28 Weeks

How Far Along: 28 Weeks

Size of baby: 15" long, 2 lbs 8 oz (sonogram weight)
Maternity Clothes: Maternity clothes, regular dresses
Gender: Girl - Landry Belle
Movement: Oh yeah, she loves to move around in the car with the music on and later at night. She is learning how to really move forcefully.
What I miss: Good night's sleep and not feeling huge, no having to go to the bathroom every 1 1/2
What I'm enjoying: I got her curtains for her room last week, beautiful (thanks Meemee)

Symptoms: Acid reflux
Cravings: Cereal

Exciting Moments: My mom came with me to my 3D sonogram last Thursday, so we got to see Miss Landry's face. She's a cutie, but I'm kind of bias. The doctor said that she is measuring in the 63% percentile for weight but she has long legs. It's amazing to see how much she has grown in 1 month. I don't have another sonogram till October, but I have an appt with the endo and OB on September 22nd. The OB said we would set a date for sure for the C-section!!!

Sharing.....a cold

The concentration look

She loves the slide

On Thursday Addison decided to start getting a cold. As soon as I noticed that she was getting a cold, we checked to see what the policy was at MDO about colds. Well, it's pretty clear...any sign of a cold they are not to come. So she missed MDO on Friday (only the 2nd day).

If you have children you know, once one person gets sick it seems to spread. Friday morning I woke up with a scratchy throat, and then on Saturday Jordan started getting sick. So our Labor Day weekend consisted of everyone staying close to the house and getting over colds, which we're all still battling. Since I'm pregnant and Addison is so little there isn't a lot that we can take. I can only imagine what this winter is going to bring with a little one. I'm so glad that Addison doesn't go to daycare, because it could be a lot more frequent.

I was so excited about Labor Day weekend and all of the cool stuff we could have done but we stuck mainly to the park in the neighborhood. I snapped a few shots. Addison is really starting to want to climb on everything, especially the foot of her daddy's recliner.

Scrounging for Food

Addison is constantly in the pantry being nosey or looking for something to eat. I was getting dinner ready the other night and I noticed that it was quite. She had gotten into the Fruit Loops. I guess I need to get a little bit faster at getting dinner ready.

26 Weeks: Baby Landry

How Far Along: 26 Weeks

Size of baby: 14" long, 1 2/3 lb
Maternity Clothes: Mainly maternity clothes and regular dresses (wish there was more selection with maternity clothes that didn't cost an arm and a leg)
Gender: Girl - Landry Belle
Movement: Oh yeah, she loves to move around in the car with the music on and later at night. She is learning how to really move forcefully.
What I miss: Good night's sleep and not feeling huge
What I'm enjoying: People are so nice to pregnant women. Love it. Feeling Landry kick.

Symptoms: None.
Cravings: Fruit Loop Cereral

Exciting Moments: ordered a vinyl wall covering and rug for her room last week, OB said at the next appointment we'll set up the date for the c-section, 3D sonogram next Thursday

I went to the OB yesterday for a routine checkup. It had been 5 weeks since the last visit, so I knew that I had grown. Well, my belly measurement and the scale confirmed it. I'm measuring between 27-28 weeks and I had gained 4 pounds in 5 weeks. Let's just say, I'm not used to this. I only gained 24 lbs with Addison so this is kind of new to me. I told Jordan I've really got to start watching what I eat. The OB said that she's not concerned right now and just wait to see how the sonogram goes next week to get exact measurements.

1st Day at Mother's Day Out

Addison started Mother's Day Out yesterday. Jordan and I decided that she needed more interaction with other kids her age, besides Sunday School and it would give Gingy a break during the week.

To give some background, Addison is going to MDO at the same church that we attend. So this past Sunday when we went to drop her off at Sunday School she was terrified. She cried and cried and the worker held her the entire time. So needless to say, I was worried about how yesterday morning would go.

Addison got up and had her favorite breakfast, raisin bread and I got her ready for school. She woke up in a great mood, so I thought to myself "this is going to be okay."

She wouldn't stay still for a picture, so she was running towards the camera

Headed to MDO

Her MDO starts at 9:15a, so we got there a little early. She started getting very anxious when we walked into the church nursery area. I'm really starting to kind of get nervous at this point that this could go downhill and fast. So we get to her room (same room as Sunday School) and she starts bawling. The head lady for her room comes and picks her up and tells me that Addison needs to see that I am okay with her picking her up. So she distracts her with the toys and Addison stops crying. I sneak out of the room and wait by the door for a little bit to hear that she has stopped crying. Whew....I think we're going to make it.

