Cool weather = Cool day at the park

The cooler weather has been a nice prompt to get outside more! The girls and I went to the park and had a great time on Monday. My mom was able to go along so two strollers wasn't too much to handle. We were able to walk for a quick exercise and then let Emily play on the playground. Annie loved it too...as seen from the pictures below! 

I don't know when and how Emily got so big and so funny. She is a big girl and makes me laugh all the time. She is a joy and really had a fun time playing. 

My girls

These are the precious faces that keep me busy! But we are having fun everyday figuring eachother out better and better. Annie Sarah is 3 weeks old already and starting to become her own sweet little person. She is in a pretty good routine now and sleeps good for me at night. Emily is doing great with her. Her aggressiveness has pretty much subsided. Praise the Lord! She loves her sister and even says 'Annie' a few times a day if I'm lucky and listening at just the right time. I am blessed, happy, and oh so thankful for my girls.

John 1:16 From the fullness of HIS grace we all receive blessing after blessing.

Emily and Annie

    Things are definitely different around our house with the precious addition of Annie Sarah. Different but better for sure. Emily is adjusting (all of us are) well to her little sister. She has become much sweeter in her interactions with Annie and less aggressive. That is an answer to prayer. She wants to love on her all the time, give her a paci-even if she is sound asleep she really wants to push it in Annie's mouth, hold her, touch her feet and toes, and read her books. One thing she does NOT want to do is say 'Annie'. It is the funniest thing because she has yet to say Annie consistently. Jeffery got her to say it once and my mother in law too, but no consistency because Emily, for now anyway, prefers to call her 'baby'. We say 'Annie', she says, 'Baby', over and over and over. Funny girl because I know that she is capable of saying it. I have enjoyed getting used to the days at home with two little girls. It is not as intimidating as I thought and has been an easier transition. I feared that Emily would feel neglected or left out because of added attention that must be given to Annie, but it really hasn't seemed to bother her. I guess I'd forgotten how much a new baby sleeps and is content to do just that for hours at a time. So while Annie sleeps in her swing, or her lamb seat, or wherever, Emily and I can still carry on with the things and routine we are used to. 

     Annie is still doing great. She sleeps alot throughout the day still but has about 2-3 hours total of good awake time a day. During that time we talk to her, read her stories, go outside (only for a few minutes though in this heat), listen to music, and play with big sister's toys. She sleeps great at night so far. She always sleeps a three hour stretch at least-but often she stretches it to four hours. So I am great with that. She is a good eater as evidenced by her one week weight last week at the Dr. of 7 pounds, 9 ounces. Up from her birth weight of 7.1, Dr. Stagg says she is doing just great. She was slightly jaundiced but nothing too high to really worry about. She has been spending a few hours in her diaper in the window getting a little sun-therapy to help with that. I can tell it is getting better. We will visit the Dr. again this week to see where we are now. 

     Emily is going to start going to 'school' this week! Really just mothers day out at KidFirst at our church starting Thursday. She is used to the facility from being there at the nursery, but will have different teachers with her than those she is familiar with. It will be fun and good for her to have interaction with other kids her age and to have a consistent routine of going. I am looking forward also to having a day of 'alone time' with my sweet Annie. It will be a good change for Emily. 

     

     My heart really is full and my home is filled with joy because of the great gift we've been given with our second daughter. What a blessing and a constant reminder of God's love over us. 

Window-Sun bathing beauty

I love catching these first little smiles

Being a patient, big girl at the Pedi Clinic

It actually rained here over the weekend, not a whole lot, but pretty hard for about 30 minutes. We are thankful for every drop and continue to faithfully trust that God will send more.

Emily loved it, she had a BIG time splashing in, riding her scooter in, and even drinking the rain water!

Annie's first trip to Sunday Morning church-Pretty in Pink

Sisters. Love. 

