Christmas Break: Part 1

Brandon and I have been very busy during this first week of Christmas break.  I thought it was going by fast, but then when I tried to think back to a week from today it seems like forever ago.  I'm not complaining though.  We have lots of relaxing and preparing to do. Oh yeah, Brandon saved up a lot of vacation days, so he's been off with me too. 
Here are some highlights...

1.) Cor's Shower
Chelsea and Caitlin (Corie's sisters) Jen and I threw Cor her first baby shower.  The shower featured a pink and black zebra theme with lots of yummy food and treats.  The shower was at my house, so it took lots of prep, but hosting fun events is my favorite thing to do.  Being 35 weeks pregnant makes things a little more difficult, but my co-hosts and Brandon were a huge help! I think I'm getting this baby shower thing down... I love it... who's having a baby next, so I can do it again.  My new personal photographer, Sylvia, came and snapped some pics so Cor could have some memories of her special day.  

Cute Invitation

28 weeks and 35 weeks in the same dress

Jen's famous cake balls

Cute Cupcakes

Diaper Cake by Katie

Food Table

Table as you enter the shower

Me and Mom

The Lovely Hostesses

2.) The Birthday of our King: Christmas 
Brandon and I were able to divide our time fairly evenly between our families this year. On Christmas Eve we went to the early children mass at 4 with my parents.  Even though we were there early, it was still rather difficult to find a seat.  My mom and I enjoyed the mass and think it will be perfect for Madelyn next year.  We'll have to have a new tradition for a few years to accommodate our new baby girl. Then we went to the annual Christmas Eve gathering at Brandon's MeMa and PePa's house.  His entire family gets together on Christmas Eve to do a Chinese gift exchange, share their favorite Christmas treats, and gather as a family.  
This year was the first year we spent Christmas morning with just the two of us and it will be the last.

Our Family Stockings

Once we got going we went to my parents for lunch and exchange gifts.  This year was the latest we have ever opened presents and after lunch.

Tree at Mom and Dad's

My Nanny Mary gave me and Madelyn her first Cabbage Patch doll.  These were a big deal when I was a little girl.  I had several of them and I even visited the Cabbage Patch hospital in Atlanta, GA when I was younger.  She even came with a birth certificate and Mary named her Madelyn Paige. 

Maddy's First Baby Doll

My brother and I gave my mom her very first Coach purse.  She was very surprised and excited!  Thanks to the great outlet mall, we were able to pull it off. 

Mom and her new purse

After spending part of the day with my family we went to Brandon's parents' to hang out and exchange gifts with his family.  We have Shane, our nephew, an 

Art Supply box and some early readers.  He loves to color, draw, and create things. 

 3.) Preparing for Madelyn

I've been trying to get the most out of our time off to prepare for baby Madelyn.  I should have taken a picture of her room last weekend and then what it looks like now.  There was stuff everywhere on the floor of her room.  I finally feel like it is coming together.  There is still decorating to do and small details to focus on, but we've gotten a lot accomplished.  I washed all of her newborn clothes, mittens, and hats.  I also started preparing lots of lists.  Not really sure if I am "nesting" yet.  I feel like this is what I am suppose to be doing, so that we can take care of our little bundle of joy. My lists are a little compulsive... a list of what we need for her room, a list of what I need for the hospital, a list of what to pack for her, a list of what to pack for me... I'm sure I missing some lists. I've also organized her drawers... I spent a good amount at The Container Store today, Brandon didn't understand at first.  Once we got home and I put everything away in her drawers and he saw that it calmed me down a bit, he understood.  Here is a sneak peak of what her room currently looks like... keep in mind I'm not finished. 

Crib with unnecessary bedding

Glider Brandon picked out and assembled

Changer that needs a pad

Book shelf with baskets, my favorite way to organize!

Okay, I'm done talking about us!  This was way too long... I couldn't even reflect or give thanks... next time! 

Pink and Brown Baby Shower

It's almost been a week since two of my dearest friends gave me an amazing baby shower!  I call it the "Pink and Brown Baby Shower"  because every detail was pink and brown.  Sylvia mentioned in a blog that it had thrown up in her living room.  After seeing all of the little details that went into preparing everything I can see how it may have looked like that all over her apartment.  
Anyways...
Jen and Sylvia, without knowing each other previously, partnered up to throw me a wonderful baby shower for Madelyn Paige.  Both of these strong women have not had "the best of luck" this past fall.  I'm sure one of the last worries on their mind was a baby shower.  That did not stop them from planning together over the phone, threw email and even facebook.  After attending you would have never known that they didn't spend hours and hours together planning and coordinating.  I didn't even realize all of the little details until I got home and really looked at everything very closely.  The diaper cake alone was a big project... it even had a tutu.  

