Our little preschooler

Our little girl started preschool this week! She went today and Tuesday and absolutely loved it - which makes her Mama happy! (No one wants to drop off a screaming baby!) Both days, when I dropped her off, she walked right in and didn't even look back. I am excited about all of the new little friends (and boyfriends) this year will bring for Als!

Below are some pictures from her first week at school. I just added the horrible first two to show that Ali did NOT want the paparazzi to take her picture on Tuesday! I was so sad b/c I wanted a cute little "first day of school" picture, but, first, in the morning, the camera was out of batteries! I ran to get some right before pick-up and then, when I attempted (as you see), she was not having it!! She said "No pictures!!" and would try to take the camera from me. It is a hard life being a photographed 21 month old - I understand!



The rest of the pictures are just from this morning and she still was not super cooperative but here are my attempts.






This morning I had a 33W4D appointment and everything looked great. No big updates. I am excited b/c she said at my next appointment, in a little less than 2 weeks, we will have another ultrasound to see how the baby is doing, how much she weighs, etc. So, I am very excited about that!! Can't wait to see the little peanut in my belly one last time before the real deal!

We're heading to Athens this weekend for the game - all three (four!) of us! I hope to get some pictures to post next weekend. GO DAWGS!!!

Let the Campaign begin!

Yesterday was the official Kick-off party for my dad's campaign and we had such a great time! Luckily Fay did not bring any rain - just tons of wind! Other than trying to hold down checks, bumper stickers, sign in sheets, etc - it was kind of nice to have the wind to keep it very cool. It just felt like a great Fall day (with plenty of wind!) and got me so excited for my favorite season, Fall!!


The kick-off party was a great success and now it is time to get in full gear for the campaign! I, of course, think my dad hung the moon and am looking forward to working as hard as I can for this upcoming election(well, as much as a 33 week + pregnant woman can!). Personally, I am thinking Ali will be his little good luck charm too! Two years ago, when he was running for re-election (they run every TWO years!), I was actually in labor with Ali the entire election day - November 7, 2006. I thank the Lord Dad was unopposed b/c I know that would have been so hard for him since I am a complete daddy's girl (and the only daughter) and knowing how much he adores Ali. Ali waited to come into this world a little after midnight (12:44)- I think she just wanted to hold off until after Election day b/c she did not want to have to share the spotlight with anyone else. :) Below are a few pictures of our family at the beginning of the party. Thank you so much to Cindy Suto for such great pictures of a fun day!

Can you tell how windy it is??

Two of my favorite people in the whole world!
Giving her Big Papa a kiss!
And, their reactions afterwards... (I thought this was cute!)
Ali with her Mimi and Big Papa


The whole Tumlin clan! Ashley, Ty (the newlyweds!), Mom, Dad, Me/Baby sister, Ali, Ryan, Frances (Sig's girlfriend), and Sig (I can not believe I am putting pictures up of me at 33 weeks pregnant but I am making myself get over it so I can share our family photos!) Our little family of 4! (I know I look like this baby is coming any day now - as people love to tell me - but I still have 7 weeks til my due date!)



Go Thunder!! We love you and are SO proud of you! Love, Ryan and your three little girls

Meet New Friends Day!

Today was "Meet New Friends Day" at Ali's new preschool! We were so
excited to go and meet most of Ali's little classmates and had a great time! I somehow just realized today Ali's new classroom is the same nursery room that Ali goes to every Sunday for church, so I think that helps a lot! You can tell she is familiar with the room b/c she heads right to the toys (and knows what to do with them) and doesn't even look for me! Ali has a great little class - 9 kids and a great mix of boys and girls - all close in age. We are excited b/c we know a few of the little ones - including Ali's friend, Bennett. When we went to Open House on Tuesday night, Ali and Bennett played and she hasn't stopped talking about him since. He is quite the little cutie too! I am really excited about Ali starting preschool b/c I think she is going to LOVE it - just being able to meet new little friends and go to the playground twice a week! Her first day is next Tuesday and we can't wait! (Although, honestly I will MISS her for those 3 hours each Tuesday and Thursday!!!) :( I know it will be nice, too, when baby sister gets here to give us a little together time while Ali is at school. Below is the only picture I got today! I took it on my Blackberry too so it is not super clear - but, it's just a glimpse of Ali's little room. She is standing next to one of her teachers, Mrs. Carolyn, and both of her teachers seem GREAT! I know they will take excellent care of my little princess!

