Pope-A-Tots

Tis the Season!

2009-12-09T10:07:00.005-06:00

We have been busy this week and last with lots of Christmas activities. Anna Kate's preschool class sang at our local banks, we went to the parade and Christmas in Crossett and I attended my favorite Christmas party! Here are a few pics from our events...

Anna Kate before she sang at FSB

Caught a quick smile from Grace!

It is impossible to get a good pic of them together! lol

So happy we managed to get this one...they are both smiling!

AK proudly singing and dancing

AK and most of her PreK WEE school class
(notice that there are NO boys)

It was COLD at the parade!
I was so glad she liked this hat ;)

One of my favorite pics of AK

Poor Grace...this is what happened after one too many fire trucks came by blowing their horns VERY loudly. I didn't even realize Crossett had that many fire trucks! lol

Ladies Annual Christmas Party!
I am so blessed to have these women in my life...we had a ball!
Standing: Ashley B, Jamie, Joanna, Robin, Ashley M, Jan, Cheryl, Kim, Felicia, Shelia, Julie & Beth
Kneeling: Angela, Me, Stormy, Jenny Lynn and Lori

Turkey Time in Texas!

2009-11-30T15:20:00.006-06:00

We spent Thanksgiving in Longview with Mer and her fam. We had a GREAT time! The kiddos had a blast and we all enjoyed some really yummy grub! Nana's stuffing and buttermilk pie are personal faves of mine and I relished every bite. :) Thanks so much to Mer and Faber for hosting us and to Em for letting us stay at her house. (Em and Adam were with his fam in Houston and we were sad that we missed them...well...actually we missed Abbott a little more! hee hee)
I have so much to be thankful for and am truly grateful to God for all the amazing ways He has blessed my family! Here are some pics from our trip. :)

My beautiful nieces, Allie and Mary

Mason and Grace

Sweet Smile!

Allie

Mary

Garrett

Anna Kate

Such a cutie pie! Chillin' on Aunt Em's couch :)

Eating at Buffalo Wild Wings in Shreveport!

First time in a booster seat rather than a high chair...she thought she was so big! lol

We got home in time for AK to get some more hunting time in with her daddy.
She's now addicted! Uh oh! ;)

Hog Wild Weekend!

2009-11-22T15:45:00.005-06:00

This weekend was one of the best weekends in recent memory. Mason and I, along with 9 of our closest friends, headed to Little Rock on Friday to have some fun and watch the Razorback game. It was our first kid-free getaway EVER...and the first time we have gotten to go out of town overnight in 18 months! Now, you know why I've been looking forward to it for months! We had a great time and enjoyed wonderful food, music and making memories with the best group of friends I've ever known. Thankfully, the game was as fun as the rest of our trip! We kicked them DAWGS in the tail and I was thrilled to finally be calling the HOGS in person again. Thanks to my hubby for making this trip possible and also a very special thank you to my mom for keeping my girls. I never worried for a second, I knew they were in the best hands possible!
Enjoy the pics!

Dinner at Cajuns Wharf...YUMMO!

Tony and Stormy...we kept them out pretty late! lol

Robin and Me...let the tailgating commence!

My hubs is definitely one happy man while he's at a Hogs game!

Jeff and Robin...these two are hilarious! :)

The infamous Razorback Band "A"

After the first TD!

Ryan, Kelly, Me, Mase
Ryan "Gill" is one of Mason's best friends and his former college roomate. We hadn't seen him in two years and were thrilled that he came down from Fayetteville to go to the game with us. He also took us around Little Rock on Friday night. With Gill, there is never a dull moment! lol We had so much fun with him! ;)

Robin, Ashley M (carrying baby Hadley!), Ashley B and Me

Stormy, Robin and Me after the game.
*I somehow managed to miss getting pics of Brad and Wes...but they were there too! I'm also bummed that I didn't snag a pic of the whole group....guess we'll just have to go again! haha

**Our other friends, Melissa and Alan, were originally supposed to join us on this trip. Due to Alan's illness, they were unable to make it. We missed them and ask that you please continue to keep them in your prayers.

