15 Week check-up=)

Sigh.... another sigh. Today was an absolute blessing in our household. I've been so nervous about hearing our lil' peanut. There's been so much going on that this day could not have come any sooner. Makenzie and I made our monthly trip to see Dr. MacTammany. What a wonderful doctor! The nurse weighed me in as gaining only 8 ounces- YAY YAY YAY! (I'm chalking that up to my cereal and milk for breakfast LOL) Thank goodness... so far that puts me at losing one pound since getting pregnant:)

When it came time to listen for the heart beat, I crossed my fingers and told him how nervous I've been. It was nice to talk before hand and kind of give him a heads up on how I've been feeling (some acid reflux and major headaches) and what's keeping us on our toes lately. After what seemed like THE LONGEST 5 MINUTES of my life, our lil' peanut finally stopped squirming around. YAY! Like a goob, I started crying... Makenzie held my hand and said, "Mommy, I'm here, it's okay!" What a smile... The doctor checked way low and way high, finally finding the heart beat just below my belly button on my right side. All my kids love the right side for some reason LOL!

So, a great visit definitely calmed my nerves. He said all looks great and to keep up the good work with my weight. He's surprised seeing as I gained 59 pounds with Kaylie and 45 with Makenzie... this time is different:) We go back September 26th for my 19 week check up. Since they do an extensive ultrasound to check measurements and ahem... the sex (fingers crossed), we're going to a special lab on September 29th. So, until then, we'll stay strong and enjoy the times growing. The girls and William are very anxious to feel some movement. ~*~Every once in a while I think I feel a little butterfly in there~*~

My Baby at 15 weeks:
The body is now growing faster than the head, balancing out that brain-heavy look and making the fetus appear more baby-like. The skin is covered with lanugo, an ultra fine hair that protects it until birth. There's also hair on the baby's head, and the beginnings of tiny eyebrows. Your little one is now about 4 inches long and weighs just under 2 ounces.

Aquatica

Oops... I did it again. Usually, I'm so up to date with my posts. With so much going on lately, I totally forgot to post our photos from the trip to Aquatica. Sea World has a new water park that we've been anxious to try out. Grandpa Mel and Grandma Donna invited us over to Orlando to spend a few days together. They had Donna's great-grandson along, Cameron. Boy, ours girls loved playing with him:)

On August 10th, William, the girls and I, Zamma and Auntie Tricia met them at their beautiful condo located just next door to our old apartment complex off International Drive. William and Grandpa took all the kids for a late night swim. It was nice to relax while the kiddos swam off some energy!

Monday was the BIG day! We arrived at Aquatica very early to get some nice spots to lay out. Zamma and Auntie Tricia found the perfect location near the best kids play area known to man LOL. Not only could all of us enjoy watching the kids, and big kids a few times, but the river rapids, big beach with wave pool, and of course the rides! William and his Dad braved all the fun tube rides together. Glad they could have some adult time:) In the wave pool, William took Kaylie, while I had Makenzie, way up front where the water was almost 6 feet deep. It was amazing how much fun we had! I was so nervous to have someone bump into my belly, so Makenzie kept me safe. On the way out towards the beach, she even swam on her own for a good 5 minutes before realizing I was no longer holding her:) We've never believed in flotation devices, as they are proven to hinder a child's ability to swim on their own at an early age without being scared. So, even though the requirements for Makenzie's age meant a mandatory life jacket, it was pretty neat to see her enjoy herself! Of course, Kaylie was a little fish, swimming everywhere, even on her own all the way back to the beach! We enjoyed eating great food, relaxing in the sun, and just having fun.

Tuesday was the day Cameron was waiting for- the biggest McDonald's! Everyone had fun playing in the play yard and seeing all the fun games everywhere. What a nice restaurant... there was something to look at no matter which direction you sat! Yummy breakfast with family:)

With so much going on, it was nice to put it aside and pretend life was grand! We're so thankful to Mel and Donna for the time spent together. It was such a treat to see Cameron and have our girls enjoy the end of their summer.

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Kaylie's 1st Day of Kindergarten!

