tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57802511150531234852024-03-04T22:25:52.821-06:00Mama of 2 E'sThe Ramblings of MotherhoodLaurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356883575132461683noreply@blogger.comBlogger299125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5780251115053123485.post-19281596360648364602010-12-01T22:18:00.005-06:002010-12-01T22:49:10.305-06:00Playing Catch-upHey there! I can't sleep and thought I could at least catch up on blogging. HA. And Blogger is not arranging my pictures correctly or letting ME arrange them. But, you get the point.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02s5JHkorCvYQT4DYiTQqE6hNAuTZfZEdLM2MYKpT9MC7UaSoeiFv9th19_Xdf372AwOCOqDQXlRZmJCUlVELGnVUPNTsl9jmOCJVVu0_ypcjegwbYWPjyVat2Lc2yqRmXnZCz5FboUM/s1600/100_3006.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545937909481660322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02s5JHkorCvYQT4DYiTQqE6hNAuTZfZEdLM2MYKpT9MC7UaSoeiFv9th19_Xdf372AwOCOqDQXlRZmJCUlVELGnVUPNTsl9jmOCJVVu0_ypcjegwbYWPjyVat2Lc2yqRmXnZCz5FboUM/s400/100_3006.JPG" /></a> My two kiddos are growing faster than I can fathom.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeef95Uys4Bp8W63wCLHNQKw1J8g6jQ9whZKmrk7zNWFYOMQNIKIP05Kh5S2IFlEgqG_J807Xpzi9lnQg1kQQG6af8OBnnfkAQL7zpMHM7jrHHia-mBcujhTBFxJja6TN-4e5kz4Mcvbo/s1600/100_3057.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545937907732890082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeef95Uys4Bp8W63wCLHNQKw1J8g6jQ9whZKmrk7zNWFYOMQNIKIP05Kh5S2IFlEgqG_J807Xpzi9lnQg1kQQG6af8OBnnfkAQL7zpMHM7jrHHia-mBcujhTBFxJja6TN-4e5kz4Mcvbo/s400/100_3057.JPG" /></a> Ethan had a 5<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> Birthday H<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">alloween</span> Party this year! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">SOOO</span> fun!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwjXQdqlSnqU8CT2Su1pdzw-XmfajEabK7oOasirpB1xPdnqCWXF41Sh0W6275b9bPLuXhC-F0M7yMEbauKVPh2u4slBVb6RU0epNhaEfL20QkDm-H_k2N0qKZVf5Z7I_C-CoBMxSdBg/s1600/100_3121.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545937900514654594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwjXQdqlSnqU8CT2Su1pdzw-XmfajEabK7oOasirpB1xPdnqCWXF41Sh0W6275b9bPLuXhC-F0M7yMEbauKVPh2u4slBVb6RU0epNhaEfL20QkDm-H_k2N0qKZVf5Z7I_C-CoBMxSdBg/s400/100_3121.JPG" /></a> Emma Grace. I promise to catch up on her individually SOON!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjES7ukMg8mvT7I396JLfbVHbMCS8q0-whGdsALdoALmlevUvYBwIK6ldUWqnxh1PI6ngX6mOZLFuoZZ_J8NezV1Ud1SXG9MuzeWbgQXRVZafMCTuZCenER1nXDml6qVhDQxhB-olY5GDA/s1600/100_3134.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545937900100661122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjES7ukMg8mvT7I396JLfbVHbMCS8q0-whGdsALdoALmlevUvYBwIK6ldUWqnxh1PI6ngX6mOZLFuoZZ_J8NezV1Ud1SXG9MuzeWbgQXRVZafMCTuZCenER1nXDml6qVhDQxhB-olY5GDA/s400/100_3134.JPG" /></a> Ethan, or as we call him, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ethee</span>. His sister dubbed him that.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ_ZzOOvVqI9QuXqNsx_AVjnTpYdT2w_3XpRPzQPskWOJuYt5zxxU848EshzMkFFTbZy0L8JQThQvovxML3Z50Yg77p2qZ-YWYHSkbxDoLif-8BqPlTxw8F2iwuMp9aPE-eJSmbwivu-Q/s1600/E%2526M1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 326px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545937895739276818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ_ZzOOvVqI9QuXqNsx_AVjnTpYdT2w_3XpRPzQPskWOJuYt5zxxU848EshzMkFFTbZy0L8JQThQvovxML3Z50Yg77p2qZ-YWYHSkbxDoLif-8BqPlTxw8F2iwuMp9aPE-eJSmbwivu-Q/s400/E%2526M1.JPG" /></a> I look at this picture and can't really sum up how much I love these two.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545936781844220226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFfwyiS0Ge4iPbMY2KYd3TgfiurO3Gk1oCGRbFwm7RAzqLMlkcYyHEPzFR-6bP5TqoMb9WpGrt9O6LXJE3sRJuFnwHYHksflBZue403TKZOP9qbAhhPW59JPFzh1kL9G7lOXHrDgvlTuk/s400/100_2898.JPG" />Ethan played soccer this fall. By the last game I think he finally figured out what to do! : )<br /><br /><br /><br /><div> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkYHyjx5rKuu5rxpk7CvJX13czKt27AnRImXvbWLjgSPze2W-Iu5hyphenhyphen_VJtSR3Vk4WcVHGUyeub69FFoA2jtxMOeFjoM_Pemh-5Np57XePe9X32kCT_3ktngG0t3u82OIxcIr6MvhS3Irc/s1600/100_2928.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545936773285329602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkYHyjx5rKuu5rxpk7CvJX13czKt27AnRImXvbWLjgSPze2W-Iu5hyphenhyphen_VJtSR3Vk4WcVHGUyeub69FFoA2jtxMOeFjoM_Pemh-5Np57XePe9X32kCT_3ktngG0t3u82OIxcIr6MvhS3Irc/s400/100_2928.JPG" /></a> I LOVE <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">PUMPKINS</span>! And so does Emma. She prefers any pumpkin the same size or larger than herself.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTOyC7U2C50Ww9chnUo-Sv_PlVTLmnFcTdV_m1JvTvN8hQZ0ubkItVm311RFA9o8PuLqlQyANWJcyH3g1PLsQ809WRM9BmkHU5gr3G5o1pdr_21DPeH6oYq95byBBIIgTKgVhMAFkDqeI/s1600/100_2933.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545936767565681698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTOyC7U2C50Ww9chnUo-Sv_PlVTLmnFcTdV_m1JvTvN8hQZ0ubkItVm311RFA9o8PuLqlQyANWJcyH3g1PLsQ809WRM9BmkHU5gr3G5o1pdr_21DPeH6oYq95byBBIIgTKgVhMAFkDqeI/s400/100_2933.JPG" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj18rgbTojonf7PhqqdxA6gAed3x_dDUpqeV9vitYmHPiOF3Gj8Gy_-wcz0BdUv63tfgjCGfn4yjsaZcJ_R1c7LlTCv-5o_KKIOFgOIgQMyBiiSOq7U_Di1FVHGqlNql0S0Xizns8rle3A/s1600/100_2992.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545936761419608594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj18rgbTojonf7PhqqdxA6gAed3x_dDUpqeV9vitYmHPiOF3Gj8Gy_-wcz0BdUv63tfgjCGfn4yjsaZcJ_R1c7LlTCv-5o_KKIOFgOIgQMyBiiSOq7U_Di1FVHGqlNql0S0Xizns8rle3A/s400/100_2992.JPG" /></a> Ethan's class <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">field trip</span> to "The Pumpkin Patch"!</div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioIzZOxvCcVnv2Z7o7t4d877VYSsJ7UWejWpSGaa3OUs3avgHWnV3VuylaJbFV_So-WuExcOKTJywbwcn_J_n_HcVaPhsZRv52QxW9cYritiIIQRY5bFDQJ9TguH4OSa-b8nBbHPgU7O8/s1600/100_3008.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545936753602362082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioIzZOxvCcVnv2Z7o7t4d877VYSsJ7UWejWpSGaa3OUs3avgHWnV3VuylaJbFV_So-WuExcOKTJywbwcn_J_n_HcVaPhsZRv52QxW9cYritiIIQRY5bFDQJ9TguH4OSa-b8nBbHPgU7O8/s400/100_3008.JPG" /></a> This is one of my favorite <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">pictures</span> ever. Ethan never looks at the camera. Even if his FACE is looking his eyes are not. And Emma. She wanted to stand by the door for her picture. Her mouth is crooked because she is saying, "CHEESE!"<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9uG5DVuYk8E9d-ewqCmAXkGkw0tdlgTd8F2FXZWI6j-AzdXSwXedu4hNMye-S4646YrYKZKiRBB8gWyoKBU-1GptB3qv3xGSnpPVK1W3WN2Lq4bIXwzVnxgH6LumQe5IL-8tIMKS0Y8/s1600/100_2875.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545935406889675554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9uG5DVuYk8E9d-ewqCmAXkGkw0tdlgTd8F2FXZWI6j-AzdXSwXedu4hNMye-S4646YrYKZKiRBB8gWyoKBU-1GptB3qv3xGSnpPVK1W3WN2Lq4bIXwzVnxgH6LumQe5IL-8tIMKS0Y8/s400/100_2875.JPG" /></a> Zoo trip!<br /><br /><div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545935404625850098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEby2Gi7Hk8IU7wI7D6NdDtfGqe_j1jo5CefYDRPy92ZV9NpmxKA7dRyUwP5tfsKDVfS6f6QSvm5dPRwfh02X73ANBy8eEpXIT4-uUqVYzHMrW0Mvbs8Q6BQerKtyPBEbnM0PF44eV8RQ/s400/100_2841.JPG" /></div><div>It was only in the 80's that day so it wasn't that bad.</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545935389696059298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlM8ExRuziAFUxQMiaYGOrgpJEi4qSaH1wQxMeZ5PqzFC5TyAAGiA2tQ_uYUdv5x1UIDbwprI4hyphenhyphenNo6aQlKrSYbYQsaz4rwQViRetyMuuX3vKkEr1vc1COcqt6F15nqKvU5mj4jRZEioA/s400/100_2777.JPG" /></div><div>POOL HONEY! We set up a soft side pool in the back this year. The kids LOVED it!!