Office Personalities X 2

Soooo... Remember this post from January, Office Personalities? Well, this old co-worker no longer works at the Chamber but occasionally pops in for a hello.

What's the first thing she said to me today?

"Hey Cam.... Whoa...... Have you noticed you've gained a little weight?" ((as she starts stroking her face...)) "Your face is starting to look a little rounder.... yeah, definitely rounder...."

My response, "Yeah, well Debbie I think everyone puts on a few pounds when they are pregnant."

UGH.

Hiccups

So I always heard how babies get hiccups while you're pregnant, but Baby Boy hasn't really had any hiccups... That was until Saturday morning.

Jimmy and I went to Aiken for an engagment party for Thomas & Mary Sims and when I woke up I noticed boo-boo-head had the hiccups! It was neat because Jimmy was up too, so he got to feel them on my belly. I just got them again at work... I guess now that he's head down -- he is getting the hiccups! :) ... which is strange because I thought you "drank upside down" to get rid of the hiccups?

(On Friday we went to the doctor for our 36 week check up and found out he is head down and probably weighing in around 5.5 - 6.0 pounds!) Next week he'll be full term... Crazy how time is flying!

Early? On time? Late?

We all know that only The Big Guy knows the answer, but here's a little "insider's" knowledge...

The doc told me you can tell a lot about how you'll deliver based on your family history (i.e. your mother, sister, grandmother, etc...). So I asked my mom, and with four kids within five years -- she doesn't really remember all the details but her response was, "Well.. I think y'all were all born around your due date." Thanks Mom, that helps ;-) haha, jk.

Then I went and asked my mother's mom when she delivered. Apparently poor Grandmomma was A MONTH LATE with my mom. (I'm blaming doctor error on the due date, what do you think?)

Then I asked my dad's mom and she said she didn't really remember but she thinks late. Shucks.

But a twist in the story -- mom said she knows she delivered all four of us on a full moon. So I went to the web and did a little research and the next full moon will be on April 17, ah ha! There is still hope!

And, a little side note about April 17 -- it is a birthday shared by many loved ones! Ma (my dad's mother), Tricia (my sister-in-law) and Cheryl (my mother-in-law) all share this birthday! Perhaps we can add our little man to the list of loved ones born on April 17??

Time can only tell... 32 days my little booboo..... or.... should I say 26?!?! :) One thing is for certain... he'll come when it is his time. Can't wait to hold you!!

PS-Thanks for all the quiz responses, and I'm glad to see my family and friends are for me going a little early vs. late. Whoever you are that selected "late" - well.. I'll find out WHO you are.. Just you wait ;-)

Kids say the darndest things?! Ha. Old ladies say the darndest things!

So my title might be conceived as a little harsh, but come on - you all know it is true.

I went by the hospital to visit my grandmother today and I sat down in a chair and she looked at me (with large eyes) and said, "Wow.  You're BIG." I of course started laughing and said, "Thanks Grandmamma... I appreciate that...." and then she said, "Are you sure there is only one in there?!"

Funnily enough - my other grandmother's best friend asked me the SAME question at my baby shower last month.

Aren't they so sweet and innocent?! :) Hahaha.... but Lawd knows I love them so!

Old Man :)

It's official. I'm married to an old man. I'm the cool, young, hip (not so cute these days) trophy wife of only 27 years old, whereas my husband is one step closer to the big 3-0 at 28. :)

It's weird to think that this is our tenth birthday celebration together... I believe our first time celebrating Jimbo's birthday was freshman year of college at Fripp with a bunch of friends... Man, that does but it doesn't feel like forever ago. Although we celebrated Jimbo's birthday, the celebrations weren't quite equivalent to the celebrations we had 10 years ago.

Unfortunately for Jimbo we had signed up for a "Getting Ready for Baby" class yesterday (the only day the class was available). We did manage to leave work a little early and eat at Fitzpatrick's a fun, low-key Irish Pub that we like to frequent on occasion.

We then booked it to Greenville Hospital to try to figure out what we are going to do with this little Bambino when we bring him home in a little over a month. I learned a little bit, but I think the class was more for Jimmers (no offense, love ;-). He got to change his first diaper, and even swaddled a "baby," which I tried to document without much appreciation from Jimmy (pics below) - yeaaaa - we were that couple in class.

Seeing Jimmy actually change a diaper and swaddle a doll baby made everything feel just that much more real. He did a great job and I was so proud :) -- he is going to be a great daddy!

Something funny about Jimmy's birthday... You know how there are those Christmas cactuses? That bloom only once a year at Christmas? Well we have one of those, and did it bloom at Christmas time? No, it did not. But guess what?? It's blooming now! It must be a Jimmy Cactus, because it is in full bloom, just in time for Jimmy's birthday! I thought that was pretty special. We'll see when it blooms next year!