WEE Gobblers

2009-11-19T13:06:00.006-06:00

Anna Kate's school had their annual Thanksgiving lunch today. For the past few weeks, she has been practicing songs and memorizing scripture in preparation for today's program. She did SO good!! She participated alot more this year than last and knew every single word. We were thankful that both sides of the fam were able to come and support her. It meant the world to her that Nona, Nana and Memaw and Deda all came! Here are some pics and video from our special WEE school lunch. :)

Sassy Smile! ;)

My girls with their Nona

Grace with her Nana
(It is IMPOSSIBLE to get a pic of her looking at the camera!)

My beautiful big girl :)

My baby girl chillin with her Daddy

Anna Kate and her friend, Tori
(please overlook the green frosting around her mouth! lol)

AK and her Nona

Anna Kate and Emma
These two are pretty tight...and are both gorgeous.

Memaw, Nana, AK, Grace and Me
(As usual, G was NOT happy about taking a pic!)

This was the last song that they sang. I have the reciting of the verse and the rest of the program on my video camera. Please excuse the poor quality and the fact that I was wobbling while filming! lol She had more enthusiasm in the earlier songs...

Cutie Patooties!

2009-11-12T12:54:00.004-06:00

Here are a few random pics of my girls from this week. They are both doing great and we are so blessed! Grace is coming into her own more and more with each passing day! We never know what to expect from her next. She is now 17 months old...time really has flown by. Thankfully, she's still very much a Mommy's girl. She is never far from my side! Meanwhile, Anna Kate is too big to be much concerned with my whereabouts. She absolutely loves preschool and her wonderful teacher. She is also quite the singer...I wish I had video of all the songs she belts out while we're in the car! They are very different yet still seem to get along almost all of the time. I can't wait to see how they'll amuse themselves next! lol

Weekend of Showers

2009-11-09T12:27:00.010-06:00

This weekend was a very busy one for myself and some of my closest friends. We helped plan and host two baby showers for my wonderful friend, Ashley McDougald. I've known Ashley's hubby, Wes, for as long as I can remember. He is very much like a brother to me and we consider he and Ashley to be members of my family. Ashley is an amazing friend with a giving heart. It was so fun to be able to return a portion of all the things she and Wes have done for myself and my girls. The first shower was at our church (First Baptist, Crossett) on Saturday and the second was at Ashley B's house on Sunday. We made (and ate!) a ton of yummy food and watched for hours (literally!) as Ashley unwrapped all her super cute gifts. It was a great weekend and I absolutely cannot wait for Hadley Nicole to make her arrival!! There is nothing like being able to spoil a new "niece". :)

Shower #1

Hot Mama! ;)

My gift was Hadley's name in handpainted letters to match her crib bedding. They were created by my incredibly talented sis-in-law, Em. I wanted Em to see Ashley's expression...she LOVED them! I'll post a pic at a later date of them hanging above the crib...

Me and Ashley

Paula and Ashley (sis in laws)

My mom and Ashley

Me and Ashley B

Paula, Ashley, Me and Ashley B

Shower #2

Is she glowing or what? So pretty!

Super cute cake

Ashley B and I worked hard on the stork!

Hadley's "loot". Notice the beautiful crib bedding...

The Hostesses:
Robin (her shower is next!), Ashley B, Me, Joanna, Stormy, Melissa and Paula

Busy Little Bees!

2009-11-02T12:28:00.006-06:00

Happy Halloween! I absolutely love Halloween, I always have! It's such a great time of year and my kiddos love getting dressed up. This year (same as last), Anna Kate insisted that Grace's costume be the same as hers. So, after much debate, she decided to go with the bumble bee! I was really surprised at just how cute their costumes were. They both seemed to like them...well, actually Grace HATED her head piece...but otherwise, they were both very happy and comfortable in their costumes.
We headed out trick or treating in style this year. My Dad loaned us his golf cart, complete with decorations for the kiddos. The girls absolutely loved it. We joined several of our friends from the neighborhood and had quite the "golf cart train" going. The kids had a great time and are (of course) still enjoying their sweet treats!

