Sight See…

We were able to do a little exploring during our vacation time over the holidays and see some things we’ve been wanting to visit in the area.  We visited the Sunken Gardens and The Dali Museum in St. Pete, the “Winter Wonderland” at the Tampa Lowry Park Zoo and the Florida Aquarium here in Tampa.  My brother, Beau and his family came for a visit the weekend of New Year’s and joined us at the aquarium.  We a had a lot of fun with them and their girls and were able to see many sting rays in the bay!  They had lots of quality time with Miles and my niece Molly (5 yrs) got in quality time with Uncle Jode (she adores him). 

Dali Museum in St. Pete

 

Miles gets excited in the gardens.

 

Sunken Gardens

 

The Ballards enjoy fish.

 

Chloe and Molly outside the aquarium

 

My brother, Beau and my sister in law, Tracy enjoying the bay.

 

I love this picture. The main reason is that before Jode and I had Miles, Jode "lovingly" referred to babies in carriers/slings as "parasites" due to the way they just hang frontwards off of the parent. Look who's carrying the parasite now. Welcome to parenthood Mr. Ballard!

 

 

Molly helped me make food for Miles. Her special recipe consisted of avacado seeds, water, and a dash of red cupcake sprinkles!

 

Miles gets excited over Molly's special recipe! Chloe supervises.

 

Smiley Miles doing what he does best.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!!  First things first-I’ve spiced up this little blog with much needed color!  It’s happy, cheerful and puts me in a good mood.  I hope it does the same for you!   Over the last few weeks, I’ve been inspired by other bloggers I have discovered who have some really fun things to read about. It’s a whole other [blog] world!  Lately, I’ve been reading up on home decor, crafty moms, and hair styling videos.  You know, all the important stuff.  It’s amazing the things you can find.  With some DIY tips and helpful tutorials, I’m already planning for Miles’ 1st birthday people!  Future halloween costumes and homemade wreaths for next year’s holidays are in the works! 

Speaking of the holidays, I  hope you had a great Christmas season and a good start to your new year!  Our holidays were so much fun and relaxing.  Jode took off some much needed time from work and we were able to get a lot of home projects completed as well as take some fun day trips  around Tampa and the surrounding area.  Baby Miles enjoyed his first Christmas!

We took Miles to see Santa. He did great!

 

 

Miles helped deliver homemade goodies to our neighbors!

 

Christmas Eve candlelight service at church.

 

 

Santa Claus and his bag of toys.

 

Who's excited for Christmas!?

 

Miles hugs his teddy bear from Daddy.

 

 

 

Miles and his cousins-Jack (2), Ryan (6), Sean (11)

 

Miles gets into the festive spirit sans the pants (and shirt!). Ho! Ho! Ho!

 

 

Earlier, I mentioned that we tackled some projects around the house.  One of them was a baby gate for our fireplace since baby boy will be crawling around soon and the “soot” look is not good,  nor safe!  Since Jode is my handyman hubs, he built our gate and it’s not going anywhere.  Jode doesn’t half-do anything and this gate is LEGIT!!

 

The sawing begins!

 

Progress!

 

Final product, anchored down!

 

Another project completed was the painting of our bedroom.  We have now repainted our entire house.  YAHOO (minus our bathroom, which will be demolished in a few years, so no painting needed, that’s a whole other story)!!  Our bedroom was painted a dull tan color, and quite honestly, Miles could have done a better paint job on those walls…WITH HIS EYES CLOSED!!  It was unacceptable and needed some color.  It is now a nice, calming, green/blue and I’m working on window treatments and another little project before I post pictures.  I plan to post before and after photos of our home soon to show you what we’ve done in the last 9 months. 

 

Jode’s family knows he’s notorious for swinging kids around on any and everything, especially towels, making everyone nervous as the kids are holding on for dear life.  Since Miles is a little too young for towel rides, the next best thing is a box.  Jode came home one night while I was cooking dinner and thought putting baby boy in a box and sliding him around on the kitchen floor would be fun.  I stepped aside and let the fun begin.  Jode was careful, and Miles seemed to [err...] “enjoy” it.  Just for the record, I am not allowed to throw that box away.  It is going to be decorated and I have been informed that a rope will be attached very soon.  Ay yi yi.  (See video below) 

 

Exibit A:

 http://vimeo.com/34990651 

 

 

One Year!