Happy 28th birthday Jimbo! I love you more and more everyday and I can't wait to embark on our next adventure together -- parenthood! :)

Water Breakage Scare

SIDE NOTE: I feel like whenever I have pictures to post I get behind on posting because it takes me longer to hook my camera up to the computer (even though it takes literally two seconds) -- but I wanted to share this story before I forgot... Pictures and a weekend recap to come soon of the Kane's visit to Greenville last weekend!

So this weekend my parents, Fran, David and Jimmy and I threw a little party for Mary Sims and Thomas, our friends who are getting married this summer (whoo hoo!). (A side note for those two love birds - Joy and I set them up - I'm sending in my resume to the Millionaire Matchmaker soon to start up an East Coast office.. I mean hey - so far my efforts have resulted in two marriages and two beautiful babies, and this isn't even my full time job! ;-))

So on Friday and Saturday Fran, Mom and I were getting the Loft ready for the fiesta. Saturday afternoon Frannie and I were trying to get these little candle things working outside. I was sitting down in a chair trying to figure it out. When I stood up I noticed there was a wet spot just where I had been sitting... I got a little nervous, so I went to the bathroom to "check things out." Sure enough - everything was SOAKED. I was like, "What the...? Could that have just happened?? What's going on...?!?!"

So then I ran back outside and I asked Fran why she thought only the spot I was sitting in was wet, and she just looked at me like I was crazy. She then said, it is probably the cushion, so then we started patting the cushion and nothing else was wet... I started to really freak out and of course the one comment that came to mind was (excuse the french, but just trying to fully capture the moment), "SHIT! I haven't even showered or put on my make up today!"

However.... as it turns out... it WAS the cushion - whaaaa whaaaaa. False Alarm. Please let me go ahead and disclaim that I did not wet my pants -- the question I get from everyone that I tell this story to. See "what had happened wasssss" the cushions were really wet! Mom went and solved the confusion by sitting in one of the other cushions.

WHEW. False alarm. I'm all talk saying I want him to come early -- I'm not ready! I have so much to do to get ready, but to say the least... this little episode has kicked my "nesting" into gear and I'm getting a lot of my "to do" list done for Baby Boy.

Less than 6 weeks my little man....

Baby Boy's Two Favorite Things...

Everyone keeps asking me if he is moving all the time... and he does, for the most part, but the ways to really get our little man moving is to give him one of this two favorite things:

1). Food
2). Sleep

He gets the first from his daddy, and the second from his mama - haha... He is definitely a product of both Jimmy and I. Can't wait to hold you in my arms you little unnamed bundle of love (approximately 47 days to go)! :)

*Side note for those who don't know: Jimmy and I are waiting to see his little newborn face before we name him... That, my friends, is all Jimbo's idea. I'm so impatient, but I get it... I don't want to name him something he doesn't "look" like.

While the girls are away...

... The boys will play!

Since the Howard ladies were all in Simpsonville for my shower, Dad, Hunter and Craig went to Fripp with three of the four grandchildren in toe. Dad sent us an email that said they had a great time, and this picture just sums up the weekend -- so cute!

Johnson's Creek Tavern has come a long way since we were crazy college kids! :)

Showered with Love!

This past weekend I had a shower that my wonderful sisters gave me (Frannie, Joy & Tricia)! It was so much fun, and I was blown away by how generous and thoughtful all of my friends and family were. Here are just a few of pictures from the day's event:

The beautiful spread (pre-attacked by a bunch of hungry women!):

Posing with the hostesses with the mostest!:

Some of the Wed. Night Crew:

Gettin' to business with Fannie:

Cheryl with two of her three best buds (we missed ya Karen!):

Opening all the wonderful surprises:

Sandra & Robin:

 Everyone is mesmerized by my gift opening ability :) JK:

Some of the fam in the background:

All of the presents in the bassinet that Baby Boy will sleep in. This bassinet was made my grandmother and all four of us Howard chilin' slept in it, the Greer kids and all the grandbabies (on both the Greer and Howard side) have slept in - what a tradition!:

CHEESE!:

My mom, my big ol' pregnant belly and me (this picture was taken exactly at 32 weeks):

Mac & Igig... Just missing Narf!:

The day was so much fun, and I appreciated everyone who came out in support of not only me, but Baby Boy and Jimmy. We are so thankful for everyone in our lives right now!

Here are some pictures of the "loot" in Baby Boy's room that is slowly (but surely) coming along:

The crib filled with love:

The changing table, piled high:

I don't think Sadie's too sure of what's going on...? 

In addition to this fabulous shower - Jimmy's office threw us a shower a couple weeks ago. Unfortunately I didn't get any pics of the event, but here is a picture of all the wonderful gifts we received - again, everyone was far too generous!

