Friday, December 30, 2011

First Trimester with Baby #2

I am trying my best to journal about this pregnancy like I did with Ella. It is much more difficult finding time to jot things down while running after a 2 year old. This pregnancy is definitely flying by quicker than when I was carrying Ella. I am super busy and can't even keep track of what week I'm on. Right now, I am almost 15 weeks along and have passed the first trimester. YIPPEE! Here are some interesting facts about this pregnancy so far (compared to being pregnant with Ella). This may be boring for some of you, but I'm behind in scrapbooking so this is my way of keeping track of everything so far! :)

I was WAY hungry the first 10-12 weeks and was stuffing my face with food every 2 hours. If I didn't eat consistently then I would become cranky (right Vinny and Nadine?!) and would get dizzy and light-headed. I was NOT this hungry with Ella.

Fortunately I have not experienced any morning sickness! With Ella, tums and saltine crackers were some of my best friends (even though my morning sickness back then was still nothing compared to other women).

I do not crave sweets like I did with Ella.

I was not as tired this time around. I'm not sure if it's because I didn't have time to be really tired or I didn't notice it as much. I know that I am less tired the past few weeks than I was before, so I guess I was a little more fatigued the first trimester.

People have said that you begin to "show" sooner your 2nd pregnancy. Well, that's the truth. I have had to wear maternity clothes sooner this time around.

In just a little under 5 weeks we will find out if Ella will have a baby brother or sister!

Thursday, December 29, 2011

What'll Ya Have!

We couldn't pass up the opportunity to hit The Varsity while in Atlanta. For those of you who don't know about The Varsity you can check out more info at www.thevarsity.com.

Here's a little blurb about the place: "The World's Largest Drive-in Restaurant. We have been serving customers here in Atlanta since 1928. People from all over the world come to experience The Varsity because there is nothing like it anywhere!"

This was Ella's first experience and we think she liked it. Her favorite thing to eat was the chili cheese dog and fries.



Christmas #3

Our last stop in the Christmas celebration was to Grandma and Gramps house. Your favorite things to do while visiting them were playing in the backyard and "messing" with the pond, stealing people's seats when they got up, and playing with all the interactive Christmas decorations (dancing and talking Santas and Rudolph).

You got lots of toys and new clothes. Your favorite toys from here are your play kitchen and Snap N Style doll.

Just after stealing Grandma's seat.

Looking at the big gift that she's about to open.

Ripping off the wrapping paper to the kitchen set.

Reading one of her new books.

Playing outside by the fish pond.

Christmas #2

Our next Christmas celebration was with Papa, Nana, David, and Mimi. You loved playing outside, telling Dingo what to do, visiting Mimi's house over and over, and helping Nana cook.

You got more new toys, but your favorite present from Christmas #2 is the Aquadoodle.

Helping Nana cook.

About to pick one of Nana's flowers!

Posing for a picture in one of her Christmas outfits.

Christmas #1

We had a great Christmas this year! Fortunately we were able to see all three sets of grandparents and Ella had a blast celebrating this holiday three times.

First, we celebrated with Grandpa and Nonni. You had a lot of fun opening your stocking (and everyone else's). You got a lot of fun toys. The "big item" was your very own basketball goal. You love to slam dunk the ball.

You love wearing the dress from Aruba that Aunt Barbara sent you.

Helping Grandpa open his stocking.

The anticipation of what's inside!

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Vinny GRADUATED with his Masters!

After much hard work, Vinny graduated with his Masters in Education from the University of Montevallo. And he did it with a perfect 4.0, so he graduated with Highest Honors. All of Vinny's family came in town for the memorable event.









SEC Championship

Vinny and I had the awesome opportunity to attend the SEC Championship in Atlanta. Our friend, Jared, gave us free tickets to a pre-game party and the game. We dropped Ella off at my parents house so we could enjoy an overnight trip while we stayed at the Westin downtown.






Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving from the Chiaramontes!




Pumpkin Patch, Boo at the Zoo, and Halloween

We did LOTS and LOTS of fall activities! First, we went to the Grand 'Ole Pumpkin Patch with Grandpa and Nonni. The weather was perfect and you loved picking a pumpkin and playing in the huge sand pit.









We also took you to the Birmingham Zoo for their annual "Boo at the Zoo." You played games, got candy, and saw many animals. Plus, you were the cutest bumblebee there!






On Halloween night we went trick-or-treating with the Mathernes: Payton, Parker, and Carter. You loved going door to door and wanted to eat your candy immediately after your got each piece.