Merry Christmas and Baby Update

We hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!!  Avery had a great 2nd Christmas.  She received some really great toys and clothes.  I have lots of pictures that I hope to post someday soon, but for now I have to write very quickly.  Last week when I went to the doctor, I was already 3 cm dilated and the doctor said if she didn't come before Wed (tomorrow), he would induce labor.  So, we are going to Methodist Sugar Land Hospital at 5AM tomorrow morning!!  I can't believe we are going to meet our little Amelia very soon.  We will keep you posted!!  Hope everyone has a very Happy New Year!  We know we will!

 Avery on Christmas Eve after church.  She looked like a doll!

 Christmas morning...this was her big gift from Santa.  She was so excited about it.  Look at the joy on her face. 

 Driving her Cozy Coupe!

My sister's family gave her this doll that drinks a bottle and opens her eyes.  She will not let anyone touch it.  She was rocking her baby and feeding her on Christmas morning.

More pictures to come! 

Avery - hard at work!

We went to Josh's office this past Friday to visit and bring some cookies!  Fridays are very low-key around his office as most people are off on their flex-Fridays.  He works for a wonderful company with some great people.  We are so blessed!  Avery was hard at work at Daddy's office!

Josh is the cleanest, most organized person I know....it is a good thing I married him.  I am hoping it will wear off on me someday.  I feel compelled to tell you that even though I am sure my husband loves me to death, that picture of us in the background was an engagement pic.  I loaded tons of random pictures onto a digital frame when he was on the road so he could have it in his room.  Now, it is in his office, so don't think he is that super cheesy to have our Engagement picture of the two of us adoringly gazing into each others eyes as the only pic in his office.  LOL!

I just love this picture, but something looks crazy with her left eye.  She always has "red eye" in every indoor pic so I have to remove it, but this time it removed the black part of her eye.  

Really checking out the computer.  She looks like a natural!

Puppy still goes everywhere with us!

Avery is clipping on her badge so she is officially a Marathon employee.  Maybe she can get a paycheck!

Trying to get her pose by their pretty tree for a Christmas card pic.  Didn't work too well, but it is still cute.  You can barely see her cute shoes that are red, Christmas decorated converse tennis shoes.  Thanks GiGi!

Painful day

I have always wanted to get Avery's ears pierced.  Josh was even on board, but then when it really came down to it I wasn't able to do that to my baby.  Well, she has become a girly girl and is always looking at my earrings saying "earwing."  We started asking her a few weeks ago if she wanted earrings and she would shake her head and say "YES."  My sister told me a few weeks ago that she noticed that my nephew's ENT doctor pierced ears.  I started to feel a bit better about doing it.  So, today was the big day!  I don't know who it was more traumatic for....Avery, me or my mother.  I talked my mom into going with us.  After the first ear, I wondered if we were going to get the second earring.  My mom took these pictures with her phone so I could remember the trauma I put her through.  So sad!! 

After the first ear and the screaming began, the doctor's assistant gave her a sucker. It really did help even though this picture doesn't show it.  By the way, look at my big belly!  36 weeks.

 The second ear took three attempts because she was moving so much.  I had to hold her head and put her legs between mine.  It was really horrible.  She is holding on to her favorite puppy for dear life.  

Happy to say that she made it and by the time she was in the car, she was happy eating her sucker and cheerios.  Josh and I knew she loved them when we showed them to her in the mirror, she tilted her head and smiled.  Her earrings are little pearls with gold around the edge.  You can barely see them.  I took this tonight after her bath.  

A little closer look.  The doctor said to use Neosporin instead of alcohol to turn the earrings for three weeks.  She has barely touched them.  I hope and pray she will keep it that way.  She is a very strong-willed girl!

Love this face..."not another picture, Mommy."  Did I mention she also had a little fall this morning and busted her lip below and cut the top?  She also has one of the worst diaper rashes she has ever had.  (We are thinking/hoping more teeth are coming)  So, it was a bit of a painful day!! 

35 week update

Well, I went to the doctor today for my weekly appointments now.  He said that I am measuring on target at 35 weeks.  He said "only five more weeks to go."  I told him that three weeks sounded better to me and that I didn't need another 8 lbs 6oz baby.  He just laughed!  I wanted to tell him that I am serious!  With that being said, I have had another wonderful pregnancy so I can't complain at all.  My doctor said she is definitely head down.  I am thankful for that.  So, now I have decided that I just need to enjoy this next month of a peaceful household.  I still have a lot of energy and get many things accomplished each day.  I have all of my Christmas shopping done and now just need to wrap away.  It is such a great feeling.  Josh got the bassinet down and the bedding is washed.  The carseat is in the garage, but I haven't had a chance to wash everything.  I still have to clean out the closet in Amelia's room and find the vacuum sealed bag with all the newborn clothes.  Then I think we might be ready! 

