Labor Day Tradition

Growing up was different for me than most. I was raised by my grandparents who later adopted myself and my brother Jonathon. Our youngest brother, Josh, was adopted by our aunt. Our other sister, Desi was adopted to distant family and the youngest of the 5 of us was raised by our birth parents. Holidays were always full of family but mainly spent in the car going to and from a few relatives. We never saw Desi, Jackye entered our lives when she was 5 and that was randomly until she was 9.

My brothers and I saw each other on the weekends and holidays and other than living 30min apart it didn't seem so odd or different until we were older and understood more of why we were where we were and why our last names were different after the adoptions went through. You dig?

All that to say that once I married Evan, my life was changed beyond measure. Evan has a HUGE family. Even better? They embraced me and loved me from the get go! Their traditions are now our traditions and I've been so happy to share with the girls a few special traditions that my grandfather instilled in me every year. My upbringing was hard and sad but that man did everything in his power to bring some normalcy to it and joy in times of the year that I resented most.

Now that I'm a mommy and have my own family, traditions are MAJORLY important to both Evan and I. Little things to big things, we are all about making memories and keeping family traditions going.

Labor Day is a tradition.

What do we do? We go on a minor road trip. The past 4yrs now, we have picked a direction, picked a time limit (or mile limit) and then planned a random trip over the weekend for wherever we ended up. It's been fun! One year we went to Austin, another it was Wichita Falls and this year we landed in Abilene. It's just a way we celebrate the end of summer and now with Avery officially in School it was also a way to celebrate her starting school and surviving the first week. Evans parents come with us too I must add. It's the best.

So much fun and yet we didn't do much. Lounged at the hotel pool, watched movies and played Wii. Went to some local places recommended and visited a church. Overall, just being together as a family and enjoying being out of our bubble.

My cuties and the Giant Armadillo in Buffalo Gap, TX



Do you have any traditions you look forward to every year?

Sometimes you stop long enough to look around you .

Reflecting tonight after my quiet time.

 I have the Best in-loves and "Nina & Pawpa" on the planet, so Blessed with them as my parents. A little overwhelmed with how much they love on me sometimes. Makes it hard to understand my birth parents and things in my childhood.

My girls will never go through what I did and that's all that matters.

 Watching them with these two reassures me that they are safe and they are truly loved. I've come a long way in the 10yrs since God put them in my life. I'm able to forgive, able to heal and finally live my life the way God intended me too without hiding.

O-N-E

 Alyssa Jane turned 1 on Sunday. Hard to believe it's been a year already! I've dealt with my denial, I had a good cry, I boxed up tiny baby mementos and looked over her baby pictures all while whining to Evan about how time needs to slow down.

Alyssa facts:

She's 21lbs, is 31inches tall (99 percentile). She has 4 teeth and is almost walking solo. She likes to read books, clap to music, sing songs and watch Bubble Guppies. 

Her Faves: Blueberries, bananas, French fries, yogurt bites, waffles and green beans.

Not so faves: Pasta, peas, strawberries, beef anything and oatmeal.

Aly,

My sweet, joyful, giggly girl. How I adore your smile and love your laugh. You make our family complete. You are such a blessing to your daddy and I and I know you make your big sister awfully proud with all your milestones and achievements. 

We are truly thankful God chose you for us. How I miss your kicks and bizarre cravings during my pregnancy, how we laughed at how you would react to Avery's voice versus your daddy's. The day you were born, I was so calm and happy. I was never afraid or nervous, I wasn't even anxious. You came on your due date all on your own in what was an easy delivery. You were bright eyed and curious of everything around you and you slept! I knew then you were going to be amazing.

 The past 365 days you have stirred things in my heart, you've helped me slow down and reminded me to stop and take in what's happening around us. You've  created new bonds with your sister and family and even friendships we owe to you and your "cuteness". You are a very loved girl. I hope you always know this first and foremost. That you are loved, you are cherished and you are priceless my sweet girl.

 Your personality shines like the sun. You are so spunky and happy ALL the time. You hardly cry unless your impatient about food or ready for bed. You love music and bubble guppies. You sing anytime your can and are a hoarder or binkies and books. I hope these things never change, well, the binkies of course but everything else is so you.

Happy Birthday, Darling BaBoo.

Mommy, Daddy and Big Sister Avery 

Stay tuned for pictures from her 1yr photo shoot. Coming soon! 

