Abigail's Crib and Bedding

Christmas Suprises...

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas with your friends & family. We did, and really enjoyed ourselves. We realize this was our last Christmas with things "the way they were..." Needless to say, it was alot of fun getting presents for mommy & daddy and for Miss Abigail. She is destined to be spoiled rotten...just like her mommy and her brother, Oscar. :-)

Anyways, my BIG Christmas suprise was Abby's bedding. When i saw the bag, I knew it was her bedding. Which made me laugh and feel very excited. Two weeks ago, I had asked my Hollis (my sis-in-law) if she knew when the bedding would be in. I was just ready to see it, and start the nursery. She told me she would check...but i never heard anything after that. Well Tuesday, I harassed her again :-) And asked about my bedding...She told me it had shipped. On Christmas morning, I learned that not only Hollis & my Mom, but Joyce & Kate were in cahoots! They all fibbed to me because my mom had schemed with Hollis earlier to make sure I didn't know a thing. I love this type of scheming :-) It really made getting her bedding that much more special.

Well this meant that Everett would start receiving daily "nagging" about asking when he would put the crib up...I had told him January...but you know what happens. I COULDN'T WAIT! So yesterday morning I woke up and found Ev with all the pieces out of the box and reading the directions. He is a master at putting things together, and had it up in less than an hour! The crib looks great in the room...Being the dork that I am, I even mimicked putting Abby in the crib. I can't wait until she is actually in the crib!!

I put all the bedding together yesterday and I absolutely love the bedding! I can't wait to get my two pieces that are being painted and then my pink chair, and start finishing it up. Pictures soon to follow, as well as a new belly pic. I guess I have popped now....Abby & I have been enjoying all of the holiday food. And I am realizing that my lack of belly real estate will make for a whiney Lauren, during the remainder of the pregnancy. I still feel Great and love feeling Abby have her Disco Party.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Merry Christmas!!

I just wanted to take a minute before the busy day ahead, and wish you all a Merry Christmas!!!
May God bless your family during this special time and in the upcoming year.

4 Years...

Four years ago today...we were about to take this picture. We had just borded the Carnival Conquest in New Orleans for a 7 day cruise to Cozumel, Grand Cayman & Montego Bay. We did miss Christmas that year, but got back the day after. We really enjoyed ourselves and our "first" vacation as husband & wife. Time has flown, with living in Bham and being busy and waiting for Everett to finish Optometry school...it is hard to believe we have been together for almost 9 years. We can only imagine how fast time will fly even more once Abby is here.

I just feel so lucky to have found my match & am very thankful everyday! Happy Anniversary Baby!

Painted...Finally!

So we finally finished painting Abby's room - we still have a few little places that need to be touched up (on the white molding that is :-) ) But we love the color and cannot wait to see the finished product, when we get the crib, bedding & chair all in there. For now, here is a before pic and after pictures!! YAY!!

BEFORE - yellow walls

NOW - Green Paisley walls

Girls, Girls, Girls...

Well, it's official the Marshall girls will welcome a little baby Bell girl cousin. Kate & Scott (Ev's sis & Hubby) will welcome a little girl next May. Abby was really excited when I told her that she would have a girl playmate! I won't lie... I was completely shocked! I just knew Kate had my nephew in her tummy. But, I am overjoyed!!

We will have to wait a while longer to see if all 3 will be girls. My other sis-in-law, Hollis is preggie too. She is a brave lady, on #3, and if the trend continues...all Girls!! I know they will all have a ball, and it will be very special to have the 3 newest deliveries within weeks to a months apart. They will be very close. Huntley (4yrs), Madeline (16mths), Abigail (due 4/19), Baby Girl Bell (due 5/19), Baby Marshall (due 7/25)...i can only imagine the memories they will make together!!

I also got another suprise yesterday...my pink chair is here!! YAY! YAY!! YAY! So now Everett will have to put the crib up! YAY! YAY! My bedding should be here sometime soon! I cannot wait to get her room ready! Anyways, all for now...Have a great week!!

21 weeks...

I had my 21 week appointment his morning. All looked great!! I gained 5 pounds - like i had suspected! I enjoyed Thanksgiving and all of the yummie food, Abby did too! Dr. Lawhon did the doppler ultrasound and her heartbeat sounded very strong and great. So, basically, no frills! Abby is coming along nicely. Next visit will be January 5th at 8:30am - More details later...

Happy Birthday Oscar!!

