The Kissie Monster Memoirs

Lady Gators.

2012-01-26T00:33:00.000-05:00

.11.14.11.

Our Superstar...out of 40+ girls, Kai made the cut [as a starter]!

As always, she rocked the court!

...and the Lady Gators started out the season 2-0!

Way to go, girls!

Crafty Grandpa

2012-01-24T22:52:00.000-05:00

.11.12.11.

My dad is and always has been pretty artistic! Doodles on my brown lunch bags, is one of my fondest childhood memories. I'm so happy my kids get to share in that fun. So, while recovering from surgery...he picked up a new hobby.

Smarties is kind of a Grandpa thing, that started w/Kailee!

Ryan & his Mater

Lambie oo'ing over her 'treasure box'!

1 for each of them...

The kids love them, they loving having a special place to tuck all their favorite things! Thanks Dad.

Veteran's Day

2012-01-23T23:09:00.000-05:00

.11.10.11.

Ryan's school put on a wonderful Veteran's Day program. I wish Fred was here to see it, it was very touching! I held it together pretty well, till they started handing out beautiful handmade cards for all the service members in attendance.

He loves being in the lime light!

“On this Veterans Day, let us remember the service of our veterans, and let us renew our national promise to fulfill our sacred obligations to our veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much so that we can live free.”

- Dan Lipinski

He's off...

2012-01-18T01:09:00.000-05:00

.11.07.11.

Almost exactly a year after welcoming him home, he was gone again! This time, he is off to Honduras for the year and while that will be an exciting adventure for Fred...it leaves a couple of Lovins who miss him SOOOO much!

Early AM flight = Everyone in jammies

Kisses for Chloe...

...and some hugs for the Mama.

One of Chloe...cause she's too darn cute! And it just breaks my heart that he is going to miss all of her amazing milestones...just like with Lambie. You will rarely hear me complain about the Army...but this, I am not a fan of.

Dinner w/friends.

2012-01-16T23:49:00.000-05:00

.11.06.11.

Sleep...

...awake...

...sleep, again.

Yup, that pretty much sums up the life of a baby...minus the eat & poop part!

The night before Fred was set to leave for Hondo, we had dinner with a couple from the unit he was leaving. Ryan & their daughter play really well together, plus they're expecting another little girl...so Chloe will have someone to play with too!

...oh Ryan. Anything to break your father's heart! lol

She's gonna be a great big sissy...Larkin snuggin' Chloe!

Big ole pot of chili...dinner was delish!

Ugh...and the dreaded 'Goodbye' post, comes tomorrow!

Fun in Charleston

2012-01-15T23:54:00.000-05:00

.11.05.11.

Off to Charleston...once again!

After picking up some yummy 'freats' at the Robot Candy Co. we had a delicious lunch at Mellow Mushroom. We ate there a couple times while Fred was in flight school...I do NOT remember it being that good! lol After lunch it was time for the Aquarium.

.tug o lambie.

My favorite, I love the giant river otters...I want to take them home!

.no fear.

Ewwww...touching it's mouth.

He's zoned out on something...lol

Daddy, helping out the Ry Guy.

.Kailee Bear.

Captain Ry!

.DUDE.

She was so mesmerized, just watching.

Teamwork.

Me and my honey bunny...<3

After the Aquarium it was back to King St. for some shopping. Fred surprised us with awesome Godiva covered strawberries.

You know we had too...

...and this is why! Holy yumminess...

It was a gorgeous day...not much more to say!

.La'Berry.

2012-01-15T00:59:00.000-05:00

.11.04.11.

So, it's Fred's last weekend before heading off to Honduras. We decided to have dinner at his fave 'local' burger place, B & D Burgers. We headed to the one downtown for the first time, thinking we'd hit up the 1st Friday Fireworks on River Street. But instead, we opted for La'Berry. Which was the yummier choice. ;]

.creations.

Fred's looked delish.

And since it was a little chilly out and a decent wall from one end of Broughton St. to the other. Fred took the little Lovins in the Pedi-cab while Kai & I strolled with Chloe, who was soundly asleep. Poor Pedi-cab, he sure earned his tip...lol

.Sweet Chloe.

2012-01-15T00:13:00.000-05:00

.11.02.11.

Just a quick collage of our sweet Chloe Jane...she's growing so fast, everyday is a new adventure!

.Trick or Treat.

2012-01-10T23:52:00.000-05:00

.10.31.11.

Chloe's 1st Halloween!

Lambie helping Daddy scooping out the guts. She really enjoyed it!

But, not as much as she loved dressing up! She still tries to wear the poodle skirt. lol

Ryan aka Snake Eyes

The little lovins, dressed up and ready to trick or treat.

It was alittle chilly, so she hung out in the carry cot for most of the night.

Lambie helped me pass out candy while we waited for Kailee, Nicole & Daddy to get home from soccer practice.

Finally home...and we're off!

Nicole, Jacob & Kailee...never too cool to get free candy, I guess!?

A few pics of Chloe's costume, from when it first arrived at the beginning of the month.

Isn't she the cutest little mermaid!?

...and since no one Boo'd the neighbors who started the boo'ing. Fred & I put together a basket for them...

The kids made out nicely...lots of candy for Mommy & Daddy to 'inspect'! It's such a bummer, that this is Fred's last holiday with us for the next year...so we certainly enjoyed the time we were able to spend together!

Halloween Party

2012-01-05T02:44:00.000-05:00

.10.30.11.

Halloween is a fun time of year. Costumes, parties...candy! So we headed over to a friends, for a little get together. Lots of yummy treats...

Our host & his adorable sponge.

Lambie & Maddie, rockin' out.

Daddy & the ghost baby.

Get it Ry, shake that thing!

Lambie schooling Daddy at ping pong!

The next few pics are just random party people pics...

We didn't stay too late since we had the little Lovins with us. [Kai was spending the night at a friends...like most weekends] But, we all had a great time & love spending time with Eli and his girls.

.sports.

2011-12-28T01:15:00.001-05:00

Our kids are insanely active and keep me super busy! Aside from hockey, Ryan decided to pick up a few weeks of tennis...

He's kind of a natural...and cute like Roddick...

...with a temper like McEnroe!!!

Kailee, finishing up soccer for the Y!

Always in the middle of the action!

.header.

She can hustle...

What the Lovins did while Sissy played soccer...

