Blogworthy

This morning, I had a doctor's appointment - just a checkup - and I got a call from Asher saying, "I climb out." or something like that. He finally did it! Beau put him down for a nap, and a few minutes later, Asher walked down the stairs with a very proud smile on his face. And he immediately wanted to "tell Mommy phone". What a little rascal! We knew it was coming. The last month we stayed with two different family members where Asher climbed out of the pack'n'play, so then at Mom and Dad's and Beau's parents' houses, we didn't even try it. He just slept in "big boy beds". He did well in his baby bed the first few days that we've been home, but I'm afraid the time has come to an end. Just as soon as we can get to it, we'll be putting him in a toddler bed. I feel a very small twinge of sadness, but I think it's kind of fun too. A new chapter in our lives...

When I got home, I was in the kitchen - where Asher takes his wagon and climbs up on it in attempts to get whatever snack he desires at a given moment. (I don't encourage this by the way, but it doesn't stop him from trying.) Anyway, I found an almost empty gallon size ziplock bag that HAD BEEN full of popcorn last time I saw it. The baggy was on the floor with a few kernels of popcorn on the floor beside it. I, of course, gasped because I thought Asher had gotten into it while I was gone and had eaten almost ALL of it by himself. Beau was DELIGHTED, because that was JUST the response he was hoping for! He had planted it all there for me to see. =)

After Asher FINALLY went down for a nap, I was cleaning up the living room and made the comment to Beau that I feel like I have three children (because of the mess!), and he said, "That's what you signed up for. I'm the first person you're supposed to take care of. The kids are just extra." He was so proud of himself for being SO funny. =) (You see the kind of guy I'm married to. =))

And last but not least...Beau and I are reading "Love Dare". We just started it, and today the dare is to practice patience with each other and not to say ANYTHING negative to each other. So after we had had this sweet "enriching" time together, Beau pulls one of my gray hairs out of my head - and I couldn't say anything! =) It was pretty funny. He is the scoundrel of all scoundrels! (And he's raising another one to be just like him!) =)

And now...you guessed it...I'm off to do laundry and continue the closet project from yesterday.

Chunky Monkey...and Not-So-Chunky-Monkey =)

Today we took the kids to their two year and two month checkups. Little Miss Ainsley is doing very WELL! =) The nurse slid the little thing on the scale to "20" before she weighed her, because she thought she would weigh at least THAT! And THAT is hilarious! But she indeed does NOT weigh anywhere close to 20 pounds for crying out loud! =) However, she IS in the 97th percentile for weight and 90th for height! She is a pretty tall chunky monkey! =) She weighs 13lbs. 12oz. and is 24 inches long. Asher is also very healthy - but on the lighter side. =) He is in the 25th percentile for height and weight. He weighs 26lbs. and is 2ft. 9in. tall.

We had a great Thanksgiving with Beau's family this last week. Ainsley is changing more every day - spitting up much less, much more content overall, and is smiling a lot. She's so fun! And of course Asher LOVED being with his Grammie, Grandad, Aunt Lee, and Uncle Tyler...and we got to see lots of extended family as well. It was a very special time! We played a lot outside with balls and bubbles, went on a couple of walks, and ate lots of good food (too much good food!). We even got to celebrate his birthday with them! He turned TWO on Sunday!!!

The week before that Asher, Ainsley, and I were in Waco. It was great to be there as well!!! I love being "home" - and being with family and friends. There's just NEVER enough time for my friends! Maybe I can see more of them at Christmas! But while we were there, we had a birthday cookout/smores party for Dad and Jeremy. The next day we all went to a COLD Baylor football game. Beau came in that night just to spend the next day with us when we had a birthday party for Asher with his cousins, then we had Thanksgiving lunch with my family. He had to go home that afternoon so that he could work that week. Emily and Claire stayed for a few days, and we got babysitters twice to get some shopping done and go see a movie. The following weekend, Poppie and Gibbie watched the baby grandgirls while Coby, Adrielle, and I took Skyler and Asher to see Disney on Ice. Thanks Coby and Adrielle for such a special treat! We had a great time! And thanks Mom and Dad for ALL your help with my kids and for letting us stay for so long. =)

It was a good two weeks. And now we're BACK! And there is LAUNDRY to be done, a house to CLEAN, maternity clothes to be put away, things to be thrown away and organized so that MAYBE I can find a place to put up a Christmas tree! =) So here I go...before a kid wakes up. =)

"Hehwoh..."

That's "Hello" in Asher language in case you didn't know. His two new favorite people to talk to on the phone are Mickey Mouse and Lightning McQueen. Today he said, "Hehwoh Mickey Mouse." It was hilarious!

Speaking of Mickey. I have a hand-me-down Mickey costume from Amy, and I did not realize HOW CUTE it would be until I tried it on Asher today. He was by FAR the cutest little mouse I'VE ever seen!!! He's wearing it to King's Kids tomorrow. I can't wait to take pictures!!! And don't worry, I'll post them - because they'll be too cute not to! =)

Which reminds me, for reasons that I won't bore you with...Tonight we went to a little church near here with some new friends. They invited us to eat dinner with them and to watch their "entertainment" that they had afterwards (costume contest, magic show, and skit). It was really fun. But the funny part is, that Asher got up from where we were sitting before it even started. He walked up to the row in front of us and sat in between two complete strangers. And he just sat there and watched the show for a while. Then he made his way back to us. But it was pretty funny. =)

Happy Wednesday!

I haven't sat down at a computer for DAYS! It's nice to be here for a short bit. =) The kiddos are both sleeping. Have I said it before that I love it when that happens?!

Asher has said and done some MORE cute things the past few days...can you believe it?! =) He has added a few new things to say to Ainsley - other than his usual VERY REPETITIVE, "Ainsley awake!" and "Hi Ainsley!" Now he also says, "I miss you Ainsley", which is so darn cute! (I think he picked that up from seeing his Grandad, Grammie, Aunt Lee, and other family on Beau's side this past weekend...which was so great!) It seems like maybe to him it's the equivalent of saying, "I love you." And this morning, he also said, "Ainsley cute!" Oh! Couldn't you just eat him up?!

The other day, the kids and I went on a drive. I had heard about this pretty drive from someone who worked out here at the camp this past summer, and she said (at least as I recall) that it was just thirty minutes from here. WELL...we drove, and we drove, and we DROVE! And come to find out, it's a state park about an hour and a HALF from here!!! That's ok. I was definitely questioning myself as we were still DRIVING, but once we got there, it was worth it. It's a beautiful place, and we found a fun playground for Asher to play at while I fed Ainsley. It worked out quite nicely. Although I was, of course, EXHAUSTED by the time we got home. Maybe I shouldn't go on adventures like that without another adult. =) ANYWAY...the whole point of that was to tell you about what Asher said. We were driving through the park, and he gasped and said, "Dinosaur!" I said, "Did you see a dinosaur?" And he said, "Yeah!!!" It was funny! I don't know if he really thought he saw one or if he was pretending, which he's doing more and more and more! I love it! Then we were leaving, and he was saying bye to everything: "Bye trees." "Bye water." "Bye slide." You get the picture? And then when he had run out of things to say bye to, he put his little pointer finger to his chin, with his little eyes shifting from side to side and said, "Hmmmmm...what else?" It CRACKED me up!!! He has never said that before, but I have a million times! He's got a LOT rolling around in his little head, and it's starting to spill out. It's SO CUTE! I love him! =)

Oh! And he's putting together sentences every once in a while too. He says, "What's that sound?" and "Mommy, watch this." It makes me so happy that he's learning things...like his colors too! I used to be nervous that I wouldn't know how to teach him what he needed to know, but it just kind of happens. God makes amazing little people! =)

Now. Of course there are pictures to upload and more things to blog about, but I better get to this house! It NEEDS my attention! Yikes!

These are a Few of My Favorite Things...

I love it when I ask Asher a question like, "Are you ready to go night-night?" or "Are you hungry?" And he answers with a song: "Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah..." or "Nope, nope, nope, nope, nope..." You get the picture. It's so funny!

I love finding things stashed places by Asher. On his little Fisher Price barn is a thing (I don't know what the "thing" is called) where there's an opening at the top (and that's where he puts his toys) and a door that you raise at the bottom. And a lot of times, if I raise the door I'll find as many little random balls, animals, cars, etc. in there as he can fit.

He's got this other toy that is kind of like a loopty slide that goes around and around. It's made to let little balls slide down, but there was a season where that was his place to stash any little toy he could find.

