I'm baaaaaaack!

It has been a LONG week and a half without a computer. Yes, without a computer. That means no checking email, no blogging, not even checking weather.com!

About a week and a half ago, I was checking a friend's blog and noticed her super cute layout. I clicked on the website for the free template, searched for about 20 minutes, copied and pasted...and then I got high jacked. Someone took over my computer and put some sort of spy ware/virus in it. There were pop up ads galore, my desktop changed and I thought someone was watching me from a hidden camera. It was kind of creepy. So, the tower went to the computer MD for a while and we just got it back today. That is the reason for my lack of blogging.

A lot has happened in the time I was away. Let's see if I can catch up. This is in no particular order because my memory isn't too good lately...

*Morgan's cord finally fell off. It took 4 weeks, but it finally came off. It was around 5am and I thought it was a polka dot on her PJs, then was surprised when I saw her real belly button! She also turned one month old. I took Mallory's pictures every month in this chair, so I'm going to do it with Morgan too.

*Mallory got to hold Morgan and LOVES it! She actually cried after the video below.

*I have to preface this by saying that I think Morgan is beautiful (of course), but I have to be honest too. She is going through a rough time right now. Her head is flaky and her hair is thinning...bad. She resembles an old man when she doesn't have a bow on. See picture and video above. Poor girl. She'll grow out of it soon...I keep reminding myself that!

*One of my sister-in-laws gave me the coolest onesie. It has 2 sets of snaps, so it grows as Morgan grows. Why don't they all come like that? Genius.

*I've survived the last 2 weekends while Brad has been out of town. I guess it doesn't really count since I had my sister the first weekend and then my in-laws the next weekend to help out.

*Morgan officially smiled yesterday while I was talking to her and doing the "motorboat" sound. It reminded me how awesome it is when your baby starts to respond to you:) She's also started cooing and it's the most dainty little sound. So sweet.

*Brad and I went on our first date! We actually got to go to dinner and a movie! What a treat. Thanks to Larry and Sharon for watching the girls for us. And, thanks to Morgan for taking a bottle so her mom and dad could go out!

*Mallory has started singing. Somewhere she learned "Twinkle, twinkle little star" and will sing it (most of it is not comprehendable unless you know her language, but all of the syllables are in the right spots). She can also sing "Itsy, bitsy Spider" and the clean up song from Barney. I need to get those on video. She is also a fan of accessories...and lots of them.

*Morgan is a big fan of the Baby Bjorn carrier. It's pretty convenient for me too. I've gotten out (besides just a ride around town or to get a Coke) 3 times now by myself with both kiddos. Wal-Mart twice and a Chick-fil-a play date. I told my sister I felt like a spectacle for people to watch the first time, but it's getting easier and feels more normal.

And, that is all I can think of now. Not very exciting, but it's life right now. I'm trying not to be too anxious for Morgan to get bigger. I find myself saying, in 3 months, it will be a lot better. I need to remember to enjoy this newborn time...especially if Brad is really telling the truth when he says this is it!!!

Life.

I'm going on my 4th day by myself so far. I will say, there are some perks being married to a coach (in his off season). Brad has pretty much been able to take care of Mallory in the mornings before work and then be home around the end of naptime every day. The real test is coming this weekend with his first recruiting trip out of town. Luckily, I have family that feel sorry for me and are willing to come and help...thanks Kelly!!

We got another out of town trip under our belt. This time was MUCH better! We stayed at my parent's house Friday night while Brad recruited at a soccer game in Mesquite. Then, Saturday, we headed up to McKinney for our niece's 2nd birthday. We can't believe Julia is already 2! She is getting so big and that means in 5 short months, our Mallory will be a big girl too. It kind of makes me sad! Anyway. Is this not the cutest birthday cake ever? It tasted pretty good too!

And, here's a cute birthday girl to go along with the cute cake. It's crazy how much Julia and Mallory have started looking like each other.

