Catch Up

I have so much on my to do list that I should be doing right now while the girls are napping, however I thought I better go ahead and give a Cecil Family update while I was thinking about it. Kynleigh turned 3 months old last week. She is still sleeping through the night and I just want to hold and squeeze her all the time. Libby is still obsessed with Elmo. She wants to color Elmo, watch Elmo on dvd, watch Elmo on our phones on youtube, get her diaper changed to the one with Elmo on it...she loves it. She also continues to have an obsession with "wawa" and ice. She likes playing in it, drinking it, spilling it on the floor, herself, etc. She picks up a few words each week and is already starting to put two words together. Speech is helping but I also think she just wasn't ready to talk before and now she is. She is at least able to communicate the basics which is what I was wanting her to be able to do. We had an incident with Libby's class before Thanksgiving break. Her teacher got caught by my friend yelling at her coming down the stairs. Not okay in my book. If I don't yell at my child, you sure as heck aren't going to be able to. She can be stubborn, mean, bite, scratch, pinch, strong-willed, grouchy, whiney, etc but I cannot remember a time that I found it necessary to yell at her. She is only 19 months old. What could she possibly do that is that bad to need to be yelled at? She can be sweet, lovable, funny, caring, silly, curious, sassy, etc. I love her to pieces. The ironic thing is what I love about her is that she is flat out rotten and sassy, and what I love about her sister is she is calm, and laid back. They are so different and I love them both so much. One of my biggest fears about being pregnant with Kynleigh is loving her as much as Libby. It is just something you can't explain until you are a parent of more than one child but you really do love them both the same. I couldn't comprehend sharing my love between two but somehow it works. I can't get enough of either one them. I can't wait for them to take a nap and then when they do I can't wait for them to wake up! I can't wait until the girls are teenagers and go back and read this post and wonder what the heck I was smoking when I wrote this lol. But I am going to enjoy them and love on them while they are still sweet. Thanksgiving was good. The best part was Brandon being home with us for a few days and not having to work. I enjoyed our family time together. We got to take the girls to see Santa for their pic. Both of them did great! Well enough rambling...it's time to get back to the "to-do" list.....

Im Back!!

Whew..okay it's been a while. It has been super busy with the Cecil Family. Updates: Kynleigh is getting fatter by the day, Libby is talking & signing all the time, I chopped my hair off, we went to Gatlinburg and it was super fun, Libby is 19 months now and KG is almost 3 months, Libby wears hairbows now, Jeter has returned back to sleeping with us, mom sold Mamaw's house, I am having some issues with the IUD.....Okay I guess that is all the major things. I have to go back to OB in the morning for an ultrasound. We think the IUD is trying to come out. Keep me in your prayers that is all it is and not placenta left over again. If I have to do another D&C I will cry. Kynleigh has stayed healthy and I love that fat baby beyond words. She is so stinking sweet. Glad she wasn't my first babe or she would have spoiled me. I am getting super pumped about Thanksgiving and Christmas. I have done most of the girls' shopping. I am gonna try to do better at blogging! I have been so blessed to stay busy with 31, as well as running a household of craziness. I am tired all the time due to my female issues but I am hoping to get that taken care of asap! I am constantly cleaning, doing laundry, feeding a baby, speech therapy with Libby, working at dance, balancing check book, wiping poop butts, making grocery lists, cleaning up Libby's messes, folding clothes, putting them away, it never ends...but I love my life, love my girls, and I wouldn't change a darn thing. : )

Cecil Family Update

A lot has changed since my last post. First off, I am feeling great! I got some Celexa from my OB and I feel a million times better! I am less stressed, calmer, nicer, and feel wonderful. With Libby, I definitely had the baby blues the first few weeks. With Kynleigh I wasn't sad or depressed, I was just anxious, stressed, easily annoyed, and every little thing aggravated me. I felt my blood pressure rise with every little stressful situation. It was a completely different post partum experience. I am so glad I feel so much better!

Kynleigh is on soy formula. She seems to be doing better. She is still fussy at times and has "bad feedings" (belly rumbles, tenses up, fusses out in gas pain,etc). It is nothing near what it was though. She has improved greatly and I hope it stays this way.

Libby will be receiving speech services from First Steps! Woohoo! She did excellent at her evaluation. She is super smart...duh...but she is not where she needs to be with language. We have a meeting on Monday to determine her goals and how often she will get services. I can't wait! We are currently gradually taking away the pacifier. So far she is doing good with it. She gets it in bed, at night time, or when she gets upset. Other than that it stays put up. She has also improved at school. No wrath of the midget bully lately. Her Halloween party is at school on Monday and Brandon and I are looking forward to it! I will have to post a pic for sure!!

Ok Lord You Have My Attention

The last month and a half have been extremely exhausting both emotionally and physically. I would say I am broken. God has brought me to my knees. I am just waiting patiently and praying to see what he is trying to teach me. Ironically the day of my last post when I was saying I didn't want to go back to UK hospital, I ended up back that very day. Kynleigh was having trouble eating, very fussy, and broken out in a horrible rash all over her body but mostly on her face. I took her to the pediatrician and he was worried about something abdominal. I couldnt help but shake the feeling that the rash was a big part of what was going on but he blew it off. He sent me to UK peds E.R. We were there for like 9 hours. I had nothing to eat all day. It was exhausting. I got to the point I couldnt take it any longer. They said it was a virus, again downplayed the rash, and she was dehydrated. They pumped her with i.v. fluids. The next day I woke up with a rash. I was convinced it was bed bugs. haha. It wasn't funny then but it is now. They were itchy but nothing major. That night I went to bed and my throat was so sore I couldn't talk, and my hands and feet were on fire. I did not sleep at all that night. (okay 2 hours tops!) I got up and looked in the mirror the next morning and I was covered in red blisters from head to toe. Predominately on my hands and feet. It hurt so bad. I can't even begin to explain how bad. I took Kynleigh for her follow up and in tears I showed the doctor. He looked me over and said "well i think it's hand foot and mouth and there is nothing I can do but let it run its course..and oh by the way...it's a 10 day ordeal". Awesome! They took cultures from both of us and sent us home. Tylenol for the pain is all I was told. The reason Kynleigh couldnt eat was because she was in so much pain. But why could two different sets of professionals not accurately diagnose the first time around? They acted like I was crazy when I kept asking about the rash and pushing info on the rash. Frustrating! The mom always knows! Libby had a bit of it. She had diarrhea all weekend and has a rash on her back. I kept her home from school today but it was our turn for snack so I dropped her snack off only to be told it was going on in the class and that is where we all got it from. Anyway, I have a lot going on at the moment and I am struggling to keep up and function. I am easily aggravated, and quick to cry. Postpartum maybe? This isn't me at all. I am a strong person and can handle a lot but I am breaking so easy at this point. I keep praying for strength to get through this bump in the road. I think God is using this as a teaching moment, I am just not quite sure yet what it is. I am surrendering all control over to him. I am just taking it day by day. Today is Libby's hearing screening and my 6 week checkup. It's something everyday it seems. I am so blessed and thankful to have Brandon. I feel like at times he deserves better than me and that I don't measure up. I love him beyond words and I am just blessed and thankful that God brought us together. Keep the Cecil's in your prayers. : )

Libby update!

Well Libby didnt really have her evaluation last week. It was just an intake meeting and all we did was paperwork. She gets her hearing screening next Monday and screening the 17th. She has picked up some more animal sounds at school and is saying Addyson. Great...make a liar out of me. Regardless she still isn't where she should be for her age. I am keeping fingers crossed that she qualifies for speech services. I think Miss Libby may be a bit spoiled and mommy gets everything for her when she needs it which has taken away her need to talk. Opps.

KG is not doing well today. She has broken out in a red rash, continues to have a stuffy nose going on week 3, and she is so fussy. She screams out in gas pain. Can we say Libby all over again? Oh dear. I hope it is just a virus that is causing this and this is not the new Kynleigh. Lord help us if it is. She goes to the doctor today to see what is going on. We have also discovered that she still loves to be swaddled. We purchased some swaddling blankets and it has been a life saver. At night her arms would get out of swaddle and it would wake her up. No getting her arms out of these bad boys. We velcro those arms down!

I really honestly don't know where September went. KG was born on August 26 and September was a blur. I don't want to remember September with the hospital stay etc. Not a fun month. If I were told I had to take her to the hospital again I think I would flee the state. It almost broke me down. I don't think I could handle that again anytime soon. We got what the bill may potentially be after insurance in the mail...not too pretty.

I am continuing to run around all the time like a chicken with my head cut off. October is a busy month for me between the girls dr. appointments, my 6 week appointment, thirty one parties, dance, Brandon's 10 year reunion, etc. I am looking forward to the first week in November to go to Piegon Forge. I am excited to get away! I guess that is about it for now....gotta go pick Miss Libby up from school then off to the dr. with little bit. Woohoo!

Hospital Pics

Here are a few hospital photos I wanted to share.....I will upload some more tomorrow : ) I can't believe that was a month ago! The days are flying by.

Libby's Speech...Or Lack There Of...

