Last Hoorah!

Obviously, since it’s been since our honeymoon which was three years ago that Chap and I were able to take an ‘alone’ trip, it’s safe to say we don’t have a lot of time to do things like take a 'vacation'...so, you can imagine my delight when Chap not only suggested, but actually planned a little getaway for us to take a trip to the beach last week! (I think he said he read about this in one of his little man 'prep for baby' books…great investment!) We had so much fun hanging out together, it made me really wish we had taken more time for these things in the past. But that’s what grandparents are for, right??

Thank you, Chap, for all the love and effort that you put into making this a special trip. It’s such a great reminder that I am so lucky to be married to my best friend! I can’t wait to take our next trip as a family…even though I’ll be the one that has to teach our son how to play in the ocean =) I love you!

The Oops & An Update

I’m sorry if you are tired of hearing about baby news…can’t honestly say it’s going to change anytime soon. It has sort of taken over our lives at this moment, and I kind of like it.

I did made a small ‘oops’ last night, and it involved giving Chap the register gun to hold while we finished registering at Targe. While I was searching the baby section for the grocery cart covers, Chap was off to the sporting good section…with the gun. I could tell he was getting a little antsy looking at bottles and wipe warmers so I didn’t mind him taking off for a few minutes, but when I went to find him these are just a FEW of the items I found added to Winn’s registry…

Registering for the family tent that Winston needs

The blue fishing rod that all babies need
Not pictured: a football, soccer ball, tools, and a guitar. I had to laugh, and am still smiling thinking about how excited Chap his for his little boy to get here (though I’m a little nervous he thinks Winn is coming out in toddler form, rather than an infant). He is going to be such a fun daddy and I am SOOO looking forward to watching them together. Sidenote: Question of the day by Chap - Why don't they make cloth diapers brown??

Update:
Baby Winn seems to be a very busy boy! I think he’s taken up some very unique ab workouts in his little home because I swear I can feel simultaneous punches on either side of my stomach quite often. Chap FINALLY got to feel him kick the other night so he can officially stop calling me, and anyone else that has felt the kicks, a liar =)

I am still feeling good so far though I could do without some of this heat, but I think that’s normal. Still growing in all directions and the bump is definitely more noticeable. I had a guy hold his breath and congratulate me Friday night…you could tell he was taking a big leap of faith in assuming I was expecting, pretty funny considering I have felt like I’ve looked pregnant since the day I took the test =)

22 Weeks

This picture I love, it was taken right after Chap and Normie both felt little Winn kick. Uncle Normie wanted to show off his baby bump too...I could never deprive him of his glory, so here it is.

A big THANK YOU to Uncle Normie for his help with the nursery this weekend!! He and Chap had a nice surprise for me Saturday morning and I love them both very much!! We can’t wait for you to come back, Uncle Normie, we can always use your laughs and of course an extra set of ‘big hands’ =) Love!!

A Whirl 'Winn' Of A Week!

Last week was my first official week of summer vacation…but it didn’t feel much like a break! While we had lots of fun, I am glad I have this week to rest up from all the baby festivities!

The week started in Greenville where mom took me shopping for Baby Winn…however, most of the shopping ended up being for his mom:) I had not enjoyed maternity clothes shopping AT ALL till visiting ‘Mimi Maternity’ in Greenville (with Roxanne of course!) Thanks, mom. for making me feel as close to ‘Pretty Pregnant Woman’ as possible!

The next day, Roxanne and I traveled to Columbia to pick out the dresser/changing table for Winn’s room, along with lots of accessories to go with it. I can’t tell you how excited I am for Baby Winn’s furniture and how grateful we are to have such supportive families! Thank you so much mom and dad, I love you and can’t WAIT for Winn to see his new room!

This is it, but ours is in cherry.

The next project was making Winn’s curtains. After visiting every fabric shop in Columbia with Krissee and the Daybies (those babies were troopers…and quite the attention getters might I add), we finally were able to set up Sweat Shop U.S.A in Krissee and Daniel’s basement (no, the children did not participate in this part of the process). With lots of guidance and support from my amazingly patient and helpful sister in law, I am finally finished with his curtains, and quite proud! Besides the pillow for my mom, this is the only big project I’ve tackled with my sewing machine. Look out Martha!

Not sure if you can tell from the picture, but they are navy and white.

And finally, the last stop of this whirl ‘Winn’ week was registering at Babies R Us. My best friend, Amber, was awesome enough to come help me with this overwhelming task, and I can’t thank her enough! We got most everything done, but saved some of the big/manly items for Chap to help with next weekend ;)

I have gone to bed twice this week in tears because I already feel like I can’t say thank you enough to our friends and family for all that they’ve done. This is an amazing time in our lives right now and your love and support are making it so much fun and memorable for both of us. We love you all soo much and can’t wait for Winn to meet and love you just as much as we do!

Name & Nursery

Considering we weren’t supposed to actually find out the baby’s gender till today, I’m quite pleased with the progress we’ve made so far. In just a few short days, with a little help from The Day’s, we’ve accomplished lots!

Most of you know his name, and it’s very special meaning to both Chap and myself…but just in case you haven’t heard, we decided (years ago) to name our baby boy ‘Winston Bruce Rollings’ a.k.a. ‘Winn’. Winston comes from three of the most remarkable and heroic men that I know: my grandfather, my father, and my brother are all named ‘Norman Winston Gourley’. Bruce comes from Chap’s grandfather ‘Alton Bruce’, a man that I know Chap admired greatly! Unfortunately, Winn won’t be able to meet his great grandfathers, however, I know that their legacy’s carry on through their sons, their grandsons, and now our son. He carries on a proud name that holds a great deal of meaning for both Chap and myself.

