Are we there yet…

Monday marked MR’s first day of school. Not a single tear was shed as Gran C and I waived goodbye and headed to the liquor store. We were certainly a sight to be seen; arriving at the store before 10 am with a 6 week old baby. In our defense, we there not to drink our day away, but to score Julie a wine crate for her kitchen. After a few more errands, it was time to pick up sweet MR and head to Athens for an overnight stay. Our visit included lots of time with Gran C and Big Daddy and dinner with Uncle Brother and Cook.

The next few days are jam packed with activity; G returns late Friday night. On Saturday, we’re off to Griffin to celebrate a birthday; later that night, Gran C and Big Daddy return to watch the kids so G and I can go out and celebrate our 6th wedding anniversary. On Sunday, G and Big Daddy are going to Turner Field to cheer on the Braves. And on Sunday night, we’re planning to eat hamburgers and hotdogs with our supper club. Until then, I’m up to my knees withPetey Pie orders. Ive got two days to get 22 shirts done. Hoping and prayaing  that the Little Man will cooperate. He’s still eating A LOT; usually every 2-3 hours. And still loves to be held. And despite having very little time for myself , I still love every ounce of him!

I stayed up extra late on Saturday night to make a dress for MR’s first day of school. When she awoke the next morning, I asked her what she thought of it. She frowned and replied, “that’s not good mama. I wanted a dress with a banana”. 

We’ve never had a baby in the family with this much hair, so it was hard for me to get on to G for styling Huston’s hair in a mohawk after a bath. The look didn’t last long; after a few pictures, I promptly brushed it down and returned it to the classic sweep over.

By 8 am this morning, I had completed 5 Petey Pie orders, sewed MR a new pair of shorts and a dress, mowed the yard, unloaded the dishwasher, and completed two loads of laundry. Feeling a bit like Superwoman, albeit a rather large and bloated version. We are down to 8 weeks until baby Hutson’s arrival and I’m doing my best to trick my body into nesting mode. Most days, I fail miserably on my “to do list”, but excel on my daily caloric intake. I’m hot. Anxious. Big. And ready. But also nervous about entering the newborn phase again. It certainly feels real–I’ve already gained the recommended weight limit for pregnancy– but then again, it doesn’t. Its hard to imagine what life will be like with two babies. I’m looking forward to the changes and learning to embrace (and not rush) these last remaining weeks.

We’re down to less than a week and half before the big move. The house is full of boxes, there have been no (major) meltdowns, and we are beyond excited about moving into our new home.

At 22 weeks, I officially look like a linebacker. With big boobs. Hoping to become brave enough to post a pregnancy picture soon.

Spring is here. Well almost. We’ve had a couple of days of great weather and have loved every second of it.

We’ve taken on a few projects to get ready for the new house. G dusted off the skill saw and I have embraced the role as pregnant, project manager. I’m a big fan of the arrangement.

Our old white rocking chairs got a fresh coat of black spray paint to match the new front porch. Black buffalo-checked fabric pillows were also added to make the chairs pop.

I convinced G to turn our old wood filing cabinet into a reading cubby for the playroom. I’ll post more pics as soon as its complete.

March has proven to be another busy month for Petey Pie’s. My sewing machine has taken permanent refuge on the dining room table, alongside a bag of Doritos and a box of Little Debbies.  

Another round of winter weather earlier this week meant more snow pictures, a few too many cups of hot chocolate, and lots and lots of snuggle time with sweet MR. We’ve had a busy, productive week and are glad that it’s finally Friday! We’re also happy that “baby bruder” finally has a name. We’ve decided to name him Hutson Garrett.  Hutson was my dad’s grandfathers name. Naming our little man makes me even more excited; I can hardly wait to meet him!

In typcial southern fashion, the snow was gone by the next morning and warmer temps returned! February has been the busiest month on record for Petey Pie’s. My little mail carrier and I are making at least 3-4 trip a week to the post office to ship out orders. 

Almost half way there. I’m big; I know it. But, I’m growing a precious baby boy who puts in frequent requests for Mexican, Lucky Charms, and Chic-fil-A.

Garrett’s return from New York was short lived. After being home for three days, he was off again. This time he was headed to Idaho to a remote wind farm where cell phones and communication were hard to come by.

