Surprise! Baby #3 and other News

We're adding to this crazy brood again! Baby #3 to arrive mid-late October! A lot of people are making comments like "try for a boy" "hope it's a boy" "maybe you'll finally get a boy". Maybe I shouldn't mind, but come on people, boy or girl, this baby is a blessing and I honestly don't care if we end up with 3 awesome girls or 2 awesome girls and an awesome boy. (Sorry I used the word awesome so much.) I just want to emphasize that the child is what it is, and the child itself is more than enough. So pink or blue, don't have expectations for us, thanks. ;) ♥

Baby is almost 10 weeks, but since we are not technically there yet, here is some interesting facts about a 9 week baby: (I love these!)

PREGNANCY WEEK-BY-WEEK

Your Baby is as Big as a Green Olive

• This is a milestone. Baby's no longer an embryo—now he or she is a fetus!
• Baby's developing more distinct facial features.
• And baby might now have a strong enough heartbeat to be picked up by a fetal doppler.

On top of that news, we got our new trees for our backyard yesterday, and I am so excited! They add a lot to the yard and as they grow they will add beauty and privacy, I look forward to that! 

Of course it's still early in spring and the deciduous group have not sprouted leaves yet, but I am oddly pumped to see those guys all green and pretty. Adulthood, not want you expect sometimes...

We already had 1 lacebark elm (pic 3) and a chinese pistachio (pic 1 - almost out of frame on right) and another chinese pistachio in the front; but we wanted to line our fence more and get rid of that "barren" feeling. We picked out a total of 3 crepe myrtles (the leafless guys), 2 magnolias (the dark green guys in the corners) and 3 east palatka holly trees (the 3 in a row on pic 1). I am very happy with our selection and placement. Phase 1 of transforming the yard complete! :-D

Now off to spend some time with my kiddos!

M.LEWIS

Looking Ahead to Spring 2016

Wow.

Been awhile. I blame life. ;-)

We've been in the house for a little over 5 months now, and yes, it feels like home, though it felt that way since we first moved in. Completely unpacked and almost fully decorated, I can't imagine being anywhere else. We plan to plant several new trees in the backyard this spring, along with getting a small shed for the backyard tools. This will be our next adventure with the house. The goal is to get things planted before they start building phase 2...that will be noisy and just across the fence.

I look forward to this spring. I barely saw my trees with leaves on, and barely remember what my new yard looks with green grass. Now that we are settled inside, I am excited to plan and design the outside to our taste. Eventually we want a "campfire" corner, and maybe even a natural-grown teepee.

This will be down the line, and I am not sure want plants to use...but we agree it looks cool. Nora will probably eat anything we try to do for awhile.

Lorelai has started soccer, and even though she is only 1 game and 2 practices in, she loves it...mainly because she gets to be giggly with other girls. Addy is jealous she can't play on the team, but I hope to start her in a dance class in the fall or next spring. That should help.

The dogs are keeping me on my toes, mainly Nora. She is still chewing and eating items she shouldn't like a little puppy...but also finding new ways to visit the vet...like a broken toe. She still has tons of energy and tries to knock over anyone who visits with aggressive puppy hugs and kisses. Her love for people is amazing, and exhausting. Phoebe is delightfully small and easy to handle...though loud.

Adalaide's birthday is in a week and a half (ah!) and I am just now preparing my mind for what I need to do. All will be accomplished on time, of course. Charlie Brown/Snoopy party for this girl. Loves, loves, loves it. I am still figuring out her cake...we'll see. ;-)

Until next time!

-M.LEWIS