Hatteras 2008

I have decided to upload some pics from our Hatteras 2008 trip which was next week (last year) we took of the family... First of all, I am wondering, WILL I EVER LOOK LIKE THAT AGAIN?! My pics this year are going to be of me 37 weeks pregnant ready to pop out my sweet little girl... maybe no bathing suit pics this year?!? :)

I have my 36 week appointment this afternoon at 4:00PM which will pretty much be the deciding factor if I can even PARTICIPATE in the annual family trip to Hatteras... I REALLY NEED A VACATION as this will be my last NOT CHASING A CHILD!! :) Not sure whether it will even be relaxing for me or not, but... I am praying I get to go... it all is determined by Anne Bradley's positioning... she has been head up (breech position) now for a while and seems pretty darn content to stay that way... If she remains that way, I'll not be able to go into labor, with her feet down, that far away from my doctor here in RIC! I NEED PRAYERS this afternoon as I reminisce over these pictures from last year's wonderful vacation! :)

Our house is FOR SALE

Our house is on the market... (Smart decision at 36 weeks pregnant, yes?) Please visit http://www.2927grayland.com/ and check it out!! :)

New baby items! :)

Jenn Graves got me the cutest nursing cover ever... I LOVE IT! :) This pattern is precious and I can't wait to use it with my little angel baby...

We have Anne Bradley's bassinet, from a few posts ago (Pottery Barn kids preciousness), set up in our bedroom for her to sleep in when she arrives... and since I am not a huge fan of MASSIVE (ugly patterned) Pack n' Plays to be set up in our living room for naptime downstairs, we've gone the way of Rattle and Roll's Moses baskets... Blakley has a green and blue precious one for Charlie and I've done the pink and green for Anne Bradley! :) It comes with a wonderful rocker stand as well! :) If you Richmonders haven't been to Rattle & Roll yet on Huguenot Road, across from the Lilly store... well GET THERE ASAP! :)

Instead of a pack n' play... we've opted for this lightweight travel crib from Phil & Ted's. I was interested in the Baby Bjorn one, but this has the side flaps that open up, plus a top mesh flap that zips as well (PERFECT for keeping out mosquitos!).

preggo mcpregs.

This pic was taken on June 17th when I was 29.5 weeks... I'll be 31 weeks tomorrow!! 9 more until Anne Bradley gets here! WOW... time is flying and I am kicking myself HARD in the rump for signing up for 2nd grade summer school, NOT even at Bellevue... HEINOUS. This 3rd trimester makes for a TIRED me! We are BOTH growing like weeds...

Anne Bradley's room

So, Daddy has finally finished painting Anne Bradley's room! :) I LOVE HOW IT TURNED OUT!! Those of you that have never been to Richmond, some of the old fan homes, one of which we live in, have tiny "3rd bedrooms" that are called trunk rooms! To ensure that guests still have a welcome place to call home when they visit the Watkinsons, we kept the guest room and turned the trunk room into Annie B's (as her Daddy calls her) little room. I adore how it turned out! THANK YOU GRAMMIE for the Serena and Lily "Kate" bedding surprise! :) It looks adorable. We are awaiting the mirror over the dresser (that Daddy Brad also painted and picked out the knobs for...) I feel as though I am READY for this munchkin to get here ASAP!

A quick one...

Getting ready to head to a family reunion/Memorial Service for the Gawthrop side (Mom's side) of the family in Huntington, WV. The clothing options are getting smaller and smaller... Anyway, really looking forward to seeing the family!!!



On another note... To go with the white pique' bedding for the white Pottery Barn Kids bassinet for Anne Bradley, I found the most precious website that had white pique' decorative pillows that could be monogrammed. Since all is white in her bassinet, I embellished a tad on her little pillow... LOVE IT!!
I couldn't resist!!! :) not sure why the lighting was so bad, but took the pic with my camera phone, so that could be it! I LOVE how precious her name looks on the pillow! Don't have the rest of the bedding in her bassinet yet, but threw the pillow in for good measure... Brad and I are getting so excited and so ready for the baby shower (at least I am!).


MOST OF ALL, I AM READY FOR THIS SCHOOL YEAR TO END... what a bunch we had in the 5th grade this year! Ready to see them graduate to 6th grade FOR SURE! Wish everyone a wonderful summer! Will update this later when we get more pics of this reunion weekend!

