Growing Crains

Helton Creek Falls

2012-01-16T19:08:00.000-08:00

MLK weekend. A 3 day, LONG weekend. We have been

crazy busy the last few, well months! With holidays and Russ' brothers wedding on NYE, we were ready for some down time. Russ and I went out with friends on Saturday night and Henry and Rhiannon spent the night with the Crains. Russ' mother has been sick since August and this was the first time that the kids have spent the night with them in months. After breakfast with the Crains we whisked the kids away for a day trip to the mountains. We like to call it "Crains on Tour."

We headed north to Helton Creek Falls. This is a waterfall that is a favorite of mine and Russ'. We also took the kids almost 2 years ago when Henry was a little over a month old.

Our trip almost 2 years ago

I got home and downloaded pictures and just couldn't resist posting comparisons. How did 2 years go by so fast? Last trip I had a infant strapped to my chest and a 2 year old that had some trouble hiking the trail. This trip we had a 4 year old hiker and another 2 year old to help along the trail.

So here is the game:

Me and HRC this year:

Me and Henry 2 years ago!

Rhiannon James in 2012

Rhiannon James in 2010

Daddy and his little hiker this year

Daddy and RJ on her first hike

Family of 4 this year

Family of 4 last trip

We had so much fun. The kids loved seeing the falls and talking about the trees and picking up rocks and driving through the mountains.

And of course ended the day with lunch at our favorite Creekside deli in Cleveland and then home for naps.

Henry didn't stop talking the entire trip. He jabbered from the minute we pulled out of the Crains driveway until he fell asleep that afternoon. I thought Rhiannon talked a lot. Henry is giving her some serious competition. "Mommy look!" Mommy! What's that?" "School bus!" "Tractor!" "Woah! Mountains!" He kept me and Russ giggling.

Our cute little chatter box.

A beach trip

2011-10-07T17:34:00.000-07:00

So let me start out this post by explaining that I'm stuck at an airport in San Francisco. I've been in San Jose this week for business. And then I tried to fly out of San Jose. But my flight was delayed. Causing me to be late for my connecting flight and the only flight I could get to Atlanta would be out of San Fran. So they shuttled me here and I'm waiting 6 hours for my red eye flight to Atlanta to get me back in GA at 5:48am. But I PROMISED my curly headed girl that I would be home on Saturday morning. And I gave her a calendar to mark off the days until Mama would be home. And by God I WILL keep that promise. Even if it means catching an all night flight to do so. Baby girl, I will see you when you wake in the morning.

I'm now two mojitos into my wait for my flight. And I've been nastalgic. Looking at pictures of my babies. And I thought this would be a good time to update that blog that I'm supposed to be keeping up with. Because I found this picture. So sweet. My Rhiannon and her best friend in the whole world. Her cousin Lawson. Boy do they love one another.

So here it goes.

In July we went on our family trip to the beach. I finally convinced my parents, the funders of this trip, that it would be better to go the Gulf this year. Versus our normal vacay spot of Myrtle Beach. I used a house that my girlfriends have stayed at in the past as ammunition to convince them.

I was excited too because Henry was only 4 months old on our trip last year. And he couldn't sit on his own yet. So I had to carry him around all week in a baby sling. And he cried ALL the time. This year, I thought foolishly, would be better. He can walk and run and swim and play in the sand. Right? Nope. My boy was teething. Apparently getting 1,000,000 molars at one time. And home boy was not handling it well. And then midway through the trip he came down with his sisters case of croup. So they were both struggling with roid rage from the steroids used to treat croup. And Henry again cried all week. But this year he also cried all night. When he was a 4 month old, he at least slept some.

Let's put it this way. I looked forward to my morning runs. And I DO NOT like to run. But it was a time that I suddenly felt 25 lbs lighter. And I didn't feel like throwing a baby out the window.

Just kidding. Sort of.

Not to dwell on the negatives but the ocean was full of seaweed. It was like standing in brunswick stew. Another reason why my parents have never wanted to go the Gulf. I convinced them by telling them that I've been going to the Gulf for years and have never had bad seaweed. Ha ha ha.

However, at the end of our road was a freshwater lake. That never got more than 3 feet deep. It was kid haven. And Rhiannon and my niece, Lawson, loved it. We saw a complete transformation in Rhiannon. She went from refusing to get her face wet to wearing goggles and swimming under water, in a 24 hour time period. So that was pretty cool.

My mental picture of Henry for the week.

He was happy as long as we was here. In someone's lap. It didn't matter who. Me. Aunt Katie. Whatevas. See the lake behind us?

The kiddos. Doesn't Henry look happy?

My babies. Again. Henry. Bless him.

My little beach bunny.

And the whole family.

We might try again next year. I'm making no promises though. . . :)

We really did have a good time. Big thanks to my parents to taking us all on this trip. And the rest of my family for putting up with me and my rugrats. There is one thing for certain. I am so blessed for my family. There is no where I would rather be than with my family. My brothers and sister and sister-in-law and mother and step-dad and out of this world neice. Combined with little family it just rocks. No matter the situation. We just have fun. I love you guys.

Oh yeah. My blog!

2011-09-03T12:33:00.000-07:00

So for those of you who may have missed my updates. And for the sake of archiving our memories. I'm back. My d*&n laptop died again. So I have been unable to download or edit photos but now I'm back. And I'm going to attempt to update you from the summer.

But today we're going to start with just a general update. I'll update with pictures from events afterwards.

Rhiannon turned 4!! Four? Doesn't that sound old to you? It sounds old to me. And she started Pre-K! I can't handle it. That sounds big too. And it was a big decision for Mommy. First of all I was unsure if I should start her in Pre-K yet. Her birthday is July 24 which is a late birthday for that grade level. And since her birthday should have been in October, I wondered whether I should start her the next school year and keep her in preschool another year. But in the we decided that Pre-K was fine. And if she needed to wait for Kindergarten then she could just do 2 years of Pre-K. And the other big decision was whether she should continue going 3 days of move to 5 days. I thought the structure was better with 5 days. And it was only half days. But I worried about Henry missing her. And I knew the grandparents would too. So I asked her and she said she wanted to go everyday. So that's what we did. And it seems to be going just great. She loves her teacher Mrs Michelle. And her two BFF's Madyson and Madilyn are in her class again so the fab 3 are owning the halls of Grace this year.

Henry is 18 months old. At his 18 month appt we found out that he in the 50% for weight and 65% for height. Head of course in the 95% (both my kids were "blessed" with Mama's big head). I looked back and discovered that his preemie sister was actually an inch taller than him at 18 months!! So we think that he may have inherited his Daddy's height. Ha ha.

Henry is talking up a storm. He follows instructions much better than his sister. His favorite book is Good Night Moon. His favorite songs are very interesting. The most requested two: Boom Boom Pow by the Black Eyed Peas. Which he sings and knows the words to. Or "Jesus, Jesus" a gospel song by Alan Jackson. We like to mix it up around here. He loves soy milk, peanut butter, M&Ms, blueberries, and most of all cherry tomatoes. He eats then straight from the vine. When I pick him up at my mother's house, his shirts are usually covered in tomoato seeds.

Two recent pictures of my babies. . .

Easter

2011-05-14T18:57:00.000-07:00

Easter is my second favorite holiday. It's falls very closely behind Thanksgiving. Because of the food of course. I love Thanksgiving food. Wait Easter. Oh yeah, ok. I like Easter too. There's something about the time of year. Spring is so clean and new and green. The weather is usually fantastic. The clothes are fun. And I don't have to shop for gifts.

I also get to organize an Easter egg hunt. We have it every year at my parents house and invite friends and family. This was our 3rd year. The new tradition started after my Sax-Sax passed away. I have 11 cousins that all live close by and we loved Easter at my grandmothers house. After she passed away, we were looking for excuses to see each other. So we had an Easter party at my mothers house. We invited my aunts and uncles and cousins and some family friends. And now we do it every year.

It's so much fun.

But more importantly, it's the meaning behind Easter that makes it so special.

This year Rhiannon was old enough to get it. To understand the true meaning of Easter. And that made the holiday even better. We read books about Easter and when asked what Easter was about, she woud say:

"Easter is about God's son Jesus. Jesus died to forgive us of our sins. He was dead for 3 days and then he rose from the grave and went to Heaven to live with God." She liked the 3 days part of it.

A church next to our house had a sunrise service on the lake so I took Rhiannon to her first sunrise service. Snuggling her and singing "Up from the Grave He Arose" and watching the sun light up her face as it rose over the lake was so powerful. I hope she remembers it as fondly as I remember attending the sunrise service with my dad and stepmother when I was a kid.

Afterwards we went home and Daddy and Henry had breakfast cooked. We saw that the Easter bunny had eaten his carrots and chocolate chips and drank his milk (Rhiannon insisted that was what the Easter bunny wanted). We checked out the cool things the Easter bunny left in the their baskets. And then we went to church with my family.

After church we had lunch and another Easter egg hunt at my mother's. Henry really got the hang of the egg hunting thing. Not only did he enjoy finding them in the grass. He also discovered that he could steal them from his sisters basket while she was busy stuffing her face with candy.

And then dinner and Easter egg hunt #3 at Mimi and Papa's.

What a memorable and amazing holiday.

Happy Easter from the Crains!

Boys

2011-05-06T19:58:00.000-07:00

Boys. . .

Boys throw everything like it's a baseball. I have injuries from sippy cups, toys, food hurled at like 100 mph. Ouch.

Boys sometimes like dolls. It means he will be a good Daddy right? It's pretty cute to see Henry walking around the house with a baby on his shoulder and that sweet little hand patting the baby's back. I swear he plays with Rhiannon's dolls more than she does.

Boys are sneaky. They know if they continue to throw "B" from the crib and cry for "B" that Mommy will come back in the room to save "B". Any there is always hope that Mommy will then pick baby boy up and snuggle him some more.

Boys are leaky. How do they pee this much? How big of a diaper do I need to buy? And how can you sleep that wet? And why are you so happy in the morning even when your pajamas are soaked? And why do you pee in the bathtub? Every. Single. Night. Your sister is OVER it.

Boys do not wean themselves. My girl did. My boy? Not a chance. But Mommy got bit again last week. And there was blood involved. So my little vampire got cut off. Sorry little dude. But I think 14 months is enough.

Boys like lawn mowers and tractors. And are obsessed with riding them with Grandfathers and Daddys.

Boys love their sisters. Rhiannon now comes and wakes me up in the morning "Mommy, let's go get Henry!" Now when we go in Henry's room, I'm no longer greated with "Mama, Mama!". Now it's "Ree Ree! Ree Ree!" with outstretched arms for his big sister.

My boy is now 14 months old. And I still have a whole to learn. About boys. Lord help me.

My birthday Monkey

2011-04-17T19:58:00.001-07:00

Good news! I got my stupid Gateway back! And guess what? I lost all my pictures just as I feared. So I have sulked for a couple of weeks. But I need to focus on the good news. I still have all the pictures of Henry's birthday party. Along with some great pics that my best bud Jessica took of his party as well.

So my boy turned one on Feb 22. I struggled with where to have his party. Winter is a tough time to have a birthday. I didn't want to rent something for a baby's birthday. So we chose to have it at our home. Trouble is our home. It ain't big. And our family is. BIG. So we decided just to have a small little gathering.

And I decided on a monkey theme.

Monkey pops!

Henry had a monkey "Henry is one" t-shirt to wear for early party and cake eating. Then a monkey longall for after cake. I made monkey cake pops. We had monkey plates and party favors. (I had more pictures of all this. . . but you know. . . they're in cyber space)

Henry had a stomach bug the day of his party. I did not know this yet. But right before his party he exploded all over his monkey t-shirt. I threw it in the washer to clean before the party. It was not quite dry yet when the guests arrived. So they were greated with this. Yes, he is holding Cinderella.

"See my belly button?" We like to party redneck style! I promise I put a shirt on the child eventually.

Henry was not a big fan of his cake. Probably because he was sick. (You can send me my Mother of the Year award at any time.) But the monkey pop made a nice cake smashing tool. But see? He's wearing a shirt now!

Monkey outfit #2 and opening gifts.

Henry and his grandfathers. Two of them anyway. These two particular pictures melt my heart.

Cooper!

And all of the little party people. Yes, this is outfit #3 for Henry. This one was not planned but he pooped on outfits #1 and #2. Luckily, this had a monkey on it too. Henry is flirting with Kate here. Michele and I may set them up one day. Henry likes older women.

And I had to add this one. These two beautiful ladies are my oldest friends. Jessica and I have been friends since 4th grade. And we met Heather (yes Jessica has two Heather's) in middle school. This pic is of the three of us and our kids. We take this picture every year. And lately we've been adding a kid every year! I think we're done adding now though. . . From left to right: Jessica, Colton (Heather's), Isabella (Jessica's) is holding Henry, I'm holding the newest addition Cooper (Heather's) and then Hudson (Jessica's) and Rhiannon and her shoe. Age of children? 7, 5, 4 (next week), 3, 1 and 9 months.

Thanks for all that celebrated with us. Happy Birthday Henry!

Where is Mama?

2011-03-16T08:16:00.000-07:00

Where have I been. Keeping up with you blogs. And not posting any updates to my own.
Why you ask?
Because my d#*n brand new laptop that Russ and I bought for Christmas died. It's sole purpose in it's huge memory glory was to house and edit my photos from my beloved new Nikon.
But instead it died. Right after I downloaded my entire photocard to it. And before I backed it up.
Moral of this story. Don't buy a Gateway. Even if the specs look glorious. It's not.
I think it's coming back today from repair. But they were not hopeful that my hard drive would be restored. So I lost pictures from January and February. Including all the pictures I took of Henry walking for the first time and the cute little Monkey Pops I made for his birthday.
I also cannot download any pictures to update the blog because I don't want to use my work computer. Which I'm on now.
So, no updates. Just a lot of bitterness. Towards Gateway.
But here is a Crain family update. We have put our house on the market! There's a big sign in my front yard. I even bought a statue of St Joseph to bury in the front yard to help sell it. Nope. Not catholic. Just a desperate southen baptist. Who is willing to try some additional prayer and a statue if it will bring us one step closer to building our final home. So, wish us luck!

I seem to missing something.

