The Hassell House

goodbye meadow lane

2011-12-31T14:29:00.002-06:00

Can you believe it is the end of 2011?! I cannot!

So much has happened this year, especially the last few months.

I mentioned in the last post that we renovated a house in about a month. The reason for this renovation was that we rented out our other house, one we had lived in for ten years.

Before we even finished the renovation, the house sold! Bitersweet, I tell ya. Mainly because of our history on that street. Ten years holds a lot of it too- first dog, roomates, first jobs, marriage, bringing baby home...and all that comes in between. But selling was also a blessing! With baby #2 on the way, we are needing a little more breathing room.

We were so thrilled that it sold so quickly and to a cute young person who we know!

We have loved the last 10 years on that street, and wanted someone to move in that loved it just as much as we did.

Only one little issue, we had no where to live! As noted already, we had rented our other house (the reason for said renovation), so that was out. So it's apartment life for now. We have adjusted pretty well, but mama is nesting and oh so ready for a house, and NURSERY, to decorate!

Flipping a house was quite an adventure, to say the least. Budget was always in mind, and for this girl that was so hard! We also found out what contractors we would use again, and whose number we could ~~throw away~~ accidentally lose.

I tried oh so hard to take progress photos, but with work/pregnancy/two year old/dog/husband/life that didn't go as planned. Here is what I did get...

Exterior- all windows were re-glazed, new roof, paint, shutters, column and landscaping

getting a new roof

close up of new roof, fascia board and column

(old column was a white fluted plastic thing that needed to go!)

close up of porch

after paint but before landscaping

exterior after

Foyer- the old dropped ceiling panels/nasty old parquet floors were removed and replaced

Hallway- new flooring, paint

Bathroom- old tile floor removed, new vanity/potty, and walls painted

Bedrooms- nasty old carpet was removed, new ceiling fixtures added and walls painted

Living/Dining Room- the dining room was flipped to the front of the house,

den to the back near the kitchen.

The old parquet flooring and the drop ceiling were removed.

Kitchen- an L-shaped wall with a door seperated the kitchen completely from the living/dining.

That came down, which opened up those spaces.

There were old metal cabinets and crimson laminate countertops/splash.

There was also a washing machine in the kitchen. The dryer was in a room off of the back porch.

Everyone helped with demo :)

(hate this pic is so blurry, but even through that you can get a feel of just how bad it was)

looking from the kitchen back into the dining (future living) area where
the L-shaped wall is being torn out...

looking from old dining into kitchen once wall is removed...

Finished Kitchen- We had plans to add painted open shelves over the marble "bar" to the right.
We did add brushed nickel cup pulls and "football" shaped knobs
right before moving out...

catching up

2011-09-26T13:46:00.001-05:00

All I can say is "WOW!"

What a busy few months we have had.

1. We found out we are expecting!

2. I felt horrible for 11 weeks straight.

3. We renovated a house.

4. We moved out of our house of 10 years and into the renovated house.

Somehow, we kept working our full time jobs and raising Michael (2 1/2 years)

while all of this was going on. I don't mean to sound like I am having a pitty party, sorry!

I am truly thankful for everything, just a little glad the craziness is OVER!

My little blog last left off in June at the lake.

Here is what we have been doing since!...

Hubb's Birthday Party

End of June...

Izzy and Harrison came to visit early July!

Michael read Harry some books...

(this pic cracks me up...Izzy didn't want to smile for the camera)

Lake Martin

July 4th Weekend...

Michael and Sydney

The Tipping Point, Hampstead

end of July...

2144 Renovation

started early August...

Pop Pop's Birthday

September 17th

Lake...

2011-06-20T16:13:00.000-05:00

We have a fan of the lake and his name is Michael.

Saturday morning he heard us saying we were going to the lake and that we needed to pack his bag.

Still in his pj's, he insisted on putting his shoes on, grabbed as many toys as he could,

and went to the door.

It was TIME TO GO!

Thank you Grandaddy, Ci Ci and Clark for a fun weekend!

3 weekends of fun!

2011-06-09T14:08:00.000-05:00

warning: tons of pics in this post

first weekend...HANGOUT!

great friends, great music!

second weekend...Memorial Day at the BEACH!

thanks to Uncle Smoker, Mrs Rachal and Miss Sydney for a great time!

after eating oreos and

hearing the cannon fire from the sea screamer

the beach wore him out

third weekend...HAPAMON 2011 at Lake Martin!

family get together jam packed with fun...

first swim in the lake this year

driving the boat with Daddy

lunch with Lu at Katherine's

M and Cole

sweet baby H

Lu and Whit

Action shot

M and Izzy B

Uncle Will

it was a blast but I must say

I'm glad to be spending this weekend at home!

Party at the playground!

2011-05-09T10:17:00.000-05:00

Michael and Della celebrated their 2nd birthday

with a party at the playground this past Saturday!

The kiddos had a wonderful time on the swings, slides and teeter totters!

they loved playing in the castle...

Isabella and Harrison came to the party too...

Mrs. Donna Mac (D's Grandmomma)

made the most adorable, creative and delicious cake...

Happy Birthday Michael and Della!

Firetruck!

2011-05-02T14:41:00.000-05:00

We had a good time at the neighborhood cookout

last week! M was obsessed with the firetruck...

We even ran into Della!

Easter 2011

2011-05-02T14:18:00.000-05:00

Here are pics from Easter Sunday-

Before the children's procession...

after church we took a look at the fountain...

the sun was a little bright and the wind was blowing

when we tried to get a good pic...

We had brunch with Ya-Ya at Sinclairs and ran into Davis!

Here are phone camera pics (not the best)...

Happy Easter!

our little man turns 2!

2011-05-02T13:14:00.000-05:00

Alright, cue my tears...once again this year!

Michael turned 2 on April 22nd. I honestly CANNOT BELIEVE IT!

Seriously, where does the time go?

We kicked off the weekend of celebrations

with a cook out party at our house for all the Grandparents...

grilling burgers with Daddy...

checking out his first presents...

Happy Birthday Michael!

M letting his farmer try some cake...

Opening up a present from Mommy & Daddy...its Woody!

The next day we went to the lake for more bday celebrations...

it was such a fun day!

ECDC Easter party/egg hunt 2011

2011-05-02T11:52:00.000-05:00

M's school had a cute Easter party and egg hunt...

all the kiddos seemed to enjoy their snacks...

especially d-bug!...

Hunter Wedding

2011-05-02T11:09:00.000-05:00

Michael was honored to be a guest at the wedding reception of Rebecca and Wilson!

He may have had the best time of any of the guests!!!

He ran all over the reception and dance floor, ate cheese and cake, and LOVED the band.

Needless to say, he was exhausted when it was over!

You can tell from this pic that he was wanting to get down and run some more.

Not very interested in taking pictures!

STJ egg hunt

2011-05-02T11:03:00.000-05:00

Michael had such a great time

at the STJ alumni children's Easter egg hunt!

Playing on the pre-k playground before the hunt...

Time to hunt eggs!...

Ok, back to the playground!...

and the pre-k pod to play some more...

Izzy turns 3!

2011-04-12T12:39:00.001-05:00

Our little baby neice is not a baby anymore (tear!)

She turned 3!!!!

We had a blast at her birthday party...

Happy Birthday Izzy!

Charlie and Thomas!

2011-04-12T12:31:00.000-05:00

M met Charlie and Thomas for the first time this past Saturday!

We have wanted to get these kiddos together for a long time now.

looking suspicious...

playing so well together...

Charlie telling Michael something super important...

Laughing with their Daddys...

We had such a good time visiting The Hill Fam...We love you guys!

