Alexa's Nursery

 When we moved into the new house our 3rd bedroom was an office/junk room. Our computer and desk was in there, along with boxes of books, college stuff, and junk! It took about 3/4 of the way though the pregnancy to get everything cleared out and relocated. The room was a neutral tan and very plain. I scoured Pinterest for ideas and fell in love with a grey and light pink scheme.

 We (Josh) painted the top 1/3 of the room grey, and then we (Josh and his dad) hung wainscoting.

I wanted something different than the normal chair rail height. We (I) decided to go up 5 ft with the boards.

 I think its a little more dramatic this way.

Since Avery is now in a big girl bed we were able to use the nursery furniture again. I would have loved to paint it white, but I am sure Josh would have killed me if I mentioned that.

I got her new, light pink bedding and accessorized with that color throughout the room.

We kept the decorations pretty simple, my favorite things are the framed prints. They are now over her crib and they say "I am a child of God" and "LOVE"

I got an inexpensive bookcase and lamp from target for more storage.

Some more light pink baskets and another print finished up the room.

I love her room! Its very simple, but elegant I think.

Avery's last weeks as an Only Child

We stayed very busy the last few weeks before Alexa was due. I knew we would be cooped up in the house for awhile after she was born, so we enjoyed every minute we could.

 We met Jamie, Colin and Jack to go swimming. On our way back to their house, Colin and Avery looked so cute cruising in the Power wheels.

 No NOLA summer is completed without Snowballs!

 We took Avery to see her first movie at the theater.

 Monsters University in 3D!!!

 Avery loved it! She got a kids snack pack and actually stayed still for the majority of the movie. She got a little squirmy towards the end but was appeased with a pickle :)

 We picked up an inflatable pool with a pump and stuff from Academy. Avery loved it! It was a perfect size for her and she has spent many hours in there.

 Chick fil A had a Daddy/Daughter date night June 22nd. It was so cute, they fancied up the place with tablecloths and table service. She came home with goodies and a carnation.

 On Tuesday June 25th Josh had to go to Baton Rouge to sign some papers for work, so we rode along with him. Before Avery was born, Josh and I made her a Build a Bear. She loves her bunny and it has been in her bed with her since she was born. We wanted to make one for Alexa, but the Build a Bear store in Metairie closed down. The closest store was in Baton Rouge so it was the perfect opportunity to make Alexa her special lovey.

 Avery picked out a cute little bear. She filled it with fluff and all 3 of us put a special heart in it.

 You make the bear a birth certificate and it is all very official.

 She was so excited to make her baby sister a bear!

While we were at the mall we played on the carousel and ate lunch. It was a great day with our soon to be big sister. I am glad we got this time to spend with her, because later that night I went into labor!

End of School Year 2012-2013

 

I cannot believe my baby girl has finished her first year of school!

She has grown up so much since August!

It was a great year. Her teachers Ms. Lauren and Ms. Lisa were amazing!

She bonded most with Ms. Lisa, but she loved Ms. Lauren and always told me how she would pat her back during nap time.

Avery adjusted so well to school. She loved going every Tuesday and Thursday in the "fishy room". She always napped well, ate well and we never got a bad note from her teachers.

She made great friends, Emerson, Lainey, and Sophie.

It was fun for me to come in and help out for class parties and holiday celebrations.

This school year she has learned all of her uppercase letters, countless new songs and they reinforced her counting and letters. It was great because every week they learned a new letter and Bible story.

 



We are looking forward to the next school year.

She will be in the "Monkey room" with Ms. Stacey.

She will also be going Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Pensacola Beach Family Vacation

May 15 we went to Pensacola for a little family vacation before baby. Josh took the whole week off, so he finished up some honey do's in Avery's room and the backyard on Monday and Tuesday.

 All packed up and ready to go! We left Tuesday evening and got in around 10pm.

 Avery was up BRIGHT and EARLY and ready to go! We hit up the beach, then went to the bay.

