Look at the precious pineapples on the door... it was a sign!
We have about 3 months of renovations ahead of us, lots of wallpaper scrapping, painting, gardening and clean-up. But I'm so excited to dig in. Let the renovation posts begin!
3.31.2017
The NEW Lyons Den!
That's right... we're moving!! This process has been in motion since we first stepped foot on the property three months ago. After lots of thoughtful planning, meticulous calculating, renovation figures, meetings with contractors and negotiating with the sellers we decided to go for it! As of March 30, we are owners of a beautiful 1955 fixer-upper!
3.29.2017
Spring has Sprung!
We are LOVING this weather!! Please, please stay around forever!!
It's been a whirlwind of a week. Complete with lots of time outdoors, a day home with a "sick" toddler (who I'm pretty sure was just needing some mommy/daddy time), a packed work schedule and lots of yummy meals.
Just thought I would share a few of our favorite week-night meals from this week:
It's been an adjustment since the time change with how our weeknights go... throw in a two week visit from GranDe and any sort of "schedule" just went out the window. Some nights we were sitting down to eat at 9:30 p.m. We ate like kings... BBQ Chicken on Monday night, sure! Gumbo and fried shrimp on Tuesday, why not? And of course you can stay up until 9 p.m., since GranDe is playing with you.
Needless to say we are trying to figure out a new normal with Miss Annalee and bedtime/dinner time. She loves playing outside, and so do we - so if we are home at 5, we are out for a walk, hanging on the back patio or at the playground. We try and feed her some sort of dinner around 6 p.m. - usually outside. Bath around 7 p.m. and then she hangs out while we eat.
Eating dinner has become the tricky part - we always loved putting Annalee down at 7 p.m. and taking our time cooking dinner and eating. But now, this pregnant mamma can't wait for an 8:30 p.m. dinner. So, now we cook something quick that we can enjoy while watching Annalee. (Hints the great dishes above.)
I do miss our down-time with just us... but we are also loving our extra time with this sweet lil face these days. She is talking up a storm and learning so much. She's really such a joy! Miss Annalee, I hope you always keep that spark you got girlfriend!
Happy Spring!! We are closing on our new house tomorrow... we can't wait to get to work on it! Pictures to come soon.
Annalee and Hadley hanging out downtown on Courthouse Square last weekend.
It's been a whirlwind of a week. Complete with lots of time outdoors, a day home with a "sick" toddler (who I'm pretty sure was just needing some mommy/daddy time), a packed work schedule and lots of yummy meals.
Just thought I would share a few of our favorite week-night meals from this week:
It's been an adjustment since the time change with how our weeknights go... throw in a two week visit from GranDe and any sort of "schedule" just went out the window. Some nights we were sitting down to eat at 9:30 p.m. We ate like kings... BBQ Chicken on Monday night, sure! Gumbo and fried shrimp on Tuesday, why not? And of course you can stay up until 9 p.m., since GranDe is playing with you.
Needless to say we are trying to figure out a new normal with Miss Annalee and bedtime/dinner time. She loves playing outside, and so do we - so if we are home at 5, we are out for a walk, hanging on the back patio or at the playground. We try and feed her some sort of dinner around 6 p.m. - usually outside. Bath around 7 p.m. and then she hangs out while we eat.
Eating dinner has become the tricky part - we always loved putting Annalee down at 7 p.m. and taking our time cooking dinner and eating. But now, this pregnant mamma can't wait for an 8:30 p.m. dinner. So, now we cook something quick that we can enjoy while watching Annalee. (Hints the great dishes above.)
I do miss our down-time with just us... but we are also loving our extra time with this sweet lil face these days. She is talking up a storm and learning so much. She's really such a joy! Miss Annalee, I hope you always keep that spark you got girlfriend!
Happy Spring!! We are closing on our new house tomorrow... we can't wait to get to work on it! Pictures to come soon.
3.22.2017
Fun with GranDe
We had so much fun having GranDe in town for a little over two weeks!! I will say this, we certainly ate well, stayed up way too late and made lots of really great memories.
I wanted to share a few pictures from her visit. We spent a great 4 days in Charleston/Folly Beach and GranDe survived the 6 hour road trip home. It was wonderful not having to climb in the backseat every hour. :)
Annalee went to Mimi's in the mornings, and we picked her up after her afternoon nap and delivered her home to Mom - so they could play/cook dinner. Annalee became quite the chef with GranDe in town.
