8 Months!

Technically, I am 8 months and 2 days as I type. Gotta count everyday, right? Please pardon the somber look in the picture above. Usually, I just crop my head out, but I was too lazy to do it today. So back to the belly...It's huge!! I know this, friends. The thing that really scares me is I have 2 more months of growing to do. Because of this rather large belly, I have noticed some very interesting things.

For starters, I am sad to say that I might have to retire my favorite converse. It's not so much the tying (yes, that's getting difficult as well), but rather the heel part of the shoe folding in when I put my foot inside. This makes it a big pain in the a$$ to fix. Also, I walked in to tell Brandon good night the other night, and he started laughing at me. My first thought was, "Oh Lord, I'm waddeling and don't even know it". WRONG! He just thought the size of my belly was funny. Thanks, hun! Strangers have also started commenting. Sometimes they tell me how tiny I am, and other times they say things like "whoa!" or " You're due any day, right". I'm learning to take it with a grain of salt. I mean, if you can't laugh at yourself...I have a husband who will.

I also have to confess that I have not been doing everything I have been told to do. When I was 8 weeks pregnant, I was told to go register at our hospital. Well, I'm 32 weeks preggo and still haven't gotten around to that. I should have also found Presley's pediatrician by now. Technically, I've found her. She just doesn't know it yet. Her name is Dr. Smart and I have heard so many wonderful things about her. How could anyone go wrong with a doctor who has a last name like that? I'll call her as soon as I'm done with this post...

As far as the little babe goes, she seems to be growing very well. I have close to 4 lbs. of baby wiggling around inside of me. Because she has gotten bigger, there isn't as much room for full on kicks. Now, I see elbows, hands, feet, and knees slither all the way across my belly. I can also feel her ALL the time, which I love. In fact, Miss Priss seems to be moving every which way, but the way she is supposed to. Presley should be head down by now. Instead, she is laying transverse (sideways across my belly). The only way to get a transverse baby out is by C-section, so we will see what she decides to do in the next few weeks. Until then, I'll be standing on my head.

Monkeyin' Around

Last year at this time, I was living in Los Angeles. I remember being so panicked that I was going to miss Jackson's first Halloween (Mom and Dad thought it was equally important for me to be there and flew me in). Of course, at 3 months there wasn't a whole lot to actually do with him. Well, except stare, which is exactly what we did. I mean who wouldn't travel miles just to get a look at this?
This year I won't be able to see him on actual Halloween, so Mel dressed him for me. He wouldn't stay still long enough for me to get a very good picture, but he looks so stinkin' cute that I had to share.



Less then two weeks until I get to see my favorite little monkey again!

Baby Shower: Houston Edition

My second baby shower was in Houston this past Saturday ,and these lovely ladies hosted. I feel so blessed to have them in my life. They put in so much love, work, and time all for someone who isn't even technically here yet.
As soon as I walked in, I saw the cake and almost died (in a good way). I'm sorry, but thats probably the cutest cake ever, and it tasted amazing. This is not such a good thing because I brought the leftovers home with me, and can't stop eating it. Oh, and did I mention that the inside of the cake was pink?!? I was also given the top of the cake to take home and freeze for after the baby is born. It's a good thing I put it in the freezer right away or it would be long gone by now.
Casey, My cousin-n-law designed all the flowers at the shower. They were gorgeous, and had me thinking of ways I could get Brandon to agree to renew our vows just so I could use them again. Let's not mention the previous statement to Brandon, please. I wouldn't want to give him a heart attack before the baby comes.
They also had a specialty drink at the shower, and it was also pink! It sounded delicious and will be partaking in a few after the little babe is here. Now I'm going to sound a little bragadocious, but are these not the most gorgeous ladies/bartenders ever?So, the recipe for those who are interested:
champagne
a splash of chambord
garnish with a raspberry
We discovered that jackson really likes raspberries, and he ate a hefty portion of the garnish. Seriously though, who could tell this sweet face "no"?
My friends Megan and Blaire from high school were able to make it. It was so much fun catching up! I also got lots of "mommy" advice from Blaire. She just had her second baby, and brought her to the shower. Here is sweet little Kenadi She is so precious and itty bitty.
Of course, this shower wouldn't have been the same without my besties, Michelle and Tiffany
Presley got so many wonderful things! I'm not quite sure where they will all go? Brandon and I may have to buy a bigger house in the very near future. There was one gift that had extra special meaning. My Mom gave me an Ashton-Drake collectors doll. It was dressed in the outfit that I came home from the hospital in ,and she also photocopied pictures of me wearing it. I think you may have started a tradition, Mom. Oh, and the doll breathes which makes it look eerily similar to a newborn.