 

We have now been Tampa residents for one  year!  It’s hard to believe.  So much has happened.   We have been enjoying the nice change of weather here.  No fall leaves, bonfires, or sweaters of course, but it’s so much more pleasant than it has been.

Miles was dedicated at our church last month.  It was a sweet, special  ceremony where we prayed over Miles and his future and dedicated him to God while committing to raising him in a Christ-centered home.  Miles did great. He wore a christening gown that was his great grandmother’s gown (on Jode’s side) when she was a baby and has been passed down to each new baby since then.  It’s over 100 years old!   Below are some pictures from the ceremony:

The Lambs, Ballards and Worms!

We made sure Miles knew he wore a "gown," not a dress.

Miles got his own special, little cake and he didn't even get to eat a single piece!

We took a vacation to Sanibel Island at the end of September.  It was definitely different having an infant with us, but still, much needed and relaxing.  Miles took a lot of naps as we walked along the beach earlier in the day.  I was able to do my shell searching, and we made time for ice cream, swimming, and Jode was able to watch a lot of ESPN.  All in all, we had a great time.

We love these sunsets.

 

Little Miles wasn't so sure about the swimming pool.

Jode gives a victorious "thumbs up" because after a very challenging dinner with Miles, he finally got him to sleep. Even a beautiful, sunset view-table could not calm baby boy! C'est La Vie!

 

 

In my last post, I mentioned a pumpkin painting party we organized at a local park.  It was a success!  Everyone had a great time  meeting other families.  The infants just supervised as their parents painted.  The toddlers painted-their own pumpkins…and themselves. 

 

 

Here is baby Mya-Joyce in her festive little witch hat/bonnet, and mom-Carla. Carla is a new friend I recently met at Baby Bungalow and just the sweetest.

 

Dads on duty.

 

Some of the parents and kiddos!

 

Lots of excitement in the Ballard house these days as Miles has learned to turn over!  Like proud parents, Jode and I celebrate with him each time he does this miraculous little number. Check him out below!

 

http://vimeo.com/31142442

 

Last weekend we checked out a couple of pumpkin festivals around town.  Lots of festive photo ops to be had.  Miles and I also went to Maccleny for a couple days recently and visisted the pumpkin patch there with my family! 

 

 

Daddy and Miles in front of all the carved pumpkins on display.

 

Baby Miles in a bucket.

 

 

 

I recently joined a group called Moms Club which has a chapter here in South Tampa.  According to your child’s age and your zip code they have weekly play groups to attend and montly meetings which will include different speakers, park outings, etc.  Miles and I attended our first Moms Club playgroup on Halloween morning which was also a little costume party for all the babies.  It was too cute.  Miles went as a cow and met lots of new little  buddies and I met a lot of really nice mamas!  Here are some photos of Miles, the cow on Halloween.

 

Miles was especially fond of Baby Sophia "M.D." to his right.

 

 

 

Happy Halloween!

 

 

 

Papa and Grandma join us for Halloween festivities!

 

This last one goes out to my daddy!  Most of you know the rollercoaster of a ride he’s been on the last several weeks.  He is doing fantastic and feeling good.  We are continuing to pray for a successful radiation treatment later this month and into the holidays.  Thank you for your prayers.  They were definitely felt by all of us.   

GranDanny and Miles at the Pumpkin Patch

 

 

 

September Sweetness

Baby Miles is now just under 4 months old and that little guy is just a sweet pea.  He is really getting a personality and flashing all of his signature smiles at everyone.  In the last few days has ramped up his voice and squeals, “coos” and gasps with excitement!  It’s so much fun to watch.

I feel like I’ve survived the 3 month “baby boot camp” that one friend so cleverly named it.    I had people ask me “Is Miles an ‘easy’ baby?”  Say what?!  What is an ”easy baby” anyway?!!  And to put it nicely, no, he is not.  He has been a little on the high-maintenance side, but with each passing week, he seems to to calm down and become more predictable.   We love him so much and  he has brought a whole new joy to our lives.

Here are some pictures of him from the last month:

Bath Time

 

Visit to Jax. Miles wore a sweet, little outfit to church his dad wore as a baby.

 

 

Smiley Miles

 

This is one of my favorites.

On Labor Day weekend, we checked out a beach nearby in St. Pete Beach.  We ate dinner there and took Miles for his first visit to the beach afterwards.  He’s a little too young too appreciate it now, but it was still fun to take him.  Below are some photos from our trip.

