Wyatt's Anticipated Arrival

Oh wow, it's been a while. I've been slacking and I apologize. Many things have happened since the last post. For starters, Little Buddy was born. My doc decided it was time to induce since I was really swollen and my blood pressure was rising...which are signs of mild preeclampsia so it was a big concern. So, on the evening of Tuesday the 21st (pic below of me in the nursery right before we left for hospital below), we checked into the hospital and on Wednesday, July 22nd at 9:03 pm, Wyatt Carlos Dudley entered the world. He weighed 7 lbs 8 oz and was 20 1/2 inches long. He also had a full head of hair! We decided on his name when we both saw him. It just seemed to fit. :) I give Brent full credit for coming up with the name. His middle name is after my father. Below is Brent bringing little Wyatt out to meet the family after he was delivered.



The day itself was long. I was induced very early in the morning and after many, many hours of waiting, the doc decided it was time to perform a cesarian. Oh well. I knew it was necessary since the doc had said she would only perform a cesarian as last resort. Regardless, I am glad everything turned out ok in the end. The night Wyatt was born, he was eventually taken to the NICU to be monitored (his glucose levels were really low). That was very hard (not having him in the room to enjoy him) and it just seemed like forever before he was brought back. He finally was brought to our room a couple of nights later and that was the best feeling (to have him with us).

Thankfully the family was there when he arrived.. My sister drove in with my mom and nephews that morning. Brent's parents and brother were also there to share the moment. My brother came by the hospital as well. And what do you know...the Astros beat the Cardinals (4-3) that night. :) It was a great night for sure. Below is a pic of the family watching little Wyatt through the nursery window.



A few shots below while we were still at the hospital (with the grandparents, daddy, Titi Meche and mom):



We were finally discharged that Saturday early afternoon and the following 3 1/2 weeks were interesting as we got used to little Wyatt being home with us. We've been getting to know his moods and different cries. I love the little noises he makes when he's eating or sleeping. My mom stayed with us for some time and she helped us out tremendously with cooking as it was one less thing for us to think about. Thanks mom! We also have had tons of visitors (they came to see Wyatt, of course, not me. Haha). But it was all a good time. We are extremely happy. My favorite picture below of little Wyatt right before we went home. He is so precious. Looking at him and his adorable face makes all of the sleepness nights worth it. :)



The whole family is overjoyed and really enjoying little Wyatt. Below are a few shots from the past few weeks at home (with Uncle J, napping, with Abuela, with Tio Marco, and with his cousins):



We took little Wyatt to his first pediatric appointment a few days after he was born and he did very well. The doc was really nice.



Another big milestone during the past few weeks - I turned 34 on August 3rd. It was definitely a great birthday since I had received the biggest blessing a couple of weeks before. Spending my birthday with my family and the newest member was truly perfect. Brent's dad and brother brought us food from PFChangs so we hung out at the house and had dinner. It was delicious. Thanks guys!

Today little Wyatt is 4 weeks old and it's amazing how much he has grown and changed. How time flies.... I hope tomorrow we are not giving him the keys to the car. :(

Family Time and Preparations

The past couple of weeks have been pretty much days of preparation with a few opportunities to spend time with some family.

Last weekend we had the pleasure of meeting a couple of Brent’s cousins. We took them to Ruggles Cafe Bakery in the Village for lunch. We just talked and talked about the family in general - family members, events, and good past times. It’s always nice to hear the stories from generations and generations as they really make us appreciate our families so much. They are such wonderful people and I am glad we were able to get to know them even for just the short while we had to do so.



The night before, we enjoyed a very nice dinner at Churrascos. Can I just say “Oh My Goodness!!!”? Triple yum!! Of course, the Tres Leches was to die for, but the churrasco itself was remarkably delicious. The whole evening was pleasant…except for the fact that yet another person mentioned to me that I look like I am going to have a little girl!!! Really?? Not that there’s anything wrong with that but with all of the ultrasounds I’ve had….surely, they cannot be wrong about our little one’s ‘boy part’?? LOL.

A few days before that, Brent went to the Astros day game with his dad and brother and they enjoyed some quality time together. They had pretty awesome seats…right behind the visitor team’s dugout. Wow! And I believe the Astros won that game! Then, the two of us went to the Astros game the next evening with one of Brent's friends from San Antonio and that was also a good time. Go Astros! Another win!!