A little bit of this, a little bit of that..

This month is flying by! 

After my last post about rocking the Flu for NYE, my germs decided to share themselves on my entire family! 2 weeks of each of us taking turns was horrendous. Poor Avery, she had it the worse with having H1N1 while not suffering ALL the symptoms like I did. Evan and Alyssa had milder versions of the flu and Alyssa seemed to take the longest to get rid of it. Needless to say, I was full on mama bear mode and fretting like crazy and hardly sleeping. My energy is still not fully back yet, I tire very easily and my appetite is still not fully back. Avery went back to school today and was more thrilled than Evan and I.

Lesson learned. If the Dr.'s office cancels your flu shot appointment, seek alternative places to get it! I still can't get the shot but I'll get the pneumonia shot to help my body battle anything the winter brings with it.

Speaking of winter, where is it?! The US is in this huge freeze while it's in the 60's here. Don't get me wrong, it's on the cool side but after our crazy ice storm in the beginning of December, nothing else has happened. Maybe February will show us a last hurrah? 

Otherwise, life has been all about getting healthy and getting everyone else healthy this month. Alyssa turns ONE on Sunday but due to this mean flu season and so many people with little ones having it, we decided not to have a party. (Does that make me a bad mom?) she'll get a smash cake with family and next week is getting pictures done with our favorite photographer. I'm very excited about that.

Hard to believe she's already a year old. Then again, don't I say that about Avery too? 

Looking forward to our routine and schedules to come back, lots of stuff, exciting stuff is about to take place for us and I'm ready for every bit of it. 

That's all for now,

Brittnye

Happy 5th Birthday!

Friends.......

I'm a bit in denial right now, I feel almost overwhelmed that it's already a week before Christmas. No, not because of Christmas itself. I've finished 80% of all that needs to be done. I think it's more that this year is almost over.

The past week has been pretty emotional for me, shocking news, 2 deaths, family drama and an epic ice storm can do that though. Add that in the middle of the peak emotional-ness I was in, we fostered a sweet cat who was recovering from having her leg amputated and my plate broke in half.

I'm doing better, I'm healing. Thanks to our new addition and Avery and Alyssa keeping me blissfully distracted it's easier to let the things I cannot and will not control just....go! Just in time for a new emotional round to hit me though.

Today, our sweet Alyssa Jane is 11 months old! 11, as in almost 12. In 4 very short weeks our baby will be ONE. My uterus can't handle that.

Even worse? This amazing not so little human being is 5 today!

I know, I know, process that for a few...

FIVE.

Half a decade. 

I recently wrote this in my prayer journal.."A year is no longer viewed as a long time to me. Measures of time are now seen with different memories as time stamps. Blinks, days, quiet moments, happy tears, small achievements and somber tones to go with the sometimes overwhelming feeling of just being ridiculously blessed.

 How I wish I could capture so many moments and bottle them up for the girls to watch/witness when they are older."

So in keeping with my blog tradition:

Avery Claire-

 Today you are 5. Seems like yesterday your Aunt Desi was painting my toes and sharing in my joy and fear of heading to the hospital to have you. I love thinking back and reminiscing about all the struggles your pregnancy had. How truly insignificant they all seem now when at the time we were so fearful of the unknown and afraid to think we could lose you. As it was then, and continues to be now, God has great things planned for you.

 You are my joy. A bright light in our family that shines brighter everyday. You will never understand until you become a mother, just what you did to your daddy and I. We are eternally grateful for your birth because it brought with it such powerful revelations of what marriage is about. It showed us what love can create, just exactly who we are and how what we need to strive to be can easily be achieved when we put aside our personal needs and focus on others.

 You make me a better person. You make me laugh daily, cry from happiness and sometimes I feel like my heart is going to burst from joy.

 You have the sweetest spirit, you are kind and joyful. Your sense of humor is ridiculous at times. You are a protective big sister who loves to make her sister laugh and encourages her daily.

 I could brag about you forever my sweet girl.

 Our prayer for you this year is that you continue to let your love of The Lord shine through. Stay joyful. Follow your heart and stay true to what it says to you. Play more, get a little dirty, wear more dresses (for your mom!). Sing no matter who may be listening. Make silly faces to express how you feel and most importantly... Know how much you are loved daily.

Every year will be a flood of emotions as we celebrate you. No matter how old you are.

