Big Brother Bryson

Before Jaxon makes his arrival I wanted to write down what's been going on with BIG Brother. This is one of those posts that is mainly to help me remember what was going on with Bryson during this time.

Big brother is 2 1/2 years old

He is one of the smartest little boys I know. And can remember just about anything you tell him

He loves to work puzzles. Just last week he did the Melissa&Doug United States puzzle all by himself for the first time

He is so loving and has the biggest heart

He loves anything that has to do with cars, tractors, trucks, etc. Tonight he told me he wanted a Cars party for his birthday.

His favorite cereal is Captain Crunch with the berries and watching Octonauts in the mornings

He loves playing outside especially with his daddy.  

He's gotten into wearing hats and his favorite one is Clay's Atlanta Braves hat. And he will only wear it to the side (we call it the gangsta' style. Ha!)

He is such a strong willed little boy. Once he puts his mind to something he goes for it.

He enjoys reading books (well I read them) at bedtime and has 4 songs that he wants us to sing in the same order every night (Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, Jesus Loves Me, You are my Sunshine, and Away in a Manger)

He likes to rub on my belly and talk to Jaxon. His favorite thing is to show him who Mr. Potato Head is and tell him about all his parts

His favorite songs right now are the Veggietales "Belly Button" song and "This is the Day the Lord has Made." He goes around the house singing them all the time

Clay and I love having conversations with him. His imagination is in full swing and some of the things that he says makes us laugh non-stop

He knows that Jesus lives in his heart and that He loves him very much

He can count to fifteen and can say his ABC's

Jaxon is going to be so blessed to have Bryson as his BIG brother. Someone he can look up to and play with. I pray that they will become the best of friends!

Flashback Friday

Today I am 36 weeks and 5 days preggo with baby #2. At this exact time during my first pregnancy we were welcoming Bryson into our family!

A few hours after Bryson was born

And today... 2years 8months and 9days old

I haven't had an ultrasound of Jaxon since November and we didn't do the 4D this time. So I wonder a lot about what he will look like. Will he come out with jet black hair and blue eyes like his big brother? Will he have that round face like his daddy? Or will he look the complete opposite?

I am so excited to meet our newest arrival!!!

DIY: Easter Countdown & Things are Getting Surreal

I found this adorable idea on pinterest for Resurrection Eggs or an Easter Countdown. I think it's going to be a fun way to introduce Bryson to Easter. I purchased the plastic eggs,  the green pail and the numbers on the eggs from HL. The link above shared the verses that go in each egg. I couldn't find a sacrament cup for egg #1 so I used bread instead.

We opened the first egg tonight and Bryson was so excited! I know he doesn't quite understand what it all means, but it gets him excited and I know one day he will understand. I have to tell y'all doing these things are some of the best parts of being a mom. I can't imagine what my life was like before.


Last night Clay put in the car seat for Jaxon. We moved Bryson behind the driver's seat and I was a little worried how Bryson would act this morning before school. So I tried to make it a big deal.

Does this look like someone who is excited about being on the Big brother side?

He did so good! And after he got in his seat he looked at me and pointed over at the car seat and said "little brother's seat." Y'all seeing both of those seats today was so surreal. I can't believe I'll have TWO boys here very soon.

And speaking of very soon...I had my doctor's appointment today and everything is going good. I can come off my meds. I've dilated to 2cm and 75% effaced. My blood pressure was up again today, so I've got to monitor it at home and call her if it gets high. She gave me no more than 10 days before Jaxon will make his arrival! And sooner if my blood pressure doesn't come down. YIKES!!! Things are getting surreal around the W house real quick!

project 365: week twelve

March 18: Pawpaw came over Sunday and he and Bryson played and played. I think Pawpaw was getting frustrated because Bryson was working the puzzle faster than him :)

March 19: Bryson decided he wanted to eat lunch outside after having fun playing

March 20: Acting silly on mommy's lap 

March 21: Wishing he could drive daddy's truck

March 22: One of my many treats I had last week! McDonald's vanilla ice cream with snickers added

March 23: Clay and I on a whim decided we would go out to the movies. I have a feeling this might be out last "date night" for a while. We saw The Hunger Games. Loved the movie and I can't wait to read the book.

