Me and My Friends

I stayed home from work today to spend time with my new friends - and its not my idea of fun!

Today is day 3 in the cold world, and so far, has been the worst. My sweet husband was so worried yesterday when I told him I thought I might have fever - he insisted I go to the doctor. He still insisted after I explained to him that it was just a common cold and that the doctor wouldn't do much for it. So, we compromised and I promised him that I would call my doctor and at least let him know. So I talked to Lynn, my doctor's nurse, and she said that as long as my fever wasn't over 103 and I didn't have signs of an infection, that I, and Lil' Miss, should be fine.

The only good thing about being home today is a little, well a big, puppy who loves having him mama home with him. Since we came back from our Hawaiian vacation, he hasn't left our sides. My mom and dad were sweet enough to keep him for us so we didn't have to board him. But he still missed his mom and dad, and truth be told, we missed him too! He really has been our baby these past 3 years and we just adore him. We keep asking Dax if he is ready to be a big brother. I think he is really going to be great with Emmalee - he is so loving and caring with kids.

Well I hope none of you are under the weather with the nasty cold that is going around, and I hope you all have a fabulous weekend. I hear the weather here in Dallas is supposed to get kind of nasty on Sunday - super cold and rainy!

Baby Bargains

Monday night Brant and I went to dinner at one of our favorite sushi spots in town. It happens to be right beside a Kirklands. When we were walking into the restaurant, I glanced in the Kirlkand's window and saw this great white mirror. All though dinner I kept thinking about how cute it would be in EmC's room. Her room is a shabby chic decor - nothing really "matches". She has a color scheme - but not really a room theme.

So after dinner, I asked Brant if I could run into Kirklands and take a look. I fell in love - and it was on sale for $59.99! But I didn't get it - remember, I just asked Brant if I could LOOK at it!

Well yesterday in my email, I received a Kirkland's $10 off coupon! So I just called the store to see if they had any left and they had the display, and one in a box! So last night after dinner, I begged Brant to go back to Kirklands, and of course he said "yes". He can't deny his daughter anything already! Look what is in baby girl's new room!


Well why we were there, I saw this precious little lamp. It was on clearance for $9.97, then 25% off that...so it was only $7.50! It was just perfect for her room!!!! I loved how the color is worn around the edges - very shabby chic - don't you think???

Well as soon as her room is closer to being finished I promise to have pictures for you! I really think it is going to be precious!!!!!

Pregnancy Update - 24 Weeks

WOW - 24 Weeks. If you do the division, then I'm already 6 months pregnant! Its still so surreal! She is growing so much and I am beginning to learn her schedule...and some tricks. For example - I've learned how to rock her to sleep when she thinks that it would be fun to start kicking around and doing somersaults right after mama eats lunch! It may be fun for her, but not for mom!

Mornings are her sleepy time, but she is pretty crazy in the afternoons. Evenings she begins to relax, and starts to wind down right about the time I got to bed. I'd certainly be one happy mama if this schedule continues after she is born!

Here are the 24 week facts about Lil' Miss!

Size of the baby: She is a foot in length (about the length of an ear of corn) and weights about 1 1/4 lbs
Total weight loss/gain: 11 lbs
Maternity clothes: Just tops. Most of my pants still fit with the help of the belly band.
Gender: It's a Girl! Emmalee Caroline Williams
Movement: Feeling it all the time and loving it..unless I've just had something to eat!
Sleep: I'm sleeping well, but I'm waking up with some leg and arm numbness that isn't very fun.
What I miss: Not much yet!
Cravings: Not really craving anything in particular these days, but I detest bbq right now...which is sad for a Texas girl!
Symptoms: a big belly
Fun Facts: Emmalee can feel my movements - which is why I can now rock her to sleep; she is getting taste buds, and she can get the hickups!

I feel like I haven't really posted much lately, unless its about Emmalee. I always knew my life would be turned upside down by a baby, but I didn't realize how upside down it would get. I can tell you that I love being pregnant (so far) and I love feeling her movements.

Her room is coming along more and more each day! I love decorating for her, and of course love shopping for her too! Hopefully I will have pictures soon.

Book Review - The Shack

A few weeks ago I read "The Shack' by William P. Young with my book club. Before I read the boo, I had heard a lot of different things - some people liked it, other didn't. Personally, I thought it was a great book.

The basic story line goes something like this:
Mack takes his three children on a camping trip, but his youngest daughter is kidnapped, and believed to have been murdered in a desolate shack. The killer is never found. Years later, Mack received a mysterious note to go to the shack - possibly to meet God. Over a life-changing weekend, Mack learns who God really is and learns to finally let go of the guilt he felt of his daughter's death.

There are a few controversial things about this book. Many people have felt that God being portrayed by a large african american woman is one of them. I have to admit that when I first read about this in the book, I was taken aback as well, but as "God" explains his revelation to Mack, I realized one thing - we cannot put God in a box. Just as the book states, we often think of God as this old, white robed and white bearded man - maybe something like Gandolph in Lord of the Rings - but the fact is that He is nothing like that at all! He is EVERYTHING! He is a nurturing mother to those who need love; he is an adoring father to those who need his compassion; he is a shepherd to those who need his guidance - he is our everything!

