Things I Love About Being Pregnant

I have said since I was pregnant with Gabe that I thought this act of nature is one of the strangest things a female body goes through. There are several things that I love about being in this position that I didn't really enjoy last time. First, I really enjoy being pregnant at least at this stage. I am not too big, but you can definitely tell that there is a baby in the belly. I love feeling Shelby move and seeing it too. Gabe didn't do this until later, and it's so amazing to me. Gabe has really surprised me with this whole baby thing. When he sees my belly, he smiles and talks to Shelby. Then he sticks his belly out as far as he can and says "Shelby, Shelby." I love seeing that and am anxious to see how he will actually be with her. Jeremy has been so busy lately that he has not really been able to participate in all the doctor's appointments. But it's so funny to me when we looks at me in the evening and says, "Your belly is getting so big," like he just noticed it was there. I also love the fact I have not gained any weight. this has not been on purpose, but I am really happy about it. I am hoping I don't get huge at the end, but I am really not worried about that. As Shelby gets bigger, the less room I have and really, the less I want to eat. I feel so stuffed after a bowl of cereal. I also love saying, "It's a girl." It is so exciting to me and I cannot wait to see what Shelby looks like. I also enjoy looking at all the clothes and am excited to get hand-me-downs from some friends. There are a few complaints, but not many. I have headaches almost everyday and do get nauseous on occasion. I am also having a lot of trouble sleeping and my body aches at the end of the day. But I guess everything has good and bad sides to it. And my belly looks a bit strange with no tan, but that's okay. Gabe and I are in the sun everyday and are both getting "brown as biscuits" as my mom always used to say when I was younger.

Father's Day

Oh, what a great day. It was Jeremy's first whole day off since March, so he really deserved it. We decided to not waste the day away in the apartment and go to a beautiful beach. So we drove 2 hours into Alabama and went to Orange Beach. When we got there, we just stared at the beach and Gabe kept screaching with delight. The clear water and white sand was such a sight. Unfortunately, the beach in Gulfport looks nothing like that. So we gathered ALL of our beach gear and headed to the water. Gabe was itching to get in, but remained surprisingly patient as I changed him and slathered him with sunscreen. But once I said go, he took off at full blast. He and Jeremy played forever in the water and sand. I just enjoyed the view and sat in the shade. Being pregnant in the summer is so different from the winter. I am not uncomfortable, but I do notice the heat way more. Gabe loved the waves but seemed to be scared of them at the same time. He would run right up the the water and then when it would hit him he would scream and laugh all at once. I entertained Gabe for a bit in the sand, while Jeremy took a short rest. It is really amazing to see his imagination come to life and the way he connects things together. He was so enthralled with filling his buckets with sand AND water. He got so upset if there was too much of one and not the other, already a perfectionist. Then we all got in the water and enjoyed the waves and warm breeze. I know it may sound cheesy, but it really was a great day and one that we will remember. Jeremy has worked so much since we have been here, so it was special to us.

A Bit of Freedom

Wow. It has been so nice having some time to myself. Gabe went to stay with my parents for 4 days and I have had some wonderful alone time. When I talked to my Mom she said she was exhausted and I knew just how she felt. But I am glad that she and my Dad enjoyed having him for the week. I actually went to playgroup without a child. It was really great spending time with my friends without having to worry about nap time or diaper change. I enjoyed being around everyone with no worries. I also got some packing done so that is one less thing to worry about when the time comes to move. I have read some books, worked on Sudoku puzzles and basically layed on the couch. Jeremy and I have savored the quiet evenings alone and ironically spent most of the time talking about Gabe and Shelby. Thankfully Jeremy is finally starting to get home at a very decent time and will soon have a normal work schedule. Poor thing, he hasn't had that since we moved here almost one year ago. He has done a lot of sleeping lately, which I am sure he needs at least a week to catch up on all he's missed. Every time I spoke with Gabe on the phone he sounded completely content which helped me feel more comfortable with him being gone. I have missed him, but I feel rejuvenated and ready to take care of my little wild man again ( until the next break).