My in-laws informed me that Mallory will be getting the same gift for her birthday this summer, so I've already started preparing myself. I got teary just looking at Julia on the bike with a helmet on. Can she really be big enough to ride a bike??? I guess so!

This is how Morgan prefers to sleep during the day...in someone's arms. Luckily, it doesn't always have to be me! I've got several pictures of Pop and Mallory sleeping, so I'll just start the collection of Pop and Morgan.

I am a bow person, but since we've been so "house bound", I've only put her in a bow twice I think! So, yesterday I decided even though we were at home all day long, I was going to make her a bow head. I think she looks like a totally different baby with a bow on.

Speaking of Morgan. I was talking to my friend Natalie the other day about the 2nd child syndrome and how it's pretty much unavoidable. I had all these intentions of not doing it to Morgan, but I've already failed! By the time Mallory was 3 weeks old, we had taken loads more pictures. Now it seems like I'm taking pictures of Mallory being cute with Morgan instead of just Morgan. I guess that is life with 2 kiddos. Maybe I should apologize to my parents for all the heck I've given them....

We went to the doctor for the 2 week (but 3 in our case) check-up. She is a chunker by the scale, not by sight. She's already 9 pounds 12 ounces! And, she has grown 2 inches. Is that possible in 3 weeks? I knew she had grown some, because a couple of her outfits don't fit anymore, but wow. What is even more crazy is that she still weighs less than Brad did at birth! Can you imagine? Brad weighed 10 pounds 10 ounces!!! Thank you Lord!

Another one of Mallory's favorite Christmas gifts. The Leap Frog Alphabet magnet thingy. She LOVES this thing! It's nice because it keeps her occupied while I'm busy, and she really is learning the ABCs. The other day I started singing the ABC song, stopped at E, and she pretty much recited the rest of the alphabet minus a few letters. She has also learned some killer dance moves from it!

We're still here!

What a whirlwind. I can't believe Christmas has already come and gone. Our decorations are already taken down and in the attic. The tree is out on the curb. Tomorrow is New Year's Day. Crazy.

We have been overwhelmed (in a good way, because of all the help) by both sides of the family being at our house the past 2 weeks. My family came in the weekend before Christmas to celebrate and then Brad's family followed the next weekend. Mallory was spoiled by all the attention she received. She was read more books the last 2 weeks than she has been her whole life probably!! Morgan was spoiled as well by all the arms that held her! We are so thankful for the help from our families. We know that the holidays are crazy anyway, and the fact that we added a birth to it made it even crazier! We'll try not to make a habit of having anymore Christmas babies:)

We've had some milestones already in Morgan's short 2 week life so far. She has already been to Houston. Yep, we had our first overnight trip last week. Brad's great uncle, Roger, passed away the night before Christmas Eve. The four of us made the trek to be with family. We were grateful for the time we got to visit with him at Thanksgiving this year. And, we were grateful to be at the funeral to celebrate his life.

Another milestone, because of some feeding issues, is that she has already taken a bottle! It took her sister 2 months to take a bottle without screaming, so this is HUGE!! She also likes the paci already. That one took Mallory 9 weeks to do. Amazing how they can be so different and from the same family. Her temperament seems to be much different than Mallory also. She pretty much only cries when she gets hungry or tired, so it's easy to soothe her!

Okay, onto the pictures.

Mallory got lots of cousin time over the holidays. Here is Tate and Mallory sporting their Santa hats that Aunt Kelly gave them. Mallory LOVED hers and wore it almost all day!

My sister has these Gymboree bubbles that the kids love. Mallory goes crazy and says "bubblessssss!" over and over. They are also sitting on a parachute (like from PE when you were a kid) that they both love too. It was a hit at Tate's birthday and a hit at Christmas. Good job Kelly!

Here's the Santa hat again during the stockings. These are the stockings from Mimi and Grandpa (my parents).

This is what Morgan did during both Christmas celebrations. Seriously. The life of a newborn has to be pretty sweet!

