The Abbey Family

Bathtime

2011-05-20T08:09:00.000-07:00

Chaz LOVES taking a bath... I'm so excited that we get to swim in a few weeks! The funniest part of the bath is his hair. I took pictures the other night of before, during, and after. Too funny! These are from my camera phone... the quality isn't the best.

Before

During

Mullet Man

After (this was actually not the same night, but you get the picture!)

Come on Mama....let's go!

2011-05-13T13:46:00.001-07:00

And... Wal-Mart only had pink sippy cups with handles...so that's what we got!

Catch-Up

2011-05-09T08:14:00.000-07:00

It's been over a month since my last post and boy has Chaz changed!! He's growing like a weed, crawling everywhere, & pulling up on everything. His personality is really coming out and he doesn't like it when he doesn't get his way! Everyone told me that he would be "Mama's boy" one day and that day has come!! Makes me smile, but means my house gets no attention... oh well, who needs clean clothes? Chaz has also started saying Da-Da. Not sure if he knows what it means, but hopefully Ryan can stop practicing it with him every chance he gets! :)

7 months... look at that belly!

Easter 2011

Dedication

We had his dedication at church last weekend, and he did great! He did try to eat the Bible that Brother Jim gave us- guess that's one way to get the Word in ya!

This was so special to me and Ryan because Brother Jim actually married us 3 years ago in Clarksdale! He moved to Kirby Woods in Memphis not long after that, and Ryan and I joined!

My parents honored Chaz by giving the flowers for the church that day.

Thanks GaGa & B!

After the dedication, Ryan and I had our family and friends over for a brunch. The weather held off so we ate outside on the porch... it was a perfect day!

I love my GaGa!

My best friends- Emma Richardson & Hardin Shirkey.

Having fun...

Isn't that the cutest little booty you've ever seen!!

Mama is funny!

I think he would sleep in this swing if we let him!

6 Months!?!

2011-04-01T13:22:00.000-07:00

Where has time gone? I realized today when I logged on that I never posted his 5 mth pictures.. bad me, but I'll do it all now! We had our 6 mth checkup this week and Chaz is growing like a weed! He rolls everywhere and according to his Lou Lou he is technically crawling. Not on all 4's yet, but he scooting and pulling enough to get wherever he want to. He LOVES to eat.... and will eat just about anything. Sleeping is getting better- but, he still hasn't figured out how awesome it actually is! Bathtime is still his favorite- he starts kicking when he sees the water and doesn't stop until he dried off in his pj's. I have a 30 minute drive to daycare and normally we talk the whole way- if I ever get on the phone, he jumps on his chance to nap-
since he probably wasn't sleeping when he was supposed to.

Seriously... what did we do without this sweet thing??

6 Month Stats:

19 pounds 6 ounces - 70%

26 3/4 inches long - 50%

Diapers- Size 3

Clothes- anything from 9m-18m

Loves to eat- eating #2's and #3's

Rolling everywhere

Sitting up with Mama close by

Scooting on his big belly

Starting to use a sippy cup- would rather hold it than his bottle

Loves cartoons

Loves to watch everyone- especially his crazy cousins

Loves to stroll while Mama runs

Reaches for people & things

Favorite Toy: old remote that is now his

Nicknames: Sugar Man & Chazzie

Starting to pose for these pictures....

My little "Sugar Man"

I promise he wears clothes... sometimes.

And notice this is the thing you are suppose to lay UNDER and play with... he decided to tear it down and lay on top....

5 Months Old

Got Curls?

Happy St. Patty's Day!

2011-03-17T06:53:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone remembered to wear their green today!

Chaz & I did, but Daddy left too early for us to pinch him!

Decal Monogram

2011-02-25T14:05:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone! As most of you know- I'm always into "projects" around my house. One thing that I have to remind myself is that there is only 1 of me. Ryan was a big help, but now he's the official babysitter when I start a project. I've been wanting to blog more about my before and after projects, and just got an email that has encouraged me to do so more often!

One of my DIY projects in Chaz's nursery was featured on the blog where I bought his initial decal. Ryan and I changed an armoir into a changing table. We took a piece of plywood and painted it a pale blue (looks brighter in the picture). I order a decal from Decal Monograms and had Ryan put it on the board for me. We then attached the board to the back of the armoir to cover of the holes where the T.V. cords would go and he framed it out with chair rail that I bought from Lowe's. I found some baskets that fit perfectly from Target and within minutes- we had a full blown changing table. It was so easy and the best part... I got the armoir for free. Total cost: about $50... not including the diapers :) The picture doesn't show it, but there are also baskets below that hold his books and some toys.

I sent this picture to Marilyn at Decal Monograms and she posted it on her blog. I was so excited!

Check out her stuff... it's really cute and very affordable!

February 2011

2011-02-22T19:42:00.000-08:00

Not much going at the Abbey house. Chaz is still getting over all his congestion and ear infections. Doctor says it could take until the season changes before he's completely better. Another reason Spring needs to come and stay! He is a master roller now... and has found his "voice." He loves to squeal and then laughs at himself- pretty funny I must say!

