baby shower

Well, I'm feeling really blessed this evening by the fun shower my dear Kristen and her momma Peggy threw for us today. Thank you ladies for making this happen! Kristen's house looked beautiful, and even though she's had an extremely busy week, everything was perfect. Being in transition and getting ready to move back to Asia creates some interesting nesting challenges, but I've been amazed at how God's provided everything (and more) that we need even during this interim time with baby girl. Thanks to my sister Angela and friends Kristen and Summer, I've been loaned maternity clothes, baby clothes, a car seat, stroller, baby bath and even a swing to use in these months before we head back. Talk about provisions! And today was definitely the icing on the cake. It seems like baby girl clothes are getting even cuter than they were a few years ago when Grace was born. Some of my mom's co-workers stopped by today. They gave my mom a thoughtful gift of an hour with photographer Cassandra so my girls can have pictures made with Granna and Papa Jim!

Cuties Katelyn and Haley were dressed alike today...they have a baby brother coming in a few weeks, too!

my sweet Aunt Carolyn

These two girls (and yes, I think we're still girls) were both in my wedding. Kristen's baby Evyn was born in October and Kristin M. (on the right) gave birth to twin boys 6 weeks ago! It was a real treat to get to see Kristin M. for the first time in nearly 5 years!

My wonderful hostesses, Peggy and Kristen, and the amazing wonder-baby Evyn. Really, she's the most laid-back baby I've ever met. And, I will admit, we're praying for a laid-back baby this go-around too!

My mom - I have no idea what I'd do without her

Mom and Michelle

Here's Rendi and her cutie McKenna. Rendi went to HSU and lived on my hall when I was an RA, and a few months ago we met again at church! Such a small world!

When we got home, Grace was fascinated by all of baby sister's new things. She snagged a few gifts today, too, from thoughtful folks. We'll save a few to give to her at the hospital. Last night I was hugging Grace and she looked at my belly and said, "That baby sure is getting big." My sentiments exactly, big sister.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine's weekend has turned out quite memorable this year. Friday night the church had a Parents' Night Out, so Kevin and I went on a date to a fancy restaurant. What a treat! I have to say that between the grandparents and our local church, I'm getting very spoiled with childcare. This weekend has also been fun because my brother's kids Max, Anna Kate, and Jake are in town. Chad and Erin are on a business trip, so Granna and Papa Jim are taking care of them until Monday when they will go visit Erin's parents for a few days. Grace is having an absolute BLAST with her cousins. Also, my first cousins Michele and Laura flew into town this weekend, so Granna planned a big family Valentine's party. I have gone a little picture-happy as you can see below. Here we are getting ready to take Grace to Parents' Night Out... Grace has been very affectionate with us this week. Maybe somehow she knows life's about to change for her! pretend pouty-face

And, I had a funny (ok, I thought it was an odd) conversation with my doctor this week in which he encouraged me to document my belly more in pictures. He said most women are glad they did. The belly is getting enormous. It's running into things. Stares and comments abound these days. I can't believe baby girl will be here in less than 20 days!

My two valentines

Here are the kiddos ready to eat lunch so they can get on with the Valentine's party!!

But before that, we had to have some tickle-fighting

and piggy-back riding

Granna and Max with one of his gifts

Grace was thrilled to get a Dora crown

Jake had fun at the table with his new toy, too. You should see this 2 year old on a razor scooter; he's amazing!

Pretty ladies Laura, Granna, Aunt Carolyn, and Gram

Anna Kate was excited to help Granna make the Valentine's cupcakes last night

cousin Michele, Grace, Anna Kate, and cousin Laura at the party

There was lots of activity to behold today! A great time was had by all.

On the mend

Last week we had the privilege of having Pappaw, Nana, and Aunt Kimberly come see us. Unfortunately, while they were here Grace got very sick with what the doctor called bad bronchitis/early-stage pneumonia. So, as a reward for traveling all the way across Texas they got the chance to spend quite a bit of time with a sick, puny, cranky toddler. Thankfully, they are family and have to put up with us anyway. :) But there was a little time for fun bubble-blowing before Grace got sick... And while she was on the mend, Aunt Kimberly was kind enough to crawl around with Grace on the floor and pretend to be various animals. One of Grace's favorite things to do these days is to hide, and to make people hide WITH her. She doesn't necessarily want to be found, just hide. So, we played along with her game. Some days, even when Kevin is gone, Grace and I hide under the covers and have nice, lengthy conversations. She doesn't seem to mind that no one is really looking for her. (Oops, these pictures are a little out of order but you get the idea!) And here's Grace getting a breathing treatment with her new favorite toy, the nebulizer. We are thankful to have this machine when we head back to East Asia for any future breathing incidents! It's a scary thing when your kid can't breathe well in the middle of the night!