Although there are a few things I didn't care for about this book, it certainly had me thinking. I would definitely recommend this to a believer who is strongly rooted in their faith. However, because of some of the questionable "religious" material, I would not recommend this book to a non-believer or a person who is struggling with their faith.

If you have already read "The Shack", what were your thoughts?

Great Grabbie Changes

Ya'll, I have been SOOO busy today!

I am working on some new changes for Great Grabbie Designs - I've got some new products, new designers and just an all-around new look coming!

Hopefully, everything will be up and running by the end of the week, so keep watch for the all new Great Grabbie Designs!!!!!!!!

Happy New Year

Happy 2011 from the Williams!

There are so many things that I am looking forward to in the new year! On the top of my list is, of course, thie birth of our first child! And although I am beyond thrilled for this new year, let me be honest - I am also scared to death!

All of my life, all I have ever wanted to be is a good wife and mother. And now, as I stare motherhood in the face, I am a bit scared. Will I be good enough, will I know how to comfort her when she cries, will she know my voice? I think about these things all day long.

So my new years resolution for 2011 is quite a simple one:

To simply love this sweet baby girl with all of my heart and be the best mom I can be!
I must always remember that the Lord would not bless us with her sweet little life unless He knew we were ready to be her mom and dad.

I hope that all of you have wonderful new years and the Williams are wishing you all the best in 2011!

Christmas Vacation....

...In Hawaii!

Yesterday we finally left for our Christmas Vacation in Kawaii, AKA mine and Brant's "babymoon".

Our flight left around 11 am Dallas time yesterday morning, and we arrived in Honolulu around 3:40 pm Hawaiian time (which is 4 hours behind Dallas). Truth be told, I was dreading the 8-hour flight, but it really wasn't too horrible. However, as soon as the pilot turned on the feature video, we learned that about 7 rows in the main cabin (which, of course, we were sitting in) had a technical problem and our sound equipment didn't work. So instead of watching two feature films with sound, we just watched in silence...not so fun! But nevertheless, we made it to Honolulu, had a 2 hour layover, then had a quick 20 flight to Kauai.

We are staying in a great condominium, so before we even left the city to go to the South Shore, we ran by Walmart and got some groceries and a few items we needed. Pretty much as soon as we got everything unloaded at the condo, we hit the sack. It was about 10:00 Hawaiian time, meaning our bodies thought it was almost 2 am - tired doesn't even begin to describe how we felt. Here is a quick inside glimpse of our condo.

(Bob, Judy and Kristie in the kitchen)

Brant woke up around 6:30 this morning, which of course woke me up, so we decided it would be great to head down to the beach to watch the sunrise. We weren't quite sure where we were going, so we just drove until we found a spot that looked accessible. We ended up on some gorgeous rocks and were able to see the sun peak through the clouds. It was so beautiful!

Well I hope that each of you is having a fabulous day, so far, and I hope to update a bit each day!

29th Birthday

My birthday was on the 12th, so I know I'm a little late posting pictures, but it was a great day! Brant and I got up, headed to church, then just had a bite of lunch at home. Around 4, we headed out to go bowling with the fam.

Everyone had such a great time - even little Ethan had fun bowling!

Kate was kicking everyone's tail! It seemed like everytime she rolled the ball she got a strike or a spare. We agree that it was her rockin' hate and zebra sunglasses! She wouldn't bowl without them!

This is Connor-bug - he is such a great kid! He gave me a high five whether I rolled a strike, or went in the gutter!

Me and B!

Kate and Granda - Granda was rockin' the hat and sunglasses - Kate was hopeful it would help with her game!

Me and Sister

Christmas Card Carousel

Faith is doing the annual Christmas Card Carousel. This is one of my favorite blogs posts during this time of year. Being a card designer, I LOVE seeing all the different cards.

Here is the card I designed for Brant and I!

Just in case you can't read the wording:
"And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace" Isaiah 9:6 b

He is our
MIRACLE MAKER

Wishing that all your Christmas dreams come true.

------------------------------------------------------------------

And just for fun, here are few others that I designs for a few customers.

Week 20 Highlights

Size of the baby: Baby W is as long as a banana from her head to her rump and weighs about 10 1/2 ounces.
Total weight loss/gain: 4 lbs.
Maternity clothes: Just tops. Most of my pants still fit with the help of the belly band.
Gender: It's a Girl! Emmalee Caroline Williams
Movement: I am definitely feeling more and more movement. Last night I think she decided to have a party and I wasn't invited!
Sleep: I'm sleeping well, but I'm waking up with some leg and arm numbness that isn't very fun.
What I miss: Not much yet!
Cravings: Not really craving anything in particular, but I am finally liking sweets again.
Symptoms: Headaches...and a growing belly!
Fun Facts: Emmalee is beginning to swallow.


I have said before that one of the perks of working in Dallas is the people who come and sell things in the tunnels. Once of my favorites in Karissa. She has jewelry, purses, hair accessories, scarfs - just all sorts and her stuff is SOOO reasonably priced.

