Storytime...

Sam is really good at telling Michael Bible stories. He has a way of making Michael get so excited and hang on to his every word!

There was a period of time where Michael wanted Sam to tell him the story of Jonah every night. And he did just that. We would lay Michael down in his bed and he would ask about Jonah. He definitely prefers Sam's storytelling skills over mine. I'm not quite as animated! :) Storytelling is not my gift.

Recently we've added the story of Samson, David & Goliath, and the Christmas story to his repertoire. Here's Michael telling the story of David & Goliath. He's obviously STILL under the weather, so excuse the coughing! :)

It's a........

We are so excited to announce that Michael is going to have a little.....

BROTHER!!

I am super excited and already anticipating having two sons - brothers! I know that will always be a special bond between the two of them. I'm looking forward to campouts in the backyard, forts in the living room, wrestling matches (with Daddy of course, not me), and many more boy things!

Sam can hardly contain his excitement! I tease him that he's trying to custom-build a basketball team! :) ha!

Anyhow.... the jury is still out on his name! I would love to go ahead and monogram it on his stocking, but doesn't look like that's going to happen anytime soon. We are in no hurry, though!

Pregnancy update...

So, I haven't written much about my pregnancy since I announced we were expecting. Baby and I are doing well! A few weeks ago, the evening sickness ceased and I regained some energy, so I'm starting to feel normal again. One of may favorite bloggers documents her pregnancy every week with these highlights and I love it. Although you will not get weekly updates from me, I would love to fill you in on some pregnancy stats!

I will be 20 weeks on Tuesday - halfway there!! We also find out the sex of the baby and I could not be more anxious! We will be thrilled no matter what the ultrasound tech tells us, but it's just good to know! I can't wait to call him/her by name!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How far along: almost 20 weeks

Size of baby: Baby girl/boy is the length of a banana and weighs 10.5 ounces

Maternity clothes: YES! I got a pair of maternity "jeggings" (jean/leggings) and they are the most comfy things ever created. I have a feeling I might wear those even after the baby comes!

Gender: We'll find out soon!!

Movement: I've just started feeling the baby this week! I was getting a little worried, but he/she helped calm my nerves. It feels like little bubbles popping right now. No big kicks or anything.

Sleep: I sleep pretty good, but I have to have 2 pillows surrounding me to keep me from turning over on my stomach.

What I miss: Sleeping on my stomach!

Cravings: Little Debbie Oatmeal Cream Pies, Koolaid, baked potatoes, salty things - too bad it's not fruit and veggies!

Symptoms: my gag reflex is really sensitive, but the nausea has gone away!

Best moment this week: Feeling the baby move :)

Pink Pig and Santa

Last week, my mom and I made our annual trip to go ride the Pink Pig and see Santa at Lenox Mall. We started this tradition for Michael's first Christmas and we've kept to it for the 3rd year! I just love this Santa... his name is Santa Sam and he's been the Lenox Santa for a long time. He's so sweet!

This year we took my niece, Kennedy. It was so fun watching the two of them - Michael and Kennedy - together basking in the Christmas joy! They loved everything they saw... the lights, the cookies, everything!

Next up: The Pink Pig! Michael called it the "Pig Train". Although he's ridden it before, he didn't remember the past years, so I loved seeing his expressions as we rode the train. He loved it!

Last year, I bought an ornament to remember all of our Pink Pig trips. Michael loves to play with this ornament in particular and talk about the Pig Train. I love that he's starting to make memories and can tell stories about them!

Are there things that you do every year at Christmastime? Do you have traditions that you keep annually?

All we need is the photo...

Christmas cards are a big deal for me. Is it a southern thing that we put so much emphasis on sending Christmas cards? I just love getting a personalized photo card at Christmas and displaying them on the wall. It also reminds me to say a little prayer for our friends and family as their picture catches my eye!

In the past, I have created my own cards, but I just don't have the time this year! I have used Shutterfly to print pictures and have them sent to my house, so I thought I'd check out their Christmas Cards. I was so surprised at the quality of their designs! They are so cute and classic looking! They also make it so easy! All you do is upload your picture and type in your names and viola! A Christmas card!

These are some of my favorites that I'm eyeing for this year:

I love the look of a collage and the simple initial monogram is so classy!
I love the simplicity of these... So nice!

They do so many other things at Shutterfly, too! You can create invitations, birthday cards, or even photo gifts. I think I might create a calendar for next year - for myself and as Christmas gifts.



And the best part? Shutterfly is giving away 50 free Christmas cards to bloggers who blog about this promotion! You can read all about it HERE - Check it out and get yourself some FREE cards!

Sugar High...

Last week I was sick with a terrible cold! Boo! One day I felt so bad with body aches that I couldn't get out of bed. Sam was working, so Michael kept me company. He played quietly in his room with his blocks and would come visit me every once in a while saying "Mommy doesn't feel good?"

Well, sure enough, I passed my sickness onto Michael! A few days laster - Thanksgiving morning actually - Michael woke up with a fever. Poor thing! He held on to his fever for a couple of days and then it turned into the same terrible cold that I had.

We weren't going to let some virus get us down! What's the one thing that always makes you feel better? Christmas music and cookies! Even through the coughing and sneezing, we managed to get our Christmas tree up and make some Christmas cookies.

Michael loved frosting the cookies and pouring on the sprinkles, but his favorite part was eating them! YUM!

PolkaDots & Doodles

I've been too busy lately to update my blog! What have I been up to you ask? Sewing and monogramming...

My very talented friend, Jennie, and I have started a business together creating custom children's clothes and gifts. Let me introduce you to PolkaDots & Doodles....

We just listed a TON of new items, so check us out! If you would like to place an order, email us at polkadotsanddoodles {at} gmail {dot} com - it's written that way to avoid spam mail, but you email us the regular way! :)

Hope to hear from you soon!