Happy Birthday Bayboo,

We love you! (Mommy & Daddy)

Thankful: Day 13-18

This month is zooming by! Less than 40 days before Christmas!!

Day 13:  I'm extremely Thankful for my church and church family. When you honestly say daily "I love my church" and get excited about how busy your Sundays are because you are so deeply involved and surrounded by so many amazing people. It's the best. Pastor Dave is remarkable and his sermons are always eye opening and a bit scary how close they touch base with things I've dealt with during the week. The pastoral staff (Jay, Jeff, Guy and Dave) are a great group of guys and I love how involved they are with the kids, you just

Don't see that often at churches. I could go on for an hour about all the reasons why I am thankful to be a part of Gracepoint Church.

Day 14: I'm Thankful for quiet mornings with a cup of coffee and a real book in my lap to help me escape for a small amount of time in contented bliss before my day starts with the girls.

Day 15: Hard to believe it's almost 5 years since my world changed completely. I'm so beyond Thankful that God blessed me with such an amazing gift that is Avery Claire Hartfield. I love you to the moon, stars and back again baby girl. You are such a blessing to me and your daddy.

Day 16: I'm Thankful for beautiful days out in nature. Whether it's sitting in my backyard or walking 6 miles on a nature trail. Gods limitless skill in his creativity is amazing to see when you look close enough. Even if it's cloudy and raining or a clear day with sunshine it's amazing what you can see when you look with both eyes open.

Day 17: I'm Thankful for those super rare but oh so coveted mornings where Evan gets up with the girls and I'm allowed to sleep in. Sleep is precious.

Day 18: Tomorrow my sweet baby will be 10m old! How is it she is almost 1?! I doubt we ever thought it would be this complete or amazing having a second girl in our family but our sweet Alyssa Jane is by far what we were missing. Watching her and Avery play together and laugh is truly the best thing to my heart. I love my girls so much and being their mother is so awesome. I'm so Thankful for her opposite personality and characteristics from Avery, they both keep me laughing and on my toes.

Easter

I'm terribly behind on updating the blog.

As promised I wanted to share some pictures from Easter, the girls looked super adorable in their matching dresses and enjoyed their goodies as we ate an amazing lunch with Nina & Pawpa. I loved cooking everything this year. I'm getting the handle on managing two kiddos, keeping up on house work and cooking real meals. Now looking good while doing it....meh.



Me & My girls.



Evan and the girls, how Blessed am I? Love my family. I accidentally cut off Evans head in the second pic but the girls looked to cute not to share it. (sorry Babe)



Our Family.

Welcome to Earth, Alyssa Jane.... (Her Birth Story, Long)

So unless you live under a rock, randomly found my blog for the first time tonight or just happen to be the under 10% who don't do anything social media related then it's no surprise or secret that our sweet family finally grew 2 weeks ago. Yes indeed, our sweet, beautiful and perfectly on time Alyssa Jane has arrived! Life the past 2 weeks has seemed to have flown by, hard to believe she's here (finally) or that I now have 2 girls!!!

The last 2 weeks of my pregnancy I was in prodromal labor or in simple English, false labor. This was super annoying as my body kept having contractions from 20min down to 5min apart non stop everyday. We went to L&D twice where the contractions would suddenly stop and wouldn't show up on the monitor yet they could feel them physically and I was slowly dilating and effacing more and more. I was miserable emotionally, I felt so dumb not knowing if I should go in or not. I also found out I was Group B positive which explained why I had an infection they couldn't find in early December that had everyone confused.

So Friday night, the 18th, Evan was supposed to be off work but got called in. Nan and Gary didn't want me to be alone so they invited Avery and I over for dinner and just to pretty much "babysit" me while Evan was at work since I wasn't feeling too well and was exhausted. I had napped hard earlier that day and my appetite was nowhere to be found all week which had Evan as usual, worried about me. We had dinner at Roadhouse where I barely ate my salad and potato and then went back to Mom and Dads to hang out and await Jarrod and Sarah. Once they showed up and started playing with Avery, my contractions started again but this time...they felt different...this time....they kinda hurt! I ignored them since I didn't think anything of it but over the next hour and a trip downstairs for fro-yo I was starting to think it may be time to call Evan home. Nan kept watching me and could tell something was up with me. I couldn't sit comfortably and would stand behind the chair and lean over it then walk up and down the hallway. I'm so stupidly stubborn sometimes and I didn't want to say anything to anyone because we had already had 2 false alarms. I txted Evan and when he called was trying to talk in code so they wouldn't hear me pretty much tell him "Hey, come get me, I think I'm in labor." (Again, I'm stubborn)

