BABY!!!
Yup, that's right! Grace is going to be a
BIG SISTER!!!
See, I told you I had a good reason for being a blog slacker :) The morning sickness - make that all-day sickness - has been kicking my behind. Same way it was with Grace for like 14-15 wks. except this time I'm running around trying to keep up with a toddler! Hopefully in another month that 2nd trimester sudden burst of energy will kick in. Fingers crossed. Toes crossed.
One particularly queasy afternoon last month led me to the drugstore for one of these
In what seemed like ten seconds those two pink lines popped up and so the whirlwind of emotions began. Excitement, joy, pure exhiliration, and a tiny bit of angst thinking about sharing my mama love with anyone other than my little pumpkin. Needing additional confirmation (
what is it about us that makes us take more than one pregnancy test even when the lines are dark as can be???) I grabbed the digital and
BAM! 
the word
PREGNANT popped up almost immediately. At least this time there were only two tests - with Grace, I think I took a test a day for like a week...just to be sure :)
Needing to put some of that creative energy to work I quickly thought of how to tell Lance about
our newest blessing. He was due home in about an hour. I quickly got Grace in the car and off we headed to a local boutique to see if we could find a "big sis" t-shirt. Shirt in hand we headed home where I began bribing...
I mean rewarding...Grace with goldfish to pull her shirt out in front and say "big sister". Little Miss Smarty Pants picked up right away (now, why does it not work the same way with potty training???) and we sat by the front door and waited, and waited, and then waited some more. Of course, this would be the day Lance would be late from being stuck at the office. I think we went through an entire bag of our "training supplies".
Finally, we heard the car in the driveway, got into position, me with the camera rolling and Grace with her mouthful of goldfish and then as soon as Lance walked in the door, right on cue Grace yelled
BIG SISTER!!!!! I don't know if it was the goldfish or what, but he didn't understand what she said, nor did he notice her shirt, so it took a couple of times and then he said,
WHAT???!!! Hugs, smiles, and a few tears all around and the rest is history. So glad I caught it all on tape :)
When my hormone levels tripled instead of doubled during the 48 hr. check, the word
TWINS (big gulp) popped up in the conversation. But since then we've had our first ultrasound and there's just one little bean in there,
heartbeat 152. Such a sweet sight and sound! I don't think it matters how many kids you've had, hearing the heartbeat for the first time is just an amazing moment.
The big question remains,
BOY or
GIRL??? We keep asking Grace just for fun and so far it's been "sister" every time. Does she know something we don't?? Either way, we're thrilled, just praying for a strong, healthy baby...and yes, we'll be finding out :)
Two months down, seven (or less) to go. After all my little spring chicken Grace decided to make her debut a whole month early! God willing, come next June our little Family of Three will become a
Family of Four! We can't wait!
But mama, I'd rather do the hokey-pokey! You put your right foot in... 
You put your right foot out... 
(Sometimes, WAYYYYYY out!) 
You put your right foot in... 
And you shake it all about! 
You do the hokey pokey and you shake it all about. That's what it's all about! 
Now, wasn't that so much more fun than just smiling and saying "cheese"! Kids, gotta love 'em!
See, I told you I had a good reason for being a blog slacker :) The morning sickness - make that all-day sickness - has been kicking my behind. Same way it was with Grace for like 14-15 wks. except this time I'm running around trying to keep up with a toddler! Hopefully in another month that 2nd trimester sudden burst of energy will kick in. Fingers crossed. Toes crossed.
In what seemed like ten seconds those two pink lines popped up and so the whirlwind of emotions began. Excitement, joy, pure exhiliration, and a tiny bit of angst thinking about sharing my mama love with anyone other than my little pumpkin. Needing additional confirmation (what is it about us that makes us take more than one pregnancy test even when the lines are dark as can be???) I grabbed the digital and BAM! 
the word PREGNANT popped up almost immediately. At least this time there were only two tests - with Grace, I think I took a test a day for like a week...just to be sure :)
When my hormone levels tripled instead of doubled during the 48 hr. check, the word TWINS (big gulp) popped up in the conversation. But since then we've had our first ultrasound and there's just one little bean in there, heartbeat 152. Such a sweet sight and sound! I don't think it matters how many kids you've had, hearing the heartbeat for the first time is just an amazing moment.
This is interesting 
I do it! I do it! (new phrase around our house :) 
Peanut Butter Love 
Mama: Grace, what do you think about the PB play dough?
So if you're looking for a fun little project, try the PB play dough - just remember to add a little flour to help with the gooeyness!
You see when I was pregnant with Grace I secretly wished for a little girl. Not that I would have loved a son any less, I just longed for that special mother-daughter bond I have with my mother that she has with her mother, my sweet grandma, to pass down one more generation. My wish was granted and I was gifted with a beautiful child full of energy and love for life. My charge: to nurture her soul and teach her His ways. Every day I pray for God to guide me in raising her, in leading her according to the path He's laid out for her. 
Sweet Twinkle Toes (the two stamps are from doing great in gymnastics earlier that morning :) 
All that dancing is hard work! Taking a little break with her beloved lovie and "moo moo" - pink giraffe (check out that adorable belly poking out!) 
So when we can freeze time, even for just a couple of hours, and just cherish the gifts that are our children, for that time, everything that is right with the world seems to come flowing in with a magnitude to be reckoned with. In that moment, I am humbled by His Grace for me, for my daughter, for all of humanity.
I love you to the moon and back AND AGAIN, AND AGAIN!
Guess the lessons on sharing are paying off :) 
On the way to Mimi & Pop's, we stopped by Noonie & Papa A.J.'s. Noonie was ready to go on a date with Papa A.J. to see a play. Doesn't she look pretty?!! 
This is what "ants in your pants" looks like :) 
Hanging out with Mimi and Pop, waiting to go trick-or-treating. You mean we have to eat dinner first? Bummer. 
Grace with cousin Jade, as Ashley Tisdale from HS Musical II 
First experience trick-or-treating. She wasn't too sure at first, but once the neighbors opened the door and handed her THREE lollipops she decided Halloween WAS fun and then quickly proceeded to try to go inside their house! Little stinker! 
Checking out all the loot! 
Deciding what to try first with Mimi and Pop 
Hanging out with Aunt Lexi 
Enjoying yet another lollie (I hope Mama's not keeping count!) 
WHO is getting near my stash?!?! No, no, no, no, no! 
All that hard work wore me out! Check out the two little strawberries I got as a bonus (my knees - ouch!) 
All in all, a very fun night and a great 1st trick or treating experience!!
They were filled with sugar cookies, the chocolate ghost cakes we worked so hard on, homemade jack-o-lantern lollipops, goldfish, and stickers - you know, for all the moms who don't let their kiddos eat candy...on Halloween...???
Hmmm, what's all this? 
BUBBLES!! 
Look, Mama!!! 
You want me to stop enjoying this lollie, to try on my Halloween costume? Are you crazy?!! 
Okay, but you're going to have to catch me first!! 
Ooooh, I love it!!! 
Thanks so much, Carson!! 
BOO to you too, Carson! XOXO, Grace
