Rock-A-Bye

For some reason, I have always loved cradles. I never slept in one as an infant and neither did my sister so who knows where this love of cradles comes from...all I know is that I wanted to have one for Stafford. After MUCH researching, I found one that I loved but there was one small problem...it was $500!! I knew I didn't want to spend that much on a cradle, especially since Stafford can only sleep in it for about 3 months so I decided to keep looking...and I found one! Thanks to Google, I found this precious Da Vinci Chloe cradle (in espresso) that was affordable and had the look that I wanted. A lot of stores actually carried this cradle so it was nice to be able to do some price comparisons and get it as cheaply as possible. Many thanks go to our sweet friends and family that gave us gift cards at my showers because we were able to purchase it...THANK YOU EVERYONE! I decided to order it from Target (today, actually) and it should be arriving next week. Just in time to get it all put together and set up in our bedroom since Stafford will be here in FOUR WEEKS/28 days/SOON!! I bought the bedding back in May and I purchased a new, thicker (2 inches) cradle mattress to put in it as well. Below is a picture...what do y'all think?!!

Mississippi Shower

Last weekend, my precious friends hosted a baby shower for Stafford and me at the Country Club of Jackson. It was SO MUCH FUN!! I think that I've written this before but I could seriously open cute baby gifts all day, every day. Stafford received some of the greatest things...necessities, fun stuff and cute cute clothes! The food was amazing...all of my favorite foods!! We snacked on grilled cheese sandwiches, cheese sticks, cinnamon rolls, donut holes, cupcakes and more. My sweet friends really outdid themselves on this one. Stafford received his car seat and stroller from the hostesses and I was super excited about it. We desperately needed those two items! Mom & Sis came into town, too, and I was thrilled that they were able to meet my friends that they've heard me talk about for years. We even made a Babies R' Us run to stock up on essentials that we needed. THANK YOU to all of my wonderful friends that hosted the shower, came to the shower and sent Stafford a gift...you are amazing and I'm so lucky to have you in my life! I love you all!

me with my hostesses & niece, carter

the beautiful invitation...done by 29:11 creations!


with mimi and honey...stafford's grandmothers

the stacy women

my other beautiful niece, caroline reed (she is carter's sister!)

me at 33 weeks preggo

gorgeous flower arrangement done by shannon blanks

me & sweet Sis...she's going to be the BEST aunt!

yummy cupcakes from Crumb

leighton, me & alice b....love you girls!!

Busy Bees

Last weekend, Reed and I were busy little bees. He, with training (Ironman Louisville is 3 weeks away!), and me, with getting odd jobs done and random errands completed. Friday night, we had a fantastic "dinner and a movie" date night...I recommend seeing Horrible Bosses - so funny! Saturday, I had tons of random errands to run but I really got a lot checked off of my to-do list and it felt GREAT! I was especially excited to find my mirror for the nursery! Believe it or not, I found it at TJ Maxx and it was exactly what I was wanting for that space. As soon as I get it hung, I'll post pics!

This weekend is my Jackson shower and I couldn't be more excited! Mom and Sis are driving down on Friday night and my shower is Saturday morning at CCJ. FUN!

Nursery Progress

The nursery is coming along!! I cannot wait to see the finished project but I still have a long way to go. We picked up my glider on Monday and I'm SO excited to have it here...it really is so comfortable! I held off on getting the ottoman because I was worried about space BUT it looks like we'll have plenty so I'm going back this weekend to order it. I picked up my drapes while I was in Dyersburg last weekend and we hung those when we got home Sunday...they really make his room feel cozy!

What's left: my bookshelf is in Oxford and I'll be bringing that home in a few weeks, I'm on the lookout for a mirror to go over the dresser/changing table, I'm waiting on my changing tray (for the changing pad) to be made and I need some artwork for the walls! See below for a few updated nursery pictures:

glider

drapes, toy chest (it rolls!) and changing table

Tennessee Baby Shower

Last weekend, Reed & I journeyed to Dyersburg for my baby shower and a little weekend time with my family. We had the best time! My shower was amazing...really one of the most fun things that I've ever had! I honestly have the best friends and I am so grateful to them for throwing me this amazing shower. Stafford received so many wonderful things and I feel so blessed and lucky to have these people in our lives. It had been about 2 months since I had last been home so it was great to get up there and visit with family and friends for the weekend. Below are some scenes from the shower:

mom, mrs. maddox, me and mrs. sherry

whitney, me & mrs. lana

me & sis...how pretty is my sister?!!

a sweet group of friends

think Stafford got anything?!!

love my Whit and sweet baby Edie

the gorgeous flowers and the food table

four generations of Collins/Stafford women

my incredible hostesses and dearest friends...THANK YOU!!!

Time to Brag

So, as I mentioned in my last post, Reed competed in the Heart O'Dixie triathlon in Neshoba County this past weeked. And, I know that it's super annoying to brag and have someone tell you how great their husband is and what an amazing job he did BUT I'm doing it anyway...Reed absolutely kicked butt!! After intense training all week long (for Ironman Louisville) he got up on Saturday and killed it out on the course. Well, I think he killed it anyway!! He was pleased with the results even though he said this year's time was slower than his time last year. Race rundown: 0.5 mile swim, 27.5 mile bike and 7 mile run. Reed's final time was 2 hours 18 minutes 44 seconds. He ended up finishing 3rd in his age group (30-34) and 22nd overall (out of 400+ competitors). WOW!! Needless to say, I am super proud of my hubby...he has improved so much since he started competing in triathlons AND he's only going to get better. Congratulations Reed!! I love you! Race results can be seen here: http://www.besttimescct.com/results/Heartodixie11.txt

early morning at Lake Tik O'Khata

transitioning from the swim to the bike

on the bike course

the finish line at the Neshoba County Fairgrounds

headed towards the finish line

30 Weeks & the NCF

Hi All!! I cannot believe that I'm actually typing this little fact but I'm typing it...I am officially 30 weeks!! Something about that number just sounds crazy-scary but I will say - it feels a little nice to be out of the 20's. With that being said, I (and Stafford) will be braving the hot Mississippi summer temperature this weekend at the Neshoba County Fair! Reed is competing in the Heart O'Dixie triathlon and I am headed over to watch him. He has been training hard (really more for his Ironman in August) and I know he will do great! I feel like I'm always hot these days...even in our 68 degree house...so it will be interesting picking out something to wear tomorrow morning. I really wish I could wear my tennis shoes and a bikini but we all know that would NOT be a pretty sight and I would never go there...HA! Stay tuned for pictures from the race...GO Reedy GO!!!