Well, we made it. I can't seem to download pdf files onto the blog, so I'll recap what she received in her folder today.

Lunch: at some, but ate snacks well

Nap: took 45 minute nap (they rub some lotion on their feet make them go to sleep)

Activities: played outside, loved the slide, learned this week's Bible verse and quote

Daddy & Me

Every night now, Addison wants to sit in her daddy's lap. She runs up to his chair and raises her arms and waits for him to pick her up. As soon as she gets up there, she finds the remote and raises it up so he can see it and says "uhhh." Uhhhh translated means, please turn to Nick Jr and not sports. Jordan, being the good daddy he is, kindly changes the channel. Once Nick Jr is on they are either snuggled up together or he's letting her jump up and down on the chair to the music. Watching this every night truly melts my heart. Tears come to my eyes every time. Thank you Jordan for being such a fun-loving father to Addison. She thinks you hung the moon.

Ready Whip & MeeMaw

Stack of Ready Whip after her waffle

Addison & Meemaw with the Ready Whip watching Dora

This past weekend, my mom came in to hang out with us and watch Addison while we went to a wedding on Saturday. Of course, Addison loves her Meemaw because they constantly are playing around. Saturday morning we made waffles with strawberries and whip cream. Addison loved the Ready Whip. My mom let her sit in her lap while she squirted Ready Whip in her mouth. She probably had 10 good swigs of Ready Whip by the time she was done. Oh, the joy of being a grandma.

24 Weeks

How Far Along: 24 Weeks

Size of baby: 1 foot long, 1 lb 3 oz
Maternity Clothes: using belly band, some maternity clothes, regular dresses
Gender: Girl
Movement: Oh yeah, she loves to move around in the car with the music on and later at night. Starting to be all day long now.
What I miss: Not getting out of breath for no reason.
What I'm enjoying: People are so nice to pregnant women. Love it. Feeling Landry kick.

Symptoms: None. This pregnancy has been easy like the first one so far.
Cravings: Golden Crisp Cereal

Exciting Moments: got her chandelier and tv in for her room, announced her name Landry Belle

Getting Ready for School

Miss Addison starts Mother's Day Out (MDO) on August 30th. It's hard to believe that she's already at that age. The church had given us a list of things that they require, and one of those was closed toed shoes since they're outside a lot. Well, she has a pair of closed toed shoes, but not ones to run around and get dirty in, so off the mall we go. Here is one pair that Jordan picked out.

Doesn't her foot look so big? Size 5

When It Rains....It Pours

Our blog usually consists of fun times and not too much beyond what Addison and the pregnancy are up to, but theses past few weeks have been full of events. As always, it seems like when it rains, it pours. I have so much to blog about. I guess if I were better at updating the blog, I wouldn't have so much at one time.

So sorry for the mass post, but I here it goes.....

10 Year High School Reunion

Since I was given the opportunity to serve as class president our senior year, the responsibility of getting high school reunions falls on my shoulders. Well, our 10 year reunion is this fall. With the pregnancy I had kind of put it on the back burner, but a classmate sent me a message on Facebook asking me the details. Once others saw the post, the messages just started flowing. I knew then that I had to get it together. Since I've started working on it deligently, I have had the fortune of a having a fellow classmate assist with a lot (thanks Amy). So the location/time/food, etc. are set and now we just wait. It's set for October 22-23 (one of the last weekends I can travel). I don't know how excited I am to be 34 weeks pregnant and going to my HS reunion. I guess I have a good excuse to be fat. lol

Baby #2 Name Reveal

Once again, Jordan and I had a hard time coming up with a girl's name. We threw names out there on a daily basis and couldn't settle on one. Well, we finally agreed. She shall be called LANDRY BELLE GRIFFIN. I love the name!!!

Papa Howell

My grandpa (Dad's Dad) went to ER on Wednesday afternoon because he was having slurred speech and walking around in circles. They ran some preliminary tests in Texarkana and decided that he could have a had a mini stroke. My grandparents decided at that time to get him transferred to Presbyterian Dallas, since all of his doctors are here in Dallas. We, as a family have much more faith in the doctors in Dallas (sorry Texarkana). Since he got here Thursday morning they have run more tests are him and confirmed a mini stroke and possibly a small hole in his heart. They will do more tests, so I will keep you updated on his status.

