July update

I cant believe an entire month can go by and I havent been on this blog....well actually I can. Life is just going by so fast. Here is an update, list version, of whats going on in life with our little family.

-Doctor's appointments have gone well! Ethan continues to have the best sounding heart I have ever heard and I finally gained 4 pounds. Not bad!!
- I have found out that Ethan is an active little man!!! He moves all the time and its the best/weirdest feeling I have ever had. I know he is just growing and trying to stretch his body out. We often play a game I like to call " I poke, you poke back." We enjoy it.
-I have started reading Ethan Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and he just starts moving. He loves books already :) He also practices his alphabet, counting in English/Spanish/and French, days of the week, and months of the year. People may think Im crazy for doing it but I believe it can help him. Cant do any harm getting him ready for a scholarship!!!
- Work still continues to keep both Ty and I busy. For me, its getting harder and harder to be on my feet for 9 hours a day. I have been good about taking all my break and resting, but my body is just aching. Having a small torso hasnt helped me with a growing belly!!! Thank God I have a wonderful husband who rubs my feet :)
-Ethan's room is coming along. I am trying my best to get what I can done early before I really cant move. I am not sure if I have mentioned before but we have decided on a nautical theme for our little guy. If you are super curious we are using the bedding from Pottery Barn Kids called Harper- navy and white with a whale sheet from the jackson collection. I have also gotten a lighthouse for his shelves, some anchor book ends that im going to paint, and and anchor with rope for his wall. I have had so much fun on my days off shopping at Home Goods and other places looking for things to add here and there. The crib just looks so lonely. Just like any other mother, I want him to have the best room I can give him!
-Lately Ty and I have been eating at home A LOT more then we ever have. We have had to be creative many nights but its still been nice to work together in the kitchen. Parker loves it... he is right under our feet just waiting for something to fall right under his nose. We have had some great meals together and I am just blessed to have a man who LOVES to cook and even does the dishes. Jealous ladies???
- I have read a lot about how nesting starts to take place when the baby gets closer to coming. I honestly feel like I had a little nesting bug bite me this weekend. Yesterday, all i wanted to do was get cleaning done. I cleaned bathrooms, guest bedroom downstairs, kitchen, and a closet. What in the world??? For some reason, I just needed this done. It had to be cleaned...no ifs, ands, or buts. Today, not so much. LOL I spent it at the pool and reading a book.

I believe thats all the updating I have. Not too much goes on around here but growing a baby and watching my belly move. Exciting for us, not so much the general public. I have an appointment coming up...the exciting glucose testing I have just been waiting for!! Pray peeps Pray

Baby Ethan on the way!

We are having a boy!!! I know its kind of old news....but life has been so busy since we found out about our "little guy." Ty and I are so happy for him to get here. We have decided to name him Ethan James Kincaid..... we love the name Ethan and Ty's father's name is James. It just sounds like a strong name with importance!!! (sorry his picture is on its side)
So far pregnancy has still been good to me. I can feel him move around and his kicks are getting stronger. Im sure that at some point they wont feel the best but for now I love it. The doctor says he is right on track in development and he is just an active little man. I have been very lucky in the fact that I have not gained a pound.....which doesnt make sense to me with my stomach sticking way out and its obvious there is a human inside. As long as he is healthy Im ok with it.
As the summer just seems to get hotter, I keep doing my best to keep hydrated and get things done before Im too big to move. We have actually already done one of our registries...the big one at Buy Buy Baby. Buy Buy Baby has only been in Alpharetta for almost a year. The store is basically Bed Bath and Beyond....just baby stuff. They are the same company so the store is laid out just the same way. At the store we were able to have an associate walk with us around the entire store and educate us on everything. What a blessing!!!! With my crazy schedule I just dont have all the time in the world to research every little thing that I need to know. After four hours....yes you read that correctly...Ethan was set up for everything he needed...and just a couple of wants. The registry was done a couple days before we knew it was Ethan so we went back and added some blue here and there. I really thought the process was going to be overwhelming but with their help it was actually enjoyable. It was nice to go ahead and get it done before my feet are swollen and I cant walk easily. Our next registries will be Pottery Barn kids for his bedding that we like and of course Target. Who doesnt love Target??
Ok... I gotta hop of to give Parker some love and attention. Until next time....

