Perfectly Paisley

The Weekend and Hospital Day!

2011-12-19T08:43:00.000-08:00

Zach and I had a wonderful weekend. I have felt really energetic, which is good. On Thursday I decided to bake some cupcakes for our doctor's office and a few friends. I ended up with eight dozen. A little overboard, maybe, but it was fun.

On Friday we were lazy until around 2 when I started baking for Rebecca's cookie swap. It was so great to spend time eating and laughing with the girls! I made grandma's orange cookies; I'll have to share the recipe soon.

Saturday was get the house ready for Paisley and family day. We rearranged some furniture to accommodate everyone for Christmas, got the guest room ready, set up Paisley's bassinet in our room and moved her rocking chair in to our room as well to make the first couple weeks a bit easier. Everything seems ready, which is a relief for us.

Yesterday we went to church and then came home for football, of course. Zach's fantasy team won, which I think means he goes to the "play-offs" where he and Timmy will smack talk each other to death I'm sure. I'll admit, it's quite relaxing to just lay on the couch while Red Zone football is on. I may actually be sad when the season is over. After our relaxing afternoon, we went out to eat hibachi with our friends. One last pre-Paisley get together. It was so fun to sit around and chat and get to be around great people.

That pretty much brings us to today. This will be my last post before Paisley arrives! We are going to the hospital this evening and are so excited. Even with Tylenol PM, I could barely sleep last night. We have been so blessed to have this experience together and can't wait to hold our new baby girl! There are a few things about pregnancy that I will not be sad to be done with and others that I will surely miss.

What I will NOT miss:
1) Strangers not only asking me personal questions about my pregnancy but doing so while there hands are planted on my belly.
2) Not being able to turn over in bed without waking up

3) Having to sleep on my side

4) Feeling out of breath ALL the time

5) My chest resting on my belly

6) Having to stay away from soft cheeses

7) Waddling

8) Back problems

9) Having to hug Zach by putting my belly to the side

What I WILL miss:
1) The sweet anticipation and excitement we have felt together

2) Zach coming home from work and talking to Paisley through my belly

3) Zach being so sweet, helping me with everything, even putting my shoes on
4) Hearing Phoebe talk about "Pailsley Grace" and wanting to touch my belly

5) The overwhelming feeling of blessing we have felt as everything has gone according to His perfect plan

6) The glow everyone keeps talking about, which I'm sure turns to the look of sheer exhaustion

7) How excited everyone is about the arrival of this sweet baby girl

8) Zach saying "Group Hug!" every time I hug him

9) Paisley kicking when she hears Zach singing

We have a little bit of packing to do and Zach is going to make us a few playlists to take to the hospital. I also asked him to bring his guitar so he could play for "his girls", which he agreed to. At the end of last week I looked up and recorded some scripture passages that I think will be a comfort to both of us. I hope that this experience can be one in which we are able to give God the glory for everything and that the nurses and hospital staff will see Him through us.

One exciting thing that I haven't mentioned is that Paisley will be born on Zach's birthday. I'm afraid I'll never be able to top that as far as "gifts" go, but what an amazing feeling for him! He keeps saying, "Best birthday present EVER." I love it. Can't wait to meet Paisley and to see Zach's face when he first lays eyes on her. What a sweet time it'll surely be.

Blessings,

Julie

Chicken Broccoli Casserole

2011-12-15T06:44:00.000-08:00

Last night I was in the mood for a home cooked meal. Not an involved, time consuming one, but at least a meal that didn't taste like processed food. Of course, I went to Pinterest and found this recipe. It was simple and tasty; we ate it over brown rice and really enjoyed it.

Chicken Broccoli Casserole
3 cups cooked shredded chicken
2 cups cooked and chopped broccoli
2 cans cream chicken soup
1/2 cup sour cream
pepper
2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups bread crumbs
1/2 stick butter, melted

Combine chicken, broccoli, cream soup, sour cream and pepper (to taste) in a bowl. Add in 1 cup cheddar cheese. Pour into a 2 qt baking dish. Top with remaining cheese. In a bowl combine butter and and bread crumbs. Sprinkle over casserole. Bake at 375 for 30-35 minutes, until bubbly and cheese is melted.

Enjoy!

The Nursery

2011-12-14T14:41:00.000-08:00

One thing I love about my husband is that he has an opinion on all things Paisley, even the nursery. We knew we wanted a calming, sophisticated space to spend time with our baby girl. After much thought and planning, we decided on neutrals and lavender for Paisley's room and are very pleased with the outcome!

Our Little Family

2011-12-14T12:34:00.000-08:00

This year has been one filled with excitement for Zach and me. In March we found out that we are expecting a sweet new addition to our family!

December is here and with that comes our little girl! The tree is up, presents wrapped (thanks to Jen), and we are left waiting on the best Christmas present we could imagine.

Paisley Grace will be arriving next week and we cannot contain ourselves! I'll admit that we have let our lives revolve around planning for this little blessing for most of the last nine months, but it has been such a sweet time together planning and anticipating her arrival. I think we would both say that we find ourselves more in love with one another than ever before. Let me also say that my husband has always been amazing but even more so in the last 9 months.
   This week we have determined to have a date night each night to add to our "Before Paisley" memory bank. Monday we had a fun little dinner out at Vitolli's in Robertsdale and yesterday we had our 38 week appointment, went to a movie and then headed to Barnes and Noble for some reading and relaxation. It was just what we needed. Tonight Zach has rehearsal for Sunday morning so we will have a date night in when he's finished, and when you're 38 weeks pregnant, you can't argue with a night on the couch relaxing!
   A new chapter is beginning and I think it'll be the best yet for our little family.

Julie