P.S. Think it is time for us to start back on our annual beach trips again!

Birthday Month!

2011-04-05T13:26:00.002-05:00

This month, our little guy turns 2! I cannot believe it.

Yesterday he had a birthday party celebration at school...not a happy camper...

When he wouldn't eat his cupcake we knew something was up.

Took him to the Dr. and yep...ear infection. It was so sad that he couldn't enjoy his school party.

It seems like everybody else did though!...

50's day at ECDC

2011-04-05T12:00:00.001-05:00

Thursday, March 31st was 50's day at school!

Little man wore his jeans rolled up with a comb in his back pocket...

tight white tee with rolled up sleeves...

and of course, slicked back hair!

He didn't win first place, but his buddy Della did!

First Cut

2011-01-25T11:17:00.000-06:00

Little man had his first hair cut last night!

He watched Daddy get one first...

then he donned a smock...

and C C started to cut!

Our little man did such an awesome job being so still!

(it helped to have Yo Gabba Gabba playing on the portable DVD player!)

He got a cookie for being so good!

Christmas 2010

2011-01-12T11:33:00.000-06:00

We made ornaments out of Michael's artwork...

Michael got a trampoline from CC and Paw Paw Mike!

And stackers from Gi Gi!

He got his own chair from Ya Ya and Pop Pop!

So did Izzy!...

It was a wonderful Christmas!

Santa

2010-12-21T11:22:00.001-06:00

Michael was not so sure about Santa this year.
Maybe next year!

Pictures!

2010-12-02T12:25:00.002-06:00

We had a wonderful photo shoot with Mary Catherine Phillips recently! Here is her site- http://www.shootmenowmc.com/. She is so much fun and super talented!

Here are some of our favorite pictures from the session...

Roar!

2010-11-03T08:16:00.003-06:00

Halloween Weekend 2010 was a blast! Here is the run down-

ECDC held a Halloween Festival on Friday. Michael dressed up as a Lion. They had the cutest games for all the kids and we saw some great costumes!

Michael LOVED the space bouncey and all the toys!...

Saturday, Lucy (the skunk) came to visit. Papa fed them some Kit Kat...

Halloween night, we suited up

and went to visit the Grandparents...

then headed to meet up with Warren Walker and Della.

Their "Big Momma" was a scary witch!

Then we loaded up...

and went to meet our buddies...

Time to start Trick or Treating!!!

Here is M with sweet Virginia and cutie pie Della...

Happy Halloween 2010

New Addition

2010-10-22T14:49:00.000-05:00

Harrison Gregory Pappas

We welcomed Harrison into the world on Thursday, October 21st, 2010.

Michael now has a boy cousin to hang with.

He is 8 lbs., 10 oz. (huge!) and looks a lot like Izzy when she was born.

More pictures to come...

Fall!

2010-10-05T10:09:00.000-05:00

Happy October!!!!

10.5.10

So far it has been a such a fun month!

We took Michael to the STJ Homecoming game Friday night. He was a trip!

A cute group of boys (probably around 8 years old) were playing football on the practice field and he was right in the middle of them yelling "BALL"!

He thought he was one of the big boys.

He and Chapman (a.k.a. Chap Chap) had so much fun shaking their STJ shakers...

We also had a visit to the Doctor. M is getting to be such a big boy!

We are taking Michael to the fair on Friday and then off to the lake for a relaxing weekend. Pics to come soon!

Lu and M

2010-09-28T09:40:00.000-05:00

We had so much fun visiting with Lucy this past Sunday!

Shoes

2010-09-16T08:51:00.000-05:00

M is loving his new shoes!

He is so excited that he giggles when we put them on.

Chapel Day 9.15.10

A Grand Getaway

2010-09-15T12:10:00.000-05:00

A big thank you goes out to Aunt Caroline for inviting us to Point Clear to celebrate Uncle Tommy's birthday. The hubby and I decided to leave little man at home with the Grandparents and have a nice little getaway.

Such a beautiful place with immaculate landscaping...

Nall is one of my all time favorite artists.

His work can be seen all over the hotel...

After checking in, we grabbed a cocktail by the pool and toured the grounds.

Absolutely beautiful!

Our dinner date at Master Joe's in Fairhope was amazing.

We ate way too much sushi and it was way too yummy...

I found a cozy swing with this view

and slowly sipped my latte Saturday morning...

so peaceful...

The guys after golf at a fun little lunch spot, Tamara's Steamer...

After lunch, our sweet tooth took over and a visit to Punta Clara Kitchen had the fix.

It is a wonderful family owned and operated business with specialty candies made right in this historic home, built in 1897...

www.puntaclara.com

The hubs and I cheered on The Tide (Tommy and Caroline were great sports!)

then we all headed to Bucky's Birdcage Lounge at the hotel

to finish out the night with a cocktail...

(camera phone pics in a dark bar, need I say more...)

Again, THANK YOU Caroline for such a wonderful weekend! We love you guys!

Lately...

2010-09-07T12:50:00.000-05:00

We have played hard in the backyard...

We've been upset over a new boo boo...

We have cheered on The Tide...

We have enjoyed popsicles...

We have loved the hint of fall weather...

Hope your lately has been as fun as ours!

Cousins Weekend, a.k.a "hapamon 2010"

2010-08-13T16:28:00.000-05:00

The hubs comes up with some great ideas (every now and then :) About this time last year he decided it was time for us to start planning a 2010 "cousins" trip. We wanted a way to get all the kiddos together every year.

It all came together at Lake Martin the weekend of July 23rd. Thanks to Tommy Hassell's name suggestion, we are calling it the "hapamon" trip (Hassell, Pappas, Simon all rolled into one).

We had the best time seeing everyone! We had great food, good drinks, and lots of swimming to beat the heat. Best of all...Isabella, Michael and Lucy had a blast playing together.

Yay for Izzy (again)!

2010-07-13T16:36:00.000-05:00

Here are more pics from Izzy's visit. We had fun swimming in the pool...

We also had fun chasing and squealing and laughing....

Yay for Izzy!

2010-07-12T13:27:00.001-05:00

Michael and Izzy were so excited to see each other yesterday! They had so much fun chasing each other around the house, sqealing and shouting the whole way.

They also had fun with Pop Pop's guitars and Ya Ya's piano...

A few new pics

2010-07-07T15:30:00.000-05:00

Davis Groce's Baptism

Stuart Edward's Birthday Party

Last day of Infant Room at school

Memorial Day Weekend 2010

Birthday Boy!

2010-06-03T11:01:00.003-05:00

So yes, it has been over a month since Michael turned one. I have been a "berry bad blogger" lately. But I am back!

What a fun birthday party we had! I still cannot believe that Michael is actually one! Here are some pictures from the party...

PB&J made the most adorable sock monkey appliqued outfit.

Michael and YaYa...

Clancey greeted everyone at the front door...

and so did Bama monkey...

The cupcakes were ready!...

And so was the cake!...

Looks like someone ate too much cake...

Alice Harris, who makes amazing cookies and cakes, made the most adorable sock monkey cookies for guests to take home...

We found these adorable stickers on Etsy...

More pics coming soon from my sweet Uncle

who has a camera much snazzier than ours!

Celebrate!

2010-04-21T13:59:00.001-05:00

We are celebrating a good bit these days around our house. This month, my big man turns 30 and my little man turns 1!

For my big man, we celebrated a little early with pizza and cookie cake. It was a great night out on the patio with good friends...

For my little man, we are celebrating all day tomorrow (on his actual birthday) and then hosting a first birthday party this weekend for his little buddies and family! Pics to come!

Also, Mommy and Daddy are celebrating the end of bottles!
We enjoyed our last one this week!

