my mom get him out of his cage so she could hold him---looks like she’s enjoying it, huh?

We asked Rams the bird’s name and she said “Five.” Ha! {He actually doesn’t have a name.}

After dinner and dark we lit candles and let the kids reveal their pumpkin creations.

This is my almost 10 year old sister’s pumpkin. What do you think it is?

If you said horse you are as wrong as I was---it’s actually a wolf. I crushed the poor girl’s spirit. I tried to blame “the angle of the garage light” but she’s too smart for that. Dang. It was terribly hilarious and surely she isn’t scarred for life, right?

Then there were sparklers…Another love/hate moment for Ramsey.

The wild ones…

***

This morning Ramsey and I went to the hospital to see my friend, Sara’s new precious baby girl {and Sadie Belle’s first friend}, Laetyn Mabree!

Ramsey loved her and didn’t want to give her up. She wanted to “hold her” and “yook at her”. So sweet!

I think she’s going to be a really great, super protective, and mildly possessive big sister.

This visit definitely gave me a glimpse into my future---and I have a feeling it’s going to be quite a ride!

Welcome to the world, Laetyn! She is a DOLL baby!

Ramsey’s BIG Girl Room!

2011-10-27T21:18:00.001-05:00

I’m finally showing off Ramsey’s BIG girl room. This has been a labor of love and I absolutely adore her most perfect little space. {Once again, I have to thank my friend Jennifer (and her hubs, Tim) for their help, direction, ideas, picture hanging, arranging, and rearranging.}

{Could her shirt be more fitting? Very much Mommy’s Silly Monkey!}

She really is such a BIG girl!

Ramsey’s new room is in our old office/teacher junk/catch all room {and frankly, every house should have one}. It took us over a month to clean this bad boy---and we were kicking ourselves for becoming hoarder-ish. It’s just so easy to take up space when you have it! Well, those days are over because this family of *almost* 4 will be utilizing every inch of our Home Sweet Home before too long.

Okay, okay, time for the reveal….

I’m standing in her doorway and isn’t she just the sweetest little hostess? Welcome to Ramsey’s BIG girl room:

David and I crack up because she is way too old for a changing pad area and at least 6 inches of her hangs off when we’re dressing her, but we’re creatures of habit, by gosh.

Her dresser with cuteness above {I need to update her pictures!}, and in the corner, her growth chart flower and bulletin board…

This wall is very busy, but very cute. The Ramsey above her closet was dots and stripes and quite baby-ish when it hung in her nursery so I spray painted them bright pink with a coat of glitter. Her bow holder is above her bookshelf (which came from our old office). The jury is still out on whether the bookshelf should be painted pink.

I bought this print today at Hobby Lobby. I saw it last week and wanted it so badly, but it was $80. Seriously, $80. Luckily, I found a 40% off coupon and swung by and grabbed it this morning. Too darn cute and the frame is gorgeous---a keeper even after we’re too cool for fairies and such.

This wall definitely needs a few more things, but I’m not going to rush out to get anything at this moment {okay, I’m going to TRY really hard not to…}. I’m going to wait for really perfect things to pop up. Her birdhouse hanging in the corner is one of my favorite things.

Her big girl bed was given to us by some friends whose son outgrew it. Ramsey loves her “b’girl bed!” I didn’t plan on using a toddler bed like this since her crib converts to one, but this works out great with Sadie Belle on the way.

I know these monthly picture frames are kind of a pain, but totally worth it once they’re finished. It resides on her bookshelf. Cutest baby I ever did see (crazy sad how jaundice she was at one month!).

I realized super fast that I’m in need of a wide angle lens for my beloved camera. I attempted to hold it up as high as I could to get more in the shot. It kind of worked.

{Looks like Ramsey’s baby doll lost its diaper in the hall on her way out…}

My only other thought is….a rug. This space just might need a super girly, very pink rug. I’ll be on the look out.

I LOVE her room and the best part is---she does, too! I also love that I truly only spent about $60 for the entire transformation. The fairy picture and the supplies for her bow hanger are the only newbies, everything else is reused, recycled, or completely made-over.

*Big girl bed update: We’re on night 9 of sleeping in the big girl bed. She wakes up about every other night and I pat her back to sleep {last night it was 11:07…}. The past 3 nights we’ve been working on her putting herself to sleep (versus us patting, rocking, etc.). She thinks it’s hilarious to hop out of bed and run out of her room giggling all the way. The first 2 nights took over an hour, the third night was about 30 minutes and the fourth night (tonight) took about 30 minutes. We’re getting there!*

{Side note: On night 2, after about 40 minutes of “big girl bed training” I stuck her defiant little hiney in her crib for a timeout---within about 3 minutes she climbed out for the first time ever. Hello, perfect timing on moving her to a big girl bed and yes, I almost had a heart attack!}

Walk down memory lane and check out Ramsey’s Nursery, which will be Sadie’s room in just a few months. One room down, one to go….

