Going Home

Our time in the hospital was bittersweet. Although we were away from Noah and Haley and Mommy was in recovery, I really enjoyed time with just Dustin and Dylan as well as wonderful visits from dear friends and family. The nurses were super sweet and took good care of the us. I was telling everyone I felt like I was on a mini-vacation. Call me crazy!!


The day we went home was quite busy. Dylan got circumcised (poor guy) and then had his hearing test which he passed with flying colors.

By noonish, we were headed home with our new little one. Here are the last few pictures we took in the hospital.

When we got home, we had a pleasant surprise waiting for us from my dear friends Katie, Jill, and Andrea. They welcomed home Dylan with balloons, streamers and a sign.

We were just talking in the car about how much in the clouds we've been with Dylan's birth and this just topped the cake. Thank you sweet friends for loving us so well!!

Baby Caleb (not so baby anymore) and Paige were also there to see baby Dylan!!

Precious Moments

Our friend, Jarret, took some great photos of Dylan while visiting us in the hospital. These were definitely a gift for us that will continue to bring back the joy of Dylan's birth...Thank you Jarret!!

Meeting little brother

After moving to a post pardum room, our dear friends Aaron and Jill brought Noah and Haley up to the hospital to meet their new little brother. Thank you so much for loving our family in doing this - we were definitely missing our older two and wanting them to share in the joy of Dylan's arrival with us!!

Our last family of four picture

I couldn't wait to hug my Noah and Haley!!
They ran to jump in bed with their momma - it was super sweet.

We were all waiting very patiently for baby Dylan to arrive from the nursery. Noah and Haley were anxious to see him and kept asking where he was...

Then they wheeled him in and their eyes were glued...

Noah waiting patiently to "hold him."

Both kids were exhausted from all the day's events and it being close to 8pm already. I was surprised how affectionate Noah was and very interested in holding his baby brother. Haley was staring at him a lot, trying to not fall asleep herself :-)

Our new and improved family of five

Proud older brother

Sweet older sister

Dylan's Birth Story

*WARNING: This is a very long detailed post with lots of pictures

Around 2:00am on Tuesday, November 3rd, I woke up with contractions that appeared to be more like the "real thing." Up until this point, I was having lots of braxton hicks contractions with sporadic periods of mild contractions but nothing too painful or consistent. Contractions continued every 10 minutes for a few hours but were not progressing further. I finally went back to sleep for maybe an hour and woke up again at 5:30am with some much stronger contractions. Dustin heard my choppy breaths and woke up. I told him, "I think you will be meeting your baby today." I was confident this was it. Yep. I spoke too soon. Within the next hour or so, contractions just stopped. What? Really? All this time, I was frustrated with this "prodromal" or "false" labor that I was having when I remembered that this is exactly what happened before Noah's birth. This only added to my hunch that this baby was a boy.

We were headed to see my doctor that morning anyway, without an appt since we really thought that baby would have come by now. We packed the camera and video camera just in case we were sent to labor and delivery but both of us were not too optimistic. We later realized that even though we had everything else packed, we didn't bring anything else with us that morning. We got the kids ready - Noah was headed to school for the day and Haley was going to be with my friend Katie during the dr. appt. Both kids were so happy and very sweet to each other that morning. Maybe they knew today was the day?? I snapped a quick picture of them hugging.


All of my dr.'s staff was surprised to see me and the belly!! Baby's heartbeat was great, I had actually lost 3 lbs, and I was measuring 40 cm. When the dr. checked me, I was dilated to a 4!! Yeah!! At least all these come and go contractions were doing something. I asked him what he thought we should do and he said, "I think we should have a baby today!!" I smiled so big. "Really?" He explained further by saying that nothing good could come of me going home at this point. We have a healthy heartbeat, controlled environment, and I was in early labor. He said he would break my water and that would speed labor along instead of going home and waiting for contractions to pick up. He had many more concerns about me going home and laboring there, especially since this was my third.

Dustin and I talked and agreed that was the best decision. We would trust our doctor and the Lord with this day. All the thoughts going on in my head...This was definitely going to be a different birth story for sure, since both births with Noah and Haley I was well into active labor when I came into the hospital. I liked the idea of getting an epidural before contractions got too bad and already being at the hospital. And it helped that Noah and Haley were already taken care of for the day!! So we packed up our smiles and headed down to labor and delivery calling friends and family in route. I could not stop smiling. We were finally getting to meet our baby very soon!!

