So I have been harassed this week about not updating my blog- SORRY!!! I have just not been in a blogging mood. Mainly I guess because there haven't been too many updates to report! I don't want to bore everyone with all the mundane details of the Hamilton habitat but here goes.....
This week we are trying to finish up the nursery. I have not posted pictures yet because the room is still a mess and I would like all of the painting paraphernalia to be out of the way so you can get the full effect. Hopefully this weekend everything will be done and I will have some pics for you soon!! I did pick up GiGi's crib yesterday and I am so excited to put it together! Or watch Raymond put it together if you will. Hopefully I will have her mattress in the next few days as well so most of her sleeping arrangements will be done. 4 weeks until her bedding and glider come in. 4 LONG weeks!! I am so ready for everything to get here! But I know that it will be worth the wait!!
We have decided on the Godparents of our precious beloved and both of them are super excited! Liz and Patrick will be her devoted Godparents and we truly feel so blessed to have two people who we know and trust will love GiGi as much as we do. I told Patrick he can't take it back the first time she spits up on him!!
We have many wonderful things to look forward to in the next few weeks, mainly Easter, and the wonderful celebration that it brings. I also have a baby shower and a shower for my dear friend Rebecca. So looking forward to April!! May will be even better with Patrick graduating from Clemson and Rebecca and Hampton getting married! Lots of joyous times ahead!! We have much to be thankful for this time of year.
On the pregnancy note, I experienced my first Braxton Hicks contraction the other day and all I have to say is GIVE ME DRUGS!! It literally brought me to my knees. I was by myself and I thought that this was probably a good thing as Raymond would have had me in the car and at Baptist before I could say mojito! It passed and I was on my way to work but it gave me a clear insight to the real thing and I know now, as if I didn't know before, that I will be taking my epidural cocktail a double please bartender. I had another one later that evening and of course Dad was all freaked out. I guess it's a good thing that my husband is more in tune with my pregnancy than I am. He is on board and ready to go when things get tough. Baby girl is moving around more and more every day and I love feeling all of her movements. Although at times they can be a tad painful when she is resting on my organs. Her main movements have been in my lower abdomen but I can tell that she has shifted because this morning I felt her up near my rib cage. I know that she will soon be needing some more room and I expect some growing pains as she is stretching out. We return to the doctor this coming week so I am excited for some updates on her! The days are narrowing until her arrival and I get more and more excited every minute!!
Thanks for bearing with me as I have been experiencing this blog drought!! I will promise to try and do better!! I hope you all have a wonderful and DRY weekend!
Baby hugs and kicks to you all!!!
"And I hope that deep inside of you, there's a sweet eternal song. And I hope the words are pretty and that you'll always sing along. I hope your friends are many and your laughter's always loud, to help you when you're lonely and pick you up when you're down. I hope your eyes shine bright, love, and learn to see the light. Take the time to listen and decide yourself what's wrong or right. Oh little baby girl, Sweet little baby girl."
-Will Hoge
Love, Charlotte, Raymond, Georgia and Tellie
Friday, March 27, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
I DID IT!!!!
Well....I did it! I finally finished cleaning the nursery! I am so proud of myself! Raymond was in his class all weekend so I took it upon myself with the nasty weather and finished up the room. Now we are ready to paint! Last night we put the color on the walls to see if we like it and it looks beautiful. I think that it will go well with Georgia's beautiful bedding I am having made. It's a pale minty green. The room right now is a pale (Citadel) blue so I wanted you to have an idea of how far we are coming along with everything! I have posted some pics below of the "before" shots! 
This is Georgia's closet! As you can see it is already filling up! I have gone a little nuts over the past few weeks but I have gotten some really cute things! Plus it doesn't hurt that both grandmothers and her godmother have already deemed to spoil her completely! We will have to add some extra shelving before long!
This is to the right of the room when you walk in the door. I am painting that nightstand to be white to match her crib. It's a great piece of furniture and it's the perfect height for the twin bed that will be in there.
I am keeping a twin in there so that if needed, Raymond can sleep in there! HA! I think it's practical to have a bed in there in case I don't want to be to far from her during the night. This is not where the bed is going to be but Raymond wanted to make a point that it could fit here so he pushed it to this wall. We haven't quite figured out the logistics of the furniture placement and I know it will take me getting everything in there before it all can come into fruition.