It is hard to believe Libby will be 18 months October 13. Where has the time gone? Before I know it she will be two. I cannot believe how fast they grow. Kynleigh is one month today. I love both my girls more than anything. I can't imagine what my life would be like without them. Sometimes I ask Brandon if we rushed into everything too fast and if he regrets it. He says no...what else would we be doing? I'm not gonna lie and say everything is easy because it is definitely not. Having two under two years old is not ideal but I wouldn't change it for the world. Brandon and I are constantly running around like crazy people all the time...one is being disciplined while one had a massive blow-out, one needs to be fed while the other needs to be put down for a nap, one needs a bath while we are running around making bottles for the night, picking up Libby's mess, getting Libby's backpack ready for school...it's never ending...but there is NOTHING I would rather being doing. It's funny how you think you are so busy with one, and then you add another one with more responsibilities. Well to add to our already chaotic life, we carry a concern about Libby not talking. She says a few words here and there...bye, hello, uh oh, what's that, about 6 animal sounds, nose, eyes, thank you, and bless you. Sounds good right? Well the problem is that she doesn't use her words on a daily and regular basis. We have no idea why. The only word we hear every single day is uh oh and animal sounds. Other than that she uses the other words when she feels the need. Libby is so smart. She knows her body parts, several commands, etc. She just doesn't talk. Who would ever imagine a child of Joni Reynolds would not speak. I know crazy right? So I called First Steps which is a gov't program that provides early intervention services for children under 3. They have speech, physical therapy, occupational therapy, etc. I did a questionnaire and Libby got approved for a face to face evaluation. Her evaluation is on Thursday morning. I am really looking forward to it. I hope she gets what she needs to start communicating verbally with us. She shows frustration to the point of self injuring when she can't communicate with us what she wants. I have been really impressed with First Steps so far. They promptly return phone calls and set up this evaluation in less than a week. Praying all goes well! Love my Libbs!

Will I Ever Catch Up??

Will there ever be a day where I can just enjoy my children and then when it is their time for nap I would be completely okay with myself to take a nap too? No probably not...at least not anytime soon. I am having the inner struggle with myself lately balancing time with my babes and getting everything I want accomplished. Does anyone else struggle with that? I feel that I am constantly going non-stop and when I do check facebook for a second or look at a magazine I feel so guilty. I can't stand that feeling. On top of that, I can't really run any errands by myself because if I were to go to the store I would need to push two carts which would require four arms. sheesh. We get around this by Brandon running errands with me, or Brandon running the errands, or finding a babysitter aka grandparents to let us get stuff done. The joys of having two under 18 months. I am a firm believer in God doesn't give us more than we can handle which is why I know Kynleigh is such a good baby for that reason. If she was another Libby I would not be able to function. For those that don't know I am selling thirty-one gifts, working at a dance studio, and full time mom. I squeeze in laundry, cleaning, and managing our funds, paying bills, and all else in between. I really am amazed by families that both parents work full time. How do you do it all? I mean cleaning up after every meal, washing bottles, cleaning the bathrooms, changing two in diapers, balancing the checkbook, taking one of the two for a checkup, making a grocery list, disciplining the "midget bully", dropping Libby off at school...opps gotta hurry and feed the baby before I go back to get her, unloading the dishwasher, switching the laundry over..folding it...putting it away for me and 2 girls, couponing, getting two dressed, giving two baths, getting myself ready for the day, opps someone had a blowout..oh crap no wipes..gotta refill them...oh no gotta go spray the outfit before it ruins... feeding and scooping for the cat...how does one keep up...the list goes on and on... Don't get me wrong...I am not complaining...I love my role in the family but I struggle with allowing myself to take a break without feeling guilty. I feel that I have to be doing something productive at all times and if not then I will get behind and then be more stressed. Not only to mention that I feel guilty when Libby is seeking out my attention while I am cleaning up her mess from breakfast so I stop what I am doing and chase her and then feel like that is just something else that needs to be done later. It is something I need to pray about for sure. I am putting too much pressure on myself and need to just sit still and know that it will get done and it doesn't have to be right now. Libby has been acting out aggressively lately and that has been a whole other thing added to my stress. We are having a bit of a time with her. Not to mention I am concerned for her being non-verbal at her age. We get "uh oh" all day everyday and then the other words she uses are on her terms only. Nothing ever consistent. I wonder if I am doing something wrong, what else I can be doing. I try my best not to worry because I know I am to give it to God. However I also realize I am human and when something isn't going right in my eyes I want to fix it right then and there and it can't nor should be that way. I am so thankful for everything that I have and all that God has given me. I need to remind myself not to worry...it doesn't get me anywhere...but to let go and let God.

Back Home!!

Well a lot has gone on since my last post. Kynleigh was having some abdominal discomfort beginning Thursday and lasting through the weekend. We were told to use a rectal thermometer to try to stimulate her to go. Good thing we did because she had a temp in the 100.2- 100.8 range. That's on the high side. They say once a baby's temp reaches 100.4 then that is considered fever and they need to be hospitalized. I had a thirtyone party Sunday afternoon and came home to check KG's temp. It was 100.3. I called the pediatrician and he said go to UK peds E.R. Brandon and I gave Libby a bath and headed to the hospital around 8 pm. They did a spinal tap, started an iv, and put in a cath. I was a wreck. I cried and cried. I was not a fan of the E.R. resident. She acted like she was scared of babies. Awesome...you are gonna do all this to my newborn but you can't even put her diaper back on right which caused her to pee all over herself and clothes? Great! Brandon ran home to get my clothes and clothes for the babe and came back with my things only to go back home to stay with Libby. KG did not sleep well at all. I was up basically all night with her. The next day was long and draining. doctors, residents, students, nurses, techs, in and out all day long. Right before bed they discovered her iv was leaking and had to redo the iv. I asked that the doctor require a new iv before they stuck her. They called and he said it was necessary. I watched them stick her twice and fail. They had to call in the transport team (helicopter peps) to come because they stick babies all the time. One mention of doing it in her head I about flipped. They ended up finally getting it in her foot. Ended up KG had a virus which caused aseptic meningitis which was the cause of her fever. We were released around 7 pm the following day. I am so glad it was nothing more serious and KG is feeling better. We are so blessed to be back home in 48 hours and I am so thankful. The kids and families there are so sad. It melted my heart. KG's next door neighbor was a baby a week older than she that had a fever they cant get down with the antibiotics. I hurt for them. God continues to bless us and take care of us. I am so glad it wasnt something more. I have the best family and friends that anyone could ask for. Everyone stepped up and helped out with Libby. My husband is amazing! He juggled Libby, me and KG at the hospital, and work. I love him dearly! Thanks everyone for your thoughts and prayers. It was greatly appreciated and we feel so loved!

MY LOVES

Photos are done by Amanda Mitchell Photography. She does a great job! No words can express my love for these girls. Looking at these pics bring tears to my eyes. It just doesn't get any better than this....Thank you God for your gifts!

Time Flies

Oh my gosh last week was such a blur. The week flew by. Brandon started back to work today and it was cut short due to a sick big girl and well baby check up appointments for the baby girl. Libby has a virus. We learned she weighs 20.5 pounds. She ran around the office like a wild banshee and threw herself in the floor when I tried to guide her into the office area. Yep thats my girl! People were giving me looks like "woman...control your kid". Never ever will I judge another parent with their child because you have no idea. Libby is so strong willed already at her age. She is this diva princess that does what she wants and when you stand in her way she throws down! I have already gotten past embarrassment. If you think you can do better with her...go ahead and take her on. Brandon was feeding the baby while I was chasing the wild banshee around the office. I wish I was a patient cause I would have been cracking up. Anywho...Kynleigh is now 8 pounds 4 ounces and looking great.

Okay lets take it back to last night....Brandon had a fantasy football draft. Mom came to help me with bippy and boppy. Just as I told my mom to go on home all hell broke lose. Libby threw up all over her bed and self. The baby was starting to stir cause she was hungry. I called Brandon to come home asap and he started heading our way. He got pulled over for speeding. The officer gave him a sobriety test. haha. cracks me up. When Brandon told him he has two girls under 17 months, hadnt drank anything..the officer continued to carry out the ordeal. He gave Brandon sobriety tests and all. Another cop pulled up who played football with Bran. He told the other officer to let him go. Thank goodness he didnt even get a ticket. In the meantime Libby was a hysterical mess crying, fussing, trying to pinch Kynleigh, etc. I finally got Libby's clean sheet on and got her back down only to turn around and feed the baby. Brandon got home and the fun started again when Libby woke up screaming and Kynleigh woke up to eat. Libby did not like seeing Brandon feeding Libby and got mad again. He finally got Libby down and I took over Kynleigh duty. We got back in bed only to wake up an hour and a half later for Brandon to go to work and me to feed the baby again. Shew. Yep those are my days lately. However I would not trade them for the world. God has blessed us so much. I wouldnt change a thing...however it is days like these that I think of when I get the random idea to have baby number 3....no way no how! The Cecil clan is complete!

Kynleigh is Here!

