BIG Reveals

Life has been a little busy lately. Catching up on my blog is something that I really plan on doing soon. In the meantime, I'll fill you in on a couple of big announcements in the Walpole household! 

So, baby Walpole #2 is on it's way, but what about a the gender reveal? 

We threw together an impromptuEaster Egg Hunt with family and friends to reveal the gender. My parents happened to be coming in so they were able to join in on the fun! It just so happened that Ryder (with my mom's help) found the 'golden egg'! Here's the egg that they found, and the surprise inside: 

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE being a BOY MOM! I have so much fun with Ryder, and look forward to Ryder having a baby brother that he will be best buds with. I look forward to watching them grow together, and build that strong brotherly bond. 

Now, on to the name. What's in a name?!?! We had a difficult time coming up with a name that just 'clicked'. I found one that I really liked, but J. wasn't 100% with it, and J. found one that he really liked, but I ended up nixing it. Then, one day when I was in PotteryBarn with my mom in Baton Rouge, J. called me and said "I know the name!". He mentioned it, and I smiled. The name that he mentioned had been on my list, but I had not mentioned it to him at that point, as I thought it may be too 'different'. But, we like different names. We always have. So, the BIG REVEAL: 

RIVER BRANTLEY WALPOLE

will be here on August 26th, if not before! We are already in love with this sweet baby boy and cannot wait for his arrival. Let me tell you, Mommy CANNOT WAIT! :) We started working in the nursery this weekend, and I am so excited that things are starting to come together. Oh, and thanks to Rachel at Peek-a-Bootique for the super cute canvas painting! 

In other news, as we have been working around the house, we've moved Ryder to his BIG BOY BED in his new room! He is really excited about it, and can't wait to show everyone his new bed! We did really well yesterday during nap time, with a 3.5 hour nap. Last night, we didn't do so well. It was difficult getting him down, but he did sleep all night until 7am. He wasn't feeling 100% yesterday, and woke up not feeling well. It's gradually gotten worse, and I'm thinking we've got a double ear infection on our hands, so sleeping well is not really in the cards. I hope to have a good progress update on him soon! I'll post pics of Ryder's Big Boy Room when it's finished....still working on details! 

In the meantime, HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to my sweet hubby, my wonderful daddy, and all of the other daddy's out there! 

Beach, Baby!!! Top 5 things to Bring....and MORE!

Beach 2012

We just returned from a week of sun and sand, and I couldn't feel more refreshed. I had so much help on this trip, and needed it! Being 6 months pregnant and chasing a 20 month old around can be a handful. We are blessed that we have the opportunity to go to my in-laws condo in Orange Beach each year, and sometimes more than once. I'm not sure if I'd say that I'm a 'seasoned' beach-goer, but my mother-in-law certainly is. We've learned a few tricks of the trade over the years, and especially over the past 2 years having a child with us. I've been asked multiple times for a must-have list, and thought the best way to share it, would be here.

1. Blow-up pool -Don't get scared when I say blow-up pool. It's just a small pool to keep a little one confined. Whether it has water in it, or not, it's great for play time or nap time. We used this a lot last summer, before Ryder was 'toddling'. It was great!!!

Nap Time

Play Time

2. Paint Brush - Let me explain. My mother-in-law has found that this is a 'secret tool' to getting sand off of your legs, feet, arms, and anywhere else that sand coats to your body! Just a cheap one with soft bristles will do. She got a little crafty and painted my handle pink and put a ribbon around it, which is not necessary, but definitely adds some style!

3. Baby Powder - Just a travel size will do. This is another 'secret' that I am revealing to getting sand off. Just shake the baby powder on your sand-covered legs, and brush right off with your hands, and MAGICALLY, the sand is GONE!

4. Beach Toys - These are important, yet there are not specific 'must haves'! I would say, just from experience, a bucket, a couple of shovels,  something to throw (sometimes you just need to stand and get some sun on your backside....especially if you're pregnant!), something that floats (like a boat or rubber ducky) for the blow-up pool, or those spots on the beach where the water forms a puddle (GREAT spot for little ones).

Coleman Road Trip Beach Shade 

5. Pop-up Tent - Okay, now this is a GREAT item to have, especially for the infant stage....it worked wonderfully last year! Nap time on the beach was AWESOME, so we didn't have to have someone go up to the room on a perfectly good beach day! We had a different one last year, that ended up breaking, but we saw a TON of the Coleman Beach Shade Tent's this year. You need something that will provide shade, and that has a floor mat, to prevent sand invasion.

