My Lovely Baby Bump

I realize that due to my lack of posting, I have severely neglected documenting this pregnancy for sweet Arabella. Here are few bump shots starting from week 23. 

23 weeks

27 weeks

28 weeks

30 weeks

31 weeks

This week, Bella will be 33 weeks. During my second trimester, I felt pretty great. However, as I've been in my third trimester I've experienced quite a few aches and pains, to include severe back pain, excruciating inner thigh pain (from the way she is laying), heartburn, a little vomiting, and exhaustion. Blah. I do have some really great days though, and I've actually been walking with Gav a few times a week. 

So far, I've gained 20 pounds and I'm extremely pleased by this number. At this time with Gavin I had gained almost 30! When it comes to movement, baby girl is very active. So active, in fact, that it's becoming quite uncomfortable. A few days this week she was moving non-stop and I could not find a comfy way to sit/sleep. I'm not having too many cravings at this point. More or less, just many aversions and too much indecisiveness. 

Early on in this pregnancy I was worried about juggling two children under two years of age, but at this point I'm just ready to meet my sweet girl and do life with my kids and sweet husband. Right now I'm in the process of getting the nursery together. (Hopefully, I'll post pictures of that!) Life is hectic, but I wouldn't change a thing. :)

Graduation!!!

* Hello, blog readers and friends. Before I start this post, I'd like to comment about my previous post. You know, the one where I declared that my family's NYC trip was absolutely going to happen? Yeah...I need to remember that I do not control everything. Particulary, the excruciating back pain that filled my 28 week pregnant (at the time) body the week before our trip. Needless to say, the trip was postponed. Please note that I am getting pretty tired of writing about pending trips that end up not happening, so in the future, I will not be posting about travel plans until the day they happen.*

This past weekend, my family and I made the 6ish hour drive from our home in Charleston, South Carolina to Virginia Beach, Virginia so that I could attend my college's graduation ceremony. We left on Thursday morning and arrived to gorgeous 70 and sunny weather. The ceremony wasn't until Saturday morning, so we had plenty of time to relax, recoup from the drive, and spend time together. During this time, we visited campus for the first time, had dinner with my in-laws, and I was treated to a much needed mani/pedi.

 My school!

Come Saturday morning at 5:45am, I was wide awake and prepared to face the day. Technically, I had already finished my studies in December 2012 and actually already had my diploma at home. But, there is just something about wearing that silly cap and large gown that makes a person rejoice. It made the last 6 years (yes, six) of my studies come to life.

While the ceremony was quite lovely, the weather was not. It was around 50 degrees and misting non-stop. You know, the kind of mist that gets you soaking wet but doesn't show up on the forecast? Yep, our outdoor ceremony was a bit damp. 

But it didn't matter.

It didn't matter that I was 32 weeks pregnant, cold, and wet.

It didn't matter that so many times I wanted to quit. That over the course of my studies I was beat down and exhausted and just plain ready for a break.

What mattered was that my husband, son, mother-in-law, and father-in-law were on campus, watching me graduate. 

What mattered was that my Louisiana family was in numerous locations (Baton Rouge, Houston, TX, and Mississippi), watching me graduate via the live video feed. 

What mattered was that my daughter, who was extremely active that morning, would be carried in my womb and cross the stage with me when my name was announced.

What mattered was that in this moment, all of those exhausting days were over. I had accomplished something that seemed impossible.

It's hard to describe the emotions I felt on this wonderful day. There was so much happiness present and I am just extremely grateful. I am beyond proud to be a Regent University graduate. The Christian education I received has shaped me into the person that I am today. The discipline I learned from being an online student is absolutely invaluable. The many professors and classmates that I have worked with have challenged me and helped me grow. And while I am sad that this chapter is finally over, I am excited to see what the future holds. Praise God for all of His blessings!

The City

Source: Uploaded by user via Maryclare on Pinterest

In September 2011, a few months before Gavin was born, Keith and I booked a babymoon to NYC. We purchased plane tickets, booked our bed and breakfast, and had everything planned. Due to a change in heart, we cancelled our trip. I was so bummed out, but I knew it was right decision. Fast forward a year and a half later and we're back to planning a trip to New York City. Except this time, it's really happening! 

