See how are garden grows...

Check out our herb garden.  Again, I have been inspired by one of Bree's posts on gardening, and I planted a little herb garden off our back porch.  In one box I planted chives, parsley, basil and cilantro.  I am very excited about this batch of seasonal herbs and can't wait to use the cilantro in some home-made guacamole.  We cook with chives often and they alone will save us some serious $$$.  In the other box I planted rosemary and oregano, which will last through the colder months. 

Below is the start of our garden.  We did 2 rows of tomatoes, green peppers, zucchini and I did 2 jalapeno plants for my brother-in-law, Ian.  Once the cucumber seeds start to sprout and grow a little, we will transplant them to the big garden.  We are also going to consider adding a row of green beans if there is room.  I wish we had the space for corn, as we love fresh steamed corn this time of the year. 

 Knock out roses are looking good.

The other day, Trey and Ian put mulch down in our front and side yard.

Thanks Uncle Ian for your help!

 Our next projects to conquer:

 Spruce up the swing area and trim the greenery.

Also need to plant some more flowers around the house now that we are clear of freezing weather.

Hope to clean my care really well in the next week because Avery's car seat and car accessories are ready to be installed in the car.  Then we can head to the fire department to have them check it.

Update time!

      Today we got a good report at the OB.  Avery is continuing to grow and her heart beat was nice and strong.  I saw Dr. H today and she is my favorite at the practice.  I am really hoping she is the one on-call when miss Avery makes her debut.  Miss Avery is head down and we hope she stays in that position, although my right rib and side aren't loving her feet in their teritory.  We go back for our next visit in 2 weeks and then our visits become a weekly thing.  Let's hope that we only have 5 more trips to the OB, as the weather is starting to get really warm and I am getting very anxious for our little girl to get here.  I am still feeling great. I thought and felt huge, but apparently I am not measuring as big as I feel.  Still sleeping well, although I have started to wake up in the middle of the night on some nights....usually to pee. :-)  I haven't started having any contractions or any of the other end-of-pregnancy nightmares that I hear about, so I am keeping my fingers crossed.  Dr. H was surprised that I am still working and said that I have had an amazing pregnancy. I told her that we hope our luck continues for when Avery arrives.
     While sitting in the waiting room today, another lady came in that was in labor and she looked miserable.  I felt so bad for her.  Obviously, she got to go back before me.  I must have been staring a lot and had a look on my face because this older lady leaned over and said, "it's not that bad and I bet you will do fine." 

Our thumbs are turning green!

Last year we wanted to do a garden but had too much going on.  This year we still have a lot going on as we wait the arrival of our baby girl, but have decided that this will be the year we start a garden.  We are going to do a few basic items since it's our first year.  Trey and my father made a huge garden box for us to plant tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, zucchini and maybe some green beans.  

Trey is in the process of filling the box with dirt and he promises it will be done in time for me to get things planted this Saturday.  I can't wait to get this project started and watch our progress.  Trey's Pawpaw, who passed away in December, was a huge gardener and has inspired many of us in the family to grow our own food.  Trey's grandparents would get almost all their food from their garden.  Our cousins, Bree and Steve, are the experienced gardeners and have inspired us.  Last year, Bree made a lot of baby food from their garden for her daughter.  That might be a goal of mine for next year, as we don't have room for that many vegetables.  Bree has an awesome blog and she talks about cooking, growing garden, exercise and other useful things.  Be sure to check out The Suburban Challenge.



No more sand box and look how good the swing set looks.  It's all ready for Avery and her friends!



Our azalea bushes have bloomed and they look gorgeous.  I love this time of year and all the beautiful flowers.  I hope Avery enjoys being outside as much as her parents.  

Go away tornados!

