{The McCrady Family}

{abc's}

2011-06-03T11:11:00.000-07:00

I FINALLY downloaded all our videos onto my computer...it's only been two years! Here's one I took of Molly today at lunch. She's been counting to 10 and "singing" her abc's for a little while now and I've been meaning to get it on video. She's a little distracted by the TV, but it's good enough.

When she was around 18 months Brian told me that he heard her count to 10. Of course I thought he was being ridiculous! Sure enough...days later...I hear her sitting in the tub counting. Thank you Sesame Street...haha!

{22 weeks & bedding}

2011-05-03T11:06:00.001-07:00

Alrighty....here's the belly at 22 1/2 weeks. For the last couple weeks I'd feel the little guy move maybe every other day, but this week I'm feeling him ALL the time. He's a mover! Brian's yet to feel him move...he's not that patient:) I've been feeling really great lately and have been enjoying this part of pregnancy. I'm starting to get a little uncomfortable at night, but my $10 body pillow from Target helps with that.

I haven't done much to prepare for this baby and it's still early, but today I got online to look at bedding. I fell in LOVE with some bedding from Target. I laugh at how much I spent with Molly's stuff...although I think cute girl bedding is harder to find. Everything cheap was barbie pink and purple! Anyways...I went ahead and ordered it. Here's what it looks like...

{it's a boy}

2011-04-12T09:30:00.000-07:00

We are thrilled to know that we are having a little boy!!! I loved seeing Brian's face light up when we heard the news...a memory I'll always treasure:) I feel very blessed to be able to experience raising both a girl and a boy.

My mom and Molly were also at the ultrasound. Since my mom was on Spring Break and was planning on visiting during that time, I asked her if she wanted to join us. Of course she didn't say no! I think she enjoyed it just as much as we did. Molly kept pointing at the screen and saying, "baby," but I still don't think she knows what's going on.

I went out after and bought two tiny little outfits for our little man:) I can't wait until he's here! Check him out!

He was trying to suck his thumb in this picture.

{long overdue}

2011-03-28T11:06:00.000-07:00

Wow! I just realized it's been MONTHS since I've made a post! It's amazing how time flies by...

So we are expecting our second baby!!! We're very excited about this and feel extremely blessed to grow our family:) My due date is September 3rd so I'm almost 18 weeks! We will be finding out what we're having again. That ultrasound is in less than two week (next Thursday) and I can hardly wait to find out!

This pregnancy has been very similar to my last. I was very sick again and it lasted until about 16/17 weeks. It feels so good to be over that part and finally feel like I can enjoy this process. Yesterday was the first time I felt the baby move and was certain of it! That is definitely the highlight of being pregnant:) I kind of cringe at the thought of posting a belly picture this time around...it's not quite as cute as the first pregnancy. My belly is already the size it was when I was 20 weeks with Molly. Oh well...maybe I'll bring myself to do it sooner than later.

It still feels like we're settling into our house. We moved in the middle of my busy season...then it was the holidays...then I was pregnant sick! I'm finally feeling like unpacking the rest of those boxes sitting in our basement and I'm also tired of looking at our bare walls! I'm still planning on posting house pictures at some point.

I have a really slow wedding season this year. I just have a few weddings in May, June, and July and then I think I'm going to take a "maternity leave" just from weddings until Spring 2012. I definitely still want to shoot portrait sessions.

Molly is getting SO big! She is 18 months!!! I love her more and more everyday:) I'm really enjoying this time I have with her before there's a second child and life gets busier. One thing I love to do right now...that I'm sure I won't do with two...is get out of the house once or twice a week and grab lunch together. I think we both get tired of being in the house all day. It will be so nice when the weather is finally warm enough to go outside. Another thing I started doing with Molly to get out of the house is swim lessons. SO FUN! We had our first lesson last week and Molly (and I) LOVED it! She was by far the wildest child in class...I don't think she gets that if I let her go she'll sink to the bottom...haha:) They have the babies go under water a lot. Molly came up clapping and smiling every time. She was making everyone crack up:) I'll have to take a picture of her in her swimsuit...it's so cute!

A few things about Molly...

She LOVES Elmo...calles him Mo

She's still a great sleeper

Eats about anything you put in front of her (fruit is her favorite)

LOVES her daddy:)

Loves animals...especially the neighbor's lab

Smiles all the time

Says hi and bye to every person we come in contact with

Loves attention from people

Has a very sweet personality

Loves to dance and listen to music

She's 70% for height, 30% for weight

Her hair is almost long enough to put into a ponytail!

Never keeps her shoes or socks on (I get dirty looks from strangers all the time cuz she's barefoot)

She's very busy

Bath time is her favorite part of the day

I guess I could go on and on, but I have some album stuff I NEED to get to!

I'll try to post some recent pictures soon.

{Heirloom Session}

2010-10-05T14:29:00.000-07:00

Can't wait to share this with everyone! I know this session will be so special to us...especially down the road. It'll be a mix of video and pictures.

{what we've been up to all summer}

2010-09-16T13:19:00.001-07:00

Working in the yard! I don't think we realize how much work it is to have a yard! But we love it and it's something Brian and I enjoy doing together.