This is Georgia's closet! As you can see it is already filling up! I have gone a little nuts over the past few weeks but I have gotten some really cute things! Plus it doesn't hurt that both grandmothers and her godmother have already deemed to spoil her completely! We will have to add some extra shelving before long!
This is to the right of the room when you walk in the door. I am painting that nightstand to be white to match her crib. It's a great piece of furniture and it's the perfect height for the twin bed that will be in there.
I am keeping a twin in there so that if needed, Raymond can sleep in there! HA! I think it's practical to have a bed in there in case I don't want to be to far from her during the night. This is not where the bed is going to be but Raymond wanted to make a point that it could fit here so he pushed it to this wall. We haven't quite figured out the logistics of the furniture placement and I know it will take me getting everything in there before it all can come into fruition.
I will keep the pictures coming as we finish our mini projects!
Hope you all have a wonderful St. Patricks Day!!!
May you have a world of wishes at your command, God and his angels close at hand, friends and family their love impart, and Irish blessings in your heart.
Love, Charlotte and her gang
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Through the eyes of Raymond
So....I was reading Blue Eyed Bride's blog the other day and she and her husband are taking the same route that Raymond and I are....get married and immediately get pregnant!! It has been fun reading and following her blog as she and her husband get adjusted to married life and preparing for their first child. Even though I don't know her personally, it has been somewhat of a comfort to read her gripes, laughs, etc and sit back and be able to empathize. She spoke a few weeks ago about what her husband's response might be if someone were to ask him what the first year of marriage is like. Which got me thinking, what would Raymond say? I thought that maybe I would share with you some of my husband's thoughts on the first year of marriage....with a pregnant wife.....
1. Not just pregnant women go to the "pregnancy doctor's" office. (Note to self: Become familiar with the term OB/GYN)
2. Get really comfortable in the kitchen because apparently, if you are pregnant, you can't cook.
3. Everyone said that pregnancy brings about crazy mood swings and severely emotional moments....I'm still trying to figure out how that will be different than our life before she got pregnant.
4. If your wife says she's cold, the air goes off. If she's hot, get the fans going. Always be in defensive mode because this could change from second to second.
5. Prepare yourself before walking in the house- always have a smile and a kiss ready with open arms, but don't get down if she just looks at you blankly. She still loves you.
6. Is it Wednesday? Yep, she's probably crying. Is it Sunday? Yep, she's probably crying. Does the day end in y? Just bank on not ever understanding why she's shedding tears.
7. Pregnant women get "very overwhelmed" by something very little- say, packing for a weekend getaway?
8. Be prepared to stock up on the most random foods. Even though you've never seen her eat a fruit roll up or Eggo waffle, if that's what she wants, get it.
9. It might be okay one day for your golf clubs to sit by the door, but don't be shocked when the next day you might as well have committed a moral sin.
10. Be ready to apologize, even if you don't know what you are apologizing for.
11. Pregnant women seem to need to put their feet up A LOT.
12. You will be hearing the phrase, "I can't help it, I'm pregnant" more times that you can count.
13. Women's bodies do things that you could have gone your WHOLE life without knowing.
14. Spiff up your foot and back rubbing techniques.
15. Become an expert at doing EVERYTHING around the house.
I thought that some of you who know Raymond might get a good chuckle out of this. Your chuckle will be greatly increased if you know me at all. Raymond is a good soul! That's why I know he'll make a good daddy!
Off to Junior League tonight. I am really excited for the year to be wrapping up. We have finally seen all of our hard work pay off. My group had their Provisional Project last weekend at Richland Memorial's Childrens Hospital and it was a hit. The children were so excited to have us there. We had a Movie Adventure Party and had all sorts of crafts, movies, goodie bags, and treats for all the children. It was such an amazing experience to be able to bring some joy into these sweet children's lives. It truly touched me to the core when I realized that this could very well be me with my own child. I can only hope and pray that there would be a group of women who cared as much. The staff was amazing and it is such a wonderful place that does so much good for so many families.