It's A Girl

Oh my gosh. I could not believe it when the tech said it was a girl. I had decided in the waiting room that I was going to be happy either way. It's not like I could change the result, right? I was so nervous going into the room, I just wanted to make sure all the parts were in the right place and everything was normal. Of course, everything was fine and then she asked if we wanted to know the sex. I said yes and then you know the rest. I cried a bit of happy tears and Jeremy was so excited. He said that he knew it was a girl but he didn't want to get my hopes up. The tech said the baby weighs eleven ounces-in the 97th percentile. So we see that my lack of weight gain is not an issue because she is getting everything she needs. We decided to name her Shelby Elizabeth, that being my middle name as well. Jeremy and I both love Shelby and it sounds so southern, so girly. Anyways, my appointment went well and I will go back in four weeks. I cannot wait to start shopping for all the adorable clothes that come along with having a girl. I told Gabe he was going to have a baby sister and he just looked at me. I guess he won't really understand until she gets here. Now we will have one of each and I think that will be it for us. Jeremy used to want five until he realized how much kids actually cost. We have 22 weeks left to prepare and to be honest, I hope the time does not go by too quickly. This pregnancy is much more enjoyable than the first and we want to get all the time in with Gabe that we can because once Shelby gets here, everything will change again.

Spending Time With The Grandparents

Gabe and I went to see my parents last week. Jeremy has been working so much and I really wanted to go home for a bit. So the first adventure was driving during the day. I had not done this with since we lived in East Tennessee and I was worried about what he would do. Most of the way there he behaved quite well. Then once we got about 2 hours away, he wanted out of the car right away I found myself singing the silliest songs and pointing out things on the road that I never would have looked at before. It's amazing what you will do to keep a child quiet. We finally arrived at the house and Gabe was so excited. Thankfully, he decided to behave once w got there and went bonkers over all the Shrek stuff my Mom had gotten him (yes, Shrek and dinosaurs are competing for first place in my child's heart). Dad got to teach Gabe some of the basics of golf, which was fun to observe. Gabe just wants to hit everything while Dad is trying to teach him the correct form. It was so interesting to watch Gabe because he really tried to get my parents to save him whenever I tried to discipline him. One day I thought my Mom and I were both going to pull our hair out because he kept going back and forth between us trying to get us to give him what the other wouldn't. But other than the occasional two-year-old tantrum we really enjoyed our visit. We got to visit with some of my friends and that is always a nice treat for me. Gabe has been fascinated with lawn mowers for a while now and a neighbor was having his lawn cut one afternoon. Mom and Gabe watched carefully as the two guys did their job and Gabriel could not get enough of it. They had to walk around the house and get just close enough to observe, but not get too scared. It is so much fun to watch Gabe with his grandparents. We will be going back in a week and they will be keeping Gabe so I cannot wait to hear his version of what they do.

Being Pregnant..

I am four months along now and this pregnancy is so different from the first. Thankfully there aren't nearly as many visits to the bathroom and I am able to eat. Although, I am not eating much and my doctor is constantly on me for not gaining weight. I am more tired for very obvious reasons and that little red head does not give an inch :) My mind seems to be playing tricks on me and I have come to the conclusion that pregnancy makes my hormones go nuts and I go a bit crazy. The depression is more noticable with this one, but I can recognize it and know that it's not me it's just what my body does. Hopefully when I see my doctor this week she can give me some advice on what to do. Of course there are some very exciting moments. I am already feeling the baby move and am also showing more and more everyday. When I see newborn outfits I get all excited think about those first few months when all babies want to do is cuddle. I still have a while to go and cannot wait to find out the sex in just 2 weeks.

Life is Tough

When you are little and you want to grow up all you think about is getting to drive, staying up all night and never having anyone ever telling you what to do. But the reality is that it's a pain to have to drive yourself everywhere, staying up all night is overrated and you will always have someone telling you what to do. I look at Gabe and wonder when he will start to wish he was out of the house or when the first time will be when he tells me he doesn't like me. I do not dwell on these things, but they are there. Today we went to the beach and I had a great time just watching him play in the water and run after the birds. He was so amazed by the waves and the sand. Was I ever that way? I am sure I was at one time or another. How do we lose that amazement with the world? How do you explain to your child about death and sickness and hurt that happens all the time? What do I say the first time he comes to me with a problem? I want to tell him to stand up for himself and to not let others push him around, but to be gentle and considerate. And how in the world do I teach a boy that? That it is OKAY to cry and you cannot always be tough. That talking to someone about your troubles is sometimes the best way to solve them. I guess when the time comes I will know what to say but it scares the stuffing out of me to think of it.