One of Mallory's favorite presents from Mimi and Grandpa...a vacuum! The perfect gift for a daughter of 2 type A people:) She will get her vacuum and walk around pushing it while Brad vacuums. Such a little helper!

This was Christmas Eve night. Mallory loves to give Morgan kisses and hugs. She is always asking for Morgan and interested in where she is.

Here's Morgan Christmas morning.

More cousin time. This is Mallory and Julia. Julia is only 5 months older than Mallory, so it's been fun to see them actually play together and get excited about seeing each other. They are dancing here.

Stopping for a drink of water before moving on to the next toy. Elmo and the baby doll were favorites of them both.

The favorite gift from BMom and Pop (Brad's parents)...a slide! It took about 20 minutes and Mallory figured out how to climb up the stairs and do it herself (with our hands around her just in case!).

Mallory and Julia saying goodbye to each other at the end of the weekend. Destined to be good buddies...and to get each other in trouble!!

And now, it's time to welcome 2008. In true "mom and dad" fashion, I don't think we'll make it to midnight tonight, so Happy New Year early!!

From the laborer...

Well, it's official (and already feels a little normal) that we are a family of four! Morgan made her debut after about 7 hours from the start of Pitocin to when she came out. The epidural worked great (praise the Lord!!) and I'm feeling okay. We've gotten at least a couple hours of sleep in a row each night, so we can't complain! And, what everyone is wanting to see...pictures!

Here's the big sister. She was a trooper and stayed up at the hospital without a nap, and in a decent mood. She has a football under her shirt and kept patting it like she was pregnant. She kept the nursing staff pretty entertained!

Here's me and Morgan shortly after she got cleaned up.

Morgan, nice and toasty in the warmer.

Morgan in "real clothes" yesterday. The bow and hat I brought didn't fit her "petite" head, which bugged me at first, but I'm okay with it now!

Yesterday afternoon, before we left the hospital.

My mom is here helping us for the week, which is great! Mallory is getting used to Morgan a little more each time she sees her. This morning she actually called her by name (instead of "baby") and gave her kisses on her head. She still needs to learn the word "gentle", but she's a good big sister so far!

*Thanks for taking care of the update Tuesday, Uncle Wade!!*

Morgan Is Here!

Posted by a very proud Uncle Wade . . . .

Morgan Paige Bankhead

born Tuesday, December 18, 2007

at 2:30 PM

8 pounds, 6 ounces

20 inches long

Both mother and baby are doing great!

And, we're off...

...to the hospital! I'm getting scolded right now that we can't be late, so this will be quick. I can't wait to meet Morgan and see what she looks like. I can't believe how fast this day came. I can't believe Mallory has a double ear infection right before her sister is born (but is feeling better and on antibiotics thankfully). I can't believe we are about to be parents of 2 girls. Ahhhhh! Okay, I've got to go. We'll keep you updated!!!

Here's a cute picture of me and Mallory the other day. Thought it was cute and a great way to capture one of our "last days" together!

Ugghhh!

It's after 1:00 am and I am just now off to bed. Let's just say that defensive driving online is HORRIBLE! But, it is done and I won't have to worry about having a newborn and a warrant out for my arrest:)

Morgan's room

Well, it's as done as it's going to be. There are still decorative things to put up (notice the bare walls!), but as far as function goes, it's very functional! There isn't a crib in her room yet. It just never seemed practical to me to purchase another crib. And, I didn't want to move Mallory to her big girl bed yet. So, Mallory will be in the crib for at least a couple more months, and Morgan will be hanging out in the bassinet for a little longer than Mallory did. Thanks to the grandparents for helping to furnish her nursery, I love it!

I laugh now, but when I first got pregnant, I worried that we wouldn't have any clothes for Morgan (different season babies). After two showers and LOTS of "cousin clothes", Morgan is well stocked. It's actually a little ridiculous probably. All of the clothes in the armoire are only up to 3/6 months! Thanks to cousin Tate and cousin Julia!

