my kids

my kids

Friday, May 16, 2014

IT'S A . . .

So, I had an appointment with my OB/GYN last Thursday.
It was a normal checkup - weight, heartbeat, belly check.  I was 15 weeks along & knew I wouldn't have an ultrasound to find out the baby's gender until my appointment in June at 19 weeks. 
But, I REALLY wanted to know because I wanted to be able to share the news with my school family before the end of school (which is next Thursday), plus I was just REALLY ready to know!
 
Well, I knew it was a long shot, but I had 2 sob stories ready for my doc to try to cajole him into letting me find out early. 
He informed me that I can call the office anytime to schedule a Gender ID appointment, which costs $65, since it's not a regular appt covered by insurance. 
This was no problem to me, I was just kind of bummed I wouldn't find out that day. 
We said our goodbyes & as we were walking down the hall, my doc told us to wait a minute. 
He went down the hall & got our ultrasound tech & I heard him telling her that they were going to give the Bowens "a moving to Mobile present..." 
When he rounded the corner, he told me I was having an ultrasound, to which I squeaked, "Right now?!!" 
I was so excited, but EXTREMELY nervous as Tim & I followed them to the ultrasound room.  OMG!!! It's hard to put that feeling into words.
 
Well, we had the ultrasound & the tech uttered something I've NEVER heard in that office before..."I think it's a . . . girl."
I exhaled the breath I didn't even realize I had been holding.
I couldn't even let myself get excited before I asked her "if she was sure" (along w/ several other questions) about 55 times.
She said she would be more sure at the June appt, but she was 85-90% sure about it.
Finally, as my doctor turned to Tim, shook his hand, & said "Well, it's over now, good luck!", I cried & reveled in this happy news!!!
 
We decided to share the news with our 3 anxious boys that night at dinner. They went wild & are still just over the moon at the news that they have a little sister on the way!!
We decided to share the news with our family on Saturday at a little gender reveal party at my mom's house. It was pretty fun . . .
Everyone closed their eyes & held hands out.
I handed out candy & everyone ate it at the same time.
If the candy had NUTS - BOY...if it had NO NUTS - GIRL!!!
As they put it in their mouths, huge screams of excitement exploded in the room. A priceless moment!
My mom also opened a little package .  . .
which held a pretty little pink dress, bonnet, & diaper cover.
This caused a crying breakdown from her & my aunt!
Proud Big Brothers
My cousin took 2 great videos during the event.
I don't know if the sound will work, but I guess you can at least look at the action... :(
 
 
At school the following Monday,
I set up displays in the teacher workroom & right outside my classroom door to share the happy news w/ colleagues & students. You cannot imagine the excitement & happiness throughout the building! 
A sweet teacher friend brought a cake for us to have during lunch on reveal day!
 
Here's a little note about her name:
After Timothy, I always figured all of our children would have the same initials - TLB. We have planned for a baby girl a LONG time & my fave name was Taryn Lacy.
 
Several weeks ago, my aunt was doing some research on Ancestry.com. She found my grandfather's grandmother's name- Kallie Larkin (not sure how it was spelled). I immediately loved "Larkin" & thought about using it in a name for a girl or boy. The more I thought about it, the more I fell in love with the whole name. It's a beautiful name & I knew it would make my Papa so happy & proud.
 
The next step was to convince my hubby; I had done a pretty good job of pounding the TLB in his head! He came around & we decided on Kallie Larkin.  The boys will be Ts & us girls will be Ks. 
Our little girl will go by both names
(I love double names on girls!).
 
Did you notice that last line?!
OUR LITTLE GIRL.
Wow.
And it only took 13 years & 4 tries.


Monday, May 12, 2014

Memorable Mom's Weekend

What a wonderful Mother's Day weekend I had!!
I spent it with those I love most...doing some things I love most!
 
FRIDAY . . .
I enjoyed Mother's Day breakfast & surprises at Tanner's school.
He was so excited & I enjoyed that special time with him.
 
SATURDAY . . .
Tim had recruiting to do on Saturday, & the boys & I headed north to spend the day with my fave moms - my mother, grandmother, & aunt.  We treated them to Mother's Day lunch, gave them their surprises, & had some nice quality time together! We were joined by my siblings & cousins & it was a great time!! We found out what we're having (there will be a special post on that soon!), so we included a fun Gender Reveal Party after lunch!!!
 
Me & my mother
(Can you tell we were thinking pink?!)
Me & my grandmother
Mother loved the surprises from her kids & grandkids.
That's my aunt (her sis) in the background. :)
I don't have pics of my surprises, but my sweet sis & brother-in-law paid for my lunch, my fabulous brother gave me the sweetest card & a Visa gift card (which I already spent), & my marvelous mother gave me the cutest dress
(which I wore to school Monday) & tops.
 
SUNDAY . . .
I spent all day Sunday with my favorite 4 guys.
I had Mother's Day breakfast at church
(courtesy of our Men's group).
My guys took me out for lunch.
Then we did a little shopping & relaxing during the afternoon.
Oh! And they gave me just what I wanted -
a new mini iPad & case!
I love it!!!
I can't think of a better way to spend a mom's weekend.
I'm so blessed to have my family & the 3 precious boys that made me a MOM!

Friday, May 9, 2014

Homewood Loves Teachers!

Saturday was "We Love Homewood Day!"
It was full day of fun - rides, inflatables, food, & music.
The festivities ended with a parade down the main drag of the city, followed by awards handed out by the mayor.
One set of awards went to the teacher from each Homewood school who was selected as Teacher of the Year!
It was nice to be recognized in front of the community . . .
& the little "goody" I received wasn't bad either!! Hee hee!! :)

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Spring Sports Banquet

Last Thursday, we headed over to HMS for Timothy's spring sports banquet.  It was a nice night with food, awards, & reflecting on fun sports seasons!

Can you spot Timothy walking across the stage
to get his track certificate?
So proud of him!! :)
2 things about this pic . . .
1. I have on wedges, which makes us about the same height,
otherwise, he would be taller!
2. Can you spot my bump?! Although my scarf was a nice little disguise, my youngest sis was the 1st to let me know I couldn't hide it! While we were there, a mom asked if we thought it might be two...REALLY?! Do you know how many people have asked me that in the past few weeks? It's starting to make me think things about myself.
 
Wait, I just thought of a third thing.
A baby bump & a child taller than you . . .
Good look or nah?

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Spring Festival

We had our annual school Spring Festival
the last Saturday in April.
The weather was beautiful, there were lots of fun games & rides, & the place was crawling with yummy eats & treats -
a perfect recipe for a super fun afternoon!
I spent part of my time working in the drink truck, so that meant the big boys were off hanging w/ their friends,
& Daddy was in charge of Tanner.
Although I wish I had gotten more (of the big boys),
here are a few pics Tim & I captured during the day.
FUN TIMES!!!


Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Relay for Life

Taylor has enjoyed being part of the
Edgewood Elementary School choir this school year!
Their last event was the other Friday evening at Relay for Life.
They entertained the crowd for about 30 minutes
& sounded great, especially with the last number - Happy!!!
 
Can you find him?!
I had to include a picture of something Taylor & his buddies were just going crazy about from the time we got in the car
to head to the park . . .
BACON DOUGHNUTS!!
I've never heard or seen anything like this!
Just a heart attack waiting to happen . . .
(but they did smell good...hee hee)