Luke - 2+ weeks

Luke is 2 weeks now and is doing great. Henry started preschool today and had a good day.

Nate & Henry are crazy about their brother. In fact, Henry has been getting up with me for all the middle of the night feedings! He still sleeps in the bed with us and he wakes up when I get up with Luke. I knew it would be a problem before Luke was born but I didn't have the energy to deal with it. We are now working on bribing him into sleeping with Nate. Thank goodness I have one child who is finally sleeping through the night in his own bed.

I must say, though, that I don't regret a single night that I have shared my bed with the boys. They are growing up too fast. Before long, they won't even want to get in my bed at all. I try to remember that everything, the good and the bad, will pass.

Some cute boys...

Nate & Henry at Stumphouse Tunnel, one of their favorite places to visit.

It's Friday!

It's Friday and I am so glad the weekend is here. I have missed my family. Nate being at school has really thrown me for a loop. It was so nice to have an evening where the boys played together in the yard while Bryan and I watched. Luke joined us outside and was very interested in everything they did.

I am so completely overwhelmed with how God has blessed me with family. A great husband and wonderful sons. We laid down together tonight at bedtime, Bryan and Nate in Nate's bed, Me and Henry in the bottom bunk (in Nate's room) and Luke in the bouncy seat in Nate's room. All five of us in one bedroom of our house and I felt so content. I think God created children so we could catch a glimpse of how he feels for us. How he delights in our happiness, just like we delight in seeing our children smile. And, how His heart breaks when our heart breaks.


Here is Luke after his bath today. He is such an interesting baby. I can already see that he is going to be very different than his brothers. Much more laid back, but possibly the boss of the house.

What a Week!

Wow! It's finally Thursday and I feel so much better than I did this time last week. Me & Pregnancy just don't jive. Luke is amazing. He can sleep through the loudest, craziest noise the boys can make. He has had some jaundice and we've had to go check blood twice this week, but other than that he is doing fine. So, the other big news is Nate starting kindergarten. He loves it. I hate it. I miss him so much. 7:45 - 2:45 is a long day. When I catch a glimpse of "Deadliest Catch" on TV, it breaks my heart (Nate loves that show). Henry is lost without Nate. His best friend is gone. I know this is the way it is going to be now, and he will probably grow up very fast. I am thankful that he likes school. We are starting bedtime at 7, that sounds crazy, but he wakes up happy and feels good during the day. Until he gets used to going all day, we will go to bed early. Which suits me fine, I can go to sleep at 8 every night.
I only lost 18 pounds in the hospital. I came home and got on the scales and was devestated. 30 lbs. to go to get back to prepreg weight. I suppose he was worth it (haha).

We're home!

Check out this little man!

More of Luke

Okay, he is an awesome baby. He eats good, never cries & sleeps through loud noises! Here are some pics.

Luke Gracen Duncan

Meet Luke. 7 lbs. 9 oz. and so cute.

Gracen is for both my grandmothers whose names are Grace Powell & Grace Whittaker. We just added an "n".
I am drugged right now. More to come.

Finally....

The last few hours that I will ever be pregnant in my life. I am so excited. Yesterday we all went to the doctor (Bryan Joy Nate & Henry) and then to the hospital for blood work. We had a busy day doing things that you do in Greenville, like buy new cletes for the fall and go to Target for those last minute items that a new mother has to have. Things like trash bags and laundry detergent. For some reason I feel like it may be a long time before I am in a store again, although I'm sure it won't be. Guess I will post again with new baby photos. Please be praying for a healthy baby & safe delivery.

Olympics

My boys have discovered the Olympics. They love it. Nate can't get enough. He especially loves gymnastics, the uneven bars and the rings. Henry loves the Olympics too. He is waiting patiently for Sumo wrestling (is that an olympic sport?). I'm not sure. But Henry is sure it is. I love the Olympics too. I am spending a lot of time indoors these days and it is nice to have something interesting to watch. Saturday is the day! I am so excited.

VBS 2008

I survived an exciting week of VBS at church this past week. It was 100 degrees at least almost every night. The boys had a blast. Here is a picture of them dressed up with Uncle Cliff as Roman guards.

You know the old saying...

If you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything at all. I think that's me until August 16. I am huge and hot. I can't walk to the mail box without catching my breath. I am grumpy and tired because I can't sleep at night. So, I will try not to complain for the next 2 weeks. Which means you will probably hear very little out of me.
Oh, the name, lately we're thinking Jack Nolan. We also like Beau or Bo but we can't think of a middle name that sounds good. Thanks for all the suggestions.

