The nursery gets painted

John Chris's mom came this week to help us get the nursery prepped. We painted the nursery in Sauteed Mushroom, which is a warm light brown. Liz is a great painter and can really "cut in" well. After painting the nursery, we attacked some much needed cleaning projects. Carpet upstairs, wood floor downstairs, rugs, wood blinds, and ceiling fans are all clean and shinny. It is a great feeling of accomplishment, and we can't wait to get the nursery furniture.

Cooper went home with Liz to play with Doodle for a couple of days. We miss our little pup, but I have really been able to get some projects done without his help.

Dallas Bridal Show

Caid Floral participated in the Dallas Bridal Show this weekend.

I came across an article that said 85% of brides request a white/ivory floral bouquets for their weddings, so I decided to create all white/ivory bouquets with a touch of greenery. The color scheme turned out perfect, and I really liked the dramatic look of all one color of bloom. The attendees really liked it as well. We had so many nice and complimentary comments on how beautiful the booth was. I was very flattered.
The show was a huge success for business. I have had so many emails and phone calls about booking wedding dates. I love working with the brides, and I look forward to what the future brings. I am on cloud 9 filled with happiness.

I could not have pulled this show off without my dear friend, Chanda. She stood on her feet, talked to potential clients, and made me laugh for two straight long days. I can not begin to thank her enough. She is a doll!

Thanks also to John Chris and Brad for helping with set up and tear down.

Nursery artwork

We found an awesome photo for the nursery. For those of you who didn't know, we have this very cool model airplane that we are going to hang from the ceiling. It is a Sopwith Camel airplane, like one flown by Eddie Rickenbacker. He was an American fighter ace in World War I and Medal of Honor recipient. He was also a race car driver and automotive designer. (Yes, I researched the plane. I am a dork.)

Doctor's appointment

I went to the doctor today for my check up, and everything looks great. I have gained 2 pounds since my last visit; the baby's heart rate was 135 bpm; and my belly bump is measuring 29 cm. My doctor went on and on about how perfectly textbook this pregnancy has been. I am hoping and praying that it remains this easy.

Dallas Market

We have some old friends from high school that own a wholesale jewelry business. They travel across the US doing wholesale shows, and they were in Dallas this past weekend. I often help out, and I really have a blast! Who wouldn't like being at market and selling fabulous jewelry? Check out their website at www.runningww.com.

Childbirth video

So John Chris and I had our weekly childbirth class tonight, it was interesting to say the least. We watched natural childbirth videos. Between all the moaning, massaging, and blood - what the hell have we gotten into? We knew we would watch the videos, but I don't think John Chris was prepared to SEE them. He behaved really well during the videos. As soon as we could go on break, he looked at me and said "Did you see that vagina?" I had to laugh, but I doubt I will be laughing in a couple of months. OUCH!

Childbirth class

John Chris & I started our childbirth classes tonight. The classes go for 6 weeks at the hospital where we plan to deliver Baby Allison. The class has about 10 couples that are expecting their first baby within the next 2 - 4 months. Our first class included group introductions and a few general things to expect in pregnancy and labor. We watched a funny skit by Bill Cosby from back in the day. It was hilarious! We look forward to learning more and getting prepared for our new family member. Stay tuned....

Third trimester!

I can't believe we have made it this far along already. I went to the doctor this week and everything is progressing right on schedule. I am now entering my third and final trimester. I can't stop thinking about how quick it has gone by, and how we will soon have a precious little boy. It is starting to hit me that I am not prepared, and I sometimes get a little panic attitude. The furniture is not here, the nursery isn't painted, we haven't packed for the hospital, we haven't decided on a name, and on and on. John Chris is really great about stopping my worries and reminding me that everything will come together.

We are so very fortunate that we have not had any health issues or problems come up along the way. We are excited to meet Baby Allison!

Paint

Paint, the decision continues.....

Which paint color to choose? We keep buying different shades and just looking at them. It is funny, during the day we like one color and in the evening we like another color.