Our baby bee with her Daddy

Me posing with the queen bee :)

Nona loving on Grace

Anna Kate with her wonderful Memaw

Cutie Pie

Anna Kate giving me her best, "Buzz"

My two beautiful little bees!

Pope Fam
Halloween 2009

Pedal Power

2009-10-29T09:23:00.008-05:00

Anna Kate's preschool hosted a Trike A Thon yesterday to benefit St Jude's Childrens Research Hospital. She was so excited to get a chance to "help the sick kids that can't leave the hospital". She insisted on riding her bicycle rather than her tricycle since she's a "big kid" now. I was very proud of her! Her teacher chose her to lead her class through the course. She made absolutely sure to follow the course exactly as she had been told. I love that she is my super compliant child! lol (the other kids were pedaling in every direction! haha) She pedaled and pedaled and thanks to her wonderful grandparents, great grandparents and friends, she helped raise over $100 for a really great cause! I can't wait to hear the total of how much was raised by this wonderful event. Here are some pictures of my big girl on her big bike! :)

Getting geared up...

Leading the class

Pedaling away...

Look at that determination! lol

Grace came to cheer her on!

So did Nona!

How Can This Be?

2009-10-25T16:53:00.010-05:00

I found myself pondering those words on multiple occasions over the course of this weekend. This was Homecoming weekend and like any good small southern town, Crossett was full of school spirit. I went to my first Homecoming Assembly since my senior year (1998). I took AK with me and it was surreal to watch the pomp and circumstance thru her 4 year old eyes. She couldn't get over the pretty girls in the fancy dresses, the music, the dances, skits and her fave, the cheerleaders!! She was also quite impressed that I intinctively locked arms with those around me and swayed as I sang our alma mater, "Hail Crossett High School" (No, I was not the only OLD person doing this!!)
That night, all four of us went to the game. It was cold and windy but the girls were troopers and we cheered the Eagles on to victory. While there, I got to catch up with the classes of '94 and '99 who were in town for their reunions.
I learned on Friday that they now have the Homecoming dance on Saturday night rather than following the game on Friday. It seems everything has changed in the short 11 years since I was at CHS.
Saturday night proved to be more fun for me than I anticipated. Since my good friend, Ashley, was out of town, she asked me to step in and help her two teenage daughters get ready for the dance. I was thrilled! I went over and did their make up and took as many pictures as they could stand. I even went with them to another venue to take group pics!! They looked so beautiful and they were so sweet. However, for the first time in my life, I felt OLD. Really OLD. "Yes, mam" or "Mrs. Amber" were constantly being spoken and I hated it! I kept thinking...I am not that old! It wasn't that long ago that I was standing in my in-laws living room with all my friends having my own Homecoming pictures made! How did this happen? How can it be that I am now the one taking the pictures and doing the make up? How is it possible that my own daughter will be going to this very dance in 10 short years???
It was a fun weekend...I recalled so many wonderful memories of Homecomings past and got a glimpse at what is to come. Thanks Ashley, Lacy and Ryane for letting me be a part of your special night. I loved it!! Go Eagles!

Anna Kate and I before the Assembly

Grace and Mason at the game

AK and Matt...she kept him company while I helped the girls get ready...she loves him! ;)

Matt, Lacy, Ryane and Sky
They look so glamorous!

Well, back in '97...we were not so glamorous! lol
(proof that my sis-n-law Em and I go WAY back! ha)

Back to the present...here are a couple of pics of the girls after church today.

Family Fun Weekend!

2009-10-19T15:22:00.007-05:00

This past weekend was one my family has been looking forward to for months! Meredith (my sis-n-law) came to town with her three kiddos! Anna Kate had been counting the days til their arrival. She loves her cousins so much and they always have a great time together. This time was no different. They had a blast playing in Nana's yard and even got to create a chocolate gingerbread haunted house (Nana is SO good at letting them express their creative side! ;)
The fun continued yesterday when we celebrated my mom's birthday! I hosted a celebratory lunch for her and we enjoyed a great visit.
Here are a few pics from our fun weekend! :)

Nana and the kiddos getting started on the Haunted House!

