New Favorites

Ella Beth is really coming in to herself these days. She has, in fact, become very girly lately. One of her new found favorites is DRESSES. When we ask her what she wants to wear in the morning, she always responds wtih, "Dress!" She will go to her closet and have us pull down a few dresses (we always give her three choices of dresses), and she will choose which one she wants to wear. But, it doesn't just stop with the dress. I mean, what would a dress be without tights! She loves to pick out her tights...I always try to lead her in this direction! From there, she will (so far) let me pick out what goes under the dress (thankfully)! Here is Ella Beth in her "pretty dress" (as she called it) yesterday.

You'll also notice one of Ella Beth's other new favorites...Landon's rocker. She loves to climb up in it and sing "Rock-a-bye Baby" over and over!

Ella Beth has also started playing in her room a good deal more. She loves to climb into the stuffed chair in her own room just like Landon's. We moved her kitchen into her bedroom, and she will go in there and play, play, play! While she's been in there, she's also taken notice of her stuffed animals...that have been there BEFORE she was even born! She now likes to talk to them, sit them in rows, and give them hugs and kisses.

I also have a couple of new favorites lately: cookies 'n cream ice cream and hot tea. Yum-O! (No pictures to share for these. Ha!)

On a side note, I've been trying for well over an hour to figure out how to post the music to Son Of God. Well, it turns out that my internet "Safari" (through Mac) isn't supported on Type Pad. If there is a way, I'll figure it out...but until then...sorry!

New Favorites

Ella Beth is really coming in to herself these days. She has, in fact, become very girly lately. One of her new found favorites is DRESSES. When we ask her what she wants to wear in the morning, she always responds wtih, "Dress!" She will go to her closet and have us pull down a few dresses (we always give her three choices of dresses), and she will choose which one she wants to wear. But, it doesn't just stop with the dress. I mean, what would a dress be without tights! She loves to pick out her tights...I always try to lead her in this direction! From there, she will (so far) let me pick out what goes under the dress (thankfully)! Here is Ella Beth in her "pretty dress" (as she called it) yesterday.

You'll also notice one of Ella Beth's other new favorites...Landon's rocker. She loves to climb up in it and sing "Rock-a-bye Baby" over and over!

Ella Beth has also started playing in her room a good deal more. She loves to climb into the stuffed chair in her own room just like Landon's. We moved her kitchen into her bedroom, and she will go in there and play, play, play! While she's been in there, she's also taken notice of her stuffed animals...that have been there BEFORE she was even born! She now likes to talk to them, sit them in rows, and give them hugs and kisses.

I also have a couple of new favorites lately: cookies 'n cream ice cream and hot tea. Yum-O! (No pictures to share for these. Ha!)

On a side note, I've been trying for well over an hour to figure out how to post the music to Son Of God. Well, it turns out that my internet "Safari" (through Mac) isn't supported on Type Pad. If there is a way, I'll figure it out...but until then...sorry!

Sweet surprise

So today when I got home from meeting my friend Noelle and her little boy Carter for lunch, I found a very sweet surprise in Landon's nursery:

Isn't it just beautiful?!! I love it! My mom and I found one at Lowe's over the weekend, but it was not in good condition. I thought that I was going to have to give up on having a black rocking chair in Landon's room...but thanks to Daddy, I now have a sweet spot to nurse and rock Landon. The main reason I wanted a rocking chair is so that I could always have it. I know that when he gets bigger he won't appreciate having a nice chair in his room like Ella Beth will, so I wanted something practical that could easily move from one room to another. The rocking chair is very comfortable, too, which is always a nice plus. :) I'm just so happy to have it in his nursery. Even without his furniture here, it still makes it feel a bit more cozy.

Well, since I haven't been one to share any postitives of my pregnancy (mainly because I didn't think there were any), I'm going to share 3. THREE. Yes, three! That's a lot of positives from this little lady who doesn't like being pregnant!

1. I have no back pain. With Ella Beth I had severe back pain all through my pregnancy b/c Ella Beth rested right on my sciatic nerve from day one. I remember how hard it was putting a towel on my head each morning to dry my hair, but now I do it daily with appreciation of the fact that it doesn't hurt.

