The Manipulator

My child is a con artist. She knows how to get what she wants. The bargaining comes mainly at naptime and bedtime. Since she was sick during the last weekend and the first part of this week, her schedule has been a bit "off." A little leniency when she's sick makes her think she can get away with anything.

She uses her sweetest face when making requests and she always says "peeeeese" with her little head cocked to the side. Kill me. I'm a sucker for the cute face.

From what I understand, it gets worse as they get older. Great. What have I gotten myself into? How soon is it to start using the phrase "because I said so"?

The Beach - Take II

I'm just getting around to posting about this past weekend's beach trip. We had planned to go to Gulf Shores with Chad's parents, sister, brother-in-law and niece. Chad's sister called us Wednesday evening. They had left around noon that day to get there ahead of us. They'd been contacted by the condo people telling them that there was a problem with the stove in our condo. They had decided to move us. However, all the places they tried to stick us in were lacking. Julie had done her research and chosen our place because of the size, indoor pool, and proximity to the beach.

She got tough with them. They finally called back to tell us that we'd be in a 3,300 sq. ft. condo just on the other side of the FL/AL border with a wraparound balcony right on the beach. Incredible. The kitchen was top-notch and all the bedrooms had their own bathroom and king sized bed. It was wonderful.

We had been concerned about the weather. When we attempted to go to Hilton Head earlier this summer, the torrential downpour kept us from enjoying anything and the forecast was looking gloomy this time, too. Depressing. However, the rains saved themselves for night. We got a little sprinkle shower one afternoon, but that was all. It was great!

Avery was a bit timid on the beach (as was her cousin Caroline), but she warmed up to the ocean when one of us was holding her. She adored the indoor pool, too. She kept asking to go to the "o-sin" or "da poo."

The rough spot to the weekend (there's always one of those, isn't there?) was the fever Avery woke up with Saturday morning. We thought it might be molars coming in, but then the coughing started. By the time we got home Sunday night, she was miserable. She had a fever off and on until yesterday. The doctor says it's viral, which means we just have to sit and wait. We've been trapped in the house forever and I'm dying to see the light of day again! I think we're on the upswing!

Caroline and Avery were very excited to see each other!

Avery LOVED the indoor pool.

Avery entertains Caroline during tummy time.

Avery and Caroline in deep conversation about sippy cups

Public Apology

I need to publicly apologize to the poor soul I was impatient with on the road today. When I thought she was changing lanes too slowly (and dangerously), she was really having some sort of car trouble. She could tell I was impatient because she mouthed the words "I'm sorry" when I drove past her.

Like a coward, I was too embarrassed to turn around and find out if she needed any help. I just hung my head and finished my drive home.

I've got to learn patience. Too many times in my day I am short with people -- even those I'm closest to -- and I'm a poor reflection of Christ in my day. I am at my worst when I am behind the wheel, too.

So dear, sweet, frustrated, embarrassed driver on the road: I'm so sorry for my behavior today. I hope you can forgive me!

The Secret's Out

I suppose it's finally time to let the cat out of the bag. On March 9, we anticipate the arrival of a new member of the family. Avery is going to be a big sister!

We managed to keep it all quiet for the longest time so we could enjoy it ourselves for a while. I also wanted my clients to maintain their confidence in my skills. I believe I've proven that I'm quite capable of handling all their needs while growing a person at the same time!

I'm thrilled to be pregnant. I love the way my body changes and adore experiencing one of God's most beautiful mysteries. Even now, God is knitting the child together inside me. Wow! Who, after witnessing the miracle of life, would deny believing in God?

I appreciate your prayers during these next 25 (or 26, if this baby is like its sister) weeks. I leave you with the first picture of our little bundle.

Michigan who?

What a thrilling weekend of football! As most of you know, I profess faithfully to be an Alabama football fan. However, DEFINITELY the game of the weekend was the matchup between Michigan and Appalachian State.

My brother John just graduated from App this summer, so I'm not just jumping on the bandwagon blindly. App really shouldn't have been considered the underdog. They've won the last two 1AA national championships and were ranked #1 in the polls again. Michigan was #5. (Not any more!)

John and his friends watched the game from the Hickory Tavern near my parents' house. He said that people were standing on the tables during the last couple of minutes of the game. I can only imagine the chaos! Chad and I watched the re-airing on CSS last night. It was amazing how action-packed the last minute of the game was. Even though I already knew the outcome, I was on the edge of my seat. (It's like watching Titanic!)

We were supposed to spend the weekend in Hilton Head. However, the monsoon rains drove us out. As soon as we were off the island, the clouds parted. We drove up from there to my parents' house to enjoy better weather. I'll be sure to post pictures of our mini-vacation when I get them from Mom.