Christmas Eve & Christmas Day!

I can't believe how fast the Holidays flew by. Dakota and I were so busy both days that we barely had any time to rest. Going to 5 different houses in two days is exhausting! Even though we were tired it was super fun spending time with family and we are blessed to be surrounded by so many loved ones. This was our 4th Christmas together & next year we will have a 7 month old to spend it with. I am just so excited.

"Our 4th Christmas"

Christmas Eve Dakota and I were both off of work and we got to spend the whole day together. I finished up wrapping presents and we cleaned a little bit. We also swapped presents and Dakota got me a washer/dryer, a wooden bench that opens to put blankets it, a new hair dryer, and some jewelry. I got Dakota a really nice fleece FSU jacket, a new wallet, kitchen cabinets, some clothes, and some stocking stuffer goodies. Every year on Christmas Eve the whole side of my Granny's family goes over to my Uncles house and we play Dirty Santa. This year I got a really cozy blanket and Dakota got some tool set. My cousin just had a baby and I got to get in my baby snuggles the whole time. He's not even a month old and he was such a sweetie. It made me even more excited to snuggle on my Son when he arrives. After leaving my uncles we went to my granny's house with my cousins and opened presents over there.  It was nice seeing my cousins because I don't get to see them that much. Last, but not least.... Dakota and I went over to my parents house to open presents from Santa. I got some gorgeous black leather Tommy Hilfiger boots, Marley Lily jewelry and a fleece monogrammed jacket, and some VS goodies. After leaving my parents house it's tradition for me & my hubs to go to Waffle House. Walker absolutely loves their Scattered hash browns and they were delicious. We didn't get home until midnight and we just plopped on the bed and passed out.

"The Cabinets"

"Me & my little brother"

"Daddy loving on us"

"Me & my cousin Rachel"

"Our growing family"

"So in love with this man"

"Me & my daddy"

"Me & my parents"

"Me & Dakota after opening presents"

"My dad & Athena"

Christmas morning we got up at 8:30 and packed all of our stuff and the presents in the car and we headed to Dakotas parents at 9. His momma made cinnamon rolls and they were oh so good. I'm not one for sweets these days, but I can't pass them up. Right after we finished eating, Dakotas sister and her husband came over and we opened presents from Santa. I got so many goodies from everyone and I think my most favorite gift was from my sister in law. She got Walker a little monkey blanket with his name on it. I may or may not have slept with it every night since I got it. About an hour later his grandparents stopped by to do presents with us too. Later on we all headed over to his other grandparents house and ate a yummy Christmas day meal and opened presents over there. We all got so much stuff and we are beyond blessed to have such a loving family to spend with on the Holidays. Speaking of family... I'm going to be an aunt!! My sister in law is pregnant and she is due in July! We are exactly 10 weeks apart and had to take a bump picture together. I can't wait :)

"Getting ready for Christmas lunch"

"Me at 20 weeks & Katie at 10 weeks"

 

I hope everyone had a wonderful time over the Holidays! I know I did and I am so excited for the New Year and all of the wonderful things happening it 2015! We finally get to move in our home late January, celebrate our 2 year Wedding anniversary in March, and welcome our baby boy in May!! To say I'm thrilled is an understatement.

Until next time, Lexi :)

20 Week Bumpdate// Halfway there!

Monday I hit my 20 week mark and I am so excited, but also surprised that I have already made it to my halfway point. I feel like just yesterday I took that pregnancy test and got so many butterflies in my tummy. So many emotions came over me and all I could do was cry happy tears in my husbands arms. It was such a surreal moment and will always be one of the happiest moments of my life. Now that I am 20 weeks I seriously can't wait to meet my Son. I can feel him kick and move all around in there and I can't wait to kiss his little cheeks. Every time I think about his arrival I start to tear up and think how blessed my husband and I are to be receiving such a beautiful gift from God. I can't thank him enough for our little Walker James. Okay, enough with the mushy gushy... here's my bumpdate!


Little Baby Ward is the size of a Banana. At my 19 week appointment he was already measuring the size of a Banana, but I think it's more simple for me to stick with information from the app.

