The Flagan Family

Ashton's Birth

2010-08-23T17:04:00.001-07:00

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Introducing Ashton Garrett Flagan

2010-08-15T08:16:00.000-07:00

He's finally arrived!!

Ashton Garrett Flagan was born on 8/9/10 at 9:16pm weighing 7lbs 14oz and 20 inches long. He is also quite obedient because this was the exact day I had said would be the perfect day for him to come! My doctor had been out of town the week prior and I really wanted her to deliver him. Now the details:

I had been 5cm for over a week and at my 2:00pm Doctor Appt, she thought she broke the first layer of my bag of water, so she sent me right over to labor and delivery. I had a feeling that was going to happen, so we had all the bags in the car. My mom had driven me to the appointment and Adam met us at the hospital. Once I got there my contractions started coming every 2-7 min, but at 5:30pm I was still 5cm. I also realized that I had been having contractions for quite some time.... they just didn't hurt so I had figured it was just him stretching..... After receiving an epidural, Dr Files broke my water (the rest?) and that was all it took, I progressed to 8cm in an hour and then they actually had to slow my contractions down. I had him at after 6 pushes. We used a mirror this time and I really think that helped me with my pushes. I also am really excited to say that breastfeeding is going GREAT this time around (for those of you that knew my issues on nursing Madison).

Here are some of our favorite pictures from Ashton's first week.

Madison Louise Flagan - 1 year old at OneTrueMedia.com

2010-08-03T18:34:00.001-07:00

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Any Day Now

2010-08-01T18:44:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I admit it, I am not the best at blogging, but I am trying!! My excuse - I have been 3-4cm dialated for the last week and a half!! Talk about lighting a fire under you to get everything on your "To Do" list done! As of my last appointment, I was 3-4cm and 60-70% effaced.... so literally any day now!
So to catch up....
A few weeks ago we had our maternity shoot with the fabulous Sarah of Maddie Dean Photography. Here are few of our favorites.

Have one exactly like this when we were pregnant with Madison.

We took one just like this when we were pregnant with Madison, minus her hands of course.

Last weekend our wonderful friends threw us a couples baby shower, here are some pictures of that. I love that they were able to match everything with his bedding!! We had a great time and thank you Traci, Laura, and Elen so much!!

Cupcakes are courtesy of Erin Sholl, she is starting a baking business.... I highly recommend her!

Madison and Clara getting themselves into trouble..... already!

And now it's time for the belly picture...... wow this post has a lot of pictures! I am standing and holding my belly awkwardly because Adam told me you all needed the full effect..... yes I am huge!

And finally.... MOMMY IS HERE! She drove down 2 weeks ago with my Aunt Debbie and cousin Marissa. My Dad should be following in a few weeks once he wraps everything up in PA. She has really been a huge help with Madison, especially since I can't run after her or get on the floor like I could a few weeks ago.... well I can get on the floor.... but then getting up is tricky.

And final picture.... the double stroller is all ready to go!

34 Weeks!

2010-07-10T08:29:00.000-07:00

We also took a family trip to Brazos Bend State Park this past Monday. It seems like a great state park, lots of trails, they even had one especially for my pregnant butt... that was only 0.5 a mile long!

The item of interest in the picture above is the thing sticking up in the center of the photograph. This is where Adam says "Look at that little guy!" Then the "little guy" splashes.... and it is not so little... and Lindsay's pregnant butt RUNS pushing stroller. It was motherly instinct... no alligator is eating my babies ;-) !!

Also this week, Laura and I's new website for Polished Wedding Planning LLC launched! We love it! Check it out: www.polishedweddingplanning.com

That's all for now!! I'm ready for this baby to come out!!

Madison's Swim Class

2010-06-23T07:23:00.000-07:00

So as I have mentioned many many times before, Madison is really enjoying swim class at Summer's Swim Academy. Here are some video clips from her latest lesson (click on each "Part" to see the clip on YouTube)!
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4

30 Weeks!

2010-06-21T07:29:00.000-07:00

Here is the 30 week picture:

I can not reiterate how much more active this baby is than Madison was.... I think he may already know how to crawl!

