A Family of Phillips

Summertime

2010-08-19T21:21:00.000-07:00

...is almost gone but here are the highlights of our summer...

Freedom Trail in Boston

Swim Lessons

Vacation Bible School

Picking Blueberries

Celebrating the 4th of July

Growing Corn

Playing in the Sand

Walking on the Beach at Sunset

Making a surprise for a friend

More Swim Lessons

Buying and Trading Silly Bands

Other things without pictures are:

going to Canada to Fish, staying at Meemaw's in Michigan for a week, sewing with friends, eating cupcakes, staying up late, eating ice cream, playing in the sprinklers, seeing fireworks, drawing, coloring, getting in trouble, naps, sleeping late, attending birthday parties...

All in all Summer 2010 was a great and busy summer!

Meeting Pioneer Woman, Thanksgiving and the Arboretum

2009-12-04T06:43:00.000-08:00

Met her after standing in line for 6 hours...worth it.

Yummy Dressing and Thanksgiving FUN!

Could not of done this without the Grandparent's help...

Happy Birthday Landon!

2009-09-29T10:25:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is your 1st Bithday and your patry was last Saturday!
You started walking on Saturday after your birthday party!
We love you Monkey Toes!

Applesauce

2009-09-03T20:31:00.001-07:00

One of the fun things we did this summer was to make homemade applesauce.

Going BIG

2009-06-19T13:35:00.001-07:00

Many thanks to Rebecca and MyBlogFrog friends on MckMama's forum for helping me GO BIGGER!

Iheartfaces Sepia Challenge

2009-06-15T21:07:00.000-07:00

My first entry...

Family Time

2009-06-07T21:36:00.000-07:00

just the photos...

MckMama's Blurry Backgrounds

2009-05-27T20:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks for visiting...I took these with my Canon 50D and my 50mm 1.8f lens...enjoy!

MckMama's son Stellan and My Son Landon

2009-03-11T14:08:00.000-07:00

Could they be brothers?

Check out MckMama's blog and look at her very handson son who was COMPLETELY healed in utero when doctors told her he would surly die.

http://www.mycharmingkids.net/

Then Mr. Handson himself, Landon...

What do you think?

Milestones

2009-03-07T19:38:00.000-08:00

The last couple of weeks Ella and Landon have hit a couple of milestone in their lives...

I'll let you guess what they are...

Sunday, February 22

Saturday, March 7

Reese didn't hit any milestones except for being so darn cute everyday!

Thursday, February 26

I'm Back...

2009-02-24T19:00:00.000-08:00

Well, life since Mom's passing hasn't been easy. It has been a long time since life has beaten me down but hopefully I am digging out of this grieving. Some days are great, actually not a whole day has been great...some hours are great then the next I am just ready to throw in the towel. God is near the broken hearted, I am sure of this. He knows about death, even if it was just for 3 days. God knows my every thought and loves me anyway.

On another note completely...I have a new camera! And I am in love with it (actually I am in love with the pictures it takes of my kids)...anywho...check out these beautiful kids!

One Month Ago

2009-01-12T10:18:00.000-08:00

Meeting Landon

The whole family on Thanksgiving Day

Beautiful Mom

Today, one month ago, I lost my mom to a very short battle with pancreatic cancer.

18 days to be exact.

I miss her greatly.

Ella's Spirtual Birthday

2008-11-05T14:49:00.000-08:00

Well, it started 6 years ago. Praying that the word of God would fill this sweet baby girl's heart. That she would accept Christ at an early age...many nights praying the word of God over her.

November 2, 2008 at 8:15 pm..she invited Jesus Christ into her heart.

Her Story
At dinner that evening, I had made home made lemonade and was telling the girls that her Papa Reese loved to drink homemade lemonade that Nana made for him.
Ella asked me if I missed Papa Reese and I, of course, said yes. She said that we would get to see him again because he is in heaven with God and Jesus. She then said, "Do you know what I did today on the way home from choir practice?...I asked Jesus into my heart".

WOW...what?..really!...oh my...THANK GOODNESS...praise GOD...really...wow...what now????

I asked her why she would want to do that. She said so that she could live in heaven with Jesus and God when she died. She said that she wanted Jesus to forgive her for her sins.

Later after dinner, Scooter and Ella went outside to "talk" under the stars. It was a beautiful night here! Scooter said that he asked Ella many questions about her decision and was able to lead her in the prayer of salvation in a "special place" that Ella picked out.

She was glowing when she came back inside (daddy had been crying). She told me that she had prayed to ask Jesus to live in her heart.