This afternoon after I put him down for his nap, I was cleaning up the living room. I was about to put up Beau's boots when I found a little superhero (or some kind of miniature guy) that Asher had stuck in the bootstrap. I don't know if anyone else can appreciate it, but it's just cute to me to see how his little mind works.

And how could these faces NOT be one of your favorite things?! I love my funny guys!!!

"Dr. Wilson"

Well, we took our little whippersnappers to the Doc this morning. "Dr. Wilson" is one of Asher's favorite things to say and favorite people to "talk" to on the phone. He's always having imaginary conversations with "Dr. Wilson", and he just laughs and laughs when he's talking to him. He must be pretty funny on the phone. =)

We're going to try some safe medicine (alcohol-free, which is different than what they used to use) for Ainsley for a couple of weeks to see if that will help with the reflux that it seems like she is having. And I'm going to use lactose-free milk for myself to see if that will make a difference. But she is HEALTHY otherwise - which we knew. =) She weighs 11lbs. 7oz. So she's gained three whole pounds from her birth weight! She's a heavy girl! And she's 22 inches long.

And Asher's ears were fine. We just went ahead and had him looked at since we were going there anyway. He's been waking up a lot at night, so I just wanted to make sure that he was all clear. And he is. Just boogery. And we knew that too. =)

New Pictures!!!

Here is the link to follow if you want to see pictures from the last month of our lives...and more! There are some ugly ones in there, but it's all about the story they tell. =) Enjoy! Just click on this link: http://picasaweb.google.com/beauandsarawaters/SeptOct08#

Ugggh!

We had a most terrible evening last night. I've mentioned before that Ainsley has been having a spitting up problem. Not just little spit up...but it comes from the depths of her. I had also said that I thought maybe it was getting better. Well, I'm not so sure. The last several evenings (except for one) she's been really fussy - I mean REALLY fussy! It's very hard to keep her calm. It's as if she's in pain. So we burp her and feed her (when it seems like she's hungry) and swaddle her and bounce her...and we try EVERYTHING! Well, last night she spit up BIG four times I think, so we would have to change her clothes - which she wasn't in the mood for. It was just a mess. And she was exhausted from the whole thing, but she wouldn't go to sleep. Finally a little after 11:00, I think, we were all in bed. Thank the Lord! It was SO sad to see her like that - and so exhausting for us, of course. Anyway, please pray for her. She's doing really, really well in most ways. But we're having a hard time figuring her tummy out. We're actually taking her to the doctor in the morning just to see what his input is. If there's something we can do to help her, we want to do that! And of course I've thought about the possibility that there's something that I've been eating or drinking that's not agreeing with her. But it seems like if that were the case, she would be upset more than just in the evenings. I don't know. But we'll welcome any prayers for her tummy and emotional state, wisdom for us...and rest! And while you're at it, you can also pray that Asher will stop waking up in the middle of the night (again!) or in the EARLY morning. We're not sure what's up with that either. He's cutting three molars right now, so it could be that. Kids are a mystery!!! With that, I'll bid you farewell. It's naptime!!!

Happy Birthday Ainsley!

I was driving home this evening and realized that today is Ainsley's birthday! =) She's one month (and four hours) old! I can't believe it! This month has gone by really fast!

*Note: This post is more for Ainsley's and my rememberance than anything else...just in case you find it random. =)

Dear Ainsley Grace,

I've loved having you in our lives this last month! The moment I laid eyes on you I loved you more than I could articulate! I wondered for nine months what you would look like - and all of a sudden I knew. I loved looking into your eyes for the first time and you looking into mine. I loved your chubby little legs! =) And I'll never forget one of the very first things I said about you..."She's so fat!" You've been a healthy girl since the beginning, and I'm so thankful for that!

Your time thus far has been spent eating and sleeping. And you're doing a good job at both of those things - for the most part. We've been really blessed! It seems that you're already a little bit more "emotional" than Asher, which is interesting and challenging, but you're still a pretty peaceful baby overall.

Speaking of Asher, he's been such a good big brother to you so far. We have to protect you from him, because he's not quite two yet, so he doesn't fully understand what it means to be "gentle" with you. But he loves you a lot! He LOVES it when you're awake. And he loves it when your tiny little hands touch him. He says, "Ainsley got you." And he just laughs and laughs. I'm excited about watching the two of you grow up together and being good friends.

Daddy also loves you to pieces! He loves to hold you and look at you. He loves your funny faces and sounds. I could tell from the moment he saw you that he already had a soft spot in his heart for his baby girl.

We love you so much little princess!!! It's been so special getting to know you this past month, and I am excited about what this next month will hold as we watch you grow and develop even more. You're so precious to us!

All my love,
Mommy


Some things that come to mind about this first month of Ainsley's life with us:

• Her dark hair - We pictured her with dark hair. It will be interesting to see if it stays that way.


• Her "fluffy" body and how it's getting "fluffier" by the day - I love it!


• She seemed like she was dark complected like Beau for a while, but since the jaundice has gone away, I'm not really sure what her skin will be like.


• She doesn't spit up all the time, but for several days (until the last two) she would spit up REALLY big, from the depths of her about once a day. I'm not sure if it was because of the drainage from her cold, overeating, or that we weren't burping her enough. But it seems to be getting better...I'm hoping!


• I love dressing up a girl! I love all the pink, the ruffles, the smocking, the puffed sleeves, the bows, etc., etc., etc. It's fun!


• I love it when you're able to start giving them baths IN water (after their umbilical cord falls off). She loves her baths now, because she is warm. She really HATES being cold! She instantly relaxes at bathtime. It's so cute.


• I like it that it's not as hard to keep her awake for a full feeding now as it was the first couple of weeks. She was such a sleepy head!


• I like it that she gets the milk she needs fairly quickly and goes a decent amount of time between feedings - three to four hours (even four and a half sometimes) vs. two to three hours the first few days. It's amazing what a difference that makes for a tired mommy - especially at night!!!

I could go on and on, but I must turn in for the night - or I will regret it tomorrow! Good night!

Right Now...

Right Now, I am:
feeling... relatively laid back and content with the way my day has gone. I got a long nap this afternoon, went and ran a few errands with Ainsley (and she slept the whole time), washed my dishes, and relaxed with my family.
enjoying... the internet =) - it's a nice "break".
wondering... how long I'm going to get to stay on the computer, because it's just about time for Ainsley to eat again.
listening... to Asher jabber - I love his words, inflections, songs, etc.! I love it when he's really happy and just talks and sings while he's playing alone.
drinking... nothing at the moment, but I did FINALLY get a Sonic drink today. I haven't had one in WEEKS - except for water. It was yummy!
wanting... my house to be pretty and decluttered! I HATE the clutter! I REALLY, REALLY HATE IT! I may be getting to where I hate it enough to actually do something about it...hopefully! =)
loving... that my man is such a great daddy! He loves his kids so much and does a great job at taking care of them!!!
looking... forward to visiting Waco. I miss "home". I've been wanting to visit for a while now, but I need to hold out for just a few more weeks. I wish I could go to one of my dad's games, but I'll have to wait until next year. =( I'm not sure I've EVER missed ALL of his games before.

Tag, you're it!

Asher...

One more quick post before I take a nap! I know I could easily get sucked into this computer and miss it all together, so I have to hurry before it's too late... =)

Asher has been so funny lately...not that he ever isn't...well, sometimes he isn't! =) This morning, he said that he had bonked his head on the rock, then he randomly started saying, "sheet rock". Sheet rock?! I'm sorry, but that's funny! What not-yet-two-year-old has ever even heard the words "sheet rock", much less says them?! That's funny! Later, out of the blue, he was saying, "two months". I don't know what he was talking about or where he got that, but that's also funny. =) We were watching "The Price is Right" this morning - doesn't everybody do that in the mornings??? And he loved it by the way. =) And he said, "Funny show!" I love it that he's talking more and more. He amazes us - probably because we're his biased parents - but he amazes us nonetheless. He was looking at a book of his this morning, and in it there is a picture of a little boy with shorts only on, and he has a water hose with water spraying out of it. So Asher lifts up his shirt and says, "Pour water Asher." He wanted THAT water in the book to be sprayed on him. It took him a minute or two to figure out that we had to pretend. It was cute.