And.... Madison once again in the pool (sometimes Daddy is too lazy to put her bathing suit on her... but we can still rock the diva glasses).

Summer time!

2010-06-09T12:33:00.001-07:00

It's officially summertime here in Texas! This means 90s..... everyday! What the heck was I thinking having this time of year be my 3rd trimester!!!???!!!
Ok - here's the 29 week picture.... I know, I know, I have already submitted it to Sports Illustrated

Madison is doing great in swim classes so far. She seems to really trust her teacher and they have even put her face in the water quite a few times now and she hasn't cried or come up choking and gagging....yet.

While the weather isn't in the 100s yet, we are still trying to get outside as much as possible. Madison has many interests.... she likes playing in the dirt:

And then being a ballerina (ignore Adam bending over):

But most of all, LOVES the water!

Today Madison also "graduated" from her gymnastics class at The Little Gym. Her Daddy took a long lunch and came to watch the tricks she has learned and to see her get her ribbon. She was SOOO excited to have Daddy there!

Blog Neglect

2010-06-02T12:37:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I really have been neglecting this blog the last few weeks..... Everything is fine, I promise, we just have been really busy!
First for some updated belly pics! How did I get to be 28 weeks pregnant already???

Let's see where to start..... Over the last few weeks my wedding planning business became an LLC and I also partnered with family friend Laura Hearon. We are currently revamping our website, updating our packages and pricing, and are looking into other marketing avenues to expand the business. Very exciting!

I also took on a new business! I am the Publisher Mom for Macaroni Kid - League City/ Clear Lake. I basically compile all the local activities in the area and send out a weekly e-newsletter letting parents know what is going on. I also spotlight local family and kid friendly businesses. I am just about to start looking for advertisers on the site. Those that know moms in the area, please invite them to subscribe! To check out what I have done so far: Macaroni Kid - League City/Clear Lake

We have been working hard on getting Baby #2's (we already have an name, but Adam wants to try to keep it a secret... some of you know it... so ssssh!!) nursery ready. Here is a progression of pictures (so glad to be rid of that awful yellow paint!):

That's about where we are right now with the room.... still a lot to do, but definitely a good start. As you can tell the colors are sage green and brown and it is a monkey theme! Because he is moving around so much inside of me these days and I feel like he is ready to jump out at any second (seriously there is some major Kung Foo going on in there), I really wanted to get a lot of the shopping and big stuff done as soon as possible!

In the meantime, Madison has been enjoying our pool...... she starts a little more intense swim classes tomorrow where she will actually be learning to swim underwater..... hopefully watching all of this occur does not send me into premature labor! Adam will be in the water with her for class though. We will be going every Tuesday and Thursday. She just loves the water too much, and with the pool in our backyard, we really had to get serious about her learning to swim.... I am just going to have a hard time watching them dunk my baby!!

Finally our garden is coming along nicely.... we have already harvested some broccoli and have quite a few tomatoes starting to form. The corn is actually growing too!!

Corn

Broccoli

Tomato!!

I promise no more blog neglect for this long again!!

24 weeks!

2010-05-06T13:42:00.000-07:00

And a bonus of Madison

Potty Time

2010-04-19T09:37:00.000-07:00

First here is the Week 22 pic:

In further developments, we have started to "kinda" potty train Miss Madison. She had been taking quite the interest in toilets lately and making me being able to go quite the challenge (she was trying to unroll the toilet paper, trying to pull the toilet paper out of the toilet after I would put it in, trying to play with the flusher, and when all else would fail she would just simply walk out if I had left the door open and shut the door behind her leaving me having to hurry the heck up because God only knows what she was going to get into). So at the recommendation of a friend, I decided to buy her a potty while we were at BRU ordering the baby boy some furniture (Furniture). I figured it can't hurt right? Maybe she will at least like to sit on it instead of getting into trouble while I am going to the bathroom and since I go so often she will get plenty of opportunities to practice. I got her the Pink Baby Bjorn potty (Madison's Potty). Well turns out after taking off her pants and diaper she loved sitting on it. In fact the second time I ever put her on it she peed! Since then she has peed in it 3 times! Only problem is, when she went this morning she got very curious and kept trying to stick her hand in her fresh pee. Now I just need to figure out how to keep her from doing that and figure out how to get her to tell me when she has to go. Anyone have any recommendations??