Last week, Brent decided to pull up the carpet in our bedroom so that was a mess for a few days. We were sleeping on the air mattress in the living room for a few nights since the guest room was full of stuff from our bedroom and we couldn’t get to the bed. So, I went in for a routine doctor appointment the next day (Wednesday) to find out that my blood pressure was elevated so the doctors were alarmed and immediately sent me over to Memorial Hermann for additional tests and some monitoring (apparently the high blood pressure combined with the swelling is a big no-no and they were worried about me having preeclempsia). Thankfully, my blood pressure went down and stayed that way during the entire monitoring period. All the tests they performed came back ok but still, it was definitely an eye opener for us. I realized I wasn’t prepared for the real thing! So, back at the office, I packed up my stuff…and back at the house, Brent was determined to get our bedroom back in order…you know, just in case. :) We picked out and bought paint for the walls so he got right on that over the weekend. Thankfully, his brother came over on Saturday and helped out (thank you Justin!!). Yesterday, (Sunday) was dedicated to cleaning the wood floors and then everything was back in the room before that evening (so at least we are now able to sleep in the guest room until the room airs out). And the doggies for sure know that something is just different. They are definitely going to miss the carpet!!! Regardless, the room looks great!!! Good work babe! ;) So, now I think we are a bit more organized at home and almost ready for the guests. Now, if we can just pick out a name for our Little Buddy!!!! :)



This last Saturday, a friend invited me to go with her to watch the new Cirque du Soleil show that came into town, Saltimbanco. It was wonderful…as always….never a disappointing Cirque performance. The things those people can do is just incredible. That evening though, it stormed like crazy! We totally needed the rain but when we arrived at the venue, the parking lot was flooded and the stadium had lost power. So we just had to wait a bit for the power to get restored. At least we didn’t have to go back home and miss the show! The show was really amazing and I am thankful for having the opportunity to go with my friend (thanks Shawn!!) before giving birth.

We grilled again as the weekend came to a close (steak and shrimp) and Brent’s brother came over to join in on the tradition. While we ate, I enjoyed listening to some interesting stories they had to tell. ;) Too funny. Loved the entertainment. We also took the opportunity to take a couple of pics of the two of us since we don’t have many pics of us together with the belly. :)



Anyway, I’ve been trying to take it easy…but it’s extremely hard! I just can’t sit still (which doesn't help the swelling). Neither of us can. And I am sure that is why I'm so tired and probably clumsy. Did I mention I got a speeding ticket a few weeks ago (I mean, I was going 40 in a 30...don't get too excited!) but then a week and a half ago I scraped someone's front bumper when I was trying to park and I also lost my debit card last week and then I almost rear-ended someone's car. Argh!! What else can go wrong these days?? I just need to rest and get some sleep (even though I am so uncomfortable). Soon, life will be soooooo different and I am sure I will be wishing I had taken the opportunity to relax when I had the time. Haha.

We are definitely getting close....and yes, we are ready!!! :)

Celebrations - Anniversary and 4th of July

The weekend before last was the celebration of our 1st wedding anniversary (yes, it’s been a year…can you believe it?!?!?). We had originally planned to go to Fredericksburg and stay at a bed and breakfast over the weekend but the heat was just way too much so we decided to stay in town. We ended up staying at the Houstonian Hotel, Club and Spa on Friday night and we spent the following day relaxing at the pools. What we didn’t expect was the mass number of kids that would be there along with us…not so much relaxing but enjoying a Saturday at the pool (so much for a quiet and romantic getaway! LOL). The sun was definitely beaming but the cool waters of the Sports and Resort pools were definitely a relief. That night we went to the Astros game (vs. the Detroit Tigers) which we won 8-1! Sunday was just a laid back day. The weekend was nice all around.