March 24: Bryson found my glasses and has been wearing them everyday. He looks like such a little scholar :)

36 weeks {Baby #2}

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 36 Weeks

Size of baby: Baby W is the size of a crenshaw melon

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained 25 pounds.

Maternity Clothes: Wearing maternity jeans and pants. I can wear some regular shirts still and a few maternity tops. 

Gender: It's a BOY! Jaxon Clay

Movement: VERY active! Especially during the day and late at night.

Sleep: I've been sleeping pretty good. 

What I miss: Nothing really 

Cravings: Anything and everything SWEET!

Symptoms: Feeling a lot more pressure since his head has been down the last few weeks. I started having some pretty good contractions over the weekend. 

Best Moment this week: It's been a pretty productive week. We were able to get some things crossed off the list and now we are just ready to meet our newest little boy! 

Things got so crazy during this time with Bryson that I never got a picture at 36 weeks with him. I can't believe that we were getting ready to deliver with Bryson at this time. CRAZY!!!

At Home Shopping

Being on bedrest for the last 5 1/2 weeks is killing my pocket book. I've been spending WAY too much time on the internet looking at all the cute baby stuff and have even found some adorable things for the big brother too! Some of these things I can't believe I didn't know about for when Bryson was born. And let's not get started on how much I've been on pinterest. Ha!
I thought I would share with y'all a few of the things I've purchased so far....

This adorable shirt was made by Ashley from SheShe Made. I am in love with it and cannot wait for Bryson to wear it to the hospital. Ashley's does great work and I can't wait to order more from her.

I was so excited that Sarah was able to design these Thank You cards for me. She has some of the cutest designs and will be opening up an etsy shop soon. She is expecting a baby girl in May. I am so excited for her and her family! Hoping to have her design Bryson's 3rd birthday invites this summer.

I finally found these cute Big brother and Little brother matching shirts over at ifyousaysew. I have ordered from them for Bryson several times and have loved each shirt I've received. Oh I can't wait to see the boys in these matching shirts!

Y'all this is one of my favorite gowns! It came from Lulu McGee and I can't say enough about her work and customer service. She is currently not taking any orders at this time since she is due to have her little one any day now.

Y'all go and visit a few of these sites. I know you will be able to find something you are looking for. I keep telling myself it was a blessing in disguise that I've been home these last several weeks because my boys wouldn't have such adorable clothes to wear in the coming months. :)

Update on to do List....

I've been able to get some of these things crossed off my list! YAY!!! I still have lots to do in a short time, but I hope to get them all done before Baby #2 arrives (key word "HOPE") :) I'm praying I get a good report from the doctor today and that I haven't made any more progression so I can cross some more things off the list.

1. Get Jaxon's nursery painted. Hopefully that will be done by this weekend!

2. Set up crib and purchase the rest of the furniture for the nursery (night stand and dresser/changing table)

3. Get the carpet cleaned in Jaxon's Nursery and our room

4. Order and purchase Jaxon's coming home outfit

5. Wash and put away all of Jaxon's clothes

6. Get the bouncy seat, swing, boppy pillow, etc down from the attic

7. Order "Thank you" gifts for the hospital

8. Get ideas for Bryson's Big Brother bag and take to the hospital

9. Set up pack-n-play in our room

10. Purchase any "baby items" we don't have; i.e. mattress, bath tub, bottles, etc

11. If possible do something fun with Bryson before Jaxon arrives (I blogged about it here)

12. Finalize plans for Bryson while we are at the hospital

13. Pack hospital bag for me, bag for Bryson, Jaxon and Clay

14. Jaxon's bedding - waiting for mom to finish the last few finishing touches

15. Register for the hospital

16. Get car seat in the car

17. Order contacts

18. If I can try and make up some freezer meals while on maternity leave

19. Organize the boys cabinet in the kitchen

20. Pick out and order Bryson's Easter outfit

21. Get paperwork completed for Bryson's MDO

22. Finish painting the changing table and nightstand

23. Order "Thank you" cards

24. Finish Bryson's 2nd year photo book (I know I'm soooo far behind)

25. Fix up Easter gifts for Bryson's class

26. Finish CEU's for work and continuing education courses.

project 365: week eleven

March 11: The nursery before we cleaned it out. It has been our storage room for the last 3 years. I have no idea where all that stuff is going to go!!