We also are trying out the gDiapers again..... just started, so I will post a review when I have a better idea on if I like them or not.... they sure are cute though!! gDiapers

21 Weeks!

2010-04-13T07:07:00.000-07:00

And Madison and I working on our words! Olivia is obviously bored with that particular word....

Easter

2010-04-10T08:58:00.000-07:00

First to start off, here is my Week 20 picture:

Lindsay's family came to visit for Easter and we all had a great time. The majority of the time was spent searching for an apartment as Mike and Louise will be moving down here in July! They found a great new set of apartments about 5 minutes down the room with a wonderful kiddy pool for babysitting :-) http://summerbrookeapts.com/

Madison really enjoyed Easter.... especially meeting the Easter Bunny!! This was the only picture they could get where she wasn't either petting him or clapping her hands!

We also had her 1 year photo shoot while the 'rents were here with Maddie Dean Photography and..... we finally have a play room!!! With the added help, we moved our office to where our formal living room was (who the heck uses a formal living room anyway??) and now the loft area that was our office is the play room!!! Just in time too because Grandma and Poppy bought Madison the Little Tikes Kitchen for Easter/Birthday..... that takes up a lot of space and Lindsay probably would have had a nervous breakdown if it was in the living room!! This also allows us to put some of the toys that were taking up our living room into the playroom and we feel less like we live in a Daycare! We also are excited about this because the playroom is on the same floor as both nurseries.... so when we are taking care of one baby, the other baby can be on the same floor playing! They can also make a complete mess and Lindsay will be less likely to be constantly picking up!!

And, I Lindsay have to post this because I am just so excited about it..... I got a new diaper bag!! Yes, apparently getting a new diaper bag is the equivalent of how I used to feel when I got a new purse. I had a Petunia Pickle bottom bag with Madison and loved it, but after a year I am sick of it and it is pink and well.... we are having a boy..... so here is the new one.....love love love it!!

Crazy Week Recap!

2010-03-29T14:16:00.000-07:00

Ok, so as my last post promised, we have lots to catch up on!
First on Monday we had our ultrasound. It definitely is a boy!! Little Flagan is very healthy (1/10,000 chance of a birth defect) and it looks like he isn't going to be quite as petite as Madison..... An average baby is 8 ounces at this stage, he is 11 ounces. I find this very interesting because at my OB appointment on Thursday, I have only gained one pound so far and I have quite the belly..... and I promise I am eating!! He also is very active and I am very aware these days of when he is awake!

Tuesday Madison started swim class at Williams Pool. I was a very nervous mommy all day about her starting class. I wasn't sure if she would like it and I also was nervous that they were going to dunk her and she was going to freak out. Well turns out, she absolutely loved it! She squealed as soon as she and Adam entered the water and had a huge smile all class. And there was no dunking.... yet.

Finally yesterday was Madison's 1st birthday party and today is her birthday. It is so amazing to think of how far we have come in a year. One year ago she was so helpless and this morning we all had breakfast together.... Madison fed herself cheerios, apples, and gave herself a bottle, then she got down, walked over to a book and brought it back for me to read it to her..... AMAZING!
Here are some pictures from her party yesterday.... yes it was a princess party!

Lots going on!

2010-03-20T18:56:00.000-07:00

First here is my 18 weeks pregnant belly:

We sure have a busy week coming up! Monday we have an ultrasound and should be able to know for sure that my little circus act in my tummy is a boy, they will also do a full anatomy scan. Tuesday Madison starts swim class. Thursday I have my monthly OB appointment. Since spring break is over we have our standard Book Babies, Gymnastics Class, and Kindermusik Class. Saturday I have a wedding that I will be working all day and...... Sunday we are having Madison's 1st Birthday Party.... her 1st birthday is Monday (I am going to be a mess)!! So that means stay tuned.... we will have lots to post!
Adam is very engaged in March Madness right now.... here is a video of Madison getting ready for her Daddy to get home for Round 1.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBLOFDhOG1c

Our garden is also continuing to grow! One of our tomato plants already has flowers and the corn, basil, and cilantro that we planted are starting to pop through the soil!