He has figured out the spoon!!

And, I'm trying to learn not to make a mess :)

Played so hard- he fell asleep on his exersaucer!

Game

2011-02-11T13:30:00.000-08:00

Chazzie and Mama played a game last night. First to give in. He ~~cried~~ (actually no tears involved) yelled, screamed, groaned as long as he could. Mama layed in bed and watched on the moniter for an hour. Chaz won- Mama gave him the paci. Mama got back in bed. 5 minutes later- Chaz wanted to play again. 2.5 hours of playing games.... Tired= understatement.

4 months

2011-01-30T16:32:00.000-08:00

Chaz seems to be feeling a little better this weekend- thank goodness!! I took him back to the doctor on Friday, because he started wheezing again, but the doctor insured me it was still the same thing and not to worry. He's not so sure about solid foods... seems to just want his bottle so if anyone has any good suggestions- let me know! He ate great the first day, and ever since he's not interested. I'm pretty sure he needs it- he's about to eat (drink) me out of house and home! :)

4 Months Old!

Ryan's friend, Scotty came to visit and meet Chaz- I think Chaz liked having someone beside Mama and Daddy to play with!

Saturday was so pretty- we pulled his exersaucer outside and let him play.

Can't wait till spring! (Ignore the hair- it goes EVERYWHERE!)

As Ryan would say- I normally dress him "like a girl" so this weekend,

I put him in overalls and jeans.

His daddy LOVED it!

As most of you know- I don't cook... ever. Luckily, I have my own chef and he has a new assistant! Chaz will sit here for hours watching his daddy- too cute!

Urgent Care, New Friends, and Cereal

2011-01-26T06:40:00.000-08:00

Wow... what a weekend and week we've had! First... for the not so fun stuff. Chaz had his first visit to the Urgent Care on Sunday night. Ryan and I thought we heard some wheezing on Saturday night, but it quickly went away and we didn't think anythinig of it. Well, on Sunday night- it was obvious he was wheezing. The weird thing was that he was playing and laughing like normal, but the harder he played the louder his breathing got. I called the pediatrician and the nurse told me to take him on in. When we got to the LeBounheur Urgent Care, the nurses and doctor were SO nice. I'm sure it didn't hurt that Chaz was flirting with all of them and grinning everytime they would pay him any attention. They took us on back and sure enough- he was wheezing pretty bad. They gave him 2 breathing treatments and sent us home with an inhaler to do every 4 hours. He was already scheduled for his 4 month check-up on Monday so when we went we had his doctor examine him. The verdict: Bronchiolitis. It's a respiratory virus that is caused by RSV. The bad thing is... there's nothing you can do for it- no medicine and no more inhaler. He seems to be feeling a little better, but he just doesn't understand why he can't suck his paci or eat and breath at the same time. It's about a 5 day virus and we are hopefully on day 3 or 4.

Chaz wasn't so sure about these breathing treatments....

Other news: Chaz's friend Hardin was born early Saturday morning! Chaz and I were so excited to go meet our new friend.

He wanted to make sure his Aunt Amy Hardin didn't forget about him though...

Best Friends already!

Last... his 4 month check-up.

He weighed 15.14 lbs (50% percentile)

Almost 26 inches (50% percentile)

Got 3 shots

Started on cereal AND baby food!

Wears anywhere from 6-9 mth clothes

Size 2 diaper

Rolling on a regular basis

Loves to jump in your lap

REALLY wants to sit up- trys to anytime he's leaned back

Sleep is still interfering with eating- but, hopefully cereal will help

Smiles at everybody

Slobbers everywhere- teeth are definitely coming soon

He's a happy boy when he wakes up from a good nap!

Only Ryan would feed him cereal on the couch! This is from this morning. He can't go back to daycare yet, so it's a boys day at home!

And, it looks like he made a happy plate!

Wish List

2011-01-21T13:01:00.000-08:00

My wish list: (in no particular order)

Vera Bradley Computer Bag- any color excepted.

SUN & beach... I want to break up Old Man Winter- the only thing you are good for is Snow Cream, and I've had enough for this year. Thanks.

Adobe Photoshop CS5

No more medicine = healthy family. Ryan went back to doctor today- bronchitis... 2 shots.

Pandora "C" charm. I have the "G" and "R" and now that we are a family of 3...

The finish line to a half-marathon. I'm getting the runner's itch again... but, Old Man Winter is really making this hard...

Vera Bradley Tote... in any color.

Sleep, sleep, and more sleep.

Tom's in canvas, size 8. I just love these.

No, I don't need a watch- (but, I do like this one).

I really just want more hours in my day!

I realize my birthday and anniversary are a few months away, but if anyone would like to tell Ryan about Valentine's Day... just teasing! It's always fun to have a wish list, and if you feel the need to honor a wish... you can email me for my address :).

1 year ago today....

2011-01-18T07:37:00.000-08:00

My life changed forever. I wasn't feeling very good the week before and actually took 2 pregnancy tests on a Thursday. The first said "+", but barely so I took a digital that said, "NOT PREGNANT." I assumed it's 2010 and digital trumps analog so I'm not pregnant. The following Monday, I decided to take another test... and another... and another... and another... you can see the picture.