I {heart} Shutterfly!

2011-10-26T08:21:00.001-05:00

It’s no secret I love me some Shutterfly! I order everything from them---photo books, prints, Christmas cards, and more! They always do a beautiful job for affordable prices. Last year’s Christmas cards are my favorites thus far. They were 5 x 7 folded cards in matte. {Ramsey was going through a stick-her-tongue-out-constantly-phase the day the photographer came. Of course.}

The front:

Inside: {love that I was able to use 2 more pictures inside}

I would be embarrassed to admit how many times I wrote and rewrote our message…

Gorgeous, I tell you, gorgeous!

And a few other cards that I also love from years past:

Now I know October is still in session, but I am all kinds of antsy to get this year’s Christmas cards ordered and out. {It is by far one of my very favorite things on earth!} In fact, we’re taking family pictures—for our cards—this Sunday *please pray for cooperative weather, child, and husband*.

I have a few favorite designs for this year:

I’m very much into the flat 5x7 with multiple pictures.

Aren’t they precious? Just choosing a few to show off was tough so I can only imagine how hard picking ONE will be this year! But I can’t wait to get started!

For all you fellow bloggers out there, go HERE if you want to check out Shutterfly’s Blog Offer. You could get yourself 25 FREE cards which just proves that Shutterfly is fantastically fabulous!

20 Weeks!

2011-10-25T15:23:00.001-05:00

The BIG 2-0! I’m feeling a lot more little kicks and flutters in there. I still feel good and hope it continues for 18-ish more weeks. Could I be so lucky?

Here I am…and there’s definitely more of me to love…

I’m getting more and more excited about little Sadie Belle’s arrival. I am loving her name and just want to say it all the time. I have to say the entire thing, Sadie Belle, not just Sadie. I wonder what we’ll call her once she gets here? Ramsey has about 47 nicknames and I’m sure Sadie will be no different.

I need to get busy on Sadie’s nursery! We did buy a dresser for her room the other day {a Craigslist find that I’m so excited to makeover}. I also picked up lots of paint samples for her nursery (I’m thinking a brown tone of some sort). I know Daddy D is dying to break out his brush and get to painting! *Ha!…I kid.*

Ramsey talks about “yiddle sistor” quite a bit these days. She tells me her baby dolls are her little sisters or if I ask the name of a doll or stuffed animal it’s usually “yiddle sistor.” She’s going to be the best big sister! I am starting to have a little anxiety about leaving my girl to go to the hospital to have Sadie. I wonder if Dr. Christy can do my c-section at my house? Maybe on the dining room table? Hmmmm…..I’ll have to ask at my check-up next week.

Monday Miscellaneous

2011-10-24T21:28:00.001-05:00

This might be the most random I’ve ever been. Here goes…

We went to the golf course this evening *because the weather was glorious*, as always Ramsey had so much fun. She thought the basket on the back of the golf cart was the perfect seat. Ha!

She is talking so much and saying the funniest things. When we were getting out of the car she said “I’m excited!” She’s also been saying “okay” when I talk to her or give her directions. I love it!

I didn’t get a picture of our friends at the pumpkin patch the other day, only their precious son, Landon. So here are John, Brikka, and Landon in one of the best family pics ever!

{I “borrowed” this from Facebook. You don’t mind, right Brikka?}

This obviously should’ve gone with Ramsey’s Sesame Street birthday post, but was somehow forgotten. Ramsey’s cute invitations {via Etsy} from long, long ago….

And speaking of, her adorable party favors from Target {$1 each---I love you, Dollar Spot}. The stickers were designed by David’s friend in the marketing department at his work. Ramsey stuck them on the books, love that little helper.

Moving right along…I painted Ramsey’s fingernails for the first time ever on Saturday. I could die from the cuteness. She loved them just as much as me and showed them off to everyone. I think as of this evening only 6 nails were still painted.

We were so excited to break out her Halloween-wear.

Wickedly Cute…

So we’re on day 7 of BIG girl bed training. I’ve seen {on Nanny 911—oy!} and heard from family and friends the horror stories of transitioning tots from crib to bed. I think Ramsey is doing pretty good. She’s either slept through the night or woke up once around 1 am. It was taking about 30 minutes to get her to actually go to sleep (by patting her, rocking her, etc.) so as of tonight she’s on her own. Every time she got up this evening we stuck her back in her bed and said “night-night”, “go to sleep”, or something of the sort. One hour later, she gave up and went to sleep. The goal: an independent toddler bed sleeper by November 14th {the end of fall break}. *Please Lord*

Last week Daddy D went on his last work trip of the year *Hallelujah!* so Rams and I made him this precious sign to welcome him home…

Of course while I was hanging it someone was eating markers behind my back. They are non-toxic, right?