Lastly, we celebrated little man's first step last week- which he hasn't done since!
We are on the way to walking though!!!!

Easter

2010-04-14T16:14:00.000-05:00

We had such a fabulous Easter this year!

It all started with an egg hunt hosted by Saint James School (Mommy and Daddy - Class of 98!)
It was such a windy day, but that didn't stop the alums from bringing their kiddos out to hunt!

Easter Sunday couldn't have been more beautiful! Neither could the service at St. John's. What a beautiful day to enjoy with friends and family!

Our goal next year- get Michael to smile for the camera!

Big Boy Car Seat!

2010-04-12T16:19:00.000-05:00

I am so happy! My parents FINALLY got me a big boy car seat and I LOVE it!

First visit to the Zoo!

2010-04-05T13:42:00.001-05:00

Good Friday was a holiday for me, and I had so many errands to run. My goal was to start EARLY and get it all done before Michael and I picked Lee up for a nice lunch together.

I so want to play on the days I have off from work, but never really do. Something just always seems to come up that must get done.

I started getting ready, which now takes 3 times as long with little man by my side! Clothes on...check! Bag packed...check! Diaper changed...check! Then, we get a call from Ya Ya saying she and Hunter are taking Izzy to the Zoo and would we want to come with them!!!!??? Errands or Zoo....hmmmm....Zoo! Those errands can wait!

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Montgomery Zoo! Here are pics from a wonderful day...

Arriving at the Zoo

At the Rhino Exhibit

Snack Time!

Tiger says "Grrrrrr"

Hunt and Izzy

Pointing at the Elephants

Amazed

Lunch with Daddy at Wintzell's

(First time coloring!)

Growing Boy

2010-03-30T14:16:00.000-06:00

I am really starting to look less and less like a baby and more and more like a little boy.

Don't you think?

1st birthday party sneak peek

2010-03-25T10:49:00.002-06:00

My baby turns one next month...cue a sad single tear falling down my face. How in the whole wide world did a year go by this fast?

I am a busy bee dreaming up and planning bojangles' party.
Here is a tiny snipit from the invitation...

Can you guess what the party theme is?

SOCK MONKEY!!!

M has some adorable sock monkeys in his room and it was just perfect for his little party. Etsy has been amazing for invites, stickers, cupcake toppers and just good plain inspiration! The most adorable invite came from here ... amazing stickers for favor bags from here ... and the cutest cupcake toppers from here

Happy party planning!

New habits...

2010-03-24T10:16:00.000-06:00

I love to scrunch up my nose for my silly smile...

I adore looking at myself in the mirror...

I sit this way all the time now...

Spoiled Rotten!

2010-03-23T08:18:00.000-06:00

My Ya-Ya spoils me rotten!

Photo Friday!!!!

2010-03-19T09:45:00.000-06:00

New obsession- playing drums with the pots and pans...

Whipping up something yummy...

I am pulling up on everything now!

Saint Patrick's Day 2010

Michael's Baptism

2010-02-16T14:38:00.001-06:00

Michael's Baptism

February 14th, 2010

Michael was baptised this past Sunday and it was such a beautiful event! We were surrounded by wonderful family and amazing friends.

Thank goodness the weather cleared up from this (on Friday the 12th)...

Michael's Godparents, Hunter and Tiffany, came with cousin Isabella. We started off the weekend with a little tub time...

Sunday, before the service, Aunt Tiffany helped Michael put on the slip from Cynde and the gown Ya Ya made. Izzy B wore this about a year ago on her baptism day.

She was the first ever to wear it. Now her name and Michael's name are embroidered with their baptism dates on the bottom ruffle.

More pictures to come!

9 months ago today...

2010-01-22T14:06:00.003-06:00

I just cannot believe that 9 months ago today, pretty much the time it took to carry him, little man came into our world. Has it really been that long? We love every second we have with him and are so blessed!

First Day Home (April) -

1 month (May) -

2 months (June) -

3 months (July) -

4 months (August) -

5 months (September) -

6 months (October) -

7 months (November) -

8 months (December) -

9 months!!!!! -

Christmas Eve at the Pappas House

2010-01-11T15:51:00.001-06:00

Until this past Christmas, my parents hosted a Christmas Eve party every year. In fact, the Pappas Christmas Eve party started before I was born. It was wonderful! Great food, wonderful friends, and lots of "the recipe" flowing!

I never could imagine a Christmas without it. It was our tradition and many of our family and friend's traditions. That is, until our little tots came along. I heard Mom say for many years, "once babies arrive, we aren't going to have the party anymore" and no one believed her. Well, she meant it!

The babies made this year's Christmas Eve wonderful! They were precious riding their new rocking horses. Now, I couldn't imagine a Christmas Eve any other way!

Izzy and M on their new rocking horses

Riley's Birthday Party

2009-12-07T16:31:00.000-06:00

Riley Godwin's 1st Birthday/
SEC Championship Game 2009

We all had a wonderful time at Riley's 1st birthday party! Thank you Michael and Allison for such a great time! The party was during the SEC Championship Game this past Saturday. Roll Tide!
Michael got to visit with lots of sweet babies and crawled all over the place. Yes he is army crawling now!

More updated posts and pics to come!

First Halloween

2009-11-03T13:12:00.000-06:00

Oh, how I love Halloween! Don't you remember how excited you got when it was time to dress up and go trick or treating? I do! It has always been one of my favorite days of the year, and favorite holidays. It is right around my birthday, so I always associate it with good thoughts. I always loved picking out my costume and filling up a pillowcase FULL with candy when I was little.

This year, Halloween was even more amazing because of Michael! We had so much fun dressing him up and taking him to all the Grandparent's houses.

Quack!

Hey, these wings really work!

My webbed feet were so entertaining!

Practicing my waddle.

Half Birthday

2009-10-23T09:03:00.000-05:00

Little man turned 6 months old yesterday! Wow, time has flown by!

He had his check up and did so good. He got a wonderful report from his Doctor and got 4 shots. Poor little guy REALLY didn't enjoy that this time around! He is a trooper as always though!

What is this I feel?

Hmmm, it makes a funny noise and looks interesting...

It even tears and I can hold it! I love this stuff!

Getting ready for the shots, and sitting up by myself!

Happy 6 Month Birthday Little Man!!!!!

Pics

2009-10-15T08:35:00.000-05:00

Here are some pics from the past few weeks-

Mommy thinks I look like I'm going to a toga party in this one

Our family at Jacob and Ryan's wedding

Helping Daddy make pizza

Bumbo Baby

2009-10-14T15:44:00.000-05:00

Finally!!! Michael is starting to really enjoy the Bumbo seat! I have been trying him in it since he was 3 weeks old, wishing he could sit up in it, but realizing that it just wasn't going to happen so early.

3 weeks old- sitting in Bumbo with Mommy's help

I kept hearing from everyone, "don't wish he was older because pretty soon, he will be and you will miss that baby stage", but to tell you the truth, I have loved seeing him become a little more independent every day. It is a wonderful thing to see him grow and learn and become our "little man"! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE having him need us as parents and rely on us too! After all, he is our BABY! I am sure I will always think of him as sweet baby M

(talk to me when he turns 16 and we will see how I feel then :)

Anyway, I decided the other day to try him in the Bumbo again, seeing as it had been a while since the last try. It worked! He loved it! He was smiling and laughing! Feeding him in the Bumbo is great also due to the oh so wonderful tray that you can attach. He also loves playing in the Bumbo with his toys, or as you can see below, kitchen utensils (Mommy approved of course!)

5 months- getting stuck in Bumbo due to large thighs!