</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKjowBsJ6Ijwra-8Hw89Us4lVazw1ty4tAwmd88tQSS4eEn9XLvW_ShZJEdexLAdj_zvbB3s4BsnLMXUuNBYqSZWixuhft82J5qFRCLlCCLxDcUSMExa1I2LaAVbYwER7SpX9PW6PCPXI/s1600/100_2818.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545935400600259186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKjowBsJ6Ijwra-8Hw89Us4lVazw1ty4tAwmd88tQSS4eEn9XLvW_ShZJEdexLAdj_zvbB3s4BsnLMXUuNBYqSZWixuhft82J5qFRCLlCCLxDcUSMExa1I2LaAVbYwER7SpX9PW6PCPXI/s400/100_2818.JPG" /></a> Brian and I went to Dallas for the weekend with our <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">LifeGroup</span>. He and I toured Texas Stadium while we were there. Beautiful!<br /><div><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545935384830849058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjx7edyCuREfWOjRMJ9o6qdpOOaJXLVHN2GbtViSn_VnGvEudTMzqwxrDJVtDnvr0we3Zpn0TM4ZgrUVAT6UR_JENH1lFBASVkk-FaxDz8T_gZMtWwnD-aOxaLwQtT1qocfa0DNMvTSFk/s400/100_2788.JPG" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><p>Playing in the hose IN the pool!</p><p>I hope to be catching up more often. Life is so busy. Fun, but busy.</p>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356883575132461683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5780251115053123485.post-4602551291556943052010-07-23T11:10:00.005-05:002010-07-25T19:35:20.158-05:00Where I AmI've been meaning to write this post for about a week. The words are in my head they are just hard to put down. So I'll just start at the beginning.<br /><br /><br />On June 25<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>, I took a pregnancy test and it immediately showed a positive result. I should have expected it seeing as how I'd been nauseated for over a week but I had chosen to ignore it. I began to cry. I was terrified that I would have a sick pregnancy like with Emma and didn't know what I would do. Brian just smiled. He was happy. And he assured me that while we didn't plan on this happening, our Creator did.<br /><br /><br />I met with my doctor's nurse the next week to confirm I was pregnant. Because I had no clue the first day of my last period we scheduled an ultrasound for July 9<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>.<br /><br /><br />On that morning, Brian went to the appointment with me. After the ultrasound my doctor told me that once she measured 6 weeks and once she measured 7 weeks. Her concern was that she did not see a heartbeat. If I was 6 weeks that didn't concern her as much as if I were 7. She wanted us to have a 2<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">nd</span> ultrasound at the hospital the following week. It was the longest week ever.<br /><br /><br />On the 14<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> I went for the 2<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">nd</span> ultrasound. I knew the tech couldn't tell me anything but I was hoping to see the monitor. All I saw was the back of the machine. About 4:30, one of the doctors in the practice called me. (My doc was out of town) I think deep down I knew the answer already but I hoped I was wrong. The 2<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">nd</span> ultrasound confirmed there was no heartbeat. We are not sure why. The doctors assured me that nothing could have prevented or caused it. Sometimes it just happens. She gave me a list of options- waiting, surgery or a pill. We decided to wait.<br /><br /><br />I met with my doctor on the 19<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> to discuss the options in detail. After talking to Brian and my mom and praying about it, I decided that the surgery would be best for me.<br /><br /><br />And that's where I am. Thursday I had surgery at noon. I remember walking back to the OR and the nurses putting on the monitors. I remember the anesthesiologist telling me he was giving me the gas to put me out. Then I remember waking up in the recovery area.<br /><br />The physical recovery has not been hard but the emotional side of it has. I can't really describe how I feel. I'm sad and heartbroken that this child will not be part of our lives anymore. I feel like staying in bed with my head under the covers but I can't. I still have my 2 kids who need me. They keep me going. The hurt is easier each day.<br /><br />Prayers are welcomed.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356883575132461683noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5780251115053123485.post-75660370645456316222010-01-31T08:18:00.002-06:002010-01-31T08:37:47.195-06:00Halloween and ThanksgivingCatching up...<br /><br />HALLOWEEN! I love Halloween. It is one of my favorite holidays. It's even more fun when you are a parent. And rather than tell you all about it I'll just show you some pictures.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBS1jvYk-_X5PJGh7l7tF143xAwczU6YM1nnUJkWtE5UUn6lZJnR9Faccs1Qxbr1puIDnc9jkYYmgvSylWDtjbrQDgd2OopZhAkDZpkbtshK2g_T2LQqKCPHTniD3mQrgqLETycL4TiSQ/s1600-h/100_1921.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432909813348206354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBS1jvYk-_X5PJGh7l7tF143xAwczU6YM1nnUJkWtE5UUn6lZJnR9Faccs1Qxbr1puIDnc9jkYYmgvSylWDtjbrQDgd2OopZhAkDZpkbtshK2g_T2LQqKCPHTniD3mQrgqLETycL4TiSQ/s400/100_1921.JPG" /></a> Emma the Octopus at Moter's Day Out. She really does have 8 legs- just look closely.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjterYfkX29fpzCBEFzlMNtNMBFinipRaza0l_tw-baIdYccL6bLOHRTaLW0l5ZqiVAeADh6OVpY4YoFGrpQv89-L84GeXbbr18elnFSB21qO4wTbdZcln_81rC9INTmEAZbv6FpUW0DaQ/s1600-h/100_1972.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432909802657087170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjterYfkX29fpzCBEFzlMNtNMBFinipRaza0l_tw-baIdYccL6bLOHRTaLW0l5ZqiVAeADh6OVpY4YoFGrpQv89-L84GeXbbr18elnFSB21qO4wTbdZcln_81rC9INTmEAZbv6FpUW0DaQ/s400/100_1972.JPG" /></a> Caleb and Ethan a.k.a. Optimus Prime and Bumblebee the Transformers<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4xAtXURwaNwUFlDNph9r_BAm84PUrFCGG8ynFLiJJcZhHaSRNglb6AzVoF400NkpA7O5hlesp9Agm1mZQ4rgX9JyGgniF5a4yMHdJdjzBtb7J7c7kXbM6NfvJi9HqH-n4o777w9v1kLM/s1600-h/100_1973.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432909405293294642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4xAtXURwaNwUFlDNph9r_BAm84PUrFCGG8ynFLiJJcZhHaSRNglb6AzVoF400NkpA7O5hlesp9Agm1mZQ4rgX9JyGgniF5a4yMHdJdjzBtb7J7c7kXbM6NfvJi9HqH-n4o777w9v1kLM/s400/100_1973.JPG" /></a> Emma and Mommy<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULiH7gZJReV1S5Punu5tPPgdn1puPUAxYuPwTLLB42W4OfhY9jlROKaM_-_dhXuUnGRGT2-_ZIFB252vjCyG-G_f2V6MRtzd1KF-CMnX_avy87abtVS9ZxUuJ4G6se26tlWNIM_b8H_c/s1600-h/100_1991.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432909396345558594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULiH7gZJReV1S5Punu5tPPgdn1puPUAxYuPwTLLB42W4OfhY9jlROKaM_-_dhXuUnGRGT2-_ZIFB252vjCyG-G_f2V6MRtzd1KF-CMnX_avy87abtVS9ZxUuJ4G6se26tlWNIM_b8H_c/s400/100_1991.JPG" /></a>Lindsay came in town for the weekend (which was also Mom's birthday weekend). This was the only picture they were all looking at the camera.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebGGJQBdRkois2ztbAkdVbcq_DERE8gK57rTxTCZxMTiq6_mgY874xTRdtBngAs5IZrCZFqqZodDn0sFlMh0H4X-gCYQd8kkMeG80aRmxBz51BVdfLESwGxwyzILZ5cjY9VBGhyUET4s/s1600-h/100_1997.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432909388519505234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebGGJQBdRkois2ztbAkdVbcq_DERE8gK57rTxTCZxMTiq6_mgY874xTRdtBngAs5IZrCZFqqZodDn0sFlMh0H4X-gCYQd8kkMeG80aRmxBz51BVdfLESwGxwyzILZ5cjY9VBGhyUET4s/s400/100_1997.JPG" /></a> See?