Gabriel's 2nd Birthday

Wow!! I cannot believe that Gabe is two years old. It seems that time really does fly when you have a child. Gabe has brought so much laughter and fun into our lives I cannot imagine being without him. He is such a blessing to have and I never know what to expect from him each and every day. I don't know how I will love another baby as much as I love him.
We had a Sesame Street celebration for our little man at my parents' house. All of his friends were able to come and they had a blast! From climbing in and out the doggie door to trying to take Gabe's new presents that they liked, the little party goers were more than we could handle! Gabe certainly had a great time altough he was a bit apprehansive about blowing the candles out. But he ripped into his presents like a pro and loved all of them. By the time it was all over, every single adult there was exhausted! This birthday was much more fun than last year's. Now that Gabe understands more, he definitely knows what to do!! I cannot wait to see what the next year brings and how Gabe reacts to the new baby in October.

Spring Is Here!

This time of year is extremely enjoyable on the Gulf Coast. The warm sunny days and cool nights almost make up for the sweltering summer heat that is soon to come! This past week my Mom's group had its' first Easter Party. We dressed up ourselves and our children for some family photos and everyone looked wonderful. We then ate all the delicious food everyone provided and soaked up the afternoon sun. After eating, we hid a TON of eggs and let the kids go wild on the hunt. Gabriel decided to open each individual egg that he found and eat the treat, which most of the other kids did too. After the hunt we posed for a great group shot and decided to call it a day. Most of the children were ready for naps and so were some Moms! It truly was a great day and I am so glad to have all of these friends!

The Nashville Zoo

When we went to TN for a week in March, one of our stops was the Nashville Zoo. Jeremy had never been with us so it was a treat for Gabe to have his Dad there. Gabriel was so excited when we got to the zoo!! He was running around trying to look at everything at once. We saw the monkeys first and they always make the craziest noises. Then we stopped at the bird exhibit.
We were able to go inside the exhibit and watch the birds fly around. Jeremy got some food to feed them and the birds began landing all over him. Gabriel was not afraid of the birds at all and kept putting his arm out so the birds would land on him. We then saw elephants, alligators, tigers, a jaguar, and some other neat animals. Gabe enjoyed looking at the map of the park and directed us where to go next. After a few hours of walking and looking at the animals, Gabe began throwing a professional temper tantrum, so we knew it was time to go. We enjoyed a picnic lunch outside the zoo and then made our way home.

Newbie

Since finding out that I was pregnant I have been very nauseous, but not nearly as bad as I was with Gabe. I am already showing some and things just seem to be happening a lot faster. Yesterday I had some bleeding, so I made a doctor's appointment. Everything turned out to be fine but I was told to rest as much as possible, which is not very easy when I have a child that goes 100 miles an hour all day!! I had an ultrasound and was able to see the baby and even hear the heartbeat. Everything looked normal and I amamazed at the miracle of a child. Even though I have gone through this once already, it still stuns me that there is a human inside me with a heartbeat faster than mine. This pregnancy is totally different from my first and I keep thinking, "Maybe this means it's a girl." I know that there is really no connection, but I am hoping!! Jeremy has been wonderful to me and has eaten many sandiwches and left overs since I do not have the stomach to cook. Gabriel does not really notice any changes so far, he is more interested in the Doodlebops and playing outside. Hopefully I will be feeling better soon.

