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the Sowell life's Friday five... 

1) {Happy Birthday Darby!} Today, little mama Darby is celebrating a birthday. Y'all head over to her blog and wish her a wonderful day!

2) {Monogram Cuteness} I realized last weekend that AC didn't have anything monogrammed. Yes, we have a little under three months before she is due to arrive, but January is so busy, and I know Feb will be, too. Anyway, AC's sweet cousin, Susanna, sent her a package and you will just love these cute bibs. This was the first time I've seen her initials or name monogrammed on anything and I fell in love with it instantly.

3) {AC's 1st Christmas Present} Our sweet friends Stephanie and Tadd sent AC her 1st Christmas present this season. It's something that we knew we would be needing, and we know that she is going to love spending time in it once she arrives! The Mr put it together once he got home last night, and it's perfect!

4) {Prayers} I'd appreciate y'all lifting up my papaw in your prayers this weekend. He will have heart surgery on Monday. I'm actually out of town visiting with him in the hospital. Of course we don't like that he is having to have this surgery, especially here at Christmas, but we are thankful for his Dr's and surgeon who believe this will fix his problem. He is 84, but he has a long life ahead of him. This picture was emailed to me by my dad Tuesday morning. He has his guitar in the hospital with him and he is playing Christmas music for everyone on his hall! 

5) {Next Week} I won't be having the link up next week. Actually the blog will probably be very quiet next week. We will be spending time with family and friends celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior. And, I hope y'all will be enjoying your time with your loved ones. So if I don't get a chance to tell you before next Wednesday...

Now, who's ready to link up?!! I appreciate y'all spreading the word more than you'll ever know!! Please stop by and visit with the other bloggers who link up. It's a great way to find new bloggers to follow! And who doesn't love comments, right? =) Enjoy your weekend, y'all! 

Merry Christmas from the Sowell's

Our 2013 Christmas card was mailed out to family and friends last Wednesday. So hopefully everyone has received them by now. Even though we couldn't send them to all of our friends, especially since I don't know all of your addresses, I wanted to share it with you here!

Our wish for you this Christmas season is that you will have enough love and joy with family and friends to last throughout all next year! Merry Christmas, y'all!!!

Friday Five — link up #50

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the Sowell life's Friday five... 

1) {Lunch Date} Monday AC and I made our way out of the house to have lunch with Plain Chicken. It was good to get out for a few hours and enjoy some girl time and talk.

26 weeks

2) {A Day Visit} Dad, mom and MB came on Tuesday for a day visit. Actually, dad had a meeting so mom and I went out and did some last minute shopping that I needed for this weekend. Since we weren't home much, I didn't get to snuggle with this cutie as much as I wanted... but she stayed warm in her fleece and soft blankets!

3) {Sleeping Arrangements} The way we use to sleep is no more. Meaning we don't share the bed 50/50 anymore. It's more like 2/3 for me, and 1/3 for the Mr. And I now need four pillows to get comfortable to sleep. BUT, sleep is happening and that makes it worth the extra pillows and no extra space.

4) {Christmas Cards} I've been sending Christmas cards out since I moved out of my parents house in 2001. And in 2009, the Mr and I started sending out Christmas cards together. This is probably the latest we have ever gotten them out in the mail, but they were officially mailed on Wednesday. And I'll be sharing our card with y'all next week!!

5) {December OB Appt} We had our December OB appt on Thursday. It was a big appt... glucose test, whooping cough shot, flu shot, we got to hear the AC's heart beat (152) and then we were told my BP is up again. AC is doing great, and hopefully next Thursday my BP will be back down and back to normal. We will also find out the results of the glucose test. I'm prayerful and hopeful that the BP will be back to normal (and stay there) and that we find out I passed the sugar test! Prayers are appreciated, y'all!

Now, who's ready to link up?!! I appreciate y'all spreading the word more than you'll ever know!! Please stop by and visit with the other bloggers who link up. It's a great way to find new bloggers to follow! And who doesn't love comments, right? =) Enjoy your weekend, y'all! 

Turn Your Christmas Photo Into An Ornament

Christmas cards are one of my favorite holiday traditions. The Mr and I have been sending out Christmas cards for 5 years, and I wish I would have started this tradition years ago.

Sassy and Southern will turn your Christmas card photo into a keepsake ornament for your tree for you to enjoy for years and years to come. And, we will be starting this tradition for our family next year.

Aren't these adorable? They are 3x5, can be in color or black/white and are $45.

If you want to order yours, or give these as a Christmas gift... email missyandtrisha@gmail.com.

Friday Five — link up #49

Here's a look back at what's been going on the past two weeks for today's edition of the #fridayfive! Since I was sick, I missed telling y'all some pretty exciting things about Miss AC!

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the Sowell life's Friday five... 

25 1/2 weeks photo

1) {Hiccups} I felt AC having the hiccups. I've only felt it once (that I know of), but it was the coolest feeling. It only lasted a few seconds, but I knew it was something different than her kicks and movements.

