Macy Ann McKeever

My precious little girl. It's been over four months six months since you've been born, and I'm just writing your birth story. I remember it was one of the first things I tried to do when I got home from the hospital with your big brother, Zachary. Well, I've learned pretty quickly having two little ones around the house is a whole new ballgame. Speaking of ballgames... that's where we will start...

Your Daddy is a huge Royals' fan, if you didn't already know. He was born the day they won the World Series in 1985. As the summer was ending in 2014, it seemed like a long shot the Royals would even make the play-offs, but they did. So, of course me being just a few weeks out from my due date, we liked to say that this McKeever baby was going to bring them another championship!

The nights leading up to your birth were spent up late watching the Royals play the Angels in California. Your dad was a ball of nerves, and I just felt like a big ball. One of these late evenings I was sitting in the family room with your dad watching the game. And *warning, graphic* I felt like I had peed a little? But, I hadn't felt like I had to go pee? Maybe the baby pushed on my bladder? I was having regular cramps here/there, but surely those weren't contractions? After doing what probably most Moms do these days.... I Google'd it (don't tell Dr. Jensen!) Other moms said my water could have broke? Could it be!? You're coming NOW? You still have three weeks to go!! So, I did what I should have done in the first place. I called one of Dr. Jensen's nurses. I told her what happened, but she told me not to worry, and that when someone's water broke there was a 'gush'. No gush, no broken water. So, I went to bed.

The next morning I texted your Nannie to tell her what had happened, and also called your Grandma on the way to work. Both of them thought my water could have broke - but I told them, No! Nurse said I was OK! Your Grandma had me a little excited though when she told me the same thing happened to her when she was in labor with ME! Within 24 hours, I had been born! Eeeek! So, I hung up the phone with your Grandma O, and walked in (most likely late) and repeated the story AGAIN to your Grandma K. (Your Mommy is a story teller, if you didn't already know) She thought I should call the doctor again as well. So, after three people telling me, I finally called Dr. Jensen's nurse (again). I was prepared to feel stupid when they said everything was 'OK' once more. This time I got to speak to his nurse, Stephanie, and she said to go to the hospital. They would do a test to see if my water had broke. If it had, I wouldn't be leaving until we had a baby! If not... I would go back home and keep on waiting!

Last (Standing) Prego Picture Taken 4 Days Before You Were Born

If you didn't already know... your Mommy is a bit of a procrastinator. I thought I had three more weeks before your arrival, so of course I hadn't packed a bag for me, your dad, or your brother. So, before I got off the phone with Stephanie... I asked, do I have to go NOW? Or, do I have a little while? She told me I could wait an hour or so, but 'if' my water had broke the night before... they would want the baby to arrive within 24 hours of that time. All I could think of was all the stuff I had left to do!! I called your Nannie, who was on vacation with her friend Lori in Branson. Your Daddy was at work, and was going to stay there unless we knew we were actually in labor. So, your Grandma & Grandpa met me at our house. I ran inside, threw bags together for your brother, your Dad, and I. Then, we were out the door. It was the last time I'd pack for our little family of three.

On October 3, 2014 at 12:30 PM, we were on the way to the hospital! Once we arrived, I got checked in. We left all our bags in the car, because after-all, you could have just kicked my bladder the night before! It took them awhile to get us back to the room. They were very busy! Your Grandpa stayed in the waiting room, and Grandma came with me. I changed into one of their beautiful hospital gowns, and then we just sat and waited. And waited. And waited. But, your Grandma and me talked; we do that a lot (I know you know that by now.)  Our nurse finally came in, and told us the there were SO many women in labor at the moment! She said the night before the floor was completely full. She got all the monitors set on my stomach so we could hear your sweet heartbeat and make sure that you were doing good. Then she had to run off to help another mommy. Around 2:00 PM, she was finally able to perform the test to see if my water broke. At this point I was getting pretty hungry. I told her if my water hadn't broke, I was going to go eat Chipotle. If it had, we were going to have a baby! Either way it was a win-win. Not that having a burrito would be anywhere close to holding you in my arms - but, you my sweet girl, will someday understand the hunger pains of a pregnant woman. It's a close second. ;)

Over twelve hours after I thought I might have had an 'accident' watching the Royals game with your Daddy... the test came back.... my water HAD broke! We were having a baby today!!! Just a day shy of three weeks early of your due date (October 22)... you were coming!! Ready or not!!