Okay, so the first day of Kindergarten is one of the hardest days in a mother's life. Add in being pregnant, and you've got one emotional Momma! Talk about flood gates opening=)

Kaylie was so excited about finally starting school... a full week later meant lots to build up for classes to actually start. Since we woke up and took Daddy to work at 4:30am, it was a long day! The girls and I got back home and cuddled for two hours before starting the day. I was so nervous the night before, so I made her lunch, had the table set for breakfast, had shoes lined up, bags ready- Whew!

Once at the school, the excitement grew big time! Kaylie was talking to Makenzie about how she was a grown-up now and to be good for Mommy:) Half way to her class, I realized the camera was in the car-OOPS! So, a quick trip back was in order. All but a handful of students actually made it for the assessment test last week due to the storms, so it was crazy in her classroom. Thank goodness we made a run through and had a good idea of what to expect.

Kaylie was calm the whole time there. She knew where to put her lunch bag and back pack. She even showed Makenzie where her seat was. Oh- the best part for Kaylie... her BEST FRIEND from preschool, Kiara, is in her class!!! Even at the same table, only one student away!!! Kaylie was so excited to see her. When it came time to say goodbye, I couldn't hold it in anymore... I held her closely, and said, "Kaylie, I love you... I'm sorry I can't stop crying!" What a great kiddo- she looked up and said, "Don't worry, Mommy. I'll be fine... I love you more!" AHHH!!! More tears=) Makenzie even asked me why I was crying and proceeded to sit by Kaylie in shock. With a few more hugs, we left my little girl at her table, eager to start the day. I got a cute little wave and smile, then she was on her own...... While walking out to the parking lot, a parent and teacher asked if I was okay from all the crying- hehehe- they must have thought I was nuts! What a big day=)

Since Daddy worked, he won the right to pick her up. As promised, and perfect timing I might add, he captured her right as she noticed him=) Her teacher Mrs. Bowden said she did great and was very polite today- YAY! Of course, William got to hear all the cool things she learned, who she met, what her favorite things were for the day. Perfect for both of us to experience!

We're starting a tradition: on the first day of school we make BROWNIES! Yummy=)

So, here's to a wonderful year ahead... our baby is now an official Kindergartner!

Kaylie's lunch (Peanut Butter sandwich cut up into triangles, carrots, applesauce, alpha bit cookies, and apple juice)- gotta keep my Dad's tradition of lunch notes going, too!

Ready to go!
Big smiles=)

Gotta have Tinker Bell!

Sisterly love...

Mommy's big girl...

Kaylie's spot at her table (she noticed the "V" was supposed to be capital!)

Okay, Mommy... I'll be alright, stop crying...

YAY- Daddy's here!!!

Fourth Finger

I thought this was pretty neat:) A great family friend e-mailed this to us, and I had to share...

*Click the pause button on my playlist at the bottom of the page to listen!*

Second Trimester!

Welcome to your second trimester! Week 14:

This week, your baby's sex organs continue to grow more sophisticated. If you're having a girl, her ovaries are moving down into her pelvis. If it's a boy, his prostate forms this week. Your baby's thyroid, an important hormone-producing gland that regulates metabolism, starts working this week -- a crucial step for the rest of his development. Some other cool stuff to note: The roof of his tiny mouth is fully formed, and his constant sucking reflexes are helping to create full, cherubic cheeks. Right now, your baby is nearly 3 1/2 inches long and weighs about an ounce -- but in just two months' time, he'll double in length and reach the impressive weight of one whole pound!

We're Flooded In!

WOW... that just about sums up what's been going on here in Melbourne. This tropical storm started to make it's way towards us on Monday, and is still here! At 4:30 this morning, William and I sat watching the TV, keeping updated. It's now 12 hours later, and the storm hasn't moved! The center has been located just to our north at Cape Canaveral for what seems like forever.

Brevard County is under a flood warning. So many streets are completely flooded! The two main intersections near our place, to the north and south of our exit have been blocked due to high amounts of standing water. Most of the county has been asked to only use water for hygiene purposes, no dishwashers, laundry, etc. The sewer systems are flooding, causing the "you-know-what" to back up and flood everywhere! Our lake is just about overflowing, parking lot still flooded in parts, and the biggest news: we're flooded in the complex!