March 12:Bryson digging around in his toy bin.

March 13: Mimi brought me some much needed washcloths, burp cloths and bibs. Those were some of the things I didn't keep or were to worn out with Bryson to reuse.

March 14: What a day Wednesday was! Me in the hospital after going to my appointment and started having some significant contractions. Thankfully we got them under control.

March 15: Bryson spending the day with mama for the first time in about a month. We had such a fun day!!

March 16: The end of the week was such a good mail day. I LOVE getting mail!! I can't wait to show y'all some of these great purchases.

March 17: Bryson has already learned where all the states go on his Mellisa and Doug United States puzzle. We were so excited when he put it together all by himself for the first time :)

35 Weeks {Baby #2}

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 35 Weeks
Size of baby: Baby W is the size of a honeydew melon
Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained 23 pounds.
Maternity Clothes: For the last several weeks all I've worn is pajama pants. And they are starting to get a little tight. Ha!
Gender: It's a BOY! Jaxon Clay
Movement: All the time! Especially during the day and late at night.
Sleep: Tossing and turning a lot.
What I miss: Nothing really - bending over is difficult and I can't seem to do very much without getting out of breath.
Cravings: Anything sweet. Which is kinda' crazy because I haven't been to wild about sweets during this pregnancy.
Symptoms: Have had a few more contractions, but other than that I'm feeling good.
Best Moment this week: Getting some work done on the nursery and there is a lot more to come this week.

I think I look about the same in this picture. Maybe showing a little lower this time. I've had several people tell me "you look like your ready to POP!" Got to love those comments from total strangers. Ha!

Something Special for the Big Brother to be...

I've been wanting to do something special with Bryson before Jaxon's arrival. Just something fun we could do as a family before we became a family of four! So a couple of weeks ago Clay and my MIL took Bryson to see the Veggietales concert. He got so excited when we told him he was going to see Bob, Larry, Junior, Mr. Lunt, Pa Grape and all the other Veggietales! I even got my friend Mary to make him a shirt to wear.

Daddy and Bryson before the concert. 

And by the way, I was devastated about being put on bedrest and that I wasn't going to be able to go. When they left that afternoon I sat on the couch and cried because this was the first time Bryson's been to anything like this. I just wanted to be there to see his face and watch how excited he got when Bob and Larry were on the stage.

Of course Clay promised me he would send me pictures and keep me updated on how Bryson was enjoying it! And y'all from the pictures and the video, it looked like he had the time of his life.

Bob and Larry

They were singing the Bellybutton song when this picture was taken. That's Bryson's favorite of all their songs. Clay sent me a video of this and y'all his innocence and facial expressions just melted my heart.

Here's the video Clay took. Bryson is the one in the white shirt in the middle of the aisle. Y'all his high stepping kills me! Ha!! And it's funny because you can tell he moves closer and closer to the front of the stage.  

When he got home ALL he talked about for days was getting to see Bob and Larry and the Veggietales. And even though I wasn't able to go I'm so glad we were able to do something special with him before we completely shock his little world. Ha!

Jaxon Update

I went in for my 34 week appointment this morning. I was hoping to get a good report and maybe hear from Dr. H that I could go back to work within the next week. Of course when I got to the office I started cramping and having some mild contractions (it's been a few days since I'd had any). When I got back to the room my blood pressure was elevated. I got to hear Jaxon's heartbeat and it was good, 153. Dr. H came in and checked me. She told me I was still 1cm dilated, 70% effaced and his head is down. So what does all of that mean.... no going back to work. If I can hold out until 37 weeks, Dr. H told me she would be fine with me going back then. She said she would let me come back at 36 weeks, but like me she feels like I would more than likely deliver and then we run the risk of Jaxon being in the NICU like Bryson was. Clay and I talked later that afternoon and said that we would rather me stay off from work and hope I can hold out until 37 weeks than run the risk of going back and Jaxon being put in NICU.

After my appointment Dr. H sent me down to L&D to be monitored and have some blood work drawn for PIH (pregnancy induced hypertension). Once the nurse hooked me up to the monitors I was contracting like crazy. She gave me a dose of brethine to help stop the contractions. An hour later I was still having contractions so they gave me another dose of the brethine. And can I just state for the record how much I HATE brethine. Talk about wanting to come out of your skin and feeling so jittery.

