Weekend Wrap-up!

What a wonderful weekend! The big outing was the pumpkin patch so I will scatter a few photos of that throughout! We met my Brother Adam and his family at the patch...it is so fun and we have gone the past 4 years! Petting Zoo, hot dog picnic, hay ride, barrel train ride, pumpkin picking (up), and BEAUTIFUL weather! Here Hagen is picking out a pumpkin from the display...we were waiting in line to get in...he was SUPER excited!!

We did have a slow start though...you see Captain "I can dress myself" was bound and determined to wear a short sleeve...over my dead body...you will wear a cute fall outfit and like it...sweating and all..."Well, Noah better be wearing long sleeves then!"
When we got there Noah was in long sleeves...in fact Noah was sweating profusely because he had a sweater on! They too wanted fallish pictures, but pulled out the big guns with winter attire...

Mr. Man announcing our arrival...loud as always!

We had so much fun enjoying the weather. I of course got tons of "you are nuts" looks toting around a sleeping 5 month old Emily on top of my large belly.

After the patch I ran around some, we did things around the house and then it was 6:00...and little man hadn't eaten dinner...in fact, we forgot dinner! So we threw on some steaks and sat outside on the porch in the dark eating. It was SO nice! No wind, no flys, cozy, and Hagen thought it was super cool to sit on the couch outside between Mama and Daddy and eat...

Below, Hagen is TOTALLY cheating and standing on the root...

On Sunday Hagen woke up at 7:15. Most of the time Ryan is awake so I get to sleep in but he wasn't this morning. So I got up with him. I was EXHAUSTED! I felt so beat up and just couldn't do anything! Ryan woke up around 9:00 and I asked if he minded if I went back to bed. I did and woke up at noon! AND Ryan was on the 2nd load of laundry! He told me to go get my pedicure while I was out grabbing a few things for the evening...fabulous! I felt so refreshed! It means so much more to just have things taken care of instead of asking doesn't it?!

The picture below is our hot dog picnic...I swear I put make-up on...I look so tired and worn out...definitely not a Christmas card photo...

On Sunday night it was Ryan's Mom's birthday so Nana, Papa Tom, Aunt Sandy, and Uncle Tom came over. I pulled out all the stops and threw a Stouffer's Lasagna in the oven...don't be jealous. We had salad, bread, and lasagna. I loved it! I hope everyone else did too.

Everyone was gone by 7:30 including sweet friend who came for her shot...

Ryan and I crashed on the couch playing on our phones for a good 30-45 minutes just laying there and then picked up and went to bed.

Hagen pitched a fit this morning because he had to wear long sleeves and Daddy didn't. Last week Ryan told me when he was putting him to bed that Hagen said, "Daddy, will you tell Mama I want to wear shorts tomorrow because all my friends are and I want to too?"

Poor baby...I'm already embarrassing him and he's 3 1/2...just wait Hagen...It WILL get worse!!!

I pre-ordered "How to Train your Dragon" for Hagen as a gift from the baby. He has been wanting to get it. I took him to see it in the theatre...

Oh and on the way to the pumpkin patch we drove by 2 horses doing some dirty things. I'm sorry but seeing animals procreate just makes me gag! Those images stick in my sick mind way longer than they should! They were pretty much finished when we got next to them but in case Hagen saw we said, "Awww...they are dancing!!"...crisis averted...then Ryan had to say "Man, he's having a hard time putting it away!!" Nice Ryan...thanks for the followup...perv.

3 weeks 4 days...please please please hurry...

Tata,

Carrie

Quick Note...

Today has been a day of fabulous news! There is a guy that I work with and he and his wife adopted a beautiful little boy about 3 years ago. He and Hagen are about the same age. Well, they put their stuff in to adopt another precious baby and they found out yesterday they are getting a baby girl on November 10th!!! We always share our war stories with each other and swap advice on different things...it will be nice to do the same with our little ladies!!!

ALSO, just got a text from my friend that went through IVF...the one that comes over every night with a smile on her face and a bag of shot stuff. I give her the painful Progesterone shot while her hubby is out of town which he is alot. Well, she had her first sonogram (remember they put in 3 eggs) and there is a definite one and a possible one more! I HOPE and PRAY that she keeps this/these babies. Her past includes getting pregnant but not being able to keep pregnant. She is under a microscope so hopefully this is the one/two!!

Wonderful day...fabulous...SO full of excitement for these two families!!!

