Party of 5

Yes, it's true. We are unexpectedly expecting again. This little baby is due July 21st, and although we are happy and we hope and pray that everything will go well and he/she will be healthy and perfect, we are also still in a bit of a state of shock.

The awesome thing is that since we didn't plan this one, it is apparent that God wants this baby here at this moment for his purposes, and I'm looking forward to seeing what those purposes will be! In the mean time, I will continue to be shocked and go back to my usual pregnancy cravings of cereal, pickles, and orange juice (not together thankfully). I'll also need to figure out how to explain to a 14 month old girl that she will be a big sister (she doesn't even grasp that she's a little sister at this point), and tell an ever-wisening 3 year old boy that mommy has a baby in her tummy. The other day he told me he had a tummyache, and he thinks he might have a baby there, too.

I think the fun is only just beginning...

Happy Birthday to moi!

So I don't have any photos, but last Friday was my birthday. I'm officially "in" my 30s, meaning I'm 31, and I love it. I feel an increasing sense of legitimacy, maturity, and growing wisdom if I dare say so, but I don't feel in the slightest bit old.

Greg let me sleep in on Friday while he and both kiddos got up and made me cinnamon rolls, wrapped gifts, and wrote/decorated a card the way only a 3 yr old and 1 yr old can. :) We had breakfast, and I opened gifts (I'm totally having a little affair with the new CHI flat iron Greg bought for me, as well as a pair of fabulous Nine West black stilettos, and some gourmet coffee).

Greg picked up Schlotsky's for lunch and the kids and I met him at the playland at our church for a little picnic in the afternoon, then both kids took long naps that afforded me the opportunity to curl up for a little snooze of my own. Greg came home from work early (which is my favorite thing!) to top it off.

That evening, some great friends came over with their families and we celebrated birthdays and Christmas all together: 6 adults and 6 kids (ages 7 mos to 3 years). We ordered delicious gourmet pizza from a local pizzaria, an Italian salad from another local bistro, and Tracy made homemade cupcakes (from scratch). When the kids went to bed, the adults stayed up with our glasses of wine, cups of coffee, 2nd rounds of food, and we played charades--which was hilarious--until the wee hours.

Overall, a wonderful and very celebrated day; the perfect mix of family and friends, relaxation and activities. 31 is starting off just right!

Role Reversal?

While Lauren is speedracing in Noah's car outside,














Noah's inside wrapping up and feeding Lauren's baby doll.














We're trying to teach them how to fully understand and relate to the opposite sex. Actually, Greg is mortified.

Better than toys

Okay, so if you've ever read about my son, Noah, you know how OCD he is about organization. His version of "playing" with something is coming up with new ways to arrange the pieces in categories or various methods of organization. He's 3. See below what we walked in on yesterday, after having left some paper goods within reach in the pantry:



I think I'll give him some plasticware for Christmas.