     This weekend flew by way to fast, almost like a tornado.  Friday, I was able to go out to lunch and then dinner with 2 different groups of fun and fabulous ladies.  It was great time.  Saturday morning my youngest niece came over while the rest of her family headed to the Sanford/Pinehurst area for a weekend filled with basketball tournament games.  I took Samantha to her soccer game in the afternoon when the weather was starting to get windy with little periods of rain.  I sucked it up and sat through it all like a true "soccer mom."  
     After the game, we headed home to clean up and go out for an afternoon of shopping, something we both thoroughly enjoy.  First stop, Crabtree Valley Mall to find an Easter dress and new swimwear as my sister and her family are going to Florida this week for their Spring/Easter break.  Samantha found 2 dresses that she liked, so with mommy's permission we got both.  Now on to get some shoes to match and find new swimsuits.  Samantha requested that we needed to take a break and grab a soft pretzel and Icee, and I could not have agreed more.  We took a much need break and enjoyed our snack.  I started to notice the stormy weather and the mall began to look gloomy.  Aunt Robyn called us to tell me there were storms coming and that we should hang out at the mall for awhile.  So we trucked our way down the mall looking for shoes, outfits for Avery and making our way toward Justice, where Samantha wanted to get a bikini.  On our way there the storms appeared to be getting worse through the giant glass skylights in the mall, and I began to notice people starting to panic.  I spoke with Aunt Robyn and Trey again with a weather update and they warned us about some of the damage already done and where the "tornadoes" were headed.  As soon as we reached Justice on the other end,of the mall there was a huge boom and the power flickered.  I knew a tornado had caused damage in Sanford and was headed toward downtown Raleigh.  I convinced Samantha to walk toward Macy's (farthest from downtown Raleigh and close to our car), and we would come back to Justice.  I remained calm Aunt Becky but she informed me that we were walking to fast, meanwhile all the lights continued to flicker and more people were scattering through the mall.  When we got to Macy's they made an overhead announcement about the tornadoes in the area and requested everyone come down from the 2nd level and stand at the center of the store.  We walked over to the makeup counters at the center and found 2 chairs.  All the Macy's employees were helping people get down the escalators and the panic started.  I pride myself in being able to keep Samantha distracted by getting one of the ladies at the make up counter to get us a sample of lip gloss.  It was a perfect distraction and before we knew it they were announcing that everything was clear, and the sun began to shine through.  We headed through the mall, and both of us were over our shopping experience, especially when they started flashing the lights in the mall and requesting everyone on the lower level to move their cars (the mall floods often as it was apparently built on a swampy area).  We quickly left the mall and were on our way back to the Peak of Good Living (Apex), where we hit up Beaver Creek and finished our shopping adventure.

Samantha in her new dress, shoes and matching headband.

     Finally we got home and uncle Trey had already started dinner.  We had a relaxing evening of grilling out, painting Easter eggs, and making brownies for dessert.  It was definitely a weekend I will never forget, but hope I never have to relive.  Also, a word of advice to never go to the mall when dangerous weather is approaching.  Would much rather be at home with the ones we love than in the mall with huge glass ceilings and around big crowds of panicking people.
     I love that we are able to spend special time with our nieces and it makes us more and more excited for Avery's arrival.  We are very blessed to have such a large and special family.  My father told me the other day that he thinks Robyn and my nieces couldn't be anymore excited about Avery.  It is so amazing that we have so many people that love and care about our daughter when they haven't even met her.  I look forward to years down the road when not only our family grows but more importantly, OUR LOVE!

More Nursery Progress

We have definitely made a lot more progress with Avery's nursery since our last 2 baby showers.  I am slowly gathering a few more things and soon it will be complete.  My mother is currently working on the curtains, and you can see the curtain rods are waiting for daddy to hang.  Next week we are having blinds installed (finally after living in our house 1.5 years I have decided on blinds and window treatments).

 I have had so much fun with the nursery project.  I walk in her room everyday and organize anything I can get my hands on.  I found a table to go beside the chair, and it is currently in the garage waiting on a final coat of polyurethane.  I found it brand new and ready for a coat of stain at the Raleigh Flea Market for only $25.  Add another $5 spent at Home Depot and we have a beautiful table that matches perfectly for only $30.  I was very excited about this deal because I had been looking at one to purchase for $130.

Two bird pictures my sister, Robyn, had made for us.  They are adorable and she used the fabric from Avery's sheets in each of the pictures.  The bird pictures are a perfect touch.  Daisy Faye Designs does an amazing job with coordinating wall art and special applique outfits.