5 months old

2009-09-28T15:49:00.000-05:00

It is amazing how different a little one is from the first week of being in the world until 5 months old. Our little man just turned 5 months old last week and we are amazed at all of his new accomplishments! He is rolling both ways, trying so hard to scoot, teething, laughing, babbling and cooing so loud that he makes himself hoarse, loving the excersaucer and johnny jump up, mesmerized by other little ones (human and furry), smiling and talking to Dora and Diego, and just being a happy baby all around. We are so blessed to have such a happy boy! Happy 5 month birthday Michael! I can't wait to see what you will do next!

Green Beans

2009-09-11T12:52:00.001-05:00

We gave Michael his first taste of solid foods (aside from rice cereal and oatmeal that he has already been getting for a while) and the result was pretty funny. His doctor recommended we start with yellow or green veggies, so we pulled out the bag of baby food that Michael's buddy Andrew gave him and found green beans, mmmmm. This was the worst smelling, sickest looking, mushy textured baby food I have encountered. Michael wasn't too keen on them either...

First Taste

Hmmmm....

On no! That is horrible!

Practice...

2009-09-02T09:59:00.001-05:00

Michael loves to practice walking! Here are two videos of his practice with Daddy (sorry about this first one-I thought my camera would let me video sideways, but I was mistaken :)......

Fhoto Friday!

2009-08-28T13:25:00.000-05:00

I love Maggie and Maggie loves me!

First Church Sunday

4 months old!

2009-08-27T12:41:00.000-05:00

Michael turned four months old on August 22nd. Where does the time go?

He is starting to really show some personality! Yesterday afternoon, after the four month check up (which consisted of 2 shots- more about that later), he was in the best mood! It was not the first time he had noticed Maggie, our Yorkie, but this time was different. I noticed him just staring and smiling at her. It was too cute. I figured I might as well see if her tricks would get him excited. So I said "Maggie, speak" and as soon as she barked he let out a giggle then back to staring. So, I tried it again "Maggie, speak", an even bigger laugh! Too much fun!!! So when Lee got home, he tried it with the same result. I wanted to get it on video to post, but we left to eat dinner at Lee's parents. We were telling Lee's parents about it and we decided to try it out on Harley, their dachshund. He just giggled and giggled. It was so cute. Video to come, I promise!

About the four month check up. I was dreading taking him all day and night on Tuesday. We went in Wednesday morning and he was great in the waiting room, which was packed full (a note on the door- Flu season is upon us, we are trying to keep your appointment times, but with the amount of patients ...yada yada). I was so worried the whole time about the shots to come. I had heard from so many people that these were pretty bad. Poor baby! We went back and the nurse did some measurements- 16 lb, 3 oz. (75-90%), 26" long (75-90%). The doctor checked him all over and said all looked great. Whew! Next up, shots. Oh no. The sweet nurse came in and explained that now they only have to give 2 shots instead of 4. They just combine the shots. OK, that sounds better. Here we go...1st shot...waiting on the cry...wow, he's not really crying at all! Trooper! 2nd shot, the nurse says "this one hurts worse". Great. So, 2nd shot goes in and a small little cry and that is it. Little man is so brave! He even smiled when I put him in his car seat to leave. Such a trooper!

A visit with Nani and Papa

2009-08-03T12:04:00.000-05:00

Michael went to visit Nani and Papa last week and had a great time! He told them all about daycare, took a nice nap with Papa, and just had a good ole time!

I heart baby pool toys!

2009-07-29T13:35:00.000-05:00

I really think Michael needs these for next summer...;)

Fhoto Friday!

2009-07-24T11:12:00.001-05:00

Isabella... a.k.a Elton John

Rock on!

2009-07-23T14:49:00.000-05:00

My co-worker Laura recently re-introduced me to eBay. Oh my goodness! I searched for boys smocked outfits and fell in love with way too many. She showed me how you can watch items, and of course I have been watching about 10 outfits, envisioning little man in all of them and how cute he would look. That made me want them even more!!!

Well, I lost the first outfit. I was outbid by about 50 cents. Sad day. I lost the second outfit too. So, I was determined not to loose the cutest outfit of all the ones I was watching. It is a royal blue gingham jon jon shortall with three blue and green catepillars smocked across the chest. Super cute! I gave my highest bid, around $20, and waited anxiously for the last 5 minutes to tick down to zero. I won!!!! Whoo Hooo! And to make it even better, I won it for $14.00. Rock on!

Wet 'n Wild!

2009-07-23T10:48:00.000-05:00

Michael is having so much fun at school! Today is "Wet 'n Wild Thursday" and all the kiddies show up in their bathing suits. The teachers have a few really large slip 'n slides for the bigger kids and Michael's class gets to play in a baby pool filled with lots of bubbles and toys! Of course, he is still too little to get in the pool, so one of his teachers, Mrs. Sayde, props him on her lap and sprays him with a squirt bottle. She calls it "holy water". It is just way too cute!

Ready for Wet 'n Wild Thursday! 7/23/09

3 months old!

2009-07-22T15:50:00.000-05:00

Our little man is 3 months old today! Where does the time go? It seems like only yesterday that Lee and I were gearing up for the trip to the hospital. We have had such an amazing 3 months with him. Some times were trying, with such a big adjustment, but all in all it has been wonderful!

Mom said "at the 3 month mark, it will be like a light switch just turned on and he will really come to life". I already noticed that this morning when Lee handed him over to me to finish bottle time and he smiled at us with that adorable gum showing smile. We are so blessed to have him in our lives.

Michael in his ECDC chapel day tee- 3 months

Splish Splash!

2009-07-20T09:23:00.000-05:00

One of our favorite times now is bath time. Michael LOVES taking a bath. He gives us the biggest smiles while he is in his whale tub! He has also started to splash the water and every time he does it makes him jump just a little. We have been using the bedtime bath soap and lotion and I swear by it! It makes him sleep so much better and so much longer. It smells great too! He never fails to tee tee in his tub right before I take him out! Ha Ha! It is going to be so much fun when we get him in the big bathtub and he can really splash around!

A long time ago, probably back when I was in middle or early high school, my cousins and I got a kick out of an online greeting card showing a cartoon baby in a tub. It is called "Gruntin' n Dumpin Lil' Dumplin'" and is to the tune of the song "Splish Splash". It is super silly and a little gross, but Michael loves when I sing it to him while he is in the bath and just smiles and smiles. I have a feeling that will be our bath song for a long time to come! :) Here is the link if you want a silly laugh for the day:

http://www.flowgo.com/funny/1463_gruntin-n-dumpin-lil-dumplin.html

"He did a total 180!"

2009-07-15T14:26:00.001-05:00

Our little man is moving! Last night we put him in his crib the way we always do...after the night night bottle, we put him in his miracle blanket (love it! http://www.miracleblanket.com/) , turned on the fan and sleep sheep (another favorite item!), and laid him with his head at the end of the crib near the windows. We always lay him with his head at that end, always.

Well, around 5:30 am I heard some faint little grunts and cries (if you can call them that) and went in with a bottle. He had turned his body a full 180 degrees! It was almost a shock to peer over the edge of the crib and see the outline of feet in the miracle blanket where I expected his little face!

So, he drank the bottle and I changed him and wrapped him back up. When I put him in the crib to go back down for another hour or so, I got some adorable smiles and then he was out. Lee woke me up around 7 am and said he had turned 180 again!

My co worker Laura wants me to try an experiment and lay him the other way tonight and see what happens! :)

Stay tuned.....

She's starting to come around....