6, yes SIX tests and 1 year later....

I come home to him everyday!!

God IS so good!

2011-01-17T12:54:00.000-08:00

It's only day 2 of my week and let's just say it started off rough. I was in the doctor's office for 2 hours yesterday with a sinus infection that I have actually had since last Tuesday, got a shot, got my medicine, and finally got home to my babies. I had been in Jackson since Saturday afternoon for a friend's wedding... congrats, Amanda.. it was gorgeous! I knew I better go on to the doctor so I did that on my way home yesterday. When I got home, the antibiotics decided to do a turn on my stomach. As many of you know, I had some major issues about 2 years ago and after a scope, I found out that I had gastritis. Thankfully, it is controlled my diet and medicine, but antibiotics seem to make it flame up again. After about an hour of pain, it finally surpassed and I was able to eat dinner and go to bed. For about an hour. Chaz decided he didn't want to sleep last night and if he was awake... Mama should be, too. I think I was able to sleep for about 3 hours total. I woke up to it raining- that's never fun. Got to work late because people in Memphis can't drive when there's water on the road. Had to deal with mean people through email... and the list goes on....

But, I just got the best call I think I've ever gotten.....

Nana is cancer-free!!!!

It's so strange to think about the call that I received a couple of years ago telling me that my 1 and only grandmother had cancer. I cried and prayed and cried and prayed. But, I know Nana and I knew she would pull through. Boy, did she! She faught hard and even got her diploma to prove it! :) I've sat at my desk for the last 10 minutes crying and praying... THANK YOU, JESUS!!

Looking back- my "rough" week, really hasn't been so rough after all! :)

It's been a long road, but I'm so proud of you, Nana!!

3 Month Pictures

2011-01-13T08:22:00.000-08:00

Chaz had his 3 month pictures done last weekend by a friend of mine, Courtney Noffsinger. He wasn't in the best mood (come to find out we had ANOTHER ear infection), but as long as I was close- he did fine. She got some great photos and here is the sneak peak she put on facebook. I'm putting the link to her post about Chaz at the bottom! Enjoy!!

Courtney's post on Chaz

Another Post?!?!

2011-01-10T07:01:00.000-08:00

I'm loving this snow day...and it's only 9am! I'm getting so much done, which includes loading more photots! Here are some from my phone... those seem to be my favorite because it's always by my side and easier to grab than my big camera.

The lighting isn't the best but, oh well!

Love Bathtime!

Hate when I have to dry off..

Mama always has me in a hat!

My sick boys watching football.

Rolling

Ready for Church

Praying for snow!

He LOVES holding his hands.

If any of you know my daddy, you will think this is hilarious! I caught Reid on the phone the other night, and he looked just like B!

Stay tuned for Chaz's first Snow!! He's catching a power nap before we go play!

We're getting on a roll.....

2011-01-09T16:21:00.000-08:00

literally! Ryan and I went to New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl last week and when we got home, Chaz started rolling! He's not doing it every time he's on his stomach, but he gets really close! He stayed with my sister while we were gone, so of course Aunt Lou Lou says she taught him. :) We also had our first ear infection a few weeks ago. He's been battling a cold for a few weeks and it wasn't getting any better. With us going out of town, I decided to go ahead and take him in. Sure enough.. those ears were infected. Man what a difference antibiotics make! He's eating, sleeping, and playing SO much better! He's a happy little man and we are just loving it! I also think it's fair to say he's looking more like his Mama! What do y'all think... it's probably the fat cheeks, but that's ok! I finally downloaded some videos to my computer so I'm putting one from tonight!

3 Months Already?!?!

Going to Church

Hanging out at Christmas

Playing with my best friend, Reid

10 weeks

2010-12-08T19:03:00.000-08:00

Chaz is now 10 weeks old! He's so fun and getting so big. I started back work last week so it's been an adjustment getting up, dressed, to daycare, and to work all before 8am. Chaz seems to be doing to good at Nanny's. She kept Mattie and keeps Reid and my cousin's daughter so he's around family all day. I think his aunt (and uncle) are loving getting to see Chaz everyday. I know I'm loving getting to see Reid and Eason.

Fun Facts about Chaz:

Weighs approximately 14 pounds.. big boy!
23 inches long
Wears a size 2 diaper and anywhere from a 3m-9m in clothes
Loves to ride in the car- it's his favorite!
Slowly, but surely, is figuring out that sleep is the best thing ever!
Smiles a lot (except when I have a camera in hand)
Still loves to eat and has started eating more at a time and fewer times a day.
Has figured out that kicking while taking a bath is really fun!
REALLY wishes he could walk already-hates sitting in our laps, but LOVES standing in our laps.

Sorry about all the pictures! I realized I haven't posted any in over a month!

Picking out Chaz's first Christmas tree

I wasn't the best at taking or posting these. As you can tell, it would be about bedtime when I thought about it!

I love bath time!