Here I am just hanging out watching the monitor :)

Dr. H came in to see me after my second dose of brethine and told me I was really contracting this time (not like last time where I was having uterine irritability). I asked her what she thought in terms of how long I could make it. She's hopeful that I will make it to 37-38 weeks, but she's not 100% sure. She did say that she couldn't rule out that I wouldn't be back in the hospital before then to try and stop the contractions.  She told me it was okay for me to be discharged home and to take it easy and see her back next week.

The nurse asked me if I wanted to be checked one more time before I went home and I told her I thought I was okay. Well, right then I started having another contraction so she thought it would be best to go ahead and check me to be safe. I was still 1cm and 70% effaced and she told me she could feel his head. CRAZY!!! She told me that if I had more than 5-6 contractions in an hour to call the doctor. Drink plenty of water and try my best to stay off my feet.

I have much faith that I can make it to the 37 mark!! I have been so lucky to have family that have been able to keep Bryson so that I could rest and not have to worry about him. I honestly have no idea what I would do without them.

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. Psalm 28:7



project 365: week ten

March 4: Bryson and Clay before leaving for the Veggietales concert. I hate that I wasn't able to go. :(

March 5: Putting Bryson to bed has been so much better since we put him in a big boy bed. Bedtime is a lot more fun!

March 6: Bryson has been talking to my belly a lot more lately. On Tuesday night he was telling Jaxon all about Mr. Potato Head and all his parts. Oh, I just love that boy!!!

March 7: Daddy's last day student teaching at the Elementary School. Only 8 weeks left til graduation!

March 8: This little guy loves his puzzles.

March 9: This week Bryson has become obsessed with Clay's hats, especially this Atlanta Braves one. He's been wearing it every day since Friday.

March 10: The weather on Saturday was A-MA-ZING!!! I'm so glad my little boy loves being outside. It's going to make for a great Spring and Summer.

34 Weeks {Baby #2}

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 34 Weeks
Size of baby: Baby W is the size of a cantaloupe
Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained 22 pounds.
Maternity Clothes: Yes!
Gender: It's a BOY! Jaxon Clay
Movement: All the time!!
Sleep: Tossing and turning A LOT! 
What I miss: Not being able to get things done because I physically can't! Ha! 
Cravings: The usual. Anything chocolate, Mexican, and the Italian Sandwich from Firehouse Subs.
Symptoms: Starting to get tired a lot more. And there are certain things that I feel my body is telling me that's letting me know it's getting close to time.
Best Moment this week: I went out to dinner with some of my close girlfriends last week. It was so nice to get out of the house and have that "girl time." Not sure if I'll be getting a lot of those for the next several months.

I can't tell in this picture if I look bigger this time around. I do feel like I'm carrying much lower this time around. Not sure if that has anything to do with my body already knowing what to do. I can tell y'all that looking at this picture I'm in desperate need of some work done on my hair. My roots are really showing!!! HA!!

Reading List for 2012

I wanted to write this post a little earlier in the year, but haven't gotten around to it until now. I'm hoping to do a lot better at reading this year since I only finished 6 books from last years list. I added several books to this years list that I didn't get around to reading in 2011. I will go ahead and admit I'm already behind, but I hope to catch up in a few days. My goal is to read a least one book a month.

So without further adieu here's the list for 2012....(don't know if I'll read them in the this particular order)

January - Handle with Care - I already finished this book. I have never read a book by Jodi Picoult and I could not put this one down.

February - Breaking Dawn - Hoping to finish in the next few days. Took me a while to get into this one, but it's starting to get really good!

March - The Lucky One - Can y'all believe I have never read a book by Nicholas Sparks? I know...CRAZY!!! Saw the trailer to this movie the other day and I love reading books before going to see the movie.

April - The Hunger Games

May - Catching Fire

June - Mocking Jay

July - Heaven is for Real

August - The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes

September - Crazy Love - this was another book I didn't get to last year

October - The Best of Me

November - Someday

December - House Rules

And here are a few others I hope to get too this year...

One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp, Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp, The Power of a Praying Wife and The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartian

So what's on your reading list for 2012?