 

Jode and I attended the annual gala for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay in September.  BBBS is of course a very special organization to us.  It’s a great mentoring program for underprivledged youth, and of course it brought us together!  The organization here is quite large and the gala was  so nice.  The theme was “Under the Big Top.”  There were clowns, circus entertainers, parrots, cotton candy, etc.  We invited our neighbors across the street who also have small children and were equally excited about a much-needed night out!  We heard some great, inspiring stories from some of the matches here in Tampa.  One Big Sister in particular who was voted Big Sister of the Year. She had been matched with her little sister since her little sister was in elementary school.  That “little” was unable to attend the gala with her “Big” that evening because she was just starting her Freshman year at Howard University!  Here are some photos from the event:

In other news…

 

Baby Boy turned 3 months old last month and he is PROUD of it!! Take note of a couple things: 1. Look how long this kid is!! 2. Check out those feet!! He has outgrown most of his little socks so fast.

This picture was taken on a recent Sunday afternoon. We left Miles in the nursery for the first time at church and I was so nervous. Clearly, he survived. Mama did too.

 

Miles and I met Daddy for a picnic lunch at his office. It made his day!

 

[Caution:  Husband Bragging Time ]

Things here in Tampa are going well.  Jode still stays busy at work and has recently been highlighted in his company’s corporate newsletter for some great work he did on a job for a developer of  a Publix store in town.   In a nutshell, he went out of his way and did some “above and beyond” work for the developer and ended up saving the very happy developer tens of thousands of dollars on the project.  In return, that developer made sure Jode’s boss knew about it and it will most likely  provide Jode’s company with more Publix Partnership.  So of course, that was exciting.  See?!  That Jode, always thinking ahead at home and at work.    I’m very proud of him as you can plainly see (read).

 

Now as for me…my new job is Miles.  That little guy keeps me busy.  Motherhood is a whole other world but it’s so fun to see all of Mile’s little milestones each day/week.  Just the littlest new things he does are so fun to watch!  Ever since we moved to Tampa, I started going to a “New Moms” support group that meets each week at a really neat place here called “Baby Bungalow.”  This program is funded by the county and provides support/education/classes, etc. for parents.  It is so nice and has been so helpful to me since the beginning of my pregnancy.  I’ve met some great other new moms  and learned so much through going to this group.  It is amazing the support and programs this organization offers to the public.    I also  joined a bookclub recently and went to my first meeting last week.  My reading time is limited but I squeeze it in when I can!  Jode and I have started a grass roots effort to form a Sunday Park Day for young families in our area.  We met several of these people at our church. We met up for the first time a couple weekends ago at a really great park nearby with a couple from our church and their two little kids.  And since then, I have recruited more girls from Baby Bungalow to bring their families. We’re hoping it turns into a regular event!   We just wanted to connect with other familes and make something happen!  “Together We Can.”  :)    Next up, a pumpkin painting party later this month with the kiddos.  Little Miles will be able to show off his artistic side.

 

Stay tuned for more endless pictures of the baby.  We recently went on vacation last week and Miles was also dedicated at our church on Sunday. Lots of cuteness coming your way. 

Sleepless in Tampa

First off, this whole “having a baby” situation has really put a kink in my blogging…it’s obviously been a while since I last posted something!    I think you will understand…

We are the proud parents of Miles Lowell Ballard!  He was born at St. Joe’s Women’s hospital at 11:07am on June 5, 2011.  He weighed 8lbs, 9oz and was 21 inches long.  We’re loving his red hair, blue eyes and extra long fingers and toes!

In a nutshell, I ended up having an emergency c-section. Poor little Miles was not doing well during my contractions and after almost 12 hrs of labor we decided it was best to get him outta there!  I was not prepared for a c-section nor the recovery process.  I skipped over all the c-section chapters in all my reading! Eek!  I had an interesting recovery with some unexpected, painful side affects, but I survived!  Thank goodness.

 

Welcome baby Miles!

It has been a huge adjustment being a parent but each week gets easier and we learn more about our little guy and his needs.  There have been times when I want to pull my hair out simply from exhaustion, but in swoops my sweet Jode and wisks Miles away in the stroller for a long walk giving me some time to nap.   This too shall past…or will it?!  Keep telling me that…

Miles is 10 weeks old at this point and most mornings he wakes up very wiggly, coo-ing, and smiling.  We LOVE it!  He just talks, talks, talks and gets super excited to get that wet diaper removed!  In this last several weeks, he starting having longer periods of awake time and will be perfectly content sitting in his swing for a good amount of time (like right now!).  PRAISE THE GOOD LORD!  This allows me to…well…eat, brush my teeth, or even take a shower!!  I don’t think I’ve ever in my life gotten ready in the morning as fast as I do now!  Who knew?!!  My hair and wardrobe have gotten very creative.  Spit up has now become a daily accessory.