Well, today is our little "boobie's" birthday. He is 4 today! I still can't get over the fact that Everett let me get a dog. We got married on December 18th and within 2 weeks, I was hot on the trail of getting us another family member. I decided that a maltese had to do...and Ev was sweet and indulged me. So i contacted a breeder in Addison, AL and she sent me pictures of a little male maltese named, "Cyrus". We did this for about 3 weeks. One January Saturday it was time to go get him. We drove about 1 1/2 hours to nowhere, and made it to their house.

Her husband went over to a big blue tub and pulled out this teeny-tiny little white dog. And the moment he handed him to me - I fell in love. His puppy breath kisses made me melt. We drove home and of course our little guy got carsick on the way home. Oh well. To make a long story short - Cyrus became Oscar. His actual papers say his title is "Sir Oscar of Marshall." And to know him like I do...we picked the perfect name. He is grumpy, opinionated, sweet, and quite talkative.

Little baby Oscar - he still sleeps like this - Ain't he sweet

Beating up my favorite blue bear

Little boy in his AU jersey at our first apartment in Hoover

HAPPY BIRTHDAY little Boy Oscar!!!

Finally...

No big news! Today I had my first stranger ask me about being a preggie! I know...no big deal! But I have gotten the whole "your pregnant????" stare from enough people, so I feel good that someone who doesn't know me finally noticed. YAY Abby You Go Girl!!!

On a funny note...last night, I dreamed alot about Abby. My favorite dream consisted of her popping out of my shirt. She wasn't in my belly but just underneath my shirt. It was so funny. It was very cool too, because I remember what she looked like, and I wonder if that was my glimpse into what she will actually look like. She was cute as pie!! She was an infant in my dream and had blonde peach fuzz hair with gorgeous blue eyes. It was just cool! I am loving being pregnant, but cannot wait to meet her, see her, hold her, love her....

Pictures....I promised!!

My Belly Pic - 20 weeks

*My NEW Dining Room*

*Our Christmas Tree*

Updates...20 weeks

Well Thanksgiving came and went and Abby & I had some great food and desserts (our fave!!)

On Friday, Mom & I went shopping at 4:30am to get some great deals and we did. My sweet mother-in-law Joyce is getting us a king-size mattress so we will have room for Abby, Oscar, Mommy & Daddy. I have just realized I need to get started on Christmas shopping...I have had baby on the brain, so you know....

Today, I am 20 weeks, so we are 1/2 way to meeting our little girl. I cannot believe she has already been in my tummy for this long. It just gets cooler and cooler...I am sure Ev has been getting frustrated with me because she will be kicking and I will tell him to put his hand on my stomach and of course she stops kicking or I could only feel it because it was on the inside.

Well yesterday, we watched the Iron Bowl out at Shorter and this morning at 7:14am, Abby kicked me a good one, so I told Daddy to put his hand there and sure enough...TWO GREAT KICKS!!! So know he can't say I am making it up! HAHA!!!

UPDATES:
1 -We painted Abby's room on Friday and it looks great. I cannot wait to get all of her bedding
and her hot pink chair.

2- We put all our Christmas decorations up and the tree looks beautiful!!

3 - My aunt came and set up my dining room table that she refinished and it looks great. She is
working on my old "jankey" buffet & hutch and that will hopefully be back from Christmas!

4 - I go for my 21 week appointment next Monday the 8th. More updates then. Also on that
Tuesday, My sis & bro-in law find out what they are having. I will be there in the doctor's
office at 3pm to see who Abby will be playing with next year. I cannot wait.!!!

All for now...Tootles! Pictures uploaded tommorow...i promise!

So Very Thankful....

So it's Thanksgiving...YAY TURKEY DAY!! And this year, probablly more than ever, I am aware of the many things I am thankful for. For starters, a wonderful husband, who puts up with his fair share of lauren-isms, and has been so sweet throughout my pregnancy. The mood swings, the hunger pans, the whining, the crying...everything.

My parents, Steb & Albert :-) (a few funny names they call each other) who have been my cheerleaders from day one. Their spoiled little girl who used to boss everyone around and tell them where to sit so that she could sing and dance and be the center of their world for a moment will have a little "superstar" of her own next year. They cannot wait to meet you Abby, and from the looks of it, you will be more spoiled than me. They are just great parents...I hope I'm half the parent they are.