Over the weekend and in between pumpkin patch hopping, we joined up with my cousins and their kiddoes for a Halloween get together. I had to capture my sweet girl looking so grown up with all the big kids at the table. I just can’t get over how BIG and old she is!

While we were cousin bonding, Ramsey drove Miss Daisy {I mean Iris} around. I left there wanting a Barbie jeep of my very own….I mean a Barbie jeep for Ramsey.

We do crack up, though, because the girl has zero steering skills whatsoever. She’s actually moving at full speed in this picture and where are her hands? In her lap! Ha! She definitely gives a whole new meaning to “hands-free driving”.

{And PS she picked out what she wore---an Elmo pajama shirt with gray sweatpants---I have a feeling TWO is going to be quite a ride!---no pun intended---ha!}

On the Sadie front….there are two celebrity children named Sadie.

One belongs to Adam Sandler…

And the other one is Christina Applegate’s…

Interesting, eh?

Pumpkin Patch {Take 2}

2011-10-22T21:02:00.001-05:00

Rewind and replay…almost. Today we went back to the pumpkin patch! Round two was just as fun as round one! This time we took the Daddy D and met up with our friends, John, Brikka, and Landon.

I was happy to go back so Daddy D could see Ramsey’s love of all things fall.

Once again she loved seeing the animals, but didn’t even consider touching them. There was lots of pointing and even more of talk of “touch his nose/eye/mouth.”

There was even more “momma/dada touch his nose.” Funny enough neither of us felt the need so we were in the “love them from afar bandwagon” with Roo. Ha!

Her favorite part of the trip had to be the pony ride. She and Landon look so big!

She cried when her turn was over.

She’ll talk about this for months! We may have a horse lover on our hands. {And no she wouldn’t touch the horse either….}

We realized pretty quickly that Landon and Ramsey aren’t as cooperative this year as they were last. I guess they think they’re independent…crazy kids.

Daddy D told Rams to hug Landon. She was totally embarrassed. Ha!

Landon=animal lover.

There was pumpkin climbing…

We all know I LOVE a festive, fall, family photo. It wasn’t until I was reviewing my pictures that I found out my hubs wore his sunglasses in the pic. No really. He’s lucky I’m letting him live after that!

Ramsey’s shirt is the cutest! This was her birthday gift from cousin Iris.

The sweetest boy…

The sweetest girl…

There were hugs and kisses bye-bye….awwwww…

Pumpkin Patch {Take 2} was a success! Yay!

The Pumpkin Patch {Take 1}

2011-10-21T20:26:00.001-05:00

We LOVE the pumpkin patch! Ramsey and I got to go this afternoon with my aunt Pat, cousins Erin and Amy, and their kids, Jacob, Addison, and Iris. I felt awful because I had to wake Ramsey up to meet them there. This is probably only the second time in her life that’s happened. She started the trip in a shy, unhappy kind of a mood.

{Ramsey’s cousin buddy, Iris, and her momma, Amy}

After she warmed up and woke up she started having a great time, especially climbing on the pumpkins.

Ramsey’s cousins loved feeding and petting the animals, Ramsey not so much. She loves them from afar (just like her momma).

{Jake, Iris, Addison, Rams}

These two are 10 weeks apart in age and supposed to be the best of cousinly friends. But for some reason, they refuse to take a good picture together. Ever. They’re still cute, though.

She wouldn’t smile, little stinker.

The turtles were her fave. She actually thought about crying when I pulled her away from them.

Climbing cousins.

My ever-so-creative daughter trying to “ride the punkin”. Ha!

We’re off to the pumpkin patch again tomorrow morning and taking Daddy D. See I told you….we love it!

Where the bows go.

2011-10-20T14:35:00.001-05:00

Have you ever bought something just because it was on sale? I’m a sucker for a great deal. Ugh.

Years ago, I bought this and his brother, too. Two uglies for super cheap. What was I thinking?

They’ve been tucked under my bed collecting dust until the other day. My friend, Jennifer, had the best idea to take this trash and make it into treasure. I took the entire thing apart and spray painted the frame. After it was dry I white washed it.

I covered the hideous print in a couple layers of fabric, white under, hot pink gingham over. I stapled them because hot glue is not my friend.

Added a few ribbons…

Reassembled it….

