Prego Update

I am now just over 35 weeks along and things are going ok. On Friday morning 5 am I woke up with a little heartburn and an upset stomach. I got a Tums and then realized I was also having pretty regular contractions. The heartburn feeling went away pretty soon but my stomach was very upset and I then started throwing up. All the while the contractions continued on at a regular pace, then it got to the point where it felt like the contraction wasn't stopping but it would get worse like actual labor contractions not just Braxton Hicks. Finally at about 6 am Michael wasn't sure what to do for me and got my Mom. She called the on-call doctor at the hospital and they told me to come in right away. It was all I could do to get dressed and get in the car. The car ride there was worse then when I was in labor with Gabe. They got me hooked up in Triage and about 7:30 Dr. Mammel came in (his shift started at 7, yay!!). By then the intense pain had worn off but I was still having regular contractions. He wanted to run a bunch of tests and make sure everything was ok with me and the baby. Meanwhile back at home I was worried about Gabe getting up and us not being there. Gigi heard him and like always he just went running for our room so she followed him. He went down and was looking in the bed and then in the bathroom and she told him that Daddy had to take Mommy to the doctor and we would be back later. She said he just looked at her and said, "Mommy doctor, okie dokie!" What a cutie they went and had breakfast then and did some shopping, he was fine. It makes me feel much better about when I actually go into labor.
So back to the hospital, they had to draw blood which took 3 different times being stuck with needles. I told them I had small veins and it was always difficult they just didn't listen very well.
The hooked me up to an IV and said I was dehydrated. All the blood work came back normal while I did continue with contractions sporadically at that point he said that they were being brought on from over doing it and dehydration. We were finally sent home at about 11:30.
I went home and tried to rest as much as I possibly could over the weekend, although I am not very good at that.

I then had a doctor appointment yesterday as well, my blood pressure was great and I had lost 2 lbs. Dr. Mammel told me I should be very proud of myself as good as I have done with my weight. He did the Strep B culture which I won't know the results of until next Monday at my appointment. He also told me that at my 37 or 38 week visit, if I hadn't already had the baby he would go ahead and schedule an induction for the week. He understands the level of discomfort I am in and assures me that the baby would be completely fine to go ahead and deliver. So know we are looking at 2-3 weeks tops till Gavin joins us. I feel mostly prepared but still have some tings that have to get done before I bring him home. Dr. Mammel told me I need to be spending a lot of time sitting and relaxing to help ease all the Braxton Hicks contractions I am having everyday. I will add a picture of the belly to this post later when Michael gets home and can take one.

There it is!!!

Christmas Night

By the time everyone left Gabe was pooped and we turned on a movie for him to watch and relax.

On Christmas night we get together with some friends and Gabe was ready for more presents when we got there. We ate Chalupa, Southwest eggrolls and nacho cheese dip. For dessert we had non-fried fried ice cream.

He got a really cool blow-up t-ball stand w/ ball and bat. The Lambert boys were quick to blow it all up for him and play!

He also got a robot which he calls bebot. It is on 3 wheels and can go anywhere, he thinks it is hilarious!!

Daddy got some baseball cards from Nathan and Jennifer along with a family photo that Nathan will do for us. They gave Mommy some cookbooks and SL coasters. Ceci and Kim gave Daddy some collectible baseball stamps and money an Old Navy gift card, book and some new ornaments(she knew we lost a bunch when the tree fell).

Then Rob and Suzi gave us a gift card to Cobb theater and Mommy some super comfy socks and Bath and Body Works stuff.

By the end of the night Gabe was done and hid under the table with his blankie to rest!!

What a great Christmas!!!

Christmas Afternoon

This year we were short a few people on Christmas, Mandy, Emma and Ethan were too sick to leave the house but Alex did show up and surprise Gigi.

At about 1 All the Bates family arrived and then Aaron, Angela and the kids. We ate lunch some of us way more then others and some more then they should have.

This Christmas we had a very new addition to the group, baby Ellie! Gabe decided that he needed to sit with Daddy too when he saw Ellie with Daddy!After lunch we opened presents which was pretty much mayhem!! I hardly got any pictures because at this point in the day I was exhausted and had been having contractions on and off all day.

Gabe got a really cool Thomas the Train shirt from Charles and Bella and some wooden building blocks from Uncle Andy and Aunt Angel. Gigi and Pop Pop got Gabe an Elmo Live, some more wooden train track stuff, a Doodle Pro, a sweater and corduroy pants and a couple Brio trains.