TWO YEAR ANNIVERSARY!

Today, Brad and I celebrate our two year anniversary... close to the time we were actually going to TRY to become parents!! God had other plans... Not only do we get to celebrate two years of wedded bliss, I have my 24 week check up for Anne Bradley and we'll get to hear her sweet heart beat! I can't wait! Brad surprised me with flowers and a sweet card for Mother's Day (to-be) on our crazy packed Mother's Day weekend! He's so good to me! Mom (and Dad) surprised me with a more girly nursery bedding, though I had resigned to the fact that my baby girl was going to be in the Navy and white pique bedding from Pottery Barn Kids that is absolutely precious... ALAS... That has been put into the basement for my little boy to-be someday... Mom found the most precious bedding to surprise me with! I think some of you have it from what I recall... though of course my Mother picked it because it reminded her of a Sweet Briar baby... I LOVE IT! :) It's the Serena & Lily bedding in pink & green damask, called the Kate bedding. I AM SO EXCITED! It's super girly... We are adding beadboard/wainscotting to the walls in her nursery and are painting the walls the pink that is in the bedding (we had already bought the paint for the navy and pale pink room that Anne Bradley was going to have!)

Her Daddy is in the process of painting her dresser white and did a fabulous job of picking out the knobs for her new dresser from Anthropologie!

It's going to be so cute! :) Nice job Daddy to be! :)

Lastly for today, Brad and I are celebrating our anniversary at The Boathouse at Sunday Park. It's out in Midlothian, but REALLY delicious and has a gorgeous large deck overlooking a lake!

Let's play tag! :)

Let's play TAG!
I've never been tagged before, but thanks to Miss Shirley, here goes:
1. Current obsession: My in utero precious baby girl, Anne Bradley!
2.Namesake: My dad named me Courtney. I don't like it, but am glad Dad got to name me. (too cheerleaderish for me) no offense cheerleaders, but it's too 80's for me!) Anne came from my Aunt Lucianne and my Mom's best friend, Ann.
3. Favorite Dinner: summertime, not pregnant: A gorgonzola turkey burger on the grill, fresh grilled white corn on the cob, and my spinach and goat cheese salad, with a glass of pinot grigio. pregnant: anything I don't have to cook! Steinhilber's butterflied-fan tail shrimp.
4. Favorite brand of jeans: I am loving my Paige maternity jeans. (my one splurge!)
5.Favorite tea flavor: I don't like tea. Unless I'm not pregnant and it's in Firefly!
6. Favorite owned jewelry: My engagement ring and wedding band. My diamond earrings handed down from Mom and Dad on my wedding day, my pearl and diamond bracelet from Dad for my wedding day. My Roberto Coin diamond cross necklace. It's so dainty and petite! I LOVE IT!
7.Favorite TV show: American Idol, Dancing with the Stars. I am not into getting hooked on shows that I may have to miss!! BUT I LOVE 24! :)
8. Listening to: a silent classroom. My children have been rude and disrespectful to each other so we aren't talking this afternoon since we can't be kind to one another.
9. Bathroom cabinet holds: toothpaste, contact solution, jewelry cleaner, lotions
10. Childhood dream: To be an obstetrician.
11.If I could go anywhere in the next hour, I would ... go sit on the beach somewhere.
12.Person I want to meet: My granddad who died when Mom was 17
13.Five-Year-Plan: We'll be working on child #2 by that point... New house, definitely! I love ours that we own, but in Carytown in RIC, it's a tad sketchy and I want good schools for my babies! Move back to the beach?? :)
14. Today is special because: I feel my baby kicking me :)
15. Where I blog: At school during silent time :) or at home on the couch!
16. My perfect day: Sleeping in. (what's that?) Driving down to the beach to lay out all day with Brad, walk on the beach with B, watch the sunset, head out to a good meal at Chick's, have an ice cold one, and sit out on someone's deck with good friends and talk, laugh, and listen to good music. :)

Baby Girl! :)

And the fun begins... Our little Baby Girl! :) 3-D profile... Looking right with her little hand in front of her face... beautiful princess! :)

Forgot the Bassinet...