Evan showed up to which I just looked at Nan after talking to her and said we'd see them later. Gave hugs and said goodnight to Avery as she was staying with them and we headed to L&D yet again. We went home first, packed a bag for Avery, packed more for the hospital, took care of the cats and then headed to the hospital where I was in tears from the contractions which were 3min apart. Got checked in to L&D at 10:45pm and I kid you not, 20min later...everything stopped. Contractions disappeared, back pain, nausea...it all stopped. I was so mad and just drained over it all. The nurses suggested we walk so we spent an hour walking up and down the skybridge where I had the most painful contraction that literally stopped me dead and had me gasping for breath, crying and shaking. but it didn't last or continue. Went back to our room where the nurse said my OB wanted me to stay overnight just to be sure. She'd see me in the morning before I was discharged. So..Evan went to sleep and I stayed up all night frustrated that yet again, I wasted everyones time and swearing my body was against me. My nurse wasn't too nice or huge on communicating but would check in every few hours and around 2am asked if I wanted a sleep aid which I declined. She came back at 3am with a tech and had me fill out paperwork which I assumed were my discharge papers since the monitor wasn't picking anything up even though I was feeling a few contractions here and there but nothing painful or notable to time.

The tech came back shortly after I signed the paperwork and started an IV. When I asked her why they were starting an IV when I was being discharged in a few hours she just said my OB ordered it and I was doing lab work anyway so it was easier if she just did my IV. I was too tired to care at that point. Around 5:30 they came and took a ton of blood from me, at 6am my OB walked in with my new nurse Megan, who had been my nurse the first time we came to L&D and remembered me so I was excited to see her (she's amazing, funny and super sweet). My OB just smiled and told me it was up to me what would happen next. I had been in prodromal labor for 13days, she knew I was miserable and it was my due date so I could stay or we could go home and see what happens but I was at a 4 and fully effaced so it was all down to when my water would break. So I looked at Evan and just started crying and said "I want to stay, I'm tired." and she literally looked at the nurse and said "alright, let's break her water and then let her rest for the morning, she'll have this baby fast." So, they immediately broke my water and the contractions started within 5 minutes from that, they painful ones and yet again, the monitor wasn't picking anything up.

I mentioned how amazing my nurse was right? Well, seriously, she was! She watched the monitor then my breathing and finally said "Let's get an internal monitor going I bet your contractions are too low for the belly monitors to read." she set up the internal monitor and the screens lit up with contractions 3 min apart and strong! They then started my 1st round of heavy antibiotics for GBS in which I suddenly couldn't stop shaking or crying or almost seizing from the pain. Seriously, it was the most intense pain, burning sensation up my arm and shoulder. I've never felt that kind of pain and Evan thought it was all from the contractions but it was from the IV. Evan freaked out and called the nurse but it wasn't Megan who came in, it was the night nurse and she simply looked at Evan and I and said "it can't be that bad, it's a strong antibiotic and it'll be over in 5min, just try to relax" and with that she walked out of the room. SERIOUSLY?! Glad it wasn't an emergency.

So I cried and screamed and Evan rubbed my back and tried to help me through the antibiotic which did finish shortly after the rude nurse came in. Megan came in soon after and got me some ice and let me know I was at a 6 and doing good and set a goal time of 3pm to have Alyssa. She was so set that I would be in my PP room by 4pm and stayed and chatted with us for awhile. I told Evan to go on and take a shower and take Averys bag to mom and dads since it would be awhile yet and as tired as I was, was going to try to sleep. Megan told him it wouldn't be anytime soon and since he was still in his Peterbilt uniform should go get cleaned up.

