Mawmaw & Poppy

When E first started learning their names they were Mawmoo and Poppoo. But after a week having them all to himself he knows the names well. We were all thrilled that they took the time to come and visit KY and love on us. 

From the moment they got here it was non-stop. 

Father's Day dinner...

Going to a Bats vs. Bulls baseball game (so fun Durham was playing here this week)

Visiting Churchill downs...too hot for Eli 

And finally the Louisville slugger museum...

I think they got a good taste of Louisville but on top of all the touring my Dad painted the nursery, cleaned out and fixed some gutters, moved furniture, entertained Eli and probably other things I can't even think of right now. Mom and I were able to get out and shop a little and have a good time preparing for the baby. 

We were definitely blessed by their visit and thankful they made the drive. The next time they are here we will probably have kids (plural) so it was good for E to get a little more "only child" spoiling before that happens. 

Thanks again for all your help last week Mawmoo & Poppoo and come back soon!

Whew...

You know when you just have one of those weeks? Not all good, not all bad, but exhausting. Saying I was ready for the weekend was an understatement but the weekend didn't bring much relief. 

It started off by ridding Eli of the Paci. Something I wasn't looking forward to but wanted to do before the next one arrives. So, last Friday night we cut it, he cried but went to sleep pretty well. The next night we cut it more, then more until finally he just cried when he looked at it. No more getting it into his mouth but holding it provided some comfort. He wanted to tell anyone and everyone that it was "broken" (new to his vocabulary because of this event) and receive the proper sympathy. 

Eli holding on to it. 

Broken!

This resulted in much crying, explaining and talking it through, rocking, singing, reading extra stories at nap and bedtime and less sleep. Eli got grumpy and more meltdowns ensued. 

I want to say the worst is behind us and hopefully it is. Thankfully this transition has not resulted in his waking during the night, but we are having shorter naps right now. I know this too shall pass and we will have more and more transitions as he grows, but it's a sign that he's getting older and it hurts my mama heart a little. 

Another thing that made this week exhausting was I had many "home appointments" during his naps (yes, the ones when he wasn't sleeping). Everyone from a carpet salesman, an electrician, my nurse who gives me weekly shots to prolong my pregnancy (fun to get a shot while your child screams) and a handyman who was here to replace a door all day Friday. (I'm really not writing this to complain but to show myself how much I shouldn't schedule this kind of stuff during naps on transition weeks in the future). 

So, I think this was 3 out of 5 days. But, back to the handyman. A nice man who did quality work on the door but right as he was finishing up and preparing to paint to door trim he decided to shake the can over the carpet. Yes, you read that right. This can was not new, it was actually left here by the previous owner and I had opened it that morning to see if it was still good. So, as you can imagine paint went everywhere. 

EVERYWHERE. 

I am not sure where I was in the house when he did this but I came out to see it all over the carpet. He scrubbed, I scrubbed and it still looked bad. I texted Keith, he went and rented a wet vac and this is how we spent our Friday night and some of Saturday...

Yes, those are my feet, I'm shamelessly admitting and my husband such a servant. 

I'm happy to report the paint was a similar color to our carpet and it did come out but we just weren't planning on cleaning our carpets this weekend. 

Tomorrow my parents arrive! Yay! We are thankful they will be here this week to help me prepare for the baby and love on Eli. It should be fun. 

One last picture of me at 26 weeks, I figure I should start documenting this little one. 

We are so thankful for this growing life and a God who walks with us even during long weeks. 

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever. 

Psalm 136:1

Beach week 2014

Last week we had the opportunity to go to the North Carolina coast for a week with family. It was fun and special for our family especially since this will probably be the last vacation as a family of three. 

We drove from Louisville to my parents house in central NC Friday night and made it there by 12:30am (I think E fell asleep around 11:30) so not a big success of him sleeping in the car. But the next day he made up for it and slept the entire 3 hours to the beach which was nice!  

Overall the weather was great and not too hot for late May. It was a blessing to see E play with his cousins, grandparents  and aunt & uncle. 

The first morning was perfect, calm waters and tide pools that formed as the tide went out. Great for little ones and Poppy.

E and Daddy

Helping to bring water up. 

The next day was Memorial Day so we had a little photo shoot with the cousins and flags. 

As you can see we really had a good time. Even with the sun that came up earlier, a child that was tired, didn't eat as well and had a few more meltdowns than usual it was a fun week. But I will admit it was nice to be back in our beds last night. 

Thanks Mawmaw and Poppy for the great week. We love you!

Memorial Day family shot. 

E & K taking selfies while we waited for the food. 

Morning trip out to ride bumper boats. I think E liked it by the end. 

With Poppy & Mawmaw at the aquarium. 

Where's Eli?

Group shot minus Mawmaw (who was taking the picture). 

Spring in Kentucky

A few weeks ago we took some time to take family pictures, totally on our own (aka unprofessional) but I think they turned out pretty well.

I think I've mentioned this before but it has been so nice to see spring bloom (literally) this year.  To see the dogwoods, the daffodils, the azaleas bud and then bloom into bright, brilliant colors has been breath-taking and something I've really missed during my years in TX and living overseas.  So, we decided to take advantage of God's beautiful backdrop.  Here is our spring in pictures:  

Mama finally got him to smile!

this is probably my least favorite, but E's expression is priceless!

Happy Spring!  Well, almost summer!

Our family is growing by two feet!

That's right there is a baby GIRL in our future! 

At first we were excited and shocked at this news (I think we both thought the baby would be a boy) but after a few days of letting it sink in we are so grateful that Lord has decided to add some pink to our family!

Little miss is due to make her appearance mid-September 2014. A perfect time, in my opinion. 

Here are some pictures of Eli when he found out. 

When we told Eli the news he wasn't all smiles. Not necessarily because we are having a girl, but because he had to keep posing with the balloons. 

The out-takes:

My personal favorite:

Thanks for rejoicing with us!

"In their hearts humans plan their course, but The Lord establishes their steps."

Proverbs 16:9

The Pegasus Parade

We got there early, braved the crowds, found a great spot and enjoyed the parade. If the weather was a few degrees warmer and not windy it would have been perfect. Still, we had a great time. 

This was Eli's first parade so he didn't know quite what to expect, he jumped at the fire truck's beeps and only darted off twice. 

That's when he got on daddy's shoulders. 

This parade is the night before Oaks day at Churchill downs and the KY derby is Saturday. Oaks day is a grade I horse race that draws a lot of locals to the race track and might possibly have lower ticket prices (not positive about that one).

It was a fun evening to spend with friends (Eli's friend Lora in some pics above) followed by pizza for dinner.  

Here is the Pegasus balloon, Eli kept yelling "horse!" And saying "neigh" real cute!

Bagpipes!

There were lots and lots of horses!

It is fun to start new traditions in our "new" Kentucky home. 

Balloon Glow

This week is derby week. 

Anyone who knows anything about horses knows this is a big deal. Before moving to KY I had no idea what a big deal the city of Louisville makes for a 45 second horse race!  

We are not going to the derby but have enjoyed partaking in some of the pre-events. 

Last Friday night we went to the fairgrounds and enjoyed the balloon glow. Many companies and organizations sponser hot air balloons and they fill them and light them at dusk for a pretty magnificent display. 

Even though Eli had to stay up late it was worth it and he was a champ. He was so enthralled with the helicopters circling and of course the glowing balloons. It was hard to get a picture with him because he kept turning around. 

It is fun to participate in some of the local excitement surrounding the derby, give us a few years before we get all decked out for the race.