They loved spinning in the tire swing!!!

The West Chatham Ymca has an awesome playground!

That's about it for soccer...now on to Volleyball & the one constant we call Hockey!

Halloween is coming...

2011-12-26T01:34:00.000-05:00

.10.28.11.

Raven Co. haunted house!

They did it up pretty big. Even had the theatre dept. at a local University come in and do make-up! It worked, cause poor Ryan went through the 'non G-rated' version and was terrified!!!

Getting ready to take another group through...

.10.27.11.

Curlers in - check...Mani w/crackle polish - check...

New outfit - check...ready for the Halloween Dance - check!

^gorgeous girl ^

We've been Boo'd!

2011-12-23T01:45:00.000-05:00

.10.26.11.

This is the first time, in the history of our neighborhood that the Boo'ing has gone around! It's such a fun idea...I'm so glad our neighbor decided to start it!

Usually, it's just a bag of candy...but our Boo'ers were very generous. The bucket it came in was PERFECT for passing out candy!

.10.27.11.

The Boo baskets we made! The kids had so much fun sneaking around the neighborhood, ringing doorbells and running. I can't wait to do it again next year!

And I can't forget crazy hair day at school!

.3 Months.

2011-12-20T01:57:00.000-05:00

.10.25.11.

Look who is 3 months old!

Some of her current faves: Putting EVERYTHING in her mouth...

...and blowing bubbles! lol

She also likes to spin in circles on her playmat and pinch my boobs while nursing.

Oh the joys of motherhood ;]

Progress on the girls room...

2011-12-17T22:57:00.007-05:00

Still a work in progress...but, only a few minor details left.

Chloe's little crib nook.

I layed her down in her crib for the first time and she loved it!

So content!

Damask paintable wall paper...LOVE!

Repainted...

Lambie's butterflies...she loves them!

Still room for her kitchen and thanks to the colors in her Paris Toile PBK bedding, it still matches! :]

I love the way it's coming together!

Fall Festival

2011-12-10T13:15:00.006-05:00

.10.22.11.

Fall Festival at the Bamboo Gardens

Picking out their pumpkins...not a great selection.

Chloe, doing what she does best.

Face painting...tiny ninja!

Giant butterfly.

Local honey...so yummy.

Loving the honey sticks.

Time for pony rides!

Checking out the firetrucks.

Mommy & the middle Lovins.

Fall festival round 2. We got there late, but managed to catch Kai's performance and trunk or treating.

Coach's Game

2011-12-06T22:52:00.003-05:00

.10.21.11.

Loves her Tazo Refresh, just like Mama!

Just a fun afternoon getting eaten by gnats, watching Fred play in the Coach's game! It's been a while since he strapped on the cleats, but he quickly got in the game.

.goal kick.

They may have lost the game, but he's a winner in our book! ;]

Army Soldier Show

2011-12-04T20:16:00.004-05:00

.10.19.11.

We missed it the last couple years, but it's always so fun and entertaining. The MC, gave Chloe the blue monkey...which Lambie ended up with.

.Kai & Lambie.

Too cool to sit with us...

Another great show...

Ogeechee Seafood Festival

2011-12-03T23:02:00.006-05:00

.10.16.11.

It's time for some fun rides & yummy [fried] food!

Since Kai was off to Myrtle Beach w/her BFF Nicole to catch Never Shout Never playing at the House of Blues, we thought it might be fun for the little Lovins to get out and about too. They had a blast!

Ryan cracks me up...woo woo!

Fred too Ryan on a few big kid rides...

...while I strolled around with Chloe and watched Lambie on the kiddie sized ones.

Seriously Mom...this ones lame.

She can sleep through anything.

I can't believe Ryan is on this thing...

.lol.

Seeing them smile like this, makes my heart happy!

"You'll shoot your eye out..."

Taking a little Mommy break.

.silly baby.

.Crazy Slide.

I can't believe what a warm, gorgeous day it was...it certainly did not feel like mid-October. Don't get me wrong, I'm certainly not complaining...we love soaking up the sun! I just wish Kai was with us, but she had a FABULOUS time at the concert...can't beat that.

Petunia Pickle Bottom

2011-12-03T00:49:00.002-05:00

.Meander in Marseilles.

I completely lucked into a fabulous Nordstrom exclusive Petunia Pickle Bottom, thanks to my Brookie! We all know my obsession with black & white prints, only trumped by my love for PPB bags...so, I absolutely adore this. I'm usually more of a Touring Tote, kinda mama...and since I'm EBF'ing, the Boxy is rather empty, but it leaves plenty of room for my camera [and extra lens] so it's working out great. It looks fabulous with the Quinny Zapp Xtra...

...and even though it's not a perfect match, it's rather lovely hanging from the Xplory!

.love.

.Recent & Random.

2011-11-30T23:24:00.003-05:00

.10.12.11.

Sweet Kisses

Just some fun pics of the kids cruising around the neighborhood. This one looks like a brilliant idea...

Never too old for fun!

Awwww...Lambie had to go for a ride too!

...and look who's a Bumbo Baby!

She loves it...but only for a few minutes at a time!

.fire safety.

2011-11-29T21:41:00.004-05:00

.10.08.11.

What a way to wake up...we hear sirens often, but they never last long and once I realized these weren't fading into the distance, I instantly remembered the sirens from last year! So we rounded up the kids and outside we went...the boys were SOOOO excited!

The sirens brought everyone out...even in their jam jams!

Here they come!

Boy, were they LOUD!

One fire truck you don't mess with!

...and bringing up the rear, CANDY!

It's fun living on post!

.Soccer.

2011-11-28T22:10:00.004-05:00

.10.17 & 18.11.

Well, she wasn't planning on playing soccer. But, a friends team was in dire need of players so the Ymca drastically dropped the price for the season and we figured, why not!? Plus, Kailee was eager to play! It didn't take her long to get back into the swing of things...

.snoozin.

.be aggressive.

The last game Daddy spent on the sidelines. He pretty much took over coaching.

.Destiny.

.Kailee.

It was a pretty quick season, but it kept our weekends busy. Plus, it was good practice to get her ready for Garrison soccer try outs!

Quinny Zapp Xtra

2011-11-26T23:37:00.005-05:00

.10.05.11.