Miss Maegan

One of the sweetest young ladies I know was diagnosed with breast cancer last week. Maegan is the girlfriend of one of my first cousins, Ryan. Ryan and I have always been very close since he's an only child and I work for his family. Maegan is a beautiful, sweet, kind, courageous 25 year old that has been diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer. She has just begun this journey and is having a lot of tests run to figure out what is best for her and to make sure we beat this thing called cancer. I have added her blog of her journey on the side of my blog, so check it out. Please add her to your prayer list.

I have even more on my mind, but I will do my very blessed to get it out next week and it occurs. To all who read this blog, remember to enjoy life and bless those around you. God is good and he is our light throughout our days.

23 Weeks

How Far Along: 23 Weeks

Size of baby: 11 inches long, 1 lb 3 oz
Maternity Clothes: using belly band, some maternity clothes, regular dresses
Gender: Girl
Movement: Oh yeah, she loves to move around in the car with the music on and later at night
What I miss: Not feeling bloated all the time. The skin on my belly feels so tight.
What I'm enjoying: People are so nice to pregnant women. Love it.

Symptoms: None. This pregnancy has been easy like the first one so far.
Cravings: Sweet/Salty

I went to the perinatologist on Monday and baby girl is looking great. She's growing right on schedule. She had her little hands together in front of her face as though she was praying (who know what about - haha). Every time I go to the perinatologist I get very anxious. I'm trying to do better, but I just pray that everything is going well. I know it's in the Lord's hands and I have to remind myself of that.

My next sonogram will be a 3D, so we'll get to see what she looks like. I wonder if her profile will look anything like Addison's. My mom is planning on coming, so I'm so excited about that. Then there is a possibility that Miss Addison will go back with my mom to New Boston for the weekend.

22 Weeks

How Far Along: 22 Weeks

Size of baby: 11 inches long, almost a pound
Maternity Clothes: using belly band, some maternity clothes, regular dresses
Gender: Girl
Movement: Oh yeah, she loves to move around in the car with the music on and later at night
What I miss: Not much. I'm getting used to being pregnant again, so just going with the flow and enjoying being pregnant.
What I'm enjoying: People are so nice to pregnant women. Love it.

Symptoms: None. This pregnancy has been easy like the first one so far.
Cravings: Salads

Addison's 15 Month Checkup

We took Addison to her 15 month checkup yesterday morning. She has grown up so much since her 12 month appointment. Instead of us carrying her into the patient room, she walked her little self in there and smiled at everyone along the way. Instead of eating the paper off of the table, she wanted to walk around and try and open the door. She has definitely turned a corner in the past 2-3 weeks. So here's what Miss Addison is up to these days:

• Weight: 21.3 lbs (25%) , Height: 30.5" (50%) , Head 18 1/4" (50%)
• Eats well about every 2-3 days
• Doesn't like vegetables or fruits, but we're going to stay after it and we will conquer it
• Wants to walk everywhere, especially shopping (her favorite is Lowes-big isles)
• Says Momma, Dada, ball, dog, and lots of other words that we cannot understand
• Points to things and says what they are
• Listens very well to commands, when she wants to
• Dances all the time, loves music, bounces her little body in her car seat when music is on
• Throws the ball pretty well
• Becoming very independent, but still loves for her mommy and daddy to hold her
• Attached to her bunny and rag
• Likes to run around naked after she takes a bath, this has led to accidents at times but she's hard to catch
• 8 teeth, Size 4.5 shoe, 18 month tops, 12 month bottoms, 12 month dresses
• Starting to throw mini fits, has tried to bite twice
  

Oh baby girl how much you have brightened our lives with your smile. You make our hearts smile all day long. You have become a social butterfly lately, which makes us so excited. We are glad that others are able to enjoy your sweet personality and kind heart. You are a determined little girl that knows what you want. We look forward to watching your little body grow along with a sweet heart. May God continue to bless your life and shine his light upon your face.

Pony tail

I did the pig tails on Addison last week, so I tried a single pony tail last night. It stayed up better than the pig tails. I think it may have been the type of pony tail holder I was using.

21 Weeks

I went to the doctors yesterday for another checkup. First the Endo: went really well. A1C was at 5.9 so we made one minor change and should hopefully get me closer to that 5.6 I would love to get to. We'll see in 6 weeks.

On to #2 - OB: the heartbeat looks great. She said that we would definitely go to the 39 week mark before doing the c-section unless the baby decides to come earlier. So we're looking at a due date of December 3rd.