We (well, I) decided to make the closet a little changing area (thanks for the idea Kara!). Kelly and Brad painted the inside and we took the doors off. Brad is afraid of hitting his head on the bar, but he'll sacrifice all in the name of cuteness!

Here's a nook that will get LOTS of use! Disregard the undressed table...it'll get done eventually.

And, bear with me on this one. This is obviously Mallory's room. Just imagine this crib, with the bumper pads in Morgan's room. I couldn't put up pictures without including what the crib will eventually look like!

I do have one more thing to do before Morgan gets here. I got a minor traffic violation back in September and keep forgetting to do my defensive driving. Thank goodness for online courses!! That is on the agenda for tonight...fun, huh?

Second verse, same as the first

Obviously no Morgan yet. Went back to the doctor this afternoon and I'm a "good 3". So, the plan is still to induce on the 18th unless something else happens before then. We were ready for her last week, but are slightly relieved we might have 5 more days just the 3 of us.

Here's the big belly earlier tonight. My doctor said I'm "at capacity". Not quite sure how to take that:)

Since we didn't know what would happen at the appointment, we took Mallory to see Santa today at the mall. She was not having it. Brad was holding her hand and we looked at him from afar. Then, he walked toward us and we tried to get her toward him, but she started moon walking away. We expected this from Mallory. She doesn't warm up to strangers very well...let alone a BIG guy in a red suit with a beard and a hat on! He was sweet though and they gave each other "boom" (pounds, fist, whatever your family calls it). He suggested bringing her back by throughout the week and then maybe she will warm up enough to get a decent picture. We'll see Santa.

While I've been waiting on Morgan, I've been getting the house ready for lots of family that is coming to us this year for Christmas. My decorations are up, the bathrooms are clean and the presents are wrapped! It's been kind of like our house is up for sale. Lots of picking up, cleaning and keeping things in order "just in case". I guess it keeps me on my toes!

Still not done...

But a WHOLE lot closer than I was a week ago! Here's a little sneek peek at Morgan's nursery. I procrastinated a whole lot, but am pleased with the results. Brad is glad about that!!!

Copy cat

Mallory turned 18 months old yesterday. I was inspired by my sister (who has done a MUCH better job at this than me) to write a little update on what she's doing. So, here is a summary of our Mallory at 18 months!

*She copies EVERYTHING we say (and do). On the way home from the doctor Monday morning, I was talking to my mom on the phone. Mallory repeated practically everything that I said right after I said it. Funny, but scary what she picks up. I guess we have trained her to be a polite little girl. When she is playing, she'll come over to us, hand us a toy and say "Tank you!" before we say it to her. Here's a little video of what she learned after daddy sneezed during breakfast this morning. She literally saw Brad sneeze, did the motions herself and added the "ah-choo" without any prompting. Of course, to get it on video, I had to prompt her a little bit...

*She is really into accessories. Nearly sometime every day, she wants her shoes on (with her footed Pjs), a bow in her hair and "beads!" This afternoon after her nap, she saw her shirt that she wore to bed last night. She brought it to Brad and basically (in her own little language) asked him to put it on her. So, he did, and she didn't match for the rest of the day. I don't know if I'm ready for that yet!

*She loves "manya" (bananas), cheese, turkey, peas, water, "shish" (goldfish) and any kind of fruit. Actually, she loves any food (almost) and that is a real blessing!

*Books are probably her favorite toy. She could read (and re-read) all of the books in the basket all day long. And, she wants to sit in your lap to do it. Pretty sweet, but there isn't much room anymore, so she squirms around until she gets comfortable. She also loves puzzles, and is pretty good at them.

*She loves our dog, but unfortunately, he still isn't too fond of her. When Connor barks, she goes to the back door and says his name followed by "Hiiiii!". When we bring him in while she is awake (doesn't happen often since he's basically afraid of her), they just go in circles around the house. She runs after him and he runs away from her!