I love my Mattie & Reider

Mama's funny!

Mattie singing to Chaz

Daddy dressed me... can you tell?

6 weeks

2010-11-13T21:14:00.000-08:00

Chaz has officially passed the 6 week mark! He's getting so big and making us laugh all the time! I have learned that he might look like his daddy, but he's got a lot of his Mama in him. He's a "goer." We (well, I) don't like sitting at home, so we have been finding all kinds of things to do. We met Ryan for lunch one day, strolled around the outdoor mall one day, met Lou Lou and Lyn for lunch one day, went to Babies-R-Us & Target one day... and that was just last week! He does really well when he's "out and about." He tends to sleep and eat better. I'm so thankful and hope it stays that way! He's getting better with sleeping at night... that or Ryan and I are getting more used to it! :) Here are some recent pictures taken from my phone... I seem to snap more with it than I do my regular camera.

If you know Ryan- you know he ONLY wears Polo stuff...

Chaz and I surprised him one morning and put on a Polo onesie.

He's a big boy now... facing forward- although, he's not fond of the sun in his eyes.

We got bored after a bath one night and made a mohawk... it stayed that way until his next bath!

Chaz's absolute favorite place! He can be screaming his head off and when I lay him on his changing table, he'll start laughing and talking up a storm! I often grab a magazine and sit in the chair while he plays!

I couldn't believe how well he did in his chair... he's been holding his head up for a while now- not for long, but I thought we would try this and he loved it! And... there's the mohawk again.

I love this little boy! :)

1 Month Already?

2010-10-23T20:23:00.000-07:00

Chaz will be one month on Tuesday... in some ways it feels like it's been maybe a few days and in other ways it feels like he's been here for a year! Maybe that's how long it feels since I've had a good night's rest :). He is so fun and has really started showing his personality. He's definitely got the Hopkins genes in the appetite department... I can only imagine what it's going to be like when he's eating real food. He's getting better with sleeping and Ryan and I have figured out that he always wants a little more to eat about an hour after we feed him... we call it his dessert. He won't take but just a bit...so this kinda messes up our schedule during the night, but hey... I like a little dessert after dinner, too!

We have enjoyed all the company and wonderful dinners everyone has brought! My college friends and I still get together once a month and eat dinner somewhere in Memphis, but this month- they brought dinner to us... Here's Chaz meeting everyone.

First Bath... I think he liked it! And... yes, his hair is curly when wet!

His sweet cousins love him so much. Mattie wants to hold him and Reid just waves at him and says, "Hey, Baby Cha"

Just playing...

09-28-10

2010-10-11T08:42:00.000-07:00

Sorry it has taken me so long to write about our "eventful" night when Chaz was born. We've been busy changing diapers and making bottles! Below is a "short" version of the events leading up to Chaz's birth.

Monday, September 27th

8:40am
I had a doctor's appointment to see if I had dilated any... and I did not. I was a week overdue so you can imagine how anxious I was to get this party started. My doctor gave me the option to schedule a c-section for the next day... or to go in at noon on Monday and receive some medicine to help my cervix thin. I chose to go in and try to have him naturally since this was my first baby and we didn't know how my body would react.

12:00 noon
Ryan and I check into the hospital and I received the medicine to help my cervix thin at 1:30pm. After 12 hours, I would start the pitosin and we would go from there. Everything seemed to be progressing normally. I was starting to dilate and have contractions. At some point during the afternoon, I got up to go to the restroom and when I got back in the bed, the nurse had a hard time finding Chaz's heart rate- it seemed to be dropping randomly.

Tuesday, September 28th

2:30am
Ryan and I haven't slept at all. I was glued to the monitor watching Chaz's heart rate since it had randomly dropped a few times and I was definitely starting to feel the contractions. My body was reacting to the medicine they gave me to thin my cervix and my water broke in between that medicine and the pitosin.

4:30am
I received the epidural... best thing ever! And for those who care- the IV in the wrist hurt worse than the epidural. Chaz's heart rate was still dropping randomly so they had turned the pitosin completely off and I was in labor without any (medicine) help.

6:30am
Chaz's heart rate dropped and the nurses told me they were going to call my doctor and update him on everything. My doctor was due to come on call at 8:00am and I had made up my mind that I was going to ask for a section if he felt that I needed to... the heart rate dropping had gotten the best of me. Nurses rushing in the room hourly and me having to flip from side to side wasn't my idea of fun.

6:55am
My family arrived and a nurse I'd never seen entered my room. I calmly said, "Hey.. you must be my new nurse." I knew the nurses were on a 7pm-7am shift so I just assumed she was coming to tell me who she was. Her response as she rips open a new bag for the IV, "We're going in for a section, doctor's done with this." UMMM... excuse me? Within the next 5 minutes, I had a team of nurses, 2 anesthesiologists, a doctor (not mine), and a worried looking husband and family staring at me. They had Ryan dressed in scrubs and we were rolling down a hall into surgery.

