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

Hockey

Dear Barris,
 It may be in your blood or you may not even know it yet... but our family LOVES hockey. Especially the Dallas Stars. I have a feeling you already love them too by the way you would move around during the game.
Last night was opening night and I couldn't help but snap a photo of you growing in my tummy.
Love you forever Star Child,
Mom

Roadtrip to NOLA

(Mom and Dad after a big breakfast at Brennan's)
Last weekend, we had made a spur of the moment roadtrip to my favorite city, New Orleans.
New Orleans is where I married your dad... It's a magical place full of good times, good food and plenty of adventures.

Every time I visit that city, I fall more in love... and this last time was no exception. I kept imagining bringing you back. Seeing youre eyes light up as you witness the music, people and food. Just like mom and dad, I'm sure you will love it too.

I love you forever,
Mom

Mom and your Aunt Danni in the French Quarter, she calls me Bump because you're growing in this bump of a tummy and loves you so much already

These two photos are me and your dad (and you!) in the spot where we got married.

So excited!

Hello baby,
 I'm so excited to meet you. We are over halfway there with you, 21 weeks tomorrow! I keep day-dreaming of you. All those moments we will share, those tiny toes and your personality... but what I'm most excited for is making my husband your dad.
From the first time we met, to that first kiss, to long road-trips to see each other and moving to Texas. To many laughs, getting married in New Orleans, new jobs and shared moments... they were all leading to you.
You are the puzzle piece to make our life perfect and we love you very much.
Love,
Your Mamma

Dear sweet little one,
 Sometimes I read the news and I can't make sense of whats going on in this world. I think about you and the innocence that you are, coming into this world... and I realize that your dad and I have a job ahead of us... and that is to help you keep the amazing qualities you will be born with.
I refuse to let the actions of a few change you.
It's our job to ensure you remain kind, soft, and gentle. To not let the bitterness and hatred of some change who you are. We will help you grow to have courage and be brave enough to tackle any adventure or obstacle that stands in your way. That goes without saying that silliness is a must in our house, and a sense of humor will naturally come to you.
Although we are months from officially meeting you, I already know.feel a light shining through you.
That is our hope for you, to be a light in a dark place and you already are.
 You are an amazing little boy who will grow into an incredible man. Trust you mamma on this.
I love you forever
M

You have a name

Hello Barris,

 It's a lot of work, choosing a name for a human being. Luckily one came to us fairly quickly once we found out about you. There was really no discussion of different names. We just knew what we wanted!
In the past we had talked about names. Your dad always liked Dutch, just because he was almost named it. We also talked about Otto and Oliver. However, right after our celebration dinner of finding out about, your dad came up to me with the perfect name.

Barris Russell Hite

Barris - Meaning 'Son of Harry' - honoring your pops Harold. Barris is also the last name of George Barris, the man who built the Batmobile and the Munster Koach.
Russell - Is after your Great Grandpa Russell.

It's weird to think about it now... because being a "boy-mom" is just who I am.. Even though you haven't made your grand entrance yet. You're a boy and it just works! However, we did have to choose a girl name for you, just in case the sonogram was missing that key piece.

In the past we had discussed Olive but I knew I wanted to name you something a little funky and your dad and I have always loved boy names for girls. So if you had been a girl, your name would've been Milo Corrine Hite.
Corrine after the most incredible person in my life. My grandma. You'll meet and learn more about her... but she has had such an impact on my life. I wouldn't be who I am today without her strong, gentle and kind guidance.

BUT you're a boy! Your name is Barris! Yay! I can't wait to meet you.

I hope you like it.
Love Mom

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
How we wonder what you are...

We found out yesterday that you're a boy!
My first thought was of you in your hockey gear... then about how life is going to change dramatically, in the best way possible. I'm so excited to be a boy mom!
You didnt make it easy to find... you were curled into a little ball with legs crossed. Eventually the nurse got you to move one leg and there you were. Tears filled my eyes and your dad may have teared up a little bit too.

My co-worker made cake-pops for the gender announcement and everyone is so happy to give you an identity.
I'm sorry we didn't get to enjoy those cake-pops. Sweets just don't sound good right now.
I love you little star-child,
Your Mom!

Onto the 2nd Trimester

Dear little nugget,
We made it! We are officially in the 2nd trimester. You and I, kid, we did it together! We have survived. I still can't believe you're there. All of the hoping, wishing and praying I've done for you... and there you are, growing safely in my tummy.
I've been asked why I touch my tummy so much... and I'm not going to lie when I say that sometimes it's gas... but most of the time, I'm just hoping you know that thinking about you.
It's been rough. I've been sick and afraid that you were going to disappear... so today I'm relieved to say we actually hit a milestone.
Words can not express my love for you already. During the early morning hours, when I wake up at 2-3 am, I reach down and touch my belly. I know it's just you, me and my thoughts at that point... and think about our future together. The games you and your dad are going to play. The songs I'm going to sing to you. The love that will surround you.
I can't wait until your birth. So I can kiss your skin and love on on those tiny fingers and toes... but until then I'll keep rubbing my belly and wishing you the best.
Love, your mom

Wild Guardian Angel

The blonde on the left is your Aunt Desiree. You will hear me speak of her often. The adventures we went on created great memories. The two of us were thick as thieves. We always had each others back, it was us against the world. 