2009-07-14T08:51:00.000-05:00

So the first time little man met his cuz Izzy B was pretty interesting. She wasn't quite sure what to think about Mommy (Tiffany) holding another baby. She stared for quite a while and then realized she didn't like it much. After one of the funniest mad faces I have ever seen, Michael was passed to Ya Ya and Missy prissy sort of forgot he was around. She played and ate Moe's, which was a funny site, and then slowly started to eye Michael again. Previously, she had been Ya Ya's only baby to hold. She made her way around the coffee table to the sofa and grabbed Ya Ya's hand off of Michael and put it on hers. It was hilarious! She just couldn't understand it at all.

The second time they were together was even better! Isabella came to town and was over at Ya Ya and Pop Pop's house, so we went to visit. While she was eating, we layed down a blanket like we always did for her on the den floor and put Michael on it. As soon as she saw him on her blanket, she stopped cold in her tracks, spit her paci a mile, and cried crocodile tears! All we could do was laugh because it was so dramatic and funny! She was fine after just a second and joined him on the blanket for some Noggin watching (Noggin is our favorite channel these days!).

Since then, we have had a few more encounters, and she is starting to come around. She rubs his hair and leans in to kiss him, but hasn't quite made contact yet. We are hoping for a full kiss tonight at Nani and Papa's house!!!

Your Favorites (19 photos), by Laura Hassell

2009-07-10T15:57:00.001-05:00

I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.
http://www2.snapfish.com/fbshareredirect/p=440101247259404076/l=2676464009/g=40268645/redirectURL=share/otsi=SALBBL/AlbumID=1387611009/a=40268645_40268645/usercomments=I_xqd%20like%20to%20share%20my%20Snapfish%20photos%20with%20you.%20Once%20you%20have%20checked%20out%20my%20photos%20you%20can%20order%20prints%20and%20upload%20your%20own%20photos%20to%20share./counttext=19%20photos/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish

11 weeks old and growing!

2009-07-10T14:43:00.000-05:00

This is quite late (which is nothing new for my blog!) but I am finally able to update! Baby Michael joined the world April 22nd at 1:45 pm. He was 8 lbs, 3 oz. and 21 inches long. Quite a big boy! We had a long night of no sleep and a morning of labor (which was not that bad to tell you the truth, especially after the oh so wonderful epidural) and then the sweetest little bundle of love arrived.

We are so blessed to have a happy and healthy baby boy. Lee and I cannot thank everyone enough for the prayers, dinners, gifts, and visits! We have such wonderful family and friends and we love you all so much!

Little man, as I like to call him, is 11 weeks old! I cannot believe it! Lee cannot believe it! He is growing so fast and getting super big! He eats like a piglet (another name I like to call him) and wets diapers like a champ! He started day care this week at First United Methodist in a program called ECDC. That stands for Early Childhood Development Center. We love, love, love it! They are so sweet and teach the children starting at 6 weeks! Today is his first Friday and I cannot wait to pick him up and spend the whole weekend with him!

Hope everyone is doing great and hope you all get to meet Michael soon if you haven't already!

Above is a link to some of my favorite pics from the hospital and ride home!

This is the week!

2009-04-19T19:08:00.000-05:00

Oh my goodness- I can't believe this week has finally come! We go in this Tuesday night to the hospital and I get induced on Wednesday morning! We are so excited (and to tell you I am ready is an understatement! I am swollen and not sleeping well and just ready!).

I have been so bad at posting lately, so here is what we have been up to. We had a fun night out with friends and family on April 3rd. We listened to some live music at Number 16 and stayed out until 1:00!!! I don't know where my energy came from, maybe the pinapple/oj I was drinking :) but I had some that night for sure. We even hit up Waffle House before going home. It was so much fun and probably one of the last times we will do that for a while! Here are some pics...

It was nice to see Will, Hunt and Tiff. Not to mention Isabella!!!! She is just the sweetest little thing! It is great to see her personality evolving and boy does she have one! Playing hide and seek with Pop Pop...

Reading the Elmo book...

Getting sleepy...

The next trip was to Birmingham for Isabella's first birthday party. We had a great time and she looked adorable. Tiffany and Hunter did a great job getting the party perfect. We were pretty sleepy before the party and took a morning nap...Then Izzy got all dressed up for the party...and enjoyed her cake...

Well, I plan on taking it pretty easy for the next two days. Hopefully we will be very rested for the week ahead. We love you all and will keep you posted on Michael's arrival!

Love, La

36 weeks!

2009-04-01T08:11:00.001-06:00

Only 3 weeks to go! So excited about the next few weeks that are filled with lots of fun moments. Here is a picture from today before work....feeling good, just BIG!!!!

Of course, most people think of today as April Fools Day, but we think of it differently! Today is Mike's birthday!!! Happy Birthday soon to be Grandpa!!!! I won't tell how old you are :) We are excited about celebrating tonight with you and the family- soon to be Grandmother Cynde and Uncle Clark, maybe even Uncle Tommy. :)

Mom and I had such a great time at Meredith's wedding this past weekend- ate WAY WAY too much! Sadly, I missed my amazing friend Carol Key's wedding in Houston. She is just one of the sweetest, most beautiful ladies I know and I love her to pieces. We haven't met her hubby Clint, but I know he has to be amazing. Guys- Lee and I hope you had a wonderful wedding and are enjoying the honeymoon (we are so jealous too!). Love you!

This weekend we have a fun night out with friends on Friday which will possibly be my last night of being social before Michael arrives! Music out on the patio at Number 16! Fun! Of course, that is as long as my body holds up and isn't too worn out! Hopefully on Saturday, I will be feeling pretty good and can go to our friends Hadley & Cheney's crawfish boil! It should be such a fun time. I hope my body will make it!

Next weekend is my precious neice Isabella's birthday- 1 YEAR OLD!!!! We are so excited to see her cute little self, Lee and I can't stand it! Here is her b'day invitation picture (way too cute!). We are going up on Good Friday to spend the night with Hunter, Tiffany, Miss Priss, and Jackson. Then Saturday we get to help celebrate her birthday. We can't wait!!!

On a sad and happy note all the the same time, we will have to miss our dear friend Leslie's wedding to David in Atlanta. :( It is the next weekend and right before we head to the hospital. She is going to be the most lovely bride and David the most handsome groom. We love you guys and hope the wedding is all you dreamed of! We will be thinking about you!

Well, time to start working. Love you all!

Getting bigger....only 3 weeks to go!

2009-03-30T20:37:00.000-06:00

I went to the doctor today and all was fine. I will be going every Monday now until Michael is born. It is wild to think that the time is almost here! We are headed into the hospital on April 22nd :) Unless Michael comes before then, he will be born that day!!!!

Here is a picture of me tonight- as you can see, I am quite large. I am really feeling it too. I think in about 3 weeks, I will be very ready for little tot to go ahead and make his appearance!

At this point, http://www.i-am-pregnant.com/ says: "Your baby now weighs over 5.5 pounds and its crown-to-rump length is approximately 13.2 inches. Your baby's total length is around 20.25 inches at this point. Most pregnant women begin to feel cramped and heavy around this time and often become tired of being pregnant. "

I will say, I have really loved being pregnant. I have had such an easy pregnancy though. It is going to be a little sad when it is all over, but such a blessing to have a little boy.

On a side note...A while ago, Mom and I painted 3 angels on a canvas. We never were really happy with how it turned out. So, this past weekend, we decided to paint over the angels with an abstract painting Mom calls "Hidden Angels" :)

Here is a picture (I wish I had the before painting!):

Well, its off to bed for big momma! Love to all!

MMMM!!!!

2009-03-27T12:04:00.000-06:00

Oh my goodness! 3 days of ice cream in a row!

