It Has Begun

I started having contractions Tuesday evening, and they have not let up as of this moment. They aren't the "real" ones; just very uncomfortable. BUT the good news is at least they are doing something. I went to the doctor this morning, and he said I'm dialated to a 2 (out of 10 for those who might not know off the top of their heads). I could be that way for two days or two weeks, but at least something is going on. The doctor still thinks I have another week, but not much after that! Time is drawing near....

Name Game

This past Monday, Kenny, Avery and I went to Target to return/exchange some things. While we were there, Kenny and I talked across the medicine aisles. He said, "Jamey, I found it." I soon heard Avery echo, "Jamey, I found it!" Really was funny at the time.

This morning, Avery was rolling around on the floor and Curtis walked by. She said, "There's my puppy dog; his name is Curtis."

I said, "it sure is; what's your name?"

She said, "Avery."

I asked what my name was. She said, "Momma....ummmm..Jamey!"

I laughed and asked what daddy's name was. She replied, "Kenny!"

I guess it's time for us to switch to 'Momma' and 'Daddy' full time!

I Wonder...

I know I've mentioned before some of the crazy comments you get when you're pregnant. In a recent newsletter I saw some replies that go along with rude comments. I myself do not have the guts to ever say these (even with my pregnancy hormones), but I did chuckle when I read them.

"Really? Well, I grew someone's heart and brain today; what did you do?"

"Go ahead, but I'm not touching yours."

"At least I have a reason for my weight gain."

There were some others, but they were really, really mean. I wonder if there are people out there who would use some of these?

On a side note, has anyone popped off a reply before thinking twice? Do tell...!

The Game of Tag About your Man

I didn't really get tagged for this, but I saw it on my friend Amy's blog and thought it was neat.

1. Who is your man? Kenny
2. How long have you been together? 8 years...wow!

3. How long did you date? about 2 1/2

4. How old is your man?27
5. Who eats more? Maybe me. He actually stops eating when he's full; I tend to keep going just because it tastes good.

6. Who said "I love you" first? I'm not sure
7. Who is taller? He is; even when I'm wearing heels. That was major dating criteria.

8. Who sings better? We both like to sing...I don't really know who's better.

9. Who is smarter? depends on the situation-I think we balance each other well. He is definately better at retaining information than I am, so maybe that means he is.

10. Whose temper is worse? I get upset more often, but when Kenny gets mad..he gets mad.

11. Who does the laundry? me
12. Who takes out the garbage? Kenny, when I ask him.
13. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Me

14. Who pays the bills? I do; Kenny has it all the finances in his head, but I like to keep it on paper.

15. Who is better with the computer? I'd probably say me.

16. Who mows the lawn? Kenny

17. Who cooks dinner? Me, but Kenny cooks a mean frozen pizza.
18. Who drives when you are together? Kenny

19. Who pays when you go out? Kenny
20. Who is most stubborn? I know I'm stubborn, but he is too...we'd probably say each other.
21. Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? Me

22. Whose parents do you see the most? We don't get to see either often enough, but we do see mine more.

23. Who kissed who first? I kissed him, but he had just swept me off my feet (literally) and gave me that look like he was about to, so I thought I'd make it easy.

24. Who asked who out? He hit on me while I was on a date with someone else, so I guess he did.

25. Who proposed? Kenny
26. Who is more sensitive? Uh, me.

27. Who has more friends? Probably equal here-I probably keep in better contact with mine though
28. Who has more siblings? Kenny

29. Who wears the pants in the family? Kenny always has the final say, but he respects my opinion in discussions.

I tag whoever wants to do this.

Getting Bigger...

... Or so everyone says. Well, guess what? That is what is supposed to happen when you're 35 weeks pregnant!

Avery is also getting bigger, but for different reasons. I believe this will be one of the rare times you will see a Simpson gal in a cheerleader uniform. However, cheerleaders are her newest favorite things. Her eyes light up everytime she sees them at the football games and pep rallys. Friday night I put this outfit on her to see how huge it was. It is definately too big, but when I tried to take it off she said, "but momma, I need my cheeleeda outfit." So, I pinned it here and there so it wouldn't fall off of her during her Daddy's game.

Also in funny news: At the football game Friday, she tried to get Kenny's attention on the sideline. It was right before the third quarter so things were pretty quiet. Out of the blue you hear, "Daddy! Hey Daddy!" When there was no reply, she hollared, "Daddy Simpson!!!!!" Even though he didn't hear her, everyone in the stands did, and she got a good laugh.

I'm trying to enjoy every last minute of my time with her as an only child. I know I will still have time alone with her, but I'm sure it will never be the same once Braden gets here.

First Ponytail

Avery has had lots of pigtails, but never a ponytail. Last night we discovered her hair was long enough all over to finally have a ponytail! Another simple milestone in her life!

Update

We won both of our volleyball games on Tuesday. Maybe my post was lucky! Hopefully we'll do well in tonight's game!

Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow

My middle school volleyball season is almost over. There is always the part of me that is sad, but another part is relieved to get some rest. I've just been glad to have something besides Avery to keep me busy during football season. The days seem long enough even with me being gone for games and practice, but they get even longer when I don't have that to keep me busy while we wait for Kenny to get home.

Avery has been lucky to get to spend time with Daddy before school and during first period while I'm running practice. I guess we're all going to have some adjusting to get used to.

...And then...there will be another little Simpson to fill the void!

But I digress.