Mommy and Daddy got a gift card so we can go out to dinner and free babysitting from Gigi and Pop Pop.

Christmas Morning

Gabe woke up like normal and coming running down to our room like every other morning. Michael went and got the lights turned on in Gavin's room and the doors open while I fixed Gabe a chocolate milk (I should have made him wait for the drink because he wouldn't put it down)!

Gabe was very good at opening presents this year it was so fun to watch him. Gabe got his table and chairs along with some alphabet cards from Santa. When he was going through his stocking he would lean over and peek in before he would pull something out. I made him a couple pair of pj's and those were just thrown over his shoulder while he moved on to the next package. Michael and I got him a big under the bed storage box for all his mega blocks and when I told him that is what it was for he turned around and started throwing all the blocks from his stocking in 1 by 1.


I am sorry these posts are getting really long with lots of videos but it is too hard to decide what not to put up because they are all so cute!

We have been looking for a guitar for Gabe for about 8 months now and actually found this one at Big Lots about a month ago. His cousin Emma has a guitar that had strings and everything like that and Gabe always plays with it when we are over there. All the kid guitar we had found just had buttons not strings, so when we found this one we knew we had to get it.

So from Mommy and Daddy Gabe got 3 new books, a guitar, blocks, cars, Diego coloring book, a block box and seat covers for his new chairs. Gabe wanted to share some of Daddy's candy from his stocking. I would say he really enjoyed it!! While Gigi got breakfast started Gabe had to go play with Pop Pop in his bed and watch a little TV. Then Pop Pop went and made his famous Pop Pop toast toast!!


I know this is not the best picture of myself but it was the only one of Gabe and I on Christmas morning so I had to put it.

After having our breakfast we had to make a special trip to Ceci and Kim's house for a present they just couldn't wait to give Gabe!

They got Gabe a super cool car to ride in. He was a little overwhelmed at this point so I didn't get a lot of pictures and none with Ceci and Kim. It came with tools so Gabe had to do a little work on the engine before he could take it for a spin.

So we had a very busy morning and Gabe was in need of a nap before all the family came over for lunch!!

Christmas Eve

We spend our Christmas Eve with Michael's family, which will continue to be our tradition. We had them come over to our house for dinner and to open presents. I cooked a roast, baked potatoes, green beans and rolls. Meme and Nanny brought some homemade mac-n-cheese. Gabe was in a mood but he got over it about half way through dinner and was back to his normal charming self. After dinner we went out to the living room to open presents and Gabe was ready!!He had to have every piece of paper off before he could look at what he got, he was very particular. He really loved all his presents, the clothes though weren't very interesting to open as far as he was concerned.

From Meme he got a Little People car hauler, magnetic letters and numbers for the fridge, a Thomas the Train pillow, 2 books and a puzzle, jeans, a sweatshirt and a Cars shirt.

From Nanny and Papa he got a bag of Mega Blocks, Disney ViewMaster w/ extra Handy Manny and other character slides, a Little People tractor, Thomas the Train tubby toys and blanket.

Gabe really had fun once all the presents were open playing with all his stuff and with Nanny on the floor.
Daddy got some clothes and lots of cash and I got some fuzzy comfy socks, spray, candles and lots of cash. Daddy has already used part of his money for a Rays jersey and a Bowman baseball card set he has been wanting. I will be using part of my money for a prenatal massage.

We had a really nice Christmas Eve !!! After they left we got Gabe ready for bed and then Daddy and I had some things to put together for Santa. We were so excited about the next morning!!

Downtown Disney

Last weekend we had to make a trip to Orlando to Ikea so we could finish Gabe's Christmas shopping. We wanted to go do something fun to make the drive worth while. We decided we would go to Downtown Disney and let Gabe see all the lights and some of his favorite characters. He waited till after he woke up from his nap to go so that he would be good and rested. He ended up sleeping about an hour longer then we thought he would so it made our trip a later one then we were planning.

He loved the new T-Rex restaurant and store. Inside they have a gigantic moving T-Rex and it didn't scare him at all. He was roaring back when it would start moving and making noises. So many of the pictures Gabe is not looking at the camera, he was much more interested in what he was taking a picture with then looking at us. He really liked Buzz Lightyear and he to hug him and give him a high five!!