Carrie

Oldies turned goodies and a photo shoot

So I'm working from home today...waiting for the plumber that has YET to show up...it's 4:15...
I just called and they put me on Wednesday instead of today. Fabulous. So now "Bill" will show up on Saturday after 2:00. There is a moth ball smell under our kitchen sink and the dishwasher leaked all over the floor the other night. Ryan opened the dishwasher mid cycle and said I put too much soap in (which is funny because I use the pre-measured little dudes). I asked him how he know I over soaped and he said there is soapy water at the bottom. Hmm...soapy water in a dishwasher mid cycle? Man that sounds terrible! OR MAYBE it is because that is what it is SUPPOSED to do moron...who knows what it looks like in there mid cycle you dork! Shut the damn thing and put some towels out and shut it! Gah!

Hagen had a free photo shoot with a free 8X10 portrait with a professional photographer because my mom spent a fortune on his fall clothes at Janie and Jack. It was this morning and it wasn't looking like it was going to be a good one (crabby McCrabberson was in the house)...in comes a big bribe...a rainbow lollypop he has been talking about forever! Sure Hagen! Want a pony too? Anything you want honey because I get a free 8X10 and Nana needs a Christmas present!

Guess who was a perfect gem...I told the lady taking the pictures that I would be in the store but will stay away from them...told her to let me know if she needed me. I think she was appreciative of me giving her room to talk to him and become friends...she had him eating out of her palm by the time it was over!

We actually went to the candy store beforehand for him to pick out this obnoxious sucker...during the photo shoot I dropped it and it shattered. There was another Mom in there waiting and I asked her if she would tell him I'll be right back if he notices to exchange it. The lady at the candy store told me to just grab another one for free! Score!

So, the chair in Hazel's room. This has been in our family for a long time. Below is me sleeping on it. Yes, I said sleeping. I would just sleep anywhere. This was a popular place and so was over the arms of chairs and couches. I can sleep in any position, any where, any level of noise, you name it! Check out my cute potty training under ware...
And here it is the same...no refinishing...just new "clothes". I'm so glad to have it back! It's actually quite comfortable.

The next one is of my Dad on Christmas morning...I'm guessing when I was about 1...because I can see the large forehead on my brother in the background photo...he always had such a windshield growing up. He's a meanie...I feel that justifies me making fun of him...

Check out my Dad's hair! He was so handsome! He still is...he is one of those guys/men that can pull off balding...he is not BALD per se, but pretty close...still handsome. So, the rocking chair in the photo was in my room too! It was in bad shape when I was pregnant with Hagen but I wanted to keep it. My Dad repaired it, repainted it, and it turned out fabulous!!

Check it out with a cute little 1 week old Hagen. Notice the detail...he painted it black first and then put layers upon layers of red paint and then sanded the areas that would wear...the butt, the arms, the rockers, etc. It is so cute and still in his room...will be for awhile!!

I sent this to some of you but I will share with the rest. I'm addicted to These. Simply flavored with Olive Oil...they are big croutons so serving size of 3 is adequate...they are obnoxiously loud which is fun at dinner time....except tonight because I ate the WHOLE flipping bag! Diet? Gestational Diabetes? I guess I forgot today...this is one of the reasons that I can NOT stay home. I will eat everything in site!

Speaking of...maternity leave during the holidays...is there anything better?! I think not! I am already dreaming of pumpkin chocolate chip bread, baking my grandma's homemade sugar cookies, cider, hot chocolate, etc. I'm going to gain all the weight I should have gained during this pregnancy.

Have you ever seen the backyardagains? It's dumb...I got Hagen a Halloween DVD with them to keep him occupied so I could get some work done and it is just stupid! He likes it so it is doing what it is supposed to do.

Hagen has had an upset tummy for 5-6 days now...Casey, sorry I have to say it...let's say loose bowels? He is eating cheese, nothing spicy, doesn't drink juice really, so I'm not sure what is the deal. I left a message for the doctor about 2 hours ago and haven't heard back...I'm sure they will forget about us until it is too late to bring him in today...isn't that always what happens when you plan everything for one day that you are at home and it is scheduled perfectly? Hagen WAS going to go back to school after pictures, but the tummy issues put a stop to that...

4 weeks and 2 days...hurry on up!!!

Tata,

Carrie

Hazel Grace Darney's room! UPDATED WITH LINK

Here it is! We still have to get the lamp shades covered by the ubber talented Allison. They are going to be covered in the pink silk that is on the top tabs of the curtain and the tie backs. Then they will have a band of the black and white gingham.

This first photo is of a side table that I swiped from Mom's house. It is Hazel Grace Adams as a baby and her bronzed shoe.
This next photo shows the chair that was hers by the table. The open doorway goes to her vanity area and the closed door is her closet. You can see her coming home outfit hanging by an old doorknob. I have a few bows to choose from...

This is a view coming into her room! I made (don't faint) the letters above her bed. I got wooden letters and some scrapbook paper and mod podged them on there. I was quite impressed as I am NOT crafty.

