Welcome Jean-Margaret!

Exactly one week ago today, Evans pulled out the pen and paper to keep track of increasingly regular and intense contractions. That night my water broke--sending us to the hospital to prepare for baby Jeannie's arrival!

Once contractions were nearly 2 minutes apart (ow!) they wheeled me back for a pre-planned cesarian delivery. I had just enough of a taste for real labor to understand the value of an epidural :) About ten minutes later... the most beautiful little girl I have ever seen was delivered into our lives.


Miss Jean-Margaret Lackey
6 pounds 13 ounces
20 inches

Look at that head full of dark hair and rosy cheeks!

From day 1 this lucky lady has had grandparents, friends, and family to love her dearly and there has been no shortage of arms to help out.

Van was not sure what to think at first, but has slowly come around to her presence.

We know how fleeting, (sleepless), and temporary this lovely time is with a newborn...Evans and I are savoring each moment and have had a hard time putting her down!

The hospital went really well and we were discharged two days later.

Big brother Van got to hold his sister (now that she finally came down the chimney!)

And sleepy momma gets to hold her two precious children

Evans is an amazing daddy and very captivated by his little girl!

Proud Auntie Snags!

She had a great check-up at the doctor (no crying!) and surpassed her birth weight which is a nice feeling.

We are tickled to watch Jean-Margaret grow into our family.

Wish us luck in the upcoming weeks!

Happy birthday sweet heart!!





Happy Valentine's Day!

The Activity:

-Balloons (thanks Gwanny Wombus)

-A golf club (plastic)

-A toddler (pants optional)

Watch in amazement as your toddler entertains him/herself to no end:

Goodbye to our little threesome family!

My next post will be with Baby Jean-Margaret! Woohoo!!

Thanks for all of your thoughts and prayers. She'll be a fully-baked baby!

Finally February!

Approaching the 40-week mark (while daunting) is far better than having a baby in the NICU. I just keep reminding myself of that daily. Evans and I have been sure to have hospital bags ready and plenty of gas in the car (just in case) for over a month now and time just seems to be dragging!

We have a maximum of 2 weeks from today and I am very excited that Jean-Margaret will have a February birthday!

My sister and I recently went through some of our "Granny Jean's" old jewelry. I found this "Jean" pin with an amethyst stone (February's birth stone) and am so excited to share it with Jean-Margaret on her February birthday:

 Granny Jean was born February 6th, so while they will not share a birthday--I am so thankful that I have such a meaningful gift to pass down to our little girl from her namesake!

Top 6 Pregnancy Tips

Hello there! I am still very pregnant as evidenced from my morning shot below:

Since Jean-Margaret has officially surpassed Van's gestational period, I have found myself selfishly wondering how much longer this baby will remain in my belly! While I am very pleased she has decided to bake longer, she is quite active and I am definitely slowing down a bit. Instead of indulging in the grouchy discomforts, I decided to blog about some helpful pregnancy tips I've encountered. Van was tickled to help me model.

#1--Plenty of water. I bought this large cup to help remind me I can never consume too much H20. Vansome likes to steal the cup from time to time!

On that same note, to keep the caffeine intake low, I got this fancy little mug (at Home Goods for like $.99) to remind me one teeny cup is all I get!

#2--Plenty of exercise!! Although I feel like a bowling ball is permanently attached to my midsection, I have tried not to let it discourage me from staying active. Van prefers chasing balloons, I prefer walking.

#3--SLEEP! When I was pregnant the first time, I didn't really understand why everyone told me "sleep now--because you won't once the baby comes!" I have tried to remember those early sleepless nights and get plenty of rest.

#4--Borrowing maternity clothes from trendy friends. This one is key! Its so helpful to share vs. purchasing clothes for just a few months. Borrowing some staples also allows you to splurge on some fun pieces. I have gotten plenty of wear out of these:  And recommend the brands "Maternal America" and "Olian" for fun, flattering tops.

#5--Keeping busy. This is easy with a 2-year-old, but in addition to wrangling Van, I have stepped up the sewing projects in order to stay productive. Evans has come home for lunch several times to me blasting the Jack Johnson station on Pandora and stubbornly determined on the sewing machine! I sewed some Christmas presents this year, some air freshener sachets for Baby Jeannie, and a library bag for Van. 

#6--Lastly--the occasional indulgence! This may be the most important. For this pregnancy, indulgence is defined by everything from chocolate covered almonds, (Hayes Barton Cafe desserts), some home decor purchases from Furbish, a prenatal massage, and fresh lilies.

I have tried to read lots as well. If you are in the market for a new book, try my sister's book...you can go hear a book reading too!

I'll keep the blog posted for baby details! But for now here is a little peak at her precious face!

Thats all!

Happy Birthday Dad!!

Someone couldn't wait to get out of bed and join Dad for his birthday breakfast and a dance party!!

Babymooning

"The baby is very low ...I can feel the head!"

-My doctor at the 34 week check-up

The cure?

To relax.

Its a good thing Evans and I have so much help around the house!

And a terrific Auntie Snags who sent a bundle of goodies to enjoy!!

Our parents are making sure we stay full and Evans and I took our "babymoon" to the North Hills Renaissance Hotel (right across the street).  It was a little strange to see our roof top from the hotel room, but convenient, easy, and refreshing. The room was so comfy, it inspired me to upgrade our bed pillows, rotate the mattress, and get a new candle! (Pottery Barn, Wild Fern--mmmm)

Sleep has been much better!

Some wonderful friends wouldn't let Jean-Margaret go un-showered!

(And they have great taste in baby clothes!!)

My random honey-do items are checked off, our industrial "supply closet" is stocked to the brim, her nursery is complete... even though we are so ready to meet you, Jeannie--please hold off a few more weeks!! :)

Hope you are having a nice start to the new year!

Happy New Year!!

I hope you all ate your collards and black eyed peas to start the new year with good health & fortune!

There is a big boy around here trying to fill in his daddy's shoes!

In the midst of the 6:30 pm cook dinner/give bath/clean up/get ready for bed phenomenon--Van stumbled out of our room sporting his dad's kicks.

Not the right feet but still looking good :)

Here are some cute photos from Uncle Bo:



And my new personal favorite...