I wanted to share a few pictures from her visit. We spent a great 4 days in Charleston/Folly Beach and GranDe survived the 6 hour road trip home. It was wonderful not having to climb in the backseat every hour. :)
We celebrated national pancake day with GranDe's pancakes!
Annalee went to Mimi's in the mornings, and we picked her up after her afternoon nap and delivered her home to Mom - so they could play/cook dinner. Annalee became quite the chef with GranDe in town.
We celebrated Jesse's birthday - Mom and Annalee made a yummy carrot cake and babysat so we could go to dinner with friends.
We celebrated Hadley's 2nd birthday and spent the afternoon at Great Valley Farm Brewery.
It snowed!!
Mom and Annalee has a fun snow day at home... making snowballs and throwing them in the toilet.
I had one of my biggest work events - our 80th Annual Dinner Dance and Auction - and mom came with us!
Jesse was a judge at our local chili-cook off last weekend.
Mom kept Annalee her last two days in town and they had lots of fun... chasing airplanes (or helicopters) - a new obsession.
Spending time at the Library.
"Golfing" with her new golf set from GranDe.
and playing "dollhouse"... GranDe is the best!
And that's a wrap. It was a great two weeks. We love you, GranDe!! Come back soon!
3.20.2017
Baby Lyons #2 | Weeks 19 & 20
How Far Along? 19 weeks
Size of Baby: A Mango
Gender: Waiting for our little surprise in July!
Weight Gain: Up 11 lbs from my starting weight (from my last check-up at 16 weeks)
Maternity Clothes: Broke out the maternity jeans for our Charleston trip - much needed and appreciated!
Nursery: Making plans for the new house too... baby's room will be really sweet. It's smaller, but has two great big windows and a large closet. It's also connected to a jack-n-jill bathroom that he or she will share with big sis. Excited to plan a new nursery... I' thinking grey walls and beautiful white drapes. Keeping Annalee's crib and my pottery barn rocker that I love so much. We will probably go with a new ottomon that matches (instead of the navy blue pouf we have now) and add some sort of changing table - since big sis will take the dresser we are currently using into her room. For now, that's the only plans. Excited to start a new inspiration board soon.
Movement: I think I felt a good kick while sitting on the sofa this week! Lots of flutters too.
Symptoms: Had a couple days of swollen/bright red hands and feet between weeks 16/17. It was so strange... almost like an allergic reaction. I couldn't wear my rings and was itching so bad. Doc checked me out and all was good... blood work came back all normal and by week 18 it was all gone. Still get waves of nausea and sickness here and there.
Sleep: Up a couple times each night. Using a pillow to prop up the belly already!
Workouts: Feels so good to be back walking and running a little bit. Ran a couple time in Charleston and felt SO good after. I miss it so much!
Cravings: Still loving Peanut Butter on everything! Chips, graham crackers, fruit, rice cakes, more sweets this time than with Annalee - but trying to keep those in check. I always give up sweets for lent, and I just couldn't do it this year.
What I Miss: Sleeping through the night. Anytime I wake up I have to get up for a quick trip to the potty.
Best Moment This Week: Taking my first official "bump" picture!! :) Also baptizing our sweet baby Lucas, my good friend Lynsey's son, and my newest godson. :)
Looking Forward To: My mom coming back to Virginia with us for almost 3 weeks!!! My brothers are so jealous. Also, we have our ultrasound next week - can't wait to get a better glimpse of those cute little fingers and toes.
____________
Size of Baby: A Mango ( 6.5in, 10 oz)... however, baby was measuring around 14 oz and as long as a banana during our ultrasound)
Gender: We were able to get through the ultrasound without a peak! It was a little more tempting this time, but I'm still happy we are keeping it a surprise.
Weight Gain: Up a total of 15 lbs from my starting weight.
Maternity Clothes: You bet ya... the belly is growing every day. Most of my tops still fit and some of my normal leggings, but all my jeans, pants and skirts are about to get packed up for the move. :)
Nursery: Closing on our new house is set for April 7... can't wait to get in there and get started with reno! The nursery just needs a little paint, new blinds and curtains, and lots of sweet baby goodies.
Movement: Lots of butterflies, have felt a few little kicks or punches early in the morning. Baby is breech at the moment, with his or her feet tucked down low - just like Annalee was at birth. But, lots of time to keep moving!