Molly loves to get into EVERYTHING! I can't take my eyes off her for more than a few seconds! I've learned to keep the bathroom door shut at all times.

Molly loves books:) She likes to turn the pages when you read to her.

Poor thing...she must have been super tired!

Relaxing at the lake this summer.

So I went to my 10 year reunion. It was fun, but there were a lot of people I wanted to see that weren't there.

Molly has always been a really good sleeper:)

Blake getting into the frosting. Lucy wanted him to share!

Dinner for Uncle Michael's birthday.

A little pool time! I use to go to the pool a ton in the summer, but now with Molly it's almost too much work. We still made it a few times.

Grandma helping Molly learn to sit up.

This was my view every day while I worked when we were living with Eric and Bec.

One of the last pictures we took at our old place. I had Brian take this because I knew these days were going to be ending soon. Molly doesn't fall asleep on my chest anymore...sad:(

I found this couch by chance! It's from a store I LOVE, but can't afford! It was marked down by almost $2,500! Couldn't pass it up! Oh...the store is http://www.arhaus.com/

This is at Grandma McCrady's! I bought one for Molly too. It gives us a reason to sit outside on those really nice days.

This is an amour I refinished...the color is a little off in these pics.

I got this table from Kathy and refinished it about a week ago. I'll post house pics soon:)

Molly making a HUGE mess in my office. Sometimes I just let her because I'm trying so hard to get some work done!

Looking at pictures:)

These are the most recent "professional" pictures I've taken of Molly. I should probably do this more often! We're having a family heirloom session in a few weeks. Can't wait to share that!

Right after Molly had her ears pierced. So glad I finally did it.

{summer is here}

2010-06-07T14:03:00.001-07:00

The last few weeks have been crazy!!! Lots of weddings, packing, and moving! We're finally settled into Eric and Bec's...only to move again in less than three weeks! I don't know how they moved so much...it's horrible. Haha!

Molly is 8.5 months old now...can't even believe it! She is such a sweet little thing:) I'm crossing my fingers that all my children will be like her, however, I think I'm asking too much. I've been to the pool with her a few times and she loves the water. I decided to fill up Blake and Layla's little pool today and let her kick around in it. She had a great time while I sat on a blanket getting attacked by red ants!

We're getting real anxious to get into our house. It's basically finished now...they just have a huge checklist that they go through to make sure everything is correct. I'll have to take a few pictures next time we're there and share them on here.

Wedding season is going well. It's overwhelming and rewarding all at the same time. I have my fourth wedding in a row this weekend and then I'll have a little break for a couple weeks. I try not to think about how much editing I have...I just try to conquer a little bit each day. My goal is to not fall behind!

Well...that's it for now. Back to editing:)

{Molly...almost 8 months}

2010-05-19T14:25:00.000-07:00

Molly is getting so big! I can hardly believe she's almost 8 months old! She's a very busy girl...always moving and getting into things. She still doesn't really sit up...it's almost like she has no interest. The only way I got that picture of her sitting was because Baby Einstein was playing. She's still doing an army crawl to get places...but she's been rocking on her knees a lot lately. We think she'll be crawling any day now.

{getting closer}

2010-05-19T13:43:00.001-07:00

{my sleeping baby}

2010-05-10T11:39:00.001-07:00

I couldn't resist capturing this little sleeping beauty! She has always been a great sleeper...must take after me! Haha:) I really need to take some new pictures of her. I'm hoping to get some family pictures done in the next month or so. I want to hang some new pictures up when we move into our house.

{Another House Update}

2010-05-10T11:23:00.000-07:00

The cabinets are in!

Looking into the entry way from the family room.

Dinning room.

My roommates!

Shower.

Master bedroom.

Balcony.

Looking into the Hearth room...have I mentioned that this is my favorite room??

Finally!!! I'm going to have a real office space:)

It's amazing how quickly the house keeps changing...all the lighting is actually done now and the brick is up on the outside. I can't keep up with the pictures! This week they're working on finishing up all the trim and painting...then the floors will go in! I realized this weekend that I have two weeks to get all our stuff packed up! Hope Eric and Becky are ready for us!!!

{The House}

2010-05-03T06:01:00.000-07:00

Family Room

Master Bathroom

Upstairs Laundry Room!!!

Master Bedroom

Master Bathroom Shower

Dinning Room, Entry, Office

Breakfast Nook, Pantry

Looking at the entry from the family room.

Kitchen and Hearth Room

Family Room

We're having so much fun watching the process of the house! Since the new house is so close to our place, it's hard to not drive by it every single day! I'm starting to slowly pack up our town home. May and June are super busy for me with work so I'm trying to do a little packing everyday. I'm sure there'll be more pictures coming...so stay tuned:)

{spring is here}

2010-04-21T13:59:00.000-07:00

Pretty girl! Molly is such a happy baby.

Me and my girl:)

I love popsicles!

This is Molly talking...Brian and I love when she does this!

Jumping Jenny.

Yum!

She looks like she's ready to go home.

