Just Cruzin' Along!

Before you correct me on my spelling in the title, I did that on purpose. For those of you who don't know, I am a life-long Texas Rangers fan. I am not one of those people who only cheers on a team when they are winning. That makes it all the more enjoyable when the team you have loved your whole life could be headed to the World Series for the 2nd year in a row! So, this title goes out to Nelson Cruz for saving the day with his bottom of the 11th inning grand slam to help the Rangers win ALCS Game 2 7-3. That also means that we get 50% off of Papa John's for dinner tonight! Wahoo!

In the midst of all the baseball playoffs, of course we are still in full on baby mode. We are less than 8 weeks from Lyla's due date. Before updating you on all things Lyla, I did get to attend a baby shower for my sweet friend Meredith. She is due 2 weeks before me with a mystery baby (meaning we don't know whether it is a boy or girl).

I also need to let everyone know that I became an Aunt again on September 29. My beautiful sister-in-law Beth gave birth to 2 perfect twins. Ashlynn & Kinsey are so precious and I just can't wait to meet them. I know that Big Sister Avery loves them.

Ashlynn is on the bottom & Kinsey is up top!

Okay, now we are moving into the Patyrak updates!

First of all, I went to Abilene this past weekend to make an appearance at McMurry University's Homecoming. I am on the Alumni Board and had a couple of commitments, but mostly spent time shopping around Abilene with my mom. I have to tell you that I did a terrible job taking pictures. What that means is that I didn't take any pictures while I was there. What I can tell you is that it was SO SO windy! Due to the high winds and anticipated rain, there was no bonfire. McMurry used to be the Indians and so homecoming each year includes Tipi Village. Well also because of the weather, some tipis weren't able to be put up, some fell down and others were taken down to prevent further damage. The game that was supposed to start at 2 started about 5ish hours later due to rain and lightning. McMurry pulled off a win agains Sul Ross and has having a great year so far! I was in the choir while at McMurry (known as the Chanters). Well, the church that hosts the concert each year is undergoing renovations. For the first 15 minutes of the concert, there were roofers hammering. Their beat didn't really match with the song, but the director did a great job of adding humor amidst his frustration. So, it was a weird McMurry Homecoming, but I did so enjoy getting to visit with the folks that I saw there. I did pick up a little something for Lyla and her best friend Harper though...

McMurry has a new mascot...they are now the War Hawks, so it is time to build up the War Hawk gear. There was the most adorable pink War Hawks football jersey, but the sizes were all well above the baby size. Maybe later!

I suppose the final update is on Operation-Convert-the-Office-to-a-Nursery!

Here is where the office went (thanks to a Craigs List purchase)

We have a room that is right off the kitchen and the main living area that has pretty much been empty. It will likely now serve as a play room/hang out room/office area, so the hutch has been a great addition.

I am SO excited that Lyla's room is finally coming along in the furniture department. Danny did such a fantastic job with the pain and bead board and it was just ready for some furniture, so without further adieu...

My mom has been working on re-covering the cushions for this beauty and so I'll have some updated pictures soon!

Lyla's crib is adorable! Yes, I know the bumpers have to come out when she actually starts sleeping in it so that we don't risk suffocation, but I wanted to see what it looked like all put together. I also know that the mobile will have to go once she figures out how to grab it. I did get something out of that Prep for Childbirth Class!

Just a close-up of the mobile because it is cute!

The dresser I have been waiting for is finally here! I put it together (with a little help from Danny) on Sunday. That was quite a project. I attached the changing table to the top though I don't have any cute covers for that yet.

I bought some fabulous drawer organizers from Lowe's (their price beat out Sears and Target) to help organize all of those little tiny baby clothes!

Now, in the decoration department, I have been slow to pick things out because I don't want to go overboard. I did however pick up a couple of things while I was in Abilene. We went around to all of these little boutique stores and I did find one picture at a great place in Downtown Abilene called Under One Roof...

But, we had the most luck at Hobby Lobby. We picked out fabric for the glider cushions and valance. We also found some plain white wall letters that I then took colored sharpies and decorated to hang on the wall. I plan to hang those this week with some ribbon that my mom picked out.

