Grandpa Harold

Hello little one,
 You have 3 grandparents and a Nanna that love you so much... but I wanted to tell you about your Dad's dad. I have dreamed that you call him Pops and Popsicle... but I don't know what his name would be for you, we will call him Grandpa Harold.
He passed away before Dad and I got married but let me tell you, he was an incredible, hardworking man. Tough as could be and honest to the bone. You would be proud to have him as a Grandpa but he had a dark side... You see, he was a serial killer... I'm only kidding! Well he loved to fish so maybe I'm only half kidding. ;) Your Grandpa Harold loved to fish, loved muscle cars but he loved family the most.

He was so proud of your dad. They had their disagreements, like every father/son have.. You and your dad will have them too.. but at the end of the day, there was no doubt who he loved the most in the world and that was your dad. He also loved you too, even if you weren't here yet.
He had already bought you a Schwinn bicycle to cruise on... that was over 8 years ago! There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that he would have gone completely crazy over you.

He would've taken you out like a little baby trophy. Showing everyone his grandson. He was already thinking about you before you were the twinkle your parents eyes.
I am forever grateful to the man who helped shape your dad into the love of my life... and the man who has passed down the qualities I love most about your family.
Love always,
Your Mom.

Just a little bit longer...

We are so close to you being here! When people ask if I'm ready, I have to admit it pulls at my heart strings a little. Yes, I'm ready for me and your dad to meet you but I'm also sad that as we enter the next adventure, this incredible journey is coming to an end. I'll be the first to admit that I'm a little selfish when it comes to the one's I love... And feeling you move around, makes me the happiest girl in the world.
Your dad keeps trying to get you to come out by gently poking my belly and saying "get out baby, get out now". He's more than ready to start this next adventure... But me, I can wait just a little longer, just a couple more kicks and some bouts of hiccups.
I saw this poem and it summed how I feel up completely.

Running errands and talking on the phone, I am pleasantly reminded that I am not alone.
Little tiny hands a precious rounded knee pushing and twisting that no one can see.
Oh sweet child kicking up your heels, it is our little secret that only I can feel.
I look forward to your birth, when I can kiss your skin, but for now I will just smile, as I feel you play within. Author :unknown

Predictions

Hair Color
*Mom: Dark brown, almost black
*Dad: You'll start blonde and it'll turn brown as you get older.

Eye Color
*Mom: Blue
*Dad: Blue

Weight
*Mom: 9 lbs
*Dad: 8.5 lbs

Date of birth
*Mom: Feb 1st
*Dad: Feb 3rd

First word:
*Mom: dog
*Dad:No, you will probably hear us say this to the dogs a lot.

Favorite hobby:
*Mom: arts and crafts
*Dad: hockey

Favorite elementary school subject:
*Mom: Science
*Dad: Science

Favorite color:
*Mom: green
*Dad: green

Favorite animal:
*Mom: Lion
*Dad: T-Rex

Mom hopes you get your dad's sense of humor, nose and artistic ability
Dad hopes you get your moms sneeze, hair and heart.

heeyyyyy!!!

Just popping in to say hi! Things are getting really excited here. Doc has told us that I am dilating and the contractions are getting stronger. When asked, she just says the times she's on call. Noone wants to put a date on you sweet boy... but it's driving me crazy. When will I get to meet you?!
I cut off all of my hair, over 2 feet! This is totally a part of preparing for you... at least that's what I'm told.

Your dad and I also took an 8 hr birthing class to prepare for you this weekend. Lots of giggling was had but in the end, I feel comfortable getting you into this world.

Love you always!
Your mamma

Showers

Barris,
 I always say it but it's so true. You are absolutely loved by so many people. If my telling you this wasn't enough, I just want you to know that you didn't have just 1 baby shower. No, you had 4. 2 in Texas and 2 in Oklahoma. People showered you with gifts and well-wishes from all over.
The first was where I work, my coworkers made a custom cake and brought all kinds of gifts. The theme was Our Little Monster.

The second was for our friends and family in Texas. The theme for that one was also Our Little Monster. Your MeeMaw & Nanna Danni worked VERY hard to pull it off and it was incredible.

Then we travelled to Tulsa to celebrate with family there.

Then last but not least, we went to my hometown and celebrated with my family. Your grandma(we haven't decided on a name for her yet and Aunt Robin worked on this one). Grandma Corrine even came!

Every single shower was perfect and we are forever grateful to everyone's gracious gifts to help us bring you into this world.

State Fair of Texas

Barris,
 Since moving to Texas, I've always heard that the Great State Fair of Texas could rival Disney in magical moments... so we finally checked it out.
I gotta say, they aren't far off, although this momma has never been to Disney. I can only imagine that The Texas State Fair is a close 2nd!

We started the morning off being greeted by Big Tex himself, he said "Howdy!" and gave us a run-down of the current happenings.
I usually dont feed you such silly foods for breakfast but the corn dog stand was RIGHT THERE. I had big plans to write your name in mustard and take a picture with Big Tex.. you are Little Tex after-all ;)... but the mustard didnt cooperate, so we got polka dots instead.
Then we walked around and found more food! Your dad fell in love with the deep fried, bacon cinnamon roll. It was alright but too much sugar for us.

The Texas Star was calling our name. Its a Dallas/Texas landmark and "The Tallest Ride in the Western Hemisphere". The view was beautiful. You aunt Danni didn't deal with the height very well.

(Atop the Texas Star)

After that we ventured over the aquarium, where we pet the manta-rays and saw sharks, eels, and an alligator. No photos there but I may have done a few happy dances with the eels. They are one of my favorite creatures.
Then it was time to eat again! So we grabbed some deep-fried pb&j with bananas. It was delicious and your mom did another happy dance. As we were eating, we noticed everyone was looking up at the sky. Looking up, we noticed there was a para-flyer landing in the Cotton Bowl with an American Flag.

(I didnt snap this picture, there wasnt enough time too... but how cool is this?!)
We shopped a little, explored a little more and even saw a 1,000 lb bull made completely from butter.
All in all it was quite magical and we can't wait to explore it with you too.
Love,
Your Mom

Here's the kicker

Dear Barris,
 Today, about 15 minutes ago, you kicked me so hard it lifted my hand a little on my tummy. You repeated 4 times. I am in completely in awe of you. You've been moving a little here and there but this was the first power kick.
Your dad left for California this morning on business and it's just you, me and your furry-siblings for the next week. I can't wait for him to get back and feel these kicks.
I love you so much!
Mom