Mardi Gras and a Birthday

A random catch up.

Mardi Gras happened two weekends ago.  Time really is flying by.  Tuck arrived on Friday.  We went to eat Mexican that night because, that's all we eat.  Saturday morning we woke up and headed to Berns and Nelson's house.  They cooked a feast for us.

 AuD's gone wild

We (and when I say we, I mean everyone but TK- ol' Tuck was trying to be a hero and he paid for it later) started off with mimosas, pancakes, eggs, and bacon.  Oh and vodka gummy bears made by my roomiekins.  Awful and wonderful all at the same time.  We didn't spend much time there (just enough) to catch the train to the parade.  We had a great afternoon.  Hurricanes.  I mean pretty self explanatory.  I also learned I have an affinity for catching beads.  Obviously way above the competition (takes me back to my Easter egg hunting days).  Oh and our glasses?  EVERYONE asked where we got them...we were smart and shopped early...so popular.  Tuck's head burned...in February.  Next time he will: eat breakfast and wear a hat (he will learn to *listen* to the wise one...one day).  And could Sub.way have picked a better time of the year to do $5 foot longs?  I'll tell you.  No they couldn't have.  And does my 23 (almost 24 : \) year old body recover in quite the same way as my 21 year old body did?  Also, no.

We had a great time.  So glad I got to share a Big City first with my man.

Tomorrow marks year 25 for old man TK.  OLD MAN.  I got to go see him over the weekend to celebrate his birthday.  Yeah, three weekends in a row...that never happens. We had a fun time with his family.  I especially loved getting to feed, snuggle, and love on the little CuddleBug.  Be still my heart. I think TK liked his gifts.  He tries to guess what's in each box.  It makes me mad especially when he guesses correctly. I want it to be a SURPRISE.  Next time he's getting rocks in a box.  Or nothing at all.

Happy Birthday Tuck. 

So thankful to get to spend another year with you.

You're practically 30 but I still love you!

Valentine's

I spent the weekend celebrating with my man.  My Valentine.  Former Palentine.  And all in one short year. 

Last year around this time we were still figuring each other out.  Actually a year ago I was writing this post and this post.  A year ago, this past weekend, I was meeting Tuck for the SECOND time.  While we talked all the time back then I was very adamant that we were NOT "dating" and we most certainly would NOT be celebrating Valentine's Day.  He would be my Palentine, nothing more.  I'd be lying if I told you I didn't secretly hope he'd send me flowers that day.  Don't worry.  He didn't.  BUT in typical Tuck fashion, he sent a care package a week later...see, a Valentine, just not on Valentine's.

So like I was saying, I went to see him this past weekend.  Having class until 3 on a Friday, then driving six hours...blows.  There's really no other way to put it.  As a side, I decided to blow my diet and eat (God Help Me) Mc.Donald's on the way down.  I was enticed for probably 20 miles.  Driving into the pitfalls of hell Osceola, Arkansas for this highcarolic-superfatty-cancerladen tasty meal only to find that the restaurant was 4 more miles down the road.  Long story short.  I blew my diet on Chester's Fried Chicken from a gas station.  What.ev.

I finally arrived to a very happy boyfriend who met me JUMPING UP AND DOWN in his driveway.  Saturday morning he worked.  I washed clothes.  We grabbed lunch and went to see the baby.  Sweetest little guy I know.  Precious cheeks, so cuddly, and that baby smell.  Yeah.  We left shortly after and went back to relax.  Spent the afternoon catching up with friends.  That night we went out for a wonderful dinner.

We exchanged gifts as well.  He's always so thoughtful.  The weekends always end way faster than they should.  I got sad this time.  Surprisingly didn't cry as I was leaving but had time to mope on the way back.  Took it out on Tuck.  I know.  Was really bummed knowing he couldn't come this weekend for Mardi Gras.  Complaining that less than 48 hours together just wasn't enough.  Whining.  Truly PMSing (I can admit that now).  Even got that snotty cry going.  Just being a girl.  I was a real pleasure, I'm sure.

So the real Valentine's Day rolls around.  I start getting these real cryptic texts about a delivery, Friday, and something sweet.  I was so confused but finally guessed that Tuck IS my Friday delivery (He can't keep a secret/surprise going to save his life...bless his heart!)!  I'm not sure how anyone can work 55 hours in 4.5 days but he's doing it.  Not taking lunches.  Going in before the sun rises.  For me, my surprise was even sweeter than the actual gift he gave me.  Quality time is my love language, for sure.  Getting to spend my weekend with him AND getting to do something in my city with him that I've never even done?  Icing on the cake.  Thanks, Bug.  It means the world to me.

So there's our first/second Valentine's Day. 

Funny what can happen in a year.

He's Here!

Today was an exciting day.  Super Bowl Sunday, Tuck's nephew made his debut.

The whole pregnancy, he has been measuring a week early.  So we knew he would be a big guy.  Well, last week, at the 39 week appointment, he measured 43 weeks!  Umm whoa.  Since his due date was the 6th, they made plans Friday to induce tomorrow.  The doctor did an extra sonogram to make sure he was hanging tight and to see how much he would weigh...to determine if he would come naturally or via c-section.

I think everyone has been on pins and needles.  Every day I've talked to Tuck I've said...this is the last day they will do X, Y, or Z...this is the last Friday night just the two of them, etc.  We've all been ready for his arrival.

So this morning I wake up and see I have a text from Tuck's sister.  We text randomly a lot so I didn't really think much of it.  I rolled over and tried to go back to sleep but the phone was staring at me.  Just beckoning for me to read.  I popped back over to see what she said, and much to my surprise her water had broken!  I immediately text Tuck...too excited to go back to sleep. Tuck said CuddleBug (as termed by the babe's mother) would be here around 11.

So I had to do something.  So I worked out.  It was after 11.  Hadn't heard a thing.  My boyfriend was NOT responding to my pleas for information.  Finally at 11:46 AM I got the sweetest picture of the little CuddleBug. Well that really opened up at can of worms for Tuck because I naturally had 4 million questions that he was unable to answer on the spot.

CuddleBug weighed in at a healthy 9 pounds 8 ounces. 19 inches long.  Future little linebacker.  Blonde hair.  Sweet cheeks.  What looks to be a good combination of both parents. Seems to have a pretty mellow personality...from what I hear, at least.

The sweetest thing?  Hearing my boyfriend talk about his new buddy.  I really almost cried. He was SO excited today.  He told me: this is the most beautiful baby I've ever seen.  Tuck was pretty defensive when they poked and prodded the little guy.  He quickly learned I need to be updated frequently.  He graciously obliged.

The (nameless) grandparents were pretty excited too.  Who am I kidding?  They were thrilled.  I say nameless because they haven't decided on names.  As a grandparent, this would be one of the most exciting things for me.  We ALL know I LOVE a nickname.

Things I'm looking forward to?  Seeing Tuck hold him for the first time.  Getting to hold him myself...on Saturday!  Watching Tuck's sister and brother-in-law raise him.  Watching him grow up.  Sporting events.  Gifting him with really loud and obnoxious toys.

I couldn't have been more happy/thrilled/exuberant/over-the-moon about today.  I so WISH I could have been there for the celebration. 

CuddleBug (heaven knows, I promise I will come up with a different name as you grow), you have been SO loved and prayed for since we first knew of you.  You were so wanted...by all of your wonderful family.  While I can really only speak about the King side (even though I've grown to love and adore your Pop and Marvie) as far as family goes, you couldn't have a better one.  As far as parents go?  They're the best.  Can't wait to see the plans our God has for you.  What a wonderful journey it will be!

He's Here!