It's true...

that with your next pregnancy everything happens SOONER! The expansion of the waist, the fatigue, the joint pain and my favorite, feeling the baby! I started feeling the baby do somersaults the day after Mother's day, at 16 weeks...a whole month sooner than with the first! Gonna get technical here; the uterine wall has already been stretched from the first pregnancy, so not only do you show quicker, you feel everything sooner too. Not to mention that you already know what it feels like from experience.

If it were up to me, pregnancy would last much longer, at least a year. Before you think I'm crazy, hear me out. The first trimester is spent being paranoid about miscarriage and for some, morning sickness. After that, you're paranoid about what your expanding belly looks like...an actual baby bump or a bloated mess. I swear some people think I'm just getting fat. And then when you finally "look" pregnant, and get the perks of pregnancy like feeling the baby kick and people going out of their way for you..its almost over!

I love being pregnant and feeling the baby grow inside. I love feeling tiny movements. After Taylor was born, I missed it so much. No, I'm not going to get all "19 Kids and Counting," but if it were up to me and we lived in a mansion with loads of money, (and hired help) I'd breed enough children for a soccer team...so make that "11 Kids and Counting." =)

Here we go again!

Aiyee...I've been meaning to jump back on this blog. And why, may you ask? It could only mean one thing. I'm pregnant again! I'm 18 weeks and well into my 2nd trimester. Jason and I are so blessed to be able to bring another baby into this world. And I've been lucky enough to have a some-what easy going pregnancy again. Easy in the sense that I never had any morning sickness. But this go round, I am super tired and super worn out. I knew that this pregnancy would be exhausting...but man, I miss those days when I could just come home and take and nap without having to worry about a little toddler running around! And the back pain...lord! I wasn't expecting this until at least late second trimester, but carrying around a little girl while pregnant is doing numbers on my back (yes, I know I'm not supposed to, but easier said than done). Other than that, life is good and I am going to enjoy every second of this pregnancy. I learned quick from the first one that once its out, there is no turning back! =)

Taylor, by the way, is doing awesome! There are really no words to describe how much I love her. She is 2 years old now and I can't believe how smart and beautiful she has become. She is a healthy, happy little girl and I couldn't ask for anything more. She will (I hope) be such a great big sister! She already acts like a little 'Mommy" to her numerous baby dolls & stuffed animals. She hasn't quite grasped that there is a baby in my belly, but she does seem to understand the concept of having a brother or sister. Either way, ready or not, this baby is coming!

Here is a picture of our 6 week ultrasound. If you squint hard enough, you can see the baby!

Here she is...

After a pretty smooth labor and delivery (thank God for epidurals!), Taylor Renée Perry was born on January 21, 2009 at 6:02 am. She weighed in at a healthy 6 lbs 15.8 oz.

Being pregnant with Taylor has been one of the most joyful, emotional and rewarding experiences of my life. I hope to one day share this blog with her and show her how much I loved her long before she was even born. Until then, there are diapers to change, bottles to make and tears to dry.

Hope you all have enjoyed my little journey. I'll be back for baby #2! dun dun dun...

seriously?!?!

Here I am on the day I went into labor! Seriously! Despite the pain, I forced myself to take this picture and put a smile on my face! I knew this would be my last chance to see my baby bump before I popped! Picture taken at 38 weeks & 6 days.

the nursery...

Here is Taylor's room! I didn't really have a theme in mind...just wanted it to be an explosion of green! My sister painted the room a light sage green. The walls are offset by a soft shaggy green rug that is sooo comfy I could sleep on it.

I also wanted a place where I could add my own personal touch. Soooo I designed and painted the swirl above the crib. It was so large in scale, I couldn't have finished it without Jason's help. I love Baroque art..hopefully she'll love it too! There are several more personal touches throughout the room including a swirly chandelier that Jason hung; a whimsical mirror from my sister, Cathy; and animal paintings from my brother, Chris!


I love the lighting in the room from the chandelier and lamp. Its so cozy!




my swirl design! Chocolate brown swirls & hooks with pink dots and green tear drops!


Chinese lanterns with a whimsical mirror...and a whole bunch of trinkets on the dresser including a piggy bank from my cousin Faye and a beautiful angel candle holder from Taylor's Nana!


Alphimals!...adorable animal paintings that spell out Taylor's name!


A close up of the alphimals...


Taylor's closet...we are WELL stocked up!


Moon & sun I painted back in school...hung above closet door.

According to Jason, this is what Taylor looks like in my belly! haha! His sketch is pretty close; she is head down (good girl!) and her spine is curved around the right side. Which leaves her butt and feet at the top. I feel her little footsies constantly at the top of my belly!

Holy Moly!

We had an ultrasound yesterday at our regular doctor's office. We weren't due for one but we were curious as to how much Taylor weighed...and sweet baby Jesus, she might be over 8 pounds by the time she is due! Yesterday she weighed in at around 7 lbs 3 oz. The technician said that she will be expected to gain a 1/2 pound each week! Holy Moly!!! I should have known...this is Jason's baby! Below are a few pics of Taylor's profile and one of her girl parts! haha