Pray for us as we help her grow in her faith and to really trust Jesus in all things.

4 weeks

2008-10-29T11:33:00.000-07:00

Happy 4 weeks, Landon!

We are such a sweet additon to our family...

Phillips Updates

2008-10-24T05:55:00.000-07:00

Reese had Nursery Rhyme Day at School last week and she chose to dress up like the rhyme "Rain Rain Go Away"

Yesterday was Ella's 6th Birthday. We had her party back in the summer with friends Delaney and Allison, on Saturday Meemaw and Papa treated the girls to "Build a Bear". Then last night as a family we celebrated at CiCi's Pizza. It was also Meemaw and Papa's last day with us. So I am returning to full-time mommy hood as of 7:46 am today.

Landon had a weight check today with his doctor and he has officially surpassed his birth weight, weighing in at 8 lb 12.5 oz.

Introducing Landon!

2008-10-05T15:18:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Big World

Landon Hollon Phillips

born on Tuesday, September 30 at 4:43 pm

He weighed in at a whopping 8 lb 10 oz and 20 3/4 inches long

Pictures of the Girls

2008-09-28T23:54:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures that I have been meaning to post for about a month. They are of our "last day of summer at the pool".

Both of the girls did a great job with swim lessons this summer. Here is video of Reese jumping in the pool and swimming to her daddy and also Ella swimming 25 yards. I promised her that she could try out for the swim team next summer.

38 week check-ups

2008-09-27T17:16:00.000-07:00

Everything is still pretty good. Still on modified bed rest.

Monday's appointment:
No weight gain (I have gained a total of 13 pounds since conception).
Measuring 39 weeks
BP 150/90
No dilation
non-stress test was perfect

Thursday Appointment:
No weight gain
BP 150/95
non-stress test was perfect

I made it until today to do our monthly Angel Food Ministries Distribution. It was great to be there and to see all the smiling faces of our volunteers and our customers.

Scooter's mom got here last Sunday and his dad got here today. We are blessed to have them with us for about a month.

We are hoping to make it until Wednesday. I have my next appointment on Tuesday and all my pre-op blood work and paperwork.

Specific prayer requests:
That the c-section will be uneventful.
The my blood pressure will come down right after the surgery and I won't require magnesium to bring it down.
We have a healthy baby.
That the girls will adjust to their new roles of BIGGEST sister and BIG sister.
My recovery will be quick and without complications.

37 week check-ups

2008-09-18T14:17:00.000-07:00

Well, it has finally happened, I am on MODIFIED bed rest. Meaning, do as little as possible and lay down as much as possible. I have been very good and it reflects in my blood pressure readings. I had my best in a long time on Wednesday (126/69). The baby still looks great, moving lots and is "happy". I am feeling fine; no headaches, no vision problems and no liver problems-all great news.

Here are this week's stats:

Tuesday:
Weight Gain: 0
BP 150/90
Measuring 39 weeks
non-stress test on baby is perfect
My doctor started exams this week to see if any dilation has occurred and I am at "0".

Thursday:
Weight gain: 1
BP 150/90
non-stress test on baby is perfect

My next appointment is on Monday. I have only 3 appointments left before delivery day! One week and 6 days to go....

36 week check-ups

2008-09-11T20:09:00.000-07:00

This week wasn't the greatest for me but the baby looks great!

Sunday I woke up with a headache and it lasted all day until I woke up on Monday morning. I took my BP Sunday evening and it was high. I had my doctor's appointments on Monday and Thursday. I told the doctor about my headache and BP so she sent off for lab work to check my liver enzymes and platelets. I got the results today and all came back normal.
I was advised to take it easy this weekend and to come on Tuesday with a good BP reading! =) I AM NOT ON BED REST, just to clarify...

Monday's appointment:
No weight gain
BP 138/80
Measuring 37 weeks
non-stress test was perfect

Thursday's appointment:
3 lb weight gain
BP 150/95
non-stress test was perfect

35 week check-ups

2008-09-05T14:12:00.000-07:00

Both of my appointments went really well this week.

Tuesday Appointment:
BP 138/80
weight gain: 1 pound
Measuring 38 weeks
non-stress test on the baby was perfect
Baby's heart rate: 140s

Friday Appointment:
BP 120/80
weight gain: none
non-stress test on baby was perfect
Baby's heart rate: 130s

The baby is moving a lot and I have started "singing" in my sleep (okay, snoring), so Scooter isn't resting quite as well.