 Then we went to the pool, all before 9 am!!!

 She took a break from playing for some Cheetos and people watching on the balcony.

 She was a little fish this week! I got her some new floaties and goggles, her and Josh spent the most time swimming in the pool.

 She liked the bay side of the condo better than the beach. The beach was still very cold, and it was a lot calmer on the bay side. Her and daddy built a sand castle.

 They also swam a little bit in the bay. Josh is such a good daddy!

 Beautiful sunset on the bay.

 The next morning, Josh made his girls breakfast in bed.

We are spoiled!

 Our last evening there we went to eat at Peg Leg Pete's. Here is our funny girl making faces.

 33 weeks!

 She loves her sister!

 Our family of 3 and 3/4 :)

We left early Friday morning to make it back for Summer's graduation. Avery was snug as a bug ready to go. She is such an easy girl to travel with and so laid back with new places and experiences. We are definitely blessed to be able do fun trips like this and make memories for her.

Mother's Day 2013

 We had a great Mother's Day this year! The Saturday of Mother's Day weekend, Josh, Avery and I went to brunch at the Broken Egg.

 Avery and Josh picked some roses off of our rose bush and made me a beautiful bouquet. How beautiful is this little girl?

 We took a few pictures before we left. I am 32 weeks here.

 Love this girl so much!

 Being silly!

 This is our third year going to The Broken Egg for Mother's Day brunch. It is officially a tradition :)

 Avery was such a little lady while we were eating. Its amazing how big she is getting!

When we were done eating (after she devoured pancakes, fruit and eggs) she put her hand against the wall and said "My belly is so full, I feel pregnant"

She is so funny!

 

After brunch we headed down to Luling for a crawfish boil with Josh's family. This prego pigged out on crawfish! It was a great family day.

 Sunday morning we double dipped for church. We went to service with mom and then went to our church service afterward.

 Josh got to play his Cajon for worship at church. Avery even helped with the sound check.

After church we grilled steaks with mom, Jake and Angela (who was about to pop!)

It was another great and to top it off, my big girl fell asleep on me, she never does that anymore!

I am so thankful to be a mommy. It has given such a purpose to my life. I have been blessed to watch Avery grow and mature over the past 4 years. I cannot wait to celebrate next year with 2 little girls!

The Jambalaya

The first weekend in May, Josh's grandparents host "The Jambalaya"

We figured out they have been hosting it for 40 years! It is such a fun, relaxing day.

Josh's grandparents have all of their friends come over ever year.

 It is so cool to see these friendships that have lasted 40+ years. They are still able to get together, drink a few beers and remember all of the fun that they've had.

 We attempted to get family pictures with all of the family that were there. Here are the grand kids/great grand kids (minus Dane and Callie, Meredith, Caiden, Carolin and Cole)

 Grandma Audrey and Big Papa with 2 of the greats

 The LeBlanc's

 The whole gang!

 Josh and his BFF Derek :)

The guys.

 

Caylon, Ashley, their kids and John and Cassidy came with us.

It was so nice to include our church family in on family functions.



30 week update

This pregnancy is FLYING by. I know everyone says its different with baby # 2, but jeez! I think you are so busy with baby #1 and you are a lot more laid back this time around. It's been a pretty uneventfull pregnancy. The only difference this time around is that I cramp a little more, when I am running around at work, hold my bladder too long. I don't remember that with Avery.

We finally started working on the nursery last week. Josh got the top half of the room painted, now we just have to hang and paint wainscoting on the bottom. Easier said than done. :)

I had my 30 wk check up Wednesday. I am up 12 lbs total. She is measuring perfectly at 30 wks and heartbeat sounded good. I am craving ICE, hamburgers and comfort food. I finally have a baby belly! Loving maternity clothes and yoga pants. She is most active at night when we are getting ready for bed, Josh and Avery love watching and feeling my belly move. I will be having check ups every 2 weeks now and I know the end of the pregnancy will be here before we know it!