It all started on Wednesday of this week. My co-worker, Laura, decided to hit up Chick Fil A for lunch. Now usually, I can restrain myself and hold off, but not this time. I knew right away I had to have an Icedream. If I didn't have it right then, that would be all I could think about for hours and wouldn't get any work done, AND as soon as I got off work, I would head straight to the nearest Chick Fil A and ask for the largest icedream they make!!!

Oddly enough (from what I hear from friends, they craved it all the time) this was actually one of the first times this whole pregnancy that I craved ice cream. Before getting pregnant, I always thought I would have cravings for it, but I guess little Michael liked cookies better!

WELL- let me tell you...one taste of that icedream was heaven and I gobbled it up in no time.

So.... Thursday rolls around and I notice that Derk's Filet and Vine (awesome meat and three next to our shop) has a cooler chocked full of ice cream yummies! Snickers ice cream bars, Edey's pints, and the lucky winner - Ben & Jerry's!!!! Laura, Blair and I had eaten lunch there that day, so the girl behind the counter laughed when I walked back in about 20 minutes later for more food! She said "your back" with a smile and I just looked down and said "yeah, I've got to get some of your ice cream". It is weird that I feel almost a guilty feeling and don't want people to look at me buying all the fattening stuff! I should be buying apples (which they have located very close to the icecream cooler!) but instead, I am wanting the "good stuff". I waddled all the way into the store to the back, and the guys that work there had all the new fresh fruit and veggies stacked on top of the cooler. Now I felt even worse...I smiled and they new exactly what I wanted and started to move everything off the cooler while I stood there, very large and uncomfortable looking. Once I got my pint, I slowly waddled back to the girl behind the counter, paid, and ran out (all the while getting really excited about my purchase and the tastiness ahead of me). I got the Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie flavor and it was to die for!!!!

That Thursday I had a few spoonfuls, not too bad. So, Friday is here and I thought about the pint in our fridge at work while I was getting ready. I knew it was waiting on me and I was in for a third day of ice cream!!!! I polished off that sucker after lunch!!! It was oh so good! Only 4 more weeks to eat like this, then its back to being good. :( Sad!

Baby Shower #2 and the Nursery!

2009-03-24T14:50:00.000-06:00

We had so much fun this past weekend at my second shower, hosted by my sweet girlfriends! Walton was so generous to have it at her awesome house! Thanks W!!!! She is expecting a little girl in July, so I know it took a lot out of her being pregnant also. All the girls who hosted went all out and did so much! You guys are just the best! I love you all!!!! Here are some pics....one with all the hosts-

one with Walton and Rebecca-

Little Michael got some of the cutest gifts!!! Everyone was so sweet to bring him just the most adorable stuff! It is so much fun to see all that is out there now for a baby- unbelievable!!! The hosts gave us the travel system, which has his stroller, car seat and base! Such an awesome gift...

Here is a pic with Mom...

and one with Blair and Muray...

Since the last 2 showers, little M's room is coming along! We have washed everything and have put keepsakes out on his bookshelves...His crib is dressed and ready for him...So is his changing table (and diaper genie!)Here is a close up of the 3 paintings Mom ordered to go over his crib...so sweet :)

Mom found this lamp and shade. She covered the shade to match the striped fabric....

Here is my flea market find. It was glossy bright pink (not too cute) so I sprayed it black. Mom covered the shades....so much better!

We just can't wait for his arrival- only about a month to go!!!! Man, the time flies! Mom and I were saying just the other day how we remember the countdown clock saying 200 something days!

Love you all!!! La

Baby Shower Fun!

2009-03-19T21:34:00.001-06:00

I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends and family! I had my first baby shower at the Tyson's house and it was so much fun!!! What a beautiful house and amazing hosts! They had the most beautiful flowers and fabulous food, and I heard the wine was flowing :) I stuck to the tea. I loved this, baby cups and spoons hanging from the chandelier. Such a cute idea!

I had such a blast opening all of the fabulous gifts for little Michael! The shower gifts really helped us get everything we needed to dress him, for his nursery, and for him to play! I cannot thank everyone enough for all the wonderful gifts and generosity! Here I am with Tiffany, who was so sweet to sit by me the whole time and write down who brought what...

I was so glad to see family and friends. Little Michael is a lucky guy- he is already so loved!

We had such a blast looking at all the fun gifts Michael received! We have been working on getting everything put up in the nursery since the shower. It finally is all coming together! Pics to come soon of the finished nursery!!! :)

I have another shower this weekend and cannot wait!!! All my girls will be getting together. I am so excited to see everyone and just have girl time!

I will post some nursery pics next!!!

Love to you all! Laura

Week 32!!! Only 2 months to go!!!

2009-03-02T10:00:00.000-06:00

Wow! We have been super busy the past 2 weeks! I went to the Dr. on February 16th and all was fine. My blood pressure was great and weight was on target (I was quite surprised because of my eating habits lately! :) OK, so I have been craving and eating fruit all the sudden, but I also have been eating cookies, cakes, cereal....all the really yummy stuff!!! :)

The crib has arrived!!! Here is a picture of Daddy putting it together...and Maggie testing it out...

Miss Mags gave her approval. :)

Mom found an amazing deal on a rocker/glider that is covered in soft corduroy fabric in a slight blue green (looks a little more green in the picture below)...she bought it for the nursery and it is incredibly comfortable!!!! It will really come in handy for those late night feedings!!! Thank you Mom!!!! This nursery will be so perfect because of all your hard work and everything you have given to us and to Michael! We love you!!! P.S. Mom is having Jana Lubert make the bedding and it should be ready later this week! I will post pictures of that as soon as it arrives. Can't wait to see it!

Lee's Dad was given the rocker below when he was a little boy by his Grandfather. He used it when he was little, then Lee rocked in it and now the Hassell's have passed it on to Michael. He is going to love rocking in it when he's big enough....
Little Michael is really starting to kick and move like crazy! He has already positioned himself with his head down, so the kicks are starting to get stronger and right into my ribs. Such a great feeling (haha)! I am starting to feel some of the symptoms of being pregnant, nothing so bad I can't handle it though. Just a little back pain and shortness of breath. I also noticed some slight swelling one day in my ankles- oh no!!! Luckily, so far, it only happens when I am on my feet for a long period of time, but once I put my feet up or lay down, the swelling goes down. The other thing I have had the hardest time with is one of the things that used to be one of the easiest things to do- putting on socks and shoes! I can't wait for spring and summer so I can just wear flip flops all the time! Actually, I have started wearing flip flops to work some. My sweet co-worker Laura said she doesn't mind :) She has been so helpful during the whole pregnancy process and has become such a good friend. Thank you Laura!!!!

So, again, little baby is going to be decked out! Our sweet friends Leslie and David were actually one of the first to send him a gift. It is a soft adorable onesie and sweet little booties...too cute! Thank you guys!!! Here they are-

Lee and I couldn't resist this cute little onesie when we went to Babies R Us to buy his mattress. He is going to be our little music lover-

Sweet Aunt Clare gave him this oh so precious day gown. I can just see him in it already...

Ya-Ya (Zan) gave him the outfits below...I think she wants him to be a little sailor this summer :)Here is the other one she gave him. The owls are so cute and I can't wait to see him in it! It is tiny baby corduroy-
Our next big adventure was to go to Isabella's Christening in Birmingham. She looked so pretty and did such a good job!!! We are so lucky to be her Godparents. I can't wait for Michael and Izzy B to play together. Here are some pics from her big day...

