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. 

Girls clothing is too cute!

I have learned that March in the triangle area is congisnment time for many moms and moms-to-be.  I have amazing mommy-friends that have recomended certain shows to attend, and I stumbled across one in Apex a few weeks ago.  I even was able to drag Trey to the one in Apex.  I am not a hard-core consigner, but I have found a few really good deals.  We were able to find some fun outfits for football season...GO PACK!  I am slightly hesitant about having a baby at the games, but my mom insists that it is going to be easy and that she is more than willing to hold Avery.  She's got plenty of experience, as Robyn and I basically grew up in a basketball gymnasium. 

Last night, my mother and I went to a show in Raleigh with a large inventory of beautiful items.  It was predominently clothing and a few accessories.  I have quickly learned how fun and irresistable little girls clothing can be.  I was very impressed with the large inventory of new clothing at the show.  We actually got to go before the general public since we went in the grnadmother-guest slot.  There was a large crowd of women waiting before they opened the doors at 7pm.  Then the chaos began, and we quickly learned the essential dos and don'ts of consignment shows.  We also learned that not everything was a deal as some of the items were marked higher than things we had seen in stores around town.  We gathered a bunch of items as we went through the racks and then found a spot on the floor to sort through our pile and decide on final purchases.  It was great to have mom with me as we were able to sort through our pile and make sure none of our picks were flawed.  Overall, it was a successful evening.  We had a wonderful time and came out with some fantastic deals, as well as some adorable dresses and bubble outfits for sweet Avery.  

Some of our great brand new finds from the raleigh show.

I also have to mention how much I love zulily.com  My younger sister introduced me to the bargain website with adorable children's clothing and accessories.  I always have a great time browsing, but I made my first purchase this week.  I had been looking for something special for Avery to wear home from the hospital, and think I found the perfect item at a wonderful price.  I hope that I am pleased with my first purchase when I get the package. 

What we've been up to...

I have been very bad about keeping up with blogging lately.  We have been either out of town, busy with projects or out doing things that might not be as easy once Avery comes into our lives.

The first weekend in March, I went to the mountains with some amazing friends.  Despite the rainy weather we had a wonderful and relaxing weekend.  It was great to catch up.  My friend Robin is expecting her first baby at the beginning of September, and it was great see her progress.  While driving down the mountain on our way to dinner on Saturday night, we got stuck in a ditch.  Unfortunately we missed dinner, but I can't think of 3 better people to be stuck in a car that is leaning sideways.  After two hours, we were rescued by a nice man from AAA. 



Robin, Allison, myself and Haley



This is where we got the car stuck the night before on our way to dinner.  The rain made the trench look much better than it did when the tow truck pulled us out!

We went to my parents' house last Sunday night to celebrate my mother's birthday.  We enjoyed a wonderful meal and a fabulous cake from Blue Moon. 



Dad recently learned to text from my nieces. Robyn is showing him an easier way to text on his "cheap phone."









On Monday, my friend Amanda and her daughter Cameron came to apex for a visit and lunch.  It was so nice to catch up with them.  Amanda is having a boy in August.  She brought me a box of Cameron's baby clothes for Avery, and I could not have been more excited.  We are very blessed to have 2 special friends with girls that have offered to let us use some of their hand-me-downs.  Avery is very lucky to have such stylish friends!

Cameron sitting on the horse.

We went out Saturday night to celebrate St. Patricks day at one of my co-workers party.  We had a great time.  The next day we took advantage of the beautiful weather and did some serious yard work and spring cleaning.  Looking forward to daylight savings time change and more evening light. Hopefully, the warm weather is here to stay and we can enjoy our time outside until the pollen attacks us.

Third Trimester

I have reached a milestone, and that would be my third and final trimester!  I am still feeling great and energized.  Continuously working on different things around the house.  I think I am powering through all these tasks because I have heard that exhaustion returns in the third trimester. 

Working out has helped a lot with pregnancy, and hopefully it will pay off when it comes to labor and postpartum.  I am still doing cycle class, but have had to back off some of my cardio workouts.  In the past few weeks, I have been spending a lot of time swimming and taking aqua classes.  I start a prenatal yoga this Thursday, and will continue to go every Thursday for the next 6 weeks.  I am looking forward to this as I think it will help with some of the back aches that I have been having. 

As for work, I am still working as usual on both the helicopter and ambulance.  Thankfully, the weather has not gotten too warm yet.  I do find myself needing less layers, but have not had any episodes of overheating.  Avery is coming at the perfect time as far as work goes.  I will be on maternity leave all summer, the time of year that is least desirable to be working outside in a flight suit.