I've thought of several little tidbits that I wanted to blog about in the last couple of days, but then the moment passes and I forget. Beau had a brilliant idea when I told him that - to write it down. So I'm going to have to start jotting things down when I think of them, because otherwise I forget. I'm so glad I've got a smart husband. =)

Ok. I'm off to my nap. And even as I typed that, Ainsley squeaked. We'll see if I can pull it off. Here's to hoping!!!

Tag!

Well, I have a confession to make. I didn't want to use the 6th picture in the 6th folder of my pictures, because I didn't really have anything to say about it. So I just found a picture that I love in that folder instead. What can I say...I'm such a rebel! =) So here is the picture I chose.

It's of Asher on the 4th of July in 2007. He was seven months old - and SO CUTE if I may say so myself. He still wasn't quite stable, so I had to make sure that he didn't topple off during our photo shoot. =) We were visiting the family at Emily's. And we had a great time. He loved his first fireworks that night. And then he took his first flight the next day when Emily, Claire, he, and I flew to Amarillo to see our grandparents.

I love his chub!!!

P.S. If you haven't already seen this tag on somebody else's blog, you can play too if you want. Find the 6th picture in the 6th folder of your pictures and tell the story behind it.

June Cleaver and Me

How does life go from completely ideal to completely overwhelming in less than a second? This morning, I was in the kitchen holding Ainsley in my left arm, Asher was sitting on the counter helping me stir muffin batter, and I felt like I was June Cleaver or something. =) It was one of those moments that was like the ones I dreamed about growing up...one of those I pretended to have when I was a little girl. I was doing what I was made for. It was so fun. But the next thing I knew I was sitting on the couch, looking really beautiful (not really!) in my mismatching pjs and pony-tailed hair, trying to calm down a sad baby and trying to keep Asher from rolling trucks on her head or throwing balls at her. Chaos I tell you! =) Oh well! I suppose that's my life now. And I wouldn't trade it...although it isn't very "pretty" sometimes!!!

Ainsley by "Aunt Flashy" - One and a Half Weeks

These are some pictures that "Aunt Flashy", "MiMi", my sister Amy - whatever you want to call her - took when she was here two weeks ago - when Ainsley was a week and a half old. She took pictures like this of Asher when he was about the same age, and I will love them forever! She's so great at taking pictures!!!

She actually made this sweet little bracelet for Ainsley.
I think Ainsley's big toes are going to stick up like mine and Asher's. =)
I love her "elephant knees". =) It's one of the first things I noticed about her when she was born. I said, "She's so fat!" I'm sure she'll love that one day. =)

She kind of reminds me of a charpay (you know, one of those wrinkly dogs?) in this one.

I love her fingers!

Three Weeks Pics of Ainsley (and her big brother)

My sister Emily and her little girl "Claire Bear" came to visit last week for a couple of days. Here are a few pictures that she took of Ainsley in her ballerina outfit. =) Yes, these are repeats for those of you who look at Emily's blog too. I stole them from her.

Addendum...

AND they turned my epidural completely OFF while I was pushing WITHOUT telling me! =) I made some comment about it not working, and they spilled the beans - that they had turned it off 30 minutes earlier, because I hadn't been pushing the way I needed to. SO SAD!!!

You Want Details?

So some have requested more details about Ainsley and such, so here goes...

Thursday, September 18, 2008
6:30am We arrived at the hospital to have our little bundle. I changed into my beautiful gown, climbed into my bed, and thought that I would have a new baby in six or seven hours at the most! =) I was wrong! Darn it!
7:30am They started my pitocin. I didn't feel much for quite a while. The morning went fairly fast.
I don't remember any more times after that. I guess things started picking up a bit. =) I did well for quite a while again (like I did with Asher), but when I could tell that soon it was going to get REALLY interesting, I opted for an epidural. That's when the excitement began.

The epidural...When he was putting it in, I could really feel him moving it around in my spine, and that FREAKED ME OUT!!! Maybe that's everyone's experience, but I did NOT remember that with Asher (never mind that that epidural never worked one bit!). Anyway, I started really tensing up and crying and being terrified that I was going to be paralyzed for the rest of my life. It was all probably completely unfounded, but no matter how hard I tried, I could not get a grip. THEN I started feeling it work, which was great for a minute until the anesthesia went up too high in my body, and I COULDN'T SWALLOW!!! I could breathe fine. My oxygen levels remained fine the whole time, but I literally could NOT swallow a DROP of saliva! So I had a panic attack. I've never experienced anything so bizarre in all my life! I was acting really nutty. I would just cry and cry. Even after they fixed things to where I could swallow (which felt like an eternity), I felt warm all over, which I LOVED. I would be telling Beau how amazing and worth it it was to feel so good, and then I would just start BAWLING my eyes out again. I'm telling you, my emotions were WAY out there!!! I was out of control! But I eventually got better...thank goodness!!! Towards the end of that whole thing, I let my family come in to see me, and I think it's safe to say that we ALL got some good entertainment from the bizarre swing in my emotions. Even I thought it was funny after I started feeling "good". It was terrible and weird!

I felt good for a while after that, but eventually I started REALLY feeling the contractions again. I would feel decent in between, but it was pretty painful when they would hit...which was often.

And somewhere in there, Ainsley's heartbeat started dipping every time I would have a contraction. So I started getting scared that I was going to have to have a c-section. But we prayed, they had me turn to my other side, and that pretty quickly solved the problem! Thank you Lord...although later, I was wishing I could have had a c-section! Just kidding!

***This part may have a thing or two in it that guys might not want to read. =)
I think it was about 5:00 when I started pushing. Last time I pushed for thirty minutes and had Asher. So I thought this would surely be comparable. =) (If I learned anything from this experience, it's that you CAN'T count on something just because that's the way it happened before or because that's the "norm"!) Every time my doctor checked me from the time I was 36 weeks on, he commented on how high Ainsley was. Well, this was no exception. She was not dropping like she should. So in the midst of pushing I had to "take a break" for about 10-15 minutes to see if my relaxing would help her to drop. It was not easy, but it worked...a little. We were making progress, but when my doctor came in for the first time, my first push with him in the room, he stuck his finger inside of me, and it felt like he was STRETCHING me from here to kingdom come! It hurt!!! After that set of pushes, he let me know that her face had been the opposite direction of the way it was supposed to be, and that he had to "guide" her head to turn her. OH MY GOODNESS!!! I thought he should've warned me at LEAST, but Beau made a good point in saying that I would have just tensed up more, and that probably would not have been good. Anyway, after that he had me take another "break" for about 15 minutes to allow her to drop some more. It worked, and soon after that she was BORN!!! The last few sets of pushes before she born, I thought I might DIE and that I could NOT do it, but lo and behold, she was born...MIRACULOUSLY! And it was INSTANTLY AMAZING and ALL WORTH IT!!! Although I was QUICK to say that I NEVER wanted to do that again.

I SO WISH that I was one of those people with amazing birth stories...but I just haven't been so far. It HURTS to HIGH HEAVEN if you ask ME!!! =) But even the next day, I thought MAYBE I could do it again. And now I think we'll PROBABLY have at least one more. =) But like people say, I don't have to think about that right now. I'm busy trying to recover from this big baby exiting my body, and enjoying her SO MUCH!!! We love her to pieces!!! And we're so thankful for our little princess!!!

I would probably add a little more. But my other little one is waking up, so I better go get him. Pictures to come soon...I promise. =) (Of course, "soon" is relative!)

Things of Noteworthiness...

