What I'm Loving Wednesday ....Birthday Edition :)

This week's "What I'm Loving Wednesday" is dedicated to the one guy I'm loving every Wednesday.....

I'm loving that we got to spend some quality family time together on our little weekend vacay.

I'm loving the way that he is such a good Daddy to our sweet girl and I'm loving that I know without a doubt he'll be a great Daddy to Baby Tippins, too!

I'm loving that he brings me home chocolate milkshakes just because he knows I like them.

I'm loving that he works so hard to provide for our family.

I'm loving that he doesn't complain (at least not too often) when I watch Real Housewives and Teen Mom reruns at all hours of the night.

I'm loving that this sweet girl's face lights up when she hears her Daddy's car pull into the garage.

I'm loving that we have celebrated almost half of his birthdays together.

I'm loving that I can say I'm married to an "older man" ;0)

I'm loving that he can always make me laugh - even when I'm trying to be mad.

I'm loving that he notices and remembers little things that I like and tries to surprise me with them.

I'm loving that he gets Libbi out of bed in the mornings or when she cries at night because he knows that it is hard for me to bend over right now - ha!

I'm loving that the Lord knew just what He was doing when he brought us together  - little did I know as a 14 year old teenager that I would be celebrating birthdays with the same "boy" 15 years later :)

I'm loving that I am married to a great husband, a wonderful father, and also my best friend.

I'm loving that the Lord blessed me with such an amazing man to do life with.... what an answer to prayer!

Happy Birthday, Jeffrey!  

We love you!!

a toddler's guide to....

....getting attention...

everyone likes to be acknowledged.  if you're feeling neglected and in need of attention, you have a few very basic options (which may require some acting on your part):

*pretend to fall (this is always embraced by the general public, especially if followed by a cute, "uh-oh!")

*use an object for something other than it's intended purpose

*stand on something that could possibly inflict injury or fear in the heart of a mother.

*if for some unforeseen reason these options are unsuccessful in garnering you the attention you crave (and deserve), you may have to take matters into your own hands.....and do something a little more.....drastic

....staying out of trouble....

*we all make mistakes and while some of them merit discipline of some sort, there are certain times when you feel the punishment is unwarranted (and just plain unwanted!)  when you find yourself in this situation - you have one choice and one choice only:

"the puppy face" (it works every time)

....marking your territory....

*parents are always encouraging you to share your things with others.  This is obviously the right thing to do. But, sometimes you have those few things that are so valuable to you that you do not want to risk them being ruined by someone else.  What do you do in this situation?

lick it.

*need i say more!?

....looking innocent....

*FYI - a blank stare works like a charm :)

*(don't forget the wide eyes and open mouth....)

....requesting a bath....

*start out small with something semi-messy (anything with artificial cheese is a good idea...)

*if that doesn't work, break out the big guns - yep, you guessed it: spaghetti!

....stealing your parent's hearts....

*just be yourself - you've had them wrapped around your finger from Day One ;0)

The ABC's of Me....

I stole this from another blogger


And now I totally want you to steal it from me. 


GO!

THE ABC'S OF ME.... A. Age: Twenty-Eight

B. Bed size: KING. 

C. Chore you dislike: cleaning the potties - ugh. And for some reason, putting pillowcases on the pillows drives me bananas.  I don't mind putting sheets on the bed, but those pillow cases are the bane of my existence!

D. Dogs: None. Never. Ever. Ever. I am NOT a dog person.

E. Essential start to your day: some sort of caffeine and breakfast with the sweetest girl around.

F. Favorite color: Pink....or Brown.....or Yellow.....or Green - maybe I don't have a favorite - I just like them all ;) 

G. Gold or silver: silver

H. Height: 5'8

I. Instruments you play(ed): Piano

J. Job title: Wife, Momma, Homemaker.

K. Kids: Libbi and Baby Tippins on the way!!

L. Live: in a cute little house in a cute little neighborhood in a cute little town. 

M. Mom’s name: Jill

N. Nicknames: Aim, Aimer, AmyBeth

O. Overnight hospital stays: The first (and only) time I've spent the night in a hospital was when I had Libbi. (and I guess when I was born....but I'm not sure if that really counts?)
I'll soon be preparing for another overnight stay when Baby Tippins arrives in a matter of weeks!!!

P. Pet peeves: Dangerous question to ask pregnant woman - because at this point in time (and in my pregnancy) I have A LOT.  

Q. Quote from a movie: "Pink is my signature color." and "I have a strict policy that nobody cries alone in my presence." (both from Steel Magnolias)


R. Righty/Lefty: Righty :)
S. Siblings: 1 older brother - Justin; 1 younger sister - Missie

T. Time you wake up: It depends. Most days around 6:45/7

U. Underwear: I wear it every day. :)

V. Vegetables you don’t like: anything green (I know, that's terrible)

W. What makes you run late: A cute little girl that requires my assistance.

X. X-rays you’ve had: None that I can think of....except maybe on my teeth at the dentist?? I think I may have had one more when I hurt my shoulder one time....?