Here she is!! Just a couple after birth and a few minutes after her first bath! Look at the chunky monkey! Love her! Well I love hearing labor and delivery stories but didn't love living mine! I was expecting a quick and easy time and that it was NOT! First off I wasn't taken back to my room until almost 2 hours after arriving. It was a busy baby day. My dr. had come to break my water before his busy day with patients and I was not admitted yet. So....they started pitocin and it took hours to dilate 1 extra cm. He couldn't get over to see me until after his lunch (thanks doc...lunch is more important...) and broke my water a little after 1 pm. After that occurred things finally started to move. I had a terrible time with the epidural as I did with Libby but times 10. Apparently I have damaged nerves in my left side so it takes massive amounts of medicine to numb my left side. No pain on right...all pain on left. Because I had so much medicine it was like the whole right side of my body was numb. It was the weirdest oddest feeling ever! I had a panic attack that left me throwing myself around in the bed almost near tears, hollering at Brandon to do something to only give up and pass out for an hour. When I woke up it started to wear off the left side. I just tried to condition my brain not to think about how I felt. The pain gradually got to where it was unbearable. I told my nurse I didnt want more epidural medicine but I couldnt take the pain. She said well let me check you and maybe we can start pushing to relieve the pain. Sure enough I was ready to go. I began pushing at 6:15 pm. She told me it wouldnt take long because she was so far down. She got so excited when she saw a massive amount of black hair. Kynleigh was being stubborn and wouldnt duck her head under the pubic bone. Once she did though I was ordered to stop pushing. Stop pushing=horrible contractions when you cant push through them. The dr. barely made it in the room...he then yelled at me to stop. Okay seriously people...you want me to push then you freak out when I do. Then there she was. My first reaction is oh how little. (being a week early that can be expected) They get her on the scale and immediately say she is 8 pounds 2 ounces. WOW!! Soooo glad I chose early induction! The nurse cheered cause she guessed 8 pounds 1 ounce and the dr. guessed 7 pounds 6 ounces. He made a surprised face. I think I had a bowel movement during the process. Embarrassing. That was my biggest fear!! Ahhh!!! I feel sorry for my nurse. Then there was a huge ordeal about getting to my mother baby room. I was exhausted when it was all over. I am so glad to be home. Libby is very sweet to her sissy but is having some jealous issues. I will share those in another post later. I am so blessed and so glad to be home. I think God for Kynleigh. She wasn't born on our terms but apparently God has a plan and purpose. I already am in love! However....after this experience I'm gonna say thats about all the kids I am going to have! So glad this pregnancy is over! Woohoo!!!

She will be here by Friday!!!

Well its official...Kynleigh will be here by Friday! I had back pain and contractions yesterday and it all stopped by this morning. I went to the doctor today and found out I am 3 cm dilated and completely effaced. I am now praying she stays in place until Friday so that I can have my doctor. He is unavailable until then. I was against getting electively induced prior to due date but once I heard he is going to be gone for a long weekend on my due date and she is going to come regardless it looks like in the next few days...I decided to go ahead with it. I feel good about my decision. I prayed about it and talked with Brandon about it and we decided we feel comfortable with it. I don't know if I am ready to be mommy of two girls but I do know I am ready to not be pregnant anymore. It may be a bit before I blog again so this is it. Im signing off. There will be plenty of posts once she is here!

Updates Updates and more Updates!!

Wow! What a busy week it has been. I had a wonderful open house for 31. I really hope to do well with it. I had a great turnout and I am so blessed to be supported by wonderful friends and family.

Libby had a successful first week of school. I am excited about her going back next week. I hope she continues to like it! She is growing up so fast. She isn't a baby anymore! Brandon and I refer to her as a "Baby tot". She isn't a baby but not quite a toddler so we think that fits her.

I had my first night at dance. Woohoo!! It was crazy! Parents wanting to pay, parents wanting to buy tap shoes, while kids are everywhere. I loved it though! I am looking forward to day number 2 on Saturday.

I had an ultrasound and appointment today. Not much progress but a little bit. I am now 1 cm dilated and 70-80% effaced instead of 50%. My fluid levels are almost back in the normal category which is fabulous news. I saw here on 3d and my she has got some fat cheeks! Her nose was squished. She looked kinda scary. haha. So glad she looks healthy! I go back Wednesday for another ultrasound and appointment. I will be 39 weeks so we will talk about options. I can get an induction or I can wait. I want to wait because I just want her to come when she is ready however the induction is tempting because my dr. is actually going to be out of town my due date weekend and it will be easier to have plans in place to watch Libby. Brandon and I will need to discuss it and pray about it. He is going to go with me to the appointment to hear options and be a part of the decision. Brandon thinks next Friday sounds good but we shall see. I am kinda hoping she starts coming on her own before then so we don't have to decide.

Thats about it. I will keep you posted. Thanks for the prayers. Brandon and I have been so blessed and I praise God from whom all blessings flow.

First Day!!

I asked Libby how her first day was. She didn't respond. Can't wait until she starts talking. lol. It must have been successful because when I went to pick her up she was one of the only ones not crying. She passed out in the backseat before we made it out of the parking lot. I am not super excited about this mullet thing her hair is doing. It is growing super long in the back and the top needs help catching up. I am close to cutting it some but Brandon would kill me. Hopefully it will only be in this mullet stage a few more months at most.

I had a very successful open house and I am so blessed to have wonderful friends and family. I am going to submit the order on Wednesday and I will have successfully done my first show. I have two booked for September. If anyone would like to host one let me know! I start working at dance tomorrow night! Brandon will have daddy day care. He is such a good daddy. He is so good with the Pig. She loves him.

I go back to the doctor on Thursday morning for ultrasound and appointment. Looking forward to check dilation. I thought she was gonna come early but I don't think she will be too early if she does. We shall see. Libby was a 40 week 1 dayer. When I went in for my induction she was already heading this way. I will give an update on ultrasound and appointment on Thursday!! Yay!!!

Update!

I am officially 37 weeks! Woohoo! I had an ultrasound and doctor appointment this morning. Kynleigh is doing well. Her levels actually decreased to 26. (Below 25 is normal). Soo that is great news, I am barely over normal. I go back next Thursday for another ultrasound and check for dilation. My doctor will be out of town Labor Day weekend so she must come before!! He mentioned that he was on call this weekend but I had to inform him this weekend isn't good for me. haha.

Libby's open house was complete chaos. She was somehow mixed up and placed in the wrong classroom. Everything did get worked out and she is now in the class that she belongs so that is all that matters. Monday is going to come to fast. I don't know if I am ready to part with her yet. I know it will be good for her and she will have so much fun but the selfish part of me doesnt want to let her go. It's only 3 hours 2 days a week. I keep telling myself I can do it. I am so attached its pathetic. She is addicting even though I don't say that...I sure do mean it. I can't go to the doctor without missing her.

Libby is down for her nap so I have got to tie up some lose ends...balance checkbook, write thank you notes, fill out Libby's forms for school which includes locating her immunization record (uh oh!!!), and fold some laundry...all in a days work. haha. I <3 my job!

Almost 37 weeks

I had a dr. appointment today. According to my dr. my due date is September 1, then according to the ultrasound tech it is in my chart that my due date is August 30. Who knows. If I go by September 1, I will be 37 weeks on Thursday. I had an ultrasound today. Kynleigh has hair and is around 6 pounds, 11 ounces. I also found out that I am dilated to 1 cm and 50% effaced. I had the ultrasound because I was measuring ahead. According to the dr. the reason I am measuring big is because I have too much amniotic fluid. This could mean a few different things. 1) no reason why 2) diabetes 3) something wrong with the baby. I am mildly over. I think cut off for too much fluid is 25 and I am a 28. The dr. said that usually if something is wrong with baby there is a lot more fluid then what I have. HOwever its always a possibility. He also mentioned an increased risk of fetal death. Yikes! I dont like that talk but I am glad he is up front and honest! This means that when she is born she will be monitored closely for a bit (extra precautions taken) and extra appointments. I go back on Thursday for another ultrasound and dr. visit to see if my numbers are changing at all. I am nervous but its in God's hands. Worrying is a waste of time and not putting full faith in God. I also got some more sad news....in the future, I wanted a golden-doodle. Just found out today from someone who has one that they have to be groomed every 6 weeks and costs at cheapest $85. No Golden-doodle for the Cecil's. : ( I am having the 31 open house on Sunday. I am looking forward to it! Then Monday it's Libby's first day of school, then Wednesday my first day working at dance. Too much going on...I think so! Shew I am gonna be ready to go to the hospital just for a mini vacay from life haha. I will post on Thursday what happens! Keep us in your prayers!

Almost 35 weeks.....

I have noticed a huge change over the weekend. I am slowing down for sure. I went to the dr on Monday. He is concerned she will be big. I have an ultrasound my next visit which is in 2 weeks and then I begin going weekly. I have a 31 party open house in 20 days (August 14). This baby HAS to stay in until that is over! I had blood work done on Monday as well to see if my iron levels are going back up. It wiped me out today. I had zero energy! I have started to swell in the heat and anytime the baby moves it physically hurts which I dont remember happening with Libby until more like 37 or 38 weeks. I cant make lunch without being exhausted. I may be doing too much right before the delivery. I have to get ready for this open house (which everyone is invited to...Sunday August 14 3-6 pm), go train at dance, start working at dance, start Libby in her mom's day out program....It's not that its major things that are happening, its just a lot of starting of new things and new routines which can be stressful. I am excited and anxious at the same time. I'm not going to worry though, I'm just gonna give it to God and not stress about it. I know he will take care of it and everything will work out!