Avery successfully moved into her big girl room on Sunday night.  She is still in a crib, but she is sleeping with her new pillow that her Ma Z made her.  She is sleeping great during the night and the day.  I couldn't have asked for a better transition.  We are on Day 3 of only having the pacifier or as Avery calls is PASS during nap or night time.  On Monday while driving to day care, she kept saying "Pass" so sadly, it just made giggle inside, but I kept telling her that is in her bed and she could get it at night.  Today she happily talked to me the whole way and I sang "Jingle Bells" over and over again.  Each time I would finish the song, she would say "Jingle." 

If I get brave, I will post a picture of my 35 week belly.  With a shirt on of course...I am not that brave. :)  Though, I do have good genes (Thanks Mom!); I haven't had the pleasure of any stretches marks.  I am just very "veiny."  My stomach and chest looks like it has a map drawn on it.  Might have been too much information! 

Happy Wednesday!

Santa Baby

Josh and I took Avery to see Santa yesterday, and she was so excited saying "Santa" and "Ho Ho Ho."  Right before it was our turn, they had some technical difficulties so it was just enough time for Avery to realize he was NOT a jolly Santa!  He didn't even say "Ho Ho Ho."  One of Josh's co-workers said he looked like a drunk, homeless Santa.  Last year's Santa smelled of bad smoke!  Anyway, needless to say, Avery wasn't too happy about sitting with Santa.  This was the best picture.  Her first picture was reaching out saying "Momma" and third picture was a full out Cry Face.  Then she got her Lollipop and was totally happy again! 

A minor accident

Well, it wouldn't be the holidays without a few bruises and bumps.  Josh thought it would be fun to play with the dog, Hagen, and the laser pointer.  Avery was having a blast until she hit the corner of the leather ottoman.  Of course, it was the hard corner not the cushion.  She has a pretty big black and blue goose egg between her eyebrows.  It is so sad to see, but she popped right back up and went after the laser pointer.  The video is pretty funny of Hagen and Avery chasing after the pointer.  The accident happened after this video was taken. 

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!!  We have so much to be thankful for.  Avery is the sweetest child, and we are so blessed by her daily.  I am so thankful for my husband and his love and devotion to our family.  We are also very thankful for our baby girl, Amelia, that will be arriving sometime in the next six weeks.  We are very grateful for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and his love and grace that He gives us each and every day. 

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! 

Happy Thanksgiving from our Family to Yours

Just another pic of our angel.  I didn't catch her smiling.  Check out her bracelet.  She wore it all day long and loved it.  Could this be.....maybe next we are on to Ear Piercing. :)

Welcome to Two Loved Bugs

Welcome to our new Family Blog!  My good friend and colleague, Karen, came up with the name so I can't take all of the credit.  Now, if we have a third child, we are up a creek!  And no, we are not planning a third at least at this time.  HaHa! 

Without further ado, if you haven't heard our name choice for our Baby Girl #2, it is.......

Amelia Grace

Amelia was a favorite name of mine for a really long time.  Josh was a little unsure at first but it has now stuck and he likes it too.  We wanted something a little different.  And Grace because it is a pretty name that flows well.  I wish I had a little better story behind our name choice, but we just liked them both. :)  She is going to be called Amelia..nothing for short. 

With that said, Amelia is measuring right on target at 33 weeks.  I will go again to the doctor in two weeks and then I am on weekly appointments.  It is so hard to believe she will be arriving very soon.  We have so much left to do, but I am sure it will all come together at the end. 

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!!

School pictures

My baby had her school pictures taken a few weeks ago.  She has a sweet face, but she looks so grown-up.  I think it is the zoomed-in picture.  Avery is getting so big so fast.  She is saying so many words it is hard to keep up.  She will say two or three words together like "Momma, see you."  She just hasn't mastered "see you later."  She amazes Josh and I everyday.  She is so lovey and happy.  Anyway, enough bragging about our girl.  Happy Wednesday! 

Should I start a new blog?

I created a new blog, but I am hesitant to change to it.  I said this before...I am not sure why I chose "Josh and Erin plus one" 1) because I couldn't stand that show and 2) because we knew we always wanted more than one child.  So now, what to do??  Will you still follow me if I change the name of our blog?  Suggestions, dear friends! 