Diaper Cake by Sylvia

The decorations were well done and a perfect match for Madelyn's room.  Pink, brown, ribbons, bows, and frills!!!

Center of the Shower

The guest for my shower included best friends, friends from church, second moms and family, mostly from Brandon's side.  One of my best friends from Austin, Liz, even traveled in and stayed with us for the weekend to come. 
The food was awesome and the sweets were delicious!  I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the spread.

Food Spread

Did I mention the beautiful cake, Sylvia's Oreo balls, and Jen's signature cake balls?  This was defiantly a shower for a girl having a girl. 

Jen's Signature Cake Balls

The Cake "Welcome Baby Madelyn"

The shower also had a little twist.  Guest were asked to bring a book for Madelyn in place of a card.  I loved this!  She got a good start on her library with a verity of books.  Books her mommy and daddy can read her, books she can play with her self and books she can listen to before bed time.  The guests even wrote little messages to her, so she will know who got it for her when she reads it. Her favorite one will probably be "My Little Golden Book About God."  This was from her Loli that was actually my book when I was a little girl. I received this book as a birthday present when I turned 2. 

We received some great gifts!  We got almost everything to help prepare for the arrival of baby Madelyn.  

All the Awesome Gifts

Along with some essentials we also received some cute and original things as well.  Her family and friends are loving buying her girl clothes and accessories. One of my favs, that also has a story...

Miss Priss Bloomers from her Bevy

One of the items for nursery I was most anxious about was the bedding.  Well, Brandon's Aunt Linda saved the day.  I had no clue I was going to actually get her bedding and love it! (I was a good girl a week or so out from the shower and did not check my registries.) I love her bedding more then I thought I would.  I had only seen it online.  It matches her wall colors perfectly and goes well with her furniture.  Here is a sneak peak of the bedding.  I will post a pic of her bed with all of it on there later on. (Brandon has to help me put the sheets on.)

Quilt from her bedding

A huge THANK YOU goes to my best friend Jen and my Sylvita for doing a beautiful job putting on a baby shower in honor of Madelyn Paige!  We are so blessed to have sooo many true friends in our lives.  I wish I had a pic of us three, but I had to jack these pics from Sylvia's facebook.  I guess she choose not to put the one of us up.  Stay tuned on nursery pics and possibly more pics from Madelyn's showers. 
Thank you to all who came to help us prepare for the arrival of Madelyn Paige in late January.  We love you! 

Photo Session with Sylvita!

I'm a little late on this post!  The Saturday after Thanksgiving Brandon and I took "maternity" pictures.  This was something I insisted on doing.  We never truly took engagement pictures, so its was important to me to capture some pictures of just us and Madelyn in the womb. I was set on doing this even before we were pregnant.  Sylvia, not a professional, but a very creative and talented journalism major at Sam, offered to take them.  Oh, PS, and she's one of my bestest friends! After waiting several months for Madelyn to grow and show on the outside, it was time to go out and see if Brandon and I could be photogenic. We went to some places not too far from home. 
She took over 400 pictures and half of them Brandon is being a goof or my eyes are closed.  The other half are wonderful!!! Taking pictures is a lot more personal then you think, even with a really good friend.  Sylvia choose her favorites and edited them for us.   Within 24 hours of our first photo session with Sylvia McMillan I had all the pics on a pen drive.  I've even already made and ordered Christmas cards using one of the pics, stay tuned! 
The following are some of the artist's top choice!

 All pictures were taken and edited by Sylvia McMillan.  Her dad is so proud of her work and so are we!

I'll leave you with one last picture...

Yes, Brandon wanted to wear the wreath!

 

30 and Counting!

My Head is Spinning... but I can't complain!

I could really write for hours on the week's past events, all of our blessings, and what lil Madelyn Paige is doing in the womb.  Unfortunately, the clock is ticking and my bed awaits me. So, I will give a quick preview.  Some of these things really deserve much more attention, so I will give them the time later.  