{new house}

2010-04-18T13:22:00.000-07:00

So we've had a lot of craziness going on at the McCrady household! Last week my brother-in-law, Michael, BOUGHT our townhome!!! We really didn't think we'd be able to sell this place for at least another year or two (since they're still building more). We are extremely grateful that it worked out this way. It's amazing how God works things out. Well...not only did we sell our house, BUT we bought a house! Haha:) We've definitely been looking (mainly online) for the past year...basically dreaming:) We felt like we really had a good idea of what was out there and what we wanted. A few weeks ago we took the time to walk through some homes in the Fishers area. We found one that we absolutely loved, but it was on a 4 lane road. I remember saying, "If we could just take this house and move it to a different location it would be perfect!" So we got to the last house that day and lo and behold...it was the same house!!! To make a long story short...with a lot of prayer and Brian working his mad sales skills...we got the house!! It's still being built and should be finished sometime in June. Of course, right now we just have a purchase agreement so it's not set in stone. Hopefully, everything continues to workout the way it has been.
We feel like God has really blessed us through all of this and never want to forget that for one second.

This is a picture of what it will look like:)

And here's OUR house:) One of our favorite things about it is the large corner lot (it's really hard to find a house with a decent size yard in Fishers).

I'm sure I'll be posting more pictures of the house as it progresses. The siding and drywall went up this past week, so maybe I'll stop by and shoot a few pictures of that. The new house is only about 5 min from where we currently live, so I swing by quite a bit!

{bananas and cereal}

2010-04-14T09:08:00.000-07:00

Molly will be 7 months in ONE WEEK! She's growing up so fast. We just love her more and more everyday...how is that possible?! I took her to the park the other day for a little lunch and some swinging:) She really liked the swing. She kept laughing the entire time. Of course when I tried to take a picture of her laughing she would stop.

She's still rolling all over the place. She can sit up by herself, but is so busy that she falls over pretty quickly. She wants to grab everything that's in front of her...which sometimes drives me a little crazy.

Molly's favorite thing to do lately is play peek-a-boo. We'll throw a blanket over her face and say, "Where's Molly?!" She then rips the blanket off her face and we say, "There she is!!" She thinks this is pretty hilarious! This morning she was actually pulling the blanket back over her face after I'd say, "There she is!" Then I tried to get it on videotape and of course it didn't work.

Molly's eating three meals a day now! Her favorite foods are bananas, carrots, sweet potatoes, and cereal with apples in it. It's a little bit of a struggle to get the green vegetables down...most of the time I end up mixing them with fruit. Yum!

Well that's it for now....here are some recent pictures of her.

{molly...6 months old}

2010-03-26T06:50:00.000-07:00

Molly turned 6 months old on Wednesday! I can hardly believe it! At her appointment she weighed 13 lbs and 14 oz. I love her little personality...she's real laid back and happy almost all the time:) She just started taking two good naps a day...which really allows me to get some work done.

I can tell she really loves Brian these days. Her face lights up when he walks in the door. When he's around, she's constantly staring at him waiting for him to make eye contact with her. So cute! Some new things she's doing...

I started giving her a sippy cup with water the other day and was surprise at how fast she caught on.

Rolling to get to things.

"Talking" more...Brian and I can't get enough we she does this:) "Ya ya ya" is kind of what it sounds like.

She loves Lucy...always smiles and laughs when she sees her.

Standing and playing in her exersaucer.

{life these days}

2010-03-17T06:33:00.000-07:00

Hangin out on the porch! Finally...nice weather:)

Bath time in the kitchen sink!

Drew's wedding...check out my hot husband in a tux!

Becky made Molly this towel. I LOVE IT! It's such a better quality than the hooded ones you buy. Everything is better homemade:) I think Molly likes it too...she's just not showing it in this picture.

Molly must have been playing so hard she fell asleep:)

Valentine's Day! We just stayed in and got sushi to go!

Where are Lucy's eyes?!? Hahaha. Time to get groomed!

Don't you just want to squeeze her?!?!?! AH!

I'm definitely learning how to balance being a mom and working these days. I know I'm completely blessed to have my own business. It does allow me to create my own schedule and work out of my house, but I'm finding it tough to focus with my little distraction:) Hehe! It will be interesting to see how this works once wedding season starts back up.

It looks like Spring is right around the corner!!! I'm SO EXCITED to have some nice weather! FINALLY! I introduced Molly to the outdoors last week:) I loaded her up in her stroller and went for a few walks. Of course she didn't really care...fell asleep within a few minutes! Lucy, on the other hand, LOVED IT!

{molly...5 1/2 months!}

2010-03-08T09:07:00.000-08:00

I can't believe my little baby is almost 6 months old! Where did the time go?!?! (And the posts...haha) Hopefully I won't get that far behind on posts again...she keeps me busy:) A little update on the girl...she's now rolling over ALL the time! I actually have to keep an eye on her now...it takes only seconds for her to roll across the room! Also, she's now tried solid foods. I've been feeding her cereal and vegetables for about a month now. Molly still hasn't gotten the hang of it. Oh well:) Everything she does is just fun! I can't get enough of her:) Here are some pictures I took of her today!

