October adventures!

October is here and I will admit my favorite month of fall for MANY reasons!

But, I must post some of our October adventures we have had thus far.

We loved going to see Daddy play in the softball tournament-but it probably was the last one for a while. I am proud of Mike and his team, but couldn't attend all the games due to Parker's schedule. The guys came in 5th place(?) and were thrilled with that. (As I mentioned before it is ALOT of work if you win first place). We had some rain-but didn't let it affect our time there. Mike caught a ball at full speed and got a little injured (so we are now at the end of doctoring this bad bruise.) It is a bad one-you might want to close your eyes! Thankfully he did not get a blood clot or injure his thigh even more. I helped run the Friday night dinner at the host hotel. We hosted 340 people and had a pig roast /Hawaiian theme with all the fixings! I could not have been happier with the event and was SO thankful to have my in-laws there to assist me with Parker.

(Parker eating a hot dog with NeNe at the ball park)

(New Shirt that mommy found while we were in VA Beach...amazing how we were at a softball tournament tournament, but mommy found a Carter's store! )

The Sunday following the tournament, my in-laws, Parker and I all drove 8 hours up to NY. We had a good drive home ,and the mini-van we rented was a huge help! Unfortunately, the week did not start off well for Parker. He decided that he NO longer liked the pack & play and was up the first morning by 4:30 AM! So, he and I were at Wal-Mart purchasing a crib to keep at Nene & Papa's house, by 9AM! (Parker entertaining himself on a rainy day)

Nana got it all together that night~ and Parker slept MUCH better the rest of the week, ( It took me a week to get my sleep my caught up and it was not fun being 24 weeks getting up for the day at 4:30 AM! ) I forgot to mention all the rain-but by the end of the week Parker got to go out and enjoy all the beautiful leaves and play. He really loved it once Uncle Phil and Aunt Miracle arrived. We had the Parker Family Annual Donut Day at the end of the week! (And it was a sweet treat to be there for it).

The night before Donut Day-Mike and I left Parker with Mom and Dad R for an overnight wedding we attended. It was a nice date away and probably our last before Sweet Pea arrives! Wedding was beautiful and we wish Chris & Erin the best in their new marriage. We are excited that they live near us so we will be able to keep in touch!

I mentioned that October is officially here- so it is time for another birthday in our house! Today, I officially turn 32! (Bitter sweet to be getting older -but not complaining!

Yet, I am so grateful to God for ALL he has blessed me with once again. As a BIG gift and celebration-Mike is sending me off to Las Vegas with my Mom and sisters for a reunion /weekend get-a-way! (It is just a fluke that it is falling the weekend of my birthday with all of our schedules!) Most of us have never been to Vegas and that is what/where we chose to meet!!! I have NEVER been away from Parker for longer then 8 hours. Mike and I both think I need a get-a-way before Sweet Pea arrives. So, today we are celebrating simple (with a favorite of mine-Hawaiian Pizza from Papa Johns and what ever else my boys decide to do-but I wanted to stay home with them, since I will be gone all weekend!) Then Thursday morning, Mike is taking me to the airport. I won't be back until Sunday night! I will be fine and hopefully no sickness while I am away (I got my flu shot but I am a bit leery to be flying at 26 weeks pregnant and picking up so many germs! Fingers crossed I stay well! ) It is Mike that needs the prayer-but of course my good friends to the rescue... Aunt La-La & Liz (Kayleigh's Mom) will be helping out with P during the days while Mike works! Thanks a ton girls! As all you moms would agree; one of the best gifts a friend can give is their time to give you a break!

Mommies loves time away-and also loves Girls Night Out! So, last Saturday, I got out to The Cheese Cake Factory for my birthday with some girl friends. It was a blast-thanks girls for going out and making the night so special!

So-in less then 24 hours I will be Vegas bound and so much to do and prepare before I can leave. An amazing thought just occurred-"the packing will be so SIMPLE! ...just me this time to pack for...WOW!" Yes-that ends it on the Riese's Pieces USA 2009 travelling Adventures ~ (I am done after this trip folks, and can't go away till after Sweet Pea arrives!)