After lots of health questions, paperwork, and blood work, I was given my IV and soon an epidural (with a low drip just to take edge off). Dr. Fogwell, who is the BEST doctor ever, came in shortly after to break my water (1:20pm). Everything was going very smoothly and my sister and mother arrived to be a part of the birth. We were all able to visit while contractions picked up and I felt very little pain. And I absolutely LOVED my nurse - her name was Ann - and I wish I could have taken her home with me. She was yet another blessing in this story.

I even texted a few friends with an update and said "no pain." Again. I spoke too soon. Shortly after getting the epidural I started experiencing sharp pains in my lower neck and shoulders. The anesthesiologist was quick to say that the pain would subside. He thought it was probably due to the air space from the epidural. However, the pain did not go away but was much better when laying on my side so that's what I did while waiting to dialate.

I can't tell you how much I loved having my 3 favorite people with me during labor. Each of them are so special and made this day all the more better.

Oh baby, you are loved so much already.

A big thank you to Jen and Mom for helpin take pictures and video.

Dustin, Jen, Mom and Ann all took turns massaging my lower neck to help with the pain. It was getting worse but I kept reminding myself of all the heavy contractions that I was not feeling due to the epidural. In the meantime, the nurse went out a few times to try and get an explanation and remedy for my pain. We were somewhat surprised to find so many people without an exact answer. One theory was that the epidural catheder was irritating a nerve that was affecting my neck and shoulders. Another theory was that the air space had moved up my spine causing the irritation. It felt like something was affecting my nerves for sure and everyone was very concerned.

Around 4pm, my Dad showed up and the nurse checked me. I was at 9.5cm and ready to start pushing. He quickly bolted to the waiting room and we all laughed.

I kissed my honey as we got ready for "actual delivery."

I rolled to my back to start pushing and quickly rolled back to my side. Much too painful. We tried to do some pushes on my side when the nurse realized something had to change. I was feeling the need to push yet I was in so much pain from my neck/shoulders that I couldn't lie on my back to push. The anesthesiologist finally came in and gave me some narcotics thru the epidural that relieved some of the pain within about 10 minutes. I had pushed for about 45 minutes and baby was almost there when my neck pain started up again. I was screaming and crying in pain b/c I couldn't lay on my back to push any further but also felt extremely pressure to finish delivering this baby. I could see Dustin also crying with me. I greatly feared a c-section if the pain didn't go away. The anesthesiologist came in again and administered two more rounds of drugs and a final delivery dose in my epidural, which would later make me very nauseous sick. I quickly got another relief from the pain though was very sore from the pushing...it was all such a blur.

After an hour of pushing, baby was coming and everyone was anxious to know...and then everyone screamed "It's a boy!!" 5:08pm. More tears and a sigh of relief...

Dylan David Self was here.

Dr. Fogwell cut the cord and placed him in my arms.

We did it!! Thank you Lord!!

My hardest birth yet...but any pain that I was experiencing seemed minimal when I saw the miracle of this little boy.

They took out the epidural as soon as possible to help with the neck pain and it worked, thankfully.

Dylan weighed a healthy 8 lbs 8 oz and measured 20.5 inches long.

A very proud and emotional Daddy

Grammy's 7th grandchild

A 2nd nephew for Aunt Jen

Dustin went to the waiting room to share the news with Papa and Aunt Kris.

Dylan is named after his Papa's first name - David

This was a non-negotiable for Dustin when choosing our boy name.

His brother, Brandon's first boy is named after Dustin's dad - William and Dustin really wanted to honor my Dad by giving Dylan his name.

And Dylan may end up with Papa's blue eyes as well...

The infamous bottom lip that is consistent with all of our children that comes out on their birthday!!

My Aunt Kris and Aunt Krissy to the kids

By far, one of the BEST days of my life. And if I could, I would do it all over again...pain and all.

Dylan, we couldn't be more thrilled for you to be here. And we are honored, blessed, overwhelmed, and full of joy to be your Mommy and Daddy.

Happy Birthday, Son!!

I will thank you, Lord, with all my heart;

I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done.

I will be filled with joy because of you.

I will sing praises to your name,

O Most High.

Psalm 9:1-2

So. In. Love.