Jode is a wonderful dad (as I knew he would be).  He has not been intimidated of anything.  He changes those messy diapers, takes Miles when he’s screaming his head off and still caters to me as well.   He’s just always on top of it!   It is a real blessing and I am more than thankful.    We get excited about all the things we want Miles to see and do as he gets older.  But we don’t want him to grow up TOO fast!  There is just so much fun stuff for children to do around here!! 

Here are some of my favorite photos so far:

Daddy gave Miles his first bath! He was not real happy about them in the beginning. Now, he loves them!

Welcome home Miles! Our first photo at home as a family.

 

Here is Miles at 4 1/2 weeks old when he just started giving us those great smiles. I smile every time I look at this photo!

 

Here is Miles all snuggled up with Grandanny (my dad).

Here is Miles with Nana, his great-grandmother. She is tickled that he has red hair too.

 

We were both spent.

 

Hi Dad!

 

9 weeks old!

 

In other news, Jode has been busy at work on our house in his [minimal] free time.  He recently built some trellises for our front yard for beautiful passion vines to grow on and has started relandscaping the yard as well.  He’s still working on it but it’s really looking nice.  He’s also been busy working on our garage apartment for future tentants.  The bathroom needed to be totally redone and it’s looking great.  Speaking of tenants, we’re getting great ones to start off with: Grandma and Papa Ballard!  As of last week, they sold their printing business and home in Jax and are headed South!  Until they find a home to buy here in town, they’re living in our little apartment!  (Don’t worry, all background checks have been cleared.)   We recently had a walkway installed from the driveway to the apartment so that’s the latest construction.  But the best part is we had our home tented for termites a couple of weeks ago (YIPPEEEEEEEE!!).   All the “fun” that goes along with buying a nearly 100 year old home…

 

Jode and his trellis work

 We recently took a little day trip to Sarasota to visit the Ringling Museum of Art which is located in a very beautiful area and includes  the circus museum, art museum, rose gardens, and the extravagant Mansion that John Ringling built overlooking the water.  We really enjoyed it.  Miles wasn’t too thrilled seeing the inside of the Mansion.  As soon as we got inside, he started crying hysterically.  That’s the last place you want your child crying, inside a museum!!  I had to beeline it to the opposite end of the mansion as that is where the only restroom was where I could feed him.  You should have seen me.   I practically sprinted through a couple of tour groups to get to the restroom as fast as I could and feed him.  It was one of the smallest restrooms I’ve ever been in and I was trying to nurse the little guy.  Very memorable.  Here are some pictures from our visit. 

 

 

 

Here is Jode in front of the Ringling Mansion.

Rose Garden

 

The back of the home.

 

 

Daddy bought Miles a souviner from the gift shop. Notice Miles' excitement.

 

 

Daddy wears the souviner. Again, notice Miles' excitement.

 

 In late July, we took Miles to Macclenny for the first time to visit with Grandebbie and Grandanny Lamb.  It was a nice weekend and we got to spend a lot of time with my brother and his family.  We cooked burgers and hung out by the pool.  Jode parents dropped in on their way back from Ocala, so it was one, big  family affair!

Aunt Tracy, and Miles' cousins-Chloe and Molly

 

Jode fished with Molly.

 

Papa and Grandma Ballard lovin' on Miles.

 

This is our life as of late!  We are however, starting to catch a little more Z’s as Miles has started sleeping for longer stretches at a time (9 hrs max).  I was ready to throw a party the first night he slept that long.  I woke up in complete shock.  I was told that would happen…

The Final Countdown…

Well, this is my last post before Baby Boy is here!  As I’m writing this, I am 40 weeks and 5 days pregnant.  What this really means is I am 5 days PAST MY DUE DATE (But who’s counting…)!!!  I now know what pregnant women mean when they tell you that the last couple of weeks practically drag by.  That is no understatement. 

In other news, our kitchen is complete as of yesterday morning!!!   No more workers invading my house!  No more drilling, hammering, sawing, sanding, etc.  We’ve finally got a kitchen sink and a dishwasher!  Yeehaw!!   Jode and I are so pleased with the outcome and I’m so glad the remodeling has finished before our baby is here.  Below are some before and after photos. 