Mardi Gras 2006

Mardi Gras has always been something my family participated in. I remember when my Dad and uncle built a tall seat for us little ones to sit in so we could see the floats and actually catch some beads. It was so much fun going to the parades and seeing all the costumes and amazing decorations on the floats. Of course when you are little, you don't realize all the crazy adult things that go on during this time! This year we wanted to take Gabe to some parades and let him experience it for himself. I knew he would not understand much about what was going on, but I wanted him to see the floats and have some fun with us. The first parade we went to was in Biloxi. Jennifer and her daughter Peyton were in this parade. They are in our Mommy and Me group and so we wanted to cheer them on. It just so happened that this Saturday was one of the coldest and nastiest days of the winter. It was so windy!!! But we were there and cheered on our friends. Gabe was very intimidated and did not seem too interested in what was happening. The only thing he really responded to was a little weenie dog dressed up. He cried when the police came by and were blaring their sirens. We got him a few beads, but he would not even wear them. Thank goodness he was more receptive to the second parade we attended.

Mom was here for a few days and we went to the Diamondhead parade with Aunt Debbie, Uncle Keith, Victoria, Meghan and DeLance. Gabe ran around with Jeremy and Mom and seemed to be really enjoying himself. We had fun just hanging out and seeing all the kids anxiously waiting for the parade. Once it began, Gabe seemed scared. But after a few minutes he was putting his head down every time Jeremy caught a bead so he would put it on his neck. When it was all said and done, Gabe looked like Mr. T with all his beads! We all had a great time and I was so glad that Mom got to spend time with Gabe. And a few days later he found them in his room and decided to put them on again and show off his "shinyyy beesss."

Our Busy Life

Since meeting several families over the past few months, our whole family has gotten a lot busier. From playdates every Wednesday, to hanging out at someone's home we are two little social butterflies. Gabriel certainly has blossomed and really gets along with most of the children. And of course, the friendships have been great for Jeremy and I as well! We all have definitely gotten into a routine, which is very comforting. Jeremy works plenty of hours and when he comes home, he belongs to Gabe!! I get such a laugh from watching them run around and scream their heads off. Gabe and I are usually at the library, Lynn Meadows Discovery Center and anywhere else other moms and kids are during the day. Other times we just stay home in our pajamas and watch PBS all day. I am so thankful for my Mommy and Me group that I started along with another mom. Most of us have just moved to the area, so it has really helped everyone. We also spend a lot of time with my Aunt and Uncle in Diamondhead. They have Gabe over to spend the night often, which is nice for Jeremy and I to get some alone time! I cannot believe that we have lived here for almost eight months. Gabriel's 2nd birthday is quickly coming and we will be celebrating big time. I cannot believe that he will be 2. He is becoming more independent and tries to dress himself and dress me too. And with another baby on the way, I need him to be as independent as possible! When Jeremy told him there was a baby in my belly, he stuck his paci in my belly button and said, "BayBee." I cannot wait to see him doing his big brother duties. The way he hugs on babies whenever sees them, assures me that he will be protective of the baby and maybe a bit unwilling to share mom. We definitely don't know how long we will be in Gulfport, but for now we are content here.

Gabriel's Obsession

I have never seen a toddler love dinosaurs or King Kong as much as Gabe. He carries around the movie covers and even sleeps with them. That may sound strange, but Jeremy and I think that it's sweet. He gets extremely excited when he reads a dinosaur book, sees them on TV or when someone even mentions the word dinosaur. My Uncle introduced him to King Kong this past week and Gabe is having a hard time choosing his favorite! Whenever Jeremy comes home from work, Gabriel runs right up to him and shows him the movie and starts yelling, "Dino" or "Kin Kon!" It's amazing to us that he does not get scared of these animals. They are scary to me! But my little boy is truly obsessed. It is so wonderful to see Gabe's imagination developing more and more everyday and to watch his mind "connect the dots." He also loves Sesame Street and looks for "Bi Bir" wherever we go. But the dinos and King Kong are first in this kid's world (besides mom and dad).