We will probably purchase this one, or something similar for our next trip, as we will have a newborn. These are GREAT for nap-time, we laid some towels in there, and we were good to go. They are also great for providing privacy for diaper changing, nursing, or similar private moments.

6. Pack and Play - We have a large closet at our condo, where a pack and play will fit. This is where Ryder sleeps when we go to the beach. 


It works for us.... We don't close the door all of the way, leaving it cracked for air. He is completely content with this...we bring our monitor and his noise maker and we are all set. This may not be for you, but it works for us!

A few more suggestions that worked great for us are:

-Umbrella Stroller - especially when you're short on hands.
-Hat - They won't always keep it on, but at least you tried.
-Sunglasses - See above.
-Camera - Make sure you have this to capture the memories!
-Snacks - Snacks for baby, snacks for kids, snacks for mama! Just nothing that will melt!
-Drinks - Make sure to drink plenty of WATER, but bring something else (in addition), whatever your drink of choice is.
-Extra Hands - This trip was very relaxing to me, as I had extra hands. If you're able to, it's nice to have an extra set of hands, but if not, you find ways to 'make do'! :)


I'll add more if I think of other things. But, this should be a good list to get you started!

Enjoy the sand and sun!

10 Little Fingers, 10 Little Toes

We would like to introduce the newest member of our family:

Ryder Brooks Walpole
August 19, 2011

8 pounds : 10 ounces

20 inches

We have been so blessed with this sweet little baby boy! We are so thankful to finally be able to hold him in our arms. My friend Amy Hough was able to make it to the hospital in time to capture some of the sweetest moments as we met our sweet baby! I'm so thankful to have these images that will help me relive such a crazy whirlwind of a day. Thanks for all of your prayers and support as we start this new adventure.

Keep posted to see his newborn pictures by Amy soon!

That feeling right before vacation....

So, even though I won't be at work for a couple months once Ryder arrives, it won't really be considered a 'vacation'....I do know and understand this. But, right now, at this very moment, I have that similar mixture of anxiety and excitement going on...the feeling that you get right before you leave to go on vacation.

I'm pretty sure that I have everything ready, and I keep telling myself that I know what to expect, but I really don't. It's kinda like on Big Brother, 'Expect the Unexpected', right? I really don't know what to expect and there is still a slight 'fear of the unknown.' Did you have that feeling before you had your first child? What are some other experiences when you felt that same way?

I've had a little time today to get some things done, run some errands, ate lunch with my hubby at Log Cabin (which I had been craving some BBQ Dip and Chips and Salsa...thought maybe the jalapenos and salsa might put some fire under Ryder too!), went by The Children's Shoppe, and made it back home just in time for the HAIL STORM....really?!? It's 104 degrees outside, and ice the size of gumballs starts falling from the sky!

After the hailstorm, it was time for me to get ready for sweet Ayla Williams' 10th birthday party! Ayla is the daughter of some of our closest friends, Kate and Casey Williams. She was adopted from Ukraine a little less than one year ago. I have completely fallen for her....she is so precious and I am so proud of how far she has come since her arrival to the States.

Happy 10th Birthday, Ayla! Love you and I can't wait to watch, as you grow into the young lady that God has created you to be!

Ryder's Got Mail!

Ryder got a package in the mail today....addressed just to him! I went ahead and opened it for him....I hope he won't get mad! If he loves getting mail and packages as much as his mom does, he might! So, the package was from his friend Parker Alan Jennings (and his parents, Jeff and Kristy). These are some of our dear friends that live in South Carolina. They used to live down the street from us, and now they live very far away! We miss them dearly, but get to visit with them every now and then when they come to Louisiana to visit family. We are hoping to take a family trip up to South Carolina sometime to go see them.

So, here is what was in Ryder's package:

That's all for tonight....after a late night last night, I'm calling it an early night. I will say, however, it was really nice to work only half a day today. I was able to sleep in a little bit, go for a walk, and spend some time preparing for baby Ryder. I will say that we're one step closer, one day closer to meeting our sweet little baby! I can't wait!!!

The Big Reveal

You've been waiting patiently, and I've been withholding.

Finally, I will let you see the nursery.