The day before he left, we headed out with a realtor to look at houses. Because of G’s job, we have never lived anywhere long enough to even consider purchasing a home. We had several houses lined up, but there was one in particular that I was very excited about him seeing. I feel in love with the house a week earlier and hoped that Garrett would like it as much as I did. It had everything we wanted: a kitchen open to the living area, a  playroom on the main floor, a large master, two rooms for the kids, and a guest room for the grandparents. It even boasted a perfect downstairs office for Petey Pie’s.

It didn’t take much to convince G that this was the house for us. By late that afternoon, we were already in the process of making an offer. The next day, G boarded a plane to Idaho. Throughout his 6 day visit and limited cell phone service, we managed to firm up an offer. Papers were signed last Saturday and our closing date is set for the end of March. Although we have a lot to do in a short amount of time, we couldn’t be any more excited!!! 

With the new house on my mind, I almost let Petey Pie’s first birthday pass by. A year ago today, I decided to put my sewing machine to use and start making handmade appliques for children’s clothing. A year later, the shop has sold more than 350 pieces!!! The business has been such a blessing to our family as it has allowed me to set my own schedule and work from home, while also caring for sweet MR. 

God is good and we continue to thank Him for His many, many blessing!

Under Contract!!!

G and I think the house needs black shutters (hopefully they will look better than the ones I made in Microsoft Word!). The builder has agreed to add them per our contract. Black rocking chairs on the porch and potted plants are also in the works.

I love the openness and use of space in the new house.  After spending a year and a half in a home that was built in the 20’s, the fact that it is brand new construction is also very exciting!!!

I’ll be trading in a cramped laundry/tool/fabric room for my own Petey Pie’s space! The small office has lots of storage and counter space for my sewing machine and fabrics. Its right off of the kitchen so I will be able to work while the kids play in the playroom.

Happy first birthday, Petey Pie’s! Please visit my etsy shop to see more of my collection. The shop offers classic, everyday clothing for your little one!

I told G that either one of two things had to happen if I was to survive the week long cold spell. Option one was a trip down south to the beach. Option two was to speed up the pregnancy process and put on an additional 10 pounds to keep me warm. By the looks of this picture, option two won…

Yep, I’m 12 weeks along and as you can see, I’m already showing. I’m also learning that skinny belts under large boobs and a big belly does not make for a very flattering outfit. I’ll be filing that lesson away for future use.

For comparison sake, this is me pregnant with MR at almost 14 weeks (2 weeks later than the pics above). The Peter Pan flip haircut is also filed away in future “no-nos”

According to the weatherman, we are two days away from sunshine and warmer temperatures. I’m counting down the days until sweet MR can trade in her winter coat and mittens for some spring-like attire. In the meantime, I’ll continue trading in that pretend trip to the beach for a bag of m&m’s.

I could hardly wait to get MR up from bed on Friday morning to show her the snow on the ground. When she awoke, I opened the blinds and told her to look outside.  She gasped in amazment and said, “Yook Mama, we’s at the beach!”.

Hats and gloves have become the standard uniform around here.

While eating my weight in Sun Chips and m&m’s, Ive also been working on a few new designs for Petey Pie’s.

Two Thanksgiving gatherings, four days in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and tons of holiday orders from Petey Pie’s means that I am way behind on my blog. And 789 pictures means that I have a serious problem tyring to capture it all.

Thanksgiving round one began in Eastman, Ga at Trinity Oaks farm on the weekend before Thanksgiving. We usually spend Thanksgiving day with the Eastman Harrell’s, gathered around a formal dining room, but this year we decided to do things a little different. We traded in the matching place settings, silver, and crystal for wooden picnic tables amongst a pasture of horses and a canopy of trees. The boys fished and played football, while the cousins took turns riding Uncle Dan’s big green tractor and feeding the farm animals. The day could not have been more perfect! We look forward to many more family gatherings at Trinity Oaks and the traditions that follow!

Stay tuned for Thanksgiving round two. MR and G are headed to Waycross later this afternoon for four days and I’ve decided to stay behind to catch up on Christmas shopping, Petey Pie’s and of course, my much neglected blog.

Trinity Oaks Farm Eastman, Georgia

Cousins playing Checkers

Cousin Boss Man

Big Daddy and Gran C

It was my kind of party…

three precious kids were wearing Petey Pie’s,

a group of docile farm animals served as the babysitters,

 a huge table of food meant that supper was already served,

there was live music,

lots of laughter and fun,

and so much to celebrate!

Happy second birthday, Big Papa! We love you!