Beach Trip - Summer 2012

Earlier this month, our little family took a quick trip down to the beach. We had originally planned to spend an entire week at the beach but with Jan starting a new job, buying a house and moving, Abigail's birthday party and this pregnancy, we only managed to squeeze in 1/2 week.

We arrived on Wednesday and after unloading in the condo, we spent a little time at the kiddie pool. Abigail loved it but didn't really want to stay in her float. We spent most of the time chasing after her as she walked everywhere and explored her new surroundings.

After our swim, we made our way to Pier Park for dinner and ice cream. We decided to try out Dick's Last Resort (Jan had been to the one in Boston). If you're not familiar with Dick's, they pride themselves on service with sarcasm. I think this may have been fun for us a few years ago (or maybe if we had been drinking), but it's not really our scene now - my, how things have changed. We probably won't be going back but my food was pretty good. 

They make these large white hats for the guests and then write funny/dirty/crazy things on them. Abigail didn't want to wear hers. 

The next morning on the beach was a bit of a disaster. Remember, I'm still a new parent, thus I'm still learning. I coated Abigail in sunscreen before hitting the beach, as any good parent does, BUT she/me/someone managed to get it in her eyes - and sunscreen in NOT like the baby shampoo/body wash - it DOES sting. Needless to say, the first hour Abigail was super fussy because her eyes were on FIRE! Talk about a total mom fail - I felt terrible!

We eventually recovered some, but then Abigail wasn't crazy about the sand. She was very comfortable sitting on my lap and playing but she would NOT sit on the sand.

Lucky for me, a friend just went to the beach and had the same sand issue and blogged about her solution, so after a good nap and a quick run to the local Target, we hit the beach again - for a much more successful time.

tiny blow-up pool = happy sand free kid = very happy mommy

Thanks, Jessica, for the tip!

After an hour or so, Abigail was brave enough to venture out into the sand. The blow-up pool/sand combo worked well for us the rest of the week.

We ended the day much better than it began with a nice dinner at Captain Anderson's and then a round of putt-putt and go-karts. 

Before dinner

Cheering for daddy as he races go-karts

Abigail's first golf lesson

 Friday and Saturday were definitely more successful days at the beach. We went to a great restaurant Friday night called Firefly - I highly recommend it. Saturday afternoon we went to Destin for a little outlet shopping. We bought Abigail some school clothes and shoes and found a few cute things for Luke too. 

When we woke up Sunday, it was raining, so we decided to slowly make our way home. All-in-all, it was a great trip. Jan and I enjoyed getting away, taking some time off from work and spending several days with our angel.

We did learn a few things though.

1. We will not be eating out much any more. We hardly ever eat out at home but love to find nice restaurants when on vacation. Not any more - it is too stressful! Every night, I had a fabulous dinner (lobster, filet, crab cakes, etc) but didn't get to truly enjoy or savor it because I was preoccupied with Abigail's sippy cup or crackers or toys. Jan and I agree it will be easier to eat-in for the next few years (unless we have a sitter).

2. When applying sunscreen to a toddler, be sure to avoid their hands and eyes. Obviously, I didn't apply it directly over Abigail's eyes, but I DID apply it to her hands which go directly to rubbing her eyes. Maybe this is a stupid mistake to some people, but my preggo brain didn't even consider the consequence. If someone knows of a sunscreen that won't burn the eyes, PLEASE let me in on the secret.

3. Take a blow-up kiddie pool to the beach. They are inexpensive and so nice to have when playing in the sand. Even when Abigail was comfortable sitting directly on the sand, the pool of water was nice to have nearby to quickly rinse hands for snacks, drinks, to rub eyes, etc.

And like I said earlier, we are still learning. 

Abigail's First Day of Preschool

Last Tuesday, August 21, Abigail started 'preschool' at St. Luke - it's really a MDO program. 

She goes Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 

Abigails's 1st Day of Preschool

She was ready to go!

This is a huge adjustment for our family - but I think it will be a really good one. Abigail has only been at home (ours, my mother's or the nanny's) and is rarely around other children. BUT, when she is around other kids, she loves to interact and play. 

We hope she not only learns to socialize, but also gets a head start on learning her numbers, letters, colors, etc. 

After Day 1 of Preschool 

 

She was SO exhausted and feel asleep only a few yards from the school!  

Abigail was still taking a morning nap, so we are having to adjust her sleep schedule a bit. And, she usually has veggies for lunch (spoon fed by an adult), so we are having to adjust her meals some so she can finger feed herself. 

It's an evolving process right now but we'll eventually settle into a nice routine.We definitely wanted her to have her own 'thing' before Luke arrives. I think it will be way more fun for her to go to school than sit at home all day, every day with a newborn baby. :)

She is already bringing home artwork to adorn our fridge!