I saw a plain white canvas with the lyrics to the first verse of "You Are My Sunshine" when I was in Downtown McKinney one day years ago and thought at that time it would be adorable in a baby room. However, it cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $300 which is totally insane! I have also tried pricing out custom wall decals with the lyrics and it is also pricey. I really want something with those words in Lyla's room. You see, when I was little, I watched the movie Beaches over and over and over again! I LOVE that movie! They sing that song altogether in the movie at one point and so that is what I find myself singing to sooth babies at work and want to do the same with Lyla. Anyone have any suggestions that won't break the bank???


I promise that soon there will be an update on the Great State Fair of Texas! I will even take a picture of the famous cinnamon roll that I keep talking about. Also, look for a recap of my final baby shower! My best friend Erin is coming in from Kentucky...if you remember from an earlier post, she is having a baby girl too. Harper Elizabeth Samson is due on January 19 (one day after my 30th birthday)!

This picture is a couple weeks old, but I intend to get an updated pic this weekend!


That's all I've got for today, but I'll leave you with a couple more pictures...

Bevo was NOT super excited about having to go outside when I left for work. The look on his face is saying, "Please mommy, don't go. But if you have to, please let me stay right here on this chair. I promise I will stay right here and won't destroy anything." Well, mommy knows better and besides the weather is much more enjoyable outside, so that's where he went. He'll be okay.

And last, but not least...I took a picture of myself before I walked out the door for work, so yet another picture through the mirror.

30 weeks and 3 days! Less than 8 weeks until Lyla's due date! We can't wait to meet her!



Blessings to all!

There is a season turn, turn, turn...

My parents raised me listening to all different types of music. That is perhaps why, if you listened to the music on my phone, you would hear things ranging from George Jones to Lulu to Lady Gaga and on and on. So, when trying to determine what to title this post, with all that is going on...the song Turn, Turn, Turn by The Byrds came to mind. I was familiar with the song long before I realized it was actually taken from the Bible. Seems fitting since I ended up working in a church. The song was taken from the Book of Ecclesiastes, though some words were rearranged for the song.

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, a time to reap that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace."

I bought this poster at one of the poster sales in college and it is still in my office today!

So, I have a lot to update you on. I want to start with the heavy and then move into lighter and more upbeat things.

I met Sunday Ibok my freshman year of college. He had a larger than life personality and a smile that lit up the room. We instantly formed a bond. Sadly (keeping a long story short) we drifted apart, but with the help of facebook have at least kept up with what is going on in each other's lives. I was shocked and saddened when I logged into facebook yesterday to see an update on Sunday...While in Dallas celebrating his 31st birthday and visiting family and friends, Sunday suffered a brain aneurysm on Sunday evening. He was declared brain dead just before 6 pm Monday evening and is still in a coma right now. The prognosis doesn't look good, but if you check out his facebook page, you will notice the amount of lives that he has touched with their tributes. My prayers go out to him and to his family including his mother and many siblings (of which he is the oldest).

This picture is Sunday & I at my sorority banquet my freshman year (nearly 11 years ago).

This is a picture that someone else posted on facebook and it truly captures Sunday's personality.

Life can be short, so hug those you love!

The next thing I want to update you on is my new office. That's right...after 7 years in the same office, I have a new one. The church created a new creative department and since our former offices were located right in the middle of the building, they thought that would be a good place for this new department to be housed so that every department could easily get to them. Makes sense. So, we are now off the beaten path so to speak, but I am absolutely in love with my new space. The only thing I would change if I could is the wall color. Prison grey is not my favorite color, but I can handle it.

This is the view when I first open the door. Notice the window. I didn't have one in my old office.

This picture is of the neat built-in book shelf I have. I separated the books into kid and a dult books. Take note of the pink hard hat on the bottom shelf. While the children's ministry area was under construction during the summer, we needed to be safe when checking out the progress. Of course, we didn't have to sacrifice cuteness in the process!

This picture isn't super-exciting, but I have a large dry erase board. I initially thought I would have it taken down, but then Peyton came in and immediately started drawing. Peyton's mom Andi has the office next door to mine. She is an adorable 5 year old full of energy! She asks me everyday if the baby has come yet! HA! I also keep a stock of candy to keep her coming back. So, she wrote her name and drew a picture of her, followed by my name and a picture of me and then ended with Lyla's name and a picture of her. I LOVE it and now I don't want to erase it! I think I'll keep the dry erase board.

