Caroline's New Site

Now that Caroline is here, I think she deserves a fresh new space. Please check out the link below or copy and paste it into your browser. The site And Baby Girls Makes Three will still be available but no new entries will be posted!
http://carolinenbarton.blogspot.com/

Caroline Nicole Barton

Caroline Nicole Barton was born Wednesday, May 18th at 3:21 pm. She weighed 8 pounds 1 ounce and was 20 inches long. As you can tell, she is the most beautiful baby you will ever see! Mommy is doing great and Daddy is in charge and has diaper patrol in control! Caroline and her parents will come home Friday after the doctor comes by for the final checkup.

I can't wait to get her home and begin the rockin'!!

It's Only A Daaay AhhWaaay! - From the movie Annie

Seems like it was just a few weeks ago that Lindsey and Jeff came by and surprised me with a little zebra stripe box. I opened the present and saw an emerald green bead. I said to Mommy, "What's this for, it's not my birthstone." Her reply was, " I know, it's the birthstone of your grandchild."

Waterworks? But of course, and if I could jump, I would have jumped, really, really high! Not a day has gone by since that moment in the kitchen that I haven't thought about our Barton baby. When we found out we were getting a girl, I wondered how she looks, how big is she, her hair color - you name it and I've thought about it. And now, finally, we get to see her! Caroline Barton will be here sometime Wednesday! It's unbelievable. I'm so ready to get her here that I'VE been nesting myself. I've ironed everything in the house, the carpet has practically no fibers left in it, and I have placed and replaced everything in my "grab bag" at least twice a day. I admit, I've been pretty nervous as well as emotional! Go figure!

No doubt Lindsey and Jeff have thoughts and emotions running 99hundred miles an hour through their hearts and minds right now and understandably so!! Life as they know it, will change. And so will ours...but only for the better! What could possibly be better than having a precious baby in our life to spoil so absolutely rotten that you can smell her coming?

I guess this will pretty much be my last blog as a non-grandmaw, so thank you SO VERY MUCH for every text, email, mms, sms, and call checking on Jeff, Lindsey, and Caroline each week, I appreciate your kindness and concern and it won't soon be forgotten. XOX to you all!

I plan on posting a picture and details as soon as things settle down, so peep in later tomorrow afternoon for Caroline's glamour shots!

Eight Days Makes One Weak

There are eight days until the 23rd which is Caroline's official birth date. Hellooo, that's 8 days!! According to baby websites, she's 7 to 8 pounds and 19 to 21 inches long. Some articles say that Caroline can possibly gain an ounce a day until her birth. Miss Prissy Britches has everything she needs to make her entrance but noooo, she's keeping us members of the audience on the edge of our seats!  Beauty experts warn against it but I've started sleeping in my makeup so I can get up and go if we get The Call during the night!! Also, I discovered that if I sleep in the same spot, my hair won't be a big hot mess and I can dash and go even faster!

Bags Are Packed

For illustration purposes only.

Excitement and anticipation fills the air now as Mommy makes tomorrow her last day of school. Yay!! She has been feeling good most of the time but is beginning to swell and tire very easily. She and Daddy will go to the doctor Wednesday to plan a course of action to get Caroline here!! Double yay yay!

Here at Walnut, we are at High Alert or hot pink, on the Baby Watch Scale, waiting for The Call. We filled up the Exploder yesterday. (Well, let's just say the pump shut off!) I think we can make it to the hospital on $75.00 worth of gas! My phone is charged and my charger is in my purse. Speaking of purse, it should be illegal for purse to weigh over 17 pounds! And...I have my bags packed and ready, all five of them. Now if I can just get them to the car without having a mini stroke, I'll be ready to go when The Call comes. 

Best Mother's Day Ever

I was blessed today to spend time with my Mom, Lindsey, and Deb. I can't think of anything I'd rather do on Mother's day or any other day for that matter! Next year, Mother's day will even be better when we have a one year old named Caroline throwing peas and tearing up tissue paper!

I like the poem below and I wanted to post it for everyone to read. There is indeed nothing that compares to the love of a mother. I'm so thankful that my mother is my mother and I am the mother to the best daughter a mother could ask for. Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers in my life.

A Mother's Love
Her love is like an island in life's ocean vast and wide.

