Friday, August 22, 2008

Sibling Love

We've had just a few technical difficulties which is why I have not updated in so long!!! I will spare you the boring details, but I have just transferred all of our pictures to our desktop so I can share more photos with you all!

As I've said, Olivia is really loving being a big sister! She is constantly asking to hug and kiss on Jack! It's very sweet, and so far, he has been tolerant! :)

Here are a few pictures of them from the hospital. These seem so ancient to me! And I do have some new pics to post since our little man is now 2 weeks old!!!! So stay tuned!







Tuesday, August 12, 2008

More Random Pictures of Jack

Just wanted to post some random, but oh so cute photos of Jack! I have finally gotten some pictures of him with his eyes actually open. Although there is only one in this series! There will be more to come I promise! I took all of these pictures in the hospital and he didn't really open his eyes much in the hospital, only at night when the lights were dim. Which is completely opposite of his big sister. Since we've been home I've looked at her baby book and her eyes were open all the time... and my what big eyes she had... :) I will post some comparison pictures later! It is so interesting to see how they are so alike and yet so different! Just the first of many comparisons!

I love pictures of babies yawning! I have one of Olivia and it is still one of my favorites! I wish I could have gotten it head on!
A rare moment with his eyes open during the day. Not the best picture, but here are his baby blues!
One afternoon after his feeding I was burping him and he fell asleep resting on my hand.


He is already a posing pro!

Friday, August 8, 2008

Pictures of our sweet boy!

Finally!!! Here are some pictures!

I had Denny take one last picture of my pregnant self before heading to the hospital yesterday morning! I just had to post this picture because I cannot get over the size of my belly! It looks super imposed or something.
Two sleepy heads getting ready to have a baby!

And here he is!

Olivia checking out her baby brother for the first time!

Our newest little Longhorn!


We are just so thrilled over Jack's arrival! He is so sweet! He loves to be held (and swaddled), and will definitely let you know if he is unhappy! He can be quite loud, but is pretty easy to soothe so far! He is eating great and things are going really well!

We can't wait for everyone to meet him!!!!

Jack Michael Graney is Here!!!!

Okay, I haven't had a chance to upload pictures yet, but just wanted to let everyone know that sweet little Jack Michael arrived safely yesterday! He weighed in at 8 lbs. 4 oz and was 20 inches long! He is absolutely precious and we are so thankful! He is doing great and big sis Olivia has really taken to him. She is loving holding, hugging and kissing on him! It is SO sweet to see them together!

I will have some pictures to share later tonight, so stay tuned!

Thank you all so much for all of your thoughts, calls and prayers, we have definitely been blessed!

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Mommy-Daughter Day at American Girl Boutique and Bistro

It is hard to believe, but today is the last day that Olivia will be our only child! So to commemorate it, she and I shared a special day together at the American Girl Boutique and Bistro. I had been trying to think of a special "girly" thing for her and I to do together, and last week it just came to me! As much as she loves babies and all that go with them, I thought it would be a perfect outing! And now, she and I will both have new babies!
We have been to the the American Girl Boutique and Bistro once for her cousin's birthday party last year, so she had an idea of where we were going. When I told her where we were going this week, I had explained to her that there were babies to choose from and twins. So before we went, she was dead set on getting the twins! She was pumped to have twins to go with her new double stroller she got for her birthday.

However, after we got to the store, she was really enamoured with the babies. I think the twins seemed too old for her with the hair and all! She is still in the baby doll phase! So, we picked out our baby and then went on the hunt for clothes and accessories. She had so much fun shopping, and went back and forth a couple of times trying to decide what she was going to purchase for her baby girl! It was so sweet watching her, she really had so much fun!
An hour later (yes, that is correct, she is a slow shopper like her mommy!), we had our purchase in hand and were off to the Bistro upstairs for lunch!
Olivia named her new baby Sophie and Sophie got to sit at the table with us in her very own high chair. But Olivia just couldn't keep her hands off of her, so she took her out to give her some love!
She was so excited to get home and play with Sophie that she turned down dessert, and this girl never says no to a sweet, so I knew she had had fun and was excited about her new baby!
I had so much fun with Olivia today and even though she will have to share our attention come tomorrow, I look forward to so many more mother/daughter days with her! The older she gets the more fun our times together become! Denny and I are so blessed to have a little girl... and a little boy!!!!

We will be sure to update the website tomorrow as soon as we are able with stats and pictures of sweet, little Jack!