{molly's dedication}

2010-02-14T18:27:00.000-08:00

Wow! I know it's be a long time since I've posted anything. I need to do another "photo session" with Molly now that she's almost 5 months! Crazy...time is flying by:(
Brian and I are so thankful to be Molly's parents and we know that she is truly a gift from the Lord! We really wanted to make a public commitment to raise her in a home where God is first! More than anything we want Molly to grow up knowing God's love for her and it's out heart's desire that she will one day call Him her savior. Here are some pictures from her dedication! Hopefully I'll find some time to post a little update on her with some new pictures!

{friends}

2010-01-18T11:58:00.000-08:00

It's so funny how fast life changes. I think back to two years ago when some of my friends were just starting to have kids. It's been fun watching friends become parents and now being a parent myself! Last week I drove to Dayton to visit one of my best friends, Aubrey. She has a little 6 week old boy. We basically sat around all day talking about our kids...haha:) It was so good to be with her and see her as a mom. Hudson is just the cutest thing! We joke that he's Molly's future husband. Here's a picture of the two of them. They're 10 weeks apart, but the same size!

{christmas & new years}

2010-01-06T09:22:00.001-08:00

{Molly @ 3.5 months}

2010-01-05T13:18:00.000-08:00

Molly continues to grow and change every day!! I can hardly keep up with updates! She's still a little squirt. At her 3 month appointment (which was really about a week and a half early) she weighed 10 lbs 2 oz. She's in the 50% for length and 10% for weight. Got to fatten her up! She's smiling ALL the time now. I love when she wakes up in the morning...as soon as she sees me, she always gives me the biggest smile! Melts my heart every time. In the last week she seems like she's starting to get a little voice:) When we talk to her, she kind of talks back. When she's playing under her Baby Einstein mat, she gets really excited and almost sounds like she's yelling at the dangling toys...haha:) She's even let out a few laughs...especially when Brian was singing some Britney Spears to her:) She's still a great sleeper...sleeps about 11 to 12 hours a night. I think that's why she such a happy baby all day long. She really doesn't get fussy...just when she's ready to eat or sleep.
We had a great Christmas this year! The trip to Colorado was a blast! We definitely could have used and extra day or two. The kids actually traveled really well. We're hoping to do it again in a few years and maybe take a train ride instead of driving or flying. I'll get some of those pictures posted when I'm on my other computer. Brian and I also had a great time with his family here in Indy. It was good to be home for Christmas after all the traveling!
A BIG thanks to Brian's mom for watching Molly on New Years Eve! It was so nice to have a little break and go out with friends to celebrate!
Here are a few pictures I snapped of Molly today. I couldn't for the life of me get her to smile with a camera in front of my face! I'll have to have Brian sing some Britney Spears when I take pictures of her next time:) Enjoy!

{some random pictures}

2009-12-14T10:42:00.001-08:00

I thought I wasn't going to put a tree up this year, because we're not really going to be home very much. I couldn't take it anymore, so I put a really small tree up yesterday. I know it's little, but I think it's kind of cute:)

Here's a picture I took today of Molly. I just love her so much...she's such a blessing! I got this hoodie at Old Navy. I love their baby clothes.

Awe...Molly and Daddy:) Brian is already such an incredible dad...I think we make a great team!

Mommy and Molly hanging out! Molly's sticking her tong out in this picture...nice.

Burp!

I love this picture of Blake...cracks me up! Molly's bouncer makes a great recliner! I'm sure he's watching some Veggie Tales.

Here's Molly the first or second week home...those first 3 weeks are a blur. Daddy giving her some love!

Even at just weeks old...Molly had great neck control. Picking her head up to look at daddy:)

Our first family picture:)

Pretty girl! Molly was so alert right when she was born.

Getting ready to leave the hospital.

Just got home...only to go back in two days.

Lucy's first time meeting Molly. She just wanted to lick her toes...weird dog. Lucy's been really good with Molly. She pretty much pays no attention to Molly.

{almost 3 months!}

2009-12-11T10:03:00.000-08:00

Molly is getting so big so fast! She's definitely looking like her daddy. At her 2 month visit she weighed 9 lbs 9 oz and was 23 in long. Next week she has another check up, so I'll update you with her size. She's loving her hands these days..always holding them together and ALWAYS has them in her mouth! She's still a really good sleeper...normally sleeps between 8 and 9 hours. Her favorite thing to do is lay under this blinky light thing. I don't know what's so exciting about staring at a blinking smily face, but she can't get enough of it!
We leave for Colorado this coming Friday. We're so excited to spend some time together with Chad's family! It should be a good time! Please pray for safety and good weather while we're driving. I'm sure I'll post some pictures from the trip.

{my little cheetah}

2009-11-18T07:44:00.000-08:00

Molly is now 8 weeks old...well tomorrow she will be. She's finally starting to fit into her 0-3 month clothes! I weighed her with me the other day and she's about 10 lbs now. How cute is she in this outfit??? I think my cousin Steph got this for her...too cute!

{happy baby}

2009-11-15T08:11:00.001-08:00

My little Molly has really started smiling this past week! I eat it up...can't get enough of her! I was trying to get a picture of her smiling, but you know how that goes. Every time I'd put the camera up to my face, she'd stop. Here's the best I could do!