The last picture of you in Mommy's tummy!

I called your Nannie, and she was so sad she wouldn't make it back to be here when you were born, but was SO happy you were on the way! Grandma K and Papa Dale were elated! Your Aunt Lindsey was praying for us in Topeka. Grandma and Grandmpa O were there along for the ride, Uncle Jasey and Aunt Alex said they were coming as soon as they left work! ....And your Daddy was SO excited! He showed up just minutes later at the hospital still in his suit form work!

Once your Daddy had arrived, Grandma & Grandpa were then appointed Zachary duty. Your big brother was still at Hannah's house. I called Zachary on the phone, and told him that Mommy was in the hospital having his new baby brother or sister. Just that morning when I was getting him ready for daycare, Zachary and I had talked about when Mommy would have to go to the hospital. Luckily, a Daniel Tiger episode had recently aired showing what happened when his mommy had a baby. Wow, that made it so much easier explaining things to him! Thanks Daniel! I had told your big brother that he was going to stay at Grandma & Grandpa's house. Once the baby arrived, they would all come up to the hospital to meet his new brother or sister. Your big brother didn't say much on the phone. He had just woken up from his nap, so he was a little groggy. But, knowing he was going to go play at Grandma & Grandpas made anything OK!

Everyone was still taking last minutes guesses whether
you were going to be a boy or a girl!

Your Aunt Alex showed up shortly after - she worked just up the street at Rainbows United. The monitor on my tummy showed that I was having regular contractions. Although, they were nothing close to what I felt when I was in labor with your brother, so I kind of just shrugged them off. The nurse checked me and I was just dilated to 2 cm, and 60% effaced. Dr. Jensen had ordered for me to take Pitocin, which I really didn't want. It's a medicine that speeds up labor. I had to take it during Zachary's delivery, and it was terrible. It made the contractions come on very fast and strong. My nurse assured me that they don't move that fast with the Pitocin now, they gradually add more, so it wouldn't be the same experience. I didn't really have a choice in the matter, because it was almost 4:00 PM, and by 11:00 PM it would have been 24 hours since my water broke. Then, at that point they worry about infections, and how it could potentially hurt the baby. After my nurse telling me how scary that can be - I said, give me the Pit!

By 5:30, your Uncle Jasey had arrived. And, everyone (including myself) was starving! Since I couldn't eat anything besides ice chips, I dismissed your Dad, Uncle, & Aunt to go eat dinner. They later told me they ate Chipotle. Aw, man! Dr. Jensen had peaked in at me while everyone was at dinner. I think he was worried I was going to have the baby alone! I assured him that everyone would be back for the exciting part! He went on to tell me how busy he had been the night before. He was called in to deliver a baby while he was watching the Royals play-off game. He said he set the game to record, but somehow along the way someone at the hospital told him the outcome. The Royals were playing another game that night, and I assured him that the game would be on - so he wouldn't have to miss anything in our room! Ha!

Once he left, he gave orders to up my Pitocin. We joked we should take bets on what would be over first: The game, or me delivering the baby!? Contractions started to get stronger, but not anything too bad. By that time everyone had gotten back from eating their burritos. Daddy, Jason, Alex, and I just sat around chatting. This was a walk in the park! Nothing like the experience I had with Zachary! Jason had to leave to go back to work around 8:00 that evening and work through the night. He spent the few hours he had off with us at the hospital! You sure have a good uncle! :) Aunt Alex stayed with us while we waited. We were all anxious to meet you!!

Your big brother played with Grandpa while we waited on your arrival!

The game had started, so it was after 9:00 PM. They were playing on the West Coast. My contractions started getting stronger, and the nurse asked if I wanted my epidural. I was ready. So, she called in the epidural team. It took them a while for them to get there because they were SO busy! The lady that was going to administer the epidural came in, and Alex went out to the waiting room. Your Daddy sat in front of me in a chair to help steady me as I leaned over the side of the bed. She stuck me with a pain deadening shot, and then started to use the bigger needle for the epidural. During all this, another anesthesiologist came in and told her she was needed in the Birth Center. They talked back and forth, and eventually he told her that he'd finish up, so she could leave. He took over, but said he didn't like where she had started working, and he was going to do it again. At this point the contractions were getting really tough, and I just wanted the medicine already!! I was patient, and just closed my eyes to try to get through the pain. He deadened me again, and started a new epidural. All the while I was having contraction on top of contraction. He finally got everything set. They explained to me about the pain button that I could push to get more medicine if I needed it. But, I remembered pushing it repeatedly when I was in labor with your big brother! It wasn't my first rodeo!