• Asher tee-teed in the potty for the FIRST time today...TWICE!!! Way to go Asher!!!! We all (besides Ainsley) had fun singing a tee-tee song afterwards, and he was VERY PROUD!!! (By the way, we're not "trying" to potty train him right now. That would be just plain crazy with a two week old! =) So these episodes will probably be few and far between for quite some time still.)
• I love the different names that come out of kids' mouths for "flip-flops"..."shoe shlops" (Skyler), "clip clops" (Claire)...The other day, Asher called them "wee wops". Cute! =)
• Beau bought a new meat injector. (I don't know if that's really what it's called.) And he made some REALLY yummy pork steaks the other day by injecting them with teriyaki sauce. He's doing a great job being Mr. Mom!
• We have a "shoe gremlin" in our house. Beau always sets his flip flops by our door - facing the direction where he can just walk up to them and put them on...but every time he goes to put them on, they're facing the other way! He says it's a shoe gremlin...???
• Ainsley is fat! =) We had her two week appointment yesterday. She was born at 8lbs. 7 oz.. She weighed 8lbs. 4oz. when we left the hospital. She was 8lbs. 11oz. at her one week appointment - which they were very impressed with. She was the first one that week that had gained and not lost. And yesterday, she weighed 9lbs. 9oz.!!! She's a hefty little sucker! =) Hence the reason she's gained over a pound past her birth weight. =) Plus, the doctor said that some women have "skim milk", some have "whole milk", but that I must have "half and half". I thought that was pretty funny!
• I wore non-maternity jeans the last two days. They were my "big girl" jeans (as I think my friend Robin calls them), but they were not maternity by golly. =)

Pictures of Ainsley

I'd like to post some pictures of Ainsley, but I don't have time to sit here and do that at the moment. So if you'd like to see more, go to my sisters' blogs. They both have some great pictures posted. Emily's is http://kavelke.blogspot.com/, and Amy's is http://amy-momof3.blogspot.com/. They both also have facebook accounts that you can look at for MORE pictures if you are their "friend". =) More to come...EVENTUALLY...on THIS blog. =) But for now...I better take a nap while I have a chance. Ainsley just put herself to sleep in ONE minute. I hadn't tried that yet, but it worked like a charm - at least this time it did. =) We'll see if that continues. And Beau and Asher just left to run a couple of errands in town. It's a nice, quiet house at the moment - with no threat of a 22 month old crawling into Ainsley's bed. =) So until later...

Thank You Mom!

My mom just left yesterday after spending a week and a half here helping us.

Mom,
I could never say thank you enough for ALL that you did for us while you were here!!!
Thank you for...

1. Keeping our laundry done
2. Keeping our dishes washed
3. Keeping our trash emptied
4. Straightening our bed every day
5. Grocery shopping for us
6. Cooking for us
7. Playing with Asher
8. Enduring Beau's affinity for sci-fi
9. Starting my bath water multiple times a day =)
10. Organizing our stuff
11. Changing diapers - Newborn ones and Size 4 ones =)
12. Sacrificing time with Dad and time away from your job

I'm sure I'm leaving very significant things out. But all those things in that list made a HUGE difference for me!!! You kept things the way I like them - the way I would have them if my body would allow me. And that just makes life more peaceful...So THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!! We could not have made it through our first week and a half with two kids without you!!! We're doing well today, but I miss you already. =)

I love you!
Sara

She's Here!

Hi! This is Sara's sister, Amy, breaking into her blog to post the great news that Ainsley Grace has arrived.  She was born on Thursday, September 18th at 6:30pm.  She weighed 8 lbs. 7 oz. and was 21 inches long.  And, of course, she is beautiful.  (and I am not biased at all :) )  Sara did a great job bringing her into the world, and she and Beau and Big Brother Asher are all doing well as they welcome their sweet baby girl to the family.

~ Beau showing Ainsley to Asher for the first time ~

~ Sara & Ainsley ~

~ Beau & Sara at home with their baby girl ~

~ Ainsley Grace ~

~ Asher looking at his baby sister ~

~ a rare glimpse of her eyes ~

To My Little Boy...

I'm going in in four hours to be induced. We will get to meet Ainsley Grace today! We're so excited to see her, to hold her, to know what she looks like, to get to know her...However, it is a little bittersweet. I feel guilty even typing that. But as I was putting Asher down tonight, I was so sad. So here is a little note to him...my first baby...

My Dearest Asher,

I love you with all of my heart. There is not a place inside of me that does not LOVE you with indescribable feeling! You are my baby...my first baby...and you always will be! Daddy and I have LOVED having you as our only little boy for almost two years now. You're SO SPECIAL! You're so fun, so smart, so loving and cuddly. Tonight as I was holding you - for one of the last times before your little sister comes out into our lives - I was overwhelmed with emotion for you. I could not have ever imagined the kind of deep love that I have for you. God has given us SUCH a gift in you...and we wouldn't trade you for the WORLD!!! You are mine and Daddy's PRECIOUS, PRECIOUS boy!!! And that will never change! I wish I could bottle up the time that we've had together with you so far. I will cherish it FOREVER. It's been so special!!!

But it's time for a little change. You're going to be a big brother. And I know it will be great! Different, but even richer, I'm sure. I just can't imagine it yet. =) But soon...in a handful of hours, we will get to see your first reaction to your baby sister. And I think you're going to like her. I'm looking forward to holding you both at the same time...because you're my babies.

I love you with ALL of my heart Asher!

Love,
Mommy

I HATE BUGS!!!

So this weekend started out great! Mom and Dad came on Saturday morning. Mom and I went to get pedicures and went to a couple of cutesie shops downtown. Then we met Dad, Beau, and Asher at a really neat Italian restaurant that we had never been to before. Sunday morning Mom gave Asher his first haircut - pictures to come! - , then we worked in Ainsley's room - setting up shelves, hanging Mom's creation on the wall, decorating, etc... (pictures to come of all of that as well). By lunch-time or so, we decided to take Dad to the ER because his jaw was suddenly swelling really big. It was weird and scary. But it was taking FOREVER at the ER, and the swelling was going down, so he decided to forget the ER and just see his doctor in Waco when they went home. We got home, I was exhausted, so I laid down to take a nap. Soon after I laid my head down, I started feeling not-so-good. And then it HIT!!! A VIOLENT stomach bug!!! A few hours later we decided I needed to go to the hospital so that I wouldn't get dehydrated. Well, I was already dehydrated, and they decided to keep me all night to put me on an IV and give me some medicine (which was GREAT!!!). By the time they decided to keep me all night, Beau came down with the same thing. So he went home and suffered through half the night. Mom got it in the middle of the night. And Dad got it yesterday evening. THANKFULLY, Asher has not gotten it...and we are still praying that he won't! I can't imagine how terrible it would be for such a little person to have something like that and not understand what on earth was going on. Anyway, needless to say...the weekend did NOT go as planned! I'm so sorry that my parents had to come here for THAT! But apart from that, we loved having them here! =) And they were VERY helpful with Asher when Beau and I were the only ones who were sick! And then Dad was the life-saver when all of us were sick. =) Thank you to BOTH of you!!! We love you! And Asher loved seeing his "Poppie and Ibbie"! Oh, and we're all better now...at least Beau, Mom, and I are...I'm not positive about Dad. Thankfully, it was a short-lived bug!!!

Grumpy

I know I shouldn't be...but I'm kind of grumpy today. This end of pregnancy thing is not my cup of tea. =) It's uncomfortable, and I'm ready for it to be over. On the other hand, I am very thankful that God would choose me to carry this little girl until it's the perfect time for her to come out into this world. And I mean that. I have felt quite grumpy today, but I know the "right" answer, and I really do want her to be born at the time that God has appointed for her. It's just not very fun sometimes.

I had a doctor's appointment today, and I had to wait for a LONG time to be seen. And then I was seen by two different people who were NOT my doctor. They were way backed up because of the holiday yesterday and two c-sections this morning. But I did see him for a couple of minutes at the end of my appointment. Long enough for him to basically say, "Everything looks good. Any questions?" "YEAH, when am I going to have her???" is what I wanted to say. =) But he doesn't know - of course. And we just have to wait...like any normal pregnant person. I really don't like not being able to have everything planned out. =) By the time that ordeal was over, I was TIRED, HUNGRY, and FRUSTRATED - which was NOT a good combination. So Beau met me at Chili's, and we had lunch - which included a Dr. Pepper and dessert. I thought I deserved it. I've been "good" for long enough! =)

Then this evening Asher and I went to Dina's for dinner - and it was DELICIOUS! But Asher was a bit (more than a bit) of a terror! I hate saying that about any kid, but it was true tonight! I don't know why, but he was getting into EVERYTHING that he wasn't supposed to, and I could NOT get him to obey me! I'm currently at a loss about that! How do you get an almost two year old to obey you when you're already trying all the things that you're "supposed" to do??? Needless to say, it was good to get him into bed tonight. =)

And here I am...venting. And now I feel a little better - and almost ready to go to sleep - which is probably what I need the most! =) So good night. Here's to tomorrow being three weeks until Ainsley's due!!!

Big Baby!