2. I don't have a dark line down my belly. Even after Ella Beth was born, my line hung out for about 3 months. I was really starting to worry that it would never go away. Not this time!

3. I really do enjoy feeling Landon move...well, most of the time. You know, except when I am trying to fall asleep and he decides to start doing gymnastics! It's completely weird to say this, but I even have a fondness for the bruise on the inside of my lower left rib. Landon is constantly kicking/stretching out in the same spot that I seriously have a bruise. Even though it's uncomfortable, I still like knowing that he has a special little spot.

Wow. That was good for me. Now, I still can't wait to meet the little guy; still crossing my fingers that it will be sooner than later, too. But, at least I have a few (three!) good memories to keep with me.

And, what would a post be without a picture of Ella Beth. Here she is eating a snack in Landon's room while Mommy got a few things done (who ever knew that a highchair on wheels would be so handy?). Such a goofy face, but it makes me smile. :)

Sweet surprise

So today when I got home from meeting my friend Noelle and her little boy Carter for lunch, I found a very sweet surprise in Landon's nursery:

Isn't it just beautiful?!! I love it! My mom and I found one at Lowe's over the weekend, but it was not in good condition. I thought that I was going to have to give up on having a black rocking chair in Landon's room...but thanks to Daddy, I now have a sweet spot to nurse and rock Landon. The main reason I wanted a rocking chair is so that I could always have it. I know that when he gets bigger he won't appreciate having a nice chair in his room like Ella Beth will, so I wanted something practical that could easily move from one room to another. The rocking chair is very comfortable, too, which is always a nice plus. :) I'm just so happy to have it in his nursery. Even without his furniture here, it still makes it feel a bit more cozy.

Well, since I haven't been one to share any postitives of my pregnancy (mainly because I didn't think there were any), I'm going to share 3. THREE. Yes, three! That's a lot of positives from this little lady who doesn't like being pregnant!

1. I have no back pain. With Ella Beth I had severe back pain all through my pregnancy b/c Ella Beth rested right on my sciatic nerve from day one. I remember how hard it was putting a towel on my head each morning to dry my hair, but now I do it daily with appreciation of the fact that it doesn't hurt.

2. I don't have a dark line down my belly. Even after Ella Beth was born, my line hung out for about 3 months. I was really starting to worry that it would never go away. Not this time!

3. I really do enjoy feeling Landon move...well, most of the time. You know, except when I am trying to fall asleep and he decides to start doing gymnastics! It's completely weird to say this, but I even have a fondness for the bruise on the inside of my lower left rib. Landon is constantly kicking/stretching out in the same spot that I seriously have a bruise. Even though it's uncomfortable, I still like knowing that he has a special little spot.

Wow. That was good for me. Now, I still can't wait to meet the little guy; still crossing my fingers that it will be sooner than later, too. But, at least I have a few (three!) good memories to keep with me.

And, what would a post be without a picture of Ella Beth. Here she is eating a snack in Landon's room while Mommy got a few things done (who ever knew that a highchair on wheels would be so handy?). Such a goofy face, but it makes me smile. :)

Update & belly shots (hoping only girls read this)

So, feeling quite H-U-G-E these days. Enjoy yourself at my expense:

Girly info:

I had a check-up this morning. The mid-wife "checked" me, and my cervix is soft and beginning to progress. I am scheduled for an ultrasound at my next visit so that they can check my amniotic fluid and Landon's size. I am getting nervous about how big Landon is going to be. I am praying that he will be around the same size as Ella Beth (6 lbs, 6 oz) so that my delivery is not complicated. When I was prego with Ella Beth, my doctor told me that if I was to carry a baby over 7 1/2 pounds I'd need a c-section. The mid-wife this morning said, "He will probably be bigger than your first baby," so I'm getting a little worried. When I reminded her at the end of my appointment that I needed my hospital admission packet, she even asked, "Do you want a packet for a vaginal delivery?" Umm...HELLO! There is no other desirable option for me, thank you very much. I'd love any and all prayers that Landon is very close in size to his sister...within a couple of ounces please!!! I'm trying to continue to pray "specifically" for Landon...that he will be tall - 6'-6'4", healthy, have no physical, emotional, intellectual, or mental disabilities, grow up loving the Lord, be a cotton-head from birth, a sound sleeper, and have a personality so similar to his daddy's that it's scary. One more specific prayer won't hurt. :)