That's all He had to say

John 12:47-50
The Message (MSG)
 47-50"If anyone hears what I am saying and doesn't take it seriously, I don't reject him. I didn't come to reject the world; I came to save the world. But you need to know that whoever puts me off, refusing to take in what I'm saying, is willfully choosing rejection. The Word, the Word-made-flesh that I have spoken and that I am, that Word and no other is the last word. I'm not making any of this up on my own. The Father who sent me gave me orders, told me what to say and how to say it. And I know exactly what his command produces: real and eternal life. That's all I have to say. What the Father told me, I tell you."

I don't normally read from The Message translation but today wanted to reread what our pastor shared last night and decided to see how The Message said it. I was reminded in the above verses of how our God is so not dependent upon us but still chooses to bless us and show his favor to those who seek him. He came to save, not to condemn. He came to share love not to spread dissension. He came to fulfill that which the Father God had commanded him to do. And that's all he had to say!

A new baby...a new adventure

Annie Sarah Crabb

August 12, 2011 at 4:43 pm

7 pounds 1 ounce and 20 inches long

She is here and she is such a sweet blessing to our family already. Thankful for God's protection bringing her into the world. It was a long day, but a good day. We are very thankful

Our first 'Family of FOUR' picture

Happy Mama

Showing her baby sister off at home. Proud Emily. 

This is what she likes to do most all day...she is very calm and peaceful. Annie is a good eater and a good sleeper. I feel very blessed. The transition from one to two has been alot smoother than I anticipated. Thanks to so many who prayed over this transition in our lives. God is faithful to answer our prayers. I am feeling good and adjusting well. I have much more energy than I thought. Jeffery, of course, is in love with his newest girl. So sweet. He is a big help but also has been able to get back to work during this busy time there. I am thankful for his dedication to taking care of this family. Emily is not sure day to day what to think about Annie. She has figured out now that Annie is here to stay and definitely a part of us now, but she has to be watched VERY closely around her. I know she doesn't mean to be too aggressive, she just is. So its repetition of 'be sweet Emily', 'soft love Emily', 'NO NO NO Emily'...you get the idea. But I'm sure she will get better and better with Annie as the days go by. 

Still the prettiest blue eyed girl I know. 

Summer fun

I love that smile. Emily loves swimming. She really has no fear when it comes to swim-time. We have had lots of fun the past few weeks getting used to the pool. It is also a nice way to cool off too during these hot days. We have been staying busy and doing good. Had a fun last weekend celebrating my dear friend, Caroline's, beautiful wedding in Dallas. Jeffery and I enjoyed some time alone away from home and saw so many friends! That will probably be the extent of my summer traveling since I am due in 8 weeks. Crazy. People told me that this second pregnancy would go by faster than the first and it certainly has. I can't believe that we only have a few days of June left then onto July. August will be here before I know it. I am feeling good, just pregnant and beginning to have heartburn with EVERYTHING. Oh well, I just remember how quickly the heartburn left after Emily was born and I trust it will be the same this time. 

I have been reading the Psalms lately and today the truth and power of Psalm 23 has stood out in my mind. A Psalm that many of us know by heart and have heard or prayed so many times, but how comforting to claim it's truth and promise. 

'The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all of the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.' Psalm 23

Hot.

Not complaining, just saying. It is starting out to be a HOTTT summer. Me, this pregnant belly of mine, and Emily will be spending a lot of time at the pool (Thanks Mom :) ) this summer. 

Emily in her swim-gear when we went for a little swim earlier this week. No, she doesn't always swim topless. It is just easier when its just the two of us! 

 Beating the heat is okay with a yummy dessert like this. I tried this 'Blueberry-Peach Crumble' last week per Jeffery's request. The recipe comes from Barefoot Contessa and YUM, it is GOOD. Of course even better with a grande scoop of ice cream on top. 

And just for fun! Kinda creepy to look at, but she apparently wants to look like mommy. 

     *On a more serious, informative note, I had my 28 week prenatal check up today. All is well. I had the Diabetes screen today so my breakfast was the super sweet Glycola Juice drink...delicious...NOT. Hoping that the results come back normal, they did with Emily's pregnancy, so I expect the same. We did not have an ultrasound today but heard Annie's quick and healthy heartbeat. It is now already time for me to start going to the doctor every 2 weeks. Time is flying, it's strange that June is already here. We are getting very excited about meeting Annie. 