  I have a decal of her name that coordinates with the birdie theme for the wall above the crib.  Etsy has the most adorable decals to purchase for nurseries.  I am going to get another matching decal for above her closet of a tree branch with birds.  We are waiting for everything else to get put into place before I put up the decal, as I do not think it can be moved.  I am also going to purchase a special birdcage for the wall to hold pictures and other fun things.  Over the next 2-3 weeks we are going to give my car the ultimate clean and then have our infant carrier installed. Until then, it's just hanging out in the nursery.

The picture above the dresser/changing table was my inspiration for the entire room.  I had a lot of trouble deciding on linen in the beginning.  Once I decided to use this picture, everything else just flowed.  I hope that I do not regret ordering a white chair (not sure what I was thinking, but it looks great). 

My niece, Madison, got Avery this personalized bow holder.  I love how it matches her room and keeps all her bows organized.  Let's just hope she has hair before her 1st birthday. 

My father made us the fantastic birdhouse book shelf.  I love the picket fence at the bottom.  The flower on her door was from our baby shower in Cary.  I love it so much and think it's a perfect accessory.

    Avery needs to hurry up and get here so I will have something to keep me busy once I finalize all the little details in her nursery.  I know that Trey is getting tired of all our projects and ever growing to-do list.  This weekend we are working in the yard.  Going to make a large garden box so we can grow some yummy fruits and vegetables this summer.  We are also getting all of our flowerbeds ready for mulch and flowers to be planted.  Finally, we are going to cover the area on the play set that was once a sand box.  All the lumber is in the garage, let's hope mother nature decides to cooperate with us.

Getting ready for the next Chapter

Over the next few weeks, I plan on making several meals to stock our freezer for our first couple months of partenthood.  I am almost finished with the nursery and all our other home updates, so I have begun my food preparation plan.  I am hoping that the stocked freezer will help us enjoy our summer and eliminate other additional stressors.  I am taking off the entire summer and plan on enoying all of my precious time with our baby girl.  The other day I made 3 large containers of meat sauce that I plan on using for lasagna, baked ziti and other casseroles I will be making and freezing in the next 2-3 weeks.  Tonight, I decided to make 4 batches of meat loaf.  This meatloaf is delicioius and easy cause you cook it in the crockpot.  Trey's cousin, Bree, is a genious cook and has an amazing blog with great cooking recipes. Click here for Bree's slow-cooker-meat-loaf and I promise you are going to love it.

 Trying not to make a huge mess and keeping everything seperated.



I look and feel like I am getting huge. Less than 7 weeks left!

My four meat loaves ready to go into the freezer.

I am so glad that we have an extra fridge and freezer in our garage.  I am placing all my prepared meals in there, and I will be sure to post a picture of it when I have it filled.  I am very optimistic that I will get everything done on my massive "to-do list" in the next 6 weeks.

Avery McCall Update

     Today I had an OB visit and met with the last of all the doctors in the practice.  Dr. Flanagan is my favorite, but unfortunately she is a week ahead of me in her pregnancy.  Therefore, she will not be delivering Avery unless for some reason she decides to make an early debut.  I would love for her to make an early debut, but think it is best for her to stay put for at least 7 more weeks.  We need her to fatten up, as well as develop her lungs and brain a bit more. 
      I am happy to report that everything was normal at our appointment, and we are measuring right on target for our June 3rd due date.  I am now in my 33rd week of pregnancy, and still enjoying almost everything.  We are getting very anxious to meet our little girl.  We have a few more things to gather for the nursery and my mother is working on the window treatments.  Everything should be finalized by the beginning of May. 
     Avery is becoming a strong little girl.  You can even see some of her movements just by looking at my stomach.  Things are starting to feel a bit crammed inside me, and I can't imagine how she is going to get much bigger.  The nice weather has been a blessing as I am able to walk the dog everyday.  Sadie does a great job of keeping me going up some of the hills in our neighborhood. 