• He's got working taste buds
• He's measuring at 6.5 inches and 10.2 ounces
• Now, he's gulping down several ounces on amniotic fluid each day which is significantly more than before
• His testes are descending from his abdomen
• Mommy can feel him kicking all around in there especially when listening to music in the car & when getting a pedicure. He must not like to be shaken from the massager.

Gender: BOY :)

 

Weight gain: 4 pounds since 15 week appointment

 

Maternity clothes: Jeans, leggings, and a few shirts, and a dress.

 

Stretch marks: Still just my booty.

 

Belly button in or out: Still IN!

 

Sleep: I'm not having any trouble sleeping and I love laying on my side now that I have gotten used to it. Before I got pregnant I was a tummy sleeper.

 

Best moment this week: Best moment this week was Monday when it hit 4:20! I got outta there and I don't have to go back until Friday!

 

Worst moment this week: I haven't really had a worst moment. It's been a pretty good week so far.

 

Miss anything: Still missing being able to eat red meat. I still can't set foot in a steakhouse.

 

Movement: I have been feeling him a lot lately and I absolutely love it. I'm ready for him to cooperate so Dakota can feel him.

 

Cravings: I have really been on a Greek salad kick lately. I also love Mexican and Sushi.

 

Queasy or sick: Neither one thankfully.

 

Looking forward to: January 13th! We have our 23 week checkup and 30 minute ultrasound to check up on Walker's bladder since he wouldn't show us last time.

"Halfway done!"

 

 

 

Until next time, Lexi :)

19 week update!

Yesterday was our 19 week anatomy scan! My appointment was at 2:45 and I met my husband and our moms at the doctors office. I had to come with a full bladder and it was killing me. I'm so glad that they weren't running behind because I don't think I could have held it for much longer. Once the ultrasound tech called me back she wasted no time looking at my cervix and getting what she needed. After about 10-15 minutes she let me use the bathroom and then come back and enjoy looking at Walker and seeing all of his organs and how he has developed. My mom wasn't able to go to his first ultrasound so she was super excited to come to this one and she cried as soon as she saw him on the screen. It was a good moment having Dakota and our moms all together talking about how cute Walker is and just being able to see him. The ultrasound tech told me that everything looked good, but she wasn't able to see his bladder sac so she wanted to give me another ultrasound at my next appointment to make sure that it is working properly as well. His measurements were big and he's measuring 20 weeks (which is a week ahead). I've got a feeling he's going to be a big boy & my husband said that Walker will make his big appearance at the end of April. As long as he is healthy and ready to come I don't care when it is. I just can't wait to hold him in my arms and get my little baby snuggles.

So far I am feeling pretty good. I'm just having back pain and growing pains as usual. He is really stretching those ligaments. I can finally start to really feel him move which makes me so happy. Sunday night I was cuddling in bed with Dakota and I was laying on my left side and all of sudden I felt my tummy move and it happened again a few seconds later. I put my hand over my stomach to try and feel him from the outside, but he stopped as soon as I did that. He was kicking all around and I woke Dakota up to tell him. I mean it was an exciting time... he had to know! lol, his response was congratulations. He just doesn't understand. My hair has also stopped falling out so bad which is such a relief. It was really starting to stress me out and I honestly thought I was going to go bald, but thanks to Biotin I am doing alright. My hormones are also way out of wack and I cry over pretty much everything. For example, last night we were going out to dinner and Dakota randomly told me that me and Walker were his world. It took me completely off guard because he isn't the mushy gushy type & I started to tear up. I just love that man. Our next appointment is January 13th for my 23 week appointment and I'm really looking forward to it! Another appointment scheduled means I'm closer to meeting my son! Now enjoy a few pictures from the Ultrasound! :)

"Walker looking straight at us"

"His cute little side profile"

"Waving to mommy & daddy"

"Cute little foot"

"Throwing up the peace sign"

Until next time, Lexi!

18 week bumpdate!

Here is my 18 week bumpdate! Little baby Ward is the size of a sweet potato!