The mid-wife advised me not to pick up Ella Beth very often. She said that picking her up is putting stress on my cervix. Okay. Easy enough. HA! Seeing how I have a 17 month old who needs to be picked up for her carseat, high chair, changing her clothes, bath time, getting ready time, and all those other times when a 17 month old needs her mommy, I think that's some advice that is going to be difficult to follow.

Speaking of my 17 month old, she wanted her picture taken this morning -

Her hair has been so static-y this week. You can see all of her fly-aways sticking out. Doesn't she look so big in this picture? I think she looks a little...dare I say...fat. It's probably b/c she's about 11 inches from the camera, but her cheeks sure look full! It is going to be so hard seeing her next to Landon. She's still my baby, how can she be a big sister?!

Update & belly shots (hoping only girls read this)

So, feeling quite H-U-G-E these days. Enjoy yourself at my expense:

Girly info:

I had a check-up this morning. The mid-wife "checked" me, and my cervix is soft and beginning to progress. I am scheduled for an ultrasound at my next visit so that they can check my amniotic fluid and Landon's size. I am getting nervous about how big Landon is going to be. I am praying that he will be around the same size as Ella Beth (6 lbs, 6 oz) so that my delivery is not complicated. When I was prego with Ella Beth, my doctor told me that if I was to carry a baby over 7 1/2 pounds I'd need a c-section. The mid-wife this morning said, "He will probably be bigger than your first baby," so I'm getting a little worried. When I reminded her at the end of my appointment that I needed my hospital admission packet, she even asked, "Do you want a packet for a vaginal delivery?" Umm...HELLO! There is no other desirable option for me, thank you very much. I'd love any and all prayers that Landon is very close in size to his sister...within a couple of ounces please!!! I'm trying to continue to pray "specifically" for Landon...that he will be tall - 6'-6'4", healthy, have no physical, emotional, intellectual, or mental disabilities, grow up loving the Lord, be a cotton-head from birth, a sound sleeper, and have a personality so similar to his daddy's that it's scary. One more specific prayer won't hurt. :)

The mid-wife advised me not to pick up Ella Beth very often. She said that picking her up is putting stress on my cervix. Okay. Easy enough. HA! Seeing how I have a 17 month old who needs to be picked up for her carseat, high chair, changing her clothes, bath time, getting ready time, and all those other times when a 17 month old needs her mommy, I think that's some advice that is going to be difficult to follow.

Speaking of my 17 month old, she wanted her picture taken this morning -

Her hair has been so static-y this week. You can see all of her fly-aways sticking out. Doesn't she look so big in this picture? I think she looks a little...dare I say...fat. It's probably b/c she's about 11 inches from the camera, but her cheeks sure look full! It is going to be so hard seeing her next to Landon. She's still my baby, how can she be a big sister?!

A little worship & a little bit random

(I'm trying to figure out how to get the song for you to listen to on here... Working on it!)

Son of God

Son of God, Shaper of the stars

You alone, The dweller of my heart

Mighty King, How beautiful You are, how beautiful

Son of God, The Father's gift to us

You alone, Were broken on the altar of love

Precious Lamb, Our freedom's in Your blood,

It's in Your blood

Jesus, O Holy One,

I sing to you

Forgiven

Savior, I'm overcome

With Your great love for me.

Son of God, Strength beyond compare

You alone, The darkness cannont bear

Lord of all, Your kindess draws me near

It draws me.

Son of God, Prophecy of old

You alone, Redeemer of my soul

Come again, And lead your people home

Come lead us home

Jesus, O Holy One,

I sing to You

Forgiven

Savior, I'm overcome

With Your great love for me.

You are worthy, You are worthy

You are worthy of all my praise.