Thanks again for all the birthday wishes, gifts and blessings from so many of you! God has really blessed me and I am so grateful for all he has given me. :)

25 Weeks & Wordless Wednesday Photos

I had another check up at the OB today. I am officially 25 weeks and Sweet Pea is healthy. For inquiring minds; heartbeat was 154 and baby weighs 1 lb 13.oz !
I had a surprise Sonogram that I didn't know about. The technician(from my last appointment)re-scheduled me for a re-check today and I didn't know it! She couldn't get good measures of the spine and heart valves!
I immediately had mind games going on as we walked into the room and talk about, Temptation City!!! But I was a VERY good girl! I did not give in to the sudden urge to find out the gender. The technician I had today is my favorite! She did all of my sonograms with Parker. She talked me out of not giving in to the temptation!
I have HIGH fluid levels and that was encouraging. (And may be a great reason to explain why my weight is higher this time around then my last appointment!! Urr)

However, I have "marginal Placenta Praevia"... (Type II Placenta Praveia-translated the Placenta is very close to the entrance/partially blocking the top of the birth canal). It should move away and be fine -(its very common at this time in pregnancy and nothing to worry about for now). My Dr. will keep an eye on it and do another sonogram at 32 weeks! OH GREAT-another urge to make me want to know Sweet Pea's Gender! God is really testing me with this pregnancy! I must not complain and rejoice that Baby is healthy and I am too. I can get so caught up in the littlest things ie: weight gain, back ache, little sleep, etc... but I really need to just treasure the last 3 months and rejoice in another blessing from God. These months are flying by fast!


(Sweet Pea's face profile-25 weeks)
(Side profile- 25 weeks)

Here are more photos of Parker's 2 Year Photo Shoot. I finally got the rest of his photos (via CD) and now we are trying to decide which ones we will get printed!
Thanks again, Tiffany!

Next blog will be all the highlights of our time in NY and VA Beach!
Guess I know what I will be doing tomorrow during nap time!

Wordless Wednesday!

Flooded Inn in the Fall '09

Every where around our metro Northwest Atlanta area is flooded! The Southeastern states overall are disastrous! Over 20 inches of rain in the last 3 days alone...very depressing and it is only going to get worse before we get better! Praying that rain does not do more flooding to us!

Today, was was my first day watching Kayleigh and Caroline and I will never forget it! I actually took Parker and Kayleigh to pre-school today! The rain (that we have had for 6 days straight) had stopped and I thought the trip to their school would be fine! Thankfully the girls had a great first day...car rides and all!

I on the other hand had a few meltdowns~My normal 10 minute commute to our church took me 30 minutes getting there! I got stuck there I couldn't get home. So, I stayed with Caroline at the church-fed her-got her to sleep and got Kayleigh and Parker from class after 2 hours of play. (Normal day of play school is 4 hours for them-but I was content that 2 hours was good for today!)

It took us 1 hour ~BUT...Praise the Lord we made it; and Mike had to coach me on the phone with all the routes to try since I was feeling so hopeless! I am so thankful for the hope we have each day in the Lord-He truly was my strength today since I had none left!

Here is what many routes home looked like:

Local Ball Park near our house (Not actually on the way home but gives you an idea).

Thankfully our local school district JUST cancelled for tomorrow (so No Kayleigh and Caroline) and no errands that we have to run! And YES, Liz (the girls mom) and Mike made it here!

We are flooded in tomorrow and hopefully we can get out on Wed!

