The Armbruster Family

Top Ten

2012-01-30T19:38:00.002-05:00

As many of my friends are thinking about becoming new mommies, I've started thinking about what to tell them they should/shouldn't register for. I've created a top ten list for them of the things I wish I'd registered for.

1. Sound Machine

2. More swaddles

3. Bottle drying rack (I didn't want to take up counter space...ha!)

4. Paci clips (didn't think I would use a paci...ha ha!)

5. Newborn lounger (thanks Eli)

6. Nursing Tank

7. Hands free pumping bra (best invention ever!!!!)

http://www.amazon.com/PumpEase-Classic-Collection-hands-free-pumping/dp/B0034ISZ8O

8. Temporal thermomater

9. Bath luve (keeps baby warm in bath)

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3211997&clickId=339608723&affiliateCustomId=&affiliateId=3578

10. Ergo baby carrier (Bradford was too big for the bjorn at 6 months)

Anything you wish you'd added to that list so that you weren't sending your husband to walmart at 2 am????

One Fish Two Fish

2012-01-03T20:37:00.005-05:00

When trying to decide upon a theme for Bradford's first birthday, I did the only thing I know to do...call my sister! We built the idea from one picture of some fish on a cupcake and here's what it turned into (notice we didn't even serve cupcakes lol!)...

cake was a hit!

love my boy

pink yink drink

blue fish center piece

monthly picture banner

one fish two fish gift bag

cake by lisa e

nerds and swedish fish

didn't want to do a full candy bar and fish and gift bags but i had to incorporate my fish bowls ;)

1 year!

2012-01-03T20:08:00.005-05:00

I can't believe it's already been a year! What a blessing this year with my precious baby boy has been. I fall more in love with this lil man everyday and am so thankful that God has chosen me to be his mother. I often times don't feel that I am worthy of such a gift, but then again there are so many things God gives me that I don't deserve. I have pictures of his big party that are yet to come but for now, some pictures of my sweet boy taken by Wendy Gordon Photography.

Family Pics

2011-11-23T20:44:00.004-05:00

Hopefully the fact that I am just now posting Bradford's 9 month pics days before he turns 11 months...will be over shadowed by the amazing photos by Wendy Gordon Photography.

In hopes of a good shot for our Christmas card...

Love that face!

The center of our world.

Our family.

My boys.

8 months

2011-09-21T20:27:00.004-04:00

Better late than never I guess! I've FINALLY had time to upload some pictures of Bradford in his 8th month. His eight favorite things this month are...

1. His sippy cup

2. His Jumper

3. Playing Patty Cake

4. Listening to the Backyardigans CD (still refusing to watch anything on tv)

5. His Fisher Price race track

6. Being outside

7. Crawling and rolling around on mommy and daddy's bed

8. Gerber Yogurt Bites

Oh!!!!! How this little man has changed our lives and captured our hearts!

7 months

2011-08-07T21:08:00.002-04:00

At 7 months my sweet boys is doing so many new things here are a few...

1. jumping like a crazy man in his jumpy

2.bobbing his head to music

3.turning his head around to give momma kisses when he sits on my lap

4.flipping onto his tummy in his crib at night (kind of scary for me!)

5.finally eating a fruit in the morning (apples with oatmeal only)

6.getting annoyed when i give him too many kisses and grunting while turning his head (i hate that one :( )

7. loving his fisher price race track

Destin 2011

2011-07-20T14:24:00.003-04:00

In early July we took a girls trip (plus Bradford) to Destin, Florida. Though vacation was definitely different with a baby, I was lucky enough to have my mother, sister, and grandmother there for help. We had a great time and I can't wait to go back in the Spring and take Daddy!

He only like the pool if he was on my lap on the stairs and he HATED the sand!

We loved Jhonny Rockets at Destin Commons :)

Months 5 and 6

2011-07-01T20:12:00.004-04:00

Between getting my gallbladder removed and my laptop completely shutting down I have had no interest in blogging. So...here is my pitiful attempt at an update:

4 months

2011-05-15T20:35:00.002-04:00

Now that he's almost 5 months I figured I'd better post his 4 month pic ;) He is doing an amazing job of sleeping through the night (7-7) but does not like to take naps in his crib. We are trying to break him of this but it's so hard cuz I just want to hold him when he cries! He does not like his rice cereal...we have to pretty much force it down him. He loves his bouncy seat but is over his swing. He has rolled over but doesn't do it very much. Only when he's mad because he's tired of tummy time. He weighs 18lbs and is 29 inches tall. The doctor tells us he is in the 100 percentile for height and 90th for weight. He also tells us he is going to be a BIG boy. His pj's are 12 months now because he is too long for his 9 months ones. I am so excited about how much our lil man is growing and developing. I can't wait to get up each day to see his sweet face and what new things he has in store for us! Such joy he brings us daily.

3 Months

2011-04-13T21:56:00.002-04:00

Going back to work has really been rough on me. Needless to say blogging has not been a priority of mine as I have been relishing EVERY second with my sweet baby boy. So here is a very late 3 month shot...

2 months

2011-03-04T16:44:00.002-05:00

I cannot believe it's been 2 months since our lil man was born! Best two months of our lives for sure. I could never have imagined a love like the love I feel for our sweet Bradford. He has changed our lives so much and all for the better.

At 2 months he sleeps through the night and takes another big nap in the morning, a couple of short naps in the afternoon, and his last nap at 7pm. I was so scared he wouldn't be sleeping through the night when I went back to work but he's surpassed all my hopes and started doing it a month before I have to go back! He loves for me to hold him tight and is not yet a big fan of his swing or bouncer. He has just started to like his mat a little but hates tummy time. I just love spending my days watching him grow and getting all the kisses he will let me have. I am very thankful for my time off with him and am not looking forward to going back to work at all!

date night

2011-03-02T16:32:00.002-05:00

Scott and I had our first night away from Bradford last weekend. We went to a Monte Carlo night which was a fundraiser for United Way put on by his work. We had so much fun and even won free tanning visits! We also won the live auction for his company suit at Churchill Downs.

Believe it or not I didn't even shed a tear when I had to hand Bradford over to Scott's mom...I did however check the monitor a thousand times hoping he would wake up in the middle of the night so I could kiss those cheeks.

