Halfway there!

Here I am, at twenty-one weeks pregnant...

This picture was taken in the mountains when Steven and I went for our anniversary getaway a week ago.  As you can see, I am definitely showing!  I am feeling the baby move pretty regularly, too.  I've been feeling great, with the exception of some tension headaches and an occasional migraine.  My midwife and chiropractor are working with me to figure out why these are happening.  

We went for our mid-point ultrasound a couple weeks ago, and we were thrilled to see that our baby is healthy and growing well.  We also found out that the sweet little one is a GIRL!  Ahhh, two girls... the fun sisterly adventures... the dolls, the makeup, and the drama!  I am so blessed to have a sister, and I am thrilled that Elise will also have that blessing in her life.

We are very grateful for another precious child, and we can't wait to meet her this winter!

Isaac and his letters

Steven and Isaac love to work together on letters after dinner several nights a week.  Here is a picture of their most recent "homeschool" session...

Isaac loves writing letters and putting them together to make words!  Anytime he can have pen, pencil, or chalk, he starts working on his words.  Such a big boy!

At the park with Gabby!

Several weeks ago, we tried going to a new park with our friend Gabby.  The kids had a blast!  Here are some pictures from their time together...

Isaac and Gabby:

Sweet Elise:

There's nothing like fun with friends!

Going on a ride on Mommy's back...

Sometimes she naps here...

Well, not really.  She doesn't actually sleep.  She just says, "I take a sleep here." And five seconds later, she is up and doing something else.  But it's super cute while it lasts...

Photo shoot with Gabby!

Last week, we had our friends Jennifer, Jeff, and Gabby over for dinner.  (It was a great start to my birthday weekend!)  One of the highlights of our night was when Gabby and Isaac decided to play with the dress-up clothes.  

The grown-ups were chatting on the deck, and the kids were playing inside.  Suddenly they stormed out the door with their outfits on.  We took pictures, and then the kids decided they would keep changing outfits and showing us.  We laughed so hard we were in stitches!  It was hilarious.  Elise also joined them for the fun.  Here's their photo shoot....

Their first outfits, football player and princess:

Princess pals:

Then the bear emerged!  Scary!

Then the vest, worn very creatively, and the hat-crown:

Then they found some pink doilies.  And hats.  And crowns.

Forget the hats and crowns, the doilies are enough on their own!

Elise then came out the door in her own doily...

Then the dinosaur came outside to pose with the princesses...

This is just super sweet!

And the final look...  Isaac said he was dressed as a "baker".  Gabby is ready to rule the kingdom.  So, I present to you the Queen and the Baker (who looks like he's sporting some sweet dreds, btw):

What a FUN night!

Elise's 3rd Birthday!

On September 30th, our sweet girl turned 3 years old!  We had a great weekend celebrating her life.  

Our strong-willed little lady is growing so fast!  This summer she has become successfully potty-trained as well as gave up her pacifier.  The pacifier ("pappy") decision was completely hers.  She started biting holes into all her paci's, so we figured that meant she was ready to get rid of them.  It was not a big deal at all, for which we were very thankful. 

Elise can communicate extremely well, which is demonstrated by her gusto when arguing, telling a story, or playing with friends.  She is still very social and talks to people easily.  When people don't talk to her, she's still quick to tell me, "Mommy, she not talking to me!"  

Here is our photo journal of Elise's birthday weekend...

On Saturday, we had a small family party with my parents and Ray and Kati...

Nana, Mommy, and Elise:

Ba and Elise:

Elise and her princess cake:

Hot dogs on the grill = YUM!

Cake time!

Blowing out the candles...

Our family...

THIS is Elise:

And her big brother had lots of fun too:

My babies and me:

Precious birthday girl:

Opening presents!

Isaac helped Elise open her gift with Nana's nail file (this was totally his idea - he is such an innovative boy!)

Playing with a Little People treehouse from Mommy and Daddy:

Nana, Gramps, and Isaac - enjoying a game on the iPad, of course!

Elise loves her Uncle Ray!

Kati found Isaac's tickle spot!

On Sunday (her actual birthday), here she is, eating breakfast:

Sunday night, we had more cake and candles on our deck (with just our small family):

Daddy brought the cake out this time!

Our happy three-year-old enjoying more cake and savoring her special day!

Proud big brother... (well, and he really likes all this cake, too!)

Before bed, we gave Elise her breathing treatment.  Here, Isaac is showing us that he can turn the machine on, and Elise is showing us that she can hold it all by herself!

Words can't describe the blessing Elise is to our hearts.  We are so thankful for her life and that she is a part of our family.  She brings our family so much energy, laughter, and joy.

Happy Birthday, sweet Elise Jeannette!  We love and treasure you!

Steven's 1st Race!

A few weeks ago on September 22nd, Steven ran his first 5K!  He has always enjoyed sports, but he has recently begun running.  (I like to think that I inspired him with competing in my first 5K earlier this year...) ;)  

Kati ran the race with him, and they had a blast!  We took them out to the race early on that Saturday morning, saw them off, and waited on their return.  Here are the kids, waiting patiently and excitedly for Daddy and Aunt Kati!

Here are our beloved runners, right after the race:

And a family shot, to commemorate the special day!

You GO baby!  We are proud of you!

They both can clean now...

SCORE for Mommy! :)

When brother has the camera, this is what he gets...

Ready for this cold weather!