{Molly...6 weeks!}

2009-11-06T10:29:00.000-08:00

Here's my little girl at 6 weeks. She has changed so much since my last post. Molly definitely looks like her daddy and is probably going to have his gorgeous blue eyes! She's still a really easy baby...sleeping 7 hours at night!!! Gotta love the book Baby Wise! Last week at the doctor she weighed 8 lbs 2 oz...still a little squirt. Here are some pictures I snapped with my point n shoot today. I'm planning on taking some more this weekend.

{Molly...3 weeks}

2009-10-15T06:55:00.001-07:00

Molly has definitely changed in the last few days. She has long periods during the day when she's wide awake. She doesn't really cry, just loves to look around. At night she will sleep between 4 to 5 hours! I'm loving that:)

This picture was taken by one of my best friends, Mel Carpenter:) Little Molly was so wide awake and alert during the whole shoot. We tried so hard to get her to sleep, but she couldn't take her eyes off Mel.

{molly...two weeks old}

2009-10-08T11:47:00.000-07:00

Wow...these past two weeks have felt like a month! So many crazy things happen that I never expected, but I would be happy to do it all over again. I've never experience anything more amazing than having a baby and I'm so grateful for her!
It all started with my water breaking Wednesday night (9/23). I was hanging out with Brian and Eric watching The Office when I felt a gush! Yikes! Brian thought I was joking at first. It was only three days before my due date and I still hadn't packed a thing for the hospital. Packing once your water has broke is not an easy task!
I was admitted around 9pm and my cervix was still only dilated 1 cm. At this time my first nurse checked me and was a little concerned that Molly might be breech. She had another nurse come in to check, however, they decided that she wasn't...grrr! At 2am I still hadn't really progressed so they decided to put me on pitocin. Around 4am I decided to get an epidural. This was actually a really bad experience for me...super painful!!! They think they may have been hitting bone when they did it. Anyways, some time around 9am another nurse checked me and right away said she was feeling a butt, not a head! Molly definitely was breech. They rushed me in for a c-section right away. Molly was born at 11:15am weighing 6 lbs 15 oz and 20 in long.
Everything was fine after that until Sunday. I was starting to have really high blood pressure. The doctor was worried that I may have Pre Eclampsia. They still let me go home, but I had to follow up with the doctor a couple days later. I still had really high blood pressure and my labs came back not looking real good. Again, they sent me home and wanted me to come back in a few days to get check again. That same day I started to have one of the symptoms they wanted me to watch out for...I was having a ton of pain on my right side where my liver is. I called the doctor on call around 10pm and she told me I should be fine and to wait until my next appointment. At 3am I woke up and I was in so much pain that I couldn't move or get out of bed. Brian called again and they wanted me to get to the hospital right away. I did end up having Pre Eclampsia. I had to be on Magnesium for 5 days...something I never want to do again! It was a really hard experience, but I'm so thankful to be feeling better.
Now I'm just enjoying my time at home with Molly. She is such a good baby. I really feel like God blessed me with an easy baby, since I went through so much the past two weeks. He never gives us more than we can handle.

I took these pictures today. I ran downstairs to grab a clean outfit...when I got back into the room her little arms were straight up over her head. So cute!

{39 weeks...3 days}

2009-09-23T10:38:00.000-07:00

So Brian and I went to the doctor today and I FINALLY have some progress! I'm 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced! I don't know if that means much, but it's something...right???
Funny story...
I found out what a contraction is. All this time, I thought I hadn't had any contractions...well...I was wrong. While the Dr. was feeling my belly she said, "You're having a contraction right now!" I thought that when my stomach gets really hard and I can't hardly breath, that the baby was just in a funny position that was making me uncomfortable. I guess I just thought it should hurt more! Haha...I know...the things you learn the first time around:)
So everyone knows, if labor doesn't happen, I'll be induced on October 3rd! I can handle knowing that at the most, I only have to wait another week and a half:) The end is near!!! Hurray!

{38 weeks...5 days}

2009-09-17T13:43:00.000-07:00

Just a little update:
I had another Dr.'s appointment this morning. Unfortunately baby McCrady is really happy inside my belly. There are no signs of labor at this point. I'm starting to think she'll have an October birthday! I'm planning on just staying busy for the next few weeks, hoping that'll pass the time:) I just can't wait to meet her!

{37 weeks...5 days preggers}

2009-09-11T10:23:00.000-07:00

Well there's no picture to post...I'm definitely over having my picture taken at this point!

So what's new...
Well I wish I could say that I'm having crazy contractions and headed to the hospital as I write this! Not the case.
I actually shot a wedding on Sunday...10 HOURS!!! I survived it! Of course I was exhausted the next day...or 3 days...but it went really well. I can't say I'd ever do that again. I was hoping that it would some how put me into labor, but it obviously didn't.
Yesterday I had another Dr.'s appointment and although things are looking really good...there wasn't anything saying I would go into labor anytime soon...it could definitely be days/weeks. The Dr. thought that little baby McCrady is almost 7lbs. Hopefully she doesn't pack on too much weight if she's planning on hanging out in my belly for awhile longer!
Last week my mom came down to help me out with the house/nursery. Too bad I was doing some crazy nesting just before she got here, so I didn't have much for her to do. She did make the most adorable curtain for my little girl's room, which was a huge help! I was just glad to have her come down and spend some time with me:) It's funny to think that it won't be too long before she's back down here again. I'll definitely have plenty for her to do once the baby gets here...thanks mom!!
I found a couple stretch marks on my stomach last night....SO DEPRESSING!!! I was actually really upset about it at first, but realized it's just part of life! I might be sporting the tankini from now on.
At this point I feel like I'm just waiting. I'm so excited that it won't be too long before I finally get to meet this little girl! Pretty soon I'll be posting cute little pics of her on here! Ah! So exciting!!!