The past two days have been absolutely wonderful...a new precious son and time with friends and family celebrating his birthday. We are so in love with this sweet boy. He's perfect in every way and we just stare in wonder at our amazing God that creates life so beautifully. Here are some pictures of our Dylan and our time together just taking it all in...


More posts to come of his birth story and and the sweet story of Dylan meeting his older brother Noah and older sister Haley. They, too, are in love. Here is our first picture as a family of 5!!

Dylan David Self has arrived!!!

We are happy to announce the arrival of Dylan David Self! He was born today, November 3rd, at 5:08pm. He is 8 pounds 8 ounces and 20 1/2 inches long. Mommy and baby are doing great! Thanks for your thoughts and prayers!

Getting ready to push!!!!

Should be within an hour!!!!! (correction - more like within 4 hours!!!!)

We are in Labor & Delivery now!

Daddy here! Karla is dialated to a 4! They will be breaking her water soon to get this "puppy" out! (Katie, one of our friends that is babysitting Haley for us, asked Haley whether she wanted a brother or sister, and Haley replied, "I want a doggy!"....silly girl....)

40 weeks...

So my due date(s) came and went this weekend and the baby has stayed put. We are now in uncharted territory and at this point, I have no idea when this baby is coming. Not that I did before, but I definitely tried to reason and take a guess after thinking thru my experiences with Noah and Haley, doctor's comments, and what my body has appeared to have been telling me. But again, I am reminded that "His ways are not my ways, His thoughts not my thoughts." God is the giver of life and He is in control. Complete. Control.

We are happy and healthy and enjoying our time together as a family as we wait. "Being in a constant state of limbo" is a challenge for sure but I have been taking my daily doses of patience and trust in Him. We celebrated this new life amongst all our blessings and praised our Jesus this morning in one of the best worship services ever at church. What an amazing way to start the day and gain a greater perspective on how BIG our God truly is. When we got home, Dustin took a few more pics of me with Noah and Haley and the growing baby belly.

My first big baby and great older brother

My second big baby and sweet little and big sister

And this baby needs to come because I am so done with posting pics of myself and especially this enormous belly :-)

Trick-or-Treat with Cousins

Our tradition for Halloween is to go to the Bailey's house. They host several couples and all their kiddos for dinner, desserts, and trick-or-treating. Their neighborhood has so many kids that lots of people come and park along the streets just to trick-or-treat there. We headed over early to help them prepare for the evening festivities and let the cousins all play together. Noah and Haley went non-stop from about 4:30pm to 9:00pm when we finally put them in the car to go home.
When the sun went down, the kids started to come and then we left shortly after with about 10-15 kids and their parents thru the neighborhood. Sadly, we didn't manage to get an "all-kid" picture - it was just too chaotic!! Noah and Haley were on cloud nine the entire evening running from house to house, or shall I say "flying" superman and supergirl style. Haley got lots more candy "for looking so cute." It was hilarious!! We walked what seemed like miles to this preggo momma but I got some good exercise for sure. I was surprised how long the kids lasted going from house to house. They were such troopers and enjoyed every minute. Haley kept saying "more candy" and that's exactly what we have at our house now, "more and more candy." If you want or need some, feel free to drop by :-)

Haley gave up on the last few houses and wanted Aunt Jen to carry her :-) All in all, it was an absolute BLAST - thank you Aunt Jen and Uncle Andy for hosting an AWESOME Halloween!!

Update: Waiting

I just realized that I didn't post that we decided to cancel the induction for this morning and wait it out thru the weekend. We'll see if this baby can come on his/her own....thank you for your prayers!!

39.5 and "Thriving"

I am 39.5 weeks and fast approaching this "due" weekend. I went to see our little baby on a sonogram today before my checkup with the doctor. It was a biophysical sonogram that measures baby, checks baby activity and heart rate, fluid levels, blood pressure, placenta, and so on...lots of information for sure. I was trying hard not to look at the sono screen for fear of learning the sex when we've been so patient in waiting up to this point. The sonographer said "Baby is perfect and thriving!!" Music to my ears. She estimated between 8 and 9lbs and and kept saying the baby was long, maybe 21.5 inches?? She also told me there was no medical reason to be admitted to labor and delivery today. Baby is fat and happy!!