How Far Along: 21 Weeks

Size of baby: 10.5 inches long, 3/4 lb (length of a carrott)
Maternity Clothes: using belly band, some maternity clothes, regular dresses
Gender: Girl
Movement: Oh yeah, she loves to move around in the car with the music on
What I miss: Not much. I'm getting used to being pregnant again, so just going with the flow and enjoying being pregnant.
What I'm enjoying: People are so nice to pregnant women. Love it.

Symptoms: None. This pregnancy has been easy like the first one so far.
Cravings: Salads

ToysRUs

We were sitting around the house this weekend bored, so I thought it would be great to run by Home Goods and ToysRUs just to get out of the house. The Home Goods was for me and ToysRUs was for Miss Addison.

When we got to ToysRUs, Addison had a sensory overload. She was overwhelmed by all of the toys. She was so excited. She wanted to touch everything. Jordan was trying to keep her out of things, and I was just letting her go. She had the best time. She found the balls in the center isle and would throw it down the isle and chase after it. This is one store that kids get to be kids.

We stopped by the tricycles, bicycles, and motorized cars. She thought she needed to get every single one of them.

20 Weeks

How Far Along: 20 Weeks

Size of baby: 10 inches long, 10.5 ounces (size of an cantaloupe)
Maternity Clothes: using belly band, some maternity clothes, regular dresses
Gender: Girl
Movement: Oh yeah, she loves to move around in the car with the music on
What I miss: Not much. I'm getting used to being pregnant again, so just going with the flow and enjoying being pregnant.

Symptoms: None. This pregnancy has been easy like the first one so far.
Cravings: Cereal (Fruit Loops)

Pig Tails - Never thought this would happen

Last night, Jordan went to the Rangers game so it was "girls' night." We had the best time. Addison let me put her hair up in pig tails. The tail on the left was easy but the one of the right took a little more effort and patience. It definitely helped that I had the cartoons on and let her mess with the junk mail. Addison's hair is so fine and soft. When she was a newborn with no hair, I didn't know if I would ever see this day.

She is growing up so fast. I sent Jordan a picture while he was at the game and his response was "What's next? High heels and makeup?" I don't think he's ready for his little girl to grow up.

Today she is 15 months old. Hard to believe. I will try and get some pictures posted and some stats (we go to the doctor next Thursday, so that'll probably be when I get it done).

Trains & Cars

This past weekend, William (nephew) and my mom came to visit us. We had a blast but were extremely exhausted by the end of the weekend. William had been looking forward to coming to see us to go ride the train. So Saturday morning we loaded up the kids and went on the Trinity Railway Express from Irving to downtown Dallas. I think he really enjoyed it.

William looking out the window of the train

Mommy & Addison

William & MeeMaw

William was nice enough to share his Cozy Coot with his "Baby Addison." My mom brought it with her, along with a tricycle. She loves the darn thing. She'll get in and out, in and out. She entertained herself Sunday evening for about 2 hours with the thing. Oh how we love new toys.

It's A Girl

So Jordan and I went to the endocrinologist on Friday to find out if we were going to have a little baby boy or girl. We both were watching the TV screen while the sonogram was going on. They measured the arms, legs, etc. and then there it was. This little baby was definitely a little GIRL!

She is measuring at 9 ounces and everything looks great. She has a four chamber heart, all her fingers and toes. Momma is doing great. We feel so blessed to have a healthy baby girl to be a part of our family. Jordan and I had decided that this child would be the last no matter what the sex. It's hard to believe that this child will make up our family tree for the next 60+ years. Wow! God is so amazing and we feel so blessed to see how family grow.

Hanging Out

Addison has really grown up in the last few weeks. She is starting to become very independent. She wants to do everything (feed herself, push things by herself, etc.). She walks around everywhere and is full speed ahead. You can ask her to do something, such as go find Daddy and she'll do it. She's learning to follow instructions well. I tell her "it's time to take a bath" and off to the bathtub she goes. I'm loving being able to watch her progress. It makes me realize how much she's watching and learning even when I don't think she is.

Discovering rocks at the park - she loved the playground equipment

This is what I found when I was I was washing dishes - Big Helper

Thursday evening I went out to the back porch to work on sanding Addison's new twin bed down so I can paint it. This is what I saw....a baby skunk. What? It seems like every few months we find an animal of some sort in our yard (we back up to a creek). The little guy didn't see me, I think he was very young. I went and got Jordan and of course we had to get him out of the yard. Jordan did a lovely job and getting him over the back fence. I don't know what happened to the little guy, but I was glad to have him out of our backyard.