Recent Events

Tickled Pink Baby Shower 
Saturday, I had my very first baby shower.  It was given by a close family friend, Denise, who also happens to be my Confirmation sponsor and my mom. The guest list was my mom's dearest friends (I was not a part of making this guest list.)  The shower was absolutely wonderful! There was not a detail left out. We received so many much needed items and some adorable clothes, blankets, and accessories for Madelyn. I will come back to share more details later. This picture of the cake matched the invitation as well as the other paper needs of the party, thanks to lori short designs!

Delicious Cake!

 Blessings 

I'm so amazed and in awe of all of the blessing pouring down on our family.  I'll be honest, I'm not a stress free person and I still worry.  I've just seen many prayers answered lately, in ways and opportunities I didn't even know existed. I can't share many details at this time, but things are falling into place. 

Madelyn Paige -30 weeks in the womb

 My belly is growing!  Half of the population says I am moving right along and just look big because I'm short and small.  The other half says I'll be having her early and look like I'm about to pop or having twins!  Well, my hope and prayer is that she doesn't come to early.  I also don't feel that big, except for when I get on the scale! 

I believe things are just changing right now, she's growing up! I can feel her feet now when I touch my stomach.  I also feel her sitting on my bladder and other organs.  I pee about 20 times a day.  I have spurts of energy here and there along with some occasional break emotional breakdowns. I think I'm in the stage where I'm worried she is coming and I'm not prepared for her and she is not done baking! I'm mentally ready for her, but her room isn't ready, my classroom isn't ready, and my house isn't ready!  Really, will I ever be?

Upcoming Events

On Friday, Brandon and I are flying to St. Louis for my cousin Heidi's wedding!  I'm super excited to see St. Louis, my family, and Heidi's wedding.  I'm so thankful I am not swollen yet and that I will look semi decent.  I will post also blog about this with pictures when we return.  

Well, Brandon is sending me text to come to bed, so I must go for now! I wish I had more time to upload pics and write more details. Hopefully over Thanksgiving I can catch up!

Three Months To Go

28 Weeks

Week: 28

Total Weight Gain: ??? I'm a little scared to look! I guess I'll find out Tuesday at the Doc.

Sleep: The same along with some crazy dreams!

Movement:  Lots and lots.  I think she moved positions.  I now feel her on the left side a lot more now.  Before, I was only feeling her on the right.

Food Cravings: No.

Belly button In or Out: Still In


Wedding ring On or Off: On


HAPPY or MOODY most of the time: Happy, most of the time.  I do get moody, when I get stressed out or have anxiety.  I try to prevent it as much as possible.  I always make a plan for everything, so that I am able to prevent from getting stressed out.  Sometimes, when my plan changes is when things get crazy.


Best Moment this Week: I don't really know! I might have to say Madelyn's first in the womb trip to CS for college football, except not celebrating the Raiders.  We went with my family to celebrate Philip's 50th birthday... he still needs a name!  Anyways... I was able to hang with my family, good friends... raiders and aggies, and just have some relaxing fun. Here's one of the only good pics that ended up on my camera . Its me and Sylvita!

Sarita and Sylvita

To Do List Update: I registered for a Prepared Birthing Class at "The Motherhood Center."  I feel a little better about that now.  I need to register for a breastfeeding class now.  I've also talked to a few ladies about watching Madelyn when I go back to work until the summer.  There is nothing set up yet and it might not even work out, but I have made contacts at least. Prayers that something will work out in this area.  I really don't want her to go to a daycare that young!

Weekly Baby Purchase: I got two things for Madelyn this week, but I didn't really "purchase" them.  I only paid for shipping.  One thanks to an email from another expecting mom and the other thanks to "junk" email I now get every other day.  Good thing I opened that one.
I got a sling from Seven Everyday Slings for free.  I only paid for shipping, $12, kind of a lot though!

Sling

I also got a nursing cover from Udder Covers for free!  This shipping was a little less.

Nursing Cover

I haven't received them in the mail, yet.  I'll let ya know how I like these when they come in, but I won't really know until I am able to put them to use with Madelyn.

I know sometimes my blogs are lame and not exciting.  When I have inspiring thoughts and views I will defiantly share!
Love, Sarah
(p.s how do I make a signature?)

Hello! Third Trimester

Week: 27


Total Weight Gain/Loss: 16 lbs. (as of four days ago)

Sleep: About the same.  Three pillows are a must.  One for my head, one between my legs, and one behind my back shoved under my lower back.  This requires Brandon's assistance.

Movement: Yes!  We discovered she loves music.  My family went to listen to my brother play a gig with an acoustic artiest for the first time and we also heard another band.  She was very active the entire time.  My mom was able to feel her for the first time, too!