{36 weeks...9 months!!!}

2009-08-30T14:13:00.000-07:00

I'm totally shocked that I just have 4 weeks to go! I'm feeling pretty prepared at this point. I just need to get the nursery organized, hang the dresser mirror, put up some decoration, get a curtain, and some diapers:) Brian and I feel so blessed and are extremely thankful for all the gifts we received from our showers. Lots of thanks to all of you!!!

I start my weekly appointments this week. I'm looking forward to seeing this pregnancy progress and to get to the end of it! Ready to meet that little girl...who still has no name. Brian and I spend a lot of time talking names, I think we've been doing that since we were dating:) The only problem is, we were always talking boy names. I guess I never thought my first born would be a girl. We definitely have a few ideas, but are going to wait until we see her and then decide. What's the hurry...right?

So how have I been feeling??? Well...

I never like when preggers complain, but I'm definitely uncomfortable! My hips and back are really starting to hurt. I feel completely out of breath most of the time...and I can't imagine my skin stretching any further. Oh and sleep really isn't happening anymore:( This must be God's way of preparing me for what's to come. It's funny how even with all the discomforts of pregnancy...it's still somehow the most amazing thing I've ever been through:)

Here are some pics of me at 36 weeks! We'll keep you posted!

{great purchase}

2009-08-26T14:17:00.000-07:00

So I've heard from a few other photographers that a must have is a sling to carry your baby in. This frees up your hands so that you can actually edit and get stuff done. So I got online and found one I loved...probably spent a little too much on it...but I was in love with the material! So I just got my sling in the mail today and had to try it out! I took a look at Lucy and thought "she's the size of a baby". I put her in it and within 2 minutes she was OUT! I'm guessing this was a great purchase:) Here's a picture I took while she was sleeping and I was doing some work at the computer...cracks me up!!

{random}

2009-08-17T13:36:00.000-07:00

Eric and Becky have been staying with us on and off for the last month or so while they look for a home. I get so use to having the kids around that when they're gone it's kind of sad when I wake up and it's so quiet in the house:( I just adore Blake and Layla and it's not too bad playing Settlers just about every night with Eric and Bec! I've tried to snap a few pics of the kids while they've been here. I know one day these will mean something:)

Blake and Layla might be the easiest kids to watch...they totally entertain themselves most of the time!

How cute is Layla's little profile:) I might just have to get my little girls ears pierced too!

Blake was really concentrating on eating his soup...I so badly wanted to help him! But it did keep him entertained for a long time.

Brian LOVES Layla! I think he got more interested in her when he found out he was gonna have a little girl:) He's going to be a great dad!

I've slowly been working on the nursery. When I realized that I only have 6 weeks to go, I thought it was about time I refinish that dresser! Now why I waited until I was 8.5 months pregnant and the August heat is at it's worst I'll never know!!! It was definitely torture, but worth it in the end. I'm really happy with how it turned out! We haven't put the mirror up yet...but it'll be even more cute with that!

You can see what a mess it still is, but I was having fun putting Lucy in the crib...the things I do when I'm alone all day! Ha! How cute are her little black beady eyes peering over the crib?!?

Isn't it pretty? I love the way the green balances out the pink walls! Again, disregard the mess.

More of Lucy:)

I found these flowers at a little boutique in Fishers. I was so excited about this find, they bring all the colors together! I just can't figure out where to hang them? I wanted to put them over the crib, but they're too tall:(

A little update: I'm 34 weeks now! Yay! Feeling good, but definitely feeling super pregnant. I've had a few issues with swollen feet and I don't get much sleep at night, but other than that I can't complain! I really can't believe that I'm gonna have a baby in about 6 weeks...CRAZY!!! My really wonderful friend Mel threw a little shower at Bravo's with some of my girlfriends. We had a great time...I'll have to get those pics from her so that I can post them. I have my last shower with my mom's side this weekend at the cottage. I'm really excited to get up to the lake again and relax a little:) Well that's it for now...I've been meaning snap a belly pic...it's getting pretty big and scary! Hopefully I'll remember to do that tonight so I can post that pic soon. I know you're all dying to see how big I am:)

{vote}

2009-08-12T09:50:00.000-07:00

I would love your vote! Indy's A-List is looking for Indianapolis's best local businesses. Voting ends on Friday. Click here to vote!

{pics are posted!}

2009-08-10T08:06:00.000-07:00

Check out our maternity session with Bobbi and Mike! Click here!