I'm sure some of you are surprised it took 2 whole months before I bought a new stroller...but, I actually wasn't planning on buying anything till sometime next year! However, I got a steal on a Zapp Xtra and just couldn't pass it up!

Not a whole lot in the box, since it no longer comes with the travel bag or rain cover!

However the car seat adapters are still included and it makes a fabulous, light weight travel system!

1 major improvement is the generous new canopy.

But, nothing beats the *new* reclining, reversible seat!!!

.Cooshy Seat.

The underbasket is still the same.

Awesome compact fold...and now a strap to keep it closed.

I have to say...I love it.

Picnic in the Park

2011-11-25T22:54:00.005-05:00

.10.02.11.

For the 3rd year in a row, we are off to Forsyth for Picnic in the Park! We met up with the Proper's & Danawi's as always, but also had a bunch more friends join in...too much socializing and not enough picture taking. So, here are the few I did snap!

Kai spent the night at Nicole's & when I went to pick her up...I got 3 for the price of 1! Let me tell you, any outing with these 3 is a crazy adventure.

.Mama, Chloe & the Ry Guy.

.Sweet Baby Girl.

Lambie & her best bud Emily...[if you can imagine the 'Dude, where's my car' scene w/the tattoo's] that's basically how this conversation went. "What color's my tongue?" "Red" "What color's my tongue?" "Red"...lick lick..."What color is it now?"...LOL

.bubbles.

After school outing...

2011-11-24T22:02:00.004-05:00

.9.30.11.

Gorgeous day in Savannah, Kai was spending the night at a friends, so we thought an after school trip to Forsyth might be fun for the little Lovins...and it was!

Kisses!

Grrrr...

.Daddy & Chloe.

The little lovins...

Disney on Ice

2011-11-23T23:18:00.005-05:00

.9.29.11.

Daddy & the middle Lovins spent the night with Disney on Ice!

Like we needed MORE glowing, spinning, nonsense toys in this house.

Daddy's a sucker!

.snowcones.

.nom nom nom.

Fred took SO many pictures, that I would be uploading for days...so here's just a few:

.genie.

.toy story.

.classics.

.rafiki.

They had so much fun, especially Lambie who got to see all her Princesses again. I wonder what Disney on Ice will be coming to Sav'h next!?

.more cake.

2011-11-21T20:13:00.003-05:00

.9.26.11.

Coldstone yumminess!

.the birthday girl.

Always something to giggle about in this house...

Make a wish!

Just one more birthday for the year...ME!

.2 Months.

2011-11-20T22:48:00.004-05:00

.9.25.11.

Our sweet baby girl is growing so fast...2 months have already come & gone!

Waiting for the Dr. at her 2 month 'well-baby'!

Throwin' up peace signs...lol

Those are some chubby cheekers...

Oh Daddy, you're so silly!

She just brings so much joy to our lives!

.14.

2011-11-18T21:50:00.006-05:00

.9.24.11.

Our gorgeous girl is 14!

The birthday celebration started with dinner at her favorite restaurant [Olive Garden]. We got a sitter for Lambie & Ryan, so Fred & I could have a mini-date [with Chloe in tow] across the dining room, so as not to embarrass the girls! lol

Then it was home for the party...Glee style!

Yup, still anti-cake!

But, not cupCAKEs or CAKEpops! ;]

.gifts.

What do you get the girl who has everything?!

.slushied.

.Dance Party.

.moves like jagger.

The boys found the left over 'staches from Fred's party.

No matter how many birthday's come & go...you'll always be our little girl!

1st day of Pre-k

2011-11-17T00:33:00.003-05:00

.9.20.11.

I still can't believe our little Lambie is off to Pre-k! She was more than ready to go. Mommy on the other hand, sure does miss her Starbucks buddy!!!

Her cubby...she picked the very first one!

.Lambie & Daddy.

It was a great first day! Most mornings she wakes up and asks,"Do I get to go to school today!?" I love that she's so eager to go & has so much fun learning. Definitely makes a mama proud!

More Birthday

2011-11-16T23:24:00.004-05:00

.9.11.11.

Since his party was a couple days before his actual birthday, we picked up a yummy ice cream cake so we could celebrate on Sept. 11th! But, really...we just wanted MORE cake! ;]

.make a wish.

Mustache Bash

2011-11-10T23:09:00.006-05:00

.9.10.11.

The Hubby turns 30 & we threw a little party to celebrate!

The balloons & streamers he didn't want. lol

The hubster & I!

Daddy & Miss Chloe

.People in 'staches.

.Party People.

A little sexii-ness!

.cornhole.

.badminton.

A little embarrassed by the singing.

It was quite a packed house.

.'stache group shot.

It was a great party, if I say so myself. I'm really glad that so many friends came out to celebrate Fred's birthday. Especially since he was just a few weeks away from shipping off to Honduras for a year.

1st Fireworks

2011-11-09T13:33:00.004-05:00

.9.03.11.

1st Friday fireworks on Riverstreet.

A first for Chloe & she slept right through them!

Her 1st spin in the BOB.

Gorgeous weather, I couldn't help but take her out for a stroll.

She looks SO tiny in it!

But cozy on her Petunia Pickle Bottom blankie...

Love her piggies!

Play Gym

2011-11-08T22:17:00.003-05:00

.9.02.11.

Boppy Flying Circus play gym

[Fun stuff for Chloe...LOVE it]

The ridiculously oversized box it came in...

Chloe, looking like she's about to duke it out with the clown!

Comfy, chillen' on the mini Boppy it comes with.

Big Sissy, telling her what everything is.

I was a little put off by the price...when did play mats get so expensive?! But, she's had lots of fun tummy time on this thing and even Lambie keeps stealing the toys for her own amusement, so I think we'll definitely be getting our money's worth out of it!

.1 Month.

2011-11-07T21:50:00.003-05:00

.8.25.11.

Our sweet baby girl is 1 month!

.loungin'.

Her cord took longer than expected to heal and had to be cauterized, so we just kept giving her sponge baths [probably longer then necessary, but we were cautious]...Daddy snuggin' Chloe after her first real bath! Which she loved...

Wrapped up and ready to head out for a stroll.

Back to School

2011-10-16T23:26:00.002-04:00

.8.22.11.

