I don't want to forget....

EK started school this past week. Can't believe my firstborn is old enough for Kindergarten! EK will be in the STACC class most of the day, but will go to co-curr (music/PE) with a Kindergarten class. Some parents push for more inclusion, but I think STACC (class for kids with autism) is the best place for her. I do want her to be around typical kids, however, she needs a lot of one-on-one for learning to occur. It was so hard for me to miss her first day of school. I did have a little mommy guilt, but there wasn't much I could do about it. Keith left the hospital early Monday morning so he could go home and get her ready. He said she was a little sad when he dropped her off at 8am. Later that day, her teacher Ms. Colleen sent me this picture. Looks like a happy girl to me! :) She seems to be adjusting really well to a new classroom, new school, new teachers and some new friends. What a big accomplishment for her! Keith took her every morning and picked her up since I was...

Our sweet boy is here! :) We are all in love!!! He arrived on Saturday, August 20th at 5am. He came at 37 weeks, 6 days like his sister AC and weighed in at 8 pounds, 10 ounces. Feel free to skip over the birth story to see pictures: I had gone to the doctor on Friday morning. Everything looked good and normal and I scheduled another appointment for the following Thursday (hoping I would have the baby before then). On the way home, I stopped to get a pedicure. AC tagged along and was such a good girl. I had no indication that we'd be having a baby in less than 24 hours. :) I went to bed around 11pm and woke up at 12:30 with my first contraction. I wasn't sure if we should go to the hospital right away so I started timing them. By 1am, I had had 7! I woke up Keith so he could call my parents. I finished packing my bag and as soon as my parents got to our house, we left. We were in a room by 2am. I begged for an epidural as soon as we got there, especially when I found out I...

These pictures were taken at 36 weeks. On Sunday, I'll be 38 weeks. Aubrey came at 37 weeks, 6 days so we'll see what this little guy decides to do. I've spent a lot of time this week trying to get last minute things done and just trying to keep the house in order since I have no idea when he'll come. I slightly envy my friends who have an induction or c-section. At least then I could have everything ready. :) The suspense is a little fun too. I do wonder what will happen if labor starts during the day and I can't get in touch with Keith or if he comes on a Sunday morning. I know Keith has a plan, but it would still be interesting! My doctor told me last week that he'll induce at 39 weeks. I'm praying he comes on his own before then, but it's nice to know my doctor won't let me get too big. Aubrey loves to kiss baby brother. It's very sweet! :) In other news, EK starts school on Monday! I cannot believe that she'll be going al...

I took this video a month or two ago. Blogger changed the way you can put videos on here so I haven't added it until now. Enjoy! :) **Apparently, I don't know how to use you tube on here. I tried to change the setting...would someone let me know if you can or can't view it still?

My brother Jon and his wife welcomed their 2nd daughter into the world Thursday morning. She is granddaughter number 5 for my parents. Our little boy will have a lot of female influence on his life! ;) RL is the sweetest little thing. Aubrey went with me to my doctor appointment that morning so she could hold baby RL afterward. She was in love the second she saw baby RL. She kept saying how cute RL was and gave her lots of kisses. AC was so gentle too. I know AC is going to be a fabulous big sister! My sister-in-law said that RL's big sister M is happy about having little sister here. I'm so glad that the adjustment from being an only child to having a sibling is off to a good start! :) Here I am, the proud aunt! :) I don't think our little boy will be this little. (RL was about 7 1/2 pounds.) Here's AC holding her newest cousin Uncle Jon got a picture of AC kissing her cousin. It was so sweet to watch! :) Mommy and baby RL are both doing well and should go home this af...

I can't believe that EK is done with her 6 weeks of summer school. This summer has gone by so quickly. It may partly be because I am pregnant, but I think a main reason it went by so fast is because EK enjoyed summer school this year. It's a lot harder to drop her off when you know she's having a hard time. She had a few rough mornings when she first started, but soon, she was walking in happily and having a good time all morning! What a relief for this mama! More than not, she had mornings full of great eye contact, smiles and she worked hard during teacher time. I am so thankful for her teachers! They pushed her but also had patience with her. That's the combination she needs. :) Here's a picture of her with Ms. Jen. This woman has worked with EK 3 summers in a row now! I am so thankful that she enjoys working with my girl. :) Here's a picture of EK with 2 of her other teachers. EK will have the next 2 weeks off from school. We will continue ABA therapy at lea...

A couple Sundays ago, several sweet friends (Lindsey, Kristin, Meredith, Carrie, Kristine, Pamela, Kim, Natalie, Verna, and Ginny) hosted a shower for our baby boy. We were extremely blessed by everyone's generosity. Our little boy has lots of clothes now and lots of other necessary and extra items, like blankets, burp cloths, toys, a bouncy seat, etc. The hostesses got us a sit and stand stroller and I can't wait to use it! :) The shower got me very excited about the future arrival of our third child! The yummy cupcakes and snacks Visiting a little at the beginning Some of the sweet ladies that came. Baby boy is going to share a room with AC, so we just put the stuff in a corner of her room. I have slowly organized things and will hopefully have a place for everything by the time he comes. :)