As Prepared As Can Be

We are a week and a half away from my due date and we are feeling the crunch. Last night we went to the grocery store and bought a months worth of groceries, leaving not even an inch of spare space in my cabinets and freezer. But it's nice to see all that food and know that if Weston comes tomorrow or in a week not having food in the house won't be an issue. Drew has Thurs. off and we plan to do a "deep clean" which anyone who knows me knows I am not the cleaning type. I basically straighten up and wipe things off. But last night with the groceries we bought some cleaning supplies we knew we lacked and Thurs. will be the big day where Drew gets to spend his day off with me cleaning, scrubbing, dusting, and sterilizing everything so when Weston comes home, he can come home to a clean home. (Plus my brother will be here this weekend and my mom flies into town to help us out for a few weeks on Mon.)
I have gotten Autumn and Weston's room ready. I am quite proud of myself, I did these at the beginning of the month. I have one more project I was planning for their room, but I might cancel that. I am running out of wall space in their room.
What started out as this:





Became this:And here it is hanging with Autumn's name above the crib.I also painted a shelf, and decorated it with their names and some decals. This is above the changing station. Now it has lots of cute stuff on top of it, Autumns princess stuff on her side and Weston has Tigger stuff on his; but I haven't taken any recent pictures, these are pics from when I first hung everything up.It's surreal to know it can be any day now, and lately when I call people they ask if I am in the hospital or if I have some big news for them. Being 9 months pregnant puts everyone on edge when they see my name on their caller ID. I am glad I didn't have a Christmas baby, and hope to not have a new years baby. My brothers birthday is Jan 5th so I would like to avoid that day too...but Weston will gladly be welcomed anyday before the 11th!

Autumn on Christmas Eve

We are leaving tonight to spend Christmas with Drews family. This morning we had Autumn open all her presents from Drew and I so we don't have to travel with them, because we will just be coming home with more stuff anyways. Autumn was a lot more fun this year. It was cute last year seeing her with all her stuff, but this year she understands that by ripping the paper or pulling the tissue out of a bag there is a surprise beneath it. She was a lot of fun this morning!

Here are a few pictures that turned out- I had the video camera in my right hand and the camera in my left.The pictures above is of her opening her Sesame Street books. Below is her new Teddy Bear.Above Autumn is opening some new Crayola Tadoodles thing. Below is her with all her gifts. Mind you, we did this as soon as she woke up, before Drew had to go to work. And she was getting upset with us that we were trying to take pictures because she just wanted to play with all her new stuff.We would like to wish you guys all a safe and happy Christmas. I can't wait to see your blogs about how your Christmas was.

Weekly update...

Weekly dr. appointments and I have a love/hate relationship. I hate when he checks my cervix, but love hearing the baby's heart beat. Today I went back to the doctor. I lost 5 lbs. in the last week. My dr. never said anything about it, but the nurse did. She questioned me about it and I simply said that I must have had a big breakfast the morning of my last appointment. All together I have gained 15 lbs. so far. But I know the last month is notorious for weight gain...so we will see if I make it to 20 lbs, like the dr. suggested. I have dialated to a one. If I were pregnant with Autumn this would mean the baby would be born tommorow. (I had Autumn the day after my dr. finally announced some progress and that I had dialated to a one, but Autumn was only 3 days early.) I know women can be at a one for awhile, so my hopes aren't up for an early delivery, but progress is being made and the contractions I had last night were actually doing something other than causing discomfort. Plus I am 50% effaced.

And just for kicks and giggles. Here are some pictures of Autumn. She got some new clothes last week, and her two favorite items were her two Elmo hoodies. This first one is a 2T so it's big, she will get to wear it next year for sure. The other hoodie is 18 mos. and fits perfect!

My beautiful Autumn Lee.

Everyday I look at my little girl and just can't believe how grown up she is. There are days I am sad that in just a few weeks I won't be able to devote all my time and attention to just her. She is at such a fun age, and I wonder if my life would have been complete with just her. I already feel a lot of love for unborn Weston, but I have selfish days where I think that maybe having just Autumn would have been fulfilling enough, so I can enjoy all of Autumns Autumn-isms. I am anxious to see and meet our unborn child, and am glad we have been blessed with the ability to bear and raise children. So for the next month I will soak in as much Autumn as I can, so that when Weston does come, if I think that I am not paying enough attention to Autumn I can remember that she got 20 months of my undivided attention, and Weston will always have had to share my attention with his sister. Autumn was being silly outside. We decided to sing "Popcorn Popping on the Apricot Tree." She loves that she can do all the motions. Here she is watching her hand as it opens and closes for "popcorn popping.""I can take an armful and make a treat."After singing it was to the park with Grandma!I love the relationship Autumn has with her aunt. Growing up we didn't live around my aunts and uncles, and I haven't ever lived around my other 2 neices and 2 nephews. So I love that Autumn loves her aunt and that they have such a special bond and relationship at such an early stage in Autumns life. This was after church on Sun. We have a lot of pictures because my mom is glued to her camera. It's beneficial to my sister and I because she captures some really cute photos of our kids that we wouldn't have ever gotten.