So yesterday I had a sonogram, because not only Beau and I, but also my doctor, have been a BIT concerned about Ainsley's SIZE! I'm not measuring WAY bigger than normal - but a little bit. And yesterday we found out why! =) The sonographer first measured her head and said, "Yep, it looks like she might be a big baby!" After she had laughingly determined that she is INDEED a big baby, she told me her current weight. Are you ready for this? 7 lbs. 1 oz.! And that's at 35 1/2 weeks! Oh MY!!! And her head is ALREADY 9cm from ear to ear. Although Amy comforted me somewhat by reminding me that her skull will push together when she's coming out. =) And then she said that she'll have a cone head!!! =) Her weight gain will most likely slow down at this point, and the sonographer's guess is that she'll be in the mid to high eights at birth. At least she'll still be in the eights...but oh my...that sounds painful! =) We'll see what my doctor has to say when I go see him next Monday. Maybe I'll have her a little early??? =)

This Marriage Thing

Last night Beau said, "It's like we've got this marriage thing figured out or something." We had had such an "Americana" evening. I mean, don't get me wrong, it wasn't like there were butterflies dancing around and music playing or anything. But I fixed a good dinner (home-made meatloaf, which I had never done before) while Beau played with Asher. We sat down at the table (which we've only been doing again for the last few nights, because our table is finally cleared off from the "summer clutter") and ate like a "real" family. =) Then Beau took out the kitchen trash AND the diapers WITHOUT me asking!!! (That was a big deal.) =) He even put a new bag in the laundry room for the diapers. And that's when he said that we had this marriage thing figured out. And then it happened. I went in to clean up the kitchen, and what do I find??? A trash can WITHOUT a new bag in it. He RUINED it!!! =) Just kidding. But we got a kick out of it. We thought we had "arrived". =)

NEW PICTURES!!!

There are about 300 new pictures on our Picasa site. They document April through July of our lives. I'm working on getting everything up to date before Ainsley gets here. So keep your eyes peeled for more. You can either click on the link to the left or the web site is http://picasaweb.google.com/beauandsarawaters. Be sure to scroll all the way down to the bottom of the pictures, because the computer read them as being taken in Jan. 05 or something. But they're there.

Progress...

I made LOTS of progress this morning. Thanks to anyone who prayed. =) I decided that it was my best bet to just get up and get going on the boxes instead of trying to get all my ducks in a row and THEN start...because I'm always out of energy by that point. So this morning, I unpacked the boxes and had Beau move a few things around for me. And then I cleaned the living room and dining room really well. (I even vaccuumed under the couch cushions. =)) There is still more to be done, but, although EXHAUSTED, I feel MUCH better!!! We're one step closer to Ainsley's arrival. =) Like I said, it's super tiring, but it's kind of fun too. It will be really nice if I can get the "big" things on my to do list done and then just enjoy our expanded family for a while once she gets here. Here's hoping...

Will I Never Become Who I Want to Become???

How hard can it be to unpack a few boxes??? This morning, I woke up and started my day out "right". I spent time with God (something I don't set aside time to do like I should), fixed waffles for us, straightened some things up, did the dishes, did some laundry, got ready for the day, fixed lunch for Asher and myself, and then I was "done". I was exhausted. So I came to take a nap while Asher was down. I kind of slept for a little bit, but couldn't really, because Ainsley is going to be here soon, and I've GOT to get a few things done. So I got up with the intention of hopping on those things (unpacking a few boxes that are cluttering up my room - which no one can do besides me). Instead, I stopped at the computer "really quick". And I'm still here - probably an hour and a half later. And now I've got to run into town to pick up our car that's been being worked on. Anyway, that's the way every day seems to go. It starts out really well, then I get tired and lose focus. Pray for me! =) I need it! The boxes are NOT even that big of a deal. I just need to DO it!!! Then Ainsley can come! =)

My Boys

I love the way that Asher loves his daddy and wants to be just like him. (Altough that can be scary sometimes too - when he gets that "rascally" look in his eye, like he just HAS to do SOMETHING mischievous! =)) Today Asher brought me Beau's belt and wanted me to put it on him. So I wrapped it around him twice and fastened it. Then he walked over to Beau's boots - all the while wearing his cute little plaid shorts and polo shirt - and put them on too. It was so cute! =)

Exhausted

It's been a good day overall. I cooked real meals for breakfast AND dinner, so I am pretty proud of myself! =) Plus, I got three loads of laundry DONE - washed, dried, folded, AND put away. I even have clean sheets on my bed. That is all quite an accomplishment for this tired pregnant - VERY pregnant - lady! =) I don't think my tummy can stretch any MORE than it already has! And I am TIRED!!! So now I will go to sleep - without my husband, because he is sick, and he can't breathe lying down, so he has to sleep on the couch. =( Good night.

Facebook

Yep. I'll agree with Amy. Facebook is fun - and very overwhelming! I love being able to connect with old friends! Some of them I haven't talked to in YEARS. But there's no way I'm going to have time to really keep up with people! Amy and Emily, you should post some pictures for me. I don't have the updated FlashPlayer or whatever it's called, so I can't post any. And I don't have any idea how to add "Flair". Y'all will have to educate me. =)

"Sunshine"

I was cleaning the kitchen after breakfast. Yes, I cooked a real breakfast - which is uncommon for me (unfortunately). Anyway, while I was doing that, Asher was sitting in the rocking chair "reading" his books. He called me in there and pointed to a picture of a sunshine and said, "Sunshine." He's never said that word before. It was so cute. =) I love his little voice.

Then he was on the kitchen floor playing with this blue toy and - out of the blue =) - said, "Blue." He's never done that either.

I just read yesterday that he's learning something like twenty words a day - even though he doesn't SAY nearly all of them. I love his little brain! =)

Something else that was cute was when he brought his pj pants downstairs and was trying to put them on by himself. Then Beau was sitting on the floor with him teaching him step by step how to put them on. It was too sweet.

And...one more thing. Asher and Beau are both a little under the weather right now. Beau more than Asher. But everytime Beau coughs or sneezes, Asher copies him - even from different rooms in the house. It's sad that they're sick but funny that he does that. You can pray for them. It seems like a strange time to get colds, but that's what it seems to be.

I'm off to CLEAN and DECLUTTER - the story of my LIFE!!! =)

"Bobby"

My kid said, "Asher, bobby" today. Which means, "Asher, potty." He has pulled his pants down by himself about six or seven times today (I don't know why), and late this afternoon, I asked him if he had tee-teed in his diaper. He said, "No." (but he had) Then he proceeded to basically beg to go to the potty. I knew that he wouldn't actually use it, because he doesn't know how. But he went in there like he knew what he was doing. I put him on the potty and was holding him on so that he wouldn't fall in. And he quickly protested, because he is Mr. Independent. He did not want me holding onto him. So we let him sit there. It was pretty funny seeing such a little person sit on a real potty. =) Then he would be "all done" and climb off. Then he would do the whole thing over and over again. He would've done it all evening if we would have let him. It was pretty funny!!! I guess we need to get him his own little potty. Although, I will NOT be attempting to actually potty train him in the next few weeks before Ainsley arrives! That will have to wait! =)

The Many Names of Daddy

When Asher wakes up (if he's had enough sleep), he usually calls for "Daddy" - in his most sing- song voice, holding each syllable out for a long time. That in itself is cute, but it gets funnier, because the only thing that stays the same in the word "Daddy" for him - especially when he's "singing" his name - is the consonants. He says, "Dad-dy", "Dow-dow", "Dow-dy", "Doh-dy", "Dad-dow", "Dow-doh"...and the list goes on, I'm sure. It's pretty funny. I don't know WHY he does that, but he does.

He doesn't do that with other words really - except for the other day. He calls my sister Amy, "MiMi". But the other day she was "MiMaw" (which she was NOT ok with!) and "MiMo" (which she thought was cuter). Funny boy.

Just a Couple More Sweet Asher Things...

We love the sweet personality that God has given Asher. He definitely has his "ugly" moments like every kid does, but overall he is sweet! Today the three of us (or four, if you want to be technical) were sitting on the couch sharing a snack, and he was standing in between Beau and me. He had his hand on Beau's back, just patting it, and then would lay his head down on his shoulder. And it was for no "reason". We just love him! =)

Then another cute thing was tonight when we were outside "watching fireflies" (as he requests to do EVERY night - even though he's usually asleep by the time you can actually SEE them). Beau pointed out the moon to him, and he said, "Hold you moon." And then he was reaching his little arms up to "hold it", but he couldn't get it. =) I told him that it was too high in the sky, so he asked Beau to hold him "up high". So Beau held him up, and Asher REACHED as high as he could...but he still couldn't reach it. =) It was cute!

Ok. I'm really going to bed now. =) Good night.