On to see the doctor...I am 1 cm dilated, which is what I was with both Noah and Haley at this point, no surprise there. I had gained 3 lbs in one week (yeah!!) and was measuring 39 cm. He did strip my membranes to try and move things along - this was extremely painful. I don't remember it being this bad when I had it done with Haley around the same time in my pregnancy. He thinks it will be very effective to put me into labor, as it was with Haley so we will see...not sure yet if we'll be induced this Friday or if we'll wait out the weekend.

Stay tuned...

The fun in waiting...

The past couple weeks, we've had nothing on the calendar waiting for baby's arrival and God has used that time for good - to get a few more things done around the house and to get some special time in with Noah and Haley. It's been nice to not have anything on the calendar and be spontaneous with our monkeys. Here are some pics from our time together!!

Hopscotch with Daddy

Saturday morning Chick-fil-a with Carson and Kate!

Special trip to the new Heights Park in Richardson with a rocket ship, steep slides, and a giant sandbox. Noah and Haley had a blast!!

Noah LOVING his newest hat!!

Haley LOVING her hot pink cowgirl boots!! She puts them on with everything.

Playtime with Katie and Julia at Willow Bend Mall (rain, rain, go away!!)

Big Sister playing dress-up (always a favorite)

Noah with his "rescue rope" (aka jump rope)...not to worry, he's getting a REAL rescue rope for his 4th birthday :-)

And last by not least, movie night watching "Toy Story" with Daddy

My "SUPER" Family

Now Presenting "SUPER" girl, "SUPER" Man, and "SUPER" boy

Today, we went to Daddy's work for some good ole' Merit trick-or-treating!! It's one of our favorite events that Merit hosts. The kids were beyond excited about putting on their costumes and getting some early Halloween candy.

Noah,

You are definitely our "SUPER" boy!! You are full of adventure and energy, very compassionate, a sponge when it comes to learning, and a lot of fun to be around. We love you so much!!

And Haley girl,
You are our "SUPER" girl - very cuddly, with lots of spunk and expressions, still some drama, and a laugh that makes anyone smile. We love you so much!!



And here is Jackson (above), pumpkin to William and Katie, and Luke (below), Curious George to Russ and Amy. Both William and Russ also work at Merit with Dustin and also go to Watermark Community Church with us!!

Let the trick-or-treating begin!!

There were kids everywhere and the candy was endless...Noah and Haley easily filled up each of their buckets. Folks commented on us being the "SUPER" family but looked surprised that I was not "in SUPER costume." And I would reply, "I am SUPER pregnant!!" We got lots of laughs and nodding heads in agreement since I am due next week. Wish I would have put the "S" symbol on my belly because I am certain we are going to have a "SUPER" baby as well.

Cupcakes and juice for everyone after all the hard work of trick-or-treating!!

And of course, I can't leave out my "SUPER" man who holds this "SUPER" family together.

Dustin, you are hard-working, passionate and motivated, stinkin' smart, and extremely good looking. We love you so much babe!!

Happy Early Halloween to All!!

Noah's School

Noah is really enjoying his school this year and new teachers, Mrs. Angela and Mrs. Susan. They are truly wonderful and pour into him each week so selflessly. They have also taken pictures of each of the kids in their class and shared them with us parents, which is also a gift. It's fun to see him in that environment with his friends there that he talks about all the time. Here's a few of the pictures since he started in early September.

One week the Richardson Police Department and then the Richardson Fire Department came to talk with the kids about safety and they got to get on the big fire truck!! This was a big surprise for Noah!!

Always a creative craft to do!!

And this last picture, though odd, shows that he wore his train conductor hat for crazy hair/crazy hat day!!

Mommy Time

While Noah and Haley were in school, this Mommy got some time to herself, without kids, which is really unheard of during the week (except for dr appts, being sick, evenings, etc.). Honestly, I felt weird, free, and anxious all at the same time!! And driving a minivan didn't feel as "cool" without my kids either.

First stop: Manicure!! I relaxed, watched TV there, and visited with an older man in his 80's.

Second stop: PF Changs with Mom, Jen, and Cousin Adam for his Happy Birthday lunch. We had a wonderful time eating some great food!! Thank you Mom for treating all of us and especially to this very preggo momma!!

