Almost 15 Weeks Pregnant!

I am so glad to finally be in my 2nd trimester! The first trimester was exhausting and everything was so unappetizing. I lost 5 pounds but have now gained 2 of those back. Over the last week I’ve noticed my pants have become tighter, so I got out the maternity clothes today. I know everyone shows differently, but I’m hoping & praying that my hips don’t spread like peanut butter on sliced bread. I can’t wait until I feel the baby move; that is by far the best part of being pregnant!

Shawna

Our Summer Staycation

So we had our summer vacation planned for quite some time. We were going down to Pensacola to visit family and then heading over to Destin and my hometown Fort Walton Beach. But as the oil spill crept closed we got worried about our long needed and wanted beach vacation. It was not recommended for pregnant women and little children to be in the areas where the oil had reached, and since our family fit both those categories we felt it was better not to go down there right now. The whole oil spill thing makes me sick to my stomach! It is so sad to see the families and animals it has affected. So we didn’t go there, but we stayed here! I planned out the entire week but things changed as we went along. You know it hasn’t rained much at all until this week it decided to become a flippin monsoon. So there went our pool days. Oh well.

On Monday we planned to go to Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlingburg. We have been there numerous times and were so excited to take Makayla for the first time. It took us 2 hours to get there just to find the Aquarium was packed! The entrance to start the exhibits was at a stand still, and we couldn’t even stand near each other. Boo-hoo! Tim got us a refund and we went home. On the way home we talked about how it wasn’t such a bad day because we were together as a family. So true…family time is the best time! And at least we had some yummy pancakes and the Pancake Pantry.  

Here is Makayla..she is glad to be out of the car!

Here is Tim in line to get our $ back!

 

Tuesday, we went up to the school to work in my classroom and then went to visit my parents.

Thursday was awesome! We went to the TN Aquarium in Chattanooga! It is a place not to be missed! ! I will never forget the excitement and wonder in Makayla’s eyes as she saw all kinds of animals for the very first time. It brought tears to my eyes. My very favorite place at the aquarium was the butterfly exhibit. The penguins were pretty neat too! We will definitely go again and next time we will probably stay a few days. There are so many things to do in downtown Chattanooga. Knoxville definitely needs to take some notes.

And finally, Friday we went to the pool. Makayla loves the water, but likes to be held close when she’s not in her float. I was so busy slathering sunscreen on my baby girl that I totally forgot to put any on me! And of course Tim would’ve refused it anyway. I got home later and thought to myself, “Good no sunburn here!” only later to see this dark pink sunburn show up on my back and shoulders…arg! My skin is so mad at me right now. Tim and I dropped MG off at Nana and Granddad’s and then went to see a late showing of ‘Inception’. By late I mean 8:30 P.M.…lol. It was a good movie, but they could have left out the cussing.

So that’s about it! Nothing elaborate about our staycation but we had a nice, relaxing time together. We captured many memories on camera and in our heart that we will always hold dear.

God Bless,

Shawna 

Picture at the TN Aquarium

Soon to be a Mother of Two

 All my babies in one photo! Love it! What a blessing from the Lord! 

Wow, just saying ‘mother of 2’ makes me excited and nervous at the same time! I am so happy Tim and I have finally told everyone that baby # 2 will be here in January. It is difficult to keep such exciting news from people, but at the same time it’s kind of special for Tim and I to share that by ourselves for awhile. We waited till the 2nd trimester with Makayla too and it was very nice. We had that time to talk about it, dream about her, and make our own decisions without input from others. Once the “cat is out of the bag” is when you get all the advice from everyone including strangers…lol. But so far I haven’t had much advice, just congratulations. I guess when people see that your first child is doing okay they realize you might know how to do it after all. But honestly, I have received some tremendous advice from friends and family that has proved to be very helpful; especially from my Mom. Thanks Mom! Now I find myself giving advice to first time moms…ironic isn’t it….because I’m certainly not an expert at this mom thing! I'm sure I'll be the one asking for advice soon enough...haha!

Anyhow, I am so excited for Makayla to be a big sister! I just know that she will adore this new little baby (okay I hope). I heard that MG will be too young to be jealous…but I guess we will eventually find that out. Tim and I always wanted our children to be close in age, so this has turned out to be great for us. Makayla and her little brother or sister will be just under 18 months apart. Uh…my thoughts just turned to diapers…and diapers…and diapers. Nah, maybe MG will be potty trained early!

Well, that’s all I have time to write right now. I will leave you with some cute new pictures.

Until next time,
Shawna

 8 Week Ultrasound

I love this picture!! This is when we told Makayla she was going to be a big sister! Honestly, she seemed to know what we were saying...lol.

12 Week Ultrasound

It's amazing how fast the baby has grown!

