34 Weeks

Last Road Trip

We just got back from the final road trip to Oak Ridge, or anywhere for that matter for quite some time. We all headed into East Tennessee yesterday for my last doctor's appointment and last progesterone shot with my doctor on my old insurance- and will start seeing my new doctor in Asheville on Tuesday. Everything looked great and I was told again by the ultrasound technician that the baby has a full head of hair. Why am I thinking I need to learn to braid or at least be able to arrange a straight ponytail?

After Tyler's sleepover with G-Ma and playing many rousing games of Hungry Hippo's- Tommy, Carson and I spent the night at my grandmother's staying up way too late watching "The Jackson Five" movie. We all met up this morning to go to Dawson and Sophia's birthday party. Tyler had been looking forward to this event for weeks and it did not disappoint! Carson loved playing in the two and under bounce arena and Tyler hung tight to his cousins. My mom even got into the action and raced Tyler through the maze.

As for myself, after chasing down my boy's- I found a comfy spot to rest and Tommy was kind enough to join me. Going back home once a week this summer has been incredible. I feel like I have not missed out on any big events and have gotten to see friends and family. But I can honestly say that I am feeling the road trips and especially feeling the effects of travel the day after. So the Hodges' family will be staying put for a while but welcome visitors anytime!

Pick Of The Litter

Tyler captured this picture tonight of Carson with this "thinking face". We are so proud.

Night At The Park

33 Weeks

No One Will Be Taking Her Lunch Money

I just returned from my doctor's appointment in Tennessee and am thrilled to report that at almost 33 weeks everything is looking great. No signs of having another preterm baby. And after an ultrasound to check growth, I am also happy (and a little nervous) to say that baby girl is weighing in at 5 lbs 8 oz. That is putting her already in the 80th percentile, and she is technically not yet 33 weeks. Tyler weighed 5 lbs 9oz at weeks and Carson was measuring 6 lbs. at the same time just to give you a marker. Big girl. And the technician told me she had a full head of hair. Big girl with big hair, every mother's dream...

Carson's First Day Of School

This one hurt a little. With baby 3 on the way and Tyler in school, Tommy and I decided it would not hurt Carson to try to get him socialized a few hours a week at preschool as well. We also figured this would help with getting the baby on a schedule, getting a little one on one time and catching up on sleep a few days a week. Now that I have completely justified my decision, can you tell how guilt ridden I feel? He does only goes two days a week for 3 hours a day, and is only a classroom down from Tyler. So today was his first day. I wore my big sunglasses, looking only slightly foolish since it was pouring down rain.

Carson getting ready for his big morning- all he wanted to do is brush his teeth and charge the camera.

Tyler being the best big brother and walking Carson into the building. This is when I started frantically fishing out my sunglasses by the way.

Carson latched onto my hand until he saw the baby doll. I tried to get a few parting shots of him playing before hesitantly shuffling out the door. I did ask if they needed any volunteer classroom helpers today and was met with awkward smiles and silence- hint taken.

After standing outside the classroom with my ear pressed to the wall to make sure there were no tears (from Carson, mine were flowing at this point)- I went 1/4 mile down the road and sat at the local bakery with my cell phone on the table (just in case his teacher called) and tried to console myself with a bagel and cream cheese. Another parent came in and saw me and just smiled and told me it would get easier. For some reason, I don't believe her.

Tyler's First Day Of School

One Long Week

This has quite possibly felt like the longest week in history. So much has happened, mostly good- some sad. On Tuesday, my mom, grandmother, sister and my niece and nephew came to visit for the day. The kids had the best time playing together and Tommy and my sister took them all (minus Carson) rafting down the river. After lunch, Carson napped and Tommy kept the kids while my mom, sister, grandmother and I hit the town seeing shops, a small farmers market and a general tour of the city. The kids were exhausted and just wanted to relax on our bed and watch some TV. After dining on some of the best local pizza, we were sad to see them leave.

We found out the next day that my grandmother's brother had passed away. My Uncle Nathan can be seen in last week's blog holding Carson- he was just in town for a visit last week. So on Thursday my entire family headed to Alabama for the funeral while I came to Knoxville on Friday to have Tyler's cast removed and for a checkup at my OBGYN. I can honestly say that I have renewed confidence in my traveling/juggling ability with the kids. Since Tommy was detained in a mandatory orientation for work, I took Tyler and Carson by self and flew solo the entire day. Itinerary: drove to TN Friday morning around 9:00am, arrived at Ty's appointment and had the cast removed (he was so proud that he was able to go into x-ray by himself). Then went to Chick-Filet for lunch and 30 minutes of running around in 90 degree heat on the playground. Headed strait to my doctor's appointment at 1:30pm. One hell of an experience with a four year old and 17 month old in the exam room with you in stir -ups. Tyler was naturally full of questions.

The highlight was when he went into the bathroom with me while I gave a urine sample. As I was holding the little wipe packet and cup- he wanted to know if I was putting sugar in my drink. Yes, it was a long appointment. After my 2 hour in a tiny exam room, we hit the road again to travel home, arriving at approximately 5:30pm- Tommy arrived home after 7:00pm. I still like I am still recovering, but I did it!

The above picture is Tyler after getting the cast removed- he could not stop making muscles with both able arms. And I had to take a picture of what the small exam room looked like as I lay helplessly on the table. They both did extremely well considering.

And finally...me this morning at 32 weeks! Tyler starts preschool tomorrow morning, so the rest of today is going to be spent labeling and getting organized- stay tuned for lots of pictures.