Trip to Chicago

Summer time is already here, and for some reason I just keep getting so busy that I forget to blog. I think this whole growing a baby thing has just got my mind busy. Everyday is a new day....full of different food cravings/aversions, heartburn, and lots of weird feelings going on in the tummy area! It has been the best thing ever to finally feel the little movement from Baby Kincaid. Its really happening.....Im becoming a mom!!!!

On Mother's Day Ty and I made the trip up to Ohio. We went up to tag along with my parents on a business trip to Chicago. I was more then happy to get away from Atlanta for little bit to see my family and take in the big city. Ty has never been to Chicago and going to Wrigley has always been on his life list to do.

While in Chicago we ate lots of pizza, walked around the city, did lots of window shopping, and I of course had my camera with me at all times to capture it. I was super excited that it was tulip time. Every Spring Chicago plants tulips all over the city. They are in the medians of the streets, around all the trees, and everywhere you turn you see the beautiful colors. I think I took more pictures of the flowers then anything.

My spaghetti dinner by Chef Kincaid is calling my name....so I must cut this short and add some pictures of the trip. Wednesday is the day we find out boy or girl so look for a blog then!!

Day 80

Today marks day 80 of being pregnant....I haven't been counting, just have an app on my iphone that tells me important information like that. I go into work tomorrow at 5am so I think this will be more of a list post instead of putting together sentences and paragraphs.

*Even though I love to eat steak, meat isn't my thing right now
*Im one of a million in the fact that I don't have morning sickness..... just get a little nauseous sometimes during the day. No throwing up for me and I am thankful
*Exhaustion.... I can sleep 10 hours and still be tired
*I find myself not being able to make decisions about ANYTHING
*Cracker Barrel has become my new favorite restaurant. I can get veggies and be happy!
*Parker is still acting like the baby protector. He often sits on my lap and lays his head on my belly....with kisses of course.
*Baby Kincaid went to it's first Braves game last Friday at the field's opening day. I think we brought luck with us so we were able to beat the Phillies!!!!
*Besides exhaustion... heartburn and back pain are my symptoms that are constant.

Ok...off to eat pizza....it sounds good to me right now so Im going with it

Baby Kincaid

What is the correct way to start a post about being pregnant??? I have no idea where to even begin and tons of random thoughts are just floating around my crazy brain. I guess I will just start at the beginning and see if I can stumble my way through.

One weekend in early February Ty and I had a busy weekend. It was a weekend when I was working both Saturday and Sunday and Ty's father had come to visit. He was in town and brought his truck with trailer for us to borrow. Ty and I had picked out a bed, dresser, and coffee table at IKEA and we were going to use this opportunity of a trailer to go purchase and bring home the items. Well, with me at work it was just the two men on their own. I knew they could handle this, so no worries from me at work.

The Saturday was just normal for me at work, but I was exhausted!! I had been tired for a few days now and it just wasn't like me. If you know my crazy work schedule then you would never think anything else could be a cause of exhaustion. When I got home I just wanted to get to bed, but I just wasnt feeling normal. Being pretty in tune with my body and knowing something was different, I had a random thought....."Could I be pregnant??"

After making myself ok with the idea of taking a test, I decided not to say anything to Ty and just have a moment to see what happens. I had no idea that in about 15 seconds....not the full 2 minutes it said....my life would change. I wish I could say I started crying, jumped up and down, laughed of excitement.....but none of that happened to me. I stayed still, was calm, and overall just frozen in shock. Then came the 1000's of thoughts......"How do I tell Ty?.......Am I really going to be a mom??......Do I wait until the morning to test again to make sure??...... When should I go to the doctor??.....What's going to happen at work??..etc etc" At that moment I had to stop the thoughts. I had to start praying....it was the time that I had that only God and I knew about this miracle inside me. I treasured that.