4th of July Weekend

Our 4th of July weekend was slow but very enjoyable. Jordan had some teaching tests he had to take, so after he was done we just took it slow. While Jordan was taking his test on Saturday morning, Addison and I just hung out in our pajamas. She loves music, and I caught her trying to dance. We'll have to work on our balance.

Sunday, Aunt Katie and Uncle Doug invited us to go to the lake for the afternoon. This was Addison's first time on a boat. Needless to say, she did not like the life jacket. It was all in her face. She couldn't even get her sippy cup up to her mouth, because the life jacket was so scrunched around her neck. She was a trooper, but I think she'll do a lot better in a few years. Thanks Katie and Doug!

Not so happy face

17 Weeks

How Far Along: 17 Weeks

Size of baby: 5 inches long, 5 ounces (size of an turnip)
Maternity Clothes: using belly band, some maternity clothes
Gender: Reveal July 9th (only 6 days away)
Movement: Not confirmed 100%
What I miss: Not much. I'm getting used to being pregnant again, so just going with the flow and enjoying being pregnant.

Symptoms: Forgetfulness
Cravings: Salty things

Addison: 14 Months

Our baby girl turned 14 months on Wednesday. It seems like yesterday, we giving her first feeding of cereal. Where does time go? We are having so much with Miss Addison these days. She keeps us entertained and on our toes. Here is what she is up to:

• Walking but only by herself when she wants to (I think we'll be there very, very soon)
• Doesn't like to eat fruits or vegetables (we have to sneak them in her food)
• Loves carbs (grilled cheese, raisin bread)
• When she wants something she can't reach, she yells "Mommaaaaaa"
• Loves to "Go Find Daddy"
• Yells very loudly when she is down eating and wants down from her highchair (we're working on that one, it's getting better)
• Loves to be outside, swim, read books
• Watches Disney Channel and Nick Jr (ok, I know it's bad but sometimes it helps when she's in a bad mood)
• Wears 4.5 size shoes
• Loves to play with our iPhones, remotes, anything electronic
• Hides every time she hears the bathtub water come on (she hides in her closet, thinks it's funny when I come find her)
• Favorite comfort toy: bunny
• 7 teeth and counting

Anyways, I could go on and on. We love this little girl and her little personality. She's going to be hard headed (determined) but want you close for comfort. What a blessing. Thank you Lord for choosing us to be Addison's parents. We have learned so much about ourselves and life with her. We look forward to her future. May we teach her the word of the Lord and show her his grace in our home and through our daily lives. We love you Addison Lea.

16 Weeks

How Far Along: 16 Weeks

Size of baby: 4 1/2 inches long, 3 1/2 ounces (size of an avacado)
Maternity Clothes: Still wearing regular clothes
Gender: Reveal July 9th
Movement: I think so but still a little unsure. May be gas bubbles
What I miss: Not having headaches.

Symptoms: Headaches
Cravings: Cereal

I had an OB and Endo appointment yesterday. I think I saw the OB for about 5 minutes. She found the heartbeat, asked how everything was going and if I had questions, and then we were done. For some reason I always get excited to go see the OB, and of course I get let down in the beginning of the pregnancy. There's just not a lot to do until the end of the pregnancy. It does melt my heart every time though to hear the baby's heartbeat. It's so comforting. Protective Momma already. As far as the Endo, so far so good. We made a few adjustments, which we'll continue to do until the pregnancy is done. I think with one particular adjustment, it'll keep me from getting a low blood sugar in the middle of the night and allow me to sleep. Yipee!!!!

Getting Into Things

Fell in the tub and bumped my forehead

Addison has started thinking that she's a big girl and she needs to discover all that is around her. Of course, this leads to accidents. I'm sure there are many more to come.

#1 Dad

I know a lot of women out there say that their husbands are the best fathers to their children, but I think mine is the best! What a great Daddy to our baby girl. He sacrifices so much for her and is such the protective Dad already. He worries more about her than me. Every time that he walks in a room, she lights up and yells Daddy. She's a Daddy's girl and thinks he hung the moon (so do I). We are so blessed to have you, Jordan as the Christian leader of our home. For God has blessed Addison and myself by choosing us to be the women in your life.

We are so proud of you! You always bring a smile to our faces and have a heart of gold. Thank you for loving us sacrificially.

Daddy & Addison

Jordan takes her under the water falls and she loves it.

"I love to get into things on my Daddy's chair"

She loves looking at pictures on our iPhones

"Uncle Rene: I need a car. I think I'm ready"

Father's Day 2010