Weekend Celebrations!

This past weekend was a busy one! We started off with Supper Club on Friday night (which always makes me happy and so grateful for our fun friends!). Then, on Saturday we had Ryan's 10 year reunion - which I had actually been dreading but ended up having a fun time - even though I was ready for bed by 9 p.m.! At the exact same time as the reunion, Ryan's grandparents had a 50th anniversary celebration that we had to miss b/c of the reunion! It worked out well for Ali's sake though - and she was able to go with her Grandmama and Granddaddy! Below are some pictures that Marcia sent me from the big night! Happy 50th Anniversary Great Grandmama and Great Granddaddy! We love you!



Ali playing with Kristen and Great-grandmama

Ali and Great Grandmama

Ali and Great Granddaddy
Then, on Sunday, the Patrick side of the family were so kind to throw a baby shower for me and Jill! Ryan's brother, Evan, and his wife, Jill, are expecting a baby girl a little over 2 weeks before us! Below are just a few pictures from the shower in Covington. We got some great things and even Ali got a few surprises! Thank you so much to Rhonda, Renee, Dana, Libby, and Michelle (I hope I am not forgetting anyone!) for throwing a great shower!

Sweet Ali "helping" her Mama open some presents...
Ali and her cousin, Olivia (Evan and Jill's little girl)
Both of the soon to be big sisters got two "Big Sister" shirts to sport when their little sisters get here. I have to say it is weird for me to see my little baby wearing a "Big sister!" shirt - she is still such a baby to me!

Little blessings

I hate that sometimes in life it takes having to watch someone else struggle or go through a hard time to realize how lucky you are. I feel like lately God has been trying to show me that in many ways and my heart breaks for other people's struggles, but it also makes me want to treasure every moment of the good things we have right now. You never know what tomorrow will bring! One thing that I know I take for granted is being able to get pregnant and have fairly easy pregnancies (knock on wood...so far, so good). I so easily forget that I used to have the biggest fear that one day I would not be able to have children one day b/c of my hypothyroidism. I got it at such a young age (10?) and I remember looking at things on the internet in college, etc and reading that hypothyroidism & infertility go hand in hand and I would break down at the thought of it. I need to be getting on my knees every day to pray to God to thank him for his kindness and generosity to bless me with my 1.5 children, but instead I find myself taking it completely for granted. I hope that realizations like this really stick with me and make me a stronger person and a more faithful believer in our gracious God!

As I type this baby sister (as Ali calls her) is kicking me like crazy in my belly. I sure am going to miss this feeling when she is here - but, then, I'll be able to hold her and look at her, so I can't wait for that! Everything has been going well with the pregnancy - we have safely made it to 32.5 weeks and I am feeling great! I need to praise my little toddler for her great sleeping habits lately b/c that sure is helping her mama out! The last few days, I just ask her "Are you ready for a nap?" and she goes in there, shuts her door (or I go with her, tell her night night and shut the door) and goes right to bed. She will stay in there for at least 3 hours and it gives me time to get in a good nap and get a few things done so I am so grateful for this! I hope it continues when baby sister gets here! Even the past few mornings, I will look on the monitor when I get back from my walk and see her in there, awake, just laying there/sitting up/singing songs/talking to herself. I think she enjoys the time by herself so I let her play for a little bit (and I get myself ready) before going to interrupt her quiet time. This is such a little blessing to me - as is pretty much everything about her! I really, really want time to stand still and for her not to grow up!

This past weekend we went to Ryan's 10 year reunion. It was not a very late night for us (the joys of having a preggo wife!) but we had a fun time! Ryan got to see some of his best friends and I know he was really excited about that b/c we do not see them nearly enough. Below is a pictures of a few of the guys at Scott's party beforehand. Now, we only have 2.5 weeks until my reunion!


Here are just a few random pictures from this morning - Ali in her pajamas playing around. We had gymnastics this morning so Ali wanted to practice going through her tunnel beforehand (even though her face looks horrified in this picture!)Wanting her mama to push her (again, not the happiest Ali face!)Excited to find her crayons hiding in her car!
We have meet your friends day tomorrow at pre-school and we are really looking forward to it! Maybe I will get a chance to snap a few photos... Have a great week!

Tea Party time!