2011-02-24T07:09:00.000-08:00

Today is day 2 at work without my breast pump. I had thought that I would be thrilled to not lug that thing around anymore. I was about to throw it out the window a few weeks ago. But it's a little sad. I'm not sure if I miss the responsibility or the magazine break twice a day while at the office.
Oh well. That chapter is over. I'm still nursing in the morning and before bed. And will continue until he doesn't want to anymore. I'm not quite ready to lose that bonding time yet. I'm sure Henry will be soon as he already has skipped the night feeding a couple of times this week. But that morning feeding is the best. All snuggled up with my sleepy baby boy in my bed with Rhiannon next to me watching cartoons.
I may cry when that stops.
I've been crying a lot lately. Can you tell?
I guess I will just spend my magazine time blogging. Or mabye I should work. . .

In just a few minutes. . .

2011-02-21T20:47:00.000-08:00

So normally I use this blog to tell you about my children. I try to share pictures and funny stories. But today I'm just going to share my thoughts. Russ has been snoring for hours now and I should be in bed but I'm having trouble because of my thoughts. Of course the thoughts are about my children. About one in particular tonight. Henry. Because in just a few minutes, he will be one year old.

I sat in my chair this evening and tried to catch up on some Grey's that I had DVR'd. I had to pause every so often and go and rock a sick little boy. Sick. On his birthday. But as sad as that sounds, it just means that I have an excuse to go and rock him and kiss him and smell him and squeeze him. In the same rocker that I sat in for hours and hours when he was just born. As he screamed and finally passed out on my chest. I would sit there and cry because I was the worst Mommy in the world because I couldn't comfort my son. And tonight I cried because I was all he wanted. And he is so big lying stretched across my body. Weighing what seems like a million pounds. And he smells wonderful. And feels wonderful. And I just rocked and cried getting big fat crocodile tears on his sweet blonde head.

And it didn't help that on my episode of Greys, Callie is pregnant. And bleeding. And at the OB wanting to know what was wrong. And they finally heard the heart beat. And I cried more. Because I remember.

I remember on July 17 at 9 weeks pregnant. I was driving home from work on a Friday evening and was sitting at the red light at Jesse Jewel and I felt something wrong. And I looked down to see that I was sitting in a puddle of blood. I drove home as I continued to feel the puddle grow. I got home and went to bathroom and remember sitting there on the toilet and and watching it fill with blood. Russ came home and found me crying and digging in the toilet, sifting through the clots because I just knew that it was pieces of my baby. We called the dr and they sent us to the emergency room. I remember the ultrasound tech at the ER. I remember her because it was the same tech we saw at the ER when I had bleeding with Rhiannon. And she can't tell me anything. And then after several hours, we see the doctor. That sweet wonderful doctor that tells me that the baby is fine. I remember going to my OB that Monday after a LONG worried weekend and hearing the best sound in the world. My baby's heartbeat. Thank you Jesus.

Henry, you scared me to death my entire pregnancy. I thought I lost you a half a dozen times. I layed in bed for 17 weeks because we thought you would be early. I got a shot in my butt every week for 19 weeks. 19 shots to help you cook.

But in the end, you gave me the experience I was longing for. My water broke in the middle of the night 3 days after your due date. We got to race to the hospital and wait in excitement through the contractions instead of fear.

And my favorite part? Seeing Dr Cox hold us this beautiful, BIG, pink BOY. With a head full of gorgeous dark brown hair. And you were healthy and breathing. And it was all worth it.

I'm not saying I would do it again. But I was glad to do it for you. Only you.

Happy Birthday Henry. I don't know how this year has gone by so fast. But you are so much fun and everything that I wanted. God gave us you and I thank him every day for that. We love you Bubba.

In love with B

2011-01-17T08:13:00.001-08:00

Those of you that follow my blog then I'm sure know all about "B". See older post for some history:

Well guess who else is in love with her?

Henry.

He screams "BEEEEEE!!!" in delight when she is left unattended. And then crawls to her just as fast as he can. Then attacks her with slobbery hugs and kisses.

Rhiannon isn't fond of this attachment. She asks me to "Save B!" or "Mommy, will you protect B please?"

For Christmas, Rhiannon gave Henry his own B. A blue version of course.

Here is a picture of the new guy. And a comparison to Rhiannon's B. Yes folks. This IS what B used to look like when she was a young bunny. You can tell that after much strawberry, PBJ, and honey kisses, wet beds, and dirt, she's been washed many times and very well loved.

Henry loves his "Blue B." See video for proof. . .

Of course, still not quite as much as Rhiannon's B!

10 at 10

2011-01-04T21:29:00.000-08:00

My New Year's Resolution revolves around my babies: upload pictures, update blog, update baby books/journals, and enjoy every second. Because I cannot believe how fast this year has gone by. It seems like a few weeks ago we were celebrating New Years as a family of 3 with Fat Pregnant Mama Crain sipping sparkling grape juice on the couch. And yet, we just had New Years with our family of 4!

So, to start, this post is about my baby boy. Who is now 10 months old. Well, 10 1/2 months old. Geez!!

10 of my favorite things about my little man:

10. Kisses. When I ask for a kiss, you will now give me a kiss. When I walk into your room in the morning, and pick up my smiling laughing baby boy. I'm not only greeted with a pat on the back, you lean in to kiss me. No request necessary from me. My are you affectionate.

9. Your laugh. In your eyes, I'm the funniest person alive. With one little glance I can get a chuckle. With a few words or songs, I can get a belly laugh. Thanks for feeding my ego. And filling our house with another sweet giggle. A little deeper than the 3 year old high pitched one that I was accustomed to hearing. And together, a symphony to my ears.

8. Your absolute refusal to "walk". You have been crawling since 5 months. Standing up on your own without assistance at 7 months. From a standing position you can reach down and pick up a toy and stand back up. All without holidng on to anything. But you hate to "walk" around holding someones hands. You may just crawl forever. But you're my baby so you take as long as you like. You can also live with me until you're 85.

7. You will eat ANYTHING. I have yet to give you a food that you will not eat. Every kind of baby food, collards, turnips, avacodo, spaghetti, peas. I hope you always are this easy to please. You definitely have your Mama's appetite.

6. You have already learned to fight back against your sister. She's a bossy thing and has a mean streak like you wouldn't believe. You will need to be strong to put up with her. I know all about bossy big sisters. I was one. Wait. I AM one. It's good that you take your toy back. You should always stand up for yourself.

5. Maybe I don't like this. But it is cute. When I attempt to disipline you with my meanest, sternest "NO". You laugh at me. Thanks.

4. You have some sort of radar to know exactly when I turn in for the night. I finally get everything finished around the house, take my shower, get in the bed, turn out the light, pull the comforter over my head. At that exact moment. You cry. Most nights, you settle down on your own. But lately I have had to go in your room. I don't have to pick you up. I just have to stand by your crib. As long as you know I'm there, you settle down. While this is flattering, Mommy does need a little sleep please.

3. You are Mommy's boy. I can come home from work and peak in the living room to see you playing perfectly content with your toys. But as soon as you realize I'm home, I have to carry you around for the rest of the evening. But, you're my baby. You can be Mommy's boy forever.

2. Your love for music. You love to dance, help Daddy play the guitar and play your drum. You also will sing when the rest of us are singing. It's the sweetest sound in the world.

1. My heart. I now understand what my grandmother and Mama have always said. Little boys have a special place in their Mommy's heart. I can't believe you are the same fussy baby that about made me lose my mind 9 1/2 months ago. But by getting through those first few weeks, we formed a bond closer than no other. I get you. I need you. And little boy, oh how I love you.

Santa pics

2010-12-21T20:38:00.000-08:00

Today is December 21st and I finally took the kids to see Santa tonight. Our lives have been crazy with wedding planning, work, Christmas parties. We haven't slowed down. But I made it a priority this week to get pictures made with St Nick.

Also in the plan was to have Santa talk to Rhiannon about Hermie. Who is Hermie? Hermie is our "Elf on the Shelf". He was sent to us this year from the jolly guy at the North Pole. Everyone else had one and I had heard so many stories from these folks about how much their kids enjoy the elf. And even better, they behave better. That got me on board. My 3 year old needs some miracle for better behavior because Lord knows all the other things we're trying wasn't working. Well, guess what? She doesn't buy into the Elf thing. She named him. Hermigan. Later shortened to Hermie after she watched Rudolph and was excited that the elf on the show had a similar name to her elf. But other than that, she could care less. Shed told me that he doesn't have magic. I move him every night. I try to be creative. Most nights that means me getting out of bed and staggering into the living room to move the damn thing because I had forgotten before bed. But she doesn't look for him. She gets mad when he has her toys or cups. And he certainly doesn't make her behave better.

So a guy I work with said that he told the helper at Santa photos to tell Santa to ask his 3 year old daughter about their elf. That apparently helped their situation.

I forgot to tell the helper. I was too obsessed in getting the picture taken.

I did hear Rhiannon tell Santa that she wanted a pink doll house though. Whew. Thank goodness I got that one right.

Back to photos. I was a tad worried about Henry. He cries when anyone holds him other than me, my mom, and Papa Rusty. He has some stranger anxiety. Who am I kidding. He's a Mama's boy! I was pretty sure that big man with white beard might make him cry. However, he did great! For the first 5 minutes anyway. He was smiling and looking at Santa. Great picture opps. What about Rhiannon? She has some smile that she thinks is cute. And it is cute, if she would actually look up from the floor. Wierd little chick. By the time we got her to look at the camera. (That involved me dancing behind the photographer. You would have been amused.) Henry was crying. Oh well. This is what we got. . .

And some past pictures. . .

This was Rhiannon's first Christmas. Because of her prematurity and RSV season, I wasn't about to take her to see a "dirty" Santa at the mall. So a friend of ours that dresses up each year to visit nursing homes, stopped by with his wife and his daughter Gabby. She is the sweet little elf. Rhiannon was so little!

For 2008 and 2009 pics with Santa, check out the post below.

http://babycrain.blogspot.com/2009/12/visit-with-santa.html

4 days

2010-12-07T07:19:00.000-08:00

In just 4 short days, my little brother will be getting married.

Stephen and I are almost exactly 2 years apart. Both July babies. And since the moment Mama and Dad brought him home from the hospital, we've been best friends. After our parents divorced, we would visit my Dad's every other weekend, together. We would go to my Granny Howard's while my mother worked every day, together. When I started kindergarten, my little buddy walked me to the top of our driveway and waited with me until the bus picked me up. I think it's a little strange that my Mama let her 3 year old stand by the road with only his 5 year old sister and no adult but she claims she watched from the front door. After the bus picked me up, he walked back down to the house to wait on me to get off the bus that afternoon.

We have always been the best of playmates and as adults, truly the best of friends. I usually speak to him at least once a day. Lately, like 15 million times a day but who is counting?

As the days count down until his big day, I'm so thankful that he's found his love. It's all I have ever wanted for him. I always knew he would make someone an incredible husband one day. And I'm going to take just a little credit in that.

Welcome to our family Jenny. We're blessed to have you. Thank you again for the permanent smile you put on my little brother's face.

Brush

2010-10-28T20:11:00.000-07:00

Hi Mommy. I found this brush. Wonder what I should do with it.

Ah ha. There's my lion! He looks like he needs to be groomed.
Let me just get a little closer.

OK big guy.

Oh, how do you like my shirt? Roll Tide!!

And you know what makes it even cuter?

Okay, besides these cute legs?

It was my Daddy's! It's vintage!

Pictures of my heart

2010-09-23T07:11:00.000-07:00

Would you like to see a picture of my heart?

That's it.

This picture just melts me.

We had pictures taken for Rhiannon's 3 year and Henry's 6 months and they are without a doubt my favorite pictures yet. I have them all saved on my digital frame on my desk and it makes it really hard to concentrate at work.

Both kids were in such a great mood and the photographer was so awesome.

Check her and the rest of the pictures from the shoot at:

http://amberpricephotography.blogspot.com/2010/09/rhiannon-and-henry.html

Sticker Stinker

2010-09-14T21:03:00.000-07:00

One day at work, my upper arm had been itching all day long. Finally at around 4pm that afternoon I discovered why.

A sticker. A smiley face sticker.

I had worn this sticker on my arm all day. To 3 meetings. To lunch. All day long.

It was similar to these that I found on the kitchen table.

I wonder who is responsible?

Yeah, I wonder.

Henry's First Hair Cut

2010-09-14T20:39:00.000-07:00

I couldn't stand it anymore. Henry had these long pieces of baby hair that didn't fall out from birth. And they had gotten LONG. Like in his face long. And they got all greasy. And when the wind would catch them, my Angel looked like a little old man losing his comb over.

Out of control!!

So, I cut my 5 month old's hair.

I think I did a pretty good job.

The long pieces were darker than the new hair growing underneath so he looks like he got a cut and color!

Henry is still adjusting to it.

Are you ready for some football?

2010-09-12T20:12:00.000-07:00

Can you feel it in the air? That hint of cool weather? The sky is a darker blue. The leaves are starting to change. Most people get really excited about fall. While I enjoy fall, I'm a summer girl. I'm perfectly fine with it being 100 million degrees year round. I even like the humidity. What's even sadder for me, is knowing that I'm going to have to pack up the closets of sweet sundresses and seersucker john-johns to never be seen on my babies again. Cold weather means covered legs with jeans and tights. I would much prefer naked piggies and sun kissed little scraped up knees.

Oh well.

I guess I should just enjoy it.

Football season is fun. And I do get to dress up the kids for that right?

Here's my little cheerleader. And no, I did not teach her how to stand like this. I was a basketball player remember? This was my mother's fault.

But cute.

GO DAWGS!!

Teeth

2010-09-05T21:58:00.000-07:00

At 5 months, by baby boy got his first and second beautiful little teeth. I found this out when he bit me. And I'm not talking about my finger. . .

They're so cute though.

The poor guy also got his first two. . . ear infections. One in each ear.

Rhiannon NEVER had an ear infection so this is new for us. And the only reason I took Henry in to see the ped is because he was pulling on his ear while he ate his cereal. He never had a fever. Never cried. Never woke up at night. Never stopped nursing. What a trooper. Is this the same fussy baby I brought home 6 months ago?

We also found out from the doc that his top two teeth are coming in now.

That explains the biting again.