Hope you all are ready for the weekend! Raymond started his preparation class for the FE exam in April today. It's 80 intense hours of prep for the exam and although he's anxious for the actual test, I think that he is ready to put himself to the max! I am so proud of him and I know that he will do so well. He will be occupied with that for the next few weekends so in the meantime I will be forcing myself to get on the nursery. Especially this weekend since it's supposed to be really yucky. I will have no excuse but to lock myself up in the house and clean and clean and clean!
Hopefully this weekend I will be ready to have the "before" picture ready to take of the nursery. This weekend is Corps Weekend down at The Citadel and I hate that I won't be able to end up going down. Please keep all of the cadets in your continued prayers as they are bringing this school year to an end. This is always an exciting time for them! Also, please continue to keep my friend Jessica and her husband Trey in your prayers as well as he is beginning his career serving our country. She is doing really well and holding up like a well, soldier (sorry Jess, no pun intended).
Hope you all have a blessed evening!!!
"And in this crazy life, and through these crazy times. It's you, it's you, you make me sing. You're every line, you're every word, you're everything."
-Michael Buble
Love,
Charlotte
1. Not just pregnant women go to the "pregnancy doctor's" office. (Note to self: Become familiar with the term OB/GYN)
2. Get really comfortable in the kitchen because apparently, if you are pregnant, you can't cook.
3. Everyone said that pregnancy brings about crazy mood swings and severely emotional moments....I'm still trying to figure out how that will be different than our life before she got pregnant.
4. If your wife says she's cold, the air goes off. If she's hot, get the fans going. Always be in defensive mode because this could change from second to second.
5. Prepare yourself before walking in the house- always have a smile and a kiss ready with open arms, but don't get down if she just looks at you blankly. She still loves you.
6. Is it Wednesday? Yep, she's probably crying. Is it Sunday? Yep, she's probably crying. Does the day end in y? Just bank on not ever understanding why she's shedding tears.
7. Pregnant women get "very overwhelmed" by something very little- say, packing for a weekend getaway?
8. Be prepared to stock up on the most random foods. Even though you've never seen her eat a fruit roll up or Eggo waffle, if that's what she wants, get it.
9. It might be okay one day for your golf clubs to sit by the door, but don't be shocked when the next day you might as well have committed a moral sin.
10. Be ready to apologize, even if you don't know what you are apologizing for.
11. Pregnant women seem to need to put their feet up A LOT.
12. You will be hearing the phrase, "I can't help it, I'm pregnant" more times that you can count.
13. Women's bodies do things that you could have gone your WHOLE life without knowing.
14. Spiff up your foot and back rubbing techniques.
15. Become an expert at doing EVERYTHING around the house.
I thought that some of you who know Raymond might get a good chuckle out of this. Your chuckle will be greatly increased if you know me at all. Raymond is a good soul! That's why I know he'll make a good daddy!
Off to Junior League tonight. I am really excited for the year to be wrapping up. We have finally seen all of our hard work pay off. My group had their Provisional Project last weekend at Richland Memorial's Childrens Hospital and it was a hit. The children were so excited to have us there. We had a Movie Adventure Party and had all sorts of crafts, movies, goodie bags, and treats for all the children. It was such an amazing experience to be able to bring some joy into these sweet children's lives. It truly touched me to the core when I realized that this could very well be me with my own child. I can only hope and pray that there would be a group of women who cared as much. The staff was amazing and it is such a wonderful place that does so much good for so many families.
Hope you all are ready for the weekend! Raymond started his preparation class for the FE exam in April today. It's 80 intense hours of prep for the exam and although he's anxious for the actual test, I think that he is ready to put himself to the max! I am so proud of him and I know that he will do so well. He will be occupied with that for the next few weekends so in the meantime I will be forcing myself to get on the nursery. Especially this weekend since it's supposed to be really yucky. I will have no excuse but to lock myself up in the house and clean and clean and clean!
Hopefully this weekend I will be ready to have the "before" picture ready to take of the nursery. This weekend is Corps Weekend down at The Citadel and I hate that I won't be able to end up going down. Please keep all of the cadets in your continued prayers as they are bringing this school year to an end. This is always an exciting time for them! Also, please continue to keep my friend Jessica and her husband Trey in your prayers as well as he is beginning his career serving our country. She is doing really well and holding up like a well, soldier (sorry Jess, no pun intended).
