~Ben and The Bean~

A few pics from Halloween.

2009-11-01T10:34:00.002-06:00

My little Jack Skellington and little monster that looks like a Pople! LOL (Does anyone else remember the Poples?)
This is Halloween, This is Halloween...

My pretty girl!

Waddle Waddle

Trick or Treat!

At Alan's Aunt Nancy's house.

Jack w/ Nancy's pumpkin.

Bless her heart. She could barely fit in her car seat!

Ben's pumpkin!

Ivy and Erin at Hastings!

I hope everyone had a safe and spooky Halloween!

More pics to come soon!!!!

2009-10-12T17:52:00.000-05:00

Cleaning out my closets!

2009-10-08T08:51:00.002-05:00

Ok everyone! I'm cleaning out my closets so to speak. I am running out of storage room and I don't have time to have a big yard sale like I normally do every year. So I have decided to just get what I can together and let whoever is interested take a look at what I have. I have boys clothes. Mostly 2t-5t. I have baby girl clothes newborn-12mo. We also have a rocking glider ($15), changing table ($10), and stroller for sale ($25). Alan is selling his bass and amp ($250), and a 12 in. speaker and amp. Just let me know if you are interested in anything. I will try to post pics soon.

Very Interesting... Please Watch!

2009-09-30T07:36:00.002-05:00

www.pjtv.com/v/2487

www.pjtv.com/v/2491

www.pjtv.com/v/2501

www.pjtv.com/v/2500

www.pjtv.com/v/2468

Ivy's Birthday Party

2009-09-21T16:36:00.003-05:00

Ivy's outfit by Kandice Patrick at Diamonds and Dumptrucks. Cake by Joy Tubb!

Happy Birthday Ivy

2009-09-20T15:34:00.001-05:00

My baby girl turned 1 on the 17th! I can't believe it!

Walter Reed

2009-09-16T18:17:00.002-05:00

While in DC Mom and Dad went to Walter Reed. Every Friday night there is a group that takes the soldiers who are able out for a night on the town. And every Friday night there is a group of protesters. So all of the tea partiers who went up tried to organize by state and go in shifts so there would always be a large group out there letting the soldiers know how much we appreciate them! Mom said that one soldier came out and took a picture on his phone and sent it to his buddy who couldn't come out. He sent a text back telling him to tell all of his friends he said hi!

March on DC

2009-09-16T17:56:00.002-05:00

Dad and Mom's 9/12 trip to march on Washington! (MORE PICS TO COME)

2009-09-16T11:02:00.004-05:00

2009-09-15T17:26:00.000-05:00

Never Forget

2009-09-11T14:55:00.000-05:00

Please Go Watch This!

2009-09-01T10:17:00.000-05:00

http://www.pjtv.com/v/2378

Ivy's First Football Game!

2009-09-01T07:59:00.005-05:00

We went to the WC vs Dekalb Co. Football game on the 21st. They were honoring the first ever Warren County football team from 1969 when City, Central, and all the county high schools combined. My daddy was on that team. It was Ivy's first football game and of course Ben had a BLAST! Ivy didn't know what to think at first because it was loud, but she got used to it and she LOVED the band. It was a really good game and the Pioneers won! Ben keeps asking to go see "Touchdown Tennessee!" I think we are going to try to take him to a UT game this year. I can't wait!

Day By Day Cartoon

2009-08-20T11:06:00.003-05:00

9-12

2009-08-17T19:03:00.002-05:00

This is a non-political movement. The 9-12 Project is designed to bring us all back to the place we were on September 12, 2001. The day after America was attacked we were not obsessed with Red States, Blue States or political parties. We were united as Americans, standing together to protect the greatest nation ever created. That same feeling – that commitment to country is what we are hoping to foster with this idea. We want to get everyone thinking like it is September 12th, 2001 again.

NASHVILLE, TN

The 912 Project Nashville Rally

Legislative Plaza, Downtown Nashville, Tennessee
Speakers, Music, Petitions,

1:00PM – 5:00PM

Thanks Mom.......

2009-08-10T10:26:00.001-05:00

for giving birth to this 9lb 12oz baby 25 years ago today! I love you!

I Like This Guy!

2009-08-08T15:20:00.001-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpUlFM2304U

Go Now!

Talking Crap!

2009-08-08T15:12:00.001-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRRy-QlQyUw

Go watch this!

Party Time!

