Orange Ya Glad We're Getting A Baby?

We are already at week 15! Seems like only yesterday we were braggin' on our little boy blueberry and now we have an orange little Angel! She is almost 4 inches long and although Mommy doesn't feel her, Sweet Pea is warming up on her gymnastic routine. Her little elbows and knees are bending more freely this week and her little legs are finally growing longer than her arms. She's getting pumped up for a zumbathon. Sweet Baby's major organ systems are increasing in capacity—particularly that amazing tiny heart and complex circulation system, which is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood per day, and will increase to a very impressive 200 quarts per day by the end of the pregnancy!! As far as hair goes, we’ve got some new scalp patterns beginning to develop on her head, although her actual head hair is not yet present. Even more awesome-er? She now has adult size taste buds! Can you believe it?

I'm Starting on my Christmas List

The Thanksgiving holiday is officially over, I made my small contribution to Black Friday, and it's Saturday so I'm cleaning - and I'm pooped. When I finish with the house work, (hahaha) I plan on sitting down and making out my Christmas list. No really, I'm making out MY list. I have everyone else pretty much taken care of. I don't need anything, and like most anyone else, if I need or want something, I usually get it. (Sooner or later!) I thought of the perfect gift and I want it. I looked it up online and found that it comes in one of my favorite colors, it cleans, and it's now going to the top of my list. I want a Merry Maid all my very own! It's perfect and what lady of the house wouldn't want one? Problem though, there are none in our area. Bummer....guess I'll finish cleaning then start over on my list!

Leftovers

Family and friends surrounded the Thanksgiving feast fest. The food was blessed and the race was on! As I looked about the kitchen at the bowls and dishes of food everywhere, I devised a plan. Whatever I couldn't get on my plate for lunch, well, I'd just have to go back and get at supper time. It worked too! It was won-der-ful and ohmygoodness, I'm STILL full today. Even after we ate the second time around, there were leftovers galore. The best thing about that - we can enjoy them again today. I think I'll add Rubbermaid, Tupperware, and Pyrex to my grateful journal!

Thanksgiving Thoughts

Happy Thanksgiving to You!!
I’ve been talking to myself a little this week and we decided to commit to a daily Thanks-living program. I’m sure this idea has been featured on Oprah or Dr. Phil so I can’t take credit for it. 

I bought a little journal with lots of pages and I plan to enter one grateful thought a day. Often times, I fail to reflect and be thankful for the goodness I've received. I'm hoping that if I see them on paper, I’ll be reminded to be more grateful and less assuming in my life and thoughts. Here's a few entries I plan to make in my journal. I'm thankful for - -

• My dogs and their inability to talk. 
• The commitment my parents made to each other 56 years ago. 
• Having the title to my vehicle.
• I drive 20 minutes to work so I can wind up for the day. 
• I drive 20 minutes home from work so I can wind down. 
• Having friends that know me and still like me. 
• Our wood splitter, I love fires. 
• Online banking and ATM machines. 
  
• Mr. L’Oreal and Sister Clinique, for without their expertise in chemistry, my mascara would run and my roots would show.
• That God knows what I need and gives it to me when it’s time.

Now that you've seen some of my gratefuls, what’s yours? Hope you all have a wonderful day!

Thankful For Birthdays

It's almost Thanksgiving day and before we get in our crazy cooking mode - thawin' turkeys, glazin' hams, and bakin' patty cakes...we can't forget someones' special day!.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO our V S P !

Our Very Special Papaw is... Danny G, who is celebrating his 39th  birthday on Thanksgiving day, and what a super cool  papaw he is too! He da' MAN in his red hot ride! The only thing missing in the picture is a red leather baby seat with a cute little Barton baby in it!!! Our love and hugs to the greatest Papaw out West! Hope you have a great birthday and a scrumpdillyishous Thanksgiving day!

Sugar 'n Spice or Snips 'n Snails?

Since the beginning of time, expectant mothers have been offered advice in determining the gender of their unborn child. Some tales are plain silly - others slightly odd! Whatever the ‘tale’, nothing is 100% except for an ultrasound maybe, and even these have been wrong at times. Here's four old tales that ‘predicts’ the gender of a baby.

If you're carrying low, you're having a boy. If you are carrying high, then you must be having a girl. Science says NOT true. If you're having a girl, then the baby's heart rate will be above 140. A boy will have a heart rate below 140. However, science again says NOT true.

Cravings are caused by the sex of the baby. So, if Mommy can't get enough chocolate, she could be having a girl. Sour cravings are a result of the little boy. (Pucker up!) If Daddy puts on weight during the pregnancy, then Mommy will be having a girl. If he doesn't put on a pound, then Mommy is carrying a boy! (Glad it didn’t say granma!)

Whatever the gender of our Barton baby, we ALL plan on lovin’ the puddin’ out of  her / him!!!