• He is measuring at 5. 6 inches and 6.7 ounces
• He is yawning, hiccupping, sucking, and swallowing
• He is also twisting, rolling, punching, and kicking too! I also am starting to feel him do all those things
• He is developing a coating of myelin on his nerves which is a substance that helps the brain communicate with the rest of the nervous system

How far along: 18 weeks & 1 day

 

Gender: IT'S A BOY!! We will be welcoming our sweet little Walker James in May!

"My reaction when I found out we were having a boy"

 

 

Weight gain: 2 pounds since 15 week appointment

 

Maternity clothes: Jeans, leggings, and a few shirts

 

Stretch marks: Nothing but booty!

 

Belly button in or out: IN!!! (thank goodness)

 

Sleep: Really good except for waking up with nasty leg cramps

 

Best moment this week: Honestly the best moment this week has been when my friend from work brought me a honey butter chicken biscuit. It was like heaven in my mouth.

 

Worst moment this week: Waking up with leg cramps and not being able to go back to bed.

 

Miss anything: I really miss being able to eat a big juicy steak... and even thinking about it.

 

Movement: I usually feel him the most after I eat and at night when I'm cuddling with Dakota.

 

Cravings: Recently my cravings have been Sushi, Honey Butter Chicken Biscuits, Roly Poly, and Mexican.

 

Queasy or sick: Neither. This pregnancy has been a breeze with the feeling sick part.

 

Looking forward to: Next Tuesday. We have our 19 week anatomy scan!! We get to check everything out on the baby and make sure his organs and brain are function correctly. The only thing I'm worried about is having to have a full bladder for the scan. Uhhh, I pee my pants when I sneeze and I don't even have to go pee. This should be interesting.

 

"18 week bumpdate from my view"

 

 

 

 

 

Until next time, Lexi!

Baby Ward is a......

BOY!!!! Our sweet little baby is a BOY! Dakota and I are over the moon and can't wait to meet our son. I was so confident I was having a boy the entire time except for the first ultrasound because the HB was so high (which means nothing for gender), but I quickly changed my mind and went back to team Blue and have been ever since. It was finally nice to have confirmation that we are having a little Dakota. Saturday was the gender reveal and it felt like forever waiting for 2:30 even though I was busy the whole morning getting everything together! We invited a bunch of friends and family and thankfully the weather held up because we were doing the big reveal outside. The theme was football and had Girl Vs. Blue decorations. We grilled hamburgers and hot dogs and had cupcakes for dessert! My friend Chandler and I decorated a huge box and wrapped the entire thing with wrapping paper. It was harder than it looked, but the guys had the harder time of putting the box up in the tree. Before they put it in the tree they made Dakota and I leave so they could stuff it with all of the blue balloons and streamers and tape it shut.  Our son, Walker James Ward is due May 11th and I am counting down the months. After Christmas I will only have 5 more months to wait. I'm so ready to start decorating his nursery which will be my next post on what nursery ideas I have. Enjoy the pictures of our party!

"Opening the box"

IT'S A BOY!

"My dad was so excited he started dancing"

Love my boys more than anything"



"Couldn't hold back the tears"

"Team Pink"

 

"Team Blue"

"My side of the family"

"Dakotas side of the family"

"The banner me & Chan made"

"The chalkboard of old wives tales"

"Yummy cupcakes"

"I kept the side that says Walker and going to put it in his nursery"

"Ultrasounds and the diaper raffle that had helmets on it"

 

 

Until next time, Lexi!

Thanksgiving weekend!

I am so thankful for my 4 weekend. It was wonderful and spent with loved ones and friends. I really don't want to go back to work tomorrow, but all good things must come to an end. Here's my recap from these last four wonderful, wonderful days off.