Before (a)

 

Before (b)

 

 

After! (a)

 

 

After! (b)

 

Recently, Jode’s sister, Crissy helped me do some sewing for my guest bathroom as well as the nursery.   For the bathroom, she helped me sew a shower curtain and I made a  window treatment to match.  We also made some nautical-type valances for the nursery.   I had it in my head what I wanted so we found the fabric and went to town!  The hall bathroom was originally hideous, complete with a green ceiling.  If you remember from my last post, my sweet friend, Tracy helped me paint it and transformed it into something much more welcoming. 

 

Here is the hall bath with the green walls. The ceiling was the same color and brown, wood trim went along the entire bathroom.

 

 

New window, new shower curtain (we had to make it extra long and extra wide), and new trim!

 

Here is one of the windows in the nursery. The valances were made with peg board, burlap and rope!

 

 

2nd window

 

 

This past weekend Jode’s parents were here and he and his mom painted our entire living/dining room and finished painting our hallway.  They make a good team and I am so thankful they did it (I’ll get pictures up once these rooms are complete!)   It looks so much better and our house is finally starting to feel more like a home.   On Memorial Day afternoon, Jode and I went to a  little beach area we recently discovered on Davis Island.  It’s near a Marina/small airport which is located on the bay.   It’s the neatest, little spot and the best part is it’s just 5 minutes away! 

 

Ballards by the Bay

 

 

 

 

 Here I am at 40 weeks and 5 days.  It’s time friends, it’s time…

 

 

 

 

Here is Jode at 40 weeks and 5 days helping me feel better about myself.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We’re excited about the next couple of days!  I’ll be updating as soon as  I can and will share pictures of our newest addition!  In the meantime, if you can include us in your prayers during the the next few weeks, we sure would appreciate it!!   

Keeping My Eyes On The Prize.

 

 

The countdown is on.  Today is my 37th week of pregnancy and I have 3 more weeks to go.  I would like to add that I am ready to do this and meet this little boy.  He is taking over my belly and we’re obviously both getting uncomfortable!!!  Sitting is a challenge.  Standing  is a challenge.  Walking is a challenge.  BUT, I am healthy, he’s healthy, and I’ve had no problems this entire pregnancy, so I’d say I’ve had it pretty good!

I was in Jacksonville last weekend for a baby shower that my friends threw for me.  It was SO nice to see everyone and catch up with all my friends there.  I really do miss them.  I felt so honored that everyone came and just felt really blessed that whole day.  The theme of the shower was “Nesting” and my crafty little friends had birdie cupcakes made, birdsnest favors, and birdhouses sitting around.  It was too cute.   Here are some pictures!

 

 

Here are 4 of my dear friends who helped with the shower (L to R: Kim, Rushton, Me, Michelle, Tracy. Not pictured, but missed, Lauren!)

 

Friends from my Jax book club (Katherine, Lauren, Me, Jean, Lucy) featuring a very funny "Safety Tips for Parents" book given to me by my Sister-N-Law, Crissy. It was a hit and enjoyed by all. Perhaps next month's book club selection...

 

This is my good friend Staci, who was one of my college roomates at UCF. Staci was so sweet to drive up from Orlando for the day.

 

I love a cute cupcake!

 

 In other news, our house is coming along.  I awoke to a great phone call this morning from our Kitchen Remodel guy saying that the cabinets would be in this week instead of next!  YAHOO!  I wanted to jump up and do a dance, I was so happy.  We’ve been in a holding process the last few weeks just waiting for the cabinets.  Which means, things are still in boxes and our guest room is filled with kitchen items and a whole bunch of other home decor.  I’ll be so glad to have the kitchen and guest room looking nice.  I’m really trying to stay patient.  We are still painting rooms and doing what we can for now.  My good friend Tracy, drove down for a few days to spend time with me this past weekend and help Jode and I around the house.   She was so helpful and helped me get a lot done, including painting our hall bath (including the ceiling) and helping me organize in general!!   All of that plus, we squeezed in brunch on Friday, a little shopping, three trips to Home Depot, Starbucks, a Mexican Meal on Friday night, and a walk down by the bay.  Thank you Trace!!!  Here she is in action:

Saying goodbye to the green ceiling.

