Prayers and Nostalgia

Just a quick update to let those of you who don't know that Macie's arrival is planned for Thursday the 9th at 10 am. Of course, if she decides to come earlier, that would be well accepted and appreciated by me! As the day draws closer, I have a lot of mixed feelings--excitement, happiness, RELIEF, sadness, anxiety. In a way, it's a bit sad to see the era of "Callie and Jack" go--we have become accustomed to our foursome family, I suppose. It's so hard to imagine how much our life will change in the blink of an eye after Macie is actually here, and never go back to the way it was before. I'm excited to see Callie with her--I think she will truly take pride in being the big sister and helping out with her, and she makes adjustments very well. I'm worried about my Jack-Jack--he is such a Mommy's boy, and I fear this could be hard on him. Anyways--pregnancy hormones at top levels I suppose, but nonetheless, Miss Macie will be here soon! So, please say a prayer for she and I on Thursday; that the surgery is eventless, that she is healthy, that my recovery is swift. We will try to keep everyone updated as quickly as possible, with photos too!

Callie Sparkles

Today was the opening day of Highlands Girls' Softball, and Callie had 2 games. She did awesome! She plays "pitcher"--it is coach-pitch, but Callie still plays at that spot and learns the fielding techniques for that position. She got a great hit in the first game, and got several outs in the second--you can bet her Daddy was VERY proud of her! I love that she really does seem to be pretty good, but I really love that she likes it! You can tell she enjoys it, and is trying hard. It was an all day affair, with all the teams having booths and selling various things or activities, complete with face painting, water balloons--you name it. Grandad and Nonnie (Brad's parents) came to watch, along of course with Papa, Grammy, and Jack. Now comes the ridiculous part--she'll have 3 games a week for 2 months! Can you imagine--3 nights a week at softball games?! What have I got myself in to?!!

Macie Update

No, she's not here yet, much to my mounting disappointment and dyscomfort!!! But, maybe this silhouette will show you the humongous belly she is apparently very comfortable in!! I am 38 weeks today, and the c-section is planned for Thursday the 9th at 10 am--I know I can make it until then, but any MINUTE she decides to come earlier will get no argument from me!!!

Camera Fun

My poor kids, always being subjected to Mom's camera! I took these after church last week--just thought they looked too cute. I guess I am getting more and more nostalgic with Macie coming soon--My kids just look like they are growing up so fast! Especially Callie--I know I commented on that with the new haircut before, but even her behavior and personality has changed and grown it seems overnight--and continues to do so everyday.

Trampoline Fun

Bryan got out on the trampoline with the kids the other day. I, being the wise mother-to-be that I am, decided that jumping up and down is not the best idea in my current state--so I was photographer instead.

Daily Dialogue

I had two interesting conversations with my children yesterday. The first one occurred as I was taking Callie to school in the morning, and we were on the topic of Heaven and what kinds of things go on up there--I think that topic has surfaced more and more since Brad left. Anyways, Callie asked me what Brad is doing up there, and I said, "well, I bet he's doing lots of things that he loves, like softball, singing, being with Jesus, talking to Brett, Big Dan and Gramano. " Callie paused and said, "well, maybe, but really I think he's just playing a lot of Mario Kart!"

Later in the afternoon I was helping Jack put together some little Easter gifts for the other kids at his babysitter's, and he picked up a pretty basket and said, "This one is for my girlfriend." I said, "who is your girlfriend?" He said, "I don't know, but I sure have one!!" Wow--starting early! Kids.

From 5 to 9

Calllie and I enjoyed a special day today. We went to the mall, and she got a haircut--major haircut! She has been asking for that for a while, so I decided to give in, with the understanding between us that if Mommy gets too sad, she has to grow it back! It is amazing how different she looks--and how much older! I think she looks 9 years old! She loves it, and keeps playing with it and looking at herself in the mirror! After the haircut, we went to a pottery place and did some painting--she picked a unicorn, of course, and was very proud of the final product!

Rodeo Days

We went to the Houston Rodeo with my In-Laws, Allison and her boyfriend Scott. They have a whole section of the Rodeo grounds dedicated to kids, with pig races, petting zoo, rides, and much more. One area the kids really liked was set up for them to be pretend farmers--where they did everything from "plant" crops to "milking" a cow, taking all of their crops to market, etc...Callie especially loves the petting zoo--I think she'd stay in there for hours! Jack isn't too fond of the roaming, nibbling animals. The concert that night was Darius Rucker (formerly Hootie and the Blowfish lead singer)--I really enjoyed it. The music was of course, loud, so Grammy gave Jack some kleenex for his ears. My sweet little boy HATES loud noises, especially fireworks, so there were some tears shed that night!