Makayla Stats at 1 Year Old

Weight            24 lbs 12.5 ounces       93% Wow!

Height             30.1 inches                  80% Wow again!

Favorite new word: Milk (sometimes it sounds more like Mi)

Favorite song: Sesame Street theme song

Favorite doll: Elmo (our dog got a hold of Giraffe! Boo!)

Favorite person: Mommy and Daddy of course

Favorite place to visit: Nana and Granddad’s house

Favorite Foods: Grilled chicken, sweet potato, cheese, waffles, watermelon, and guacamole. Oh yeah, she likes ketchup too.

Makayla has an awesome sense of humor and loves to make us laugh. She does really well with our daily schedule, although I know it’s going to be messed up when I go back to work in August. She rarely ever crawls anymore; she walks! Makayla took her first steps right at 11 months and has progressed since then. She still takes her milk in a bottle, but we are working on that. She will drink water and juice from her sippy cup, but she just throws the cup when I put milk in it. Haha!

I will go ahead and include a few pictures from our 4^th of July celebrations too! Enjoy!

 Happy 4th of July!

Pictures from Father’s Day

I have been a little behind on uploading my pictures, but I’ve finally done it. This year was Tim’s first official Father’s Day, so I definitely want to put up some pictures and show-off my awesome husband! Tim is a hard working, loving, caring, compassionate, strong, Christian man! How did I get so darn lucky? This past year Tim has really proved what a great father he is and I know will always be. He gives Makayla so much attention and just adores her! He is always eager to help out any way he can. Of course, I never thought Tim would be any different. I always knew he would be a great, hands-on, active, and affectionate Daddy, and that’s just what he is. Here are some pictures from the special day.

Adoring my Husband,
Shawna

And of course, I can't write about Father's Day without writing about my Dad! He is a wonderful man that has been a great example for me. He has taught me the importance of family, dedication, honor, and compassion. My Dad has always done, done, done for everyone else. He is always there to give others a hand, and has never said 'no' to someone in need. I thank God for my Dad; he is truly a blessing in my life!
Here are some pictures from Father's Day.

Makayla’s 1st Birthday!

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAKAYLA

Makayla seemed to love all the attention she got on her first birthday, and of course she deserved every bit of attention she got that day and everyday! I started the special day by making MG one of her favorite breakfasts: toast, fresh fruit, and milk! She gobbled it down and then we went to church.

Makayla’s birthday party was so much fun! The bright balloons, the perfect cake, family and friends, the yummy punch, smiles and laughs, and the thoughtful gifts were all to celebrate Makayla’s 1^st birthday. One very special treat was that my Granny (MG’s Great-Granny) and my Aunt Joy came all the way from Florida especially for Makayla’s birthday! What a treat! It was so much fun watching MG dig into her birthday cake for the first time. At one point, she picked up the entire cake and took a bite out of it. Too funny!

It seems like just yesterday we were welcoming our little bundle of joy into our family. This past year has gone by faster than any other year in my life. I wonder if every year from now on will feel that way. I look forward to seeing what this next year has in store for our family! I will cherish all these moments in my heart forever. I hope Makayla will look back at the pictures of her 1^st birthday one day, and see just how much she is loved and cherished!

Feeling like a proud momma, 

Shawna =)

It's Elmo! 

Wow, MG's cake was as big as her! It was very delicious.Thanks sis!

 http://summerscakeplace.blogspot.com/

 We were definitely anticipating Makayla eating her cake.

 MG ate that sugar up! 

So excited to play with one of her new toys!

Having fun!

A Letter from Mommy

Dear Makayla,

It’s hard to believe that you’re one year old today! A year ago today Daddy and I met you for the first time. We were immediately in love. You are the most perfect gift God has given to us, and we thank Him for you everyday. It seems like just yesterday that we were holding you as a newborn baby, and now we are cheering you on as walk, talk, and learn new things everyday. You are a wonderful baby. Everyone always tells us how beautiful you are, of course they don’t need to tell me because I know more than anyone else (besides your Daddy). You smile and wave at everyone you see. Everywhere we go there are people that come up and talk to you, and tell us just what a happy girl you are! Again, we already know that, but feel blessed to be able to share your happiness and sweetness with others. Did I ever tell you that I dreamt of you for a very long time? Well, I did. There are many days that I just watch you sleep peacefully and can’t believe you are mine; you are a dream come true. You are a silly girl too! You sometimes get this cute little expression where you pucker up your lips and nod your head up and down. You giggle all the time, and boy it makes me laugh too. You are a singer and a dancer. Daddy and I love to put on music just to watch you sing and boogie to a beat! Your favorite show is Sesame Street, and you watch it just about every day. Of course you don’t watch all of it because you’re busy playing with your toys too. Your favorite character is Elmo, and that is why we bought you a talking Elmo for your birthday! You love him! Your eyes light up and you give your little Elmo a sweet hug and kiss. You melt my heart Makayla, and I pray I will always be the best Mommy I can be to you. I pray that both Daddy and I will always seek the Lord’s guidance in teaching you life’s little lessons and guiding you through your life’s journey. I know that my life’s journey has only gotten better since you were born.

