Sharing the News

Everyone was thinking girl, so we all got surprised!!!

Baby in My Belly

Okay, so I'm not a fan of the bare belly pregnancy photos that are so in style these days, but I figured this one was pretty safe to post! I just wanted to put it out there for those of you who don't get to see me in person very often. And while I haven't felt the baby actually move, I am starting to get that uncomfortable, something with legs is growing inside me feeling. I'm really feeling it when I'm lifting Clayton so I'm doing my best to cut down. Pretty hard when you have a bossy five year old telling you where he wants to move or go to constantly!

More Christmas Pics

Here's a hodgepodge of pictures from our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day activities. The chaos never lends itself to great photography, but capturing the memories nonetheless!

Clayton was more than excited when he realized that Santa had brought him an IPOD--he absolutely loves it and is already learning how to use it on his own.

Merry Christmas!

card design by Yolanda Williams

16 Weeks

Little Baby C is waving at us. The $10,000 question is this: is it a little boy waving or a little girl waving???? While you ponder, I'll try to keep the secret until after the holidays!!!!

Christmas Has Begun

Christmas began for us yesterday when we celebrated with my Dad's side of the family at my Grandmother's house. We started off the afternoon with some entertainment from my generation, and since my brother and Brian and I hadn't planned ahead, the crowd had to settle for non-Christmas songs from us. My cousin Stephanie did end the talent portion by playing some Christmas carols, so hopefully if anyone had gotten out of the Christmas spirit, she put them back in it! And after a reading of the Christmas story, the kids finally got to tear into their gifts and create the traditional chaos that comes with the excitment of new things. Here are just a few snapshots of the day:

Christmas Party at School

I've finally figured out that "party" at Clayton's school simply means instead of their regular afternoon snack, they have special snacks on special paper plates. You'd think they would plan some type of activity or something to make it a real "party," but I think the teachers are just glad to have the kids engaged in a huge meal. And for me, it means I sit there and snack right along with the other kids since Clayton doesn't want to eat his food. I'm hoping the teachers don't think I come just for the free food! (Clayton spends most of his time looking at me saying "go home" or "ready to go.") Still gives me a guilty conscience for leaving him there everyday! Of course, when we're at home he's constantly saying "go to school," so he keeps me confused on whether he really likes it or not!

Practicing

Clayton got to practice being a big brother on Sunday since we got to see our long lost friends Jamie and Allison. Baby Tucker will be four months old tomorrow and he is a cutie! Clayton didn't really want to get this picture made but as soon as we got them settled he started patting Tucker so lovingly--it was so sweet. And he wanted us to put Tucker in his chair, which definitely means he likes him! (He doesn't share his chair with just anyone!)

"Singing" With Momma

Here's the video of me singing with the kids. We had some sound problems, but you'll just have to listen past that! And even though Clayton sings every word at home, he decided to be silent once we were on stage!

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6707354350607530633&hl=en

First Video

Well, because I'm the kiss of death to a video for my blog, you'll have to view this first one directly at youtube. Hopefully, I'll have the one of me singing with Clayton's class by the end of the week. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Hw3Hdwz9-E

Thank you, Nicole for posting it for us!

Day of Christmas Music

Yesterday was jam packed full of Christmas music at church. The children's program was in the morning and the adult choir performed last night. I'm still going through the pictures from yesterday, but I saw this one and it instantly became one of my favorites! How cute is he up there singing with Momma?!! (Thanks to Annette for taking this!)

Sound versions coming soon courtesy of Nicole's Video Processing Service!!! :)

14 Weeks

Two weeks have finally passed and I had another doctor's appointment today. I was totally caught off guard by the extreme emotions I ended up feeling. The baby was much more active today and as soon as I saw all the movement, the tears just overflowed! The baby was yawning, sucking on it's hand and moving all around--it was so comforting to see my little baby so active. (And isn't it a wonder that all that's going on and I still can't feel any of it!?) You can see the baby bringing it's hand to it's mouth in this first picture:And here's a profile shot to give you more perspective. It's amazing how you can see their little bones and even the actual brain! God is definitely in the miracle business and it's a wonder to see the miracles our little babies truly are!And speaking of miracles, it's a been a blessing to have Dr. Lawrence by my side. When I broke down today, she was completely understanding. She knows intuitively how blessed I feel, but at the same time how extremely scared I am. She is great at balancing my fears, while still staying cautious and in prevention mode. I think she did more psychiatric work and Christian counseling today instead of actual obstetrics!

I see her again in two weeks, right before Christmas. She says we're getting to crunch time on my cervix, and while everything is looking great so far, now is the time to keep a close eye on things. And the Lord knows I'm all about going in every day if I have to!!

School Christmas Program

Clayton's school had a short Christmas program as a fundraiser on Friday night. And although he didn't actually sing a word (stage fright set in I guess!), he didn't cry one bit and was even smiling at everyone! His class sang "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" and he just pretty much watched everyone in the audience as everyone else sang and did the motions. (And by the way, the lady behind his chair is his beloved "Ms. Marcia" who he clings to most of the day. They've become quite the big buddies).

And here are the outtakes of his little photo session--he wasn't much into looking right at Daddy for the picture.

And a big "CHEEEEEEESE!"" to end it with:

Gingerbread House

Clayton stays busy at school with little projects like this one. And even though Ms. Marcia ended up helping out a lot on this one, I thought it was too cute not to share!