I have no idea how I forgot to add the bassinet that Baby Watkinson gets spoiled in... we got the white one with ALL WHITE pique' bedding... SO PRECIOUS... It's already set up in our bedroom!

snuggly items

My little angel will have this precious bunny buddy blankie with love from Grammie and Gearnie to cuddle with forever... :) Bunnies by the Bay makes these... I am VERY much into white for both boy or girl at this point for some reason...

And of course because I didn't know Grammie and Gearnie were spoiling my angel baby... I already bought this precious Baby Gund huggy buddy. I AM CURRENTLY WANTING EVERYTHING I SEE WITH WHITE LAMBS... I think they are the sweetest things ever...

I also got the Baby this Little Giraffe blanket in white (of course) and the travel size blankie in white as well... fortunately my mother spoiled us girls a while back with the Barefoot Dreams (same company) bathrobes... so I won't be tugging my baby's blanket away from him/her. :)

I am also (thanks Mom) very into organic clothing for the baby... These baby gowns from Under the Nile are precious... they look very "baby" to me... and I love all three classic colors!!

I also ADORE classic baby clothing... seersucker, bubble suits, gorgeous Christening gowns, rompers... BABIES ARE SUPPOSED TO LOOK LIKE BABIES!! NOT MINI-MILEY CYRUS'S!! UGH! :)

Anyway this little bubble suit couldn't be cuter for my late summer baby... :)

monogrammed items...

Debating on wall art... http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_2&listing_id=23290133&ga_search_query=wall+monograms&ga_search_type=tag_title&ga_page=6&min=&max=&order=

I am loving this one I found on Etsy... has the best color options as well... shows the green I would like (key lime) if I get a boy and choose green with the navy and it also showcases the pale blue I like if it's a boy... Ice blue. Of course the pale pink showcases well, too!! :)

I also think these wall letters are precious... But since Baby W is in the "trunk" room that the fan houses have, they may take up too much space! Especially since our girl name options are both double names: Anne Bradley and Lucy Carter.

We are still debating boy names... Brad told me he would think about it when we find out what the baby is... I feel as though I may be harassing him a bit about this issue... :)

We will definitely be placing a cross in this baby's room... We want Baby to feel Jesus's comfort at all times... :) We've been praying for this baby daily... (and Mommy and Daddy, too!) Of course I'll have to see if they can incorporate NAVY for those small green dots.

I love the handmade rag rugs... this is a precious pale blue one if I have a little man... :) There isn't much space in the baby's room so a tiny round or oval shape will suffice! :)

Some purchases already...

We ended up opting for the Baby Jogger stroller so we only had to purchase one... It is the perfect blend of the Chicco Cortina Discovery that we wanted and the Bob Revolution... has the perks of the Chicco: a super padded child seat, the seat lays completely flat for naptime, the huge awning, and best of all, it fold by pulling ONE handle. I wanted the Bob for jogging and this stroller had the qualities of the Bob PLUS those mentioned above... I LOVE IT! :)

This Graco Snugride in Platinum was the perfect match... I AM SO THRILLED and am strangely ready to put the seat into the back of my car, though I think that's a tad pre-emptive on my part...

This is the Pottery Barn kids bedding we ended up choosing... YES EVEN BEFORE KNOWING THE SEX... We have a gorgeous white crib that I'll post pics of soon, thank to my niece Anna for moving into a big girl bed... So the room decor is going to be white, navy, and pale pink if it's a little princess... and for a little man, white, navy, and sage green or a blue similar to our bedroom paint color (Benjamin Moore, palladian blue). We have the crib set up and all that needs to be accomplished (besides finding out the sex of the baby so I can add the color accents) is for Daddy to paint the baby's dresser... I've also been looking at Anthropologie for the new dresser drawer handles... :)

Here is the crib that Baby W will be sleeping in... it's so gorgeous! :) I would love to find a neat chandelier for the baby's room, but may stick with the lighting that is already in there...

It's been a while...

Starting to show quite a tad... this was March 28th @ Brad's sister's birthday party... at 18 weeks! I head in Tuesday for my ultrasound for the 20 week appt and we get to find out what Baby W is!! :) We are so excited... My mom and sis-in-law can't resist themselves and are coming up! I will post the good news on Tuesday or Wednesday, time permitting! :) I am starting to feel much better! This baby has finally allowed me to fully enjoy feeling pregnant! About a week ago, I felt the baby move for the first time... felt like butterfly wings tickling the inside of my tummy! This week it's been more like the "popcorn" sensation... it sure makes me happy to feel this precious angel!

thank you

Lara... thank you for praying for the Stones and writing in their CaringBridge Journal. Cuz, YOU ARE AMAZING! Made me cry... love you, love you!

