Lily Turns One

One year ago today, we stood in the hospital waiting room, anxious to meet the sweet little girl we'd loved since we learned she existed. Jim and Liz are two of our absolute favorite people in Houston. They're the kind of friends that instantly become family. One year ago, we looked into Lily's eyes and were completely smitten. I can't explain what an honor it has been to see her experience life over the past 12 months. I love that we've been there as she challenged her parents with reflux, finally found contentment, sat up, cut teeth, ate finger foods, scooted all over the floor, played in the pool, formed the cutest personality, learned to wave, smiled when we walked into the room...oh, we're so lucky to have shared life with her.

Lily girl, you have brought us so much joy. We love that you know us. We love that you're so smart and precious. We love that God has given you the BEST parents. We love that they share you with us like we're really "Uncle Dan and Aunt Sarah". We can't wait to see you live year #2.

East Texas Football. West Sabine High School.

I really hope that I can make it back to ETX to see Eli play football at least one more time. Just in case that doesn't work out, the whole family went to a game during Nav's off week. I can't believe you're so grown up and already a senior! Eli -- you KNOW you have to pose for senior pics at some point this year. I promise I'll make it as painless as possible and bribe you with some sort of prize. You're a SUPER athlete. I see few guys play with as much heart as you. You impress me with your ability to do almost anything. I don't see how you stay in the game for EVERY SECOND and don't fall down from exhaustion. To say that I am proud of you isn't enough. I love you much little cousin!












The next morning, Bek & Eli woke up and went hog hunting. I think this was Bek's first experience where a kill was brought home. I can't explain how funny it was to see Eli, Bekah, a 275lb hog and 4 dogs all piled onto one 4wheeler.



Later Saturday, we celebrated Bebe and Shannion's birthdays with a fish fry. Oh, it'd been too long since I had Euell's fish. The french fries were to die for! Bebe is 91 this year!! Here's our family photo.

Baby Kane

Today, we celebrated Jodi and her soon to be son, Kane. Can't wait to meet this sweet baby! Jodi is one of my first high school friends to have babies, but she'll soon be followed by several more of us. : )

Baby Shalley. Week 8.

Pregnancy Highlights for the Week: Going to the doctor to see/hear the baby's heartbeat!

How Far Along: 7 weeks 5 days

Fruit/Veggie: A Raspberry

For Men: Baby is the size of the power button on your TV remote

Size: 1 inch

Movement: None yet

Baby Changes: Lips, nose, eyelids, legs, and back are taking shape.

Best Moment this week: Seeing the heartbeat blinking on the monitor. What relief! I'm so thrilled to know that everything is okay.

Gender: Can't wait to find out!

Name: Still waiting on the perfect names to come to us.

Food/Drink Craving: Wings N' More cheese fries, which Daniel treated me to after our appointment. LOVE that it is right around the corner.

Sleep: Sleeping pretty hard for a few hours, then waking to go potty at least 2x a night. The worst is when I can't fall back to sleep or I'm BURNING hot!

Maternity Clothes: Purchased the Be Bands to wear over my pants. Nothing fits right now; it's super frustrating. I bought a large pair of blue jeans at Target that aren't maternity but they fit over my rear.

What I am looking forward to: Feeling the baby move, finding out the sex! 

Symptoms: Some nausea the first few hours I'm awake. It's usually better once I get to school. I wasn't as tired this week as I have been the first 2 weeks of school. I'm HUNGRY several times during the day and my poor students have to watch me eat in front of them.