Busy Bee

I have been staying busy the last few weeks and a lot of great changes and exciting things are going on. I have officially become a 31 gifts consultant and am in the process of hosting my first open house. I have been working daily on invites, contact lists, and getting familiar with the products. I am hoping to use this side job to contribute to our savings and the girls' savings. I am also going to start working in a few weeks at Gotta Dance Studio in the office. I will be working one night a week and Saturday mornings. I will feel good about contributing a little financially to our family. It's not much but every little bit helps. And the added bonus- getting a break from both girls for just a bit! I am no longer babysitting a few days a week for Miss A cause her mommy is going to stay home with her and her new baby sis!Libby will be starting "school" aka Mom's Day Out at Southland Christian Church two days a week, 3 hours each day in a few weeks as well. She is starting to get clingy and it will be good for her. I have been busy purchasing her school supplies. I love school supply shopping!!
I have also been continuing to coupon. I spend a few hours each week checking ads, clipping coupons, searching for coupons online, and bargain shopping. It's fun and it helps keep me at home. Today I purchased $1.99 cute little tank tops, one for each girl and a pair of cotton shorts for Libby at Kmart. Hello $1.99?? Yes please. I have been stock piling clothes for next year. Both girls pretty much have their summer wardrobe for next year. (Bathing suits and all) I purchased a huge bag of clothes from Children's Place for $60 (a ton of stuff!!), and have purchased a few items here and there from Target clearance racks. They put something on clearance each week so everytime I go I check it out. I got a pack of pens for free at Target as well.
Thats about all that has been going on with me the past week. Looking forward to another Harman wedding this weekend and dr. visit on Monday! Woohoo!!! Six weeks to go until Cecil Party of 4!!

Libby's Stats

Opps! I forgot to post Libby's stats after her appointment last week. She is 29 1/4 inches tall, 19 pounds 13 ounces. She got two shots which apparently bothered her the next day. She was sore. Brynlee Rose is here and doing well. She was tiny! She weighed 6 pounds 15 ounces at birth and was 19 inches long. She has a head full of dark hair. She looks a lot like big sis. Brandon and I had a very productive weekend. I officially became a 31 gifts consultant. I have been working on getting stuff together for that. We also did a little more house decorating. We still have a ways to go but it least it looks like we live here now. haha. I will be 34 weeks on Thursday. I cannot believe it! Kynleigh moves constantly and I love how you can feel body parts poking out. Brandon will touch her and she gets mad and kicks! I guess that is all the info I have for now. Miss Libby Rose is waking up now! I sure am gonna miss sleeping in until 7:30. It was short lived!

Brynlee Rose is on her way! Woohoo!!

I am super excited that Miss Brynlee Rose is coming soon...like within hours! I also love the fact that her mother (Miss Stacy Seale) did NOT want her born on the 13th (which is a great day because Libby Rose was born April 13) yet she is coming anyhow! I am so sad I wont be able to visit until tomorrow night but the wait will be worth it. I had it all planned out for the day of her induction (Friday, the 15th) but I got stuff going on tonight and in the am. I can't wait to hold her, you quickly forget how tiny a newborn is!

Today Libby is 15 months and she is celebrating by going to get her shots after nap. booo. I know mean mom. Anyway, I did at least take her for a little fun at Chick-Fil-A play area. She loved it! I will post her stats after today's appointment. My guess is she hasnt grown much height wise and is probably around 18.5 pounds, but we shall see!

Went to my 32 week appointment Monday. (I will be 33 weeks tomorrow). Everything looked good. Again..waste of time...your baby is alive, blah blah, do u have any questions...ok see you in two weeks. I did discuss with him the bizarre throw up burp in the middle of the night thing. Turns out its acid reflux so now I spend money on an iron supplement, fiber tablets, and prilosec (which is outrageously priced ps...even in walmart generic). I am about out of my prenatal samples so it looks as though I will be purchasing my last month of prenatals as well. yay!

I guess that is my last few days in a nutshell. Looking forward to some possible pool time this weekend and relaxing. Next weekend is Brandon's cousin's wedding so that is something fun to look forward to as well! Gotta get off here and be productive before my boss wakes up! haha!

Lazy Weekend

I havent blogged in a while because there is really nothing to report. Libby had her swim lessons through Parks and Rec and they are over and done with. They went very well! She loves the water! She is getting more and more personality each day. She has been teething so she has had a fever a couple times the past week and a half. She woke up this am with a fever and is currently stretched out across my bed passed out while I sit here and stare at her. I can't go back to sleep! Tomorrow is my 32 week appointment. I'm moving right along. This pregnancy has flown by! It is starting to get more difficult to walk, breathe, sleep, etc. I get up to go to the bathroom 3-4 times a night and I have started doing this weird throw up burp thing every night in the middle of the night. Last night was the worst, it burned my throat so bad and I had to make Brandon got get me extra pillows to lay elevated. The joys of pregnancy....haha!! Libby will be 15 months on Wednesday which is her next dr. check up. Not excited to get her more shots but excited to see how much she has grown. She starts mom's day out in a month! I'm starting to get excited and sad at the same time. It's only 3 hours two days a week but still. I am so used to her always being right there. I have been spoiled staying home with her. I guess that's all for now. I will post an update on the dr visit even though I am sure it will be pretty uneventful!

2 years today!!

I cannot believe that 2 years ago today I married Brandon. The time has gone by so fast! In two years we had our baby girl Libby and another on the way...Miss Kynleigh Grace. We have also bought a new home and moved. I am so thankful and so blessed to have Brandon as my husband. He is an amazing father and wonderful husband. I am so lucky to have him in my life and I thank God for him everyday. I am looking forward to the years to come with him and our girls!

I have my 30 week appointment today...boring! The drive there is longer than the dr visit. He will measure my belly and check the heartbeat and send me on my way only to come back in two weeks for the same process. The next few weeks are gonna go by so slow but I am going to enjoy my time with my family of 3 before it becomes 4. Major progress has been made in Kynleigh's room. Bed is set up along with dresser and changing table. Her wall letters are in the process of being made and the mattress is on its way. I will post a pic as soon as I get the bedding on and the wall letters up! Can't wait!

Yucky Monday

I was looking forward to a trip to the pool this am and it rained...surprise surprise. My poor tan is almost non-existent again! Same with Libby's. Love her little tan lines on her rolls around her diaper. So cute! Anyway...I am having one of those days where I am kinda down for no reason...feel unattractive, tired, no motivation, etc. I then got an email that Libby's one year pics are done. To view a few go to amandamitchellphotography.blogspot.com. After looking at those they made me smile and cheered me up! Sometimes it is the simple things that make you realize how blessed you are when you are feeling blue. Hoping for a pool day tomorrow. Come on weather...cooperate with me!! So glad the grass is green again instead of brown but sheesh!

What? I need iron? Booo!!!

I got a call from my doctor's office yesterday. I passed glucose. I am anemic however. Booo. I have to take iron 2 times a day until I deliver. Can we say Benefiber here I come? Yikes!! I need prayers please to make it through the next 11 weeks. If you recall I posted a blog towards the beginning of my pregnancy of a terrible bathroom experience that involved Libby staring at me and pointing at me. I called Brandon and ended up hanging up on him. I thought I was dying! I stopped taking iron then. Now it has caught up with me and now it's double dose a day! Oh geez!!

28 week Appointment

My 28 week appointment went well! I had the glucose test. I got to drink the lovely orange drink and get my blood taken an hour later. It wasn't so bad. I chugged it down so I wouldn't think about the nasty taste. My glucose test with Libby was different. I had to eat jelly beans. I am not sure which was worse. I disliked both but it wasn't awful like everyone makes it out to be. I have now graduated to the every two week appointments. It makes me feel good cause to me it means I can see a light at the end of the tunnel. Don't get me wrong, pregnancy isn't that horrible, and at times I enjoy it. It's just that I can't sit comfortably without my back hurting and my boobs lay on my stomach and it is the most akward feeling ever. Last pregnancy it seems like once I hit 30 weeks it flew by. I will be 29 weeks on Thursday so not too much longer! The dr. said everything looked good. Now the appointments get boring where I drive there to listen to the heartbeat and for him to say "see ya in two weeks". I am looking forward to getting the nursery ready! It is starting to become real! AHHH!!

Frugal shopping has been going on...hit up Target tonight and saved $17 with coupons and sales! Woohoo! I think i had $6.55 in actual coupons. I can't tell ya what I purchased though cause it includes father's day gifts but I got a lot for my money. Target just recently put up some good coupons! It is worth checking it out. Also went to Meijer today and saved $1 in coupons, $2 in rewards with my mperks card, and I got a deal where I spent $20 in baby clothes so I got an instant $5 off. Woohoo!!! Didn't know that Meijer's sold Carter's clothes and cheap at that! Having a thirty-one party tomorrow night. That should be fun! Other than that..not much planned the rest of the week. Just how I like it!!

Lazy Summer Days!