Roses from my sweet husband

A family pic before we left

a little late

2011-03-01T19:53:00.003-05:00

So I'm a little late but here is a pic of my valentine with his first valentine. He was so excited he threw both hands up in the air!

my little star

2011-02-11T13:42:00.002-05:00

Though the picture isn't the best because of the lighting in the gym...I had the pleasure of watching my niece play basketball last Saturday for her church, Highview. She is a very girly girl so I was so surprised and proud when she scored 2 baskets! Yeah Lexi! You will always be my little star.

bath time

2011-02-07T19:37:00.002-05:00

I have been a really bad mom and until Friday had only given Bradford sponge baths. I was just so afraid to put him in that tub. Finally I realized it had to be done so I forced Scott to do most of it. Bradford actually liked it so much better than the sponge baths we had been torturing him with which makes me feel even worse about prolonging it. Here is a shot of his relaxing tub bath...

favorites

2011-02-06T21:02:00.002-05:00

One thing I do miss about maternity leave are my co-workers and students. Thankfully one of my favorite people and her sweet daughters, one of which is my favorite student, came by to visit me and Bradford. It was so good to see them and catch up on what's going on in my classroom...even though somethings I could have gone without knowing!

a fun visit

2011-02-05T23:37:00.002-05:00

Thursday night Bradford and I ventured out for the second time to see my dear friend Pam's new house. I had so much fun hanging out with Pam, her family, and our aerobics instructor (whom Pam and I have become so close too). Obviously, it's been a while since I've been to work out class so I had been missing Ms. Betty. The house was gorgeous and Bradford just loved his cuddle time with everyone. Good friends are such a blessing...

the mall!

2011-01-31T15:26:00.003-05:00

On his one month birthday, my mother and I took Bradford on his first venture out of the house (besides the doctor). Of course there was no debating where it would be...THE MALL! He loved it, i mean why wouldn't he, and I see many many more trips there in his future. Just because he's a boy doesn't mean he can't love to shop ;)

1 month!

2011-01-30T11:04:00.002-05:00

I cannot believe it's already been a month since our sweet boy was born. What a month it has been! Though life as we knew it is over, we love our new family of three and could not be more in love with our lil man. I cannot praise The Lord enough for answering our prayers for a healthy child and blessing us with our sweet Bradford.

da bears!

2011-01-23T13:53:00.003-05:00

The one team Scott and I can agree on is The Bears. We have both been fans since childhood and we are so excited to have Bradford healthy and home with us to watch the game today. We are hoping his first super bowl is a win for our favorite team and will be cheering them on in their journey during the playoffs today...Go Bears!!!!

must have

2011-01-23T10:23:00.003-05:00

Today's groupon is for half off candleberry candles!!!! I consider myself a bit of a candle connoisseur and I cannot tell how amazing these candles are. They are made in Frankfort and have so many delicious scents. My favorite are Honey Buttered Rolls and Carolina Sugar Cane Mist...I refuse to ever buy any other brand of candles since I've had these. If you've never tried them I would HIGHLY suggest getting this groupon. Can you tell I'm excited?!

Groupon Link: www.groupon.com/louisville

answer to prayer

2011-01-22T15:57:00.002-05:00

As many of you know, our sweet Bradford has had a very rough 24 days of life. Last night, we got home from Kosair at 11pm. Bradford had emergency surgery for pyloric stenosis Thursday night. His pyloric sphincter was unusually large blocking food from entering his small intestine and causing him to projectile vomit nearly everything he ate. Though handing my 3 week old to a surgeon was the hardest thing I've ever done, with the power of prayer we got through it and he is feeling much better.

I cannot thank you enough for your thoughts and prayers for our little miracle...God is so good and He has once again shown me I can do all things with His strength. He is The Ultimate Healer and there is Nothing we will have to face that He can't carry us through. Just as His angels surrounded my Bradford on that operating table, they are with us in every trial big and small...Praise His Holy Name!

all ready

2011-01-12T18:31:00.002-05:00

Here is a shot of Bradford all ready for his first doctor's appointment last week. We got great news that he had surpased his birth weight and was in great health...Praise The Lord!!!

Visitors

2011-01-10T16:15:00.003-05:00

One thing is for sure...Bradford is very well loved! We have had many many visitors in his 11 days of life and are so blessed to have such wonderful friends and family. Here are a few shots of some of his fans...

His cousin Brady

His cousin Brenna

Papaw Dean and Cousin Lexi

Grandma

Auntie Pammies

Nani

Great Grandma Jan

December 29, 2010

2011-01-09T17:57:00.005-05:00

Here are a few shots from Bradford's Birthday...

Obviously I was not excited about having my picture taken at this point. I was still okay to text though.

Welcome to the world my sweet boy.

Daddy's first diaper change.

Not so sure about his first ride in the car seat.

Proud Papa!

Bradford Michael Armbruster

2011-01-02T00:06:00.004-05:00

At 2:30 am on Wednesday, December 29 I was awaken by the worst pain I have ever felt in my entire life. I immediately knew they were contractions but wasn't sure if it was "time." By 3:00 am I was in so much pain I didn't care if it was "time" or not and I woke Scott up and told him we were going to the hospital. When they checked me at 3:45 I was 3 cm dilated and by the time I got the epidural at 5:30 I was almost 6 cm. Sadly, very very sadly, the epidural did not take and I had a "natural birth" however...I've never had a more magical moment and Mr. Bradford is worth any pain I will ever endure. My husband immediately transformed into my hero and got me through one of the most difficult but wonderful moments in my life. My nurse encouraged me to focus and just get it done (she was wonderful) I then said a prayer that God would overcome my body and that through Him and only Him I could do this. Bradford Michael came into the world at 12:48 pm by the hands of my precious doctor Hunt Boyd who was not on call but rushed down during his lunch hour to answer one of my many prayers and deliver my sweet boy. He barely got dressed in time to "catch" him as he came plummeting out after what seemed like the longest 30 minutes of my life. He was born perfect with a head full of hair (another prayer answered) and my life changed forever. I thank you all for your thoughts and prayers as I introduce my prince...