Saturday, August 2, 2008

100 Things About Me!

Okay, so here is another boring post without pictures. And making it even more so, it's about me! I stole this idea from another fellow blogger, Brittney, Summer's sister! I thought it was so fun to read hers that I'd give it a try. I promise my next entry will be more exciting... with pictures!!!! :)



1. I have lived in Texas my entire life.
2. I don’t think I could ever move out of Texas, I love it here!
3. In fact the only time I haven’t lived in Dallas (or surrounding suburb) was the 4 years I was in Austin!
4. Denny and I have known each other for 11 years.
5. We were just friends for the first 2, then started dating!
6. I didn’t want to date Denny until he was dating someone else. Jealousy works every time!
7. I LOVE that he has a big family! Being an only child I had always wanted to marry into a big and loud family, and finally have siblings! I am very blessed!
8. I love college football almost as much as Denny.
9. But could care less about the pros.
10. I love to shop online, but I usually spend too much money.
11. Shopping period is such a high!
12. I’ve had 4 cars, all brand new, and have never had a car with leather interior. I’m hoping that will change in the next couple of years!
13. I am an organization nut and huge neat freak!
14. Everything has it’s place and needs to be there before I leave the house each day (especially the pillows on the sofa!). I think I may be a tad OCD.
15. I get that very honestly from my dad. His got worse as he got older and I am on the same path!
16. I am embarrassed to admit that I have been watching General Hospital for at least 25 years… no lie! I remember Luke and Laura and Frisco and Felicia like it was yesterday. No matter how bad it gets, I just can’t stop watching!
17. I love Austin and if I could leave my friends and family here, I’d move back tomorrow.
18. The 4 years I was at UT were the best of my life! I’d go back in a heartbeat!
19. Having a child is the most awesome and amazing experience! I never knew I could love… or worry like I do now. It really is like having your heart run around outside of your body.
20. I am worried about what I’ll do with a little boy after having a little girl.
21. And I worry about raising a polite young man, who is still “all” boy.
22. But I can’t wait to experience a boy, it will be an entirely new experience!
23. I have a horrible fear of flying. All I can imagine is it going down.
24. However, if Denny and Olivia (and soon Jack) are with me, I’m better.
25. So my biggest fear would be losing my family! That just downright terrifies me! I don’t think I’d survive without any one of them!
26. I also have a fear of elevators… ever since 9/11. I got stuck in one shortly thereafter and it was awful!
27. My mind also always goes to the worst case scenario every time, again, thanks to 9/11… and watching the news! Another show I need to quit!
28. I love chocolate sweets, anything chocolate will do.
29. But chocolate chip cookies are my absolute favorite dessert!
30. The only fruity dessert I like is apple pie/cobbler.
31. I could care less about politics. I never follow it and have only voted once in my life, the last presidential election.
32. I can be talked into just about anything if someone tries hard enough.
33. But I am also very stubborn!
34. I have a huge crush on McSteamy, Eric Dane! I don’t know that there is anyone more attractive on this earth… except Denny of course!
35. I can quote every line of Christmas Vacation!
36. I LOVE Thanksgiving Dinner, it’s one of my most favorite meals!
37. And Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, it’s centered around family, food, and counting your blessings!
38. I’m a beach girl all the way.
39. Destin is my beach/vacation of choice, I don’t care how crowded it is!
40. Skiing is way too much work!
41. I wish Denny and I would have lived downtown in a loft or something fun before we had kids.
42. I love to cook!
43. I can relate almost any situation back to a Friends episode! I still love that show and wish it was on more like it used to be!
44. I am horribly impatient, which is not so great when you have children!
45. Which is why we will only be having 2 kids!
46. I like to scrapbook, but am almost 3 years behind.
47. I still will not give it up!
48. My dad always said that was the best thing I got from my mom. I’d set a goal and not stop until I achieved it. Not sure if that’s a good thing! :)
49. I love that Olivia has my dad’s eyes, color and all, and his dimple, every time I really stop and look at her I think of him!
50. He would be SO proud of her!
51. I can’t sleep in past 8:30 anymore.
52. I love margaritas, with salt, usually frozen, but sometimes I want one on the rocks.
53. I have a bachelor of arts in Spanish.
54. I never used Spanish in any of my jobs after I graduated.
55. I probably use it more now that I stay at home, just working with Olivia (and that’s not saying much!)
56. Which is the best job ever! As hard as it is some days, I would not trade it for the world!
57. I have less than zero desire to ever go back to work.
58. I love my calendar and live by it! If it’s not written down, I won’t remember it!
59. And I’m old school, I still use pencil and paper, no electronic calendar device! I’m afraid I’d lose the info. and be up a creek!
60. I have wonderful friends who constantly surprise me with their love and support, they are like the sisters I never had!
61. Ditto for Denny’s friends!
62. I was a Zeta in college, but wasn’t very involved after my first year.
63. And I don’t keep up with any of my sorority sisters.
64. I love giving gifts and thinking of the perfect gift for the recipient!
65. I am addicted to cookbooks, I have way too many as it is, but keep buying them.
66. I have every intention of reading lots of books, but that is one goal I am definitely not achieving. Sadly, I never read unless it’s a children’s book for Liv!
67. I have read to her from day one, or before, in the hopes that she enjoys reading more than I ever have!
68. My goal for next year is to read the Bible in a year.
69. I am a huge hypochondriac.
70. I have a thing for stationery and gift wrap, love them both.
71. I like nuts, but NOT in my desserts, YUCK!
72. I get restless leg when I am tired, it is a real syndrome, I promise.
73. I don’t care too much about movies. I’d rather go to dinner where I can talk.
74. I can talk with the best of them… in person, on the phone, email, IM, you name it!
75. I actually enjoy cleaning, it’s instant gratification.
76. Denny keeps begging me to get someone to clean the house, but I can’t do it!
77. I’ve never broken any bones. (knocking on wood)
78. Or had a nosebleed.
79. I love going to the grocery store!
80. I hate taking naps (except for when I am prego).
81. I love the smell of permanent markers, a burning match, and a fresh cut lawn (all independently!)
82. And I absolutely love the sounds of locusts. They make me think of summer as a child and the sound is so peaceful!
83. I was an incredibly picky eater as a child, I was SO skinny growing up and hated being called that, it was such an insult.
84. I have one tattoo and don’t regret it at all!
85. Mexican food is my favorite cuisine! I could eat it every day!
86. I have lived in 20 different houses/apartments throughout my life.
87. If I had the guts to travel overseas I’d go to Italy.
88. I sucked my thumb and had a blanket that I carried around until I was 8 years old.
89. Which led to 2 sets of braces!
90. My first job was in high school at Gap Kids.
91. Having a drink or two on any patio is one of the most relaxing activities.
92. I really enjoy doing yard work, planting flowers and stuff, I leave the real work to Denny!
93. I would love to be able to sew. I can sew a button on and that’s about it!
94. I love entertaining and having people over.
95. I am addicted to putting lotion on my hands. Every time I wash my hands I immediately have to put on lotion!
96. As clean as I am at home, I feel like my car is a different story. I get it washed maybe 2 or 3 times a year, and it always seems to have junk in it.
97. I have a very strange habit of picking my lip, usually when I’m deep in thought or anxious about something.
98. I really dislike taking medicine and will only take it as a last resort.
99. I am an avid coupon clipper and use them everywhere I can!
100. I am eternally thankful for the family and friends the Lord has given me. I truly feel blessed each and every day!

