Perry's Progress...

Baby "P" Week 32

How Big is the Baby at 32 Weeks Pregnant?
Your baby continues to put on weight each week of your pregnancy. At 32 weeks your baby weighs 3.7 pounds and measures about 16.7 inches long.
Your Baby's Growth and Development
By 32 weeks pregnant, your baby's fingernails have grown long enough that they reach the tip of his fingers. Some babies will have settled into their labor position - with head down, chin tucked into chest, and bottom up. Your baby may even be smiling. At 32 weeks of pregnancy, it is not uncommon for unborn babies to smile, sticking out their tongues, and even make faces.
At this stage of pregnancy, your baby's face is much more rounded and adorable!
Your Growth and Development
At 32 weeks the total volume of blood circulating in your body is about 40 to 50 percent higher than it was before you became pregnant. This added blood volume helps accommodate your fetus.
You are probably still gaining about one pound per week. Some women find that they experience more shortness of breath at this time during their pregnancy. Be sure you avoid overexertion and take time to rest during the day.

Above is from babycenter.com and explains what is going on with little P right now. I had my weekly Wednesday visit/shot today and am please to report that things are looking great! My blood pressure is still around 94/70, no protein in urine, no swelling (so far), no contractions in about a week, and weight gain consistent (19 pounds total). He is continuing to measure 2 weeks larger than we are gestationally. Which means he could be bigger than the average bear or our due date is off by a week or so. (since they calculate by your last menstrual cycle the dates are an estimate) Dr. H is happy that the shots are obviously doing their job thus far!! I'm still running about 4 times a week (very SLOWLY) and feel the best I have felt the entire pregnancy!! I'm in full nesting mode and have washed, hung, replaced, re-washed, folded, stocked, and moved everything in York and Perry's rooms... twice! We have been told to get a bag ready and the car seat out of the attic because we are fast approaching York's gestational week/debut! I feel certain that Perry is a tad more comfortable at this point and will decide to hang out a few more weeks than Mr. York did. I will have my last shot on Oct. 27 and if Perry decides to come after that she will not stop him! If he has not come by November 22 we will induce. So that is the plan so far... although Perry will ultimately decide when he is ready for this world!

Summary of today's post: Perry will be here in November before Thanksgiving!

What is it with me and holiday babies... ??

My 2 best friends and my sister are giving me a "sprinkle" this Sunday and I can not wait. They are so sweet to do this for a second baby!! I'm most excited about spending time with friends and family. I will take plenty of pictures and post after the weekend.

Belly Comparison...

This is York and I (and Perry) at 31 weeks...

Flash Back to 30 weeks pregnant with York...
I have been hounded about getting some belly shots on here... so this is for all of you pregnant belly fans!

Can we build it....

yes we can!!

We began the "big build" a couple of weekends ago. Wes and I decided that we needed a playset in the back yard. After looking at Lowes, Home Depot, online, etc we decided on a set at Academy. Naturally... Wes wanted to build one on his own but after pricing wood, accessories, and hardware we came to the conclusion buying a set would be cheaper and easier! After getting all of the pieces unloaded in our garage the overwhelming sensation began setting in. There were a ga-zillion bolts, nuts, screws, caps, etc! This was definitely going to be a major project... It wasn't going to be finished in a weekend! I'm so lucky to have a handy husband and father-in-law because they began sorting pieces of wood and getting all of the hardware organized... I wouldn't have known where to begin. Here are some pics from DAY 1!

We still haven't finished the picnic table on the other end or the installation of the ship's steering wheel. It is a work in progress but York is already enjoying the swing and slide. It is so nice to have something for him to enjoy in the back yard while momma takes a break on the back porch...

Bedtime Cronicles...

Bedtime Bootcamp...

This past weekend we went to Montgomery -where York visited with Mae-Mae and Rae-Rae and mommy and daddy headed to "the Plains". It was a much needed break...not to mention my mom was about to die to get some York-time! While at grandma's York learned how to climb out of his crib!!! W-O-N-D-E-R-F-U-L This was the little push I needed to become serious about the "big boy" bed transition. We decided that night York would be on big boy bed boot camp!

Sunday Night: First night of boot camp... went AMAZING! Little guy laid right down without a problem and snored til 9AM!

Monday afternoon nap: After putting my little munchkin back in his bed 8 times -equivalent to 1 solid hour- he finally gave up and closed his eyes.

Monday Night: Wes laid down with him because he wasn't super sleepy. After rolling, kicking, slapping, and suffocating Wesley for half an hour he rolled over and began sawing logs in sync with his father!

Tuesday afternoon nap: Repeat of Monday nap time... I can get down the stairs before he is looking at me from his room behind the gate. Luckily, I stayed strong and he finally laid down.

Tuesday night: went right down without a problem... Maybe he is getting the hang of it!?...