A peaceful, quiet shelter from the wind, the rain, the tide.

'Tis bound on the north by hope, by patience on the west,

by tender counsel on the south, and on the east by rest.
Above it like a beacon light shine faith, and truth, and prayer;
And thro' the changing scenes of life I find my haven there.

Whirlwind Wednesday



Today is a busy, busy Wednesday! Friends and family are having babies from North to South! Mommy’s friend Megan, is having their little boy, Mason and Daddy’s sister Liana, is having their little girl Lilly. . . do you think it's baby season? I send my very best wishes and hearty congratulations to all of the families for happy, healthy boys and girls! The pictures are here!!!. Mimi, Papaw, and Lilly first photo, Mason is second and Lilly is third...awwwwe, so sweet! 

And… regarding another VIB (very important baby), Mommy is going to the doctor today for her weekly check up and I’m so eager to hear what the doc has to say. I looked at the official countdown gadget on the blog and it says there are 19, that right, NINE-TEEN days ‘til Caroline’s due date of the 23rd! The anticipation and excitement of getting that first look at our grand daughter Caroline is just about to do me in! I can’t imagine what the next few weeks will be like; I’ll be good for nothing, just plain useless!

Mommy and Daddy have worked so hard the last few months to get everything ready, I’m very proud of them and quite impressed by their preparedness. Everything is in order - Caroline’s room is magnificent, the house is spotless, the car seat is being installed, her clothes are washed, and the crib is waiting for our little baby girl.

Diapers and Wipers

Mommy got a super nice treat when she arrived at church Sunday. Her Sunday school class of teenage girls surprised her with a table full of diapers and wipes! How nice of the girls to think of Mommy and Caroline in such a sweet way... and to give such useful items was very thoughtful. Mommy has a special group of young ladies who just may be recruited as baby sitters before too long! Thank you girls for the diapers and wipers, they will certainly be used...every day!

Showered in Monticello Today

Mommy and Caroline were honored with a shower today at the Monticello Country Club given by Mommy's friends, several from high school and college. It was like old times, seeing everyone and getting caught up on all the latest news. We had the most delish treats too...cucumber sandwiches, artichoke dip with pita chips, fresh fruit, and the cutest cupcakes you've ever seen, decorated with a C.

Caroline received so many cute things - a swimsuit, beach chair and umbrella, bow holders, bloomers... you name it and she got one! As a matter of fact, Caroline received two  Irish tams (hats) and matching plaid skirts from Nancy who just returned from a trip to England! The hostesses gave Mommy Caroline's car seat and stroller! Mommy said, "Now she can come, we have the carseat!"  Thank you girls for giving my girls such a super nice shower. I hope you all can come back very soon for Caroline's style show! 

Happy Mommy Easter Nesting

This weekend was the best! Mommy and I drove to Little Rock Saturday for our last shopping trip as a duet. We started out right by having lunch at our favorite spot, Mimi's. The muffins there are unbelievable - big and delish! We walked off our lunch at Caroline's favorite store, Babies R Us. Next we went to the weekly door buster sale at JCP and then on to Target! After all the intense shopping, we were famished and had to make a last stop at another favorite spot, McAllister's for a light snack and a xxlg ice tea. We got back home a little late so I stayed at Windy Hills for the night. I thought we would sit down and prop our feet up for the night...but nooo. Mommy got her second wind and started nesting. She put up our purchases then began clearing out a kitchen cabinet for Caroline's things. After a while, I used my big Momma voice and told little Mommy to go to bed! I still heard her up and about after I went to bed! I woke up a little late Sunday morning and was in a rush to get home. I went through the living room and there was Mommy, already up and in the recliner! Although we didn't get to hunt eggs, we had a very good Easter that began with church services, lunch, then a very nice nap!

Five Weeks to Go

Swing engineers.

This is week 35 and we have 35 days to go! Of course we know that each baby matures at different times, the general consensus this week is that Caroline weighs about five and a half pounds and measures about 18-20 inches long. While she won't get much longer, she will continue to pack on the pounds — including large amounts of baby fat to fill out her arms and legs into those plump little limbs with chubby rolls we love to see and feel on babies. Besides looking cute, the layers of fat will also help regulate her body temperature.

