The County Fair

Yesterday, we decided since it has been raining and nasty outside that our boys needed some fresh air. So Justin and Miranda invited us to go to the County Fair with them after church. We had such a good time, well, most of us. Kaitlin was mad because they didn't have rides like the Mississippi State Fair. The first thing she said when we got off of the bus was, "This is lame, can we go?" Oh high school kids! Anyway, we had a great time looking at all of the animals, especially the 2,800 pound cow! It was enormous! Mason loved the animals and petting them, me not so much, but I enjoyed seeing him so excited although he would have stayed on the cheese wagon that we had to ride and rode in circles!

Loving the Cheese Wagon!
This was his favorite part!
The 2800 pound cow!
Trying to figure out if he wants to touch the sheep or not!
The smaller the better!

A Murder, A Mystery and A Proposal

Last night, Derek and I (alone thanks to my parents) went to the Vaundeville Cafe Murder Mystery featuring A Redneck- Italian Wedding. We went with a group of about 40 honoring what Courtney thought was a graduation party. Little did she know that all 40 of us knew what was really going on. Props to Michael for an amazing proposal and we were so thankful to share this special time between you and Courtney.

Michael probably a little nervous!

The future Village People!
Michael and Courtney being "investigated" for the murder!

The Officer finding a ring in Michael's pocket and

Courtney figuring out why she was really there!

Right before the question was asked!After she shook her head yes, she didn't and couldn't say anything!Congratulations Michael and Courtney!

Brotherly Love

Until last night, Mason has not paid much attention to Max. If Max cries, Mason just looks at him and he will kiss his head on occasion, but last night it was like all of a sudden Mason realized that Max existed. After telling Mason about ten times not to touch his eyes, Mason started rubbing Max's head and kissing him. It was very sweet although I was extremely nervous the entire time, but I think Mason is finally starting to notice that the thing in the bassinet, carrier, and that everyone is holding is an actual living thing. So after rubbing his head all night, both boys wiped out!

Maxwell Reese Bates

Hello to all of my blogging friends! Please excuse me for not updating sooner... we've been a little busy with birthing babies and all. Max arrived on September 1, 2009 at 4:18am. He weighed in at a whopping 8 pounds 14 ounces and was 21 and 3/4 inches long! He's a big boy! So many things about him and Mason are similar! With this delivery we decided to have my mom and sister in the room with us. Kaitlin was a trooper! She had asked if she could come in and I was slightly hesitant because A. I want nieces and nephews one day and B. She's slightly dramatic, but there towards the end she was right there catching a peek every now and then and seemed very excited to watch. I was also very glad to have my mom in there with me. It was nice just Derek and I but I also think that moms and daughters share something special that I hope if I ever have a daughter I can share that experiece with.

Derek and I are so thankful for our new edition! Mason... well he will get used to Max! But without further ado... Ladies and Gentlemen, Maxwell Reese Bates!

This one is Max!

This one is Mason!

Waiting.... Waiting... Waiting On The World To Change!

Yes ladies and gentlemen, we are STILL waiting on Max. I must say I am at the point of miserable! I thought I was just miserable with Mason, but this is bad. Tomorrow is my due date and I went 6 days early with Mason. So by now, I am thinking that I should have a 5 day old especially since all I heard with this pregnancy was, "Oh I bet you will go early." Yeah right! There is no light at the end of this tunnel! We did go to the hospital last night. Jaime, such a trooper, was so great and encouraging, but all I did when I got in the car was cried. I am walking around at 5 centimeters and no chance of going any time soon. I am convinced this baby will have a strong will. Hey, who knows, maybe he'll never leave me! I better not say that! It's rather discouraging and disappointing, but I know it's just the Lord's way of not only preparing us, but making sure Max is as healthy as he can be before he gets here and when I look at it that way, I really can't be disappointed. Although I do feel bad because MiMi and Pop came down last night just knowing that I was going to have him last night. No pressure huh?
On a lighter note, we are almost done moving out of our house. Well, Derek is almost done moving us out of our house. It was such a spur of the moment thing that we decided to move in with mom and dad for a couple of months. Did we want to? Not really! It will be a major adjustment for us all, but they will also be helping us out tremendously especially with a new baby and a crazy Mason! We should be done moving this afternoon so maybe that's what Max is waiting on. For us to get somewhat situated amongst all of out chaos and then make his grand entrance. Either way, I cannot wait to see him and kiss those sweet cheeks that I have wanted to squeeze since our first ultrasound picture. Keep me, well us, in your prayers. Derek has probably had enough of his moody wife and I've had enough of well, I've just had enough!

Preparation

Max is a matter of weeks in getting here. I must say that I am very anxious and very ready to have this baby. Especially since I have been in some pain here lately and the most agonizing, I found 3 stretch marks on my stomach this morning. I didn't get any with Mason and as far as the pain goes if I sit down or stand up for a long period of time then change my position, I must say it hurts and sleeping, well, you can pretty much guarantee there isn't a comfortable way to do this. I don't remember it being this bad with Mason, but then again, this baby already weighs as much as Mason did when he was born! So as the stress of moving here in the next week or so comes, I just hope I can hold him in for at least two weeks in order to have not only a healthier baby, but a good mindset and a place to put him!

Mason has been sick for the past 2 nights. It's his teeth and teeth have always given us a hard time, but this time is much worse. He is running a fever anywhere between 99- 102 and is extremely fussy at night. Tuesday night, I think we all got a total of 2 hours of sleep and last night, Mason decided that he wanted to play until midnight, so it has been rough, but I told Derek this morning when Mason woke us up at 5 that this has to be the Lord's way of preparing us for the weeks to come. When I look at it that way, I have to look at it in a positive way.

Just keep us in your prayers these next few weeks that we all make a smooth transition to a new house and a new baby! And a little bit of sleep in there somewhere wouldn't hurt!

Where Do We Go From Here?

Ok, not as sappy as it seems. My dad sold our house! It's a wonderful blessing to him and we are so very thankful that we were able to stay there as long as we did. It's so much better renting from your dad! But he sold it this past weekend which means we have 30 days to find somewhere and get moved. No stress at all huh? BTW... in case you forgot I'M 8 MONTHS PREGNANT! I am measuring early so we might have a baby in the next 2-3 weeks. So to all of my blogging friends, we need help. If you know of any houses in the Hixson/ Soddy area that anyone is wanting to rent, please let us know! We would really appreciate it!