Cousin Chandler turns 2!

This weekend, we traveled to Asheville, NC to celebrate Chandler's 2nd Birthday. We were so excited to spend time with everyone, and also, to visit a new place. Since the "Austin" Nelsons recently moved to Asheville, we are VERY glad that they are now only 5 hours away! And though it was a busy, fast weekend, Asheville is beautiful, and we look forward to returning when we have more time. There is SO much to do!

Here are some of my favorite pics from our trip!

Making music!

The Farm at the Biltmore Estate

My first attempt at cake "decorating" :)

The Birthday Boy!

Chandler's Fave - Strawberries!!!!!

Chandler and his new ride!

The music man and his Daddy!

Clearly, Connell enjoyed all of Chandler's musical instruments. Grandpa taught Connell how to play the harmonica. Check out the video of our "One Man Band!"

Celebrating Daddy!

We had a wonderful weekend, and a fun Father's Day! Our Daddy golfed on Saturday (too hot!) and on Sunday, we had yummy breakfast, church, and then a delicious dinner. Uncle Patrick was here for a few hours on his way back to Knoxville, so Connell got to hang out with the guys and watch the US Open Golf Tournament. We love you, Daddy, and can't thank you enough for all you do for us!!!!!

This week, our bedtime books were all about Daddies!!!!

Sharing a sweet treat with Daddy!

I love air conditioning (and sweet babies)!!!

Connell and I headed to Memphis/Olive Branch on Thursday after Mother's Day Out. We were so excited to go and meet Baby Gus, who is now 4 weeks old. I have mentioned Katie and Andy on here several times before. Katie is Connell's godmother and one of my oldest/dearest friends. We couldn't be happier for them on the arrival of their precious little boy. And let me tell you, he IS precious! Super cute and sweet, and very cuddly! I was on cloud 9! Connell really liked "Baby Gus" too. I wonder how old he will have to be before we stop calling him "Baby Gus!" Connell might always call him that!

I should also add, this is my beautiful Godson, Gus! Tim and I are so honored and excited that Katie and Andy asked us to be his Godparents!!! Doesn't that mean we should spoil him extra!?!?!?!!?!?

After our fun day on Friday with our friends, some very severe weather hit our area. Actually a tornado hit Olive Branch, not far at all from where we were at my parent's house. Scary! The power went out around 5 pm Friday during the storm and didn't come back on until Saturday after lunch! Yep - that's no A/C for a preggo!!!!!! It was interesting, to say the least. But we made the most of it, and are just very thankful it came back on when it did since there are still so many in the area without power. Does a whole night and half-day with no electricity count as camping????!!!!!! hahaha! Connell enjoyed it, since he loves to play with flashlights anyway. I am just reminded how much I love the comforts of the modern world!

Saturday we also visited with my sweet friend Rachel and her darling little girl Mallory, who just celebrated her 1st birthday! She is such a cutie, and Connell really seemed to like her too. At one point, he leaned down and said "kiss" and planted one right on her! What a charmer! However, trying to get a picture of them with cooperation from both parties wasn't easy. See:


We had a busy and fun weekend! And I was one happy woman when I got home and saw all that my wonderful husband had accomplished - which was the plan all along, since he wasn't going with us. Stay home and get some things done! He painted Baby Emma's room (it's perfect!), caulked all the windows, cleaned floors and bathrooms, etc. Wow! I should go out of town more often! He's the best!

And finally, a picture that sums up life with Connell lately....

"Catch me if you can!!!!!"

Preparing for Baby Emma!

Well, time is flying by and it's been a while since I updated about my pregnancy. I am so blessed because it appears that this time around is very much like when I was pregnant with Connell. Aside from general preggo complaints (heartburn, backpain, and now the summer heat!) I am feeling great, and loving being pregnant! Now this may not be the case in another month or so, we'll see! It's only going to get hotter!

I am almost 28 weeks now, and I can't believe how fast the time is going by. I am sure it has something to do with the fact that I am kept very BUSY with Connell. Also, I have been working a lot the past month or so. My 'work-at-home' medical data entry job has ended. The company that we worked for is no longer outsourcing the work, so when I found out that it was ending, I tried to do as much as possible. It was hard and hectic, but I did a LOT of chart entry, so I could save up some extra $$$ to buy sweet girly things for Emma and her room, and of course, for Connell! He is still so fun to shop for! So now that I am no longer sitting at my desk entering charts during naptime and after bedtime, I am NESTING! Yes, cleaning, de-cluttering, organizing, taking truckloads to Goodwill. Making room for Emma! Her room was previously the guestroom and the general 'catch-all' for this house. Needless to say, in losing that space, I have lots of organizing, etc to do. And I have been working tirelessly doing it. It's nice to see progress being made. But there is still a lot to do. Not today...my husband told me I needed to rest. That's why I am blogging! - with my feet up!

Anyway, back to Emma. Finally some decisions have been made about her room. I have been had the hardest time making up my mind about certain things...but I think it's getting better. My ideas are starting to come together!
We have ordered her furniture...it's black with an antiqued finish. We are doing a convertible crib like we did for Connell so it will convert into a full size bed when it's time. The walls are going to be a very pale lavender and there will be light green accents. The green rocker from Connell's room will be moving to Emma's room, so I wanted to find lavender/green bedding for her crib and this is what I ordered...

I am going to the doctor next Tuesday for an ultrasound, so I will try to share a picture of Emma. We should be able to see her a little better since last time she was only 18 weeks!

Oh - before I forget, Connell and I were running a quick shopping errand today and he saw a little pink teddy bear and he said "Baby Emma, Baby Emma!" It was the sweetest sound! I bought it, and he can bring it to the hospital when he comes to meet his little sister. :)

Weekend Visitors!

Last weekend, Meme and Papa and Uncle Kelly came to visit with us. We took a trip to the zoo Friday. It was the perfect day for the zoo, because it was in the 70's. Not too hot! Amazing for the beginning of June. We had a cookout and played a BUNCH outside. I think Connell would stay outside all day long, if I could handle it! hahaha!