The result of all their hard work...spooky!! ;)

A job well done!

My beautiful niece, Allie

My other precious niece, Mary

Love this pic of Grace~

Nona with Anna Kate and Grace on her birthday
(Grace was really sleepy and had gotten cranky!)

Sweet grin...

*I also want to say a special thanks to Paula for giving my blog a MUCH needed facelift! I love it...thanks so much!

Pumpkin Patch Pals

2009-10-12T11:03:00.009-05:00

Yesterday, Anna Kate and I joined several of our friends and made the trip to Hardin Farms in Grady, AR. Anna Kate couldn't wait to get there to pick out her pumpkin and go on the hayride. Thankfully, the weather cooperated and we made it without getting wet! It was a day full of fun times with some really great friends. We missed Mason and Grace but enjoyed having a mother/daughter day. Mason was on call this weekend and Grace was just too small to make the trip. Hopefully, this will be a family venture next year! Enjoy the pictures...I couldn't resist posting several! :)

The 5 Munchkins...
Sydney, Anna Claire, Alia, Laney & Anna Kate

AK loved all the "head" pics! lol

Waiting in line for face painting!
Alia, Laney, Anna Kate and Anna Claire

Brad had to catch each girl at least three times! Thanks Brad!

Me and my pumpkin! :)

Sydney, Anna Claire, Anna Kate and Laney

They had a BIG slide and it was an even bigger hit with the girls!

AK loved this rope swing. It was her favorite of all the activities!

Pretty Girls, Great Friends!
Laney, Anna Kate, Alia, Anna Claire and Sydney

AK and I on the hayride...heading to the Pumpkin Patch to get our pumpkins!

Here are the Moms...yep, we did it too.
Melissa, Jenny Lynn, Stormy, Ashley and Me
We made sure we corresponded with our kids...each mom is the same animal as their child was in the earlier picture.
(Go figure AK chose the PIG! lol)

Anna Kate showing off her pumpkin on her face :)

Here are are pumpkins that we got at the farm. AK insisted I paint their names on them.

A few cute pics...

2009-10-10T15:38:00.004-05:00

Here are some random pictures from this week. :)

I snapped this pic of Anna Kate on Tuesday.
It was picture day at preschool. :)

She fell sound asleep on her daddy while they were watching a movie last night.

Grace suited up and helped us cheer on the HOGS!

Sneaky grin she gives when you chase her. :)

Grace and I celebrating the Hogs win over Auburn!

Fabulous Friends

2009-10-03T18:17:00.005-05:00

I am truly blessed with wonderful, amazing and uplifting friends. I count them among my greatest blessings! Last night, we celebrated the birthday of one of those fabulous friends. I helped plan a surprise party for Ashley Bolin. Her friendship was somewhat unexpected in a way, but has proven to be one of the best I've ever known. We've become very close in the short year that I've known her. She is thoughtful, very giving and always there when I need a laugh or a listening ear. I hope she had as much fun at her party as the rest of us did planning it! We knew it had to be somewhat fancy...the "Princess" wouldn't have it any other way! lol

Here are some pictures from our very fun night! :)

Joanna, Robin, Ashley M, Penny
Stormy and Me with the Birthday Girl

The cake was gorgeous!

The serving table

Ashley with her cake
Beautiful arrangement that Melissa made for her.

Ashley thanking her sweet hubby. :)
The Party Planners
Joanna, Stormy, Me, Robin and Ashley M
Melissa...should be in this pic, but she couldn't make the party. :(

*Speaking of Melissa, please pray very hard for her and Alan. They leave for Houston tomorrow. If you are unfamiliar with their situation, please click on "The McCones" blog in my bloglist to the right.

Eagles (Still) Fly High!

