One Week to Go!

Yep, you read that right...we have scheduled the induction for November 6...that's next Thursday. I am sooooo ready. I think Abigail has dropped more because I have been having horrible tailbone, back, pelvic, and hip pain the last few days. So, who knows...she may come on her own before next week. At my ultrasound on Tuesday, they estimated that she weighed 7 lbs 5 ounces already. We decided to go ahead and induce next week so that she doesn't get too big (we don't want her much bigger because EK was 7.7 and I had a horrible tear and recovery with her). Anyway, we are super excited and trying to get all the last minute stuff done. I am going to enjoy my relatively good sleep (besides the 2-3 times I get up to use the bathroom), snuggle with and hug on Samuel and EK a LOT, and eat lots of halloween candy over the weekend! Oh, I will also vote on Tuesday and try to get some quality time with my husband. I am a little nervous about having a newbown around again...Ellie Kate and I had a horrible first 10 weeks together. I am just praying that Abigail will be more laid back and have no reflux. Thank goodness my gallbladder is gone so I don't have to worry about gallstone attacks!

Ellie Kate Cuteness

Recently, I have gotten some super cute pics of Ellie Kate. She rarely smiles or even looks at the camera, so these were so fun to capture! I could just eat her up:)

smiling for the camera...a rare moment

jumping on Samuel's bed

getting into Samuel's bday presents

she's enjoying the baby stuff that is slowly being brought out

Sorority Row Trick or Treat

We took the kids to sorority row on campus last night where all the houses had little games and were handing out candy. It is something I remember well from when I was in school here, so it was fun to take the kids over there and be on the other side! We saws lots of friends and students and of course got way too much candy!

in front of the alpha chi house

Star of the Week

Samuel gets to be Star of the Week this week at school. He helped me make a poster all about himself that he got to share with his class today. We went to watch his presentation and it was so cute! He was so proud to be able to use the pointer and talk about himself and then show 3 things to his class (his soccer trophy, Ukraine nesting doll, and his Beluga Whale).

This video is for the grandma's mostly...this is when Samuel shared some about his poster
(be sure to pause the music player on the bottom right of the blog)

WARNING...POSTING OVERLOAD BELOW...keep on scrolling!

The Party

A silly face, a he or she, what will you paint your pumpkin to be?

Please Join us For Samuel's 6th Birthday
A Pumpkin Painting Party!

The Presents

Samuel got to open a lot of presents over the weekend!

We got him a pretend shaving kit and he was so excited to use it!

Last Post for Today, I Promise!

Grab a kleenex when you watch this video. Apparently, it was shown on Saturday on ESPN's Gameday. It's another reason to love UGA and the Richt family!

http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/video/videopage?categoryId=2564308&brand=null&videoId=3663225&n8pe6c=2

On another note, I think I deserve some sympathy/credit for holding down the fort alone this weekend (friday and saturday) with both kids at nearly 37 weeks preggo while Jeff was at our fall retreat! By saturday night, I was achy and irritable, and very thankful that I am not a single mom. I am glad that I don't have to stay at home by myself often and I am very thankful that it's not usually when I am great with child! Anyway, this is the reason we had to have Samuel's party yesterday rather than on his real birthday. I was very bummed about that but I really tried to make Saturday as special as possible for him. Anyay, enough rambling...I seriously posted WAY too much today!

Happy Birthday Samuel

I can't believe I have a 6 year old! Samuel is growing up so fast and getting so big. He is so excited about getting older too! Today he asked if he was grown up yet! Ha, Ha:)

Although he isn't grown up yet :), Samuel really has matured so much this year. He has such a fun personality and is understanding so much about life. Kindergarten has been awesome and he is totally catching up to his peers which is amazing to us! He has come such a long way. His favorite things are pretty much still the same...playing outside, digging, tractors, fishing, and helping his daddy (or grandaddy's) do any kind of yard work. Samuel has a very caring spirit and is very empathetic to others needs. He is still also my big helper (especially lately) and always helping me clean up or do chores around the house. I know this might not last much longer so I am very appreciative of it now! He's still my small guy (hanging in there in the 10%)...and probably always will be, but that's okay.