My car seat was given to me by the hostesses. This was not only one of the things I needed the most, but also one I wanted the most. I'm not sure why, but there is something about seeing that car seat that makes me really feel like I'm going to be a Mom. I think Jackson was a little unsure if I knew what it was for, so he decided to show me. As soon as I opened it, he climbed in, made himself comfy, and then clapped for himself. Oh, I love that little man!
I also had to have a picture with the two most wonderful Grandmother's in the whole world.Presley is so lucky to have these two in her life!
This was such a wonderful shower! Thank you again to Aunt Cindi, Aunt Mary, Mamaw, and Casey for making it such a special day. Love y'all!

Football, Sonograms, and a Birthday...Oh My!

This past weekend was fast, furious, and so much fun! My parents flew in for TX/OU weekend on Thursday, which also happened to be the same weekend as my birthday. We had a little down time on Thursday, so we did what we do best...shop! This time my Dad tagged along (what a trooper) and spoiled me rotten! He even got in on the action and bought himself a little something from Bath and Bodyworks!
On Friday, we ate at my new favorite restaurant, Breadwinners, for lunch. They have the most amazing raspberry chipolte chicken sandwich, and I CRAVE it all the time. Then we headed off to my 3D ultrasound. I have been looking forward to this appointment for so long. I was especially excited that my Dad was able to be there. When we arrived, the couple before us was so disappointed because there baby had its foot in its face the whole time. Well, wouldn't you know, the first shot we got of Miss Priss was thisShe had a foot in each hand, which completely covered her face. I was so disappointed. However, they had me roll on my side, and she moved out of that position like a good little girl. We were able to get some great face shots

We are also pretty sure she was throwing the "HOOK 'EM HORNS" sign, but we didn't get a picture of it.

As soon as the sonogram was finished, all the power went out in the entire building! Looks like Presley really knows how to shut things down! Anderson's furniture (my fav furniture store) was the next stop, where my Dad bought me the cutest boots! Who knew a furniture store sold clothes and shoes?!? Then it was off to Del Frisco's for a Fabluous steak dinner. Well, actually Mom and I managed to squeeze in a little more shopping at a boutique in the hotel where my parents were staying. I'm so glad we stopped in because we found Presley's coming home outfit. It's so sweet and I can't wait to see her in it.
After dinner, it was off to bed because my family likes to get to the Cotton Bowl at the crack of dawn (I'm not kidding) for the TX/OU game. I felt great the next morning, but my Dad and Brandon were a little under the weather due to a few too many drinks the night before. However, nothing cures a hangover better then more beer at 8 a.m.! We also ran into my Aunt, Uncle, and cousins before the game. This is a pretty big coincidence considering how big the State fair is and how many zillions of people were there. Here are some pics from before the game.



Texas won, of Course! And yes, OU still sucks! What did the Cain family do to celebrate our win?? We went to Bob's for another steak dinner...duh! Then, my parents got us a room at the Hilton Anatole for the night. This made it really nice because the next day was my 28th birthday, and were able to have breakfast together before my parents had to fly back to Houston.

This year my birthday was pretty low key (no margaritas for me), but it was still wonderful. Brandon told me it was my day, and we could do whatever I wanted! Well, of course, that would be more shopping!! I found some new clothes, and then we headed to the Louis Vuitton store in Neiman's to get my favorite present of all! Meet my new best friend, Louis V., he goes everywhere I go, holds anything I want, and doesn't complain about it.
Then I made Brandon go to the Decorator's warehouse in Plano to look at all the Christmas decorations. By the way, on the car ride to Plano, I figured out that my dream day is pretty much Brandon's worst nightmare. He didn't complain once though. After the Christmas shop, we were starving so for my birthday dinner I picked...get ready for it...Breadwinner's again! I can't help it; I'm obsessed. However, that day we got a free dessert with each entree, score! Nothing like coconut cream pie and chocolate seduction cake to go with the Baskin Robbins ice cream cake that Brandon had already gotten me. So, we ended our weekend exhausted, fat, and happy. I'm already looking forward to next year. Anyone want to volunteer to babysit Presley?

30 Weeks!

Holy Moly! Time really does fly when your having fun. Into the 30's I go...

Our Little Pumpkin

What better way to celebrate a big 'ole belly then to paint it! Since Miss Priss won't technically be here for Halloween, we decided to dress her up Souders' style! Here's our little pumpkin:






While painting my belly, Brandon and I kept brainstorming about all the other crazy things we could paint on it. Brandon has officially decided that we will be doing a snow globe for December. I would also like to paint a longhorn for the big Texas/ OU game this weekend. Then everyone could rub the horns for good luck!

