Goodbye, Blogger. Hello, Web Site!

I've decided to graduate from blogging, and try to manage a web site for the family. I am planning on still blogging on the web site - it really has been a fun and creative outlet for me.

Take a peek at our site, and let me know what you think!

http://web.mac.com/jenniferleighpearson/The_Pearsons/Home.html

Trick or Treat

Given that I am not working, I have plenty of time to obsess over silly things. Such as, "...what will my sweet boy be wearing for Halloween?" I am sure that he will be tiny, so I abandoned the idea of an actual costume (which Mark said was mean to even entertain the thought of dressing him up - he's no fun!) and have been on the hunt for a plain orange onesie. In case you're wondering - orange onesies are almost impossible to find! I was at the mall yesterday (for a brief visit - I have a two store limit), and found this orange number at Gap Kids...













I'm sure it will swallow him, but I was pleased to finally walk away with something in hand! Plus, should I find myself back in Rockwall he can sport the orange and back the Yellowjackets!

Bump Update...

I have been horrible about posting my monthly "Bump" photo. I have no clue where we left off, but here is a picture that was taken yesterday. Since on bed rest I rarely wear make up or put in my contacts. This was prime picture taking time because I was headed out to a shower that some sweet friends were hosting for us.

He is definitely growing! We are headed back to the doctor tomorrow, so we are hoping for another good report :o)

Some Assembly Required...

Katy has no clue that life is about to change!












Poor Mark! Thank goodness for husbands :o)









Walking into the nursery...











I have some things that still need to be hung above the crib. Other than that - we are DONE!!








His changing table and dresser...

Update

Good News!! We headed back to the doctor this afternoon, and it looks like Baby Pearson has moved back further - thank goodness! They plan on keeping me on Terbutaline (the medicine hindering the contractions) for at least another week. After that they don't plan on doing anything to interrupt labor. Despite the favorable report I am now off work (which is not a terrible thing :o) I have been instructed to rest as I did last week for the remainder of this week; then reintroduce moderate activity back into my day. Hooray for "moderate activity"! Since last Tuesday I have been formulating "To Do" lists - time to get some of those items checked off!

Mark and I just want to let each of you know how much we appreciate your encouraging words, prayers, and phone calls! How incredibly lucky we are to having such caring friends and family!

Daytime TV

Did you know...
-Oprah's new season begins Monday (the show will be hosted in New York)
-Kelly and Regis are celebrating their 20th Anniversary (and giving away new cars)
-The Today Show has now extended to 4 hours
-They have now decided on the final co-host of The View - Barbara and Whoopi will announce the new addition soon.
-You can watch past episodes of your favorite series on abc.com

Why do I know all these useless facts? Wednesday marked the first official day of bed rest! The unexpected news came last Thursday when I visited Dr. Blake for a scheduled appointment. I was having contractions, and the baby was really low! We spent the afternoon in the hospital - hydrating and resting. The contractions slowed, and we were discharged. The nurse instructed me to "take it easy" and "drink lots of water". "Take is easy" is open to interpretation. I decided to work on Friday - probably not the wisest choice, and ended up heading home early with more contractions. We took it easy over the long weekend - lots of movies and rest. Tuesday morning I headed back to Dr. Blake. Again, she sent me to the hospital to be monitored. I was still having contractions (not as robust as last Thursday). They gave me a couple of injections to halt the contractions and plenty of fluids. I was discharged again, this time with orders to stay off my feet and in bed. So, here I am! Should you need any updates on your favorite daytime show give me a ring.

We are praying that this little person stays put! I am only 33 weeks (hoping to make it to 40); each additional week provides more time for him to grow and develop.

Here is a picture of one of our trips to the hospital. Ugh...those gowns are not cute!

8 Random Facts...

I got tagged by my sweet friend Lindsi...
The Rules:
1. I have to post these rules before I give you the facts.
2. Each player starts with 8 random facts/habits about themselves.
3. People who are tagged need to write their own blog (about their 8 things) and post these rules.
4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose people to get tagged and list their names.
5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

8 Random Facts/Habits/Confessions:

1. Did you know that I am double jointed in my elbows? This is always my "default" response when we play "Ice Breaker" games at parties, meetings, etc. The other night I learned that TWO other girls in my bible study possess the same gift. Any others out there?