Our HAPPY Boy!

As one of my sister Amy's latest posts says, Asher's name means "Happy" - and he IS! We love this about him! And here are two pictures she took this weekend that I just love of the little guy! (I stole them from her blog.)

Weekend Away

Camp officially ended on Thursday and by that evening we were in Texas. It was fun to spend a little time with Allan, Emily, and Claire Bear before they headed out for Hawaii this weekend. Claire and Asher were so cute when they saw each other! They really love each other! =)

Friday we dropped Asher off at Amy's. I had some really sad moments knowing that I was about to be away from him for three nights, but I got through those - and he did GREAT!!! He LOVED the weekend with his MiMi, Uncle Corey, and cousins!!! He asked for me a few times but never cried for me! It made me feel SO GOOD to know that HE was so happy!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you Powells!!!!! You're ALL WONDERFUL!!! =)

Friday evening we relaxed at our hotel for a little while then went to eat at Benihana! Mmmmmm!!!! It was DELICIOUS - and as always...so fun! We had a relaxing evening, I went to bed relatively early, Beau played a game most of the night, I slept until 8:30 the next morning (which is late for me - it was GREAT!!!), and Beau slept longer - since he didn't go to sleep until around 5:00 or so. =) I enjoyed reading and taking a long bath, and then we went to breakfast at the hotel. We had a really late breakfast, so for "lunch", we went to the Galleria and got the best peanut covered caramel apple I've ever had! It was SO YUMMY! We walked around there for a while, then on the way to Allan and Emily's we stopped and rented a couple of girly movies for me and a game for Beau. Emily and Allan left for HI on Saturday morning, so we used their house as our "getaway" Saturday through Monday. (Thank you Bil and Em!!!) We spent the rest of the afternoon in our separate rooms. It was really nice for BOTH of us to be able to veg in our OWN ways without ONE of us having to be responsible for Asher. =) Very relaxing! That evening we went to Panda Express - one of Beau's favorite restaurants. Sunday morning we slept, Beau played, and I read. Then we went to get massages! Ahhhhh!!! I LOVE massages!!! Especially right now! It felt great! Beau enjoyed his too but said it was a little weird, because who I thought they said was available at the time we went for him was "Kim" was actually "Ken". =) Oops! Then we went and ate and headed back to hang out at the house. Beau played and I read. =) Then we went out for the evening to make some baby exchanges at Target, stopped by Best Buy and Barnes N Noble, then called it a night. Monday morning Beau went and got us donuts and kolaches, I got ready, went and got our car washed - which it needed REALLY BADLY! - then went and saw my BOY!!!!! (Beau stayed at the house to play for the day while I went to see Asher and the Powells.)

I LOVED seeing him!!!! We both missed him SO MUCH!!! We've only left him over night one other time - and that was a year ago. But it was worth it. He was in his highchair having a popsicle when I got there and was happy to see me but didn't try to get out to "hold me" or anything. But then he started just getting giddy and really silly! It was hilarious! As if to say, "Mommy, do you remember how funny I am?!" He cracks me up!!! We rested at MiMi's house then went to run a few errands and to eat dinner with the Powells. Then we went to see DADDY!!! And that was a fun reunion as well! They always love seeing each other after they've been apart!

By the time we got out of there and home it was midnight last night, and we were all pooped. It was an exhausting end to a great and relaxing weekend. And we would do it all over again! But it will probably be a while. =) Ainsley Grace is scheduled to arrive in six weeks (or less???)! I can't believe it's upon us...and yet I can! That's why we took this weekend. We needed it/will need it (as we anticipate adding a new one to our bunch)!

So as I think about the sleeplessness that is in my very near future, I think I'll retire for the night. Just wanted to document what a fun weekend we had - and to say THANK YOU again to my sisters and their families for making it possible!!!! Thank you ALL a gazillion times over!

FJOTD

"Everything's bigger in Texas." - Beau said looking at my stomach, as we drove over the Texas border this past weekend. And it's true. It's growing by the minute. =) But I guess now it's bigger in Oklahoma. =)

We Made It!!!

Summer camp is almost over! Our "regular" camp weeks ended on Friday. All but five of our summer staff packed up and left that day. It was actually quite sad. Although May and June may have been the most difficult months of Beau's life, things slowly worked out, and it was a good summer! Lots of great things happened in people's lives, and we loved having the summer staff here. They were really great, and they loved Asher! And he loved them! We'll miss them SO MUCH!!! It's AMAZING that the "summer" has come and almost gone for us!!! I CAN'T BELIEVE it!!!

But we've got one more group coming tomorrow and leaving on Thursday. We've got a small group of staffers that will be here for that, because the group is cooking their own meals and things like that. But as of Thursday- we will have made it through our FIRST summer here! There will always be challenges in camp ministry (as there are with anything), but we have to believe that things will go MUCH more smoothly as time goes on! =) We look forward to our future here - which is a big thing to say after the May and June we had! =)

And then we're off to Dallas one more time before this munchkin is born. We left Asher over night for a few days at the end of last summer, and we're going to do it again this year! He's going to stay with his cousins (and aunt and uncle =)) this time, and we know he'll have so much fun! And WE are looking forward to un-toddlered REST!!! I can't wait!

AUGUST!

It's August, and I'm HOT!!! ALL the time! I need a fan to carry around with me wherever I go, because I'm burning up! Ever since I found out that I was pregnant, people referred to how miserable I would be because of being pregnant through the heat of summer. Well, up through the first or second week of July I thought it wasn't too bad - and then it got HOT!!! I'm going to make it, but oh my...it's amazing how different it feels now than it did just a few weeks ago.



Plus, I'm HUGE! I'm a little concerned about the size of this baby girl. They aren't concerned at the doctor's office. But I THINK I'm significantly bigger at this point in my pregnancy than I was with Asher - and I've still got almost two MONTHS left! I don't know how I'm going to ROLL OVER when that time comes around. =)



Speaking of Ainsley...my sisters, Mom, and Connie had a very special baby shower for me last week. It was so fun to receive lots of fun girly things. Our girl will not be lacking any PINK, that's for sure! Really, one of the best things of the day was having family from BOTH sides there to celebrate with us - and some very dear friends that I haven't seen in a LONG time! I love you all! Thank you for coming and loving us!!! We are so blessed to be so loved! One of the things I'm most blown away by is the way Beau's side of the family has taken me under their wings as if I am their own. Thank you ALL - friends AND family - for your sweet prayers and words of advice!!! We'll be able to use all of it!

Fat Joke of the Day and My Man

So here's Beau's FJOTD - for today and yesterday.

We were going to eat Chinese food. We pulled into the parking lot, and the sign said something like, "No trucks or trailers allowed in parking lot". Beau said, "I guess I could just drop you off at the door." Ba-dum-dum!

And today, I was having a wardrobe crisis before church. It was one of "those" mornings. I hate mornings like that! Anyway, Beau said, "I think I've got a tarp down at the shop that you could use for a dress." =)

And this isn't a fat joke, but it's another "funny" for Beau. I was very emotional yesterday evening - thanks to the good ol' pregnancy hormones, I'm sure. So he disappears for a while. I didn't know where he was, but he reappeared a while later, and all he had was a MUSTACHE!!! Yes, a little mustache that went from one side of his mouth to the other. It didn't curve or anything. It was just an ugly, straight, nasty mustache. Some people can pull it off, I know. But not my man! =) It was HILARIOUS!!! I laughed and laughed. And then I realized that he had done it just to make me laugh - because he knew I needed it. =) And for those of you who don't know - he ALWAYS has a very thick gotee - so this was QUITE a SHOCK! I wanted him to shave it off right away, but he had to save it until this morning. Funny man!

He's been my "hero" in more ways than making me laugh lately. Asher has been waking up at least once in the middle of the night lately - if not up to three times or so. And for a while I would go into his room and try to put him back to sleep - after letting him "fuss it out" on his own for a while - because that used to work. Anyway, we have come to find out that Beau has the magic touch these days with Asher and sleep. So, he is now "his" in the middle of the night. And AMAZINGLY, ALL Beau has to do is go into his room, pat him on his back, and say, "Night-night", and he lays back down and goes to sleep. One time Beau even said, "Night-night" down the hall, and Asher got quiet. When I have gone in there, it's taken me an HOUR to get him down - or I end up bringing him to bed with us - or he ends up being awake for the day at 5:00am or something crazy like that! It's very strange! But I'm not complaining. Beau obviously has something Asher needs right now - and that's fine with me. Less trips out of bed for me. I've got enough on my own because of this GROWING girl inside of me!!!