 

 Jode is still doing great with his job and stays so busy.  I’m thankful that he has so much to work on even though it does get hard not seeing him too much during the week.    He’s been getting involved in his Rotary Group and recently did a 25 mile biking fundraiser for local children’s charities.   He’s been working on house projects every chance he gets and recently installed a cooktop stove and new sink in our garage apt, ripped out the hot tub and decking ( that surrounds the hot tub) in the back yard,  and has helped with painting.  We stay pretty busy in our free time.  We did manage to fit in some beach time one day last week.  He was able to take off a little early and we decided we would not do any housework but relax.  It was so nice.  I really love the beaches here on the west coast.  They are so beautiful and so calm!!

This week is getting crazy as we’ve already had an electrician and plumber out already, a termite inspector coming out to spray today, a tree -remover guy out tomorrow (cleverly named “Dangling Dan”  HAH!) , cabinet installers on Friday and more plumbers and the electrician out again next week  (Oh yeh, and a baby here in a couple weeks.)  My goal for this week is to get the carseat and base installed in my car!  We put the stroller together last night!  Things are becoming very real!

I hope to post some before and after pictures in the next few weeks.  Things are looking much better but still need to work on a few more things.  You WILL be seeing a big, fat, picture of this kitchen, because it BETTER be looking good very soon.  It’s been so challenging trying to cook with no cabinets, counterspace, kitchen sink, and limited dishes.  Try that out sometime…but we’ve got a fancy stove/oven. Hah!   Our meals have consisted of eating on paper plates, plastic utensils, dixie cups and eating cereal out of tubberware containers for the last month.  We will be living large once we can eat off of nice dishes and use our new dishwasher and a kitchen sink!!!   Each day it gets a little closer and we talk about “how nice it will be to have a kitchen!!!”   YEEHAW!!!  Can you tell I’m excited?!?!?

 

 

Nesting…with a capital “N.”

In the past when I thought of women nesting,  preparing for their baby’s arrival, I imagined them washing baby clothes, putting things up in their baby’s room, getting organized, etc…  I feel like my nesting process has been that times 50 and I’ve recruited the whole family in the process!!  Thankfully, our family has been nothing but supportive and willing to lend a helping hand as we are living an HGTV life these days and jumping between our former apt. and our new house which has a plethora of ongoing projects. 

Our first project consisted of a friendly, little ”demand” from our homeowner insurance co. letting us know we had basically a weekend’s worth of time to have railing installed on our back deck before they could issue us a policy.  We’re still not sure why it was never mentioned before the closing, but thank goodness Jode is handy, because he along with his helpful dad built one in about a day and a half and it looks great.   It was a chore for them both, and the mosquitos were out in full force, but they got it done.  I made trips to Lowe’s, brought in breakfast, made more trips to Lowe’s, and “supervised.”    Not only did they build the deck railing, they, along with Jode’s mom also painted the baby’s room and got it looking GREAT!  Things are coming along.

Before the railing

 

 

Taa Daa!

Baby Ballards room before paint...

Baby’s room after the paint! My mother-n-law Diane, hard at work!

 

I’ve mentioned the kitchen remodeling a couple of times.   Well, it has now started and slowly looking better.  The whole kitchen has been gutted, flooring ripped out, new flooring installed, half of the electrical work has been done and drywall repair has taken place.  We’re now awaiting the cabinets and countertops.  We plan to paint the walls a new color as well.  All of our appliances have been delivered and we’re ready for a properly-working kitchen!  For now, we’re living in our house and cooking in the apt.  F.U.N.

Here is the kitchen before the tear out. Im really going to miss those turquoise walls and uber-chic tile flooring...hah.

New floor!

 My parents were able to make a visit recently and see our new neighborhoood and check out our new place.  Hopefully, it will be the first of many trips, especially with our baby boy coming soon!  Both moms have been here at different times during the last several days helping me get more settled.  Jode’s mom helped me unpack loads of boxes taking up space in our guest room and my mom has helped me get the nursery all organized and decorated as well as a little more painting around the house.

Me (at 33 weeks) and my mama while in Macclenny last weekend!

Here are some photos of the nursery and what’s been done so far!

  

 

 

 

 

Recently, I was able to take a visit to Atlanta and spend some time with good friends,  two of which rec

ently had babies.  It was so fun to meet the little ones and get some practice in.  

In your best Sesame Street sing-along-voice: "One of these things is not the same, one of these things is not like the other!" (L to R: Michelle, Tracy, Deb)

Michelles sweet, sweet little baby boy, Cooper.

My childhood friend Jessica, and her cute little girl, Luisa!