Beginning in April, my monthly OB visits will change to biweekly and then eventually weekly as I move into May.  Last visit everything was measuring on target for our June 3rd due date.  She has a strong heartbeat.  I am able to feel all her movements and she is really enjoying the space in my right rib cage.  Trey has enjoyed feeling her kicks, hiccups, and other movements.  Occassionally, you can see her moving across my stomach.  I know that these movement are going to get more intense as she is really going to start growing. I will be sure to post any updates over the next 11 weeks before Avery makes her grand entrance to the world.  I know that things are about to change, but I cannot think of a better change for us. 

Pinehurst

Trey and a few other guys booked a golf package in Pinehurst this past weekend, and some of the wives decided to tag-a-long. It was a great deal that included a nice condo and 2 rounds of golf. It was an opportunity that sounded much better than staying at home to paint and clean. On Saturday, I went to Southern Pines with Robyn and Katie for lunch and some shopping. It was beautiful day, and we had fun going in all the neat shops on Broad Street.

Later we me the guys at the golf course for a few drinks. I enjoyed a pregnant cocktail (pineapple juice, sierra mist and a dash of grenadine) and relaxed in some rocking chairs while Derrick and Ian did some putting and chipping.



Trey and I at dinner



Saturday night we enjoyed a nice dinner at the Carolina hotel. The food was great, and we had a wonderful time. After dinner, we headed back to the condo and played some Dominoes. If you have never played, then you must try it. We always have so much fun eventhough it tends to get a little competitive.



Katie and Derrick

 Sunday, we headed back to the Carolina hotel for a yummy breakfast.  Before heading home, I went over to No. 8 where the guys were playing their final round. I was able to get a few pictures of their warm-up.

The guys hitting balls before their round of golf.

I had a relaxing time, and it was nice to take a break from all the projects and tasks we have going around our house. Pinehurst is a very beautiful area and it was perfect for a peaceful night away. Next time, I will be sure to schedule some time at the Pinehurst Spa. 

Here is a picture of me in my 27th week.

I am not a fan of the weekly belly pics,

but many have requested to see the progress.

Nursery Progress and Other Projects

I thought I would take some time to share the progress we have made with Avery's Nursey.  My wonderful mother painted the room and my fabulous husband and father added to the existing crown molding.  I am very fortunate to have so much help.  The bumper, crib skirts, mattress and some other accessiories came in last week.  We are just waiting on the sheets to arrive.  The crib is ready to be assembled and are looking forward to the fun experience.  I will continue to share progress as we hang window treatments, add more furniture and the other final touches.  In the next two months, the fabulous chair we ordered should be in and my dad might be finished with the fun bookshelf that he is making for Avery. 

I love the crown molding in her room.  Trey took down the ceiling fan and his parents have orderd a chandelier to add the perfect touch to this little girl's room. 

Below is a picture of the crib laid out and ready for assembly. My sister was so sweet to give us the crib she used for her 3 girls.  It is in incredible condition, and we were relieved to have one less thing to purchase.  I hope to soon have a picture it put together and ready for linen.

I will continue to share progress as we hang window treatments, add more furniture and the other final touches.  In the next two months, the fabulous chair we ordered should be in and my dad might be finished with the fun bookshelf that he is making for Avery. 

This past Saturday, we had gorgeous weather, and it was the first time that Trey wasn't golfing or I was not working.  We took the opportunity to get a bunch of things done in and around the house.  My parents came over to help with some first-time projects.  The morning started early with some laying of concrete to make a slab for our trash and recycling cans on the side of the garage.  Yes, I am deffinitly nesting and wanted our waste management containers to be neat and organized. 

I finsihed painting the doors in Avery's room as well as some other doors in the house.  I am planning on painting all of the doors before the end of May if the weather and my energy permit.  Here is my setup for painting the doors.

I also planted a bunch of flowers in planters.  The nice weather felt so wonderful and it put me in the mood for flowers.  I picked up some pansies and potting soil while they were getting stuff for our concrete slab.  I have deffinitly inherited a love for flowers from my father.  They truely make a house look nice and inviting. 

As you can see in the pictures, my father and Trey cut down a big tree that had died.  This was rather interesting to watch.  We have a really fun playset in the backyard that I know Avery is going to love.  The only part I do not like is the sandbox.  They are too messy and I don't like the idea of having the neighborhood cat box.  Thus, Trey removed all the sand from the box and spread it across the yard to help with grass growth and drainage issues we have in certain areas.   Next week we will be covering the area formerly known as the sandbox...Yeah! 

