I love not being pregnant

This was literally going to be my Facebook status, but instead I think that I'll post it in the "about me" section.

I even found an ecard with the same sentiment...

Tommy and I watched "What to Expect When You're Expecting" last weekend and it was pretty cute.  I really connected with Elizabeth Bank's character in the movie.  She did a good job portraying the reality of my pregnancies...miserable, fat, tired, awful, etc.  Andy Roddick's wife did a good job too portraying the opposite of my pregnancies.  You should watch it...not a bad rental.  Check out a clip here.  This clip is also relatable to my most recent pregnancy.

Another plus about not being pregnant is that I've lost all of my baby weight plus some.  Granted, I was a little tubby pre-pregnancy...but now it just makes me feel that much better about myself.  I am 10 lbs. lighter than I was before I got pregnant with baby Mason Jar. 

Even though being pregnant really sucks, the outcome is completely worth it!  Check out some pictures of what I grew during my nine months of death camp:

She is always so serious looking.  Needs to lighten up just like her dad.

In motion shot but less serious.

My mullet child with baby Mason Jar.  Future friends forever.









Have a great weekend and enjoy some fall weather if you have it!  It is still in the high 80s down here.

XOXO,
WE

Life in Babyland

Greetings loyal readers!  I've missed you so.  Lots is going on here at the Evans home.  Mason Elizabeth Evans was born on 8/31/12 @ 5:27pm.  She was 8 lbs. 1 oz and 20.5 inches long.  She is now just over 2 weeks old and is eating and sleeping great!  I am actually getting to enjoy these first few weeks this time around (I had my gall bladder removed at 3 weeks postpartum with Harper).  All of the oxytocin must be talking because I am over the moon with love for my little family.  Surprisingly I have a ton of energy and feel better than I have in a long time.

 This is at the hospital almost 24 hours old.

 Isn't she beautiful!

I lucked out and caught a smile while she was sleeping.  She looks just like her sister.

















We have been so blessed with family coming to visit us.  My mom, Fred, and Will were all here for the birth which was really special.  Tommy's mom, Necia, came down for a few days and then my dad and Desirie came down and rounded out Mason's second week of life.  Grandpa Mike and Carol are coming in October and we are scheduled to see Niecy and GDT again over Columbus Day weekend. 

 My wild woman, Harper Pearl.

 She still is not too sure about Mason.  She will occasionally try to "pet" her but hasn't developed a real interest yet.

 I'm playing with my new camera here.  I love it!

More pictures of my baby!

 Harper and Grandpa!

Sleeping on Grandpa.













Other life updates...
Poor Mandy has hurt her leg somehow.  I think she pulled a muscle on her front leg while playing.  She has only moved to eat and go to the bathroom.  She won't put any weight on her front leg and I feel bad for her.  She has never been so pathetic.

The renters are leaving :(  We are trying to get set up with a management company in Blacksburg.  Hopefully everything will work out and we can get some new people in there soon!

The new stroller!  Check it out here.  We went out for a bit today and tried it out, I love it.  It is a bit heavy, but carried both girls and has a ton of space for my crap below them. 

Other than that, we are just living the dream.  Mason has a doctor appointment on Tuesday and Tommy cannot make it.  I'll be all by myself...but I think I can handle it.  I'll post more pictures and her percentages on Tuesday.

Love you all!
WE

The Anxiety is OVER!

Thankfully, the anxiety that I was having about actually having another child has past, and now I've got ants in my pants to get this kid out.  Today marks my 37th week of pregnancy and I sure do feel all of it.  My biggest pet peeve this week is the inability to keep food dribblets off of my clothes.  When you aren't pregnant and some food misses you mouth, it falls into your lap.  Not when you're pregnant though; it goes right onto your belly (and your shirt).  And since people generally look at your huge stomach, they also see the stains from your last meal and think you are sloppy.  That really gets on my nerves.

The nesting is complete and the next logical step is to have a baby to incorporate into all of this planning, worrying, and doing.  Once Tommy cleans his clothes off of our modified changing table, I'll take and post some pictures of our nursery/master bedroom.

I think it is going to work pretty good.  Everything fits without being too smushed in on top of each other.

Last night we went and purchased some new toys for baby H to have as a distraction.  Deep inside I know this will not work, but I feel like I need some sort of peace offering once we bring the new baby home.  We purchased this Little People super tall slide for cars thing and more animals for the the LP jungle that we have.  Hopefully this will provide some diversion.  The new toys and PBS Kids might get me through the first few days or so.