I am already loving the beginning of summer. Libby and I have been going to the pool for a few hours a couple times a week, going to the library, running errands, and watching Sesame Street. (She is a huge fan!!) I am just trying to enjoy my last few months before life gets hectic again. Last summer I was pale as a ghost because Libby was just a newborn who could not wear sunscreen and the heat was too brutal for her. We did a lot of sitting in the house. It has been great taking her on walks and going to the pool. I am enjoying spending every minute with her before Kynleigh arrives. I may sound like I am dreading her arrival which totally isn't true, I am just enjoying cherishing my moments with just our family of 3 before it becomes 4. I am enjoying reading for fun and I know that will come to an end soon as well. I am also enjoying my full night's sleep and I will be sad to see it go for a couple of months at least or in Libby's case...8 months. Ahhh!! Have you ever gotten a massage and you can't enjoy it because all you think about the whole time is that it is going to end soon? Well that is how I am with my sleep. Every night before I go to bed I think about how wonderful it is to sleep all night and how it is all going to end soon. Boooo....Okay enough crying. I have been enjoying some frugal shopping and so has Brandon.....

"Cecil's 3, Kroger 0". Yes he did it again! Brandon used the baby wipes coupon again and pocketed it at Kroger. He again checked out through U-Scan when no one was at the front and walked out with a huge grin on his fact because he felt like he ripped Kroger off again. He is silly. We did get some great deals! I got 3 packs of wipes, a bottle of ketchup, bottle of red hot sauce, a big container of instant pink lemonade, 2 2-liters, 2 powerades, a box of texas toast for $16 after tax. A total of $5 was saved with coupons! I am looking forward to getting Sunday's paper for the coupons which I will get free by the way because I have a $2 register reward at Rite Aid. Yay!

Tonight we are going to go to the mall to enjoy some free chick fil a (coupons duh) and maybe rent a redbox. Exciting lives we live. I have a dr. appointment on Monday (glucose...ahhhh!!) so I will give an update then!

Yay for Successful Weekend!!

I love the weekends! I get to spend time with Muffin! We went to eat with some friends from church Friday night that we hadn't seen in a while. On Saturday morning we did the pool thing. Miss cranky gets nasty right at 2 hours after being there. She again fell asleep before we left the parking lot. At this rate my tan is going to be slow coming! Brandon and I took a nap while Libby napped. We went to Walgreens, Jimmy Johns, Orange Leaf then Shilito Park. Brandon put Libby to bed and went to a movie with a friend while I read a book, and caught up on some dvrs. On Sunday I visited my old church to attend a wedding shower afterward. We then finally got in Libby's 1 year pics! Woohoo...it's complete! Libby was a stinker and didn't want to be still even for a second so who knows if we will get any of her looking at the camera or not. When she looked at the camera she was stick her finger in her mouth. Figures. At one point she was insisting on petting a bumble bee while my husband was running for dear life from the bee. Typical day with the Cecil Family.

I spent some time yesterday coupon clipping and writing out a list of good purchases after looking at the ads from the paper. Couponing is not only a great way to keep me at home with Libby but it has also become fun for the whole family. Brandon has twice this weekend taken a pampers wipes coupon to Kroger (they double .50 and under). He came back home with the coupon on both occasions. He cracks me up! He excitedly told me the story of how both times he went through U-scan and waited until the cashier was not at the stand or was distracted and snuck the coupon back in to his pocket. He was so proud of himself. I am all about saving money but I think it is hilarious how he had a plan in place to keep his 50 cent coupon. It made his day! I think he is taking it to the next level but gotta love him for it! Saving money is fun and I appreciate the fact that he likes it to even though he may not go about it the best way. For all you moms with babes in diapers-Rite Aid has an awesome deal. Pampers are on sale for $8.97 with your scan card. I used $1.50 coupon and earned $2 off any purchase next time. It's like paying $5.47. Thinking of going and getting another pack! Children's tylenol and motrin are buy one get one free. Typically drug stores are more expensive than places like Walmart, Target, Meijer, but they can have some awesome deals. You just have to watch their ads and combine with coupons. I love the fact that Rite-Aid has the scan card that you can earn money off future purchases as well as discounts on perscriptions and Rite-Aid brand products.

Don't have any fabulous plans this week. Next Monday I have my glucose test and next Tuesday I am hosting a 31 gifts party. Looking forward to both!!

Its Summer!!!

Well it was a long time coming but I think it is finally summer!! Brandon and I had a wonderful weekend!! We did the date night thing Friday, lake on Saturday, church and family over on Sunday, and pool on Monday! Libby had her first experience of getting in a lake and of course loved it. She loved the boat! Brandon got in the water and was having a hard time adjusting to the cold temps and Miss inpatient was having a fit and had to get in asap! We finally got her in and she did not want to get out. Sunday night my aunt from the ATL came over for dinner with the p's and us and my grandmother. They got to watch Libby play in her princess pool. My grandmother was talking about someone getting fat. Obviously I assumed she was talking about me cause that would make sense. Nope, she was talking about Libby. haha!! I don't think her eyes are working that well considering my almost 14 month old wears 9 month clothes and her sun hat is a size 3-9 months and still too big. lol. Oh and not to mention the fact she thought Libby's ladybug was a cat. heehee. On Monday we went to Southland pool and Libby had a great time. We got a city pass this year to enjoy some fun in the sun! I am trying to work on my tan. Being pregnant isn't that attractive but a tan seems to help improve things. I get sad looking at some of my wedding pics. I was brown as a biscuit and so jealous of my little body then too : ( Brandon and I have a busy week but I am already looking forward to the weekend, hoping to get another pool day in on Saturday! I am planning on getting Kynleigh's furniture ordered in the next few days in hopes of getting started on her room. 27 weeks on Thursday! It doesn't seem possible. It is gonna sneak up on us so I want to get going on it before time slips by! I will have to post a pic of the furniture. I will do that when I order it!!

Another Successful Shopping Trip!!

I have to quickly share a great deal at Target. I know I like it when someone shares a great deal so I thought I would share mine for other mom's looking to save a buck. I just recently blogged about a good shopping trip to Target last week and how I got a $5 giftcard for purchasing two bins of cat liter. I hung on to that giftcard waiting for something great to spend it on and today I found it! It was advertised in the Target flyer this week that if you purchase two value packs of diapers, you get a free $10 giftcard. Hello great deal considering I am going to have 2 in diapers! I purchased Libby a pack of 104 diapers, and Kynleigh a 192 pack of diapers for $29.99 each. Used a manufacturer coupon for $2 off each and combined it with the free $5 giftcard from last week's purchased only to earn myself a free $10 giftcard for my next purchase. Um hello..$9 off plus a free $10 equals a savings of $19!! yay!! I picked up some hairclips for $1 in the bins in the dollar section in the front of the store plus 2 boxes of candy for $1 each which I stuffed in my purse to go see Hang Over 2. Love it!! (Side note-dollar store also has movie box candy). So for those who didn't know, you CAN use coupons on items that you have to purchase two to get a free giftcard. Another wonderful thing about Target is that the register prints out coupons for your next purchase based on what you purchased at that time. For example, because I bought diapers, it printed out a $1.50 off coupon for huggies little swimmers. Little swimmers are not cheap. So I am super excited to have that coupon for my next purchase of swim diapers. Woohoo!! Okay enough about great deals! Hang Over 2 was hilarious and it was even more wonderful to spend some alone time with the hubs!

So Over the Rain!!

Well at 6:00 pm, Libby is suppose to have her one year pics. They have been re-scheduled a couple of times hence why she is almost 14 months and still hasn't had 12 month pics. Please everyone keep fingers crossed it holds out just for these pics please!!! The weather forecast has been inaccurate the past couple of days so let's hope that it is wrong again tonight!! I have been doing some frugal shopping the past few days for necessities. Swim diapers are $6.99 at Walgreens this week. I picked up two packs plus used a $2 coupon!! I purchased a card and gift bag for a birthday present at the dollar store for $1.59 total. (FYI dollar store cards are .50 each) Last night I purchased Libby a pair of jean shorts, a cute tank top, and Kynleigh a dress for $5 at Once Upon A Child. I probably would have got more but Brandon came to pick me up. (I was at the tanning bed getting a FREE spray tan and Brandon and Libby went to Toys R Us to get his nephew a bday present and somehow a pink little tikes shopping cart ended up in our trunk). We are gonna go back to Once Upon a Child and get Kynleigh's jumperoo because we need one and they are having a 25% off sale this Saturday-Monday. The weekend fun plans are as follows:

Friday: Go see Hangover 2. (I have not been to the theater since Libby was one week old).

Saturday: lake all day

Sunday: Church, family over for cookout

Monday: Go to the pool

Can't wait!!! Yeah Memorial Day weekend!!

Yeah it's Monday!

Im trying to be positive about it already being Monday. I had a great weekend and I hope to have another one this weekend for Memorial day...woohoo!! To me, when Memorial day comes that means summer! I am ready for some pool time and sun tan on this growing white body!