The next day I decided to be handy and to put together the swing all by myself:

The finished product, taaa daaaaa:

Can't wait to put all of these wonderful, fun little doo-dads to work with our little man in LESS than two months (7 weeks and 4 days to be exact)! Hard to believe that tomorrow I can say, "He'll be here next month!" :)

Oh, and I forgot to post this belly picture of me at 30 weeks:

The above picture wasn't "belly enough" for my photographer (aka Jimbo) so below is the official - side profile of me at 30 weeks:

Happy Birthday Gracie Grace!

Although her birthday was 2-18, and we celebrated on 2-29, better to post later than ever... right?! Right!

Last Saturday we celebrated my oldest niece's birthday, Gracie. She turned the big whopping 3 years old (where does time fly?!). Joykens decided to go with a Mad Hatter Tea Party theme, which was sooo amazing!

Here are some of my favorite photos from the day (warning: photo overload!):

The decorations were perfecto! When I came over the day before to help out where I could, Gracie was SO EXCITED about showing me these signs. As soon as I walked in the house she looked at me and said, "Come! See!" She grabbed my hand and took me to these signs and said, "You can go there, or that way, or that way, or that way...." :) So cute:

It really looked like a tea party straight out of Alice and Wonderland:

Adeline was loving the dress up pearls :)

What an amazing cake! It looked like an actual tea pot made my Pammy the Cake Lady in Simpsonville, SC!

Joy and her birthday girl, Gracie:

The cupcakes (also made by Pammy, which were sooo yummy!):

The girls having a grand ol' tea party fun time:

The dress up table (she had fake 'staches, pearls, big ol' bow ties, etc - so fun!):

Of course Gigi and Ma would be the most fashionable at the Mad Hatter Tea Party!:

She even had crafts! Everyone made their own top hat! Fancy:

This picture just cracks me up :)

"Happy birthday to you... Happy birthday to you... Happy birthday dear Gracieeeee... Happy birthday to YOU!:

Making her wish....

Everyone digging in!

Zan trying to wake up from his nap... a cupcake should do the trick!

So sweet :)

HAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA :)

An attempt at a group photo - disaster, but priceless... all in one! (PS-Look how sweet Hamilton and Zan are. We told Hamilton to grab Zan's hand and this is how they stood, for like 2 solid minutes, so cute!):

Still holding hands, what sweet brothers :)

Craig-ee-poo living the life as a kid :)

Craig and his really old buddy with a cool 'stache... oh wait! That's Hamilton! :) 

Footloose & Bandage Free!

Our little rascal got the thumbs up yesterday to go bandage free - yipee! Which also means she can FINALLY start getting a little exercise. Lately she has been looking so depressed just staring out the window, looking at us like, "Why? Why can't I go out and play. Y'all are mean."

She has been restricted to just the exercise it took to go potty (which is nothing compared to what our crazy pup is used to). Now she can have two 10-minute walks a day. It's not much, but we'll take it!

Another big family milestone - Gracie's 3rd birthday! Her birthday was on Friday (2-11), but we celebrated on Saturday with a Mad Hatter Tea Party that was so much fun! Pictures and details to come...

The Top 60 Ways To Show Kids You Care

My sweet hubby sent this list to me today via email. Someone had sent it to him, and I just thought they were too perfect not to share.