Hope you all have a blessed evening!!!
"And in this crazy life, and through these crazy times. It's you, it's you, you make me sing. You're every line, you're every word, you're everything."
-Michael Buble
Love,
Charlotte
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Temporary Sabbatical
Hello all! I am sorry that I have not updated the blog but things have been a little chaotic. I had some downtime and I thought that I would shoot a quick blog about what's going on!
First, I am so proud of my brother/sister-in-law! Yesterday they closed on a BEAUTIFUL home in Charleston and are getting all ready to move in this weekend! I was originally supposed to go down this weekend but had to postpone so I am really anxious to get over there and check the new digs out! I think it was exactly what they were looking for and they love it and are so happy and excited and we are so excited for them!
Baby Updates: Went to the Dr. last Thursday and he said everything looked great! The heartbeat was as strong as ever and it's the most refreshing and beautiful sound! I go back in a few weeks for my last 4 week interval check up. After that I will go every two weeks and I will do that either 3 or 4 times. I can't remember- we'll have to ask Raymond. THEN I start going every week. The time is quickly approaching! We signed up for our childbirth classes and we will do those in May. Other than that, we are just rolling right along! The swelling has started to kick in! I didn't believe it when everyone kept warning me but OH BABY! By about 2 or 3 in the afternoon, I can see my ankles just doubling in size. It seems to be a lot worse when I am in stone cold flats so I try and wear some sort of a little heel every day. I am still sporting the big dawg heels but I know that I will have to forgo those pretty soon : ( I have tried to stay with it as long as I could, but I know that the back pains will prevent my added 4 inches of height! I will manage to wear a little heel right up till the end though- THAT I won't give up. I come home every afternoon and prop my feet up- I know what you're thinking, very convenient that I have yet another reason that keeps me from cooking dinner- but luckily I have a very understanding husband.
I know that I keep reiterating this in all of my blogs, but I just can't wait for her to get here so we can meet her. Raymond has been anxious as I think I've previously mentioned due to the fact that he has yet to be able to feel her kick. WELL.....last night cured all anxiety! GiGi let out a HUGE punt for her daddy. We were laying down watching a movie, and of course, you can imagine, Raymond's hand does not stray far from my stomach as he fears he will miss it. All of a sudden after his polite pleading to her for her to move, she performed beautifully! The look on his face was priceless. I am so happy for him that he was finally able to feel what I have been feeling. It's so reassuring when she's rolling around in there- I can only imagine how active she will be when she has the whole world at her hands!
This past weekend Raymond went to Litchfield for a guys weekend to celebrate one of his friends getting married and so I packed up and went to Chester on Saturday. Uncle Preston's family had a fish fry with lots of fried caloric intake. It was nice to get out of town for a while and be out in the country. Plus, I think that Georgia really enjoyed the 40 hushpuppies that her mama consumed. It was wonderful being with Peggy and Milton and our trips are always too short! We did come home with some nice goodies for the armoir! Georgia has some adorable dresses and sets (and a bathrobe!!!!!) to add to her wardrobe! I can't wait to play dress up with her!
Spring is here and we have a busy few months ahead! We have weddings galore which means PARTIES! It has been fun traveling the wedding party circuit for almost 2 years now. Since most of our friends are getting married off there has been no shortage of social gatherings. I will definitely miss that when all the hub bub is over! Good thing that it is all happening now before Georgia's arrival! Things will be a little calmer once she comes- well- for everyone else at least!
"Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see."
- John Whitehead, Rutherford Institute
Many kisses and baby kicks to you all!
Love, Charlotte and the brood
First, I am so proud of my brother/sister-in-law! Yesterday they closed on a BEAUTIFUL home in Charleston and are getting all ready to move in this weekend! I was originally supposed to go down this weekend but had to postpone so I am really anxious to get over there and check the new digs out! I think it was exactly what they were looking for and they love it and are so happy and excited and we are so excited for them!