2. I keep a bag of Tootsie Rolls in the middle console of my car. I've tried almonds, and other healthy snacks; but I always raid the Tootsie Rolls. I justify my binge by telling myself that they are low in calories. However, I read the bag recently and realized that eating 15 exceeds the "Low Cal" serving!

3. If I've made a mistake in my calendar, or even in our check registry I cannot bare to "mark" out the mistake. I grab my BIC White Out and rectify the error. I now even carry one in my purse - I use it all the time!

4. I start and end almost every day the same way. Morning...a Diet Coke, Peanut Butter Zone Bar, and time in front of the computer. Night...remove my eye makeup, wash my face, apply toner, then lotion, brush my teeth, and then apply Burts Bees Chapstick.

5. Every Friday I receive "People". I read the magazine cover to cover that night. Poor Mark will try to talk to me, though I'm in the "zone".

6. I'm horrible at Geography! Ask me about countries, continents - I have no clue. Have you ever seen Jay Leno's "Jay Walking"? I would fail miserably at that game!

7. It's been a while, but Mark and I used to play Jeopardy EVERY night. We both are super competitive and obnoxious during the thirty minutes. He gets really mad when I won't tell him how many points I have - he will pause the game (we record all episodes) and refuse to proceed until I tell him my score.

8. I, like Lindsi, would love to be a writer. The Blog has been such a fun, creative outlet!

Dust off those 3-D glasses, and say "Hello" to Baby Pearson!

Mark and I went earlier this week to a 3-D/4-D Imaging Center to take a closer look at Baby Pearson. Oh my goodness, what a fun experience! Here are some of the pictures from our session - any early guesses as to who he will favor?

Oh, be forewarned - his nose looks HUGE! Rick, the tech, assured me that the pictures are distorted and his honker won't be that large!

For every action (or dumb thing you say in baby class), there is a REACTION

So you all might recall Mark's "funny" from our first night of "Labor of Love" - that name still kills me! While his comment threw my mind (and wit) into a tail spin, I knew that at some point I would find vindication. Who knew that sweet justice would present itself in an oatmeal colored "Empathy Belly"?!

Words do not suffice! Please enjoy the pictures...

























I'll be honest...I delighted in every moan and groan. He had to wear the belly for two hours, and kept tapping me on the shoulder to tell me how badly his pelvis hurt. No sympathy from me! I suggested he strap on a pair of heels, spend all day getting in and out of his car in 100 degree weather, then head home to whip up something yummy for dinner! Ok, so I know I sound bitter (and in all fairness I must disclose that Mark has served as the most AMAZING support throughout the pregnancy), but I so badly wanted to get him back - don't mess with a pregnant lady!!

Husbands say the darndest things...

I PROMISE this will be a short post, and I've even included a picture!

In preparation for Baby Pearson we have signed up for several classes (this is in addition to the 20 books I have purchased on pregnancy, labor, and what to do once the baby arrives). What can I say, I like to feel prepared! The CPR class was good, but I do find myself questioning if I'll remember what to do should the need arise. I was trying to explain to a neighbor the steps, and started to second guess the number of breaths?! Regardless, I feel better prepared now than I did two weeks ago. Below is a picture of our blue baby (I'm going to go ahead and say that I think he is cuter than our creepy devil child whose picture I posted earlier)...










This past Tuesday we started our Labor of Love classes (I know...what a name)! It is one of five, and is designed to help us prepare for labor and delivery. We were both exhausted on Tuesday, and barely made it to the class. We walked in and class had already started - I hate to be late! The nurse announced - "Perfect timing...we were just about to start introductions!" Mark and I hurried to two empty seats and settled in. Do you ever have those moments with your significant other when you realize they are up to something? I know Mark all to well, and realized quickly that a simple introduction would not do it for him. Each person sheepishly shared their name, occupation, due date, etc. Mark was to my right, and the first to introduce himself. Just as he opened his mouth I realized I was in for a treat - "Hi, my name is Mark and this is my wife Jenny. She is pregnant (brief pause to enjoy the courtesy laughs from classmates). We're um, we're pretty sure the baby is mine!" WHAT...did he just say what I think he said?! I must admit I laughed - hey, it's funny! However, he did say I turned bright red! I swear...I can't take him anywhere!!