2009-08-04T09:14:00.007-05:00

Ben's birthday party was this past Saturday and the kids had a BLAST! Joy Tubb made Ben's awesome dinosaur cake. We had a little accident in the car with the cake and I messed up his head. Joy has before accident pics on her blog so go check them out! The cake was delicious and Ben LOVED it. We couldn't have had a better cake! Joy is awesome!

Here are some pics of the party!

2009-07-31T08:51:00.002-05:00

HAPPY 4TH BIRTHDAY BEN! MOMMY, DADDY, AND SISTER LOVE YOU SOOOOO MUCH!

2009-07-22T15:19:00.003-05:00

I received this award from Paige. She is a wonderful person and someone who I think always sets a good example for others.

This award is bestowed on to blogs that are exceedingly charming. These kind of bloggers aim to find and be friends. They ARE NOT interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to six bloggers who must choose six more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award. I pass this award to the following lovely & charming bloggers:

Tara, Wesley, Tiffany Sadlon, Joy, Lindsey Matheny, Ashley.

Our 4th of July!

2009-07-07T07:03:00.007-05:00

We had a very busy but fun 4th! Ben had a ball game at 8. I am so proud of my little man. He had a blast playing ball this year. He was so excited about his trophy! He said, "Ben Won!". Then Alan took the kids home and let them nap while I went to the Tea Party to protest! I felt so patriotic! LOL Anyways, after the kids napped Alan took them to his aunts to go swimming while I napped! LOL!Then we went to my Nans' house for a cookout. Oh it was so good to splurge! I have been doing really good w/ my weight loss but I was ready to have a hamburger and some sweets! After that we parked at Ryans and hung out in the cafe at work until the fireworks began. Alan said to me that he was afraid Ben might freak out when the fireworks started because we were closer this year. Well, when they started Ben was just fine and he turned to his daddy and said "See, Ben no freak out daddy!" LOL He is such a mess!

I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July!

Ten years ago today......

2009-06-25T09:42:00.004-05:00

I met the man I would one day call my husband! I love you Alan! <3

A Day At The Park

2009-06-24T15:15:00.004-05:00

Seperation Anxiety

2009-06-18T11:41:00.002-05:00

Ivy has been having bad seperation anxiety. It's not with who you think it would be. Not Alan or me, but her brother! She is ok if I leave her at Grammys or wherever as long as Ben is there too, but if he isn't she is so fretful. Even at home she isn't her normal happy self if Ben isn't there. It is so sweet. She loves him so much and loves to be around him. They play together so well. I just hope it stays that way forever!

Javen's 3rd Birthday

2009-06-04T14:15:00.003-05:00

A friend of mine, Constance, had a birthday party for her son Javen a couple of weeks ago. The kids had a blast and so did I. It was so good to see so many friends! Here are just a few pictures from that day. Happy 3rd Birthday Javen.

What's New With The Elrod's?

2009-06-03T09:03:00.002-05:00

So much has been happening here lately. Ivy has started crawling, pulling up, and attempting to stand on her own. This all happened in a two week time period. She had just been rolling and army crawling everywhere she wanted to go, but now she is crawling. She loves to pull up on things and stand up. She gets so excited sometimes that she falls down! She LOVES to watch Sesame Street. It is so cute! She laughs and talks to the tv! She is now 8 1/2 months old! Time flies!

Ben is going through a growth spirt. He has shot up all of a sudden! He's grown a inch and a half since January! He now has a fish tank in his room and we are going to pick out what fish he wants probably this weekend. It was a compromise on my part. He and his daddy wanted to get a snake, and I didn't so we decided on fish. He loves T-Ball! Well, he loves to hit the ball and run the bases, but when he is on the feild he is all over the place and doesn't want to pay attention. Oh well, he's 3! I can't understand how my little man is going to 4 in less than 2 months? I seems like he was just Ivy's age...... :( Makes me kinda sad.

I am doing pretty good on weight loss. I gained 91 lbs w/ Ivy!!!! I know, that's alot! I now have about 15-20 more lbs to loose to be pre-Ivy weight. I would be ok with loosing even more but if I can just loose that much I would be happy. I wil post some pics soon. I'm still working at the Cafe in Hastings. I realy do love it. Well, most of the time.

Alan is still at Yorozu. They are letting people go like crazy. We are not going to stress about Alan loosing his job. God will provide. Besides, we can't do anything about it. Whatever happens will be ok. He is taking the summer off from school but is planning on going back in the fall.