I rested off and on between contractions, they were getting more intense but I was breathing through them and not really freaking out like I did with Avery's labor. With those contractions I couldn't breathe or relax and had got my epidural super early to help which ended up being a spinal block so I was numb and dead from the waist down by the time I was a 4. Here I was at a 6 and doing good so I decided to wait an hour before getting my epidural so Evan could be back. Yeah, he takes forever which I should have known better so I got my epidural while he was gone. My body started shaking again and even with Megan helping me sit still it took the anesthesiologist 3 attempts because I kept moving and shifting right as he would try to stick it. Once he got it and set up the pack on my IV he handed me the button and said to just hit it when I needed more help with the pain. Megan had the bed propped up so I was in a yoga sitting position to help Alyssa transition lower faster and checked me again (It was 11:30) and I was at a 7! Then we came up with a plan to freak Evan out since he was taking forever. When he walked in all fresh and clean and full of food, I was propped up in bed with a pillow in front of me while Megan was sitting next to me and when she saw him she said "Oh my gosh! You missed you wife in action, your Alyssa is so beautiful!! Did you see her in the nursery?!" In which I added "You missed it all! I had her so fast! What took you so long!?"

His face was priceless. He seriously stood there in shock and thought I had already had her. Megan and I laughed so hard at him before we then has to explain to him I was still very much pregnant but it would be soon and he missed helping with the epidural.

Megan left to get my second round of antibiotics, when she came back Evan and I both asked her a million questions about the meds because I was not going to take it again if I had to feel that much pain. When Megan scolded us for not saying something earlier Evan explained what the other nurse had said and done and Megan just shook her head and said she'd make sure it wasn't so bad. She literally stayed at the IV and pushed fluids with the anitbiotics to flush it through my arm faster. It didn't hurt nearly as bad and after it was done she said she'd let Dr. Dooley know how it affectd me but doubted I would need another round since I was so close to having Alyssa.

So during all this, I'm feeling the contractions more and more. I'm breathing more through them and grabbing the rail for support. When Megan asked if I was feeling them I would tell her Yes and she would press my button but nothing was happening....so she'd press the button on the pack at my iv stand and I'd go numb on my left side for only a few minutes. Pretty much, my epidural had failed. It wasn't taking effect.

Oddly enough though, I was handling the contractions just fine. I wasn't in any real pain, just uncomfortable. They didn't last long enough to really hurt or make me tense up and I was still sitting up right and moving my legs and just waiting for the next one.

Here's where it gets a little embarressing for me. My contractions were getting super intense but along with them came this crazy pressure in my butt, like I needed to go to the bathroom type feeling. It kept getting stronger and stronger and I finally looked at Evan and told him how I needed to go to the bathroom before I had an embarressing accident!! He didn't feel comfortable with me getting up so he called for Megan. When she walked in I was almost begging her to help me get tot he bathroom because I didn't want to have an accident. She just laughed and assured me it was Alyssa's head, not the other thing. I didn't believe her though and started arguing with her about what I was feeling! I mean, I would know the difference right?! She was trying not to laugh at my freaking out and finally said she'd check me to see where I was at. To which I was at a 10 and Alyssa was almost there! She told me to lay on my left side to help move Alyssa shift a bit while she went to get Dr. Dooley.  She came back in and had me go back on my back and we'd do a practice push. Evan and her started counting me off for the practice push and once I pushed they both said to stop.

Evan just kept saying "Her head! Her head is out, don't push Britt!". Megan ran to the door and asked for help when several nurses came in with Dr. Dooley who was getting a gown on. She looked at me and said "We do our practice pushing? We ready to have this baby? It's only 1:27, your beating Megans goal time!" Megan came back to my leg and told her "No, no more practice pushing, she's already crowned!" and then I was swarmed by everyone telling me not to push yet. (not so easy when every contraction felt like I was already pushing) One Tech waited for Dr. Dooley to get in postion then said "Okay, let's time these pushes and have this baby girl." Yeah.....

I pushed 2 short times and at 1:32pm Alyssa Jane Hartfield was placed in my arms. Healthy, perfect, a full head of dark hair and weighing in at 7lbs 4oz and 19.5inches long. On her due date no less. :)

Proud Daddy.

We did it!

Avery, Mom and Dad arrived shortly afterwards. Avery was afraid of her sister and didn't want to get near her at all. She also didn't like Nina taking pictures or Pawpa holding the baby.

Easy Labor, Easy Delivery, and 2wks down, she is simply an easy baby. Avery is no longer afraid of her, in fact, she loves her sister and loves helping out anyway she can. It's so sweet to watch these two together, seriously. We're so blessed. It's just ridiculous. :)

Sisters.

Thankful: Day 10

Day 10-


I am Thankful for "Little Miss" and this pregnancy.