Something else that's moving at a mind-boggling pace these day: her brain development! There’s a lot going on inside that tiny head. Caroline is now sleeping through regular periods of REM and deep sleep at week 35. She is also experiencing active and quiet wakefulness where she continues to explore the environment around her. Her hearing is fully developed and she is ready for a good story and a song. Lullaby tryouts will be held next week!!

Happy Anniversary to Granny and Papaw

Fifty seven years ago today, on April 16th, Granny and Papaw said Yahoo, yes we do, to a life together! Now that's a long time! In this photo they are cutting the cake at their 50th anniversary party which was held at the Menapace Place. We talked about throwing them another party this year but Granny put the kibosh on that real quick! Instead of a party, we're cooking lunch for them tomorrow after church. There will of course be some gifts and three suprises for the couple to enjoy. Our family is blessed to have Mom and Dad at the helm, and  I can't wait for Caroline to meet them, I know she will love them as much as we do. Happy Anniversary Granny and Papaw, we think you're great!

Questions From Caroline

What are you doing awake at two in the morning?
Do you act this silly around everyone else?
Where do parents come from?
Why is everyone's voice getting so high?
Why is everyone looking at me?
Would you mind using a breath mint?
Did the cow really jump over the moon?
Why are your eyes so big?
Have you guys noticed the cobwebs on the ceiling?
Why do you keep slobbering all over me?
What did you do before I came along?
Any chance I can get a chocolate pacifier?

We Showered Caroline!

Caroline had  such a nice shower Saturday  at the library in Mommy's hometown. The weather was perfect and the goodies de-lish.  We enjoyed some lip smacking good snacks - chipped beef dip, chicken cheese ball, sandwiches, peanut butter cookies, sausage balls, ham pinwheels, a super cute cake and yum yum punch. We ate and ate while Mommy opened an array of beautiful and very useful gifts for Caroline. Natalie and Chloe came for the weekend and we thoroughly enjoyed watching Chloe play during the shower. It was so good to see family and friends that we haven't seen in a while. Caroline received a bassinet from Toni and Lea Ann, hand made quilts and afgans, booties, bath towels, and caps from Deb, Macel, and Granny.  Squeaky shoes from Cindy, outfits galore from Angie and Gracie-Dru, and the most adorable bag from Natalie and Chloe and so much more but I can't remember the givers! Once again, Caroline is indeed blessed to have so many people in her life that love her so much in nice ways! Thank you to everyone that showered my little girl and her little girl in such a terrific way, I heart U!

Strolling Into Week 33

Caroline's new stroller from Mimi & Papaw

The big news this week  is lung development—Caroline's respiratory system is almost completely mature. She is working daily to get her tiny little lungs ready to let us know she is here and requires attention!
Little Puddin Pie's  pupils now constrict and dilate and she can detect light and tell the difference between night and day! Of course this ability will miraculously disappear once she is born and starts keeping Mommy and Daddy up all night. Her little noggin is quite soft and the bones are not yet fused together. This allows the bones to overlap; making her delivery a bit easier.

Mommy went to the doctor yesterday and will continue to go weekly until Caroline arrives. All is going very well with both of our girls. The doctor said Caroline’s heart rate is 128 which is normal and very good. Our little beauty will continue to pack on the pounds gaining around ½ pound a week from here on out. This week, Caroline weighs about 4½ pounds and is around 16 inches long. With this much baby, the fluid level is maxed out which is why Caroline’s pokes and kicks are much more sharp these days.

Break Is Over :(

It’s back to school for Mommy today, spring break is over. The week went by way too fast for sure, time off always flies. Speaking of flying time…we have only 8 weeks left! I really can't believe it, seems like just yesterday our girl was a little peach and now she is a honeydew.

Miss Caroline is constantly getting ready for her big debut, tipping the scales at 4 pounds and topping out at just about 1 foot 4 inches. In these past few weeks, it has been practice, practice, practice as Caroline hones the skills she'll need to thrive outside the womb — from swallowing and breathing to kicking and sucking. And speaking of sucking, she has been able to suck her thumb for a while now!

At 32 weeks old, Caroline has learned to smile, she can stick out her tongue (uh oh), and even make funny faces. This week, her movements as well as her growth will peak then begin to slow down a little in the next few weeks. Experts say at this stage, babies generally sleep in half hour segments and dream more! I'll bet she's dreaming of her super cute room and that closet full of clothes!