June 25th is the day Alan and I first met, 10 years ago! It really doesn't feel like it's been that long.

I just want to wish my mom and dad a happy anniversary! Yesterday, June 2, was their 31st anniversary. They are the best parents anyone could ask for. I want what they have. I hope Alan and I are as happy as they are 25 years from now. I love you mom and dad!

I hope everyone has a great summer!

New Moon!

2009-06-01T05:05:00.003-05:00

I am so excited to see New Moon. It looks SSSOOOOO much better than Twilight. I was really disappointed with Twilight and I really hope New Moon is more like the book.

Giveaway From Elegant Celebrations and Designs!

2009-05-27T09:59:00.000-05:00

It's time for a giveaway.

What am I giving away you ask...ANYTHING YOU WANT!!!

Yep, you will receive your choice of any one item from my etsy shop or my website
PLUS, I have a special pendant picked out to send with your choice.

Or, if you prefer you can get a $30 credit toward a cake.

This giveaway will end on May 31st.

Here's how you enter:

You will receive one entry for each.

1)Visit my etsy store or my website and leave me a comment letting me know what your favorite item is.

2) "Heart me" on etsy if you have an account. Leave me a comment and let me know you have done that.

3) Follow me on blogger. Leave me a comment letting me know you are follower.

4) Become a subscriber.

5) Refer someone to my blog. If they mention your name you will receive another entry.

6) If you grab my button and put it on your blog you will receive 2 entries. Let me know you have done this.

7) Blog about the giveaway. Leave a link in the comment form to you blog post.

8) Post a bulletin or a blog entry on myspace or facebook. Don't forget to let me know you have done this.

9) Purchase something from my etsy store or my website for 2 entries.
10) Join me on Facebook and become a fan.
If I have 25 or more fans by the close of the giveaway I will choose 2 winners.
The winner(s) will be chosed by a randon number generator.

Ben's first T-Ball game!

2009-05-20T09:35:00.003-05:00

Last Saturday was Ben's first T-Ball game. It was HILLARIOUS! Watching a bunch of 3 and four year olds play, you never know what will happen next! Ben did really good hitting the ball, but when he went out on the field, you couldn't keep him in one place or out of the mud. Oh yeah, did I mention it rained? ALOT! By the time we left everyone was soaked (except Ivy) and Ben was covered in mud! But that's ok because we all had a BLAST! Here are a few pictures. I will post a video soon!

Phil Valentine at the Nashville Tea Party

2009-04-15T17:52:00.000-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQzcb3Jy0XI

Go watch it!

An Elrod Easter 2009

2009-04-12T22:09:00.004-05:00

Well, we had a great Easter at the Elrod household. (besides the fact that I have been really sick this weekend) Here are a few pictures I wanted to share. God bless.

Any Ideas?

2009-04-07T16:35:00.000-05:00

Alan was fussing on me the other day because of my blog name. He said that Ivy isn't a bean anymore and I need to come up with something new. Does anybody have any ideas? I'm stuck and can't think of anything.

Just some pics.

2009-03-29T19:00:00.003-05:00

My hubby! <3
Me and my little man!

We both had some wild hair going on!

My naked baby girl! I <3>

A date night to remember!

2009-03-29T18:42:00.004-05:00

Alan and I went on a date night last night and boy was it action packed! First we were on the interstate and got stuck in traffic behind a wreck! Next we saw one of those semi trucks that carry cars to the dealerships run up on the curb and almost flip over! Then after eating at Caraba's (yummo!) and shopping at Ross, we headed down Medical Center Blvd. When we got to the traffic light at Toots everything went black and debri was flying everywhere so we pulled into the parking lot of Jackson Heights Plaza (where the old movie theater, Badcocks, Marti and Liz, etc. is) and cars are smashed into each other and their windows were blown out. The roofs and windows were gone on the buildings and tin wrapped around electric lines! It was BaNaNaS! God was really watching over us! We were sooooooooooo lucky!

Why can't we all just get better?

2009-03-01T11:43:00.004-06:00

My babies have been sick for the past month! Ben has had strep twice. Ivy had the croup (sp?) and now she has the flu, ear infections in both ears, and the doctor is afraid that she could get pneumonia because of all the junk in her chest! Bless it. Well at least Ben is all better now (cross your fingers he stays that way!). He was able to play in the snow this morning! He had a blast. Here are some pictuers.