We spent all day and most of the night Saturday repainting our front room that Avery will move to in a few short weeks.  It turned out so pretty.  It is a very pale pink.  I will post a picture when it is all complete.  We are hoping to move Avery to her new room during Thanksgiving weekend. 

All is great with Baby Girl #2.  I had an appointment on Thursday and she is measuring right on target.  It is amazing how fast these appointments are since I don't have to get on the baby monitor due to the gestational diabetes.  I loved hearing Avery's heartbeat bi-weekly and then every week, but it sure made a long appointment.  Now, I breeze in and out.  My lab results that I did a few weeks ago stated that my iron was low so I have to start Iron.  I am really fighting it.  I asked the doc why I really need it...he said if my iron count is low and lose too much blood during delivery, I would have to have a blood transfusion.  So, I am officially making myself take the Iron now. :)

More pictures to come.  I haven't even finished posting all of Halloween!   

Happy Fall Y'all

Avery had a wonderful 2nd Halloween. She went Trick-or-treating with her cousin, Carson.  She would say "Tricka" but no "treat."  Here are a few pics of the last month.

I took Avery to Enchanted Gardens because they always have a beautiful displays.  We went on a Friday morning by ourselves so needless to say it was hard to position her and take the pic.  Most of the pictures she was looking down. 

This is the only one I got actually looking up and the sun was so bright.  Still cute though!

 She was far more interested in the two dogs that live there than the pumpkins. 

Later in the day, we met Josh at a pumpkin patch near our home so Avery could pick out a little pumpkin.  

 Daddy helping Avery pick out her pumpkin.  Funny story....I have to really start calling Josh, Dada or Daddy because Avery calls him Josh quite a bit. 

 Our family pic at the Pumpkin Patch. 

 We went to our friends, The Hartman's house for a family Halloween party.  We were beekeepers and Avery is a our little bee.  We won the costume contest.  The party was so fun!  We can't wait for next year!

 Our little bumblebee!

 Her Daddy showing her which candy to pic from her GiGi (Josh's mom's new Grandma name is GiGi.  She just couldn't quite say "Grandma"). 

 Enjoying a lollipop next to her Pumpkin that GiGi painted for her.  It is so cute!

 PaPa and GiGi with Avery. 

 Then we headed over to my sister's house so the kids could Trick-or-treat together.  Carson was so cute in his Spiderman costume.  Even had shoes to match. 

More pictures to come.  I just got worn out of uploading pictures! 

In other baby news, I am officially almost 31 weeks.  So hard to believe how fast this pregnancy has flown by.  We can't wait to see our Baby Girl!  We talked to the doctor at our last appointment about possibly having her before the end of the year.  He didn't say no, but he did say I am full-term at 37 weeks which is Christmas.  We will see when this precious girl wants to arrive, and I will try to be patient.  I am trying to plan for Christmas and get Avery all moved rooms in the next month.  Josh plans to paint Avery's room this next weekend.  We are going to leave the nursery as is and move Avery.  She is not ready for a big bed yet, and I don't want to disrupt her sleep so she is going to stay in her crib.  We are going to borrow my parent's crib for the new baby until Avery moves to her twin.  I have all her bedding ready, but it will have to wait a while because I don't want to two precious girls that don't sleep.

Delicious Pumpkin Cake

Today was our week to bring food to Bible Study.  I brought some chicken salad with grapes and almonds (DELISH!) and this yummy pumpkin cake.  I honestly have no clue where I found this recipe because it was hand-written (by me) in my cookbook, but I didn't put where I got it from.  It was so moist and delicious.  Here is the recipe and hope you all enjoy! 

Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Cake:

16 oz canned solid packed pumpkin (I only found 15 oz)

2 c. sugar

1 c. vegetable oil

4 eggs, lightly beaten

2 c. flour

2 tsp. baking soda

2 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. salt

Frosting:

4 oz cream cheese, softened

5 T melted butter

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

1 3/4  c. powdered sugar

2 - 4 tsp milk (I used three)

Instructions:

1) Beat pumpkin, sugar and oil.  Add eggs and mix well.

2) In another bowl, combine dry ingredients.  Add to pumpkin mixture and beat.  

3) Grease pan.  Pour batter into 15x10x1 jelly roll pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 25 - 30 minutes.  ( I just baked for 25 and it was perfect). Cover with a towel after 15 minutes of cooling. (I kept mine covered all night and iced in the morning). 

4) Frosting - beat cream cheese, butter, vanilla in mixing bowl until smooth.  Gradually add sugar.  Add milk until frosting reaches desired thickness.  

NOTE:  A jelly roll pan is a cookie sheet with a 1 inch side.  I had to do some research for that..haha! 