The season has been a decent one. Our loss column is more full than the win column, but when I sit back and review, I can see how far the girls have come. I can take pride in seeing what I have taught them, and how their talent has taken them the rest of the way. I guess that's all that matters; at least that's what we are supposed to say right? Winning doesn't matter? It's been a good group this year; I've really enjoyed getting to know all of their personalities. I will be sad as the last day of practice approaches.

So, We've Decided...

Braden James Simpson


(Disclaimer: Since I am a woman, I reserve the right to change my mind!)

Going In For The Kill...

We made cookies on Friday. Avery enjoyed it...a lot.

Fun Stuff

I love hearing Avery and Kenny laugh and talk together. I love seeing them snuggle together. I love my family.

And in other news....check out my birthday present from my brother!!! Beautiful curtains for the living and dining rooms. (I haven't finished hanging the dining room ones yet; hence, no picture.) The picture does not do the fabric justice...it's a wonderful beige background, with an orange flower to match the sofa...get this..the leaves match the wall color perfectly! I'm amazed that Jason could pick that out all the way in Dallas. Talent.

Sublime Consign!

I love consignment sales. Normally, I wait until half price day to do my major shopping, but this year I decided to venture out with a new friend on opening day. (There was a huge sale going on in the basement of the store where I have my booth.) It was good to see what all they had, but I did not see anything that was not worth waiting for half off day.

With Avery in tow, I ventured back out today. They still had quite a few things, and of course the diaper bag I had my eye on was marked ND (no discount). I had such luck finding clothes for Baby Boy, but did not bother looking for Avery because of my mom's friend who passes along everything from her two daughters. (Sidenote: Thanks to her, Avery has a closet full of Gymboree, Baby Gap, and Children's Place clothes...for the Summer, Fall and Winter! Yahoo!)

Last week, while Kenny and I registered for the new baby at Target, we tossed the idea around that we might need a double stroller. I waivered because I don't really use a stroller for Avery now, but thought it would be handy when there is another baby to keep up with.

Well, today at the fantastic half off consignment sale, I found a Graco double stroller in great condition for.....drumroll please.....$25!!!! Go us!

Miss Independent

This morning on Sesame Street, Elmo talked about washing hands. After a while, Avery disappeared so I went to look for her. This is what I found.

Pamper Me!

There are some perks that come along with getting older....It's nice to have a birthday in the middle of volleyball season. Gift cards from the team are fantastic!

Last Week

I've been so consumed with volleyball lately that I haven't had time to post recent pictures.

A few weeks ago, Uncle Jase (my brother) came to visit us. He hasn't seen Avery since Christmas, so they had a blast together. Avery was excited to pick him up at the airport and ask him about his flight on the airplane, but once he actually got here, she was pretty shy. By the evening, they were best buddies, and she of course was disappointed to see him go. She's running out of room on her little finger to wrap people around! We enjoyed the visit.

Avery's Nona (Kenny's mom) started a new thing with her since they have to carry on a long distance relationship. She and Big Daddy (Kenny's Dad) color pictures, take a picture of them coloring, then send it to Avery. Here, you'll see a picture of Avery returning the favor with a picture of her own!

In other news, I don't think I ever posted a picture of the dress I made Avery. It was easy, and out of a pillow case!

Brooke and Jerry were out of town for Labor Day, so we had a houseguest last weekend. His name is Hitch, and he and Avery love each other. For those of you who may know Hitch, he's pretty high strung. I even thought he might be on crack or something at the beginning, but finally he calmed down...when it was time for him to go home. He was fun to have around, making Avery's newest phrase, "Hitch is crazy!" I would have to agree, but they had more fun wrestling, running, playing fetch, sleeping, and watching tv together. Curtis (our poser dog) even got a little jealous, even though he never wants to play with Avery. To wrap it up, neither Hitch, or Avery were still long enough to get a good picture except this one. They must have needed a break, and it didn't last long!

Two Words...

WE WON!!!!

The Road To Victory...

...May be a bumpy one, but I think we're on our way! Last night my team looked like a completely new team! We did not win, but they played like winners. We'll see how tonight's game goes!

Another Rough Start

I have a feeling it's going to be another frustrating season (for different reasons than last). Last year, the girls didn't like each other, therefore, didn't play well because they didn't mesh. This year, it's just not clicking because they can't learn what they're supposed to do. Thursday's games were rough, but semi close by the end of the night. Saturday's games were up and down, depending on which match you watched. I guess we'll see what next week brings us....

It's That Time Again!

Game Time! First game is this Thursday at MA. We'll see how we'll do against a pretty solid team. Hopefully we can bring it!

More Avery

Below are more Avery antics. It may seem that I'm obsessed with her; and well, I am. She's my girl; my life.

Our little model has made her debut. Here she's sporting Mr. Potato Head's glasses and a lovely purple headband.

Kenny gave Avery her own piece of chocolate cake the other night. When she was finished, she held her plate up and asked, "more?" Dawn and Chris had eaten supper with us and Chris said, "Lick your plate, there's tons of chocolate icing on there!" So, she proceeded to lick her plate and was soon satisfied.

Avery's been practicing her mothering skills. At first I thought it was big sister skills, but now I can see her copying things that I do for her. She changes her babies' dipers, rocks them, feeds them, and puts them to bed. Once they are in bed, she says, "shhhh; let's be quiet now." I didn't get to witness the actual event in this picture, but I've seen her do her whole night time routine, reading, tucking in, kissing goodnight, etc. to her baby. It's sweet.