August 16, 10am

I am so excited to have a date to look forward to. Unless something happens in the meantime, I am scheduled for a c-section on Saturday the 16th. I won't be home in time for Nate to start kindergarten, but at least the excitement will be over (or will it be just beginning...) The crib is up (although if this baby is anything like Nate & Henry, he will not sleep in it, ever), diapers and wipes stocked and baby clothes in the drawers. All we need is a baby. And a name for him...

The Magic Bullet & Jessica Seinfeld

Well, it's 10pm and I just put a loaf of banana bread in the oven. But, this isn't your usual banana bread. It has a 1/2 cup of pureed cauliflower in it! Plus 1 1/2 cups of pureed bananas. Yes, I finally got the infamous "Deceptively Delicious" cookbook by Jessica Seinfeld & a Magic Bullet! The Magic Bullet is a food chopper/processor/blender that is supposed to be magical. However, so far I am not impressed. So the idea in the cookbook is to put pureed vegetables in your food somehow deceiving your children into thinking they are eating junk but really they are getting lots of fruit & veggies in everyday meals. She has recipes like brownies with 1/2 cup pureed spinach or chicken nuggets with beets or broccoli. The bread will be done in 40 minutes...... I'll let you know the verdict.

It can all go downhill fast...

Well today I had another ultrasound and passed out while she was doing it. I usually only faint when I donate blood, but I had been laying there (on my back) for a couple of minutes and I knew it was about to happen. I started sweating & got clammy and my ears were ringing. Luckily a Coke & cold towel were all it took to help me recover quickly. To add to the fun, my blood pressure is high. I have been on blood pressure meds for a few years (I know it's early to have to do that, but high bp runs in my family) and so far have had good bp during this pregnancy, but now it's going up. Great. To add to the stress, my doctor wants to do the c-section the very day Nate starts kindergarten. Which means I will be in the hospital half the first week of school. What happened to going into labor & not having any say so in the process?

Pick Your Battles

Ever heard someone say "pick your battles?" Well, this is a perfect example. Yesterday, the high was only 94, but Henry really wanted to wear this. Had I fussed about it, he would have really insisted on it. But, I said okay, and he only broke a light sweat before he was ready to take it off.

Yesterday was another good report from the baby doctor. I had another ultrasound which showed the baby about a week ahead of schedule, he is 4 1/2 pounds now & has lots of fuzzy hair! The ultrasound tech said it looked like an afro, maybe we'll name him Denzel! So far so good with the umbilical cord problem. I have to stay very aware of his movements, calling the doctor if he slows down significantly (which you should do anyway). This could be an indication that the blood flow has slowed through the cord & catching it early could prevent stillbirth.
I'm so happy that June is over. Now, I must survive July. I hate to wish my summer away, but have I mentioned that I hate being pregnant!

Name this baby already!

Well, August is fast approaching and I would love to name this baby before I go to the hospital. Nate & Henry were both 3 days old before we named them and I would love to spend my little "vacation" in the hospital doing something besides thinking of names.
Here's where we are so far,
Nathaniel (Nate) Bryan Duncan
Henry Bryson Duncan
If you were going to classify Nathaniel and Henry, they are both considered Timeless meaning when you hear the name you have no idea whether the person is age 1, twenty, or 100. They aren't really creative, but they are obviously boys when you hear the name. So, I am desperate for suggestions. I like John something, and call him by both names, (like John David). I also like Miles, and Luke, and I love Jasper (taken from General Hospital). So, what do you love? Help.

More Myrtle Beach

Go-carts - fiinally Henry is 40", so he can drive too!

Somehow we all 4 fit in this king size bed. Wonder if all 5 of us will fit next year?

Book

I grabbed this book called The Shack by William Young after a friend (thanks Christie!) recommended it. I finished it last night and immediately turned back to page one to start again. Bryan said, "are you reading it again? that must be some good book." And, let me tell you, it was fantastic. Amazon.com has it for $8, it is number 10 on their bestseller list. Get it and read it!

Myrtle Beach Days

The Log Flume at Family Kingdom

Buried in the sand

Nate's favorite restaurant Margaritaville. They have a huge tornado above this blender and Nate & Henry love it! Nate loves blenders, he actually got one for his birthday last year.