And here is the Changing table area. My favorite part of this room is the picture! How CUTE is that?! I had it personalized with her name at the bottom. CUTE little girl on the beach.

This photo is to see the pattern in the sheet. It is a sherbet gingham...love it. I opted to not do bumper pads. We didn't use them with Hagen's room and so I saved a lot by not having those made. The striped blanket is made by my Mom...so talented...and the burp rag was made by another blog friend Heather! I ordered it for a friend that is having a little girl and she made an extra one for Hazel and threw it in...so sweet!!

I love her room! We have those solar shades on the windows of the house. Her room was a darker room, but he cream paint really lightened it up nicely!

UPDATE: Here is where I got the picture above the changing table. I was nervous because I hadn't heard of anyone ordering from them but they were GREAT!!! I changed Monterey to Hazel Grace...

What do you think???

Carrie

State Fair of Texas

My brother and sister in law came to the rescue again…they braved the State Fair of Texas with the boys on Friday! I got to keep my sweet niece who is now 5 months old!!

Emily went to my doctor appointment with me and was really good. Hazel Grace now weighs 5 pounds, is head down, and has a heartbeat of 140. She has a little bit if hair, but not near as much as Hagen did…so, we’ll see…may have to put her bow in the back at the mullet part! I will be induced on November 4th…wow! That’s like 4 ½ weeks away! Yippee!!! SO excited to have maternity leave during the holidays. How cool is that?!

Hagen and Noah had a blast at the fair! They left around 1:30 and didn’t come home till 9:30!! Ryan and I took Emily to Saltgrass for a date. You know how to get a lot of stares? Walk in 8 ½ months pregnant with a little one in a baby carrier by yourself. I got lots of “What are you thinking” looks and felt the need to tell everyone it was my niece and I’m watching her for the day. Was relieved when Ryan showed up.

Ryan hung things in Hazel’s room, Hagen and I did a little shopping, we grilled out, I made Coco’s spaghetti sauce (SO yummy), and cleaned out the garage. It was SUCH a nice weekend! Hagen has been so good lately. Just sweet and listening well. He has perfected the art of stalling especially at bedtime, but who doesn’t.

Not much to report on…things are going great, but just no news. Can’t wait to get my paws on this baby! I’m SO ready and can’t wait to see her. Hagen said that when he comes to the hospital he will help me count her fingers and toes…

I will say that carnie food does not sit well with Hagen...no accidents but I'm SHOCKED...bad tummy. Poor baby...

Tata,
Carrie

Random Bits!

Random!
1. I overheard Merrilee tell Ellery once that what she was eating was healthy for her body. I adopted that phrase and tell Hagen that certain things are healthy for his body to make him strong and grow. Well, the other day he was eating an apple and he proudly proclaimed, “This is healthy for my bottom Mama!” Yes, yes it is son…and your body…

2. Hagen has been very curious about babies in bellies naturally. Before bed we usually tell him a story but lately he has wanted to tell us a story. The other night he was telling Ryan a story and it went like this, “Mama came from Pia’s belly, Daddy came from Nana’s belly, I came from Mama’s belly, and Dapper came from Daddy’s belly”…well they both do have black hair so I can see why he thought that.

3. On those lines, Hagen was looking at Ryan the other day and seriously said, “Daddy, is there a baby in your belly?” Ryan was a bit pissed…I would understand.

4. Not sure why but Ryan had his hand in his pants the other day (I’m sure to resituate stuff…why do guys do that?) and Hagen saw him. He promptly said, “Daddy that’s “a-skustin” (disgusting) putting your hands in your pants!” Hmmm…I wonder if someone does any fiddling at school?!?

5. My friend that is pregnant after IVF comes over nightly for me to administer her progesterone shots. Last night she brought Hagen some Halloween bracelets…those ones that are all the craze with kids. Hagen has never had any! He loves her…he put on a bat one and asked her, “Did you get me bracelets because you like me?” She of course said yes..

6. I’m back at the stage of getting up throughout the night to go potty…last night it was 3…the night before was 6! Almost done….

7. I was starting to think that maybe I’m not diabetic (Dr. Darney). I was following the diet but my sugar was always way lower than it needed to be…not bad low, but more like I could have had something else to eat or a glass of milk…OR…candy corn. SO I’ve been on a candy corn kick and it wasn’t hurting my sugar! Until yesterday…it was high last night and it was still high this morning. It was fun while it lasted but back to staying on track.

8. I was dead asleep the other night and woke up to what I thought was something getting between my belly and the mattress…like a mouse or something! Come to find out, it was Hazel’s foot/elbow/whatever poking out…like a kickstand.