Farewell guest bedroom

We took the last picture of one of our guest bedrooms. This room is being converted into the new nursery and is now getting a complete new look. We are going from pink to blue for our little boy, and I can't wait to see the finished room.

More visiting

The day after Christmas, John Chris went on his annual hunting trip with the guys. I spent the day with my dad, Clint, and Kristi. It is always nice to visit with my dad since he doesn't live close. We had a great time catching up and having several good laughs.

Also I was able to catch up with my old friend, Suzanne. I miss her so much, and I really had a great time just catching up. She just had a baby girl, Mattison, who is absolutely precious. We just sat and chatted for over 3 hours. We always could talk for hours.

Christmas Day

Late Christmas eve night we drove to Ruston to see more family. We had an awesome visit, and our little boy bambino racked up. We had a baby Christmas! We were so excited to get our stroller/car seat system and swing. John Chris and I were like little kids. We had to open the boxes and put our new "toys" together.

It was cute when John Chris showed his grandparents the stroller. He looked so cute pushing the stroller around the house. He knows how to fold and unfold the stroller and also knows how to latch the car seat into the base. He is going to be a great dad!

Christmas Eve

John Chris and I traveled to Texarkana for Christmas Eve. We visited with my mom, Jim, Clint, and Kristi. We had a great visit, but I am really looking forward to next Christmas with our new addition.
John Chris opened several gifts for the baby. We can't decide if this was intended for him or the baby. Either way they both will love it. The horse is super cute and makes horse noises.

More gifts for the baby.

Christmas party

John Chris and I had a few friends over for a last minute Christmas party. It was great to see and visit with old and new friends. We made two huge pots of Gumbo, chili, lots of cookies, and a rum cake. DELIOUS!
Chanda & Brad - aka Branda
Sarah, Anne, and Kristen

LeAnn and Cory

Chris and Kendra

Brad and Morgan trying to distract the competition. Beer pong always brings out the best in this bunch.

Nursery bedding and chair

All of the nursery bedding has arrived. We ordered the bedding from Restoration Hardware Baby and Child. They have the cutest things for little ones. I love all of the blankets, pillows, and mats. TOO CUTE! I am really pleased with the quality, and I can't wait to put it on the bed. The crib is expected to arrive mid January, so until then I will just visualize.
We had a little issue with the first chair we ordered. OK, I had an issue. You all know how I am about furniture.
We re-ordered the chair and ottoman from Ooh Baby in an adorable chocolate and blue fabric. The chair is very comfortable, and I can't wait to get it in the room.

Diabetes and anemia results are negative

The nurse called today to let me know that all of my blood test results had come back negative. I had the gestational diabetes and the anemia tests run earlier in the week. It was a big relief to know that everything is going great, and he is healthy. We are very blessed!

Hanging Christmas lights

John Chris takes Cooper for a ride in the cherry picker. Our house is in the background with the lights finally done. It is so festive. Merry Christmas!
Boys and their toys. I think they like to hang the lights just so they can play with the cherry picker.

Raul & Sharon are married

Our friends, Raul & Sharon, were married Saturday, December 6, 2008. They are an adorable couple, and we are so excited for them. They also are moving to their new home that is very close to where we live.
First dance as husband and wife

Light prep party

We had a light prep party at our house again this year. For the second year, we had the neighbors over to get the lights ready to hang on the homes. It was really nice to visit, eat, drink, and be merry! Doris and I check to make sure all the bulbs are working. Cooper loves babies! He could not get enough of little Brooke.

adding the plastic clips

Who doesn't love to untangle strands of Christmas lights? What a job!

Decorating for Christmas

We had a blast decorating our home for Christmas. We used our crazy, fun red tree again. What started as a joke has now turned into a tradition. As we decorated the tree we talked about our past Christmas holidays together, and how different next Christmas will be for us. Santa will be visiting next year!
Cooper and I take a break to smile for the camera.

John Chris and Cooper love to decorate.