New camera

2010-08-26T19:24:00.000-07:00

From my wonderful family, I received my first DSLR camera for my birthday. I've been looking at them since Rhiannon was born but just couldn't make the purchase. Now I'm wishing I hadn't waited so long. It's so much fun!
I got the Nikon D5000. And a couple of lenses. And this NOVEL to read how to use the thing. I have a lot to learn but have been inspired by friend Shelby and her incredible pictures. Sure, her kids are the cutest subjects you have ever seen but her pictures are truly beautiful.
Last week, I was trying to take pictures of Henry as he woke up from his nap. The natural lighting in his nursery is pretty good but the flash kept popping up resulting in some not so great pictures. I was getting pretty discouraged.
Later that afternoon, I go to catch up on my blog reading and Shelby had found my answer. The lightscoop! http://www.lightscoop.com/
This product allows for more flattering lighting in indoor photos by redirecting the pop up flash to the ceiling or walls. I'm sold!
And Shelby is giving away one on her blog. Check it out!
http://bringingupmadison.blogspot.com/
Oh and when I figure out how to download pictures, I'll post some! Good luck with the give-away. Not really. I hope to win it. Hee hee.

Chaos

2010-08-20T20:44:00.001-07:00

I truly love these pictures. This is my life. Look at my living room!!! Oh my. And there is nothing better than holding my sweet boy with my little monkey Rhiannon climbing all over me. I wouldn't trade my messy, cluttered, chaotic life for any other.

Dress Up

2010-08-20T20:29:00.000-07:00

Rhiannon's class this summer consisted of 6 little girls. Mrs Shauna, her teacher, also has two girls of her own. So she's a pro at entertaining little girls. Every Wednesday was Water Day so the kids would come to school in swim suits and would play outside in the water toys all day. Mrs Shauna also had themed days.

Pajama Party Picnic

Princess Party Day (she did the girls hair and gave them manis and pedis!!)

Rhiannon really enjoyed dress up days becuase she's really into dress up right now. Every day when I get home, she's wearing something different.

Here she is wearing pajamas, rain boots and hat.

This yellow "dress" is actually a skirt. Check out her "glass slippers."

I just noticed that like all of these pictures are in front of the tv. I swear that we're not tv junkies. That's a lie. But I really do limit how much Rhiannon watches. It's just the only time Rhiannon is still long enough for me to get a picture!

Weddings and Butterflies

2010-08-20T19:59:00.000-07:00

In early June, we attended a wedding down in Lagrange GA for Dr Amanda's nephew, Drew. Russ was the ring bearer in Drew's parents wedding many, many years ago. We went down on a Friday for the reahearsal lunch, catered by the Varsity! Yum! The wedding was at 7 Friday evening so we decided to stay overnight in a hotel. It would also be our first hotel stay with both kids. All in one room! We thought it would be a nice trial run since we would be heading to the beach with the kids a couple of weeks later.

I was really excited about Rhiannon watching the ceremony because she's all into dress up and weddings and such. I thought she would enjoy seeing the dresses and hearing the music. Nope. She slept through the entire ceremony. In Henry's stroller because he refused to sit in it. While Russ paced with him, Rhiannon snoozed away.

After her lengthy 7pm nap, Rhiannon was ready to party. She danced and danced and danced until we pulled her off the dance floor at 11pm. Henry enjoyed the reception too. He tends to like loud noise so I'm not sure if it was the music or all the people but he was just as happy as he could be. When we finally made it back to the hotel, way too late in the evening, both kids and Mommy fell asleep easily. And slept like rocks all night long with Rhiannon snuggled between me and her Daddy in the King size bed.

We learned alot from this trip. (1) Rhiannon is a dancing machine (2) we really need a king size bed and (3) we can all survive in one room so we were ready for Myrtle Beach in a few weeks.

Before returning home the next day, we visited Callaway Gardens.

I have to first explain one of Rhiannon's favorite books. My little priss pot LOVES Fancy Nancy. For the Moms that may read this blog. These books are fantastic! I highly recommend. Thanks Amoo for giving Rhiannon her first of the series. In "Bonjour Butterfly" Fancy Nancy attends her grandparents anniversary party, stays in a hotel, and goes to the butterfly garden the next day. So, we decided to go to the butterfly exhibit at Callaway after our hotel stay. Cool right? I also need to mention that Mommy loves butterflies so I may have been more excited about going than Rhiannon.

What do you wear to a butterfly exhibit?

Butterfly wings of course! Oh and you must also carry a princess wand. . .

My sweet boy.

Bonjour Butterfly!!

Henry's Dedication

2010-08-20T19:20:00.000-07:00

In June was Henry's dedication at Riverbend Baptist Church. Our church does a baby dedication twice a year. When Rhiannon was dedicated it was just she and one other baby. For Henry's there were 14 babies! So they were split between two services. We usually attend the 9am service so that was our time slot.

I love our church. I love the people. I love the pastor. For me, it's home. I grew up in this church. It was the church where I was baptized when I was 10. We have been members all my life.

Here we are on stage. Notice the family here beside us, Kyle and Emily and their sweet baby girl McKayla. Kyle and I were born 5 days apart and he also grew up in this church. He was my first boyfriend at the ripe old age of like 4 and we also grew up in the same neighborhood. So, we think it's pretty cool that McKayla and Henry are 2 months apart and were dedicated together.

Rhiannon walked up to the stage with us but then decided that she would rather go sit with her grandparents. Henry did really well. He never cried and made it through the service without throwing up all over his Mama. Those were my two biggest concerns. However, I should have more concerned not of what would come out of his mouth but more with what could come out the other end. During the final prayer, Henry let out the biggest FART! It was so loud that the people in the second row started giggling. I just knew he had ruined his sweet outfit so as soon as we walked down from the stage, I went immediately to the nursery to change him. And nothing. Just a lot of gas. Typical man.

Upon returning home, we tried to get some pictures. Here is Henry in his nursery.

And a few pictures of the kids together. This rarely ever happens. . .

Mother's and Father's Day

2010-08-20T19:01:00.000-07:00

Jump in the DeLorean folks. We're heading back in time. I finally have a weekend with nothing to do. Well, I think I'm supposed to be helping my brother move. Crap. But for tonight, I can sit at this laptop with my happy juice (Blue Moon Summer Ale) and blog. I'm like 3 months behind so I'll hit the high points.

One thing I should add is that I got a new fancy pants camera. I have no idea how to use or how to download the hundres of pictures that I have taken in the past week. But once I finish reading the 8 million page novel that I bought to help me with my tutorial and figure out how to use the thing, you will be sick of all my pictures.

Here we go. My first Mother's Day with two babies!

My little Mommy Rhiannon with her baby in matching dresses.

And Father's Day.

Rhiannon like her Daddy often closes her eyes for pictures. Henry is throwing gang signs. What a thug.

B

2010-08-10T20:09:00.000-07:00

I know, I know. I'm way behind on my blogging. I have a ton of happenings from this summer that just haven't gotten posted. Stay tuned for some back tracking this weekend to catch up! But I felt like I should share today's experience.

To start with, I should introduce "B". B is Rhiannon's lovey. Short for "Bunny". A stuffed bunny head attached to a soft pink blanket dress. And she's Rhiannon's best friend in the world. Rhiannon received B at her church dedication on Mother's day in 2008. It took a few months for the friendship to blossom but by the time we had Christmas pictures made in November of 2008, the two were inseperable. Rhiannon would kiss (suck on B's face) until there was a nasty brown circle around B's nose. B would smell like strawberries, milk, goldfish. . . whatever little Rhiannon's grubby hands had been into. Washing her is a challenge because you have to take B away from Rhiannon to put her in the washing machine. I usually do this late at night so that I can return B to Rhiannon's bed before she wakes up.

When we realized how strong of a bond Rhiannon had with B we thought it would be a good idea to find a replacement B. We found out where the church found her and made a trip to Dillards and found another bunny like B. But we needed new bunny to get worn in like B. So we tried to replace B with the new bunny. Rhiannon immediately knew the difference and named the new bunny, "B2". She decided she needed both B and B2 and they both started sleeping with her at night. B is usually the only one lucky enough to leave the bed.

I think that maybe I'm just as attached to B as Rhiannon. She's a member of our family. We make sure we have her before we leave the house. We tuck her in bed at night. We dress her up in doll clothes. We give her food at the dinner table. She's our babysitter, entertainment and playdate.

Today, I got a distressing call from my Mother (Rhiannon calls my mother "Momess"). Rhiannon and Henry were staying at her house for the day and my mom called to tell me in a whisper. "We don't have B." What? Where is she? I immediately text Russ to see if he's seen B. He tells me that she (because B is a girl of course) made it into Momess and Godfather's house with Rhiannon. (My stepdad wanted to be called Grandfather. Rhiannon decided to call him "Godfather") So, we know she's there. Somewhere. When I arrive to pick up the kids after work, B was still missing. Momess convinced Rhiannon by some miracle to take a nap without her. I think she should be thankful that the pool and sun had made Rhiannon so exhausted that sleeping without B was possible. But as soon as she woke up, she asked Momess if she had found B. So, after dinner the search continued. We searched garbage cans, under couches, in cabinets. In one closet, we found B2. Not sure how long she had been hiding in that coat closet or how B2 made it from Rhiannon's bed all the way to Momess' house. But no B.

At 8:00pm, I had given up. It was Henry's bedtime and after 7pm he's done with all of us. So, reluctantly we pack up to leave.

As I place Henry in his infant carrier and lower the shade on the top. . .

There is B. Hiding in Henry's carrier all day long.

Apparently, Godfather had threatened to take B to school with him and Rhiannon decided to hide B from him so that he wouldn't take her.

It would have been nice if she would have shared that information with us 11 hours earlier.

But, he search is over and B is tucked into bed with Rhiannon. And we can all rest easier tonight.

B and Rhiannon - November 2008 (Notice how clean and new B looked then. When we show Rhiannon this picture, she says it's B2 in the picture because B2 still looks this new.)

B and Rhiannon - April 2010

One photo, two kids. . .

2010-07-19T20:38:00.000-07:00

You start with one kid. . .

that's in a super good mood. . .
You then try to persuade your almost 3 year old that she wants to take a picture with her brother.

You attempt to bribe her by letting her take a picture first of her brother.You get her on the couch. She's not thrilled about the idea. Maybe because he just pulled out a fairly large chunk of her hair. He's still happy though.
Okay Rhiannon, hold his hand so he won't pull your hair.
Nope, Rhiannon. That's not Henry's hand.
Yes mam. That's your hand.

Almost there. . .

Success!!

Big News!

2010-07-10T18:40:00.000-07:00

Where have I been right? Working + 2 kids = one tired Mama. But stay tuned for more posts and pictures.

But the most important news is. . .

MY BROTHER IS GETTING MARRIED!

That's right folks. Believe it! It's true. Stephen and Jenny got engaged last night.

This may be the happiest news I have ever received. I'm truly giddy. I apologize to my sweet husband but I'm almost as happy as when I got engaged. Stephen and Jenny are perfect for each other and he just seems so content. As if she was who he has been waiting for. She was meant for him and he for her.

Oh, and I helped to set them up. So, I feel a little tiny bit of pride in this union.

But, mostly happy. I hope they are as happy as me and Russ. And produce a ton of nieces and nephews for me one day.

The happy couple:

Congratulations Stephen and Jenny! We love you!!

First Day of Preschool

2010-05-25T12:37:00.000-07:00

My baby girl started preschool today. We enrolled Rhiannon in a 3 day half-day program at Grace Espicopal Church in Gainesville. It's a wonderful program that I just fell in love with when I visited. It just felt right. Rhiannon is in a class this summer with 5 other little girls. In fall the class will be 10 students with hopefully some boys. This summer is just a class of little princesses. Her teacher, Mrs Shauna, attends church with us and she rocks. She's already planned a princess party day.

Rhiannon has stayed with grandparents while I worked for the last 3 years. We thought it was time to give her the structure that a school environment would provide and she really wanted to be around more children. We also thought that we would give the grandparents a break. Her little brother is enough to handle without a toddler around.

So, I planned to attend with her for the day, thinking that she would need me since she's never been to daycare or school before. I was preparing for a breakdown. At least a hiding behind my leg.

What happened? I didn't even get a kiss goodbye. She ran to her room, introduced herself to some kids, and never looked for me again. I hung out in the hall for 30 minutes to make sure she was okay. And she was fine. All day long.

Boy do I feel needed.

Truly, I was proud of her. In her big girl panties, and lunch box and bookbag. She loved every minute.

And, when I got there to pick her up. I got my hug and kiss. And she said she wanted to go back to school tomorrow.

What a big girl!

I hope I handle my first day back at work tomorrow just as well. I've really enjoyed my time home with my babies.

This picture is deceiving. Henry would not take a bottle. He went from 7:30 to 1:30 without eating because he refused a bottle.

But he's just so darn cute!

Good luck tomorrow Mimi and Papa! He's spoiled rotten.

My sweet little man

2010-05-06T21:11:00.001-07:00

Good news! Henry will now sit in a bouncy seat and a swing! So it may only be for 3 minutes at a time but that gives my arms a rest from carrying around a 14 lb baby all the time!

Check me out in my Bumbo! And I'm holding a toy!
Not a smile but not screaming in my bouncer.

Here are some recent smiles.

A Trip to the Cabbage Patch

2010-05-06T19:34:00.000-07:00

Russ and I both were lucky enough to have maternity/paternity leave from our employers so for the last 10 weeks we've been in baby holding, toddler chasing bliss. But with our time off quickly coming to an end (sniff, sniff), we our trying to get in some outings in with the kids. Last fall, I had planned on taking Rhiannon to Babyland General before the old facility closed. The old facility was originally White County Hospital and is the hospital where my mother was born. So, it would have been sentimental to visit. Unfortunately, being put on bedrest in September ended those plans. But last week, Russ and made the trip to Cleveland to visit the spanking new Babyland General Hospital, home of the Cabbage Patch Kid, with our sweet little girl and our cabbage patch kid, Henry.

Let me start with an explanation. I LOVE dolls. As a child, dolls were my favorite things to play with. And as I got older, my mother bought me a doll every Christmas up until Rhiannon was born. Now she gets all the dolls. That being said, I was so stinking excited to visit Babyland General. I couldn't wait to see the dolls and to see Rhiannon's reaction to the experience.

Here she is pointing out letters on the sign.

The new hospital is amazing. It's a huge mansion that sits in the middle of the White County countryside with a view of the mountains. And the hospital did not disappoint. There were dolls every where. In cribs, in a school bus, in a classroom, in big kid beds, in a tree house, and in the cabbage patch. We saw a baby delivery and they named the little girl, Rianna James (no one ever spells her name right) after Rhiannon. Such a fun day.

We told Rhiannon that she kid pick out any doll that she wanted. She found a doll that she liked. A bald headed girl baby doll with green eyes and cute butterfly sleeper. I was excited because she wasn't one of the cloth face dolls that can clost up to $300! Good girl.