Food Cravings: Not really! I love root beer, because its something other then water without caffeine.

Have you started to show yet?: Umm YES! I get a verity of comments on how far a long I look, usually from strangers.  Many can't believe I'm not due till January and some say I'm just fine.  I getting used to carrying her around now.

Belly Button In or Out: Still in.

Wedding ring on or off: On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!   Little things make me irritated.

Best Moment this Week: Hanging out with my family on Saturday night to listen to my brother play his first lil gig.  Then a late dinner at Blue Water.

Weekly Baby Purchase: I didn't actually buy it this weekend, but last weekend at a craft fair.  I just had to have it, plus her hat and bow collection has to start somewhere.

Knitted Newborn hat with a flower clip

Its from Diaper Delites!

Gifts for Baby: My mom saw one of her good friends, Tracy, this weekend for her daughter's baby shower. She made something especially for Madelyn, a daughter of Red Raiders! Thanks Tracy, it is so cute!

A lil Raider Tutu

Milestones: Madelyn's Nursery Is Painted!!!! Last Friday I started getting really anxious about my "To Do, before I'm Due List", including things from my last post.  I started thinking about our upcoming calendar.  Every weekend looked full.  The next available time for Brandon to paint her room was the weekend after Thanksgiving. That was just too far away, plus we all know, that's when you decorate for Christmas. After talking to my mom, I made a quick decision that this was the weekend.  When I got home I picked out the paint colors, told Brandon, and we planned for him to begin Saturday.  We choose two pinks.  A darker for an accent wall and a lighter pink for the other three walls.  Something else will soon be painted on the accent wall.  I will leave you in suspense until it is complete.  He worked his little heart out and got a lot done on Saturday.  He then finished Sunday.  He ALSO put the crib together!!! I love the paint choices I ended up with.  That usually doesn't happen for me. 

Pink Walls and Crib

I actually really enjoyed my second trimester.  I was no longer queasy and feeling hung over all of the time along with being extremely tired.  My anxiety also took some time off.  Yes, I still had stress, but over all I felt great.  I've been able to stay involved with all of my usual commitments... Servant Leader, Senior Class, Friends, being a LIFE skills teacher and began preparing for our little gift coming in January.  We are so blessed!  Sometimes I feel unworthy of having all of these great things.  I just thank our Lord every morning, night and moments in between!

Lots to do before I'm due!

Current To Do List -(What's on my mind now!)

1. Paint the nursery -Am I behind on this?  Should I have more done by now?  Madelyn's unprepared room is making me a little nervous.  I  know some would say I'm just fine and to not freak out, but those who are always on schedule might say differently.  Her furniture that we ordered has come in.  The dresser/changer and chest were already put together.  The crib is in a box and will stay like that until we paint.  I feel like its a domino effect... we must order bedding to decide paint color, then paint, and then Brandon can put the crib together.  (I'll keep you posted on this process.)

Madelyn's Furniture 

2. Birthing Classes -What? -I am lost!!! I hear so many different things.  Honestly, I don't want to think about the birthing process... I just want her to come out when its time.  Needles, blood, pain, hospitals... FREAK ME OUT! I'm worried learning more about this is just going to lead to anxiety about delivery.  I know... I need to stop being a wimp!  It must be AMAZING if so many women do it and then choose to do it over and over again! So, Brandon's job tonight is to look over some classes I've done some research on.

3. Find Childcare -This one subject makes me very anxious!  It looks like I will go back to work shortly after Spring Break.  That leaves two months, before I am off for the summer.  At this point I am looking for those two months.  I can worry about next year as the year progresses and during the summer if needed. The other challenge this brings is that I am very particular. (Yes, I know I am particular about a lot of things, but this is my baby girl.) In a dream world I would love to have someone come to my house, at least the first few months. Okay, I woke up. Probably not going to happen.  I would like to find a babysitter who keeps one or two other babies/toddlers.  Once she gets older three or four total under the age of four is fine.  I'm open for suggestions and recommendations on this! or if you would like to apply for the job, feel free!


4. Prepare my Classroom -What I teach is so rare and specialized that I feel like I need to do a lot of prep work before I am out for 6 to 9 weeks.  I have to prepare testing for my kiddos, my lessons, and my room!  I want it to be easy and smooth for my kiddos, paras, and sub.  The smoother it is for my kiddos, the easier it will be for everyone else.  My babies do not like change, so detailed instructions and explanations are a must!