My Rascally Husband...

I know, I know. All of you avid (is that the right word?) fans of mine have been dying for me to post again. =) Well, this morning, Beau said something "blog-worthy" that I must share. Asher and I had been "working with Daddy" this morning. "We" had worked on a golf cart, a bus, checked on things at the dining hall, emptied some trash, started a burn pile, etc. (And Asher had lots of fun playing in a big mud puddle then getting hosed off before getting back in the truck.) Anyway, the next thing on the list was working on the tractor - which happened to be down by the lake and on a little road surrounded by brush that I would have to actively keep Asher out of - in the heat. I opted out of that one and had Beau bring us home. He said, "Carpe diem!" That got us to talking about the whole concept of "carpe diem" and how I love it. I said it's my life's theme. Beau doesn't believe me. =) I guess it's hard to believe when all you see is your pregnant, tired wife all day long every day. =) So then I told him that that's why I had so many adventures before I married him. And he said - and here is the reason for the blog post - , "Why don't you carpe diem the dishes more often?!" It was quite funny! But I'll have you know, that I've stayed on top of the dishes quite nicely the last few days. =)

Also, he enjoys making "fat jokes" while I'm pregnant. (And I think it's funny too, don't worry.) So here's today's "Fat Joke of the Day": "That's not a parachute. That's Mommy's dress." Hahaha. He's too funny. =)

Bedding Bug

I got what I think I'm going to use as Ainsley's bedding in the mail today, and I think I love it! I've just got to get the sisters' and mom's opinions on it to make sure. =) It's making me really antsy to get started on her room. It's actually working out for me to take the queen size mattresses that are in her room right now to my sister's this weekend. So after that, and after I get the expert opinions I need, I can register for the rest of the stuff we need for the nursery and start painting, etc. I'm so excited!!! If you're interested, the bedding is on babiesrus.com and is Simplicity Mirabella - or Mirabella Simplicity - I'm not sure. But it's cream and black, and very dainty looking. And I THINK I'll be able to paint the walls a light pink - which Beau says he doesn't want, but he doesn't get a say in my little GIRL'S room! =) I told him I've ALWAYS wanted a PINK little girl's room! He doesn't really care anyway. =)

Superstar!

Today we were over by the canteen, and Asher was "driving" a four wheeler (sitting on it pretending to be), and I was off from him just a little bit. I looked over, and he was SURROUNDED (no exaggeration!) by little girls goo-gooing over him with their cameras. And he was just sitting there taking it in. It was SO FUNNY! I wish I had had a camera with me!

Ugh!

How do you like the sound effects for post titles? Sometimes there are no words. =)

This camp life is a killer sometimes! What did I get myself into by marrying a man who grew up this way?! =) Just kidding!!! I love him a million percent. But it IS a hard life sometimes - to me, anyway. I've been on a bit of an emotional roller coaster today. There's not really a great way to explain it if you've never lived full-time at a camp, which MOST people haven't =), but especially during times like this - SUMMER! - "it" just doesn't stop! And may I say that it's TOTALLY worth it! It's what has to happen for kids to come to camp and have life-changing experiences that they'll remember forever! So I wouldn't change it, but who knew how exhausting and stressful it could be sometimes?! Poor Beau has one thing after another come up. The boat breaking down on the lake, the plumbing being messed up (over and over and over and over and over in different places) and having to pull up brand new tile to get to it, tractors and lawn mowers and weed eaters breaking, running out of this and that, etc., etc., etc. And I've just been running errands for him here and there - no big deal, but I'm a weinie, so I tend to fall apart relatively often. =) And it's just hard not to have a set schedule - 9:00 to 5:00 Monday through Friday or whatever. Hours are weird. But again, that's just part of summertime (especially) at camp. AND a large amount of the chaos and stress comes from it being our first summer here and it being the first week of camp. Hopefully as the weeks of this summer and the coming years roll on many of the kinks will be ironed out...and things will become a little more smooth.

So there's my rant. Again, I really am thankful for our opportunity to live here. It's a unique calling, and I know that it's where we're supposed to be. And it's beautiful and fun and rewarding in LOTS of ways too. It's just that today, I'm a little pooped. =) So now I think I'll go take a nap. Asher is taking a really late one today because of errands that had to be run. But he's been a good, flexible kid today. Thank you Lord. =)

WHEW!!!

I can't believe it, but it's DONE...well, at least as done as it HAD to be for today - the FIRST day of camp! It's never REALLY done! But I had no idea how the five new cabins were going to get ready for campers by today, and it's a MIRACLE! The campers started arriving at the camp at 1:00. They were supposed to get into the cabins around 1:30 or so, and I think Asher and I left down there about 1:17 =), and the other two guys who were working down there were just about finished picking up more trash and stuff from the construction that's been going on down there since before we moved here. WHEW! Asher is exhausted but was such a trooper the last couple of days as he actually let me be of SOME help - which I am not always. =) And he only stuck his hand in a toilet once or twice! But he's down for a nap, and I'm about to be. =) I just had to record my relief! And I'm sure Beau is feeling it as well (although it's probably only just begun for him!). We were both so exhausted after yesterday (I got home at about 11:00pm after filling two and a half shopping carts FULL of last minute supplies for the canteen and cabins!!!) that we accidentally slept until 8:05 this morning. Beau has been going to work lately well before that, so it was quite a shock when he woke up and realized what time it was! I'm glad he got that rest, but it made for an interesting morning - which it would have been no matter what time he would've gotten started. Anyway, thank You LORD for helping us get done what needed to be!!! I know it's only through HIM that it happened! And now here's to a great first week of camp at Crosstimbers!!!

He Did It!

He woke up at 4:30 - that's LATER than the last night, so that's good. I got him back to sleep and was in bed again by 5:00 or so - which is less time than it took the night before. And he slept until right after 7:00. So I'm HAPPY with that! If it can just keep getting better!

When I typed the title it made me think of another funny thing that he's been doing. He says, "Idiit!" (I did it!) very excitedly when he accomplishes something he's proud of. Lately he's been playing in the dry bathtub with his bath toys while I get ready in the mornings, and he'll climb in and out and in and out. And every time he does that, he's very proud and says that. It's cute! =) It's pretty funny, too, when he stops in the middle of his "climb" for a "horse ride". He straddles the side of the tub and bounces up and down while making horse noises. I love it. =)

Something else that I love and find comical is the summer staff's love for Asher. When we are around them I hear, "Asher!" a LOT...and then I might also hear a "hi Sara" every once in a while too - of course AFTER the "Asher!" part. =) Last night someone actually said hi to me FIRST. I didn't know what to do with myself! =) Just kidding! I think it's funny. And I LOVE that they like him so much! There's one guy that bought him a little turtle book when he went to the store for something else the other day. And another guy gave him his bubbles, because Asher liked them so much. Others of them just try to engage him by giving five, playing ball with him, or playing the piano with him in the dining hall (which he loves!). They're really sweet. I think it will be a fun summer!

Nine Days Later...

Not bad. It only took me nine days to post this time. I've actually been spending a lot of time (for me) on my computer at home the last couple of days. I've been trying to find my FAVORITE girl bedding...it's a hard choice - especially over the internet...and just registering for a few things that we need for our little squirt who's on the way. But our computer has been acting half way decent - finally!

Beau has had about two days off this whole month - no exaggeration. He's working SO HARD trying to get everything done for summer camp to start! Our summer staff arrived this past Tuesday, so that was one milestone. They seem great so far. It's fun to have other people around...and to get to eat meals in the dining hall whenever we want to - which is most of the time. =) But they've also been very helpful in getting some work done around here. Last weekend the Kav Clan came to help Beau with some manly work that had to get done. Then his parents came right after they left and spent the night. And now Beau's dad is back helping YET AGAIN!!! We could NOT have made it without ALL of you! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!! Camp starts on Monday. So PRAY for more miracles - that EVERYTHING that has to get done will get done - and that my husband will stay in one piece in the midst of it. =)

Asher is turning in to more of a little boy every day. He PRAYED for the first time the other night. =) It was so sweet. We pray for him every night before we put him down, and when we were finished, he was drinking his milk, set it down, put his hands together, started jabbering, then said, "AMEN!"...but it didn't sound EXACTLY like "amen". =) He's pretty sweet. He's also saying, "What's that?", "Bye bye Daddy", "Bye bye slide", "Bye bye ball", and "Bye bye" to anything and everything else. It's funny. He says, "peeeazzz" (please), and "thanks"...and lots of other things - some that we understand, and some that we don't. =) Oh! He also says, "Bawnk" (bonk) in a lovely Texas accent when he bonks his head on something. It's sad when he hurts himself, but funny when he says, "bawnk" so seriously. One night, he was crying in his bed, and I heard over the monitor, "Bawnk" as he was crying. He cracks me up.