Bradford Michael Armbruster

6lb 11oz 20 in

Finally Done

2010-12-19T21:21:00.003-05:00

I guess it's a good thing that Bradford decided to stay put a little longer because we just now got the monogram in and finished the room. I ordered the monogram when I ordered the bed in September and they both just recently arrived...feels like everything that has to do with the pregnancy is late :) Never the less, we are so excited to finally have the room finished and are now even more eager for this little guy to make his appearance.

a special day

2010-12-18T12:10:00.005-05:00

3 years ago today, my husband asked me to marry him. I was so thrilled when they changed my due date to December 18 because that is such a special day in our lives. I can remember walking up the stairs to my apartment and seeing him standing there with fire and ice roses (my favorite). I don't remember much that he said, but I do remember him saying "Are you ready because this is it?" That day, he made my dreams come true and today I am waiting on yet another dream to be fulfilled.

So here I am on that same day in 2010 feeling very blessed yet waiting and wishing today would be my son's birthday. It's very doubtful that it will be and also doubtful that my due date should have been moved up! Oh well... I know he will be here soon.

It's just too bad that on December 18, 2007 I said yes and on December 18, 2010 baby Bradford said...nope!

Our engagement Dinner

it's too cold!

2010-12-14T19:38:00.002-05:00

I'm thinking Bradford has decided that it's too cold for him to leave my warm and snuggly womb. At my appointment today my blood pressure was up and I was only .5 cm dilated. So...I go back on Thursday for a growth scan and the hope that I have dilated more and will be induced. If not, I have one more try on the 20th before my doctor leaves for Christmas vacation(the nerve of him). If he sees no progress on the 20th I have decided to wait until the 27th, when he gets back to welcome our baby boy into the world. Until then we will pray, pray, pray that my bp stays moderate enough that they don't force him out of me before he's ready!

say thanks

2010-12-12T22:16:00.000-05:00

Please click on the following link to send a post card to our troops. It's free and literally only takes 30 seconds!

http://www.letssaythanks.com/

oh bed rest...

2010-12-09T16:31:00.002-05:00

After the last of 3 doctors appointments this week my blood pressure is finally down and I'm starting to lose some of the mass amounts of fluid I've been retaining. All good news except I have to stay on bed rest until Bradford decides to make his grand entrance...which may be a while considering I'm making zero progress :( I never thought I would miss work but this bed rest business is not what I thought it would be. As for now I am just praying for patience and the peace that only God can give as I wait and wait and wait...

2 more weeks

2010-12-04T20:45:00.002-05:00

Hard to believe that Baby Bradford should be here in just 2 more weeks. I say should because I am showing no signs of him coming soon :( I have not had a growth scan yet and therefore have no idea how big this boy is however, as you can see from the picture above...I am huge!!!!! No matter the date or weight we are just praying for a healthy boy and are so very thankful to be parents soon.

It's in

2010-11-29T21:48:00.002-05:00

After the news from the doc that we are measuring a few weeks early, Scott and I figured it was time to put the car seat in. Though it feels very strange driving around with a car seat in my car...it is also very exciting and a reminder that we really are having a baby!

Shacklette Shower

2010-11-21T20:06:00.004-05:00

My wonderful friends at work threw Bradford the sweetest shower! It truly touched my heart to see how excited my co-workers are for Scott and I...our baby boy is so loved already!

Ms. Glen did so many special things for the shower. She is by far the nicest woman I have ever met.

"I'm cute, my mom's cute, and my daddy's lucky"

My sanctity at work...

Quite possibly my favorite student of all time...

My special cold stone creamery ice cream cake from Ms. Glen.

Pam and Jeni made some super cute snacks!

another exciting addition

2010-11-09T19:24:00.003-05:00

Though I'm not sure how many Christmas decorations I will be putting up this year for fear that they may stay up until may, I will be putting up our pottery barn stockings that I love. Just as I couldn't wait to get married to buy matching embroidered stockings, I also could not wait to buy one of pottery barn kids precious stockings for a baby. After weeks of trying to decide on one, we have decided on the reindeer. I loved the train too but Scott wants him to learn early what a deer looks like! I just love the little tail and can't wait until it arrives.

A shower for my little cowboy...

2010-10-23T22:14:00.007-04:00

As I sit and look through all of the amazing things that my family and friends bought for our little man I can't help but think back to this time last year when I thought I would never ever be able to conceive. My sister mentioned Hannah's prayer today at my shower today and it reminded me of what a blessing this little boy in my belly is. I prayed that prayer every day for nearly a year in hope and faith that God would one day bless me with a baby. Now that I am in my third trimester I have been caught up in the baby room, baby clothes, how to take care of the baby, etc. and have forgotten how unbelievably blessed I am to be bringing this miracle into the world. So please forgive the abundance of pictures but I am just so very excited to be a mommy :)

Gifts, Gifts...

and more gifts :)

One of only two pictures of myself that I had taken at the shower. This one is with my long time and so very special friend, Ashley.

The Cake and super cute sign my friend Pam made.

Baskets given away at the shower (thanks for the idea Devon).

My two sweet nieces in charge of giving out the tickets for the basket drawings.

The HUGE basket my mother has been putting together for me since before Bradford was even conceived!

The favor...handmade soap from my shower to theirs ;)

My amazing diaper cake (made by my oh so crafty sister in law) that matches his room perfect.

Loved the cowboy themed tables!

And of course, a delicious cowboy cake

Wear your camo and bring your ammo

2010-10-13T18:46:00.005-04:00

The theme chosen by my lovely yet redneck husband for his 30th birthday party was hunting. Though I was very skeptical of this venture, it turned out to be very fun and he had the time of his life. Happy Happy Birthday Scott! I love you more than you will ever know and can't wait for your 31st when Bradford is here to celebrate with us.

Since the Homemade Pie and Ice Cream Kitchen is Scott's favorite, I was determined for them to make his cake. Though they could not do Mossy Oak Camouflage, I think the deer turned out very nice.

Thank goodness camo is an up and coming fashion trend!

The birthday boy shooting clay pigeons.

The targets Scott requested for his party...I have no words.