{sneak peek from monday's shoot}

2009-08-05T14:53:00.001-07:00

I can't wait to see the rest!! I'll give you guys the link when the rest go on Bobbi and Mike's blog.

{8 months}

2009-08-03T08:37:00.000-07:00

Wow...I'm nearing the end! I know I've said this before, but I can't believe how fast this is going! I'm sure these next two months will drag by as we are really starting to anticipate the arrival of baby McCrady. I don't have a picture to post, but I'm SO EXCITED because Brian and I are getting some "professional" pictures done this evening! Bobbi from Bobbi and Mike is shooting the pics and I couldn't be more thrilled! I'm planning on getting a really cool canvas print made from one of the images. Also, today couldn't be more perfect! Nothing but sun, which will make for some beautiful sunset pictures! Now I just need to figure out which shouldn't be too hard since my wardrobe is some what limited these days. I'll be sure to post some of those pictures when we get them back.

I had my Ft. Wayne shower yesterday! It was really nice and I couldn't believe all the stuff we got! Feeling super blessed! Brian stayed up way too late last night putting things together...we know it's a little early but we're just a bit excited;) I'll post some pictures from the shower when I get a chance...need to get back to work! Thanks for stopping by!

{7 months!}

2009-07-14T18:44:00.000-07:00

Here's a pic of me at 29 weeks 3 days!! This is really flying by! Just in the last week I've started feeling like I have SO much to do and time is ticking away. I was wide awake at 5:40 this morning thinking about everything I want to get done before the baby comes. I'm sure I'll have many more nights like that! I'm really enjoying being pregnant right now. I feel so great and just love feeling my little girl roll around inside:) Sleeping is starting to get a little tricky. Our bed is now crowded with pillows! As for cravings...I've become a regular at the Brook School Subway. They chuckle every time I show up...which is just about every other day!
Brian and I went to our first birthing class last week. I think I found it much more interesting than Brian did...he was a little squeamish...haha! Of course watching a live birth would make most people that way! This week we'll get to go on a tour of the labor and delivery floor. We're looking forward to it.
Well...that's the update for now. Stay tuned!

{the crib}

2009-06-25T10:35:00.001-07:00

I can't believe how girly this room is turning out to be! Ah! But I love it!

{painting the nursery}

2009-06-23T06:59:00.000-07:00

Who's that stud? Oh...it's my husband:) One of the best things about getting ready for a baby is sharing all this joy with Brian! We are having a lot of fun together dreaming about what the future holds and working on projects together. Of course I had to do the cutting in, but Brian did a fabulous job rolling! It feels good to have the nursery painted. At first I was really scared about the color, but now that it's all done I love it! I'm going to decorate with more greens and yellows to tone down the pink. But I love that it's bright and cheery! Don't judge the color by the pictures...it doesn't really look the same. Well, I better get up stairs and clean up...they're coming to set the crib up today! I'll post pictures of it so stay tuned!

Lucy really likes the color too!

{looking back]

2009-06-16T13:33:00.001-07:00

Brian and I were watching Blake and Layla a few weekends ago. When I was feeding Blake his dinner, I remembered that a year ago I took a picture of him sitting there. I had to snap a new picture of him to see how much he's grown in the last year. He's now TWO! I can't believe how much he's changed!

{furniture}

2009-06-16T11:40:00.000-07:00

Yay! I think I finally found the rest of my furniture for the baby's room:) After going to tons of garage sales, goodwill, and looking on craigslist, I finally found what I was looking for! I wanted something vintage looking that I could refinish. I'm going to go check it out tonight and see if it's in good condition. What do you think?

{25 weeks}

2009-06-14T09:39:00.001-07:00

Here I am at 25 weeks! Almost 6 and a half months! Starting to look a little frumpy:( Oh well! You can tell I'm a little tired looking in this picture...I shot a big wedding yesterday! It was awesome and I can't wait to post pics of it on my photography blog! I was a little bummed about my season slowing down, but after yesterday and how tired I felt...and all the braxton hicks contractions I was having...I think it's for the best:)

My bedding came in this past week and I love it!!! We also bought our crib:) I'll post a picture of it when it gets here! It's really pretty!!! Brian of course spent an hour talking the price down:) Gotta love him for that:) I know I still have a few months to go...but I'm already starting to get a little anxious about everything I want to get done before our little girl gets here. Right now I'm pretty busy with the biz, but I know things will slow down here in the next month or so. We have our first shower at the end of the month. Brian's cousin Jen and her hubby Scott are throwing us a cook out couple's shower:) Should be fun!

Well that's it for now! I'm missing the sun so I better get my suit on and get to the pool for a little! Still sporting the bikini...haha. I'm debating getting a tankini as I get bigger. But that probably won't happen...I figure the belly distracts from my butt and legs!

{crib bedding}

2009-06-02T19:38:00.001-07:00

So here's the crib bedding that I really like! I wanted to do her room in green, yellow, and pink. It's been really hard finding bedding...everything is either really cheesy and cartoony or too pink. I love this bedding because it's girly, but isn't too pink.