First I have to share about a frugal shopping trip I took on Thursday of last week. I went to Target with coupons in hand and ready to go. I saw in an ad that cat liter was advertised that if you purchased 2 of the big 35 pound boxes you got a free $5 giftcard to be used anytime. Great deal because we always need cat liter and I just so happened to have a coupon for $1.10 off which made it an even better deal. I purchased two 35 pound boxes of cat liter( $1.10 off coupon), 2 degree men's deodrants for Brandon ($1 off coupon), a spray can of sunscreen (.50 coupon), 2 boxes of nutri-grain bars($1 off coupon), a 2 pack of air wick refills ($1 off coupon), a air wick plug in (free with coupon), dove shampoo and dove conditioner ($2 off coupon), Libby a shirt (on clearance with an extra 30% off making in $1.12). I think that was it, I may have purchased one other thing but it ended up being $48 before tax! And I already am saving $5 off my next purchase. yay!! Then I headed to Clothes Mentor for maternity clothes. I didn't find much but I did find a pair of kacki capris for $6 and a v neck short sleeve shirt for $6. Can't beat a $12 outfit! Then I went to the mall to look for more maternity clothes. I picked up a couple tanks at Motherhood Maternity for $7.50 each. I really despise shopping there because I think they are over priced and the sales clerk stalks you. It never fails. They call me by name and I don't go there very much! Scary!!! I guess it is where I was just there buying clothes for Libby so they have seen me a handful of times the past 2 years. I just feel like there aren't a lot of options for maternity clothes. I need to come up with a maternity line that is cute and reasonably priced. I stopped in baby gap to look at clearance and no luck. I then headed down to Children's Place. They had footie pajamas (that's all I put Libby in cause she kicks the blanket off and I am always afraid she will get cold at night) on clearance for $5. I picked up two pair in 18 months for Libby for when she grows into them. I get them to the register and they rang up $3.50 each. Seriously? So I picked up two more in size 24 months. You really can't beat it! It was a successful frugal trip I would say!

This weekend was great! Brandon mowed while Libby played in her pool. After lunch we went looking for yard sales since the neighborhood was having one. We couldn't find one. haha. Who has a neighborhood yard sale and no yard sales? I guess this one! After nap we had some friends over for a cookout. Libby and Addyson enjoyed more pool time! They had so much fun! Sunday was a blur as always. We stayed after church for a membership lunch and when we got home Libby was up from her nap and ready to go. Then came the rain....booo.... We did get a visit from Gigi and Papaw and then my friend came in town and stayed the night. Before we knew it, the day and weekend were over.

No new news on the pregnancy side. I'm continuing to gain and that's about all to report. She is moving all the time. Will be 26 weeks on Thursday. Hope to purchase some furniture and bedding within the next few weeks!!

Kynleigh Update!

I had another ultrasound today to check Kynleigh's heart. It looked great! I am currently 24 weeks, will be 25 on Thursday. I got to see her in 3d cause the tech was so sweet. She looks JUST like Libby! It is almost scary how much they look alike! Her jaws are not as fat as Libby's were but I have to take into consideration that I saw Libby in 3d at 27 weeks. The 2.5 weeks makes a difference! She is head down now. Let's hope she stays that way! I was bragging to my mom about how i hadn't gained much weight and ever since then I have gained a pound a day. Ha! Hope that slows down. I am still way down from what I was at this time with Libby. I think I sat on my bum and ate too much last time. I took two walks a day last week and was hoping to do the same this week but that doesn't look like it is gonna happen with the weather this week. I am hoping next week I can get back at it!

Got a new book for Bible study group yesterday and I can't put it down. It is called "Drop the Pose". Awesome and easy read! I am looking forward to continue reading it.

I hope to have Brandon scan an ultrasound pic in so I can share! Thanks for all the prayers for her. I am so blessed with two beautiful healthy girls! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!!!

Boo for Jeter

So I spent a long time writing a blog last night only for it to mess up and not post. I am very upset with my cat right now who ate up my computer charger. So therefore it is not easy for me to post considering Brandon's computer is a little more difficult to use since it's a mac and I was going to post some vacation pictures but can't do that because the pics are on my computer and my computer is dead. Ugh! I am so over that cat. Anyway in a nutshell I had a great weekend. I will get back to blogging when we order a new computer charger and it arrives.

I Love Target!!

It's 7:30 am and Pig is still asleep! Yeah!!! So I get a chance to blog. I know I have shared previously about how much I love Target but I want to say it again...I LOVE Target!!! Brandon and I had a few things to purchase on Monday night so we took a trip to my fav store. I had a couple coupons but nothing major. I did want to share though that Nicholasville Rd. Target has massive kids clearance! I always browse the clearance section in kids however it was like a massive amount the other day. I did not purchase much only because I had purchased some $4 shorts and tops for her at Kohls a couple days prior. I did find jeans in size 18 months for $2.25 that I could not pass up. She is barely in 12 months so it will be awhile before she wears them however the great news is..she is going to wear them at some point! I cannot begin to tell you the amount of clothes she is just starting to wear that I purchased off clearance racks when I was pregnant with her. I looked for Kynleigh (which sometimes I forget and that kind of makes me sad because I don't mean to forget...it's just when I have Libby in my face all the time...she is first on my mind) and I did not find anything in newborn. I am hoping so stuff that Libby never got to wear because it was out of season will come in handy for Kynleigh. I have 5 Ralph Lauren Polo dresses with tags still on them that I received as a shower gift that Libby could not fit into them when the weather was right. She was too small.

Last night Little Fockers came out at Redbox! I had been waiting for some time to come out and was so excited that Brandon reserved a copy only to fall asleep 30 minutes into it. It will probably take us three days to watch a 2 hour movie. So sad. It's funny how much something so little can wear you out but I wouldnt change anything for the world.

Uh oh someone is standing in their bed jabbering. Hope everyone has a blessed day!

May? Already?

I cannot believe it is already May! Where has the time gone? Libby turned one, I have already been on vacation, we have sold our house and moved into a new one, Brandon's dear grandmother passed, and are expecting in 4 months another baby. Wow! Hold on Im gonna stop and take a breath. So much is happening so quick. I told Brandon the other night before we fell asleep that I wish time would slow down. I feel like I can barely keep up. I keep telling everyone I am 4 months pregnant until yesterday I realized that it was exactly 4 months until due date which must mean I am 5 months along. I keep pretending that I am not that far along so I don't have to stress about all the things that will need to be done. It also took 11 long months to get Libby to sleep past 6:30 am so I am not real thrilled about giving my sleep back up in 4 months. I was starting to enjoy it. Keep fingers crossed that this one is a sleeper!
This weekend was somewhat productive. We got a few things cleaned out of the garage (still some left to do ), purchased some bins to help organize Libby's toys in her upstairs playroom (looks a ton better), got my hair cut and eyebrows waxed (long overdue!), Brandon got the yard mowed, got a walk in on Saturday and Sunday with the Lib (she Loves walks), and we went to dinner and rented a movie for the first time in forever it seems like. (since she has gotten bigger and easier we have forgotten to do stuff alone). All and all it was a wonderful relaxing weekend. Nothing exciting planned for the week however I am looking forward to seeing what it will bring. Just loving life and all of God's blessings!

A little of this a little of that

It has been a busy week! I was super sick last week and a lot of the week seems to be a blur. There were two days that I barely made it out of my bed other than to use the bathroom. I cannot remember the last time I was that sick. Constant fever, body aches, cold chills, sore throat...it was awful. I did go to the baby dr to check on Kynleigh whom I felt like I was starving. She was okay. Aunt Lee Anne came to the rescue and watched Libby. Don't know what I would have done without her cause Brandon had some meetings he just couldn't get out of. Dr. said she probably had no idea how awful I felt. I find that hard to believe considering I felt like she was knocking on my uterus wall as if to say.."hello, feed me!!" Needless to say the finishing of the unpacking and cleaning up the garage did not happen. : ( We still have 18 weeks until things get a little more hectic around here. What to do about furniture, bedding, what clothes do I have and what I will still need..ha! Hadn't thought about it for a minute. I guess that will all get worked out this summer. I kind of feel like Kynleigh is getting the shaft but she really isn't. See we kind of need Libby to grow out of her bed to give it to Kynleigh so no point in buying bedding yet for a bed that is in use by someone else right now..right? Libby was 6 months before she got into her bed (out of the bassinett and pack and play). I figure we have some time. I do know that I would like to decorate Kynleigh's room in purple since Libby has so much pink. Enough rambling about all that....

Brandon's grandma passed away last night. She had been in hospice care for some time. I am so glad she is no longer suffering anymore! She is at rest and peace in heaven in her new home! I pray for grand-daddy Al. They had been married 60 years, had 7 children, 18 grandchildren (i think) and 14 great-grandchildren...soon to be 15 with Kynleigh. Wow! She was an amazing woman. My best memory of her was when I had lunch with her one day in the mall food court. I was having a preggo craving for a steak sandwich and ran into her and grand-daddy unexpectedly. I sat with them for 2 hours talking and laughing. I felt like I really got to know her on a different level that day and I will always cherish that moment I had with her one on one.

I still need to take pics of the house and post them. I am still waiting on the pics from my dad from vacay, and we do have some bday pics but my dad has more so I am still waiting on those. They will get posted eventually, I promise! Her 1 year pics were suppose to be today but with the weather I don't think that would be such a good idea. lol. They will be rescheduled for next month.