Thursday morning Dakota and I got up and painted the outside of our garage. Don't worry the paint fumes didn't get to me. It was super windy outside and I was in the fresh air. It actually only took us an hour and a half to paint it and once it was done I let him do the final touches and I headed inside to get ready and cook my green bean casserole. By cooking, I mean just putting everything together and heating it up, lol. We got to Dakota's parents house at 1:45 & ate at 2:00. It was a good crowd and everyone brought lots of food. I usually don't care for Thanksgiving food and I don't like turkey so I kept to my rolls, Green bean casserole, and potato salad! SO good!!!!!! After eating we looked at the Black Friday ads and talked at the table with the girls while the boys watched football on the couch. I really wanted a new washer and dryer to put in the new house and with a baby on the way I wanted something that was reliable and would wash all of the 100 million onesies.  We left his parents and headed to our first stop at Sears. Our mission was to get the washer and dryer for a really good price. We got the bundle pack with free delivery for 1200! It's really nice and big. I seriously can't wait to get this house ready and wash my clothes in my new washer/dryer. (Housewife status for real though). After Sears I headed with my sister in law to Target. I didn't need anything so I just went to hang out with her. I grabbed a few things while I was there, but nothing for Christmas. After Target I went home with my hubs because we had a big day tomorrow.... our gender ultrasound!

"Post meal pictures of the kiddos"



"So in love with him"

"My new washer/dryer"

Friday morning I tossed and turned and just couldn't get to sleep. I was so nervous/excited/worried/anxious. It was the day of the 16 week ultrasound. We haven't seen the baby since our very first appointment where we heard the HB and saw a tiny little ball of cells that was cooking into a baby. Now we get to see the hands, feet, head, nose, etc. I just hoped and prayed all of the development was on track and baby had all 10 fingers and toes. I invited some family and friends to the appointment and they all got to watch on the big screen baby Ward moving all around and even saw him/her get the hiccups. It was seriously the cutest thing ever. Before they all came in the room it was just me and my friend Chandler. I closed my eyes while the ultrasound tech looked for the parts and wrote it down in an envelope. Chandler cried when she saw it & I started to choke up. It was such an amazing experience and I wish I could do it all over again. When everyone got to come in we focused on the side profile and the hands and feet. Dakota sat right beside me and was silent the whole time. My husband is a talker and for him to sit quite for an hour just looking at the screen was such a beautiful moment. He couldn't take his eyes off of his son or daughter and couldn't believe how much the baby has developed at 16 weeks. After the ultrasound the tech gave me a CD of the pictures she took (not the gender ones) so I could print them out. After the appointment all of us went to Olive Garden for lunch. Olive Garden is seriously delicious and you can never go wrong with their salad and breadsticks. After lunch we all went out separate ways and Dakota and I headed for the mall to do some Christmas shopping. That night we went to my parents house to show my mom the pictures since she wasn't able to go to the ultrasound. I was craving hot wings like something serious. My dad ordered all of us some extra crispy HOT wings and we ate dinner over there and watched a movie. I hate spicy food... like I can't even handle medium taco sauce. But something about hot wings just sounded delicious to me. I didn't even get heartburn after, so it was just meant to be. It's what the baby wanted.


"Everyone at the appointment minus Dakota (he was picture taker)"



"Me & Chandler. Both pregnant and 2.5 weeks apart"

"My sweet little baby"

"So in love"

Saturday I met Chandler and her daughter Oakleigh for lunch at the Shark Fin. We were both craving Sushi & it was soooo good. After lunch we went to Hobby Lobby for some gender reveal decorations. We got some fabric and made a banner and I got some frames that I am going to put the ultrasound pictures in around the diaper raffle table. It is seriously going to be so cute and I can't wait for this Saturday! That afternoon we went to the mall to find Christmas presents for Oaks and me a gender reveal outfit. I found this adorable dress & I am so excited I finally found something to wear. Seriously it was starting to stress me out. I couldn't find anything blue and was about to resort to team pink even though this momma is 100% confident that it's a BOY! That night I met my husband at Chilis after he got off of work. We both got Mexican and it hurt our tummies so we went to bed early.