Ali woke up from a 3.5 hour nap yesterday in the best mood! She immediately wanted to have a tea party (our first real tea party). I tried to get pictures but they are not very good b/c I was so close to her, but you get the idea! (Can you tell by her hair that she had a fantastic nap?! She still looks a little sleepy!) It really was so fun to watch her b/c I have no idea how she knew what to do or how she knew it was a "tea party" - I guess I don't realize the things we/I say and do and how she picks up on everything lately! Oh, how blessed I am to have a little girl (soon to be girls!) to play with and act girly with!!! What fun we have ahead of us!!


And, she even offered some to her Mama.... What a sweet girl!
I love my little Ali Bali! My favorite thing she is doing right now is after anything & everything I do for her (even change her diaper, hand her milk, etc) - she looks at me sweetly and says "Thank you, Mommy!" - it is too cute and melts my heart! Yesterday, we ate lunch at SugarCakes on the square and they gave her a free cookie and she was so excited b/c it was covered with sprinkles. She looked at me and my mom and said "Happy birthday!" Ha!

It is almost 9 a.m. and I am the only one up at the Patrick household, but finally I can hear her in there right now singing "A B C D", etc - time to go get the princess! Have a great weekend!!

Update on my little girls...

Well, Ali and I survived the beach and were excited to be home yesterday afternoon!! Although I love being at the beach, it is always nice to be home, with my husband, in my own bed! Plus, the weather here was great today - I went for a walk early this morning (sleeping in is not so easy these days) and the temperature was in the 60s - it felt great!

I started off the morning with a check up on our little peanut. Everything looked great! Weight gain is going steady but not so bad (I am not going to even comment on how much less I weigh compared to this point last pregnancy with Ali!) and the heartbeat was going strong. I go back in two weeks - so, that is exciting. The closer appointments get together - the closer it means I am to my due date! I asked my doctor if I should expect to go past my due date again this time, since Ali was a week late (and I was even induced - so who knows how much longer she would have stayed in, if it was her decision!) and she said that typically the firstborns are late and hopefully this one would come closer to my due date. We shall see.... She mentioned that we can talk about inducing around 39.5 -40 weeks (unless she comes early on her own) so that got me excited. We can't wait to meet her. I can't believe I only have 8.5 weeks until my due date - 59 days to go!!

After my doctor's appointment, Ali and I went to the church playground (she was SOO excited! she loves the playground!) for a PAC playdate for her preschool. PAC is just PTA for her preschool and I can't wait to get involved! We had a great time and it got me really excited for Ali to start preschool in two weeks! I think she will LOVE it! Anyone that knows me, knows that I get obsessed with finding friends that will be in Ali's class growing up. I think this obsession stems from the fact that I had 3 of my lifelong best friends by at least age 2.5 (or really at age zero). I was excited today to find out that we know at least 3 other toddlers in Ali's class - plus, I am sure she will meet a bunch more, so that excites me. It is weird how excited I was to find out we got the information about preschool in the mail a few days ago - it brings back memories like it was just yesterday that I was starting school and how exciting it was to find out who was in your class, etc. I am so excited about the upcoming year and what it will bring - but I can't believe my baby girl will be in preschool! :) :( We have "Meet New Friends" day next week so I will be sure to take pictures (since I forgot today!) - I can't wait!

Fun with friends at the beach!

I am in such a sad mood right now and I thought maybe blogging would help! :) We just had a great weekend and I am so sad it is over!! (Pregnancy hormones? or just emotional Jamie?) We came down to St. Simons on Thursday night with our friends, the Holles, and have had so much fun being with them and watching the girls play. I was so sad to see them go and then, about an hour ago, my hubby left and I miss him so! I broke down when he left and kind of felt like we were back in the days when he was in law school in Macon and I was in Atlanta - what a sad feeling. :( It makes me so grateful for where we are now - but I miss him a ton right now! My mom got here right when he left and we are going to stay for a little bit this week, so hopefully, once I get over being sad and emotional, we will have a great time! It does make me realize that I do take the time I have with Ryan for granted and how sad I am that he can not be with us for a few more days. He is such a great husband to put up with me and my absurdities and such a great dad to Ali - thanks for a fun weekend, Ryan!! Can't wait to see you soon!! We love you so much!!

Now...on to cheering up and remembering the fun weekend we have had! ;) Here are a few pictures from our fabulous weekend at the beach with friends!! We had a blast!


