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Friday, October 24, 2008

You're still the one . . .

Happy Anniversary to the man I love and respect more with each year..
I love your heart.

I respect your character.
I love the ease with which you laugh.
I respect your leadership.
I love the daddy you are.
I respect your committment.
I love that I'm yours.




Tuesday, October 21, 2008

it's raining . . . . .

GIRLS?!?!?!?!?!?!

So we had our ultrasound today and Dr. Nord said he was pretty confident there were two little girls playing on the screen (for those of you curious, we won't find out if they are identical now until they are born)! We're all excited . . .although we may need counseling by the time the teenage years are over (3 girls, 18 months apart?!)! We were thankful for two healthy looking girls as well. Looks like pink will be reigning in our house for a while yet!

So come March, we'll be thrilled to welcome home

Kate Amber and Olivia Mae.


Sunday, October 19, 2008

Happy Birthday Love!





we love you lots!!!!

Thursday, October 16, 2008

more pictures from Aunt Amy's

I got my sister's pictures from when we were there last month and had to post some . . .

How Ava began each day . . .snuggling Oliver

trying to give Oliver kisses



Ava LOVED Cole's easy chair and his overstuffed teddy!
Don't you just want to squeeze her in the picture?! It's crazy, though, how much she's changed even in a month looking at this!
Mom, we've really got to get one of these ice machines.
eating overpriced gelato with Sophie

one of my favorite things in the world . . .snuggles

Sophie wins the prize for pushing Ava over and over AND over all around the driveway
Ava LOVED it!!!!!
out to save the world!

Monday, October 13, 2008

pregnancy glow - hah!

they say "pregnancy glow" is a beautiful part of pregnancy. Being that I didn't actually start breaking out until college, I can remember several times thinking, "well, at least when I'm pregnant I'll have good skin."

RIGHT.

I don't know about you, but when it comes to beautiful skin in pregnancy, I missed out.

On Ask Dr. Sears.com, I found the following paragraph:

"The "pregnancy glow." The glow that others notice (though you may not) isn't just a sentimental old wives' term. This facial shine actually has a biological basis. The increased volume of blood causes the cheeks to take on an attractive blush, because of the many blood vessels just below the skin's surface. On top of this redness, the increased secretions of the oil glands give the skin a waxy sheen. The flushed face on many pregnant women is similar to the one non-pregnant people experience when they are excited, cry, or do anything that increases their heart rate (which pregnancy does constantly). "

Well Dr. Sears, I don't know if I would classify my "glow" as an "attractive blush." Instead, a more accurate description would be "a facial shine/waxy sheen that gives way to a generous out-pouring of deep pimples across the face."

Although, truth be told, his explanation does help explain some of why my outbreaks are so bad this pregnancy (though they were bad with Ava too). If it has anything to do with an increased blood supply, the books I've read say that while a pregnant woman's blood volume with a single baby increases by about 40%, a woman carryin twins sees an increase in blood volume by 100%! No wonder my skin has been so generously blessed with holiday decoration this time around.

Now don't get me wrong. Overall (ignoring the first trimester) I love pregnancy and think it really is a beautiful part of God's creation. It's not always all fun and games, but throughout it all, I never can get over the complete miracle the whole process is and what a gift I've been given to experience. There was a time in my life, I wasn't sure if that was a gift I had lost and that isn't something I've ever taken for granted.

But pregnancy glow?

Sure, just ignore the pile of oil on the ground by my feet. : )

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Ava's life of leisure is Georgia

Ava got spoiled rotten at Aunt Amy's the other week in Georgia. Between cousins with endless energy, and a dog to love on while they were at school, life was a constant 5-day play date for her! Here's a few of the snapshots we got . . .

Ava's becoming quite the little swimmer! (Aunt Amy's very warm pool made it that much more fun!)
Playing in the pool with Daddy- She's getting brave and loved to be thrown between people!
Ahh - someone brings me a bottle please.
I tell you - life is rough when you're one.
Snuggling with Cole on the raft.


Ava even got to go to Cole's soccer game saturday morning - the only problem? Her initial inclination was something along the lines of "PUT ME IN COACH!?!"
Get your game face on - it's time to party!
Happy Birthday Cole!