34 week Sonogram

2008-08-29T19:14:00.000-07:00

Everything looks great with the baby and mommy, too.

Mommy Stats:

BP 108/80

No weight gain

Measuring 37 weeks

Baby Stats:

Estimated Weight 5 lb 15 oz

Estimated Length: 18"

Heart rate: 130s

70% for Weight

Our doctor is really happy with the growth and movement of the baby and also with my blood pressure.

If the baby grows 1/2 inch and 1/2 pound each week until delivery, we are looking at an 8 pound baby that measures about 20".

We did not get great sonogram pictures this time because the baby is getting bigger and wasn't in the best position (head down, looking at my back with BOTH hands and arms over the head). But here is what we got:

First Day of Kindergarten and 34 week check-up

2008-08-25T14:23:00.000-07:00

So, we started off the morning by taking Ella to her first day of kindergarten. Her teacher is Mrs. Bradburn. I started crying the minute we pulled out of the driveway. Ella was SO excited about going to school today! Scooter, Reese and I walked her in. I was fine until I had to say good-bye and the tears started rolling again. But I made it out of the building before the "ugly cry" started.

Reese and I picked her up this afternoon. Her first day was good! Mrs. Bradburn said that she had a great day! She also said that Ella is a busy girl! (she hit the nail on the head!)

I asked Ella what was her favorite thing she did today. It was playing at recess on the log roll and the monkey bars. Her least favorite thing was lunch time (go figure). I wanted to know if she didn't like what she had for lunch or was it the actual lunchtime. She said she didn't like sitting still at lunch. (again, really no surprises there).

Everything went great at my doctor's appointment.

Mama stats:

BP 130/80

NO weight gain

Measuring 34 weeks

Baby stats:

Heartbeat: 140's

non-stress test was normal

We go in on Friday for a sonogram to check baby's weight and fluid.

32 Week check-up

2008-08-13T21:27:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update on me and baby #3.

Everything was fine today at the doctor.
My blood pressure was fine 126/80.
I am measuring 33 weeks.
Gained one pound.
My 3 hour glucose test came back NORMAL.
The baby's non-stress test was normal.

I start twice a weeks on Monday. I can not believe the generosity of all my friends to take care of my kiddos...Kim, Kelly, Katie and Jenitta (and a willing Karen) THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for loving me and my girls so much to lend a VERY needed helping hand...you girls ROCK!

Reese: Day 3 - Potty Training

2008-08-07T08:48:00.001-07:00

Okay, this will be my last update about the potty training. Just know that we are on the right path and haven't worn a diaper since Sunday night!

She is doing well and I am so proud of her. She went 8 hours last night with a dry night-night. She was also successful in going #2 (I know TMI) in the potty.

Day 3 stats:
Wet Panties: 2
Wet Night-Nights-0
Successes in Potty: 4
M&M's eaten: 11

31 week check-up

2008-08-06T12:00:00.000-07:00

Today I had my check-up with my ob and a non-stress test for the baby. All is well with both of us! I am measuring only one week ahead now, which is perfectly normal. My doctor said that the baby's fluids are normalizing and/or the baby has changed positions. The non-stress test went well. The baby is moving lots and no decelerations in the heartbeat, also no contractions.

Mommy Stats:

Weight Gain 1 lb (for a total of 9)

BP: 120/80 (which is VERY good!)

Measuring 32 weeks

I go in for my 3-hour glucose on Friday and then another non-stress test for baby next Wednesday.

Also, here is a picture of me, my baby bump and Ella about a week ago.

Reese: Day 2 - Potty Training

2008-08-06T11:52:00.000-07:00

Well, today was much better. She is doing really well at controlling her little bladder.

She went ALL day without an accident until 8:15 pm...right before bedtime. I really thought she was going to make it all day!

We even had a quick trip (one hour away from home) in panties to Jo-Ann's and she stayed dry the whole trip.

Day 2 Stats:
Wet Panties: 1 pair
Wet Night-Nights: 1
Successes in the Potty:3
M&M's eaten: 6

Reese: Day 1 - Potty Training

2008-08-04T18:51:00.001-07:00

We started the day about 10 am with potty training. Reese helped me teach her dolly to go on the potty. Reese got to see how much praise and kisses from Mommy that the dolly got. The thing with Reese is that she loves to GIVE kisses and praise (something I figured out today). She is much more of a giver than receiver...

This morning I was so tired of sitting in the bathroom with her, I was SO ready for nap time. She took a great nap and we worked at going in the potty from 6:15 pm until 8:15 pm...tonight was much better, she went twice.