Happy Anniversary Mommy & Daddy

Several years ago Daddy started a journey that began on his knee! He bought Mommy the most beautiful ring in the world, drove all day to get to Fayetteville, went to Mommy's classroom, got on his knee, and asked Mommy to please say yes,  and  she did! Four years ago today they started their life together. Happy Anniversary wishes to the cutest couple on Windy Hills Lane! Enjoy your special day and celebrate!

Extreme Room Makeover

Sweet Caroline's room is almost complete. There are a few more things to get in place but hey, we still have 60 days give or take to get finished.

Granny did an outstanding job on Caroline's bedding and super cute diaper  stacker. And she even put diapers in it!! I love the green and pink buttons on top of the stacker. The second photo is the crib quilt. When Mommy and I were picking out the fabrics, I admit I was a little skeptical of all the colors, patterns, and textures. Now that everything is finished, it looks great and I think it will look even more amazing with our baby girl on it!

Daddy has all the furniture together and in place. He did such a good job putting it all together. I know because I saw him with all the pieces carefully laid out in the living room and I don't think there was any hardware left over!

The last photo is Caroline's closet. As you can see it's almost full! (She is her mother's daughter.) One more package of diapers for the top shelf and maybe another basket for toys and it will be packed! It is so hard to resist the temptation to buy cute little girly things... except for shoes. It's difficult for me to figure out the sizes especially when they are in inches.

Our Caroline is such a blessed little girl. I wonder if she has any idea just how many folks love her already and are anxiously waiting for her arrival. I sure hope she likes us.

One Semester Left

Our lil Honeydew

Mommy went to the doctor AND dentist yesterday. She didn't have a very good weekend as she suffered with a  tooth that is giving her fits. Thank goodness she is scheduled to have a root canal today at 9 so say a little prayer that all will go well .

The baby doc had better news than the dentist, yay! Caroline’s heartbeat is 138 and she is doing great. Her arms and legs are staying close to her body now due to "increasing space constraints"!!
Her baby's skin is no longer red, but is now the wonderful, beautiful, newborn pink color. She is a tad over 3 pounds, I'm going to say 3.5 lbs. and is 16 inches long, give or take a half an inch or so! Her irises can now dilate and contract in response to light. From here on out, Caroline will gain weight faster than she'll increase in length.

Mommy is still amazing as always - she has not gained one pound since her last doctor visit! I’m so proud of her staying fit and healthy during her Mommyhood! Whatever you wanna  call it - one  semester, nine weeks, or 62 days....we will soon have our sweet Caroline!!

 

Caroline's First Shower

Razorback in training picture.

Caroline and Mommy enjoyed their first baby shower today. The teachers at Mommy's school threw the best shower  ever. One very talented teacher even made the cake and decorated it identical to Caroline's bedding fabric. The cake was de-lish as well as pretty. As Mommy opened each gift, you could instantly hear ooh and ahh. There was so many beautiful girly things that we had to use two and a half suv's to carry it home!

A great big huge Thank You to all the teachers at MES that made the shower so nice. Everything was so sweet and we appreciate you caring for Mommy and Caroline in such a wonderful way!

67 Days and Counting

This is week number 30 which means there is 67 days left! Our Sweet Caroline is about 1 ft. 5 inches long now and she weighs in at or around 3 pounds.
Puddin’ will gain about half a pound a week until week 38. She is getting fatter more plump and beginning to control her own body temperature. Her eyebrows and eyelashes are fully developed and her curly locks are getting thicker by the week. Her head and body are now perfectly proportioned like a teensie weensie newborn.
Our Apple Dumplin’s eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after she's born, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face.
Caroline’s beautiful little hands are now fully formed and her fingernails are growing. On ultrasound scans, she might be seen grasping her hands and feet which helps with nerve development. Her eyelids are opening and closing and will often make rapid eye movements - a sign she could be dreaming. (About what I wonder!)
Our Sweet Caroline is also settling into sleep and waking cycles, just like us grown ups!! This month, all five senses are finally functional, and her brain and nervous system are going through major developments.
This is such an exciting time - it seems as though 10 weeks is forever! I think the best thing for me to do for distraction is to go Caroline shopping! That ought to settle me down – at least for a day two!