Next, my mother & father in law (I really hate the in-law part) they are so much more. Joyce and William took us in when we were in the transition from Bham period and we couldn't have had a better time. They made us feel at home, and we truly did and still do. I can only wait for Abby to meet them, and experience the love of Mimi & Pop-Pop...I am sure she can't wait to go on a hayride.

My Grandmothers, they both taught me to be a lady and how to be respectful of everyone. I know the south is traditionally known for manners...well they are no exception. One of the most memorable things both my Grandma Diem & My Gran did for me was share music. It is, was, will always be a cornerstone of my life. Whether it was Grandma singing me "You are my sunshine" or Gran & I doing our rendetion of "Victory In Jesus" and me walking around with a bible and shaking everyone's hands..those memories are priceless and make me smile.

My Aunts, talk about making a girl feel special. Aunt Cindi would let me come over and we would wear slips and make cookies. Who else would let their 8 year old niece cover their face with colored eyeshadow then let them take pictures. Haha! Blackmail for later...haha! My Aunt Lois for showing me that I can be creative and helping me to have good taste...they laugh, but we do have very very similar tastes in fabrics, everything. Thank You! Aunt Marcie, thank you for putting up with me trying to cook "baby rachel". Long story short - when my cousin Emmy was born - I was sooo excited... well little 3-year-old Lauren doesn't realize she isn't 3 but a tiny baby..I hear that I was devastated she couldn't play so instead. I told everyone that we were cooking baby Rachel and asked everyone which piece they wanted. haha! I can only imagine the handful me, Em & Al were. Thank you for all your support while I was in AU. It made me felt safe that you were near.

My family, what a cooky bunch of folks. (I mean come on, where do you think I came from people :-)) I always felt so loved beyond compare and felt that nothing was out of reach. I believe I am a product of a wonderful set of families.

My friends, THANK YOU!! You made me come out of my shell (i bet some people wish you wouldn't have tried as hard!! :-)) I am so thankful that I have so many people to share this life with and that I can count on. Most of all thank you for letting me be....ME!! In the good and the bad.

This little girl growing in my tummy, thank you in advance for the things you will show me during our lives together. I can't imagine the impact you will have on me. I can't wait to meet you and see you and know you. I thank you in advance for putting up with your goofy mom & dad...we will all have our hands full.

Corny...yes, made me almost cry writing the last part...yes, forever thankful....YES!

Ready to Paint...

So last week I found the perfect paint color for Abby's room. I think it will look perfect with the accent of my hot pink chair. We are planning on painting her room next Friday, so pictures to follow next week!!

This weekend Everett & I went to our last Auburn game of the season...we had a great time and enjoyed seeing everyone...unfortunately our tigers didn't have the best day :-) But next year will be much better, I hope!! We walked alot and saw alot of friends that cannot wait to meet Abby. Abby was moving and grooving, all day long!! I cannot wait until she can wear her Auburn dress my mother bought her. Anyone who has a good suggestion for a name for Abby to call my mother, please let me know : Mimi, NaNa & Gran are taken, so any other suggestions would be fabulous :-)

I have been feeling alot more movement this week than last...it comes and goes, but love it so much. It makes me feel so good to know she is enjoying herself in her mommy's "warm bath tub" haha!!

You asked...

Below are my first belly pictures...I am carrying her so low that earlier shots may have been pictures I could have submitted to Playboy so you will have to just deal with these :-) haha!

Anyways, on another note - yesterday I was lying in bed and felt Abby kick. I have felt flutters before but nothing like this. It was so cool. I put my hand where she kicked and I could feel it from the outside as well. I pushed a little and she would push back. The only issue I had was daddy wasn't in the room. He was finishing up watching a tv show and the tv was LOUD, and I figured if I holler'd "Come feel Abby Kick" she would stop kicking. So i whisper-screamed, which for those of you who haven't tried it before, extremely uneffective.

So I waited and he came to bed. I told him I felt her kick and he of course told me I was making it up :-) So he placed his hand on my belly, and as a typical girl, wouldn't do a darn thing. So we watched some more tv then turned it off. Ev was determined to feel her kick and put his hand on my tummy as we fell asleep. We you can't sleep if your trying to feel the baby kick, so we waited. She finally gave her daddy one little kick, and he was content. I can only imagine how much harder the kick will get.

And I think she has "ESPN" (corny joke I know...but one of my faves) cause she is kicking right now! Hope you have a great day!! Tootles!!

The room our little Abby will sleep...

The crazy person that I am - I have already ordered Abby's bedding, crib and chair. The crib was the easy part. I hope Abby loves her room!! Enjoy!