2) {Kicks, Kicks & More Kicks} The same day I felt her having the hiccups, I got to feel her kick on the outside in bed that evening. And it was a good kick. The Mr was asleep so I woke him up and he got to feel her kick, too. One of the best feelings for both of us because he now knows what I'm feeling on the inside!!

3) {Napping} I'm back to napping again. Some days I feel like I need a nap in the mornings and in the afternoons. Of course, I usually only get in a half hour to an hour, but it's needed and wanted.

4) {MB Got Kicked} When Marsie Belle comes to visit, she thinks she's supposed to lay in bed til noon. So if you want to spend anytime with her in the mornings, you have to promise her turkey or lay with her. Well, I was laying with her this week and she started stretching. She put her paw on my bump and pressed in and AC kicked her! And as soon as she did, MB put her head on my bump. It was the sweetest thing. But AC didn't stop moving, she was wiggling away in there. Maybe they are already buddies!

5) {Stretch Marks} Some people might be upset when they get stretch marks while pregnant, but I'm not. I've noticed three so far. Two are kinda small and one is kinda large, but it makes me smile because it means she's getting bigger so mommy has to get bigger, too. It's not like I'm going to be sporting a bikini, ever. So I'll take these "battle scars" any day if it means my girl is growing and doing great in there!

Now, who's ready to link up?!! I appreciate y'all spreading the word more than you'll ever know!! Please stop by and visit with the other bloggers who link up. It's a great way to find new bloggers to follow! And who doesn't love comments, right? =) Enjoy your weekend, y'all! 

Thursday Tidbits

{Weather} y'all I'm sick of this weather. 30s one week, 70s the next week. Can we PLEASE have some weather stability? Wait, I live in the south, so that's probably never gonna happen. Remember when I told y'all we had temps in the 60s and 70s in July? Yep, I think this is payback!

{Toilet Paper} what a topic, right? Well, if you've been reading my posts for any amount of time, you'll know that every time I use to go shopping, I bought toilet paper. I don't get out of the house much these days, and we've been buying our toilet paper at Sams in bulk. But it's been over a month, and when you use a roll a day (yes a roll a day) it runs out pretty quickly. The Mr said I average anywhere from 4-6 times a night going to the bathroom, and it's anywhere from every one in a half to every two hours during the day. Yeah, that's a lot of toilet paper usage, y'all. So I ventured out to Target yesterday morning to stock up on TP and Reese'e Christmas Trees. Because, hello, I can't be without either!

{Coughing} I literally can't stop coughing! It's been over two weeks since I first came down with this mess, and I'll be so happy when it leaves for good. I'm sure the weather isn't helping much, but the coughing seems to be worse in the mornings and at night. You can imagine the Mr's face every time I wake him up coughing. Is there a quiet way to cough? I didn't think so.

{Less Than 3 Weeks} how did that happen? It's less than three weeks til Christmas Day! And while some of you are probably finished shopping, well, we're not. I think I counted six people we have left to buy for. And we know what are getting some of them, but why is it every year it's so hard to buy for mom? Mom, we need your list!

{Artwork} for AC's room is complete. Well, the one that's going over her crib at least. The artist (who y'all will hear more about soon) sent me a sneak peak yesterday from her studio, and I cannot wait to get it hung over her bed to show y'all the completed look! She did an amazing job!!

Happy Thursday, y'all! If you're in the south, stay safe through the storms of bad weather, and ice and snow is some places. I think we are just getting the bad weather stuff here.

Advice — Bathing Baby

One thing I haven't even thought much about is bathing Miss AC. We registered for a baby tub, towels, wash cloths and toys. But I have no clue what kind of shampoo and lotions we should use. I think we actually registered for Aveeno products. However, which ones work best for your babies?

And we've seen a lot of people using the blooming pad to wash their little ones. Is it worth the money? There are so many options you have with bath tubs and accessories and I just don't want to get carried away with stuff we don't need.

I know we will need a lot of hooded towels, but what are your must haves for bathing the baby?

A week in Mississippi

The week of Thanksgiving, I got to spend back in my hometown in Mississippi. And here's how my week went...

The week before Thanksgiving I was pretty sick. Mom came over towards the end of that week to take over since the Mr had been staying up with me. I had a baby shower in Mississippi to attend that Sunday, so she took me home with her.

AC got to meet Baby Ethan (through their mommy's tummies) at Shonda's baby shower the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Shonda and I have been messaging each other for months. She is exactly a month ahead of me, and it's so nice to have someone to ask questions to when I'm terrified to google something. The next time we see each other we will both have our babies in our arms to show off.

Monday was a lazy, rainy day. I took naps with MB and watched a good bit of TV. I was still sick and exhausted and it was nice to have MB as my personal nurse.

Tuesday, I made my way out of the house to see Angie D! The last time we saw each other was APRIL. I think we were both embarrassed how long it had been since we had seen each other. We had lunch at our favorite, The Daily Grind, and caught up on the latest in each other's lives.

Wednesday was a day I was looking forward to! The Mr stayed in Alabama to finish out the work week before coming to Mississippi for Thanksgiving. Three days and nights without him was pretty miserable. (Yes, we actually enjoy each others company!) He was the last one to leave work so we were patiently waiting for his arrival. Once he said he was on the road that lead to mom and dad's house, this was the position MB took...