Stay hydrated, it is hot. Oh, I already said that didn't I! 

Landscaping...finally

     It has been quite some time since I posted my ideas and visions for some landscaping in our yard. Well, since I know the suspense has been killing you people, I now have something to report. I have two new flower beds, one in front and one in back, new Saint Augustine grass,  lots of cleanup around house and to the existing landscapes, and a big smile that it is all done! My dad and Alvaro are excellent landscapers, whether they knew it or not, and I am so thankful that they helped me out. My dad had some great ideas and he made it happen. Yay!

The front bed, the Azalea bush was the really only viable plant to work with, so it stayed and everything else went. Lots of clean out and a new border was made before planting new plants. 

Before the planting took place. We now have 4 more Azaleas, 5 Hawthorn shrubs, Periwinkles, 2 new Knockout Rose bushes, Monkey grass, and 4 Cleyera shrubs. Its alot, but it was needed and its looking good! 

After planting. Here you can also see the new 'blanket' of Saint Augustine grass in front of the bed. It makes a big difference, a good one. 

This is my backyard herb garden box. Jeffery made this for me for Mother's day. I have Rosemary, Cilantro, Parsley, Basil, and Mint planted. They are growing well. The Rosemary looks a little dinky, but only because I have already used it several times for cooking purposes, so it keeps getting snipped!

The new back flower bed. There was an existing landscape but I did a poor job of maintaining it after we moved to the new house. So, it got a big cleaning and what remained was the two bushes seen and the little Crepe Myrtle that you can see in the far right of the picture. Everything else is new, including the new border and new grass in front. I wanted more flowers in the back so this bed is a little more colorful than in the front. It is also a bit of an experiment to see if the old plants are going to hang on and make it. The roots were weak after all the cleaning, so we shall see. Lots of water for now. There were some Lilies in the existing bed that we hope can be salvaged. They have a lot of growing to do. That is what is right in the middle (barely seen in this pic), but its the tall stems sticking up. Other new plants in the back flower bed are Geraniums, Caladiums, Zinnias, and Gerber Daisies. 

     

     Most of this work took place last week when Jeffery was out of town in North Dakota seeing some customers. He was pleasantly surprised and happy to see the changes around here. And I am pleasantly hopeful that I will keep it looking good! 

Emily gets a haircut!

     Once again, I know I am a little behind on blogging. So here comes a little catch-up. A couple weeks ago, I decided it was in fact time for Emily to have her first haircut. As I look back over pictures from the last several months, it really has grown a lot. She is not too much a fan of clips, bows, or rubber bands. They always end up out and in the car seat or floor board before we get to where we are going. So, she needed a little trim, shape up, to help with all the stray hair that she won't let me clip back! Lea did a good job to give her a nice little cut, not too much off, but enough to make a difference and keep it out of her eyes. Emily was such a big girl during her hair cut. She sat still for the most part. She started out on her own, but ended up in my lap which seemed to work better. She was interested in what Lea was doing and curious to watch her closely. 

     Later that day, sporting her new haircut and her two-piece, Emily went for a little swim. She loves being outside, and she loves water, so she was having a grand time enjoying the sunshine!

Her daddy calls this her body-builder picture. I mean...look at that belly! Cuteness. 

So fun!

What we've been up to.