Goodbye home, Hello beach

We're off to the beach tomorrow for a relaxing vacation (I hope). Just thought I'd share some pictures of the last week. Here are the boys enjoying their first taxi ride in Atlanta last weekend. They loved it because there were no car seats, although it probably would have been a good idea considering we were on I-85 in Friday afternoon traffic. I did have a successful trip to Ikea, in fact, Bryan dropped me off and he and the boys went to the Georgia Aquarium while I got to spend about 5 hours shopping. It wasn't too long, in fact, I could have stayed longer.

And here are the boys checking out their heavenly bed. It wasn't heavenly to me, I was up most of the night. Unfortunately, I have hit the "miserable" stage a little early this time considering I have 2 months to go. I am huge. Large maternity shirts are tight. It's very discouraging, especially when complete strangers tell me that I look "ready to pop" and "it must be twins." Then, when I tell them that I'm due in August, they look at me in disbelief, like- how much bigger can one get?

I will try to remember what a gift children are and this will pass. I just have a lot of work to do after the baby is here. Have a great week!

Hot

It's so hot outside. Weather.com says it's 96 degrees. It feels like 100. Nate & Henry are oblivious to the heat. I finally bribed them into coming in for fear they would dehydrate. They were sitting out in the bright sun with shovels digging. Never once complaining about the heat. Me on the other hand, I am just sitting in the shade, absolutely miserable. The good news is that we are going to Myrtle Beach next week, and the high there is only 82! It's gonna be a long, long summer.

Another ultrasound

Look at how adorable my baby is! Amazing isn't it. He's already 2 1/2 lbs! So why have I gained 22? We had a great Memorial Day weekend. Saturday, Bryan & I took the boys to a fishing rodeo where they caught nothing, but had a great time. They got these great fishing poles, for free! Then I got to spend the afternoon yesterday with Silas. While Bryan's work schedule is still crazy, I am hoping to plan a trip to Ikea in Atlanta this weekend. Happy Memorial Day!

Silas

Just had to post this adorable picture of Silas (hope you don't mind M & D). I have had to stay away from him because Henry has had strep, but I am dying to see him & hold him! He has changed so much in just 2 weeks. M & D & Buddy are adjusting to life with a baby much better than I did. I love you Silas!

I've discovered 2 things that I don't know how I ever survived without. Kiehl's Avocado Eye Cream and NetFlix. I have always had trouble finding an eye cream that didn't irritate my sensitive skin, this it it!
And Netflix, what can I say, I love it! For only $4.99 a month you get to choose a movie and when you get tired of it, you send it back and get another one. You don't even have to pay postage. Instead of buying the boys movies that I'm not sure if they like or not, I get to try them from Netflix. We are enjoying Robin Hood (the cartoon) this week. Why hasn't anyone told me about these?

Silas

I am head over heels about my new nephew. Here he is meeting his cousins.

Silas is here!

I am so excited to announce that my brother Mark & Denise are proud parents of a beautiful baby boy!! 7 lbs 8 oz, 20 1/2 inches arriving early this morning, May 6! I hope to see him today. Happy Birthday to you Baby Silas!

Bunkbeds

Yesterday DeeDee & JohnDaddy got the boys a set of bunkbeds from Big Lots. Oh the excitement that filled the house. After just 4 1/2 hours of assembly they were ready for climbing on. The boys wanted to go to bed at 6pm. They were so excited to sleep in these beds. Finally, at 8 they laid down to go to sleep. However, they did have a little trouble deciding who would sleep where. This was the order of our night:

Nate & Henry both in top bunk

Nate in top bunk, Henry in bottom

Nate in top bunk, Henry in his old bed in the other room

Nate in bottom bunk, Henry in bottom bunk

Nate in bottom bunk, Henry in Nate's old bed (which thankfully we didn't take down)

and finally Nate in his old bed and Henry in his old bed.

So, who slept in the bunkbeds? No one. I think they are going to just be our fort for the time being.

Chick-fil-a 5K

Today was the Chick-fil-a 5K at South Cove. Bryan ran in it and did great! After the race, Henry insisted on running in the fun run (very short.) Then he was so proud of himself he just had to run in the 1 mile - and he finished in 14:07. Pretty good for a 3 year old! Nate supported the cause by eating a Chick-fil-a chicken biscuit. He says that soccer is his sport and racing is Henry's. Here is a picture of Henry after the 1 mile.