You are beautiful, You are beautiful

I will lift up my hands and sing.

You are worthy, You are worthy,

You are worthy of all my praise.

You are beautiful, You are beautiful,

I will lift up my hands and sing:

Jesus, O Holy One,

I sing to You

Forgiven

Savior, I'm overcome

With Your great love for me.

My most favorite way to spend time with the Lord is through music. I love this song because it allows me to tell Him everything my heart feels. I hope your heart shouts the same!

Okay...random tid-bit -

We have DVR (kinda like TiVo) where we can record live TV and other things. Well, Ella Beth is obsessed with it. She completely understands that we can rewind the TV to view things. She has even figured out how to do it. When there is some song, or kitty commercial, that comes on the TV, she will go get the remote "mote" as she calls it, and tell us, "Again!" There is no telling how many times each day we go through the process of "Again!" Right now, her favorite thing on TV is the Free Credit Report commercial that has the guy playing a guitar in his in-law's basement..."So, I married my dream girl; I married my dream girl. But she didn't tell me her credit was bad..." Oh, the never-ending music! I sing it in my head as I'm falling asleep sometimes...which may be why I'm not sleeping so well these days! It really is funny, though. Ella Beth wants nothing to do with TV unless there is a little "ditty" playing that she can dance to. Over. And. Over. Again. (And, yes, we do have this on video. Just a little something else to pull out on prom night!)

A little worship & a little bit random

(I'm trying to figure out how to get the song for you to listen to on here... Working on it!)

Son of God

Son of God, Shaper of the stars

You alone, The dweller of my heart

Mighty King, How beautiful You are, how beautiful

Son of God, The Father's gift to us

You alone, Were broken on the altar of love

Precious Lamb, Our freedom's in Your blood,

It's in Your blood

Jesus, O Holy One,

I sing to you

Forgiven

Savior, I'm overcome

With Your great love for me.

Son of God, Strength beyond compare

You alone, The darkness cannont bear

Lord of all, Your kindess draws me near

It draws me.

Son of God, Prophecy of old

You alone, Redeemer of my soul

Come again, And lead your people home

Come lead us home

Jesus, O Holy One,

I sing to You

Forgiven

Savior, I'm overcome

With Your great love for me.

You are worthy, You are worthy

You are worthy of all my praise.

You are beautiful, You are beautiful

I will lift up my hands and sing.

You are worthy, You are worthy,

You are worthy of all my praise.

You are beautiful, You are beautiful,

I will lift up my hands and sing:

Jesus, O Holy One,

I sing to You

Forgiven

Savior, I'm overcome

With Your great love for me.

My most favorite way to spend time with the Lord is through music. I love this song because it allows me to tell Him everything my heart feels. I hope your heart shouts the same!

Okay...random tid-bit -

We have DVR (kinda like TiVo) where we can record live TV and other things. Well, Ella Beth is obsessed with it. She completely understands that we can rewind the TV to view things. She has even figured out how to do it. When there is some song, or kitty commercial, that comes on the TV, she will go get the remote "mote" as she calls it, and tell us, "Again!" There is no telling how many times each day we go through the process of "Again!" Right now, her favorite thing on TV is the Free Credit Report commercial that has the guy playing a guitar in his in-law's basement..."So, I married my dream girl; I married my dream girl. But she didn't tell me her credit was bad..." Oh, the never-ending music! I sing it in my head as I'm falling asleep sometimes...which may be why I'm not sleeping so well these days! It really is funny, though. Ella Beth wants nothing to do with TV unless there is a little "ditty" playing that she can dance to. Over. And. Over. Again. (And, yes, we do have this on video. Just a little something else to pull out on prom night!)

Nursery progress

Well, the nursery is finally turning into a nursery...sort of. Right now, Ella Beth (and her parents!) are enjoying it as a play-room. However, it is a beautiful baby blue, and as of today has very nice roman shades. We purchased shades with the "black-out" material for Landon's room; something we wish we had done for Ella Beth's room. Here are pictures of the progress. (Note: Landon's room used to be Scott's office.)

Okay...so I had a couple more pics, but they were not uploading correctly. Go figure.