Hunter finally has a school 'on post'...well, kinda! It's mostly off post, but there is a gate right outside our housing area that leads to the school, there is also a parking lot & bus stop that is on our side of the fence...unfortunately, if you need to pick your kid up during school hours you have to drive off post and all the way around to the civi-side entrance. It's a nice looking school...and Ryan likes that his classroom is on the 2nd story.

He's gets his fashion tips from Urkel...lol

Ready to learn.

It's Kai's last year at Garrison...she's a {big} ole 8th Grader!

Eek!

.Staying on Tybee.

2011-10-15T18:34:00.007-04:00

.08.19 21.11.

After our morning with Brookie @ Forsyth, Chloe & I waited for Fred to get off work, so that we could head out to Tybee! Originally, we decided to not stay at the condo w/my Mom & Mark because Chloe was new and it just seemed easier being in the comforts at home. But, with all the driving back & forth we changed our minds and I'm so glad we did!

The next couple days were spent lounging by the pool...fabulous!

.Kailee & Chloe.

My biggest & littlest babies...

5+ years and this was our 1st trip to Uncle Bubba's!

Of course it packed, so we played alittle cornhole & hung out.

.downtown.

2011-10-14T23:32:00.004-04:00

.8.18.11.

After we tag teamed the kids open houses [I have no idea why they schedule them for the same time on the same day!?] we met up with Mom & Mark at Vinnie Van GoGo's in City Market for dinner!

.me & the hubs.

As if dinner wasn't delicious enough. Grandma treated the Lovins [& Fred] to ice cream from the Savannah Candy Kitchen.

.Lovins.

So we strolled down Riverstreet, walking off the huge ice cream cones! lol

.Mom & Mark.

Kailee's home...

2011-10-12T17:21:00.005-04:00

.8.16 & 17.11.

...and meeting her littlest sister for the first time!

She also brought Grandma & Pa back with her...

They rented a nice little condo by the beach. Ry, Lambie & Kailee stayed with them for the first couple nights...and since Fred still had to work, Chloe & I stayed at the house with him. But, we drove out every day to visit!

.typical teen.

He was itching to hit the beach...

Chloe's first trip to the beach...and it was a gorgeous day!

.Hot Mama.

She's no stranger to the beach...she's getting brave!

So excited to have my Mama in town!!!

.newborn.

2011-10-11T13:28:00.004-04:00

.August.

The first couple weeks of August were spent adjusting to life with a newborn. Nursing every 3-4 hours, sleeping most of the day, so easy going...she's quite possibly the cutest - gassiest baby I've ever met! lol Ryan & Lambie can't get enough of their littlest sister...always wanting to hold & snug her. Every morning Lambie comes in to our room and immediately walks to my side of the bed to peek in on Chloe. She has definitely taken to the role of 'Big Sissy'!

Ryan and [what I believe will become] his 'mini me'!

.1 week old.

.2 weeks old.

.scrunch.

.3 weeks old.

.piggies.

It breaks my heart how quickly the weeks have passed...but I look forward to every sweet moment the future has in store!

.Birth Story.

2011-09-29T01:05:00.002-04:00

The post you've all been waiting for!

*Warning* Birth pics...

7/20: [37w 6d] Dilated to 4cm & 75% effaced...stripped membranes.

7/21: [38w] Lost mucus plug - bloody show

...contractions off and on all weekend, nothing painful or uncomfortable, sometimes regular for hours on end...but nothing closer than 6min apart.

7/25: [38w 4d] A day like any other...A friend & her kids were over for a playdate.

4:30pm: Just sitting around chatting when I felt a small gush of fluid. Then a bigger gush, so I went to the bathroom and even after wiping several times I continued to feel wet. I called Fred at work to let him know that I thought my water had broke...while he rushed home, I did the dishes, put away some laundry & sent the kids over to the neighbors. Fred quickly changed & it was off to the Hospital we went.

6pm: They took us into this tiny triage ~~closet~~ room, strapped me to the monitors, the nurse checked with the nitrazine swab, it was positive [my water had broke] but it wasn't the whole sac...just the little bit trapped in front of her head [which was now acting like a plug]. Regardless, my water has NEVER broke on it's own...what a relief to know I wasn't crazy & I hadn't just peed myself! lol Contractions were mild but regular and dilated to 4-5cm.

Eventually, they moved us to a L&D room...

Hooked me back up to monitors & started an IV...

9pm: Contractions were picking up, the Dr. came in to finish breaking my water and that's when things really got started and the pain kicked in. I had been managing pretty well up to this point!

10pm: Dr. checked, we were at 6-7cm. The only thing more painful than the contractions was having to endure Fred watching WWE Monday Night Raw on the TV...lol

10:30pm: So much pain, I wanted to cry...but couldn't [literally could not cry...I tried]! I started feeling LOTS of pressure & a slight urge to push during contractions, the nurse checked me 8-9cm...she said, "It could be 15min, could be an hour!?" and walks out of the room.

Next contraction comes...definitely wanting to push, contraction is over and I still want to push. Fred runs into the hall, trying to find the nurse and she's no where to be found, he hits the call button and all they heard was me saying over & over..."I have to push, I have to push"...lol

11:00pm: 2 nurses & the on-call Dr. rush in...they start breaking down the bed & being busy, I really have no idea what was going on, I just wanted to effing PUSH!!!

11:07pm: The Dr. delivered her head and then I reached down and pulled out the rest of her little body and put her directly on my chest...no rips/tears and completely au natural!

Daddy cut the cord!

No surprise she was a big'n...8lbs 11oz of beautiful baby girl!

Exhausted & nursing...but on Cloud 9!

Checking out her Daddy Man!

We had a bunch of visitors, close friends & co-workers...but our two favorite, finally got to meet their baby sister!

We only stayed alittle over 24 hours, just anxious and ready to get home to our Lovins!

Dressed and ready to head home...

...in the car!

Napping w/his girls!

.2 days old.

EDD: August 4th, 2011

Born: July 25th, 2011 @ 11:07pm

Stats: 8lbs 11oz & 20 3/4in

Name: Chloe Jane Brielle...

.37 & 38.

2011-09-16T16:55:00.002-04:00

.7.14.11.

37 weeks & still [frank] breech...so we decided to go ahead with the ECV [external cephalic version]. Here's how it went...

-Checked into the hospital @ 7:30am

-Changed into a gown & strapped to monitors [fetal HR & contraction]

-Ultrasound just to make sure she was still breech [sure enough, she was]

...waiting...