But, not before you see the reason why I am so late getting this post up.

We just returned home from the 3oth celebration of 'The Happening'. It's kinda like the 'State of the Union' address, except more like the 'State of the

University' address for Louisiana Tech University, my alma mater. J. and I were excited to be able to be in attendance! Here are just a couple of images from tonights event. We had a great time and always love attending events, and supporting 'our school'. Tonight's guest speaker was Kix Brooks. What a fun surprise! Kix is a proud Louisiana Tech alumni and supports the University. He gave the audience a little mini concert to close out his time on stage. He sang "Red Dirt Road" and "Only in America". It was really great to hear him speak, along with Coach Sonny Dykes, our head football coach, and Louisiana Tech President Dan Reneau giving updates on the university and athletics.

So....here are the long-awaited images of the nursery. Just to tell you a little bit about the nursery, I picked a color scheme, and my mom and her sister, Pati, helped me find fabrics. Mom (with Pati's assistance) made all of the bedding and curtains. Mom and I made the bulletin board in Ryder's closet. The green pieces were furniture that was in my college room that J. and I painted a while back to match my college bedding....in the back of my mind, I always knew I would want to incorporate them into a nursery. The painted canvas above his bed is by my friend Rachel McGehee of Peek-a-Bootique. And the cross canvas is by my good friend Kristy Lonsberry! I'm still waiting on the dresser that has been on backorder from PotteryBarn Kids for over 3 months!!! So, there are still a couple of loose ends, and the items on the shelf are not definite, but I knew that all of you wanted to see pics....and I've only given a sneak peek via Instagram....so, here it is!

All My Bags Are Packed.....

All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go.....

I've got all of my bags gathered in the living room, J. won't let me put them in the car just yet!

But, nevertheless, we are ready! Here are the things that I have gathered to throw in the car when we are ready:

1. Ryder's bag. This precious bag is one of 2 diaper bags that my fabulous Aunt Pati Ivey made for me! She is so incredibly talented...it even has a matching changing pad to accompany it! Okay, I think I've got everything that I need in it. I packed 3 outfits (hats and socks included), 3 blankets (one is handmade by J.'s grandmother), pacifiers and paci-clip, a few newborn diapers, wipes, baby lotion, a burp cloth, my birth plan, and my ItzBeen!

2. Ryder's 'Coming Home Outfit'. It's pressed and ready to go! This was the outfit that J. wore when he came home from the hospital!

3. My Kelly Moore Bag. It's packed with my camera, lenses, charger and memory card!

4. My bag. I've got some reading materials (including notes from our hospital childbirth class, a breastfeeding book that my friend Tori gave me, and my Pregnancy Journal), pajamas, nursing bras, pads, and cream, toiletries, a couple of loose-fitting outfits, mints, lip balm, headband, slippers, my Aloe socks, and a robe!

5. Ryder's Baby Book from Ruby Love Designs. I love this book.....it's perfect for him. I made sure to order the extra page for his hand/feet prints at birth! I've just got to remember to have it out when they do his prints....I've put J. in charge of that, but he thinks that he will be the one in trauma, not me!

6. Wreaths. Two very special people in my life (both that work at hospitals) gave me wreaths for our room at the hospital. My cousin, Alissa, gave me a precious wreath made of diapers that has some goodies for Ryder on it. My friend, Audrey, had a grapevine wreath made for him that is super-cute! Both will have a home in our hospital room and will be great additions to spruce up the room!

7. Gifts. I know, I know. I went a little overboard, but I couldn't help it. Just a small token of appreciation for hospital staff, visitors and friends. Think of it kinda like cigars, but I wanted to do something different.

8. Oh, and the Car Seat. That's kinda important. I hear they won't let you leave the hospital without it. So, J. has already installed it in the car, and it is ready to go....ready to carry our sweet little boy home.

What am I missing? What were some of your favorite things that you had at the hospital with you? Any ideas? I am completely open to suggestions......

Bright as a Full Moon

So, I'm curious. Myth or Fact? Does anyone believe the statement regarding Full Moons inducing labor? I've been curious, you know why? Well, I'm 39 weeks pregnant and tonight there is a FULL MOON. Well, technically according the the almanac, the Full Moon phase begins:

Saturday, August 13, 2011 at 1:58 PM

So, there you have it. What do you think? Do you think I'll be heading to Northern Louisiana Medical Center in 3 hours? We'll see.....I'll keep you posted.