<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQxA27VcWRF0mSzIBFie8aqFcndYbv3d39GtccMsgxyIRz25nZzZfrQHBmspvqR5U5GtZxAsGTr39OY6sv2MiBe_8yYOjA3DqizBOeMHlQs0KIxShXgff2BVFseRsGVJfBdohHeuZ6xpk/s1600-h/100_2008.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 321px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432909384510788274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQxA27VcWRF0mSzIBFie8aqFcndYbv3d39GtccMsgxyIRz25nZzZfrQHBmspvqR5U5GtZxAsGTr39OY6sv2MiBe_8yYOjA3DqizBOeMHlQs0KIxShXgff2BVFseRsGVJfBdohHeuZ6xpk/s400/100_2008.JPG" /></a> Brian and Lindsay<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis7CK47d0EytZD3ebkH9leuqJp_kyU0J-40HgRq6bozadJYVcfTBfQ8UsMHFXGyZ1A7TKUqWGNDM2LYLEmQU5oyyJYGk76a4Bn5pyN5ihcxKjqJHP8bZ-CnrPwr8ggAMrOV1VW5Rv11Ho/s1600-h/100_2012.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432909371379018338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis7CK47d0EytZD3ebkH9leuqJp_kyU0J-40HgRq6bozadJYVcfTBfQ8UsMHFXGyZ1A7TKUqWGNDM2LYLEmQU5oyyJYGk76a4Bn5pyN5ihcxKjqJHP8bZ-CnrPwr8ggAMrOV1VW5Rv11Ho/s400/100_2012.JPG" /></a> My beautiful family. </div><div> </div><div>We had fun. We trick-or-treated in Mimi and Papa's neighborhood then came back to ours. Our neighborhood is always lively!<br /></div><div>THANKSGIVING </div><div><br />Sadly, I have no pictures from Thanksgiving. It's probably because I was busy in the kitchen all morning. And, pardon me for tooting my own horn, it was probably the best meal I have ever made. The gravy was by far the best I've ever made. That's not saying alot considering my gravy is rarely ever great. But I don't generally eat it so it's hard to make.</div><div> </div><div>My parents were in Florida and my sister went to her in-laws. My Uncle Paul and Papa Charles came over for lunch and we stuffed ourselves. We also had leftovers for a week! </div><div> </div><div>Emma tried some sweet potatoes and really liked them. I'm hoping she'll continue to like them so I won't be the only one who eats them.</div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356883575132461683noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5780251115053123485.post-70480811176412845842010-01-16T08:06:00.005-06:002010-01-16T08:41:10.193-06:00Happy Birthday, Ethan!In October we celebrated Ethan's fourth birthday. 4! I can't believe it!<br /><br />His birthday will almost always fall during Fall Break. This year we went to Alabama during break to visit with Brian's mom, sister, step-dad and his family.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427343606033103874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUzsab8jAqeZM1UrVIdipXa67K7X-XA_TD9ylV9WuA3PF0osnBVQrFRZNRUShqvYeFg1pk9mZYh7L4Gx9WLlzg7o3AqJJZKbQIIKtrcsd47o1tT8UNDtgmvNq8fYeF_p2amcGXbdNiqU/s400/100_1613.JPG" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWeuoflwoUkNPZ-_xKFk2rpYX1fFBzwgnXIs7HN1AndC5x_HQUNjnet-V4a31sKxyW9pLgRt3gKtilD-MeLkYHZQqFuOi_9xkncbAjuDWckRYERDRrqCri0rjX4Gj8SWVysj7-RdJZ_i8/s1600-h/100_1628.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427343610293072098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWeuoflwoUkNPZ-_xKFk2rpYX1fFBzwgnXIs7HN1AndC5x_HQUNjnet-V4a31sKxyW9pLgRt3gKtilD-MeLkYHZQqFuOi_9xkncbAjuDWckRYERDRrqCri0rjX4Gj8SWVysj7-RdJZ_i8/s400/100_1628.JPG" /></a> For his birthday party at home we headed to The Pumpkin Patch! We had great weather that day. It was simple and easy- we had a ton of fun!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427343214029742226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCWjEYQ8urjRURbZ5C-VlnM0KDWFyBMo_WBI_NUy5f7Tw4r9RnZEhPwZ54-HrZhgc02xcpMQ-1ulUkWHrIi6HhCr9HIgIWv8Mo_yvJ9X9mFtEUI1Z1WKtudbauACqfuknwrurqyVGt9to/s400/100_1857.JPG" /></div><div>Evie and Emma- they are 3 weeks apart</div><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427343200491668450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinIiZOvni68H01-Op9qSSt9-lu-FvkIjpaEasI1s9hKnjGEdE6g6uKGpSw-aoG5j6cDoZzZ9AR3XW6p4w1WZ6M79WF00bGjQadOblVgLYnuLyabSgSqQoExeIYKe5BvB8jbMytUg0Xyho/s400/100_1870.JPG" /></div><div>The Birthday Boy</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427343192346148018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyQn3w6F9Ntz8qi5x4K7eb1vo2Ij65NVksMAowv-HOqRnNfmyeUJ85B3WaRKWanhclaYrbhHAuyQSdD4UoI-CT_-zcXtxnc2xtAxw-EOdC3voiNlY4WcYzPjwAydOkD7bzgXD5CDcC5R4/s400/100_1868.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427341748421901506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1GDUXevuaunx_WN9xfIB4raYT9nTMoS7sA8BBNoJMSY484sHLXVrcsKJBTleHr8YsTw8IU9iaI6hhdsIvbadmzWvKakVxFEv0W-F6uSqT_B494aMrqK89CUMvbu14WazpRMzq5M_EYw/s400/100_1802.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427341757172089122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsIvLHzr4nnOjeH3yTOdI2HE-A_yvfOFB6Ff1uML6oH6QUCx8_GCrJ7pnyOAoMFZuSjRWS05YdlHfOHIoYBk-3lXSDlCw0TR4Wm1MCR_4q7Z1FQXGXz5pylY7ZeVT50nE6VOXECCvh56s/s400/100_1807.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427341743139105762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdlW4VukVZnyC9YGMDdCR6Mr9ARKvWDSz38r0vDN38TcPE2JYBUvywkRQkkvZQ7r8W94nThe29KwYe2h-06qDifmG5WoC4hDmAtkUtxS_2EO9ij-5N6CanotZ_Yy61CovODmbNq885EWo/s400/100_1799.JPG" /></div><div>Ethan and his new friend, Mia.</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427341772800527170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEI2sCcDW-OLw7Xzi_D9iV-BsgJGahD5yKdBgfE_ZrzSaI4-vzzG1tmUgWxpn0rpLRTJd0VBpCx5anhLVvDomUBtQmwtG6RPe4DCBrTaTjuLU-vOMO9w2lkD6S8oVePA48IRmqq8nP_LY/s400/100_1864.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427343208256679538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1o-2edrsQ8egTbPsMr3pNfcRupYEaVI9cjcplqFpNzPgTQkHajFwZ2JDF-olpBqqlgmUmSNcxlacgyzrhCaIJJWyCG4ZIDqifM4fTHIuuw-4GSk696ubialWXDR73bg0r09N6wwFddc/s400/100_1876.JPG" /></div><div>Mimi took Ethan and Chloe to ride the camel.</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427343221052272978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisvedraJ-Gkq9a4GacYpeXdTgqaVTfxb2pbSGRxcmtf2uZLbEW-YYe46OKWBJT3iQUSydv5U3bQmz6VmX6G0CqRULjJIbKLYx4cSYEpvgIdpgOrj3C63X3kM37nB3Yy_WMSTLgxLVYY4E/s400/100_1891.JPG" /> I didn't think he would actually ride it but he loved it! I think it helped to ride with a pretty girl. He had to act all macho.<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427341760275843010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDIFdWcM6itXA642mK5KyR-sV21-S1o2HzGNU_jY3o_ys6g_RUdS_npizgn-_xLeTw1xNNY_E5BcxyYWjr38VDnu48n08q-owTqmo9kJL_DzSy5wndd24m6qKkSMxFalnNFaiBh5_Upo/s400/100_1856.JPG" />HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BUDDY!<br /><br /><div><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356883575132461683noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5780251115053123485.post-62747864823497707092010-01-16T08:04:00.002-06:002010-01-16T08:06:32.764-06:00This time I am for real. This time I'm really going to try to post more. That's all I will say. Posts coming.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356883575132461683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5780251115053123485.post-88095237817247196102009-11-17T19:50:00.005-06:002009-11-17T21:45:51.931-06:00LOOK! A POST!(I had an entire post written before Blogger decided to go stupid on me so you get what you get. :) )<br /><br />Emma is 6 months old today! I can hardly believe it!<br /><br />Some facts about Emma:<br /><br />1. She can sit by herself for short periods of time. Sometimes she's a bit wobbly still :)<br />2. Her tongue goes 90 miles an hour and is rarely her IN her mouth.<br />3. She is a great growler. Some people (strangers in Wal-Mart) confuse it for crying but we know she's just talking to us.