All I can really remember is the nurses discussing what patients I had "bumped" and the doctor telling me that my doctor was coming in from a meeting to do the actual section. I was so relieved and can remember praying that God would take care of everything. They rolled me into the surgery room and I realized they had to move me onto the surgery table. I laughed and told them I couldn't help them because I couldn't feel a thing. (I think that was the purpose). They asked Ryan to sit in a room for about 10 minutes while they prep me and I was praying they wouldn't forget to go get him. Everything and everyone was moving so fast that I could see them delivering Chaz and forgetting to get Ryan. Within minutes, Ryan was back in the room and holding my hand.

At 7:29am, God gave us the most precious gift in the world... Charles William Abbey. He was 8 pounds and 9 ounces and was 21 inches long.... absolutely perfect.

I heard one of the nurses in the room say, "Look at those cheeks!" and another "Look at that hair!" I couldn't wait to see him. He opened his lungs for us and it was the most precious sound I've ever heard.

Come to find out- the cord was wrapped around Chaz's neck and every time I had a contraction, it was causing his heart rate to drop. I didn't know this until a few days after his birth, but I am so thankful that the doctors and nurses knew what to do and we went ahead with the section. He lost too much weight while we were in the hospital so we had to go to the doctor for a "weight check" one week after his birth. Let's just say- he's doing good! His weight is back up and he has the Hopkins' appetite! It just took him a few days to figure it all out.

We've been doing good at home. Ryan and I both love sleep so we are adjusting to not sleeping much. Chaz had his days and nights confused, but he is doing much better... lots of prayers answered. He's changed so much within the last week- it's hard to believe when I look back at the pictures. Thanks to everyone for all your texts, emails, prayers, and calls. I can't tell you how much it means to me and Ryan. Here are some pictures from our first few weeks.

He's Here!

2010-09-28T15:42:00.000-07:00

After 41 weeks and 1 day... Charles William Abbey "Chaz" has entered this world! Ryan and I are sooo blessed and feel God gave us the most precious gift in the world! I'll post soon about our eventful night and his eventful arrival!

Charles William Abbey

"Chaz"

September 28, 2010

7:29 am

8 pounds 9 ounces

21 inches long

40 weeks..

2010-09-20T14:57:00.000-07:00

and still counting! I woke up this morning to an email that said, "Today is your due date!" Like I didn't know?!? I went to the doctor today and no progress. I go back on Thursday for another ultrasound. It has been fun seeing people's face when they ask when I'm due. No one expects you to say, "today." I'm still hoping and praying Chaz will come on his own (SOON), but want to make sure he's a healthy, happy baby so I'll continue to waddle and countdown the hours for a few more days. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers... I'll be sure to update soon!

Fishing

2010-09-12T14:02:00.000-07:00

The days are getting long around here! We are officially in single digits till the due date... and I am SO ready! On the way to church this morning, I told Ryan we had to find something to do this afternoon to keep me busy. Problem is... I don't have the energy or desire to really do anything. Well, Lou Ann called after church and said that she and the kids would come meet us for lunch. Of course, any chance I can get to see my kiddos- I'm all about it. While we were eating, Ryan mentioned fishing and Mattie and Reid got excited! We have a pond in our backyard so of course I was in... only a few feet from the house! We only stayed outside for about an hour- which was perfect for all of us. Can't wait till Chaz is here to go fishing with his cousins!

Mattie caught a fish!

Reid didn't want anyone to help him but Ryan.

New Friends

2010-09-10T08:49:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when you let your husband have the camera.... I just uploaded some photos to my computer for work, and while I was going through them, I realized why Ryan NEEDED my camera ASAP the other day. Here are our new friends we've been seeing in the yard. These pictures were taken from inside the house looking out on our front lawn. Oh the joys of living in the country! :)

Happy Birthday Reid!

2010-09-09T11:31:00.000-07:00

My sweet nephew turned 2 on Monday.

They had a dump truck party for him and he had a blast!! I love you, Reider!

Reid and Mattie sporting the t-shirts I made for party favors.

The invitation read "Dirt Shirt Provided."

Chaz's Nursery

2010-08-31T19:06:00.000-07:00

Finally! Ryan and I (almost) finished the nursery! I'm still waiting on him to finish 2 frames that are going to have the pictures that my friend Courtney took, but I wanted to go ahead and post pictures for those of you who have been asking! I'm so excited with how everything turned out. Ryan and I did so much ourselves so it means even more. For example, the ABC picture- I found those flashcards at a hobby store and we went to town and created our own piece of art. Who knew Ryan was so handy?!? He found the old wood and created a beautiful frame! I also painted the dresser and the armoire that we are using for Chaz's changing table. The only thing missing is sweet Chaz and some pictures of him to hang in the frames!

37 weeks...