His Mossy Oak Plates and napkins, Real Tree wouldn't do!

Opening his fishing pole.

Our sweet nephew Caleb taking a rest.

ul/uk game

2010-09-06T19:18:00.004-04:00

Though my Cards suffered yet another loss to UK, we had a blast at the game! My sister and Lexi joined Scott and I this year and though Lexi wasn't that interested in the game, she was a trooper and enjoyed all of the snacks. Guess I can always hope for a basketball upset...

Lexi trying to get some shade
The view from our awesome seats! Six rows from the field at the 40 yard line....not too shabby!

23 weeks!

2010-09-05T19:42:00.002-04:00

So here we are at somewhere around 23 weeks. Bradford and I are doing well. I am so thankful that I can feel him moving now...to say that I have been worried about his well being during this pregnancy would be an understatement! It was such a long road trying to get pregnant that I have sort of had the feeling it was too good to be true. However, the fact that I can no longer tie my shoes without him kicking me has been a wake up call that God really has blessed me with a baby. I am just elated with excitement and cannot wait to meet our lil man.

check

2010-08-29T18:21:00.006-04:00

Today with the help of my mother, Scott and I got to check a BIG thing off our things to do list...the baby furniture!!!! We are so excited! My father is also getting us the bed and we should have it all by next week! I can't believe it will be here so soon! I guess we'd better get started on those navy and white stripes. Thanks mom and dad for helping us achieve our dream nursery for precious Bradford.

This nightstand is actually in washed navy but they didn't have a picture of that.

Our bedding is not these theme but this is the bed.

a tribute

2010-08-13T20:05:00.002-04:00

Since my first friend at Shacklette is no longer with me, I had to do a bulletin board to tribute her. Though my board took WAY TOO LONG to do this year, because I kept messing up the grid, the finished product was well worth it. So...what do you think Devon? Do I meet your expectations?

My best birthday yet

2010-08-12T20:25:00.003-04:00

Finding out that I have a healthy baby boy in my belly was by far the best birthday gift I have ever received. Though all of my dreams came true at my ultrasound on Friday, my friends and family got me some great presents too :) I celebrated with my father on Friday, Scott's family on Saturday, and my mother on Sunday. It was a fun filled weekend with so much to celebrate! Thanks to everyone for all of the birthday wishes.

Poll is closed

2010-08-11T19:14:00.003-04:00

Thanks to all who voted for our baby's gender! The pole is now closed because the verdict is in and...it's a boy!!! I do not have a scanner so this is the best pic I could get of our little man. Scott and I are over joyed with our big news and can't wait to meet Bradford Michael in about 4 months.

18 weeks????

2010-08-03T20:46:00.003-04:00

So I am now somewhere between 18 and 20 weeks and anxiously awaiting the big appointment on Friday. My stomach has risen a little and is definitely GROWING!!!!! I cannot believe how big I am getting. My thoughts right now are that there is a little boy growing in there but I really have nothing to back that up other than a lower heart rate. However, it could be Scott's influence that I think it's a boy because he's sure convinced :) Pink or blue I just want a healthy baby and am praying that everything is okay in there because I'm not sure that I have felt any movement yet. Please pray for our baby as he/she grows and be sure and vote if you haven't already...the boy vote is really catching up with the girl!

When mommy's away...

2010-07-29T20:37:00.002-04:00

Lexi and Aunt Dena will play!!!!!!
I cannot tell you how much I love being an aunt! Wednesday my sister had professional development all day and I got the honor of watching my precious niece Lexi. We had sooooooooo much fun doing anything and everything that she wanted to do. She is so thankful and sweet that my hearts melts every second that I am with her. Thank you Michelle for trusting me with your crown jewel and thank you Jesus for blessing me with such an amazing day with an amazing girl.

Our first stop was to the bookstore

Then we headed to the pie kitchen

Not pictured are trips to McDonalds, Target, Dicks, and lots and lots of playtime with Rommel!

HullabaLOU

2010-07-26T23:07:00.002-04:00

This weekend Scott and I had the privilege to see two of our favorite bands in the same night...The Zac Brown Band and The Dave Matthews Band! We have been anticipating HullabaLOU since Christmas when my dad surprised us with the tickets. As always, Dave did not disappoint and The Zac Brown Band was amazing too. Though it was very hot, it was so worth it and due to the fact that I didn't die of heat exhaustion...I think the baby's gonna be a Dave fan just like his mommy and daddy ;)

The highlight of the night...Dave and Zac singing All Along The Watchtower together!

Scott awaiting the Justin Moore Show at the Fleur De Lis Stage

Here it is...

2010-07-13T16:48:00.003-04:00

Well I figured my belly is only going to get bigger so I had better embrace it! Here I am in all of my pregnancy glory. And to think...I haven't even had a craving yet! No telling how big I'm going to get! However I have prayed and prayed for this baby for so long that as long has he/she is healthy I will deal with whatever weight, pains, or nausea that I have to. I know I am astonishingly big for 15 weeks...my uterus is already very high as you can see! So can anyone tell from the placement of this little person if it's a boy or girl?????

14 week check up

2010-07-06T18:58:00.002-04:00

Today I got to hear my precious baby's heart beat again. Every time I cry and thank God for this miracle He has blessed us with...this time however through my tears...I hear Scott ask the doctor for the heart rate (he was dying for it to be low). Though I was almost convinced I was having a girl, I have now shifted my thoughts since the heart rate dropped from 165 to 145. I of course will be happy with whatever God gives us...Scott however really has his heart set on a little boy. Only one more month and all of our guesses will be put to an end...I can't wait! Doctor Boyd is still unsure about my due date because my uterus was a lot higher than normal for 14 weeks...uggh! All of this uncertainty is really starting to annoy me but I know that God has a plan and baby Armbruster will come in His perfect timing.

So...please tell me the heart rates of your bundles of joy... I am wondering if the old wives tales are true?!

a few pics from the past

2010-06-30T15:22:00.004-04:00

Some picture I took before I "came out of the closet" with my pregnancy:

My mom and grandma surprised Scott and I with a congratulatory cake from our favorite, the Pie Kitchen.

My favorite store in Minnesota. They had the cutest maternity stuff!

