Caroline is a Cabbage!

Man, this pregnancy has flown by. It didn't hurt that I started out at 12 weeks pregnant either (hahaha). Not really, but that was when I found out so it seemed as if so. I am 28 weeks now and Caroline is equal in weight to a Chinese cabbage -- about 2 1/4 pounds. (Length: almost 15 inches, from head to heel.) I think she is going to be a gymnast like her big sis 'cuz man does she make some strong maneuvers. She is all over the place- all day and night. There is rarely a moment that I don't feel her moving. If this continues through birth- we are going to have some issues because mommy needs her sleep! Baby Wise here I come!

So much has happened over the last few weeks and I have not blogged or posted pics. I'll post pics soon. But- Madeline finished her 1st grade year with honors and 5 awards (Honor Roll, Excellent Reader, Perfect Attendance, Six Flags 600 Minutes Monthly Award, and the Core Essential= Joy Award). We are so proud of her! We're off to Second Grade. Woo Hoo!

Landon has begun potty training- although rebelling. They say boys are much later and all my friends with boys didn't potty train until 3 so I am patient and realistic. But, it would be nice to not have two kids in diapers as well, so we are attempting. Wish us much luck!

Bret also was hired full time with Wilmer Police Department. Actually- he was hired early May but he has now officially passed his FT and is on his own- fighting crime in the ghetto city. (Sorry if anyone is from Wilmer!). He comes home with the most interesting stories and is the happiest I have seen him in the longest time. It just goes to show that when you are doing something you are passionate about- it changes your whole attitude and demeanor. We are so proud of you daddy! Your perseverance, hard work, and determination are exactly why we love you and I fall in love with you more each day. Way to go!

Jason Castro Day is May 29th!

Well, for all you dreadheads (aka Jason Castro fans), the official "Jason Castro Day" has been scheduled for Thursday, May 29th. It will kick off with a parade at 5:30 pm followed by our own fav Dreadhead performing at 6:30 pm. Jason will be presented with a key to the Rockwall (does that really matter?) and there will be an array of fun festivities including the Concert by the Lake Series. So, come support Jason! Here are some pics of him as well as the 2 biggest dreadheads I know- my dear friends Lisa and Jen posing for a pic in their "Vote for Jason" t-shirts that everyone in Rockwall sported for many weeks. (Sorry Lisa- I had to steal this from your blog- it was too funny!) Rockwall loves Jason Castro! For more information on "Jason Castro Day" please click here.

Corn and Soccer!

So, I am 24 weeks and Caroline is just over a pound and almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn). My baby website also says that the top of my uterus is now an inch or so above my belly button, which means it's about the size of a soccer ball. That would explain my expanding belly! I have a little soccer ball in there- and what a beautiful little soccer ball it is going to be.

This weekend was fun. I took dinner to my dear friend Erin who had her baby, Jenna, two weeks ago. My sis, Amy's, birthday party was also this weekend and Bret and I gave her a party at our house complete with ribs, chicken, sausage, fixin's, my famously delicious homemade strawberry cake, slide n' swim kiddie pool for the kiddos and lots of Amy's friends. It was a fun time! Sorry- I have no pics to document the occasion but a blast non the less.

Well, not much more to report other than summer is nearing very fast. We are experiencing 90 degree days this week and school is out in 11 days! Woo Hoo!

Bottle Cap Belt.......what more can I say?

I had to laugh when I went to google what is 39.5 inches round. Why? I went to my 23-week check up yesterday and am measuring right on track, having gained 13 pounds so far with my belly circumference at 39.5 inches now. I have decided that if the baby website can compare Caroline to food then I can compare myself to visual objects found in every day life. Man, is this getting random- yet quite humorous. The only object I could find online that matched my belly size was this bottle-cap belt. Which looks like a an old station wagon seat belt that someone glued bottle caps to and decided that some punk kid would buy online for $30. Well, I guess I'd rather them buy this hideous belt than use that money for something destructive. Although one could argue that this belt is destructive and no decent outfit could come of this weird contraption. HA! I may just have to buy this now just to get a kick out of it. Nah! I'll save it for the sk8r grlz.

China Needs Our Prayers!

As I opened up my Yahoo homepage this morning, a slide show of pictures appeared from the earthquake in China on Tuesday. Here, the saddest picture I have seen, an arm of a child victim is seen amidst the debris of a collapsed building after the earthquake in Dujiangyan, Sichuan province May 13, 2008. I cried as I watched this slide show and my heart aches for these nearly 40,000 victims and their families. Lord, here our prayer for these people and heal them in their grief and mourning. Yet, we can be rest assured that according to Lamentations 3:32-34, "Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men." Out of this, as with all worldly affliction and grief, WILL come redemption and joy. For our God is Jehovah-Ropheka, our Lord our Healer. Oh, God, heal this world and bring healing to those in China. Amen.

Caroline is a Mango!

