The Jersey Boys

Jersey wearing men usually fall into one of two categories in my opinion. 

1.     Those who are Dad’s/older guys wanting to support their favorite team or player in the most flagrant way possible.

2.     Creepy guys, whose jersey is worn with: hair hanging out of the neck line, a very large beer belly, possible mullet, cut off shorts, cigarette in hand, rainbow lensed Oakley’s, all finished off with a nice spritz of Axe cologne.

Barry has always teased about wanting a jersey and anxiously anticipating the day when he is old enough to wear one.  Every time he would make a statement about wanting one I would laugh, and think to myself I know exactly when I will get you one.

So after our first Dr. appointment confirming we would soon be parents I came home, went to the closet, and got out a box I had been saving, and gave it to Barry for his “congratulations you’re going to be a daddy” present. 

He loves the Cincinnati Reds, and his favorite player has always been Barry Larkin.  So now he has a jersey.  He’s ready to play. 

When we found out we were having a little boy we immediately went shopping for a few little guy items.  Barry found a teeny tiny Reds shirt with Votto on the back, which we of course had to get.  So the Jersey quest is complete, and he’ll have a lil’ slugger to lay on his shoulder while he enjoys this next season of life.  

Christmas in Paducah

Our Christmas celebrations began in Paducah, KY where Barry's family is from.  The two of us, Chris, and Don and Karen hopped in the van and road tripped it down to Paducah to visit Granny in the nursing home.  We had a nice visit with her and their aunt Annette but felt sad to leave her there as this will be the first Christmas she spends there. 

We then headed to Benton for his Memaw's Christmas party.  It was a great time as usual, and nice for us to catch up with everyone we only get to see once or twice a year. Their were several new additions to the family and I got lots of tips and questions answered from my talks with B's cousins.  :) 
What a great way to start off the family celebrations! 

Give me that Degree

Well Good News friends..... This week I got the results from my Praxis exam, and to my surprise I PASSED!
I was positive that I would be taking it again in March about ready to pop, but it turns out that praying during a test works! Truly happened by the grace of God!
Then last night I got the word that my quest for a Masters degree has come to an end. My final portfolio has passed. :)
So with this news Barry told me I had to open a gift early. This ornament with a sweet little personalization on the back now commemorates hard work coming to an end. What a husband!
What a Merry Christmas. Gods blessings are abundant right now and I am overwhelmed with happiness.
Now my thoughts and time can focus on the enjoyment of Christmas and the blessing of this sweet baby boy. :)
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Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Red

After finding out that little Mini Cooper was a boy I asked Barry's mom if she had any of his old things from when he was a baby.  I wanted to incorporate some of those items into decorating the nursery if possible.  Out popped these too perfect little red shoes that use to fit on my sweet husbands tiny feet.  :)

I knew immediately that they had to be used for a Christmas card.  So we had my sister (who is a talented photographer) snap a few shots with us and the shoes.  This is what we got.  I love every one of them, and plan on framing one to put in Henry's room.  

 Yes our little boy will be sweetly named Henry Thomas Cooper.  We have loved the name Henry for three years and Thomas is a family name including my Dad and Pepaw.  :)

 Belly Shot 19 weeks.

Here is the final result of our Christmas Card, I think it's precious!

Start Spreading the News

We had such a blessing this year at Thanksgiving.  My ever most generous in-laws offered up their home to host my entire extended family for the festive fun feast.  We were also able to share the news that little BabyC is a boy with everyone in a very special way.  We had a cute little gender reveal cake made by Donut Days Bakery.  It was delicious and quite a fun experience for all. 

We headed over to Don and Karen's Thanksgiving morning to hang out and get appetizers ready.  They had done so much to get there house ready for everything and it was such a wonderful day all around because of them.  We set up and then waited for the Miller family to arrive.  I set out little trees with blue and pink leaves for people to place their vote for which they thought Baby C would be.

There was lots of food, laughs, hugs, and enjoyment of a family blessed far beyond what we could have ever imagined.

 My sister and I.  :0)

 My fabulous Granny and Pepaw.

 Karen and I using our aprons in her kitchen!  This is the best mother-inlaw anyone could ask for!

 My mashed potatoes I made to feed an army!

 Everyone needs a little Aunt Cindy in their life!

 Let the feast begin!

The votes are in 17 voted boy 7 for girl.....hmmm and the winner is.....

 We had my Granny and Pepaw cut open the cake to see the inside. 

 Blue!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 Yahoo!

 Watching the ultrasound on the iPad

 Two happy parents! We absolutely loved this day of celebration and thankfulness!

Elise insisted on helping my Daddy wash the dishes.  She pulled up a stool saying "I hep, I hep."  What a sweetie!

I'm pretty sure Thanksgiving doesn't get much better than this.  I'm so thankful for this amazing family, the ability to share fun times with them, and for our newest little addition to the fam, the blessing of a baby boy. 

Happy Thanksgiving

I am thankful for my savior who gave me new life and an abundance of undeserved blessings.

I am thankful for a husband who gives me the purest love I could know on this earth. I am thankful for eternity with him and my creator. 

I am thankful for this blessed baby growing inside of me. I am thankful for it's beating heart, it's developing body and it's arms and legs that now let me know it's there!

I am thankful for health and a healthy family. I am thankful for a big loving happy family who truely cares for each other and those around them.

I am thankful for wonderful lifetime friends who each have a special place and purpose in my life.  I am thankful for a warm home and more food than should be allowed on a table today! 

Happy Thanksgiving!

He? or She?

Pink or Blue?  It will be a surprise to you!  

We found out yesterday that we are having a healthy baby _____!   We couldn't be more excited and can't wait to meet little______!  We will cut the cake with our family tomorrow to reveal what we are so very thankful for this Thanksgiving.  xo