Baby Shower Time

     The next weekend after our trip to Hickory was also busy and filled with celebrations.  On Friday night my friends, Robin and Haley, come into town.  Allison joined us and we all had a fun and relaxing evening together just catching up.  We also were very excited because Robin, who is about 18 weeks pregnant, found out that she is having a sweet baby boy this September.  I am so glad that we have all remained so close since we all moved to different towns after graduating college.  The friendship I have with these ladies is amazing. 
     The next day, Trey made a delicious breakfast and we all lounged around the house.  That Saturday afternoon we went to my older sister, Roni's, house for a baby shower.  It was so great to see so many wonderful friends and family.  A couple of my friends and a cousin brought their little ones.  My nieces were in heaven as they love children.  After the baby shower, Alexis asked me if I could hurry up and have Avery because she is so excited to hold her and play with her.  My 3 nieces have started discussing the order in which they are each going to hold Avery when they come meet her in the hospital.  This is so cute.  Everyday I am amazed at how blessed we are to have such supportive and loving family and friends.

Cute flower decoration that is now on Avery's nursery room door.



My sisters had adorable decorations for the shower.

 

Adorable burp cloths from Robin

 

Megan and Lily James

  

Myself with my mother and sisters. They are the BEST!



Soon there will be another girl for this picture!

 

Alexis, the future babysitter, and Parker.



Yummy cake!



Avery's first Wrightsville Beach t-shirt. 
Looking forward to many beach memories, Thanks Kelly!



Beautiful picture for the nursery from Trey's parents.  It was my inspiration for the entire nursery.

 

Haley, myself, Melissa, Allison and Robin



Parker and Karla



Avery got some Chuck Taylor shoes.  She is ready for football season.



Sean and my Aunt Cheryl.
Sean is going to be a big brother this fall. That makes 13 great-grandchildren for my dad's parents.



     Finally, I will end with a picture of the baby bump.  She must be growing because it seems I am getting bigger everyday and I am able to feel every movement.  I love when she gets hiccups, but do not always enjoy feeling her do summersaults and whatever else she likes to do when I am trying to sleep. 

Less than 2 months and we will be able to hold our baby girl!



32 weeks

     After the shower at my sister's house, we headed back to play in the nursery.  My oldest niece, Madison, came over to help put things away and organize the nursery.  She was so much help, and she had so many great ideas about where to place things.  I know that she is going to be so helpful once Avery arrives into this world.  Madison is also my God-daughter, maybe that is why she is so responsible and helpful...haha!  Sorry for the lack of post over the past 3 week, but as you can see we have had some busy weeks.  Stay tuned in for a post coming on Avery's nursery progress. 

Weekend in Hickory

    Several weeks ago we packed the car, took the dog and away we went to Hickory for a weekend full of celebrating and family.  On Friday night we celebrated Taylor's birthday.  I brought a delicious blue moon cake all the way from Cary.  It was so delicious and we enjoyed it throughout the entire weekend.  Trey's Aunt Ann and Mawmaw came into town Friday evening and stayed the night as well.  We had a great time watching the NCAA games and had a delicious dinner.



Sadie baby hanging out and enjoying a relaxing weekend in Hickory.



Trey, Mawmaw and Taylor



     On Saturday morning, I had my first baby shower.  A bunch of ladies that are close friends with Cathy, Trey's mother, through a Baby Shower Brunch.  The food was delicious and the company was fantastic.  These women are professionals when it comes to showers and parties.  My mom and younger sister were able to come, as well as a lot of ladies from the Hickory area.  Avery got a lot of very nice things and we were that much closer to being ready for her after this shower. 



Myself with all McCall and Hergenroeder women who came to the shower.

     Saturday evening, Trey's parents and a bunch of their friends hosted a couples shower for the future Mr. and Mrs. Beaudin at the King's house.  Jenny and Jeff are tying the knot this October.  We are very excited for them and look forward to their big day. 

Jenny and Jeff opening their gifts.

Delicious food and decorating by Berry and Mickey

Berry, Mickey and Taylor

     After a fun weekend, we headed back to Apex on Sunday afternoon.  My mom and sister toted a bunch of the gifts from the baby shower home for us on Saturday.  Mom also stacked everything in Avery's room, so we had some work cut out for us when we returned home.  I was so excited to get back and start playing in the nursery.  We changed into some comfy clothes and tackled the mounds together.  I could spend so much time in there arranging and organizing all her things.


The nursery when we got home Sunday.  We had a blast putting everything in its place.