Thanksgiving Day plans changed due to my grandmother being sick. Since I was still trying to get over my sickness and she had just come down with something, my parents took lunch to her and had Thanksgiving with them away from the house. The Mr and I made a plate before they left and we had a quiet lunch by ourselves for Thanksgiving Day. Of course, what else do you do after you eat turkey and dressing, sweet potato casserole, fried okra, peas and butter beans, corn, etc. — you nap! Because you need a nap to stay up to watch the Bulldogs beat the Rebels!

Friday, we headed to see my grandfather, and the rest of my dad's side of the family. When all the cousins get together... there is sure to be shenanigans and lots of laughter.

Saturday, we had Thanksgiving with the Mr's side of the family. And sadly, I have no pictures to show for it because after lunch, I napped for a few hours. I will say we enjoyed pizza for dinner and even watched the Iron Bowl.

Sunday we headed back to Alabama. It's always great to have some time to spend with family and friends, but let's be honest — there is nothing like your bed! Now the countdown is on to Christmas vacation!!
 
We hope you and your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and are kicking off the holiday season with a bang!

Friday Five — link up #48

We're busy enjoying Thanksgiving all weekend long with family and friends in our hometown. But, in the case that some of you are still showing off your Friday Five... I wanted to have the link up ready for you! I'll be back to blogging full speed on Monday, but I will definitely check out any posts y'all link up today!

Oh, and I hope y'all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! And I hope y'all are still celebrating like we are with turkey, sweet potato casserole, dressing, peas, butter beans, fried okra, and SO MUCH MORE!!

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Who's ready to link up?!! I appreciate y'all spreading the word more than you'll ever know!! Please stop by and visit with the other bloggers who link up. It's a great way to find new bloggers to follow! And who doesn't love comments, right? =) Enjoy your weekend, y'all! 

Friday Five — link up #47

Y'all... I have a lot to say for the Friday Five this week, but I'm just not feeling up to sitting here and doing the post. But y'all be sure and link up yours so I'll have something to read. And I'll get y'all up to date on our week soon. And for those of you praying for me and this sickness, and AC — I appreciate it. She's doing great, just a kicking and having the hiccups. And this mama is doing everything she can to get well so I can enjoy this pregnancy again!

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Who's ready to link up?!! I appreciate y'all spreading the word more than you'll ever know!! Please stop by and visit with the other bloggers who link up. It's a great way to find new bloggers to follow! And who doesn't love comments, right? =) Enjoy your weekend, y'all! 

Thankful Thursday

The first day of November I started posting on twitter what I'm thankful for. Each Thursday this month I will give you a recap of what I have been posting. #givethanks

Day 15 — I'm thankful for two hour phone calls with a best friend who is hundreds of miles away.

Day 16 — I'm thankful we only have four months (give or take) until we meet our sweet baby girl!

Day 17 — I'm thankful for a rainy Sunday. A day to replenish the earth, and make things look new. Thankful for His promises.

Day 18 — I'm thankful I'm able to feel our little girl kicking and moving around inside of me. Love bonding with her in the womb.

Day 19 — I'm thankful the Mr and I both got to feel AC kick this morning with our hands on my belly. Truly a special moment!

Day 20 — I'm thankful for advice from friends who suggested me using a neti pot tonight. Breathing while pregnant is important!

Day 21 — I'm thankful my husband doesn't mind going to CVS 3 different times in one day to get me everything I need to get well.

Advice — Baby Accessories

Maybe I've just really never paid much attention, but I'm seeing all these really cute accessories for little girls. However, I'm not finding any of these cute things in stores.

I know y'all know where to find the cutest accessories for girls (and boys). I have a few momma's who are also reading these advice posts and they are having boys. So if y'all will link up below with some of your favorite places to find the cutest accessories... I would (and so would the other momma's) appreciate it!

I'm asking you to link up your favorite websites you go to for baby accessories. It can be an instagram account, etsy store, Facebook page, etc. Under URL — paste the page you are directing me too, and under name — tell me the name of the business. Simple enough... right?!

And if you don't want to link to the site, just leave it in a comment below.

I'm excited to see where y'all shop! And I know other mom's will appreciate these links, too!

Pretty Little Dresses & Shoes

It's hard to picture me as a baby, even though I've seen photos. But, what's even harder for me to imagine is the fact that my sweet AC will be wearing some of the same dresses I wore, 32 years ago.

That's right, mom saved a lot of my dresses from when I was a baby. And she brought them over a few weeks ago to hang in AC's closet. I've already picked out the dress she will come home in, and I can't wait to see her in it.  

Here are some of the dresses and shoes from my baby years that she brought over for AC.

This is the one I'm 99.9% sure she is coming home in from the hospital. Of course, it all depends how big she is when she is born.

And check out these little newborn lacy shoes...

There are many more outfits and shoes from my baby years that are in her closet and drawers, and I can't wait til she's here so we can play dress up. On another note, I think we have about 15 newborn outfits so far. And... I hope to photograph those and show y'all soon.