It's now 8:53 pm and Reese is in bed. Day two starts tomorrow...

Today's Stats:
Wet Panties: 9 pairs
Wet Night-Nights (Pull-ups): 2
Successes in the Potty: 3
M & M's eaten: 6

30 week check-up and Sonogram

2008-08-01T20:15:00.000-07:00

The sonogram went very well. It was great to see this baby again. They did another sonogram at this time to determine the weight and measurements of the baby and also to check the fluid around the baby. The baby is doing well. My fluid is in the high normal range.

Baby Stats:
Approx. Weight 3 lbs 11 oz (70% percentile)
Approx. Length 15.2 inches

Mommy:
Measuring 33 weeks
No weight gain
BP: 140/80

My glucose test came back high, so I will be going on August 8 to do a 3 hour glucose test.

With my blood pressure being on the high side of normal, I will start going TWICE PER WEEK to do a non-stress test on the baby beginning the week of Aug 18 until the baby is delivered...can you say 14 appointments! I was a little discouraged by this news of going twice per week. But I am glad that the doctor is being cautious for me and the baby.

My next appointment is on Wednesday, August 6 for my first non-stress test.

My next sonogram is scheduled for August 29.

Finally...here are two pictures of the baby...

Look at those cheeks!

Nice profile!

29 Week Check-up

2008-07-24T18:16:00.001-07:00

Today was full of events!

It was my glucose test and also my rho gram shot.

Stats:
Blood Pressure: 138/98 (a little high)
Weight gain: 4 pounds in one month! (for a total of 8)
Baby is measuring at 34 weeks (FIVE weeks big)

So with all those factors, my doctor has put me on weekly visits for the next three weeks (I was supposed to start going every OTHER week at this point). We go in for a sonogram next Wednesday (July 30), a non-stress test on August 6 then just a belly check on August 13.

I have been monitoring my blood pressure at home and it is within a normal range every time I take it, so I am keeping a record for my doctor to show her it is just her office that makes my pressure jump up! =)

The reason for the 4th sonogram is to check and see how much fluid is around the baby, and get new measurements of the baby to see how much "Sweetie" has grown.

I should know the results of my glucose test later this week.

And the last of the events for the day was scheduling the c-section! October 1 at 7:30 am will be the baby's birthday, if I can hold out that long!

Check back next week for new sonogram pictures of the baby!

Happy Birthday, Nana!

2008-07-22T20:15:00.000-07:00

Just a note to tell my mom, Happy 78th Birthday!

We will be thinking about you today and remembering so many fun times!

Wish we could be with you today...we would give you lots of hugs and kisses!

Have fun today! You deserve it!

Here is a picture that Ella colored "Just for Nana"! (Look for it in the mail, soon!)

Show-off Day!

2008-07-17T18:36:00.000-07:00

Today was Ella's show-off day at swim lessons. Mr. Trevor (Ella's teacher) said that she is a FISH!

Mrs. Jenitta, Cade and Reese watched as Ella swam...

After show-off day we swam with the Shoemakers...

Independence Weekend

2008-07-07T06:10:00.000-07:00

What a fun weekend we had!

We saw four nights of fireworks! One night we counted nearly 20 displays going on at once!

We had a wonderful steak dinner with friends and had fun swimming together as a family at our city pool, fun at the RoughRiders baseball game and just plain ole' relaxing at home.

Nine years ago Scooter asked me to marry him on the 4th of July...really has it been 9 years? Two precious baby girls and a new baby on the way..I guess you could say a lot has changed for us in the last 9 years!

25 weeks

2008-06-25T20:59:00.000-07:00

I had two doctor's visits today. One with my OB's partner and one with the Perinatologist for our second sonogram.

My stats:
weight gain: 4 pounds total since conception
Blood Pressure: 120/70
Measuring 26 weeks

I am feeling really good. My lower back pain has really been minimal the past few weeks.

Baby Stats:
Approx weight: 1 lb 13 oz.
Everything looks great!

We were able to see everything (well almost everything) on the baby...heart, lungs, lips, nose, ears, hands, feet...all look great and are within normal range.

Here is the latest picture of our prince or princess...

The baby is laying on it's back looking up. Head on the left and belly on the right. You can see nose and lips pointing straight up. You can also see a hand and forearm above the head touching it's forehead.

Sea World

2008-06-17T22:58:00.000-07:00

Our family vacation this year was in San Antonio at Sea World. We had a great time!