Here she is picking out dolls.

But then, she found Grover. Yes, the blue monster from Sesame Street. What is he doing at Babyland General? Home of the Cabbage Patch Kid Dolls?? However, he was found. And he had magnet hands and feet. Rhiannon immediately dubbed him "Ballet Grover" (because she already has a Grover doll at home but not sure why he's a ballet dancer. . .) and carried him around along with her doll. Well, Russ and I made her choose between Grover and the doll. Surely, she would choose the doll right? Wrong!! After much turmoil, the decision was made and Grover was chosen to go home with us. Out of the the hundreds of dolls we saw that day, we ended up with another Grover doll. At least it only cost us $11.

Daddy's Soccer Game

2010-05-05T07:14:00.000-07:00

Russ played soccer for our high school and his Dad was also the coach. Yes, my husband and I graduated from high school together. No, we were not high school sweethearts. But we have known each other since the age of six. That's another blog for another time!

Anyways, last week, North Hall held it's first annual Alumni Soccer Game to raise money for the soccer association. Russ got to reconnect with some old teammates and play soccer again on his favorite field.

I LOVE to watch him play so I was so excited about the game. And Russ didn't disappoint. He told Rhiannon he would score a goal for her and he scored the first goal of the game. And almost a second one. He was awesome. Isn't he cute??

Rhiannon and Henry really enjoyed the game. The weather was beautiful! Here are some pictures from the game.

Here is Russ with some of the Class of 96 graduates from the team. Aaron on the far left (and daughter Isabelle Ann) was the best man in our wedding. Nathan is next and next to Russ is Jason, another one of Russ' best friends. They haven't changed a bit in 14 years. Except for the sweet girl on Aaron's hip!

Here are all of the players in the game.
This is of the players that played for Russ' dad. You'll see Rusty in the middle of the picture in the striped shirt. Oh, and you'll see Rhiannon. She refused to be in the picture but she wouldn't get out of the way. . .
Daddy and his future soccer stars. Notice I dressed them in North Hall colors, green and white!

Easter

2010-04-21T06:53:00.000-07:00

This was our first Easter as a family of 4! And what a wonderful celebration!

While Henry stayed at home to practice bottle feeding with Daddy, Rhiannon and I went to the Phi Mu (my sorority) Easter Egg Hunt at Brenau college in Gainesville. This is our second year attending this hunt. It's local and always fun to see friends from college. Rhiannon got her picture taken with the Easter Bunny. She also gave him "five" and made him hop with her. She got her face painted like a bunny. And of course she hunted for eggs. It was a really cold that day but with some warm clothes and the sunshine, we didn't freeze.

Giving the Easter Bunny a hug.

Next was the second annual Easter Egg Hunt at my parents house. I organized this for the first time last year because as a child, I grew up with a huge egg hunt at our house for the neighborhood kids and my cousins. I have a lot of fond memories of those egg hunts and I wanted my kids to have the same experience. So, we invited our cousins and some friends that live locally. We have lunch, play outside, and then have the Easter Egg Hunt. It's so cute to see all of the kids together and we enjoy spending time with family and friends.

Rhiannon's future husband, Hudson a.k.a "Huddy"

Rhiannon's BFF Kate and her Mommy, Michele.

All of the kids! And a handful of Mommies. . .
Henry hanging out with aunts and cousins. Aunt Beverly (far left), her daughter Whitney, my cousin Damon's wife Mandy, Aunt Peggy (who was Henry's snuggle buddy for the event) and her daughters Kristy and Mandy.

This picture is of my girlfriends Heather and Jessica and our kids. This year with 5 kids, last year we only had 4. Heather is pregnant and due in July so next year, we will have 6 kids! Heather's son is Colton, and she expecting another boy. Jessica's kids are Hudson and Isabella.
Here are our kids last year.

I love this picture. Kate and Rhiannon were looking in their baskets instead of at the camera so I told them to look up. And they looked up. . . at the sky. Isabella thinks they're crazy.
Rhiannon and her Daddy.

On Easter morning, the kids saw what the Easter Bunny brought them.

As you can see, Henry was really excited about Easter.

We got ready and made our first trip to church with the 4 of us.

After church, we enjoyed lunch at my parents house.

And then that evening, we went to dinner at Russ' parents house. What a blessed holiday with family and friends. Happy Easter!

Crains on Tour

2010-04-19T14:16:00.000-07:00

This was weeks ago. During the days of Henry's refusal to sleep at night. One morning, after one of his better nights, we decided that we needed to get out of the house. Let's drive to the mountains!

So, we quickly packed up the kids and headed north.

We stopped in Cleveland at Creekside Deli. This is a favorite or mine and Russ'. We used to eat there quite a bit before we had kids and would spend the day "chasing waterfalls" in the mountains. When we were dating, these spontaneous trips to the mountains were quite frequent. One of our favorite waterfalls to visit was Helton Creek falls. So we decided to take the kids there after our fantastic lunch.

Henry was sleeping well that day. As long as the car was moving. (That is no longer the case by the way. . . now he hates the car. . . and screams round trip until he has worked himself into a sweat and soaked his clothes and car seat. . . but that day was fabulous).

Here are some pictures from our adventure.

Rhiannon hiking with Daddy.

Henry hiking with Mommy.

My sweet girl!

Helton Creek falls is actually a double waterfall. I'm sure this is not the correct terminology but it is one set of two different waterfalls. One above the mountain from the other. This is actually just the upper falls. The lower is just as faboulous.

Me and my kids. Henry is tucked into the Moby wrap. He slept soundly throughout our hike.

We had such a nice day and it was a much needed outing for all of us. Russ and I both are out on maternity/paternity leave for another month so we hope to have a few more of these family outings. Time is going by too fast! But this has been such an awesome experience for us to both be home with our kids all day for these last few weeks. It will be so hard for us to go back to work!

Play Date with Kate

2010-04-17T05:31:00.001-07:00

One of my sorority sisters and good friends lives 5 minutes from us here in Gainesville. And our girls are only 8 months apart. So, whenever we have the opportunity we try to get our girls together for a play date. They play so well together and it's so cute to hear their conversations. Little people talk.

So last week I took both Rhiannon and Henry over to see Michele and Kate.

Here are the girls making "pretty music".

And here Kate and Rhiannon are having tea. Kate got a tea set for her birthday. She just turned two in March.

Henry hung out with Michele.

After playing a while inside, the girls decided they needed some outdoor fun. So we put on swimsuits so that they could play with Kate's water table. This is a new bathing suit for Rhiannon that I just bought a few weeks ago. She has recently had a big growth spurt and this 3T bathing suit was too small! She has jumped from wearing 2T to 4T!! In bathing suits anyway. That's just not right! My baby girl is getting too big too fast.

Here are the girls in their swimsuits. So cute.

And here they are at the water table.

And Henry chilling outside.

What a great play date. Thanks to Michele and Kate for having us over. We're looking forward to many more!

My sweet kids

2010-04-15T20:31:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to share some pictures of the kids.

Isn't that the cutest thing you have ever seen? He looks as big as she does! Also notice that she insisted on having the burp cloth on her shoulder!

The men in my life!

Just because pigtails are cute.

This picture just about summarizes our household. Rhiannon screaming. And Henry fussing. I love it.

6 weeks old. Almost a smile. . .

There we go. Hey sweet boy!

Henry setting his "piggies free"

I thought she looked so big in this picture. She now climbs up the ladder by herself. And I don't have a panic attack each time she does it. I promise to be better with Henry. . . maybe.

Curious George Live in the ATL

2010-04-15T20:15:00.000-07:00

On my due date, we decided to purchase tickets to Curious George Live at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta as a treat for Rhiannon. We knew that the baby would be about 6 weeks old and thought it would be nice for Rhiannon to have a night with just her Mommy and Daddy. Rhiannon loves Curious George and she had been looking forward to this for weeks.

So on April 1, we made the trip.

Let me first say that I was surprised at how much easier it is to leave a second child than it was to leave Rhiannon when she was an infant. Poor Henry!

We arrived in Atlanta and had dinner at a cute little pizza place a block away from the Fox. The internet said the place was kid friendly. I'm not sure what that even means since they didn't have high chairs or boosters. But on that night, it didn't matter. Every table had toddler or preschoolers. Everyone was going to see George!

Here is Rhiannon checking out downtown.

And with her Daddy in front of the Fox.

Our seats were fantastic. Aisle seats on the 6th row.

Rhiannon was so excited. Look at her face here. She was squealing and clapping so loud when it started that the woman in front of us turned around and laughed.

This was Henry's 4th attempt with a bottle. When I called home after his first feeding, my mother said that he had refused it and pitched a fit. Luckily, he was hungry enough to take the 9pm feeding. And I still had to nurse him when I got home. What a piggy!

All in all, it was a successful night. It was fun to see Rhiannon so happy and Henry had a successful evening without his Mommy although I couldn't wait to get back home to him.

We're looking forward to taking both kids next year!

What I have learned today. . .

2010-04-12T08:52:00.000-07:00

Life with two kids. What did I learn today?
Outside family photos + 2 years old recovering from being sick + 7 week old baby = not fun for anyone.
I doubt we got any pictures at all. We tried for 30 minutes and then left. It was very much a wasted morning and I truly thought about just leaving my 2 years old in the field.
Just kidding. Sort of.
If there are any pictures to share I will do so.
What I have learned? Stick to the studio pictures and bring a leash or a cage for the toddler.

Spring Photo Shoot Sneak Peak

2010-04-10T19:28:00.000-07:00

I haven't seen all the pictures yet. And we're going back on Monday for some outside shots. But, here is a sneak peak of what we have so far! The pictures were done by Whitney Hendrix of Simply Elegant Phtography. She rocks!

Introducing Henry Russell Crain!

2010-03-30T11:05:00.000-07:00

Geez! Where have we been? We have been living in a sleepless state of happy, frustrated, delirious bliss the last 5 weeks.

On Monday, February 22 at 12:24pm, Henry Russell Crain joined our family. He weighed 8 lbs 8 oz and was 21 1/2 inches long. This was 3 long days after my due date. Who would have thought I would have had a post term baby? I know we certainly didn't.

On Friday, my due date, I had lunch with friends, shopped, grocery shopped and made dinner. A nice spicy dinner. Thanks for the enchilada recipe Shelby! That night, I started having contractions. They were 5 - 8 minutes apart for 2 1/2 hours. At that point, I took a shower and packed my and Rhiannon's bags to get ready to go and the contractions stopped. Saturday, a trip to the park and lots of walking. Still no baby. Sunday, Rhiannon and I played outside. Hopscotch of all things. Maybe that will get the baby here. We had a great dinner with ice cream sundaes for dessert and said the same thing we did over every dinner for the last few weeks. "This could be our last dinner as a family of three." And it was. My water broke in the middle of the night at around 3:30am. And the fun began.

When I arrived at the hospital at 5am, my contractions were every 3 minutes and I was 75% effaced and 5 cm dialated. I had not made up my mind about an epidural so I waited, and waited to get one. At about 7 cm, I gave in and begged for the drugs. And my epidural only worked on one side of my body. Frustrated, I asked to take it out but they convinced me to try again using the excuse that if I had to have a c-section, then I would have to be completely knocked out since the epidural didn't work. So, they tried again. And it still didn't work on the other side! Luckily, it was time to push at that point and Henry arrived 20 minutes later.

I was shocked that he was a boy becuase I was convinced he was a girl. Russ claims he knew all along.

He is a beautiful, chubby, dark haired baby. . .

That has screamed most hours of the day for his first 5 weeks of life.

Let me start by explaining that Russ and I are amateurs to newborns. Rhiannon was in the hospital for 45 days and when she came home whe was already on a schedule. And preemies rarely ever cry and sleep all the time.

I'm not talking about normal crying. I'm talking about screaming and wraithing in pain and breaking out into sweats. It was terrible. Russ and walked the halls, bounced, swayed, rocked, sang, swaddled, and cried with him all hours of the day and night. We visited the doctor at 1 week, to see what could causing this pain. In one week, he had gained a pound so he was definitely getting enough to eat. After a few other visits, we decided that he had silent reflux. He doesn't spit up but the acid comes up and then he swallows it again. So it's double the pain! So, now we have tried zantac and that didn't work. Now we're on prevacid and I think we have found the cure.

The other thing recommended is that I change my diet. I'm breastfeeding exclusively. So, I have to exclude all dairy, onions, garlic, spicy foods, cabbage, brocoli, beans, and the worst . . . chocolate, caffiene, and alcohol. Let me get this straight, I can't sleep and I can't have chocolate, coffee, or booz? This sucks.

But it seems to be working. We now have a happy, smiley baby boy. He no longer screams in pain and for the last couple of nights has slept 5+ hours at night.

So, that should explain where we have been. I'm completely in love with this little guy. His little chubby smile melts my heart.

Rhiannon is great with him and it is already clear that he prefers her as entertainment. She gets most of his smiles and coos.

I can't believe how fast time has flown. Here are a few of our favorite pics from the last few weeks.

This is where he sleeps most of the time. . .

And my favorite!

I have tons of other pictures to post and hopefully now that Henry is sleeping, I will have time to do so!

Jelly Bean's Nursery

2010-02-15T18:43:00.001-08:00

Here is sneak peak of Jelly Bean's nursery. There are a few things still left to do to personalize it after he/she arrives but this is what we have so far!

The bedding:

Dr Amanda drew this for Russ' nursery when he was born. It gave us the idea to use a circus theme.

And one of the first things I bought for #2. It says "I Love My Big Sister." The other was a gift from one of the ladies that Russ works with.

Snow!

2010-02-15T18:10:00.001-08:00

All week the weatherman predicted it. Of course, we didn't believe it. But we got it. Snow! Almost 4 inches which is like a blizzard for GA. And it came on a Friday afternoon. Rhiannon saw the snow beginning to fall and then went down for her nap. She then woke up to a winter wonderland! The snow was still falling and we already had a blanket of snow covering the lawn.

She and I put on as many layers as we could (which is not easy when you're 39 weeks pregnant I might add) and then headed outside to play. The bank closed early so Daddy was able to join us as well.

We made an Alabama snowman. We trecked all up and down the lawn. And then we decided to do some sledding.

As I mentioned, we just don't get a lot of snow in GA. So, we don't own sleds. But, we do own laundry baskets! Rhiannon went down once and decided it wasn't for her. Daddy on the other hand, loved it!

The next morning, the snow was just as beautiful! And again the bank was closed so the three of us went back outside to play with our neighbors Erin and Eric and their kids Conner (5) and Rylee (21 months).