Last weekend we celebrated Independence Day. My sister, brother-in-law, and nephews came to visit and we once again enjoyed spending a couple of days at the pool. Friday, we went to one friend’s pool and grilled fajitas. Saturday, we went to another friend’s pool and grilled burgers and hot dogs. Both days were hot and the water in the pools was not even that refreshing since it was warm (b/c it was so hot!) but nevertheless, that is where we hung out most of the time. And thank goodness for the shade. What was nice was that on my sister’s suggestion, I bought a float for the pool so I could actually lie on my stomach and get some sun on my back! Why didn’t I think of that?? It was totally worth it and it just felt nice to lie in a different position for a change. Brent gave Aidan some goggles and spent some time teaching him how to go under water. Aidan was very attentive and very keen on mimicking every move Brent made. It was so adorable. :) We were worn out on the both days after the pool…naps were taken, movies were watched, pizzas were ordered….lazy, lazy, lazy. But we really enjoyed the company and the extended weekend itself. The boys are just a joy to have around… they even enjoyed putting their hands on my stomach to feel the baby move. Alexander knew something was underneath and would lift up my shirt to see what it was. Haha. What a compliment...he must know I am not normally this fat. :) Anyway, I was definitely exhausted at the end of it all and needed an evening to wind down.



Sunday night we just chilled and grilled some steaks on the new grill (we got the grill last summer but it had stayed behind at our other house when we moved and just recently picked it up! Thank you guys for bringing it over!).



On Monday I had another biophysical profile and ultrasound done at the doctor’s office. Apparently, I am starting to have contractions (the active and crazy weekend probably had something to do with it!) so my body is definitely getting ready for the real stuff (oh goodness!). We are now making sure we’ve got everything prepared just in case Little Buddy decides to come early (hospital bags are packed, etc.). But I am feeling fine overall…just some cramping, tired, and I have swollen feet/ankles at times. Oh, the joys of being 8 months pregnant. Haha. Four more weeks to go!!! Below is a pic of me at 34 weeks taken sometime last week.

Dads and Big Wins

Last Sunday was Father's Day so we drove to Brent's parent's place in Weimar to celebrate with his dad on Friday. We arrived early in the afternoon (to take advantage of the sweltering heat...haha) and just hung out and caught up with the family. Well, the boys got Mr. Bill an old motorcycle (1967 red Honda Trail 90) for his Father's Day present and gosh, he really enjoyed that thing! All the boys took turns taking a ride on it (I think they all enjoyed it, actually). I tried to stay outside as long as I could but it was just too hot...and of course, the Tigers were playing so I went inside from time to time to catch some A/C and some of the game against Arkansas (which we won! Yay!). The dogs were also hot but enjoyed getting in the water to cool off and then sit by the fan (cute). Later that evening we had fajitas for dinner and afterwards the Longhorns had their turn against Arizona State (which they won with 2 amazing home runs at the bottom of the 9th!). So yes, the Tigers are up against the Longhorns for the CWS championship game. Oh no...LOL.






We headed back to Houston on Saturday afternoon as I had to attend the baby shower of one of my friends. That night we had date night and actually went to a movie. :) We watched Up in 3D. It had been a while since I've watched a 3D movie. The movie itself was good but I was just so tired and uncomfortable for some reason so I was glad to go home afterwards. I am such a fun date. Haha.

Sunday we went to church and then ran some errands (it was extremely hot once again). We found a cute poster of giraffes at Michael's to hang in Little Buddy's room. We also got a couple of frames for some Ansel Adams prints that Brent had ordered. For dinner, Brent prepared a cornish game hen (which was really tasty!) and I made some brown rice and asparagus to go along with it. We were so exhausted by the end of the weekend and we had a long week ahead of us.

Alot of anticipation of Monday as it was Game 1 of the CWS (Tigers vs. Longhorns). What stress we went through....wow....11 innings so definitely a long game...but the Tigers managed to come from behind (tied it up in the 9th) and win the game (7-6). Tuesday was a different story...the night obviously belonged to the Longhorns as they won Game 2 (5-1). The Tigers did not disappoint in Game 3 as they won the game (11-4) and took home the national title. How 'bout them Tigers?? Still, we both survived the tension...but I have to say, it really wasn't that bad. I knew the Tigers would pull it off. :)

Showers of Happiness, Joy, and Love

We have been receiving some items for the nursery so we decided to take the opportunity to dress it up a bit before the weekend rolled around (Brent's parents and grandparents were coming to see our place on Saturday). So Thursday night we were busy putting things in their place. Brent put the toybox together that one of our friends gave us as a baby gift. He also put up the valances that were given to us as well. We put the bedding in the crib (thanks to another gift from a friend) so now the nursery is looking really nice but it's not yet complete (pics to come later! ok...maybe just the toybox :)). But we are pretty much good to go for now...all we need is Little Buddy to arrive. :)



My sister drove in from Louisiana with her boys on Friday so we had a very eventful weekend (not to mention we had to dogsit so it was like the dog pound at our house). One of my college roommates also came into town so she came by the house on Friday night for dinner. Brent grilled some T-bones for all of us. They came out really awesome!!