 Last weekend, I had my first baby shower hosted by 8 of my mom’s close friends as well as two close friends of mine from my childhood.  It was so nice and I felt so special.  I received so many wonderful gifts and am really grateful for all of them.  Here are some pictures!

How cute is that little cake?! It matches Baby Ballards "Whale/Nautical" nursery theme.

 

I had lots of help from my nieces Molly and Chloe!

This was a very creative gift given to me from my Moms good friend, Mrs. Linda and her daughter Kate. She brought it in a laundry basket with baby detergent and softener! How clever!

 

Hold tight, there is more to come!   More projects are scheduled for this weekend!   Hope you all have a wonderful Easter celebration of our risen savior!  Speaking of Jesus,  I just finished a 10-week Beth Moore bible study at my church and it was all about “Jesus, the One and Only.”  It was great and a fresh reminder of His sacrafice for us.  I’ll leave you with one of my favorite quotes from the study: “When Christ gives us His Word, He wants us to live in absolute expectation of it, trusting that whether it happens sooner or later, it will happen.” 

 

Moving Right Along…

March has been a busy month so far!  First off, we closed on our house!!  On the count of three-1….2…3…HOORAY!!!!!!!  I am so excited to get this show on the road and make Tampa feel like home, finally.   The great news is that our house is only a couple blocks away from where we’re renting so it’s very convenient to pop over there to move things from our apartment or to meet the plethora of people involved with the remodeling process.  We’re having the whole kitchen remodeled before we actually move in-from floor to ceiling.  It is in much need of a makeover.  In the meantime, Jode and I will be slowly moving our things in from our apartment and storage unit in the next several weeks.  I can’t lift a whole lot but I’m a good assistant, supporter, and cart-pusher.  We took 4 different trips just this weekend and finally made a dent in our storage unit.  Our goal is to get everything we can by the end of this week and have movers handle the really heavy things like dressers and other big pieces of furniture hopefully next week.   You should see Jode though, he’s a beast moving those big ole boxes.  He’s got bruises, scrapes and box burns to prove it.   We aren’t trying to arrange things  in the home until the messiness of the kitchen tear out/installation is over with.  We just want to get things moved in and start on some painting.   Our lease is up in our apartment on May 1st, so until the kitchen is substantially completed (Mid-May, and the baby is due May 30), we may be living in the guest house out back.  I’m PRAYING that we won’t be out there when the baby comes.  Please join with me in that prayer, would you? 

We’ve met several of the neighbors on our street and they have all been very welcoming, saying nothing but wonderful things about the neighborhood.  There are several young families, a retired couple and another very nice couple across the street who’s children are grown.  Jode’s already made friends with the 4 yr old boy across the street who insisted on showing us his collection of catepillars and lizards our first day of moving our things in.  I’m sure we’ll be seeing more of that little guy.

Our New Home!

On another note, we took a tour of the hospital this past weekend.  It is very nice and I feel really good about delivering there.  I’ve heard nothing but praise on St. Joe’s Women’s hospital and I was very impressed with the facility.  I’ve heard even the food is good!  It made it so much more real to be in there and see everything.  I’m working on finding a pediatrician now but have gotten several good recommendations as well.  The pre-registration has been completed , the baby classes are almost done and we’re EXCITED!   Next up, getting the nursery ready!

Is it just ME, or do I look almost 9 months already?! Holy cow. I think in the last 3 weeks, he's hit a growth spurt. I'm one day away from 29 weeks in this photo. I said to Jode, "maybe it's just the angle." From the look on his face, I wasn't convinced.

 

We were able to go see a Yankees spring training game this past Friday afternoon thanks to our brother in law, Rich.  They were great seats and Jode’s team (The Braves) won!   We were just a stone’s throw away from the big Yankee’s players, like Derek Jeter, A-Rod, and Jorge Posada!   That was pretty cool to see.  Jode said something funny yesterday afternoon regarding baseball and retirement (Let me preface this by saying Jode is a huge sports fan and will watch or attend practically any sporting event).  As we’re driving past the ballpark on one of our visits to the storage unit, he says to me, “Wouldn’t it be awesome when we retire to just go to ALL the spring training games here…or wait, we could go to any of them we wanted to!!”  Haha.  His idea of retiring and my idea of retiring look a little different.   In all seriousness, it was fun and I don’t mind going back. 

