SHOW US YOUR LIFE

Every Friday is show us your life over at Kelly's Korner...I enjoyed participating so much last week that I will be again this week. This week is Wedding Party and Details.
I chose a deep red for the bridesmaid dresses...one for the wonderful crimson color...Roll Tide...and two they were included in an Amazing sale at David's Bridal for only $89 or 99 (I can't remember)...you can't beat that! I had 7 bridesmaids, 2 are my sisters, 2 are great friends from grade school, 3 are my best friends from college (and 1 is now my sister-in-law too). A great group of girls that I treasure so much in my life. I also had 5 flower girls (all mine and Zach's nieces) and 1 ring Bearer (our nephew).
Since the town was so small, we all walked to the Church. I loved this picture....our take on the Abby Road Rendition.
My dreamy husband. This is one of my favorite pictures from the whole day!

All the groomsmen and our little ring bearer.
The flowers I loved. They included calla lilies, hydrangeas, roses and coffee berries. My bouquet also included Tulips....my absolute favorite flower. The boutonnieres were mini calla lilies...not too girly which was a request from Zach.I didn't decorate the church really because it didn't need it in my opinion. It was simple and I found that to be absolutely gorgeous. The church had stained glass windows down the aisles and the decorations the church had up, I liked and were free! Always a plus.The reception was at Wolf Mountain Vineyards...I am quite the wine enthusiast. The staff at the vineyard was phenomenal and I didn't have a care in the world once we arrived. They took care of everything! The dance floor was on the back deck of the vineyard looking out over the mountains. It was beautiful. The food was delicious (even though I didn't get to eat it until afterwards). The cake was designed by a local baker. I would suggest anyone getting married to always start local, rather that big names. The cake was so good and for a whopping price of $250. If you haven't noticed, I am also loved to save a pretty penny anywhere I could.

If you want to see the slideshow from the big day...here is the link: http://www.brendaupton.com/slideshows/rzwed/

Also....if anyone is looking for a photographer that is AMAZING....in the Altlanta area use Brenda Upton...because of her and her wonderful photography, I can relive my wedding day any day I want.

24 week Appointment

Today, I had my 24 week appointment...I changed it from Wed. I had the diabetes test....boy did that sugar liquid hurt my stomach. I don't think I will be having a milkshake today. I got my blood drawn and Nurse Nancy said no news is good news...so we will see if they call in the next couple days. I had quite a few questions to ask Dr. Pohl about some changes happening in my body and he answered them as I got measured and he took the heart rate....of course due to this....I didn't ask him the heart rate. But it seems as though everything is looking great. Next appointment is August 24th and after that I see the doc every 2 weeks....I can't believe we are almost to that point....Seriously time really does fly!

And since time seems to fly so quickly, I have really been thinking more and more about this whole LABOR thing that will be taking place in 3 months. I have been doing more research on the steps that take place during labor and trying to mentally prepare myself for the changes my body will go through...just trying to wrap my brain around the fact the a baby will be coming out of my body! I don't think anyone can truly prepare themselves for the pain that comes from child birth but I am definitely not naive to it. But there are certain things that I feel very strongly about...just knowing myself.

1. I do not want to be induced to fulfill a "plan" I have in my head...to meet a certain deadline or because it will be easier for my doctor's schedule. I feel that childbirth is a very Natural thing that woman have been doing for thousands of years! I want the baby to come when he/she is ready. The only reason I would ever agree to be induced is if the doctor strongly recommends it for the baby's health.

2. I hate drugs, medicine, needles....especially HUGE ONES. I know this about myself and I have always been this way. A bottle of Tylenol lasts for years in my cabinet. I don't like the feeling of not having control of my body. I am just not all about it. So...you can probably imagine my hesitancy with an epidural. I am not against an epidural....because once again...how can you really mentally prepare yourself for that amount of pain....I am just not one who is 100% for it and looking forward to it.

3. I am a very mentally strong, positive person. And on the day of labor and actually from here on out...I want to surround myself with people who are also positive. In talking with people about certain ways I feel about labor or choices I have made to do my best to have a natural labor, I get so many mixed reactions....You are crazy....We will see how long that lasts....You have never been through it before....Have fun with that....and the lists goes on and on of negative things I have heard about something I feel strongly about. But ultimately....It is ME who will be going through this whole thing and is it too much to ask for a little POSITIVITY? All I ask for is encouragement and people saying "I can do it" to help reinforce in me what I already know.

Here is a 24 week belly pic...

I also picked up this cd for the baby---

I think Jewel has a beautiful and calming voice. The cd is full of absolutely gorgeous lullabies. I will be playing this as often as I can remember before we go to sleep so the baby will already know it once it is born.