My little man loved the snow.

Snow Angel!

Oh the crazy ideas Alan comes up with.

Pretty

My boys!

Buddah Bear

Beware of the yellow snow! LOL!

Just Something to Think About

2009-02-20T14:51:00.003-06:00

New Pledge of Allegiance (TOTALLY AWESOME) ! Since the Pledge of Allegiance And The Lord's Prayer Are not allowed in most Public schools anymore Because the word 'God' is mentioned.... A kid in Arizona wrote the attachedNEW School prayer : Now I sit me down in school Where praying is against the rule For this great nation under God Finds mention of Him very odd.If Scripture now the class recites, It violates the Bill of Rights.And anytime my head I bow Becomes a Federal matter now.Our hair can be purple, orange or green, That's no offense; it's a freedom scene.The law is specific, the law is precise.Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.For praying in a public hall Might offend someone with no faith at all.In silence alone we must meditate, God's name is prohibited by the state.We're allowed to cuss and dress like freaks, And pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks.. They've outlawed guns, but FIRST the Bible.To quote the Good Book makes me liable.We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen, And the 'unwed daddy,' our Senior King.It's 'inappropriate' to teach right from wrong, We're taught that such 'judgments' do not belong.We can get our condoms and birth controls, Study witchcraft, vampires and totem poles.But the Ten Commandments are not allowed, No word of God must reach this crowd.It's scary here I must confess, When chaos reigns the school's a mess.So, Lord, this silent plea I make: Should I be shot; My soul please take! Amen

Why is it that in todays society everyone is so accepting of everything except christianity? The same people who claim to be so open minded, are the very people who make fun and put christians down. It seems to me that you can believe anything and do anything you want these days, as long as it doesn't involve God. Why is that?

Thank you God.....

2009-02-11T08:39:00.002-06:00

for giving me my soul mate!

With Valentine's Day coming up, I just got to thinking about how much I really love Alan. Not only is he my husband and lover, he is truly my best friend. I know all of this sounds really korny but w/o him, I wouldn't be able to live. He completes me! (lol that made me think of Austin Powers!) We will be together 10 years this June, and every year has been beautiful. We have had some really hard times in those 10 years but those hard times have made our bond even stronger.

Not only is he an amazing husband but he is also an awesome dad! Ben and Alan are always together. Ben loves his daddy so much! And the way Ivy looks at her daddy just melts my heart! She loves the sound of his voice. She will just sit there and just watch him. It's precious! Alan is not one of those dads that are not involved. Alan has always changed diapers, given baths, gave them bottles and fed them baby food, washed bottles, whatever he could do to help out he would do. He is the worlds greatest daddy!

He has loved me throught thick and thin (and even thicker lol). He has always told me I am beautiful no matter what size I am or what I look like at the time. I was beautiful to him when I was nice and skinny and when I was as big as a bus right after I had my babies. He makes me feel beautiful everyday, and he makes me laugh a million times a day! I am so happy!

So Happy Valentine's Day Alan! I love you more than you will ever know! I am so blessed to have you in my life.

Ivy and Me!

2009-02-01T14:23:00.003-06:00

Me and my Ivy.

Look at that crazy hair! You can't do anything with it! It's wild!

My Girl

Mommy got a face full of drool!

Ok, I know, but I have even more pics of the kiddos to show you!

2009-01-27T09:59:00.006-06:00

My baby girls beautiful smile!

Ben playing peek a boo under the blanket!

My Ivy's silly face!

Where is Ben?

Man that flash is bright mom!

I think I see him!

Look at those blue eyes!

There he is!

She is so happy!

Silly Ben!

My drool baby!

She's awake in her jumparoo! lol!

Hey mom!

Laughing at brother.

Makes my heart melt!

That is the bump on her upper lip that she is going to have to have surgery to remove. :(

Beautiful!

Sleeping Beauty!

They look so much alike!

2009-01-21T23:24:00.002-06:00

Ivy at 4 months
Ben at 4 months

Everyone is so amazed at how much Ben and Ivy look alike. Everyone says that Ivy is a girl version of Ben. I've nick named her Benjamina! Their smiles, little noses, and even the shape of their head is the same! Alan asked me the other day what I think Ivy will look like when she gets older and I put my hair over Ben's head and said just like this!

A Lazy Saturday At Home With The Kiddos

2009-01-20T10:23:00.004-06:00

Is she bored?