Dreaming of Small Town Life

We took Avery to Oklahoma last weekend to see her great-grandparents and extended family.  We had not been since last September so we were really excited.  It happened that we were going the same weekend as Homecoming in Sallisaw, OK (where Josh's parents were raised).  Avery got to see her Great Granny Helen and her Bobo again.  Bobo turned 87 last month.  She really enjoyed him!  We had a blast and here are a few pics of our adventure. 

The morning after we arrived.  Bobo had an old phone for the kids to play with.  She loved it!!

Avery all dressed in her Black Diamonds shirt...she has school spirit!!!  The back of her shirt said "Avery" on it...thank you to Grandma and Aunt Susie!!  Before the game in addition to the Homecoming court, they wanted past Homecoming Queens to return.  Josh's mom was a Homecoming Queen so we got to see her cross the field too.  It was such a special experience to see the team-spirit and how the town rallies around the football team.  The unique part of their Homecoming is they announce the Queen the week prior.  The day of the game there is a pep rally at the Elementary with the football players and Homecoming court present.  Then there is a parade in the center of town and Pep Rally at the stadium for the students.  Then the game happens that night.

After the pep rally, we went to see Avery's second and third cousins, Kristen and Michaela on their float.  Kristen is the pretty girl between the two megaphones smiling.  Michaela is the adorable one on the left end with her poms near her face.  Avery loved both of these girls!!

Some of the football team during the parade on an old Firetruck.  How cool is this!  Josh's uncle, Gus, was the Fire Chief in Sallisaw.  He passed away after fire in 1994.  The fire station is named in honor of him.  It is really special!

Our little family.  Me....27 weeks pregnant! 

Josh's parents with Granny Helen and Avery and I.  I tried to find an orange Sallisaw shirt the day of the game, but all the stores were sold out...ok, maybe not sold out but not sized for a pregnant mommy!

Avery in her cute dress from Avery's cousins, Donna Kay and Michaela.  It was a little cool so we had to put a shirt and leggings under it, but she was so cute in it.  This is the one time I don't mind the Texas heat because she can wear it even at home for Halloween!

Avery with Great-Granny Helen! 

JR/PaPa, Josh's father, and his mom, Great Granny Helen with Avery. 

Avery was obsessed with Michaela's braces.  She just wanted to touch them every time we saw her.  Too cute! 

Avery and PaPa with cousin, Kristen...she was decked out in school spirit!!

They had about 40 plus past Homecoming Queens.  I completely blanked on the release mode for my camera so I couldn't catch while Judy was walking. 

Judy/Grandma with Lani (Josh's cousin, Mike's wife)...they were both Homecoming Queens. 

Ok, here is the Homecoming court.  It was like a mini wedding to me....the Homecoming Court were in all matching black dresses (like bridesmaids) and the Queen was dressed in a big poofy orange dress (like an orange wedding dress).  Did I tell you that they were dressed in formals during the Pep Rally too?  Different dresses.  It was a huge event!!!  Homecoming was a blast, and they beat the pants off the other team!! 

Enjoying a waffle.  She had already soaked herself in syrup and her shirt had to come off.  She recently started saying "Cheese" when she sees the camera, though we have never told her to say that.  Not sure where she picked that up. 

Checking out her Bobo

Just love this picture! 

 Our girl is just growing up too fast....17 months already! 

Boy, did Avery have a ball.  

Avery loves her PaPa...she loves all of her grandparents!!

Avery's second cousins, Kristen and Matthew, were so sweet to her.  She got to see all of her second cousins, but unfortunately, I didn't get a picture of all of them together.  I wish I had.  

 I found a tootsie pop from the parade the day before...I had it in my mouth and Avery came and took it from me.  I guess since she had a Dum Dum, she thought this was hers. 

 Another reason, it was a great weekend to visit, was the Josh's grandmother, Granny Helen, sold her liquor store that she has owned for over 40 years.  She took over the store when her husband passed away.  She is in her 70's and has worked so hard.  JR and his sister, Diane, were helping do a final inventory before she sold the store.  Congrats on Retirement, Granny Helen!!!!

Avery and her cousin, Matthew.  He read her The Nose Book about 10 times.  She loved it. 

 Josh's cousin, Mike, was smoking chickens.  Bobo loves sitting in the garage and calls it his parlor.  Once we started eating food, the flies came out. Josh was hanging water bags so they would stay away.  Avery couldn't wait to get on the step stool. 

 Avery with her second cousins, Emma and Gus (named after Josh's uncle - her Pepa). 

Whew, it was a whirlwind trip...we had a ball!!!  We hope it isn't a year until we return again, but we know we will have a new baby with us!