Senior Softball

Over this weekend, I had the wonderful privilege of going to some of my dad's softball games. He is in a senior softball league and often travels with his team. Every now and then, they will make their way out to the Phoenix area, and I'll get to go watch him play. I took Friday off of work (partially because I was REALLY sick of some of my students but mainly because I wanted to see lots of his games). It was pretty funny when I was looking around because I cannot believe how many men have moustaches! I thought my dad was one of the few, but that tournament seemed like moustache headquarters.
Anyway, my dad is a very talented athlete. In fact, when he's batting, he will often be walked because he's well-known as a home run hitter. I really enjoyed watching his games and having some peaceful, quiet time to myself. Blake and Molly also joined me on Saturday to one of his games and we had a great time.
I'm very impressed with how athletic he is at his old age (ha ha). I was talking to one guy at one of his games on Friday and he commented that my dad "looks young for such an old guy". I think that is very well said! Unfortunately, I forgot my camera on both days so you'll just have to take my word for it. More than anything, though, it was nice to spend some time with him, get some free lunches, and get some baby stuff as well. And, it's always great to see him fall asleep within 3 minutes of sitting down on the couch.

Wanted: Advice on Bottles

Blake and I registered last weekend. To my surprise, we had a blast and were not really overwhelmed at all. We agreed on just about everything and kind of knew what we were doing. Our only question and frustrating moment was the bottle aisle. There are so many varieties of bottles!! We went ahead and registered for Dr. Brown's, but then we went back to reconsider when I realized how many parts that make up a Dr. Brown's bottle. Then, I just got more confused. Do we want drop-ins? Do we want Avent? We decided to just keep Dr. Brown's on the registry and figure it out once we get some expert advice.

So, here's my favor that I ask of you: If you have some advice on either what bottles are great or which ones I do NOT want to use, I would really appreciate it. I plan on nursing, but I'm hoping to pump as well. Speaking of which, if you have advice on a good breast pump, that would also be much appreciated. So, please help in any way that you can! Thanks!!

Goin' On a Bear Hunt

I had to give this post that title because Chas kept singing that song the entire time. "Goin' on a bear hunt...I'm not afraid!" And, indeed, he got to go on a "bear hunt" with Ryan, Blake, Carson, and Molly.

This was the first time that I have been camping in about ten years. And, it's the first time I've slept in a tent in about 15 years because I usually got to sleep in a cozy cabin. I have to say that I had an absolute blast and I am looking forward to our next camping trip. I had a tough time with the fact that I had to take a "trip" to go to the bathroom. The bathroom was very close, but in the middle of the night, I had to put on shoes, put on my jacket, get my flashlight, and somehow roll out of the tent...and don't get me started on the smell! Other than that, it was lots of fun!

We got there on Friday night, set up our tent, and joined the rest of the group at the campfire. We had a relaxing Saturday hanging out with Ryan, Tenneal, and the boys. We took a short hike to the lake and took some pictures. Now that we have a blog, there is more of a purpose to take pictures! Blake made some delicious food and he seemed to enjoy the fact that he finally got to use our camping equipment that we've had since we got married. For the most part, Molly had a blast. She just didn't like the fire. But, she LOVED playing with the boys and cuddling with us at night. We hope you enjoy the pictures!

When we were at the lake, Blake kept trying to take pictures of people looking stupid. He would call their name, they would turn and look with a weird expression on their face, and he snapped the picture. When we tried it with me, I was prepared and had this dazzling smile ready for him.

Carson and Chas wanted to cuddle with Molly by the fire and they were more than ready to say "cheese" for this adorable picture.


Here is a good one of Blake looking like a stud with his walkie-talkie. Am I lucky or what?

Gas prices: $3.50/gallon

Campground fees for 2 nights: $28

Taking a picture of a Los Al girl who never camps, who hasn't showered in almost two days, who has no make-up on, and who has serious pregnancy acne on her chin: Priceless!

I was tired and dirty when Blake took this picture on Sunday morning. Plus, I was in the middle of a conversation and I had no idea that Blake was taking a picture. There is a good chance that I will be deleting this picture soon so enjoy it while it lasts!

It's A...

Molly helped us break the news (big surprise)! So, we were getting the ultrasound and the tech checked the anatomy almost immediately. Right away, she said, "Oh. What's that right there - in between the legs?" I punched Blake in the arm and told him he was wrong. He was so sure that it would be a girl. I kept thinking girl because everyone was telling me girl. But, something kept telling me that we are going to have a boy.

My parents are now going to have their 5th grandson - and no granddaughters! Oh well. It will be fun to have all 5 boys hang out for vacations and holidays. Brent and Sandi will have a pretty good mix, and I think that will be a blast as well to see them all grow up together.

Thanks for all of your votes and comments! We are so excited to have a baby boy!!

Just to explain the other pictures: the first one is verification that he's a boy and the other one is a profile shot of his little face. We hope you enjoy the pics!!

One More Week!

I have an appointment for a Level 2 Ultrasound on Monday, September 15th. I will be 18 weeks and they will finally be able to tell us what we are having! I am so excited to call my baby either "he" or "she" rather than always saying "it".
People keep asking if I want a boy or a girl and I really don't have a preference. Sometimes I want a boy because I have more experience with taking care of boys since I have 5 nephews. Plus, boys are just less maintenance and they don't have as much drama. Especially since I teach 12-year-olds all day, I know how sweet boys are at such an awkward age. Other times I want a girl because she would be my parent's first granddaughter. Plus, girls are just so much fun. I would have a total blast with a little mini-me. I would teach her to have a serious attitude when she was at the right age. And, I would teach her to say, "Whatever, Donovan" as soon as possible!
So, honestly, I don't have a preference. And I really don't have any ideas. My mind changes nearly every day, so I'll be surprised and happy either way. Please feel free to vote on what you think we're having!!

13 Weeks

I had my 13 week appointment on Wednesday, and it was so exciting! It was incredible how much my little one has changed in such a small amount of time. This baby was kicking all over and rolling all around, which certainly wasn't the case at 7 weeks. I could see its arms, legs, and little feet! The first picture is the profile, and I just love its little gut. I think I can see pouty lips, but who knows? In the other picture, it's laying on its side with its legs crossed. You can see its foot pretty clearly (and its tee-tiny toes!). For that brief moment, it was just chillin' and having a good time. Then, it started to move all over again. It is just so amazing how this little baby is moving all over the place and I don't even feel it. I am completely in love with this little baby and I can't stop staring at these pictures. I am very excited to find out what it is so that I can stop saying "it" all the time. Every now and then, I catch myself saying "him" or "her". I honestly don't have a preference because I will be happy no matter what. I hope you enjoy the pictures!

I am my Mother's Son

So there used to be a serious issue in the Holloway household. When we would sit down to dinners we ended up using napkins from all of the favorite fast food restaurants in the area. Some of the usuals were Tommy's, In N Out, and Burger King. Even if we had normal napkins or paper towels, we ended up using the fast food ones at the dinner table. Another issue in the Holloway household was birthdays, usually the cake. Well, I hope I have made you proud Mom, because here we have brought them both together. Now the one difference is that the different napkins and plates were purchased, yet they were for many different holidays. And since it was Kevin and Clint's birthday we were celebrating, we had to somehow make the candles work out. We had a 5 candle and Andrea had brought over a box of regular candles, but with how old Kevin and Clint are we had to figure out a way to make it work. I think the picture tell the rest of that story. Some may call us ghetto and some may call us white trash, but we call ourselves the Holloways.

P.S. If you can't tell what number is on the cake, it is a 59. Kevin is 31 and Clint is 28.