Baby Watkinson @ 12 weeks

It's been an eventful week already... I thoroughly enjoyed my long weekend, thank you Mr. Presidents! On Monday I drove down to Virginia Beach to see Mom and crew and was fortunate enough to have coffee with Dad and then lunch with Mom, Samantha, Eliza, Anna, and Judy Hechtkopf... AND to top it off... Merrick and baby Helen joined us at Aldo's! LIFE IS GOOD!! Tuesday was the best though... Brad and I went to our 12 week doctor appointment thinking that all I would get is a finger prick and a check up and fortunately at the genetic testing site, they also included an ultrasound so we were delighted!! Though I am biased because it IS my child... I sure do think baby Watkinson is gorgeous! :) We find out what we are having around April 14th. Can't wait!! Hope all is well and once we find out what this precious angel is... my posts will indeed become more frequent!

KidsLayne

And once again, Bellevue Elementary is put on code RED lock down... lock doors, keep kids secure, cops are here... love it. 2nd time this year. I'll have to get back on here later...

http://www.kidslayne.com/ I am very excited about kids layne as well this weekend! My step mother-in-law (lovely title) has some friends that have been before and apparently it's like the Bizarre Bazaar for baby/toddler items! YES!

Grammie and Gearnie are coming into town this weekend to spend some quality time with baby Watkinson! We can't wait! :)

Dinner tonight at THE HARD SHELL for Carter's birthday! Cannot wait! With appetizers that look like this, it's going to be scrumptous! The appetizer list is even more exciting!

Appetizers

Lobster Dip
fresh lobster, artichoke hearts, red peppers and dill cream cheese with flour tortillas chips $7.95

Flash Fried Calamari
lightly dusted and flash fried with a pureed roasted pepper salsa $7.95

Seared Rare Tuna
seared rare tuna with fresh ginger, scallions, and ponzu sauce $8.95

Coconut Fried Shrimp
three jumbo coconut encrusted fried shrimp with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce $8.95

Smithfield Ribs
an appetizer portion of our fall off the bone ribs $7.95

Pan Roasted Clams or Mussels
with applewood smoked bacon, tomatoes, garlic, white wine and butter $7.95

Crispy Fried Oysters
flash fried select Chesapeake oysters served with a lemon dill crème fraiche $8.95

Oysters Michelle
baked oysters topped with shiitake mushroom pesto, spinach and fontina cheese $8.95

Pan Seared Scallops
with smoked bacon, parmesan and herb butter $10.95

Jumbo Lump Crab Cake
three mini cakes served with a sorrel remoulade $10.95

BOY DO I LOVE FOOD... sad about no seared tuna for a loooooong time... :(

Pray for the Stone Family

Many of us that know the Stone's (and many that do not know them) have been praying especially hard for them for a miracle! Their twin boys, John and Warren, were born January 21, 2009. They have had quite the long journey in such a short time! Pray not only for the boys, but for Meade and Mary Elizabeth as well! Here is a link to a site they have set up. The amount of prayers in the guestbook and the amount of hits their site has seen is quite the testament to Meade and Mary Elizabeth's enduring faith in God. That in itself is a miracle. Please check out their site and start praying! http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/stonetwins

More accessories and finding maternity wear!

Nevermind the booties below... These above are absolutely precious!




This nursing cover works for both baby sexes to keep Mommy looking snazzy! :) http://www.pinktaffydesigns.com/windsor-nursing-cover-p-3837.html



I think my sis-in-law Samantha may have had a bag similar to this one... I really want something plain or in relatively plain colors. Not sure why I want to be so boring with the diaper bag, but I just don't want to get sick of seeing the pattern... so far this tops my list of attractiveness. http://www.pinktaffydesigns.com/black-white-floral-messenger-oioi-p-2172.html