Symptoms: Bloody noses, having some pains in my left hip on and off - especially sleeping.
Sleep: Certainly not getting enough of it, but sleeping pretty good when I do. Naps on the weekends are much needed! Up a time or two to visit the potty, of course.
Workouts: It's been a cold week - even had a snow day - so not too many walks, and not many trips to the gym, but I squeezed in a quick run one day and a walk another. A little dancing at the Dinner Dance Saturday night too!
Cravings: Made a special trip to Micky D's this week for an M&M McFlurry... and it was SO worth it.
What I Miss: I guess maybe my wardrobe... things are getting a little snug.
Best Moment This Week: Ultrasound!! It was so awesome to see that sweet little one moving all around - counting those sweet lil 10 finds and toes. GranDe also was able to join us, and it was so special.
Looking Forward To: Soaking up time with big sis, while enjoying the growing belly. Packing and moving! Easter!! Just trying to slow down and enjoy the sweet moments today... it's all flying by so quickly.
I'm going to try and do better with the bump dates... it may not be every week, but I promise to get back at it!
3.17.2017
2017 Luck of the Irish!
St. Patrick's Day sorta came and went this year, in the quickest way possible. They same time speeds up the older you get, and I would certainly have to agree that I'm feeling it.
My mom is still in town with us for another week, so she kept Annalee on Thursday to do some St. Patty's crafting. They baked cupcakes...
...and made the sweetest lil treats for her friends at school. Twizzler rainbows with a pot o' gold!
They were super simple to make, we used rainbow Twizzlers for the arch and Rolos for the 'gold.' Gold coins would have been just as cute, but we couldn't find any. You basically put together the rainbow, slide it in a treat bag, add your 'gold', and tie with a bow. So simple and fun!
We have my biggest fundraiser at work tomorrow, so I spent St. Patty's day setting up with my crew. Looking forward to a great evening of casino games, auctions, dinner and dancing. Wish me luck!!
We also made it to 20 weeks for baby #2. I did a quick recap of weeks 10-16 earlier this week, if you wanna catch up on baby updates.
This is a fun picture of me with Annalee at 20 weeks, and me with baby #2 at 20 weeks. I just happened to wear the same shirt one day this week, so we snapped a quick pic.
Cheers to a great weekend friends!
They were super simple to make, we used rainbow Twizzlers for the arch and Rolos for the 'gold.' Gold coins would have been just as cute, but we couldn't find any. You basically put together the rainbow, slide it in a treat bag, add your 'gold', and tie with a bow. So simple and fun!
We have my biggest fundraiser at work tomorrow, so I spent St. Patty's day setting up with my crew. Looking forward to a great evening of casino games, auctions, dinner and dancing. Wish me luck!!
We also made it to 20 weeks for baby #2. I did a quick recap of weeks 10-16 earlier this week, if you wanna catch up on baby updates.
Aannlee (left) | Baby #2 (right)
This is a fun picture of me with Annalee at 20 weeks, and me with baby #2 at 20 weeks. I just happened to wear the same shirt one day this week, so we snapped a quick pic.
Cheers to a great weekend friends!
3.13.2017
Baby Lyons #2 | Weeks 10-16
I always said with the second lil' one I would keep just as many notes as with the first... I wasn't going to cave to the 'second child syndrome'. Well, I have totally failed on that wish. It's week 10 and I am just logging in for my first update. So, let's see what I can remember...
How Far Along? 10 weeks
Size of Baby: A prune
Gender: J is thinking boy, I'm sorta feeling like it's another sweet baby girl.
Weight Gain: Gained 3lbs since my first doctors apt at 5 weeks.
Maternity Clothes: no... but loving leggings and loose tops. For now I can still fit into all my clothes... they just aren't as comfy. You can certainly see the belly!
Nursery: Occupied at the moment with big sis Annalee!
Movement: Nothing yet... it was a while before I felt anything last time, so I'm not holding my breath for any soon.
Symptoms: Tired, lots of nausea, tired, headaches, tired, hungry... did I mention how tired I am?
Sleep: Sleeping great. Exhausted when I hit the bed at night. Trying to get to bed earlier than normal, since I have a toddler that wakes up at 6 a.m.
Workouts: Nada. It's been so cold outside and dark at 5 p.m., it's impossible to get any sort of runs or walks in. Planning to re-join the Y this week - I'm itching to workout.