-IV started [just in case]

-In depth ultrasound for measurements @ 9:00am [Chloe's est. weight 7lbs 9oz]

-Perinatologist & Dr. arrive, nurse & u/s tech still in the room. [a couple random people off to the side 'observing']

-Shot of Terbutaline in the arm [it made me SO jittery...awful stuff]

-Started the version, the Peri pushed her out of my pelvis [u/s], the other Dr. jumped in & they went counter clockwise...so if you invision a clock, she went from her head at 12 - 10 [u/s] 10-8 [u/s] final turn from 8 - 6 [u/s]. It took less than a minute...and was a complete success!

-No Epidural & all of it happened in a normal L&D Suite.

...waiting...

-Monitored for about an hour

-Released home @10:45am

Honestly, I would've done anything to avoid having a c-section...and I tried everything from handstands in the pool, ice packs on my tummy & laying inverted on an ironing board, little miss just wouldn't budge! As painful & scary as the ECV was...it was worth it & I'm thrilled that it worked! I'm also so thankful that Fred was able to be there by my side, it's cliche...but he's my rock.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

.7.21.11.

38 Weeks...who knew that labor was just days away!

.sunny.

2011-09-15T20:16:00.002-04:00

Just a gorgeous day for a trip to Forsyth! So, here's a few fun pics...

That's about as close to the sprayers as she got!

Laying out w/Dora was way more fun...

Such a Diva!

Getting ready for baby...

2011-09-14T17:18:00.005-04:00

.34 weeks.

My little sticker pack didn't have a '34 week' sticker...odd!

July was pretty much spent getting the last few baby items on the list! Lots of fun stuff started arriving in the mail...Nursing cover, {custom} Lovey Duds wrap, Boppy's, Bumbo's...etc. It was like Christmas had come early! ;] I was loving it...

I started nesting & Daddy started putting things together...I even caught him reading the directions!

{gasp}

.Fisher Price Snugabunny.

.Chloe's Corner.

...and then we waited!

.Happy 4th.

2011-09-12T21:56:00.006-04:00

.07.02.11.

Hunter AAF 4th of July Festivities

There were so many 4th of July activities. {FREE} swimming, bowling, petting zoo, crafts, bouncy houses...and Daddy wanted to do ALL of it! lol Unfortunately, at 8 months pregnant I was feeling a little Scrooge. So Mama took the morning off and Daddy ran the kids all over post, having a blast!

.Dunk it.

.Lambie feeding the Lambie.

I dunno, this pic just kinda makes me giggle...

Hydrating...It sure was hot out!

.Sack Race.

So, after their busy morning...they headed home to grab a bite, let Lambie nap & pick up the Mama's! Then it was off to see the live band & FIREWORKS...

.07.04.11.

Our 4th was a little less spectacular, but still a good time...we grilled out and then lit a few backyard fireworks w/the neighbors.

.the end.

.Ellis Square.

2011-09-08T13:38:00.004-04:00

.6.30.11.

Splashing around downtown & lunch w/Brookie before she headed off to Haiti!

Ryan loves all things water, so he ran...

...and jumped right in!

Lauren stayed as dry as possible!

After lunch at Wildwings, we took a stroll down to Starbucks...then a little window shopping before heading back to the car.

Where Brookie had a surprise for Chloe!!!

It was a looooong 2 weeks without out our Brookie...so glad she's home!!!

.Congrats Grad.

2011-08-15T13:40:00.005-04:00

.6.24.11.

Ever since Fred got home from this last deployment he's been working hard to juggle work, school & family life...but, it's all starting to pay off. He quickly earned his AA and is now only a couple classes away from earning his bachelors. I'm so proud of him and the example he's setting for our children!

Rockin' the cap & gown!

Getting his diploma...

How cute is Lambie in Daddy's cap!?

Weekend in ATL [Day 3]

2011-08-06T22:08:00.006-04:00

.6.19.11.

Father's Day @ the ATL Zoo

We gave Daddy the choice of activities for the day & he opted for a trip to the Zoo! Which was a huge hit w/the Lovins.

Who needs a dog!? Lets get a goat...we'll never have to mow the lawn again.

.Lazy Panda.

Z-OMG...he's SO cute!

One of those...'Hey Mom, watch this...' moments.

Lambie's favorite part of the zoo...

.teamwork.

Happy Father's Day to my wonderful husband & amazing dad...we are all super blessed to have you both in our lives, I truly wish everybody was so lucky!!!

This wraps up our little getaway to ATL. It was such a great weekend, jam packed with F.U.N.!

Weekend in ATL [Day 2]

2011-07-23T14:32:00.004-04:00

.6.19.11.

.Ry Guy's Day.

After our 'American Girl' breakfast, which entailed a reserved table in the hotel restaurant adorned w/pink table cloth, pink napkins, pink flowers...lol We headed back upstairs to start Ryan's day...which included a morning dip in the pool!

Great idea, Ry...everyone had fun!

Dripping through the lobby, Ryan signs in for our 'Good Knight' package!

Love this hotel...so many cute things for the kids!

Waiting for him back at the room...his tunic & sword.

Before we headed out to Medieval Times, we made a pit stop @ Trader Joe's...the kids stocked up on cookies & lollipops and daddy was big spending w/a case of $2 buck chuck! LOL

Fred was just as excited as Ryan!

In our seats...waiting for the show.

Lambie loving the tomato bisque!!!

Awww...so happy that 'our knight' threw her a carnation!

.pics from the tournament.

It's amazing how packed this place gets...not an empty seat in the joint! The food wasn't too shabby, but it's the show that's really fun to experience. We all enjoyed ourselves...especially the boys! So far we are having a fabulous weekend and it isn't even over yet...

Sneek Peek @ Chloe

2011-07-22T19:12:00.004-04:00

.6.19.11.

There is no doubt, we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of our sweet baby girl! So, we decided to head back to the same 3D ultrasound place we used with Lambie since that was such a fun experience! The staff at Baby's First Images are wonderful, we were able to include our family & friends via live webcast, so they could peek along with us. They also offer a military & returning customer discount so we definitely got our $$ worth!!!

At this point Chloe was STILL Frank Breech, which causes a bit of problem for any u/s tech...but, I was thrilled with the pics we got!

Yup, hands & feet in her face...that can't be comfy!?