On Thursday, April 4th, Keith, Gavin, and I are boarding a non-stop flight to The Big Apple! :) We'll land at 8:00am and aren't coming back to South Carolina until Sunday afternoon. We've got our plane tickets and hotel booked, Keith's vacation time has been approved, and we even purchased tickets to....a Yankees/Red Sox GAME! Going to this game knocks #24 off my 30 Before 30 list. While there, I'll also be conquering #23 - Walk the Brooklyn Bridge and #16 - Have Breakfast at Tiffany's! :) 

We are all so excited about this trip, as it is much needed and well deserved. Keith has been working so hard at his job and is such an excellent provider, and he deserves a break from it all and to go on vacation. As for me, I think my 24/7 gig as a mom earns me a vacation. ;) Additionally, it's going to be a celebration trip. Between our 3 year anniversary on March 7th, me finishing up my undergraduate studies, and this being our last vacation with Gavin as an only child, we have every reason to celebrate!

And while Gavin is coming along, we're not worried that this will feel more like work. I hate to brag or sound annoying, but he's such a great kid and has never given us trouble on past trips. We feel blessed to experience NYC with our son and are looking forward to making memories. This will be G's first time on a plane, but we're hoping for the best. 

The countdown is on, and we've officially got 21 days until our trip, and I can't wait!

NYC Friends/Friends who've visited: Any advice on the best shoes to wear?

Remember...

Source: wwjdfy.tumblr.com via Lindsey on Pinterest

Gavin's 1st Birthday and Party!

On Friday, March 1st, my baby boy turned 1! To celebrate this wonderful day, Keith, Gavin, my sis Lauren, nephew Joe, and I headed to the Charleston Aquarium. Gavin loved all of the fish and had a really good time smushing his face against all of the tanks. :)

Then on Saturday (3/2), we had our family and friends over for Gavin's birthday party! I started planning his party right after Christmas, so come March everything was done! We had a great time celebrating with everyone and I know that Gav enjoyed himself.

Adult and Kiddo Favors

Yummy Food

The Cake

Sign-In Table and Front Porch

Food Table with 12 Month Banner

Once all of our guests arrived, everyone ate and socialized.

Then we opened presents!

(I love this last picture! :))

And finally, we sang happy birthday and ate cake! 

The party was a major success, and I am extremely thankful for this amazing first year with my first born. He is an incredible little guy and I'm so happy that God blessed us with him! :)

Miscellany Monday

* Hi, friends. I hope all of you are doing more than well. I realize that it is almost the middle of March and I've only posted a handful of times this year, but I need to be honest. My blog had kind of become a burden. That burden turned into me not caring and ultimately having zero desire to write at all. I guess that's what happens when I keep going missing from blogland. However, over the weekend I was catching up on a few blogs that I love, and they reminded me that my blog doesn't have to be a serious space where I write all of these profound thoughts. My blog is whatever I want it to be. For me, it's a space where I can get my thoughts out on "paper", document Gav's milestones, pregnancy #2 and life in general, and just connect with all of you lovely ladies. So, here I go again. Making an effort to write regularly. I promise I'll do better this time. :)

* I want to share the link to a Thirty-One party that my mother-in-law is hosting for her great-niece, Ashtyn. Two years ago, Ashtyn was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at the age of four and is currently being treated in New Orleans at Tulane Hospital. Ashtyn's mom, Jacque, is a Thirty-One consultant and any additional income will help with medical bills and is much appreciated. Also, my MIL is donating all hostessing gifts to St. Baldricks! If you are in the market for a Thirty-One bag, please consider purchasing by clicking this link, and then going to "My Parties" and selecting the one for Pam Christmas. I have a few of these bags and love them! Thanks in advance! 

* For Valentine's Day, my family and I spent the day in Asheville, North Carolina. Keith needed to be there for work, so we decided to join him. We had a great day in the beautiful mountains, and spent our time at the Biltmore Estate eating lunching at Cedric's Tavern and exploring the grounds of the beautiful Biltmore! We arrived a little too late to tour the house, but did score some complimentary passes for our next visit. 

* Last week, my husband and I celebrated our third wedding anniversary. Due to Keith's work schedule, we weren't able to spend the day together, or even go out to dinner that night, but you know what? That was okay. Keith works so hard and I know that he does so for Gav, Arabella, and me. And we appreciate it that man so much. We did get to Skype a few times during the day and that made my heart so happy. On Saturday, we spent the day together (with Gavin, too!) and it was extremely wonderful. Keith, I love you more and more each year, and I am so thankful for this life that we have together. Thanks for being an amazing husband and father. You're my mais!

* On February 20th, my little man got his first haircut! I know it's probably not a big deal for many of you, but my sweet little baby got a haircut. Meaning that he's growing up, and is not quite a little baby anymore. *sigh* We went to a cute little kid's salon and Gavin did great! He sat on my lap and carefully watched a very nice lady cut off his golden hair. 

* Have you guys seen this? I'm not big on flash mobs, but I love the Big Bang Theory. :D

Well friends, that's all the miscellany I've got for today. I wish you all a wonderful Monday!