About our upcoming arrival, Luke Bradshaw Greeff

First of all, YES, I was just pregnant and YES, this was planned. I get these two questions a lot! 

When Jan and I decided to start having children, we knew two things: 1) we wanted two children and 2) we wanted them close in age (16 to 18 months apart). Of course, we realize that not all things go as planned, but these were our initial thoughts.

Abigail was conceived on the first attempt. I had a pretty easy pregnancy - no sickness, barely any pains, moderate weight gain (35 lbs), etc - and outside of my epidural issue, the labor and delivery wasn't too bad.

Abigail learned to sleep through the night by the time I returned to work and was/is just a super, easy baby. She doesn't cry or fuss a lot and is an absolute joy in our lives.

So...when Abigail was 7 months old, we decided it was time to try again. After all, our only experience was easy-peasy! 

Luke was conceived on the second attempt (I miscounted the calendar the first time). Luke's official due date is November 30, so the kids should be about 17.5 months apart.  

We feel extremely blessed and realize that conception is not easy for everyone and we do not take it for granted. 

  

 Luke at 20 weeks, 5 days

Pregnancy

 

This pregnancy has been very different.

I started to show much earlier this time around and was wearing maternity pants at 10 weeks - I hate anything tight around my waist. 

As of last week (Week 25), I have gained a total of 7.5 pounds (vs 14 with Abigail). But I started this pregnancy 10 pounds heavier - I happily made the decision not to kill myself trying to get down to my pre-pregnancy weight when I knew we would be trying again soon.

At our 16 week appointment, my doctor couldn't find the heartbeat. On the verge of a total meltdown (tears and hysteria), we immediately had an ultrasound. The heartbeat was there and strong but it was hard to find/hear because of my placenta previa. The placenta has since moved upward with my growth and doesn't appear to be an issue any longer. 

I have been pretty uncomfortable this entire pregnancy. He seems to sit very low and has caused major back pains. Last week (25 weeks), I experienced severe cramping (I assume because of his location) and had a stress test. His heartbeat was fine and I wasn't contracting - I was just very uncomfortable and in a lot of pain. 

Needless to say, hopefully the next 14 weeks will be less painful and less exciting! 

Gender

Jan and I did not have a preference as to whether this pregnancy resulted in a boy or girl. As cliche as it sounds, we truly only wanted a healthy baby (one that would hopefully be as easy as Abigail, ha). I felt like we had the girl thing down pretty good - not to mention the extensive wardrobe on hand, so having a girl would be good. At the same time, I knew a boy would teach me so much more and open my world to another dimension. 

We are thrilled and feel so fortunate to experience both a daughter and son!

His Name

This child, whether a boy or girl, would be named after my mother (Abigail is named after Jan's mother). Once we knew it was a boy, we decided the middle name would be Bradshaw (my mother's maiden name). The first name, Luke, took a little longer to decide upon but we both love it! And yes, we realize he may get Luke Skywalker jokes but at least Star Wars is a classic, ha! 

If Luke had been a girl, the name we had picked out was Rebecca Claire - Rebecca is my mother's first name and we would have called her Claire. 

26 Weeks Down, 14 To Go!!

Abigail's Ladybug Party

Abigail's 1st birthday party was all about ladybugs! 

DIY Ladybug Invitations (with movable wings) 

DIY Banner

Monthly Photo Display

Food Table

(sliders, mini hot dogs, veggie cups, fruit kabobs, chips, pasta salad, fruit salad)

Candy Table 

(put together by my fabulous sister, Jodi)

Close up photo of the DIY Treat Bags

Cupcakes with DIY Cupcake Toppers

(my mom made the cupcakes)

Smash Cake 

(from Columbus Corner Bakery - it was 'smashed' a little on the car ride)

Birthday Girl Ready to Party!

Friends

Abigail loves her wagon from Meme (starting a new fad with only one shoe)

And this drumset from Aunt Jodi, Uncle Jody, Sydney and Rayven

And all the other gifts she received - she's one lucky, loved little girl!

Of course, the most exciting part of the party was the smash cake.

Waiting...

Getting excited...

Diving in slow...

Getting a little help...

Abigail reveals a secret...

Happy parents!!
This picture is horrible but obviously we were very excited. I feel bad that I scared Abigail though.

However, she quickly recovered to enjoy the cake!

The party was a success! 

Thank you to my mom and sister, Jodi, who helped pull everything together. Considering we moved two weeks before the party and I was 17 weeks pregnant, I couldn't have done it alone. 

Also, thank you to our friends (some who traveled from Atlanta) and family who shared in her special day. We are very fortunate to have so many great people in our lives.