The Top 60 Ways To Show Kids You Care

1. Notice them and acknowledge them frequently.
2. Smile a lot when around them.
3. Kneel down, squat, or sit at their eye level when talking to young children.
4. Acknowledge their efforts more then their results.
5. Seek them out but also allow them space.
6. Always remember and make a big deal about their birthdays and special days (don't need to spend a lot, just make a big deal about it to let them know they are important).
7. Ask them about and talk to them about themselves and what they like.
8. Look in their eyes when you talk to them but allow them to look away if the subject is difficult.
9. Listen to them and repeat back to them what you heard them say.
10. Play with them and let them lead the play frequently, choose the toys, choose the games a lot.
11. Read aloud together.
12. Laugh, giggle, dance, sing act goofy together as much as possible.
13. Be nice and model good kind behaviors.
14. Say "yes" a lot. In fact, for each "no" find two or three things that are "yes".
15. Word things in positive terms ("Billy, use walking feet" instead of "don't run Billy")
16. Tell them their feelings are okay.
17. Set boundaries that keep them safe.
18. Allow the feelings but redirect any dangerous, destructive, or abusive actions.
19. Be honest, but keep adult information with adults.
20. Listen to their stories they are usually telling you a little something about themselves.
21. Hug them frequently but don't force a hug if they don't want one.
22. Forget your worries sometimes and concentrate only on them.
23. Notice when they're acting differently or seem to be having a lot of problems.
24. Seek professional help when they need it.
25. Present options when they seek your counsel (limit options for younger children).
26. Play outside together as much as possible.
27. Surprise them with good things or fun ideas every once in a while.
28. Stay with them when they're afraid.
29. When giving choices try to give two choices that will both accomplish what needs to be done. (Billy, we can do your homework and then watch your show or do your homework and then go outside, which would you like better)
30. When they act out make sure you have supplied plenty of other ideas of ways to behave that still allow them to feel their feelings.
31. Delight in their discoveries, share their excitement.
32. Send them a letter or postcard whenever you get a chance.
33. When you have to be away on a trip, call them a lot and bring them something small when you return.
34. Let them over hear you bragging about them or saying something good about them when they think you don't know they are there.
35. Find good things about them that are actually true and let them know often.
36. Hide surprises for them to find.
37. Give them space when they need it.
38. Contribute to their collections.
39. Discuss their dreams and nightmares.
40. Laugh at their jokes.
41. Be relaxed, calm, loving, and nurturing as much as possible.
42. Answer their questions, or even better, help them answer them.
43. Help them do things for themselves when ever possible.
44. Create a tradition with them and keep it.
45. Learn what they have to teach.
46. Use your ears more than your mouth.
47. Make yourself available.
48. Show up at their concerts, games, and events.
49. Find a common interest.
50. Hold hands during a walk.
51. Apologize when you've done something wrong.
52. Listen to their favorite music with them.
53. Keep the promises you make.
54. Take lots of pictures of them.
55. Display their artwork in your home.
56. Thank them when they do nice things for you.
57. Point out what you like about them or their work.
58. Clip magazine pictures or articles that interest them.
59. Ask them to help you do things, ask for their input.
60. Adapted from the Healthy Communities Healthy Youth

Holy Hormones

Man have my hormones really kicked into gear in this wonderful, painless, fun last trimester (I'm hoping you can sense my extreme sarcasm).

I was pretty "hormone steady" the first two trimesters. Jimmy and I joked about how we both thought I was going to be "way crazier" than I have been, but I've been pretty mellow. In fact, more mellow than non-preggers... I wasn't all that emotional.... I wasn't the evil wife I've heard a lot of my friends became while preggers... I wasn't high one minute and low the next.

But the third trimester? Ha. That's a different story.

A couple weeks ago at church I cried three times. All for random reasons... First was early int he service -- an announcement about a church member who had passed (did I mention I had never met the man?). The next time was when two little boys came running out of nursery to their father saying, "Daddy" while we were signing the last hymn. The third? Ugh, I don't even remember...

The other Saturday night, we were eating dinner at my aunt's, Gigi's, celebrating her best friend's birthday, Caroline. Everything was delish, but the most exciting part was a sweet potato cake from Brick Street Cafe. Now, I don't like sweet potatoes but this is the most amazing cake I've ever had in my entire life. When it was dessert time mom passed out the slices. When I got my plate I was pissed.... I was literally MAD. Not upset, not annoyed, but MAD. I was mad that I got the smallest piece of cake out of everyone at the table. I kept thinking to myself, "Man. The ONE thing I can splurge on. All these fools are sipping their wine, having a good ol' time. All I want is a big piece of cake.... but no. I can't even have that." At the time I knew I was acting crazy, but my knowledge of the crazy didn't help, I was still mad about it all night. But I did succeed in keeping it to myself. The next morning I called up Joy and told her about it. She died laughing and told me I needed to 'fess up. Which I did, and I probably will never live down. :)

So little boo-boo head... Your mama is getting more and more ready for you to make your debut. I know I want to keep you in there as long as possible, but I hope these next 66 days go by as quick as possible! ... for my sake, your daddy's sake... let's just be honest - EVERYONE'S sake! :)

Yay for Mail Surprises!

Our little Bambino is getting pretty popular! Today he received his first "letter in the mail" from Auntie Martha (see pic)! :)

I'm so thankful for all the support of my family and friends right now... I'm really blown away and touched. Last week my "Wednesday Wine Ladies" surprised me with a prenatal massage gift certificate (which I can't wait to use!).

I'm feeling so blessed these days! :)

Show me the money!

So this isn't a story I experienced first-hand, but it again gets me so excited about having my own little boy... My brother, Craig, shared the following email from his mother-in-law about my oldest nephew, Hamilton (who is a hoot). Craig's response was, "I can so see him saying this..."

"Mont may tell you the funny thing Hamilton said to Mont on the way to school. Mont was commenting about all of the traffic. He said everyone was going to work or school and asked H whether he would rather go to work or school. Hamilton said he would rather go to school. Mont asked why and Hamilton said 'cause when you go to work you have to find money and he does not know how to find money. Mont thought that was so funny he called me right when he said that."