<br />4. She started eating rice cereal about 4 weeks ago.<br />5. She tried green beans for the first time yesterday and ate half a jar. Today she finished the jar and SCREAMED (I mean SCREAMED) for more.<br />6. She thinks her brother, Ethan, is HILARIOUS. He can almost always make her smile and laugh. Especially in the car.<br />7. She likes Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Wow! Wow! Wubzy though she doesn't watch much. Those two can grab her attention more than any others.<br />8. She loves her feet.<br />9. She is still a happy, happy baby. I still pray she'll continue to be a happy, happy baby. When people comment on her happiness I assure them that it's because I prayed she would be and God answers prayer. Because He does.<br />10. She loves our animals. Kate, our dog, can get some good giggles out of her. Kate just lets Emma do whatever she wants- pull hair, drool on her, squeal at her. The cat fascinates her too but keeps more of a distance. He learned from Ethan that little people pull hair and sit on you.<br />11. She rolls back to front but not front to back...at least that I've seen. The other day she was on the playmat and when I looked back she wasn't near it. I assume she rolled but didn't see it. <br />12. My favorite thing she does is when she is eating. She will look up at my eyes and reach her hand toward my face and just grab at me. It's so sweet.<br /><br />Here are some pictures! More posts will come soon!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYz5PG4tZFCBjcnFWyybZvRBUZTqyyxxF2Qe-s-XgCDvte6Akx5BzIIKsoS_Qk4z3Tt0PrLTzXek3X8vCRR_X1NS6uF6Vb-sqFx_JzNwoKy9wFk7vT5ePloD_IAXkebDt_kzZqJf5WNvI/s1600/100_2017.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405279723062144226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYz5PG4tZFCBjcnFWyybZvRBUZTqyyxxF2Qe-s-XgCDvte6Akx5BzIIKsoS_Qk4z3Tt0PrLTzXek3X8vCRR_X1NS6uF6Vb-sqFx_JzNwoKy9wFk7vT5ePloD_IAXkebDt_kzZqJf5WNvI/s400/100_2017.JPG" /></a> At Woodward Park for Mimi's birthday. (also see <a href="http://www.cadelinephotographyblog.com/">www.cadelinephotographyblog.com</a>. To see all of them email me for the password on Cheri's site.)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAwBB2Ou_2Ks-j3WmjKBylATa5QRIFC2Tb3r9evzg4X33_lfN042jhe_MxPDMcJxJgouma67WeNfIPVpu8BrHYR1P495jVlYuVUjBica-wpqsQ7Ls3ZUeB6nmrQ9NkR3xIU6lfVywhLcU/s1600/100_2033.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405279719921151634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAwBB2Ou_2Ks-j3WmjKBylATa5QRIFC2Tb3r9evzg4X33_lfN042jhe_MxPDMcJxJgouma67WeNfIPVpu8BrHYR1P495jVlYuVUjBica-wpqsQ7Ls3ZUeB6nmrQ9NkR3xIU6lfVywhLcU/s400/100_2033.JPG" /></a> Laughing at Papa McGuire at Ethan's soccer game. (Notice the short sleeves she's in...that was 1 1/2 weeks ago!)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0rigqACWS8f6viauBTo54AxkkjXh15J1UsukJa_afGs9Wwngxr8y6eGRVvevf_ke2GfMUEWDuxWuOrYN3iusZnTNDVc0LZXzCL1dfEc4x_k0pAu4Ek_3mv2qihCB1oyw0xwFykXQluyo/s1600/100_2051.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 321px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405279715484548338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0rigqACWS8f6viauBTo54AxkkjXh15J1UsukJa_afGs9Wwngxr8y6eGRVvevf_ke2GfMUEWDuxWuOrYN3iusZnTNDVc0LZXzCL1dfEc4x_k0pAu4Ek_3mv2qihCB1oyw0xwFykXQluyo/s400/100_2051.JPG" /></a> No caption is needed for this one...besides- MY BEAUTIFUL GIRL!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjPBm2QtL_xvEsh6y0CovtjG30653IOu6mDrM-yQZal0c1XhNf4tX77U-xV8D-Z-8CziK4g3DIOPtTHXu3oyMQFJGGPsQ6oSNd3O8Dz5cXttqfLOu0B6Eg5BzyYZkvURZ587TAQsJhfk/s1600/Em.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405279710698380322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjPBm2QtL_xvEsh6y0CovtjG30653IOu6mDrM-yQZal0c1XhNf4tX77U-xV8D-Z-8CziK4g3DIOPtTHXu3oyMQFJGGPsQ6oSNd3O8Dz5cXttqfLOu0B6Eg5BzyYZkvURZ587TAQsJhfk/s400/Em.jpg" /></a> Merry Christmas! Courtesy of Beth (<a href="http://www.bethhughesphotography.com/">www.bethhughesphotography.com</a>) Beth took a few shots of Ethan and Emma as samples for her business.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfe_wmPy1c3D718GRSc6Qcp9i7qVckxcZjdDL7R_lbhQCECq18t-d3zj9A-DdW7JbBJ7j2JZ9509ExX1WfmfxrzUQWmZSdq3e6rEBVoNBFCqIT47eiSnVicVYmjP4PQxvZWsXkDSnE8wo/s1600/E+and+Em+2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405279707173914434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfe_wmPy1c3D718GRSc6Qcp9i7qVckxcZjdDL7R_lbhQCECq18t-d3zj9A-DdW7JbBJ7j2JZ9509ExX1WfmfxrzUQWmZSdq3e6rEBVoNBFCqIT47eiSnVicVYmjP4PQxvZWsXkDSnE8wo/s400/E+and+Em+2.jpg" /></a> Yes, she is the cutest thing in the world.</div><div> </div><div>We still wouldn't trade her for the world!!<br /></div></div></div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356883575132461683noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5780251115053123485.post-67975392193849553772009-08-26T21:38:00.001-05:002009-08-26T21:38:00.965-05:00My Dinosaur- The EthanosaurusThe other day Ethan was playing Hungry, Hungry Hippos on my bed. I walked in to check on him. He looked suspicious.<br /><br />"What are you doing?" I asked.<br /><br />He said, "I'm sitting on the marbles."<br /><br />I paused for a second wondering why on Earth he was sitting on marbles. <br /><br />Then he said, "I am a dinosaur and they are my eggs. I have to sit on them carefully."<br /><br />"Oh, okay." I said. "It's time to put them away and go to bed."<br /><br />"Okay, Mom, but please be gentle when you put them in the bag."<br /><br />He is a smart, imaginitive kid who pretends to be a dinosaur. Not only that, he pretends to be a loving and caring dinosaur.<br /><br />It makes all the bouncingoffthewalltalkingandsingingsoloudnotlisteningOMGdrivingmecrazy times totally worth it.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356883575132461683noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5780251115053123485.post-40509538328852323912009-08-25T21:49:00.003-05:002009-08-25T22:07:22.893-05:00Mad LibsLast night, Ethan wanted to tell stories. Made up stories are much better than the number of books we have...for him. For me they are much more difficult. If they weren't I'd be a millionaire selling all my great children's stories. Mine are generally pretty lame but he likes them.<br /><br />My story was even more lame than usual so I decided I would try a fill-in the blanks style story and he could help. It went like this...<br /><br /><br />Once upon a time there was a little boy named <u>ETHAN.</u> He had a friend named <u><a href="http://mommypose.blogspot.com/">MIA</a>.</u> Her hair was <u>BLONDE</u> and her eyes were <u>BLUE</u>. They had so much fun together. They liked to <u>PLAY</u> and they also liked to <u>HUG</u>. (He said with a smile) Ethan and Mia's favorite game was <u>THE CHERRY GAME!</u> (I am assuming he means Hi Ho Cherry-O!) At school they <u>GO UPSTAIRS AND READ BOOKS.</u> They also eat lunch together. Today for lunch Ethan had <u>A HOTDOG! AND CAPRI SUN!</u> Mia ate <u>GRAPES!...AND CARROTS!</u><br /><div align="center">The End</div><div align="center"></div><div align="left">Totally lame but I loved hearing his answers. He was so excited to give them. He was also very excited about his new friend, Mia. </div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356883575132461683noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5780251115053123485.post-69673549929968819462009-08-17T19:49:00.003-05:002009-08-17T20:06:06.866-05:00Time fliesEmma is 3 months old today! THREE WHOLE MONTHS! Today was her first official day at preschool. She and I got to hang out all day which was awesome. Ethan had a great time in his class and has already made friends. Some better than others. <br /><br />(Let's just say we had a talk today about not kissing our friends. Specifically girls. But that's a story for another day!)