In A Nutshell

Week 29
What a busy week!
Caroline’s room is painted.
The carpet is down.
Daddy has all the furniture together.
The rocker is in position.
The closet is filling up.
Granny is on the last stitches of the bedding.
Showers are starting.
Mommy is getting rounder.
Caroline is kicking!
I’m getting antsy.
75 days to go!

Check Up Day

Mommy went to the doctor today for a check up and gestational diabetes test. She sent me a message earlier saying all is well. She added that Miss Caroline is no longer breach but head down. Yay Caroline! The doctor said Caroline is growing at a good rate and her heartbeat is 154. Mommy said Caroline kicked the whole time during the test. Sounds like our little Sweetie Pie is going to like sugar! Mommy also said that she is doing very good as well. Mommy has maintained her weight magnificently and is in very good shape. Yay Mommy!

I’m so very proud of MY little girl while she is growing OUR little girl! Lindsey hasn’t missed any school except for doctor visits and snow days! She is eating very carefully and is loyal to her aerobics class! And I will add this too…Lindsey is just as cute today as she was before her bump! Good job Lindsey!

Little Caroline Cabbage Patch

This is week 28 on the 28th! Our little Caroline is now about the size of a Chinese cabbage! She is 2.5 to 3 pounds and right at 1 foot four inches tall. Miss Caroline keeps herself busy these days developing and adding new skills and tricks to her already impressive repertoire. Caroline enjoys blinking, coughing, sucking, hiccuping, and taking practice breaths. Her eyebrows and eyelashes are now present, and her hair is growing quite fast.  Caroline’s little body is getting plumper and rounder by the day, adding 2 to 3 % body fat each week. Her muscle tone is improving and she is gradually developing those little biceps and triceps, for holding bottles of course! Our little miracle is growing and developing at an astonishing rate and in 83 days (give or take) she will be introduced to  all her loyal, adoring fans!

90 Days and Counting

This week our little Cabbage Patch is fifteen to sixteen inches — more than a foot long Subway sammich!! Her weight is creeping up the charts as well, coming in at just over two pounds, give or take a few ounces!  In her last weeks with Mommy, Caroline will gain ½ a pound per week! 
She's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing her eyes, and perhaps even sucking her fingers. Caroline will continue to work on her sleeping patterns and waking patterns which will be totally opposite of Mommy’s!! It has been said that babies start to dream while in the womb…and I’ll just bet Miss Caroline is dreaming of that sthuper cute room she’s been hearing so much about lately!!
With more brain tissue developing, her brain is very active now. While her lungs are still developing, she is sure to have a good set, ready to use upon arrival!! A very common thing that Caroline is enjoying right now is tiny rhythmic movements, also known as hiccups! That’s right, hiccups! Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, however I think she’s probably giggling knowing that she is creating quite a commotion each time she moves!!

Peaceful Night

Ceiling fan construction

Caroline's room is done, well almost, and what a beautiful room it is too! It is a very cool light blue shade called Peaceful Night, a very appropriate name! Daddy and Papaw Danny worked most of the morning putting down base boards. Mimi Carol and I painted the trim work while the guys measured and cut. After a delish lunch of Granny's tuna sandwiches and chips, it was time to go back to work. Daddy and Papaw Danny started working on the ceiling fan. There were a few little glitches but everything came together wonderfully. The carpet is scheduled to be laid next weekend then the crib and furniture can be put together. Granny is working every day getting Caroline's bedding, quilts, curtains, and diaper stacker made. And I can tell you first hand, everything is absolutely georgous. Our little girl is going to love her room for years to come!

Prime Time For Caroline

I just got off the phone with Mommy who was on her way to a meeting. She said Daddy was home priming the walls in Miss Caroline’s room, getting it ready to paint! Yay Daddy! He’s been working so hard to get the room in ship shape for our girl. Although the final color has yet to be decided, it has been whittled down to two shades. Either color will be pretty and fit our girl perfectly. Tune in to see what the color will be. Hint - Saturday!

Also I want to send Happy Birthday wishes to Natalie, Chloe’s mommy! Mommy and Natalie became fast friends at the U of A and roomed together for several years. I’m so glad they have remained close, for what better little girl than Chloebear to be Caroline’s bff! Hope your birthday was super good Natalie!!