Updates...

I went to the dr. this morning. Only 5 weeks left! Jan. 11th can't come soon enough. I am measuring a week smaller than I should but my dr. is not the least bit concerned, he is positive myself and the baby will gain ample weight by the time the baby is born. Great! Can't the baby just gain weight? Oh wait, that means I gain weight...silly me. Next week starts those wonderful weekly appointments where you feel your privacy being invaded by your dr. When I moaned at him mentioning that next week he will start checking my cervix he said, "It's a good thing. It means your at the end." So! That's the attitude I need to have. I am at the end! Other than that all my numbers are good, and overall the appt. was short and quick, and my dr. left happy with me.

We have been really busy! I haven't blogged since before Thanksgiving. I will quickly update you! We went to Snowflake for Thanksgiving. I have zero pictures from that. Autumn was sick, then I was sick, then Drew was sick, then his neice was sick, then I got sick again. So no time to take pictures when people around you can't keep their food down.

My brother, my mom, and my dad came into town a couple of days after we got back from Snowflake.

Here is a photo of my mom with her two grandkids that live here.We had my baby shower. Thanks to all who came (especially my in-laws who drove 3 hours to come to just turn right back around and head home!!)! It is always nice to get together with friends and family to celebrate. I got lots of clothes! Weston will be one sharp dressed baby boy!

Staci's decked out car. (It was at a park, so this helped people know where to go.)

My friend made really cute cupcakes! (thanks JB)The clothes.Nov. was busy, and so far Dec. has been also! I have some really cute pictures of Autumn I want to post, but they will have to wait. This is enough for one day!! :)

4 wheelers and a little RockBand

We went up to Snowflake for the weekend, and I really enjoyed myself! I think Drew has realized when we go up there I want to get out and do things. Plus Drews entire family (including grandparents from Vegas) were there for a special occasion. Anyways! Here are some things we did.

Drew's dad has a new 4 wheeler that doesn't get used enough, so we thought we would see how Autumn liked it. Here are Drew and Autumn in his dad's new (under construction) garage/gym/office checking it out and noticing how filthy it was.

So Drew decided to wash it for him. Plus it kept him and Autumn from getting dirty.Autumn wanted to help too. Drew drying off the 4 wheeler and Autumn sweeping.Now that it's all nice and clean they can begin their ride!Here they are on their way down the hill, and around the driveway.After realizing that they were only going an average of 3 mph I got on the back and rode around too. Drew has a brother that LOVES video games, it is more of an obsession, but none-the-less...Autumn likes wandering into his room because it's new territory. She LOVES rockband, or atleast entertaining herself with the drums and microphone when her uncle is not paying attention to her. She is good with handling the drumsticks and hitting the "drums." I think it's too adorable.
I have always thought she would be a runner or dancer or gymnast because she is light on her feet, but she does really love music. So maybe music will play a role later in her life. :)

Autumn and Parker

Since both kids are napping at the moment I thought I would take advantage of this time to post some videos. Usually Autumn is very possessive of her toys, but today, on her own she sat down by Parker and shared. In the second video I was trying to get her to share her toys again, but she decided hugs and a kiss were better.

I think these two will be good friends as they grow up. Being only a year apart will be really fun for them.

You have to start them early...

I started reading to Autumn at a very young age. She has always studied things, even as an infant you would see her pick up a toy and just look at it, memorize it and study it. She loves pictures, and has a real love for books. I think she likes the independence of being able to turn the pages herself and babble to herself the story that is being told through pictures.

When Parker is over he tends to just watch Autumn. She is the easiest form of entertainment for him. It helps me get things done...he can just sit on the floor and watch Autumn as she runs back and forth, plays with toys, or smothers him with lots of lovin'.

I want Autumn to keep up her love of books, so we keep most of her board books under our coffee table so they are easily accessible anytime she wants to "read." One day it was cute, because both Autumn and Parker had books in their hands at the same time. And I don't remember specifically giving Parker a book...but it was cute because he would keep looking at Autumn, as if he was trying to make sure he was doing it right.

Autumn and Parker both sitting up reading.

The one above is cute, because he is sucking on his bottom lip, and smiling. Autumn still reading, but with her back to Parker. But Parker still watches her.He has totally gotten it down, how to hold a book! And he looks so comfortable.

My silly girl and an update on the pregnancy.

I needed to put away the Halloween decorations, which meant getting behind the Christmas boxes and yard sale boxes in our storage room. Autumns mini-swimming pool was sitting right on top so I grabbed it and threw it to the side. Autumn quickly snagged it and pulled it away to play with. She stayed entertained the whole time I was digging around and re-arranging. It made me sad that the weather has really cooled down and that she couldn't take full advantage of the pool.