Little Caroline is more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about as much as a large mango) at 23 weeks now. I have to admit I am getting into the very uncomfortable part of pregnancy. I am expanding by the second and get tired real easy. I am also starting to swell a bit after a long days work and mothering my precious other two children. Although- I have to thank God that he only made humans pregnancies 9 months. Did you know that elephants have the longest gestation period of any of God's creatures being pregnant for nearly 2 years? Now that's a dedicated mother! But, other than being uncomfortable, little Caroline is a wonderful baby. She moves all around all the time and is not giving me any complications. I am thankful to be having such a healthy pregnancy so far. So, I'll take my uncomfortable and deal with it. After all, in about 4 months, it will ALL be worth it.

Just havin' fun!

Here are just some random pics of the kids doing what they do best- goofin' off and havin' fun. They crack me up so much. I agree with people who say being a mommy is the best job in the world. It is so rewarding and is the most fun anyone should ever be allowed to have. Happy Mother's Day to all you mommies. "Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate." —Psalm 127:3-5

A Year with Frog and Toad

This was the title of Madeline's 1st grade School Musical. The boy standing in front of her blocked her the entire time so this is the only picture I could get of her singing (she is on the far left behind the boy with his arms up in the yellow shirt). The play was cute and of course, Madeline was great! I think if she had a microphone to herself, she would have been the star of the show- but instead they stuck her in the back row behind the tallest kid. Go figure! I was not a happy mommy to say the least. Way to go, Madeline. You sang your heart out like you always do. You make me smile so much!

High School Musical is ALL the rage!

Well, Nana, Aunt Amy and I surprised Madeline with tickets to Disney on Ice- High School Musical several weeks ago. Madeline loves HSM and honestly, I have to admit that it is adorable. I think I had as much fun as Madeline singing along to all the songs which we both know by heart. Here we are awaiting the performance with my "Ryan hat" which Madeline wanted me to wear. It came with the cotton candy so I am not that dorky that I bought it just to wear to the concert. However, I might have been known to do that- HAHA! This was such a fun night. We love you, Troy!

Future Olympic Gymnast!

This marks 3 years of gymnastics for Madeline. Not to brag or anything- but the girl takes after her mommy and is naturally talented in gymnastics. She began in October 2005 and then quickly was recruited to Team in December that year. She has moved from Level 1 to now working on Level 3 skills in only 2 seasons. Her scores are consistent and she is always so proud of herself after a gymnastics meet. Our season is over this year and she will take the summer to sharpen some Level 2 skills and learn Level 3 skills. Go, Madeline! You may be the next Dominique Dawes!

Caroline is a Carrot and I am a Gong Stand, what?

OK, so I decided to measure myself today to see how round I was. I am measuring 38" around. So, in all my dorkiness, I decided to see what that was compared to. Here are my findings: A Gong Stand, A Lavatory for a Pedastal Sink, A Wall Clock, and a Fire Ring. Stange comparisons, huh! Which visual will you picture now?

Caroline is a Carrot!

Caroline now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long — the length of a carrot. She is really on the move now and seems ready to dance the night away every night. This is my favorite part of pregnancy- I am finally REALLY looking pregnant, I can feel her move all the time and my energy is back. I know it won't last long- I'll get too big, she'll start kicking and punching in places where it's painful and I'll get tired again. But, in the meantime, I am enjoying this time.

Woo Hoo! I have finally gotten Madeline and Caroline's room planned. My friend, Alisa, went with me on Saturday to get the last of the fabric to decorate their room so I am prepared now to hand all the fabrics off to have them sewn into the adorable room decor and bedding that I have created in my head. I am so excited- I think their room is going to be my favorite in the house.

Caroline is a Banana!

Well, I've hit the half-way mark and little Caroline is weighing about 10 1/2 ounces now. She's about 10 inches from head to heel— the length of a banana, or so babycenter.com tells me. I am still getting a kick out of the food comparisons. I can't wait to meet her as I am so excited to be having another girl. It's been 7 years so I don't have anything girlie that she could have...time for shopping!

I also have to say, that although the reason is not pleasant, we have given up tv for 2 weeks. Madeline has gotten herself into a bit of trouble in school so we have grounded her from tv- which means we are all grounded from tv really. I have seen a whole different person in her since she has actually had to use her brain to entertain herself. We have played outside all weekend, cleaned out her room, gotten caught up on "to do" lists that were piling up and the house has been about 8 volumes quieter. I am actually liking this whole "no tv" thing. I challenge you to try it for a few days and see how your house changes. We've had nothing but positive changes in our home!

Celebrating another baby girl!

My dear friend, Erin, is having her new baby girl, Jenna, on April 30th. It is going to be so much fun! Erin's son, Will, is 4 months older than Landon and they occasionally play together. We are even guilty of getting Will addicted to the Wiggles- sorry Erin :). And now Jenna is going to be four months older than Caroline. Both Will and Landon and now Jenna and Caroline will all be in the same grades together. How fun! Here is a picture from last weekend at Erin's baby shower with all the hostesses: From L to R- Jen, Alisa, Erin, me and Brooke. I can't wait to meet little Jenna. I hope her and Caroline are dear friends.

Jim-Susie is a....