Deep in the Heart of TEXAS!

Ahhh...the house is so quiet! Mark is away on business, and I finally have found time to dedicate to this neglected blog. July was amazing. We spent three out of the four weekends traveling. As you all know from our previous post, we spent the fourth in Nevis. Again, so very wonderful and relaxing!

After typing I realized that for your sake (the reader) I should break up the weekends...

Weekend 2 (Saturday):
The following weekend we traveled to Houston to celebrate this sweet baby-to-be with family and dear friends. Once I receive pictures I will post them (I did bring my camera, yet neglected to take one picture). Both festivities were uniquely special and oh so fun! Saturday night the Pearsons gathered to honor Baby Pearson. Yee-haw...we celebrated Texas style - cowboy boots, country tunes, and good ole' beef bbq! We even walked away with a box of Texas "soil" - Carrie did that come from y'alls back yard? (The Pearsons just wanted to ensure that this baby was born onto Texas soil) It was such a wonderful evening - how incredibly blessed I am to call this family my own. They really are such a special group of people - love y'all!

Weekend 2 (Sunday):
We were up bright and early on Sunday morning to head to church. A dear friend of the Pearsons was preaching that Sunday - his story is truly amazing (his faithfulness is so incredibly encouraging). After Sunday School we headed home for a quick bite, then got ready for the ladies shower. The lovely shower was hosted by some of Marti's (Mark's Mom) dearest friends. I WISH I had the pictures - you should have seen this cake! They neglected not one detail...even the Ozarka bottles were pretty. Mark was able to come on the front and back end to visit. It was so fun to hear stories from some of the ladies that knew him when he was just a little boy (sounds like we will have our hands full :o) We were standing in the kitchen and Mark looked at me and said, "...this is overwhelming! How blessed we are to have such generous family and friends..." He said it best - we are so very blessed!

Weekend 3:
Home for the weekend! We did absolutely nothing, and it was wonderful :o)

Weekend 4:
I packed my bag and departed for the Big D. It is always wonderful to go home, but this visit was extra special because of the sweet shower that was planned for Saturday. I arrived on Thursday, which allowed for some down time prior to the weekend. My Mom and I spent Friday at the spa - lovely! We then headed to North Park to see if there were any things that this little baby could not live without. While I didn't find anything he could wear/use now, I know where I will be spending my time and money when he gets a little bit older - Crew Cuts (it is J Crew for little people - so stinkin' cute)! I do have one funny mall story...we were in Gymboree and there was this little girl with her grandmother. The little girl walked out of the dressing room with a denim skirt on, and insisted that she wear it out of the store. When "Nana" said No the little girl threw a fit! Nana quickly interrupted her whining, and said "...Nana doesn't play those games. Get in the dressing room and change now!" My Mom (soon-to-be Mimi) looked at the me and said if that was my Grandbaby I would have said of course, and asked if they wanted some new shoes to match! Already I now I am going to have to regulate Mimi!! Ok, sorry I had to share I thought it was funny :o) Friday night I was able to meet Amanda in Dallas for dinner at DragonFly. It's been a while since I have felt totally uncool, but DragonFly and it's flashy patrons made me feel boring and normal. Our conversation would stop abruptly as we listened into other tables talking. Oh my...we heard it all that night! Can I just tell you, I love my friend Amanda?! I am so thankful we had the evening to chat and laugh because Saturday afternoon was a blur! She, her precious Mother, and oh so sweet Mother-in-Law hosted the most beautiful shower on Saturday. P.S. - the shower (one of two that weekend held at the Humphrey's) was at her Mother's home. Sarah, Amanda's sister, was very pregnant and due that weekend. Talk about stressful...two showers, a pregnant daughter about to give birth to their first grand child - I still can't believe they made it through the weekend. (Sarah has since given birth to a perfect baby boy named Wyatt) Despite their busy lives they made me feel so incredibly special! Y'all must check out the pictures, http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=gbt7xo6.5pgroa7m&x=0&y=-fd5lm7 These ladies embody Martha! I kept asking, "...has someone taken a picture of the table?" It was BEYOND lovely - the sweet treats, stars cascading over the table (which tied into the invitation), and precious rocking horse made for the most stunning table. The two hours flew by, and before I knew it I was hugging everyone good bye (so sad)! It was so special to see family and dear friends (several whom traveled miles and miles for the festivity). I smile when I think about Saturday...we are so loved! Can all you sweet people just move to Nashville?!