I guess my blogging just takes temporary hiatuses from time to time. Yes, thats what I have been on. But we are still here, still plugging along. Emily is doing great, she is a busy body and becoming such a big girl. So is mommy, now in my 26th week of pregnancy number 2 and doing great. I feel a lot of movement from little girl which is always exciting. I am becoming increasingly excited about meeting her in just a few very short months. I keep telling myself it will be very short because I know it will be VERY hot! I guess I can announce to whoever is reading this blog that her name will be 'Annie'. We have not decided on a middle name, but we are working on that. So, our girls will be Emily Beth and Annie _______ here pretty soon. How exciting. Jeffery is staying busy and making strides at work. I am always thankful for his hard work and dedication to all he does. He is a good man, really good man. :)

We had a wonderful Easter day celebration with our family and friends. We hosted Easter supper here with Jeffery's family and some of mine too. It was a great day. Emily tried the Easter Egg hunting thing, but I think one more year and she will really have it down. It was fun to help her 'hunt' the 5 or 6 eggs she filled her basket with. The week after Easter, Emily and I went with my dad to Fort Worth for a couple of days to the Pate Swap Meet which takes place at Texas Motor Speedway. We got to stay with Aunt Sissy (Lindsey) and Uncle B, and of course Campbell! Lindsey and I took the girls out to the swap meet for a little bit to walk around and see the sights. It was a hot day and a little difficult for Emily to enjoy since she much rather would have been running around, and mean mommy was keeping her confined to her stroller. While we weren't at the swap meet, my sister and I got to just hang out. It was a nice getaway and great to let the girls play together.

This past weekend was my brother, Allen's, graduation from Baylor University! Yeah! Congratulations Allen! Although, I would have liked to take Emily with us to celebrate, it would have been no fun to chase her around the Ferrell Center during the ceremony, so she stayed home with Gran (Jeffery's mom). I am certain she had a much better time playing and not having to ride in the car for several hours! Allen was excited (of course) to be the graduate and we are so proud of him. I tried my baking skills at making him a 'decorative' cake for his graduation. And with the extreme help of my sister in law, Kristen, who did the BU logo topper, it turned out pretty good! I enjoyed making it for him.

 
May and June are busy busy busy months already for us. Jeffery has a 3 day business trip coming up, we have Diamond C Events, wedding events and weddings, birthdays, and more filling up our calendar for the next several weeks. We are excited to enjoy these last couple months together as a family of 3 before we become 4! As I get ready for Annie to be here, I have been looking back and remembering Emily's first few days and weeks. What a blessing and a wonderful feeling I remember having the first moment I saw Emily and held her in my arms. She was beautiful and perfect, such immediate love flooded me and Jeffery. I know it won't be any different when we see Annie for the first time. God's creation of life is beautiful and perfect. He is the giver of all good things and we praise Him alone for how he is blessing and keeping us. To God be the glory, for the things He has done.

Peace, have a good week.

easter love

Emily goes to the Zoo!

Before it gets too terribly hot and I get too terribly big and pregnant, we decided to take Emily to the zoo this weekend. We made a quick trip to Tyler to Caldwell Zoo Saturday afternoon for a few fun hours at the zoo. The weather was great. I enjoyed being outside for a little while. Emily liked the zoo. My mom asked me if she loved it to which I said that 'love would be a strong word, she liked it, hopefully loving it will come in a few years.' She liked the birds. I guess because of their noises and bright colors. As for the other animals, it was difficult for me to spot some of them in their zoo habitat, so I'm not even sure if she saw what we were looking at. She rode in her stroller most of the time that we were there because if we got her out, she just tried to run away. Sweet baby she is, trying to run from mommy and daddy! She loves to be outside though, so she was very content. It was a very fun first trip for Miss Emily...we hope to do it again soon and at a time when she will enjoy it even more!

Emily and Daddy time with the penguins. She liked watching them (well really just one, at that time) swim back and forth in front of the window. 

At the monkey exhibit...not sure what kind of monkey this was. You can barely even see it in the picture, but look closely over on the rocks there are two black and white monkeys. Maybe she saw them. Maybe. 

My sweet, happy girl. 

She stood there forever looking at the flamingos. They were our first exhibit and our last, since they are right at the entrance. She liked this part alot. Funny birds-those flamingos. Pretty interesting to watch, even for me. Some things never change I guess. 

Leaving the zoo, eating a snack of animal crackers. Coincidence? Perhaps.

We finished up our afternoon in Tyler with a trip to Target (gotta go to Target when available) and some good Mexican food at Mercados. Fun stuff. We are thankful for a fun day with our fun little girl!