Y. Yummy food you make: Jeffrey likes when I make a roast, and Libbi loves when I make chicken and dressing.

Z. Zoo animal favorites: I'm not really much of an animal lover, but I guess my favorite would be any type of cute baby animal that is not a threat to my life in any way.....


Let me know if you do your own post, I'd love to read it! :)

32 weeks....

Pregnancy Highlights:

How far along: 32 weeks!!!
(I just realized I never did a "31 Weeks" post, but honestly, there's really not much difference between last week and this week) 

I sure hope pasty, pregnant, and swollen are "in" this spring....
and on another note - i just realized that in this picture
i am barefoot, pregnant, and in the kitchen...
how's that for a stereotype - ha!

Size of Baby: According to Baby Center, Baby Tippins "weighs around 3.75 pounds and is about 16.7 inches long. He/She will gain a third to half of his/her birth weight during the next 7 weeks. He/She now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz) and His/Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as he/she plumps up in preparation for birth."



Total Weight Gain/Loss: I am within the healthy/recommended limits of weight gain - and that's as much as I'll disclose ;) I do feel like my face is starting to catch up with my belly though, I am definitely one of those people that gets the "pregnant face" and I'm not too proud to admit it. :) Apparently this week I have carried a lot of water weight (either that or my nightly bowl of ice cream is starting to catch up with me, but I'd like to think it's just "water weight") ;)

Maternity Clothes: yes, please! :) I wear mostly maternity jeans and pants, but a few of my regular shirts still.  Some of my dresses have now turned into shirts - ha!

My clothes choices are becoming slim pickin's...I have either grown too big for them or have grown just plain sick of them!

Gender: Only the good Lord knows....Up until this week I was pretty much convinced that we were having a girl.  I just felt sure of it.  Then, for some reason, this week I've started to worry, "what if???" because I have totally prepared (in my mind and in my meek attempts at planning) for a girl, but I need to get on the ball with my boy planning....just in case.  So, if you have any good suggestions for where to shop for boy clothes or bedding send them my way.  I still have not been able to narrow down my choices for boy bedding.... :(

Movement: All the time.  It's definitely more of the jab/punch/kick variety.  I have to admit, although I LOVE feeling the baby move and knowing that he/she is so active, it still kind of weirds me out a little bit when I can tell that there is a distinct knee/elbow/booty sticking out of my stomach.  

Sleep: non-exsistent. I had horrible insomnia when I was pregnant with Libbi, and it looks like the trend is continuing (BOO!) Libbi is (thankfully) back on track with her sleeping, but I'm still the consummate night owl.....

What I miss: bending over - ha!  my energy level, and just feeling comfortable in general.  By the end of the day I am 100% completely exhausted, but yet, I can't sleep....

  

Cravings: Everything sounds good to me right now.  I'm in the stage where food just tastes SO good.... (see "pregnant face" above.) ;0)
I have been eating lots of ice (?) which I NEVER do...I can't stand when people crunch ice, but I guess I have turned into one of those people....

Symptoms: insomnia, shortness of breath, and heartburn.  I've also had a serious case of "the dropsie's" this week.  I am the epitome of butterfingers.  Getting up to use the potty at least three-four times a night, along with restless leg syndrome and the ever popular calf cramps (no wonder I can't sleep!)

Best Moment This Week: Having another wonderful doctor's appointment.   
Baby Tippins's heart rate was going strong at 155/156 bpm this week, my blood pressure was great, and I was measuring at exactly 32 weeks...just a few days ahead of schedule.  It is kind of scary to think that Libbi was born at 38 weeks, so technically, we could have a baby in just 6 weeks - AAAAH!

What I'm Loving Wednesday....

I'm linking up with Jamie again for 
What I'm Loving Wednesday....

I'm loving this weather!  It's the perfect time when it's not too cold and it's not too hot and we can actually play outside.  The window for this kind of weather is very small, so we're enjoying it while we can :)

I'm loving playdates with friends - especially at the park!

I'm loving that I had another good doctor's appointment today.  Baby Tippins's heartbeat was gong strong at 156 bpm, my blood pressure was great, and I was measuring at 32 weeks - it won't be long now!!

I'm loving that we have FINALLY decided on names for Baby Tippins!!

I'm loving that all my shows are back on tonight!  March Madness has really interfered with my regularly scheduled programming :)

I'm loving that we got all the furniture moved out of the guest room and have finally started making progress on the nursery....kind of :)

I'm loving that I have totally rearranged our closets and organized the upstairs.  Nothing makes me happier than neatly stacked tubs (with labels) where everything has it's own home.

Head on over to Jamie's blog to read more WILW entries or to link up with one of your own!

21 months....