Abby's Room


Abby's closet - Already has a few outfits



Abby's pink chair from her Great Grandma Diem
(Thank You Grandma...she is going to love it, as do her mommy & daddy)


The fabric for the FABulous bedding for Abby's crib.
(I ordered this from my sis-in-law Hollis' store Peas in a Pod)

Introducing Abby....

So yesterday was our Big Day and we found out (as most of you now know) that we are expecting a little girl. We decided that her name will be Abigail Marie Marshall and we plan to call her Abby for short.

Our doctor's visit went really well - The lobby was crowded for 8:30 am...but with people we love dearly - My mom & dad, Grandmother and Aunt Cindi, Joyce & William, Ev's parents, and my sister-in-law Hollis and my precious niece Madeline. I had been all smiles and nervous, anxious, you name it, all morning long. I got some good advice from "Dr. Harless" (that's what I will call you momma-to-be Evan) and drank a very large glass of OJ before we left the house. Anyways, Miss Barbara called us back and I am sure my face got hot and flushed right then. We got all situated and she began our ultrasound.

She showed us the face, her spine, we could see all 4 chambers of the heart, her big "little" foot,and her full belly. Then came the money shot - It felt like this took forever. And we saw her little hiney and her tee-tee. Barbara asked what everyone was telling us it was and we of course said girl, she said, "Yep, they were right!!" We both got teary-eyed because this was our little girl.

Abby looks great, and was even drinking some of the amniotic fluid while we watched. She did a nice audition for dance class like she did the time before. Dr. Lawhon said she looks great and is growing properly. She weighs about 7 ounces, so almost a 1/2 pound. He also said that right now she measures 2 days ahead of our due date, but he didn't want to move the due date until later if we need to. Also, all of the genetic blood work I had done at my 14-week-vist came back normal.

We are so thankful for our daughter Abby and hopes she continues to prosper and grow while we do our parts to take care of her. We cannot wait to meet you Abby!!

I LOOOOVEEE PINK!!!

So, it's official - WE'RE HAVING A GIRL!! We are so happy and thankful that she cooperated today. I will be posting more info about the doctor's visit and pictures of our little girl tommorow. I am pooped and need a nap! Tootlatoo for now! My little girl & I need our beauty rest :-)

The Polls Are Closed...

So the polls are closed...and I am not talking about poltics. A ton of you believe Bean will be Miss Bean Marshall and a wee little of you think there is a wee little tee-tee involved. There is currently a recount and we should have those numbers to you on 11/10.

Sorry, I had to do it :-) I am a sucker for a corny joke!! Monday is our big day and I hope that the baby will be excited and awake, and ready to spread em'. With our big entourage waiting in the lobby, we will announce what our first child will be. I can hardly wait!

Look back here Monday for the Big News!! Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers for us and this baby. We are truly blessed that God has let us be a part of something so incredible.

Talk to you in 4 1/2 days! :-)

Two Preggies and Dental Floss...

Oh the simple things in life - hotel shower caps!!

I wonder...

A week from today we find out what this little baby is...so today as I was cleaning I found the box of pictures we used for our rehearsal dinner slide show. It is so funny to look at all the pictures of little Everett & little Lauren - it makes me wonder what our baby will look like. All in due time...i know. But just for fun - here are some possibilities - i have my fingers crossed that the baby will be smaller like i was than bigger like my sweet hubs was. I think Everett's head at birth is the size of my adult pea head. Anyways, all for now - enjoy!

LA

EV

Part-Time is the right time....

So I am happy to announce that beginning Monday, Nov. 3rd, 2008, I will begin my life as a part-time worker. I feel so blessed to work for a company that will allow me to do this during such a big time in our lives. I will work 3 days a week - Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday - and be home before 4pm everyday. Not only will this give me time to clean house, and finish my to-do list, but will allow me to start preparing for baby!!

I know the arrival of Baby Bean is still about 5 months away, but that doesn't matter. I am a planner and I want to make sure I have done it right and am ready (as I can be) for this little gift. Anyways, the countdown is still on - 11 days until Baby Bean shows us the goods or lack their of :-)

In the meantime - here is a picture of our Oscar Mayer Weiner :-) He is very excited to have a brother or sister to play with. We are sure the baby will get a million laughs from this funny little guy, who has taught us about patience and unconditional love.

Mommy, Daddy & Bean love you Boobie!! :-)

I Heart....