Ali started off the weekend right - at the beach, eating her favorite cheerios, with her best friend, Libby! Still waking up.....too early to say cheese!
First stop....the beach! (In matching bathing suits of course!) When Libby was putting on her bathing suit, I saw it and realized that Ali just happened to have one just like it - so Ali wore hers too!

Ali is typically not a fan of the sand (notice the shoes - she does NOT like to get messy!) but she had fun playing in it this time! I think it was better for her b/c it was hard sand and did not get all over her too bad. Here are some pictures of the girls playing! Libby absolutely loved the beach and the ocean - but, Ali was not quite ready for the actual ocean just yet!
Building sand castles...
Playing with daddy...

Two peas in a pod...laying out!

On Friday night, we went out to eat with some of our other friends that were in town - the Postons and Reddicks. Ali loves her friends, Lauren and Libby!
All of the kids outside of Frederica House! Ali, Libby, Rhodes, Lauren, and Patrick They were great at dinner (thank goodness for a private room) and all got along great! The next day, the Postons invited us over to come swim at their house on Sea Island! It was such a special treat for us and we had so much fun! Ali and Libby somehow played at the pool from about 10:15-2:30. The only reason they stopped was because we got them out and changed their clothes - they had a ball with everyone! Here is a picture of Ali and her daddy standing by their pool out back - it was a beautiful view - I kind of felt like we were in paradise. :)

The girls at the pier - before dinner at Barbara Jean's! (My favorite!) They are too cute when they hold hands and hug.
Last day at the beach (this morning), building more sandcastles. Ali will do anything to keep away from the waves! If she got anywhere near them, she would start crying and saying "Mama, I scared!!" Poor thing!
Standing by her signature in the sand....
Ali and Libby standing by Libby's name in the sand...

We had a great time and hope to make this an annual event! :) Thank you, Brian and Emily, for coming down with us!! I feel better already! :)

Thank goodness for video monitors!

Well, we've got a climber on our hands!! Ali's big girl bed has been going GREAT - I have been knocking on wood at what an easy transition it has been. Ali absolutely loves it! Today, on the other hand, I put Ali down to nap and I sat there and listened & watched her (on the video monitor) as she played and got in and out of the bed to bring her toys in bed with her. About an hour later, I thought she had gone down for the afternoon - but I started to hear noise again and just happened to look again - only to notice the camera moving (like someone was pulling the cord!!) and then I saw Ali's little head right in front of it and I watched as she jumped from the desk (that she was on) onto her bed. Uh oh - we are in t-r-o-u-b-l-e! I ran in there and by the time I got to her room, she was already back on the desk, grabbing toys off the shelves to take to her bed. She had the bottom two shelves cleared out and everything was in her bed! It made me a nervous wreck b/c luckily nothing bad happened, but it easily could have. I am just so grateful that I have a video monitor and can catch little things like this. I definitely recommend it to any of your moms-to-be out there - it puts my mind at ease and definitely helps out in situations like this! Now...to figure out where to go from here with our little climber. I got her back in bed and had to use bribery as a tactic to get her to stay in her bed - we'll see how long that lasts. Until then, I am going to also go ahead and take everything off her shelves and put things she would like to play with in a basket on the floor. The room may be messy - but at least it hopefully will keep my little stinker safe! :)

I am in my 31st week of pregnancy - 9.5 weeks until my due date and I am starting to really feel it. My energy level has been so low lately and I hate it b/c I am trying to enjoy these last weeks alone with Ali and I have little energy to go play outside and get worn out so fast! The little peanut is growing like a weed (or at least my belly is) and so is my weight gain - I am just watching it go up and up and that is NO fun! I just keep reminding myself that there is a very important reason for it and I am just trying to stay away from full length mirrors. I wish I could be a cute preggo! :) I was supposed to go back this week for my 30 week appointment but my doctor is out of town and I will be out of town for a few days next week so I do not go back until next Thursday. I am so nervous to see my weight gain at that point but oh well! I am so interested to see what she has to say at this point too - what position the baby is in, etc. I have been walking at least 5-7 times a week the past few months in hopes that that may help this little one budge a little early (unlike Ali!) so I am hoping, despite the low energy, that I can continue. We shall see!

Tomorrow, Ali and I have our first day of parent/tot gymnastics! Hopefully I can get some pictures to post and have a more uplifting post!

Ali made the paper today!

http://www.mdjonline.com/content/index/showcontentitem/area/3/section/18/item/115788.html