Aunt Alex came back in, and my nurse made sure I was as comfortable as I could be. The epidural didn't seem to work as quickly as I remembered with Zachary. But, finally, I started feeling some relief, and decided to try to get some rest. Aunt Alex and Daddy continued watching the game, and chatting, and the nurse turned off the lights and let me rest. Just before that though, she checked me and I was dilated to a 5, and 80% effaced. We were getting there!

It was after 10:00 PM now, I had rested for about half an hour, and had just started to fall asleep when my contractions were getting worse, not better, WITH the epidural! Something had to be wrong. I pushed my button to give me 'extra pain medicine', but it takes 15 minutes to get into your system. So, I had no relief. I called the nurse because I didn't understand how I could be in so much pain? Was the epidural not working? I was in tears. Aunt Alex left and waited outside, because the nurse decide to check me again. I was at 5 cm, and 90% effaced. Your Daddy was right there holding me trying to do anything he could do to help. It seemed like an hour, but just a few minutes went by. The nurse called in the anesthesiologist. He came right over and started giving me more pain meds in my IV, in addition to what the epidural was giving me. The nurse checked me again... I was at a 10, and 100% effaced! We were all shocked! I had gone from a 5 to a 10 in less than 5 minutes! No pain medicine were going to keep up with that! You, my sweet girl, were not wasting any time!

The nurse called Dr. Jensen right away, but they weren't sure if he was going to make it in time. They barely got everyone in the room that they needed. The lady with all the tools arrived. My nurse had just finished counting them, and Dr J walked in the door. By this time, all the medicine had kicked in, and I was feeling some relief! Phew! It was getting close to 11:00 PM now, and I told Dr J that I was wanting to hold off and have you after midnight. That way your birthday could be 10-4-14. I liked it better than 10-3-14. He told me there was no way you were going to wait an hour! :) Even as fast as things were going, I still caught your Dad, the doctor, and the anesthesiologist all glancing at the Royals game on the TV. Before we knew it, you had arrived (before the end of the game). I only had to push through about five or six contractions. I think you might have just come out on your own! You were done waiting on me! :) After all, you had started this process over 12 hours before!

At 11:11 PM, Dr. Jensen was holding you in his arms. All I remember thinking was LOOK AT ALL THAT HAIR! And you were so big! And, LOOK AT ALL  YOUR HAIR!! And, you were so big! :) Back, and forth! You looked so much like Zachary did when he was born, but with tons more hair! Then I remembered... we didn't know if we were having a boy or a girl. All I could look at was your hair! Finally, I looked, and then I looked at your Dad, and said, "It's a GIRL!?" I was shocked! This whole pregnancy I had felt exactly the same I did with your big brother, so I just assumed that you'd be a boy. But, you were most definitely a GIRL! We had a GIRL!? We were in love at first sight.

Looking at us for the very first time!

Dr. Jensen said in all of his years of delivering babies, you had one of the biggest, healthiest umbilical cords he'd ever seen. Your Daddy was able to cut it just a few minutes after you were born. :) Maybe that's what helped you get so big and strong? You were just shy of three weeks early, but you were already 8 pounds, 13 ounces, and 20 inches long! (You also had a 14" head, but welcome to the family sweetheart - McKeevers have big heads!)

After the cord was cut, you were placed on my chest. You snuggled right in. Almost immediately you wanted to nurse. I was so so surprised! You latched right on like you had been doing it forever! You ate for about an hour. You were so alert. Once you were finished, the nurse took all your measurements and did your foot prints. You cried the whole time and tried eating your blanket. When I, or your Daddy held you though... you settled right down. Sweet girl.

Precious Girl

Footprints!

Your Daddy is so proud of you!

After all the commotion had died down, I started having a really bad headache. The nurse brought me a Pepsi to drink, thinking caffeine would help. It was after 1 AM on October 4th, and she brought a wheel chair... we were ready to go up to the recovery rooms! We were excited, because the hospital had just remodeled their recovery rooms. Our close friends Brandon & Julie had just stayed there when their daughter Brooklyn was born a few months prior.