A To Do List Before Jaxon's Arrival

I am obsessed with making lists. I make lists for just about everything. And since we have less than 8 weeks to go (hopefully I won't go past 40 weeks) I thought I would write down a list of the things we need to do before Jaxon's arrival.

1. Get Jaxon's nursery painted. Hopefully that will be done by this weekend!

2. Set up crib and purchase the rest of the furniture for the nursery (night stand and dresser/changing table)

3. Get the carpet cleaned in Jaxon's Nursery and our room

4. Order and purchase Jaxon's coming home outfit

5. Wash and put away all of Jaxon's clothes

6. Get the bouncy seat, swing, boppy pillow, etc down from the attic

7. Order "Thank you" gifts for the hospital

8. Get ideas for Bryson's Big Brother bag and take to the hospital

9. Set up pack-n-play in our room

10. Purchase any "baby items" we don't have; i.e. mattress, bath tub, bottles, etc

11. If possible do something fun with Bryson before Jaxon arrives

12. Finalize plans for Bryson while we are at the hospital

13. Pack hospital bag for me, bag for Bryson, Jaxon and Clay

14. Jaxon's bedding - waiting for mom to finish the last few finishing touches

15. Register for the hospital

16. Get car seat in the car

17. Order contacts

18. If I can try and make up some freezer meals while on maternity leave

19. Organize the boys cabinet in the kitchen

20. Pick out and order Bryson's Easter outfit

21. Get paperwork completed for Bryson's MDO

22. Finish painting the changing table and nightstand

23. Order "Thank you" cards

24. Finish Bryson's 2nd year photo book (I know I'm soooo far behind)

25. Fix up Easter gifts for Bryson's class

26. Finish CEU's for work and continuing education courses.

project 365: week nine

February 26: I haven't been able to go to church in the last month :( But I am so thankful that my church is shown on television every Sunday and I am able to watch it from home.

February 27: Bryson used the potty TWICE for the first time ever. He was really excited! But I don't think potty training is in our future because he hasn't done it since.

February 28: Our friends Drew and Sheri were so sweet to bring over dinner on Tuesday night. Poppyseed Chicken! My favorite. I am so thankful for the wonderful friendships we've made over the last 5 years.

February 29: Jaxon and me waiting to see Dr. H for my weekly appointment. Got a good report on Wednesday and I get to come back in two weeks!!!

March 1: My sister got Bryson this guitar for Christmas and he is just now getting into playing with it. He gets it out of his toy box every night and plays on it.

March 2: On Friday Bryson spent the night with my parents. You would think by the way he is dressed it was 80 degrees outside and actually I think it was. Ha!

March 3: I've made it a priority to try every night to lay in bed with Bryson for a little while and ask him about his day, read to him or sing. Sometimes all three! I've tried not to let being on bedrest take this time away from just the two of us. This time is so special to me!!

33 Weeks {Baby #2}

Pregnancy Highlights


How Far Along: 33 Weeks
Size of baby: Baby W is the size of a pineapple
Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained 20 pounds.
Maternity Clothes: Yes!
Gender: It's a BOY! Jaxon Clay
Movement: ALL THE TIME!!! :)
Sleep: Surprisingly this week I slept really good! And I know I say this every week, but I know I'll be moving to the recliner very soon.
What I miss:
Cravings: I'm loving the sweets right now. Just in time for Easter :) I see several bags of the Cadbury Candy Coated Mini Eggs in my future. Ha!
Symptoms: Cramping has gotten a lot better. I got a good report from Dr. H this past week, so I don't have to go back until next week. YAY!!!
Best Moment this week: Bryson got to go and see the Veggietales "God Made You Special" concert with Clay and Mimi. Y'all he came back home last night and was so excited. He told me about everything he saw and the songs they sang. I hated that I wasn't able to go, but Clay took a few pictures and some videos for me and I'll be sharing those with y'all later this week.

March Photo A Day {Thursday} Challenge

I can't believe March is already here! And with the start of a new month comes a new Photo A Day Challenge created by fat mum slim. I thought I would change it up this month and take my pictures on Thursday.

Today's photo

Day 1: Up

It was such a beautiful day today and not a cloud in the sky. Makes me excited for spring and summer to get here!!!