Tessa Katherine was born Monday, June 23rd @ 4:32pm. 7 lbs, 7 oz, 20 inches. She has 10 times more hair than Kimball or Clara ever did. Stay tuned for more pictures and info!

Not AGAIN!!!
Clara cut her own hair, again, almost a year later, I think I'm going to cry, again! When will this girl stop the madness? I'm not posting any pictures because I'm still too depressed. I don't know if there are any redeeming styles or cuts that can fix this mess. We'll see. Wish us luck.
Two days ago she cut some hair on her Ponies and Barbies. You think I would have been more prepared or at least seen this coming.
Her excuse?
"I don't like my hair. I want to look like a boy."
We can't go into a store without someone commenting on Clara's beautiful red hair. The color is really quite stunning. So, maybe she got tired of all the fussing.
Kimball said,
"Mom, I didn't do it this time. Last time was a mistake, and I know I taught her how, but this time, I DIDN'T do it. You HAVE to believe me!"
I believe you Kimball.

Happy Father's Day!

Look what my dad can do. Our yard rocks!

My dad is prepared! We have our very own home-grown tomatoes!

We love you, Dad! and we are so proud of you. Thanks for working so hard in school and at home. You are the best dad ever!

Less than 3 weeks away!

After having some pretty painful contractions yesterday, I've realized that this baby is definitely coming. I'm scheduled to go in for "baby removal" in less than 3 weeks, but could I possibly go into labor before? That would be fun...I think we're ready! but 3 weeks sounds much more do-able than say 1 or 2. EEK!

Henriod Beach Party 2008

Joel's family gathered from Utah, North Carolina,
Virginia, and South Carolina
for a beach house trip in Isle of Palms, South Carolina.
Good times!

The whole gang in Joel's designed shirts...Thanks honey. You know how to make a party great!

These beaches are amazing. The waves are much smaller than the Pacific, but the water is so warm. The kids loved playing in the waves and tide pools for hours on end.

The girls: On our way to my baby shower
Thanks guys!

American Idol Finals...
Poor David Archeleta. We were hoping he'd win, yet we're excited to see what happens to his career now that Idol is over. I'm convinced Shelley was in mourning the whole next day. She just wasn't quite herself.

Beach babes

Carriage ride in Historic downtown Charleston

Downtown Charleston

And of course, Middleton Plantation. These guys had to have the history lessons while here in the south.

It was an amazing week and we were so thrilled to have everyone come to us!
How lucky are we? Thanks Paul and Shelley. We love our family!

Ah, little boys...

A day of hiking in Crocs

A new "pet" caterpillar!

Father/Son Camp-out

Climbing trees. Yes, he did fall eventually, but what would life be without a few cuts and scrapes? Another mother/acquaintance once expressed her concern about her little boys growing up and getting hurt in sports, etc. Gosh, I'm so glad that I don't have those fears. Let them play, already!

I love my little guy. To all of you having boys, you have so much to look forward to. As I'm typing this, Kimball is outside looking for bugs. He just showed me the pocket full of rocks he collected at school. We've jumped right back into swimming and he is a pro. Kimball and Joel had an awesome time at the Father/Son Camp-out last weekend. I'll let Joel blog some more about those adventures, but sounds like they had fun. I am so grateful for a sweet little boy who captures my heart every day!

And the winner is...

Chicco KeyFit with the matching Trevi Stroller. I love the sturdiness of this carseat combined with the comfort and price...Thanks for your advice! We are READY for baby.
I'm starting to see my doctor weekly, thanks to my lovely history of abruptia. I was certain that my doctor would take this next baby 3-4 weeks early, just to be safe, but it looks like we're holding out as long as possible. She's pretty confident, based on my medical records, that another abruptia is very unlikely (considering I'm not on Cocaine and I haven't been in any car accidents). So, if all goes well, we'll deliver around the 1st of July, only 7-10 days early. Let's hope the heat and humidity of Southern Summers hold out as long as I do.

T-BALL and Mother in Laws

And, so it begins, my life as a T-ball mom. Kimball is having a great time playing ball every Saturday morning. He's got a great hitting stance and continues to improve his catching and throwing. Kimball's shining moment each week is his SLIDE into Home. He often misses the ball on the tea...oops, ironically enough, if you throw him the ball, he hits it every time. Go figure. We're stifling his talent by forcing him to make contact with a non-moving ball.