A super cute goodie bag from my precious friend Pam

More cute gifts from my friend Erin

A mothers day gift from my sweet sister

June 28, 2008

2010-06-30T15:10:00.002-04:00

Over 2 years ago on June 28, 2008 I married the love of my life. The past two years have flown by and I am more in love with him now than I have ever been. Scott and I had a great day celebrating our anniversary on Sunday. We went to see the movie "Grown Ups" starring Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, David Spade, and Kevin James. It was funny but I would recommend it as a rental. We then got all dressed up and went to dinner. I got Scott some Mossy Oak Camo gear for his hunting obsession and he got me a pair of Jack Rodgers sandals that I have been coveting for a while now. I feel beyond blessed to have married my soul mate and to be carrying his child. I praise God for His gift of marriage and pray that we have many, many more anniversaries in our future.

with bump not plump

2010-06-28T17:00:00.004-04:00

As soon as I found out I was pregnant my quest for cute maternity clothing began. Good thing we went to the Mall of America! I found this unbelievably cute shirt at a place called Hot Mama. I love to wear it now because though my bump is growing by leaps and bounds I still get the "is she pregnant or just fat?" look. This shirt answers that question and makes me feel a whole lot better about the fact that I can no longer suck my stomach in :)

hello 2nd trimester

2010-06-27T20:48:00.002-04:00

I am very excited to be entering my second trimester today! Though I (and my previous doctor) feel that I am farther along than this. It was killing me not to have a due date so I am sticking to the latest possible day that it can be, January 2, 2011. Since my life has been full of changes in the last 3 months I have decided to post what's going on with my body these days. So the following are my top 10 symptoms as of 13 weeks...

1. MORNING SICKNESS!!!!!! All day and all night :(
2. Food aversions-I have no cravings yet but I cannot stand the sight of many many foods. Including cake which I used to love!
3. Weight gain-though I know this is normal, I feel that I look like I am 30 weeks pregnant instead of 13!
4. Acne-no words needed
5. Moodiness- my poor husband
6. Crazy sense of smell-if someone is cooking eggs within 50 feet of me I will vomit continually.
7. hair growth-the hair on my legs and my head are at an all time high for overnight growth
8. fatigue-i can sleep anytime,anywhere, for as long as possible
9. aversion to the heat-which is traumatic for my tan!
10. nervousness-if i stump my toe i call the doc and beg for an ultrasound to make sure the baby is ok (Ive already had 6)

Please understand that I am not complaining...I am so very thankful to be pregnant :) Though my husband thinks this baby is a boy, everyone around me feels that it is a girl because of all of my symptoms and the baby's crazy high heart rate. I'm trying to find a gadget so I can get your votes too!

Daddy to be...

2010-06-20T17:27:00.002-04:00

Well... as my favorite Bible verse says...God has a special plan for our lives. Through the last three months He has revealed His new plan for Scott and I. We are going to be parents. Though doctor after doctor told us it couldn't be done on our own, the Ultimate Healer showed them who's boss! We are so very excited to be pregnant and have had an especially great day today celebrating with our fathers and Scott who will be a father in late December/Early January (doctors have had a hard time with our due date and it changes every time we go). We would appreciate your prayers as we continue down this wonderful but not so easy road (I have very sick all day every day for the last 7 weeks). Once again I proclaim...God is so good and His plan for our lives is so beyond anything that we could ever imagine!

Baby's first outfit given to Scott...I am not thrilled about this one!!!

5 of the 8 tests that I took...I guess you could say I was in shock!

Dream come true

2010-06-18T19:54:00.004-04:00

A couple of weeks ago my mother made one of my lifelong dreams come true. She took me and my sister to the mall of america! Words cannot express how amazing this place was to a woman like myself who adores shopping. Though I did shop till I dropped (from 10-9 everyday for 4 days straight) I was outdone by one very small individual...Lexi! She had more bags that all of us combined! Oh how we have ruined this sweet little girl. All I could think of was...her poor husband!

The Lego Shop

A visit with Blue

A view of one of the wings...there were four!

We were so excited to shop at Sanrio!

Lexi with her bags from her favorite store, American Girl.

Lunch at American Girl with one of Lexi's dolls, Julie

My mom posing in front of one of the many walk ways

My little grad

2010-06-03T18:34:00.002-04:00

Man how time flies! It feels like yesterday that I was holding my precious niece in my arms at the hospital. I cannot believe she has already graduated Kindergarten! She looked like such a big girl in her cap and gown and I was so proud of her as she stood tall and said the pledge to the Bible all by herself :) Lexi...you are such a blessing and your Aunt Fish loves you more than you will ever, ever know. Happy Graduation to the most beautiful 1st grader in the world!

Her special outfit from Crewcuts that her momma had shipped in from Florida!

Walking to her seat in Highview's sanctuary.

Whitfield class of 2022!!! (notice the special bling that lexi's nani gave her)

Mother's Day

2010-05-10T20:18:00.002-04:00

Mother's Day this year was a blessing as always. I have so many great women in my life who have helped mold me into the woman I am today and I love that I get to honor them in a very special way on Mother's Day. My mother, grandmother, sister, mother in law, and sister in law are some of the most amazing women in the world and I am so glad that God has given them to Scott and I. Happy Mother's Day to all of the mommas reading...thank God for your patience and love!

Lexi wrote her mom a special song...it was the sweetest thing!

The girls and our mothers.

Nothing like dinner at Cracker Barrel to Celebrate an occasion :)

women of joy

2010-04-22T19:20:00.002-04:00

Over the weekend my mother, sister, and I attended the women of joy conference. We have never been before but were enticed at the chance to see Sarah Palin. As we expected, she was amazing and I admire her now than ever before. We were also very touched by Steven Curtis Chapman's testimony and are now supporters of his organization "show hope" which funds adoptions for families that cannot afford them. He is pictured below singing the song he wrote for his late daughter maria entitled Cinderella. He changed to ending and dedicated it to her. There wasn't a dry eye in freedom hall!