2008-12-28T23:20:00.002-06:00

Ivy keeps falling asleep in her new Jumperoo. I don't know if she's bored, if she jumps and plays her self to sleep, or if it's just comfy. Anyway, I just wanted to post these pics. She's so cute!

Some of Our Christmas In Pictures.

2008-12-26T09:48:00.014-06:00

Christmas Eve at Granny Elrod's.Ben was so exited! Ivy's first Christmas!She is so gorgeous!What are you looking at? Putting out the reindeer food! Reading The Night Before Christmas. Christmas Morning.She's so happy! He loves dinosaurs! Santa brought Ben a bike! Isn't she lovely! Dinosaur Underwear! Ben and Blayton at Grammy's. Ivy and her first baby doll.

I'm back, again!

2008-12-22T21:36:00.002-06:00

Ok, I'm finally updating my blog! Things have been CRAZY around the Elrod house hold. I have started back to work @ Hastings and it has been really busy there. Ben is out on break from preschool. They had a pajama party on the last day. He had a blast and he can not wait to go back! He is so excited about Santa coming to our house! Christmas is so much fun when you have kids! I'm probably more excited than he is!

Miss Ivy is growing so fast. We took her to have her shots and she weighed almost 14 lbs already! She is so smart. She loves to smile and talk to you. It's so cute! She's already rolling over and cutting teeth! I told her she needs to slow down a little bit. It's all happening way to fast! I can't believe she is already 3 months old!

Well, I promise to update everybody on everything else soon, but I'm going to hit the sack!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Halloween 08

2008-11-06T13:41:00.004-06:00

Lake!

My Spooky Ghost, Little Kitty, and Bag of Money!

Lake as a bag of money! How cute is that?

My Mom and my little kitty Ivy!My sister and my nephew Blayton. (He wan't too happy.)My Ivy!Meow.How sweet!

Laker was adorable!Ben wanted to be a ghost this year. He loved to scare people!

Mommies of Little Girls

2008-10-24T17:37:00.007-05:00

I need help. Alan's hours have been cut back at work (Yorozu) and so now we are even more broke than before (if that's possible). I was wondering if any of you have some dressy clothes that you would be interested in selling. Ivy has TONS of casual clothes but only a few dresses. I am sure you know how expensive all of the cute little dresses can be. Maybe you have some in storage that you are going to put in a yard sale or consignment sale. Just leave a comment if you have anything! Thank you so much!

Congrats!

2008-10-24T17:37:00.004-05:00

I just wanted to say congrats to my friend Angela. She and Andy welcomed their new baby boy Solace into the world Wensday. He is gorgeous!

Our Day at the Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-14T11:53:00.014-05:00

OOPPS!

2008-10-12T12:37:00.001-05:00

I titled the blog below "Helping Granny" it should be "Helping Grammy". My mother does not want to be called Granny because she said it makes her think of Granny from The Beverly Hillbilies. She's crazy but I just thought I should clear that up.

Helping Granny

2008-10-12T12:28:00.004-05:00

The other day we went to my moms to celebrate Alan and Dad's birthdays. She was baking a cake and Ben loves to help. I don't know how much help he really was but we got some really cute pictures of him licking the bowl clean!

Oops, We Both Forgot!

2008-10-10T17:42:00.002-05:00

Ok, so last saturday was the Hobbs family reunion and when they were giving away door prizes they asked who had been married the longest. Well, this made me think of how many years Alan and I have been married (6). Then it hit me, our anniversary was September 28th! I TOTALLY FORGOT! Alan was at work so he didn't get to go to the reunion but he called me that afternoon from work. I asked him if we had forgotten anything and he said OUR ANNIVERSARY. He told me that he was laying in bed a few nights before and all of a sudden it hit him. He was so scared I was just waiting to see how long it would take him to remember! He said he was confused because he knows how I act when I'm mad and it didn't seem like anything was wrong! SO FUNNY! I can't believe I forgot, but considering we just had a baby I think its understandable! So HAPPY ANNIVERSARY ALAN! You are not only my husband, you're my best friend. Thanks for all you do for me, Ben, and Ivy. You make me laugh everyday and I love you so much!

Baby Shower

2008-10-08T10:59:00.011-05:00

I just wanted to post a few pics from one of my baby showers. I was bummed because I didn't get to get a picture of everyone who came!

This is me and my grandmother
Tyla, Leslie, Little Aaron, and Shonda.

Shonda, Amanda, and Devin.