{a few weeks ago}

2009-06-02T18:55:00.000-07:00

Well I got a little behind on blogging...if you follow my photography blog I've been just as behind with that too! I've really been enjoying pregnancy this past month:) Around 20 weeks I finally got a legit belly...not a bloated I just got done eating a huge meal belly, but a baby belly:) It's still not very big...in fact people act shocked when they find out I'm pregnant and almost 6 months along. I guess I'll take it as a good thing...but then doesn't that mean they think I look fat? Haha:) Also around 20 weeks I started to feel my little girly kick! It is just the BEST feeling in the whole world! I love it and can't get enough of it right now. Actually as I'm writing this, I can now see my stomach move a little bit when she moves! It's crazy! Brian's been able to feel her a few times, but she tends to freeze up when he puts his hand on my stomach. This weekend I'll be 6 months pregnant! It's amazing how fast this is flying by! I'll have to take a new pic...here's a picture from when I was 5 months.

{it's a girl!}

2009-05-11T06:46:00.000-07:00

YAY! We're having a little girl! Brian and I feel so fortunate to have a healthy baby growing inside! There's nothing like seeing your little baby moving around in your belly...makes it all too real! We can't thank God enough for this little blessing:)

{easter}

2009-05-03T14:26:00.001-07:00

{mom's 60th birthday}

2009-04-29T09:41:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday...Eric, Becky, Brian, and I SUCCESSFULLY threw my mom a surprise 60th birthday party!!! It was so much fun to do...and the birthday girl was certainly deserving! Today is her real birthday...HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! Hope you're having a wonderful day...LOVE YOU!
Check out when she walked through the door...I wish I had a shot of everyone crowded in the entry way!

{15 weeks}

2009-04-06T10:19:00.001-07:00

Little prego update...
I know that at 12 or 13 weeks I thought I was in the clear of feeling sick...I think I had spoke too soon!! Although I do feel A MILLION times better, I still deal with the occasional nausea and vomiting. As long as it's not ALL day I can definitely handle it! It's such a weird thing when your stomach starts to expand...I always feel like maybe this shouldn't be happening yet...but I guess there's no stopping it! Brian gets an A+ as a husband:) He's been super helpful throughout this whole process and has never once complained! He's taken over the duty of grocery shopping and making dinner. I appreciate his help SO much!! I can't wait to see him as a dad! Next week I have another appointment...4 months...CRAZY! I always look forward to hearing the heartbeat!

{Extreme Makeover Home Edition}

2009-04-04T12:23:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning, Brian and I got up BRIGHT and EARLY to take pictures at Extreme Makeover Home Edition. I was so glad that I got the opportunity to volunteer as a photographer! It really is amazing to see what can be done when people come together to serve the community! I heard that over 5000 people volunteered to help and that they had to turn people away! Anyways...here are a few pictures Brian and I took while trying to warm up in the food tent...aren't we cute with our hardhats?? Click here to see pictures of the build.

{12 weeks!!!}

2009-03-15T14:42:00.000-07:00

Yay! I'm so excited to be 12 weeks pregnant! I know I still have a long way to go, but I'm SO GLAD to be DONE with the first trimester! I LOVE that I'm pregnant, but I have NOT loved being pregnant! I've spent the last 6 weeks laying on the couch or with my face in the toilet...it has not been pretty! I never thought I'd drop 10 lbs during pregnancy, however, I know it'll all come back soon enough. I really honestly thought that pregnant women sort of made most of this stuff up...the nausea..food aversions...metal taste in mouth...heightened sense of smell...well I take that ALL back! I'm definitely not out of the woods yet! I still am dealing with the joys of early pregnancy...but I'm hoping that I'll start getting some relief now that I'm moving into the second trimester.

These past two days have been pretty great! Brian and I went to Olive Garden yesterday and it was the first time I've eaten...and wanted to eat...an actual meal! I ate my little heart out! It felt SO GOOD! Then today, Brian, Eric, and I went golfing. It was so nice to get out of the house and breathe some fresh air!

Well I hope this hasn't sounded like I'm complaining! I am so excited about being pregnant...I can't wait to hold this little baby in my arms! I have no doubt that all this nausea and throwing up is going to be so worth it in about 7 months!

Here is our baby's first picture! Baby's 8 weeks, 5 days here. We also heard baby's little heartbeat...the best sound in the whole world!

I'm 12 weeks in this picture...I also just ate lunch...so it might not be completely accurate:)

{update}

2009-02-11T12:57:00.001-08:00

Brian and I celebrated our 3 year anniversary last October...and this weekend (Valentine's Day) we will have been together for 7 years:) We are still each other's best friend and love spending time together weather it's relaxing at home or running around with friends. We live in Fishers, IN and have a little dog named Lucy. Brian is a sales manger for Cintas and I have a wedding photography business. And the most exciting news...we are expecting our first baby in September!!! God has really blessed us through the years and we are thankful for so many things! Here is a picture we took on our 3 year anniversary after a yummy dinner.

{welcome}

2009-02-06T09:51:00.000-08:00

Hey Family & Friends!

Welcome to the McCrady's blog! I thought this would be a fun way to keep everyone updated on our extremely interesting lives...ha! I know blogging is a great way of journaling and with exciting times ahead...I definitely want to remember it all! Thanks for taking the time to check in and see what's going on!