Cravings: So hungry! Waking up at 4, 5, or 6 a.m. starving. Snacking on small meals throughout the day. Cheerios and fig bars are a favorite. Enjoying my chocolate yogurt/ice-cream in the evenings. Early-on I was craving more salty foods, or 'real food' like grilled cheese and fries vs. sweets. Now I'm really just enjoying it all.
What I Miss: Well, nothing really. We are so happy for baby #2 and still really can't believe we are so lucky!
Best Moment This Week: Finally feeling like I have some energy back. Actually had a full cup of coffee today, and I could tell I had a lot more energy.
Looking Forward To: Telling more of our family and friends!
Size of Baby: A plum
Gender: Keeping it a surprise!
Weight Gain: Up 3 pounds from my starting weight, but at the same weight now as when I got pregnant with Annalee. Which just doesn't seem possible - I am in nowhere near as goos as shape as I was 2 years ago. ha
Maternity Clothes: Still able to fit in most of my regular clothes, however - some tops are getting a little snug. Still rocking loose tops and sweaters until we 'let the cat out of the bag.'
Nursery: Well... at the moment, we know we have a bassinet to place in our room. Not sure what we'll be doing for an actual nursery.
Movement: I feel like this baby is constantly doing flips in my belly. I can't really feel anything, but it certainly seems like there is something moving about in there.
Symptoms: Nauseous on and off throughout the day still. Headaches on and off - but not too bad. Trying to stay hydrated. Constantly hungry! Tired.... all the usual first trimester things.
Sleep: Starting to get a little uncomfortable on my belly and trying to stay on my side.
Workouts: We joined the Y, so I could get back to at least walking. This weather has been so dang cold, I just can't get out. But trying to aim for 5 workouts a week - at least 30 min on the treadmill. Better than nothing right?
Cravings: Peanut butter on everything... apples, bananas, crackers, waffles, carrots, rice cakes, you name it - this poor child is going to love some peanut butter. or be allergic, one. ha!
What I Miss: Energy!
Best Moment This Week: We got to share our good news with Jesse's mom this weekend and she was SO excited!! It was such a fun moment to see her face light-up!
Looking Forward To: Our ultrasound coming this week. Excited to see that little one growing, growing, growing!
Just a look back at Miss Annalee Estelle | Weeks 5-12.
Size of Baby: An Avacado (how they go from a naval orange to avocado is beyond me?)
Gender: Waiting for our little surprise in July!
Weight Gain: Up 11 pounds from my starting weight... jumped up quite a bit. Lots of growing going on, right?
Maternity Clothes: You bet! Jeans are defiantly out the window... thank goodness for tights and flowey tops.
Nursery: Well, we aren't really too concerned at the moment... since we may be moving soon!!
Movement: Feeling lots of little flutters. :) They confirmed that my placenta is on the back side of the baby this time, so hopefully I will get to feel a lot more with this baby!
Symptoms: Still nausea on and off.
Sleep: Belly is getting a bit heavy.... pillows help, but need to break out the snoogle soon.
Workouts: Back on the walking and running bandwagon. Happy to be on the gulf coast for a couple days with some warm weather and lots of flat land for running!
Cravings: Zapps! Seafood and lots of fruit!
What I Miss: Cold beer... but doesn't everyone when they are at the beach and mardi gras?
Best Moment This Week: Traveling home to be with our family and friends to celebrate Mardi Gras... one of my Dad's most favorite weekends of the year. Bittersweet - but really a wonderful time. Baby enjoyed their first mardi gras ball for sure... totally different from years' before. ;)
Looking Forward To: Getting some energy back! Sharing more about our new house... and all the renovations!
A look back at Miss Annalee Estelle | 13-16 Weeks in the belly. Our announcement about Baby Lyons #2.
New Years' Eve 2017 | R.E.Lee Hotel
How Far Along? 10 weeks
Size of Baby: A prune
Gender: J is thinking boy, I'm sorta feeling like it's another sweet baby girl.
Weight Gain: Gained 3lbs since my first doctors apt at 5 weeks.
Maternity Clothes: no... but loving leggings and loose tops. For now I can still fit into all my clothes... they just aren't as comfy. You can certainly see the belly!
Nursery: Occupied at the moment with big sis Annalee!
Movement: Nothing yet... it was a while before I felt anything last time, so I'm not holding my breath for any soon.
Symptoms: Tired, lots of nausea, tired, headaches, tired, hungry... did I mention how tired I am?
