Baby Fat: week 32 update

What do you get when you combine a wedding reception with lots of late night ice cream and other sweet goodies? 6 pounds. That's how much I've gained in 4 weeks! In total so far, I've gained 22 pounds and I've only got one more month of this preggo body to go. Considering I gained 45 lbs during my first pregnancy, I can honestly say I'm really ok with 22 lbs. Now, its highly likely that I'll tip the scale even more within the next 6 weeks but again, I'm ok with that as long as I don't gain 23 more pounds!

A Baby Named "No"

This morning I asked Millie what her baby doll's name was. She responded with a loud and certain "No!" This is the baby she slept with for the first time last night. When Matt went to check in on her late last night, he said Millie was still holding strong onto "No. She was holding her tight this morning when she woke up, through breakfast, while playing outside and during our walk around the neighborhood, too. I wonder if "No" will wind up being one of those security toys that moms talk about.

Camden's Nursery

Here are some photos of our nearly completed nursery. The room is so small. It was hard to get a good picture of it all in one photo. Putting his letters on the wall above his crib is all we have left to do!

The first photo is the nursery entry way. Because it is also being used as a guest room there was really no other way to arrange the crib. The entry is kind of a tight squeeze but gives the room a nook-type feeling, I think.

We re-finished my old wicker toy chest for more storage which was very nostalgic for me. I found the throw pillows and dog frames from TJMaxx which gives it a clean look and coordinates the furniture together.

As you can see, we did not go with a traditional dresser for him. We kept the metal bookcase we had that use to hold Matt's school books and moved Matt's books into another bookcase in the living room. Then I just used baskets to hold all his clothes, diapers, burp cloths, etc.

The closet happens to be crammed with all of our winter clothes, luggage, and maternity clothes. Needless to say, we have limited storage space. We originally thought about putting shelving or sconces on either side of the two dog frames but we still needed a place to store Matt's guitars. So we decided to hang the guitars up instead. It keeps them away from babies' hands yet easily accessible.

Update on Pregnancy (almost 8 months)

I'm 31 1/2 weeks along in my pregnancy and really have only 6-8 more weeks to go until our baby boy's birthday! I definitely feel like my belly is so big and it's really hard to imagine and remember just how much bigger this baby can grow. Right now, he's about 3 lbs and measuring about 16 inches long. I'm praying for a 6-pounder like Millie was when she was born. That would give me another easy delivery. Certainly, the Lord will answer that prayer, right?

We have decided on his first name, Camden. The name came from one of Matt's pediatric patients whom he treated. Matt shared the name with me and we both agreed it's perfect. It's unique, Southern, and a name he can grow with. If you google his name, the name, Camden, doesn't have a specific meaning. We like the idea of Camden defining his own self and are so interested to see what he will be like. We're not sure yet what his middle name will be, but I'm thinking it will be a family name.

His room is nearly ready. Thankfully we were able to find his crib, and the room is already painted a pale Carolina blue. I was really stuck on bedding until yesterday. Millie and I took a trip to BRU and I decided to go with a baby blue minky dotted bumper and cotton baby blue dust ruffle. The fitted sheet has matching blue, sage and chocolate polka dots on white. Sense was knocked into me when I realized this room also needs to serve as a guest bedroom. I couldn't/wouldn't go too wild with the decor. Next I'm getting a rug, wall decor and pillows (for the sofa bed) to liven up the room and bring in the greens and browns. A trip to Pier One, TJ Max and/or Lowes (surprisingly) should have what I'm looking for.

My next doctor's appointment is on the 27th then we'll really see just how big he's gotten.

Morris-Crews Wedding Weekend

Last weekend we traveled down to Charleston for Matt's sister Katie's wedding. We have been so excited about this weekend since their engagement because it was at the beautiful and peaceful Middleton Place Plantation. We stayed there at their Inn which was such a bonus. If you clicked on the link, you'll notice the front page picture of Butterfly Lakes and that big open field. That's where the ceremony was held and it was perfect! Katie looked so so pretty, of course. Everyone at the reception can vouch that Millie danced the night away. She stopped a few times to rest her head on my shoulder, get her second wind, eat a couple of strawberries and then back on the dance floor. She was Miss Independent and kept up with whatever the big kids were doing.

Also during the weekend, we picked up Baby 2's crib because I couldn't find it here in Fayetteville and got to have lunch with our friends, Lisa, Josh and their 2-year-old Miles. Miles and Millie got cozy in the van.

The weekend was perfect! Matt and I have been to over 50 weddings together, and they never get old. Its like we're renewing our vows at each and every ceremony. Funny enough though, this time I was a little distracted with our 1 year old on my lap trying to keep her still and quiet.

We've got two more weddings in this year, both in October- my cousin Jonathan's and my sister' Lauren's!! Woohoo!

It's just like me not to have any important pictures like of the bride and the ceremony. I left that to the professionals.

Millie turns 16 months old!

This month has been full of fun events and experiences. We've taken trips to James Island, Myrtle Beach, Columbia and Charleston. We've celebrated her cousin Andie's birthday party at Chuck E Cheese's and stayed out late on the fourth of July and Aunt Katie and Uncle Kevin's wedding. Millie's hair has grown and size 18 month clothes are actually fitting now. She's different in many more ways this month:
- She's feeding herself with utensils when we put the food on the fork or spoon.
- She can wear pigtails and bows can last up to an hour if she doesn't see herself in a mirror first.
- She's got some funky dance moves including stomping and head bopping.
- She's got an obvious singing voice- big contrast from her regular talking voice, and sings in her own words quite often.
- "No, no, no" is her favorite phrase and a sign of her alter ego. For example, Millie knows she's not supposed to get into Bella's dog bowl. On times when I find her with a handful of Bella's food, she'll simultaneously shake her head and say "no, no, no." Her mind says no but her body does the opposite. It's hard to keep a straight face to discipline, but directly to time out she goes.
- Speaking of time out, we use her crib to remove her from the mess she's made and to give us some time to clean up. We are using the timer to indicate when her "time out" period is over, usually after 5 minutes. Millie is over the crying stage of being put in time out... she'll just talk to herself until we come to get her and explain in one-year-old terms what she's done wrong and what we expect next time. Hopefully consistency will pay off in this arena.
- She's substituting the word "yes," with a big teethy smile.
- Because she's climbing on everything she's also more effective at getting down from the couch and stairs. We're looking into purchasing an outdoor climber/slide before baby boy get's here.
- She's understanding and working on the "sit and push with her legs" concept on the her fire engine and lion.
- Mommy's little helper likes to clean up however tends to get more distracted to play with each toy she picks up so it takes a little longer, and the Lord is working on my patience in this category.
- Her newest word is "Mommy, Mommy," which I adore!
- She's stacking cups and playing with legos now.
- If we ask her to point to something, she will, or she'll grab our hands and show us what she wants.
- She drinks all her milk now.
- New favorite veggie is Avocado... is that a veggie or a fruit? I don't know.
- Her favorite show is Blues Clues which also accompanies us on long trips in our minivan!
- In the last week, she'll hold up her finger when you ask her how old she is.
- She's clucking with her tongue and makes fish kisses with her lips.

This may very well be the last full month with just Millie since the baby is due on September 19 (we're hoping he arrives early). Our schedule is open so we should be spending lots of time outside, in the pool and out with friends. Fun!

Photos from Myrtle Beach with Family, July 2, 2009

Fish Faces

Millie's got a new trick! Her Daddy taught her this one during dinner this evening. She's such a little entertainer!