He wanted to play with the Lego they were just way to small for him and all the windows with Duplo in them to play with were occupied. He gave it a good try he just has many years to go before he gets any Lego stuff. He really liked the dog, he thought it was Buster from Tigger and Pooh but I think it was maybe Lucky from 101 Dalmations, not sure. He he to sit down though even though his butt didn't really fit.They have this ride on train there and of course we had to let Gabe ride it. He is too small to do it by himself so Daddy rode with him. He was so excited when he got on!!! I will also put the video I took of them riding but it's not the best.

The other video was too cute not to put up. Gabe loves Mickey Mouse and had to hold all the stuffed Mickey's in every store. He also likes Donald and Goopy (Goofy). We wanted to get him one but we just couldn't spend $12 on an 8 inch doll.

Elizabeth Jennae is here!!

Elizabeth Jennae Bates

6 lbs. 15 ozs.

18 inches long

Dec. 18th @ about 6:40

My Aunt Angel had her baby girl tonight and she is such a cutie!!

Gigi and I went to the hospital to see her and got to watch her get her first bath.

Mother and baby were doing great and we can't wait for them to get home so we can see them whenever we want!! I can't wait to hold that sweet baby girl, my new cousin.

Christmas Photos '08

We had our family pictures done last week and I loved how they turned out. I made us the pj pants and then using Grammie's sewing machine embroidered shirts with Christmas things for each of us. I really wanted the pictures to be different, so the pj's were perfect.

Gabe was not really cooperating like we wanted since the best photographers weren't there. I guess it made the pictures a lot more natural instead of so posed. It is just Gabe being Gabe. I wasn't planning on taking the picture of my belly but the girl thought it was so cute not to and then we wanted it.

Also a couple days before we took all the cousins to have their pictures done again like last year. Gigi bought them matching outfits and the kids actually did amazing.

As they went walking in to the room they all started freaking out a bit but the lady had them all smiling and laughing in no time. They also has individual pictures taken while we were there and here are Gabe's.

What a handsome little man!!

O' Christmas Tree

Well we decorated our own family tree in Gavin's bedroom to have our presents under. On Friday morning the tree fell over while Michael was getting ready for work, I didn't even hear it. So when I got up Pop Pop and I tried to put it back up but the whole top of the tree was bent beyond repair because it had landed on the glider. Tons of our ornaments broke, some of which I could fix but most were not able to make it.

On Friday night we got another tree out of the attic and decorated it. Turns out that our second tree we liked a lot more then our first one.

It did turn out really beautiful!!!

Picture Tag

I got tagged by my sister-in-law and it was fun to see the old pictures, I never go back much and look.

The object of the picture tag is to:

1) Choose the 4th folder where you store your pictures on your computer

2) Select the 4th picture in the folder

3) Explain the picture

4) Tag 4 people to do the same

This picture is from almost 2 years ago, mid Jan. 07. We were in Angel Fire, New Mexico. We were on a family trip with Alex, Mandy, Emma, Grammie, Papa and the Bates 5. This was the first morning we woke up at the hotel before moving into our cabin way up in the mountains. It was the first time Michael had ever seen snow and it was so beautiful and fun to share together. I was about 3 months pregnant with Gabe on that trip.

We can't wait to go back there in a couple years once our boys are old enough to play out in the snow. It was the most beautiful place we have ever seen!

Santa

We took Gabe to the mall today to take his picture with Santa and it actually went better then I imagined it would.

Last year we made the decision that no matter what Gabe was doing, smiling or screaming we would always get the picture to have it.

I thought he was going to cry but he sat right down with him and let me step back. Santa was talking to him and the ladies were trying to make him smile but this is all he did. Other then the occasional sideways glance he would give Santa, like he was trying to keep his eye on him.

So he looks slightly terrified and sad but it is a pretty hilarious picture!!

Christmas comes early

Since Christmas lunch is now at Gigi's house Grammie and Papa like to have us all over for a Christmas party before Christmas. It was a tradition we started last year and is so much fun!!

Grammie is such a good cook Gabe periodically had to come sit down at the counter and have some more snacks.

This year Grammie and Papa decided that they would give everyone there presents at the party. One reason is because the kids get plenty on Christmas day and because it is a lot of presents to pack up in the van on Christmas day.

All the kids got new pj's, Gabe's had trains on them and he was very excited!! Papa did a gift exchange with all presents he makes out in the shop and this year he also made toys for the kids, Gabe got a car. Also his gift from Grammie and Papa is a train table, I will blog him playing with it soon.