She was taken from me when she was 16, 11 years ago today. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of her. There are many things that your mamma and pops hope to inspire in you but of all things, I hope you get her fiery personality. 

One day, in our pre-teens, we had a conversation that laid out our life plan. Marriage, boob jobs and children were just a few of the subjects we talked about. We just knew we would have kids at the same time. She a girl and me a boy. Now, there are nights where I stare the stars and cry for her. I know that she’s watching over me and she’s going to keep a close eye on you too. So all sadness aside, you’re getting a rad guardian angel little one.

Boots

When I found out I was pregnant, many things crossed my mind… How our lives had completely changed in the most magical way possible, how Daddy is going to have to add seatbelts to the backseat of his ‘50s Dodge, and how you will need a pair of boots were tops.

One of my favorite childhood stories involves your Aunt Desi when she was 3 wearing nothing but her red cowboy boots in the downtown of our hometown. I had my won pair too.. in white! 

So today, I may have lost a bidding war on your own little boots… but don’t you worry. My tiny first generation Texan will get their boots! 

Love Mamma

Independence Day

Today is America’s Independence Day. You will be born an American. You’ll have the the inherent soul of a hard-working and brave, freedom craving rebel.  Love, your American Mamma.

We told the world you’re coming! You are my King/Queen of the Wild Things… and we can’t wait to meet you! 

How could my love for you grow any more?! We finally got to see you… and while walking to the back from the front waiting area, I heard your dad tell the receptionist “I’ve been waiting all day for this”.

After a lot of patience, you came across the screen. I couldnt wrap my brain around you. You are there, inside my belly… and your heart, like butterfly wings, was fluttering and glowing. 

I love you so, my little one.

Once upon a time...

Once upon a time your mom met your dad.

  Your dad and I had mutual friends but never really knew each other. We would chat via text, myspace (it was a social media site) and phone calls into the wee hours of the morning. You see, in the beginning I lived in Tulsa and your dad lived in Plano.

He would stay up until 2-3 in the morning, knowing he had to be back up at 7, just to talk to me. I worked overnight at a hotel in Tulsa, so these were regular hours for me. We had a lot in common, cars, the subculture we love, music, movies and morals.

After trying to get me on a date for a year, I finally agreed on a warm May afternoon. We met halfway and dad drove me back to Plano. We had a blast and later that night, your dad asked me to move in with him. Crazy! I said no! Then one week later, moved in with your dad. We've been together every since.

"Dating" for a little over a year evolved into an surprise proposal on Halloween. Dad carved a pumpkin and asked me to marry him after a concert. We then traveled down south and got married in New Orleans.

This June we will have been together for 10 years! When you know you're in love, you just know it.

On Fathers Day, we told you MeMaw and Poppop that you were coming! 

“Dear Memaw, I’m coming to you see. Love, Your Moonpie.” 

She always joked that if she had a grandchild, it would be her little Moonpie. 

They were over the moon with the news. Like I’ve said before sweet little bean, you are so so loved

Your Dad

This guy, his name is Garrett but you'll know him as dad. I am completely in awe of how in love with you he already is.

He was born, raised and went to school in Tulsa, OK. (Where this photo was taken. You'll learn about your Okie roots and the great food there I promise).

He is an incredible artist and an incredible person. Like no other in the world. I know you will learn a lot from him, especially about cars, music, British comedy, art and I'm 99% sure you will inherit his sarcastic sense of humor. 

You were always just a twinkle in his eye… and the moment I told him you were real, I saw him change. There were a couple of choice words that day but they were all out of love. 

Later that night, I looked up from my pizza to see tears in his eyes. He looked at me and said “I’ve always wanted to be a dad.”

Your Mom

Hi there!
 I'm your mom, also know as Tiffany. I already love love love you so much!

I was born, raised and went to school in Southern Oklahoma. It really influenced who I grew to be as a person. There are few things I love more than getting nostalgic about my childhood. Wild, crazy and free I was. I often joke that I was a free-range child. Coming from a small community helped with that.

There are so many things I want to teach you but I am especially excited to share with you my passions. I LOVE design, retro lifestyles, kitschy collections, b class horror movies and the life I live. I promise to teach you kindness, not only for your fellow man but also for all creatures.

You will learn that I have a "quirk sense of humor" as your dad says. I hope we find the same things funny!

Our house runs on humor and love. I can't wait to share that with you.

Love always, your mom.

Hi Little One

Hello Little One,

 You are the positive two lines and a flutter in my tummy. I’ve been wondering if that was you pushing me to crave pickles with weird food. The one who has encouraged me to turn into bed hours before usual… and to voice my opinion unlike anything I’ve done before. 

I just wanted to write and let you know that I am so excited for you. This world you’re going to be born into is waiting with so much love, just for you.

I can’t wait to start this journey.

Love, 

Your mom