Lambie & Ryan got a kick outa seeing their little sissy, they laughed at the thought of her poking herself in the eye with her big toe. It'll be interesting to see if she looks anything like her u/s pics...here's a comparison pic of Lambie & the 3d u/s we got with her at 31weeks!

Weekend in ATL [Day 1]

2011-07-19T16:18:00.003-04:00

.6.17.11.

.Lambie's Day.

Fred had a long weekend over Father's Day, so we decided to head upto ATL with the little Lovins for probably our last mini-vacay before Miss Chloe makes her appearance! The drive is never fun, but we headed straight for the American Girl store so that Lambie could pick out her very 1st AG doll! It took FOREVER, but she finally decided on a Bitty Twin. After that, it was time to check into the hotel...our first night, we opted for the American Girl package. Lambie & Rosie had their own special check-in! OMG, it was so cute.

A special bed, just for Rosie!

After dinner at PF Changs, it was back to the hotel...where room service brought the girls, milk & cookies! Lambie was LOVING all the pink...poor Ryan! lol

Snuggin' & Snackin'

Mandatory Fun Day

2011-07-13T23:17:00.005-04:00

.6.10.11.

What does Daddy do!? That's exactly what we learned from the Raven Family [Mandatory] Fun Day...lol

It's no surprise that Ryan had a BLAST!

With a brother like Ryan...wrapping bandages is a good skill to have!

Not exactly a horse drawn carriage, but Princess Lambie enjoyed the lift!

Chillen' in the back of the humvee...

...more guns!

This was their favorite part of the day...guess Daddy has a pretty cool job!

.lol.

They were given certificates & even got pinned!

Just one of my fave pics from the day...

The heat was pretty unbearable. 30+ weeks pregnant definitely didn't help...but, it was pretty cool for the kids to see what their Daddy does. Especially, when it's this job that takes him so far away from us...way too often and for way too long!

.School Awards.

2011-07-07T15:28:00.003-04:00

.6.09.11.

Kai, Destiny & Monica

Only 1 student from each class received this award!

Another great school year...She makes us insanely proud!!!

Special award she received for Drama, which is her major.

Way to go, Kailee!!!

We love you so much...keep up the good work!

8th Grade...here we come!

.30 & 31.

2011-07-06T17:04:00.000-04:00

.6.02.11.

Not much to report...Mama & Chloe are doing good.

.6.06.11.

Still breech, but growing great! Estimated weight...4lbs 4oz @ 31 weeks. She's also got some big ole feet...

.Field Day 2011.

2011-06-28T16:48:00.003-04:00

.5.27.11.

With the school year coming to a close, it was time for Field Day @ Ryan's school.

LOTS of silly events...

Shouldn't be too hard for him to pop, with that boney butt of his!

Watching all the crazy kids...

I can't believe she'll be doing this next year! O.o

.3 legged race.

Takin' a breather...enjoying an ice pop.

{HUGS}

Boy, was it hot out...

Savannah summers + 30 weeks pregnant = Sweating to death!

But, it was so worth it, to cheer on our boy and see Ryan having so much fun!

Happy Birthday, Little Dude!

2011-06-25T21:58:00.000-04:00

.5.25.11.

The Ry Guy turns 7!!!

We decorated the dining room while he was at school, so when he got home he had quite the SURPRISE!

They both seem pretty impressed...lol

...and this is what was awaiting him! Can you guess the theme?!

And it never fails...Fred had to fly the night of Ryan's Birthday. So, they shared a quick cupcake & opened a couple presents...before Daddy headed off to the flight line!

Wonder what he's wishing for?!

.Pizza Face.

Diggin' in to his yummy cake...

Time for presents...

...it took awhile. lol He had to inspect each one...

But, the one thing he wanted MOST was a skateboard...and of course, that's exactly what he got!

I love my sweet boy to death. He challenges me daily as a Mother...and definitely keeps me on my toes. He's wild n crazy & rough n tough...but, he knows how to melt my heart with a single hug. Happy Birthday, Ry Guy...thanks for making everyday and adventure!

Gnats w/Brookie

2011-06-24T09:21:00.000-04:00

.5.23.11.

Since April & May were both, crazy busy months for us...we didn't have much opportunity to see our favorite Brookie. So with the warm Spring weather, we decided it was time to catch a Sand Gnat's game. We met up with a few other friends, but unfortunately Fred had to pull last minute staff duty. Boo...

But, Brookie is the best! She brought our spoiled little Lovins some fun Birthday gifts!

Does someone want to tell him there is a baseball game going on!?

.Eli & the girls.

.No love for the camera.

.stolen from Brookie.

LOVES her!

.Brookie, Vanessa & Lambie.

.Bubble Fun.

2011-06-23T10:11:00.000-04:00

.5.16.11.

Lambie is addicted to bubbles!

Blowing, chasing, popping...she loves it all!

She couldn't wait to use all the fun new wands she got for her birthday.

.excited anticipation.

But, you know who blows the best bubbles?! Daddy!

{hugs} cause he's the best bubble blowing daddy...ever.

And since it was pretty nice out...we let the guinea pigs run wild for a bit!

.Pugsley.

Lambie's 4th Birthday!

2011-06-22T11:52:00.001-04:00

.5.15.11.

Happy Birthday, to our Sweet Little Lambie!

For Lambie's 4th Birthday it was off to Charleston. The S.Carolina Aquarium was showing a 4-D Dora & Diego feature and since we loved the Polar Express experience, we knew Dora & Diego was bound to be fun [especially for the kids]! And it certainly did not disappoint.

.Creepy Albino Alligator.

Exploring in the kids area...

Feeding the sting rays. We've never done it like this before...

But, the kids were willing participants because they didn't have to get their hands in the water...

Sharks!

You'll have to take my word for it...lol

lol...that took all of 2 steps to cross!

Ryan hanging on for dear life...6" off the ground!

Our gorgeous girl, on a gorgeous Charleston day!

.28 weeks.

Robot Candy Co. for some yummy 'freats'!

Kai's favorite!

Ryan...playing with his food!

.Gummy Army Guys.

This girl LOVES strawberry anything...

So after the aquarium, cruising downtown, grabbing lunch & alittle Starbucks...we headed home! And managed to make it back in plenty of time to throw up a few decorations, cake & presents.

4 candles gives off quite the glow! ;]

Haha, loves this face!

