Whelan Party of 3!

I looked back at my blog from early June 2013 to see what we did the day or two before we checked into the hospital to have MC, but I didn't write it down! So I definitely wanted to take the time to do it this time. 

We had a great last weekend as a party of 3. Friday afternoon we played outside, ran errands and  had a family date to Jonah's. We also took Mc to pick out a cupcake. She wanted an orange one. :) We ate outside in the courtyard BC it felt so good and semi-fall like outside! 

Saturday morning we went to the Character Breakfast in Valdosta put on by the VJSL. Molly Caroline loved seeing the monkey, Minnie, Mickey Mouse, Cinderella, and Sofia! She called out to all of them and waved but didn't want to touch them. Although she did let Sofia hold her. The hulk or "monster" scared her! We ran into Target before coming back home and we're back in town by lunch.

We got a lot done last night after MC went to bed. I got my nurse gifts done, washed a load of MC's clothes, we packed Matt's hospital bag, and I dusted the dining room for Thanksgiving.

Today has been low key. We snuggled in jammies for a long time, played outside and swung. Matt made us a big breakfast, and we just enjoyed low key family time. I gave MC a bath and she's napping now. My parents should get here in the next hour or so. Then, we will check into the hospital in just a few hours. It officially feels like winter. Anna Claire might have a cold birthday! 

It also officially feels like the holidays to me. I love seeing the nutcrackers out, the Christmas decor, plantation wildlife art up, verses on thankfulness everywhere I look, and Christmas music on the radio. This is such a special time of year! 

Homecoming, Polish, and Christmas Trees!

We spent Saturday morning in Valdosta! Our family tradition is attending the parade and usually the game (although we skipped it this year)! We had so much fun being on campus! Molly Caroline loved getting candy and seeing the cheerleaders. We also did some family swinging at a little playground near the front lawn. Such a great day!

Whenever I choose a nail polish I always always always make sure the name of it is meaningful. Weird I know. When I had MC I did a summery bright pink on my toes (then a french...crisp white and kind of nautical) and It's a girl on my fingers for my summer baby!  Fall and winter colors are my favorite but I didn't want harsh gray, taupe, navy, or wine in my pics when holding a newborn. So I got a neutral tan called don't pretzel my buttons on my nails. That's for Matt. I can be kind of short tempered while in labor! Haha And a girly berry color on my toes, called the berry thought of you for my sweet fall baby girl!

Molly Caroline chose a dark shimmery purple for her nails and had her first princess paint. They were too sweet and didn't charge! Matt entertained her until I was finished. I was so thankful for that! Number one hubby! 

Molly Caroline watched a Christmas show at mimis today and asked me if I would get her a Christmas tree. Well of course we will let her pick out a little one tomorrow night, but for now we pulled a few trees that we had at home out. She was thrilled and sang O Christmas tree over and over! She also got a big sister prize from our neighbors, which was perfect! A pink "polka tot" pony! And Anna Claire got her first monogrammed outfit! 

The countdown...

Well we are officially counting down. Wondering if our newest baby girl is going to come in the next few days? I need to dust and mop again, clean out the freezer, and do a little laundry room organizing. But if needed, those things can wait. Both girls rooms are ready. But neither are completely finished. But I'm hoping to add those last little details in January, after Christmas. I have my last Dr appointment in just a bit actually! This pregnancy has flown by!

My "diaper bag" is ready. :)

The girls dresses for Christmas Eve have arrived!

I cleaned up the infant  car seat and Matt installed it!

Here are some nursery pictures. I love how the basics are the same from MC's, but the colors/patterns are new for AC.

Sweet Showers

We had two sweet little showers for our Anna Claire. We had a prayer shower at church with our life group in October which was so meaningful and special and left me teary eyed. 

And then yesterday we had a school "sprinkle" on the wing that I teach on. I requested necessities like diapers, dreft, caramel cake (haha) etc. and got them, but also got some surprises like gift cards, a homemade blanket, books, bibs, and Christmas outfits. 

We are thankful for everything!

Family days!

The past few days have been perfection. Sunday after church we took Molly Caroline to her first movie, the Peanuts movie.!Something I really wanted to do before Anna Claire arrived. It was rainy and just the perfect day for it. MC loved the movie and sat quietly for most of it. She loudly asked a few questions near the end, but it was sweet. She danced, spilled her Sprite all over her dress ;), and soaked up every minute. She's asked to go to the movies twice since then. 

It is really really rare for us to go out to eat on a weeknight lately. We were out and about right around 5 and hungry and it was rainy, so we just decided not to cook and to go eat at George and Louie's. We especially love the atmosphere. Molly Caroline loved playing and then getting her water to go. Then we went and picked out some toiletries for the hospital bag. We finally got home and saw our new shutters! Then had family snuggle time in "mama/daddy's bed" with our little sweet pea and listened to the rain.

Simple nights like that are the best!

Tonight I went to my first actual JSL meeting of the year. As a board member, I felt that I needed to show my face. And I'm so glad that I did! What a fun night catching up with friends. I got home just in time to snuggle and read books with a freshly bathed baby girl. Then I enjoyed a little peppermint (sounded good when we bought it...we're ready for the holidays) ice cream date with my hubs! I'm just soaking up the last few days of our normal everyday moments. They are what I cherish and love the most. I like to make the little things count.