Gabriel's New Friends

Recently I met Arianna at Barnes and Noble book reading. She and I hit it off right away and have become good friends. She has two children Julian is almost 3 and Ivan is 1. We have spent lots of time together lately and the children have quickly become friends as well. Julian and Gabe get along so well, always running around screaming and laughing together. Their favorite game right now is shouting "Boo!" at one another and then running away. Little Ivan plays as well, but he is a bit slower on his feet than the other two so he is usually tagging along. Arianna is from Miami and she speaks to her children in Spanish as well as English. So Julian does the same to Gabe, but he just looks at Julian like he's crazy! But they do communicate quite well and it's so sweet to see them having their own "conversation". They also love playing with bubbles. These three eat all the time and are usually getting into trouble of some kind. Including the other night when Ivan stuck his finger in Gabe's mouth and he decided to take a bite. Oh, what a sad face! But Ivan soon recovered and they were friends again. I am so glad that Gabriel is comfortable around the boys and I love that he has so much fun with them. Arianna and I have begun a new mom's group, so Gabe will have lots of little friends soon.

Like Father, Like Son

Gabriel follows Jeremy around everywhere. It's so amazing to see how their relationship has grown and changed just since we have moved to Gulfport. When I watch them together it feels so great to see the bond between them. Gabe says Dada about fifty times a day and talks to the pictures of Jeremy around the apartment. And then when he gets home from work Gabriel is constantly trying to get his attention and show off for him. Gabe has also begun to copy little things that Jeremy and I do such as how we walk, laugh, tickle one another or how we sit. One afternoon Jeremy and Gabe were going to eat lunch in front of the TV. Jeremy had already laid down with his plate and Gabe followed suit. He placed his plate right beside Jeremy's and laid down just as his Dada did. Gabriel stared intently at the television and then would take a bite as Jeremy did. He kept staring at Jeremy to see what he would do next and then would look at me and say "Dada, Dada". I love these little moments!

Gabe and Mommy

While Mom was visiting we went to New Orleans to hang out. We walked to the aquarium which was closed! We were so disappointed. But the big windows in the giftshop were full of stuffed animals, t-shirts and pictures. We let Gabe look around while we cooled off in the shade. Mom wanted to take some pictures of Gabe and I together because we really don't have that many-I am usually the ones taking the photos. I think the pictures came out great, even though Mom has never really been that talented with a camera (she fully admits it!). We also walked around the Riverwalk and checked out all the shops. Gabriel entertained himself by looking in ALL the shops' windows and running around us. He was very well behaved and I know that I am really lucky to have such a happy toddler!

The Golf Cart Carries On

Grandma and Grandpa Kolb bought a golf cart when they moved to Diamondhead and the cousins drove it all the time. We crashed it into the ditch, up on their back deck, and flung each other off of it. Jessie usually drove and kept Victoria and Kimberly in the front. Kristyn and I would sit in the back and we would make poor Meghan hold on for dear life on the side. We have so many great memories of the "golf cart days;" riding around the big circle, listening to music and picking up the neighbors' kids. We also found a dead turtle on one of the side road and gave him a proper little burial fitted with an american flag! We laugh and laugh whenever we talk about it. Now Aunt Debbie has a golf cart and there is a new "driver" in town. Gabriel absolutely loves the golf cart and will sit in it for hours pretending to drive. The other day he just sat in V's lap while she drove him around the yard over and over. I jumped in for a quick ride and Mallory ran beside us.

Growing Up So Fast

It is hard to believe that Gabe will be 18 months old in just a few days. It seems not long ago when he was sleeping in our bed, sucking down a bottle and wrapped up like a little tortilla! Now he is running around yelling "Mama!" and eating everything in sight. He loves wearing hats and going to the pool, where he shows off for all the sunbathers. Gabriel is also becoming an expert at throwing temper tantrums. But he is also one of the sweetest children I have ever been around. I see him with others and he brings a smile to all their faces, including his parents'. Jeremy and I feel so blessed to have Gabriel Edward in our lives. I see us both in him and it is a strange but proud feeling. I love my little man more than anything and can't wait to see what he does next!

Cute Babies!

Gabriel and I came to visit in Murfreesboro this week and got together with several friends. We got to spend some time with Kara and her daughter Karlee. Kara and I have been friends since college. She had Karlee on December 31, 2005. The babies are 9 months apart and are both full of personality. Gabriel was skeptical of Karlee at first, but then he really warmed up to her! Gabriel is definitely a charmer and Karlee is so curious. It's amazing to think that Kara and I met in class 6 years ago and now we have these cute babies! I am so grateful to have another Mom to talk baby stuff!