So far... a painless process! Although going up and down the stairs for this 8 month preggie is getting a little difficult. I will also have to admit that the transition was made easier by the Video monitor was given to us by Ya-Ya!! (THANK YOU!) It has been a lifesaver... I was worried about him being upstairs and so far away from us. He also likes to get out of his bed and play with his trucks, cars, building blocks, in the bathroom, etc. So I can see what he is doing when I'm not in the room... It has been amazing and I wish we would have had it when he was smaller. Although I never would have stopped watching the screen!

Week 31...

We are in the home stretch of this pregnancy and things are going great! I feel much better than I did with York at this point! I see the doctor weekly until Perry arrives and we continue the shots for another 5 weeks. At that point if we go into labor she will not try and stop it! We have moved all of York's things to his big boy room (clothes, do-dads, and toys) and Perry's nursery is shaping up too! I didn't realize how much he had until I began washing, folding, and hanging things. I forgot how many things we have bought since we found out we were expecting number 2. I didn't want Perry to have EVERYTHING pre-loved so I began buying things here and there (as did Ya-Ya and Mae-Mae)... lets just say he will not need for a thing! As far as the bed rest is concerned... my cervix is long and hasn't changed since our last visit. Dr. H is pleased with this and will continue to hold off on the bed rest until/if we have any change! Music to my ears and many prayers answered. Until next time...

Once bitten - Twice Shy

Mother's Day Out -Day #2

I rushed into the Church to pick up my sweet man... as I walked up to his room I noticed the teacher was holding him. My first thought was that he was getting tired and wanted to be snuggled. The teacher gave me a concerned look and said "we had a little problem". As she turned York toward me I could see the big alligator tears in his eyes! She told me that a little girl in his class had bitten him and she was so very sorry. She said that York did not provoke her and was taken by surprise when she leaned over an feasted on his arm! She added that they have a strict biting policy and she had contacted the parent and also disciplined the child appropriately. She assured us that they would be watching this particular little girl so it doesn't happen again. I did not know what to say... The sweet skin on his little arm was purple and red and he looked up at me with sad sad eyes. I have been around children enough to know that these things happen. And it could very well be my son next time! My biggest concern was that this incident would teach York to bite when he was angry. I am hoping we can reiterate to him that we do NOT bite and it hurts! All day yesterday he would look down and say BITE...No, No, No! and point at his arm! He is such a sweetheart and I love his little disposition. It just broke my heart that he was "hurting". Although I cried like a baby as soon as I got into the car (partly hormone induced) my reaction wasn't anything like Wesley's. Remember that Wes hasn't been around little ones and was an only child... he was FURIOUS! He said "The only thing that makes it better is that it was a little girl who bit him and not a BOY.. because I would expect some retaliation then..." I on the other hand didnt care if it was a boy, girl, him, her, red, yellow, black, or white.. I don't want ANYONE hurting my child!! Good thing I didnt walk up 30 seconds earlier and actually witness the "even" because I am not so sure I would have handled it properly. Luckily a friend happened to be picking her son up at the same time and was able to help me through the intial shock!! (Thanks Lindsey) Needless-to-say we are still up in the air about our feelings toward Mother's Day Out 201o!! Below is the "wound" last night a dinner... already looking much better! Cool Dude at dinner last night with mommies glasses...

Congratulations to our cousins Logan and Drew Mouron for welcoming their first son Andrew Potter Mouron weighing 7 lbs 6 ounces!! Cant wait for York to meet his first cousin on Wesley's side!!!

Someone should have prepared us...

for the traumatic scene we had Tuesday morning! York and I walked into the first day of Mother's Day Out to crying babies and mommas everywhere! Wait... I thought this was a good thing! I know it can be a little scary for the little ones but MOM's get-a-grip! It is a short 4 hours!! I will say I was a tiny bit uneasy about him being away from me for the first time (with strange teachers/kids) I didn't want him to think I had abandoned him!! Luckily, sweet York was his happy self and be-bopped right into the class room. Had he cried and held his hands up for me I might have lost it... but not inside I must add! Although all 5 children in the class were crying hysterically ...York beelined it passed them to the toy car and jumped on top and began saying VROOOM VROOM! (that's my boy!) He also has a little friend, Blake, in the class and he recognized him ... they had a fun day of blowing bubbles, outdoor play, snack, art, and a nice lunch. By they way... those were the fastest 4 hours in history. I deliberately planned a morning full of errands so I wouldn't miss my little man too badly. Before I was able to finished my list it was time to pick him up! Here are some pix of the Monumental Day...York's first piece of art that is proudly displayed on our fridge!!
Eating a little breakfast before the big DAY!

In the car headed to the school...

I couldnt physically get York, his bag, the required paper towels/wipes, this belly, AND the camera to capture inside pix... Although they would have been some interesting ones! I will get some of his precious teachers and classmates soon!