Aside from Baby, as you all know, my sister's girls are visiting right now. I cannot believe how much they all grow from visit to visit, but the biggest change has been in Rylee. One thing that hasn't changed is her love for Zach. I don't know if you remember a post back around Christmas about how much Rylee just absolutely loved being with her Uncle Zach. But it hasn't changed. It is so sweet watching them play.

Here are pics from Christmas

6 Months!

Yesterday, I hit the 6 month mark and I feel great...Thank goodness! The baby has been moving a lot and Zach FINALLY can feel the movements. It is so cute how excited he gets and he is constantly feeling my tummy now. I love that he is getting to take part in everything now.

I have my 24 week appointment on Wednesday. I will be getting blood work done for the diabetes test. Hopefully that will go well.

I signed us up for 2 preperation courses, Showing & Glowing and Ready & Able. The classes are given at Gwinnett Medical, where we will be delivering. Showing & Glowing includes 3 classes that start August 5th. Ready & Able is also 3 classes and starts October 4th. I am really looking forward to these classes. I have gotten a ton of advice and have experience with infants, but it is still a good thing in my opinion.

Three of the four girls are here now. Mom brought Kayley, Ally and Rylee back with her from Disney. Here are a couple cute pics from last night.

SHOW US YOUR LIFE

I absolutely love reading Kelly Korner's blog and today is SHOW US YOUR LIFE- Wedding Dress. So, I thought I would participate!
My husband and I got married on September 6, 2008 (almost one year...YAY). We got married in Dahlonega, GA and the reception was at Wolf Mountain Vineyards (absolutely gorgeous!). If none of you have visited Dahlonega, I would suggest it for a weekend getaway. I love it!

My dress was made by Casablanca and I fell it love with in right when I saw it. I was looking at dresses online, saw it and immediately started calling all the bridal shops in the area. Once I tried it on, we bought it right then (the only dress I even tried on)....I wasn't even engaged yet...but knew it was coming :) One thing that was important to me was to get a "classic" dress. I didn't want anything trendy and I didn't want a strapless because I didn't want to be pulling it up all night. For all the single girls or soon to be married girls out there, I liked Casablanca too because they didn't charge for the hem (that can get pricey).

If you want to participate too....go to http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/

Killing Me!

As of late, not knowing who is inside me is KILLING ME...is it Ben or Zoe! Being able to feel the baby and knowing that he/she can hear us, it makes it all that much more real. Can November get here any faster...PLEASE!?!?!

My sister is letting us borrow her glider. My mom made the cushions for it with the fabric Chrysti wanted when Julie arrived and now is going to make the cushion for our little one. Let the decorating begin....kind of. It never hurts to look....or does it? Of course for me, I see fabrics and my mind goes crazy imagining everything that a room could be. Based on the fabric shopping....I would love for this baby to be a girl. Look at these adorable fabrics!

Gotta love the Houndstooth!

And I really love this for a boy....the selection is a little bit slimmer, especially when Zach thinks almost everything is too girly. But if we do have a boy...I am going to have to find a light blue houndstooth...I know it is out there! The greens in both are the same from the Pottery Barn bedding we ordered.

With my growing curiosity, I checked out about 10 different Chinese Lunar Calendars to predict the gender...I know, I know. It is just for fun....All say boy :) And no...I don't regret not finding out...I am still as excited as before that it all is going to be a surprise...just very anxious!

Lately, we have been talking and singing more to the baby...this all makes me fall more and more in love with Zach. It is amazing what a baby can do to a man! Choice of song last night, sung by Daddy to be, Pump It by Black Eyed Peas...I was thinking more along the lines of Rock-a-by Baby....but that is Zach :)

Date Night

Let me just start by saying I am so in Love! And reminded of it everyday in one way or another. I feel so truly blessed to be married to such a wonderful, loving, supportive, funny, down-to-earth man...that is real and gross and stinky at the same time...it makes life so perfect! I love being with someone that I can be 100% myself with...the good and the bad...the pretty and the ugly. Zach is such a blessing to me.

Today, I think he may have sensed that I was stressed or not having the best day. He called and told me when I got home from work to get ready to go on a date. Now, this never happens. If any of you haven't met us or don't know our "story", then let me fill you in. With Zach and I, there was no "dating", no "courting", no nervous picking up from my place and dropping me back off....It was love from the get go....being comfortable and infatuated...no games, no waiting by the phone. We never really had a first date. We lived 6 hours apart and spent weekends as often as we could together. But it was perfect to us!

