Never A Dull Moment

Let me first start by saying this is one of the many posts that is long overdue. I'm hoping to get caught up in the next few weeks with all the happenings of this year! In June 2012 my dad was set up on a blind "date" with a lady named Ann. They had never met which is extremely strange for two people who have lived in Little Rock, what I will always consider a small town, their entire adult lives. They both went into the meeting with the expectation that, at the very least, this person would be a fun friend to go to dinner, movies, etc. with. Well, they instantly hit it off that night and have been together ever since! My dad proposed just before Christmas and they were married at their church, in a simple ceremony with just the two of them and their pastor, on Valentine's Day of this year. I could go on and on and on about how amazing Ann is and how lucky we ALL are that she's part of our family now. She is one of the most genuine, caring people I have eve...

Well, we made it! It's crazy to think we are now past the point at which Olivia, Madelyn and Mary Grace were born. It's crazy to know exactly what the baby inside me looks like. It's all just crazy. There are a lot of thoughts that have been swirling around my mind the past several weeks. I've felt sad for Olivia that her first months of life were so rough. I think back to those first few months of her life - all the poking and prodding, the machines and wires - and it breaks my heart that she didn't get to stay tucked away in my womb for longer. That's one of the things her doctors always told us in the NICU, no one has figured out how to recreate the womb. I had a lot of anxiety as we approached 22 weeks (the date my water broke with the girls). I've had nothing but great reports from my doctor, but it's really hard to try to reason or distract yourself from worry when you've lived through a worst case scenario. I have to make a conscious decision ...

GIRL! Olivia is getting another sister! We are over the moon with excitement! Mary Brooke looks perfect and we can't wait to meet her later this year!

Well, I really didn't mean to take such a long break from blogging. It's been two months and there's lots to catch up on! Lets start with the biggest happening - Baby #5! Everything is going really well. I feel great and often times still forget I'm pregnant. This time around has been so much easier on my body and I'm grateful. I've been able to work out doing non-impact activity (think bike and elliptical) but considering I could do nothing last time this has been great. I will be 18 weeks along on Thursday and we have our big u/s to find out the gender. I don't have a hunch either way and can't wait to find out who this baby is! It is crazy that in just 10 more days we will be to the halfway point. December will be here before we know it! Here are a few belly pics for good measure. The pic on the left is with the girls and on the right is #5. See why I can forget I'm pregnant? :) Olivia is just amazing! July 16 marks one year since we ...

God has blessed our family with quite a surprise! Olivia is getting a little brother or sister in early December. We are thrilled! As of today I am nine weeks along. We went to the doctor several weeks ago and were able to see the tiny bundle and hear the heartbeat. Everything looks great and we are so thankful! I'll share more details in the next few weeks. :)

Olivia turned ONE on Saturday! I seriously can't believe a year has passed since our baby was born. It is unreal! We had a wonderful day celebrating Olivia. We started with brunch at one of our favorite Dallas spots, Oddfellows. I love their chicken and waffles and knew that Olivia would, too. ;) She didn't waste any time digging in. After brunch we made a quick stop at a local children's boutique to buy O her first pair of sandals. They are a size 0 (smallest they make) and are the tiniest, sweetest, light pink sandals I've ever seen. She immediately brought her foot to her mouth and used them as a teether. Whatever makes her happy! :) On our way home we stopped to give her sisters their birthday flowers. Happy first birthday Madelyn and Mary Grace! We spent some time playing with her new birthday present before naptime! She absolutely loves it and even sat on her own for the first time while she was playing. Such a ...

We had a great Easter Sunday! It is so hard to believe it was Olivia's second Easter - Madelyn, Mary Grace and Olivia were born on Good Friday. Last year, on Easter Sunday, Madelyn went to be with Jesus. What a comfort it is that on the day of her death we are able to rejoice with HOPE in the GIFT of ETERNAL LIFE made possible by JESUS CHRIST. God sent his Son, Jesus, to bear the sins of humanity and die upon a cross. In taking our sins upon himself, he conquered death as we know it. For those who believe I love the words from one of the songs we sang at church on Sunday. Over this past year it has become one of our very favorite songs. "Christ is Risen" Let no one caught in sin remain* Inside the lie of inward shame We fix our eyes upon the cross And run to him who showed great love And bled for us Freely you bled, for us Christ is risen from the dead Trampling over death by death Come awake, come awake! Come and rise up from the grave! Chri...