My camera died after the first present was opened by Emma so I have none of Gabe opening his train table. Grammie also took a picture of everybody together with our gifts from the exchange that Papa did. It was such a good time and nice to hang out with everyone!! It is a very good tradition that I hope we keep up for a long time!!

Here is a lovely picture of Aaron (my bro) that my husband took.

Just a warning that you shouldn't take the picture if you don't want it blogged.

Funny

We were all in the kitchen fixing dinner last night and Gigi started hitting the bag of hash browns on the counter to break them apart (they were frozen) and Gabe just thought it was the funniest thing ever. By the time I could find the camera and video him he wasn't laughing as hard but it was still pretty cute!

Lights

Sunday night Michael and I took Gabe done to Munn Park to see all the Christmas lights, we thought he would be thrilled!! He didn't take the best nap and since he goes to bed at 7:30 when he's taken a long nap at 6:30 he was already exhausted and didn't really care anything about the lights. We will try again soon and see if a well rested Gabe is more enthusiastic about the Christmas lights.

Gabe is really loving all the Christmas decorations Gigi and I are getting put up in the house. He tells us the trees are pretty and really likes the big train we have set up under the tree in Gavin's room. That is where we put our ornaments and are putting our Christmas presents.

Pop Pop also has a village in the den and Gabe thinks that is really cool.

We have many Christmas singing things that Gabe loves to press all the buttons and drive Mommy crazy with, I will try and remember to video him dancing to the music.

In other news(other then Christmas) Gabe is talking so much everyday it is something new and he is constantly amazing us. He says a lot of words and pretty much everything is very easy to understand, he is speaking really well. He has also learned how to open doors and now just comes walking out of his room looking for me when he wakes up. We are going to be getting some doorknob child proof covers now because he opened the back door when Gigi was watching him the other day and went out onto the deck to play (Mommy was at the doctor).

When I was in Gabe's room the other day he got a book out and was reading it on his bed, he really turns the pages and talks like he is reading the story. When he got to the end he closed the book and said "Amen". I guess he is associating "amen" with being the end of something, I'm not sure. It was just so cute, he is so silly!!!

Happy Birthday to ME!!!

Today is my 24th birthday and I woke up to a very nice surprise from my sweet husband.

Michael leaves for work well before I wake up so he did this before he left. He said he even had to wake up 10 minutes early to get it done!! I have the best husband ever!!!

29 weeks

I realized the other day that I have yet to take any pictures of myself and my growing belly for those of you who don't get to see me regularly.
So this was taken Sunday night when I was 29 weeks pregnant!!

Gavin's Room

We have done some remodeling at my parents house to make this room for Gavin. It was a huge room that had the computer and the dog beds in it. The room was huge about 12x20 so my parents decided we would build a wall and then Gavin would have his own room and they would still have a guest room.

We still have room for the computer desk and bookcases in the new other half of the room and once we leave they will have a nice office where Gavin was. They figured it will only add value to the house and it wasn't very hard to do.

Uncle Alex and Pop Pop put the frame up for the wall in a day. Somehow I ended up with no pictures of anyone other than Gabe working on the wall and room. Then Michael, Pop Pop, Gigi and I put the first set of french doors in another night. We still have to get another set of french doors to put in the other hole but we are going to do that after Christmas, so we have a curtain up where the doors will go leading in to the dining room/foyer.Michael, Pop Pop and I hung the drywall the next weekend. Mr. Kim a wonderful friend of ours came over and taped the corners and showed Pop Pop and Michael how to put the mud up that weekend. On Monday the guys mudded the wall and textured it to match the room. We painted that week and worked on molding. I still have to paint the french doors and touch up all the molding but I may wait till get the other doors and do it all at once.

The room has really turned out better then we imagined and I can't wait to start the real decorating.

I had been planning on doing an alphabet themed room but last time I was at the fabric store we found this dragon/castle fabric and feel in love with it. So now we are going to use that and do a Prince themed room with dragons and castles.

I think we are going to paint the small castle on the wall behind the crib with a Prince and then the large dragon as well. We will use this fabric the make the bumper and put it on the curtains as a border as well. I am trying to think of a cute saying to put on the wall with the paintings. My first thought was "Our Prince, Our Hero" I welcome any ideas so please give them.

So that is our little mans room we hope to have all the decorating done by Christmas so that everyone can see it when they are here.