2010-08-30T13:06:00.000-07:00

I have some sweet friends at work that had a shower for me last week. It was so nice! I work very closely to the Sales Manager here in Memphis and his wife, Courtney, and I have become good friends over the last couple of years. She is actually one of the ones that inspired me to start blogging. Courtney has taken up photography and I must say has become an overnight expert! We were sitting at the shower talking about maternity photos and I told her I had no plans on taking maternity photos and honestly hoped I didn't have my picture taken again until Chaz was here! Well... she didn't like one bit. She told me she had some ideas. I trusted her and boy I'm sooo glad I did! Hair in a crazy bun and all... we went outside and look what she created! She is currently selling some of her landscape photos on etsy, so if you are interested, visit her blog at One Mom's Perfect Imperfection. Thanks again, Courtney! I can't wait to get these printed and hung in frames for the nursery!!

She snapped these while Ryan and I were saying goodbye... she's great at candid shots!!

Baby Shower

2010-08-22T07:36:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from my Baby Shower in Clarksdale. Everything was so nice and it meant so much to me to have so many of my friends and family there to celebrate this special time in my life! Chaz received so many cute clothes, blankets, and a Pack-n-Play from the hostesses!

And... they are off!

2010-08-17T12:37:00.000-07:00

My rings that is. Over the past couple of months, I've had a lot of people notice that I can still wear my wedding rings and they were impressed. Well, my response was always, "Thanks, but I've never taken them off." Well, it dawned on me this weekend, that I should probably go ahead and take them off before there's any chance I could go into labor. But... there was a problem... they weren't coming off. I started freaking out. For those of you who don't know, I played basketball all throughout Junior High and High School and even played a good bit in college with friends. Being short and a point guard, I had my fair share of blocked shots and rough hits which often resulted in jammed fingers. My knuckles have always been somewhat large (from all the jammed fingers) and it always hurt a little to take rings on and off... so I just didn't. Over the past 4 days, I've tried every internet trick there was out there... from Windex to dental floss to oil to conditioner... these rings weren't budging. I kicked and screamed and cried and finally... just prayed. I asked God to get these rings off!

Now... onto today. Lou Ann called and was running by a children's store that was having a sale in Memphis. I told her I would come by during lunch. When I got there she was about to leave to go eat with Matt and asked if I wanted to go. Matt loves these little sub shops and I didn't want to eat by myself so I jumped in the car and rode with her. We pulled up to Jersey Subs... which was NEXT door to the jeweler where we bought my rings. I couldn't belive it. I told her that this was a sign and I was going to go in and ask the sweet ladies what I should do. They have taken such good care of me and Ryan throughout our engagement and wedding. After lunch, Lou Ann walked straight in the jewelry store (I was kinda hoping to head to the car). I walked in and told the ladies what was going on. They calmly grabbed my finger, said there was no hope, grabbed some device and off they went! Lou Ann held her hands over my ears so that I couldn't hear what was going on as they split all 3- 2 bands and my engagment ring- apart. I teared up, but they assured me that I wouldn't be able to tell when they put them back together- a size bigger that is. Needless to say, God works in mysterious ways. These rings are off and I no longer feel like a mouse in a cage. Once they had the first one off, Lou Ann thought it would be a good idea to take a picture for the baby book... and all of you of course! Moral of the story... take your rings the day you find out you are pregnant!

Baby Shower

2010-08-10T20:14:00.000-07:00

My sweet family and friends gave me one of the most beautiful Baby Showers ever! Everything was just perfect and I couldn't have asked for more! It meant so much to me to celebrate such a special occassion with the people I love. Chaz got so much cute stuff!
He's going to be one stylish little boy!

The flowers were gorgeous!

Some of the decorations....

Yes... those are REAL goldfish!

My sweet hostesses!

I had been waiting on Chaz's bedding to be made for weeks. I was told it wasn't ready, but little did I know, my mama and sister had it the whole time.... Needless to say, I was so excited and surprise!

4D Ultrasound

2010-07-19T16:07:00.000-07:00

Went to the doctor today and everything looks good. Chaz does look to have some long legs and be on the bigger side of things! Here are some of the 4d ultrasound pictures. I always said that babies look so "alien" like in these photos, but when it's your own... you don't seem to notice at all! :) He is breech and had his legs up around his face the whole time, but the nurse was so nice and waited till he moved into a good position. Hard-headed little thing!

Trying to get a picture of his face, but the only things we could see at first were his feet!

Happy Father's Day!

2010-06-21T06:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day to all the great Fathers out there!

My parents came up yesterday to eat lunch and then we all went swimming at Ryan's club... even B! Before church, Chaz and I gave Ryan a Father's Day gift from us... he was so excited!

What a great weekend!

Daddy and I dove hunting last fall.

Ryan opening his Father's Day gift.

Not much going on...

2010-06-13T13:50:00.000-07:00

Not much going on around the Abbey house these days. When I got on the blog this morning, I noticed we had passed the 100 day mark! Yea! Only 99 days till Chaz is due... seems like a long time, but considering where that number was when I started... we are not far away. Ryan and I have been working on the nursery and it's been a fun project for both of us. We aren't near finished, but we do have some most of the big stuff in place. This pictures isn't the most flattering... I'm not sure if I can take a good picture these days! :)

26 weeks

A little of the nursery...

Yard of the Month!