I didn't know if it would be a great vacation for two reasons...I am pregnant and we are a proud owner of a two-year old complete with meltdowns over "nothing". I was worried that BOTH Reese and I would have meltdowns over "nothing" if WE didn't get our naps. Then a third reason came on Friday night...Reese was getting sick. I did take her to the on-call doctor on Saturday morning before we began our ride to SA. Luckily, she did not get any worse and by today she is 90% back to herself. We really did have a great time with very few incidents. Reese and I did great even without our afternoon naps.

We had a fun time seeing Shamu, all the shows, feeding the dolphins and sea lions, riding the Rio Loco and Log Ride. We are also very thankful for the water park at Sea World. We would not of made it if we couldn't cool off in all that refreshing water!

Hope you enjoyed the pcitures!

Memorial Day Weekend

2008-05-25T22:09:00.000-07:00

Ella and Reese finally have their new bunk beds in their room. Scooter worked a couple of weekends on them to paint them white. They look great in there. The girls have now have a lot of room to play.

We installed a closet system in there room this weekend...I loved doing this!

I pinched nerve in my neck early Saturday morning. So I went to our chiropractor on Saturday and then laid around the house on Sunday. I am feeling better but not 100% yet.

Here are pics of the new bunk beds and the girls! Enjoy!

18 week Sonogram

2008-05-07T18:46:00.000-07:00

We had the Level 2 sonogram today. Everything with the baby is developing on schedule and the "mystery baby" looks very healthy. We did not find out if the baby is a boy or a girl...
It was interesting to look at our baby in detail. The perionatalogist did many more measurements than what had happened in the past with Ella and Reese. The doctor probably did measurements for about 45 minutes. We saw hands and feet and kidneys, even one of the ears! Actually all body parts were identified and measured.

Here is the lastest picture of our Prince or Princess...

17 weeks

2008-04-30T19:22:00.000-07:00

I had my check-up today for baby #3! The heartbeat was about 140 beats per minute. It took her a minute to find the heartbeat which of course is scary. It was nice to hear the thump, thump, thump! My blood pressure climbed a little this month to 140/80. It has been a steady 120/60 since the beginning of the pregnancy. I have gained one pound since I became pregnant. She will wait to recheck my pressure next month, so it sounded like she wasn't too concerned.
We go next Wednesday for our sonogram. It is a Level 2 where they do a few extra measurements since I am 35. I am excited to see how much the baby has grown. I will post new sonogram pictures next week.
Pray that my blood pressure will go down!

Our Ministry-Angel Food

2008-04-25T19:15:00.000-07:00

Today was the Saturday that we distribute Angel Food Ministries to our church members and community. We have some AWESOME volunteers that help us out every month (about 25 each month). Scooter and I love leading this together. Ella has become quite the helper, too. Last month and today she went with Scooter to the drop site to pick-up our food. She does a great job counting the boxes and loading them into the trailer.

Our church has been hosting distribution of food once a month since March of 2007. We have been blessed to meet so many people from our community and from our church that we did not know. It has been neat to form relationships with people that don't attend our church and to see their hope in the Lord blossom-which of course-that is why we do this anyway...to Glorify God!

If you never have heard me speak about Angel Food (which is highly unlikely) or if you live somewhere other than Carrollton, check out the Angel Food Ministries website...it is http://www.angelfoodministries.com/ and see if there is a host site near you to buy great food at a great price from. When you purchase the food you are actually helping others in your community who are struggling. This is open to anyone who EATS! =)

and she SCORES!

2008-04-13T12:36:00.000-07:00

Saturday was our season opener (is that a word?) for modified coach pitch baseball. Ella had a great time. Her position this week was catcher and she did a fine job. She also scored one run for the Ironbirds. Take a look...

I am amazed what a year makes. The kids did so well and their attention is a lot longer this year. Granted they are still learning but I am so proud of them!

Stormy Weather and Prayers

2008-04-10T19:01:00.000-07:00

For the last two nights we had stormy weather here in Carrollton. Night before last was 6 hours of thunderstorms and hail. Last night we woke up to a tornado siren at 3:45 am. Not the wake up call that I wanted. We lost power just a few minutes later then everyone got into the laundry room to wait out the storm. We have some damage to our roof but everyone is safe and sound!

We were praying out loud for God to watch over us and protect us...to spare our city, neighborhood and friends. Ella asked if she could pray to God to just make the tornado stop. "Of course", we said in unison! She did ask Him to make the tornado stop. After the storms had passed and the power came back on, Ella said "God answered our prayers, mommy." It was a light bulb moment for her to actually pray for something and to see the answer.