I'm still trying to figure out exactly what I want to put on his walls. I want to keep it masculine and simple, but still want to decorate it. I am hoping to have his name on the wall somewhere, a baseball collection somewhere, and a small mural. Just can't decide where everything should go. It will help once we have furniture in there. Still crossing my fingers that it will be delivered early!

I go to the doctor Friday morning, so I'll be sure to post an update. I can hardly believe it's almost time for belly shots again. I guess that's what happens after I was so late with the last ones. Oh, the belly. It seems to grow daily. I can only imagine how much weight I've put on these last two weeks. For some reason, I've been craving dessert...which I NEVER do...and I've been indulging. Gotta love pregnancy for something! ;o)

Nursery progress

Well, the nursery is finally turning into a nursery...sort of. Right now, Ella Beth (and her parents!) are enjoying it as a play-room. However, it is a beautiful baby blue, and as of today has very nice roman shades. We purchased shades with the "black-out" material for Landon's room; something we wish we had done for Ella Beth's room. Here are pictures of the progress. (Note: Landon's room used to be Scott's office.)

Okay...so I had a couple more pics, but they were not uploading correctly. Go figure.

I'm still trying to figure out exactly what I want to put on his walls. I want to keep it masculine and simple, but still want to decorate it. I am hoping to have his name on the wall somewhere, a baseball collection somewhere, and a small mural. Just can't decide where everything should go. It will help once we have furniture in there. Still crossing my fingers that it will be delivered early!

I go to the doctor Friday morning, so I'll be sure to post an update. I can hardly believe it's almost time for belly shots again. I guess that's what happens after I was so late with the last ones. Oh, the belly. It seems to grow daily. I can only imagine how much weight I've put on these last two weeks. For some reason, I've been craving dessert...which I NEVER do...and I've been indulging. Gotta love pregnancy for something! ;o)

Meet Ella Beth's snowman

Oh how wonderfully delightful to have such a beautiful snow covering! It was absolutely beautiful watching the snow fall today. There were times when we honestly couldn't see the end of our cul-de-sac because it was snowing so hard. Ella Beth was tickled to watch it snow again.

Scott got the chance to build her a snowman today. She was so intrigued watching him! He built it on our back deck so that she would be able to see it any time she wanted to. She is still battling her cold, so she didn't get to play with him very long...but long enough for a couple of cute, very candid, pics! Even Mommy got in one for a change! Oh, and can you make out the snowman's details? His nose, mouth, and buttons are all "fruits" from Ella Beth's kitchen! She thought that was something special!

Scott and I actually got out for a little time to ourselves today. Scott's mom and dad kept Ella Beth while we went to the movies! We figured it will probably be our last time at the movies for quite a while. We saw National Treasure 2, and we highly recommend it!

Hope you all enjoy your snow!

Meet Ella Beth's snowman

Oh how wonderfully delightful to have such a beautiful snow covering! It was absolutely beautiful watching the snow fall today. There were times when we honestly couldn't see the end of our cul-de-sac because it was snowing so hard. Ella Beth was tickled to watch it snow again.

Scott got the chance to build her a snowman today. She was so intrigued watching him! He built it on our back deck so that she would be able to see it any time she wanted to. She is still battling her cold, so she didn't get to play with him very long...but long enough for a couple of cute, very candid, pics! Even Mommy got in one for a change! Oh, and can you make out the snowman's details? His nose, mouth, and buttons are all "fruits" from Ella Beth's kitchen! She thought that was something special!

Scott and I actually got out for a little time to ourselves today. Scott's mom and dad kept Ella Beth while we went to the movies! We figured it will probably be our last time at the movies for quite a while. We saw National Treasure 2, and we highly recommend it!

Hope you all enjoy your snow!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Oh, what a wonderful white dusting! I just love snow. It's so funny how it can bring out the kid in just about anyone. Ella Beth loved watching the snow fall outside the windows last night. I can't tell you how many times she would grab our hands and lead us to the windows to show us the snow. Too cute!