No Nonsense Over The Dinner Table

Tyler, Carson and I were just eating lunch when we heard a noise from under the house. Tyler looked at me and I said, "I think that is a big old black bear playing under in the crawl space." To which Tyler looked at me like I was crazy and calmly replied, "Or just the air vents." (Mind you this is 10 minutes after I overheard talking and laughter as he was in the bathroom only for him to explain that he was visiting with all of his children). Sure, now I am the ridiculous one.

Sunday Sunset

Tommy took the last sunset picture. This one I took about 5 minutes ago at 9:00pm! I promise I will not overload the blog with sunset pictures, we are just still in awe of the view.

Lost Treasures

I found these pictures that were taken a few weeks ago. I am not sure why they never made the blog but am glad I stumbled across them tonight. The second picture is one that I fall in love with a little more every time I look at it. Tommy was sitting on the porch floor telling stories to the boys and I was in the rocking chair. Carson was focused on the story, and Tyler was focused on Carson.

31 Weeks

Could My DNA Be Any More Imprinted?

Cookies were baking and Tommy yelled for me to come and look at Carson. Camera in hand I caught Carson plastered to the stove window with two oven mits on taking in the view.

A Gift Horse

My sister Becky was kind enough to pass along a rocking horse that her kids have outgrown and put out to pasture. I put it in the living room and when the kids awoke from nap there was much excitement over the new addition. Carson kept dragging it around the house by the muzzle and stroking the mane. The horse was the main attraction, until....the boys discovered the beads that were also around the neck. Figures. Now they spend most of their horse time either taking turns wearing the beads or trying to put them back on the rocking beast.

Thank you Aunt Becky for thinking to pass along such a special toy.

Looking a gift horse in the mouth...I could not resist.

Happy Birthdy Marsha!!!!!

We all hope you had a wonderful day! Happy 60 and many more- Love Jennifer, Tommy, Tyler, Carson & baby girl

*And a special thanks to photoshop for allowing us to combine the best of several pictures taken to make this moment happen

Priceless View

Actually, it does have a price- which we will be paying on for the next 30 years...but it is well worth it.

A Day In Dillsboro

Today was one of the best days I have had since moving here- almost out of a storybook. Tommy has started work this week and with yesterday not being the best day ever, I decided to try something new. The boys and I hit downtown Dillsboro, which is about 1/4 mile from our house. We started our adventure at Haircuts by Jill. Both boys received fabulous new styles and suckers for a very reasonable rate. Since moving here, I just assumed all establishments would accept plastic. Nope- cash or check only. The biggest difference of where we live now is when I announce I have to return with payment and that I can leave a card for insurance of my return I am met with, "No, don't leave anything. I will be here till 5:30ish- or just catch me later in the week." You cannot beat that- and yes, we paid trusting Jill within 20 minutes. While getting haircuts, Jill mentioned that Thomas The Train was being loaded up across the street. We were not able to make the exhibit over the weekend in Bryson City, but were all about walking across the street for a photo.

The neatest part was that all of the conductors were on site and Tyler got to meet them, watch Thomas being hooked up to leave and made nice enough with one man to get a personal tour of the parts up close. I love this town. After watching Thomas for a while on the train station porch, we walked back across the street to shop in the stores. All of the storefronts look like something out of a magazine- hanging baskets, separated by fountains and cafes flanked by covered porches. Everything is within walking distance of each other and the two streets (Front street and Back Street- not their official names) are connected by a cut through shaded path with hanging swing chairs. We found something really special for Tyler's grandmother- who has a birthday this Friday(get excited Marsha), and then walk it over to the post office.

We head back across the street to the Whistle Stop Cafe for lunch where Tyler and Carson are captivated by the train running on a track around the ceiling of the restaurant. Maybe the calmest lunch we have ever had. Then the majority of the group voted for going once again across the street to get milkshakes at Bradley's General Store. I had Moose Tracks, Ty had strawberry and Carson had the majority of both of ours.

Tired from walking, full from good food and happy from a great morning, we all head home and the boys are still asleep and I just woke up from a two hour nap. Oh, and Tommy is already home from work. I am not bragging, but I challenge anybody to top my day.

Happy 6 Year Anniversary!

Another year behind us, the time is flying by

Another house to call our home, a new direction we will try

Another year of loving each other, and watching our boys grow

Another addition to our family, a baby girl we soon will know


I love you Tommy. You are an incredible husband and father, happy anniversary.

Busy Weekend

We headed into Knoxville and Oak Ridge this weekend and it was maybe the most productive visit we have had. We were able to spend quality time with family and check off two doctors appointments, a birthday present drop off, and celebrate an anniversary! First we took Ty to get a new short cast that will make the next two weeks so much better. Also, I went for a big checkup and got to see my little girl in 4D again! The ultrasound tech was not busy and took 16 photos for us- she looks like she may favor Ty through they eyes, have Tommy's chin and Carson's fat lips. Oh, and she has a full head of hair already. We cannot wait to meet her! My Uncle Nathan (grandmother's brother) and his daughter Connie drove in from Alabama for a visit and we were able to see them most of the day today. Tommy and I also went to see "The Hangover" for our anniversary (6 years tomorrow). The movie was hilarious and was planned to be followed by dinner out but I got sick on eating too much buttered popcorn and had to go back to my grandmother's house. I keep forgetting that my stomach does not have its usual steel lining when pregnant.

Me and Tyler hanging out at my grandmother's house

Carson and Uncle Nathan

Uncle Nathan brought in a delicious home grown watermelon.
We had to cut Carson off at 5 slices in fear of what his next diaper would look like.

Tyler really enjoyed getting to hang out will all his cousins. Dawson and Tyler playing a duet on Ma's piano.