So how did I tell Ty that he was going to be a dad??? Ty was actually upstairs and in bed while I was in the bathroom. I got Parker out of the bed and put him in his own while I brushed my teeth. Thoughts are just running through my head!!!! I went into the closet and there was a plastic storage container that had baby clothes in. ( Keep in mind that working at BabyGap and having lots of family and friends having babies, I keep a stash of things to always be ready!!) I start going through the items and I find a onesie that says I Love Daddy.....PERFECT! I grab it, grab the positive test, and quickly put it in a box. I walk into our room and Ty is just watching some tv waiting for me to get in bed to sleep. I told him that I had something for him but I wanted to give it to him in another room so Parker wouldnt wake up and start barking. I led Ty into one of our spare rooms upstairs, the one that we knew we wanted to be our nursery one day. He kept looking at me weird but went along with it. Once we got in there I gave him the box.....he opened it....and said nothing with a confused look on his face. The words that came out, "What does this mean?" "Does this mean we are having a baby?" I was just crying at this point and we hugged for what seemed like an hour. Excitement was all over us!!!

Going to sleep wasnt easy to do and we just kept talking in bed. It was just hard to believe that we were going to be parents. We prayed together..... for our new baby and the journey of parenthood that we were starting. Now we shared a secret, something that we couldnt just go and tell the world right away. Being who I am, I wanted 100% proof before saying anything. After 3 positive tests and an attempt to get blood drawn at the doctor, I knew I was going to be a mom.

Ok.... saving more of the story for other posts. The picture is of baby Kincaid at 8 weeks when we heard the heartbeat....the best thing ever!

Spring is coming!

The weather is starting to get better and I love it. Yesterday it was almost 70 and the sun has been shining for days. I hope it is here to stay. I thought I would post some pics that I have taken that remind me of spring.... Happy Sunny Days to all!

Does anyone dance anymore?

This weekend I was lucky enough to have off from work. It was a crazy week at work...which my paycheck will love but my body is not liking so much. Besides cleaning and spending time with the boys, I have spent some time with my photos. I was looking at our engagement pictures from last year and saw the pic above of Ty and I dancing. I love it...it's sweet.
So I got to thinking.....does anyone dance anymore??? Ty and I dance around the house, or in the kitchen, every once in awhile. Most of the time there is no music... just a moment where we sway. I love dancing around and just feeling connected with the love of my life. Most of the time our dancing stays in the car. We like to drive around, turn up some great tunes, and have a mini "dance party."
Simple things in life always make me smile!

Not a whole lot going on!

Just like I have mentioned before..well always....I am awful at blogging. One day I can get a hang of it. To those that I read all the time..... Im jealous of you keeping up with it.

Holiday time came and boy were we busy here. I ended up getting the flu the week of Thanksgiving and that was no fun at all. My family came to visit and spend time with us in our home, but there I was in the bed for most of the time. It was good to see them though and with the flu you just cant help but feel like poo. Due to me not feeling well at all.... I did not take any pictures. I do have one of the dining room table all set for the big day. (It actually stays set all the time...we don't eat in there really).

Next came Christmas. I was so excited that it was here because that meant life at work would start to slow down. People in the mall can be crazies and it just wears me out. Ty and I had a quiet Christmas with just us and Parker and it was nice. It snowed a ton here in Atlanta so it was great to have a white Christmas. It was sooooo nice to stay in pjs all day and just watch movies. Parker enjoyed his stocking and his new presents.