Under Construction

I am tickled to report that construction or should I say demolition on Caroline’s room, also known as the pink room, is complete! Daddy tore out the old bookshelves, ripped up the carpet, took down the closet doors, and removed the lonesome little shelf on the wall. After he got the shelf down and outside, he called for Mommy and me to come look. We went outside and he pointed to the shelf. We looked down to see "I no like Mom." written in red crayon on the shelf !! Uhh ohhh…a wittle person got into twouble and used the shelf as an anger outlet, poor little thing. Hope our little Caroline doesn’t take to writing on furniture when IF she gets a scolding!!
I have some tools and supplies packed and ready to go over this afternoon to spackle some nail holes. Hopefully it won’t take too long to get everything ready so we can start painting! Oh wait, Mommy needs to decide on the wall color!!! I'm excited to see Caroline’s room come together. Granny is hard at work making the curtains, bed skirt, diaper stacker, and quilt. The furniture and crib are in and waiting for assembly. It is going to be so stinkin cute when it’s finished and all in place. We just need our baby girl to make it complete!!

Happy Valentine's Day

One-eyed Elle

Happy Valentine’s Day to Caroline!!

Another totally great day today! Our funny little Valemtime is 26 weeks old today. From all expert accounts online, she is approximately 1 foot 4 inches tall and right at two pounds! I know that’s not a huge change from last week but we must remember – baby steps, teeny baby steps!!

Caroline’s eyes, which were once shut to allow her retina to develop, are now slowly opening! There’s not a lot to see but she will certainly respond to light by a swift kick or a punch! I guess there is no question as to what her eye color will be! Blue ya think?

Caroline’s highly intelligent brain wave activity is increasing day by day and this means that she can not only hear noises with her perfect little ears but react to them! Her hearing is fully developed and as she reacts to these new sounds and lights, her pulse increases. Get this, she can even move to music!!! Our baby got rhythm, oh yeah!! 

Just the Facts

As of today, we have 102 days left until the projected due date of May 23rd...that means we are in week 25! Can I get a ohmgosh? There’s SO much going on with our little beauty that it’s just awesome - I can’t keep up with it all! I’ll try to condense the facts to save space.
Caroline is around 1.5 to 2 pounds and right at 13 to 14 inches tall. She’s giving up her lean look as she works hard to put on her chubby baby fat. Her hair is growing like crazy and it’s finally beginning to develop color and texture! Her little Cabbage Patch hands are now fully developed and her dexterity is improving daily. She can make a fist and she has the ability to wrap her fingers around objects placed in her palm. She enjoys touching her face, clasping one hand to the other, and is able to grab her wittle tootsies wootsies!!Caroline’s eyes are forming, and will soon perfect her blink, batting those freshly grown lashes. Her nostrils are beginning to open a bit to prepare for her first gulp of air, the nerves around her mouth and lip area are showing more sensitivity, her swallowing reflexes are developing, she can hear sounds outside the womb and distinguish voices that she hears! Plus, her vocal cords are developed and getting ready for her first wah-wah-wah! The structures of her spine are beginning to form and harden -- all 33 rings, 150 joints and 1000 ligaments…WOW!

Another Birthday to Celebrate!

Although the weather outside is frightful with a threat of ice and snow, it’s a really good day today. Why you ask? Because it’s Daddy’s birthday! That’s right, Caroline’s Daddy is celebrating his special day today. I sent him a message this morning wishing him a Happy Birthday and his reply was so cute that I just had to share it. Daddy Jeff said he was still full from his birthday breakfast in bed earlier this morning! What a full-filling way to start one’s birthday off, breakfast in bed. Yay Mommy for being so thoughtful and sweet! 

Join me in wishing Daddy a wonderful day today, I hope it brings him lots of smiles and a few good gifts as well. :) You know, we better make the most of these birthdays while we can for when Caroline arrives on the scene, I’m afraid our little button nose beauty will be the only one having special days…and I for one, simply cannot wait much longer!! Have a good day Daddy, we love you bunches!