We dont STOP...

We arrived in Auburn around 6:30 pm on Friday night and joined some friends for dinner at Amsterdam's Cafe. It was absolutely delicious and is always on the top of our list of things to do in Auburn. We then checked into our Hotel room and York was in heaven. He absolutely loved our room and began running around and squealing/talking nonstop! We had to let him run some of his energy out so we decided to walk downtown. It is a new tradition that the pep ralley on Friday afternoons kick off Auburn downtown festivities.... wish they would have done this when I was in school!! They close off all of downtown and the stores/restaurants offer certain specials, paint their windows, and support the team in many other ways. They have bands set up on certain streets and it is All Auburn All Orange throughout the streets. York enjoyed watching all of the people while Wes and I reminisced about the days of old! It is hard to believe that we met in Auburn 7 years ago... and my have things changed. I loved seeing York's sweet face take in all of the excitement! Below is a picture of York stading on the bed in the hotel!

Part 1 This is York stading in our window doing a "Touchdown Auburn"!

Daddy played golf on Saturday morning so York and enjoyed a little breakfast room service... it was delicious and he was digging it too!

York just got out of the shower and wanted to snuggle in the bed and watch cartoons for awhile... I didn't mind at all!

Another "Touchdown Auburn" for the camera!

(notice the mouth full!)

Saturday was a LONG day but we were able to tailgate, nap, tailgate a little more, eat some amazing food, and made 1 quater of the actual game. Although our goal was halftime this momma wasn't dissapointed to get her feet up after a day full of walking and sweating! We finished watching the game in our room with some sweet treats and cold drinks! Nice end to a long day.

Sunday we headed to the Lake to visit my Mimi and Papa Perry! We had a great time and below is a pic of York and Dad on the boat!

Part 2

York and Dad posing for a pic!

These are some pictures I took in front of Samford Hall...

Stealing some sugar!

Wesley stood in line at J & M to gets this Jersey signed by Pat Dye... York wore it well!

York and Daddy racing!

PART 3

On Monday we headed over to some friends to Celebrate Labor Day. We had a delicious cookout and enjoyed the pool! Couldn't have been any more beautiful.. what a perfect weekend!

Shout out to Wes... You were AMAZING!! Thanks for taking care of York in the pool, on the swing set, eating dinner, etc... It was a much need break for me! Love YOU! xoxo

What a blessed weekend... thank for all of the great converstations, amazing food, and wonderful weather! War EAGLE!!!

I AM AUBURN...

I read this article several years back and the emotions hit me exactly the same as it did the first time I scanned its contents... I LOVE IT! Pictures of York's first journey to the "Loveliest Village on the Plains" coming soon! Happy Labor DAY!

I am Auburn

Written by: Robert L. Gillette

I am Auburn.

I am the 30-year old couple coming back to campus for the first time with both little ones in tow. One wears her first blue and orange cheerleader outfit; the other wears #34 even though he is too young to understand why.


I am the 50-year old man who hoped no one saw tears in his eyes when the eagle circled the field. I was too choked even to say 'War Eagle'. For a moment, I felt foolish and then I didn't care. God, I love this place.



I am the 60 year old woman meeting her freshman granddaughter who is now the 3rd generation of AU students in our family. Despite my age, I'd strap it on Saturday and hit someone if it weren't for my gender and this blasted arthritis.



I am Auburn and I have always believed I was different. You can see it when you look up into the stands. My orange is not the same as Tennessee’s and my blue is not that of Florida. But the differences go much deeper than my colors. Read my creed. What other school has one? I genuinely believe in these things. To be a real Auburn man or woman speaks of character, not of geography. All are welcome to walk though my gates, not just the wealthy or the elite.



Georgia and Alabama may have their nations, but we have always been family. Make no mistake, we loathe defeat, but even in defeat, we would rather be an Auburn Tiger than anything else. We are family and you are the sons of Heisman, the sons of Jordan and Dye. You come from a long line of brothers whose names include Burkett, Sidle, Owens, Sullivan, Beasley, Jackson and Rocker. It is a great heritage.



So this Saturday, when the warm ups are over and the prayers and amen spoken, when you hear my thunder growing in the stands above you, when you stand in the tunnel and the smoke begins to form, listen for my voice when you run onto my field. Behind the frenzy of the shakers and deafening roar, I will tell you something in a whisper you may miss. I will be telling you that you are my sons and I am proud of you for the way you wear the burnt orange and navy blue. I am telling you that you are my sons and I love you.



Auburn is so much more than a city or a school or a team or a degree. It is something that, once you have experienced it, will live inside of you forever and become a part of what makes up who you are...



