Baby News

Today was my first doctor's appointment. If I didn't know better, it looks like we are having a gummy bear! At least that's what the ultra-sound pictures look like. Does anyone else get really excited about that first appointment (in spite of the you-know-what)? I felt giddy all day! I curled my hair, carefully picked out an outfit, and happily bopped down the road to my Spanish Rondalla CD.

The office recently purchased a new ultra sound machine, so they were happy to see me this morning. My OB asked if it would be o.k. for some of the other doctors and the Technician to sit in on the ultrasound so they could learn a little more about the machine. Sure. . . The more the merrier! That happened with AJ too! They were calling the residents and nurses in to see something about his birth. At that point. Who cares! It was interesting to hear all the professional commentary regarding my innards.

I also learned that they are now discouraging pregnant moms from eating cold-cuts and egg, chicken, and tuna salads you didn't prepare yourself. New bacteria issues I guess.

Right now, we are planning on another VBAC, but both my OB and I agree that the goal is a healthy and safe delivery. We still have to take all the necessary precautions in spite of a successful VBAC with AJ. Those being: No induction, scheduled C-section in case I don't go into labor by a certain time, and immediate hospital monitoring when I do go into labor (no home labor). Fair enough.

We thank the Lord for allowing us to once again experience these joys!

More Funnies from Olivia. . .

We went to Dunkin Donuts tonight for a treat. Olivia handed me her frosted sprinkled donut and said "Mommy, could you take the bread off?"

On the way to the grocery store, Olivia asked "When we get home, can I sit on the couch with you so I can have a deep breath?"

AJ's Buzz

Here is a picture of AJ's new do. I was very upset when I buzzed off his lucious dark beautiful preppy hair, but he obviously doesn't seem to mind the change.

Lesson of the week: never cut your child's hair when you are tired, frustrated, and in need of a jalepeno popper fix.

Pop Quiz:

The apple juice stains in your carpet are starting to spell "SOME HOUSEKEEPER YOU ARE!" Then you feel like a bad mom because you don't teach your kids how to not spill stuff all over the carpet. Then you feel bad because they are just kids and you shouldn't be obsessed with how the house looks.

You feel like you can't do anything right. You would love to share what you read in your Bible this morning like you did back in the day, but this morning along with many other mornings is a blur.

You hate your clothes. Nothing looks good. You feel guilty for hating your clothes because you know there are people out there who don't have clothes. You hate your hair too. You can't remember the last time you didn't end up wearing a pony tail.

The children are down for the night. Ahhhhh.... the house is quiet. You put on a pot of coffee to enjoy while watching a little bit of news. You spill the scalding hot coffee all over yourself as you sit down on the sofa. You cannot stop crying... not because you burned the hooey out of your legs, but because the thought of cleaning up one more mess is just too much for you to handle.




Do you. . .

A) Rededicate your life to the Lord and pray for revival







B) Get a makeover







C) Call Stanley Steemer








D) Take a Pregnancy Test











The answer...


(D) We're due in December!!!

A Royal Garden Birthday!

We packed up the car and headed to Alabama last week to celebrate Olivia's 3rd birthday with our family. Olivia had one request "pink", so we ran with it! I was pretty proud of myself for not going overboard and purchasing yards and yards of pink tulle... we didn't need elaborate decorations since the celebration took place in great-grandma's royal garden.

So happy together!

The pink princess dress from aunt Susie was a big hit! She is wearing it as I write this post =)

Opening presents. This one was a baby carrier for her doll. AJ looks more excited than Olivia does.

AJ hanging out with my uncle Kevin (can you see a family resemblance?)

Cousin Max came dressed as a storm trooper =)

The Royal Garden... a camera cannot capture the calming beauty of this special place. The kids walked around the flower beds and ran through the trees for hours!Alex found a nest of eggs, and I wanted to take a picture of it the next day. Suprise! When I pulled back a branch to snap a shot, a baby bird stretched his little head up for some food. I would have enjoyed this moment more were I not disgusted by lack of photography skills... hmmm blurry foreground sharp background... and this was the best shot...and I hope I didn't blind the poor little thing in the process!!

The princess taking a stroll

A little boy time with the light sabor. AJ is wearing his ghetto shorts =)

More pics of the garden

Olivia is keeping a close eye on the strawberries.

Dancing with great-grandma!

C A M P D A Y!

After the morning services yesterday, everybody headed out to the grounds for camp day. We grilled beef that was chopped up and eaten with different salsas and fresh tortillas, rice, and beans. There was fun for the whole family! I think that everyone had a good time. . . I'm not a very good judge of that because I'm standing around worrying about what is or should be happening or where in the world AJ got the bottle of soda he's carrying around.

We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day!

Adrian did a great job directing the games!

Being the pastor's kids does have its perks! Olivia and AJ loved riding with daddy on the golfcart!

Sometimes you have to share those perks

Sara started a great waterballoon fight!

Fun for the adults! Couples had to navigate their way through some cones while the driver was blindfolded. Now that was interesting! (all those summers at Northland Camp sure do pay off now and then!)

Now what could he be thinking??

MMMMM! The smell of meat on the grill! Everytime we eat Carne Asada (grilled meat), I am reminded of the verses that describe our sacrifices as a sweet smelling savor to God. Can you imagine the wonderful smells that filled the air as the priests offered the sacrifices for the people? What a picture set in your senses! This is about the only time cows smell good... when they are offered up on the grill. The same with my life. As I die to myself and live for the Lord, the aroma of such a living sacrifice fills the air. If not.... well you've smelled cows before!

As long as there is a Chick-fil-A down the road, I will GLADLY pass by McDonalds, BK, Taco Bell, etc. I used to think that Chick-fil-A was really good, but a bit expensive for a fast food pit stop. I still think it is pricier than it's competitors, but Chick-fil-A has won my business. How?

• Chicken that looks like real chicken
• Special bendy straws for the kids drinks
• Somewhat educational toys in the kid's meals
• PLASTIC PLACEMATS THAT STICK ON THE TABLE!!!!
• Fast Drive thru's (most of the time)
• Cashiers who smile
• LEMONADE!!
• If you don't like the toy, you can trade it in for an ice-cream!

Eat More Chikin'!