Happy 1st Birthday Makayla Grace!

Love Always,
Mommy

Summertime Fun!

 Makayla playing in her pool! 

I have had the most amazing time being home with Makayla this summer! Makayla has such a sweet personality and makes me laugh all day long. Of course, there are those times when she wants her way and may squeal really loud….lol…but she gets over it very fast when she sees another toy or something better to play with. MG and Jazz have definitely become buddies. For those of you that don’t know, Jazz is our male toy poodle.

We have done a lot of fun things over the last few weeks, and more fun is to come during my summer break from work. Tim and I took Makayla to the big pool at the YMCA for the first time! She absolutely loved it! We’ve went to the zoo, went on walks, met Nana for lunch, went shopping, had cook-outs, visited friends, watched movies, and snuggled a whole bunch. Oh, and MG sits in my lap as we watch Sesame Street together just about everyday. Makayla is our little dancer. Let me tell you, she will boogie to the songs on Sesame Street or any other upbeat music. This girl has loved music since she was in my belly.

One of my favorite parts of the day is when Tim gets home from work. The dogs start barking like crazy when he pulls into the driveway. Makayla makes her way over to the window and gazes out wide-eyed and all smiles. Then, when she sees Tim walking towards the door she begins yelling “Dada! Dada!” It is so very sweet and brings tears to my eyes just writing it. The funny part is that I’m just as excited to see Tim. Man, God has really blessed me with a wonderful husband that I love so dearly. And I know Tim would agree when I say how blessed we are as a family!

Shawna

Schools Out for Summer!

 I am so excited for school to be out for summer! Makayla and I are going to have a lot of fun in the sun. I’m trying to decide if we should get a pool I will fit in and a baby pool for Makayla. Either way, I need to go to Big Lots or Babies R Us and get one for MG. She really likes bath time so I’m sure she will like the water. Makayla is already 11 months old today. I cannot believe how fast time seems to be flying by. It’s definitely true; time flies when you’re having fun.

Makayla has 2 top front teeth coming in. She looks so cute. She has started liking more table foods; she loves chicken, peas, sweet potato, and yogurt (which Nana calls ice cream). She also took her first steps on May 6^th! She will take 3 steps at a time and then fall, so technically she isn’t walking yet but she sure is learning, and it’s exciting to watch. I know this baby girl was waiting for her mommy to be off work for the summer to start walking. ;)
The only thing better than me and Makayla getting the whole summer together would be if Tim could have the summers off too! Of course that is impossible right now….but hopefully soon. Tim is still working very hard taking college courses. I am so proud of my husband!

Well, I better get off here because Makayla is finished eating her snack and is ready to play.

Love to all,
Shawna

My 1st Mother's Day

Today is my 1^st Mother’s Day! I am overwhelmed by the abundance of joy, love, family, and food surrounding me. I have so many blessings in my life; magnificent blessings that I know I don’t deserve.

As a mom I have so many crucial responsibilities. Actually, I sit here in complete awe as I think about the responsibilities I have. God entrusted me (and Tim) to care for, love, and nurture Makayla Grace. I can’t think of a more awesome responsibility! This is a responsibility I am completely thankful for (and a little nervous about). I wanted to be a mom for so long, and was beyond ecstatic when we found out I was pregnant with her. Before Makayla was even conceived I remember Tim and I making a promise to God that we would do our very best to raise a child after God’s own heart. Makayla was born, and she was more perfect than I could have ever imagined. She has brought such joy and love into our lives and we thank God for her. I know that in order to raise Makayla as a child after God’s own heart that I too need to be after God’s own heart. Christian writer Elizabeth George couldn’t have written a better explanation of a “mom’s twofold challenge”. She writes, “To raise (and keep on raising!) a child after God’s own heart, we must till the soil of each tender heart and sow the seed of the Word of God while praying fervently for “Divine Influence”.


So here I am on my very 1^st Mother’s Day knowing that I have such an awesome responsibility and duty as a mom. I am so thankful and so very blessed. I am so thirsty to live out God’s plan for me as a wife, a mom, a daughter, a sister, a friend, and a teacher. I pray that I will continue on that “spiritual milepost” that Rich spoke about this morning in ABF class, and that I will always thank the One who teaches me lessons and convicts me in my day to day life.

From a Mother’s Heart,
Shawna