It is driving into town on a game day. You may have come from hundreds of miles away and as you get closer and closer to the city limits, you feel it rising inside of you. Other cars on the highway proudly display their orange and blue flags, magnets or car tags, and you honk and wave at them, because, for that one day, you are all on the same team.


It is the smell in the air and the ritualistic act of tailgating...catching up with old friends, making new ones, and invitations from perfect strangers to try their ribs or watch their satellite TV showing all of the day's important match-ups...of course, all being secondary to the one that will occur in the great cathedral of Jordan-Hare later that day.


It is the Tiger Walk...where you might just see 300 pound men overcome with emotion and weeping with pride because you have come there to cheer them on. As they walk by, you might exchange a glance with one or two of them and you can see it in their eyes...it is going to be their day.



It is the students...dressed in their best, because going to an Auburn game is like going to church for Auburn people....you show the same respect as you would if you were in God's house. Those students remind you of the days when you were walking in their shoes and Auburn was your home...but then you realize, in many ways, it is still and always will be HOME.



It is that lump that rises in your throat when the band plays the Alma Mater as the eagle is soaring over your head during pregame.



It is walking around on a "foreign" and sometimes hostile campus. You are easily identified (Auburn people always are) and the enemy jeers and shouts things at you to mask their feelings of intimidation. But just then, you happen upon a friend you have never met before. You know they are your friend by the colors they wear or the shaker in their hand. You exchange a "War Eagle" and a confident grin because he/she knows what you know.



It is when your heart leaps with every touchdown, field goal, sack, and interception...because those are our boys. And win or lose, they will always have our undying support. After all, it is those boys that you are really there for, and not a coach or a logo or a trustee or a president.


It is the complete and utter exhilaration of walking away victorious over a worthy opponent...that feeling of pride and accomplishment as if it were your own feet that had crossed the goal line scoring the last points yourself...that feeling of wanting to scream War Eagle" at the top of your lungs and hug complete strangers...and then there is the ultimate high of defeating your most hated foes from across the state.



No words can describe what this feels like, but you know because you have experienced it.



It is the sheer agony of defeat as the last minutes tick off the clock and you realize that all hope of a victory is gone. You feel like crying and maybe you do...then you hear the faint sounds of a cheer that grows louder and louder...."ITS GREAT TO BE AN AUBURN TIGER."

It is knowing that year after year, no matter how things change in our hectic lives, you can always come back to "the Loveliest Village on the Plains"...the place where you came from...your home. It will probably look a little different and there will be new names on the backs of the jerseys, but deep down, no matter what, it is still the same.You still love it as much as you always have because Auburn is as much a part of you as your arms, legs and the orange and blue blood that runs through your veins.



And, finally, it is the feeling you have right now as you read these lines....the anticipation inside of you because you know it's almost time....It's about to start all over again...but then it really never goes away, does it?
--
Robert L. Gillette, DVM, MSE

War Eagle All and I’ll see you Saturday!!!!!

August in a Nutshell!

Good Bye August... Hello Football!

As the days got warmer ... momma had to get creative so we weren't cooped up in the house all day! York wouldn't have minded if we had spent each second in the blistering heat but this pregnant heifer wasn't having it! In summary we spent alot of the month in the pool, lake, I-Jump, park, lunches with friends, and visits to Montgomery. Great Pic of York, Sissy, and Pipi!

My uncles team won 47-0... it was a fantastic night!
We visited with family and enjoyed amazing food cooked by Aunt Angela!

These pictures are out of order... this is York finishing his "ritzer"!

Wesley's grandmother (MJ) makes these delicious pieces of heaven. I have learned to do these sweet treats every once in a while because York and Wes wont let them live long! Slap some peanut butter between 2 ritz crackers and dip them in chocolate... Flat Out HEAVEN!

Did I mention... this was York's very first Ritzer! I think he is a fan!

Mom... these are AWESOME!

First bite...
MJ... you have successfully turned another Harless mans sweet tooth ON full throttle!!
Too much indoor time at the lake... these 2 having a little tug of war with body parts!

York -giving "wet willy"

Turner -giving "titty twister"

(just like brothers! ha!)

I-Jump was a saving grace one August afternoon for these guys...
The three amigos hanging out in the Toddler room before Mrs. Kelly took them down the 15 foot slide!! She is too much fun... I opted to catch the boys below since I didn't want to deliver Perry at I-jump! Next up -Auburn FOOTBALL! We are headed down this weekend and can not wait! I am so excited for York to see the tiger walk, eagle fly, the boys running out from the smoke, the shakers waving, and the band jammin!! I want to see his little face take in everything Jordan-Hare has to offer! I am taking my camera, of course, hoping to catch some of his reactions on film! We were lucky enough to get a hotel room (1 of 2 left!) at the Conference Center which is super convenient to everything! War Eagle everyone and have a safe/fun Labor Day weekend!