Well Karissa has been in the tunnels this week, and I might have gone a little crazy! Just look at these flower bows I got for the little miss! I got 4 flower bows, plus 3 different color baby crochet headbands, 2 regular headbands for Kate (my niece), and 6 different bows all for less than $20!!!!

Ya'll - I just can't wait for her to get here so I can doll her up!

A Vintage Princess

So the other day, Sister won a fabulous photographers package from the Maternal Lens blog. I was so thrilled for her. One of the items she won was a 1950's Vintage Headband from Kristen Caldwell Photography. Here is a picture of the headband Sister won. Isn't it beautiful!

Well I just happened to do some browsing on the website and fell in love with this precious vintage band for infants. Well I went back today to show them to a friend and the infant bands were on sale for only $10! So Emmalee Caroline just HAD to have one. Here is a picture of the sage one I got for her. I just LOVE it!


Since her bedding has shades of light green and sage in it, I told my sister that we will have to do newborn shots with this headband. Then, she can make the shot b/w, but leave the band colored - how adorable would that look in her room to coordinate with her bedding? I'm just in love with all of this shabby chic decorating! I think I might have a little vintage princess!

Ms. Caldwell's work is absolutely amazing! All pictures used here are all property of Kristen Caldwell Photography. Please go see her services and products. I promise you won't be disappointed!

Her Wardrobe has Begun

So, a co-worker of mine was telling me to sign up for the Carter's emails because they send you coupons. So I happily obliged and within 2 second - I had a coupon! Well it ended on December 29th, so I HAD to use it!

So look at these little outfits that have now been added to Ms. Emmalee's wardrobe!

Ya'll, this one is my favorite! I just fell in love with it. As soon as I saw it, I knew she had to have it!

The Hustle and Bustle

Well the hustle and bustle of the holidays is in full swing at the Williams House. It all started on Tuesday!

We found out that this little angel...

...is a baby girl!
And her name - Emmalee Caroline.

We are so thrilled and cannot wait to meet this little girl. Just to see her moving her little hands, and seeing her heart beat was simply breathtaking. I just can't wait to get my hands on her! I don't think I have ever seen my husband so excited - there is literally a sparkle in his eyes every time he talks about her.


On Thursday, we headed to Shreveport to spend Thanksgiving with my family. I got the cookie cake to surprise all of my mom's side of the family with the news of Miss Emmalee.

We had a great time. My cousin, Krystal, had a 3 year old and 6 month old, so Uncle B was getting some baby practice.

Just look at that precious little grin!

Thursday was also Brant's 30th birthday, so Emmalee Caroline gave him the new George Bush biography: Decisions Points. I don't know if he was more excited about the book, or that the card was signed "I love you Daddy, Emmalee Caroline".

On Friday, well technically at 11:00 pm on Thursday, my cousins Krystal, Erica and I ventured out for some shopping! I didn't spend too much money because I don't know if Emmalee will be in 6 mth or 9 mth clothes this time next year. But I did get her a few things - I mean what kind of mother would I be if I didn't?



We came home from Shreveport on Friday night. Brant's family came over on Saturday morning and we all went out to breakfast. Then Nana (Brant's mom Judy), Auntie Kristie and I went out for a bit. Kristie found this blanket that was sooo soft, and perfectly embroidered with a big "E". Nana wouldn't leave the store without it.

It is so perfect for our baby girl!

Well I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are gearing up for the Christmas season - I know I am!

I Respect It

Apparently I have offended someone, and maybe others, by using the word "retarded" to describe myself in a particular post a few weeks ago. After being made aware of the offense, I did not change the blog post, and now, I'm being criticized for it. Please understand that I am not a person who likes confrontation; I am the exact opposite...I hate confrontation. But in this instance, I feel that I should at least speak on it.

First of all, allow me to say that I am sorry for the offense. I had no intention of making fun of or insulting anyone but myself. Yes, I deleted the comment that was made and did not change my post because, simply put, it is my blog and I feel that I have the right to put my words here, not someone else's. The commenter has said that they feel that i did not respect them by changing the post. Well, I have since deleted the post, and therefore ask that you respect that this is my blog not yours. If you do not like the words written here, you are not forced to read them.

Again, my apologies if I have offended anyone - that has never been my intention.

Amazed

Today at work, I was listening to my Pandora radio when a familiar song came on. Its a song I love and have heard many times before, but today, I was moved to tears by the words and truth behind it.

Today, I am overwhelmed by His grace. He has rained down His grace upon me and I will forever be thankful. He has brought so much JOY to my life and I have seen His miracles first-hand! For today, I am truly AMAZED by His grace! How can I ever praise him enough for all that He has done?

I hope this song blesses you today as much as it has me.

My favorite part of this song:
It's deeper, It's wider,
It's stronger, it's higher,
It's deeper, It's wider,
It's stronger, it's higher,
THAN ANYTHING MY EYES CAN SEEN
YOUR GRACE STILL AMAZES ME!