And as random as this may be, I couldn't help but take a picture of the "words" that each of us had in our fortune cookies...the most weird being the word "Eye" for my Mom. Maybe time will tell?? Adam had December so we'll see what December holds for him. I had the word "Girl" - which seems very appropriate if it rings true?? And my sister Jen had "Children" to which she has 4 - again, very fitting.

Final stops: Kohl's and Walmart just to get a few errands done. Check. Check.

GREAT MOMMY DAY FOR SURE!!! I feel revived and was so ready to love on Noah and Haley this afternoon.

Haley's First Day

Haley started going to Mother's Day Out this week only on Thursdays. I didn't sign her up for the fall originally but when the Director called with an opening, we couldn't resist. She's more than ready, after watching Noah go twice a week, and with baby here very soon, it will give me a little break and one-on-one time with baby three. I figure it's a win for everyone!! I was hoping baby three would hold off at least this week so I could take her on her first day and she could adjust to "going to school" before the added adjustment of a new brother or sister. For the record, she did better than Mommy did.

Haley: She didn't cry when I dropped her off, she played well with the other kids, she pottied twice with no accidents, ate all her lunch, and even took a nap for over an hour!!

Mommy: I didn't cry when I dropped her off but was super sad to see my little girl, now a big girl, walk in like she owned the place. No. Big. Deal. I was so proud of her and she loved it!! Selfishly, I am glad it's only one day a week b/c I still really cherish my days with just her.


Here she is (above)...with backpack, lunch bag, and nap mat all in tow. She insisted on carrying it all in all by herself. Definitely a woman with some independence, even at age 2.

Here she is (below) trying out her nap mat the day before school.

Before we left the house this morning, I tried (key word: tried) to get a picture of Haley and Noah together. Always an adventure - check out the many facial expressions!! It was crazy hair/crazy hat day for Noah's class so that's why his hair is all over the place.

Haley, you are growing up so fast right before our eyes. It's a joy and privilege to be your Mommy and see you become such the lady!! Today was a small step in your journey and you did so well. Another prayer answered.

New Waddle

At 38 weeks, we are starting a new pregnancy waddle...when you have a bowling ball in front of you that is hard as a rock about 80% of the time, it becomes very difficult to walk easily and naturally. I am almost to the point of not venturing out in public due to the many looks I am already getting, especially when they see Noah and Haley holding each hand. Crazy. Crazy. Woman. Yes, I agree at times and wonder if 3 kids under the age of 4 was actually a "good idea." But God knows what he's doing right?? I don't necessarily have to, the way I see it.

No change in my preggo body at today's dr appt...no dilation, no weight gain, no more centimeters measured. Strange. But we'll go with it. Baby seems happy and that's all that matters at this point. So when you are ready baby three, we'd love to meet you.

In the meantime, more applesauce please...and chocolate. Yes, chocolate, is always good, anytime.

Taking it all in...

As we are moving closer to due date at 38 weeks, I am trying hard to really take in these last days or weeks with friends, with Noah and Haley, with Dustin, and with baby kicking inside of me. I don't want to wish them away just because I am uncomfortable or rush God's timing for this little miracle's arrival. I pray for perspective, patience, and peace in this waiting game. Dustin and I have both enjoyed the anticipation and preparation so far...

This past weekend I got many good hours away with girlfriends scrapbooking, munching, and chatting it up. My sweet friend Jill and all her creative juices hosted the best scrap night and morning ever!!

After getting some good one-on-one time in with Noah recently to the SMU game and the Home Depot workshop, Dustin got some good one-on-one time in with just Haley while I was scrapping and Noah was at the lake with Grammy and Papa. Haley also got some time with her friends Julia and Caleb. On Sunday morning, we both spoiled her with some donuts and a DART train ride that was much anticipated. It was precious time to love on her all by herself. She ate it up though definitely missed her big brother.

On Sunday afternoon, the four of us (happy to have Noah back home) ventured to the school park nearby and soaked up the beautiful weather outside. Daddy pushed Haley super fast in the red car and she was all smiles and belly laughing (sad I missed getting a picture) and Noah was going super fast on his red trike bike. They were racing while Mommy was just trying to keep a close distance!! It was a fabulous weekend!!

Pumpkin Patch

On Friday, we went to the Arboretum (aka Pumpkin Patch to Noah and Haley) with our sweet friends Andrea and Katie and their kids. A huge thank you to Andrea for allowing us to park and get in for free on their season pass. What a blessing to add on to a great morning outside for everyone. It was great, cool weather and from the moment we got there...the kids were off!!