....But, those rooms were full! Remember, the hospital was busting at the seems with new babies! Instead, we were brought to a room that seemed even more outdated than the one we stayed in with Zachary. There was only one bed, and your Daddy was not looking forward to sleeping in the one, very uncomfortable-looking chair in the room. The nurse said she would try to find a cot, but she thought they were all taken. I was still fighting a headache, so your Daddy went looking for food. He came back with some sandwiches, and cookies that were in the kitchen labeled, "Just for Moms." He ate the food too; he's a rebel like that. ;)

After we ate, your Daddy tried settling in his chair to sleep. You slept too, but wanted to be held. The hospital did not have a nursery anymore, so you stayed in the room with us. The nurse said we couldn't hold you while we slept, and you didn't want to sleep by yourself in the hospital crib. So, Daddy snored in the chair, and I just stayed up snuggling you. I snapped a quick photo of the two of us. It's one of my favorites. The nurse came in a few hours later, and brought Daddy a cot. He was able to at least lay down, and I may, or may not have dosed off while holding you. Shhh, don't tell.

You were so happy being so close.

So in love with you, my sweet girl.

Morning came quickly. I still couldn't believe you were here. I felt like we had almost time-traveled. You were supposed to still be in my tummy! We talked to Grandma & Grandpa, and they were going to bring your big brother up to meet you shortly after noon. They had to go shopping first. After all, you had nothing to wear! What's a girl to do!? Your brother picked out the cutest little stuffed doll. He and Grandpa also picked out your first, and favorite blanket. It was hot pink with a cupcake on it; it said "sweet", just like you! Grandma brought the prettiest pink outfits. We didn't want to leave any doubt - you were most definitely a girl!

Zachary eating before meeting his sister!

Dr. Jensen came to visit you and Mommy!

Before Zachary arrived, Dr. Jensen stopped in to check on you and Mommy. Did you know he delivered your Mommy? I'm sure you've been told that once or twice. Dr. Jensen said he's not going to stick around to deliver a third generation. Bummer! :)

Soon, your big brother arrived. He didn't quite know what to think. I think Mommy being in a hospital kind of scared him. And, talking about another sibling arriving was one thing, but I don't think he really understood how much things were about to change. Zachary was happy to help open your gifts though, and was excited to give you your dolly! 

Zachary Meeting His Baby Sister for the First Time!

Kisses from Big Brother
(He put your dolly on top of you!)

Kisses for Mommy

Grandpa & Macy

Grandma & Macy

You had more visitors! Great Grandma & Grandpa brought you the prettiest flowers. Then your Uncle Jasey, and Aunt Alex came. They brought you some K-State gear, and headbands! Wohoo! Aunt Alex had already gotten to see you, but now she got to settle in for some snuggles!

After all of our visitors left, we were pretty wore out! You and Daddy snuck in a quick nap. We had thought we would be able to go home later that day, but the nurse said we had to wait 24 hours for a test they had to give you. After the results came back, we'd be able to go home. Your Daddy was not excited to spend another night at the hospital. He wasn't a fan of our accommodations. I was ready to be home too; I was sure missing your big brother! It was the longest I'd ever been away from him!

Snoozing

The next morning we were ready to go HOME! Dr. Jensen had the day off, so another doctor in his practice came to make sure we were ready to go. Dr. Chopra had also had the weekend off that you were born, so his sub came in to give you a quick double-check! We were both A-OK. So, finally, on Sunday, October 5th were able to load you up, and take you HOME!! Grandma and Grandpa met us at our house. It would be the first time - as a family of four - we would be home together!

....And if you were wondering. The Royals DID WIN on the day you were born! They just needed one more game to win the ALDS Championship.... but we'll finish talking about that when I tell you about your first days at home!

Right Before We left the Hospital to go HOME!

Bump's Getting Bigger as Time's Getting Shorter

I really can not express how fast time is flying by. I remember thinking my pregnancy with Zachary took forever! I literally thought our first baby appointment took months to arrive! I am dumbfounded that we have less than three weeks to go.... less than 20 days!! How is that possible!?

Bringing you up to speed, here's the stats and bump pics from the last three doctor's appointments:

Week 32: Measured 4 weeks ahead (36), my blood pressure was 124/70, and baby's heart rate was 144.

Week 34: Measured 6 weeks ahead (40 - full term), my blood pressure was 120/70, and baby's heart rate was 144.