The dads had the bright idea to use our jump house as a sled. So they threw all three kids in the house and pushed them down the hill. The kids loved it. Rylee is not quite 2 and a tiny thing so we pulled her out thinking it was too much for her. She simply climbed right back in.

We had so much fun! I had hoped that all the hiking up hills and rolling snow men would help baby arrive. But he/she is still pretty comfortable. I'm due on Friday and to back to doctor on Thursday. I will update you afterwards.

A couple of parties

2010-02-07T18:33:00.000-08:00

So, for weeks I was stuck at home so we obviously we didn't have big plans for New Years this year. Well big plans outside the house anyway. We did have our own little New Years party!

I'm taking photos from my position on the couch. . .

We got party favors and sparking white grape juice and plastic champagne glasses. We told Rhiannon all day that we were having a New Years Party that night. She had no idea what New Years was about but she loves parties so she was pretty excited.

That evening, Russ made tacos and then afterwards Rhiannon put on her party dress and party favors. We poured glasses of sparkling grape juice and did a toast. Okay, Rhiannon liked the juice, and the toasting, so we did several toasts.

Notice the taco sauce still on her face!

Then at the late hour of 7:45, we did a count down to the new year. And again, Rhiannon thought that was pretty fun, so we did several countdowns to the new year.

After a bubble bath, we put the party girl to bed. She told us as we tucked her in, "Thank you. I loved my party." Russ was asleep by 10. I was out shortly afterwards.

Hands down, "The Best New Years Party Ever".

For our superbowl party this evening, Rhiannon and I made cocoa krispie footballs! It's a party for the 3 of us but we're having fun. Go Saints!

Hair cuts

2010-02-07T18:18:00.001-08:00

Don't worry, I still haven't cut off my litle girl's hair. I'm to scared that the curls won't come back! However, Russ also an aversion to hair cuts. He prefers to let his hair grow until he can't stand it any longer and then he personally shaves it off. I have only gotten him to go to the hair stylist maybe 3 times in our 11 years together.

So, as you can see from the pictures, his hair has gotten pretty long. I LOVE IT!! With a little 5 o'clock shadow and he's the sexiest thing alive. He has been waiting to shave it because I love it so much. I told him I was on bedrest and it made me happy. So, his plan was to wait until the baby arrives to shave his head.

Well, that has obviously taken a little longer than expected.

So, he walks in to the living room sporting this pony tail and tells me to say goodbye to his gorgeous hair because he's shaving it tonight.

Of course we took pictures of his pony tail.

And then of Rhiannon's pony tail.

And of just Rhiannon.

And then he shaved off that beautiful head of hair. Boo.

38 weeks and holding

2010-02-07T17:34:00.000-08:00

Well, 37 weeks has come and gone. I had my cerclage removed on the day I was 37 weeks, Friday, Jan 29. Honestly, Russ and I believed that the baby was just going to fall out there at there at the doctor's office. Dr Harrison even teased as he was cutting the stich that he knew how to "catch" a baby. The night before the appointment, we put my suitcase in the car. We made sure all the bills were paid. The house was cleaned. Laundry was done. Russ took the day off.

Our belief that this was our weekend was from more than just the cerclage. This has always been an important weekend for us. Russ asked me on our first date on Jan 30, 1999. We moved in together that weekend in 2001. Russ proposed on Jan 29, 2003. And we found out we were pregnant with Rhiannon on that weekend in 2007. This weekend held a lot of significance for us and we just knew it was going to be it.

So, that morning we took pictures. . .

Okay, Russ was just little stressed out that morning. You don't see this often folks.

We just knew that it was going to be THE DAY.

Guess what people, it was not the day. Nor the weekend. The cerclage was removed and when the doctor checked me, I was not thinning or dialating. He says, "This could be a while".

So, now I'm 38 weeks. We had our 38 week appointment on Friday. The night before, we took more pictures. . .

And at the appointment, we find out that I'm still not dialated at all and only 50% effaced.

The doctor asked me about induction and I told him that I would rather wait for it occur naturally. I'm due for another ultrasound at 39 weeks to see how big the baby is. We will discuss induction at 41 weeks unless there are other problems.

We have been passing around an ugly stomach virus at the house. Rhiannon had it earlier in the week and then I woke up with it the morning of my appointment. It's very difficult to pee in a cup when you can't keep water down. I made it through my appointment but was completely out of commission for the next two days. It's also difficult to hug a toilet properly with a watermelon in your belly. Luckily, we are all better now and Russ still hasn't caught it!

More updates to come!

Freedom!!!

2010-01-28T19:31:00.001-08:00

Tomorrow I will be 37 weeks!

Here's a picture. . . actually this was at 35 weeks. I'll post another after tomorrow of 37 weeks. But you get the idea. H-U-G-E.

Tomorrow morning, I get the cerclage removed. This is the stitch that has been holding my cervix closed for the last 18 weeks. The midwife thinks that I will go into labor very quickly afterwards. The doctor said it could be a week of more. We're going to the appointment with a packed suitcase just in case!

At my appointment last week, the doctor gave me my freedom back. My mother and I basically ran out of the office screaming with joy. We headed straight to the mall and shopped. Now granted this was Lakeshore Mall in Gainesville so there wasn't much to look at but we shopped for make-up, pajamas, baby clothes, lotion, shoes. Whatever. Then we went out to lunch at Red Lobster. We were going to a movie but they didn't start until later on that afternoon. What a day.

This freedom also meant that I could keep Rhiannon! I haven't been able to spend the day alone with my daughter since September. I was pretty excited. So what did we do with our first day of freedom? We painted, we played outside, we made rice krispie treats for Daddy, we played in the floor. We had a blast.

Painting using brushes. . .

Then we moved onto just using the hands. . .

What else have we done?

We visited INK, a children's museum in Gainesville with my best friend Jessica and her son Hudson, also known as Rhiannon's future husband.

We have also been potty training. Again. Rhiannon was at the point in August where she was only wearing a pull up at night and panties all day. Around the time I was put on bedrest we had a bit of regression. Thankfully we are now taking outings again with panties and have been successful. Last night she even made it through the night without wetting her pull up. I am expecting some regression once the baby arrives but think we've made some big steps in the right direction these last few weeks.

Baby "Beth" has been potty training too. I walked into Rhiannon's bathroom one afternoon and found this. . .

Oh and one more funny picture. This girl can eat! She now eats an entire sandwich. Here she ate her peanut butter sandwich (minus the crusts), one whole apple and then while I was away from my seat, she ate the rest of my apple! What a cute little piggy!

Thank you all for your prayers. It's been a very long 18 weeks but we now have a full term baby. Rhiannon had 45 days of training from the wonderful NICU nurses so she came home to a rested Mommy and on a perfect schedule. This baby will be a completely different experience and we couldn't be more thrilled.

We'll keep you updated. . .

32 1/2 weeks

2009-12-29T17:36:00.000-08:00

I have been awful about documenting belly pictures. I'm thrilled to death about being 32 weeks pregnant. And really didn't expect to make it this far. And I love it! The baby movement is so strong that it wakes me up at night. And it's exciting to think about how much bigger this baby is already compared to Rhiannon's birth size. So, I love my pregnant belly. Just not the rest of me that is expanding in the process. Sometimes I wonder where the baby is, my belly or my butt since it seems to be a race to see which can expand faster. I think my butt is winning. Yeah.

Anyways, here are some pictures taken tonight.

And of Daddy (who keeps losing weight by the way. . . how does that happen?)

The pregnancy is still progressing well. I see the doctor weekly now and at each visit a vaginal ultrasound is performed to measure the length of my cervix and check the cerclage. My cervix has not shortened anymore since the cerclage which is great news. At 29.5 weeks (Rhiannon as born at 29.4) I had a doctor's appointment and they did a full ultrasound to measure the baby. At that time the baby was already weighing 3 lbs 5 oz. Rhiannon was 3 lbs 3 oz. Typically babies at 29 weeks are around 2 1/2 lbs so it looks like this baby will be big. Rhiannon was too thankfully. If this baby goes to term, I might not be so happy about it's big size! But it's to be expected. Russ was almost 10 lbs and I was 9 lbs 4 oz. The baby looked wonderful. However, it still covers it's face. He/she is a bashful thing.

I'm almost completely losing my mind but time seems to be going by quickly. Russ keeps reminding me to enjoy being pregnant, so I'm working on that. Rhiannon is entertaining so that's a plus. She has become much more independent and is quite the helper. She often stops playing and says "I need to go check on Mommy." She makes sure that my water jug is full and with me at all times. Although she drinks most of it. She's a joy and I'm thankful with all this time I get to spend with her in these last weeks of being an only child.

Rhiannon received a doctor's kit from Dr Amanda for Christmas so she also spends a lot of time giving me medical exams. She listens to my heart, checks my temperature and blood pressure, gives me shots and looks in my ears. Then she tells me I did a good job and she puts a sticker on me. So apparently I'm a good patient.

Here she is with her new stethoscope.

I have a nurse that comes to our house every week week to give me my progesterone shot. Thankfully I only have 4 more left. Rhiannon holds my hands during the shot and she enjoys hearing the baby's heart beat with the doppler.

So here's to 7 1/2 more weeks! Thank you all for your prayers!

Christmas Cookies

2009-12-22T08:03:00.000-08:00

It's a tradition in my Mama's kitchen that we make cookies for Christmas. This is one of my favorite traditions but last year I missed out while at work but Rhiannon was there to help. The year before, Lawson was the helper. This year, however, Rhiannon and I both were there to help. After the year we have had with my Mama's health and my pregnancy, it was such a blessing to sit in my Mama's kitchen and enjoy the smells of my childhood home mixed with the wonderful smell of cookies and hear the sweet sounds of Christmas music and my little girl singing with her Mama and grandmother. So many times that day I just sat there and smiled because of how insanely happy I was at that very moment.

Rhiannon received this cute little apron from Aunt Linda for Christmas so she helped Momess make the cookie dough and cut the cookies. I documented the process with video and pictures from my chair.

After the cookies were baked, Rhiannon and I decorated them with sprinkles. Rhiannon calls them "sparkles" and she spent most of the time eating the "sparkles" instead of putting them on the cookies. And there is not telling how many cookies she snagged and started eating before I could grab them from her. We had so much fun.

Merry Christmas to all of you and your families. I hope you enjoy every second of this wonderful season.

A visit with Santa

2009-12-22T07:44:00.000-08:00

Last year my sister and I took our girls to see Santa together and had the cutest pictures made of the two of them. We decided to try it again this year. It was no simple feat. I wanted to go so my mother and Russ came with me. One to push the wheelchair and one to chase our two year old. We visited the Picture People again because they have Santa there from 3 - 8 Monday - Thursday for pictures. This works out well for us because we can get pictures made of the girls alone, together and with Santa.

The photo shoot went amazingly well. Getting a two year old and almost 4 year old to look at the camera took some work but we did it. That poor photoghrapher.

Lawson loved Santa. I think she loved him so much that he was running from her by the end of the session. Rhiannon wasn't so sure. She refused to sit in his lap but decided she would stand beside him. He asked her what she wanted for Christmas and she said "TOYS!!". Then immediately said "Bye Santa" which meant "Okay, you can go now." It was funny.

Notice in the picture how Santa is holding on to her.

Lawson is such a ham. Isn't she the cutest?

Here are pictures from last year.

And pictures from this year.

Lawson is holding onto Rhiannon here. Thanks Lawson!
Oh, and this is how I roll.

A quiet two year old

2009-12-19T07:25:00.000-08:00

Another thing I have learned, it's a bad sign when my two year old is quiet.

One Saturday, Rhiannon was playing both in the living room and room. She's a very vocal two year old. She talks to us, herself, her dolls. . . or she sings.

When she's quiet, you should worry.

On this day, we walked back to her room and found this. . .
She had pulled every article of clothing out of every drawer in her dresser. And taken all of her dress up items out of the dress up basket.

Busted!

She also has a little chalk board on the side of her kitchen set. I thought, what harm could she do with white chalk? Her furniture is already white right? I didn't think about the walls. . .

Uncle Timothy caught her in the corner of her room doodling on her walls with chalk. He called me in to show me.

Mommy: "Rhiannon, what it this?" In a stern voice as I am pointing to the chalk on the wall. Rhiannon: Looks at the wall, and then back at me, and says "A bunny." And smiles.

At that point, I just laughed.

Mommy loves hair photos

2009-12-19T07:09:00.000-08:00

As your child grows up, I think you realize how big they are getting but for me, it isn't until I looked at pictures again from last Christmas that I realized how much my little Rhiannon has changed.

I took this picture before she left for a visit with Sweet Pea and YaYa because I loved the outift. The overalls were a gift from my friend Jessica last Christmas. They are from Pottery Barn Kids and are so soft and sweet. I loved them paired with the Converse sneakers.

I also took this one of her hair!

Rhiannon's hair is now so long that when it's wet it hits her lower back. It's so curly that you can't tell how long it truly is. The curls bring me to another interesting vent. I have straight hair. Well, not entirely straight. It's incredibly thick and when air dryed it has this very strange amazon like wave that would cause you to point and laugh at me if you saw it. But not these springy cute curls. I have no idea how to handle curls. Through trial and error, I have discovered that's it's best not to brush it. I comb it when it's wet and then let it air dry. To fix it, I will sometimes spray with water to refresh the curls. But most time, I just finger comb it and stick a bow in it (and then pray that she keeps the bow in). I have only cut it once, and that was to cut her bangs last Christmas. At this point, I'm scared to cut it because of the fear that I will cut off the curls and they won't come back!

I then found this picture from last Christmas and realize how much she truly has changed. My baby is growing up!

Graduation!

2009-12-19T06:37:00.001-08:00

On December 12, the Crain family hit a major milestone. Russ graduated!

To explain a little more, Russ tried college after we graduated from high school 13 years ago but at that time, well, let's just say it wasn't a good fit. Which worked well for me because that brought him to live in Dahlonega after leaving UGA. I was in college at North Georgia in Dahlonega and it was then that we started dating. While I was in my senior year, Russ started attending classes again but then stopped when his dad had a stroke in late 2002. It wasn't until we decided to start a family that he made the decision to go back to school full time. That was a little over 3 years ago. So, after 13 years, Russ graduated from North Georgia College and State University with a bachelor's degree in Finance. I think I was the happiest person there! Although, Rhiannon looks pretty happy too.