Running through all the pumpkins!!!

Katie and Julia

We loved the pumpkin house!!

Noah and Haley each picked out their own baby pumpkin and were showing it off!!

Up and down on the stairs for Haley...

Climbing and hanging on the rails for Noah...

Lots of exploring for everyone...

Andrea and Jacob

And let's not forget the fun hay maze...

And the frog water fountains were a complete hit as well...

Lots of jumping up and down...water water everywhere!!

Noah and Haley and Julia got some added playtime in before we headed home...

Happy Fall!!!

Here's wishing everyone a Happy Fall!!! It's my favorite season by far. The cooler weather has come in with lots of rain as well. But today we actually had blue skies with no clouds - perfect!!! Just sharing some of the first half of our October with our 2 favorite pumpkins as we wait for our newest pumpkin to arrive...

Noah (almost 4 - only one month to go!!) and Haley (just over 2 years)

Noah rode the DART train with Daddy down to watch an SMU football game. One of Dustin's small group guys plays for SMU and Noah was loudly cheering the team to victory. A train, football, and skittles with Daddy - is there anything better??

Note: We owe Sissy a train ride!! She was not too happy about Daddy and Noah leaving her at home with Mommy.

Colder weather means new clothes (new to them anyway even though 90% of their closet is hand-me-downs)!! Haley is already loving her tights and new winter sandles.

Tough guy found an old West Texas A&M hat from when his cousin Adam played for them!! Still fits great!!

We made a trip to Northpark Mall to the new Lego store!! Sad we didn't get pictures of Daddy and Noah soaking in all the legos but here is Haley soaking up a pumpkin cookie!!

Both monkeys did beautifully at the dentist and were so happy with their new toothbrushes, animal balloons, and sussies!! "That's a cool place, Mom" comments Noah. "I love the Dentist!!" Oh, if it wasn't just a phase...I don't know any adult that could honestly make that statement.

Little builder

She's more into purses, glasses, baby dolls, and dressing up every day.

And finally they splashed their hearts out in the downstairs bath while the carpets were drying. Such a simple reminder to "change things up", even in the smallest ways, and it can make all the difference in the world!!

NEW Chick-fil-A!!!

I don't know who is more excited - me or the kids about a new Chickfila that opened this past week within minutes from our house!! We met Katie and Jill with all the kids on Thursday afternoon to celebrate Opening Day with ice cream and playtime. Unfortunately, we were not the only one with such a bright idea. It was packed but still lots of fun!!

Applesauce please!!

We are 37 weeks along and still growing...I am feeling great and baby is measuring on target and has had a heartbeat in the 160's for two weeks in a row. Last week there was no dilation and I opted out of checking this week so we'll wait patiently. I don't feel like this baby will come early but only God knows :-) And oddly enough, my only pregnancy craving this time around has been applesauce. It is not uncommon to see me with a long tea spoon and the kids' big tub of applesauce going to town - can't get enough!!

I wanted to include a picture of baby's big sister and big brother. Noah seems to want a boy but tells me we have to wait until it comes out before we can see and Haley told a friend today that she thinks it's a sister. A toss-up, of course!! They are super excited to meet baby very soon. Noah says 3 more weeks and Haley says only 2 more minutes. I wish Haley was right - that's my kind of delivery!! Ha Ha

Sussies for Baby (and us)

This past Sunday we headed to the Bailey's house along with my Mom and Dad to celebrate the soon arrival of baby three!! Noah and Haley could not have been more thrilled to be going to see their cousins for the afternoon - what a treat!!!

When we arrived, we were showered with lots of sweet gifts for baby (diapers, burp cloths, bibs, nursing stuff, medicines, gift card, and other essentials) - all from the Johnson side (my Mom) of the family.

Thank you so much to Mom and Dad, the Bailey's, Marci and Randy, Debbie and James, Kris and Blake, Mark and Maari, Adam and Jenny, Brandon and Ashley, and Nana and Daddad!!! We felt so loved by each of you and cannot wait to welcome our newest addition into the family. We are so blessed and know that this baby will be so loved by each of you!!!

Dustin actually enjoyed opening the gifts with me!! It's making this all the more real that baby will be here very soon!! Due date is still Halloween so around 3 more weeks maybe??