And Miss Priss had some fun celebrating!!!...
The other day, I went to eat lunch with Mom, and I had a surprise! There was a gift from my second cousin Nancy. It is a set of keepsake boxes that say "Baby's First Tooth", "Baby's First Curl", and "Baby's First Bracelet". They are going to be so cute on his bookshelves! Thank you Nonnie!!!

I went back to the Doctor on Monday and all was measuring right on target again. Doctor Lawhon helped me feel on my stomach where Michael's head is. It is so crazy to think that he is now about 3 1/2 to 4 lbs and we only have about 55 days to go! I am going to post my Feb picture here tonight! Check back to see how big we are getting!!!! :)

At this point, 32 weeks, http://www.i-am-pregnant.com/ says "Sleeping boy. the baby sleeps 90-95% of the day, and sometimes experiences REM sleep, an indication of dreaming. Your baby is probably head-down and may occasionally stretch out and kick you in the ribs. The pressure on your rib cage can make you sore, especially if one of your baby's feet becomes caught." Wow are they right!!!!

So, most of you know we have had some crazy weather lately! I am going to close out this post with some pictures from this past Sunday's snowfall.

Enjoy! Love, Laura

Lee making a snowman...

Maggie was probably thinking..."Dad, what are you doing?!"

4-D Ultrasound!

2009-02-12T17:50:00.000-06:00

We have had a great week! Busy days and many relaxing nights on the sofa with Miss Mags! Our favorite night time spot.

A little side view from this past week...Getting to be a big momma!

Little Michael has been quite active this week. We keep saying he is going to be the next Bama football kicker or a really strong soccer player, because his kicks are HARD! He has also started pushing hard against my sides and stomach. It is so fun to watch him move around in there.

Today we went to the 4-D ultrasound! It was so amazing to see little Michael! He wasn't very active, even though I drank a little Dr. Pepper before, and covered one side of his face most of the time with his hand, but we still got some great shots of him! Here are a few...

his foot:

his arm and fingers:

So, the little man is going to be pretty decked out! The Grandparents (and myself :) have gotten him some really cute onsies!!!
One from Ya-Ya:

His Jerry Garcia onesie from Grandpa Mike and Grandma Cynde:

His "Let It Be" onesie from Pop-Pop and Ya-Ya:

The bear ears are very cute, even though Lee doesn't quite get it :)

I had to buy him the froggie pjs! Too funny!:

His Uncle Tommy and sweet Caroline (Tommy's girlfriend) gave Michael his first Christmas stocking. Next year it will be filled with goodies!!!!

Well, time for bed. Ta Ta for now! Love, La

Up to the present!!!

2009-02-04T15:36:00.001-06:00

By January 18th, about 25 weeks along, I looked like this....

At this week, http://www.i-am-pregnant.com/ said: "Your baby's crown-to-rump length is about 8.8 inches. Weight has increased to around 1.5 pounds and fat is still being deposited at a high rate." and "Your uterus is about the size of a soccer ball now!" All I have to say about that is NO KIDDING! I feel like I have a soccer ball in my stomach! That is the perfect way to describe it! Of course Mags made her way into the picture!

Then we threw a party for our close friend Bartley who is moving out of town to the beach (lucky dog!). Here he is...

The guys all thought it would be soooo funny to have me pretend to do a keg stand, but I refused! How tacky, not to mention the inability for my body to do anything like that now! Haha! But they kept begging and I gave in to a "pretend pour"...
Here is Jeff trying the keg stand route ("not happening" is what I was saying at about this point)...
Here is my "pretend pour pic"....
And one from the side view....
The night was such a great time, ending in Mags and me both being exhausted!....

So, here is a picture of my craving from last week, yummm-o!
Nancy Patterson's Mocha cupcake! It was the best taste I have had in a long time!!!! Allison, I know you can agree with this!!!!
As you can see below, I also bought a cupcake for Lee, but it ended up being my dessert that night! Haha!

By the way, I also had another one this week!!!!

Nursery time!!!

My sweet Mom ordered these 3 amazing paintings for Michael's room.

These are the inspiration for all the colors and theme of the room. They are going to hang over his crib, which is a black Jenny Lind crib. It just arrive this week and I will post some pics next go around.

Here is the mobile from Pottery Barn Kids. It has all the colors that are in the paintings and is just so sweet and soft. It plays "twinkle, twinkle, little star"!

Here is the piece of furniture we found at Eastbrook that will be his changing table and storage for all his diapers, wipes, etc...(Mags again :)

Wesley let us borrow this count down clock. Only 89 days to go (of course, this was the other night, but not too long to go!!!)

So, I went to dinner one night with my good friend Katherine, her husband John, and her family to La Zona Rosa. For all of you who don't know, it is our favorite Mexican Food restaurant near our house (and we eat there ALL THE TIME! I really could eat there 3 times a week!!!) Kat must have read my mind because ever since I saw these at a store in Montgomery, I knew I had to get some for our baby if it turned out to be a boy. Introducing, the Pee-Pee Teepee!!! Such a good idea and super cute! These little teepee's are made out of terry cloth and a cute pattern fabric on the outside with little planes and clouds (haha!) When you are changing a boy, you stick this on top of his wee wee and it stops the stream of pee!!! We have given one to Jeff and Rebekah to test on their new baby Jackson. The results are not in yet...

They also gave him these socks that look like sneakers! One color for every day of the week! Too funny and too cute!

Michael is going to be ready for game day!!! My sweet 2nd cousins Joy and Nancy and my great aunt Baboo gave Michael this adorable "Bama Baby" bib. The Murphy's were so sweet to give him these cute little "Bama" booties! Roll Tide!

FINALLY! Caught you all up to this week!

I went to the Doctor on Monday (after registering all morning at Babies R Us, which was so fun!!! I picked out the stroller/car seat, or travel system as its called!) Here's a pic...

All went well at the Doctor's visit. I did the usual stuff...tinkle in a cup, blood pressure check, and the all important weight check! Even though I have been stuffing my face with Oreo's and TONS of cereal, not much weight gain this time around. I was actually a little surprised, because I really have been a bottomless pit recently! I mean, seriously, I eat 2-3 bowls of cereal just for breakfast. The cookies only last for about 3 days and the whole package is gone! Haha!!! Ok back to the Dr visit, the heartbeat sounded good...Dr Lawhon is so funny! He really likes to hear the heartbeat and said "what a great sound!" He has been fabulous during the many meetings we have had! Hopefully you will get to see a pic of him in a few months when Michael decides to join us! I scheduled the 4-D ultrasound on my way out. It is next Thursday!!!! Hopefully I will figure out how to post the video by then! I will post the pictures for sure! So check back for more!!!!

I really have to say...I have had an easy pregnancy and I am soooo blessed! But lately, I am feeling the effects of what it does to your body. My back has been hurting at night. I asked the Doc and he said "oh girl, that's just one of those joys of pregnancy". Fun! Also, I had a brief few days of fluid retention in my right hand. I mean, now I feel like I kind of know what it feels like to have arthritis (I feel for you if you have this!!!!). I couldn't open up a jar, the milk carton, even my closet door handle. Luckily, that has eased up a lot! Since I'm a lefty, I never knew how much I used my right hand!!!

Check back again soon!
Love you all! La

"As the Baby Grows" Part II

2009-01-30T15:32:00.000-06:00

Ok, where did I leave off last post?....oh yeah, October and the New Orleans trip.