Candace, Brayden, and Lake.

Opening the presents.

This cake was made by Leah Sherwood ( in the picture below). She is so talented and the cake is so yummy!

Just me.

Big Brother and Little Sis

2008-10-08T09:56:00.006-05:00

Ivy Addison Elrod (The Bean) Is Here!

2008-10-08T09:37:00.004-05:00

Well, as many of you know our little bean Ivy Addison was born on her daddy's birthday September 17. She weighed 8lbs 13oz and was 20 & 3/4 in. long. She's so beautiful! Her brother is so protective over her. I'm glad because I was worried he would be jealous, but he's been really good. Well, for the most part. When she cries he puts his hands over his ears and runs around the house but now I have taught him just to go to his room and play until she settles down. I still can't believe she is already here! Alan and I are truly blessed! We have a handsome little man and a beautiful baby girl. She eats and sleeps great! She has her last bottle around 10:00 and doesn't get up until 2:30 for another and wakes in the morning around 6:30! I want to thank everyone for the wonderful gifts and for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers during my pregnancy and delivery. I promise to try and blog more often!

I Know I Know

2008-10-08T09:36:00.001-05:00

I am so sorry I haven't blogged in FOREVER! Things have just been a little crazy. People have been fussing on me and I have been meaning to blog and now I finally am!

I've Been Tagged!

2008-06-27T16:28:00.002-05:00

Sorry it took me so long Paige! Here are 7 crazy odd things about me!

1 I have been craving Fudge Rounds this pregnancy.
2 I love how Lowes smells!
3 I'm not a Republican but I'm definatly not a Democrat, so who knows what that makes me!
4 Wet toilet paper makes me gag!
5 I am not an organized woman but I try to be!
6 It still hasn't really hit me yet that I am having a baby girl!
7 I don't really like talking on the phone.

A Baby Asked God

2008-06-19T15:02:00.000-05:00

A baby asked God,'They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?'
God said, 'Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you.' The child further inquired, 'But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy.'
God said, 'Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy.'
Again the child asked, 'And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?'
God said, 'Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak.'
'And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?'
God said, 'Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray.' 'Who will protect me?'
God said, 'Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life.' 'But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore.'
God said, 'Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you.'
At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, 'God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name.'
God said, 'You will simply call her, 'Mom.'

Good News / Bad News

2008-06-16T18:44:00.003-05:00

I had another ultrasound today and all of the problems they saw the last time have gone away! Her bowels and kidneys look totally normal! YAY! I am soooooo relieved! She is growing so fast. She was VERY active during the ultrasound today but that made for some good video footage! I am getting so excited now. It all seems to be coming together. I feel so much better now than I have in a long time. I'm happy! We bought her the most adorable stroller and car seat at Target today. It is pink and brown, so sweet, very girly!

Well, the bad news is I failed my gluclose screening. :( So I have to go back Monday for a 3 hour screening. YUCK! It's going to be a long day. But hopefully everything will come back normal.

My mom wants me to get a invitation list ready for Ivy's shower. I'm not sure of the date yet, probably late July or early August. If you want to come please email me your address so I can be sure you get an invitation. Thanks!

Happy Father's Day!

2008-06-15T15:00:00.002-05:00

I just want to tell Alan thank you for being the best daddy Ben or Ivy could ever wish for. You are my rock and I am soooooo blessed to have you as my husband and best friend!

I also want to say a thank you to my daddy. You hung the moon as far as I'm concerned! I love you and thank God everyday that I had a daddy like you.

I love you both so much!

I'm Back

2008-06-13T16:53:00.002-05:00

Ok, so about a month ago I was a emotional crazy wreck. I decided I needed to take a long break from everything and boy has it helped! I feel great! I hung out with my boys (Alan and Ben). We went swimming, had picnics, and just enjoyed some time off.

I have been nesting like crazy! I have painted the bedroom, cleaned all of the carpet in my house, organized closets, ordered Ivy's furniture (we still have to put it together), and just getting things ready for Ivy's arrival. I'm getting so excited. I can't wait to see her and man is she active. Ben and Alan are facinated watching her move around in my belly. Ben never moved this much. When she is being still, Ben yells at my belly telling his "sisser" to "wake up!". It's adorable!

I have another doctors appointment Monday. We are having another ultrasound to check some problems they found the last time. Nothing major though. The last time the ultrasound tech told us we already have a nice chunky little baby! At least I know I am having a c-section this time and I don't really have to worry about how big she is! LOL!