Spring Break 2010

2010-04-09T15:51:00.003-04:00

In our annual spring break tradition my family and I went to Destin, Florida. Scott and I stayed at our condo in Sandestin (pictured below) and the rest of my family stayed on the main Destin strip at our condos in Sundestin. We had such a great time and feel so blessed to be able to spend time with our family in Florida. I have posted a few of our photos below. Hope all of our teacher friends had a great spring break :)

This is the view from our window. I highly recommend Sundestin Golf and Beach Resort! It's so gorgeous and peaceful.

Outlet time for my sister and I while the boys played golf.

My mamo fell asleep with her blue blockers on!

Scott and I at Rum Runners

My love and I at the beach

My other love and I before he left for golf

Nothing like an Easter egg hunt on the beach!

We spent our last night listening to a wonderful band in the village right outside of our condo.

Almost here!

2010-03-30T14:48:00.003-04:00

Though my life has been pretty boring lately and I haven't had much to post...I leave for Florida and my annual Destin Spring Break in one day! I am so excited and will post many pictures when I return. For now I leave you with the above picture of our resort at Baytown Warf. Happy Spring Everyone!!!!!

Celiac Disease

2010-03-12T17:45:00.002-05:00

I have been sick and away from my computer for awhile now. After 2 weeks in the hospital and a million tests...I finally have an answer to my life long battle with stomach pain. I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. Thanks to my friend Devon I know a little about my new gluten free lifestyle but I would love any food suggestions if anyone out there has any. My current fear is that I will never be able to eat at a restaraunt again :(. I immediately thought of my friend Alex (if you are reading please help me) and all of the troubles she had with her wheat free diet. I wish I had joined her then! I am thankful that God has blessed me with intelligent doctors that have diagnosed me but am a little nervous about my new lifestyle. Please pray for me and my poor husband that has to listen to me whine ;)

valentines day

2010-02-14T21:23:00.002-05:00

Scott and I had a wonderful Valentines Day today. We exchanged gifts this morning. I got the purse shown below (that I love) and he got a coffee bean grinder and some beans from Starbucks. I didn't take any pictures at dinner but we shared a delicious pizza at Jhonny V's, one of our favorite places to go. Then we came home and watched Couples Retreat. I laughed so hard I cried! It was a great relaxed day and am so thankful to have such a thoughtful husband that I enjoy just hanging out with. I hope everyone had a blessed Valentines Day.

Lordy Lordy Look Whos 40

2010-01-11T20:15:00.002-05:00

On friday my sister threw a surprise party for my brother in law's 40th birthday. We celebrated at king pin lanes and he seemed to be truly surprised. I am so blessed to have such an amazing brother in law and such a fun group of friends and family. Happy Birthday Scott! We love you!

The guest of honor after making a strike

My love and I at the celebration

Me and the birthday boy

kisses from his niece as soon as he came in

Christmas 2009

2009-12-28T19:47:00.003-05:00

Our Christmas was VERY busy this year but we are blessed to have so many family members to spend time with and had a wonderful weekend celebrating the birth of Jesus. We hope you and your families had an amazing Christmas as well and wish you a very happy New Year.

Christmas Eve at my grandparents (my apologies for the glare of the mirror)

Me with some of my gifts at my mom's on Christmas night (The bear is something my mother had made for my sister and I. A lady made it for us out of our great-gradparent's old clothing. A very neat idea and a precious gift that we will treasure always.)

The Girls at Krista's

The family

Lexi's favorite new movie is "The Christmas Story" (we add earmuffs when needed). This is her doing one of her many impressions...

party time

2009-12-20T21:27:00.004-05:00

My Class

Ms. W and I with some of her students

DREW!!! One of our favorite Students.

One of the stockings (I put something in them each day last week).

On Friday we had our Christmas Party in my classroom. I love parties and my students this year are so good, I really wanted to throw them a great one. We played Christmas Jingo, watched How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and ate a ton of goodies! I am very thankful for each and every one of my kids and feel so blessed to have a job that I love.

Brown County

2009-11-15T20:50:00.003-05:00

This weekend was our annual girls trip to Brown County, Indiana. As always it was a blast and so great to get to spend some time with family. While the boys were away hunting we enjoyed a mother daughter weekend filled with what we do best...shopping!!!

Lexi posing with the only toy in Brown County that she didn't take home.

We gave lexi the camera at lunch and she wanted us to make funny faces :)

Our matching outfits for this year compliments of my amazing mother!

Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-26T19:25:00.002-04:00

My family and I made our annual trip to Hubers to get some pumpkins and eat some yummy food. It was a great trip as usual and we had a blast together as we initiated the fall season.

Lexi and her daddy found the perfect pumkin.

The girls.

Scott and I cheated and bought our pumkin from a cart.

29 and holding...

2009-10-11T16:43:00.004-04:00

Scott turned 29 today and we had a weekend full of celebrations! He was very excited about all of his gifts, though he wasn't so excited about turning 29. We were so blessed to celebrate with our friends and families and I am so blessed to have such a wonderful husband.

He couldn't wait to use his carhart jacket and weedeater! lol

Some of his gifts from Rommel and I.

His UK themed cake.

Spending some time with the bean.

Nothing like Wii to help you celebrate!

Lexi loved boxing with a little coaching from Uncle Scott.

Happy Happy Birthday to the love of my life!!

Still lovin my cards

2009-09-19T22:38:00.002-04:00

This weekend Scott and I went to the UK vs UL game. It's always an exciting time for us as we are cheering for opposite teams but both of us agree not to get too obnoxious. This time, however, there really was no need for bragging because KY barely beat us. We had a great time tailgating and cheering on our teams and I can't wait till next year when we there are people in red around us ;)

A Denim Wedding

2009-08-30T19:17:00.002-04:00

Scott and I traveled to Ohio this weekend for his Aunt Jamie's wedding. Though I wasn't sure how a denim themed wedding would be...we had a great time and really enjoyed spending time with friends and family. Congrats to the new Mr. and Mrs. Zulch!

Their alter.

My love.

Brenna tossing her corn!

The bride walking down the isle with her dad and son...so sweet.

Birthday Celebrations

2009-08-10T20:08:00.004-04:00

The girls with my beautiful Hello Kitty Cake from the pie kitchen

Lexi (who calls me fish) got me a fish charm for my pandora bracelet. Sooooo precious!