Our Leapin' Lil Lemon

I went shopping with Mommy and grand baby this weekend. We stayed in Little Rock Friday night and wore out my feet. I think Mommy’s feet were getting sore too! But I have more important things to tell…
Welcome to our second trimester! This week's huge news: Our baby can now squint, frown, grimace, pee-pee, and suck his thumb! His facial muscles are getting a workout as his tee-niny features form one expression after another!  I think he smiled big time when we went to Dixie Cafe and Cracker Barrell (I sure did)!!
Our baby's stretching out, from his head to his boo-boo, he measures 3 1/2 inches — about the size of a lemon — and he weighs 1 1/2 ounces. His body's growing faster than his head, which now sits upon a more distinct neck. By the end of this week, his arms will have grown to a length that's in proportion to the rest of his body. (His legs still have some lengthening to do, but we are fine with that!.) He's starting to develop an ultra-fine, downy covering of hair all over his body. Wonder if he’s a blonde, brown or red?? Though Mommy can't feel his tiny punches and kicks yet, our little boxer’s hands and feet (which now measure about 1/2 inch long) are more flexible and active. Oh my gosh, I can hardly believe this is happening!

Goofy Gramma

Every now an then you just have a need to be silly - after all, laughter is good for the soul, right? I got my friend girl to take this goofy picture with my cellphone. Speaking of cellphones, isn't amazing how far we've come with cellphones? I remember when they were the size of military field phones that you perched on your car seat. Bag phones! Now we use cells as camera, computers, games...and they are smaller than a deck of cards, whodathunk it! Anyway, can you believe that we will have a precious new baby in 187 days or less? I still find it difficult to comprehend at times. I often wonder the silliest things such as ...will she like me, will he scream nonstop when I hold him, will she want to shop with me, will he expect me to run after a baseball??.... (uh oh!)

Sweet Sheep Sleep

With Christmas fast approaching, a mere 39 days away, perhaps I should shift into high gear and get a bit of shopping done. Naturally, my first gift thought was THE BABY. (Sorry to the rest of the family!!) Lemme see, what can I possibly buy that is gender neutral? I stumbled upon the perfect gift….the soft, fluffy, sweet Sleep Sheep is baby's perfect sleep companion. It helps to soothe them to sleep in a safe, calming, natural way. A sound box tucked safely inside of the Sleep Sheep lulls babies to sleep with soft sounds from nature and the comforting sound of a mother's heartbeat. (or Grandma’s) Sleep Sheep's peaceful sounds are an audio pacifier that can calm even the fussiest babies to sleep. When babies sleep better, parents (and Grandmas) sleep better. It has 4 soothing sounds - Mommy's heartbeat, Spring Showers, Ocean Surf, and Whale Songs. (whales sing??) An automatic time-out after 23 minutes, unique numbered adoption certificate, and best of all ...FREE batteries included.

My Peach Toddler

Welcome to week 13 which is Peach week, our baby is no longer the size of a pit -  he’s the whole Peach now! This week is the beginning of the Barton baby’s second trimester! Lil Man is approaching normal proportions, with his head now only one third of his body. Now, to the good stuff….All twenty of his itty bitty toofies are formed and growing under those tiny gums.  Lil man can actually smile now! I’ll bet he’s is grinning from ear to ear too, hearing Mommy and Daddy make plans for his future. His vocal cords are quickly developing and his tiny little bones are beginning to form in his arms and legs - getting ready for throwing a baseball, kick a football, swing a golf club, cast a rod, and baggin’ Daddy’s ducks! As a matter of fact, he’s moving his arms so much that he may possibly catch his mouth with his hand and find his thumb to suck! What a peach!

Shoes, A Girl's Best Trend

When Lindsey was a bitty thing, she was one THE luckiest little girl. One reason was that her Mamaw Hazel worked in the shoe department at Wal Mart. For years, every time a shipment came in, Lindsey got first pick! Two, three, four pair at a time was not an uncommon purchase. And of course, if you add in Mamaw Hazel's Wal Mart employee discount, Lindsey made out like a bandit when it came to shoes.

I have a sneaky suspicion that those formative years of shoe shopping instigated Lindsey's appreciation for foot gear! If we should be blessed with a beautiful little girl, I plan on taking over Mamaw Hazel's tradition starting with this gorgeous pair of little leather baby moc's. The cherry on the sole is like icing on a cake...the best part!

Every Mommy Needs a Passy

I’ve been slacking on the blog the last week, I think it’s the time change! When it gets dark so early, my body thinks it’s time to go to bed!

What one thing should a new parent never leave home without? Bottles and diapers of course but the number one item is a pacifier.

The pacifier was invented in the mid 1300’s by a father that couldn’t get his son to sleep at night. Genius! There are over 150 different names for pacifier! Just to name a few…binker, binky, fussplug, mo-mo, ninny, passy, Patsy, plug, sucka, sassy, tassy, tootie, woo-woo, wubby….and the list goes on. On the average, a family will buy 20 pacifiers a year and they range from 2.99 up to 10.00 each! The newer models even come with a cover! (One name I didn't mention....Mute button!!)

Weekend Visit With Chloe

Chloe protects her Pop Tarts !

Pictures from the weekend ...Mommy, Natalie and Chloe had a good visit together this weekend. Chloe is getting to be a such a big girl and she's developing quite a personality too, the little charmer! The gals loaded up and went to a shower for Abby Saturday afternoon. I went over early Sunday to visit them before they had to leave. Chloe and I went outside and fed the dogs a treat, left over pretzels! Chloe giggled everytime Ace and Deuce came close to her.  We love to see them come and just hate to see them go, the visits are never long enough.