What other things besides a full moon have you heard are labor inducers? Which do you trust? I am definitely open to suggestions. I have been waiting to meet this baby for a long time....not just 9 months.

I'm so behind.....

I'm pretty embarrassed that I am so behind on my blog posting. Things have been pretty intense preparing for baby Ryder's arrival. And now, we are down to 10 days (or less) before he makes his grand entrance, and you haven't even seen the nursery. You haven't seen the stroller, pictures from my showers, or maternity images that have been taken. And I know this, because, you, my readers have reminded me over and over again!

I am making a vow to blog for the next 10 days to catch you up on all of the fun things that have been going on over the past few months. Disclaimer: If Ryder arrives before then, I am excused for a little bit, but will catch back up within the first week or so after his arrival.

Please accept my apology, and yes, I am setting a reminder on my calendar as I type to blog everyday for the next 10 days.

Thanks for your support and prayers as J. and I enter this new phase of our lives. We are so excited about a new adventure.

Chunky Monkey

So, I cannot believe that a month and a half has gotten past me and I have not had a chance to blog. I promise, I will try my best to update it more often. And, once Ryder gets here, I know I will have so much to share on a daily basis, I'll just have to become a little more disciplined! Eek!

Today we went for our 30 week ultrasound. This one, we have been anticipating since it will probably be the last one that we'll get that we will be able to see him clearly. From now on, his humble abode in my tummy will become a little more cramped as each day passes. We already have a hard time getting a great 'face shot' because of the placenta being in the way (as you will see in the images).

Okay, now, this picture was 2 weeks ago, at my 28 week visit. I love this picture! It's one of my favorites so far:

And now, for the 'Chunky Monkey' 30 week picture:

I just think he is so adorable....his cheeks have really filled out. I just cannot wait to meet him and squeeze those sweet little cheeks! Who's with me? Who loves baby cheeks (either kind)?

Full of Surprises!

Today has been a day full of surprises.....

It started at about 6:30am. I know what you're thinking....I don't get up that early (unless I'm leaving to go on a vacation). Well, apparently, things are about to change....and I know that the Lord is preparing me for baby Ryder's arrival. My sweet little one started pretty early this morning. At first, I thought it was little kicks, but finally I came to the conclusion that it must have been 'hiccups' of all things....this my friends was a surprise.

Not only was this a surprise, but surprisingly, J. had already hit the snooze button, and was able to share the feeling of Ryder's 'rhythm' with me. It was a sweet moment to share together. I will cherish those sweet short minutes for a lifetime.

Another surprise....on the way to work this morning, power outage throughout Ruston....didn't realize it until I noticed blank stoplights at some of the busiest intersections in Ruston. This was after I sat in the Burger King drive-thru line waiting on someone on the other end to offer me breakfast; frustrated and impatient, I left unhappy. (Ended up getting my BK breakfast after getting back to work and having another 'prego' co-worker find a coupon so that we could get BOGO breakfast sandwiches!)

By the time lunch-time rolled around, 'The Preggies 3' decided to do lunch together! This was a fun surprise to have a chance to all go to Chili's together for a fun lunch. Well, we had fun, but the service, I'm afraid, was pretty bad. It was very disappointing, but what more could we do than to laugh about the situation. It just kept getting worse and worse.

Fast forward to the evening: SURPRISE! I had a package on my front door!!!

YAY!!!! A fun surprise that I had forgotten should arrive this week! I'll leave a secret of what was in the box, but you'll see someday soon!

Surprisingly, I had supper cooked way before J. even had a chance to get home. I was so proud of myself! I love my Pampered Chef Deep Covered Baker!!!! Dinner was ready in less than 20 minutes.

After dinner, another surprise flew my way:

This was tossed at me with a "Head's Up!" coming from the kitchen! For those of you that don't know, I love Reese's, my hubby loves Reese's, my college roommates love Reese's; shall I say more? There is just something about Reese's not in the shape of a peanut butter cup...they are special. So, needless to day, this was a fun surprise to end my day full of surprises!

Although these were not all monumental surprises, I tend to appreciate the little things in life. It doesn't take much to make me smile! I'd like to think that it's a quality that helps me keep a positive outlook on life.

What are some little surprises that you appreciated recently?