ITS A....

GIRL!!  Yep, as I guessed it would be all along.  I immediately looked at Evans face, and he was defeated.  Clearly distraught.  Shawn tried all he could to get him excited but he was not stoked.  He is too sweet to say much at the moment, but boy did his body language say it all.  Soon after, as we were driving home, he said...'Mom, I dont care if its a girl.  Ill play with my friends.'  I died.  He had processed it to that point...he will be ok because he will have his boy buddies.  What a great kid. 

Gosh, what a sweet little profile.  I ooooh'd and awed the whole time through this ultrasound...the tech was probably really annoyed.  It was special.  I have a more clear understanding of what a true miracle it is to hear that your baby looks healthy.  That everything looks great.  I know this perspective comes from personal and vicarious experiences, but what a real miracle it is. 

I love this shot.  Little bellybutton, legs stretching.  She was moving everywhere and it was amazing.  I love feeling every single movement she makes, but to see it was even better.  She was tucked up in a little ball with the bottom of her two little feet together, then she took this big stretch.  I love it.

Little fingers and toes...they are beautiful.

Raegan loved this one.  She is playing peek-a-boo.  Her little arms are up and her hands covering her little face. Its unbelievable, really.  To see this little living human growing inside MY belly.  Where are the words?!?!  Its the greatest gift on Earth.  I am so so so so excited for this little one to join us.  That is what I pray for, that we can have the chance to enjoy this precious little miracle here on Earth.  That I can have the chance to love, protect, and provide for this most innocent and sacred gift.  I feel so blessed.  I love her so much already. 

Cant wait to meet you baby girl.

2nd grade!

Here are my treasures.  Well...2 of them:)  Evan is walking Rae to her class
on her first day.  As you can see in Raegans body language...she was a bit anxious.  Mostly
excited.  Me too.  I won't lie and say that I was in tears.  I was so happy to see her off.  She was
made for school.  If she could go 12 hours she would.  Summer was a bit of a
challenge as it went on.  If something wasn't planned Rae would make it clear how BORED she
was.  Anyway...I loved snapping this photo.  These two are really best buds!!

And I know this comes from every mom, but really, she looks SO OLD to me
in this photo.  She is so cute.  And that smile, that face, ugh. Gives me that ol' frog in my throat.
She loves her teacher.  She heard that Mrs. Cox was 'grumpy' sometimes.  So the first thing she said when she got in the car was...'MOM...Mrs. Cox is actually really really nice!'  Made my heart happy.  I told Rae, when she said she wanted to change teachers after hearing how grumpy she was, that she just better be really really good so she isn't the one to make her grumpy!  It seemed to click ok in her head because she didn't ask again.  Thats just how we roll.  Ya get what ya get, and ya don't throw a fit!  (and im pretty sure I said that too:)

I love you Rae.  You really are growing up so fast.  And for some reason, when I think of you while you are away, I do get a little emotional...same as when I write of you.  You have taught me so much as a mom.  Unimaginable amounts of patience, a love that is unspeakable.  I dream dreams for YOU.  You have taught me to pick my battles:)  Let things go.  Embrace characteristics that others may find un-embracable (not a word Im sure). You have taught me tough love is necessary, but so is tender love.  You have made my brain work twice as hard as it ever did in school...times 1000.  You have this ability to know that when you are kind to or say hi to someone that others may not, it is something to be proud of as you tell me of each and every incident.  And each and every time you tell me those tender moments you have, the pride in my heart swells to an almost burst!  I know then that maybe I have done SOMETHING right with you:)  As my first, its been a battle of mine, wondering what I have done, or haven't done, that has damaged you permanently, as you are the product of my first time experience as a mom.  You have been brought to me built in armor of gold and I now believe that every blow you are given, you are able to take.  Maybe thats my way of feeling better about all my mistakes.  I do know that one thing has been consistent-

MY LOVE FOR YOU. 

Like I said earlier, its a love that is impossible to word.  And it will never fail, or falter.  You will always have that from me. 
Atleast you can always count on that!

last rendezvous b4 school

Just when you thought the cabin couldn't get any better...well...it did.
Dad put the yard and landsape in, and it is unbelievable.
We had so much fun playing on the grass, in the sandbox, and enjoying the veiws!

The patio and fireplace is amazing.

The sandbox.  Kids LOVED it.  Never get too hot because it is directly under the deck.
Always available to play in:)

The yard is big enough to have a full feild soccer battle.  Its awesome...so is the sunset:)

Dad, what an amazing get-a-way.  Thank you for your kind heart and unbelievable ability to share.
We love you.  And appreciate all the toys you let us use:)

This is the only shot I took of people...but a good one I must say. 
Pretty much sums up our trip.  Kids in swimsuits all day...and snackin on something good Im sure!