September Adventures

Parker is into his 3rd week of Play-school (aka-Mom's morning out/2 year old preschool)! He walks right in each Mon/Wed. and never looks back. Kayleigh loves school just as much as Parker and they get so excited to see each other in class. Next Monday, we start watching Kayleigh and her baby sister, Caroline.We will have them here Mon & Tuesday while their mommy goes and teaches 3rd grade. I would LOVE to keep them for the remainder of the school year-but Sweet Pea will be arriving after Christmas and I will have my hands full. So, we will have Kayleigh and Caroline with us through December. I am so happy that their mom's friend is going to take them from Jan-May~ it makes me feel better that they have a great place to be.

We are getting Parker adjusted to the Big Boy room . He sleeps in there at nights and takes naps in his crib. This past weekend has been ROUGH for Parker ! He was screaming and refusing to go to sleep! Well, yesterday it all made sense! He woke up from his nap with a fever of 102. So last night I did not even fight bed time with him and just put him in his crib . His fever spiked to 103. So, we went to the DR today and found out it is just a bad virus that is just like strep! So, no school for Parker-till his fever goes away for at least 24 hours. :(

Sweet Pea update: Can't believe that Sweet Pea will be here in 4 months! Here is a photo of my big belly (22 weeks) ~ (Sorry I do not do bare belly ones)-I was so good about posting belly shots while pregnant with Parker every 2-4 weeks. So, I better get better with Sweet Pea. I am definitely bigger this time around at 22weeks and carrying Sweet pea higher then I did with Parker! I'm still bad about eating all my sweets but I can't complain. I have only gained 15 lbs and hope not to pass the 27 mark I did with Parker-but I am really trying to watch the sweet cravings! We're very grateful for a healthy pregnancy/baby thus far. Our next apt is on Wed. Oct. 7th!

This past weekend, Mike and I got out to celebrate "Aunt La-La's" birthday. Lorelei had some of us join her and Rick for dinner at her favorite Persian Restaurant and then we went to a comedy club! (Samantha and I made a gigantic Candy Bar Card for her- and she loved it.) We loved being out and having free babysitting from my good friend, Yvette! Saturday, Parker and I joined Aunt La-La and her good friend Eleanor for the "Taste of Kennesaw" festival-but I think he was starting to get sick then-he was so out of it that day! We love spending time with Aunt LaLa and Uncle Rick -they are very special to us all!

We leave next Wed. for VA Beach-It is already that time of year...The Annual PWC Softball Tournament! Mike and his friends from his old company (PWC) won the tournament last year in Orlando. So, they are in charge of the whole debut this year! They picked to host it in VA Beach-and they have been BUSY! It has been alot of work for them (and I am in charge of running the big Friday Night Dinner) So, we will be busy next weekend! Following the Softball Tournament, Parker and I will be driving up to NY to visit Nene and Papa -since Mike and I have a wedding to attend the next weekend for good friends of ours in Syracuse. VA Beach is 1/2 way to NY and I had no interest in driving back to GA one weekend and then 4 days later getting in the car and driving another 16 hours. It will be one more nice visit/get-a-way before Sweet Pea arrives.

"Words of Praise" Wednesday

I usually post just a photo on Wed...However, here are a few photos with a deep appreciation of praise!
My long awaited Kitchen table has arrived! After 6 months of shopping and researching, I finally got the Counter Height Cherry Wood Kitchen table, I had been looking for! It also has a built in leaf! It was all on a great sale too at J.C. Penney Home store! Good things do come to those who wait! Over the years, (and since being married to my wonderful FRUGAL husband) - I have learned to not impulsively buy when you need something and have the $$. You really need to shop around and get the best deal for your money!
I am thrilled that I waited and searched for this table! I must give deep appreciation to my dear husband for taking 1/2 day off work to put it together! I hosted Bunko last night and had to have the table up in time for the event. (The table arrived at the store at 9AM yesterday and Bunko started at 7PM!) We ordered it 2 weeks ago, but had to wait for it to arrive at the store!
I am so happy to check this off the "needs/wants"...now onto the bedroom furniture that I am still searching for, for Parker's big boy room! (Just kidding Mike-I will wait a little while longer!)

