Emerson's big month

We've had a whirlwind of activity starting in early December, and most of it is due to lil' Miss Emerson.  First she attended her friend Kate's 3rd birthday party, and as you can tell from the pictures, she had NO FUN whatsoever.  :)

Next was her preschool Christmas program.  Her class sang two songs, and she marched right out on stage with a big smile, sang her little heart out, and even hollered "Hey, Dad!" to Jason.  Little ham.

Finally, last Saturday she and I were invited to a Mother/Daughter Christmas brunch at my friend Kelly's house.  Kelly's daughter Anna is one of Emerson's favorite friends, so this was an extra-special outing for the both of us.  Kelly had a full brunch prepared for both the little girls and the mommies, and Santa made a surprise visit, much to the girls' delight.  It was a fabulous morning!

HaydenWatch 2010

I'm now 32 weeks and livin' large.  Yes, it's as uncomfortable as it looks.  Yes, my center of gravity is totally off, and I tip over easily.  Yes, I need assistance getting up from a seated position on the floor.  And yes, it's all going to be worth it to finally have her in my arms. 

Cuteness in the form of ABCs

Jax has been saying his ABCs daily, usually multiple times daily, and usually at a decibel level harmful to most small children and animals.  That boy just doesn't really have a quiet switch.  I love it.  I love that he's aggressive and tough, and then when he does something he knows he shouldn't, he looks me right in the eye and whispers, "Sah-wee Momma... HUG" and leans his head over for the kill. 

We finally got him to say his alphabet for the camera. 

New Company

Jeesh, this week has flown by.  It's been one of the busiest weeks I can remember in a long time.  First, this was Jason's first week on his own... he has started his own company, Consumer Insurance Advocates, and because their office space won't be available until January, he's working from home and coming/going like a wild man.  I've been busy packing more boxes, and today the leasing company we're using showed the house, so after I picked up Emerson from preschool, I tidied up like a Merry Maid on crack and literally had about a 45-minute contraction.  I just kept praying that my water wouldn't break. 

I'm ridiculously proud of my husband for his new business venture.  It's been a goal of his to quit 'working for the man' at some point, we just never thought the good Lord would open the door wide open at the ripe old age of 32.  It freaks me out to know we're 100% responsible, there's no one to answer to, and he'll have about 60 agents reporting to him, but he's thriving on all of that.  It's how he rolls. 

I'm only lacking like 3 Christmas gifts, and I'll be finished!  I've been keeping a nifty little excel spreadsheet (my brother would be proud) to track my progress/spending... sometimes my left brain shows up in a BIG way and surprises me.  And I'm still in the Christmas spirit big-time!  I can't believe I'm not sick of the Christmas station on the radio yet.  Emerson has been requesting for me to quit singing along, but I've been ignoring her and telling her it's rude to ask people not to sing.  Is that wrong?!  I just don't want my Christmas spirit to be dashed by a 3-yr-old, y'all.  I'm just sayin.'

Here's to a great weekend ahead.  Emerson and I will be attending her friend Kate's 3rd birthday party at a dress-up/fashion show shop designed especially for little girls.  She's ridiculously excited!  We'll be attending yet another church on Sunday... we're narrowing down and just really ready to find a church home.

One last note... did anyone watch 'The Office' last night?  It was a 1-hour episode which made me happy, and it was a really good one.  I haven't been that impressed this season, but I laughed out loud quite a few times last night.  I also cried and almost sobbed, but that's completely due to raging pregnancy hormones and the sweet gift exchange between Jim & Pam.  I mean, adorable.  And Dwight standing on the roof at the end?  So good.

The Great Panini Obsession

Early in my pregnancy, I craved baked sweet potatoes.  Then it progressed to beef and broccoli.  Now, I'm basically to the point where I can't go a day without making a turkey and provolone panini.  I don't think I've ever posted a picture of my beloved panini maker/indoor grill, so here she is:

I love this appliance almost as much as one of my children.  Just kidding.  But I really do love it.  Hubby Dearest bought it for me last Christmas, and it's by far one of the best gifts he's ever given me.  And he's good at gift-giving.  Made by Breville and bought at Williams-Sonoma, I have no doubt he paid a chunk of money, but I can tell you I've gotten his money's worth out of it. 

Let me just explain the goodness that is the panini pictured above.  I start with two slices of Tuscan bread from Target's bakery, add Hellman's to each slice, then a bit of dijon mustard to one side, then layer 3-4 slices of Kretschmar mesquite smoked turkey and one slice of provolone cheese.  Light olive oil drizzled on the outside of the bread, then I cook it for 3 minutes exactly.  Oh my sweet goodness, it's heaven. 

Okay, enough about food.  If you're looking for the perfect gift for a little one, Amazon has their LeapFrog Fridge Phonics alphabets sets on sale for $10 right now (normally $21.99).  I snagged one for Jax today... shhh... don't tell him.  That little munchkin is saying his whole alphabet (minus G and M), so I figured he might as well be putting the face with the name, if you know what I mean.  I'll try and take a video of him soon.  It's pretty cute because he basically shouts at the top of his lungs.  He OWNS the alphabet. 

So I'm finally 30 weeks pregnant!  I remember how quickly the last few months fly by, so I'm deliriously happy to be in the 30 club.  I felt like I was never going to get here.  I just can't wait to meet this little girl and to go through labor again.  I know it sounds crazy, but it's just a freakin' awesome experience, and I'm already praying that it's even faster and easier than last time. 

That's it for now... I'm off to pack another box or two then veg out and watch a little football with the hubster. 



Silly Emerson

Last week Emerson brought home a 'turkey' feather from preschool... just a decorated long piece of construction paper shaped like a feather with a list of things she was thankful for:

1) The zoo
2) Mommy
3) Daddy
4) Glue
5) Flowers

With a list like that, Daddy and I feel fortunate to have made the top 5. 

And two days ago I was at Sam's with the kids.  On the way out, Emerson asked if she could put money in the Salvation Army bellringer's pot.  But that wasn't enough.  She wanted to actually ring the bell.  The nice man obliged, she squealed with delight, and on the walk to the car she said, "Mommy, I yike to ring the bell because it gives people healthy food and yucky food."  She's straight silly goose.

Also, today ONLY, Amazon has a 50% off deal on a small selection of their Melissa & Doug toys... check it out here:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?ie=UTF8&ref_=xs_gb_A3D833H6MNH0MX&docId=1000639481