"The banner we made for the party"

"Oaks decided she wanted to drive to the mall"

"Such a diva"

"Dirty mirror selfie before heading out to lunch"

 Sunday I went to breakfast with my grandparents at Waffle House. I always crave some hash browns and it was heaven in my mouth. When we got back from breakfast I got ready and met my friend Jessica at the mall to get a pedicure and to help her find a Christmas dress for a party she is going to for the Navy with her husband. Unfortunately we couldn't find anything, but we did get some yummy sushi for lunch at 2 Stix. Seriously, their black dragon roll is the bomb.com! I've had it twice this week and I'm not even ashamed. After parting ways with Jessica I tried to meet up with my husband and meet him at one of the posts, but he got a call 10 minutes after I got there. I'm glad I got to see him, but I hate how you never know when he is going to get a call. Now to finish off this Sunday night cuddling with my hubby and watching TWD! :)

"Black dragon roll"

I hope everyone else had a wonderful Thanksgiving & long weekend! Now to get done with this week so I can start buying blue and getting nursery ideas together.
Until next time, Lexi :)

Weekend recap// 16 week bumpdate!

Friday after work I went to get my hair done. I was going to go back dark brown since my hair hasn't been done since July, but my husband really wanted me to get it red. So of course I had to please my hubby and I went with the red! I actually really like it, but I know it isn't going to last long. Red fades so fast, but that just means I have to go sooner to get pampered ;)

Saturday Dakota had the day of and we went to Whataburger for our Saturday morning tradition. Their Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit is seriously the Cats Pajamas. Seriously, it's amazing. After breakfast we ran a couple of errands for the house. We bought a house back in October and we are renovating the entire thing! It's super stressful, but going to be so worth it once we get everything done! After we picked up a few items from Lowes Dakota and I got ready and headed to the mall. We were on the hunt for me a blue sweater and him a pink shirt for the gender reveal party. We literally went into every store in the mall..... blue is just not the color right now apparently. The last store we stopped in was American Eagle. I finally found a blue sweater and didn't even try it on. I just grabbed it because I was so happy I found one. Of course we couldn't find a shirt for Dakota, but hey at least we got me done and he scored a pair of pants while in the process. After the mall we headed to the Bonefish grill to meet my friend Jessica and her husband for dinner. We all have never been before, and honestly I wasn't missing out on much. The food is over priced and I wasn't impressed with it. I would rather get dinner at Chili's and do the 2 for $20! After dinner we all went to the movie to see the new Hunger Games movie. It was really good & I'm looking forward to the next one.

"The house we bought back in October"

"At the mall with my bebe"

"Me & Jessica"

"This picture cracks me up"

Sunday we woke up early and got ready for church. We have been attending the same one for about a month now and I really like it. I would like to visit other churches still, but for right now I am content with Plainview. After church we got some supplies for the gender reveal party which is coming up soon!!!! We stocked up on blue and pink plates, cups, napkins, etc. After some shopping we met Dakotas dad for lunch at one my favorite restaurants, Founaris brothers! I have been craving their vegetarian pizza and oh my gosh it was delicious. I'm sure I will be back soon! After lunch Dakota and I made a quick trip to Target so I could get some more maternity jeans and to find a pink shirt. No such luck, but I did find some cute maternity jeggings. Finally we headed home and I just did laundry and cleaned while Dakota made his deer jerky (gross). The entire house smelled and honestly made me a little nauseous. That night we watched TWD and Dakota gave the kitties their manicures.

"Daddy giving Willow a Mani"

& Now for my 16 week bumpdate! Little Baby Ward is the size of a Pickle and

• Measures at 4.5 Inches and 4 ounces
• Ears are developed enough that he/she can hear all the sounds that mommy can
• Should start feeling some kicks, an event known as " quickening"
• Growing hair, eyelashes, and brows
• Forming taste buds

"16 weeks with my growing little one"

I am SO excited because this Friday we get to have an ultrasound where we found out the gender. I am bringing family and close friends to the ultrasound, but when they find the parts we are going to turn our heads because I don't want to ruin the surprise for the gender reveal! Eeeeek, I'm so ready to find out what we are having. I'm ready to start buying everything and getting nursery items together. I am still team BLUE I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Until next time, Lexi!