***I'm always open for comments, suggestions, recommendations and advice!***
I'll have to do my 26 weeks update later!

Madelyn is the size of an Eggplant!

Week: 25

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I would say about 13lbs. or so.  I need to start watching it, she has a long way to go.

Sleep: Sleeping.  I must be in a certain position: left side, pillow in between my legs with my right knee propped up.  The position sometimes hurts my back though.

Best Moment This Week: Brandon painted Madelyn's bathroom aka. guest bathroom.  I've been wanting to decorate that bathroom and make it more inviting.  I thought it was a good idea to get it done before we tackled her room.

Movement: I finally have started to feel her, a lot.  It seems like once she gets going she doesn't stop.  At my Servant Leader meeting last night it felt like she was doing somersaults.  It still feels a little faint.  Brandon can feel some of her movement, but not all.

Food Cravings: No real cravings.  I just love food.  I'm probably eating more junk food (fast food, fried food, desserts etc.) then usual.  I still eat my fruits and veggies, so don't worry,

Anything make you queasy or sick?  Well, that was the story of my life this summer.  Not the case anymore.  The only think that makes me gag is changing my kiddos diapers at school.  (They're large kids, so its not the same as a baby.)  I use to not be bothered by it either.

Have you started to show yet: YES! Someone today asked if I was carrying twins... NO... I'm not that big for 25 weeks.  I am a short person, she doesn't have a lot of options on where to go.
The picture above doesn't do the bump justice this week... last weeks picture I looked much bigger... the shirt is a little big... room to grow.

Leakage: Well, yes!

Belly button in or out: In

Wedding ring on or off: On

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy!  I've actually never been this relaxed and non-anxious since I can remember.  I don't know what it is. Madelyn is a blessing.  I'm still able to do all of my extra curricular activities, take on more responsibility at work, and decorate my house all at the same time.  Don't get me wrong every once is a while I have a little stresser, but for the most part doing well in that department. 
I am a little cranky when I am really really tired.

Weekly Baby Pruchase: I just bought her some zip up sleepers today at Target.
 

Madelyn Paige is so LOVED!!!

Madelyn's wardrobe is growing fast and she hasn't even had a shower yet! Some of my wonderful girl friends have been shopping for her already. Its hard to resist baby girl clothes.  They're all so cute! 

My dear friend, Sylvia got Madelyn some cute outfits in various sizes that she can wear as she grows.  Sylvia especially enjoyed buying "My Aunt is my BFF."  Though, Sylvia is not her biological aunt, she will still be her "Tia Sylvita." 

On Monday afternoon I was surprised with a package from my best friend Corie in Lubbock.  I opened it to find some cute baby girl things.  Madelyn also received her first bow and headband from Cors!  She may need the headband for the first couple of months or maybe even the first year, if she is challenged in the growing hair department. Brandon especially loved the "Daddy Loves Me" onesie.  She will also be prepared to be a little raider with the pink tech bow and outfit.

Baby Hay is on the Way!

Madelyn Paige Haywood is expected to arrive sometime late January.  January 22 is her exact due date. That is only 4 months away! At this point I am feeling very unprepared.  Her room is a blank canvas waiting to be decorated.  This freaks me out a little... if you've met my new house you  know why.  It takes me forever to make decisions about decorating, because I like to have it "just so!"  I have made a few decisions so far.  Her furniture is ordered.  I also decided on colors... pinks and brown.  As of now, the Bare Minerals store is my inspiration.  Bedding and everything else has not yet been decided. I know I know I need to get a move on it.
We've also registered at Babies "R" Us! I guess we are right where we are suppose to be.  Check back in a month, we'll see how far we have come.

Madelyn received her first gift yesterday! My best friend Jen brought me the cutest little bitty onesie personalized just for Maddy. It is defiantly in the running to be her first outfit. I look at it and I just feel like oh I have a baby girl!!!!

2nd Blog Attempt

This is my second attempt at beginning a blog!  Like a lot of times in my life it takes me a while to make decisions and plan things out.  After sitting on the idea a little more, I decided to go in a new direction.  So, that brings us here to this blog... Haywood's Happenings!  A place to hear about what's happenin with the Haywoods. There are some big things happening lately! I might also have to give my opinion every once in a while or just share any of my life secrets.  Our "fan club" has told us before that they would love to watch Brandon and I on a reality show... we could bring you some laughs. Hope to see you around here!