A question many of you asked - "How are you going to get all this stuff home?" You will be happy to know that thanks to light packing and empty suit cases we made it back home without having to ship too much stuff! You should see our guest bedroom - out of control!!

Ok, I am so sorry for the lengthy post! I just wanted to fill everyone in on all the special activities from the past month. I promise to not ramble like this again!!

Gotta love vacations...

Ok, I know - we are the worst bloggers ever! I still cannot believe that we are about to close out July. To say that the month has been busy (good busy) is an understatement. We celebrated the fourth in true Americana style - in a different country. We flew to Nevis for one last hooray - free of stollers, diapers, and early morning starts. Mark and I spent 7 wonderful days in Nevis. No cell phones, lap tops or agendas dictating our time allowed us to truly relax. Here are a couple of pictures from our stay...

The pool (ahhhh)...









Mark golfing (1 of the three times) - I was obligated to ride in the cart for one round...









No, we did not snag this photo from National Geographic - there are monkeys EVERYWHERE! They are so stinkin' cute...








Our final dinner (so sad)....










The vacation was wonderful, but I have so many other fun stories to share from July. I promise to write again soon!

Pop Goes the Belly!

My tummy is now protruding and peoples well wishes are pouring in! People say the craziest things...I had a lunch in an office yesterday, and the woman felt compelled to share her inner monologue. "...at first I thought to myself, 'Is she just gassy? Then I thought maybe she has just put on some weight?' I finally leaned over to one of the nurses and asked if you were pregnant..." Since learning that I am pregnant several people have shared that they thought I had just put on a little extra weight (apparently I was the source of conversation over lunch in one of the pharmacies)...doctors offices can be brutal!

Here is a recent picture of the belly!














Poor Mark is feeling a little left out (that whole thing about sympathy pregnancy symptoms - not one stinkin' thing! He is still rail thin!!)...

Technology is creepy!

In 2007 we are spoiled by countless technological advances. There is no longer a need to hold a phone to your ear, just get a hands-free head set. Video tape your favorite TV show? How archaic, simply Tivo the series. Have an important message to relay, but can't find time to pick up the phone...send a text message!

However, did you all know that there is a technology that exists allowing parents-to-be to peek into the future and see what their child will look like? Yes, it's true! Some of you may be leery, and I can appreciate your skepticism. Knowing that many of you would find this hard to believe, I thought it would be best to share a photo from our personal session.

Baby Boy Pearson (5 Years Old)....










Ahhh...let's hope he doesn't look like that! I found this picture over the weekend when I was cleaning out a closet. Back in 2002 we went to Dave and Buster's with some friends for the evening. There was a photo booth that "promised" to produce an image of your future child. By far, our kid was the ugliest (I guess a Mother's love doesn't transcend everything - he creeps me out)!

Who do you think he favors? Does he belong to those nutty Adcocks or those goofy Pearsons?

I have no catchy title - this is simply an update!

I know, I know...it's been a while! I have intended to sit down and dedicate some time to the blog - it's just been crazy. The month of May was a blur, and I still can't believe that June is here. Time really has passed quickly - I'm sure my tune will change in September when I am 8 months pregnant and trying to escape the suffocating heat.

Several out-of-town visitors and short weekend jaunts have helped to pass the time. In May both my Mom, Mark's Aunt and Uncle, and the Pearsons came to visit. Both weekends were filled with fun baby stuff and relaxation! My Mom actually came Memorial Day weekend, thinking we would have already known the sex of the baby. However, not knowing didn't stop us from hitting the cute baby boutiques. We picked out bedding for both a little boy, and a little girl. Obviously we now know that our baby-to-be is all boy and will be decorating in light blue and chocolate brown (I will have to take a picture of the swatches). My only regret from both weekends is that I didn't take ONE single picture! I have really got to get better about this picture taking...