The little giraffe blankets are so soft and snuggly that I really would enjoying having one of my own... they come in a variety of colors: pink, lilac, blue, periwinkle, mint, sage, yellow, butter, and white. Of course I would prefer white, but may have to splurge on the pink for a little princess of my own! http://www.pinktaffydesigns.com/little-giraffe-chenille-blanket-with-satin-trim-p-518.html Fortunately, Nordstrom carries the adult line that makes bathrobes. The pink one keeps me happy every morning! Thanks Mom! :)


Since my little girl (a little toehead of course) will be full of hairbows, she'll need a bow holder such as this one... except that her name will be Anne Bradley so we'll have to switch up the initial! :) http://www.pinktaffydesigns.com/pink-chic-boutique-hair-holder-p-4348.html

I love these polka dot booties... wish they were pink and navy, I am kind of over the brown with pink and blue... I do love them though! http://www.pinktaffydesigns.com/perfectly-princess-booties-p-3479.html

Today may be the baby girl shopping day... I can't resist a precious angel in a tutu! Ask my nieces, Eliza and Anna! They're the most adorable ballerinas you'll ever see... This onesie with an attached tutu MADE MY DAY! Cutest website too! http://www.pinktaffydesigns.com/princess-onesie-fluff-tutu-p-2580.html

I will definitely be frequenting Anne Marie's store... THANK GOODNESS she started Now Showing- Your Belly Boutique! http://www.nowshowingmaternity.com/ This is going to be VERY helpful come May when we have 2 weddings and a family reunion at the end of the month! Not to mention just needing a good pair of jeans... I've also THANK YOU GIRLS had numerous requests to continue checking http://www.apeainthepod.com/ to find cute maternity wear! Fortunately with the help of Bella Bands, I can still fit comfortably into everything... with the button unsnapped! :) One of my dear college friends is having the May wedding in West Palm Beach at the Breakers... when I asked for the attire so I could get ahead of the game... her response, in typical precious Ali form, "tropical chic!" I think I'll have an easier time findnig myself something to wear rather than poor ol' Brad... Not sure how tropical chic my husband is... we'll do our best! :) If anyone sees any tropical chic maternity dresses that are relatively fancy... keep a girl posted!

A few items that I am lusting after for Baby Watkinson, not that I should lust...

Merrick has this little lamb baby swing for Helen and it was so snuggly and inviting that Brad and I BOTH were interested! I also love the white. I am finding that I am not interested in pink and blue... http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3090973


Another ridiculous "want" item! I love Navy blue and like the idea of these Bugaboo Frog Strollers... This one is a must?! http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3144410





This Bob jogger in Navy seems a little more practical... meaning I MAY actually start exercising again once the morning sickness diminishes! http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2623495



Though insanely expensive and entirely impractical (they don't fold too easily!) I am head over heels for this gorgeous Silver Cross Pram... I can see Baby Watkinson now... http://www.strollersdirect.com/Silver-Cross-Kensington-Pram-in-Midnight-Navy.htm


I too am loving organic products like this precious sweet pea in a pod cover for the Boppy! :) http://shopboppy.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_11&products_id=167




In sticking with the male-dominated theme today... perchance I have a boy, I am liking this Green Energy Baby Bjorn! Not sure why, but I LOVE IT! Of course there is a pink one if it's a girl! :) http://www.babybjorn.com/en/American/products/




I also ALREADY could NOT survive without the Bella Band! It's the best. My clothes fit EVERYWHERE, but the darn button won't close! I am coming to terms with this... HAHA! http://www.ingridandisabel.com/bellaband.html




This nursing cover by Bebe au Lait is quite adorable and perfect for those breastfeeding in public moments... a must have for the discreet! :) https://www.sylvieandbruno.com/index.php?p=product&id=125&parent=7





This plush little lamb from https://www.sylvieandbruno.com/index.php?p=product&id=435&parent=11 Jellycat is also a necessity for both boy or girl Baby Watkinson!




I am currently obsessing over all things Serena & Lily like this https://www.sylvieandbruno.com/index.php?p=product&id=294&parent=2
bumper and bedding set for a precious little boy! I am loving the navy with lime green accents! :) That's the direction I'm going with a little boy's room...

NOW I JUST NEED TO FIND CUTE MATERNITY WEAR!!

We have to go to a wedding at the Breakers in West Palm in May and I am already traumatized by the chiffon and satin bow numbers that I've seen online... KEEP ME POSTED if ANYONE sees any attractive dresses... I may already be showing a tad by May! :)