The guest of honor :)

I celebrated my birthday this weekend and was blessed to spend a lot of time with my family. I had dinner on Friday night with my dad, Saturday night with Scott's parents, and Sunday night with my mother and her side of my family. It was a busy and wonderful weekend and I am very thankful for the good times I had.

Free Aveda

2009-08-04T19:21:00.001-04:00

For those of you that love Aveda products like me...just click on the link below for a coupon for a free gift on your birthday (worth $20) and a free hand cream today :) For those of you that have never tried it...its a must. Warning, you may become addicted!

Join Aveda's Birthday Program

Chi Town

2009-07-10T17:00:00.003-04:00

Some of my colleagues and I ventured to Chicago for a professional development this week. I had a good time hanging out with my friends new and old. The shopping was amazing and I was in heaven with all of the Bears and Cubs merchandise. All in all it was a good trip and I feel blessed that good ole Shacklette sent me on a free trip to Chi Town.

I finally got my shirt! I have wanted this shirt for years and we looked all over Chicago for it. Thanks for being such a trooper Devon!

Our friends that shared the hotel with us.

Yes...we were on the streets of downtown Chicago after dark. Any where were there is a Tiffany's must be safe :)

About to enjoy some deep dish pizza...yum!!

The crew with our hurricanes.

1 Year!

2009-06-28T22:03:00.005-04:00

Scott and I celebrated our one year anniversary this weekend. We are so excited to have had such a wonderful first year of marriage. God has blessed us with our soul mates and we Praise His name today for that gift. We exchanged gifts and then had an amazing dinner at my favorite Bravo (where we went the night we got engaged). Scott made reservations and surprised me so I was very excited.

Scott loved the cake! We couldn't believe it lasted so long.

Scott cutting the cake.

Our beautiful top tier :)

Dinner at Bravo

My wedding cake bead (sorry a little blurry) and my pandora tank top that Scott got me.

Fathers Day at the track

2009-06-21T19:18:00.005-04:00

My dad loves horses so we spend every fathers day at the track. It was a beautiful day at the races and though I didn't have any winners, I had a great time hanging out with my family. I am blessed to have such a wonderful father and even more blessed to get to spend fathers day with him.

Me and my best buddy!

I love my dad!

Churchill Charlie

The fam

Posing for a pic in the paddock. My dad is a horse owner so he always takes us in there to get an up close look at the ponies.

The lady checking the horse's tatoo on his gums.

Girls Trip

2009-06-20T22:34:00.004-04:00

My grandparents treated my sister, mother, niece, and I to a girls trip in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. We had so much fun and it was a true blessing to be able to spend some time with my grandfather considering this time last year he was in intensive care undergoing a quintuple bypass on his heart. I feel so blessed to have such an amazing family and I even earned a new title from my niece. I am now her "best buddy". My prayer is that even when she is twenty years old she will still see me the same way.

My best buddy.

Notice my grandma sneaking in the back. She hates to get her picture taken.

We loved the hard rock cafe!

They pet some sting rays at the largest aquarium in the world.

The shark that swam above our heads.

Lexi's favorite. Mr. Turtle.

I love the beach scene with the fresh water fish.

The view from our condo balcony.

Grandma surprised us with matching pj's! We love Hello Kitty!!!!

Lexi stole my camera :)

My love...

Dancing Doll

2009-05-17T13:15:00.002-04:00

Lexi's Dance recital was Saturday and we were so impressed at what a wonderful dancer she has become. She was front and center on stage at Male High School (which brought back so many memories) and she remembered the entire dance. She looked like a little pro! Good job, my precious Lexi...Fish is sooooooooooooooooo proud of you!

Lexi in her costume. She looks like such a big girl in her make up :)

Here she is with her flowers we got her, in her curlers...awaiting the main event.

my two favorite ladies

2009-05-12T19:21:00.002-04:00

Sunday I got to honor my two favorite ladies: my mother and my grandmother. I am beyond blessed to have two women in my life that to this day take such good care of me. I cannot thank them enough for giving so much of themselves to me. Thanks mom and mamo!

Go Baby Go!

2009-05-02T20:57:00.003-04:00

One of my absolute favorite days of the year is the first Saturday in May. I absolutely love going to Derby and looking at all of the beautiful hats and horses. We had a great time this year and were very thankful that it didn't rain. Thanks for taking us dad...it was an amazing time as usual.

Pay the lady!

This is the closest we got to a celebrity. She always waits right in front of our seats to interview the jockeys just before the big race for NBC.

One of the beautiful Twin Spires.

Leann Rimes singing the National Anthem.

Scott and I. As you can see he wasn't thrilled about taking this pic but I have to have one of us every year.

Happy Derby!

Thunder!

2009-04-19T10:58:00.004-04:00

Last night my family and I enjoyed our yearly excursion to Thunder over Louisville. Although the crowds are pretty rough, the people watching is unbelievable and my dad is nice enough to get us a hotel room in the Galt House so we can use the bathroom and take a break. All in all we had such a good time and the fireworks were better than ever! Let the Derby festivities begin...

Fish and her bean.

Lexi took this pic. We may have a future Angela Anderson on our hands!

My love and I.

Every event requires a trip to the "jumpy jumps."

Scott enjoying his foot long from the ever so wonderful chow wagon.

As always, my food is taken over!

Lexi loves her story time with papo Dean.

And then it was time for the main event...Thunder over Louisville!!!

Resurrection Day

2009-04-12T20:14:00.004-04:00

I love Easter for many reasons. The first being the hope that God gives us through His risen Son. The second being the reminder that He will come again. The third and final reason is sharing the excitement of candy and egg hunts with my nieces and nephew. This Easter was extra special because our family came in town from Ohio. It was soooooooo wonderful to see them and get to hang out on a relaxing Saturday afternoon. So thank you God for our family and your Son who brings life, hope, and salvation.

Here I am praying that my 6 year old nephew doesn't kill me! (He was actually a very good driver)

Scott wanted to be the egg skip it champion. Too bad his dad was much better. Scott may have won had he been able to breathe in that jacket!

Kyler (our cousin), Erin, and Brenna died Easter eggs.

Erin fed the chickens and rooster some grass.