I can't believe our 'Baby Girl' is 4 years old and will soon be off to Pre-k! It's been amazing watching her grow from baby to toddler to big kid...her imagination never leaves a dull moment, her smile & laugh brightens anyday. I'm so lucky to be her Mommy! We love you, Lambie...

.28 weeks.

2011-06-21T10:20:00.000-04:00

.5.12.11.

Not much to report...Mommy & Little Miss Chloe are doing great, just sailing through this pregnancy. It's going by SO fast, I wish it would slow down.

Breakfast with Tiffany's

2011-06-20T16:08:00.000-04:00

.5.08.11.

Mother's Day

After waking up to breakfast & Starbucks in bed...we spent the morning hanging out & relaxing. Then it was off to the Sand Gnats game for alittle Mother's Day fun!

.bounce house.

.Grubbing.

She sure does love hot dogs...lol

...and who doesn't LOVE ice cream!?

.yummy treats.

.my boys.

And along with flowers & cards...as always, I got a new pair of earrings!

I absolutely LOVE these...'Tiffany Notes'!

I just want to thank my sweet husband & our amazing kids for making it such a special day. Trust me, I know how truly lucky I am to be their Mommy...I cherish every moment I have with them and I'm really looking forward to introducing Chloe to our little crew!

Seeing as how I'm totally lagging...I just want to wish all the Mama's a Happy [belated] Mother's Day!

Sidewalk Arts [2011]

2011-06-14T15:56:00.001-04:00

.4.30.11.

We're home from vacay & ready for a little Forsyth fun!

The Sidewalk Arts Festival is ALWAYS a good time.

They had 4 different bounce house/inflatable slides, Lambie looks a little terrified but Kai & Ry had a blast!

Daddy, workin' hard!

Mama & the big loves...

+Chloe [26 weeks]

.the art.

As you can see, it was another gorgeous day in Savannah...which we finished off with dinner @ Fred's buddies house, the kids bounced, mama chatted & the men brewed another batch of beer [this time an IPA].

Bye Bye, Cali! [day 12 & 13]

2011-06-13T21:19:00.002-04:00

.4.25.11.

We spent the day packing...yes, when packing for 5 it does take ALL day. Uncle Danny entertained the kids and even played ponies w/Lambie. She'll probably think twice before asking him to play w/her again...LOL

Fred did manage to sneak away & pick up Chloe's new pack n play...

It was way too good a deal to pass up & since it's a discontinued print, it wasn't available on-line or at any of the BRU's around us...Luckily, they happen to have it at the BRU by my Mom's! I know it's not pink & girlie, but it matches our bedroom perfectly...and if you know me...you know I'm anal about things matching! :]

.4.26.11.

4am, sure comes early! But, Gramma & Uncle Danny woke up to say goodbye...

...and this wraps up our California Vacation! We loved being surrounded by family and hanging out w/old friends. It was more than worth the $$, days spent planning & packing, the hours of flying and my massively swollen cankles...I couldn't have dreamed of a more AMAZING trip. So, we are thinking about doing it all over again next year...lol ;]

Easter [day 11]

2011-06-03T15:52:00.000-04:00

.4.24.11.

.Ry & a couple of his Uncles.

.Bubbles w/Lizzy.

Lambie is a bubble blowing addict...she could do this for hours!

...and makes it look so graceful! :]

Time to hunt Easter eggs...

Competition was fierce!

Making sure no one is looking...

.Kai & Uncle Dan.

.Beautiful Girls.

Our {BIG} amazing family!!!

Family [day 9 & 10]

2011-06-01T17:04:00.000-04:00

.4.22.11.

More lounging & shopping for Friday. Plus alittle packing as we got ready to head to Merced in the morning.

.4.23.11.

Just a random horse @ the end of my parents street...it bit Fred! LOL

Grandpa & his boy...

.Cousins.

We got to meet my sister Jen's adorable little girls for the first time!

Lizzy & Lambie chatting over french fries...

I didn't get a chance to snap a ton of pics. We mostly just spent the WHOLE night catching up with everyone. Aside from a couple significant others, it was amazing to have our family together! I wish we could do it more often, but with an insanely large family that is pretty scattered...GA, NV, UT, CA it's not an easy task to coordinate. Hopefully, it won't be too long till we can get together again! :]

Lazy days...[day 7 & 8]

2011-05-31T13:48:00.000-04:00

.4.20.11.

Wednesday, we met up with my Dad, Step-mom & sisters for breakfast. They decided to take Ryan home with them. So, while Ryan headed off to Grandpa Curt's...Kailee spent the day hanging out w/my Mom...then she was off to her Dad's for a couple days! So that just left us with 1 little Lambie...we did some shopping and alittle relaxing, before picking up Pasta Pomadora for dinner!

.4.21.11.

Back to Sunnyvale, to visit my Grandma & Aunt. It was a gorgeous sunny day...

So we spent sometime, soaking up the vitamin D in her abundant garden!

I can't look...he's gonna drop me!

We had some time to kill before my Aunt got off work, so we took a drive to Ortega Park [which is a completely different park now] SO many after school hours were spent rollerblading & playing football here!

They're just BIG kids!

Weeeeee...

After a super yummy Tao Tao dinner, Fred turned on the Sharks game & I thumbed through some old photo albums and found some cute ones of me & my best friend Emily!

No clue who the blonde one in the back is...lol

Up to this point, the vacation seemed to be going by slow & leisurely...but, all that was quickly about to change! Our last few days, definitely snuck up on us...

The City [day 6]

2011-05-28T13:00:00.010-04:00

.4.19.11. We made a family trip to San Francisco, which started out with a visit to the SF Zoo...

.Petting Zoo.

.Faster Uncle Danny, FASTER.

"I'm walking into spider web, so leave a message & I'll call you back..."
.bear.

.Men...total show offs.

After strolling the zoo for a couple hours, we all worked up quite an appetite. So it was off to Pier 39...

.LUNCH.

[z-omg...garlic fries]

Kai, ready to crack some crab...

Fred's clam chowder...

Riding the merry-go-round!

Gotta see the Sea Lions!

It was a foggy/chilly SF afternoon [as it should be] and I wouldn't have it any other way! I wish we had more time to spend in the City, but we were all pretty pooped...so after we wrapped up at Pier 39, it was back over the Bay Bridge to grandma's!