Boy Clothes Sizes Newborn - 3T

2008-05-21T09:49:00.003-05:00

I'm having a yard sale this Friday and Saturday. I have tons of cute name brand boy clothes and I know my friend Tiffany Smith is going to have some girl clothes. I also have a crib w/ mattress, changing table, strollers w/ car seats, all kinds of baby boy stuff (blankets, bibs, etc.), kitchen table and chairs, computer desk, two bookshelves, adult clothes of all sizes, and much more. So if you would be interested in coming and do not know where I live, just email me and I will give you directions.

Update on Me and Ivy

2008-05-18T16:12:00.002-05:00

WHEW! What a weekend! Thursday I woke up at 7 having pains that kinda felt like contractions but I really didn't think they were. They were really sharp and coming every 2 to 5 minutes. I finally got through to my doctor's nurse and she got me in to see the nurse practitioner at 1:30. She checked me and said my cervix was good and thick and closed. So I wasn't in preterm labor. That was great news so I really didn't think about how much pain I was in until we got back home. So I called and my doctor had me admitted in to OB and they put the monitor on and nothing was registering as contractions, which I knew it wouldn't. They couldn't really figure out what was going on. They said it could be round ligament pains and gave me some pain medicine and sent me home. Friday was a little better. I was still having the pains but they weren't regular or as intense, and Saturday I hardly had any at all. I feel really good today and we are going for my check up and another ultrasound tomorrow, so maybe my doctor can figure out what went on. As for Ivy, she was kicking all night on the monitor. The nurses were amazed at how active she was! Alan kept hearing her kick and roll around and was like WOW! Now he knows why she keeps me up all night! LOL!

So Alan and Ben have decided.....

2008-05-13T10:04:00.002-05:00

To name our baby girl Ivy! Elizabeth is still up in the air. Alan likes Ivy Addison too. But Alan has been feeling her kick and talking to her calling her Ivy and Ben will kiss my belly and say Ivy! How sweet. I'm happy with it. It is definatly growing on me. Thanks to everyone who voted and helped us decide.

Babysitter?

2008-05-08T12:53:00.002-05:00

I'm looking for someone who would be interested in watching my cousin's baby boy Lake. I have been watching him, but I'm not going to be able to anymore. My cousin Tiffany is looking for someone who would watch him in their home. She doesn't really want to take him to a big daycare. He is almost 4 months old and a very sweet rolly polly baby. If you would be interested or know someone who might, just leave a comment! Thanks!

2008-05-07T13:19:00.003-05:00

Ok, so I feel like I've really popped out this week. I'm 21 weeks today.

Bad Dreams

2008-05-07T08:02:00.002-05:00

I don't know if this is normal but with this pregnancy I have been having the most awful dreams I have EVER had! When I was preggo with Ben I had good dreams except for the occasional dream that Alan was leaving me because I was too fat (lol). I still have those dreams but they are much worse, and I'm having scary dreams about dead babies, people coming after me trying to kill me, all kind of things! They seem sooooooo real and I can't shake them for the rest of the day. I know this is affecting my sleep because I am so tired these days. I know some of you know that I have been having a hard time emotionally with this pregnancy. I feel like I'm going NUTS! I just don't feel like myself and I think these dreams are connected to that. Do you guys know of any way I can stop these dreams?

Helpful Scriptures

2008-05-05T12:43:00.002-05:00

Just thought I would post some scriptures that help me get through life in general. I think I will start posting a few everyweek. I hope they may help someone else through a difficult time.

Heb 13:5 KJV- Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Col 3:2 KJV- Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Help us choose a name for the bean!

2008-04-29T20:21:00.000-05:00

We have narrowed it down to two names. Ivy Elizabeth and Addison Grace. What is your choice?

Ben is finally back on the potty!