So, since we never really dated....we never really went on dates. So for Zach to randomly call me up and say he was taking me on a date tonight made me really happy and gitty. Tonight, he really made me feel so loved and special. We got ready and he took me to my absolute favorite restaurant, Dominick's....and oh was it wonderful! There is nothing like spending quality one on one time with the one you love....no TV show or computer game or blog to interrupt. Just you and that other person....and some Frank or Dean playing in the background never hurts! It was a great night. And not that I need something like this all the time....heck I wouldn't want it all the time otherwise it wouldn't be as special...but I loved going on a date with my husband tonight! And look forward to our next one.

3's of Me

Three names I go by:
1. Rebecca
2. Becca
3. Becs

Three Jobs I have had in my life:
1. Chick-fil-a
2. Lifeguard
3. Nanny

Three Places I have lived:
1. Tuscaloosa, AL
2. Snellville, GA
3. Gulf Shores, AL

Three Favorite drinks:
1. Water
2. Cabernet Sauvignon ($2 Chuck)
3. Chai Tea

Three Favorite hobbies:
1. watching Broadway Shows
2. Designing
3. Running (even though it may not look like it....I really love it)

Three Pet Peeves:
1. couples sitting on the same side of a booth
2. people staring at accidents
3. women breastfeeding in public with no coverup....seriously a woman at story time on Tuesday...boob completely out in front of probably 25 people....maybe I am just too modest.

Three TV Shows that I watch:
1. Biggest Loser
2. Next Food Network Star
3. Private Practice

Three places I have been:
1. Redwood National Park
2. Grand Canyon
3. Beliz

People that text me regularly:
1. Kaitlin
2. Zach
3. That is all for regularly

Three of my favorite foods:
1. Ice Cream
2. Mac n Cheese
3. Raspberries

Three Things I am looking forward to:
1. Football Season...GO BAMA
2. November 14th....or sooner :)
3. Going to see Chicago on Sept. 10th!

The girls are here!

I don't know what it is....but a house just feels so different with kids in it....it feels more like a home. I love having my nieces visit. My mom brought Julie and Ally back with her for the week before they meet back up with Chrysti in Orlando on Monday. They are so cute with my growing belly, too. Ally keeps saying is the baby coming today! And Julie is just 100% positive it is a girl....that is all she knows having 3 sisters.

This morning I made the traditional Chocolate Chip with Whip Cream and Sprinkles breakfast. It is typically waffles but I am better with pancakes. The girls are playing with me and Phoebe today. Phoebe could not wait!

My attempt at Mister Linky

I saw this on Candace's blog and I thought I would try. I hope I did it right.

BABY PRODUCTS

I know, I know....The baby isn't even here yet....but I have had a little experience with children and know some good products that I would recommend...and some not so good ones, but we won't go into those. My first is one has been recommended to me from my sister. It is a swing that swings in both directions, front to back and side to side. She said that with all that she has learned in Occupational Therapy, this type of swing will be really beneficial to the baby's development early on. Not crazy about the North Pole theme...but such is life.

This I don't plan on needing, but you never know. They were so useful when I was with Dakota though. I would suggest if anyone is using formula to get at least 3 of these.

Not this one specifically, but a portable changing pad has been such a life saver in the past for me....many blowouts in the car! I am not a huge fan of public bathrooms, let alone a baby changing station. Having one of these in the back of the car helped a lot.

And then for cleaning, I really like Dreft Laundry detergent. Not only is it save for baby's skin, but it smells so good too.

Update

I am about to begin my 22nd week on Saturday...YAY! Time really does fly. A few updates:

*The baby has been kicking a lot in the mornings, not as much at night. Maybe he/she will be like its parents...Morning People. That would be such a blessing. Zach and I are ready for bed at about 9:00, actually get there around 10 though. Even though I find myself being able to sleep later these days, I have not always been this way. Zach is an earlier riser for work (4:30), but even on weekends we are at least up by 8:00. Before the ultrasound, I wasn't 100% sure if everything I was feeling was the baby. Now after actually seeing the baby and how much it was moving, I am very confident we have an active one. So exciting!

*I have not had many symptoms in these 22 weeks of pregnancy....an easy pregnancy if you ask me (knock on wood). But lately I have been having some cravings. I love me a milkshake and lots of cheese and crackers (chocolate and triscuits...cracked pepper and olive oil with sharp cheddar...if you want specifics) Oooo...these things just make me so happy! I find that Zach is really enjoying my cravings too....that boy could eat a milkshake everyday, twice a day....and has been lately. I have also found that I really don't have any interest at all in meats. Just not appealing to me right now.