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Olivia's 4 Year Well Visit AND 7 Days until Jack's Big Arrival

Today is a big day here!!! Olivia had her 4 year well visit this morning and we only have 7 more days until Jack is here!!!

Olivia's appointment with Dr. B went very well! He is such an amazing doctor and has us all laughing the entire visit! He really has a great "bedside" manner! He makes going to the doctor so much easier on all of us!

The appointment started off easy.... Olivia weighed in at 35.4 lbs, which put her in the 50th percentile for weight, and measured in at 42.5 inches, which is the 95% percentile for height! Her lean body mass is only in the 10th percentile. What a lucky little girl! Long and lean! Unfortunately the fun and games did not last long, as Olivia was due for 4 shots and a finger prick to test her iron. The finger prick was a breeze, but as soon as they laid her down for her shots, the tears were on! Luckily it was over quickly, and other than a flu shot, she is done with immunizations until she's 11! That is definitely good news! Now we get to start all over next week with the next one! :)

It's hard to imagine that in 7 short days we will be in the hospital with a newborn! We are all very excited! Every day Olivia says, "Mommy I want Jack to come today!". I am glad she is so excited to meet her baby brother. I just hope she still feels that way when we bring him home and she realizes she is not the center of attention any longer! Denny and I are both extremely excited, but like any soon to be parents, are aprehensive just that everything will go well with the surgery and that Jack is born healthy, without any complications! Please pray for a safe delivery and an easy transition for us all! :)

We will be sure to keep everyone updated next week as we welcome Jack into our family!