When Evan and I decided to try for baby #2 I figured it wouldn't be a big deal, I've been through pregnancies before and we went through all the testing and what not to just make sure it may not be fertility issues or me or him to blame for past miscarriages and all the complications we had with Avery's pregnancy. Her pregnancy and how hard it was on me is the main reason we waited as long as we did.

With Little Miss, I have had zero complications and pretty much, a perfect pregnancy! I had morning sickness (new for me) and all the symptoms that I really didn't get with Avery in the 1st trimester. It's just been a huge blessing for us as a family and the closer we get to her arrival the more I clearly see that.

It's still as precious to me as it was with Avery, feeling this tiny miracle grow inside me. The nudges, the kicks, the punches and hiccups...all still fill me with joy and awe and the occasional groan when I just want to sleep or get comfy but her antics disrupt that. I enjoy getting bigger and bigger, which I know is odd to say but I wasn't this big with Avery and yet I felt more confidence in myself and my body when I was pregnant with her and it's the same this time around too.

This perfect baby girl being knit together and growing strong in me is just a blessing. To know God made her just for us is so amazing. The plans, the dreams and the completeness I feel when I think of her arrival and welcome into our family. All seems just right.

I must say just seeing how her arrival into our lives is already changing Avery is sweet too. She is so thrilled to be a big sister and gets overjoyed when we talk about her, when she does her nigh-night routine and hugs and kisses and blows bubbles on my belly, or when she sees and feels baby sister kick and move or even when she gets rowdy and tickles and talks to my belly and laughs hysterically when little sister reacts (which she does!).

I'm so loving these special memories and intimate moments with my girls. I can't imagine how much better they will be when she's actually here and we're able to touch and kiss and watch her grow with us.

Things are about to change around here....

I feel like I am repeating myself a lot and sounding more and more like a broken record. Time is just rushing by it seems and this pregnancy has been proof of just that! It's already the end of October! Weren't we all just talking about the end of summer and school starting again?!

Life is still blissfully busy yet mundane for the Hartfield house. We are getting geared up to start organizing and redoing a lot of the house to welcome Little Miss come January. Hard to believe I am already 6m into this pregnancy. Avery is getting excited about being a big sister and has had her ups and downs with dealing with the reality that she is about to share the spotlight. I knew it would happen, I've prayed about it and have tried my best to just reassure her that she is still my girl and she is still loved by everyone. Some days are good, others are a trial. Bless her sweet heart.

Since the girls are sharing a room I have been in full on decorating and envisioning mode. Between Nan and I though, this is going to be so fun and Avery will have more room to play and still have her own space while Little Miss has her side too. I think that since she will be in our room the first several months that Avery will get used to the transition and will probably throw a fit that her baby sister isn't in her bed and is in her bassinet all the time. Anything to make it easier for everyone. I'm secretly starting to panic about being a mom of 2!!

I feel very huge but I know I'm not. Other than having gestational diabetes, this pregnancy has been AMAZING and I am loving it. Little Miss is a mover and a kicker and getting to share those kicks with Avery has given me such sweet memories. Avery is all about her sister, and loves to kiss her and blow bubbles on her and make her kick her hand and talks to her about her day at school to her fave cartoons to laying down the rules once baby sister "comes out to play with me". Let's hope it stays that way well into the teen years.

Other than pregnancy, getting ready to start getting ready for another little one, Avery and her school and Evan busy with work...life is just life and I don't have much to report on. Avery is going to be a Princess for Halloween and last night we carved pumpkins. No trick or treating as I just don't feel safe with her doing that let alone she's 3 and doesn't need all that candy so she will wear her costume for school and our Church's trunk or treat. Nina and Pawpa may be taking her to the Malloween next Saturday but they may have a better plan of spending their time together. :)

I'll end with a few pictures of life lately.

Until next time,
Brittnye

Feeding her piggy bank...

Can you believe she will be 4 soon!?

Decorating her Pumpkin.

She touched the inside of the pumpkin then told Evan it was icky and she couldn't help him with it because she was a girl. He made her Hello Kitty pumpkin from her shirt and she was sooooo happy.

September Already!? :)

I feel like such a broken record with my poor blog. I could have sworn I updated a few times in August but apparently I didn't! Same with my HLC blog which I'm starting to wonder was worth all the hype but I know it's just the pregnancy and summer-ness getting to me on that end.