<br /><br />10 Things about Emma at 3 months:<br /><br /><ol><li>She has really started vocalizing especially when her Daddy is listening.</li><li>She laughs alot when she is tickled but we still haven't heard a big belly laugh. Mostly just cackles. </li><li>Her favorite past-time is swinging. LOVES IT!</li><li>A good way to stop her cries is to step outside. The minute she is outdoors she is content even if Mommy is melting due to the horrific heat.</li><li>She knows her brother and likes him...most of the time. She talks and smiles at him a lot.</li><li>She holds tight to her blankets and likes them on her face to fall asleep.</li><li>She is a much better night sleeper than napper. I am NOT complaining!</li><li>She can't quite reach for me yet but she can throw her body and lean towards me. She has done that several times in the last week.</li><li>She drools and spits up alot. We change our outfits several times a day. "Our" includes me.</li><li>She despises being wet or dirty and let's us know when she is.</li></ol><p>I'll try and post some new pictures soon!</p><p> </p>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356883575132461683noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5780251115053123485.post-37848775899625596342009-08-13T21:40:00.003-05:002009-08-13T21:52:47.537-05:00Bedtime Stories by EthanEthan wanted to tell Emma a story tonight. It went pretty much like this...<br /><br /><br />Once upon a time there was a little girl named Emma. Then there was a monster. <br /><br />[insert monster RAWR! here]<br /><br />And the monster ate her.<br /><br />[pretends to eat his sister]<br /><br />YUM! YUM! YUM!<br /><br />The end.<br /><br /><br />He did make it very clear after his story that he was just pretending to eat his sister.<br /><br />That's good.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356883575132461683noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5780251115053123485.post-73751794019232757512009-08-12T10:01:00.000-05:002009-08-11T22:20:17.321-05:00Brotherly LoveYesterday morning Emma was on my bed while I was getting ready. Ethan came in and climbed right next to her.<br /><br />He talked to her and she smiled. Then he looked up at me.<br /><br />"I am her brother and she is my Honey."<br /><br />He turned back to her, "Hi, Honey. I love you."<br /><br />Talk about melting your heart. He's continued to call her Honey all day. I didn't correct him.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356883575132461683noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5780251115053123485.post-12068278254152210002009-08-11T22:20:00.002-05:002009-08-11T22:28:05.520-05:008 yearsToday Brian and I celebrated our 8th anniversary. We got a baby-sitter and went to P.F. Chang's and talked without being interrupted. After dinner we went to Wal-Mart to by dog food without any whining for a toy. We picked up the kids and came home for cake (from Merrit's!) and laughed around the table. <br /><br />It may not be much to some, but it was a great day.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356883575132461683noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5780251115053123485.post-17809862485394796002009-07-30T12:21:00.002-05:002009-07-30T12:26:09.231-05:00As Ethan would say, "I QUIT!"I posted on Tuesday about quitting my job. Vague- I know. But at the time I didn't have time to write much about it and I wanted to mark the day I did it. <br /><br />So, about quitting my job...<br /><br />I've been praying for some time (and if you read my blog often you know) about whether or not I should stay home, stay at this job, get a new job, etc. In the last few weeks, the office has been almost unbearable for me. I've shed some tears, been angry and hurt and I knew that God had a better place for me. (Today is the first time in 3 weeks that Linda has spoken nicely if at all to me.) I knew there could possibly be an opportunity at a pre-school for me and began praying that God would work it out if it was His will for our family.<br /><br />Last Thursday, Brian and I knew we needed a different child-care situation. Brian has been watching the kids while I am at work. He loves spending time with them, but two is much more difficult that one. Especially one baby and a wild and crazy 3 year old.<br /><br />An hour later, Kristi sent me a message. She had an opening and wondered if I wanted it. I quickly replied with a yes. Right now I’ll be working one day a week and both my children will go with me. I may be there a few more days if she needs me. Time will tell.<br /><br />I am so excited about this new adventure. Ethan is really excited to be going to a new school. (He’ll still remain at his old MDO on Tuesdays and Thursdays. He’d miss all his girlfriends! Not joking.) I’m excited to be with my kids each day- or at least be close to them. I’m excited that Brian can work a shift that allows us to actually see each other more than 2 days a week. I’m excited to see Kristi more often. I’m excited to work in a place that people act like 4 year olds because THEY ARE. Just all around excited.<br /><br />God has been so faithful in providing this opportunity for me! Thank you, Jesus!Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356883575132461683noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5780251115053123485.post-33416565515345784402009-07-28T21:48:00.002-05:002009-07-28T21:51:29.909-05:00Today's To Do ListFind a dress for my reunion on Saturday.<br /><br />Check.<br /><br />Go to a Simply Fun party with Mom.<br /><br />Check.<br /><br />Quit my job.<br /><br />Check.<br /><br />Feel a weight lifted off my shoulders.<br /><br />Check.<br /><br />Praise God for His faithfulness and provision.<br /><br />Double check.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356883575132461683noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5780251115053123485.post-87583045768428538072009-07-17T21:14:00.003-05:002009-07-17T21:32:11.780-05:002 Months OldEmma is two months old today!<br /><br />Somedays it feels like it's flown by so fast and others...not so much. :)<br /><br />Things about Emma:<br /><br />1. She is a great sleeper at night time. Usually she sleeps from 10pm-5am and goes back to sleep until 8ish.<br /><br />2. She loves to be held upright and has started holding the collar of my shirt in her tiny hands.<br /><br />3. She <em>generally </em>only cries when she is hungry, wet or dirty or has been love pinched by her brother.<br /><br />4. She has really started to talk and smile a lot lately.<br /><br /><br />Here are some pictures!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUc8k7itWmbkgdujFdCcgNz5OgAvoPq3PZGhxVR4pr4TAJ4gYcZ142u1jRC4JXU8wctaClsXv4uY7ffiGNX6dnNgjeLDwbIKTBc8Yfl_t1ZlmCodJcekS1JBIeDqECoh8ZbPr_xNDuUwg/s1600-h/100_1158.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359621877160294770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUc8k7itWmbkgdujFdCcgNz5OgAvoPq3PZGhxVR4pr4TAJ4gYcZ142u1jRC4JXU8wctaClsXv4uY7ffiGNX6dnNgjeLDwbIKTBc8Yfl_t1ZlmCodJcekS1JBIeDqECoh8ZbPr_xNDuUwg/s400/100_1158.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJ9A8mcznZfa8ZFW2ryXEFv443g4F11l_Vo6d8Ymn9lwfu2k8NXwo2_nFitr7CrtzL93gqdagFAA85L1luogGuLRvFIFHLR47S9MH5k9G5tgntxgTtgyUn7CGFD7qm0ZNDjI2Vum6dbg/s1600-h/100_1165.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359621873234701490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJ9A8mcznZfa8ZFW2ryXEFv443g4F11l_Vo6d8Ymn9lwfu2k8NXwo2_nFitr7CrtzL93gqdagFAA85L1luogGuLRvFIFHLR47S9MH5k9G5tgntxgTtgyUn7CGFD7qm0ZNDjI2Vum6dbg/s400/100_1165.