Now, the new year has arrived and we are just doing the same thing. I am working a ton right now Ty is keeping busy with end of the year stuff for work. We have been doing some things around the house, including painting for the first time, and I will keep that for a separate post to make me get back on! We have a couple plans for some small trips this year and really just looking forward to what this year has to offer.

Halloween

Again, I admit to being the worst blogger ever. As it gets closer and closer to the holiday season, I get busier and busier. Today is day 2 of contractors working all over the house, so I am stuck here inside. I actually hear more spanish going on in my home then anything. Reminds me of Mexico!!!

Wow.... that was an A.D.D intro for ya!!

So much has gone on since I last posted. The most recent event was Halloween. Earlier in the month we took Parker to Howl-o-Weenie and he loved it. D.R.E.A.M. is the dachshund rescue mission here in Atlanta and they put this even on every year. People get together to celebrate our lovely animals. Most of the dogs were dressed up, including Parker who decided to be a football! It was a little warm so he went as himself for most part. We got to walk around, let him sniff, and kiss a couple of the the lady wieners. We had fun watching the races and walking around to talk with the vendors. It was a success and made Parker sleep for 3 days. He just has too much fun!!!

For the real Halloween we carved pumpkins and handed out candy for the first time in our new house. Parker had a ton of fun giving kiss to all the kids, whether they were ready for it or not. We had candy.... peanut free bowl, gluten free option, and a healthier choice of small boxes of raisins.( Ty didnt think the raisins would be a hit, but those first timers who are like 1yrs old loved it!!) There are just too many allergies around that I thought it would be good. Success!

The dog park!

Last Sunday, Ty's big 30th birthday, we decided to take Parker to a dog park. The weather was perfect, I finally had a day off, and going to the park seemed like the perfect family time for the three of us. After getting all the equipment ready to go... Parker's water, "potty bags," leash, toys, etc we made a trip across town to try this out. I had already researched the park and we decided it was going to the calmest of them all. We should be fine, right????
The car trip was not to long, about 20 minutes, and Parker was ready to just get out and sniff. We walked over a bridge, past the soccer fields, past the playground, and through an open field to get to our destination. I really wish I would have taken a picture. I wanted to....but I was too nervous for Parker. We see right away that the gated area was separated, one side labeled big dogs and the other small. Already, Parker was a nervous wreck with me. What was I putting him through????
We let Parker in the gate and all the big dogs on the other side were just barking as he trotted by.I was beginning to wonder how this no leash zone was going to be. In the small dog side there was already one of those Whippet dogs. I understand how they are super skinny and may weigh as much as a little dog, BUT THEY ARE NOT LITTLE! This dog was towering over Parker. ( I totally understand that Parker is classified as a midget dog, says his vet, but I was picturing him with cocker spaniels and chihuahuas.) After the dogs calmed down, and stopped thinking of him as an afternoon snack, I was sure he would just run like he always does. Ty and I got his toy and were tossing it like normal, but it didnt work. The Whippet, and another dog that they thought was "small," kept getting Parker's toy. Poor little guy!!!! He would start to run, noticed them running behind, and just fell to the ground. He was playing dead!! These dogs would just stand over him, sniff, lick, and basically "dog molest." He was so scared, petrified, and ready to go after 5 minutes. Ty and I felt the same.
After about 25 minutes and half a bottle of water we gave up. The owner of the Whippet didn't seem to care if Parker could even move from her dog annoying him and it just wasn't good. We decided the track around the fields would be better. We did a little trail, took a couple pictures, and headed home. Parker was passed out after his "adventure" and we will try it again somewhere else.
What a trip!

The last month...