Will be back with pictures soon!
WE

Hurry up and wait

It's that time of every pregnancy...hurry up and wait.  I'm at the point where I'm pretty uncomfortable but it is not quite time to have the baby yet.  Right now, I am 35 weeks along and my body is telling me that it is tired of growing another human.  My brain knows otherwise...it's not time yet and these last few weeks are important. 

I really should be thankful for these last few weeks with no breastfeeding, sleeping through the night, and evenings all to myself.  It is just so hard not to want the pregnancy to be over.

On the other hand, the doubt has set in.  Did we make the right decision to have another baby so soon?  Can I take care of a toddler and a newborn at the same time?  Will I be able to give Harper enough attention and love during the day?  Do I have enough energy to take this on?

I guess I'll figure it out.  With no family close by and no friends, it can be very overwhelming at times.  But, women have been doing this for a long time, so I guess I'll fall in line and get it together one way or the other.

Wish me luck!!

WE

The summer of "Woooool"

My youngest brother, William, came down from ATL and visited with us for a little over a week.  He left yesterday and it was rough.  Poor little Harpy keeps calling for him, "Woooool" and it just breaks my heart.  I managed to not cry today when she was calling for him.

We really had a great time while he was here.  Not only did he help out a ton with Harper, we were all able to spend some quality family time together. 

The weather has been hit or miss with afternoon and mid-morning thunderstorms since we've moved here.  However, we were able to get in some beach and pool time on the few nice days that we have had.

Here are some pictures of Will and Harper and the base pool:

Will was the master of the water slide!

In the drink!

I really liked this pool.  They have an area roped off for kids that is only 1.5 ft deep and you can see the bay right from the pool deck.  They didn't have a snack bar, but you can bring your own snacks.

We also went to the beach a few times, but I don't have any pictures from that.  With Will and the baby and all of the other things that have to go to the beach, I usually just leave the camera in the car.  I'll have to do better once I have another adult to help out.

We also went to see the Blue Angels practice and it was AWESOME!!!  I am really into planes, trains, and boats so I was super excited about the practice show.  I could not believe some of the stunts and tricks that these guys can do in their planes.

This is the diamond formation.  I liked the solo pilots better

This was the 'slow' by...they were only going 120mph here

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stupid woman standing on her cooler ruined my shot!!

After the show we went to see the National Museum of Aviation.  We were hoping to have a meet and greet with the pilots but they took forever getting into the museum and there were a ton of people waiting for the same thing, so we skipped out on the meet and greet.  However, we did get to see some cool planes from history and reflect on how aviation has played a role in our nation's history.

Check out some of the pictures:

Pearl Harbor Japanese Bomber

We're gonna kill some Nazis!

Will thought this guy was cool with his sword

Up by the planes above the meet and greet area

Overall, this was a great visit for us and we really miss Will!  We want him to come back soon, like tomorrow.

Thanks to GDT and Niecy for allowing us to take care of your precious child.

The Real Beach - Perdido Key

Today we made it out to the real beach, and by that I mean the gulf coast.  Powder white sands and crystal clear water; that is what I'm talking about.  We didn't stay for very long this evening...just wanted to get a feel for the area and see what there was to see.  I am impressed.  It is like an underdeveloped Destin.  There were some nice high rise condos, a few local seafood dives (can't wait to check those out!) and some regular folks on the beach enjoying their vacations.

VA Beach was nice, but this is much more my style.  There were quite a few public beach access points, which I'm sure are full during the day, but I think we will be able to hit the beach when we want to for the rest of the summer.  Even if it is only going in the evenings after Tommy gets home from work, I'll be happy.  It took us less than thirty minutes to get there, mostly slowed by out of town traffic and vacationers looking around.  

It was really nice to get out of the house today.  We've been out and about, but nowhere really fun.  We are going back tomorrow and hopefully I'll take some pictures.

Love and miss you from vacation land...
WE

We've made it to Pensacola

Wow, what a long and exhausting trip.  We began our journey last Saturday and arrived in Pensacola on Sunday.  The movers can and unloaded our stuff on Monday and we are almost done unpacking.  We are still waiting on the 50ish boxes that did not fit on the original truck.  I'm hoping that the things that we are missing are on the truck and not floating around somewhere.

We've managed to find the mall and the Publix!  I am really excited about Publix.  I think it might be the best part about living here so far.  

We did not do anything for the 4th because I didn't think the baby could stay up that late (we are an hour behind now) and we saw a good fireworks display last month at HarborFest.  

Our townhouse is modest and humble.  Smaller than where we were in Suffolk but large enough that we should be able to live comfortably for 8 months.  So far, the neighborhood is quiet and pretty boring, which is just fine with me.

Like I said, most of our time has been unpacking and trying to find some local shopping, so I'll post some exciting pictures as soon as something exciting happens.  

WE