2009-09-28T10:31:00.005-05:00

Fall Friday night's have always meant high school football here in Crossett. That's yet another blessing of being back in our hometown. Mason and I get to cheer on the Eagles, just like we have always done! This past Friday was termed the "White Out" game b/c everyone was asked to wear white t-shirts in support of the Eagles. Anna Kate wore her t-shirt proudly from sun-up til sun-down. Mason and I couldn't believe how much fun Grace had at the game. She clapped and cheered with everyone else in the stands!! It was a neat experience for us to share... Eagles...Fly High!! :)

Grace clapping along with the cheerleaders!

Anna Kate with Ashley and Wes

Grace and my Daddy :)

AK with my Mom :)

Grace monkeying with her Nona

Me with my sweet baby girl

Highlight of the night: AK got to shoot the confetti gun after an Eagle touchdown!!

She LOVED it!! Can you tell?? lol!

One Busy Little Girl!

2009-09-23T09:54:00.004-05:00

Grace is definitely coming into her own and keeping me on my toes! She's finally walking everywhere...and therefore getting into everything! Last night and this morning, I have not been able to turn my back on her (she's having a snack now or this post would not be possible! lol). Here are pics from just a few of her new favorite pass-times.

What you can't see is that there is a pile of 50 wipes directly behind her!

This is the look I got AFTER I got on to her...she is SUCH a stinker!

This was her reaction after I firmly told her "NO!"
Again, you can't see the entire roll of TP that is all over the floor!

Poor Bailey...after I child-proofed everything I thought she might get into,
she went back to playing with him. She enjoys this "playtime" much more than he does!

She's asking him for a "kiss-t"

Yep, she's definitely having more fun than he is! lol

Family and Football Weekend

2009-09-20T13:12:00.004-05:00

This weekend we spent time seeing family and watching football. Saturday, my cousin Zach got married. His wife, Kristen, is so outgoing and fun. I think they will have a wonderful life together! It was fun to see them and visit with family that I haven't seen in a while. The girls went with us and did really well! It was the first time either of them had ever been to a wedding...AK was excited and thankfully, Grace was content to watch quietly.

After the wedding, we hurried home. We hosted a Razorback Watch Party for our friends. Although our beloved Hogs did not win the game, we still had a blast eating great food and chatting with great friends. Hopefully, we will host watch party's in the future where the outcome will be victorious! Regardless, we still love our HOGS! :)

Me with the handsome groom. Love him!

AK and Grace at the reception

Anna Kate, 4 years

Grace Elizabeth, 15 months

My wonderful parents with my beautiful girls.

Cheering on the Hogs...Grace wasn't very excited...it was late and she was tired!

Random Pics!

2009-09-13T12:53:00.000-05:00

We had a busy week and I wanted to post a few pictures from it. We got to go to the first home football game of the season (Go Eagles!!), visit with friends we haven't seen in a year, celebrate Papoo's bday and Grace turned 15months old!

AK showing off her Eagle pride. She also attended her first pep rally!

Sharon, Me, Mason and Karen

Anna Kate after church on Sunday :)

Missed the pic with Papoo on his bday but got one with Nana!

Grace pushing her pink pony

My little "hip-rider". She is constantly on my hip.

My big 15 month old girl! She's finally big enough to ride her rocking horse!

Hot Springs and Baby Steps

2009-09-08T16:52:00.005-05:00

We spent Labor Day weekend with my in-laws at their condo in Hot Springs. We had such a great time! It was really nice to be able to get out on the water one last time before fall arrives. Grace and Anna Kate had a blast playing and swimming on the barge. It reminded Mason and I of how much fun Anna Kate had when she was Grace's age and we were on the barge at least twice a week. We certainly miss Hot Springs...there's no doubt about that! We also enjoyed the fabulous cuisine of our favorite restaurant, Fisherman's Wharf. The meal was even better since Nana and Papoo graciously offered to keep the kids while we went! It was definitely a fun time and we're already looking forward to our next trip to the Spa City.

Grace giving Nana her signature neck pinching.

Grace loved sitting on the deck with Papoo

Grace with Will, a good friend of ours...whom she has a big crush on! lol

Grace and I watching the fireworks on the lake. She did so good for her first fireworks show!