Preparing the Nest...

So I am off today, and that didn't stop me from getting up early (7:44am to be exact) and getting a start on my day. I made a grocery list - which is a first in about 2 months - I always used to but have been so picky lately that it is hard to make "planned" food choices. I heart fast food is what i am trying to say. Anyways, today i headed to the store and got all motivated. So when i came home - i not only had ingredients for fettucini alfredo, pot roast , chicken with actual veggies, but the ingredients for spice tea and chocolate cake with ganache frosting.

I am normally not a "real" baker. I guess i agree with Sandra Lee from Semi-Homemade way too much. I am notorious for saying "it's home-made" when in actually I did bake it, but it was a mix that i added the ingredients too, and maybe a teaspoon of vanilla (my secret for making it taste more homemade) :-) So today, i actually made a chocolate cake from scratch and made homemade ganache using milk-chocolate and whipping cream. And drumroll please....it tastes "tha-bomb" (there are not many situations that this wording can be used at my age, but this one is)

Also, we got the great news last week that our crib we ordered from Storkland is in. So we will be picking it up sometime this week. We have also been moving furniture around to make room for Baby Bean and its oodles of stuff. I have also been crazy-cleaning lady today...which is a good thing. I guess I am also trying to forget about the fact that I cannot wait to find out (2 weeks from today) what our first-born child will be. I cannot wait to finally know who I have been dining with for the past 4 months :-)

Tootles for now! More to come later as always!!

14 weeks and counting...

So today was my 14 week Dr.'s appointment. It went really well. I had blood work done this morning, got a flu shot, and got to hear bean's beautiful little heart beat. I am tickled pink & blue...hahah!!

I was supposed to come back in 4 weeks - but the doctor put 3-4....so you know what i picked. 3 Weeks! DUH! So on Monday, November 10th, 2008 at 8:30am - we have our BIG Appointment - where we see a teetee - and as the poll suggests - lack their of. :-) Either way, we are so excited and thankful for a normal pregnancy so far. And pray that that continues.

I am excited about being in my 2nd trimester - even though I cannot believe I have already been preggo for 4 months. I am looking forward to getting much more energy - some has already returned ,and also to finally feel bean cutting a rug in my belly. I am also looking forward to my growing belly soon!!

I got to attend my first baby shower as a preggo this weekend. Here is a picture of my sweet college roomie Emily, that is expecting her first child Allyson Elizabeth in December (I couldn't keep my hands off of her belly!!! :-))

Eager...

I am so ready to go back to the doctor, even though this is just a routine appointment. Blood work, etc...no ultrasound...poo! We are ready to find out what this little baby is...so i can start planning and preparing. I have found the perfect bedding and room decor...for a baby girl! I am on the fence on what i think this little one is. But who knows!

On Sunday morning, my little pooch was alot bigger and feels much harder. I even thought I may have felt some movement even though I am not supposed to yet. The tendency for me to want to shop has gotten great, but since i don't know whether we are going pink or blue that is hard. I did do some mommy shopping from Mimi Maternity - they have a fabulous sale going on, so i purchased a few items. I am still holding out on jeans, but hopefully soon I will have to break down and go ahead.

Anyways, that is all for now - except my bragging that I am eating enchiladas for lunch! I was craving them yesterday, but had to settle for a grilled cheese & turkey sandwich with pickles. Was good, but i wanted those enchiladas.

Cheerio for now! :-)

Cravings!!

So some cravings have finally reared their yummie little heads!! So far, only a few:

PANCAKES!!! This one started several days ago, and I finally got some homemade pancakes from Everett on Sunday morning, along with a few pieces of syrup-soaked bacon! It was all I had dreamed of! :-)

KRISPY KREMES!!! This one started today, and all while i was writing an email to my sis-in-law, and fellow pregger Kate. I even suckered 2 co-workers into eating one too :-) I got a glazed chocolate iced halloween sprinkled one, and enjoyed with with a small cup of decaf coffee. It was pure heaven!! A fried piece of dough with sweetness! YUMMOO!!!

Halloween candy has become of favorite of mine as well - twix, and sweettarts! But i am trying to nip this one in the bud, as i know the baby doesn't need a bunch of sugar. It will already be a very outgoing child, I am sure :-) Anyways, that is all the blogging I will do for right now!

How Cool...

