Our Big News!

We are excited to announce that Christian is going to be a big brother! We are expecting a little someone around January 8, 2012. (Which also happens to be my dad and Steve's brother's birthday.) This may even be a December baby considering how early Christian was born. I am almost 14 weeks along and feeling really well as we move into the second trimester. Thankfully, the first trimester was just as smooth and easy as it was during my pregnancy with Christian, however I think I was much more tired this time around (maybe it has something to do with keeping up with a toddler?)

We have seen the doctor twice now and the baby is healthy thus far with a heartbeat of 169 at 8 weeks and 178 at 10 weeks. I feel as through my belly "popped" out really early at only 6 weeks, which I guess is common for second pregnancies, but I knew we had better tell everyone the exciting news before they started guessing on their own. I am especially eager to find out what we will be having, a baby brother or sister for Christian? Regardless, we are praying for a healthy baby and delivery this winter!

First ultrasound at 8 weeks.

First baby bump picture at 13 weeks.

A 4th of July Staycation

Originally we had wanted to travel somewhere locally (Savannah, Charlotte, or Greenville) for a mini vacation this past Fourth of July weekend, but with a series of TDY's coming up and a new car that has taken a large chunk from our savings, we decided to stay home. And you know what? It was quite relaxing and refreshing. We kept busy and did NO housework. :o) We went to the zoo, 2 BBQ's, 2 outings to the pool, I went to a movie with a friend, and we enjoyed part of the Freedom Festival at Sandhills in Columbia. A few pictures from our fun weekend are below.

Wordless Wednesday *Tuckered Out*

EdVenture with 5 Girlies and a Little Man

On Thursday we went with my friend Ashley, her two daughters, Evalee and Ruby and her niece, Ayla to the EdVenture Children's Museum. I had a Groupon deal that was going to expire that day, so it worked out perfectly to bring the 4 kiddos for a little exploration. Christian and Evalee particularly enjoyed:

*Running about in the firetruck

*Milking the cow, collecting eggs, and sitting in the tractor at the farm

*Grocery shopping

*The "My Backyard" exhibit specifically designed for children under 3.Christian and I have both been enjoying getting out and about, especially during these hot summer months. Looking forward to many more summer adventures!

Willard Farms

Yesterday C man and I went to Willard Farms with a group of parents and children from our church for a summer children's ministry called "Wonder Wednesdays." (We have been wavering a bit on churches, but I think we will finally be committing to the one we originally attended last summer up until Steve's deployment.) Last summer we attended this same farm event, but this year it was so much more fun for both Christian and I since he can now walk and explore on his own. He especially enjoyed the "big pillow" jumper, the long slide (with mommy) in the dirt hill, and the cow train (all by himself!) We ended the outing with hot dogs and chicken salad sandwiches for the mommies and a nice time of fellowship. C was thoroughly exhausted by the time we got home and ready for a nice nap (and mommy was ready for a rest too.)

New Ride

Oh, did I mention that we purchased a new car while we were in Colorado? We were looking for something with more cargo space, tinted windows, more room, etc. Also, with all the road trips we take, we thought it was time for something more comfortable. We ended up getting a great deal on a Hyundai Santa Fe, and even with shipping the car from Colorado to South Carolina, it was cheaper than had we bought it locally. We finally received it Thursday night and took it for its first drive on Saturday morning. It is so nice and smooth, and we love it! Christian didn't want to get out...I think he will especially enjoy sitting up higher where he can see out the window. Next step will be selling our Dodge Stratus, but we are thinking and hoping it will sell quickly.

Oh So Hot

Last Friday morning I watched Christian's little friend, Evalee (she has a new baby sister!) The kiddos LOVED playing outside in the water. Evalee had the giggles and thought it was hilarious when Christian would (intentionally) slip in the squirter pool. Don't you just love their round little tummies?

We have had heat advisories this week and it is just the beginning of summer. The "dog days" have yet to arrive *ugh.* I guess I will dream about cooler fall days for now. :o)