2010-05-26T19:00:00.000-07:00

I'm so proud of Ryan! We were presented with the Byhalia Garden Club's Yard of the Month Award. And it couldn't have come on a better day! Ryan was hard at work mulching the yard when they came to put the sign in the yard. He is very particular about our yard and even re-landscaped everything last year all by himself. We always see the houses they pick, and honestly never thought they even drove down our road... glad they proved us wrong!

Look what I found...

2010-05-20T06:23:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited the flowers are starting to bloom! I took this picture with my phone this morning before it started raining again!

It's official....

2010-04-29T18:02:00.000-07:00

It's a boy!! My sister-in-law came into town last week and we were lucky enough to have some of our family here to find out the sex of the baby. It didn't take long, and we knew it was a boy! Ryan and I found out a few minutes before everyone else, so I was able to give them a cute announcement with the baby's name on it... Charles William Abbey "Chaz". Now, I'm in full force on the nursery... I'll post pictures as I get everything together.

He is yawning in this picture!

19 weeks

In the past 2 years...

2010-04-26T17:45:00.000-07:00

I have grown, I have loved, and I have laughed harder than I ever thought possible. I have realized that marriage isn't a fairy tale, but a storybook full of eventful chapters. I know the difference between a par and a birdie. I have learned to trust, rely, and count on someone on a daily basis. I have eaten more strawberries than ever. I know not to cook or even try. I have experienced more joy and happiness than ever before. I have cheered for the Razorbacks. I have cried and laughed in the same minute over the same moment. I know difference between a frozen filet and a frozen pork chop. I have witnessed my soul mate being saved by my Savior. I own more game systems than I knew were made. I know who Phil Mickelson is. I have watched the History channel. I have smiled more than ever. My vocabulary has tripled. I have experienced going through and coming through tough times together. I now know unconditional love. I have learned to let go and let God. I know the TV must be available the first weekend in April. I know Golf is a real sport. I have experience the best two years of my life and it's all because of you. Happy Anniversary, Ryan. I love you.

It's my Birthday!

2010-04-23T07:02:00.000-07:00

And I think I'll celebrate!

This says "ginna ine mamay's toumy." I think I meant "Ginna in Mama's Tummy."

That's what my belly looks like now... 19 wks pregnant! :)

Guess I was going sailing...

Rocking out!! Wish I still had that outfit.

I'm so thankful I was born! :)

MudBug Dash

2010-04-19T12:47:00.000-07:00

I've always loved to run, in fact- I can proudly say that I've finished my fair share of races anywhere from 3-13 miles. So... I'm always in for a 5k! I talked my good friends Ashley Bryant & Ashley Pollan into signing up with me, and we had a blast! Let's just say running/walking at 18 weeks pregnant is a little different than running while not pregnant!

I am super sore!!!

Ashley, me, Jessica, & Ashley

My friend, Jessica Cox, owns J.Cox Orthodontics and was a big sponsor for the event. We gladly wore her race day t-shirts...even though it was definitely not maternity! If you need braces in Hernando...

call her, she's great!

Los Cabos 2010

2010-04-16T08:38:00.000-07:00

Ryan and I had friends get married in Mexico last week... so we HAD to go! We had so much fun! I was able to read 3... yes, THREE, books while I was there. It's amazing what you can do when you are sober by the beach! :) We went into town (Cabo San Lucas) one day and ate at Gordo Lele's- an amazing taco shop where the food is wonderful and the entertainment is even better! The owner is pretty much obsessed with the Beatles and after he cooked and served our food- he tossed on a wig, pulled out a fake microphone, and did a little Beatles karaoke for us! On the way back, our sweet cab driver found a small gas station that sold O'Doul's!! We bought a six-pack and you would have thought I was in heaven! The wedding was on Monday and absolutely gorgeous. There were 16 of us there for the event and they had a pool side reception that couldn't have been better. Ryan and I are such home-bodies, so we were glad to be home, but couldn't be happier for Jarrett & Janice!

Gordo Lele's Taco Shop

El Squid Roe

The whole crew

Mr. and Mrs. Jarrett Burrows

The Boys

Reception

Unexpected Ultrasound

2010-03-18T13:18:00.000-07:00

So.... I had my monthly check-up scheduled for yesterday, but I had to reschedule due to work stuff. It actually worked out good because Mama and Lou Ann were bringing Mattie out to Incredible Pizza Company which is in between the doctor's office and my work. I stopped by there to eat lunch with them and Mama decided to go with me to the doctor.... glad she did!

When I got there, the nurse took me back immediately and started looking for the heartbeat on the doppler. She checked... and checked... and checked....and couldn't find the heartbeat. I could tell she was getting a little nervous, but honestly- I thought she was just getting aggravated with herself. After a few minutes of looking, she grabbed my chart and said "You're getting an ultrasound." My response- "Yay!" (Still didn't realize that I should have been scared.)

They took me straight back and the nurse and the ultra-sound tech had a little chat and before I knew it- I was up on the table and looking at my sweet little baby. Everything ended up being perfect. Mama and I were able to see the arms & spine, but the baby was curled up so that's all I really got to see. The baby is measuring 13 weeks and 3 days. OH.. and the heart rate was 158! They did give me a picture so I'm attaching it below. It isn't the best because all she was really looking for was a heartbeat!