My baby shower was on Saturday afternoon and it turned out very nice. Thanks to all the girls that helped plan and prepare for it. And thanks to everyone who attended (the men were spared). The food, the treats, and the cake were all delicious. The cake was really amazing (a friend of mine and her mom made it). The shower theme was Whimsical Noah's Ark so they did a great job matching the theme. I had such a good time catching up with everyone (as much as I could). It didn't even occur to me until midway through that there were 4 pregnant women in the room!!! Something was definitely in the water late last year. Haha. My nephews were in heaven when I started opening gifts and they rushed over to come and help me. :) It was like Christmas for them...they were definitely entertained. I especially loved the quilt Brent's grandparents made for Little Buddy...it made me cry (tears of joy, of course!). Once the party was over, we headed home to watch the LSU game and root for the Tigers (CWS). We beat Virginia. Geaux Tigers!!! Yay!



Sunday was babysitting day. While my sister visited a friend who recently had twins, we stayed with the boys. They were very well behaved and we really enjoyed spending time with them. They played outside in the dirt and we later turned on the sprinkler for them so they can cool down (and clean up!). :) It was a really hot day. Despite the heat, Brent grilled fajitas to continue our Sunday night grilling tradition. As always, they came out yummy. He's so good at it! We watched the UT game that night and this time, we rooted for the Longhorns. UT beat Southern Miss. Yay! Uh oh...what if LSU and UT end up having to play each other?? Yikes!!!

It's Getting Hot!

Yes, it is!! Or is it just me because I am 7 months pregnant? No, it really is hot. Isn't it??

We started the weekend by meeting up with some friends at Lupe Tortillas on Friday night. Brent and I enjoyed the delicious beef fajitas. Mmmm....so good! It was nice hanging out with the old gang again and being able to celebrate a couple of June birthdays a little early (sorry if we embarrassed anyone with the big sombreros!). Thanks to UB for coordinating!

Brent went motorcycle riding all day Saturday with his brother and friend. I can't imagine since it was just way too hot out there but it sounded like they all enjoyed it. Below is a pic of Brent relaxing in the shade after riding. Meanwhile, I slept in a little bit and then, since my feet have been starting to hurt real bad, I decided it was time to invest in some comfy sneakers that I can wear with normal clothes (and not have to wear my fashionable white running shoes..haha). Yay! A reason to shop!! I went to DSW and found a pair that didn't look like they would attract too much attention and guess what...they were on sale! Bonus! :) I was so excited (it's the little things, really :)). Again, it was way too hot (and shopping can be so tiring! lol) so I went home to take a long nap under the cool fan. That night, we ate at Pei Wei and I decided to try something different...I was proud of myself but I have to say that I will have to go back to the usual (the Mongolian Beef) since that is the reason I crave Pei Wei. Regardless, the dish I ordered was still good so I'm not trying to knock it.

On Sunday, we started our day early...went to church, had breakfast, and then headed to the ballpark for the Astros game (we won!). It was hot again...so I was thankful the roof was closed (am I complaining about the heat too much??). Anyway, we even had our picture taken at one of the booths (I've been trying to convince Brent we should do this and since the line wasn't long this time, there was really no excuse!). Thank you baby! :)

Overall, a nice weekend with a good mix of fun, relaxation, and quality time with my sweetie.

Pregnancy shots - 29 1/2 weeks

Last Saturday evening we decided to take advantage of the beautiful scenery Hermann Park has to offer to take some pictures of me pregnant at 29 1/2 weeks (even though I look much bigger! :)). It really helped that the weather was spectacular that evening. We enjoyed walking around the park and scoping out spots to take some good pictures. Here are just a few of the shots that Brent took (he used a tripod for the ones with both of us in them):

After taking the pictures at the park, we continued our date night by driving over to Rice Village. After all, pregnant models do get hungry! We had a delicious tapas dinner at Mi Luna (yum, yum!). But, of course, the best part was the tres leches at the end. :) So much for trying to be good!!