Congratulations Bryan and Henry! Great job!

I don't care how many people tell me that babies are easier to take care of inside your tummy than when they are out, I don't like being pregnant. Some people think it's wonderful and beautiful and so amazing. Well, it is amazing that your body can gain 24 pounds in 20 weeks and that you can go from being in great shape to being breathless just walking up stairs. I don't like it at all. I like the end result. A baby. In my arms, not my belly. I can't wait until August gets here. I'm going to drink caffeinated beverages all day long, feast on artificial sweeteners enjoy soft cheeses with sushi and wine. Then I am going to sleep on my belly, get in the tanning bed and ride a rollercoaster.

Today while I was trying to plant some flowers in the yard, the boys had a big fun time with a rope - it doesn't take much to entertain them. First Nate tied Henry to the 4 wheeler and poor Henry had to run behind him.

Then I had to grab my camera for the second time because Nate had tied Henry to a tree.
Henry will do whatever Nate says - scary, huh? And Henry will do anything to make Nate laugh.
They were lots of help in the yard. Thanks to Aunt Stacie & Uncle James, they both have a Venus Flytrap. We repotted it first and then tried several time to feed it. Yes, I did have to touch a bug, but I had gardening gloves on. Unfortunately the Flytrap wasn't hungry.

It's still a boy!

I got a great report from the ultrasound today - thanks to all the prayers. They could not detect any birth defect and he looked healthy. They are more concerned with his growth & development b/c of the 2 vessel cord & b/c I have high blood pressure. So, I have to have an ultrasound every 4 weeks for the rest of my pregnancy to monitor his growth. He is now 11 ounces & very active. Here is a cute shot of his face & the picture that determined he was indeed a little boy.

1204 Productions

Of my younger brother Cliff's many talents, making movies is one of his favorites. Today he is featured on the front page of the Seneca Journal with his buddies in an article about a movie he has made. The movie is a 10 minute clip on the dangers of drunk driving and it will be in a competition on Thursday with other county schools. Here is a link to the Seneca Journal article.
http://www.upstatetoday.com/news/2008/apr/02/oconee-county-high-school-students-use-filmmaking-/
After the competition Thursday, he will put the movie on youtube. Guess who the victims of the drunk driving accident are? Joy & Nate! I will put a link to the movie when it is available.

The big day!

Well the big day has finally arrived - the anatomy scan. And it was without a doubt a beautiful baby boy! He looked more active than Nate or Henry did which is a little scary. There was one problem with the umbilical cord, a normal cord should have 3 vessels (2 arteries & 1 vein) My baby's cord has only 2 vessels (1 artery and 1 vein). I will go on Wednesday for an advanced ultrasound that will tell us if there are any complications from this such as birth defects, heart or kidney problems or any growth problems. From what Bryan and I researched, this happens in about 2% of pregnancies with most of them turning out fine. So please be praying for my baby on Wednesday that the ultrasound will show a beautifully healthy baby. Such a reminder to me that children are a precious gift from God.
So, 3 busy boys - whew! I am tired just thinking about it, but I couldn't be any happier!

Happy Easter! What a great day we had! It ended with a backyard bonfire where I had smores for dinner - yum! Nate loved the marshmallows and Henry wanted straight Hershey's chocolate. I am growing everyday and feeling lots of kicks & moving around. Monday is my ultrasound where I will finally know (hopefully) whether it's a boy or a girl. I think I actually want it to be a boy now. The boys have their first soccer game tonight & I can't wait because I will probably laugh the entire time. They are so funny out there. Soccer is the last thing on their minds. Bryan has built the boys a sandbox and they love it! They even remember to cover it up so kitty won't poop in it!

Sledding in March

You don't need snow to do a little sledding - the boys love to slide down this hill on whatever they can find. Last night was "Jump into Kindergarten" and we jumped in!! I can't believe Nate will be going to big school in the fall. I am excited because he is going to a smaller school in the county with wonderful teachers. Henry was right there "jumping" in too. He is going to be a little upset when Nate goes & he doesn't.

Beach

We had a long weekend at Myrtle Beach this past weekend and despite cold weather we had a great time & managed to come home with 3 starfish, a sea urchin & lots of shark teeth.

Soccer started this week. Nate was really into practice last night & did great. Henry kept flirting with the 3 female coaches. Once I caught him showing them the edge of his Batman underwear.