I had never seen a chicken lay an egg so I had to take a picture of it. I hope I didn't disturb her!

Aunt Jamie and Grandpa Jim enjoyed watching the corn hole game.

Andrew(another cousin) trying to sink one in.

Erin and Jeremy looking gorgeous as usual (minus the awful blue hat).

The corn hole champions! Notice Scott's size "smedium" purple jacket. He's trying to pull it down so it doesn't show his stomach! Next time he'll remember to bring a jacket.

This was the only picture I managed to take at our Resurrection Day celebration with my mother. I had to take this pic of Lexi after our egg hunt with Scott's blackberry because I forgot my camera :(

Bean's Surgery

2009-04-08T19:53:00.002-04:00

Our little bean Lexi had to have some moles removed on Tuesday. We were not able to go to the hospital but she was very excited to see Scott and I when she got home. She also got to get her Easter basket from us a little early. We are so thankful that the surgery went well and that she is as good as new!

Lexi with her Hello Kitty Pillow and Easter Eggs (both purchased by me, of course).

Lexi taking a look at her basket. Also pictured: her Hello Kitty blanket that my mother made for her. I am sooooo jealous!!

Spring Break '09

2009-04-05T11:07:00.004-04:00

Scott got to join my family and I in our spring break tradition of going to Destin, Florida. I have been doing this since I was in high school and my parents enjoyed it so much that they purchased condos and we have been going ever since. This year we decided to stay in my dad and brother in law's condo at the Sandestin Resort about 15 minutes from the "Destin Strip." We had so much fun and are so blessed that they let us stay in their beautiful home away from home for the week.

Not sure what pose my little model was making here in her Juicy Couture socks but she looks like a little gang banger.

I thought this chair was so neat and made Scott take a pic with me in it :)

Scott loves sushi and was delighted that there was a sushi place on our resort property. We had to go there several times (I ate elsewhere on those nights).

Once again another tradition. Every year we eat a a delicious Italian restaurant called Grazi and get our picture taken in this exact same spot. (How cute is Lexi's tutu?!!)

Lexi and I chase the waves every year. This year unfortunately we even had to do it on the cloudy days.

She was digging me a hole :)

A picture of my favorite place at our resort.

The Lasata where we stayed.

Lexi caught a big one at the Bass Pro Shop!

I drug Scott to Fudpuckers to fulfill yet another tradition and he was not impressed. Oh well, at least we have some new cups!

Happy Spring Break to all!

Easter Passion

2009-03-22T22:07:00.003-04:00

Scott and I had the privilege of taking our entire family to our church's Easter Passion this year. The show was a true blessing as usual and we were delighted that our grandparents and niece got to see it for the first time. What a great way to prepare our hearts for the blessed season of Easter!

Scott and I anxiously awaiting the production.

The amazing view of the set from our seats.

My sister, niece, and I hanging out in the welcome center.

62-59

2009-03-08T10:17:00.002-04:00

After an amazing game against West Virginia last night...the cardinals pulled it off to win the coveted Big East championship! Awwwww C-A-R-D-S!!!!!

Pump It Up!

2009-03-07T16:23:00.002-05:00

My niece, Lexi, had her 5th birthday party today at a really fun place called Pump It Up. The kids (and the adults) had a great time jumping, sliding, and playing basketball in the room full of inflatables dedicated to Lexi for the afternoon.

My mother and I raced in the obstacle course.

All of the girls in the family had to go shopping for such a special event :)

My nephew Brady was a pro on the inflatable obstacle course.

Lexi's adorable cupcake cake and polka dot cookies.

Scott beat me only because he ran over a kid and started before he was supposed to. Cheater!

The two most beautiful girls in the world.

I loved the princess chair! I wonder if that would fit in my living room?!

Princess Party

2009-03-01T11:28:00.003-05:00

Since both of our nieces are born in March this will be a very busy month for us. The first party was Saturday to celebrate Brenna's 4th birthday. We had so much fun at her Cinderella themed event.

The birthday girl and I.

Erin spun Brenna before she took a try at pin the glass slipper on Cinderella.

Lexi put the glass slipper closest to Cinderella's foot and won the prize!

They even had a Cinderella Pinata (which Jeremy was obviously excited about).

All of the guests wore beautiful princess crowns.

A cake fit for a princess.

Surprise

2009-02-27T22:14:00.001-05:00

So those of you who know me well know that I am IMPOSIBLE to surprise. Scott however pulled one off very nicely today. He was headed to the cabin for the night by the time I got home from work, however, I noticed a wrapped present on the table. It had a super sweet note with it (which I read after I opened the present of course) and inside was a new camera! Yea! So stay tuned for high quality pics from this new blogger gal. Thanks Scott for my sweet surprise, I am so blessed to have such a wonderful husband :)

Let the games begin...

2009-02-21T23:01:00.003-05:00

Tonight we went to Erin and Jeremy's for game night. We had so much fun as usual and tried not to kill each other this time :)Scott and I hung out with Calvin though I am terrified of him!

Scott and Brady looked at baseball cards.

Brenna did her Strawberry Shortcake puzzle.

Twin Day

2009-02-19T17:22:00.003-05:00

Today was twin day at good ole Shacklette and since our co-workers call us twins any way, Devon and I couldn't let them down.
(not pictured: matching uggs)

Tonight...an Eclipse

2009-02-17T19:55:00.003-05:00

So...after agonizing through an absence of Edward I have finally made it through new moon. The ending was wonderful and I will be diving into eclipse in a matter of minutes. Can't wait to see what he's up to in the next novel. Thanks for the new obsession Devon!

Valentines Day

2009-02-15T12:00:00.000-05:00

This picture was taken in the Waterford lobby adjacent to the Rivue where we had dinner. Seeing the bride walk in the Waterford brought tears to my eyes...as you can see I must have still been crying when some drunk man took this awful pic!

Scott "chose Juicy" this vday and I was so thrilled he did!

We had lunch at Champions and watched the UK game. You will notice I wore my UL hoodie so no one would confuse me for a cats fan.

This is the living room of our gigantic sweet at the Galt House...Scott gave it the thumbs up!

Happy Valentines Day to all...