(Almost) Week 37: Dr. Jensen had to reschedule our appointment due to an emergency C-Section, so instead of 36 weeks, we were just 2 days shy of week 37! My tummy measured 42 weeks (5 weeks ahead), my blood pressure was 132/82 (higher, but still in normal range), and baby's heart rate was 146. Dr tested me for Strep B (didn't have it with Z, so we should be good on baby #2), and he also checked my cervix. So far, no change!

Overall, this pregnancy has been so easy. It's only been the last few weeks that I've started to become really uncomfortable. Probably because I've been measuring FULL TERM for the last THREE WEEKS; that might have something to do with it! I've also been waking up every hour on the hour to run to the bathroom at night. I remember doing the same thing with Zachary... and thinking, "Once the baby gets here, I'll finally get some rest!" HA! As you mothers out there know - that didn't happen. ;)

Braxton Hicks are almost a daily thing now, multiple times a day. I even thought I had some real contractions a few weeks ago, but they stopped before the hour, and they obviously weren't productive as Dr. J said I've made no changes.

Really, for the first time this pregnancy I've gotten really hungry! I get the munchies a lot, and have been craving more sweets. I made my second pan of brownies the other night.... Oh my, they were good, and are half gone! I've been doing great on weight gain this pregnancy (unlike Zachary's!), so I figured I'd treat myself a few times before I need to worry about the scale! 

For McKeever updates, we've had a pretty eventful September. We celebrated my 30th birthday with my family. It was low-key, and a lot of fun. Plus, it never gets old hearing Zachary sing, "Happy Birthday Mommy!" Then, we headed out of town to Josh & Vickie's wedding. Zachary came with us, and he was absolutely obsessed with the bride. Mama's not going to lie - I was a little jealous on how much attention Vickie was getting from my little boy! ;) We shelled out lots of dollars so he could keep dancing with her during the dollar dance. He kept saying, "Look at her pretty white dress; Vickie looks like a princess!". I think our son might have had his very first crush - too bad for him, she's a married woman now! :) 

While we were at the wedding, Zachary's got to go to his very first campfire. He also tried his first S'more, but he didn't like it because it was too sticky. He opted for raw, "smarshmellows" instead. I was happy to oblige, no sticky fingers to clean up! Once we got back home, Gabe promised him he would make Zachary his own campsite in our backyard by the creek. Uncle Burns came to visit the following weekend, and the guys went to work. Photo below is Zachary enjoying his very own campfire at his house. He ate his chocolate bar first, and followed it up with a smarshmellow. He was a very happy little boy. :)

Gabe and I have gone to the Kansas State Fair at least once a year (multiple times before we had kid(s)), every year since we've been together. We got a snapshot of the last time we'd be a family of three before we hit the road this year (Thanks Nicholas!). Zachary didn't remember much about going last year, so it was fun to see his face light up when he got to feed the animals at the petting zoo, and see all the BIG animals. We also had our fare share of Fair food. Zachary loved the fried vegetables, corn-on-the-cob, and he ate almost all of Daddy's apple dumpling & ice cream. Mommy wouldn't share hers.... he he.

We also rode the train again this year (the purple one of course, KSU)! Zach loved waving at everyone we went by, and enjoyed the sack of popcorn they throw at you towards the end of the ride. After that excitement, he requested more ice cream (chocolate this time), and we got to watch the pig races. Our pig won in the end!

This is the third year in a row... we took home a very sleepy boy. He slept all the way home! 

Towards the end of the month, we had a not-so-good surprise. Zachary and I walked into a disheveled house... I immediately snatched him up, and went to my mom's house. After Gabe arrived home, and had a chance to look around, he confirmed - we had been robbed. Someone(s) had broken into the house that morning and stole all our small electronics, smashed TV's, put holes in the walls, and even broke our glass wedding clock. We spent most of that evening talking to our neighbors, and the Derby Police Department. Our officers were great, and were so kind. We had two neighbors bring us cookies and cupcakes that evening, and my mom and dad watched Zachary while we pieced things together. So thankful to have so much support and love around us! 

Although it wasn't exactly the best timing - just a few weeks before baby arrives - the robbery turned out to be a blessing. Our insurance company has been nothing but wonderful. Because we had glass broken in our home, they replaced carpet in the house that we've been wanting to replace, but just don't have the extra funds with baby on the way. All of the electronics that were stolen or broken have been replaced with newer, better versions than we had before. We also had a security system installed in our home, so that way we won't ever have to come home again to any 'surprises'. 