*She doesn't like to have her hair messed with (I think I've given up on the pig tails, she cries every time still). But, she does love to pick out her bow for the day!

*She is getting a little more maternal. She walks by Morgan's room and says (again, in her own language) "Morgan's room!" She knows Morgan is in my belly and will hug/kiss it. Last night she was holding her baby doll on her hip and tonight she "rocked" it...and then promptly threw it on the floor to play with something else!

Basically, she is smart, cute and a whole lot of fun right now. I think this may be my favorite stage with her (at least until Morgan gets here!). We just sit on the couch and let her entertain us at night. I've been a little sad that the time with just Mallory and Mommy is ending. I've really enjoyed watching her grow and learn all sorts of things. I know it will be different, but I hope that I can enjoy all of it with Morgan just as much. Life with 2 kids is going to be interesting!

**Speaking of 2 kids...as of Monday, I am dilated to a 3 and now we are just in the waiting game. My doctor said he wouldn't be surprised if I had her this week. It's now Thursday and nothing has happened, so we'll see when Morgan will make her appearance!**

Getting in the Christmas spirit

I did this last year and every time I watched it I giggled. This year it's even more hilarious!

A whole family of elves!

The tree farm

Last year, we attempted to go to a real tree farm to pick out our Christmas tree. Who knew that 2 weeks into December they would be sold out!! So, we decided to go early this year (because the owners told us to!) and went tonight. It was a lot more fun this time since Mallory could run around and help us pick it out. She LOVED the dog that roamed around...as you can see in the first picture. That is Sadie, the sweetest lab/chow mix.

Apparently, this place is pretty fun during the fall. They have a pumpkin patch, hay rides and lots of other fun stuff. We'll have to go back during the day next time...and during October.

This is what I'll call the "Charlie Brown" tree area. They ship in the really pretty trees (like the one we got) from North Carolina, but they also grow their own trees that you can saw down yourself. Some are a little sad, like this little guy here. But, it will be fun to do that when the girls are older.

It's getting harder and harder to get Mallory to pose for pictures lately. She's either too quick, my flash is too slow, or she's just not in the mood.

Here's our "Griswold moment". It was the first time we've strapped our tree to our vehicle (usually we've had Brad's truck...we really missed it this year!)

Who knew that the plastic bag they give you for disposing your tree later, could be so much fun? Too bad there is a warning about suffocation....Mallory had a fun time playing on this before we brought the tree in.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

We had a strange Thanksgiving around here. Since we were with both families last weekend, we stayed here for Turkey day. Mallory slept in till almost 9:00!! Then we headed to IHOP for a late breakfast. The rest of the day was spent watching the Macy's day parade (which Mallory was really into, especially the Rockettes) and football. I missed all the chips/dip, deviled eggs and other Thanksgiving foods that mom always has out during the day. Brad didn't miss out though. For a guy that can eat so much, you would think he would love Thanksgiving.

But, I did accomplish my goal....I finished all of Morgan's bedding this afternoon! And in regular Shannon fashion, I did it in 2 days and barely made my goal. But, it is done and that is another thing I can cross off the list. I'll post some pictures once I get the room cleared out a little more (can we say garage sale??) and figure out how to hang an arched curtain....

One down, nine more to go!

Today officially started my weekly doctor visits. I seriously cannot believe it is less than 30 days until baby #2 will be here! Unless something happens before, we have December 18th on the calendar for induction. I'm only dilated to a one (and I was that way for 4 weeks with Mallory), so it's likely that I'll be induced. Each day I get more tired of being pregnant. I don't remember feeling this way with Mallory. I would've gone another week or so...but this time around, I'm ready to have my old body back! The swelling in my feet has started and the heartburn is getting old. Not to mention sleeping, picking up a toddler, the jabs in my ribs and bending over. But, I can't complain because I have really had a great pregnancy! We can't wait to see who/what Miss Morgan looks like.

In other news, I purchased the new paint that Brad is so excited about:) And I plan on locking myself in Morgan's room until I finish the bedding this week. Good thing Brad has a couple of days off for Mallory duty!

