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.

Our Pink Poodle

A Tennessee Weekend

My parents rented this cabin for us last weekend in Smithville, TN. Exactly 6 hours from O'Fallon and 6 hours from Augusta. The perfect meet in the middle location for the Georgia Mortons and the rest of the gang. Seth flew in from Baton Rouge and we picked him up along the way in Nashville. Lots of coordinating to make it all happen but thanks to my mom's efforts it turned out to be a wonderful weekend. We played games, enjoyed the crisp outdoor air, went on a nature hike, played at the park, enjoyed some great food and had a wonderful time being together. Thanks mom and dad for making it happen!

The lake that was nearby...beautiful scenary. Grandma and her girls about to go on a nature hike.

Little man and his momma leading the way.

Takin a little break from all that walking

Daddy and his girl

Jules and Maddie enjoying the hike.

A rare family photo...it's nice when someone else can hold the camera.

The whole gang...minus Uncle Antaun (who couldn't be with us...but was missed!) grandma and grandpa who were taking the pictures and trying to get some kiddos smiling!

Painting with Uncle Seth.

Snuggling with Papa

Some cute, new coordinating outfits from grandma for this picture.

Chad and Jen

Lainey and Uncle Chad reading her favorite book

Our early birthday party for Jules and Ava.