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXjbPNr30L4xXrlDlxKiWy2TfaQMRxdCZjHqXfR5I1cC45yu5g-LCLMOmlOVaTb06ie1lX4W6MeeLo6KWwYuuRZ61QT7m9ST1jowVDJT-RULRrzweH7z8K8f0WcAfwHiomXTlyExqsow/s1600-h/100_1157.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359621866632823250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXjbPNr30L4xXrlDlxKiWy2TfaQMRxdCZjHqXfR5I1cC45yu5g-LCLMOmlOVaTb06ie1lX4W6MeeLo6KWwYuuRZ61QT7m9ST1jowVDJT-RULRrzweH7z8K8f0WcAfwHiomXTlyExqsow/s400/100_1157.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzj3u0AV9mrHWqK-uz65hO8IumEZlZig9Yrvmxw_lyh9qjUPEewe1_vDwjVvwKspL7EAvmKePre7gbwB2mMAurfLVRdYTmWj-Xj9LYbk3EBQK9eZi4EqkEdJPOeocuFu188rO7WjgfVM/s1600-h/100_1173.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359621854906831106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzj3u0AV9mrHWqK-uz65hO8IumEZlZig9Yrvmxw_lyh9qjUPEewe1_vDwjVvwKspL7EAvmKePre7gbwB2mMAurfLVRdYTmWj-Xj9LYbk3EBQK9eZi4EqkEdJPOeocuFu188rO7WjgfVM/s400/100_1173.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPhX2YA51098Lf4xrhhguYo0bJQDVL-L3lAGSGvJ3oeUsZ4RV040xlP8x79SfzsfHVWFrg3SckfbOORWtvSYrlOYHqYNUPfFBSPAv4FhYerxWD5HL0ngrV1fX79kLe6tzIzVnuQvyt-EQ/s1600-h/100_1181.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359621848918007698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPhX2YA51098Lf4xrhhguYo0bJQDVL-L3lAGSGvJ3oeUsZ4RV040xlP8x79SfzsfHVWFrg3SckfbOORWtvSYrlOYHqYNUPfFBSPAv4FhYerxWD5HL0ngrV1fX79kLe6tzIzVnuQvyt-EQ/s400/100_1181.JPG" /></a> </div></div></div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356883575132461683noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5780251115053123485.post-35118774009629792462009-07-09T22:40:00.002-05:002009-07-09T22:44:20.648-05:00Emma's first video post<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxnf8p1QNPzsIVLyugbL7awxrPqbsZZoz9LCYKK1hhLAV8mf_gIfImDOOrGU2ppev4f3GeOGC5LwgDCcvfvoA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356883575132461683noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5780251115053123485.post-83443800072296238372009-07-08T08:48:00.004-05:002009-07-08T09:03:23.417-05:00Newborn Pictures!Here are a few of my favorite pictures from Emma's newborn session.<br /><span style="font-size:+0;"></span><a href="http://www.cadelinephotography.com/">Cheri</a> did a FANTASTIC job! (THANKS CHERI!)<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ZTpjMIWAUsRGBC_mnu0osk9a7nAE6oOLRXwK6OpqusAs9-sKMyihDj4odaiwvCl0mAu8Jt7p4zqHDJ7bX_ajxBPibVHUNTk2q0LdJ6evLMsqToKuZ5y8py9UTUjkXSwVWFdRtOhszIY/s1600-h/McGuire04.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356086341213459330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ZTpjMIWAUsRGBC_mnu0osk9a7nAE6oOLRXwK6OpqusAs9-sKMyihDj4odaiwvCl0mAu8Jt7p4zqHDJ7bX_ajxBPibVHUNTk2q0LdJ6evLMsqToKuZ5y8py9UTUjkXSwVWFdRtOhszIY/s400/McGuire04.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356086753710647298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaVqxIveQ35ZwR3uwOlpXn0MpHF1y0dEFIbx2HqvVLiGhHgrtV3tkdgJdWxugdNpL1LZjnehbOcGKR59pC9WfSriiUpRWHppEOi2OvqAdcBxAGQKdnKB6lMr7ZPmxn81jIoMwXnXSZc9s/s400/McGuire26.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356086352520561762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTYiH8hADtMLJcRpRsIQg7oYxCkyv5J8Y7swNrFmlFAOciPyMyHCleVlp8C7w31jvzcfz4NUS1rcuc_Knfy8wEv6PAIMfZR_gv8rR9eFqWUtcEf6wrlAgF_l4usOjcNMpC7OehTPqoICM/s400/McGuire06.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356086768687253186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlWoU6c9qBxWU8JubhWhzis6vjnQcg94dpWh3Ecx_0GZXedKUG2nokpSk_mOoapth2oZlDAyoEgr0XHBTZNUusMnzLXOtezdSdKCj0OuCwSTRK_bv4SaGa0KoNi63-wNxv_Xp22rG3FCw/s400/McGuire29.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 270px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356086748205755106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFysvBFdTJF12unlgrUwmtqYwNOvLn5jjTEVcBD0rTggcD1gdDqYOAUHHeA1uJaz18yp5X1azG8cK6_GasFJRDlaBcM_HxfP_Z2GEI4AY8u424kz8nB7y4fYxZT6wwdXTwF1PkpM7QMzQ/s400/McGuire18.jpg" /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356086357783789474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZs2aOYSWO9BK6h11zWOjYQrDfaIgSuc9ssO8zZgEB5-kuNrTr-VGfGDorwQ0qdhrtixSlytqtZuMPgP0xHkntKLkpOUTqn7zp2URSfNuXFI0jDu7ttPubPq55EYH5u6rChc5IB3jIGw/s400/McGuire11.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356086355257453234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2eQQpsp-hbMg71JWCFBdA4cfiRU-KIsMf_aALifNgB0mJgAE1zWRyS_mmCVbn76B1m47CqXb-FGAugluLq4_z1zcGAdpAUPwW4-P6OAF59Fy6veDFebF01hN1K1cRvrWdMltFSteperU/s400/McGuire09.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356086371247350290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCibpxALcVIOeLDbgI4ta_yKYkT8eDp6utlRj-JX-CWwN4ejAEiNpIrJ1kwMXo1kc9ew5y6UXz-4ozbGC-hICXtJaYAY9Kp-F6n9CVYvH4RDLxyXGCFOmQXTTxVIcX191Ga9QzCx-hJ_0/s400/McGuire12.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356086760152896482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqm4ounENUgR6eaDaME6w_OuYNl802pynknoZPmDwcW2KO2CMtz7ee1kt_lgoVorDSgzZfATgnPboBAZTCRKY25HU6liVA8mT8NcksZ3VCfkdthkp7ZaQvarzZKObmJ1rnHMniNQudr9c/s400/McGuire15.jpg" /></div></div></div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356883575132461683noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5780251115053123485.post-70838697763196543412009-07-06T16:59:00.002-05:002009-07-06T17:14:12.072-05:00Happy Fourth of July!<p><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzLpwRmBmF_eqyGzuv-sjRgN_fv4YCGp4Xz94v8ZDpqQ-Crk_3W2RmRzm-ZzZ6VgfI_ZNmXzgf47xGfVlJ_nQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p>More to come...</p>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356883575132461683noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5780251115053123485.post-31684995542501228672009-06-17T22:36:00.003-05:002009-06-17T23:08:33.341-05:00Randomness and picturesI just have a few random things to say quickly.<br /><br /><br /><br />1. I took Emma for newborn pictures tonight with Cheri, who also shot my maternity pics. I can't wait to see how they turn out. I am positive they will be beautiful, just like Emma. Cheri had some great ideas and got some really, really cute shots.<br /><br /><br /><br />(Sidenote: I mentioned maternity pictures weeks ago. I meant to write a post about them but Emma made her arrival before I got a chance. SO...if you want to see them go to Cheri's website <a href="http://www.cadelinephotography.com/">http://www.cadelinephotography.com/</a>. There are some under the featured link OR if you'd like to see the rest of them, email me and I'll give you the password. They were FABULOUS! I still haven't ordered all the ones I want!)<br /><br /><br /><br />2. I'm watching So You Think You Can Dance on DVR right now. First- I LOVE Melissa. I am <strong><em>not</em></strong> a ballerina but I love that she is. I also like Jason and Brandon. Also, so far this season, I am not a fan of Lil' C or however he spells his name. Jonathan and Karla danced to Slowly Falling and I love that song. What was your favorite dance tonight?<br /><br /><br /><br />3. I thought I'd share some pictures.<br /><br />Ethan- so proud of his new sister. He wakes up in the mornings and the first thing he says is "Where's Emma?" This was our first day home.<br /><br /><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 272px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348511479597314786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicxna5lrIt1eD0BnXIF48s77v0WXAy2SBwn0b_dJU4U-xOjmgPDKGa7DQ5lZ-J6lCXmb_z1LDFaT_xkV4Xw9wAfpFkmE-wnhjG_EJFHQZKvcQ16S7AXoFl8hqn5u6m-2AKj4shNuq_Jkc/s400/100_0948.JPG" /><br />Popeye is one of Emma's nicknames because she likes to open one eye to peek at people.