Baby Updates: Went to the Dr. last Thursday and he said everything looked great! The heartbeat was as strong as ever and it's the most refreshing and beautiful sound! I go back in a few weeks for my last 4 week interval check up. After that I will go every two weeks and I will do that either 3 or 4 times. I can't remember- we'll have to ask Raymond. THEN I start going every week. The time is quickly approaching! We signed up for our childbirth classes and we will do those in May. Other than that, we are just rolling right along! The swelling has started to kick in! I didn't believe it when everyone kept warning me but OH BABY! By about 2 or 3 in the afternoon, I can see my ankles just doubling in size. It seems to be a lot worse when I am in stone cold flats so I try and wear some sort of a little heel every day. I am still sporting the big dawg heels but I know that I will have to forgo those pretty soon : ( I have tried to stay with it as long as I could, but I know that the back pains will prevent my added 4 inches of height! I will manage to wear a little heel right up till the end though- THAT I won't give up. I come home every afternoon and prop my feet up- I know what you're thinking, very convenient that I have yet another reason that keeps me from cooking dinner- but luckily I have a very understanding husband.
I know that I keep reiterating this in all of my blogs, but I just can't wait for her to get here so we can meet her. Raymond has been anxious as I think I've previously mentioned due to the fact that he has yet to be able to feel her kick. WELL.....last night cured all anxiety! GiGi let out a HUGE punt for her daddy. We were laying down watching a movie, and of course, you can imagine, Raymond's hand does not stray far from my stomach as he fears he will miss it. All of a sudden after his polite pleading to her for her to move, she performed beautifully! The look on his face was priceless. I am so happy for him that he was finally able to feel what I have been feeling. It's so reassuring when she's rolling around in there- I can only imagine how active she will be when she has the whole world at her hands!
This past weekend Raymond went to Litchfield for a guys weekend to celebrate one of his friends getting married and so I packed up and went to Chester on Saturday. Uncle Preston's family had a fish fry with lots of fried caloric intake. It was nice to get out of town for a while and be out in the country. Plus, I think that Georgia really enjoyed the 40 hushpuppies that her mama consumed. It was wonderful being with Peggy and Milton and our trips are always too short! We did come home with some nice goodies for the armoir! Georgia has some adorable dresses and sets (and a bathrobe!!!!!) to add to her wardrobe! I can't wait to play dress up with her!
Spring is here and we have a busy few months ahead! We have weddings galore which means PARTIES! It has been fun traveling the wedding party circuit for almost 2 years now. Since most of our friends are getting married off there has been no shortage of social gatherings. I will definitely miss that when all the hub bub is over! Good thing that it is all happening now before Georgia's arrival! Things will be a little calmer once she comes- well- for everyone else at least!
"Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see."
- John Whitehead, Rutherford Institute
Many kisses and baby kicks to you all!
Love, Charlotte and the brood
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
BRRRR!!!!
I realized today that I hadn't written in a few days. I guess that's good because not much has happened! G has been moving around a lot lately and it makes me feel so good just to know that she's in there! Everyone told me when I first found out that I was pregnant how wonderful it was and how amazing the whole experience is. I hate to be that cliche, but it truly is. I never in a million years imagined that I could feel so close to someone that I have never even met! I know now how a parent can love their child so incredibly much after carrying them so close to your heart for 9 months. Raymond and I were watching tv the other night and we both said at the same time how anxious we are to meet her. Anxious in a good way though. I will miss being pregnant (I'm sure Raymond won't) as I have truly enjoyed every (exhausting) second of being pregnant. I joked to Raymond the other day that I just might be willing to do this again! I feel so bad for him right now because I always jump when she makes a sudden movement or when I can feel her swishing around in there; but unfortunately he can't feel her quite yet. I just keep telling him to be patient but I know he so badly wants to experience the same things that I am. Although, I am sure that desire will change when the labor comes into play! At that point, I am sure he will be the furthest thing from jealous!
I went shopping with Aunt Liz this weekend in Charlotte and we had a blast! Although the weather was really crummy, it was the perfect excuse to be holed up in stores all day. Everyone was having insanely good sales. Georgia racked up! I bought her some adorable outfits for this summer including her first bathing suit! She will be styling and profiling on Sullivan's Island at 8 weeks old! That combined with her SunDome, she will make the perfect little bathing beauty! She also got plenty of dresses and onesies and even a few items from Liz that are adorable. This child will (sadly) probably not know the meaning on SIMPLICITY. I kept saying that I would keep it in check but it is so hard to do! I keep hoping that it will wear off but I am just not sure about it! This weekend I am going to go to my mom's and pull out all of my old clothes from when I was a baby. I have so many smocked items that my mom made for me and I can't wait to see G in them! I also can't wait to see what Swoozie will start smocking up next for her!