And yes, I was able to attend graduation thankfully. When all this bedrest stuff began, it was my fear that I would not be able to go. And it was so important for me to be there to support him. Russ has had such a difficult last semester with me on bedrest, caring for Rhiannon, work, and a tough semester in school, but he has worked so hard. My youngest brother, Timothy, was also graduating with his Masters in Education in the same ceremony. After getting clearance from OB, I was allowed to go.

So Russ spoke to the school and had them reserve a seat for me on the floor so that I would not have to climb bleachers (climbing stairs right now is a no-no). They were only able to reserve 3 and I figured that me Rhiannon and my brother Stephen could sit there together that way the parents could sit together and I had Stephen's help with Rhiannon.

The morning of graduation. . .

Russ had a late night with early celebrations so Stephen and I were caring for Rhiannon that morning while the graduate slept in. Rhiannon woke up at 5:30am and that was how the day started. Later on that morning, after Russ had showered, I went to get in the shower and while it was warming up, our water went out. Comletely. In the entire neighborhood. Stephen and I had not showered yet and were supposed to be leaving in an hour and a half. So, we grabbed Rhiannon and drove to my parents house. In a mad rush, we got ready and were on our way to graduation. Stephen entered the gym first and found our seats. They were easy to get to and had "Reserved Crain" taped on the backs of them. Stephen goes to sit down and this lady tells him that she has those seats saved. He tells her that they are reserved for his family and sits down. She starts fussing at him and that's when I sat down. She then starts fussing at me. I explain to her that my husband is graduating at that I had been on bedrest for 10 weeks. Because of my condition, my husband had the school reserve these seats for me. I'm not sure if she didn't believe me or if she was just psycho (I'm leaning towards the latter). She then said something about taking care of it and walked off. She came back and pointed her finger in Stephen's face and told him that he was a liar! She said she spoke to the Dean and there were no reserved seats. At this point, I'm thinking that maybe she's blind. Can she not see the signs on the chairs? Did she think that we put those signs there? At this point, the Howard tempers of me and Stephen (with a few pregnant hormones as kindling) are flaring so we are both telling this lady off. I truly can't remember ever being that mad. I chose to walk off to see a sorority sister of mine and cool off. And the lady followed me!!! I was really looking for people to take her off in the white jacket. Or me one.

But, Russ and Timothy graduated! Whew. After my camera was dropped and broken in the lobby after the ceremony, I was ready for this day to be over!

But I couldn't be more happy for my hard working husband. I'm so proud of him!

It's Christmas

2009-11-20T07:20:00.000-08:00

I have to brag on Russ. Bless his heart, he has carried quite a burden these last few weeks. He is working full time, finishing is final semester in college, taking care of the house, and me and Rhiannon. I think he has lost as much weight as I have gained. But he has kept such a hopeful spirit and is still such a positive influence. I felt like God wouldn't have given us this challenge if we weren't strong enough to handle it and Russ certainly is. He's just amazing.

Yesterday morning, he returned home from class and decided since it was his day off that he wanted to put up Chrismtas decorations. Usually, we put our tree up the weekend after Thanksgiving but he wanted to go ahead and do it so that I could enjoy it. So, he hauled all our Christmas decor down from the attic and put up all of it by himself. I layed on the couch and put hooks on ornaments. It looks amazing! Mimi and Papa brought Rhiannon home that afternoon and the look on her face was so sweet. She kept saying "Oh, the tree is so pretty!". And Jingle Bells is her new favorite song.

So, the Crain home is ready for Christmas all thanks to my sweet Russ. Thanks Baby!

27 weeks

2009-11-20T06:50:00.000-08:00

Today I am 27 weeks! This is an exciting week for us. I was 27 1/2 weeks when I started having issues with my pregnancy with Rhiannon -- at 27 1/2 weeks, I was 100% effaced. But, at my OB visit last week, my cervix was still looking good at 2.8 and the cerclage was working beautifully. Dr Harrison said that the next 6 - 8 weeks are crucial since this was the point that my cervix started giving way with Rhiannon and we would really like to make it to 34 weeks. That's our goal since most babies do not need the NICU at that point. The babies heartrate was at 150. Right at the mid-range to guess sex but Dr Harrison thought it was probably higher than usual since the baby was very active during the exam. He/she kept kicking the dopler away when he was trying to listen to the heart.

Another reason why we're excited this week is because we are halfway mark. I will have been on bedrest for just over 9 weeks and will have just over 9 weeks to go to get to 37 weeks (a full term baby).

Reason #3, the doctor said I could go see a movie! So, Russ and I have a date night tomorrow night. I can't begin to explain how excited I am!!!

Finally, reason #4. . . it't Thanksgiving. Probably my favorite holiday! Every year, my mother's family, the Saxtons, come over to my mother's house for lunch. I have 10 cousins and they come with their significant others and children and my my aunts and uncles. It's so much fun! This year, my mother has had some health problems and was just released from the hospital last week. So, my aunt Beverly is having Thanksgiving at her house this year. And the doctor said I could go! On the following Sunday, we will go to Russ' parents house for Thanksgiving feast #2.

Here are some pictures of me at 26 weeks. I'm hesitant to post because pregnant appetite + bedrest has created one big Mama. We won't even discuss numbers but it's not pretty. I may need a moo moo dress by the time this pregnancy is over. But, I felt like I should document some pictures since I posted pictures of me pregnant with Rhiannon at 26 weeks.

http://babycrain.blogspot.com/2007/07/26-weeks.html

Happy Thansgiving to everyone. I'm thankful for this pregnancy, my wonderful husband, my fiesty little Rhiannon, our family, and each and every one of you. We wish you health and happiness.

Halloween

2009-11-04T12:10:00.001-08:00

Here is a picture of Rhiannon's first Halloween. Due to RSV season, we did not leave the house. Rhiannon was 3 months old here (adjusted age 3 weeks!). It's hard to remember her that tiny. Check out how excited Russ and I look!

And a couple of pictures of Raggedy Rhiannon from Halloween last year. . .

And finally, Halloween this year. What a cute little Ladybug!

The make-up didn't stay on long. The weather was horrible on Halloween and the rain quickly made it run so we wiped it off for trick-or-treating. I loved the tennis shoes with the costume.

And from the back!

Rhiannon went trick-or-treating a few different times over the weekend. On Friday, Mimi and Papa took her to Dr Amanda's office for candy. She spent Saturday morning with Papa Sweet Pea and Ya-Ya and visited with Angela's parents, Pete and Linda, and cousins Devon and Sawyer. And then Hallow's Eve, she went trick-or-treating with Daddy, Momess, Aunt Katie and cousin Lawson. I rode along in the car and video taped from my reclined seat through the window of the car.

Rhiannon LOVED her costume. We tried it on her the week before Halloween, and she cried when we took it off. It's all she talked about all week leading up to Halloween. And of course, she cried the night we took it off. She was so much fun!! She was able to see family and received way too much candy. My job in the car was to ration the candy to give to her. It went well. One for Rhiannon, two for Mommy. Repeat. I'm shocked we have any left. . .

Fall Fun

2009-10-30T09:28:00.000-07:00

So even though Mommy is stuck in bed, Rhiannon has been a busy girl this fall. It's the time of year for fall festivals! My favorite! The first one on the list if Mule Camp Market in downtown Gainesville. Rhiannon attended with her Mimi and Papa this year. Sadly, I wasn't able to go but I did send Russ to get funnel cakes later on in the weekend. Here are some pictures of Rhiannon at the petting zoo set up at the festival. She didn't quite understand why she couldn't brush the turkey.

This is what she wanted to wear. . .

Later on that weekend, she went to Burt's Pumpkin Farm with Papa Sweet Pea and YaYa (my dad and stepmother). Her cousin Sawyer went too. They picked out pumpkins and road the hayride. Rhiannon is still talking about it.

This weekend of fun with grandparents ended up stretching through the entire next week because on that Sunday Russ was diagnosed with swine flu. He went to his parents house to stay for the week and Rhiannon went to my mother's house. Since I'm pregnant and Rhiannon was premature, we were extra cautious. Luckily, neither she nor I got sick. It was a very lonely week for me though. The whole family is back now and Rhiannon and I have appointments to get vaccines next week.

Progress report on Baby #2: I'm 24 weeks today. At my appointment this week, there has been no change which is good news. I've been on bedrest now for 4 weeks. Only 13 more to go! Thanks for your prayers. This is one lively baby. I'm not sure if it's really more active than Rhiannon was or if I can feel it more since all I do is lay around. Either way, there are nights when it's hard to sleep because Jelly Bean is kicking so hard. You can even see my stomach move with his kicks!

Happy Halloween to all of you. I'll post pictures of Rhiannon this weekend.

Baby Names

2009-10-11T10:45:00.001-07:00

Parents put so much thought into baby names. Do we want something unique? Classic? A family name? How do we spell it? It's maddening. For Baby #2, we have a girl name picked out. And a couple variations of the boy name. This time around, we have decided to keep the name a surprise, just as with the sex of the baby. All information will be released when Jelly Bean gets here and hopefully, that's still months away.
This post is more on Rhiannon's name. It's definitely unique. People are constantly pronouncing it incorrectly or asking us how to spell it. Her full name is Rhiannon James Crain. How did we come up with it?
Well, from our first date, I knew Russ was my love. It may have taken us 4+ years to get married, but we both knew we had found The One. We were discussing baby names within the first year. Russ declared one day that he wanted to name is little girl Rhiannon that first year we were together. And I loved it. We even have a "Rhiannon" sign that Russ' parents brought home for us from a trip to England before we were even married.
Rhiannon is song from the band Fleetwood Mac. Stevie Nix, who wrote and performed the song, often says that the song is about a "Welsh Witch". The name comes from Welsh folklore about a Goddess, Rhiannon.
Rhiannon, the Celtic goddess of the moon was a Welch goddess. The goddess Rhiannon's name meant “Divine Queen” of the fairies. In her myths, Rhiannon was promised in marriage to an older man she found repugnant. Defying her family’s wishes that Rhiannon, like other Celtic goddesses, declined to marry one of her "own kind".
The entire story can be found here. http://www.goddessgift.com/goddess-myths/Celtic_goddess_Rhiannon.htm
But Rhiannon was strong and loyal and forgiving. She suffered hardships and heartbreak but was respected for her strength and forgave those who wronged her.
The story of the Celtic goddess Rhiannon reminds us of the healing power of humor, tears, and forgiveness. The goddess Rhiannon is a goddess of movement and change who remains steadfast, comforting us in times of crisis and of loss.

So our girl first name was in stone.

We through middle names around for years. It was tough to find a name that sounded right with such a long first name. But the night we found out we were pregnant, the middle name came to us.
James.
James is a family name. It was the name of mother's father. Russ' uncle is named James. And, it's the middle name of my brother, Timothy. I was 7 when Timothy was born. My parents moved me out of my room and created this beautiful pink room with my own bathroom in the basement. However, I refused to sleep there. Partly because I was scared but mostly because I enjoyed sleeping in the little twin bed in Timothy's nursery to hear him breathe at night. My step-father would sing James Taylor's song, "Sweet Baby James" to him as a lullaby. And that is what we wanted to sing to our baby girl. So, James would be her middle name.
And sing to her we did. This song (along with "You are My Sunshine") is a song we have sang to her each night since the day she was born. I printed out the lyrics to make sure I had them all correct to sing to her in the NICU. I still have that printout in my journal from that time. Of course we do change the song a tad. Instead of "Sweet Baby James", we sing "Sweet Rhiannon James".
Now that Rhiannon is older, she asks for the song. She calls it, "On the Range". And she sings it. Word for word.
Here are the lyrics to the song. And just below that, a video of her singing the first verse.

There is a young cowboy he lives on the range
His horse and his cattle are his only companions
He works in the saddle and he sleeps in the canyons
Waiting for summer, his pastures to change

And as the moon rises he sits by his fire
Thinking about women and glasses of beer
And closing his eyes as the doggies retire
He sings out a song which is soft but its clear
As if maybe someone could hear

(chorus)

Goodnight you moonlight ladies
Rockabye sweet baby james
Deep greens and blues are the colors I choose
Wont you let me go down in my dreams
And rockabye sweet baby james

Now the first of december was covered with snow
And so was the turnpike from stockbridge to boston
Lord, the berkshires seemed dream-like on account of that frosting
With ten miles behind me and ten thousand more to go

Theres a song that they sing when they take to the highway
A song that they sing when they take to the sea
A song that they sing of their home in the sky
Maybe you can believe it if it helps you to sleep
But singing works just fine for me

- chorus -

Half way there!

2009-10-09T08:36:00.000-07:00

Well, the good news is that we are now at 21 weeks along which puts us over the half way point of my pregnancy. The baby is healthy and strong. All limbs are accounted for and he/she is even a little big for his age. The bad news is that at my bi-weekly appointment last week, we discovered that my cervix has already started to funnel, or shorten. At only 19 1/2 weeks this was very scary for us. But, we now know that Rhiannon's prematurity was caused by my incompetent cervix and it was not just spontaneous premature labor. So, I was sent again to the high risk doctor in town, Dr Allaire, and it was decided that I would need an emergent cerclage. Sorry to throw around so much medical jargen. I'll do my best to explain. A cerglage is basically a stich that keeps the cervix closed. It can be performed early in pregnancy (12 - 14 weeks) if there is a known issue. Since we weren't sure what caused Rhiannon's prematurity, we did not take that option. An emergent cerclage is performed later on in the pregnancy when an issue is discovered. It is not as successful as a cerclage done before cervical changes but combined with the progesterone shots that I'm already receiving and bedrest, the doctor hopes we can make it to 34 weeks. So, I was admitted to the hospital that evening to be monitored and the procedure was performed the next afternoon. So, I'm home now and in bed for the hopefully the next 17 weeks (37 weeks is a full term baby).