She is my silly little girl. :)

oh- and a side note...I had a dr. appt. this morning. Everything is wonderful, I am measuring 31-32 weeks, which is right on schedule. The baby has a strong heartbeat. My weight gain- perfect. My dr. said I am more worried about it than he is. He said I should gain about 7 more lbs before the pregnancy is over, I think he forgot about the holidays coming up! It may be more like 10 lbs. :) But if it is only 7 I will be thrilled. 8 & 1/2 weeks and counting!!

Why I love my nephew.

I don't talk about anyone much on my blog except Autumn. She consumes my thoughts, actions, and everything I do everyday! Well there is another child in my life, her cousin Parker. I have the opportunity to watch him a couple of days a week. He is so much easier than Autumn ever was, so I love watching him. I really do love him. He is a very happy baby and has helped me teach Autumn some things. He has been patient with her, I often wonder if when they are older if he will pick on her. She will totally deserve it if he does. But he seems too good natured and has a "whatever" attitude that I doubt he will pick on Autumn. So! On to why I am posting a blog about him...he gave me a run for my money yesterday. Luckily Drew was here for a few minutes to help with this! Check it out:

I heard him grunting but had no idea what I was in for.
He seems pretty pleased with himself.
Atleast he is artistic! He gets it from his daddy...the artisticness...not the bm's. :)

We have a name!

Just a quick note- we have decided on a name. It's pretty permanent so I don't mind sharing it. It's WESTON ANDREW. In all honesty I wasn't too sure about it, but any other name we discussed Drew didn't like as much as Weston. I had pretty much all the say when naming Autumn, luckily he agreed and liked it. So I wanted Drew to have a lot of say this time around. We went to the temple on Sat. and we had some time to sit and ponder and I really felt good about the name, I needed that peace and assurance for some reason. So! There you go. People ask us all the time, and now we have a name!

Drew has something to say...

Not that my .02 cents really matter at this point or that anyone would really care what I have to say over the matter of the election. I have heard both parties speeches and agree with many of policies and proposals which all seem very smart, intelligent and enlightening. However despite all of the promises and the he said she said b.s. I would like to just say that one president may boost the economy and make my 401k go up a few bucks which in and of itself would be nice. I however would also forfeit my entire savings and retirement just to know that thousands of unborn babies lives would not be lost to abortion. I think that there has been so much focus put onto the economy that every other part of the presidential role has been lost. I think that it is follie to think that a man that has never spent a day in any type of army, navy, military or air force can successfully be commander and chief over this country. It is also rather unfortunate to believe that one who has been in the office of a senator for less time than what it takes to become a doctor, lawyer, dentist, RN, or even teachers go through a time longer than six months before they can become a principal. Or on a much lesser note even get their own classroom full of kids to teach without going through as a teachers aid first or substituting for a substantial amount of time usually much longer than six months. Also, as a firm believer of the bible and the many principles which it brings forth, I follow the bibles teachings in marriage of a man and a woman and that God is perfect and that he does not make mistakes when creating his children. As I go to the polls tomorrow to cast my vote for John McCain I still struggle to think about how many people stand undecided but of course if one is only looking at the economic part of the presidential role then yes I guess it would be a tough choice between the two candidates. Maybe if more people did a large amount of personal research on the presidents instead of believing what the media tells them the undecided voter numbers would be much fewer and this race would be much closer or perhaps even swaying in favor of Senator McCain. I know my vote is not the most popular and that Warren Buffet, Oprah, and Ellen would be very upset with me but that's why this country is great!!! Even if you don't vote McCain be sure to do your homework and vote for whom you deem to be the most qualified.

Autumns Adventures

Saturdays are always fun for Autumn, Drew is home and the morning are just more relaxed. Especially since I did all the cleaning yesterday because we won't be home much today.

Autumn has a GIANT toy bucket, it sits in front of the DVDs so she doesn't get into them and pull them out. Well my little determined daughter figured out a way into her bucket. It was so funny. Now she can't stay out of it.

Here she is trying to watch tv too.

Found the DVD she was trying to get to.

I moved her and the bucket, it took her fun away from the dvd tower.

My Big Helper

The weather here for a few days in the beginning of Oct. was really cool. Lately it has been back to the 90's, which means it has to be cooling down soon! Anyways, because we assumed the weather would be cooling down Drew spent some money on special parts for his bike, like these self repairing inner-tubes, and other gadgets. When he finally set down to work on everything Autumn wanted to be Daddy's little helper. She hates to feel left out. Sometimes our patience gets worn out with her in situations like this because it would get done so much faster if we just did it ourselves, but surprisingly Drew was very patient and we enjoyed watching her help.

Drew has a '76 Camero that I feel he will always be working on and tinkering with; I can just see him in the future with Autumn in a pair of cover-alls outside helping him with the car.

***My camera was set on a weird setting. Sorry for some of the blurriness.