SO much to catch up on and I warn you now you oh-so-AMAZING reader, I've got much to update and just pour out about. Maybe need to hash things out in a 2-parter and just keep this entry as simple as possible.

Life at the Hartfield casa seems to finally be slowing down after a busy summer. We just got back from a weekend trip with Evans parents (always and I mean ALWAYS fun being with those two amazing people!). Avery started school this week too which means new routine and schedule and not too mention a little free time for mommy and daddy.

Check out my big girl!!!

She is Blessed with two awesome teachers this year and I just can not tell you how EXCITED Evan and I are that she gets to have this experience. She really loves her school and the 1st week is done and she already has made new friends! She's also ridiculously taller than her classmates.....

We had 2 more foster litters come and go and we even got our sweet mama kitty, Layla adopted! I know it sounds dumb but after having her be at our fence, deck and slowy into our home after 2 years, I kinda didn't expect her to get adopted and she was adopted just 2hrs after I took her to the shelter!! When I was notified about her adoption, I sobbed. I'm talking...wailed! Boo-hooed and did the full blown ugly cry. I loved her and was so used to her ALWAYS being with us even though she really wasn't ours. After the last kitten was gone it took me 3 days to realize I wasn't hearing kittens or needing to get up and feed them. Paris and Gus are sure happy and Evan has asked that I not bring home anymore Little's until after our own new little arrives. :)


Speaking of our Little.....

IT'S A GIRL!!!!!

We are having ANOTHER girl! We found out 2wks ago and are super excited. For now she is referred to as "Little Miss" since we are not sharing her name until she is born. (I told 2 friends on accident and Evan told his parents so now we are being VERY strict with this rule!) Sadly, this is the best sono pic I have so far but I have my anatomy scan on Tuesday so hopefully I will get a better pic to share.

I'm 21wks today! Crazy to think we are already half way there! I started feeling her at 16wks but as of last week she has decided to let me know EVERY move she makes! With Avery it was a few stretches in my ribs and hiccups but this one....she's a roly poly!! Usually around 7am and 10pm she is most active and I am loving every second of it. I'll get a 20wks picture uploaded soon and show my 14wk/16wk & 20wk belly shots. :)

So far we know she has her daddy's booty, chin and profile, just like Avery did. She is super long and has little feet.

I'm finally getting the reality of it I think. I've been telling people how weird it is for me to be so lax about EVERYTHING with this pregnancy but once we found out SHE was a SHE I started planning and thinking and list making. Evan and I went to Babies R Us and started a registry, we've got her and Averys room laid out so I know where to start from there. I just wish I could narrow things down and stop being so indecisive. SO much has changed on the market since we had Avery and we both feel weird about asking people to buy Little Miss gifts for her shower which.....hasn't even been planned or talked about and I'm not even sure if I'm having one.

Her colors are Gray and Lilac with no theme for her nursery. I'm just going for colors and patterns. Super Hartfield, I know. ;)

Alright, that should do for a sufficient update. I'll get belly pics and another update out and about before the weekend hits full throttle.

Thanks for sticking with me and my lazy, nonblogging self.

-Brittnye

Daddy Rules.

(Grab your tissues.)

50 Rules for all Dads to follow for their Daughters.

1. Love her mom. Treat her mother with respect, honor, and a big heaping spoonful of public displays of affection. When she grows up, the odds are good she’ll fall in love with and marry someone who treats her much like you treated her mother. Good or bad, that’s just the way it is. I’d prefer good.

2. Always be there. Quality time doesn’t happen without quantity time. Hang out together for no other reason than just to be in each other’s presence. Be genuinely interested in the things that interest her. She needs her dad to be involved in her life at every stage. Don’t just sit idly by while she add years to her… add life to her years.

3. Save the day. She’ll grow up looking for a hero. It might as well be you. She’ll need you to come through for her over and over again throughout her life. Rise to the occasion. Red cape and blue tights optional.

4. Savor every moment you have together. Today she’s crawling around the house in diapers, tomorrow you’re handing her the keys to the car, and before you know it, you’re walking her down the aisle. Some day soon, hanging out with her old man won’t be the bees knees anymore. Life happens pretty fast. You better cherish it while you can.