Plum Purty

This is the last week of Mommy's first trimester!  I can't believe how the time has passed. The most dramatic development this week? Reflexes. Our baby's fingers will soon begin to open and close, his toes will curl, her eye muscles will clench, and his mouth will make sucking movements, getting ready for the bobo and thumbs! Our baby has doubled in size in the last three weeks.
If Mommy would let us poke and tickle her tummy, our baby would squirm a little bit in response. Meanwhile, nerve cells are multiplying rapidly, and our baby's brain is forming furiously.
Maybe I better start buying up a few books for Mommy and Daddy so they can brush up on their reading to baby skills!
** Several friends have asked if we know what we are having in May. No news on gender yet. The doctor told Mommy that we may be able to find out what we are getting around Christmas!

Baby Sounds

Mommy and Daddy went to the doctor today for their monthly visit. The doc said that all is well - Mommy is in fine shape, gaining only 1-1/2 pounds! Wow, you go Mommy, good job. Doc said Mommy can continue all her active activities including her aerobics and exercise and Daddy can continue with his vaccuming and hunting!

I asked Mommy to call me after the doctor visit to give me an update. Instead of a phone call, Daddy sent me a audio clip. I clicked on the attachment and all of the sudden what started off as a yucky day that I'd rather forget, ended with a sound that I'll never forget.. it was the sweetest music I've ever heard. Twenty precious seconds of our baby's heart beat.

Baby Barton Nipper Slippers

Just as any young golfer requires good golf shoes, any true sportsman knows the importance of the proper hunting gear which starts with the foundation - camp slippers. When the temps dip into the teens, our lil man needs proper foot protection while getting ready to go out into the frigid blind with Daddy. Don't be fooled by the appearance of these little Nipper Slippers, they are constructed of hefty camo canvas which sport a thick leather sole. The inside is lined with real sheepskin which guarantees warmth and comfort. The Nipper Slippers come in the original guy camo green/gray and don't worry,  I've also located a pair that comes in camo pink! (Just in case.)

Little Lou Lou Limetta

Our Doll Baby continues to grow and is now approximately the size of a large lime! From the top of her head to her cute little rump, our lil Puddin is 2-1/2 inches long,  give or take a smidgen. Her weight is ½ ounce, or there about! Sweet Cheek’s growth is phenomenal and her length will double in the next three weeks. Her gorgeous head is a tad out of proportion as it’s almost half of her length now. Not to worry though, it will all grow together to become the absolute most perfect little baby in the whole world.

Baby Sunshine is now able to swallow, she's getting ready for her bobo's (baby talk for bottle). Although our lil Honey Bun’s skin is still very transparent, her bones are beginning to harden, her nasal passages are open, and she is becoming more active as the weeks progress! It's truly amazing how each week brings us a little closer to our wonderful baby Barton.

One Hot Hippie Momma

I always knew my little girl had a wild side but wow! And she told me she was dressing up as a blackeyed pea!

Wednesday afternoon, the Pauline Baptist Church hosted a really far out Fall Festival on the church grounds. My little dippy hippie wild child was the super cool hostess of Musical Chairs! Wonder what kind of music she played for the kids, Puff the Magic Dragon? Hopefully nothing too far out man.
Thank you Daddy for sending me this picture, now I have proof to back up the wild stories I plan on telling our little one about his/her Momma! (Sometimes a Glam-ma needs a little bargaining power!)
I'm proud of Lindsey and Jeff for the time and support that they give to their church. They're well on their way to building a solid foundation for a happy home and family.

He's A Real Pro

Daddy Jeff, Mr. Fuzzy & Chloe

I found a picture of Daddy Jeff  and Chloe Bear. This picture was taken at Mommy and Daddy's house when Chloe and her parents came for a visit. We missed Chloe's birthday so lil Mommy threw her another party complete with a huge chocolate chip cookie covered with yummy icing. After having her fill of the delish cookie (and getting cleaned up), Chloe opened her gifts, which included Mr. Fuzzy Bear. I think they are having a face off in this photo!

Don't you agree that Jeff looks like an old pro here with Chloe? He  looks so calm and pleasant, just like it's natural thing to hold a little one. I'm so anxious to see him holding his own little one in May. There's no doubt that he'll be voted Best New Daddy in town - giving hugs, taking the late night feedings, changing diapers, washing bottles, cooking, grocery shopping....

A Special Moment

Honey & Olivia

I ran across this picture last weekend. As I looked at Lil Mommy holding lil Livi, I think it finally sunk in and I must admit, I got a little soft inside. This is what my little girl is going to look like holding her little girl (or boy)! I know my friends and co-workers are tickled for Mommy & Daddy and all of us that are attached to the Barton Baby but... I know they are sooo tired of listening to me talk Baby Stuff all the time. Well, sorry folks, this is only the beginning! Now, off to find more pictures, I know I have one of Daddy and a baby somewhere - I'll post it tomorrow! xOx