The next big event that we experienced was going to find out what the sex was!!! We went on November 24th ...here is a pic of Lee and I about to leave and head to the Dr's office:

We also had both Zan & Greg and Cynde & Mike show up at the Doctors office. We wanted them to find out after we did! I'm sure all the waiting room and nurses were wondering what the heck was going on!!! Lee and I went in first with the sweet tech Beverly (next time we go to have the 4-D I will take her pic and post it for you all to see). She measured the heartbeat, the diameter of the scull, and all kinds of other measurements, then she started to move that wand all around my belly. After a little while, she stayed put on one particular area and said, "well...." and pointed with her cursor right to the goods, then said "its a boy!" All Lee and I kept saying was "Wow" and "This is so cool!" He was moving all around and at one point he yawned for a really long time! You can see all of this on the video I am working on posting next time...(Keep in mind there are 2 sections...the break in the video is when Zan and Greg left and Cynde and Mike came in the room. The yawning part is the most amazing thing to see! Keep watching and wait for it!):

Here are some ultrasound pics:

Dad was so generous and gave Lee and I 2 tickets to the Iron Bowl, so that was our next adventure! Before the game we went to Gallette's and I has a cranberry and sprite. It was fun to go back there! I told Lee "I'm sure I am the only pregnany girl here in this nasty old bar!" During the game, it was misty the whole time and I ended up having to sit in Lee's lap most of the time because our row was super crowded. Of course the preggers ended up without a seat! But we still had such a great time and got to see lots of old friends!

We had a blast at our "Pappas Christmas" get together at Lake Martin! We played lots of pool with Will, Hunt & Tiff....

Starting to show pretty good by this point!!!!

Bathed the princess....

The lovely Isabella!

I enjoyed a glass of wine that took me ALL NIGHT to finish (it was even a 1/2 glass :)....

and watched Isabella open gifts...

After all the food at Thanskgiving and the lake, I looked like a butterball ham!!! By December 20th, at about 21 weeks along, I looked like this....

At this week, http://www.i-am-pregnant.com/ said: "Your baby will be getting much larger during the second half of your pregnancy. Your baby's crown-to-rump length at this time is 7.2 inches and she weighs approximately 10.5 ounces. Your growing baby is about the size of a large banana."

Finally, Christmas rolled around and we had THE FINAL (and Zan says "I mean it, this is the last one!") Christmas Eve party at the Pappas household! It was so fun, until I crashed and had to go lay down in the back because I was sooooo tired and couldn't hang. But up until that point, it was fun....

Of course, by Christmas night, both Rebecca and I were exhausted, as you can see in our pictures! :)....

The next big adventure was Tiffany's suprise party in Birmingham! Here is the reaction....

Here is the proud Daddy (Hunt) and Daddy-to-be (Lee)....

Of course, I couldn't hang again and made Lee take me home from the Karaoke bar before I even go to see Tiff sing on stage :(

This was one of the first times I really felt the pregnancy frustration. It is hard when everyone around you is having a great old time, drinking cocktails, and has all kinds of energy, and you are just feeling the total opposite! :)

Nursery time!!!

Nesting has begun in full force! I got on a rampage around the middle of January and the house had to be cleaned out or I couldn't stay there anymore! :) So the room we originally had as our office/day bed guest room was cleaned out....

and Lee started painting...

Mags helped (of course)....

To catch everyone up....

2009-01-29T18:11:00.000-06:00

So here it goes, I am going to try and update everyone from what I can remember. It all started back in August of 2008. We were ready to start trying to increase our family by one! I took a home pregnancy test on August 20th, and within seconds, it was positive!

We decided it would be best to wait and tell family after our first Dr's appt, but that just took too long! So, on August 24th we told. The reactions were exactly as expected- Zan saw the picture and wispered "Are you PREGNANT?!!!", Cynde screamed and laughed at the same time, and Greg and Mike just kept smiling :)

We didn't want to tell friends until further along, but Hunter got a little tipsy and spilled the beans at the beach to our close friend Jason Smoker. Jason then went to Auburn with Lee for a weekend and all the secrets were revealed. The news spreads pretty fast!!!! It was actually such a relief to have friends know! When we went out for dinner, they would know why I wasn't having wine or beer! :)

I was extremely tired the first trimester (I remember Lee bringing me dinner in bed while I watched the John and Kate plus 8 marathon), but once that second trimester hit, all was great!

On September 10th, at around 7 weeks along, I looked like this...

At this week, http://www.i-am-pregnant.com/ said:"This week your baby has an amazing growth spurt. At the beginning of this
week, your baby is approximately 4 to 5 mm and by the end of the week it has
more than doubled to 11 to 13 mm! Your baby weights approximately 0.03
ounces."

On September 14th, I went out with the girls to a ball, but not being able to have cocktails put a little damper on the night (we still had a great time though dancing up front by the band!:) My energy drained fast and the girls had to take ole preggers home!

On September 28th, Lee and I attended our 10 year high school reunion...it was so much fun to see all of our classmates with their families! Here we are at the school... we also attended the party (where I enjoyed cranberry and sprite drinks all night!)...

Then I got a little practice time in

with my absolutely beautiful neice Isabella....

She is the best practice, although she is such a good baby that Michael has a lot to live up to! She is always happy!!! Even with an ear infection, she was smiling and laughing all the time! Such a cutie pie!

I have learned a good bit about bath time, feedings, and tummy time from Tiffany! She is also helping me with all this registry business...of which I had no clue how many baby items were out there now! It is so nice to have a list of tried and true things you really need from her. One item that she said is a "must" is the miracle blanket. Hopefully that will be one of Michael's favorite things.

Lee got a little practice time in too!...

By October 22nd, at around 13 weeks along, I looked like this...

Mags just loves to make her way into the photograph...this is just one of many she makes her way into!

At this week, http://www.i-am-pregnant.com/ said:

"This is the last week of your first trimester and your baby weighs 14 to 20 grams. The crown-to-rump length of your growing baby is 2.6 to 3.1 inches. Your baby is now about the size of a peach."

Since I was at the end of the first trimester, and feeling pretty good

I must say, we headed to New Orleans!!!!

Everyone thought I was crazy to go to New Orleans "in my condition", but it was such a fun trip (I even had a virgin hurricane type drink at Pat O's!)...

Will and Jack kept rubbing my belly the whole weekend (maybe for good luck because we sure needed it with those 2 being together down in New Orleans, both for the first time!!!) It was so nice to have Rebecca there with us though, she was my sober partner for most of the trip (key word here is most :) Just kidding Becca!)

Well, that is enough for tonight! I will post the second half of the "As the baby grows" soap opera tomorrow...check back in soon! Love to all, La

Better late than never!

2009-01-28T18:25:00.000-06:00

So, I'm starting this blog a little late, but I figured it is better late than never! To be honest, I am very new to the whole "blog" thing. I wanted to start a documentation of our upcoming addition to our little family. Since I am already 27 weeks pregnant (about 88 days to go until the due date and 7 months along) I will have to backtrack a bit before I can catch everyone up to the present.

We are having a little boy, and naming him Michael Lee Hassell, III (after his daddy,aka ML2, and Grandpa Mike, aka ML1). We are going to call him Michael! This pregnancy has been a very easy one! I luckily have not had to experience any sickness (thank the lord because I don't do well when I am nauseous, and couldn't imagine having to head to work feeling bad!) I haven't had any complications, other than a little back pain that just recently started, but I can handle that! :) Really, it has been an all around pleasant and fun experience thus far (talk to me in a few weeks and it may be a different story!)

My sweet hubby, who is cleaning the dishes as I type this, has been wonderful through this whole experience. He is constantly helping me around the house, moved tons of stuff out of the baby's room and painted it, always asks me how I'm doing and feeling, and just is so helpful and amazing! I couldn't imagine going through something like this with anyone else!

Of course, Zan, Greg, Cynde, and Mike are all so excited about being Grandparents!

And Miss Mags...well, we have been telling her about her baby brother who is on his way, but she is in for a rude awakening...