2008-04-28T16:51:00.004-05:00

Ben went to the doctor a couple weeks ago. He had been saying it hurt when he pee peed, he had a fever, and his urine smelled really strong. I was afraid he had a bladder infection or something but the doctor said that is really rare in little boys and he probably just wasn't drinking enough water. He still wanted to try to get a urine specimine from him just in case it was a infection. So we spent a couple hours at the doctors office trying to get him to pee in a cup or on the potty in one of those things that catch urine. Well, he was screaming and he did NOT want to pee! I don't know what happened b/c he was really starting to use the potty @ home. Of course at home he used his potty, he didn't use the big potty. I think that maybe that was what scared him. I even called his daddy, who was at home doing homework, to come to the doctors office and maybe they could each pee in a cup! LOL It didn't work! So we went home and I started watering down his juice alot more and he hasn't complained since and his pee is back to normal. Well, ever since that day he wouldn't even try to get on his potty, but today he finally did. I was brushing my teeth and Alan was using the bathroom (TMI LOL) and Ben saw his daddy and decided he wanted to go potty! YAY! So he went and got a magazine and sat down on the potty! It was so cute! It was so stinkin cute I had to take some pics. I'm sure when he is a teenager he will kill me for posting pictures of him on his potty for everyone to see!

IT'S A GIRL!

2008-04-21T15:44:00.005-05:00

Today is the day!

2008-04-21T05:42:00.000-05:00

It is 5:45am and I have been awake since 4am. Partly because the bean has been kicking my bladder, but mostly because I am too excited to sleep. In a little over 2 hours we will be looking at our bean and finally get to know what we're having. Well, hopefully we will know as long as the bean is like its momma, not shy! LOL Please keep us in your prayers that our little bean is healthy and growing good. <3

Impatient!!!!!

2008-04-17T20:10:00.000-05:00

Man! What a week! Alan had pink eye and Ben had the funk, fortunatly I didn't get sick! (YET! Knock on wood!) Everyone is doing better and pretty much recouperated. I am soooo excited about our ultrasound Monday! I am soooo impatient! That's why I am glad the appointment is at 8 in the morning and not in the afternoon. At least I have a busy weekend, Ladies Day and 2 baby showers. Busy Busy!

Where did the time go?

2008-04-16T10:04:00.000-05:00

I was looking through some of Ben's baby pictures and I can't believe how much of a big boy he is now. I mean, I know that he has grown of course but I still see him as my baby. I guess he always will be my baby, even when he has his own children some day. When I look at pictures of him when he was just a rolly polly little baby I realize how fast he has grown up! It just now hit me he is going to be three in a few months! That is so hard to believe. I think the reason I've really been thinking about this is because in a few months we are going to have another little one and it makes me think of my first little one and how he is going to be a big brother now! A BIG BROTHER! It really is hard for me to beilieve. I don't know, I guess I'm just being a hormonal pregnant woman, but this is really making me sad. My baby isn't a baby anymore, but he always will be to me.

A Chilly But Beautiful Day

2008-04-15T16:13:00.000-05:00

Ben was feeling better today and it looked beautiful outside so I thought we would get out of the house for a bit. The wind was a little chilly but the sun felt sooooo good. It felt great to get out of the house. The only bad thing was after we came in, Ben started feeling warm and his little voice was scratchy and I think his throat was hurting. :( Who knows, it could just be allergies, because now he is fine? Who knows. At least he had fun when he was outside running around. I can't wait until we are all better and it is warm enough to go out in shorts and a t-shirt. I really want to go swimming!!!!!!!

OOPS!

2008-04-15T15:11:00.000-05:00

I made a mistake. We go for our ultrasound Monday April 21st, not May 21st! Thanks Tiff!

An Update on the Elrod Family

2008-04-14T19:50:00.000-05:00

I thought I would give everyone an update on our growing family. As all of you know Alan and I are still happily married. Our 6th anniversary is this September. We have a 2 1/2 year old son, Ben, who is ALL boy! I love my boys!Some of you may not know that we are expecting baby Elrod #2! We are so excited. We find out if we are having a baby girl or boy a week from today on May 21st! So as of right now we call this baby "The Bean". (Thanks to Paige Todd for coming up w/ Ben and The Bean.) So be sure to check back next week to see what we are having! Here is a pic from our first ultrasound. I was only 11 weeks so you can't tell much, but he/she is still adorable!

Ben has the funk. :(

2008-04-14T19:26:00.000-05:00

Ben woke up with a fever this morning and hasn't been feeling well all day. Bless his heart. Of course when I took him to the doctor he wasn't running a fever anymore and was acting like he felt fine. As soon as we got out to the car he started crying and felt like he was running a fever, and sure enough he was. Why does that always happen?

New To This

2008-04-13T21:56:00.000-05:00

Hey guys! Just wanted to say hi! I'm excited about this whole blogging thing. I'm new to it, so I will just take it slowly. lol I hope to personalize my blog a little more in the coming days so check in and see what is going on in the Elrod household!