Last week I felt like a real, crazy mom...I have arrived. So, Joel had a CE Course all last week. It was up to me to get the kids ready (no problem, do it every day) and to the T-ball field in time for pictures and a game Saturday morning. We couldn't find a glove, couldn't get out the door, didn't know what time the pictures started, etc. Bummer, we missed the group picture. I failed. What is my problem? Um, I'm HUGE! That's my excuse for everything these days. Not to mention my crazy doctor appointment where the nurse couldn't find the baby's heart-beat (baby is fine), the heart-burn, sore ribs, leg cramps, and so on. Kind of depressed!

So, Shelley (the mother-in-law from Heaven) called during this emotional roller-coaster of a week and decided she needed to come and help. I LOVE HER! So, we've been playing, working, etc. Good times!

I NEED HELP!









I'm shopping for a new car seat for the baby. Preferences? I'm looking at the Graco SafeSeat, but I am open to suggestions. The Graco Snugride gets good ratings, but I'm not a fan of the fabric patterns. Combi just had a major re-call on some car-seats, I hear, but I'm looking at one that seems pretty cool. Peg-Perego is always nice, but not as comfortable, you think? Well, leave me some advice. I can be convinced!

Oysters and Crab legs...Kimball's favorite!

Papa, Ramona, and the kids came for a visit last week to Myrtle Beach. We had a blast. I asked the kids what their favorite part of the trip was and Kimball replied, "Eating Oysters and Crabs with Papa!" Can you believe they shucked this whole bucket of oysters? Where does this boy come from? I guess from the Low Country. Creek Ratz is our new favorite restaurant. Mmm, fried pickles!

Happy Easter

(a couple of weeks late)!

Middleton Place

So, sorry for all of the pictures, but I couldn't decide. It was just TOO beautiful not to share.

Yes, I have grown.

I spy an alligator, do you?
I spy another alligator, do you?

Azaleas are about 30-40% in bloom. Isn't it gorgeous?

We saw this BRAND new baby sheep 20 minutes after it was born. Mother was still cleaning baby.

Clara's First Surgery - TUBES

Last Friday, we took Clara in to get tubes in her ears. Apparently, she has chronic ear infections. We felt like such bad parents. Every time we went to the doctor she had really bad infections. We had no idea. Then, they wouldn't clear, even with 5 rounds of different antibiotics. So, we took a visit to Charleston ENT and the decision was made. She needed tubes.

Our brave little girl

Clara was pretty excited to get her ears fixed, breathe the Princess Potion, and fall asleep just like Princess Aurora. I still can't believe how well she did.

Recovery Room

Clara was pretty disoriented and uncomfortable when she woke up, but when I told her to look at me for the picture, she gave me the best smile. Classic...

This shot shows her true feelings. But, within an hour or so, she was back to her normal happy self. Way to go Clara. Hope those ears start feeling better!

A Member of the Family...

Meet Monkey Prince. This is Clara's personified toy, imaginary friend, fantasy companion, whatever you want to call it. This colorful part of our family lore has invaded all conversations. For example,

Dad-"Clara how was your day today?"
Clara-"My monkey prince was sad because he got a shot. But, he didn't cry."

Or, just last night at the dinner table,

Clara-"I have a boy baby in my tummy with my monkey prince."
Mom-"So, is your baby a monkey or a little boy?"
Clara-"He's a monkey. We're kind of a monkey family, and you and Daddy are kind of monkeys too. But, Kimball tries to destroy my love with my monkey prince."
Mom- "He does?"
Clara- "Yeah, and you don't understand me. You and daddy are trying to destroy my love."
Mom-"Oh dear."

Should we be concerned? Well, in my experience, which is really none, I think that children with imaginary friends have a chance to mull over confusing issues of life, eg. (1. Clara just went through a round of Rocephin shots for some stubborn ear infections, 2. Baby #3 in my tummy). Also, the child develops pretty good verbal skills and social understanding. Clara is pretty shy, but get her started on her monkey prince, and she does not stop talking, to complete strangers in fact.
People once thought imaginary friends were rare - they are not. They once thought they were a red flag - they are not. So, we'll continue to let monkey prince be a part of our dinner, car, park, outing conversations. Let's just not try to "destroy any love!"