With our tiny little convertible, there's absolutely no way of getting out from the apartment complex without getting completely stuck. The drainage system just to the East of us has flooded over, causing the entire side road to become a huge lake. Car after car keep turning around, realizing there's no way out. Like William jokingly said, "With the gas prices so ridiculous, and everyone buying the compact cars, now they're *up a creek* and can't drive anywhere! It's only those that have the gas guzzlers who can get around!" Funny how things play out, right?!

Melbourne has recorded anywhere from 17"-24" or rain so far, with no hopes of it letting up any time soon. There are talks of us breaking a 30"+ record. Hopefully the center moves along within the next 24 hours, or who knows when anyone will be able to get around! All schools have been closed, meaning Kaylie's first day of Kindergarten will have to wait.

So, with water everywhere, no hopes of getting out and about (not like there's anything to do with no money) and little girls going stir crazy, we're in for some fun times ahead. Thankfully, the four and 1/3:) of us are safe and taken care of... that's who and what matters.

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*On the bottom of the page, press the pause button on the music player to hear the montage sounds*

Okay, time to get nervous...

The eye of Tropical Storm Fay is now only 45 miles SSW of Melbourne. We're experiencing bad wind and so much rain! We can barely hear one another because the wind is blowing the horizontal rains up against all of our windows. It's dark out now, so it's definitely harder to see the clouds. There have been numerous funnel clouds sighted just off the coast. The parking lot here is completely flooded, lake past the beginning point, making it's way closer to the sidewalk, and many trees are down around the lake/ if not submerged at least halfway. Thankfully, William's Pizza Hut is now closed, so he's quickly shutting everything down, getting his employees out, and will make his way home hopefully within the next half hour. The strongest winds are coming, so we're praying William can just get here safely so we can all be together and ride the storm out. The girls are doing pretty good, staying away from the windows and keeping an eye on the TV with me. They keep asking if the baby is okay... makes me smile:)
So, the worse part is coming...

UPDATED PATH!!!

Okay, so this storm is making its way REALLY close! All modules are projecting the eye to come just to the West, about 15 miles, of Melbourne. We've had tons of rain already! It's also nice and cool outside.
William left the house just before 7am, so all of us walked out to feel the wind:) Crazy, yes... but everyone was safe. The girls and I are dancing around to Bohemian Rhapsody, watching cartoons and keeping each other occupied. With it being only 7:45 in the morning, I feel we're in for a LONG day!

The haircut incident...

As promised... the hair cut incident details LOL

Sunday morning, while I was away at our charity garage sale, Kaylie decided to play barber shop- for real... William kept the girls entertained, watching them and playing games. After about 10 minutes of not seeing them or hearing anything, he saw Kaylie run by and stare at him in the hallway. "Why do you look different? Did Mommy cut your hair?" Kaylie's response was, "Oh, yeah" and then she walked away. William followed her right away to our bathroom and found Makenzie in the bathtub, where Kaylie had previously cut both of their hair... Talk about furious Daddy! From what I was told, Kaylie was not a happy camper and needed to fear Mommy coming home.

I get home to a sleeping Kaylie & Makenzie. William told me what happened and we just waited... Makenzie woke up and right away said, "Kaylie cut my hair!" She sure did! Thankfully, it's was just enough on both sides of her head to not make that big of a difference. I can no longer pull all of her hair back into one pony tail. She's stuck with barrets and two pony tails for a while. Kaylie soon came running out, heading straight for William. I swear to you, it was a good 30 minutes before she would even come near me. The look of OMG- Mommy's going to kill me was all I could see! I played it off asking how her day was, what she did, did she have fun... no answers, just dear-caught-in-headlights looks. Finally, after removing herself from William's side, she came to me and said, "Mommy I cut my hair... and Makenzie's." -silence- I wanted to scream, but when I saw her up close, all I could do was cry. I held her crying, saying how sad I was and that her beautiful hair was gone. We talked about why it's not okay to touch scissors to any one's head or play with them at all. It made for a very long night... she kept looking at me, waiting for me to explode.