16 weeks and Garden

2010-03-07T15:30:00.000-08:00

Here I am at 16 weeks pregnant!

Also today Adam and I decided to plant a vegetable and herb garden (well Adam planted and I picked out the goods).
He planted tomatoes, corn, onions, broccoli, orange bell peppers, basil, cilantro, parsley, and thyme. We will keep you updated on its progress.
Here is the whole thing:

Vegetable portion:

Herb portion:

Madison is Walking!

2010-02-28T19:03:00.000-08:00

This past Wednesday, Madison took her first 2 steps at gymnastics class. Since then she has been taking more and more consecutively everyday! I think we are in the teens now! Here is a video we took this evening.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07V2ZFy4K-o

14 Week Picture!

2010-02-27T05:45:00.000-08:00

1st Trimester - DONE!

2010-02-18T08:08:00.000-08:00

Well, I am excited to say that my first trimester is complete and it was fairly easy..... no morning sickness!! Here is a shot of me at 12 weeks.... we forgot to take one at 13 weeks, but will make sure we take one this Friday when we will be 14 weeks!

I have been having some back pain, which apparently is very common to be worse in your second pregnancy; 1- because your body is once again producing relaxin and 2 - because you are now having to lift a 20 lb Baby #1 throughout the day. As a Valentine's Day present, Adam got me a prenatal massage.... I am cashing it in at Beyond Beaute this evening!

This weekend we took Madison to the park down the street from our house to try out the infant swings. She loved them!!

Madison is also doing better with eating finger foods. As a special treat after her first gymnastics class yesterday, we tried McDonalds! She LOVED french fries and some of mommy's hamburger! We have also started going to Book Babies at the Library and Kindermusik again. And on March 22nd we will start swim class (Daddy will have to do that one with her because Mommy can not risk getting kicked in the stomach)!

It's (probably) a BOY!!

2010-02-01T10:48:00.000-08:00

We had Part 1 of our Integrated Screen today to test for Down Syndrome, Spinal Bifida, and extra chromosomes and from the scan, everything looks perfectly healthy!! The doctor was also able to make a 85-90% guess on the gender. From the looks of things, it looks like we are going to be having a baby boy!!!! As the doctor said, things typically do not stick out on little girls in that area :-) We are through the roof excited to be blessed to be probably having one of each!!!

Knocked up Again!

2010-01-31T12:38:00.000-08:00

So, turns out the second time around, first time is a charm! We are happy to announce that we are pregnant again!

There are 2 lines on both of the tests in the above picture (honest).
As of today, we are 11 weeks and 2 days along! We are due August 20, 2010. Yep, I am going to be a huge sweaty mess right smack in the middle of Houston summer. We announced the news to our parents over Christmas by dressing Madison up in a "Big Sister" shirt..... turns out the smallest size you can get those in is 2T.... well she will grow into it when the baby actually gets here. This pregnancy has been a total 180 from my pregnancy with Madison. I have not been sick at all! The doctor says that sometimes this means that it could be the opposite gender..... we shall see! The only big difference is that I have already started to show.... good thing I already have maternity clothes!

Tomorrow we have Part 1 of our Integrated Screen (blood work and ultrasound). They also may be able to give us an 85% guess on the gender (and they were correct when they guessed Madison's gender). We will keep everyone posted!

(Adam sometimes gets jealous that I am the only one that gets to enjoy getting fat.... so he stuffs Tucker in his shirt.)

And Madison is already starting to hide her toys in her Dora hut!

Our First Blog

2009-11-29T18:49:00.001-08:00

So.....we have decided to jump on the bandwagon and start writing a blog so that our family and friends can read at their leisure and stay up to date on what's going on in our lives. We will try to update with pictures and video often! Enjoy!