Christmas Photo Shoot...

My friend Roxy took some Christmas photos of us!

 

 

 

 

 

guess we should make it public...

we are having another baby!  yea!  Little Peanut is growing strong, almost 19 weeks and we are all super excited!  Had our midway ultrasound on Friday, and he/she is growing perfectly!  only 21 or so more weeks!!

Here is the photo from our announcement

Texas Alliance for Life dinner...

A couple weeks ago, we went to the Texas Alliance for Life benefit dinner.  I love going, because I worked there, and for me, it is my social event of the season!  Everyone all dressed up, no kids, good food and a great speaker!

This year it was Lila Rose of Live Action.  She is just 23, but she spoke of going into Planned Parenthood (starting when she was just 18) and discovering how they cover up abuse, rape, human trafficking, law violation and more.

It was interesting for the audience to hear.  We all know that abortion kills babies, and we are trying to save them.  But she and her group have uncovered how PP carefully negotiates around the laws, bypassing that which protects our young women.  I feel she is taking the pro-life movement to the next level, and was excited to hear her talk.

Here are a few photos of the event!

 

 

conversation with a 3 year old...

My friend Kathryn posts her quote of the week (and with 5 kids, she has some great ones).  Nate is finally making more sense in his conversations...here is one we had during bath this week.

Me:  Nate, did you know we are going to Mama's house this week?
Nate:  I like Mama's house.
Me:  What do you like best about Mama's house?
Nate:  Grandpa!

1st day of school!

Nate had is first day of school yesterday.  He was in tears when I left, but when a couple friends walked by his room a few minutes later and they said he was fine.  The teacher (Mrs. Beth) said he did good, not great.  Room for improvement!  Every so often, she said he would ask when I was coming, but he did well otherwise.

When I asked Nate what he did, he said "boo hoo" (he cried).  He also said he went to the playground (which seemed to be his favorite).  When I asked him if he wanted to go back, he said "yes".  He also sang me the cleanup song, and a few other things that I couldn't decipher.

Mrs. Beth said he never took off his glasses, and only quickly showed her his eyes!

Hopefully tomorrow will go better...I don't think I'll be crying in my car again.

year 34...

So, I've been doing updates on Nate...but how about me?  This year I feel I was productive (other than raising a 2 year old).  Here are some highlights:

1. month-long vacation with Ry and Nate to Florida and Nate's first trip to Disney.  We even snuck in our first multi-day away from Nate, and he did great!  loved loved loved all the time with my boys!
2. have become good at priest's 25th anniversary parties - helped coordinate one for our pastor in September and Fr. Mike in July.  And now planning our parish's 25th anniversary in January!
3. finally working on getting in shape - started Stroller Strides in October.  Have loved meeting all the great women and their kiddos...and I feel myself getting stronger!
4. dealt in with break-in #2.  Sadness that people feel that they need our stuff...but glad to have Ryan here to protect us and feel secure!!
5. handled with grace Ry's forced vacation, i.e. layoff.  Only lasted 2 months, and I feel that I did a great job managing the finances I am in charge of, and helped Ryan transition to working from home.
6. Created a new soul, now in heaven.  One day we will meet you little Oliver Walter.
7. Welcomed Justin and Danielle back into our home for almost 3 months!  While waiting for their house to be built they have lived this summer in our guest room.  Nate has enjoyed the extra attention and I have loved having them here to chat with!
8. Took a little vacation with my mom and Nate to set-up Tessa in her new house.  Had some wonderful mom and sister time!!  Enjoyed having her here in Austin for 2 whole years!   It was great!!
9. Had a great time at our first ever family reunion on my mom's side.  Wonderful to see Nate interact with his cousins, and nice to not have to cook for a week!
10. And the day before my birthday...sent in the check...and paid off the house!  Best gift Ry could ever have given me!

and here are my top 12 photos!

 

 

 

Year 2 in review...

Okay...a little overdue...

Highlights:

• most changed - talking!  getting quite a vocabulary!!
• travel - FL, DisneyWorld, MS, AL, LA, TN, OH and PA
• loves - Lightening McQueen - especially his "chow", racing cars, Mom's tummy, Phineaus and Ferb, Toy Story, ipad, sunglasses, pants and tattoos, buzz lightyear pajamas

• favorite foods - apple juice, mac and cheese, pepperoni, chips and goldfish

• first movie - Cars 2
• wants everyone to be included
• has lived with us, Tessa neni, aunt Danielle and uncle Justin
• can navigate the ipod/ipad

I think the most significant is his communication.  Nate can really tell us what he wants, although some "baby talk" sometimes gets mixed in.  He also sings songs, and loves to dance and music.  Fortunately, he likes the same music as mom, so I'm not getting tired of baby songs...

He's also become quite independent.  I can send him upstairs to get something, or he can find my matching shoes in the closet.  He also likes to help unload the dishwasher (I put him in charge of the silverware) and help set the table.  And he rarely forgets to serve Charlie his dinner.

Nate has gotten quite used to Dad being at home.  With the sabbatical in October and 2 months off in January and February, he has had lots of time with Dad.  He loves it, and loves helping his Dad with all the projects around the house (you should see him with his little mallet).

Well, my little toddler is growing up into a little man...sometimes I just can't believe he is the same one!  But then, when he rubs my tummy...I know!  And here are some of my favorite pics...one from each month!