Kynleigh Update and Easter Pics

Okay I mean really...is this not the cutest little girl ever? She looks sweet and innocent right? Well okay she may not be THAT sweet and innocent. Yes folks I am THAT parent...the parent of a biter. I totally blame it on Brandon because he apparently was a biter. She has officially pinched or bit three kids(between 3-4 years old) within 3 days. She may not have a voice but this not even 18 pounder found out how to get her point across in a big way. Each of the times she lashed out she was provoked. I am not making excuses but I am saying I am super glad she is not the random pincher or biter.(trying to point out the positive people) I had a cousin growing up that would pinch or bite for the fun of it and I am glad Libby doesn't do that. I am hoping this is a phase and won't last long because she starts Mom's Day Out in August and I don't want to be the mom that is told her kid can't return to school cause she is hurting all the other kids! Her personality has really come out the past few weeks. It's like she is a big girl now and not a baby. I love her so much I just wanna squeeze her and kiss on her all day long. She is so funny and so full of personality! She has been removing her diaper lately and was caught mid-squat in my closet yesterday. Brandon suggested I put panties that matches one of her dresses on top of her diaper and that did the trick today! I knew da-da's were good for something. lol. I am just amazed at how well her hand and eye coordination is and how good she is with her hands. She amazes me!

Okay enough bragging on my little bully...on to Kynleigh....I had my 20 week (I will be 21 weeks tomorrow) ultrasound and appointment yesterday. Kynleigh is 13 ounces and looks good and healthy. The ultrasound tech was unable to see all of her heart and her belly button so I will be getting another ultrasound at my 24(really almost 25 week) appointment. When I met with the doctor he said everything looked great and informed me that Kynleigh is currently breach. Waa waa waahhhhhhhh. Oh no!! Libby was head down from day one! Kynleigh was head down just about 4 weeks ago. Never would I have thought she would have flipped! Of course she has plenty of time to turn back around but then I started thinking about what if she doesn't?? I don't want a c-section. (This is for 2 selfish reasons- 1) you can't eat the yummy chicken tenders or anything other than liquid the first 24 hours for that matter 2) It felt like the greatest accomplishment of all to push her out on my own. Oh well what's meant to be will be. Praying her heart is in good shape and we get good news next month!

Frugality 101

I know I have promised pics and I promise to follow up. Libby has one more birthday party today and after that we will be done picture taking. I still need to get the vacay pics from my dad. He took all of those. Can't wait to see them! The beginning of the week started off rocky. Libby was sick and had a fever the first few days of the week and it was hard. I think when they are sick it is just as hard on the parents as it is them. She started to get back to normal on Thursday and was back to wild Libby. We had a great first birthday party for her on Saturday with family and friends. She was hilarious! I can't wait to post some cake eating pics. She loved it. Her method is to mix it all up and then eat. haha. Her party today is with Brandon's side of the family. I am looking forward to the week. I have an ultrasound and 20 week (even though I will be 2 days from 21 weeks) appointment tomorrow and I am looking forward to seeing Kynleigh. I would like to take Libby to see the Easter bunny, eat diner with a friend I haven't seen in a while (actually my ex mother in law...no i wasn't married prior to Brandon but served my 6 years so she is practically my m.i.l.), and take Libby to the church Easter egg hunt. We still have a little bit of unpacking and straightening up to do in the garage. I think it's gonna be a good week!

Libby is napping before her party and I am about to online search for coupons. I do this once or twice a week during Libby's naps. I enjoy couponing. It saves money and it's kind of turned into a hobby. I plan on recording how much I save once 2012 begins because I forgot to at the beginning of this year. Any hoot, I would love to get better at being more frugal and maybe one day teach a class about budgeting and finances. I take care of all of mine and Brandon's finances and it's something I seriously enjoy doing. One of the best ways to save money is buy generic. Of course there are a slight few products that are just better name brand but for the most part generic is just as good or better. What people don't realize is store's pay name brand companies to make their products for them, then they just throw their label on it. My whole pantry is pretty much the Great Value brand, which is Walmart's brand. A lot of times store brands are cheaper than purchasing name brand with a coupon! I am also addicted to Target right now. I love Target coupons! You can find them at Target.com. You can purchase their store brand and use one of their coupons making items super cheap. I use Target brand (Up and Up) formula, laundry detergent, baby lotion(which I just had to purchase my first bottle since I was so blessed Libby's first year of life from baby showers), dryer sheets, baby tylenol, shower gel, etc. Target also has great baby clothes which Libby has a lot of! For people that are all about name brand clothes for babies/kids....TJMaxx is wonderful. Libby has some super cute Ralph Lauren dresses from there. I would never pay full price at a department store for Ralph Lauren but 1/2 off or more of retail...yes please!! Dollar Store is also one of my favs!! Dish soap, birthday cards, shower gel, shaving cream..all a dollar or less...I will take it!! Anyway, the reason I am rambling my frugal tips is because I was kind of "mocked" or "poked" at for buying a generic product the other day. Laugh all you want but I am completely proud of being frugal. My frugality is what allows Brandon and I not to have to worry about our finances, and has allowed us to live in this brand new house without worrying about scraping pennies. I am not "too good" for generic or cheap and it's helped us get to where we our today!

Home Sweet Home!!

I returned home Friday evening. Libby loved the new house! I was overwhelmed by a huge mess!! I went to bed and we hit it hard on Saturday and Sunday. The house is not in complete order but it is whipping into shape. We need to get it finished before Libby's first birthday party on Saturday!! yay!!

Ok- update on Libby: She is going to be one on Wednesday, she has cut more teeth...I think she has 5 total, Walking is her method of transportation (official a few days before we left for vacation), she does not like touching grass or walking on grass, she can be put down for naps and bedtime without being rocked...woohoo!!!

I am super excited to post pics of Libby's beach vacation, the house, and her first birthday party this weekend but you will have to wait just a little bit longer......Pics to come!! I promise!!

On Vacation

I leave tomorrow afternoon and will not be back until Friday. I have decided not to take my computer so I will not be blogging. Then once I return it may be a little bit before I blog again because I will be returning to a new home in chaos. Once I get back and get settled I will post an update with pics!

A Bump In the Road

This morning I got some bad news. There was a situation that happened with the lady buying our house that will cause us to not be able to move into our new house until the middle of next week. We leave for Florida Saturday. Wah wah wahhhhhhhh!!!!! Brandon will have to stay home from vacation to move while Libby and I go on with my parents. My first reaction was to stay here. Brandon and I talked and he convinced me that there is no reason to stay here. All of our clothes are packed in the POD or in boxes except for the few that we were going to wear the next few days. We have no washer and dryer, it is also in the POD. We have no groceries because we were leaving in just a few days. I was so angry I was ready to spit fire and steam was coming out my ears. While venting to my husband on the phone I zoned out to what he was saying and noticed Libby walking through the kitchen smiling and laughing. All the sudden the frustration, confusion, and drama came to halt. It didn't matter anymore. It was like God was giving me a reality check. Yes the situation stinks but it is not the end of the world. I am so extremely blessed! She is a little walking, happy, beautiful miracle! I firmly believe this is all for a reason. I will be sad to spend my bday without my husband but really...can you complain about a birthday on the beach?? I am praying that all goes smoothly and will all work out. I have to remind myself...it's not my plan...it's HIS plan!

3 Days Until Move, 5 Days Until Florida!!

First off how super excited am I that the Cats pulled it off and are in the final four! yay! I have to admit never in a million years would I have guessed they would have won the first round game. Now here they are beating out top teams in the conference and heading to the final four! Because of Saturday night's game, I have been informed by both my mother and my husband that we must be in Atlanta in time for the game! That means that we will have to leave earlier on Saturday then I would have liked but I guess I can live with that! lol.

Not much crawling has been going on in my house the past two days. I think we are over the hump and predominately walking! Just in time for her first birthday!! Speaking of birthdays....mine is on Monday of next week...who am I kidding...no one cares. haha. It's the last one before the big 3-0!! Yikes!

We are closing on two houses and moving Thursday early evening/night! That is just days away. Things are coming together. Everyday that passes allows me to pack more and more. Progress is definitely being made. Then it is beach time!! yay!! By the way can I say how much I love that it is cold this week so that I can go ahead and pack mine and Libby's suitcase? Sorry that everyone else in Lexington is mad but I am ecstatic! 5 days until toes in the sand. I can do this! Bring on the move!!

Quick Update!

Okay this is gonna be quick cause I wanna sneak in a quick nap before princess awakens. We just got back from our final walk through at the new house. Which by the way, everytime I see it I love it more! We got the word that the closing on our current house will not be until 1:00 pm which means we can't close on the new house until around 2:30 pm. This is sad news cause we wanted to do it earlier in the day so that we would have more time to unload. I am gonna pull an all nighter on Thursday night. Ugh. Any help is appreciated on Thursday night and all day Friday. We will be heading to Florida on Saturday afternoon. (Next Saturday).

I feel really good about our move. Love the house and the layout. I am already thinking of upgrades to love it better. I would love to put granite in the kitchen and the bathrooms. (something I will miss about our current house). I also want to paint a few rooms and replace the bathroom fixtures. I can't wait to buy furniture for the formal living room. Woohoo! Super excited to go spend some money!! Woohoo!!! Nightie night!