Today at work, I thought to myself about the baby growing inside me. We have already been together for 3 months, and when we finally meet we will have known each other for almost a year. It is like having a special friend that you love even though you have never actually met. I can only imagine what that moment will hold when I finally meet this little child, my first born, a person that is part of me, a person I had a hand in creating...a beautiful gift from above.

What a amazing thing! Sorry for being sappy...but this is so cool!

Bean Marshall & Lima Bell...God Is Good!!!

So I can finally blab my BIG mouth with the glorious news, I had prayed I could share...
that my sweet sister (in law) Kate and her husband Scott are expecting their first baby!!

We had a scare last week when she went to the doctor and turns out she wasn't as far along as they thought. Her progesterone levels were low as well - signs that she may have had a misscarriage before she actually found out their wonderful news. With the help of medicine, prayer and tons of support from those who love them - they stayed strong and hopeful. Last week, we got good news after the initial appointment, that her levels of progesterone & HcG had doubled, so the levels were going up like we hoped.

Today was a BIG day for them, and they got to see their little "Lima Bell's" heartbeat! A glorious and amazing sight!! Now, they can begin their journey to being a momma & daddy, like Ev & I have been able to begin. She is 6 weeks and 1 day, so the babies (depending on acutal dates of birth) have the chance to be only a month apart. And our youngest niece, Madeline, will be the best little helper as she will only be 18 months older than both!!

As far as the name goes "Lima Bell" ...yep it's corny like Bean Marshall, and who do you think came up with it?? Yep ME!!

Other Great NEWS!!! ( I know I am cramming alot into this blog) We get another new sister (in law) with our wonderful addition of Meredith and her upcoming marriage to Matt! We are sooo happy for them and see a bright and happy future. Two great people have met, and we couldn't be more thrilled.

Last week was a WILD one!! But A Very HAPPY & HOPEFUL one!! That's all for now...tootles!!!

My Little Jumping Bean

So today was our 10 week appointment - and it went REALLY well! For starters we got one of the first appointments of the day and I highly recommend that! Everett was able to go with me since he scheduled his patients later in the day.

The ultrasound was even better this time. What a difference 4 weeks makes...what was a little dot is now an actual baby! And boy was it excited to have it's picture taken. I couldn't stop laughing because it was moving, and I don't mean a little leg here, a little leg there...we are talking Billy Blanks Tae Bo Jam. It was amazing to see our little baby moving and grooving. I know, it is no shock that our child wouldn't be sitting there twiddling it's thumbs :-)

Everett also got to meet Dr. Lawhon, and he also told us everything looks great. The baby is measuring like it's supposed to. We also got to hear the heartbeat through the Doppler - and it was sweet music to our ears. A solid - steady beat!! Another fun fact I learned from the appointment was that I hadn't gained a pound since my last appointment - this completely flabergasted me ( i am not flabber- whatever :-) very often so) And I have been eating like a champ! No baby belly yet, but hopefully soon! I cannot wait to show the world my little bean!!

Anyways, that is all for now! Next appointment is in October and our November visit is the big one, where we find out the sex!! WHOOP WHOOP!!

Owwww...What is that?

So yesterday we went to Aunt Khaki's house to get the Poundstone Family cradle for little Bean.
I have been so good about not lifting things (even though I didn't think it mattered yet) so when I had to lift part of it, it did it and it was fine. Well, last night I woke up to tinkle, as is my new nightly routine, and when I went back to bed had some pain in my back. I tried to sleep but got up about 4am because it hurt. I went into our guest bathroom, and tried to feel it out. As the wonderful hypochondriac that I am, I was sure it was my kidney or my something in my body was about to explode. I woke Ev up and he said take some Tylenol...yep that's it. No poor baby...he isn't falling for that yet i guess. Anyways, I took Tylenol and got into the bathtub and soaked. It felt much better. So i went back to sleep.

I called the doctor this morning because it was concerning to me and the area was still very sore. Turns out that your muscles can get a little rowdy when your preggers. She told me I must have overdone it. Go figure, but at least it wasn't an organ that was hurting. I am one of those people who asks (anyone who knows) "What is right here? Cause it hurts"

Anyways, Monday is our BIG 10 week appointment. I have been told we may be able to hear the heartbeat. I have my fingers crossed that we will. I can't wait to get a baby belly...I've got baby pouch right now...which would work out well if I was a marsupial :-) haha!!! I promise I will add belly pictures as soon as I look preg and not all you can eat buffet girl!

WAR EAGLE for Now!!

Finally...some shopping!