Raymond had his first PT appointment yesterday and the therapist said that his left ankle isn't much better than his right ankle. So he is now working on both of them to reduce any potential injury. Hopefully he will start to see some results within the first few sessions. He goes to the same therapist as my mom and so far my mom has nothing but great things to say about him! She seems to making really good progress so I continue to hope for nothing but the best for her.
We finalized our plans for our trip that we're taking in September. We, the Hamilton siblings, are taking Raymond's amazing aunt to St. Augustine for a much deserved getaway. She has treated all of her nieces and nephews to trips when they were younger and so it's now her turn to be spoiled! We found a great place on the beach, so although it will be my first planned trip away, I am already looking forward to lounging on the white sands! Talk about motivation for a post-baby body!!! I am really excited as we have never been there before and it will be a grand time I am sure.
I found out this week that a really close friend of the family has been disgnosed with a condition and they don't know how good it looks for her. She has children that are my age and is a wonderful person. Please keep them in your prayers as the doctors are trying to come up with a prognosis. It makes the blessings we have around us that much more concrete when we realize how not so permanent they really are.
Other than that, not much has changed. Raymond is still sporting the NASCAR headphones when he can, although I have hidden them in the midst of cleaning up : )
Hope you all stay bundled up and warm!
"And if it all falls apart, I will know deep in my heart, the only dream that mattered had come true. In this life, I was loved by you."
-Colin Raye
Love, Charlotte, Raymond, Georgia and Tellie
I went shopping with Aunt Liz this weekend in Charlotte and we had a blast! Although the weather was really crummy, it was the perfect excuse to be holed up in stores all day. Everyone was having insanely good sales. Georgia racked up! I bought her some adorable outfits for this summer including her first bathing suit! She will be styling and profiling on Sullivan's Island at 8 weeks old! That combined with her SunDome, she will make the perfect little bathing beauty! She also got plenty of dresses and onesies and even a few items from Liz that are adorable. This child will (sadly) probably not know the meaning on SIMPLICITY. I kept saying that I would keep it in check but it is so hard to do! I keep hoping that it will wear off but I am just not sure about it! This weekend I am going to go to my mom's and pull out all of my old clothes from when I was a baby. I have so many smocked items that my mom made for me and I can't wait to see G in them! I also can't wait to see what Swoozie will start smocking up next for her!
Raymond had his first PT appointment yesterday and the therapist said that his left ankle isn't much better than his right ankle. So he is now working on both of them to reduce any potential injury. Hopefully he will start to see some results within the first few sessions. He goes to the same therapist as my mom and so far my mom has nothing but great things to say about him! She seems to making really good progress so I continue to hope for nothing but the best for her.
We finalized our plans for our trip that we're taking in September. We, the Hamilton siblings, are taking Raymond's amazing aunt to St. Augustine for a much deserved getaway. She has treated all of her nieces and nephews to trips when they were younger and so it's now her turn to be spoiled! We found a great place on the beach, so although it will be my first planned trip away, I am already looking forward to lounging on the white sands! Talk about motivation for a post-baby body!!! I am really excited as we have never been there before and it will be a grand time I am sure.
I found out this week that a really close friend of the family has been disgnosed with a condition and they don't know how good it looks for her. She has children that are my age and is a wonderful person. Please keep them in your prayers as the doctors are trying to come up with a prognosis. It makes the blessings we have around us that much more concrete when we realize how not so permanent they really are.
Other than that, not much has changed. Raymond is still sporting the NASCAR headphones when he can, although I have hidden them in the midst of cleaning up : )
Hope you all stay bundled up and warm!
"And if it all falls apart, I will know deep in my heart, the only dream that mattered had come true. In this life, I was loved by you."
-Colin Raye
Love, Charlotte, Raymond, Georgia and Tellie
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