We tried to keep Zachary as oblivious as possible to the break-in. We did not want him to be scared of his own home. At the same time, we didn't want to lie to him. When he asked, "Who broke the TV?", and we answered, "We don't know?".... he would look at Gabe, and ask, "Did you do it Daddy?" He wanted answers, and could tell we weren't telling him the whole truth. Boy, is he smart! Everyone is doing much better now, and Zachary has a new 'job' in the morning before we leave for work/daycare - setting the alarm! Like any boy... he likes pushing buttons! 

The only thing we lost that could not be replaced is the photos/videos of Zachary that were on our laptop. I try not to think about it - because that is the only part that makes me really upset. That we lost them, but also - whoever stole them had no idea or cared what they actually meant to us. We've been praying for the person(s) that broke in. That people would be placed in their path to love on them, and that they may know God's love. Although they meant harm to us, Romans 8:28 kept popping into my head, "And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose." And, He has. We're stronger as a family because of it, a closer neighborhood, and everything has been replaced. We even have some new cushy carpet for our sweet new baby to roll around on. God is good!

...Which brings me to the last day of September this year. I've seen my husband cry, maybe three times since we've known each other. One time being this Tuesday night after a roller-coaster Royals baseball game. His team is finally going to the play-offs. Gabe was born on the day the Royals won the World Series in 1985. Almost thirty years later, they're finally back in-it, to win-it. I was trying to get Zachary back to sleep in his bed when I heard, "Yes, Yes, Yes, YES!!!" being yelled from the great-room. I cried (give me a break - I'm hormonal) just knowing what the win meant to him. He also woke Zachary back up... so we all got to celebrate a Royals Victory... after 12 innings, at almost one in the morning. Good things come to those who wait, right? Well, Gabe's been waiting! He'll be going to his first play-off game this Sunday evening in Kansas City. 

Interestingly enough, we have a McKeever baby due October 22nd, right smack dab in the middle of when the World Series is supposed to be being played. All I know is we deserve season tickets for life if we have another KC Royals Baby!!

My boys playing games as Daddy watched the Royals Vs. A's Game Tuesday Evening

SUMMER: Baseball, Fireworks, Airplanes, Ninja Warrior, Pool Time, Work, & A Baby Bump!

Where did summer go!?

Wasn't it just Memorial Day? Now the Fourth of July has come and went, and back to school season is in full swing. Here's just a few things we've been up to this summer...

One of Gabe's clients gave us box tickets to the Wingnuts game. The weather was absolutely beautiful that June night! The Dickson family joined us, and Zachary had a blast running around the suite with Zoey & Tiberius. I set the TV in our suite to the Disney Channel, so they decided to have an impromptu dance party. (Hence, blurry photo!)

We stayed way past Zachary's bedtime, but it was so worth it. He had a blast. It was the epitome of the perfect summer evening.

This is the first Fourth of July I've had to think about the boom of the fireworks. This was the year that Zachary wasn't so sure of all the loud noises! "What was that!?" was asked about two hundred times (give or take) for the next couple of weeks. To make matters worse, the night the fireworks began, we also had a thunderstorm come through. Poor guy just got settled in bed, and then was right back up when thunder was shaking the house. 

All of it turned out to be a good lesson on choosing to be brave. One night we had my folks over for a pre-fourth celebration, and he refused to come outside. After a little pep-talk, and a few tears later, he was outside playing ladder golf with Grandma, Mommy, Jason, & Alex! 

Zachary was a little apprehensive about his first Fourth of July parade too - asking if there would be fireworks there. He warmed up to the idea after awhile, especially when he saw candy being thrown out to the crowd. 

Jason was stuck at work during the parade, so Alex joined us! Zachary loves him some Aunt Alex, and he cuddled up pretty quick!

The Dicksons made it out too - Zoey, Z, and Tiberius looked so cute waving their flags!!

Nannie & Papa were able to be in town - our first 4th celebrating with them. They made it down the night before, so they were able to go to the parade with us that morning as well!

Zachary getting some love from Alex :)

Zachary had to be held a lot of the parade since he wasn't so sure. I did end up getting a smile out of him when he was in Daddy's arms! 