Down For the Count

I made a trip to Sam's this weekend for supplies. Along with the usual household items, I picked up a box of Pampers, size 3. I must say, I was a little disappointed in the fact that the price of the diapers are the same... but... the count of the diapers are reduced drastically. As a matter of fact they are reduced from 247 diapers to 160 diapers a box!! Whhaaat! The price per diaper is now 25 cents each. I'm almost ashamed to admit this, but I've never been a real coupon savvy shopper. I'm thinking I may need to re-evaluate my shopping habits. Precious may need to cut more coupons and save a little more pocket change for diapers!

Happy Birthday Mommy!

We love you too!!

Today is a great day!…Why, you ask?… It’s Mommy’s BIRTHDAY today! YAY Mommy!!!

Sometime during the night last night, Caroline the birthday fairy, gave her Daddy some inspiration as what she would like him to do for Mommy today. Following her inspiration, Daddy created a sweet masterpiece on the kitchen counter, complete with card from Caroline! Mommy LOVED it and sent me a picture of what her fabulous hubby had done for her.
Join me in wishing my beautiful little girl a wonderful birthday today. Twenty-nine years ago, Lindsey came into my life and it’s hasn’t been the same since! Happy Birthday Lindsey (Mommy)!! We love you SO very much!

Peppy Little Papaya

What a big week this is for Miss Caroline Barton, our magical little miracle! Just a few things to mark off the list are: Eyelashes - done. Eyebrows - done. Hair - done, however it doesn’t have pigment yet. Fingernails - done. Ears - done. Her hearing is getting sharper by the week and she can hear very loud sounds including Ace and Deuce barking as they welcome Mommy home from work!
Caroline’s brain is also growing quickly now and her taste buds are continuing to develop. Her lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help her lungs inflate once she arrives.
Last week, Caroline gained about 4 ounces and she is just over a pound give or take an ounce or two and she is about a foot long. At the end of this week it’s possible our little gal could be almost 2 pounds and one foot 2 inches tall!! From here on till her birth, little Sunshine could possibly gain up to 6 ounces a week! Much of that weight will come from accumulating baby fat, as well as from growing organs, bones, and muscle.
Though her first kicks and movements will seem random, gradually Caroline will be kicking quite regularly and begin patterns of wakefulness and sleeping throughout the day.

Congrats to Papaw Danny

I'm tickled pink to announce that Papaw Danny is officially retired!. YAY!! He may have retired from his "paying" job but I think I heard about a 'Papaw To Do' list waiting for him at the Windy Hills Lane house. There is alot to do to get ready for our girl and I nominate Papaw D as the Crew Chief for this project.

As a matter of fact, Mommy and I went to Little Rock Saturday and spent the whole day long buying fabrics and all the decorations that a little girl must have in her room. I do admit, I may have gone a little over board with the pink poodle and rag rug but it was so very cute, I just couldn't resist! Anyway, Huge Congratulations Papaw Danny, we hope you enjoy your new found freedom! See you at the Hill and don't forget your toolbelt!!

Sandwich Anyone?

Just when you think you’ve seen it all, something will come along to surprise you! I was looking on a site at lunch and found The Lazy Mammy Sammich Cutter. This thing is amazing and I just may get one for myself as well as one for Caroline!
What child doesn’t love PB&J sammiches? It’s a staple in every toddler’s diet, right? Look here - in one quick motion, this clever gadget quarters sandwiches into perfect, tot-pleasing pieces, while removing the bread crust. No more slicing Mommy’s fingers while trimming crust!! It even seals the edges to minimize messy oozing. Ideal for picky eaters; works with peanut butter, grilled cheese, and more. The best thing about it? My two favorite words – Dishwasher Safe!!

Shhh, Little Ears

It’s week 23 and sweet Caroline can now hear noises outside the womb! That’s probably why she kicked Saturday morning! Mommy, Caroline, and I were lounging around talking before starting our busy Saturday. We were discussing the nursery, diapers, baby clothes, day care, pediatricians….while we were chatting, Caroline put in her two kicks worth! Two precious, tiny, little flutters as if to say ‘Excuuuse me, I can HEAR YOU ....’ Then, as if to dismiss us, she quit moving and promptly went back to sleepy-town.

After reading about development on several baby sites, I found that experts strongly encourage family to talk to our baby during this time so she will get used to the sound of our voice. While this may seem a little unusual, they say we will be rewarded when Caroline instinctively turns toward the sound of our voice shortly after delivery! Unbelievable, I guess we better w-a-t-c-h what we s-a-y in front of the b-a-b-y.