Back to the 'hood [day 4 & 5]

2011-05-22T23:21:00.008-04:00

.4.17.11.

Sunday, we took a drive down to Sunnyvale to meet up w/a Featherette friend from High School! After a yummy lunch @ Chipotle [which I crave constantly now] we headed around the corner to Las Palmas Park. Some of my earliest memories are of this park...we lived just down the street for the first 5 years of my life! So it's kinda cool to see my kids having the same kinda fun I remember...

Good catch, Kai!

.fluffy kittens turned mamas. .4.18.11.

...why yes, that is a giant egg!

Day date in Palo Alto w/my Jenna & our guys! First stop, Miyaki's...then Starbucks & the Prolific Oven! Super YUMMY day! Oh, even had a chance to stalk Miggy @ work...I miss my Bay Area peeps!

'Reveal Party' [day 3]

2011-05-06T22:38:00.022-04:00

.4.16.11.

We already had our Cali vacay planned & thought it would be fun to have a small little 'Reveal Party' to share the gender w/our close friends & family, since they miss SO much w/us being 3,000 miles away [thx to the Army]! But, once a party was mentioned...the guest list quickly grew. :] Awesome, the more...the merrier!

Obviously, we strayed from the norm pink/blue and decided to go with a purple/green theme. Which there was plenty of...lol

Looks like everyone is voting...BOY!

...even our fabulous blog readers, thought boy!

My little brother made this cake...and our cupcakes! No experience in baking or pastry's, he just whipped this up from scratch...uhmmm pretty amazing!Purple = Girl...Green = BoyIt's a GIRL!!!Let the mama eat cake...

{Party People}

.step-mom & aunt Laura. .auntie Elaine & the little lovins. .Kai & Shauna. [believe it or not...this is niece & auntie] .my oldest & dearest friend @ the party. .doing the mama thing since 1997. .they'll always be our 'babies'.

.skyping w/my sister in Utah.

.dad, uncle Mark, brother, hubby.

And a VERY special guest...my sister Jerrica!

.auntie & kai 'bout to duke it out.

People every where...inside, outside, upstairs, downstairs...so much for our 'little' party!

{Party Favors}

Mini flower pots w/seeds...ties in with the babies name!

Chloe: Verdant & Blooming .lollipops & personalized tags.

Guess it was a good party...lol

.24 weeks.

I really want to thank everyone who came & celebrated with us! We are VERY excited about this new & final addition to our family...I also want to add a {BIG} special thanks to my mom for hosting the party and my brother who slaved over fondant making the cake...it was a fabulous day! I'm so grateful for all our wonderful friends & family...we're so lucky.

Cali Vacay [day 1]

2011-05-04T12:55:00.003-04:00

.4.16.11.

Leaving...on a jet plane! A long overdue trip 'home'...kicked off w/some much needed Starbucks!

.Snackin' on the plane.

Well, after scouring craigslist to no avail...we seriously lucked into some awesome Sharks tix on stubhub! We 'thought' there might be a chance we'd be able to catch a playoff game, we had no idea it would be just a few short hours after we landed...So, it was off to HP Pavillion.

.24 weeks.

Just alittle scrummage...

Alittle Metallica, maybe!?

...and they WIN!!!

We were so exhausted by the time we left the shark tank, but oh man was it worth it!!!

Just enjoying the weather!

2011-05-03T21:07:00.004-04:00

.4.03.11.

Beach bummin' it...kinda what we do best! .Ewwww. .summer love. These kids are living the life...

Subway was closed, so the boys picked up a few pizza's!

Mad @ Mommy, cause I reminded her to breathe!

.Teens...'nough said.

Right before the 'Oh shit, look at the size of that stingray!' moment!

That's a pretty massive wave for Tybee...lol

.22 weeks.

Our last trip to the beach, before heading to Cali! We certainly missed the gorgeous weather...

.1st Friday.

2011-04-11T10:12:00.004-04:00

.April Fools Day.

It was a late night, but after dinner downtown we took the Lovins over to River Street to watch the 1st Friday Fireworks @ the Westin. We had a good 20 minute wait before they started, but the kids found plenty to entertain themselves.

Like...being crazy! lol

Lambie is usually not a fan of fireworks, but because they were across the river she actually really loved them! It was a quick display, but still fun...who doesn't love fireworks!?

...counting down to Cali...

.22 weeks.

2011-03-31T17:03:00.011-04:00

We had an OB check-up this morning! I'm feeling great & everything is looking good. Baby's HR was a steady 143bpm. We followed up our appt. w/lunch & alittle shopping! Sadly, nothing I can post because it's very gender specific...BUT, here are a few fun things we've picked up over the last month in preparation for our little one's arrival!

2011 Maxi Cosi Mico in Total Black Stokke Xplory Maxi Cosi adapters [easily pop on & off] And when you combine the Mico car seat, with the Xplory adapters you get...

One Fabulous travel system & a super happy Mama!!! :]

We also got the baby's bedding. Love Pottery Barn Kids! But, since we have 2 more weeks till our gender reveal party, you'll just have to guess which one we went with! Mwahaha

Hint: the polka dots in the middle is the actual crib skirt!

.Fun in the Sun.

2011-03-28T16:28:00.004-04:00

.3.19.11. Last [last] Saturday was super gorgeous. The Beach was begging us to come out & soak up the sun, we willingly obliged! Too busy LMAO to actually get pics of them skim boarding!

Eli's paddle board was a HUGE hit!

K, we're done...thanks for dragging it back to the car, Eli!

Maddie found a TON of sand dollars!

After a lunch @ Spanky's and alittle more splashing around on the beach, we headed over to Eli & Hunter's for dinner! Hubby grilled up some dee-licious chicken, asparagus & green beans...yummy. This was pretty much it for our 4-day weekend...lol Sunday was spent nursing sun burns & getting ready for the week ahead...

.bowling.

2011-03-27T12:12:00.010-04:00

.3.18.11.

Fred & the kids had a 4-day weekend thanks to the 'holiday'...so Friday, we decided to take the kiddo's bowling! Lets bowl! He's got his game face on... She's in it, to win it! Taking a pizza break!

ok boys, back to bowling!

.STRIKE. Still having fun, even though she mostly threw gutter balls!

'Winner' got an ice cream sundae...lucky, they were all winners! ;]