Here's some pictures from the last couple of weeks:

Me and the Coach of the Year in Arkansas

Mallory LOVING the slide at Bmom and Pop's house. She kept saying "Again, again!" (but without the "a")

Mallory LOVING the beads at Mimi and Grandpa's house. They came in handy when she would wander off. They made a lot of noise!

Brad reading to Tate and Mallory. They didn't really enjoy sharing his lap, but they both really love to read.

My sister, me and Mom at Morgan's shower. I'm missing pictures of the fun "Slumber party/baby shower" my sister gave me. We realized the next morning we never took any pictures. Bummer!

Tate and Mallory playing together. Notice the beads once again. Those are actually Tate's beads, Mallory stole them quite a bit!

Last weekend, we made big road trip. We started at my parent's house in the metroplex. Here is my dad (the birthday boy) with the grand kids. It was getting late, so Mallory was already ready for bed when we had cake and ice cream.

Saturday night we did Thanksgiving. My sister thought Mallory might enjoy her first mouthful of whip cream. Kelly asked her if she wanted more and she promptly replied, "No." She'll learn.

Sunday we were in Houston for Brad's Maw Maw's birthday and another Thanksgiving meal. It was a LONG weekend, but worth it to see everyone.

Busy days!

We have been nonstop it feels like. Since Halloween, here's what has been happening around here (pictures will follow some other time):

*Mallory stayed at my parent's house while we were in Arkansas. My mom, sister and brother in law all left town the day after she got there. That means Grandpa was BY HIMSELF for 3 days on Mallory duty...and he did GREAT! They even left the house more than once!!!

*Hillbilly Arkansas. Brad's soccer team made it to the conference tournament for the 2nd year in a row. I tagged along with him and 30 college guys in a charter bus for 8 1/2 hours. Let's just say being pregnant and trying to sleep in a charter bus is not fun. Unfortunately, they lost in the first round...but we found out a couple of days later that Brad was named the ASC coach of the year! Woo hoo for my hubby! I am so proud of him!

*We went to Brad's parent's house after Arkansas to get away for a couple of days. Bmom and Pop enjoyed seeing Mallory (and us I guess!). She got to show off a lot of her tricks and got some cute Crocs that she wears everywhere now. We even got 2 dates in while were there...thanks Larry and Sharon!

*I went to the doctor. Nothing exciting to report. Heartbeat was good. I'm measuring right. I start going every week now. CRAZY how fast this pregnancy has gone by!!

*I had a super fun slumber party/baby shower that my sister threw me. It was fun to see friends, stay up late, eat yummy junk food and not have to worry about Mallory for a whole day!

*I had another super fun baby shower that some church friends threw for me. Let's just say that I'm not worried that Morgan will be naked anymore. She is definitely not lacking in the clothing department:)

*Kelly and Tate stayed with us until yesterday. It was "Project Nursery" for 3 days. Brad painted the room, we shopped at IKEA and went through LOTS of clothes and baby stuff. The room is still a mess, but it's coming together slowly. Unfortunately, Brad has to repaint the nursery because the color turned out a little different than what I thought it was going to look like. Fortunately, Brad expected it and has a good attitude about changing it.

5 more weeks till Morgan is supposed to be here. I hope she's an obedient child and follows her mother's instructions to wait until December 17th to make an appearance!

Where's the beef?

Apparently Mallory looked more like the Wendy's girl than Raggedy Ann??? At least that is what a guy thought as we were walking up to the Fall Festival! Maybe it's because she wouldn't wear her wig/hat until the last 5 minutes of the Fall Festival and the pigtails threw him off!

Here's our cute Raggedy Ann earlier tonight:

And, since we missed out on a pumpkin patch this year, I'll have to just reminisce from last year. Here's Mallory at 4 months old. (A little shout out to Sara Cook for taking such cute pictures of Mallory over the last year and a half!!)