Jeff and I are so proud to be his parents. His birthday is always a little bittersweet to me as I can't retell him any of his birth story and I don't know what his first 3 years were really like. It makes me sad, and yet I am so thankful that God brought Samuel to us in His timing. I often think of his birth mother and wonder if she remembers this day. I always specifically pray for her today and hope she knows what a wonderfully sweet and amazing child she gave us!



Since his birthday party isn't until tomorrow (for reasons I'm sure you will hear about later) I wanted to still celebrate in some way today. This morning I made him chocolate chip pancakes (thanks for the idea Jules) and put a candle in them for him to blow out. Then we went to Toys R Us where he got a balloon and birthday crown as well. I also let him pick out a toy. We then went to Old Navy (dressed in our Halloween costumes) and got free tee-shirts! All in all, it has been a pretty good day so far. Tomorrow we will celebrate some more!

Happy Birthday Samuel...Mama loves you so much!!!

20 Months Old

Technically, it was yesterday, but I never got the chance to post. Ellie Kate is inching ever closer to 2 years old and I cannot believe it. She is getting so big and so smart. It is such a thrill to hear her talk and see her learning so much so quickly. We have so much fun with her and she truly makes me laugh daily! I have to say that her obedience and hyper level have gotten much better too! She is still full of energy and spunk but she has really toned down a bit so that has been great for my sanity.

Lately she has been communicating so much. It's so fun to hear her talk.

One day she was building with her mega blocks (probably one of her favorite things to do) and she had built a pretty good tower. She brought it to me and said..."mama, that's cool?!" It was so cute. Another day she got out a ball and walked over to Jeff and said..."Catch!"

We have an action packed weekend as my big boy turns 6 so check back in for pictures and updates!

Set your TIVO...

or DVR or VCR...whatever you use these days...to watch Oprah on Tuesday October 28! One of my sorority sisters and her husband will be on the show (along with others) talking about their son, Eliot. It's an amazing story and you can read all about it on their blog here. I'm so excited for them to be on the show, and more importantly for people around the country to hear about God's amazing work!

The Home Stretch!

36 weeks and counting! You can tell my mind is on baby stuff lately since that is what I have been blogging most about! I am nearly 2 cm dilated and 75% effaced, with Abigail having dropped a bit to station 2. That means my body is getting ready! Woohooo! I lost a pound this week, my blood pressure is perfect, and my belly is still measuring big...so we have another ultrasound scheduled for next week to see just how big this little gal is. Right now, we have tentatively scheduled an induction for November 12 when I turn 39 weeks...but I guess that could be moved up some if she is measuring really big. Apart from some heartburn and acid reflux, I am actually feeling pretty decent. I just can't believe I only have 3 weeks, at the most, to go!

My sweet friend, Meredith, had a little shower for me on Sunday. She had some yummy food and we enjoyed fun fellowship with some other girls...and of course I got some cute baby stuff! Then, Sunday night some sweet friends here in T-town took me to dinner and we celebrated some more. I am so overwhelmed!!!

Meredith and I

with my aunt Lisa and cousin Julia

how cute is this diaper cake?

Preparing for Baby

I'm now 35 weeks and have started my weekly doctor visits! It's hard to believe. I've enjoyed nesting, but am definitely just ready to meet Abigail now! We still have a lot to do as far as getting the car seat installed and all the baby gear back out and put together...but for the most part I think we are ready! I've been crampy and having some contractions already, so that makes things interesting!

The ladies at my church bible study (that I've only been attending for like 2 months) threw me a baby shower after our study this past Tuesday! I was, and still am, so overwhelmed at their love and support in celebrating Abigail when they barely know me. It was fun to get some more baby stuff and of course lots of pink! And, I actually have 2 more little celebrations this weekend! It is so special to me to get to celebrate another precious life!

Some of us at the shower...I love these women already!

And, here is the nursery. Most of the stuff is from EK's nursery. I did add a few accessories...mainly the canvas prints that I really enjoyed painting! I still need to get a lamp and a few more small things, but basically it's done.

