Spring has sprung...in February!

Lissie is, apparently, an outdoorsy gal like her mama. And, luckily, the weather has been BEAUTIFUL! So we've been spending lots of time at the park, hanging out on our balcony, and having picnics in the great outdoors.

Here are some pics of our good 'ole-fashioned outdoor fun:

Lissie's First Valentine's Day

Justin and I have never really done Valentine's Day. Sure, there was the one time that he surprised me by bringing Gnash, the Predators mascot, to my classroom (unfortunately, since it was a surprise I don't have the pictures to prove it!). And then there was last year, when we figured that it was our last V-day before kids, so we ought to celebrate it in style with a lovely dinner at Bonefish Grill.

This year, though, I wanted to at least do SOMETHING. If only for the memories of Lissie's first Valentine's Day.

So, we surprised daddy with Lissie's first attempt at some artwork: fingerpainting!

Too bad the novelty wore off after about five minutes, when Lissie discovered the paints weren't for eating. But we had fun while it lasted!

Dear Lissie - Eleven Months

Dear Lissie,

I've probably cried a handful of times now that your first birthday is looming just around the corner. I cried watching Grey's Anatomy when they celebrated Zola's first birthday because I couldn't believe we'll be doing that for you soon. I cried thinking about all of your newborn clothes and how that all seems like eons ago that they fit you. I cried when you put on your first 12-month outfit. I cried when I got a really good look at you and saw more of a toddler than a baby. Daddy rolls his eyes and blames my current pregnancy for my crazy emotional state, but I think it's more because it's so hard to believe that you're growing up so fast right before my eyes.

And, yes, you're going to be a big sister. And I know you're gonna be a darn good one, too. I'm so excited that you're still going to be young enough that you won't really remember life without your baby sibling, yet you will be old enough to understand - even on a superficial level - what is going on and be a helper to mommy.

This was a big month for you. You've started crawling, pulling yourself up on things, peeking into our cabinets, and standing for a few seconds all on your own. Toddlerhood is seriously just around the corner.

I love you!

Love,

Mommy

This is how you greet me in the mornings now.

You love staying at Lola's because she spoils you like crazy.

We may not have had snow, but being able to play at the park in January can't be beat!

High five for daddy!

Cheering Mommy on after her rainy Predators 5K!

Another baby!!!!

January 8, 2012

I'm (obviously) not going to post this right away, but here I am on Sunday, January 8th, typing this out because, well, I have to tell SOMEONE:

Despite both Justin and I being only children, we always knew we wanted more than one child to call ours. We also knew that we wanted them to be close in age because, let's face it, we aren't getting any younger...plus the notion of them having a close relationship has a definite appeal.

So, after much prayer, we decided we were ready to try for #2.

I guess God also thinks we're ready because it didn't take long at all before I got two positive pregnancy tests on January 4, 2012.

Like last time, we didn't believe them, until three more tests on January 5th. [That last test had two lines - the first one was just super faint...I promise.]

But, unlike last time, I plan on keeping this a secret until at least January 25th when we have our first ultrasound! (And believe me, this is NOT easy...)

So yes, we are THRILLED to be expecting baby #2, and are continuing to pray for a happy and healthy nine months. I can't wait for Lissie to meet her brother or sister some time in September!

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February 7, 2012

We had our first ultrasound on January 25th. We saw the flicker of the heart beating, and all was well. However, I was measuring only 6 weeks at the time and needed to go back for a follow-up ultrasound at 8 weeks just to get a more accurate due date estimate since we will be scheduling a C-section again.

We did, though, go ahead and tell our parents over dinner the night of the 25th. While we were sitting down about to eat, Justin went to wake Lissie up from her nap. They come up the stairs, her in a t-shirt that says "I'm gonna be a big sister!" and my mom immediately saw it and squeeled. Her first instinct was that we had gotten the shirt on clearance somewhere, but it quickly clicked that Lissie was really going to be a big sister! She kept pointing at Lissie's shirt for the dads to see. My dad was confused, thinking that there was something wrong with Lissie's stomach. Justin's dad sorta got it, but he thought we were announcing that Lissie was going to HAVE a sister, instead of BE a sister, so he was not really understanding it, either. Finally, after several minutes of hilarious chaos, everyone finally figured it out and we enjoyed a yummy celebratory meal. And took pictures.

Tomorrow's our follow-up ultrasound. And I'm nervous and anxious and terrified, all rolled into one. You'd think I'd have never done this before or something. I'll be praying hard tonight!

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February 8, 2012

We just got back from our ultrasound! Baby #2's healthy, growing, and doing just fabulously! My official due date is September 12th, 2012, but we have our scheduled C-section on the books for September 5th.

I'm so happy that baby's doing well inside his/her little home, but now the reality has set in that I'm going to have TWO little munchkins in just a few months. What have I gotten myself into? Eek!

Right now I'm doing great - it helps that Lissie is a good napper and sleeper, so I can get some rest, too, to stay energized throughout the day. Smells and nausea and back pain are more of an issue this time around, but it's nothing I can't handle!

Prayers are appreciated for Baby #2's continued health....as well as for my sanity during these next few months! Squee!!!!