I must admit that there have been many times during the past 3 years that I have had my hands quite full with 2 boys 21 months apart, but it's all working so great now. They are officially best friends (tonight) and have been often here lately. They play together so good & are never lonely. The year that we spent changing diapers on both of them is just a faint memory now replaced by moments like long happy baths together and seeing them pile up in the bed together and take care of each other. Hopefully they will always be this close.

Good reads

I am reading 2 great books right now. Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey and Vintage Jesus by Mark Driscoll. Just wanted to share those titles with you in case you are looking for something interesting....

Top 10 Reasons Not to Exercise While Pregnant

I loved these from Girlfriend's Guide & thought I'd share:

10. You will get fatter anyway.

9. Exercising will not make labor & delivery easier. The uterus is a difficult muscle to train in a gym.

8. Gravity is hard enough on your voluptuous breasts and butt when you're standing still, let alone when you're hopping up and down in an aerobics class.

7. It's not good for the baby or you to get overheated, it starts to feel like a hard-boiled egg.

6. Your ligaments are looser, and you can twist your knees or ankles with one wobbly movement.

5. Your body is working full-tilt manufacturing a human being; don't distract it with low impact cardio weight class.

4. You might endanger the pregnancy. Even if you don't, if a problem appears at any time during gestation, you will always wonder if it was that squat machine that caused it.

3. Our compulsion to exercise when we are pregnant is a reflection of our inability to surrender and let nature run its course. Let the subscriptions to your fashion magazines lapse till further notice.

2. You are too tired.

1. Do you really need an excuse?

It looks like a boy to me.....

I am so excited to report a great dr.'s visit today! Look at what a beautiful 12 week, 5 day baby I have. The ultrasound tech wouldn't make a guess whether it was a boy or girl, but it sure looks like a boy to me. I'm smiling right now typing this. I love God's sense of humor. I can totally see me with 3 boys! Will keep you updated.

The prize box

I have a prize box.
Bryan and I have always laid down with the boys to get them to sleep at night. Henry is now wanting to sleep in his own room & it's starting to require both of us to get them to bed and it's taking hours. Well, my prize box has some great stuff in it. Things like a small bug habitat, chocolate twizzlers and a book called "what is a wookie." If you go to bed by yourself, you get a prize the next morning. Nate is doing great. He's gotten a prize 7 out of 8 nights. Henry however said the very first night that he didn't want a prize out of the prize box, he wanted me to lay down with him. So, he has gotten no prizes. But one of them going to bed by themself is better than none. Oh, Nate also gets a flashlight that he can keep on all night if he wants to and a really bright night light. I'm surprised he can even go to sleep it's so bright in there!
Wednesday is my ultrasound - it's actually a test for Down's syndrome & some other stuff, but they may be able to tell the sex!!! Will let you know......

Jewel is back!

Just when I'm getting bored with my music, my most favorite artist, Jewel, comes out with a new song! For those of you who are fans, check out Stronger Woman.
Also a few other great things to check out: Suave Professionals shampoo & conditioner for sleek hair. And if you're looking for a good kids dvd try Superfriends - The all new superfriends hour. Yes, it is the one we watched as kids with Superman, Batman, Aquaman, WonderWoman and the Wonder Twins, Zan and Jayna, with their spacemonkey Bleep.

Cheez-Its, Lemons and Tomato Sandwiches

My cravings are strong & completely unpredictable. Yesterday all I could think about was lemons. Lemons squeezed on food, lemons in my water, finally I gave in and just ate a lemon. This morning I had a tomato sandwich for breakfast, yum... Right now I am working on a box of cheez-it sticks. Yeah, get your own box.

I survived the dentist appt.!

Well, I'm glad today is behind me. Henry handled the dentist like a champ. He drank his medicine & the fillings took about 20 minutes! He did cry on the way home because he didn't understand the numb feeling and he was still a little woozy, but now he's forgotten about everything & seems to be back to his old self.

My stomache is still in knots though. Between pregnancy symptoms & nerves I am ready for some saltines & tea!

Here are some pics of the boys enjoying the beautiful weather yesterday.

I must admit that for the past several weeks I have done nothing but lay around, napping, eating & feeling miserable. This morning I got out there and walked for 40 minutes and I feel like I am coming out of a fog. It's hard to believe that I was running 10 miles at a time just a couple of months ago. Funny how much children change your life. Even before they are born. So, I am feeling a little more positive today.