Russ and I are still optimistic but also disappointed and scared. When we discussed having a second child we knew the risks. The worst case would be that we lost the baby. The second worst scenario was that I could be on bedrest for a very long time. And we worried about how that would affect Rhiannon and our families. But we decided that it was important for Rhiannon to have a sibling and we would put it in God's hands and pray for the best. So, now I'm on bedrest. And worst still is that unlike before, I'm so early that at this point the baby wouldn't even survive if it were born today. We're faced with our 2 worst scenarios and we're scared.
We know how blessed we are. We know the baby is healthy. We have our families so close by that take turns staying with me and Rhiannon 6 days a week while Russ works. We both have jobs and I'm able to still get a paycheck while I'm out of work. So, we need to remember how blessed we are. And remember that this is in God's hands. I believe that He knows that we're strong enough to make it through this or He wouldn't have given us this challenge.
So, I will be updating you on the challenges of bedrest! So, far I am caught up on all the CBS soaps. I'm a little bummed that Guiding Light went off the air. I am also way into all the teen trash that comes on in the evenings. I have joined Net Flix and will be beginning my movie analysis tomorrow. I have books and lists and my computer. However, there just isn't a lot you can do lying down. Even working on the computer is difficult. Plus, the doctors want me to keep my stress level at a minimum. Have they met me?
Rhiannon is doing great. I think she actually prefers that I'm here all the time. She doesn't seem to care too much that I'm always in bed or lying on the couch. Yesterday, she came in the bedroom and told me to "Get up and go lay on the sofa". Bossy little thing. But she makes a good snuggle buddy. Here we are watching t.v. together.

Russ is an Angel. This is his last semester in college and now he has to take on my part of the day to day. Luckily, he did all the cooking, cleaning and grocery shopping anyway. Now he has to bathe Rhiannon every night and get her ready in the morning but that's just fun. He's such a wonderful Daddy and Husband.

Here are a few pictures from our latest ultrasound. Jelly Bean likes to cover his face. Little stinker.

Pics of my other baby. . .

2009-09-17T18:43:00.000-07:00

I know it appears that Rhiannon is the center of our universe. And indeed, our princess does believe the world revolves around her. But, I am 17 weeks pregnant with her sibling. Here's proof!

Mommy and baby are doing great. I started my progesterone injections this week and it wasn't near as bad as I feared. I visit the dr every 2 weeks now everything is going well. No issues, so keep praying that this baby stays in the oven for 23 more weeks!

1st trip to the Aquarium

2009-09-17T18:10:00.000-07:00

Last week, my mother and I took Rhiannon to the Georgia Aquarium. It was both her and my mother's first time!

Here she is at the first tank and with a new friend.

Rhiannon enjoyed it. . . well she enjoyed a few of the fish. . . however, she really enjoyed the moving sidewalk in the tunnel. A lot. 2 years olds. They keep you on your toes.

One minute, she loves the fish. . .

The next minute, we have meltdown (I think because she couldn't buckle the belt on her stoller)

The next minute, she's fine again. . .

We finished our morning with lunch at the Varsity, of course. I know a girl who is a big fan of hot dogs and frosted orandes. And my mom and Rhiannon are too.

Big girl bed

2009-09-08T19:07:00.000-07:00

Okay, this is night two of Rhiannon in her big girl bed. We painted and set up her bed weeks ago but we have waited to actually let her sleep in it. Why? We were waiting on the bed rails, a bookcase, a sign from God? Not sure what we were waiting on.

Getting her room ready!

This was Rhiannon playing in her bed. No sheets on at this point.

After Rhiannon hung out with Isabella and Huddy on Saturday and saw their big beds, we decided it was perfect timing. The next night she spent the night with my dad and stepmother (who Rhiannon calls Papa Sweet Pea and YaYa. . . isn't that cute?). I took that time to move her clothes and decor and books to her big girl room. So last night, she went to bed and slept all night with no issues. And she didn't get up and destroy her room like I feared.

Her are pictures of the finished room.

However, she refused to nap there today. Let me first explain that my girl LOVES to sleep. She tells you when she's ready for a nap, never complains at nap time, and usually sleeps 3 hours a day. She was one tired girl when I got home from work.

There was some hesitation tonight at bed time. The first time I left the room there were tears. I came back and crawled into bed and we talked and sang for a while. And then when I left again, there were more tears. And then, I pulled out the solution. Jessica, your Mom would be proud, I reminder her of Isabella and Huddy's big beds, and she stopped crying. And I left the room, and she went to sleep.

Keep your fingers crossed!

Play dates and UGA games

2009-09-08T18:42:00.000-07:00

We have had a busy couple of weekends. Two weekends ago we went to the Spector's home and enjoyed an afternoon at the pool with their family and the Bermans. Amanda and Hilary are friends of mine from college, our husbands are huge soccer (okay and any other type of sport) fans and get along famously, and our kids just all happen to be 2. After pool time, we cooked out back at the house and then stuck all 3 of the kids in a bubble bath. I unfortunately did not get pictures of bath time but got a cute one of them eating dinner. Rhiannon chose to lounge and eat. Funny girl. Hailey belongs to Hilary and Jimmy and Ethan belongs to Amanda and Marc. Aren't they all adorable?

This past weekend, we went to the Garrish home to watch the Georgia game. Jessica is my oldest friend. . . since the 4th grade!! Her little girl, Isabella, is 5 and her son, Hudson, is 3 months older than Rhiannon and we have serious plans for them to be married one day. However, we know what will probably happen is that they will be in the same class and probably think of each more as brother and sister. Jessica will call me to find out dirt on Hudson's girlfriends from Rhiannon . And Hudson will get mad at Rhiannon for telling her Mama too much. We really think to much into this relationship. Anyway, Rhiannon was so excited to go to Huddy's house. She told us like 50+ times on the way there that she wanted to go to Huddy's house. She cried when we stopped at the gas station because we weren't there yet. The game didn't go so well but the kids had a blast. And I got some cute pics.

Our UGA babies in Huddy's big boy bed!

That's Huddy in the middle.

The cheerleaders!

Rock Star

2009-09-02T19:53:00.000-07:00

So, Rhiannon enjoys playing Russ' guitar and singing. This evening, she ran in to the living room and grabbed me by the hand and dragged me to the guitar. She then asked me to take a picture. So, she wanted me to film her. Nevermind, that when I got home from work she had taken off her dress and was only wearing bloomers.
Anyways, here is her topless (oops) music video.

One last beach trip

2009-09-02T19:00:00.000-07:00

I think I've been procrastinating in posting the last few weeks because talking about the summer's last beach trip truly means that the summer is almost over. It's time to face the music though, the weather is getting cooler and football season is starting. Summer is over. No more cute sun dresses and bare chubby little Rhiannon legs. It's just sad!

So, for our last beach trip, we traveled to Destin, FL with Uncle Stephen. We rented a house just across the road from the beach and had a fantastic time.

Stephen was a great babysitter. And he was good with Rhiannon too.

The vacationers:

Rhiannon really enjoyed the gulf, I think far better than the Atlantic. I can't say that I blame her. The water was like a warm swimming pool. Clear, calm and gorgeous.

Look at this water! And the white sand! Paradise.

Rhiannon spent the day swimming in the ocean:

Or chasing birds. She would run down the beach (all the way down the beach in fact, the three of us took turns chasing her and bringing her back) screaming, "Oh dear! I lost my birds! I love them soooo much." She didn't quite understand why they kept flying away. She was carrying a sandy cheerio in her hand. I don't know why they would fly away from a screaming 2 year old running torwards them? Hmmm.

Daddy's turn to fetch her.

All that running and swimming can really wear a girl out. I don't think she ever made it through lunch. . .

The weather was fantastic. Our last day, we had a late morning rain shower so we packed up and left the beach and went back to our house. So what do you do at the beach when it rains? You dance in it! Why not? Now everytime it rains since we've returned home, Rhiannon asks to go outside and play in the rain.

A wonderful trip. It was a pefect way to end the summer and to enjoy one last vacation with only one child.

Although, I really need to work on my packing skills if we're going to take one more person with us. We truly are a family of over packers!

I end with one last picture and ask you, Can this child look anymore like her Daddy?

Every girl needs to be able to walk in heels. . .

2009-08-06T17:56:00.000-07:00

Rhiannon LOVES shoes. When I get home from work, she asks me to take off my heels so that she can wear them. She gets shoes out of our closet and puts them on. Flip flops, daddy's shoes, heels, it doesn't matter. This is a video I took of her after she comes out of our room with a pair of heels.

Listen for her to also tell you who the president is. Hee hee.

2 years ago. . .

2009-08-02T12:33:00.000-07:00

Rhiannon two years ago. She was two weeks old here. And Rhiannon the morning of her 2nd birthday.

Just over 2 years ago, I moved away from this blog to create Rhiannon's own website. http://www.babysites.com/sites/rhiannonjames/ While, I still plan to keep up with it and maintain updates and photo albums for Rhiannon, I have decided to move back to the blog world for a few reasons. First, I have been inspired by the blogs of friends; stay tuned for a more "jazzy" blog. I've lost my mind and am thinking of getting the help of a blog designer. Second, we are expecting our second child in February so I thought it was time that I start documenting our new journey and growing family. So, the name has changed. . . to "Growing Crains". I thought it was fitting as our family grows, our children grow and Russ and I grow.

So, where are we these days? Well, I'm 11 weeks pregnant and can't wait to get out of my first trimester. I suffer from night sickness that begins after 4. It was the same with Rhiannon but more severe this time. I usually do not have the luxury of keeping my dinner. However, I have been lucky in that I haven't had the exhaustion that I remembered when pregnant the first time. I'm not sure if it's not there or if I just haven't noticed it due to keeping up with a 2 year old. I haven't really had time for exhaustion anyway. Russ had class 3 nights a week this semester (that thankfully ended last week) so I have felt like a single parent. I rush home from work each night to rescue my wonderful in-laws from Rhiannon. Then we have 1 1/2 hours to cook dinner, clean up the kitchen, bathe and PJ Rhiannon, read books and then tuck into bed. I'll be glad to have my cook return this week! I love you Russ.

Rhiannon just celebrated her 2nd birthday. This is a huge milestone for a preemie and one that we thankfully have passed with no issues. We had a fun little party with family and a couple of local friends. I have an entire album at Rhiannon's babysite.

Rhiannon is almost potty trained. She now only wears pull-ups when she leaves the house and when she sleeps. This has happened in the last 3 weeks and I'm sure I'll have many more blogs on this process. Stay tuned.

Check out the big girl Elmo panties. Okay, with a tiara and heels. A girl has to have accessories right? We're also planning on moving Rhiannon into her big girl bed and new room this weekend. When it's finished, I'll show more pictures.

So, welcome to my updated blog. My goal is to at least post something every week.

2 weeks, 2 more visits to the hospital and a Baby Girl!!!

2007-07-26T06:23:00.000-07:00

Let me start by announcing that Russ and I are the proud parents of Rhiannon James Crain. Our baby girl was born at 7:01pm on July 24, 2007. She was 11 weeks early weighing 3 lbs 3 oz and 15 3/4 inches long.

Okay, now let me fill you in on the last couple weeks. I last updated you the weekend we got home from the hospital, the first time. That Monday, I had my weekly dr's appt. Everything was fine. No contractions, no bleeding. My instructions were to continue bed rest and return on Thursday for my Glucose screen. Thursday came, the test went fine. I passed with a 104 (anything under 140 is acceptable). After the test I was hooked up to monitor my contractions. Still no contractions but Rhiannon's heart beat was spiking up to almost 220 and then returning to the 150 - 160 range. Dr Lake was concerned so were sent back to the high-risk OB, Dr Allaire, and were told that the Brethine I was taking was possibly making Rhiannon's heart beat too fast. He was also concerned that one side of her heart appeared to be larger than the other. So, I was admitted back to the hospital to be monitored. I was taken off the Brethine (medicine to keep me from having contractions) and overnight her heartbeat stabilized. Dr Carpenter, the pediatric cardiologist did a series of tests of her heart and told us that there appeared to be no structural problems with her heart and I was sent home. This was Friday, July 20.

I woke up Monday and felt terrible. I had a headache and was nauseous. My back was hurting and just couldn't seem to get comfortable. Later on that afternoon I started feeling cramping in my pelvic area but nothing I could consider a contraction. I took a warm bath and that relieved the discomfort for a few hours but after dinner I started having definite contractions. After I had 4 in 40 minutes, we went to the hospital around 11pm. I was 1.5cm dilated so I was admitted again into the hospital and was given medicine (Procardia and Magnesium) to stop the contractions but they didn't stop. At around 10 the next morning, my water broke and the nurse was concerned that it was all blood. Dr Harrison finished breaking my water around 6 and I delivered Rhiannon vaginally at 7:01pm. I was told that my placenta had ruptured, known as placenta abruptia, possibly causing the preterm labor. The NICU team was there waiting for her when she arrived. They had trouble intebating her and almost gave her daddy a heart attack with worry and anticipation. After almost 20 minutes, they were able to get her stabilized and after a brief kiss from Mommy, she was off to the NICU.

Rhiannon is a tiny thing but my little over achiever and has shocked the NICU staff with her progress. At 10am the morning after she was delivered they were able to take her off the ventilator and she has been breathing room air since then. She had a touch of jaundice but after a day under the billy light, it was successfully treated. They began feeding her breast milk on Thursday morning and she has been successfully digesting. She has quite the temper. If we don't place her just the right way, she pitches a huge fit and turns a bright shade of red. The nurses have already told us we were going to have our hands full when we bring her home!

I have started another website to update you all on her progress. It allows me to share more pictures and I have tons to show off. She's beautiful. The website is: http://www.babysites.com/sites/rhiannonjames/

I'm still updating between visits to the hospital but hope to have it finished by the end of the weekend.

Thank you all for your prayers. We know how blessed we are that Rhiannon is doing so well and completely believe that is from all of your prayers. Please continue to remember our little Angel as she is still fragile and has a long road ahead of her. And pray for me and Russ as we had to come home without her last night.

Below are pictures of me holding her for the second time and of her snoozing.

Love to you all,

Heather, Russ and Rhiannon

28 weeks and a little excitement

2007-07-14T15:28:00.000-07:00

Well we've reached the 7 month mark and I'm happily composing this blog from the comfort of my home. We've had an exciting week.

Wednesday morning at work I noticed that I had started bleeding. I immediately left work and Russ and I rushed to our dr's office. After an ultrasound, Dr Lake noticed that my cervix had begun to thin. I was given my hospital admittance forms and sent to a high risk ob to verify Dr Lake's assessment.

At Dr Allaire's office (the high risk ob) another ultrasound was performed. Peanut is developing just as he should. They were checking in more detail for birth defects that could possibly cause preterm labor and luckily none were found. That was the good news. The bad news was that my cervix was completely effaced - 100% thinned out. I was to be admitted to the hospital for steroids to speed up the baby's lung development and it was possible I would remain there until the baby is born. He doubted I would make it to 34 weeks.

At the hospital I was given my first steroid shot and Brethine to prevent contractions. After several days of observation and no changes, I was released on Saturday to go home to strict bed rest. We were a little scared to leave my contraction monitor and the constant attention of the nursing staff but decided it would be nice to sleep in our own bed. The dr's are pleased that I have not progressed over the weekend and are hopeful that I can carry this baby to full term if I follow their instructions.