Caroline's First Laptop

As you well know, we live in the age of high tech technology. Computers, smart phones, iPod, iPads, you name it and it can be found somewhere. This started me thinking (which can be dangerous at times) but anyway, I think Caroline needs a laptop all her own, so…..I found her one, online of course!! 
It’s called Baby's First Laptop Computer by Gund. The brightly colored baby pc makes crinkling sounds and plays Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. The fuzzy mouse and space ship themed laptop is the true 'baby's first laptop.'  It’s baby proof and baby safe! Caroline will be sharpening up on her computer skills as she plays. Now, if I can just think of a really cute email address for her!

Hey Sugar, Sugar

This is week 22, which means there is  125 days left until we can meet our sweet little Caroline. That’s right! For those that haven’t heard, our baby girl will be named Caroline!! A most beautiful name for the most beautiful baby girl ever!
Caroline weighs in at a whopping pound (give or take an ounce) and she is eight inches tall! (Imagine a pound of sugar!) She now has all of her eyebrows and eyelashes, and a fine covering of hair on her dainty little head. She can perceive light and dark and can also hear voices. She is well acquainted with Mommy’s heartbeat, her gurgling stomach, and the whoosh-whoosh of blood circulating through Mommy’s body. And…as her brain and nerve endings develop, she often reaches for her face just to experiment with her newfound sense of touch. In fact, her grip is quite developed now. I suspect she is practicing on gripping her shopping bags! That must be what she’s thinking of as she smiles during her ultrasounds!

Peeptoes and Kitten Heels

After Christmas, I was on my way home from Mommy and Daddy's house when I got a call from my friend, Angie. She was at Dillard's fighting the crowds in the After Christmas sales. She sounded very excited but I was about to lose her so I pulled over to talk. (A very good example for my Grandbaby I might add.) Anyway, Angie was in the baby department and  had found several outfits and two pair of shoes on sale. She wanted to know if I'd like her to get them for the baby. Why yes I do I said and I SO appreciate you shopping for babygurl Barton!!

Ohmygoodness I picked up the items yesterday and as soon as I looked in the bag, I knew right away these little peeptoes were indeed my flavorite shoes! I  can see her now - in style for the summer and it's only January!

Baby's First Snowman

Windy Hills Drive

Mommy and Daddy sent me this shot Sunday afternoon of their snowy white Windy Hills driveway! It's so pretty when it's all clean and white...snow that is! For us on Walnut, well we didn't get the sparkling snow :(  We got sleetie slushy stuff which turned into ice as the night went on.

Poppie went to work early this morning and reported that the roads in town were 'ok'. I asked him what 'ok' meant! I'm still home waiting on the call from work to see if it's 'ok' out there so I can somehow get there. Us girls may have to bundle up and carpool today. As I sit beside a toasty fire, it wouldn't bother me in the least to stay home today, zzz. Be safe and stay warm.

WWW-Winter Weather Warning!

Although the sun is shining gloriously right now and the temp is 36 and rising, I'm hearing chilling rumors of icy weather coming! I checked out the Weather Channel to see what smokin' Joe Cantore has to say and it appears that we are looking at snow... possibly more. Hmm, maybe I better go get a few extra treats for the weekend, just in case we get snowed in!! Please be careful, stay warm, cover the outside pipes, leave the lavatory cabinets open, check your anti-freeze, bring the pets inside... Predictions are that the temps will drop down into the ttteens!! For us folks down south, tthat's really ccold. Here's what Joe said:

*  PRECIPITATION WILL OVERSPREAD THE REGION FROM SOUTHWEST TO NORTHEAST SUNDAY MORNING AND CONTINUE ACROSS THE REGION INTO SUNDAY EVENING. THE PRECIPITATION SHOULD END FROM THE SOUTHWEST SUNDAY NIGHT. FOR AREAS ALONG AND NORTH OF A BASTROP LOUISIANA ..SNOW...POSSIBLY MIXED WITH A LITTLE SLEET OR FREEZING RAIN. CURRENT INDICATIONS ARE  4 TO 8 INCHES OF SNOW IS LIKELY IN THIS AREA.