The reason the nurse could not pick it up on a doppler is because I have a retroverted uterus. That means that my uterus is tilted backwards inside of the pelvis toward the spine. This is nothing to be alarmed with and as the baby grows, my uterus will tilt toward the front. The only bad thing is apparently you scare the nurse and doctor because the doppler won't pick up the heartbeat.

When I went back to the doctor's room, he and the nurse kept saying "sorry we scared you," so finally I told him the truth... I didn't know to be scared! :) He said good!

I go back in a month and then again 2 weeks after that to find out what it is!

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-10T11:54:00.000-08:00

4 more weeks... and I'll be here!

and drinking one of these:

Pictures

2010-03-02T06:25:00.001-08:00

I just love that my family if full of good "favors." For example.. I need to ask a question about taxes- I call my brother-in-law, I need some insurance- I call my dad, I decide I want to be the next Tiger Woods (ha)- I call my husband....but... if I want to see my baby- I call my sister-in-law!! Yep.. Trish is a sonographer and sells portable ultrasound equipment which means she always has one in her trunk! She came in town last night and scanned me- we had a blast looking at the baby. It was bouncing everywhere and we were even able to see it's arms, legs, and profile, but the best was seeing that little heartbeat going so fast! When Ryan wasn't glued to the monitor, I had him take some pictures with my camera. Here they are... thanks Aunt Trish!!

Baby Abbey's First Concert!

2010-02-26T09:23:00.000-08:00

So I'm a huge sucker for country music and concerts so whenever I get a chance to enjoy both... I'm all in! Unfortunately, Ryan could care less about both. But... fortunately, Amy Hardin is a sucker for both, too! We're going next Thursday to hear George & Reba at the FedEx Forum and I'm so excited... in fact- changed my playlist on the blog to honor George himself! I'll be sure to post some pictures! Now...if I could just find some jeans that will button....

As for the baby, everything is good! I went to the doctor last week and he said I was gaining weight (no, really?!?) and the baby was measuring perfectly! I can't get over my growing belly... seriously- where does this come from! Ryan often catches me looking in the mirror at my new belly and growing behind and assures me that it's only getting bigger... ha- thanks Ryan! I go back to the doctor in the March so continue to pray that this baby is growing and healthy!

My Bible verse of the day: 1 John 4:9 "This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him." I learned this as little girl, but wow does it put a new spin on things when I'm now expecting a child of my own. I already love this baby and can only imagine what the world is going to be like when he or she is growing up. I can't imagine sending my child out into this world to save others... especially without cell phones! :) Thank you, Lord, for loving us so much!

Hope everyone has a wonderful Friday!

February Snow

2010-02-15T16:34:00.000-08:00

Last Monday we got almost 6 inches of unexpected snow in Byhalia! I woke up to the alarm on my phone going off and realized I had 2 text messages... both of them said the exact same thing... "look outside." Immediately, I jumped up and ran into the bathroom to our big window and sure enough... SNOW! Ryan and I were like little kids... we got the 4-wheeler out and played! I was determined to make snow ice-cream so we rode the 4-wheeler down to the grocery store and made ourselves sick eating so much! Since we don't have any children... yet... playing in the snow, I took some pictures of our house and land!

A Little Abbey

2010-02-05T07:27:00.001-08:00

Hey Everyone...

I wanted to let you all know that Ryan & I will be welcoming a new addition in September! We are so excited and really feel that God has blessed us in more ways than we could ever imagine. I found out almost 3 weeks ago and we were able to tell our families a couple weeks ago. We (Ryan) has proceeded tell everyone at work (which includes 500+ members) so I figured it is time to share our good news with everyone.

As most of you know, Mattie and Reid (my neice & nephew), are my heart and soul and I couldn't share this good news with my parents without them being apart of it. I made them shirts that read "I'm going to be a BIG Cousin." My sweet sister was able to take some pictures of us telling my parents so I'm going to post those for y'all to see. I go back to the doctor in a couple of weeks so pray everything is good!

New Year = More Blogs!

2010-01-27T09:09:00.000-08:00

I'm determined to blog more this year than last... that means, if I blog twice...I've beat my last year's number by one! :) This past fall was great! Ryan being an Arkansas fan and me being an Ole Miss fan... we have lots of fun during Football Season! Lucky for both us... both of our teams won a bowl game. I won't comment on the fact that Ole Miss won the Cotton Bowl & Arkansas won the Liberty Bowl. I'm posting some pictures from some of the games. Enjoy!

Orange Beach 2009

2009-06-26T12:35:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone-

I'm finally getting around to working on our blog! As most of you know... I've started my own Stationery/Invitation company called "Gabbey Designs". I've been so busy trying to get all of my Christmas...yes- Christmas!.. stuff together and trying to get the website up. We also took a trip to the beach last week with my sister, her husband, and their 2 kids. We had so much fun, but I'm glad to be back home and in my bed! :) Here are some pictures from our trip!