2nd Trimester Highlights

The best thing about this trimester has been finding out that we're having a girl (of course, we would have been equally excited if it were a boy). I am excited for Ava to experience having a little sister like me:). Her name will be Addison Kora which means in God's image and maiden. The girls will have the same initials. We can't wait to meet her!! It's been 4.5 years since we've had a tiny baby in our home. Ava keeps saying, "It's taking forever for Baby Addison to get here." Most of the time when we go to the doctor appointments, she asks if the doctor is going to get the baby out of my tummy.

Once I knew the gender, the planning begin! I went to our mini-storage and pulled out all of our girl clothes and accessories-- since I've saved everything of Ava's, it was a lot! I went through everything to reorganize it, discard items that I didn't like or need, and make a LIST-- needs, wants, to do, what to pack for hospital,... (I love lists). It was a big job. I've been slowly, but surely making Addison her own space. We moved the dresser that had served as a buffet back into the girls' room. It will be a changing table and storage once again. I think I got into nesting mode as soon as Christmas was over.

Physically, I traded some first trimester symptoms for some second trimester ones... Thank goodness, the nausea and extreme fatigue ended around 15 weeks, the same as it did with my first pregnancy. I guess I could be the poster child for typical pregnancy cravings as I've eaten more pickles than I care to admit. I've gained a total of 11 pounds during this pregnancy. I feel like some things just happened sooner in my second pregnancy like back aches and waddling like a penguin;) I also had a terrible stomach virus and sinus infection this trimester. When I feel frustrated about not feeling good, sporadic sleep, or having little energy, I focus on holding this sweet blessing in May and enjoying all of her flips and jabs and activity that we can feel and see now!

Speaking of blessings, one of my best friends, Shannon, let me borrow all of her maternity clothes. She was pregnant during the exact same time and had more clothes than imaginable-- I could wear a different shirt everyday for a month! I haven't bought one single item of maternity gear.

I have a good relationship with my OB/GYN. He's been my doctor for the past eight years. When he replaced his old ultrasound machine, he asked me to come while he was being trained for it. I got to see our baby on the 4D screen for over an hour and get some really neat pictures. I was blown away; I didn't get to do this the first go-around.

So, as I move into the final trimester, I'm looking more forward everyday to seeing this baby girl, holding a newborn, seeing Ron experience the miracle again, and watching Ava being a big sister. On a practical note, I'm looking forward to marking everything off of my to-do list, trying out some baby gear that I didn't before, my favorite season: spring, and getting active again after the birth. I'm so thankful.

baby feet!

Addison Kora Mayfield

Thanksgiving Day, very beginning of 2nd trimester

the very end of 2nd trimester
(I look tired and ugh, but at least I finally remembered to take a picture when I'm not in my pjs.)

Brooke's Bargains 42

Here are my bargains from the past few weeks of yard sales and Goodwill... I also bought some great stuff to resale on The Find. I have been pleasantly surprised to have yard sales to go to in February!

I found this dress at a yard sale a long time ago for $2, I think. My sister added the crab applique; love it!

cute little print, $1

2 shirts and sandals, $4

side table with rustic wooden top, $10 (had a $40 tag on it)...

6 gowns/sleepers, $3 (This certainly makes it hard to go to Wal-Mart and pay $5/baby sleeper!)

covered float device for babies recommended by Brittany, $2

Apartment: Before & After: Living Room

Our apartment's living room is really small compared to the spacious bedrooms, and we have large furniture and home theater-type equipment. We arranged it the best way possible and have learned that if one or two things are out of place the whole place seems like a wreck!
One of the first things I did, with my sister's help, was the gallery wall above the couch. Practically everything was a gift, a yard sale find, or a Goodwill find. We laid everything out on the floor and just went for it. It took me a while to get used to it, but now I really like it. I had the curtains (Pier 1 via great eBay deal), table (my grandmother's), rug (Target from 6 years ago), and lamp already (a wedding gift). I did sell my former accent pillows and replaced them with some from Target. I have also picked out a few with unique patterns on etsy.com that I plan to order soon. I love sitting in this room when all is its place and the lamp is on and a candle is lit... ahhh...

Before

To keep it real, I have stuff stashed in that corner that needs to be crammed into our storage room. Grrr....

This is where we spend most of our at-home time...

Love the newest pic of Baby Addison!

Old screen door from my friend Emily

I think gallery walls are fun.

Made the little burlap banner a few weeks ago

Valentines

This year for Valentines, Ava & I did a little crafting and decorating. She loves when I ask her if she wants to make a craft. We made little banners, put out our V-Day hand towels, & vase. 

Ron & I began our celebration on Saturday night since I had to teach on the actual night. He took me to see The Vow which I'd been anticipating since I saw the preview  last month! I love a good chick flick. This one was really sweet.

We got Ava the traditional gift of a stuffed animal, balloon, and chocolate-- you'd have thought it was a million dollars! I love that girl! She's so easy to please, and her excitement is contagious.

And a blast from the past...

1. Our first Valentines while we were dating... Ron set this up at his church and cooked for me:) Hard to believe that was twelve years ago...

2. 11 years ago... at a Valentine Banquet at my church

3. Someone made the little cake for us.