9. Ryan has been taking on more duties at home. I was getting irritated about him not helping more since I am just plain worn out and someone asked me if I had asked him to help with certain things? No…I didn’t. So I told Ryan I need some help and he said, “Sure…what can I help with” like no biggie. It’s amazing what communication does. Sounds stupid, but it’s true. Sometimes I just EXPECT him to read my mind! So now Ryan has taken over nite nite ritual and I cook dinner, clean up, and pack lunches. He said if I want to switch or need help cleaning up he can help there too. Good man I got…

10. Hazel’s room is ALMOST ready for a blog preview, but I have a few things I need to finish before. The lovely Allison is going to be covering some lamp shades for me and I need to hang some stuff above her crib, but other than that it is done…and so light and airy…and I love it!! Stay tuned.

11. I have a sonogram on Friday to see how big she is getting and see if she is head down. I will also get an induction date! Woo Hoo!

12. I admire my SAHM friends, but if ONE.MORE tells me I need to BF for as long as I can I’m going to go ballistic! I am an advocate for BF’ing, but you have to prepare and plan if you are going to continue once you go back to work. It was difficult for me. I often times parked in a church parking lot and pumped in my car because there was no place to do so in the office! Yep, it was empty and quiet and secluded…I had working Mom guilt so I pumped for 6 months…I was a low producer but stuck it out. BACK.OFF.

13. For Mom’s with winter babies…did they stay in cute little PJ’s for the first few months? I think newborns often look SO uncomfortable in real clothes. With her being a winter baby I am getting a lot of adorable PJ type outfits to keep her warm. I’m not talking about Carter’s PJ’s (which I have those too) I’m talking about the go out in public ones…Kissy Kissy being my favorite. Am I weird? I just can’t see why putting her in a dress and tights would be comfortable or easy. Ideas? Thoughts?

14. Darney Halloween decorations = bowl with 5 mini pumpkins...I suck

15. I hope Hagen is just as excited about Hazel when she is ACTUALLY here. They are learning the months of the year and he knows that Halloween is in October...and that Hazel will be here after Halloween. He keeps saying, "It's almost October and then Halloween will be here and then Hazel Grace!" Not sure if he is aware that his world is about to flip upside down...

Tata!
Carrie

What a fabulous weekend!!

I didn’t realize how much I needed some time to myself until I got it.

This weekend was wonderful! Ryan was hunting and left on Friday morning at 9:00 and was going to be gone until Sunday night so it was just going to be me and Hagen. I was planning on getting things done around the house and doing laundry which I hadn’t done in 2 weeks! Don’t gag…we have enough underwear in this house to clothe a small village so no one wore dirties…

On Saturday my parents wanted to take Hagen and I and Adam and his crew to shop for fall clothes for the kids! We met at Cantina Laredo to eat and then hit the mall. Hagen is going to be styling once again this fall…Papa and Pia have fabulous taste and don’t spare any expense…whatever their grandbabies want they get. I’m so excited it was chilly this morning so he could sport some new jeans..he looks adorable.

We wrapped up shopping around 3:00 and Mom and Dad took Hagen for a sleep over! My friend that has been having a difficult time conceiving (6 miscarriages) went through IVF and her hubby is out of town. She has been coming over nightly for me to help her with her shots and I thought it would be great for the both of us to get out of the house! SO we went to dinner at Patrizio’s and then to a new theatre in Allen called Gold Class Cinemas…it was unbelievable! 40 seats in the theatre, recliner chairs, waiter, and they even brought us a blanket. It was heaven. PLUS it was Saturday night and the next morning my sweet friend was finding out if the IVF worked…IT DID! Her number had to be over 50 and it was 182! So happy for her…there were 3 eggs put in...we'll see!!

I got to sleep in and then went to my parents house to get Hagen a change of clothes because…my brother Adam and his wife were taking the boys to 6 flags! It is more fun to take both of them because then they each had a kiddo to ride a ride with. So I had the whole day to myself on Sunday! I felt weird because he is usually always with me…I felt like I was pawning him off on people…made me feel bad, but I also really needed some time.

Hagen had a BLAST, Ryan came home early and was able to put Winter Rye in our yard and watch football, I organized Hazel’s room and drawers, and did a crapload of laundry. It was fabulous! It is so nice they live about 2 miles from us, the boys are about 11 months apart and the girls will be about 6 months apart…can you picture how easy it is going to be for babysitting when they grow up?! Switch off weekends…we keep their kids and then they keep ours so we can go out?! It’s perfect…plus we absolutely adore each other’s babies like they are our own…perfect.

Plus, it is chilly outside! I’m SO ready for fall…and this baby will be here in about 6 weeks?! I can’t believe it!!
Tata,
Carrie