Finger Painting

It was really fun to see Abby play with paints for the first time. She loves making art. We sat and painted together for an hour. Rainbow colors running through her hair, a kitchen floor full of drying art and eight paintings later = finger painting success and an immediate trip to the shower!

So excited to paint

streaks!

proof of a good time.

Look Mommy!

21 weeks and a delightful SURPRISE

21 weeks

Abby wanted her picture taken too!

kissing her little baby

21 weeks and we're excited to announce....

It's a GIRL! 

Everything about having another little girl thrills us. I've been dreaming all day about how much fun it will be for Abby and her sister to grow up together! My heart is so full thinking about it.

Abby came with Joe and I today for the ultrasound.

Quote of the day: On the way to my doctor's office, we passed the hospital and it's new building addition. All of a sudden, Abby started shouting from the back seat, "Mommy! Look Mommy! Noah's Ark!" She is pretty fascinated these days with the "big ark God told Noah to build for all the animals".

Abby was fascinated when she saw the baby on the screen (until she was ready to go back to reading her High Five magazine with Daddy).  Abby has not stopped talking about her baby "sidder" all day.

After our appointment, Daddy went back to work. Abby and I went to the store (as planned) to pick out a little something for her baby sister. As we walked to the baby section, I spent time letting it all soak in. In the last 20 weeks I've completely connected with the fact that I'm carrying a baby inside of me. But, today when I learned I was carrying another baby girl I connected to her in a new way. My daughter. And if you think sundresses are cute...just imagine little summery sundresses in newborn size. Precious! Abby saw a little plush baby doll for an infant and said, "Mommy. Dollie. My baby sidder."  Abby picked out her little sister's first baby doll. She's got your back, little one.


We all love you so much already!

our baby's gift

¹³ For you created my inmost being;
   you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
   your works are wonderful,
   I know that full well.
¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from you
   when I was made in the secret place,
   when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
¹⁶ Your eyes saw my unformed body;
   all the days ordained for me were written in your book
   before one of them came to be.

Psalm 139: 13-16

As I sit here tonight, I'm in awe of our Creator, who is carefully creating another one of His masterpieces within me. I'm thankful and humbled by all that He has entrusted to me. I'm excited to meet my daughter face to face. I'm excited to see my sweet Abby's face when she meets her lifelong best friend. Thank you, Jesus!

Valentine's Day

After a LOVE-ly V-day breakfast with Daddy (during which Abby decided it must be her birthday because she got a few little gifts and a special breakfast), we celebrated with a bunch of our friends that we LOVE! My friend Heather coordinated a wonderful mommy/children breakfast that we enjoyed so much. Here are a few photos from the fun morning:

the kids' table

the mommy table

Everyone's chair had a personalized valentine holder hanging on the back. Abby loved walking around and putting a card in each one.

Even the moms got special treats!

enjoying the breakfast spread

 

me and Nichole

 

 

We are so thankful for the amazing group of friends God has blessed us with! Not only does Abby have a great group of kiddos to grow up with, but their parents are equally great friends to Joe and I.

Our Daily Entertainment

Just in case you needed one more reason to smile today...we wanted to lend you some of our day's entertainment and laughter. Sometimes I wonder how I get anything done with this sweet and hysterical little love following me around everywhere I go.

Quad Racing?

Abby might not be ripping up the track like her Uncle Cory, but this girl  has really started to enjoy riding her quad down the street with her Daddy. Big accomplishment considering when Papa gave it to her for Christmas she was terrified and wouldn't go near it.

 It's pretty funny to watch her go because she can't steer! My favorite part is hearing her say, "Daddy, help me!".  Coming in a close second would have to be the rainbow shades and owl hat!

19 weeks

not sure what the mysterious spots on my shirt are,  BUT here we are 19 weeks! 

MINE!

I couldn't help but laugh out loud when I saw this list of 'toddler rules' on a blog recently.  It really describes the phase Abby is in right now. If I had a dollar for every time we talk about sharing and kindness on a daily basis, I'd have a sweet little extra savings stashed!

On our way to the doctor's office today, Abby informed me that the sky was hers. Really? I told her that the sky was God's. She paused, thought about it and simply confirmed, "No. Sky is MINE!".  She cracks me up. I love this little girl so much!