AK watching the fireworks from the sink in the barge...this has become a tradition for her :)

On another note, Grace FINALLY took some REAL steps towards walking! She's been only taking one or two but decided last night to walk across the kitchen! I managed to get some video of it, but please ignore my commentary...I was a little excited! lol

The Times...They Are A Changin'

2009-09-02T15:32:00.004-05:00

There are lots of changes going on in our lives right now. For instance, my girls themselves are changing dramatically (both in their own unique way), our schedules have had to change, my parents have bought a new house, the weather has changed from muggy to amazing and I've acquired a third child, two mornings per week! lol Thankfully, most all these changes have been for the good and I definitely can't complain that it's been boring around here!
As some of you know, I've been keeping Grant (a friend's son) two mornings per week while he waits for a spot to open up at Anna Kate's preschool. He is a very sweet little man but he's quickly teaching me that little boys are not much like little girls. He keeps me on my toes and I've decided that I think God knew I might not be cut out for raising boys! lol
As for my girls, they are each changing so much right now. Anna Kate is at least two inches taller than the other kids in her class. She LOVES school and wakes up every morning excited to find out what her new "project" is for that day. I'm amazed at everything she's learning and also in the ways that she's maturing. She is a great kid. She is so compliant, so mannerly and so loving. I pray that her little sister will one day share in these attributes! However...as for now, well...Grace has her mind on other things. Her personality is certainly presenting itself more and more boldly with each passing day. She's entered the phase that I like to call, "things will go my way or you will pay!" She is also FINALLY growing more hair and getting some new teeth. It's been 6 months since she cut her last tooth, so I was pretty excited to finally see some white shining through those gums! I wish I could say that there's been progression on the mobility front...but that's just not the case. She will be 15 months old on the 10th and she still has no interest in walking. Oh well! Grace is quite the crawler! lol
Here are a few random pics from this week.

My little buddy, Grant

My big preschooler :)

AK striking her favorite pose!

See those shiny new top teeth?
(don't worry, she was only fussing...not crying!)

Grace Elizabeth
Look closely and you can see some tiny new fuzz on that head! :)

Surprise Supper Club!

2009-08-21T21:43:00.005-05:00

Tonight we decided to surprise the McCones with a birthday cookie in honor of Alan's 37th birthday. We also wanted to get together to say a prayer for them before they leave for Houston. We all love them dearly and hope they forgive us for showing up unannounced!!

May God watch over them this week and we pray that Alan will receive positive news regarding his cancer. (if you'd like to know more about the McCones, please click on their blog in the column to the right)

Alan blowing out his imaginary candles!

Jeff showing off his "guns" thanks to Sydney and Alia

Stormy assuming her usual role of taking care of my Grace. :)

Meeting Abbott Clare

2009-08-17T16:15:00.006-05:00

We just returned from spending the weekend in Longview where we finally got to meet our new niece, Abbott Clare Koelling. I realize that I might be just a smidge prejudice, but she is absolutely adorable! She was just perfect...10 beautiful little fingers and toes, bright blue (yep...I said blue!) eyes and already a sweet smile. I enjoyed every single second that I got to spend with her. I love itty bitty babies and it was definitely a memorable treat for me to get to cuddle with her. Emily and Adam (of course!) are amazing parents. It was fun to watch them with their own little bundle of joy. I love being an aunt!! It is such a blessing! Em took more pics than I did, but here are some that I got of Miss Abbott.

I just love those squishy cheeks! ;)

Holding my 5th niece!

Em rocked Grace while I held Abbott. She loves her Memmy!

AK and Mary had a blast...they were inseparable!

Em, Abbott, Mary and Anna Kate

Mason's Festive Fiesta!

2009-08-14T12:43:00.007-05:00

Mason's 32nd birthday was Wednesday and we celebrated it our favorite local Mexican restaurant, Fiesta Linda. We were blessed to have lots of friends there to celebrate with us. We had a great time and enjoyed great food and fellowship. Here are a few pics from the party...I'm sure Mason is really going to love me posting the one of him in the sombrero! lol!