No...I haven't been buying baby clothes or anything like that :-) You can talk to my mother about that - She is overjoyed and cannot wait...just because the baby isn't here yet doesn't mean she can't indulge them. At the rate we are going - the baby will have 50 Going to Grandma onesies... but hey I am sure I will be the same way.

Saturday was a fun day - as my mom, Aunt Cindi, Grandmother & I went to Storkland to order my crib. I am in love with it and cannot believe how affordable it was. It is from the Annabelle Collection from Million Dollar Baby. I lucked into already having a dresser and changing table, courtesy of my parents first bedroom furniture. Right now it is dark wood and groovy gold drawer pulls...nothing a little sandpaper and white paint won't cure. It will be here in about 12 weeks - so perfect time as I will be 22 weeks by then and will know what baby bean - is.

Right now, I think it is a boy for some reason, but Everett thinks it is a girl - so who knows, either way it is going to be a life changing experience and I cannot wait to meet our child. Now I see why many of my friends who have recently given birth were so anxious to meet their babies. I was too...but i figure i don't need to wish this time away. I will enjoy it while I can.

My "morning sickness" if you can call it that - more like "all day I really wanna vomit, but it isn't happening sickness" has been gone for about a week now. I read that that is because the placenta has taken over - hip - hip- hooray! If i could hug the placenta I would - I know I am not out of the woods for more of the same, but this break has been great. Anywhoo...that is all that La, Ev & The Bean have been up to.

I might be human...

So today, is the first day that I have experienced the least amount of nausea. I actually feel like a happy pregnant girl! YAY!
Ev will be very happy tonight, as I will be cooking dinner for the first time in a few weeks! It is just so hard to plan for dinner when you really don't know what you want to eat. So I got a craving for this yummie casserole that I learned to make forever ago. My mom made this for me as long as I can remember...definately a keeper for the sharing recipe department. If you are a little mexican lover like me, Enjoy!!

Lorenzo's Hot Chicken

3 Chicken Breasts - cooked & shredded
1 can of cream of chicken
1 can of cream of mushroom
1 can of original Rotel tomatoes
I bag of Doritos Chips
2 cups of cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350. In a 9X13 pyrex dish, sprayed with pam - crush 1/2 of a bag of Doritos and layer that on the bottom of the dish. (If you are a weight watcher you can use the WOW Doritos...as a preggo I will use the REAL DEAL)
Next, mix the 3 cans in a bowl and add the chicken. Pour this over the chips in your dish.
Then, sprinkle the cheese over the top. (I normally by the publix monterray jack & cheddar mixtured...it gives it some spice)
Put in the oven and cook for 30 minutes or until bubbly.

This is a super yummie dish - goes good with bread & salad.

That's all from me for now! Seems I have food on the brain, haha!!

Poor Pitiful Me...

So this morning, I was feeling pretty good when i woke up. Then got in the shower and almost passed out. I decided that my blood sugar was too low, and thought it would be best if i worked from home today. Luckily, that is an option I have at work. Anyways, most of the day until a few hours ago...I have felt nauseaus and not like myself. I started to feel pity on myself, and realized (while watching Apollo 13 for the 2nd time in 2 days) how lucky I am.

I have a wonderful husband, great parents & parents in law, great friends & family that care about me and this child. More than anything, great people that have helped me to the life I have today. Just reminded me to be thankful for everything in my life and the life I am helping to grow. Love you all!!

Bean Marshall

So today was our first appointment. Ev couldn't go, so my Momma went with me. On this lovely, rainy, nasty day...I got to see the first picture of our little one. Very cool...actually way cooler than I could have imagined.

So here's the scoop on Baby "Bean" Marshall...we are not quite as far along as we thought. We are 6 weeks and 1 day - so that means our baby will make it's red carpet debut on April 19th, 2009, or sometime in April. The ultrasound showed a very strong heart beat which was very cool. I asked my friend Jessica, who is a recent addition to the Mommy Club, "is it normal not to feel pregnant?" Well she was right and there acutally was a little "bean" in there. hahaha!!

Well for now - I did get some good feedback about questions I had. I can't eat raw sushi (that's what I figured) so now I can get the fattie "fried" goodness rolls they offer :-) The biggest suprise and very excitable answer to my questions were that I can take baths - if anyone lived with me or new me or anyone who lived with me in college for that matter, knows that I am a waterbaby...I live in the tub and now I acutally have a big tub I love...and I can take baths!! WHOOHOOOO!!! Also, my blonde hair will continue to look fabulous because I can get it done! So, I will be good looking and in a good mood from soaking in the tub. That is all for now!