Rejoice with us that our God hears our prayers!

Here are a few pictures from our neighborhood:

Bonks on the Head and 13 week check-up

2008-04-02T20:11:00.000-07:00

Well, this week has been a busy week for Reese. She has had two major bonks on the head. One right between her eyes courtesy of Ella's pink baseball bat and the one on her left temple courtesy of the orange indoor slide at preschool. She likes to show everyone that she has "ouchies". Both will look worse before getting better (think that nice progression from red to purple to yellow).

I had my doctor's appointment for the baby today. The heartbeat sounds great! It is so nice to hear that quick thump, thump, thump after 5 weeks! I will be scheduling a level 2 sonogram between 16-18 weeks. This is recommended for mothers who will be 35 or older when giving birth. This will take a few extra measurements to make sure the baby is developing just fine.

Here are a few new pictures of the family...

12 weeks!

2008-03-25T09:05:00.000-07:00

We have made it to 12 weeks...cross the first trimester off the list...IT IS DONE! Thankfully, I have been feeling better over the past few days. I go back to the doctor next Wednesday for a belly check. I have had more headaches than with the other two pregnancies, so pray that they would go away and stay away! Only 196 days to go until we meet the new princess or prince of our family!

Palm Sunday

2008-03-19T15:03:00.000-07:00

Ella experienced her first Lord's Supper at church on Sunday. This is the first time she has ever seen anyone do this. I tried to give her a "heads-up" on what was going to happen on our way to church. How do you explain "symbolic" to a child that is 5? She did ask a good question.."Does symbolic mean pretend?" Well...kind of.
She had lots of questions during the Lord's Supper...some were:
"Daddy are you going to go up there on stage?"
"What does that cracker taste like? Is it yummy?" Scooter's answer, "Not really."
"That smells like grape juice, not blood. I like grape juice. Can I have some?"
She did listen to all of the scripture that was read. She knows that Easter is when Jesus died on the cross, was buried in an empty tomb and rose from the dead. One of her favorite things that she received last year right before Easter was "Resurrection Eggs" that explains the story of Easter. Look for them at http://www.christianbook.com. They are worth the money!

More Snow!

2008-03-06T20:33:00.000-08:00

Well we had round two of snow on Thursday. Scooter took the girls out to play in the snow and there was enough "packing snow" (those of you in Indiana and Michigan know what this term means) to make a couple of snowmen (actually Ella said one of them was a snowWOman).
Enjoy the pictures...

A Sneaky Cake Thief

2008-03-06T11:48:00.000-08:00

I had a busy day of cake baking to get ready for this weekend. I have 3 party cakes and a wedding cake to decorate for this weekend. I finally had the last cake baking in the oven...just minutes away from being able to turn the oven off after 5 1/2 hours of straight baking when I discover our youngest child taking bites out of one of the cakes! Can you believe it?! Sneaky little cake thief...

Only in Texas...SNOW on March 3

2008-03-03T18:23:00.000-08:00

Spring is a mere 17 days away and it is snowing here in Texas. The bradford pear trees are already budding out and the irises are already blooming.

We had to go outside tonight to enjoy the snow because it is the "first" of the season for us!

Ella headed inside and announced "We need hot chocolate and cookies to warm up"! So we enjoyed some chocolate chip cookies and hot chocolate before heading off to bed.

Hello #3!

2008-02-27T12:53:00.000-08:00

Well, we wanted to update you on what's cooking at our home here in Texas!
We went to the doctor today for our first visit for baby #3! I am 8 weeks and one day pregnant! This baby is due around October 7 but the c-section will be about 7-10 days earlier.
I am feeling "okay" each day but a little more uneasy toward the evening. Hopefully this will get as bad as it gets for nauseousness.

Check out the newest pictures of #3.
The heartbeat was 166 beats per minute (normal).

The baby is the size a kidney bean (3/4 of an inch). The head is on the left and the feet are on the right. I know...a little hard to see but use your imagination.

We told Ella tonight...her reaction was sweet. "Can we name the baby Sweetie?" was her first question. Then "How does the baby get in there?" and "I already knew you had a baby in your tummy...God told me the other night." So sweet...

We asked Ella if the baby was going to be a girl or boy and she said "A baby brother". We asked Reese if she wanted a baby sister or baby brother. Her response was "BABY"! Oh and by the way...we won't know if it is a boy or girl until the birth...

We'll keep you posted on other fun stuff with the family...check back soon!