WOW! I am the worst blogger ever. I really thought I would be writing more often but life has been a whirlwind these past couple of weeks. For the last six weekends we have either had company here or been somewhere. CRAZY. After this next weekend it should all slow down.
A few weeks ago Ty and I made a trip up to Ohio for a wedding. It was perfect that grandma's birthday was the same weekend so we were able to be there for the celebration. We had a cookout with family and friends and it was a success!! Mom made her homemade baked macaroni and cheese so I was super happy. People just enjoyed company, desserts, and a little corn hole. It was so great to be home to catch up with everyone, including the family dog Titus. Its amazing how calm he is compared to Parker!! HA HA
Before we went on the trip, Ty and got a new car. His car was dying and going to cost more to fix it then it was worth, so it was time to say goodbye. After much thought, including future lil' Kincaids, we went with a bigger vehicle. We have been truly blessed with our new car and unfortunately they only pics I have of it are from my phone and are on Facebook. You can just resort to those!
In other news.... Parker is the same. He has actually learned how to climb up all the stairs and is getting quite fast at it. He doesn't go down yet and I am perfectly ok with that. For such a little body, he continues to believe he is a mastiff. We love him so we usually let him get with his attitude.

Enjoy some pictures and I promise to get better at this.

Meeting Julie Andrews

I will just say that meeting Julie last night was one of the coolest things ever! It all started about 2 weeks ago when Ty and I went to Barnes and Noble before church. We were just wasting some time and saw a sign that said Julie Andrews would be signing her new children's book that she co-wrote with her daughter. I automatically wanted to go, even though I dont have a kid to give the book to....one day I will. Anyways, I found the book she wrote, flipped through, and decided to think about it since I have such a crazy work schedule I didnt' know if I would be working during the signing. We left with some Curious George books and went on to church.
After the service and mingling with friends, I decided to go back. Ty went in to get the book for me and my wristband while I chatted in the car on the phone. My new book came in a clear bag with a wristband and piece of paper with rules and regulations. Having regulations means you are that important!! The rules were... the wristband allowed you and 4 guests to meet her but only one book signed, line was first come first served starting at 4 and event started at 6, she was not making a presentation, cell phones off and put away, no pictures in line or with Julie, no signing other books or memorabilia, etc etc. This was INTENSE, but I didn't care...IT'S MARY POPPINS!
So yesterday came and I was so excited that I was actually not working. I spent the day doing stuff around the house and a little shopping. I convinced Ty to go with me and stand in line so I wouldn't get bored. He agreed to go and knew he would get a good dinner out of the deal. When we got to the store we didn't see many people, until we were told where to go at the end of the line. The line wrapped up and down the aisles. I learned that 200 wristbands were sold, but keep in mind people could bring their entourage, including crying children and cute little girls in tu-tus. We saw young people, grandparents, huge fans with Mary Poppins stuff, etc. (clearly they didn't read the guidelines) A few associates were in line to tell us what page to open to, what to do and say, and just really be annoying. The line went REALLY slow and people were getting impatient, kids cried, and some even left. I was NOT leaving, NOT an option.
We finally get to the front of the line where we were met by her manager/someone in a suit and a police officer. We chit chatted with them and got to just see her interact with the people in front of us. I was smiling ear to ear about it and Ty was just supportive and excited too. ( We weren't too happy that they made Ty take off his baseball hate. They said it was a British thing and she wouldnt like it if he had it on. I totally understood but I think she was more scared of his crazy hair then having a hat on.) They finally said it was time and we approached the table. The conversation went like this...

Julie: Hello, thank you so much for coming. How are you?
Me: Im doing well
Ty: Good
Julie: Thank you for waiting in line.
(silence... what do you say to her???)
Julie: So who will be the lucky one to get this book?
Me: That would be me. (small giggle because Im actually talking to her)
Julie: Awe
Ty; She is a teacher. (Ty telling her Im a teacher so I dont look like a weirdo who buys children's books just for fun) She has already read it a few times at home.
Me: Yes! I read your book aloud at home and love it. ( Im such a dork!)
Julie: Thats wonderful. You can tell all your students to put their sparkle on.
Me: Yes.
Julie: Well thank you again for waiting in line and coming.
Me: No thank you
Ty: Thank you
Both of us: Have a great evening
Julie: You as well

OK.... so I wasnt expecting any of that. I was thinking we would walk up, she would sign, we say thanks, and then over. I felt like such a dork. She was the one asking us stuff and not the other way around. I went in not wanting to waste her time and sound like an idiot and she wanted to basically have tea with me. OMG!!! I almost felt like we were on a first name basis. Walking out of Barnes and Noble was on a cloud and I couldn't stop saying, "How cool was that?"