OMG!

So when I went to the grocery store last week - I just randomly decided that I should buy a Preg Test. I have taken my fair share since April - even when i knew that the result would be an expected "No!" But on this day, I opted for the Publix $6.99 special with only one test. Well I got home, and got ready to start making dinner for me & Ev. But right before i cooked the squash I said, "I need to go ahead and take this," I also had to teetee really bad so...there you go.

Well i watched as I always did, and saw the first line appear and was like okay...No again...no BIG deal. So i left it alone and came back and almost fell out. It was positive. So I calmly picked up my cell phone and dialed Everett..."Can you please pick up some more cornmeal and a very good preggo test? I just got a positive." At that point neither one of use really new if this was "real." So Ev comes home with the Caddy of preggo test - 3 EPT's - 2 regular and one digital. So I took the digital one first. This is the one that say Preggo, or Not Preggo. Well it said preggo too. Well that still wasn't enought so I took another one ( do you see a pattern here?? :-) )

So here we are...We are about 7 or 8 weeks now! And go to see "Dr. Longhorn" as Ev calls him, next Monday. I cannot tell you how excited we are. It still doesn't feel real, but I am having a few symptoms, thankfully so far no sickness :-) Just a few mood swings, sore boobies, and teeteeing all day & night long. Baby Marshall should make its way into the world next April...will keep you posted on updates!!

UPDATE: Wow does time fly...

So after all my reminiscing...it turns out another great thing happened in August, I found out Everett & I are expecting our first child. What a great birthday present!!!

Wow does time fly...

Yesterday, when I went to pick up Ev's weekly dry cleaning the lady asked me, "Can you believe it's already August?" I said "No", and it really made me think. Not only had I just turned a year older (good-bye mid-twenties), but thought back to all the Augusts before.

Such great things, have happened in this month for as long as I have been alive. For my parents, August was great because I was born. But in more recent years, many important things have taken place: I started my Auburn experience in August, Found my future husband, got engaged on my 21st birthday, my niece Huntley's birth...the biggest realization was when I thought about my youngest niece. I remembered that Maddie will turn one year old in about 2 weeks. It was a strange thought, because I forget that she has only been with us for that long. It feels like she has always been a part of our lives.

I thought back to a year ago - We were anxiously awaiting the birth of Madeline. I was supposed to go to Atlanta for the wedding of my dear friend Lizzie. I went back & forth all week, trying to decide what to do. I had missed Huntley's birth and didn't want to miss another. So i decided, to stay in town so I wouldn't miss a thing. Well, she didn't make her arrival until Tuesday, Aug 28th. But I got to share that moment with our family and I wouldn't trade it for the world. Even cooler, was the fact that her 3-year-old Big Sister was outside the room as well, hearing her baby sister cry for the very first time. Then hearing what only a child could percieve, "Is she out?" haha! Yep, she's out!

Whoa...a real life blog!!

Another birthday...another year older - so i figure, as i get older & hopefully wiser, that now is the time to start a real blog. One that will let people know what is going on with my life and my thoughts (crazy and kinda wacky for you normal folks), so here goes.

For those who need a quick run down of my life journey so far: I graduated Auburn University on Dec. 17th, 2004 - I married my husband Everett on the very next day. We lived in Birmingham for about 3 years while he was in school. The Ham was amazing...so much shopping, great food, great hangouts...terrible traffic (still nothing on Hotlanta though.) I got my Auburn bubble popped before we even got married, as our apartment got broken into. It could have been much worse, but fortunately we were out of town. Really makes you realize that the world can be a scary place. Birmingham also brought us some great friendships and camaraderie that we really miss. But have made the good effort in keeping in touch so far. Shortly after we got married, I talked Everett into getting a dog - our "child" Oscar is a sweet Maltese, who is extremely grumpy...but we love him so! Talk about character - he's got a ton of it!!

Anyways, fast forward to May 2007 - I was there as Ev (what I call him for short) got his Doctorate of Optometry Degree from UAB. I was as proud as I have ever been...what an amazing accomplishment. Now, we are back home in Montgomery - which we love. I think being in Auburn for 4 1/2 years then Birmingham for 3 really makes you glad to be home. Plus the fact that we still have long-time friends, our amazing families & 2 nieces, really makes us glad we are no longer missing out on even the smallest things.