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348511483301510050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvLvEe5LjlAOMbWdvH0Y7I0JG30aP8YxyTwj6UfVQXyyOvhNfxpSDNcHPTjZjyGDNnK7-rnP2DJm-PtD-2yG48uS7OcBzCDckWJ2pE6huB0joVjTYrqU2Ozno6bN1D-z52qlRduYEf3nw/s400/100_0955.JPG" /></p><p>Enjoying some sunshine.</p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348511490620822674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSjoBQbc9r8oVzA8R-twgpNDPsnlcO5Ndtz82qf831e0cpdgUoBDDl_nfSRDMnb89_LirgdzNiVUVZXlLxGHL5nUSwGqbXAn4jrqxtINCBg7tu9FhZfN979KAH17mm923TB7WDEbuRadQ/s400/100_0965.JPG" /><br />I'm pretty sure it was a little gas that produced the smile on her face. But whatever.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348511491564762066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRSRAED_RNnY59vQDz1tpaZ45Yu2iv2LBQ466I0XWaQxnSByMhuyqBC5rcjtwUO6Nme9UBS-Xg3wqjyzOgHpCJQA8f49M8eP2U7s7cZwZwiTCRNpdIPZRw0F6CHwqj8x3fha-MWLT4Yhs/s400/100_1017.JPG" /></p><p>This is my favorite picture of Emma so far. It just makes me smile and laugh. She doesn't cry much and because of that I tend to think her crying is funny. I'm sure if she was fussy alot or cried a lot more I wouldn't find it as funny. And, because she was jaundice and had a hard time waking or being alert, her crying is reassuring to me- even now.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRQcDrLy7tLfVBcyfkkPIBlnalx-J_hFK3O6L0BfGkXfIntCCS7TNSbwjSJa2owgajfktQQm6Ai25wPT_paU87BhyphenhyphenV3uIrPs21aLmMJBpc6JSBjDfcwDDvW2_G6ah0ZcgEV6_DhMMhRxQ/s1600-h/100_1060.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348511497774981538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRQcDrLy7tLfVBcyfkkPIBlnalx-J_hFK3O6L0BfGkXfIntCCS7TNSbwjSJa2owgajfktQQm6Ai25wPT_paU87BhyphenhyphenV3uIrPs21aLmMJBpc6JSBjDfcwDDvW2_G6ah0ZcgEV6_DhMMhRxQ/s400/100_1060.JPG" /></a><br /></p><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356883575132461683noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5780251115053123485.post-67235593679758784572009-06-12T17:11:00.008-05:002009-06-12T20:33:10.373-05:00Introducing Emma GraceBetter late than never.<br /><br /><br />Emma Grace was born on May 17, 2009 at 5:57pm weighing 7 lbs and 3 oz and measuring 20 in long.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I started having contractions at church on Sunday, May 17th. They started just as we sat down in service and were 10 minutes apart. About the last 10 minutes of service (as soon as Pastor Craig started praying) they jumped to 2 minutes apart. My friends, Andrea and Rachel, suggested I go to the hospital. I was hesitant because the contractions were not that painful yet. We decided to go ahead, just to be safe, figuring the worse case scenario is I'll be sent home.<br /><br /><br />We dropped off Ethan at Grams and Papa McGuire's and arrived at the hospital about 11:45am. They put me in a room and hooked me up to a monitor. I'm pretty sure my nurse said, "You really are contracting." Um...didn't I already say that? I began drinking water and more water to see if the contractions would stop. Eventually they started me on an iv to get fluids in me faster. The contractions didn't stop.<br /><br /><br />About 1:15pm, the doctor on-call decided to come to the hospital to break my water. She arrived at 2:00pm. Later she suggested some pitocin to speed things along and shortly after the craziness began.<br /><br /><br />Something about the way the pitocin made me contract made Emma's heart rate drop. Before I knew it, the nurses were in my room rolling me over, putting me on oxygen and readjusting the monitors. I could hear her heart rate slowing in the background. They took me off the pitocin immediately and gave me another medicine to help and I remember it made me shake. An internal monitor was attached to Emma's head to get a better heart reading. Brian and Mom both put on brave faces for me but the doctor and nurses...not so much. My nurse asked me to take off all my jewelry and what kind of dental work I've had done. I knew they were thinking about a c-section. Fortunately, after I was off the pitocin, her heart rate stabilized. I'm not sure why my natural contractions (that felt the same intensity as with pitocin) didn't affect her but I am so thankful they didn't. We later found out her cord was around her neck which caused her heart rate to drop with each contraction.<br /><br /><br />After the drama was over I just labored on my own for a few hours. About 5:45 I felt a lot of pressure. My doctor came in and checked me then said I could push with the next contraction. Meanwhile, Mom, who text Dad and Lacey to go ahead and leave to get dinner, was texting to say DON'T LEAVE.<br /><br /><br />With one push they could see her head throwing the nurses off guard. My room was ready for delivery at all! Two more pushes and Emma Grace entered the world at 5:57pm. It was so fast and so sudden. I was surprised to see her laying on my tummy. Of course, after pushing for over an hour with Ethan I never expected to see her so quickly.<br /><br /><br /><br />Here are some pictures!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2RwhZxmghjudid2HqKuvhUL7tX4-ofqMsRIHLsIUYWtk0xNQGCeGKL5SN4yp1R72tK_YbEsw6O8DvgBmTb9lokxmZVViVz_oEF934YwlT7g0kr5ff7MT2_hJOgrfRdDHKjUn4mUWvPPA/s1600-h/100_0824.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346616526328739762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2RwhZxmghjudid2HqKuvhUL7tX4-ofqMsRIHLsIUYWtk0xNQGCeGKL5SN4yp1R72tK_YbEsw6O8DvgBmTb9lokxmZVViVz_oEF934YwlT7g0kr5ff7MT2_hJOgrfRdDHKjUn4mUWvPPA/s400/100_0824.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjsLz2TuSh4TImiOrtfiMPvG7cy8ipXFHvunHiDg-7P2SgFvRHlkIOS-clx04tRHNc3qYh6MkHVw0hQ13VjLsAdQJCMfxbu3OFIIitA-BPfnJzZW8bpe61foLFfjw82akuSbKtx1ieQzQ/s1600-h/100_0830.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346616531837956786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjsLz2TuSh4TImiOrtfiMPvG7cy8ipXFHvunHiDg-7P2SgFvRHlkIOS-clx04tRHNc3qYh6MkHVw0hQ13VjLsAdQJCMfxbu3OFIIitA-BPfnJzZW8bpe61foLFfjw82akuSbKtx1ieQzQ/s400/100_0830.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8eQkJckxtJNeR81OlfpI4TjOANvTrHsyjdJjMgeG7S8kpFKLgh_Z5XOdqJkTA0jo_GVB3LdlhmE6Xdl4FfEKCCw14CsbLlR4KsZork8Jvg5wOeFhJZY7K8V8oW154SPWrCz7TS178fw/s1600-h/100_0853.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346616534482047170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8eQkJckxtJNeR81OlfpI4TjOANvTrHsyjdJjMgeG7S8kpFKLgh_Z5XOdqJkTA0jo_GVB3LdlhmE6Xdl4FfEKCCw14CsbLlR4KsZork8Jvg5wOeFhJZY7K8V8oW154SPWrCz7TS178fw/s400/100_0853.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8CNdCADDqK_IB8F0VwVpMJaMMBrinJBzvzvL6vOjmTkgKJYxgAAPobCcb4M-tIHKuJdRX3yr7JYGBLj_C2I6239jyLcvhq8eo1aRB35VtSGLEdjayUk-CZQmhTgKS0VBkkH15p8wAmA/s1600-h/%7Bc713a835-4ac7-452d-8c37-eaee2c86f5dd%7D_1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 284px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346616543693068562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8CNdCADDqK_IB8F0VwVpMJaMMBrinJBzvzvL6vOjmTkgKJYxgAAPobCcb4M-tIHKuJdRX3yr7JYGBLj_C2I6239jyLcvhq8eo1aRB35VtSGLEdjayUk-CZQmhTgKS0VBkkH15p8wAmA/s400/%7Bc713a835-4ac7-452d-8c37-eaee2c86f5dd%7D_1.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg3Nj33e9Gr6GV1Fg4w7eAd572dUYclXuoUS8h0A_89IuJLFgoiZCRiDzw6x3LjUkI_jbCp_ekjtTikPd8VAp7Wa53JhId81ok11ks3MR7zeFDOLjSXOZdTee27TlSHPP8jeL5hrrJx8Q/s1600-h/%7B20621a11-539e-45b3-a1b7-a82aadcd3fd0%7D_5.