Visit from Cody's mom...

This past weekend, Tami (Cody's mom) and Tyler (his brother), came to Arkansas for a visit. She brought cake to celebrate Cody's birthday...a little early. On his birthday (Sept. 27), we will be the same age again. He loves that I'm a few months older than him, so he can rub it in a little.

Tami also brought several baby gifts for Manning. She started out saying that I had to save them for a shower, but ten minutes later, the excitement had her changing her mind. Cody opened all of the gifts because he says he won't get to open as many as I will! We are both like children, we love opening gifts! :o)

Their visit happened to fall on the same Saturday as the first home game, Ole Miss vs. Southern Louisiana. I had looked forward to going all week long, but I woke up and saw that thunderstorms were in the forecast for Oxford the entire day and night. After much deliberation, I decided that it would probably be best for mine and Manning's health to stay home. I didn't want to risk getting sick. Well, as most of you probably know, it didn't rain a drop at the game, so I missed for no reason. Oh well! Cody and his family seemed to have a great time, and I had a good time watching the game from home on tv. The rebels dominated, and all were happy! However, I am looking very forward to the Alabama game, and I plan to be there wearing my cute Ole Miss colors and landshark accessories... big belly and all!!!

Cody... sympathetic pregnancy symptoms? Yes, it's true!

Well, I know that the title of this post may seem odd to you, but Cody has been having lots of body ailments these days. Every day, he comes in complaining about something new. Of course, I always just look at him and smile... because I already know exactly what he's talking about.

For example, he came in from work today, sprawled out on the couch, and told me how badly he was hurting in his lower back/tailbone area. I just giggled, and told him that I bet I could guess exactly where it hurt. So, when I demonstrated, he was amazed that I already knew. I've been having sciatic nerve pain over the past couple of weeks in that exact same spot because Manning loves to get comfortable on that nerve... I'm just not a complainer, and didn't mention it. Or maybe, it's that I'm a little tougher than he is, who knows?! lol Anyway, after today, I'm confident that he is suffering from sympathetic pregnancy symptoms. I have researched it and 20-40% of males have the same symptoms as their pregnant wives. They say it allows the male to form a bond or connection with his wife and growing child, and that it will make them better prepared for the baby's arrival.

I would have never believed it to be true, but up until now, Cody has had the following symptoms: (if y'all only knew how much I am cracking up typing these out)

1. Rapid weight gain and a rounding belly

2. Increased appetite and hot sauce cravings

3. Headaches

4. Fatigue-he just doesn't understand why he's tired so much :)

5. Sciatic nerve pain

6. Hip pain

7. Trouble sleeping

I just thought I would share these humorous findings with you! I can honestly say that pregnancy has been wonderful so far for me, and that I love being pregnant, pains and all! Despite his pains, I really think Cody is enjoying it as well, especially when he gets to feel/see Manning roll around and kick in my belly. That's when he's the most excited! Seeing those little rolls and movements just magically make all of those aches and pain go away! Thank you, Lord, for all of your blessings!

We have a name! YAY!

After much deliberating, discussing, and changing our minds, we have finally named our little one! We have known his first name since before conception, so that one was easy. The middle name has been a completely different story! His name is Manning Joseph Moore, and here's the story...

We chose Manning sometime around last duck season. My grandfather, Papaw Jim, once worked for a man named Tommy Goldsby. Since Papaw's passing, Daddy and Tommy have kept in touch and remained pretty close, so Daddy offered to take Tommy's grandsons and son-in-law duck hunting. One of the boy's names was Manning, and Dad knew immediately that I would love it. So, as soon as he got home that day, he told me, and he was right. Cody and I both looooved it, and that's the day our son was named! Why wouldn't we love that name? It has a connection to my late grandfather, we love Ole Miss football, and we are pretty big Eli fans! Hotty Toddy :o)

The middle name has been an ongoing discussion since forever between Cody, myself, and my family. My family really wanted to put my maiden name, "Girdley" as his middle name. But, I just couldn't do that to him. I kept Girdley as my middle name, and I think that's enough. Girdley is just so hard to pronounce, spell, and use in everday life. I am still haunted by professors mispronouncing it in college... I got things anywhere from "Gridley" to "Girdle" to "Turtle". I'm telling you, it was insane, so I hated for our son to endure that same kind of embarrassment.

We did, however, want to name him after my daddy, since he's so special to both of us, and this is his first boy! I just can't explain to all of you how excited he is... every day, he calls and checks on Manning or will just come rub my belly and say sweet things like "that's my boy." It makes me tear up even thinking about it. He also likes to make predictions about what Manning's going to look like one day... right now he truly believes that he's going to have a head-full of dark hair, be a big, muscular boy, and be 6ft 5in tall. Daddy is just precious! :o) Well, let me continue the story... I suggested Joseph a long time ago, since Daddy's name is Joe, but Cody wasn't sure if it was right. We were walking around Wal-Mart the other day looking at baby stuff, and somehow we mentioned my dad, and Cody said, "I love your dad, let's name him Joseph." And that was it! Our son now has a name...Manning Joseph Moore.... and we love it!

The pictures that I've posted are of cute monogrammed bibs and a shot of Manning's name above his baby bed! The nursery is getting closer and closer to finished... I will post more pics soon!

Happy Birthday, Molli, Mom & Hank!

Happy Birthday has been a pretty popular saying here lately! We've celebrated so many that I can't count. We have a 27th thing going on in our family. For example: Henry's birthday is July 27th, Mom's is August 27th, Cody's is September 27th, Kaci's is October 27th, and maybe our little man's will be November 27th... who knows?!

Cody's birthday is right around the corner, so I'm doing my best to think of something to get him. The only things he wants are golf gear (He eats, sleeps, & breathes golf at the moment), so that may be what I go with, and of course I could never go wrong with anything Ole Miss related. So, I guess we will see what he ends up with. I just hate not surprising him with something big. He always does the best job on my birthday... but I think women are much easier to buy for than men.

I've posted a couple of our "party" pics for you to enjoy! Happy Birthday to all!