With her still sick and running a slight fever this morning, we decided not to take her out for more than about 21 seconds. It has been raining lightly most of the morning, but when it turned to a light mist, we headed out. She was bundled up for pictures and then brought right back inside. I think she enjoyed seeing it close up, even if it was for a very quick photo op!

I hope you all enjoyed your snow. I'm crossing my fingers for more sometime this season, but if it doesn't return...at least we had this nice treat!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Oh, what a wonderful white dusting! I just love snow. It's so funny how it can bring out the kid in just about anyone. Ella Beth loved watching the snow fall outside the windows last night. I can't tell you how many times she would grab our hands and lead us to the windows to show us the snow. Too cute!

With her still sick and running a slight fever this morning, we decided not to take her out for more than about 21 seconds. It has been raining lightly most of the morning, but when it turned to a light mist, we headed out. She was bundled up for pictures and then brought right back inside. I think she enjoyed seeing it close up, even if it was for a very quick photo op!

I hope you all enjoyed your snow. I'm crossing my fingers for more sometime this season, but if it doesn't return...at least we had this nice treat!

It's snowing!!!

Okay...so it's 8:24 PM and dark outside. I don't have pictures. YET! But, I will! I just had to share my excitement that there is an inch of snow on the ground. I can't wait to get out and build Ella Beth a snowman tomorrow morning. It may be tiny, but she will l-o-v-e it!!!

Pictures to come :)

It's snowing!!!

Okay...so it's 8:24 PM and dark outside. I don't have pictures. YET! But, I will! I just had to share my excitement that there is an inch of snow on the ground. I can't wait to get out and build Ella Beth a snowman tomorrow morning. It may be tiny, but she will l-o-v-e it!!!

Pictures to come :)

What goes around...

What goes around, sticks around. At least in terms of germs. Ella Beth caught a cold at Waumba Land last Sunday. She started coming down with a runny nose Monday morning. Wednesday, Mommy started coming down with a runny nose. Saturday, Daddy started coming down with a runny nose. Thankfully, it has been nothing more than a cold for all of us, but it is still not the best thing. Ella Beth has miraculously slept pretty well. She coughs some during the night from her congestion, but has been able to stay asleep through most of her coughing fits. I haven't slept all that well b/c I can't breathe very well, but other than being more tired than a normal 32 week prego woman, it hasn't been too bad. Hopefully, Scott will be able to say the same. He's a bit tired today, but hanging in there. We'll be glad when this passes.

Would it be too bold of me to stand outside of Ella Beth's Waumba Land class and ask those parents with snotty nose kids not to come in today??? Just wondering. ;) It sure would be nice, though, if everyone were considerate and not bring his/her sick kids to nursery on Sunday. Most surely think, "Oh it's only an hour, no big deal." But to a mommy who wants to keep her little one healthy, it is a big deal. I didn't take Ella Beth to church this morning b/c I didn't want her passing anything on to another little one.

Anyway...I'll stop the band-wagon!

Ella Beth turned 17 months last Monday. Wow. She really is getting to be such a big girl. Today, when Scott got home from church we went to Moe's for lunch. We ordered Ella Beth her own meal - a Power Wagon. She ate almost the entire thing...well, we thought she ate more than she did until we picked her up out of her high chair. We found a good big lurking there!!! She did eat really well, despite her mess. Every day she is becoming more of a little person than a little baby. She talks non-stop. Right now, my favorite thing that she says is, "Okay." If you ask her something like, "Do you want some water?" She will say, "Okay!" It's the cutest thing! She is also learning lots of new words thanks to the fruit and veggies that she got to go along with her kitchen. Have you ever heard a 17 month old say: broccoli, garlic, potato, macaroni, ice cream??? Well, let me just tell you that it is super cute! She is also starting to sing along with songs - "Wheels on the Bus," "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" (much to Mommy's dismay), "Choo Choo Soul," and other little songs that we hear repeatedly on any given day. It's just so neat to watch her learn!

One thing she also loves right now is riding on Daddy's shoulders.