Last weekend I drove to Alabama to spend the weekend with my sweet friend Amanda. Her sister-in-law graciously offered up her apartment, allowing us to enjoy a lovely weekend in Birmingham. It wasn't the destination itself that was the attraction - it was being able to spend time together. Amanda lives in Dallas, and I rarely see her outside of the holidays. We passed the time with pedicures, boutique shopping, eating, and more eating. Again, I didn't take any pictures - shoot!

Well...I did take one picture! This one was taken just short of 5 months.

Snips, Snails, and Puppy Dog Tails...

We've talked with many of you, but felt a formal post was in order - It's a BOY!

Our appointment was bright and early on Tuesday! We walked in promptly at 8:00, and did our best to pass the time in the waiting room "reading" (we were both too excited to actually read). Finally my name was called! Jan, our ultrasound tech, was very friendly and lead us back to the room. I quickly changed and hopped onto the table. Jan was busy typing in our information when Mark looked at me and whispered..."It's a boy". He later shared that he felt the need to make a "prediction", and at the moment he was thinking blue. Our prophetic moment was interrupted by a squiggle of ultrasound gel that hit my bare belly. Jan pressed the probe to my tummy, and within seconds a little hiney appeared. She quickly asked if we were interested in knowing the sex, and Mark and I energetically responded - Yes! With out hesitation she announced, "It's a boy!" and pointed to his manhood. It was hard to see, but later during our session she was able to capture a very clear picture to assure us that Baby Pearson was indeed all boy. For the next twenty minutes she gently moved the probe from left to right carefully inspecting his brain, heart, kidneys, etc. What a wonderful thing to hear - "Your baby is very healthy!" (Mark and I are still thanking the Lord for the good news!) Watching this little person twist and turn was absolutely surreal. He didn't have too much room, as my bladder was very full; but he managed to extend his little fingers and press his sweet foot against my belly. Our time with Jan ended, and I escaped to the bathroom for some relief. When I arrived back in the room Mark was proudly thumbing through the snap shots. I truly think we were both in shock!

Mark and I are so incredibly thankful for our sweet little boy! Thank you so much for your prayers, e-mails, and phone calls - we loved sharing the moment with you all!

Seis Anos!!

1997













2007


"Seis Anos" - not sure if that is the correct spelling?! I hope it translates to "Six Years" - any Spanish buffs care to weigh in? While my Spanish may not be too bueno, I am excited to share that Mark and I just celebrated our sixth wedding anniversary (Cinco de Mayo - we can never forget our special day)! The even crazier thought is that we have been together for ten years - wow! We met my freshman year at SFA, I had just turned 18 and Mark was about to celebrate his 22nd birthday. We both have different recollections of our meeting, but I will tell you my version (the truthful one, of course)! Young and impressionable I made my way with some girlfriends to a party that one of Mark's friends was hosting. The small two-bedroom apartment was crammed with people, you could barely move. Several of us made our way to the couch - perfect position to survey, and people watch. Mark was wearing a plaid button up shirt with a cowboy hat - oh my! He was quite the life of the party buzzing around the living room. After some time, people watching got old and I made my way to the back of the apartment for a drink. I turned the corner to find the cowboy hat wearing party boy all by himself! We immediately started talking, and continued to talk for the rest of the night - I never returned to the couch. An hour had passed and one of my friends came to find me - they were ready to leave. I lingered for a bit waiting for this boy to ask for my number! Never did he ask for my number or insinuate that he looked forward to seeing me again - what a cheap deal! We left, and I was disappointed. Shortly after the fun-filled weekend all the students returned home for Thanksgiving. I enjoyed spending time with my family, but was thinking about that sweet cowboy hat wearing boy. When class resumed I was glad to be back! After leaving the library one day I was approached by a friend of mine who happened to be a Sigma Chi pledge. He fumbled his pledge book, and asked for my phone number on behalf of Mark Pearson. A friend of mine was standing next to me, and interrupted Sam's bumbling, "No she will not! If he wants her number he needs to come and ask himself!" My thoughts quickly reverted back to the cramped apartment and our great conversation. I folded and gave Sam my number - a moment of weakness! He called shortly, and we spent the remainder of the semester together. I still blame him for my terrible GPA that semester. We would get together to study for finals, and would end up talking the whole night!