*Sleeping actually has gotten easier as I have gotten bigger (I don't expect this to last, but happy for now). I found a pillow I really liked early on that fits my body well. I have been getting random ligament pains on my left side. The most recent one lasted for about 3 days. But nothing too terrible. I have found too that parts of my left hand or arm go weak or numb at times....don't know if that is normal, but I am assuming so.

*My sister Kaitlin went shopping at the outlets for 4th of July sales and said she is so glad I didn't find out the sex....she said there were so many cute things for babies and for so inexpensive....she would have gone broke. She did end up getting a cute sleeper with an elephant! Not finding out has really helped me save a pretty penny or two. I am not a big shopper to begin with, but you know you can't help want everything for the little ones. And I have to keep reminding myself....there will always be a sale!

That is it for now. I hope all of you are having a great week....Can you believe the year is more than half way over!?! Like I said, time flies!

Things Men Should Not do Past 30

Heard this on the radio and was cracking up through the whole thing. Hope you enjoy!

*Coin his own Nickname
*Use a wallet that fastens with velcro
*Play hacky sack
*Hang poster with tape or thumb tacks
*Skip
*Take a camera to a nude beach
*Let his Father do his taxes
*Shout out a response to "Are you ready to rock?"
*Name pets after middle earth creatures
*Wear concert t-shirts
*Air drum
*Sleep on a bare mattress
*Organize a Party Bus
*Put less than $10 in a gas tank
*Say 2 pts every time he throws something in the trash
*Say goodbye to anyone by tapping his chest and even to so much as whisper "Peace Out"
*Keg Stands
*Use 69 as his jersey number
*Play sports as if he is still in high school
*Should go on Spring Break
*Wear a ball cap backwards

Do you have any others????

Life's Little Instructions

Sing in the Shower

Treat Everyone like you want to be treated

Watch a sunrise at least once a year

Leave the toilet seat in the down position

Never refuse homemade brownies

Strive for excellence, not perfection

Plant a tree on your birthday

Learn three clean jokes

Return borrowed vehicles with the gas tank full

Compliment three people every day

Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them

Leave everything a little better than you found it

Keep it simple

Think big thoughts but relish small pleasures

Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know

Floss your teeth

Ask for a raise when you feel you've earned it

Be forgiving of yourself and others

Overtip breakfast waitresses

Say "thank you" a lot

Say "please" a lot

Avoid negative people

Buy whatever kids are selling on card tables in their front yards

Wear polished shoes

Remember other people's birthdays

Commit yourself to constant improvement

Carry jumper cables in you trunk

Have a firm handshake

Send lots of Valentine cards

Look people in the eye

Be the first to say "Hello"

Use the good silver

Return all things you borrow

Make new friends but cherish the old ones

Keep secrets

Sing in a choir

Plant flowers every spring

Have a dog

Always accept an outstretched hand

Stop blaming others. Take responsibility for every area of your life

Wave at kids on school buses

Be there when people need you

Feed a stranger's expired parking meter

Don't expect life to be fair

Never underestimate the power of love

Drink champagne for no reason at all

Live your life as an exclamation, not an explanation

Don't be afraid to say, "I don't know"

Don't be afraid to say, "I made a mistake"

Compliment even small improvements

Keep your promises (no matter what)

Marry only for love

Rekindle old friendships

Count your blessings

Call your mother

~Prayer Request~

I just read this prayer request for Kate on Kelly's Korner Blog....please read and pray! Brought tears to my eyes.

http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/

20 week Appointment

Today was our 20 week appointment....which means ULTRASOUND! Seeing our baby was so amazing. The technician measured and pointed out all the key organs...

heart with 4 chambers...CHECK

bladder....CHECK

stomach...CHECK

10 fingers and 10 toes....CHECK CHECK!

The baby was moving like crazy too! It's heart rate during the ultrasound was 151 but in the 140s with the doctor. It was 13 ounces and from all the measurements....the estimated due date was November 11th....and yes "it" is still an "it". I held strong...even through Zach begging to find out in the appointment. I had to get blood work done today and all the typical things. I have gained 10 lbs total....no complaints there considering the amount of sugar I have been eating lately. I also took home the wonderful drink for next appointment to test for diabetes....blah...and I got information on preparation classes to go to, which I will be signing us up for soon.
Here is the belly pic for 20 weeks. As you can see, I am now wearing a maternity bathing suit...so White Tummy!

We got a really great look at the baby's adorable face and profile. Here, the baby has it's hands right around its face....so sweet :)

Here is its little foot! The technician said that the baby is about the size of my hand...crown to rump...not including the legs and feet.

A fun pic we took this weekend after finding out Crystal's great news! So exciting! I am so glad I get to experience this phase of life with 2 of my best friends!