She will also "pose" for the camera a little if she's in the mood:

And, another "big girl" thing that she's learned is how to climb up and down from our sofa:

I need to say Thank You to y'all who commented, emailed, or called to give me the much-needed encouragment last week. I'm doing better. The painting of Landon's nursery is complete, and I am very happy with it. That has lifted my spirts a little. I also purchased a few little boy items that I am looking forward to seeing him in. I still have a time period each day where I put my head down and just wonder (in true desperation) how I am going to survive. But then I hear God whisper to me His promise in Philippians 4:19, that He will meet all of [my] needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Yes, it will be hard; but not more than I can handle. I will just have to lean on Him and the wonderful friends and family that He sends me for my support.

Speaking of wonderful friends, I had an unplanned, but nice baby-free lunch on Friday with my good friend Ashley; and I'm looking forward to a planned baby-free lunch tomorrow with my sweet friend Jennifer. I better not use all of these baby-free lunch breaks at one time!!!

What goes around...

What goes around, sticks around. At least in terms of germs. Ella Beth caught a cold at Waumba Land last Sunday. She started coming down with a runny nose Monday morning. Wednesday, Mommy started coming down with a runny nose. Saturday, Daddy started coming down with a runny nose. Thankfully, it has been nothing more than a cold for all of us, but it is still not the best thing. Ella Beth has miraculously slept pretty well. She coughs some during the night from her congestion, but has been able to stay asleep through most of her coughing fits. I haven't slept all that well b/c I can't breathe very well, but other than being more tired than a normal 32 week prego woman, it hasn't been too bad. Hopefully, Scott will be able to say the same. He's a bit tired today, but hanging in there. We'll be glad when this passes.

Would it be too bold of me to stand outside of Ella Beth's Waumba Land class and ask those parents with snotty nose kids not to come in today??? Just wondering. ;) It sure would be nice, though, if everyone were considerate and not bring his/her sick kids to nursery on Sunday. Most surely think, "Oh it's only an hour, no big deal." But to a mommy who wants to keep her little one healthy, it is a big deal. I didn't take Ella Beth to church this morning b/c I didn't want her passing anything on to another little one.

Anyway...I'll stop the band-wagon!

Ella Beth turned 17 months last Monday. Wow. She really is getting to be such a big girl. Today, when Scott got home from church we went to Moe's for lunch. We ordered Ella Beth her own meal - a Power Wagon. She ate almost the entire thing...well, we thought she ate more than she did until we picked her up out of her high chair. We found a good big lurking there!!! She did eat really well, despite her mess. Every day she is becoming more of a little person than a little baby. She talks non-stop. Right now, my favorite thing that she says is, "Okay." If you ask her something like, "Do you want some water?" She will say, "Okay!" It's the cutest thing! She is also learning lots of new words thanks to the fruit and veggies that she got to go along with her kitchen. Have you ever heard a 17 month old say: broccoli, garlic, potato, macaroni, ice cream??? Well, let me just tell you that it is super cute! She is also starting to sing along with songs - "Wheels on the Bus," "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" (much to Mommy's dismay), "Choo Choo Soul," and other little songs that we hear repeatedly on any given day. It's just so neat to watch her learn!

One thing she also loves right now is riding on Daddy's shoulders.

She will also "pose" for the camera a little if she's in the mood:

And, another "big girl" thing that she's learned is how to climb up and down from our sofa:

I need to say Thank You to y'all who commented, emailed, or called to give me the much-needed encouragment last week. I'm doing better. The painting of Landon's nursery is complete, and I am very happy with it. That has lifted my spirts a little. I also purchased a few little boy items that I am looking forward to seeing him in. I still have a time period each day where I put my head down and just wonder (in true desperation) how I am going to survive. But then I hear God whisper to me His promise in Philippians 4:19, that He will meet all of [my] needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Yes, it will be hard; but not more than I can handle. I will just have to lean on Him and the wonderful friends and family that He sends me for my support.

Speaking of wonderful friends, I had an unplanned, but nice baby-free lunch on Friday with my good friend Ashley; and I'm looking forward to a planned baby-free lunch tomorrow with my sweet friend Jennifer. I better not use all of these baby-free lunch breaks at one time!!!