Winn's nursery is coming along quite nicely. This first picture is NOT our nursery...only the look I'm going for (compliments of Pottery Barn Kids) No, we aren't quite there yet, but we're making some good strides.
We are VERY lucky to have such amazing family! Krissee and Daniel came Saturday to help us paint Baby Winn's nursery...just two days after we found out we were having a boy! Who's excited?? :) K & D - thank you soooo much for everything!! You helped us make some great memories that day that I'll remember every time I walk into his room!

So, here's the progress up to this point. Chap and I probably walk in his room on average 10 times a day. There's still a lot to do, but I'm excited about the 'so far' look! Krissee and I are going to work on making his curtains next week, and we hope to have our dresser by then too!

These were a gift from sweet Mimi. Winn's first and second day hospital outfits! I teared up a little when I saw his little initials and sweet name on clothes :) Thank you so much Mimi!!

It's A....

BOY!!

Chap and I found out this past Thursday that we have been blessed with a baby boy on the way! I was in total shock. I just "knew" it was a girl, goes to show how much I might need to work on that 'mother's intuition' thing ;) Chap was literally bouncing all around the tiny ultrasound room when he saw his son, pointing out every inch on the screen that he recognized (as if it was the nurse's first rodeo). Even though I had to repeatedly remind him to move so I could see my little man, it was very sweet and very exciting.

His first profile pic, isn't he handsome??

Here's a frontal view, it looks like his mouth might be wide open...remind you of anyone??
His sweet little feet.
Evidence. Chap asked the nurse if she was 100% sure...to which she replied, "Honey if it's not a boy, then we'll most definitely have some parts to remove when it comes out."

Even though we found out Thursday, it was REALLY difficult not to share with everyone till today...but totally worth it. We knew we were going to Greenville to see my dad for Father's Day today (since I was out of town last weekend) and we wanted to be there to see their surprise...hence the reason I waited so long to post :)

Uncle Normie and Amanda (he's going to be an AWESOME uncle!)

Needless to say it's been an exciting weekend!! Chap and I couldn't sleep at all that first night we found out and ended up at Bojangles Friday morning at around 5:00 a.m. Krissee and Daniel came Saturday to help us paint his nursery (more on that later). We are so excited and grateful for this time and cherishing every moment. We can't WAIT to meet our little guy in November, and are excited about getting prepared for his arrival till then!

Grover's Back...with an update!

So, I’ve always known that I’ve had the greatest dad in all the lands, but this week my understanding was validated, yet again!

A couple months back, I asked my parents what happened to the Grover stuffed animal I toted around throughout the majority of my childhood (I literally drug this poor Grover around everywhere and his arms were a little gangly so he had several encounters with mud and dirty floors.). Anyway, mom shared with me that Grover might have gotten tossed many, many years ago. I tried my hardest not to let them see how disappointed I was…but I think they kind of figured it out.

So this week, my dad is in Charlotte on business and calls to let me know he’s stopping by. I was so excited to see him, but even more excited when I saw the package =) After ripping into it I found the sweetest gift ever…there was Grover, swaddled in the pink hooded towel that was made for me when I was a baby by my grandmother, Tutu, and a poster sign that said, “I’m Baaaack”. Evidently, my dad…the greatest dad in all the lands, had been searching for weeks to find a replacement Grover for Baby Rollings. He's just as I remember, except his arms and legs don't quite fit around my waist the way they used to =)

He's back...and ready for the next generation! Dad, thank you so much!! I can't wait to share this story with your grandchild so they, too, will know how amazing you are, though I'm sure they'll have no problem figuring that one out!!

Update:
Well, not too much has changed…no matter how hard I try, I can’t seem to get the doctors to give me an ultrasound!! I’m a little eager, to say the least, to find out if this baby is a boy or a girl?!! Chap is thoroughly annoyed with my antics. He’s worried one of my calls to the doctor’s office might actually work; they’ll have me come in for an ultrasound while he’s in Charlotte working and miss the entire thing. I told him if that’s the case, then he better move quickly. =) So, till more news can be shared, here are a few pictures.

15 weeks

17 weeks (please excuse the workout mess)


Hello mom, Tutu, and Annie!! I love you all soooo much and am super jealous I'm not in Arkansas with you right now! I'm sure you're having fun, I miss you all bunches!!!

Happy Birthday Carter!!

I can’t believe our Carter turned ONE year old yesterday!! It seems like just last week I was rushing to Columbia so I could witness his entrance into this world (still by far one of the most memorable days of my life!)

Amber and Scott had such a fun b-day bash for Carter this past Saturday. The theme was ‘bubbles’ and it was hilarious to watch all the kids try to swat, pop, and eat the bubbles.

Birthday boy about to have his birthday cake =)
Aunt Dawn and Carter in his sweet outfit that his Granny made for him

Carter and one of his many lady friends =)
Sweet Addison, one that definitely tried to eat the bubbles =)

Carter, we love you so much and have enjoyed this year watching you grow and discover new things. You are such a strong and handsome little man with parents that love you so much! We look forward to all the joy you’ll continue to bring to our lives!!

Love,
Aunt Heather & Uncle Chap