It's a Girl!!

Well it's official, we are having another girl!! Brandon picked her name: Kynleigh Grace. We went ahead and paid the extra money for a gender ultrasound to find out a few weeks early. We couldnt wait any longer! I can't say that I was surprised. I knew it was a girl, just like I did with Libby. When people asked me about boy and girl names I would tell them the girl name and then say we didn't have one for a boy because I wasn't having a boy. People would try to talk me into the idea of a possibility that it could be a boy and I didn't want to hear it because I simply knew! I really think I am a baby psychic. If I can see a pregnant woman, know how high the heartbeat is, and her food cravings then I can guess with a high percentage of accuracy. I think I have only been wrong once! In fact there is a friend of a friend that I don't know and have never seen before in my life but I was able to accurately guess what she was having. Crazy huh! This will be our last unless Brandon ever changes his mind but I am pretty sure he is done. I do think the idea of three girls could be scary. I can't say I was disappointed that it was a girl. I was actually quite pleased. It is what I preferred. It is a lot cheaper since I already have a lot of things and I love girlie things. I am also super excited because Libby will have a sister close in age. I always wanted a sister and I am glad that Libby will have one. I am also basically an only child and I long for a close relationship with a sibling. I am so glad she will have that.

Libby has another ear infection. Boo. Makes packing harder with a clingy baby. Next Thursday is moving date and Saturday is vacation. Can't wait!!

11 days to go...

We have 11 days until closing/moving day! What's crazier...13 days until vacation. It should be 12 but we got the bad news that we will not be able to close early and our closing date has officially been set for March 31. Thus we are leaving for vacay a day late. I am starting to panic. There is a lot to be done in a short amount of time. What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger. I know I can do it, it's just going to be super hard to do and add an infant on top of it makes it near impossible. I am praying things go as smoothly as possible. We got a lot accomplished yesterday. There is still a lot to do but we have made significant amounts of progress.

Libby got up twice last night for the first time in over a month. She had a 101 fever. I stayed home with her from church. We had church in the living room with Jon Weece. I love watching Southland's services. Good thing we weren't really there because during the middle of the sermon there was a serious dirty diaper situation. So anyhow Libby has been super fussy because obviously she has a fever and doesn't feel good. I laid her on her back to clip her nails and she laughed and there was the culprit. A front tooth had cut the gums! Woohoo for a new tooth. So glad to know her fever is more than likely due to teething. She plays for a bit and then cries. The cycle repeats. Well at one point she walks over to me fussing so I sit her in my lap. I was watching a high school dance nationals competition on tv and wondered why Libby was sitting so still. I look down and she had her head slouched over with her eyes closed. Awwww. Poor thing. She has been in bed ever since. So glad she is getting some rest.

Well off to Hamburg to Carter's to get Libby some weather appropriate clothing. We have summer clothes for vacy and we have winter clothes. Nothing for in between so it's time to go stock up on some short sleeve's and long pants then back to working on the house!

Belly Pic

First pic of #2. Almost 16 weeks.

Daylight Savings

Saturday early evening Brandon was facebooking on his phone and he informed me that he thought it might be daylight savings that evening based on people's posts. (Another awesome thing about fb). He googled it and sure enough we discovered we were going to lose an extra hour of sleep that night. (Okay shouldnt there be like a mailing or something?? We would have never known if it hadn't been for fb) Of course we were not thrilled especially since our kid is a 8-10 hour sleeper. If she goes to bed at 8:30, you can expect her up at 5:30 to 6:00. It never fails. Next morning right on the dot at 7:00 am she was up. (formerly 6:00). Last night we put her to bed at 8:30. It is currently 7:45 am and my kid is STILL asleep!!! This is a miracle and unheard of. For all of you who complain your kid only sleeps until 7 is crazy to me. I would love to be able to sleep just until 7. Daylight savings is awesome! I love it! It will be my luck that this is a one time occurrence but hey, I will take it!

House stuff should pretty much be wrapped up. We are just waiting to hear about our official closing date. (Praying it is prior to March 31 so that we don't have to leave for vacay the very next day!!) We packed some this weekend, bought Libby's bday invites, got things done around the house (made 3-4 trips to Lowe's...lost count), and purchased some things we need for vacation. We officially look like rednecks with a POD sitting at the edge of our driveway. Brandon put all the boxes we had packed so far in the POD. I have got to make a bigger dent in packing. I have a few volunteers to help with Libby this week so I am hoping to make some serious progress.

Made the pregnancy facebook official last night with a simple belly pic. I figured I couldn't hide it much longer. I am definitely showing more this time even though I weigh about the same as I did with Libby at this time. One week from today until gender. Can't wait!!

Another Step Closer

Today is the final hurdle in the house process. It is appraisal day! Of course I have to get Libby out in the yucky cold rain (i thought we were past this already?) but I am going to be so relieved that it is finally over! I had planned on going to Target or Kohls but in this nasty weather I think we will go sit at my mom's house for a few minutes. Tomorrow we go do a walk through of the new house to point out anything we find wrong. It is a brand new house but there are a few things that need attention. There is a small drywall issue in the kitchen and a scratch on the tub in the master bath. Just some minor issues. I am going to be so sad to leave this house but I am really looking forward to the more open layout in the new house. It will help me out a lot with being able to get things done while watching the babes at the same time. Last night I had to clean the house for the appraisal today. I am so blessed to have such awesome parents who came by for an hour to watch Libby while Brandon cleaned out from under the house and the garage and allowed me to clean the inside of the house. I don't know what I would do without my parents. They have been so helpful in this process. I told mom the other day I needed help on Saturday and she is making plans to be here. God has blessed me with the best p's ever and I wouldnt trade them for anything. (Even though I say I would at times!) Libby has no idea how much she is loved! I am so happy she will have a close relationship with them!

The Joys of Pregnancy

It is funny how I was pregnant just a few months back (less than a year) and I am quickly reminded of the less exciting aspects of pregnancy. It's crazy how fast you forget all of the bad. I should have written a book about my pregnancy with Libby. I could have entertained you for hours. Now that I am beginning the second trimester, my sickness is starting to pass but I had forgotten about the constipation issues. My word, I thought I was dying this morning. I even called Brandon during the middle of my struggle and yelled in the phone, "You have got to come home now!" Then I hung up. I cant imagine what he was thinking. I am sure I dont surprise him anymore. I don't know why I wanted him home. It's not like he could of helped. While I am sweating and in a state of panic I look over to a 10 month old standing at the bathroom cabinets pulling everything she can find out from underneath them. Then she looks over and just smiles and looks at me like "what are you doing mom?" After it was all over I called Brandon back and made sure he knew I was okay. I was trying to discuss in detail what had happened and for some odd reason he definitely wasn't interested in hearing what I had to say. I think he said something like "yea I got to go there is a phone call on line one".

The tiredness has not gone away unfortunately. I'm constantly exhausted and thinking about all the things that need to be packed, Libby's birthday invitations that need to be ordered, and the items that need to be purchased for the vacation makes me want to take a nap. All I can do is pray on constant basis cause I know I can't do this without God's help. I am not complaining. We are so blessed. These are stresses that are good stresses. I am so thankful!

Another Busy Week!

It's Saturday and I am getting a chance to blog. I know unheard of! Brandon went to work this morning and helped me pack when he got home. He let me take an hour nap while Libby was a wild woman! She has been so good and so sweet today! I came downstairs from my nap expecting to find Brandon rocking Libby for a nap. Uh no! I came downstairs to a playroom that looked like a tornado hit it and a smiling Libby. The minute Brandon handed her over she laid her head on my shoulder. It was definitely her naptime. Thus is why I am getting to blog! Woohoo! Don't tell Brandon...he went back to work for a bit and I am supposed to be packing some more!

This week was busy as usual and eventful. I spotted a lot at the beginning of the week which always makes me nervous. Yet I keep going around the house gagging which gives me comfort. I share this because I had a very difficult pregnancy with Libby. (I lost her twin). Spotted the whole time and I didnt allow myself to really believe I was going to give birth in order to protect myself if something bad happened. I did not get the opportunity to enjoy the pregnancy which I regret. I am going to be more open and embrace this pregnancy because it will be my last, unless Brandon changes his mind....which I doubt. I would totally do one more! So can you imagine me walking around 160 pounds and people asking me when I am due and I look at them with a puzzled look on my face as if to say....what are you talking about? Yep that was me!

Brandon turned 28 this week! Yippee! We got to celebrate the morning of with his co-workers at Cracker Barrel. (Another bonus of being a stay at home mom)! We went to dinner with his p's and had another awesome time. Brandon and I were suppose to go to the game together this week against Vandy but I decided to pass and recommended he go with a friend instead due to the late start time. I think he enjoyed getting out with a friend anyhow.

POD comes this Thursday! It's official! We will be moving some of our things and boxes in it. Inspection went well and we are almost done with the list of things to fix. We just need to get the appraisal and we will be close to being done with the process. Praying I keep my motivation and energy level to keep moving and get things done! I have hit second trimester so I am hoping the tiredness and exhaustion is close to heading out the door. I need a serious energy boost!!