A close up of the crib...the letters really do show up better in real life!

Last Soccer Game

It was short season, but really the perfet length for us! I think Samuel enjoyed it for the most part. We are proud that he stuck with it and tried his best every game...even if sometimes he was more interested in wrestling with his teamates or climbing the goal:).

Happy Fall Y'all!

Fall Break

Samuel, Jeff, my dad (who is in education), and my brother (who is in grad school at Duke) all had fall break last week(end) so we all went to my parents house! It was fun to see Ryan and Erin (the newlyweds) and spend time with them since we rarely get to do that. On Saturday, we went to some land that Erin's family owns and the boys went fishing, 4 wheeling, and hunting. Erin's brother, Matt, killed a rattlesnake...as you can see Samuel was quite fascinated by that (don't worry, the head was cut off). He also cought some big fish in the pond and saw an armadillo! I hunkered down in the cabin since I was recovering from the stomach virus.

On Sunday afternoon, we went to a little farm near my parents house where Samuel got to ride a pony (EK got on for a little while too). He loved playing like he was a cowboy! Both kids got to feed the pony's and a cute little baby goat. Then we tried to get some cute fall pictures with the pumkins but neither child really cooperated (I guess that's to be expected...but frustrating!). I really love Fall!!! One of my favorite places to go was a pumpkin patch in Athens...boy do I miss that place!!! We are going to try to find another one around here in Alabama, but I don't know if we will have time as the next few weeks are quite busy with ministry and then Samuel's 6th birthday...not to mention anticipating the arrival of #3!

Life

I keep hearing this song on the radio. I really like it because I truly want to treasure this stage of life and every moment with my kids. Some days are exhausting and I complain a lot. Many days I am wishing for the time to go by quickly just so I can get the kids to bed. As we are quickly approaching the arrival of Abigail, I especially find myself wanting to treasure every moment with Samuel and Ellie Kate. I also want to treasure every kick, every ache, every contraction, etc. because this could be the last time I experience it. Every time I hear this song, I am reminded that one day I am going to look back at these crazy days and miss the pitter patter of feet, the cries in the middle of the night, the kicks in my belly, the constant questions, the cuddles, the early mornings, the anticipation of meeting another little one, the soccer games, the laughter, the cries...

You're gonna miss this
You're gonna want this back
You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're gonna miss this
(Trace Adkins, "You're Gonna Miss This")

song is now added to my playlist :)


Samuel and other Kindergartners performing at the PTA meeting

Pink boots...what else could a girl want?

Still Rolling!

I think Jeff would be really proud of me that I have been talking about Alabama football so much on here lately!!! It is fun to live in Tuscaloosa when we are 6-0 and ranked #2 in the nation!!! ROLL TIDE!!!

There were like a gazillion people in town this weekend and I didn't even get to see half of them!! We went to the quad and the Alpha Chi house before the game, but then the kids and I came back home for naps and air conditioning!

Connor, Ray, and Jeff
(old roomies)

Ray and Jeff cheering on the Tide to a not so exciting win (but we'll take it)!

33 Weeks...

THEN
(with Ellie Kate)

and NOW
(with Abigail)

I wore this shirt today and thought I remembered having some preggo pics with EK in the same shirt at around the same time. When I found them I was excited to see that they were when I was 33 weeks too, so I had Jeff take some tonight. I think I look about the same. This pregnancy has really been different though...so far I have very little swelling, my blood pressure is perfect, and I have no carpell tunnell syndrome (all of those I had by this point with EK). Weight gain is about the same but I do seem to have more aches and pains with this pregnancy. It's so crazy that she is going to be here before we know it. I am finishing up the nursery so hopefully I will have pictures up soon (but don't hold your breath)!:)

Pictures

CAUGHT!!! Samuel found the key and is trying to get in the storage shed...a big NO NO!

Riding the carousel at the Mall of Georgia...she LOVED it!

crying because it stopped and she did not want to get off

Cute blue dress I made...now I just need to get it monogrammed

yet another pillowcase dress...they are just too easy to make...and cheap!

In Athens with friends