Mark still has the piece of paper with my phone number! Who knew that those four digits would lead to an amazing friendship, marriage, and soon children?!

Multitasking

Earlier this morning Mark and I made our way to the doctors office for official visit #3! I find myself anxious before each appointment for a variety of reasons. One of which is that I never know what to expect when I walk through the door. Today was actually pretty boring - I hate to say that. We made it back quickly which was great, and the nurse checked all my vitals. I searched the room for a gown..."do I change?" I thought it best to not assume, and wait until the doctor arrived. She cheerfully burst through the door with a new nurse practitioner in tow and greeted both of us. I must preface the next statement with - I LOVE my husband, but he is such a salesman! As the nurse practitioner lays me back on the table and prepares my belly for the hand-held doppler Mark asks Dr. Blake how she is controlling her post-op infection. I swear that man capitalizes on every opportunity to make a sale despite the setting, I guess some might call it multitasking. While the two of them chatted about the serious issue MRSA presents in the hospital the sweet NP gently pressed the doppler to my tummy. Within seconds the "whooshing" hushed their conversation and the two of them made their way over to the table. Baby Pearson's heart beat was a robust 150! It really is neat to hear that sound - it is like no other. Following the doppler she measured my belly, and shared that I was measuring right at 14 weeks. Once I was upright I scanned my memory for unanswered questions. She fielded a couple of my odd inquiries (Is it ok to use salicylic acid? - my face is breaking out like crazy!), and we the made our way to the front desk. It is hard to believe, but in 5 short weeks Mark and I will find out if Baby Pearson is a boy or girl! What do you think - will we be decorating in blue or pink? Place your bets now...

Augusta or BUST!

Mark and I were lucky enough to secure two tickets to the practice round at The Masters. We packed up the car and headed to lovely Augusta (ok, not so lovely - but that is alright)! Mark woke up on Wednesday morning to no alarm at 5:00 am - out of control! I rolled over and begged for a couple more minutes of shut eye while he hopped (literally) in the shower. We set out for the course before 6:00. I contemplated asking if we could stop for breakfast, but quickly realized that was an "unreasonable" request. We inhaled our greasy breakfast sandwiches and found a parking spot close to the entrance (only $20 for a spot - these people must make a killing every year). The pomp and circumstance that surrounded entering the course was crazy. You, in some ways, get lost in a sea of green jackets. There are human arrows everywhere..."this way sir"..."please finish your coffee before you enter the gates"..."no knives, or sharp objects allowed" - it rivals airport security! When we finally were permitted in the official gate there were several security officials yelling, "No running!" - the crazy thing...there were grown men sprinting toward the lush, rolling greens. I have to admit...it is beautiful! The bright greens and pinks are contrasted by swarms of golf lovers looking to find a perfect spot to catch all the days action. Mark, as expected, had our day already planned. #1 - hit the gift shop #2 - survey the entire course #3 - eat a pimento cheese sandwich #4 - seek out high profile players #5- find a seat for the par 3...and that is pretty much how we spent our day! I'm not much of a golfer, or a golf fan for that matter; but I did find myself commenting on long drives and what seemed to be impossible puts. It had happened...I was actually appreciating and enjoying the game! When we arrived home on thursday Mark was anxious to tune into the actual tournament. We watched all weekend - I really wanted to see who would win. I think because we had been there just days before I was invested! We patiently watched as the winner accepted his green jacket, and we both smiled as the credits rolled. It was a neat trip Mark and I both will not soon forget. However, I am "over" golf now and prefer watching anything but a golf tournament on TV - how boring!!

Baby Pearson goes L-I-V-E!

Day after we got the news...










Second month...










Third month...









We have received requests from both family and friends for pictures and Baby Pearson updates. This seemed like the most sensible way to reach all our sweet friends and family back in Texas. Hopefully this will provide a peek into our day-to-day! Gotta love a blog, because I can edit out those not-so-cute or not-so-nice days!