Sleep: Sleeping great. Exhausted when I hit the bed at night. Trying to get to bed earlier than normal, since I have a toddler that wakes up at 6 a.m.
Workouts: Nada. It's been so cold outside and dark at 5 p.m., it's impossible to get any sort of runs or walks in. Planning to re-join the Y this week - I'm itching to workout.
Cravings: So hungry! Waking up at 4, 5, or 6 a.m. starving. Snacking on small meals throughout the day. Cheerios and fig bars are a favorite. Enjoying my chocolate yogurt/ice-cream in the evenings. Early-on I was craving more salty foods, or 'real food' like grilled cheese and fries vs. sweets. Now I'm really just enjoying it all.
What I Miss: Well, nothing really. We are so happy for baby #2 and still really can't believe we are so lucky!
Best Moment This Week: Finally feeling like I have some energy back. Actually had a full cup of coffee today, and I could tell I had a lot more energy.
Looking Forward To: Telling more of our family and friends!
_____________
Sorry for the bathroom shot - but found this one on my phone.. from sending to a friend! Thanks Meg!
How Far Along? 12 weeksSize of Baby: A plum
Gender: Keeping it a surprise!
Weight Gain: Up 3 pounds from my starting weight, but at the same weight now as when I got pregnant with Annalee. Which just doesn't seem possible - I am in nowhere near as goos as shape as I was 2 years ago. ha
Maternity Clothes: Still able to fit in most of my regular clothes, however - some tops are getting a little snug. Still rocking loose tops and sweaters until we 'let the cat out of the bag.'
Nursery: Well... at the moment, we know we have a bassinet to place in our room. Not sure what we'll be doing for an actual nursery.
Movement: I feel like this baby is constantly doing flips in my belly. I can't really feel anything, but it certainly seems like there is something moving about in there.
Symptoms: Nauseous on and off throughout the day still. Headaches on and off - but not too bad. Trying to stay hydrated. Constantly hungry! Tired.... all the usual first trimester things.
Sleep: Starting to get a little uncomfortable on my belly and trying to stay on my side.
Workouts: We joined the Y, so I could get back to at least walking. This weather has been so dang cold, I just can't get out. But trying to aim for 5 workouts a week - at least 30 min on the treadmill. Better than nothing right?
Cravings: Peanut butter on everything... apples, bananas, crackers, waffles, carrots, rice cakes, you name it - this poor child is going to love some peanut butter. or be allergic, one. ha!
What I Miss: Energy!
Best Moment This Week: We got to share our good news with Jesse's mom this weekend and she was SO excited!! It was such a fun moment to see her face light-up!
Looking Forward To: Our ultrasound coming this week. Excited to see that little one growing, growing, growing!
Just a look back at Miss Annalee Estelle | Weeks 5-12.
_____________
How Far Along? 16 weeks
Mobile Mystics 2017... baby bump clearly visible!
Size of Baby: An Avacado (how they go from a naval orange to avocado is beyond me?)
Gender: Waiting for our little surprise in July!
Weight Gain: Up 11 pounds from my starting weight... jumped up quite a bit. Lots of growing going on, right?
Maternity Clothes: You bet! Jeans are defiantly out the window... thank goodness for tights and flowey tops.
Nursery: Well, we aren't really too concerned at the moment... since we may be moving soon!!
Movement: Feeling lots of little flutters. :) They confirmed that my placenta is on the back side of the baby this time, so hopefully I will get to feel a lot more with this baby!
Symptoms: Still nausea on and off.
Sleep: Belly is getting a bit heavy.... pillows help, but need to break out the snoogle soon.
Workouts: Back on the walking and running bandwagon. Happy to be on the gulf coast for a couple days with some warm weather and lots of flat land for running!
Cravings: Zapps! Seafood and lots of fruit!
What I Miss: Cold beer... but doesn't everyone when they are at the beach and mardi gras?
Best Moment This Week: Traveling home to be with our family and friends to celebrate Mardi Gras... one of my Dad's most favorite weekends of the year. Bittersweet - but really a wonderful time. Baby enjoyed their first mardi gras ball for sure... totally different from years' before. ;)
Looking Forward To: Getting some energy back! Sharing more about our new house... and all the renovations!
A look back at Miss Annalee Estelle | 13-16 Weeks in the belly. Our announcement about Baby Lyons #2.
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