Merry Christmas!

You had a very special first Christmas this year, Webb! It all started on Christmas Eve when you went to spend the day with your grandparent Fulton's (we don't have names for them yet) so that daddy and I could do some things around the house and rest. You looked so cute in your little outfit before I took you over to their house. It was hard to let them keep you for the afternoon, but they took very good care of you and loved on you ALL day. I can surely handle being away from you when I know you are being loved. Here are some pictures from before we left the house.



That night, we opened presents and had Santa at my parent's house. You got lots of goodies including some toys and your first engraved silver cup. Afterwards, we took you to your first church service where we lit the Advent and Christ candles together as a family. You looked so sweet in your little daygown. Before bed that night, daddy read us "The Night Before Christmas" while you ate. This is a tradition that my dad started for me and my sister when we were little- precisely the reason I can recite the entire poem from memory. This tradition will surely become a part of our Christmas Eves from now on!

On Christmas Day, we went to Chris' parents house where you again were spoiled with love- everyone on his side of the family had not met you yet so you were passed around all afternoon between aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. His parents gave you a beautiful porcelain Pinocchio that they found in Italy back in the fall. I have put it up HIGH on the shelf in your room! Your great grandmother also got to hold you, which is a very special thing given that she's 99 years old! She loves you so much . . .

On Christmas night, it began snowing! You had me up and down several times during the night and the snow never stopped.

We spent the day snuggled up inside while you napped. You and I watched some movies . . . well, I watched them, and you just slept and slept. You are the most cuddly little thing and I enjoyed spending a lazy day at home with you and daddy.

So, heres to your first Christmas, my sweet Webb. You were the joy of your parents and grandparents this Christmas . . . no gift could compare to the love and warmth you've brought into our lives.

Loving you more and more every day . . .

Little Webb, you continue to bring so much joy into our lives every single day. And you're growing and changing so much! Each morning when I pick you up, I feel like you've gotten heavier. And your little face is changing and becoming so handsome with every passing day. Everyone says you're a spitting image of your daddy- and you should see how he beams when people say that. You are precious and handsome and we are enjoying tending to you and watching you make faces. Here are few pictures of what you've been up to lately . . .

Sweet sleeping baby . . . you like being propped up with the Boppy. This gives me a chance to grab my morning coffee and check emails! Good baby!

You love your swing most days . . . great for when I want a quick shower!

Nancy had you in the papoose when she came over. Daddy also carries you around while he cooks and helps around the house. You love being snuggled up close.

You don't really like tummy time unless you're asleep. You like for short periods when you're awake.

We took you to church for the first time for the children's Christmas play. You were last in line to get your picture made with Santa and by that time, you were hungry! To keep you from screaming, we let Santa give you a bottle while we snapped a few pictures. You look so tiny in his arms!

Daddy took this of you- you were chillin' in the morning sun while I GOT SOME SLEEP! Dad has been really good about getting up and getting you fed, changed, and dressed before he leaves for work. He then puts you back to sleep so I can sleep in! I am loving this system!

We are also very excited about your very first Christmas- coming up in just a few days. And the weatherman says it might SNOW on Christmas! We will certainly have the camera ready if it does happen! We are lighting the Christ candle at church on Christmas Eve and I bought you the most precious gown to wear that night.

I couldn't think of a better gift to receive this Christmas- YOU.



Welcome Webb!

Here we are almost three weeks after you were born, and Mommy is finally getting a chance to sit down and write all about you! You have consumed my every waking moments and I wouldn't trade it for the world! The first week of you being home was a little rough for all of us but we're finally settled in and getting you on a little schedule- especially at night when it's time for you to be still and quiet. We put you down around 9 and you will sleep at least 4 hours before wailing for me to come feed you. I am proud of how well you've done! During the day, you enjoy being upstairs with me while I clean and do around the house. We're trying to get you used to 'daytime' sounds so your little body will learn the difference. This is definitely a work in progress!

You came into the world on Thanksgiving Day, 2010 at 8:47 p.m. and weighed a whopping 8 lbs, 1 oz! I labored with you for nearly 24 hours before the doc. decided you would only come via c-section. I was totally fine with that- so long as you were healthy, I didn't care how you arrived! Daddy was present for your arrival as well! I don't think I've ever seen him so happy in my life. He got to see you first which I was so happy about. And he got to hold you until I was out of recovery and could finally get a good look at you. This had to have been the best moment of my life. You were absolutely perfect- not all mushed up and cone-headed. You had the most beautiful rosy cheeks and bright red lips. I cried and cried just looking at you- you were the most beautiful baby I had ever seen and I immediately fell in love with you. We stayed in the hospital 3 nights after you were born because we both needed time to heal and your precious pediatrician wanted to keep you for 48 hours which we felt was a great idea. She thinks you're precious too, and confirmed to us that yes, you are absolutely perfect. We love Dr. Kelly and are so thankful she was there when you came in to the world to make sure you were okay. You had several visitors while in the hospital, of course, grandparents and your Aunt Nancy and Jeff. Aunt Patti came too as did Julie.

We brought you home on Sunday, November 28th. And I am lucky to stay home with you until the end of Februrary after which you'll be spoiled with love all day by your grandmothers. I am enjoying every minute of catering to your every need, kissing that sweet head, watching you look around, make silly faces, sleep soundly, and cry loudly. Every minute of it is sacred to me and will forever change me as a person. I love you, sweet Webb. You make daddy and me VERY proud and very happy. We love you to the moon and back a million times.

Ready for some sparkle!

While waiting on this baby to arrive, I have spent a lot of time on the computer which I know will become a thing of the past once he gets here. I have had a lot of fun lately looking at clothes as Muther has been asking about Christmas gifts. Here are a few things on my list- you can tell I'm having a little sequin sparkle fetish these days! I think it's just so precious and can go with anything!