He's been the biggest angel baby in the world when it comes to sleep for a while now. He sleeps up to three and a half hours on many afternoons and HAD BEEN sleeping completely through the night without any interruptions, UNTIL...about a week or two ago! Ay-yay-yay! He's killin' me! But I think we're on the uphill again. His naps are still great, but he's waking up in the middle of the night and not taking putting himself back to sleep for an answer. So I had been bringing him to bed with us at some point in the middle of the night EVERY night, but I realized that this CANNOT continue! Nobody's getting a good night's sleep! And we've got to fix it sometime - ESPECIALLY before Ainsley is born!!! So why not start now?! Anyway, the last two nights, I've still gone to him, but I've been able to get him to lie down in his bed while I stroke his head or pat him and sing to him. And eventually he drifts back off, and I can sneak out. And this morning, for the first time in TOO LONG, he slept IN HIS BED until 7:45!!! It was MAGICAL!!! =) Poor little dude! I don't know if it's been teething or what, but it's been SOMETHING! You can pray for that too. I AM!!!

Well, I'm off for now. I should probably get my pregnant beauty rest. Tomorrow is another day - and hopefully not before 7:45 or so! =)

It's a...

Well, we went and had THE sonogram today. I thought I might have seen what the baby was right away, so I turned away really fast because we weren't "ready" yet. I told the sonographer to wait until we guessed and Beau got the camera ready to video our reaction. I looked really closely and said, "I think it's a boy. It's a boy!" Beau said the same thing - although later he told me that he didn't really say that because of what he saw, he just "knew" it was a boy. The lady said, "I don't know what you're seeing, but it's a GIRL!" Soooo...we're having a GIRL! Surprise! Surprise!!! We are both SHOCKED - and REALLY excited! Beau is shocked because he's just "known" my whole pregnancy that we're having a boy, and although I didn't claim to know - or care - it seems like most people guessed that I was having a boy - and Asher is all we know...but we're VERY excited and can't wait to meet our Ainsley Grace at the end of September - just FOUR MONTHS away!!! Her little profile and body parts looked perfect. All her measurements were right on and the sonographer said there are no worries according to the sonogram. So I am very thankful for that! She weighs exactly one pound and was moving around a lot. It was really fun seeing the little being growing inside of me. It's strange that even though she's seeming more and more real - she still doesn't at the same time. I don't know how to explain it. So now we've got to figure out where to store all of our boy things and get ready for our little "gril" as Cooper calls girls. It should be a fun and interesting few months.

Why?

Why do kids obey their dads better than their moms??? It drives me nuts! Sometimes Asher is fairly decent at obeying, but many times he's not - unless Beau gets firm with him. And it's usually quickly remedied with that. To me, I'm firm with him, but I guess it just doesn't compare to a daddy's manly voice. It's a mystery.

Mother's Day

I was just checking Amy's blog, and I was reminded that I wanted to document the sweet things that happened for ME this Mother's Day. I was with my niece, nephews, and Asher for most of the day - without Beau, which was a little weird, but it was ok (he wished me a happy mother's day!). Some people were so sad for me that I wasn't with my little family on Mother's Day, but with Asher only being one and Beau being new to things like that, I don't have big expectations for the day yet. Maybe I will one day. =)

I felt special from the time I got to Flower Mound on Friday. Emily gave me a sweet card and a really cute maternity top. My sisters are always so thoughtful when it comes to things like that - and I am not. I didn't even get my act together enough to send my mother-in-law a card (So sorry Barbara!!!! We DO LOVE you!!!) or to call my Grandma (I LOVE YOU TOO!!!). When I got to the Powells' house, everything looked so pretty, and there were even flowers beside my bed and a basket with smelly bathroom stuff, slippers, and a card on the bed. Sunday morning, the littlest boys (Asher and Cooper) didn't "remember" that it was "my" day =), so Jack wheeled them into the other room to watch a show, and I heard him say, "Stay in here. It's her special day." That was so cute!!! Then Allie fixed us waffles for breakfast, and the kids picked dandelions for me from the backyard. I've never loved dandelions so much! =) Later that day, after growing QUITE exhausted and picking Amy and Corey up from the airport, we all went out for Chinese food. Thank you for dinner Corey and Amy! It was yummy. And Amy and I were each given a long stemmed rose by the people at the restaurant. (Which I just remembered that I left at Amy's - oh well.) Then we went home, I put my very very sleepy boy to bed, and Amy, Allie, and I went to Marble Slab for ice cream. Then we were cold, so we went to Starbucks for something warm. That was pretty funny...and fun. I loved hanging out with them and relaxing after an exhausting weekend. It's so fun to "grow up" with Allie. We reminisced that night about when she was a baby...and here she is a tweenager! I can't believe it! She's a beautiful girl...so sweet, loyal, witty, and funny. I love her as much today as I did the moment I laid eyes on her (which was a whole heck of a lot since for many many years she was the closest thing I had to my own!!!). Then I came to Waco on Monday to await the birth of my newest niece, Chloe Grace, and found roses, a pretty candle, CD, and sweet card in my room from my parents. Thank you Mom and Dad for always loving me so well! I love coming home!!!

So Happy Mother's Day to ME...and all the moms in my life - my mom, mother-in-law, grandparents, sisters, aunts, cousins, and friends. I'm blessed to have so many amazing examples of what a great mom really is. I love you all!

A Random Little Post

Here's a random little post for you faithful blog-checkers - even though I only post every six months or so. =)  I really don't have anything specific in mind to blog about.  But I suppose I should say something since I'm actually sitting down at a computer - which I RARELY do!  Speaking of that...I'm not really sure how you people do it.  Granted, I have technical difficulties almost constantly at my house, but apart from that, it's hard for me to get to the computer.  I think my blogging downfall is sleep.  I NEED sleep - especially these days.  Some people make fun of me for taking a nap every day.  But if I don't, then I am DEAD by 7:00 - at the latest.  And then once Beau is home, it's dinner time and family time - then bed time again.  And then morning comes, and it all starts again.  

I'm TWENTY weeks pregnant today!  Half-way through!  We'll be meeting this little munchkin in four and a half months!  I can't believe it!  I'll have my ultrasound to find out what it is not this week but the next.  We can't WAIT to know!!!

I'm keeping my niece and nephews this weekend in Lewisville while my sister and her man are in New Orleans.  It's been fun - and EXHAUSTING!  I was rocking one kid to sleep tonight (I can't remember which one - either Cooper or Asher), and I was just thinking about the day.  And this morning seems like at least yesterday!  The kids have been great, but sleep will be a WELCOME thing tonight - as it was this afternoon. =)

Pray for Beau!  There's not much time before summer camp starts, and "the list" is overwhelming to say the least!!!  He's got a LOT to do and it keeps him awake at night sometimes, because he can't make his mind stop.  He's doing a great job, and it will all come together.  He just can't imagine how!

Coby and Adrielle, my brother and sister-in-law are about to have their second baby girl - Chloe Grace!  She's due the 26th, but things are progressing right along, and it's very likely that we'll meet her this coming week!  I can't wait!  (I'm also excited to hopefully see some of my friends in Waco that I haven't seen in a LONG time!)

Asher is, of course, as funny as ever!  A couple of new things he does...when he's excited about something, he'll very enthusiastically say, "Alright!"  It's hilarious!  When we pass the big prison in McAlester that we pass every time we go into town, he says, "Oh church!"  At least that's REALLY what it sounds like.  I'm not sure if that's what he's saying, but if he thinks that looks like church, that's funny!  He says, "Otha (other) side" when he wants to give you five.  He also says "otha side" when he puts his sunglasses on upside down.  And he'll take them off and put them on the right way.  I personally think that's amazing. =)  I'm sure there are a gazillion more very amazing things that he is doing =), but I'm stumped at the moment.  So I'll take that as my cue to go to bed. 

Good night!  "Talk" to ya in a few months or so. =)