I can't remember a more beautiful Fourth... the weather was just perfect! We spent literally the entire day outside. We shot off some small fireworks (worms, poppers, and some parachuters), played ladder golf, made homemade ice cream (YUM), grilled, and even made another trip to the firework stand. 

Zachary would still get upset from time to time, but by the end of the night he was laughing hysterically at Gabe being chased by bees (the fireworks, not the insect). "That's funny!" In the end, poppers were still his firework-of-choice, although I bet the sparklers were a closed second.

Zachary's babysitter was closed the Monday after the Fourth, so Gabe was able to take the day with him. I got off early that afternoon, and we took him on an adventure to Exploration Place. I wasn't sure if there would be much he could do, but we found lots! I think one of his favorite things was 'flying' the airplanes. Maybe we have a pilot on our hands?

I've tried to start couponing here lately, which is not anything new to my mom. I still remember her coupon box that she would bring to the store with her every week when she'd grocery shop.  So, it didn't surprise me that when at Toys 'R Us one day, Zachary and Grandma found the clearance end cap right away. They didn't end up buying anything - but we sure checked them all out! 

Like his mother... Zachary has expensive taste. ;) He may or may not have been telling Grandma what he wanted for his birthday! He spent at least half an hour getting in/out of about every Power Wheels he could find. He wasn't sure why we wouldn't let him climb into the ones that were displayed up above... although, Grandma did let him open/close the doors. 

And... like most trips with Grandma, the boy was tuckered out. He didn't make it but a mile or two down the road and he was out. We both got a great nap that day - thanks Grandma! :)

Thanks to our DVR, American Ninja Warrior has been playing almost nonstop all summer. Which has turned my little monkey man into a ninja. What used to be my cautious little boy, is now a full-fledged adrenaline junkie. Our couch in the great room is the, "wall" in which he has to climb up, across, and routinely falls off of into the, "water." (If you've seen it, you'll understand) 

It seems like just yesterday we would have to coax him down a big slide... now he has to see how high up he is. It's a boy thing - for which I'm told, so I'm trying to cool it on the, "Be careful baby!!" Zachary assures me, it's ok - he's a ninja warrior. They must have some sort of super power - - - giving Mom a daily anxiety attack.

It's sad to say, but it was end of July before we had our first pool day. Grandma K and Papa Dale were so nice to invite us over... or I may have invited ourselves (details, right?). Zachary didn't even want to step in the pool at first... but as you can see... in no time he and his Father were up to their shenanigans. If the baby in my tummy is a boy... I'm in trouble. I'm going to have to practice praying, and keeping my eyes closed - cause this Mama's heart can't take it!

Resting from, "3.... 2....1... BLAST OFF!"

Hanging out with Grandma K! 

Zachary and I had a date day a week or two ago when Miss Hannah had another day off with her kiddos. We brought Daddy to lunch at Cinnamon's Deli, watched Planes at the theater, and stopped by Daddy's work again for good measure. After all, someone has to be checking Daddy's numbers!

He took a break long enough to give Mom a little grin! Being a banker is hard work, and he was working on, "Giving people money!" After all... that's all Daddy does all day! ;)

July 23, 2014 marked my 27 week growing McKeever Baby #2. Got Gabe to take a photo really fast before we were out the door to a friend's wedding. I'm officially in my third trimester... and swelling and heartburn have decided to rear their ugly heads. Still, this pregnancy has been a breeze, and I have nothing to complain about. Other than the fact it's flying by in a hurry. Baby's heart rate was 140, and wanted nothing to do with the nurse trying to find it. He or she kicked the nurse when she was trying to push it into a location to where she could get a better listen. Although we were 27 weeks, Dr J measured me at 32/33 - so almost 6 weeks bigger than normal. Again, no shocker there. This baby just won't quit - he/she moves constantly. It's been kicking Zachary A LOT when I'm holding him. Hey - I wouldn't want a forty pound person sitting on my head either! :)

Since the wedding was out-of-town, Jason & Alex watched our little man while we were away. They brought bags of fun projects. When Zachary woke up the next morning, the very first thing he wanted to show me was his ocean bags! He was so proud of them! :) He got to take a trip to their house and see their puppies, and kitties... and even talked them into his favorite restaurant, Braums. Good thing he's cute, huh? 

That's been our summer in a nutshell - so far, I know we have a little ways to go yet. Our next baby appointment is August 13th, and after that we will be going every two weeks.

Someone PLEASE take us off of Fast Forward!!