I am dreading Monday. Henry is going to the dentist to have fillings done on his teeth. He can't have anything to eat or drink after midnight and then we have to drive all the way to Easley. Let me remind you that this is the boy that drinks a half gallon of chocolate milk before the sun comes up each morning. Then, I have to convince him to take some medicine to make him groggy. This will probably be the most difficult part. No wait, the most difficult part will be the 2 hours that I get to sit in the waiting room listening to him cry. Ahhh! Thank goodness my bible study was about how God gives you enough grace to make it through that particular days challenges. I will be collecting a lot of manna Monday morning, and I will survive.

Snow!

The excitement of snow falling is up there with Christmas Eve for Nate & Henry. Snow fell Wednesday night and the boys woke to a beautiful white wonderland. We were out playing in it before 8am (which was a good thing because it had already started melting & was wet & slushy). The only problem, is that we weren't equipped for snow. The boys wore layer after layer of sweat pants & long underwear. So, everytime they fell down they were soaked. We dried our clothes and attempted it again and I think we all had our fill by the afternoon. Here are a few pics of the fun.

Baby Duncan #3

Great news at the Doctor yesterday. The baby was just beautiful - heart beating and moving just like she should be. I am 8 weeks, 3 days, due August 26 with a c-section to be scheduled around August 19. Yeah! Can't wait to meet this little one.

Sick kids...

Well, yesterday was day 10 of a long sick stretch at our house. Nate brought home a flu like virus a week ago Friday, then he ended up with pneumonia. Then Henry ran a 105 degree fever with the virus, then me and Bryan ended up sick. As I was changing the bed sheets where Nate threw up this morning at 1am, I thought to myself, how would I handle a third child right now? I'm so glad that God doesn't give you more than you can handle at a time. Maybe this baby will rarely be sick. My first doctor's visit is today. I think I am 8 weeks. So excited to see what we find.

Nate turned 5 years old yesterday! We celebrated with a Sponge Bob cake made by DeeDee. and lunch at Subway (Nate's choice) seemed to be enough for him. Here is a picture of Nate sporting his Batman undies from Memaw and Papa.

goodbye passies!

Well, Bryan and I have spent the day collecting & throwing away all the pacifiers we could find in the house. Henry is a passy addict. He has to have 2 at all times. He switches them back and forth. He even sits down at the dinner table holding his passy, I will say "Henry, eat your food." and Henry will say, "Let me suck on this passy first."
So, cold turkey, we have tossed them all. He seems to be fine. He asked for it at naptime, but didn't even cry for it. So tonight will be the true test.
Pregnancy update: I am miserable. Indigestion, morning sickness, sleepy, feeling ugly and gaining weight. I'm not complaining, just updating.

Goodbye 2007!

Well, it's another exciting New Year's Eve. The boys are watching a little Tom & Jerry in the bed & we just returned from dinner at our neighbor's Eric & Elizabeth. I am hanging out with some popcorn & the Clemson game about ready to hit the sack.
As I recollect New Year's Eve's of the past I recall spending some on an airplane, some on layovers alone, some at exciting parties, but this kind of New Year's Eve suits me fine.
I have been very sick today, thus leading me to believe that it's a girl.
New Year's Resolution #1: I will not stop my running. I ran 5 miles on Saturday and 3 today. I am a little slower than before, but I'm going to try to keep on until I can't anymore. I had worked up to 10 miles before pregnancy and although I won't go that far, I hope to keep up some endurance.
New Year's Resolution #2: I will dig in deeper to bible studies & try to keep learning & growing. I will also try to get up at least 30 minutes before my children to have devotions/prayer in the am.
Hope you are all having a nice evening bidding 2007 goodbye. Can't wait to see what 2008 has in store....

I am the type of pregnant person that seems to be hit by all the symptoms immediately. In the past 2 weeks I have already gained 2-3 pounds, I am tired and feeling a bit queasy. For all of you who just love being pregnant, I am envious, because I don't enjoy it one bit.
But I am looking forward to blogging all about this pregnancy. This week's craving has been soup. Soup of all kinds! Salmon stew on Christmas, chicken noodle yesterday and today I made a huge pot of vegetable soup.

Hope you all had a great Christmas. Ours was wonderful. Today the tree came down and the floor was mopped. Almost all the toys have found a place to go and the boys are ready to play.