5. Pray for her. Regularly. Passionately. Continually.

6. Buy her a glove and teach her to throw a baseball. Make her proud to throw like a girl… a girl with a wicked slider.

7. She will fight with her mother. Choose sides wisely.

8. Go ahead. Buy her those pearls.

9. Of course you look silly playing peek-a-boo. You should play anyway.

10. Enjoy the wonder of bath time.

11. There will come a day when she asks for a puppy. Don’t over think it. At least one time in her life, just say "Yes".

12. It’s never too early to start teaching her about money. She will still probably suck you dry as a teenager… and on her wedding day.

13. Make pancakes in the shape of her age for breakfast on her birthday. In a pinch, donuts with pink sprinkles and a candle will suffice.

14. Buy her a pair of Chucks as soon as she starts walking. She won’t always want to wear matching shoes with her old man.

15. Dance with her. Start when she’s a little girl or even when she’s a baby. Don’t wait ‘til her wedding day.

16. Take her fishing. She will probably squirm more than the worm on your hook. That’s OK.

17. Learn to say no. She may pitch a fit today, but someday you’ll both be glad you stuck to your guns.

18. Tell her she’s beautiful. Say it over and over again. Someday an animated movie or “beauty” magazine will try to convince her otherwise.

19. Teach her to change a flat. A tire without air need not be a major panic inducing event in her life. She’ll still call you crying the first time it happens.

20. Take her camping. Immerse her in the great outdoors. Watch her eyes fill with wonder the first time she sees the beauty of wide open spaces. Leave the iPod at home.

21. Let her hold the wheel. She will always remember when daddy let her drive the car.

                                                                                  
22. She’s as smart as any boy. Make sure she knows that.

23. When she learns to give kisses, she will want to plant them all over your face. Encourage this practice.

24. Knowing how to eat sunflower seeds correctly will not help her get into a good college. Teach her anyway.

25. Letting her ride on your shoulders is pure magic. Do it now while you have a strong back and she’s still tiny.

26. It is in her nature to make music. It’s up to you to introduce her to the joy of socks on a wooden floor.

27. If there’s a splash park near your home, take her there often. She will be drawn to the water like a duck to a puddle.

28. She will eagerly await your return home from work in the evenings. Don’t be late.

29. Buy her flowers.
30. Never miss her birthday. In ten years she won’t remember the present you gave her. She will remember if you weren’t there.

31. Teach her to roller skate. Watch her confidence soar.

32. Let her roll around in the grass. It’s good for her soul. It’s not bad for yours either.

33. Take her swimsuit shopping. Don’t be afraid to veto some of her choices, but resist the urge to buy her full-body beach pajamas.

34. Somewhere between the time she turns three and her sixth birthday, the odds are good that she will ask you to marry her. Let her down gently.

35. She’ll probably want to crawl in bed with you after a nightmare. This is a good thing.

36. Few things in life are more comforting to a crying little girl than her father’s hand. Never forget this.

37. Introduce her to the swings at your local park. She’ll squeal for you to push her higher and faster. Her definition of “higher and faster” is probably not the same as yours. Keep that in mind.

38. When she’s a bit older, your definition of higher and faster will be a lot closer to hers. When that day comes, go ahead… give it all you’ve got.

39. Holding her upside down by the legs while she giggles and screams uncontrollably is great for your biceps. WARNING: She has no concept of muscle fatigue.

40. She might ask you to buy her a pony on her birthday. Unless you live on a farm, do not buy her a pony on her birthday. It’s OK to rent one though.

41. Take it easy on the presents for her birthday and Christmas. Instead, give her the gift of experiences you can share together.

42. Let her know she can always come home. No matter what.

43. Remember, just like a butterfly, she too will spread her wings and fly some day. Enjoy her caterpillar years.

44. Write her a handwritten letter every year on her birthday. Give them to her when she goes off to college, becomes a mother herself, or when you think she needs them most.

45. Learn to trust her. Gradually give her more freedom as she gets older. She will rise to the expectations you set for her.

46. When in doubt, trust your heart. She already does.

47. When your teenage daughter is upset, learning when to engage and when to back off will add years to YOUR life. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.

48. Ice cream covers over a multitude of sins. Know her favorite flavor.

49. This day is coming soon. There’s nothing you can do to be ready for it. The sooner you accept this fact, the easier it will be.

50. Today she’s walking down the driveway to get on the school bus. Tomorrow she’s going off to college. Don’t blink.