Girl! Officially, we can stop saying Jim-Susie and can start calling this precious baby Caroline Rene. Once I figure out how to scan the sonogram picture, I will upload it. Thanks for all your prayers and we will keep you posted!
p.s. By the way, this is not a pic of my belly- I just thought it was cute!

Madeline's first (and hopefully last) Fire experience!

While this scene is probably a bit dramatic, that is what it felt like yesterday when I picked up Madeline from school. Police cars, ambulance, fire marshall and a fire truck all pulled up in front of Dobbs Elementary. All the students were outside after the fire alarm had sounded and parents, hundreds of us, were parked and waiting outside of news of what had occured. A student had thrown a ball up too high in the gym and broke a light which started a spark which caught the entire gym on fire. When I finally was able to get Madeline, she was crying, having been very frightened. There were no injuries, thank God, and the damage seems to be only in the gym. But, this was a very traumatic experience for Madeline as the first time she felt her life may be in danger. Poor sweetie! Thanks to Noah, her dear friend of nearly 3 years now, as he comforted her as she gripped tightly to him the entire situation. Noah, you are good kid!

Jim-Susie is an heirloom tomato

OK, only 3 more days until we can officially give Jim-Susie his/her permanent name. I am counting down the seconds because I have not bought one thing for this precious baby. Such the planner am I that I am waiting until I know so I can go spend money that we don't have! You know how it goes!

So, I am 19 weeks today and the baby weighs 8.5 ounces and is 6 inches long now, the size of an heirloom tomato. I am not privy to the various types of tomato, so here is a picture of some so you can see. I don't know about you, but these look like your every day tomatoes to me. Sorry, expert gardeners, I am not a tomato expert!

What do a Burn, a lost Tooth and a Bell Pepper have in common?

You're thinking- What? Well, those three unlikely matches make for an interesting weekend at the Lord house. First, Landon knows not to touch the BBQ grill, but for some curious reason, he decided to walk right up to it Saturday night and burned his tummy. He has a huge burn across his belly below his belly button! He keeps touching it and saying "Hot, momma!". It is cute but so sad. We keep cream on it, but I am betting it leaves a scar. I am sure this will be the first of many as I have mentioned in his description- he is our rough and tumble boy!

Then, Thursday Madeline had her 6-month check up with the dentist only to find out she has 2 cavities, her bottom tooth is loose with her permanent tooth growing out behind it and the other 3 bottom front teeth coming in as well. So, last night, the bottom tooth was loose enough to make its grand entrance into Tooth Fairy land. With the permanent tooth already growing up behind it, Daddy had a hard time getting a grip, so it took a while to get out. But, Madeline was a trooper, a bit over dramatic, but a trooper still. So, now she has 2 teeth missing- one on the top and one on the bottom.

Then, I checked my email last night to notice my weekly pregnancy email (I am 18 weeks now). I discovered that Jim-Susie is the length of a bell pepper, about 5.5 inches and weighs 7 ounces. This food comparison is hilarious to me, but it makes for a great visual as I show Madeline and Landon how big their brother or sister is now. Madeline thinks it is so cool- she tells all of her friends, teachers, and whoever will listen. It's so precious to see her so excited!

I'm a bit late...

Yes, I admit, I am really bad at uploading pics. As a result, here are pictures from my mom's birthday party in JANUARY and Landon moving into his big boy bed which daddy made for his birthday on January 28. First- Nana's birthday party- We surprised Nana with a bowling party (she talks about bowling all the time!). The kids had so much fun and Nana had a blast, too. Landon did a great job using the ramp, but the most memorable experience was Madeline getting a better score than Daddy! We got a kick out of that and Madeline was very proud of herself.




Then, for Landon's Big 2 Birthday, Daddy made him a big boy bed. He kept climbing out at first, but finally figured it out and now stays in bed when it's nite-nite time. He loves his new bed. Thanks, Daddy!

Jim-Susie is a Turnip!

I just get a big kick out of my weekly pregnancy emails that compare this precious new life growing inside of me to foods. I mean, an apple is pure so I can handle that, a lemon is sweet/sour which is definitely true of a child, but a turnip? I mean, what are you implying? That my child will be dirty and no one will like him/her? I don't know anyone who likes turnips, do you? Oh well, it seems little Jim-Susie is 5 ounces and about 5 inches long and apparently is about the size of a turnip as far as weight. For being so small, it is amazing that I actually felt him/her last night. Bret even felt Jim-Susie very slightly. I am 17 weeks this week so I guess it's about time I began feeling him/her. I will be so glad once April 16 rolls around and Jim-Susie will get his/her official name and I can stop writing out Jim-Susie and him/her. I am ready for this baby to have it's own identity and I am sure you are tired of reading about Jim-Susie already. We are getting a bit tired of the name in our household as well.

Well, I think we have finally settled on names but we will continue to let you vote. Just don't be surprised if our names weren't on the NameList. I have to admit, I am very fickle when it comes to naming this baby. I like a name one week and then all of a sudden, I don't dig it anymore. But, we have officially settled on 2 names so on April 16- this baby will have it's official name. Only 15 days remaining...