Monday, July 28, 2008

Olivia's First Experience Going Under

Last week Olivia had to get a mole removed that was on her head. It was in her hair, on the back of her head and looked a little funny. So both the dermatologist and plastic surgeon recommended we completely take it out just in case! She knew what we were doing that day and pretty much what was going to happen. And I have to say I was very proud of her! She was very brave! It helped knowing she was getting a surprise and ice cream when we were done! :)

Waiting for the doctor to come in
Giving us her best "scared" face. She was a complete clown while we were waiting!
I was so surprised she was not freaking out right here. I think I would have been! The nurse came in and we had to wrap her up in this blanket so that her arms were bound to her side. Thankfully we brought lovey along and lovey got all wrapped up with her! Then she had to lay on her tummy on the table, and then put the mask on for the laughing gas. She did everything as she was told and was so brave. Just after taking this picture I looked up at Denny and we both had teary-eyes! We are wimps I know! It was sad to see her disposition change as she inhaled the laughing gas and got so tranquil and still. But then it was just hysterical. It was like she had had a few too many margaritas! Denny and I were then in tears because we were laughing so hard at what she was saying! I wish we'd had video of it!
The entire procedure took about 20 minutes and she was very good and still. By the end she was really sleepy and when she came off of the gas she was a major grump! But by the time we got home and she opened her surprise she was a happy girl once again!
The wound is healing nicely and hopefully you won't be able to see it once it is completely healed, even though she will never grow hair where the actual scar is. And we found out yesterday that is was totally benign, so that is a blessing!
Poor thing, this week she goes in for her 4 year well visit and has to get 4 shots! Luckily it will be over quickly! And next week she gets her stitches out. But after that I pray we she is done with doctor visits for a while! Next it will be her brother's turn! :)

Liv's Birthday cont.

So, here is the rest of Olivia's birthday! Finally!!! We all had a really good time! Olivia loved the games and the few rides they had, and even had enough tickets for several (albeit very pathetic) prizes at the end of the evening!

Setting up at our table
She is so ready to get down and PLAY!
Her first game and ticket score!
Trying her hand at skeeball, it was so cute to watch! And who does not love skeeball, even at our age!
This picture is so great! This monster truck goes up in the air and tilts during the ride. I think of the bumps and tilts rattled her a bit!
She really enjoyed the pretend roller coaster, it was pretty cool!



After Chuck's we came home and had ice cream cake and Olivia opened her gifts from us!
And here is her most prized possession, her double stroller! She is so excited still about this thing! She has a hard time sharing it with her friends. She wants her friends to come over and "watch" her play with it, but not give them a turn! It was a last minute purchase but I am so glad we got it! She was truly SO excited, which is not like her. She doesn't typically show much emotion when she opens a gift, even if it's one she has been wanting for awhile!

As I said, I can't get over the fact that she is four! It's not only her age, but she just looks so much older to me recently. Before I know it she'll be taking drivers ed and I'll be on all kinds of medication so that I'm not up worrying every day and night about her! Until then, we are already busy making our Christmas list!!!!!!!! :)

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Happy Birthday to my Sweet Girl

I really can't even believe it has been 4 years since Olivia came into our lives! She has been a blessing in every way (even though as I type this we are arguing about her going to the bathroom!), and Denny and I constantly wonder what we ever did with ourselves before she was born. Our lives must have been so boring and empty! :) I am probably a little more emotional with another impending birth around the corner, but 4 just seems so big to me! I wish I could freeze time and just keep her my little girl forever! I know everyone feels that way about their own at some time or another, so I know I am not alone!

We have had a pretty low key day so far... We gave her one gift when she woke up, which she seemed to really like because it's all she played with all morning! She even bypassed a trip to the donut store to stay home and play!!!! Now she has her sweet friend Sawyer over for a playdate and we are about to go to cheerleading! Then it's on to Chuck-E-Cheese for dinner! I know I can't wait!!!

Opening her Barbie pool
The Birthday Breakfast of Champions!


I will be sure to post more pictures of her big day later after our exciting adventure at Chuck-E-Cheese's!