 To end, Jode and I took a “Babymoon” in late February before the moving madness began.  We stayed at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel in Jekyll Island, GA.  It was so nice and very relaxing.  We were able to make it to the beach, bike ride, explore the historical hotel grounds, visit the sea turtle center and eat lots of good seafood.  Here are a few pics from our trip:

February brings love, sunshine, rotarians, dolphins, and a big ‘ole belly!!

One of my favorite things about February-Valentine’s Day.  Of course the romance, sweet cards, all that are really nice, but I think I just love all the pink, hearts and girly decor that comes with the holiday.  It’s just fun.   Jode and I celebrated with homeade enchiladas and chocolate lava cakes.  Something I’ve been making the last couple of Vdays.   I’ve always loved chocolate, but this month has really kicked my love for it in full gear.  Jode realized this and bought me some chocolates and the sweetest card!!   I enhaled them and didn’t feel guilty one bit!  Of course, my long walks have kicked into high gear as well.      We celebrated again on February 15th as that is the anniversary of our first date and we knew we could avoid the lovebird madness in all the restaurants from Valentine’s.  We decided to go for dessert and coffee at The Cheesecake Factory.  And of course, we each ordered our own slice.   

Speaking of sweets!  Have you heard of a cupcake bakery called “Gigi’s?”  Well, apparently, it’s a nationwide franchise and along with all the other “cupcakeries” that have opened up in the last couple of years this one is just as cute and delicious.  I “conveniently” stopped by their grand opening last week and picked up two for Jode and myself (since there was so much to celebrate last week, hah!).  Their cupcakes are  just beautiful and equally delicious!!  Even their packaging will make you want to buy one!

Strawberry Shortcake and Peanutbutter Cup

 

Enough of food!!!   In my January post, I mentioned that Jode has been visiting the Hyde Park Rotary Club.  He was inducted last week and I joined him for the lunch and was able to meet everyone.  His mom was in town as well and was able to join us and show her support as she is a Rotarian in the West Jacksonville Club.   It was a nice time.

I was in Jax a couple of weeks ago for work and my mom got a picture of me at 24 weeks.   This belly is growing at a rapid pace and it’s pretty hard to believe I have 3 more months to go!   I can now really tell that my balance is off, and I have to be careful about not hitting a doorframe or getting my belly smushed by a bathroom stall door.   Jode saw me after I got back from  Jax and could really tell a difference in just that short amount of time.  He says to me, “It’s SO foreign to me to see you like this and watch your belly grow!!”  I replied, “How do you think I FEEL?!”  Haha!   He has been nothing but supportive and we love to see the changes and watch our baby jump around.  It is such a miracle.   We had our 24 week appointment on Valentine’s Day and everything is going perfectly.  The heartbeat and measurements were all where they should be at this point.  We go back in a couple of weeks and will get to have an ultrasound again.  I’m excited to get another glimpse and see how he’s growing.  

We attended our first childbirth class yesterday afternoon after church.  A lot of this class was on natural birth which is great for some women, but not for me.  I realize that our bodies were made to handle it but I don’t think I can handle ALL that.  I did, however learn some great relaxation techniques and tips in general, but I could have done without the visuals.  Jode and I both closed our eyes at some points in the video.  Just not necessary to help me feel at ease.   We go back next weekend where we’ll learn more about medications, epidurals, etc.  And then the following weekend we signed up for “Newborn Care and Breastfeeding.”   I know you certainly can’t learn everything before the baby comes and all babies are different but we’re just trying to educate ourselves as much as possible.  So far so good.

The weather has been so beautiful here the last several days and today was no exception.  It’s sunny, warm and breezy.  I got out for one of my walks (in a tank top!) and headed down Bayshore Blvd (on the water).  There were several dolphin out swimming around!   I tried to get a picture but with the glare and a camera phone, it was tricky.  Here’s what I got! 

Sunny Floriday in February! This is the 5 mile walk that runs along the bay.

 

If you zoom in, you can see one of the fins out in the distance.

Before I end, I must brag again on Jode and the great husband he is to me.  He surprised me with Red Tulips a couple of weeks ago.  The nice irony of this is that as I was reading out loud from the book, “Your Pregnancy-Week by Week” to Jode a couple days later, there was a tip for the expectant dads.  It read, “Husbands, now’s the time to surprise your wife with something unexpected during this time of pregnancy.  Do the dishes, fold laundry, or buy flowers, etc.”  I said, to him, “Jode, that’s exactly what you just did!”   He responded, “Deb, that’s just me!  That’s what I do.”  Hah!  I just love him, especially because he does all of those things.

Exhibit A