Then it was time for the adults and kids to have sussies - a sundae bar!! Check out this spread of toppings for the BEST sundaes EVER!! My sister rocks!! My mom made yummy cupcakes (with applesauce) that topped off the best sundae with some cake. Can we say sugar high for everyone?? Dinner was forgotten as we happily indulged ourselves!!

Happy Happy Cousins!!

We heart the State Fair!!

We finally made it to the State Fair!!! Whew!! With me fast approaching 37 weeks along in my pregnancy and all the rainy days, I wasn't sure if we'd make it this year or not. I was getting discouraged because it's one of my favorite events of the year!! We were trying to go on a Thursday afternoon (free admission with Cinemark movie stub) and parking was only $5!!! We missed last week b/c of rain and yesterday, the weather was not looking too promising with thunderstorms and lots of rain headed our way. But they kept pushing back the storm's arrival so we decided to take our chances and it paid off. I waited to tell the kids until they got up from naps and it was a mommy moment to bring such fun news and see their eyes and mouths get so big in excitement.

Despite the heat and humidity (should we expect different in Texas?), the rain didn't come until later that evening so we were in the clear and had a wonderfully good time...rides, animals, foot-long corny dogs, lemonade, ice cream, and more!! Can you tell I was really focused on all the food?? I did get lots of stares at the big belly and lots of folks asking when I was due...

First stop is always BIG TEX with the trains!!

This picture of Dustin and Haley is one of my favorites - she was soooo happy to be on Daddy's shoulders and to get to go see the pigs!! First, we walked thru Midway to see all the games and rides.

Noah is still somewhat limited on the rides he can do since he is not yet tall enough but Daddy could go with him. He picked the Bubble House!!

This is one of the best activities for little children at the State Fair (imo).

I sure do love my "little hands."

they milked the cows and got eggs from the chickens...

planting seeds in the garden and got vegetables..they fed the sheep and got wool

They got to drive the tractors around and then posed for a picture!! At the end they traded their farm goods for money and got a treat for all their hard work!!

The kids then went with Dustin into the Children's Barnyard to see all the animals. It kills my allergies so I stayed outside, put my feet up, and had me some good ole' lemonade!!

Noah had no fear in touching all the animals.

And Sissy finally touched one towards the end.

Haley fell in love with the little pigs and would not stop talking about them.

Getting tired...

Funnel cakes are Daddy's favorite!! Everyone enjoyed while watching the pigs race.

Noah was cheering so loud and clapping.

You can see by Haley's hair alone how hot it was...we were all sweating pretty bad.

So thankful for cold showers when we got home.

Can you tell it's almost the end of our day??

I am glad Dustin pushed us to get a group photo.

We did eat, of course. And to top it all off, I had fried peaches and cream this year and it did not disappoint - yummy!! Preggo here definitely overate at the Fair but I also did lots of walking, right?? :-)

Our last half hour at the fair started out with some harmless sprinklers that provided some cool relief for the kids after a hot, muggy afternoon. And quickly became loads of fun!!

And wet got wetter until they were soaked from head to toe and smiling and laughing!!

Lots of joy for both the kids and us watching them!!

When tucking Noah into bed, Dustin asked him what his favorite part of the Fair was and he answered, without hestitation, "playing in the water fountains."

So glad we ended the day on a good note :-) Until next year...

Savannah is Here!!

My younger (now grown up and very tall) cousin Brandon, that I grew up with in Cooper since he was a toddler, and his wife Ashley had their first baby girl this past Wednesday evening. Savannah Ruth, we have been anxiously awaiting your arrival. On Thursday, Jen, Kayla and I went to Fort Worth to see the happy family of 3!! Savannah was just beautiful and showed us her lungs!! Music to our ears...it was so wonderful to hold such a sweet gift!!

Rainbow

With all the rain we've been having last month and this month, it's hard at times to focus on the positives - we need the rain, it's good for the plants and trees, it's refreshing, good nap weather, etc. Noah and Haley just know that it's wet and muddy out so we can't outside to play...such the bummer!! But a few days ago, God gave us all another reason to praise Him with a big rainbow in the sky. The kids were amazed and stood in awe at our backdoor looking at it. Noah was happily naming all the colors. What a sweet reminder of the wonderful and powerful God we serve. I tried to capture the rainbow in a few pics...