Libbi Jane, you were born 21 months ago today!  Throughout the past 21 months, you've been busy learning how to be you!  It's amazing (and a little scary!) how opinionated you are already....I'm a little nervous thinking about what you'll be like as a teenager ;)

We love to watch you grow and learn every day.  I know people say it all the time, but you really do learn something new every day. It is such an amazing experience (and again, a little scary!) to watch you soak up the world around you like the little sponge you are. This month I've seen you try to pluck your eyebrows, put on makeup, wear Daddy's belts, pretend to swallow a pill, and cook supper in your own little kitchen; just to name a few. You are our little shadow and at the same time a perfect mirror into our lives and a constant reminder that "little eyes are always watching."

I'm afraid you might have seen me standing like THIS a time or two...

There are so many little gestures that you make, words that you say, and quirks that you have that are just so.....you!  I wish I could video you and replay them over and over, because I know that all too soon you will grow out of these stages and move onto the next.

I love that you request "yo-yo" (yogurt) every morning for breakfast.  I love when you tell your food, "hiiiiiiiiiii!" like you have come across a sweet friend.

I can't help but laugh when you yell for Daisy like you're calling an old stray dog.  We go up and down the aisles at the store with you yelling, "DAY-ZEEEEE!" (with the emphasis on the "zee").  I'm sure everyone is just staring because they think you're as cute as I think you are. ;)

thank you Daddy for this "special snack".....
what a great surprise!

One of your favorite things this month has been going outside.  What a difference a year makes!  Last year you wanted NOTHING to do with the outdoors and would cry if a blade of grass touched you.  This year, you act like we're torturing you if we make you come inside for some water and lunch.  You could stay outside and run around for hours (and you do!)  

You still LOVE going to "school."  As soon as we pull into the parking lot, you start yelling for "DO-DEEEEEE!" and you practically jump out of the car as soon as someone opens the door to get you out.  I think it always surprises them a little that you lunge out of the car like a cat on the prowl....

this is you in the front seat watching and waiting for
 someone to come get you from carpool

You are obsessed with Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.  Of course you love Daisy, but Minnie Mouse and Pete are a close second.  You know your favorite episodes and request them often.  You enjoy doing the "roll-call" with Mickey Mouse and often have your own version of it as well.  I am trying to get it on video, because it is hilarious!

You are still our little attention seeker and love to fall down and yell, "Uh-Oh!" you love pretending to hit your head on things, and you've just recently started growling if someone is having a conversation that you're not involved in.  I can honestly say that you march to the beat of your own drum.  You are without a doubt your own person.  You have a mind of your own, that's for sure. :)

this picture cracks me up every time i see it.....
we had gone to a "toddler time" event and they had this
basketball thing set up.  you were 100% convinced that it was a
slide and kept trying to slide down it.
all the other little kids that were trying to play basketball
kept getting mad at you, because
you were all over it trying to slide - ha! ;)

You have used the potty once, but practically beg to go all the time.  Unfortunately, you don't really have any interest in actually "potty-ing" you just want to run around without your diaper on.  That's okay though, we still have plenty of time :)

Your memory astounds me.  You remember everything!  Every day when we round the corner to turn into our neighborhood, you immediately start saying, "blue moooooo" because we will soon pass a blue cow at the entrance to the playground.  As soon as you see it and tell it "hi" and "bye-bye" you then start saying "uh-oh!" and "crash!" because at the next stop sign we will see a tree that has fallen over.  After you tell the tree "hi" and "bye-bye" you start chanting, "no mail!" because we will check the mail as soon as we get home, but there is usually "no mail" (because it comes while you're napping) ;0) You know the sequence of events and go through them every time we approach our neighborhood.

These days you seem more and more like my little companion - accompanying me everywhere and actually partaking in conversations with me.  There are days that I wish I could just record our days and replay them over and over, because I know that they would warm my heart and make me smile every time.  Of course we have our days full of fits and tantrums, but they are far outweighed by the days of hugs, laughs, and pure joy.  I love you Libbi Jane and I am more than thankful for the past 21 months and the blessing of being your momma!  
Happy 21 months! ;0)

cheap entertainment....

Here in the Tippins House, we are all about some cheap entertainment. Take a look at some of the frugal fun Libbi has enjoyed lately.... ;0)

(most of these pics are from my phone, so they aren't the greatest...sorry!)

painting her toenails with a paintbrush in the blowup pool - FREE!

dishwashing liquid and tupperware in the blowup pool....FREE!

playing on the fold-up chairs at the sporting goods store....FREE!

hiding out in tents at the sporting goods store....FREE!!

Chuck-E-Cheese....FREE!

We didn't pay a penny....she just sat in rides and 
touched all the games :)

she could care less if it was moving...

the one time we tried to put a token in the ride, 
she said "BYE-BYE!" and jumped right out!

 (luckily Jeffrey had found the token on the floor - ha!) 
Grand Total Spent: $0!!

hanging out in a box....FREE!!

using paper towels as a pillow while grocery shopping....(almost) FREE!!
(we DID have a coupon for them...)

running like the wind in a grassy park...FREE!!

"people (and dog) watching"....FREE!!

trying on old fish glasses leftover from Kindergarten Days many moons ago....FREE!

(and pretty cute, too) ;)

laundry basket games....FREE!

an exhausted baby, but not an exhausted budget...PRICELESS! :)