*I can't finish this post without mentioning that this week was also a very hard week for some family friends of ours. They unexpectedly lost their full term newborn baby girl. They are an amazingly strong Christian family but are in desperate need of your prayers. If you'd like to read more about this very brave, very precious family, please click on Katie's Keepers in my blog list to the right. Reese Catherine Rowe was a beautiful little girl who is now being held by her Heavenly Father. Please remember them in your prayers.

Toes In The Sand...

2009-08-11T14:43:00.007-05:00

Everyone but Grace that is! lol! She was NOT letting her toes touch the sand! Last week, we joined the rest of the Pope clan for our annual trip to the beach. We had such a great time!! The ocean was really clear this year and we had great weather. Anna Kate was especially excited to spend so much time with her cousins. Grace did well for her age. She wasn't thrilled with the sand but was content to sit in our lap and eat fruit while enjoying the view of the ocean. Em, Adam and Abbott weren't able to make it and they were missed daily. It wasn't the same without them. We can't wait til next year when all 19 of us will be together! Here are just a few of my many pics! (If you'd like to see more, you can check out my album by clicking here.)

Going Off The Deep End...

2009-07-31T14:26:00.006-05:00

...Anna Kate that is! She has completed a month of swimming lessons and we couldn't be more pleased with the results! She's swimming like a little fish and even jumping off the diving board. She has come a long way in a short period of time. Yay!! Just wanted to post a few pics and video before I leave...for the BEACH! I can't wait! This time tomorrow, I will be soaking up some rays with my toes in white sand. Orange Beach...here we come!!

Anna Kate diving off the board and then swimming "freestyle". lol~!

This was NOT the plan!

2009-07-26T11:47:00.008-05:00

I really didn't know what to entitle this post, but this one seemed the most accurate. The last few days have been very tiring and action-packed though not in the way that we had intended. Originally, we were supposed to be spending this weekend in Longview celebrating the arrival of our beautiful new niece, Abbott Clare. I can't even put into words how excited and anxious I was to meet her and how badly I wanted to be there to welcome her. Of course, sometimes things just don't work out the way we want them to. Thankfully, Abbott was born without incident on Thursday, July 23rd at 2:22pm. She is a healthy, happy miracle that has already blessed her parents and the rest of her family. That is the BEST news!!

Abbott Clare Koelling

9lbs 12ozs 21.5"

The very proud parents! Way to go guys!

My beautiful new niece!

As for everything else, well...it wasn't so great. I went to LR on Wed for an appt with an ENT. His diagnosis didn't come as a huge surprise, but his urgency did. He scheduled me for an outpatient sinus procedure to be done the very next day (Thursday). It became pretty evident at that moment that we wouldn't be making it to TX. I was bummed but still thought it might be possible to sneak in a quick trip on Sat if I felt up to it. Little did I know, I wouldn't be the issue. Suffice it to say, that Mason and Grace have been sick ever since my surgery. Grace has had it the worst. Her fever spiked several times to 105.5 and she was unable to keep any meds or liquids down. She was miserable and absolutely pitiful. Mason and Grace are still battling the virus but have (thankfully) made it over the worst of it. They are fever free and are gradually returning to a normal diet and routine.
It has definitely been a rough couple of days and I'm very glad to have it all behind us. I'm also amazed and really thankful that Anna Kate managed to stay healthy the entire time. I pray she and I will manage to evade this virus. It's a nasty one!
Thanks to all our friends and family for the prayers! Also, thanks to everyone who checked on me after my surgery. We are very blessed to have so many caring friends!
Also, please check out: http://emmyadam.bl ogspot.com/2009/07/our-first-day-home.html to read all about Abbott and see her pictures. I still plan on seeing the little peach just as soon as possible! Congrats to Em and Adam! Abbott is sooo gorgeous! We love you guys.

My sad Grace...this is how we spent Friday and Saturday

You can see how weak and miserable she was...poor baby!