Ashlie Bear

I couldn't think of a better time to tell the story of Ashlie Bear than today because it would have been my sweet Mama Jody's birthday. I gave my grandmother this bear as a Christmas present. Well, technically, I gave her a gift card to Build-a-bear, and this was the bear that we came home with. As soon as we had built the bear, she turned to me and said that she wanted to name it after me. From there on out, Ashlie bear sat in her rocker in their living room. Every Christmas I would get Mama Jody a new outfit for her to wear. This little bear eventually had it's very own wardrobe, and we would change her outfit for every season. We had so much fun together, buying new outfits and dressing her up.When Mama Jody passed away, we decided to put her in her little angel outfit. My Papa kept Ashlie Bear in that same outfit for the past four years. When he passed away, my Mom brought the bear to her house, and gave it a new home in my room.
When I found out I was pregnant, I wanted a special little teddy bear to measure the baby next to every month. At first, Brandon and I were going to go build one of our own. However, I thought there could never be a more special bear then Ashlie Bear. I asked Mom if I could take it. Of course, she said it was okay and thought it was a great idea. Now Ashlie Bear sits at my house in her own little rocker, still wearing her same angel outfit, waiting on Baby Presley.

Since today is Mama Jody's birthday, I would just like to tell a little bit about her.First, there is no one like Mama Jody. She was way more than a grandmother to me. She was a best friend too. She would be one of the first people I would call when I had news, or if I had nothing to tell at all. She also had this way about her that made you feel like you were the most special person in the world. Everything she did was beautiful and so was she. Even the way she made a ham and cheese sandwich was special. I still miss her all the time, but my heart aches for her the most during the Holidays. We used to have Thanksgiving and Christmas at her house, and she always made it magical. I know "magical" is a weird word to use, but it's the best way to explain it. If you know her, you know exactly what I mean. I could honestly go on forever, so I'll spare you. I do know that Mama Jody would have loved that I'm writing this all about her for everyone to see. She always did enjoy the spot light. I know she is with Papa in heaven watching over us, and I have no doubt she is the brightest red headed angel there.

Prayers Needed!

I have a dear friend who's father has been battling cancer this past year. She emailed me last night with the most recent update, and it wasn't what I was hoping to hear. However, I strongly believe in the power of prayer. Please, please, please keep this sweet family in your prayers. Here is her letter:

Dear Family & Friends,

I send out this urgent request for your fervant prayers! The results of my father's CT scan last week were not good, as the cancer has continued to progress and even more indicated in his pelvic area. Basically, over the past year, his body has not responded to treatments. Due to the debilitating side effects of more chemo, his Dr. has told us to consider the quality of life at this point for what time he may have left to be with us. He is so very weak and has lost 18 pounds in the past 2 weeks. Please pray God will strengthen him for the days ahead. Yesterday and today he has received fluids for dehydration, steroids for an increase in appetite, insulin for high blood sugar count and nausea meds.

Good news!!! My Dad got a call from MD Anderson today @ 1:15 PM. They have set him up with an appointment on Tuesday, Oct. 27th @ 9:30 AM (check-in) and 10:30 AM to see Dr. S. Shureiqui. They said we should expect to be there for 1 week of tests, scans, etc. They will make a determination as to what more they can do him after that week. We have been told there is less than a 10% chance there will be any clinical trials available; BUT I know our God is a BIG God and we cannot give up hope! Getting an appointment is huge and my heart is overjoyed!! Hearing good news for a change is soooooo encouraging!!!

Hopefully, the next 3 weeks of "waiting" will enable my father to regain some strength for a long and tiring week in Houston!! So, pray he will get an appetite, plenty of "good" rest and of course, keep the faith!!!

I know our plea for your prayers will not be in vain, so thank you! Prayer is the key to all hope we have left!
PRAISE! PRAISE! PRAISE!!!

Thank you!!!!!!!
*LC*

Baby Shower : Ft. Worth Edition

This past Sunday was our very first baby shower, and it was so wonderful. The hostesses, Brandon's Aunt Kathleen and Kadee, must have worked their booties off because it was perfect (Not to mention, a little birdie told me that my mother-n-law played a huge part in helping with the shower, as well). Brandon and I were blown away at how special it was and how many friends and family were there. It means so much to us! Here are some pics from the day.

The cake

Whenever I got clothes, they hung them in the tree so everyone could see (ha! I made a rhyme and didn't mean to. I love it when I do that). It turned out so cute! Not to mention, Presley got so many clothes we almost ran out of clothes pins.

Here are just a few of the family and friends that came to the shower
We played a game where everyone had to guess how big around my belly was. Some people were a little too nice. My sister's guess wouldn't have even fit around my thigh!
Brandon and I with the winners! Jennifer and Nana got it almost exactly.
Opening the very first presents. Brandon got a dirty diaper duty survival kit, and I got foot massage lotion and a spa neck wrap. I think I got the better end of the deal!
Brandon and I after all the presents had been open.
The amazing hostesses
Getting a picture with the two hottest grandma's around. Grammy ( Brandon's mom) is on the left and Mimi (my mom) is on the right.
When I got home I laid out everything we had recieved. I couldn't even fit it all in the picture. I had to smoosh it up as best I could just to get a shot.

Miss Presley is one lucky lady!