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 284px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346616539323984002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg3Nj33e9Gr6GV1Fg4w7eAd572dUYclXuoUS8h0A_89IuJLFgoiZCRiDzw6x3LjUkI_jbCp_ekjtTikPd8VAp7Wa53JhId81ok11ks3MR7zeFDOLjSXOZdTee27TlSHPP8jeL5hrrJx8Q/s400/%7B20621a11-539e-45b3-a1b7-a82aadcd3fd0%7D_5.jpg" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><p>She is a great baby! We are truly blessed. I love being the mommy of a little girl. Ethan can't keep his lips off of her. He just wants to kiss her all day long. I guess I don't blame him ;)</p>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356883575132461683noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5780251115053123485.post-55427941024069639392009-06-06T16:58:00.001-05:002009-06-06T16:59:30.720-05:00I'm working on a new post! Lots going on at our house!!Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356883575132461683noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5780251115053123485.post-32154608311849049202009-05-14T09:42:00.003-05:002009-05-14T09:59:40.776-05:00The Final CountdownSo yesterday was my 37 1/2 week check-up. I guess I could round up to 38, which is tomorrow. I'm dilated 3cm and about 50% effaced. <br /><br />My doctor wanted to go ahead and schedule an induction for next week. There's really not a way she'll be there if we don't. I had told her a few weeks ago I really wanted to go into labor on my own- for the sole purpose of finding out for myself how much pitocin makes a difference in delivery. I have nothing against inducing! I am just curious. (Brian thinks that's silly and has been trying to tell me to schedule an induction for over a month!) So we scheduled an induction for next Thursday, May 21st- 7:00am. Of course, there is still a chance Emma will make her own entrance which is fine too!<br /><br />My doctor did warn me that even with an induction, since I'm not delivering at her hospital, there's a chance she won't make it in time. For one, she thinks I will have a short labor once it starts. And two, she has a 15-20 minute drive from her hospital. She is going to give the nurses strict instructions to call her as soon as I reach a 7. Since I won't have an epidural they can't hold off pushing until she arrives. I would like her to be there, but if she misses it because I have such a short labor I won't mind.<br /><br />It's nice to have a final date. And by this time next week I'll be having a baby. I can't wait to meet this sweet girl!Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356883575132461683noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5780251115053123485.post-16816156340460938252009-05-13T12:09:00.004-05:002009-05-13T12:34:33.744-05:00Everything You Don't Want To Know and MoreI don't have much to say these days that doesn't relate to having this baby. And while I know all of you love me, I also know you can only read about my desire for her to arrive NOW so many times. SO....<br /><br />That leaves rambling. Ready? Set. Go.<br /><br />The LOST season finale is tonight. I think I'm more excited about that than the Grey's finale. Is that possible?<br /><br />I had breakfast with the "old" Highstepper officers this morning. It was so good to see them, catch up and hear all the gossip about <em>stuff.</em> They all had matching red streaks in their hair like they did at officer camp. I sure miss those girls.<br /><br />Today is my 37 1/2 week check-up. I've been having contractions for the last few days but nothing regular. I'm eager to hear what my doctor has to say.<br /><br />At work I cleaned off my desk, finished all the invoicing and even filled out half of a time sheet. I am trying to leave everything finished and in order when I leave each day, just in case. In cleaning out my desk I found a sweet card from Kerrie, who used to work here. It was a card she gave me after my grandma passed away last year.<br /><br />I have spent an abnormal amount of time trying to figure out how Facebook determines what information I receive in my News Feed. Why does it show me the same people over and over? And people that I don't necessarily talk to or comment on their pages. My brother-in-law gave me a hard time about not responding to one of his comments but I never saw it. It's weird really.<br /><br />Ethan had school pictures a few weeks ago. I can't decide which picture to order and in what size. Cheri took the pictures and she also did my maternity pictures. I think I want a big one of Ethan, a big one of me, Brian and Ethan and then one of Emma's newborn pictures (which Cheri will be taking). All black and white, in black frames and matted, to go in our hallway.<br /><br />Mom and Dad (and Lacey) stained the concrete floor in one of the bedrooms at their house. I REALLY, REALLY want to do this in my living room and hall.<br /><br />I love watching reruns of The Office on TBS. Last night was a great episode for Stanley. "Did I studder?" Oh, that man makes me laugh.<br /><br />Great. So that's it's for today. And if you are still reading, go give yourself a cookie. And then pray I have this baby.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356883575132461683noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5780251115053123485.post-9954973611778378632009-05-08T13:12:00.001-05:002009-05-08T13:13:10.324-05:00Funny things Ethan saysEthan- "OUCH! My tummy hurts." (Grabs his tummy in pain)<br /><br />Me- "I'm sorry, Buddy. Do you need to go potty?"<br /><br />Ethan- "No, my sister keeps kickin' me. Ouch."<br /><br /><br />Pause.<br /><br /><br />Ethan- "Stop that Sissy. Okay, that's better."<br /><br /><br />__________________________________<br /><br /><br />Walking into school while it's sprinkling he says, " God, please make the rain stop."<br /><br />He pauses and looks at me to whine,"Mom, God is not listening!"<br /><br />I tried to explain that God always listens but sometimes He doesn't answer right away. He bought it for the time being.<br /><br />__________________________________<br /><br /><br />Ethan wore brown pants and a striped sweater to church a few weeks ago. He was sitting in the back seat and said, "Is this my Charlie Bucket sweater? Am I Charlie Bucket?"<br /><br /><br />It took us a minute to realize he was referring to Charlie Bucket from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsTE7ba4U7tvxSh02M_45tt_stDe6XRYNHdbW7ZXa83VY842zF1GHJ9qO_jR0OBOlPQcpQ2qaUBixfPFhKvAuQFpnhuHq6gLNPy9H4rbC4pCPsBjjlUQjpUt74euZKp62xk8-em5VQwQU/s1600-h/100_0619+copy.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 319px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333517135386844978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsTE7ba4U7tvxSh02M_45tt_stDe6XRYNHdbW7ZXa83VY842zF1GHJ9qO_jR0OBOlPQcpQ2qaUBixfPFhKvAuQFpnhuHq6gLNPy9H4rbC4pCPsBjjlUQjpUt74euZKp62xk8-em5VQwQU/s400/100_0619+copy.JPG" /></a>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356883575132461683noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5780251115053123485.post-18465487794297860872009-05-07T12:37:00.002-05:002009-05-07T13:00:32.248-05:00Emma update...againYesterday was my 37 week check-up. I can't believe I'm due in 3 weeks!<br /><br />My doctor said everything looks great. I haven't dialated much more but she said she thought Emma would make her appearance soon. Actually, she said, "I'm on call tomorrow so if you start having contractions come on in!" She said she has a hunch that Emma will be here soon. Brian and I have felt that way for a while but you never know. I've decided not to worry too much about it. She come when she's ready. <br /><br />(Although, Emma is weighing about 6lb 7oz so I asked her yesterday to come BEFORE the 8lb mark. Hopefully she will listen!)<br /><br />After my visit I had contractions for the rest of the day. Nothing too painful or consistent.<br /><br />In addition to the weight limit, I've also been telling Emma that May 15th is a great day to arrive. Or really anytime after. Even the 14th would be great.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356883575132461683noreply@blogger.com1