Thought I should include the view whilst sitting at my desk.

Remember that window I talked about earlier??? Well from that window, I have a peek-a-boo view of the Columbarium. Last year, the church constructed a final resting place for those that wish to be at HPUMC. There is a beautiful fountain that I love to listen to. I am also right above one of the playgrounds, so at various times throughout the day, I can hear the preschool kids playing. Sidenote: At the present time, there is a toddler screaming as if someone has taken his favorite toy.

Last, but not least in the selection of office pictures is my cross wall. I started the cross wall in college and have continued to add to it over the years. Most are gifts. I have picked up some along the way that I deem unique and not seen just anywhere (like the cross made of boots). Two are necklaces that I received after serving in the church choir at the Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest while in Abilene. One is very fragile and was given on Palm Sunday my senior year at that same church. I have gingerly taken it from place to place and it has a home on the wall of crosses. These crosses have been through many seasons and I love looking at them and remembering where and who they came from.

Now to the part everyone has been waiting for...the update on preparing for Lyla!

Last Saturday, we got in the car at 8am en route to Medical City Hospital, where we were registered for the Preparation for Childbirth class. Neither one of us were particularly looking forward to it as it was a Saturday. We're supposed to be watching football on Saturday (luckily the Longhorns weren't playing). Also, we knew it was an 8 hour class and that sounded daunting...and it was! It started with about a 3 1/2 hour PowerPoint presentation taking us from checking into the hospital all the way through the first few weeks at home. We got to watch a video of one couple's journey from the start of labor to the birth of their baby. The mother in the video went all natural. YIKES! In the afternoon, we took a tour and had some activities that actually got us out of our seats.

We played a game...well we love games. We tied with another couple as winners. Here is our prize!

Not the prize we are used to, but I think they'll come in handy!

Now, I'd like to introduce you to a new family member...

Hahaha! This is Mini Baby Patyrak...she has an interesting look to her, but we still love her. She is inflatable and here is how you fill her up...

If you notice a white tube coming from the right cheek of her bottom, you will see the tube used to fill her up. I'm not sure the hiney is the best location, but there were more than just a few chuckles in the room of grown-ups about that.

Mini Baby was given to us to practice infant CPR. It wasn't a certification course, but we did watch a video and practice the appropriate moves. You are supposed to press down until you hear the click. Well, we were left wondering if we actually had to practice infant CPR, will we hear the click??? In all seriousness, it is an important thing to know should you need to use it, so I'm glad we got to take the entire kit with us including Mini Baby and the video.

Also during the class, we practiced swaddling and changing a diaper. It was definitely information overload and I'm glad that all the information will be repeated as we are are actually going through the process.

Next is an update on the nursery. The crib is still in the box and we are going shopping for a dresser this weekend. After that, we can start emptying out the closet...

We did get a glider from a friend's garage sale though.

My mom is going to recover the cushions for me. You probably can't tell, but he fabric is not only pretty dirty, but it is little bunnies and that simply doesn't go with the theme of Lyla's room.

We are both in shock that we getting so close to Lyla's arrival and we can't wait to meet her!

So, I know what you've all been waiting for is an updated belly pic and I will not disappoint. As of Saturday, September 24, I was 30 weeks. Here we are!

...and HOOK 'EM HORNS!

My next update will hopefully include my journey through the great State Fair of Texas which opens this coming Friday. I am anxiously awaiting the glucose test results as I have been really looking forward to my annual State Fair cinnamon roll and this year's new fried treat...Fried Autumn Pie! Keep your fingers crossed!

Thanks for reading!

Beyonce & I

Beyonce has been in the spotlight at least since I was in high school. So, it is easy to think that she is much older than I am (I don't really know why that is). Imagine my surprise in the midst of her pregnancy announcement when I read that she is 29. And guess what...so am I! Now, Jay-Z is quite a bit older (I'll let you look that up for yourself), but I have to admit that in some strange way, it is fun that Beyonce and I are the same age and are both having our first child. So, here she is!