This afternoon, Kaylie and I made the trip to "fix" her hair. I am so very thankful for the stylist at Snip-Its... she was wonderful. When I first heard, "Oh my goodness", I knew it was bad! She kept Kaylie comfortable and smiling throughout the whole thing. I really could not have asked for a better-behaved daughter at that moment. I know she understood how serious this whole thing was. With silver sparkling spray and a cute little braid, she was ready to go! After her hair cut, she got to put a lock of hair into a machine that gave her a toy- school supplies: pencil eraser and sharpener. The look in her eyes was so precious...

This event is in the past now. Lessens were learned and now my little girl has a beautiful new hair cut to start off the school year=)

The BEFORE shot

First cut to "match" Kaylie's job...
Getting a little nervous...

BEAUTIFUL!!! Ms. Ruby even put a little braid and sparkling spray in her hair:)

Putting in a piece of her hair to get a surprise!

One happy little girl... WHEW!!!

Scissors.......

Okay, today will go down as one of the hardest days in a Mother's life... Kaylie found scissors.

She proceeded to not only cut Makenzie's hair, but a HUGE amount of her own:( :( :(

OMG... I am so numb right now! Tomorrow brings a 1:00pm appointment to hopefully fix my baby's hair. And yes, Kindergarten starts Thursday...............

Prepare yourselves for photos tomorrow:(

Baby Updates

My Baby at 13 weeks:
Your baby is getting bigger and cuter by the day. She's honing her reflexes -- her little hands and feet respond to stimuli by bending or flexing. And she may stick her thumb in her mouth this week (awww), although she's not quite ready to start sucking it. Her eyes are looking more and more like your baby blues -- or browns, or greens -- but you won't see them until about the 30th week since her eyelids are fused together to protect them as they develop. Best of all, now that all of her organs and systems have formed, your risk of miscarriage drops significantly by next week (more than 75 percent of miscarriages occur during the first trimester) so you can give those early-pregnancy nerves a rest.

Kindergarten Registration:)

Well, it's official... Kaylie Marie is registered for Kindergarten!!!

Kaylie was able to tour the school today for the very first time. She learned where all the important places were located: cafeteria, playground (a favorite I might add), music room, art room, and of course her classroom. Mrs. Bowden, teacher of the Bowden Bears, will be helping Kaylie start her journey through school. The classroom is huge, with lots of different learning centers, computers, and many things to keep the attention of anxious little eyes!

Next Monday, August 18th, Kaylie will meet her teacher and get tested at 8am to place her "within" the classroom. The test will consist of upper and lower case letter recognition and writing, numbers 1-20 recognition and writing, shape recognition, and basic knowledge of certain site words. Of course, she's well aware of what's needed to be done, having already mastered them this past year. Her most accomplished feeling: she can count to 100 all by herself- something not needed until the end of the Kindergarten year:)

The first day of school will be Thursday, August 21st... let the countdown begin:)

Mrs. Bowden's Bears

Very anxious little girl:)
Kaylie's classroom

Computer learning station

Media Center

YAY KAYLIE!!!!!

~*~Girl Time~*~

Mommy with Makenzie & Kaylie

Kaylie & Makenzie

Two Different Princesses

Kaylie & Makenzie love to play dress up! I swear, they go through all of their clothes each day. Their favorite items lately are the tiara from Kaylie's pageant and crown from my birthday.

The other day, each kiddo wanted to show me their interpretation of being a princess (besides wearing their Belle and Cinderella gowns)... Kaylie went with the princess clothing line: Tinker Bell capri pants and Ariel top, oh and don't forget the "gotta-have" red shoes. Makenzie sported the darker look with a nice plaid skirt and her fancy black boots: the jewels are the best part!

Talk about different tastes already=) LOL

*New Baby Fry*

It's blurry, but this is what Mommy fish look like right before they have a live birth. Their bellies get really big!

The Stand-Down:) Two fry near a family member
Shot from up above... a bigger fish was lurking around right below

They're so tiny!!! (I'm guessing 1/4in.)