Hung it in Ramsey’s BIG girl room. {I can’t wait until her room is finished so I can show it off…it’s so CUTE!}

And finally, clipped all her bows on the ribbons. She has so many bows of the same color (how’d that happen?), those will be passed on to her little sister.

I think I’m going to turn the ugly brother into a bow hanger for Sadie Belle’s room. I just LOVE the way it turned out! And I double LOVE that I’m on fall break and actually able to do things like this!

19 Weeks! {and Ramsey’s a BIG girl}

2011-10-18T21:45:00.001-05:00

I’m halfway to the finish line! {Or really close to halfway depending on my c-section date.}

I’m happy to report that I’m going to sound like a broken record again this week when I say how great I feel. Yay! This precious girl’s name is still Sadie Belle, but I haven’t really started calling her that all the time. I did ask Ramsey her little sister’s name a few times yesterday and she said “Parker” every time. Hmmm. Speaking of Rams, her big girl room is 95% finished and A.DOR.ABLE. I decided the nursery is going to have to be painted (I can’t take the green anymore!). I think I want to do it in pink and brown. I know it’s popular and pretty common, but I LOVE it!

Besides making the 19 week mark…we have other BIG news….

Ramsey is asleep in her BIG girl bed in her BIG girl room as I type this.

She’s been begging to sleep in there every night since we set everything up and we’ve made her wait. “Night-night in big girl bed, peas!” {Well, technically I let her try about a week ago, but it was a no go.} Anyway, since our Fall Break starts tomorrow (thank you, Lord!) I thought we’d try again. She was so excited---snuggled up and smiling from ear to ear! I did have to pat her back until she fell asleep instead of her putting herself to sleep like normal. We’ll see how it goes…so far, so good. What a BIG girl we have!

A Wedding!

2011-10-16T13:58:00.001-05:00

My cousin, Ritchie, got married last night to the sweetest gal, Megan. Their wedding was BEAUTIFUL! They had their monogram everywhere, which was so pretty. The wedding was mainly black and white with touches of greens and creams. Completely my taste, too.

The poor photographer had to round up this wild bunch and try to take a decent picture.

I kept looking at my camera instead of the professional’s. Oops.

The reception was at Tulsa Country Club, which is gorgeous. And most importantly the food was delish---always a plus to a pregnant lady. I saw so many people from my hometown which I loved! It was fun to catch up with everyone. Gosh, this is a random picture…

They had a dance floor, live band, ice cream station, photo booth, and more. It was an all around good time.

My cousin’s son, Jacob, breakin’ it down. Such a cutie!

I didn’t take very many pictures, darn it.

Here I am with my cousin, Erin. Actually, she’s my double cousin----I feel like I’ve told this story before… {Just in case, her dad is my second cousin on my mom’s side and my uncle on my dad’s side. I think we look the most alike out of all the cousins.}

But I also look like my cousin, Mariah {my dad’s sister’s daughter}. So I guess I’m kind of a combination of both of them….

Mariah with her sister (who she looks nothing like…), Sarah.

The kids were definitely the entertainment. They were adorable. Erin’s dancing queen daughter, Addison Cate.

Daddy D decided to stay home with Ramsey. I missed them both! But I knew my early bird baby couldn’t make an evening wedding. David wasn’t too terribly disappointed since OU played at 8.

It was such a wonderful night. Best wishes to Ritchie and Megan!

Happy Birthday, Campbell!

2011-10-15T14:17:00.001-05:00

Ramsey’s BFF, Campbell, turned TWO just five days after Ramsey Roo. We went to her Minnie Mouse party last weekend and it was super FUN! The Hurt’s just before we walked across the street…

The guests got precious bags full of goodies—Play-Doh, cookies, stickers, and more---for their party favors. All the decorations were off-the-charts cute (with Cam’s mom, Jennifer, I expected no less!).

Love this banner!

The cupcakes were adorable and so scrumptious!

Lots of yumminess! They also fed us a cook-out style dinner, which is always awesome.

Cami and her family…such a great picture!

The only picture I got of the BFF’s together. Now that they’re both 2, sadly this is probably going to be the new norm when it comes to pictures.

There were tons of kids and fun things to do---Ramsey had a blast!

They had an inflatable with a huge slide. Ramsey went down that thing no less than a hundred times. I think this was the first party we’ve been to that she didn’t need us. We just chatted it up while she played---she must be growing up!

I took pictures and made a disc for Jennifer as part of Campbell’s gift. There’s nothing better than someone else taking pictures so the birthday girl and her family can just enjoy themselves.

I had to crack up because when I look back through all the pictures Campbell had a total of 3 bow changes. Ha! She kept losing them and we know a girl just can’t go bow-less….oh no!

Happy, Happy 2nd Birthday, Sweet Campbell!