A good day with a good cause

Today was a HUGE day for the little man. Life has been pretty steady and Parker was ready to have some time outside of the house. Ty and I have been planning for the dachshund races for about 2 months now and I was able to get off work to make it happen. DREAM is the dachshund rescue group and they put on races each year. When I say race keep in mind that they run 20 ft for the pups and 36 feet for the adults. They race the doggies just for fun and the entry fee is a donation of 3 dollars. They put them in groups... puppies, adult, seniors, and even the puppies with the carts. There was a senior who was 18 years old, didnt run at all but made it across the finish line.
We had a ton of fun watching the races and Parker was watching to learn what to do this October. We wanted him to race but his doctor said it might not be the best idea. They had a few booths set up that sold shirts, dog clothes, organic treats, etc. I got a really cute shirt that I have included a picture of. Parker had a blast socializing and letting people oooooo and ahhhh over his cuteness, and of course he loved all the pictures people took. I was happy to take my camera but it was just too much going on to really take pictures.
Halloweenie is coming in October and we are excited to take him there. We were told today that there will be about 400 dogs and they dress up for halloween and have fun little races and contests. He seemed to enjoy himself and a trip to Petsmart on the way home topped it off.
Enjoy the pictures!

Parker is making it!!

He survived! Parker is home and doing well. His surgery went fine and when he got home he was as crazy as before. Ty and I think he was just so happy about being out of the vet and back into his surroundings. He had a little stomach problem and is still on meds, but life is good with him. The cone is on for most of the time but we take it off to give him a break. The poor thing keeps walking into the wall.

Lets try this..

Well, Im going to give this a try! Ty and I have a ton of family and friends all over the place so I thought it would be a good idea to start a blog so people can check in on us. I have really enjoyed reading blogs from other friends so I just thought it would be fun.
I can say that today has already been eventful! Parker went in for his surgery this morning and what a toll it has taken on me. He is in for his neutering and I really thought I would be more happy then sad. Boy was I wrong!! Ty and I have been talking about this day for a while now, knowing it was for the best and could potentially help him out a great deal. Well... the tears started as soon as we pulled out of the neighborhood! Parker was in my lap and I just couldn't stop thinking about him being in pain. I know that he is put to sleep for it and feels nothing, but I just kept thinking of him when he wakes up. I think I watch a little too much Animal Planet, where you see animals rescued and watch them go through surgeries. They always have that little tube in their mouth that causes their tongue to go to the side and it kills me to see it. I just kept seeing Parker in my head like that and couldn't hold back my emotions. Lil man had no idea what was going on but was quick to kiss my tears and lay on me as Ty drove.
When we got to the clinic I had to keep the tears in and collect myself. I think they have already seen me cry too much on previous occasions. We got him all signed in and ready and made sure they took the inventory of his belongings. He is going to be staying there until Friday morning for recovery and rest so we made sure he had all the comforts of home. Im sure he will spend most of his time sleeping, but it makes me feel better that he has a new "baby" to lay with, rope to chew, and a new "big boy" bed....( just a bigger one for him to stretch out on.) After saying good-bye and getting some more kisses, he was off. He went straight to the back and my tears just came flowing again. How did I get so sappy?? The AMAZING lady at the front told me he would be fine and I could call as many times as I wanted to. She has seen him since day 2 so we feel like the staff at Loving Hands is family. We are blessed with such great people to keep him healthy.
Until next time...