So for the next few weeks this is where I will be. I can get up to go to the bathroom and I have the special thrill of 30 minutes each day to take a shower/dry hair/get dressed, etc. We will have weekly appointments with our dr to monitor our progress and we will continue to check in with you every couple of weeks. We're still shocked and I am of course dealing with this not working with my pregnancy plan. But we know that this was God's plan for us and we are so very thankful that we were able to stop Peanut from arriving already.

Thank you all for the visits, calls, flowers, food, magazines and most of all your prayers. My mother and stepfather are on a trip out West until next weekend and the Crains are not due back until August. Needless to say we were a little scared without any parental supervision!! But all the love and support we have received from friends and family the last few days amazed us. We feel so blessed.

Please continue to keep up in your prayers. We will continue to update you with our progress.

Love to you all,

Heather, Russ and Baby Crain

26 weeks

2007-07-02T17:28:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone! It's July and we are about to make the final turn into our third trimester. I can't believe how fast the last few months have gone by!! We had our 25 week appointment with Dr Lake on Thursday. Mama and baby have gained 20 pounds so far, 4 pounds since our last visit. The baby's heartbeat was 151 bpm. We go back on July 19 for the glucose tolerance test to screen for Gestational Diabetes. I have to drink this sweet orange drink and then have my blood drawn an hour later. From what I've been told, it's not fun at all.

Below are some pictures of my bump, okay, it's now more than a bump, it's officially a belly!!!

According to BabyCenter.com, Baby Crain now weighs a little less than 2 pounds and measures about 14 inches. His weight will more than triple between now and birth as he rapidly puts on baby fat. He'll need that fat to help adjust to colder temperatures outside the womb and as a source of energy and calories in the first days of life.

Mama is starting to get a little uncomfortable. I have a constant pain just under my chest that stretches in a ring all the way around the middle of my back. Dr Lake says it is probably from the expansion of my ribs. The baby also tends to hang out under my rib on my left side. Whatever is going on, it is painful. Russ is a wonderful masseuse and his back rubs help me get comfortable in bed each night.

Peanut has been busy. He's moving around all the time. You can actually see my stomach move with each kick or punch. I can't make out what body parts I'm feeling but it's pretty fascinating watching my stomach change shapes with each movement.

On Sunday, Russ and I went shopping and ordered our crib. It should be here in a couple of weeks. For those of you that have asked, the picture below is of our crib bedding. I plan to register this weekend at BabiesRUs and Target. After a full day of church, driving and shopping we had a delicious dinner with our friends Amanda and Marc and their son Ethan at their home in Woodstock. Marc and Russ talked soccer and I was able to pick Amanda's brain about baby stuff.

Russ is enjoying his new job at the bank. I think it's fun to see him dressed up every day in a tie and slacks. He also started playing soccer again on Saturday and his knee continues to get stronger.

We hope you all have a safe and enjoyable 4th of July holiday!!

Love,

Heather, Russ and Baby Crain

23 weeks

2007-06-09T18:46:00.000-07:00

First of all, I apologize for being a week late with my posting. We just returned today from a week at Myrtle Beach with the Lawson clan. It was a week of beach, food and family. Who could ask for more?

Russ and I saw Dr Harrison for our 21 week appointment on Thursday before we left for our trip and finally had another ultrasound. We had not seen little peanut since 9 weeks and my he has gotten bigger! No we didn't find out the sex but we came really close to changing our minds. I'm going to continue to use "he" when talking about the baby just because my gut feeling is that's it's a boy but there is always the 50% chance that I'm wrong. So back to the ultrasound. It was amazing. We were able to see the baby's profile, fingers, and legs. At first he had one hand on his chest and the other was holding his little foot almost to his nose. He then let go of his foot, stretched his little back and stuck his thumb in his mouth (you can see him sucking his thumb in the picture above!). We could actually see his jaw moving as he sucked his thumb. We also were shown all 4 chambers of the heart, the stomach and the bladder. All were functioning just as they should. The best part was that the ultrasound was all captured on VHS so that we could watch it over and over again. The heart beat was 157 per minute.

I'm feeling the baby move all the time now. Russ and Stephen were actually able to feel it too!! It's so fascinating. Each time he moves I stop what I'm doing and put my hands on my stomach and smile. It's just a little reminder that there is a little person growing inside me. It amazes me.

We have changed our mind again on the nursery and have decided to go with a star theme. To ensure that I don't change my mind again, we ordered the bedding. Now all we have to do is get a crib and we can really start putting everything together.

Russ was offered a job at Bank of America so he officially has a day job now!! No more working nights, weekends and holidays. He was also accepted at North GA and will begin completing his bachelors degree there in the fall. So many exciting changes in the Crain home!!

We hope you all are enjoying your summer. Please enjoy our pictures of little Peanut and of Russ and I at the beach.

Love,

Heather, Russ and Baby Crain

18 Weeks

2007-05-07T14:35:00.000-07:00

We are 18 weeks now and head to bottom, our baby is approximately 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a large sweet potato) and weighs almost 7 ounces. My baby calendar says that she's busy flexing her arms and legs — movements that you'll likely start noticing more and more. And on Saturday, I felt Baby Crain for the first time!! I had a glass of sweet tea and felt a unique movement that I have never felt before. And although it's too early for them to feel it too, Russ and Stephen were here with me for the experience. It was so amazing. . . just the realization that there is a little person growing inside me. Although my first image was of the alien in SpaceBalls. . . let's just hope that the baby doesn't pop out with a top hat singing "Hello my baby, hello my honey. . . ".

This was a week of dr's visits for the whole family. We had our 17 week appointment and everything is progressing smoothly. I've gained 9 pounds so far. We will have our Level 2 ultrasound at the next visit. It will be tough not to find out what we're having. Russ also had his third knee surgery on Friday. The plan was for arthroscopic surgery to shave off some of his bone around the knee. Once the surgery began, the dr thought his knee looked much better than expected and decided not to shave off any bone. He trimmed up some rough cartilage and tightened up his ACL. Russ is doing well since surgery. His knee is sore and swollen but it has been the easiest of his surgeries so far. I'm thrilled that he's off work until after our family vacation in June. I'm going to be so spoiled with him home every night!

I've been busy organizing and preparing the house for baby. My sister Katie passed down some baby gear and a friend and neighbor of my grandmother's gave us a gorgeous cherry cradle. We've started the nursery, painting it a cheery yellow. We plan to put up a chair rail and paint stripes underneath. We've picked out our nursery bedding and bought a dresser to use as a changing table. We still have a lot to do but it feels nice to have started. My appetite right now is outrageous. I will eat a full meal only to feel like I'm starving again as soon as I finish. I'm trying to eat healthy and it's been easier since my aversion to fish and vegetables seems to have disappeared. Lately I've been craving salads which is good. . . and ICE CREAM which is not so good. =)

We'll check back in with you in 4 weeks. Hopefully with some ultrasound pictures of little Peanut. Until then, I have attached some pictures of Russ pre-surgery painting the nursery and post-surgery recovering, and of my bump. I don't feel like there's been a major change since our last post but I keep gaining weight and growing out of clothes so it must be going somewhere!! Hope you all are well. Happy Mother's Day to all of you mothers, grandmothers and soon to be mothers.

Love,
Heather, Russ and Baby Crain

14 weeks

2007-04-06T15:46:00.000-07:00

Week 14 marks the beginning of my second trimester. From our BabyCenter calendar, Baby Crain "is now almost 3 1/2 inches long — about the length of a lemon — and weighs about 1 1/2 ounces. Her body's growing faster than her head, which now sits upon a more well-defined neck. By the end of this week, her arms will have lengthened and will be in proportion to the rest of her body. Her little facial muscles are getting a workout as she squints, frowns, and grimaces. She can grasp now, too, and she may be able to suck her thumb. "

We had our 13 week appt on Thursday and we were able to hear the baby's heart beat from outside my tummy. The dr also gave me the okay to resume regular activity so I can start walking and doing light exercise and believe it or not, I'm excited about it. I'm still feeling nauseous in the evenings but my energy level is much higher. I can even stay up until 10 at night! Party!

We had many "firsts" since our last blog. We bought our first piece of baby furniture. At a local consignment store, we found a hand painted wooden high chair. You'll see it in the picture above. My mother always had a classic wooden high chair and that's what I had pictured for our baby so we were very excited about this find. The cute stuffed monkey is one of Baby Crain's first gifts that Shelby bought while we were in Greenville. It's so soft and cuddly. This week was also the first time that my "bump" could be seen. It's amazing how quickly your body starts to change. But, looking pregnant is a very exciting first and in a few weeks I should be able to actually feel the baby move!

As for dad, he and uncle Stephen are going to start next weekend painting and getting the nursery ready for Baby. When he's not at work, he's studying for Chemistry (bless his heart) or working on our yard. I'm so proud of him.

We'll update you again at 18 weeks. Happy Easter!

10 weeks

2007-03-11T12:24:00.000-07:00

10 weeks marks the point when Baby Crain graduates from an embryo to a fetus. She (the website always refers to the baby as a "she" . . of course we don't know what we're having and we don't plan on finding out the sex until after the baby is born, until then, when you read my blogs and I refer to the baby as "she", just keep in mind that it could just as well be a "he") is barely the size of a kumquat — just an inch or so long, crown to bottom — and weighs less than a quarter of an ounce. She has now completed the most critical portion of her development. This is the beginning of the so-called fetal period, a time when the tissues and organs in her body rapidly grow and mature. Her vital organs — the liver, kidney, intestines, brain, and lungs — are now in place and starting to function.

As for Mommy, morning sickness doesn't seem to be an issue. I instead suffer from night sickness. I'm fine until late afternoon and then I'm nauseous until bed. Milk and yogurt seem to help calm my stomach but the best cure is to just to go to sleep so I'm generally asleep by 9 every night. I have had intense cravings for fried chicken, much to Russ' dismay since he has been weening us from fried foods since New Years. I also crave tangerines and grapefruits. Fish and all seafood have been my aversions. I can't even watch Captain D's commercials on television without getting nauseous.

We had our 9 week appointment last week. We discovered that one of my cousins works at our ob's office and she saw us this visit. We had another ultrasound and she printed out several pictures to give to the grandparents, including a large picture for us. This was the first time that the little peanut actually looked like a baby. The dr said that that Baby Crain was measuring at 9 weeks and the heart beat sounded strong. I've haven't had any bleeding in a few weeks and if there has been no bleeding by our 13 week visit, I can start walking and doing some very light exercising.

Thank you all for your prayers and support. The last few weeks have been much better than our first few weeks of pregnancy and we're blessed not to have any other scares. We've received a lot of advice and Russ and I feel lucky to have such wonderful friends and family. We'll update you all again at 13 weeks which will mark the end of the first trimester.

I have attached a couple of pictures of us both. My waist line is starting to expand but still not a huge difference yet.

Love to you all,
Heather, Russ and Baby Crain

6 weeks

2007-02-15T06:30:00.000-08:00

Russ and I are 6 weeks pregnant!! It's been an eventful few weeks and I've tried to capture the highights below.

Fri, Jan 26
It had been a very long closing week at work and I was supposed to go out and meet Jan for a friends b-day. I knew I was a couple of days late so, I purchased a box of pregnancy tests and decided to go home and ease my mind. I took the test and it showed immediately one line, not pregnant. So, I wondered into the kitchen to eat some dinner. I came back into the bathroom a few minutes later and to suprise there were two lines!! I'm pregnant?? Really!! So I took two other tests. All of course positive. I canceled my plans for the night and got on line to see how far along I was. According the calendar online, we were 4 weeks pregnant. And our due date is October 4, our anniversary!!!
The next few hours lasted forever. I sat on my couch dying to get on the phone and tell everyone I knew but I had to wait until Russ got home from work to tell him first. So, I wrapped the tests in a small green box with a gold bow and gave it to him when he FINALLY got home as a "late birthday gift". He was so thrilled!!
So then we had to decide how to tell the family. We knew that we needed to tell them all at the same time but that getting them all together would be a dead give-away. So, we decided to tell them Superbowl Sunday since that was the day that Russ asked me on our first date 8 years ago. We made brunch plans at the Crains and dinner plans at the Lawsons. How were we going to keep this quiet until then??
Keeping from Kerrie would be impossible since she was coming to spend the night the next night so she became my partner in my big secret. We went shopping for bibs as gifts to break the news to the grandparents.

Superbowl Sunday, Feb 4
Our big day! After church we packed up our grandparent gifts and went to Russ' parents house. The whole family was there, Rusty, Elaine, Ryan, Abby and Dr Amanda. Just before we sat down to eat, we gave Elaine her gift and made our announcement. Amanda's response was that she was wondering why I was in such a good mood! Elaine and Rusty decided that their grandparent names would be Grammy and Papa.
One down, one to go. We arrived at my parent's house that afternoon and when we got everyone together, we gave mama her gift. She was so excited that she and I jumped in the car and drove to both of my grandparents and two aunts to tell them the news. And we were back in time to watch the Superbowl. What a day!!

Valentines Day, Feb 14
Today we had our first scare. I started bleeding heavily at work and my dr. told me to go the emergency room. In tears, I called my mama and Abby, desperately trying to find Russ. Russ works at the country club in Gainesville, and Valentines' Day is a busy night there but fortunately, he was able to leave work and meet me. We spent 5 hours at the emergency room while they did blood tests, urine anaylses and an ultrasound. Finally the dr came in and told us that everything was fine. I was still pregnant, there was one fetus in the uterus (not a tubal pregnancy like they had feared) and it was mearuring at 6 weeks. And they heard a heart beat!!! My hormone levels were also normal for 6 weeks. I have a small ovarian cyst which may be causing the bleeding but since I was diagnosed as a threatened miscarriage, I'm stuck in bed for the next couple of days with my lap top. . . which is how you're getting this blog. =) Russ thinks I'll do anything to get him out of work on Valentines Day. It was the first Valentines Day that we had spent together in 6 years!! We're just happy that we ended the night with good news.
I have a follow up appointment on Friday with my ob so we'll know more then. But the bleeding has slowed, I'm still nauseous and feeling pregnant but please keep our little family in your prayers. And that I don't drive Russ crazy the next couple of days.

I've attached pictures of my budding baby bump at 6 weeks. We will continue to update you every few weeks.

Love to you all,
Heather, Russ and Baby Crain