Now for an update on all things Patyrak...with the Labor Day weekend came reaching 27 weeks into this pregnancy. Some websites say I am no in the 3rd & final trimester and others say that when I reach week 28, I will be at that phase. Either way, Lyla & I seem to be moving along just fine. Don't worry, Danny is doing well too. He has been hard starting to get the room ready. Let me show you his handy work...

He painted the top half of the room "Green Grapes" Green, installed bead board and chair rail and painted of that and the doors white. With some help from a family member, we also replaced the ugly navy blue blinds that were in that room with nice white Levelors and the outdated ceiling fan with a nice white fan (that has multi-colored blades on the opposite of the white in case Lyla wants to be a decorator when she gets older). It is looking good so far.

On Labor Day, we picked out Lyla's crib. We haven't put it together yet because we are still on the lookout for a dresser that matches (therefore I will need to take a piece of the wood when we go shopping). Since the crib was on sale and we had gift cards, we were able to get the crib and mattress and still have some money left. That was nice! Here is a picture of the crib we picked out.

It is just a simple crib, but will be super-exciting when we get the bedding on.

I have hit nesting mode (don't know if Danny was ready for that) and I want to put all of the clothes away that we already have for Lyla. My cousin had a baby girl in May and has already given me tons of clothes. Not to mention, we have purchased a few things as well. Since I don't have a dresser to put them in yet, I did go ahead and pull everything out and sort it by size. Here it all is!

The tallest pile was of the newborn size and then I think 3-6 months came in 2nd.

Bevo was unimpressed!

I also thought that since hitting 27 weeks seemed like a milestone to me, you may want an update picture. So here you go...

Oh, that wasn't the picture you were looking for. Okay, okay...here are me & Lyla at 27 weeks (actually 27 weeks and one day).

Other than that, we enjoyed a football weekend...
We watched the Cowboys on Thursday,
Lake Highlands (for me, nothing beats high school football) on Friday as well as TCU v. Baylor,
every college game possible on Saturday,
and SMU v. A & M on Sunday!

Our house is glad that football is back in full swing.

Oh...and for those of you that have been following the HEAT of the summer in Texas (how can you not follow it if you are living it?), in the DFW metroplex, we were one day shy of tying the record of total days at 100+. We woke up on Monday morning to true fallish temperatures and couldn't be happier that we survived. Prayers are going out to all those affected by the wildfires in the hill country and those that are trying to put them out!

Happy Fall!

Shower in a Shower!

So, I had my first baby shower a couple of weekends ago in San Angelo (the hometown of my handsome and loving husband). It was lots of fun visiting with a small group of small town friends. However, the morning of the shower...San Angelo (which hadn't seen a drop of rain in months) got 5.5 inches in about an hour and a half. The roads were flooded, some streets had to be shut down and still people were dancing in it. Well, I wasn't, but I was watching it from the window wishing it was raining in Dallas too, but I think all we got that weekend was .08 of an inch. Wahoo! I guess we should celebrate the small things.

So, I just wanted to share with you some of the pictures from the shower. Lyla got some lovely things and we got some gift cards that we can't wait to shop with.

That is part of the delicious spread. Not pictured are the yummy sandwiches from McAllister's Deli!

Lyla's proud parents

Most of the group that braved the rain to make it out!

The guys were going to go out, but stayed in to avoid melting in the rain. From L-R: Danny, Rob a.k.a. PapaDoc, and the owner of the lovely home at which we had the shower.

The hostess with the mostest, Carol Ahern!

The first of many adorable outfits Lyla will be sporting!

This is me with San Angelo's hairstylist to the stars and one of my favorite San Angelites!

That is just the brief recap!

The Dallas shower is in mid-October, so much more to come.

On a totally different note, I'm trying not to buy too many clothes for Lyla, but I got a couple of onesies that I couldn't resist.

The first one is in honor of PapaDoc...the lead fisherman!

This one is an homage to Uncle Mikey!

One last thing...an update on Operation Convert the Office to Lyla's Room!

Everything has been moved out. Danny painted the top half of the room today...pictures to come later, but the color is called "Green Grapes." This weekend Danny and a friend are installing bead board and chair railing on the bottom half. Then will come the furniture!

I know I owe a baby bump update and I promise I'll post one soon!

That's all for now though!