They are both excited about a new baby. Henry wants a brother and Nate wants a sister.

Merry Christmas!

What a wonderful Christmas this has been. There was lots of toys, food and exciting news in my family. I am going to be an aunt! My brother Mark and his wife Denise are expecting a baby boy due in May. And to add to the excitement, Bryan and I are pregnant also!! I am figuring an August due date. So our family willl have little cousins close to the same age, getting to play together. Yeah! Hope your Christmas was Merry!

Bragging Parents

Nate & Henry had their first real speaking parts in a Christmas program at church tonight. Nate was a sheep with curly horns. Nate's line was: I gave him my wool for his blanket warm and He wore my coat on Christmas morn.

Henry was a camel and his line was: Over the desert upon my back, I brought Him a gift in the Wise Man's pack. They had their lines memorized and of course, Bryan and I thought they were perfect!!

Here they are singing a song about bells and enjoying every minute of it.

Here is a blurry picture of them just getting on stage.

And, finally the proud parents standing in front of the most beautiful stage I've seen in a long time. It was a bunch of Christmas trees, almost like being in a Christmas forest.

Good night!

O Christmas Tree

Decorating the Christmas tree is a tradition I look forward to every year. Around mid-November I get the fever to go ahead and put it up. However, this year I made myself wait until after Thanksgiving to decorate. Oh the excitement when you unpack those decorations from last year. I just love the look in Nate & Henry's eyes when they open a box of ornaments and are in awe of their beauty. Nate especially appreciates beautiful decorations.

So finally you get the lights out and we all know what a pain they are. By the time I am stringing lights on the tree, Bryan and the boys are completely involved in another activity that is more exciting. Here is a picture of me trying to string lights. Scary, huh.

The boys did help put ornaments on the tree and each day I am delighted to see what may be added to the tree that wasn't there the day before. Last night we made one of those construction paper chains. It was on the tree, then strung around Nate's room and now I'm not sure where it is now.

Aaaahhhhh!
Now, that is a great holiday! Thanksgiving. You don't have to worry about gifts, decorating or having a tan. Highlights of my holiday:]

Our friends Robin, JD & kids Trace & Tara drove hundreds of hours from Florida to spend the day with us. Oh what fun we had together!!

I made crock pot mac & cheese for Granny's house & accidentally used sweetened condensed milk instead of evaporated milk and it turned out like a dessert.

I made a new recipe called "oops I dropped it again - sweet potato pie cobbler" the recipe calls for a sweet potato pie cooked as directed, dropped (accidentally) on the floor and then smushed into a corning ware dish. Yum.

Needless to say, the food only plays part of a role in the celebration. However, my favorite Thanksgiving treat is mixing rice, dressing & turkey all together and then covering it with gravy.

Happy Thanksgiving. What Joy is thankful for:
My Salvation & my evolving relationship with Jesus
My wonderful family
My health
The beautiful place I live - isn't fall great??
Good Food!

Fall

I am in such complete awe of the beauty of autumn. It seems the upstate of SC is even more beautiful this time of year than it usually is. As I look at the landscape, the colors seem so vivid. It reminds me of a song by Watermark that I love. It talks about how all of nature praises God in its own beautiful ways, but how God cherishes our praises above all.

I'm already thinking about that great photo opportunity for the "Christmas Card Picture." Which is often the only family picture we have that year. It's sort of become a tradition for us to take a family picture & then send Christmas cards. Timing is everything. You don't want to forego Thanksgiving and take the picture too early, but you can't wait until the last minute, unexpected bad (buzz) haircuts or cuts or bruises on the face come into play. Remember, this is a house full of boys. So, I will keep you updated on this. Maybe an early snow would be a perfect setting --- ahhh! If only....

Legos

Nate has discovered Lego blocks. He just loves them. Here is a picture of him with his first creation. I think this was a ship. He had a great time crashing it into the wall and then trying to build it bigger. Henry, however, isn't quite ready for legos yet. Nate waits until naptime to pull them out so Henry won't tear anything he's built up.

Happy Halloween!

It was a low key Halloween for us. The boys have been sick with a cold all week and now Bryan has it. But we did go to a few neighborhood houses and scored just a few pieces of candy. I thought we had 2 spidermen, but a last minute change of costumes (thanks to TJ Maxx & Dee Dee) meant a knight & pirate graced the streets. Here are a few pics.