It's hard to believe that Christmas is around the corner!



39 weeks . . . and counting!

Well, here we are at 39 weeks and still holding the little one in! I went to the doctor yesterday and there is some progress but not enough for her to think he'll be here early- or on my due date! She said if he isn't, she'll induce me the next week around the 30th. I'm not stressing too much, it's actually giving me more time to rest before the big day. So we just wait! In the meantime, I've enjoyed time with my girlfriends, mom and sister, and Chris. This weekend, we had some friends over for dinner and I'm meeting them for our usual coffee date this Friday. I always look forward to seeing my girls. Last night, mom, Nance, and I went out to dinner which was fun, as always and Chris and I have enjoyed nights in cooking and just being lazy. We finally got a few last things done in the nursery, playroom, and in his bathroom.

Ready to go!

The playroom . . . which will eventually be a disaster area, I'm sure!

His bathroom

Chris painted this egg for Webb! How freakin' SWEET!?

A little Christmas outfit I bought! It looks mighty big!

In other news, I am thrilled about the engagement of these two beauties. I know Will's mom would be proud of his choice. I can't wait to see the royal nuptials!

Already feelin' it . . .

No, it's not the urge to push (now that we're entering the 39th week of pregnancy), thank goodness. If that were the case, I'd be driving myself to the hospital since my other half decided this would be his last weekend to mountain climb before the baby arrives! It's an urge that I haven't felt in quite some time since being pregnant but it hit me the other day in the car when this song came on:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5rLz5AZBIA

I immediately felt the urge to rush home, grab my iPOD, throw on my running shoes, and head off into the wind. It used to be that song, and many others that would see me through miles of hitting the pavement- miles that resulted in the best feeling in the world- mildly sore legs and your heart beating in your head while the sweat just pours down your face. After carrying around this beloved baby weight, I am now eager to begin my journey into being a fit and healthy mom! Thanks, Timbaland!

Today I'm grateful for . . .

coffee with a friend on a beautiful fall afternoon

coming home to Chris being excited about the new baby carrier sling he bought

peanut M&M's

fresh eggs

a day off of work tomorrow

The nursery is done!

Here is a little tour of Baby Webb's nursery!

Here is his crib, obviously. I am very pleased with how the bedding turned out! The monogrammed canvas above his crib was handpainted by my friend, Emily. I wanted something unique with his name or initials on it and when I found this, I fell in love! Check out his bee mobile. Chris thought he needed one and this is what he picked out. I think it's precious.

This little rocking chair belonged to my great-grandmother. She kept it in her bedroom with a little doll in it. I found it at mom's and brought it here to put in his nursery. A few weeks ago, Chris and I were digging through the attic at his parents' house and found this antique doll that belonged to his dad. I love how its little face is cracked. Chris hung the little coat rack the other night, much to my surprise. I came in and he had hung a few of his little coats and sweaters on it. My heart melted for sure.

The dresser is a piece my mom had at her house. I tell you, that lady has more furniture than a furniture store! She gave us the dresser, Chris painted it, and it now serves as his changing table! I found the mirror at Transit Damage for a whopping $35 dollars. Chris sanded and painted it to match. I believe it sparkles. And don't you love the bunny lamp? It is truly the source of my bunny themed nursery. I've had it since before Chris and I were married and always said I'd put it in the nursery. A sweet friend gave me the bunny print you see hanging above the mirror. I think it adds some heighth to the room.

This is the other side of the room with the sliding doors. It takes you outside to the covered porch and front yard. If we live here long enough, I bet you there will be some sneaking in and out, much in the fashion of mama and daddy!

A shelf full of books and little knick-knacks. We are ready to do lots of reading in this house! I love the little letter blocks that spell out his name. I found them at an antique store in High Point.

Here's the glider and side table. Chris painted the table pale blue. My sweet friend Shanna gave us the frame. Chris grandmother made, yes made, the lamp- wiring and all for Chris when he was little. She handpainted two blue birds on the front. Talk about sentimental value!

That is that! We're all finished! And I truly think it's a dream come true for our little fellow. A lot of love and thought have gone into making this room special for him- from both of us. Now we just wait for his arrival!

Baby Shower #2!

Today was my baby shower that my best girls hosted for me at my mom's house. I have really been looking forward to this day for a while and it was absolutely wonderful! I was able to see friends I haven't seen in a while and enjoy time with everyone! I am deeply indebted to these special friends who worked to make sure every detail was perfect. I also must give a huge shout-out to my mom who had the house spic and span for the occassion. She was even able to run my dad off for the afternoon! I am humbled by the outpouring of love I felt today from everyone. What a lucky girl I am!

With my sister and Muther

Friday the Greeter

Precious pumpkin cake and matching invitation!

Candy apple favors

Pumpkin decor by sweet Lydia (gotta love the monogrammed one!)

My sweet hostesses!

When I got home from the shower, I watched Chris reopen everything. He loved seeing all the cute little things we got. He helped me wash and put everything away. On Sunday, I had a 'me' day in Winston- probably one of the last times I'll be able to spend a day by myself. I went and bought a few things to wear after the baby comes, got a pedicure, and some new makeup. Chris and I have a date night in Winston on Friday to buy the last few necessities and then I think we're all set! Doc said today that all is well . . . no signs of going early so that's GOOD!

Just cause: You'd think I lived on a farm . . .

Chris' homegrown lettuce. Talk about YUMMO!

Romaine lettuce

Not mine! :)

Ready for summer's planting

Sweet boy on his grand daddy's tractor.

Wouldn't trade any of this for anything in the world . . . .