A Little Calm in the Craziness

These pictures were taken a few days before we unknowingly jumped on a roller coaster. What a ride we've had the past few weeks. It began with a move to our new home, included an emergency appendectomy for Jamie, and ended (I hope) with a hospitalization for Lainey due to pneumonia. I, for one, am hoping to jump off the ride for the time being! The baby and I are hanging in there...trying to catch up on some lost sleep and praying for a few months of calm (and no more hospitals) before little Cooper makes his debut in June. What is that expression...something about when it rains, it pours!

Thought you might enjoy some pics. of our almost 3 year old...who is like a little fish in the water! This is our YMCA and Lainey would go to the pool every day if it were possible.

Pregnancy Update

12 Weeks Pregnant

16 weeks

23 weeks (today)

I'm not sure how I haven't posted this yet but we are having a baby boy! Jamie and I are thrilled to experience all things little boy. Including this Mizzou attire his daddy picked out for him!

I am loving the thought of toy cars, airplanes, balls, little league, and a lot of rough and tumble play. Don't get me wrong, I love my tea parties and dress up with our little girly girl (and wow has she ever turned into a little princess these days!) but something about a little boy makes my heart happy. What a blessing to get to experience both.

Mommy's favorite

The beginnings of his nursery!

Things have been a little crazy at our house lately. We purchased a new home in O'Fallon which we were thrilled about...just not as excited about the idea of moving again! I'm happy to say that we survived thanks in part to a moving company and our wonderful parents.

Jamie's parents came the weekend before we moved and helped him do some painting in Lainey and the baby's room. Along with packing and moving about a million boxes! My parents came the weekend after we moved and helped with the unpacking, decorating, organizing, and the chair rail in the nursery. It was such a team effort and we are so thankful for loving, supportive families. I promise to get pics. of the new house posted soon...just let me dig my way out of the boxes first!

Catching up

I realize that I am about a month behind in blogging and I will do my best to catch up but I wanted to post these clips of Lainey's singing. I happen to think it is the cutest thing in the world! So enjoy the ABC's and her version of Amazing Grace. More posts to come!

A New Baby on the Way!

Jamie and I could not be more excited to announce that the Lord has blessed us with a new baby on the way! I am 13 weeks and due June 22nd, 2010. As I write, Lainey has her hand on my tummy trying to feel the baby's "heartbeep." We had our 12 week checkup last week and were able to hear the heartbeat for the first time. Lainey was with us and has not stopped talking about it since. She is thrilled that she is going to be a big sister and insists the baby is a girl! We've had a few complications in the first trimester, but the Lord has protected this little one and we are hopeful for a healthy pregnancy the rest of the way. So excited to welcome a new little one into our family!

Lainey's favorite t-shirt

Oh Christmas Tree

We have a family orchard in our area that we just love. We picked apples, peaches, pumpkins, and now the perfect tree there. It's decorated for Christmas this time of year, complete with "Santi Claus" as Lainey calls him. She was a little more curious about him this year but wasn't going anywhere near that lap!

She gave him a little wave and off we went to find the perfect tree.

Checking out all the trees...getting a little grumpy along the way. By the time we left the orchard, Lainey was crying "I want my nap!" I should know by now not to mess with her nap time. I thought tree hunting and Santa might be enough fun to keep her awake...but I was wrong!

Decorating after a long nap. Happy girl now!

Hanging the ornaments with my little helper.

Getting a little higher with Daddy's help.

The finished product.

Our family night making Christmas trees to hang in Lainey's room.

This girl loves her art projects...anything with glue or paint and she is happy!

Using puff paint for the first time.

Let the Countdown Begin...

Lainey received an early gift this year from Uncle Chad, Aunt Jen, Jules and Ava. What a highlight it has been counting down the days until Christmas with our Advent calendar. Each morning after breakfast, Lainey opens a special surprise that the Georgia Mortons picked out for her. She loved the angel stickers and wanted to make a picture right away so we could show everyone. Thanks for a month full of fun!

Thanksgiving Celebration

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration with Jamie's family this year. It was extra special because it was the first time we were able to snuggle with our 3 week old nephew and cousin, Aiden. Lainey has talked about him several times a day since! We enjoyed time with the extended family eating, talking, playing the Wii, and passing around sweet baby Aiden. So thankful for our family and the blessings the Lord has given us this year.

Jamie and Brian having a Wii tournament.

Aiden in his turkey outfit Relaxing after a wonderful meal

Jamie and Crystal testing their Wii tennis skills.