Filled with praise,
Jenn :)

Sweet Pea's 20 week appointment

(Sweet pea with eyes closed and hand near face)

(Sweet pea with its right eye open)

I was a very good "wife/girl" today! Today, we had the long awaited 20 week sonogram.

(The popular visit that allows you to find out the gender of your baby!)

I did not give in to my tempting urge to know the sex of baby 2! As you all know, Mike, (MORE then me) did not want to find out the gender of the baby! It was very hard, but some good friends who have waited encouraged me not to find out- and I did it for Mike's wishes too! I LOVE you Mike!
So, we got to see the baby and looked away at the moment! "Sweet pea" is healthy and measuring 1 week earlier then expected. We are very thankful for the good report today. Long arms, legs and nice big belly. (Hmmm?-Must be all those donuts and sweets I have enjoyed!)
Beating heart during the sonogram was 144 beats per min./ Beating Heart when I saw my Dr. was 162! So, guess what you want....we will tell you on delivery day! Place your vote on our poll (off to the right side of our blog).

So happy the journey is 1/2 way over...Now for the Holidays to arrive (YIKES... so much to do between now and then) But so excited for January to come!

We can't wait to meet you little "Sweet Pea!"

YEAH! :)

Wordless Wednesday

Party Photos & New Beginnings

This past Saturday, we had a party with friends for Parker's 2nd birthday.
It was a combination of Elmo & Sports theme! The kids had a blast with Parker's new birthday present from Aunt LaLa & Uncle Rick, a water table! It was the perfect present for a 90-degree day! We also had a blow up jumper for them to play in as well! I was a little carried away with the goody bags for the kids. A week before the party I woke up at four am (my usual pregnancy potty time) and thought of Elmo Goody bags! (I was actually thrilled with how they turned out :) The real test passed when Parker ran to the bag saying "Elmo!" I had a friend from my M.O.P's group make Elmo cupcakes and the kids loved them but I think all of us adults loved them even more :) (Parker clapping when all were singing to him... it was SO cute!) We were so appreciative of all the friends that came out for Parker's birthday and of course he was blessed with too many toys ~but I am sure they will entertain for quite awhile. In addition, I put some away to bring out later :)! Thank you to all who came out to help us celebrate another year!
This coming Wednesday, Parker begins 2-year Pre-school, 2 days a week! It is called Mom's Morning Out and the title speaks volumes. As a stay at home mom, I cherish every moment with him. However, Mike and I also believe that he needs some good socialization. Therefore, our church offers M.M.O at a very reasonable price! I am thrilled that we will have Parker in this program, especially since we have a baby on the way. It might actually allow me some "down-time or bonding" just with sweet pea. He starts this Wednesday and Kayleigh will be in the same class-YEAH! They will go on Mon/Wed. I took him in last week to meet his teachers, Ms. Kathy and Ms. Melissa -he loved all the toys but was more reserved on speaking with them. I know he will love them and we are thrilled with the program and all that he will be learning; shapes, colors, numbers and most of all Biblical Integration throughout the program!
Every other Tuesday we will be at M.O.P.s-so, we pretty much have a schedule M-Wed each week! I am excited to start back up with M.O.P.s tomorrow! It is so refreshing to be amongst other mom's who can connect and share so many things that I am currently experiencing as well!
I must not forget to mention that we have a big ending to our week! We have our 20-week OB appointment with Sweet pea on Friday morning! It is also the big sonogram. I am sure you are wondering if we are we going to find out the sex. Well we are going to pass! Actually, I am currently hearing more and more couples opting NOT to find out the gender of their upcoming babies too and it makes me smile. There are not too many surprises in life. It really makes me anxious for January to arrive so I can hold our new little baby! I have added a poll off to the side of our blog for all of you faithful blog friends-tell us what you predict sweet pea is! We will share the big news on delivery day! Most of all, we covet your prayers for a healthy pregnancy the remaining 4 months & a healthy baby boy or girl!

Hats off to new beginnings,
Jenn :)