In the afternoon, I did some spring cleaning and cooking inside, Trey and my mother started to groom the flower beds in the back yard.  We deffinitly have our hands full in the back yard.  We have many things that we want and need to do, but are trying to do it a little bit at a time.  I don't understand what the previous owners were thinking when they did their landscaping. 

We were exhausted by dinner, but we were very pleased with our progress.  I hope we have many more nice weekends in the coming months, so we can make more porgress in the backyard and continue to accomplish our long to-do list!  Stay tuned for nursery progress, kitchen construction and hopefully finalizing window treaments and accent furniture.

Future friends...

Last week Melissa and I went to Greensboro for the day to visit Megan and her sweet baby girl, Lily James Kesler.  Lily was born at the beginning of January.  She is incredibly beautiful and such a precious baby girl.  It was so much fun holding Lily and spending time with Megan.  We went to lunch and Lily slept the entire time.  I am very lucky to have friends and family who give great advice and can answers all my inquiring questions about pregnancy and motherhood. I could have held Lily all day. After the afternoon with the Kesler women, I was very anxious and excited for the day when we get to hold Avery. 

Here are a few pictures from the day:

What's in a name?

As you have seen in previous posts, we have decided on a name for our sweet girl. We initially had a hard time thinking of girls names that we both liked and that sounded good together. We would think of a first or middle name that we liked, but could never settle on both. After several weeks of sorting through websites and crossing off our lists, we have decide that our sweet baby girl is going to be named:

Avery McCall King

We both liked Avery a lot, so we decided that would be her first name.  McCall is Trey's mother maiden name. We like the name and talked about using it after the death of his grandfather, William Rex McCall, in December. Pawpaw was a wonderful, sweet and fun man.  We miss him very much and know that he will be looking over us and Avery. Finally, she is a King so that will be her last name.

Weddings, weddings and more weddings

We have several weddings to attend in 2011 after Avery makes her debut.  In the meantime, we are having fun and staying busy with many pre-wedding festivities. A few weeks ago, we attended a shower for Justin and Julie and I neglected to take my camera.  We are very excited for their big day.  Hopefully, Avery will decide to join us before her June 3rd due date, so mommy can attend this wedding scheduled for June 18th.  Trey is in this wedding and his family will be in town, so we will have lots of help. 

This past Friday night, we headed to Chapel Hill to celebrate the engagement of Jenny and Jeff.  It was great catching up with friends and spending time with this wonderful couple.  I have included some pics from the evening at Spice Street.  I am 24 weeks in the picture below.

All the King's with the future Beaudin's.

Taylor and Casey

The next day we were suppose to run in the Krispy Kreme Challenge, but backed-out due to the rain.  We did this event the previous year and had a great time. Instead of freezing in the wet weather we had a wonderful breakfast with Trey's family.  After everyone headed home, we hopped in the car and headed to Charlotte to celebrate Danny and Melissa's engagement.  Melissa and I have been friends since college and we had a great time celebrating with her.  It was also wonderful to catch up with friends.  We are looking forward to a weekend in Wrightsville Beach and their wedding on 9/10/11 (what a fun date)!  This might be our first weekend away from Avery, or not! :-)

Had a blast catching up with Grace and Haley.

Unfortunately, our picture with Melissa is on her camera.

Looking forward to more celebrations as we await Avery's arrival, as well as the other weddings that will be occurring in 2011.  We are also looking forward to another beach weekend in late September when Kelly and Whitney tie the knot. 



Getting her dance on and kicking daddy!

I have been on a blogging hiatus, as our computer was out of commission for a few weeks.  Avery has turned in to quite the active girl over the past 2-3 weeks.  On the night of January 25, Trey was able to feel his little girl move for the first time.  It's strange how sometimes she gets very active while I am resting, but then I will be very active and she catches me off-guard.  Maybe it's her way of telling mom to slow down.  I have shared with many people how strange it is to feel her moving.  I have a hard time describing the sensation, as it is so different from anything I have ever felt.  I think she has been breaking it down lately and I am going to enjoy it because I know those kicks are going to get stronger as she grows. 
On another note, we have made some progress with her nursery.  Right now the room is under construction and painting, compliments of my mother.  I have picked out all the furniture and look forward to it's arrival in the months to come.  I am trying my best to enjoy this time and not wish it away.  I am very blessed to have a relatively easy pregnancy thus far.  However, I am very anxious to love her,  hold her, and start this next chapter in our life.