Big Sister Ashlyn

Ashlyn is going to be a big sister February 1st!!!!!!!!! I don't think any of us could be more excited. I am so happy that Ashlyn will finally have a sibling. She needs one so badly. She is so excited to be a big sister. She talks about the baby all the time. She gives my stomach kisses every night. Today, she came into our room with a play cup and spoon. I asked her what it was for and she said, "To feed the baby". She then proceeded to feed my stomach. I guess the baby is hungry because she has fed my stomach a few more times today. I have been asking her for a long time if she wants a sister or brother. She has always said a sister, but she when referring to the baby, she calls it a brother. So, I'm a little confused.

This pregnancy has been completely different from my first one. With Ashlyn I was so sick the first trimester. I couldn't eat anything and ended up losing a lot of weight. This time, I had some nausea here and there, but nothing bad. I also got horrible headaches with Ashlyn. So bad I went to the hospital a few times for them. I haven't had bad headaches and I'm praying that I don't. I craved lots of sweets with Ashlyn, and this time I just crave food in general. I am hungry all the time. The differences lead me to believe that I'm having a boy. I honestly have had the perfect pregnancy so far.

I have an appointment this Tuesday. I was told I would be having an ultrasound, so I'm hoping to find out what I'm having. We have a girl's name picked out, but no clue about a boy's name. I can honestly say we are 100% stumped when it comes to boys names. I want to start shopping and working on names if it is a boy. My sister is having a baby and she is due only 3 days before me!!! She found out she is having a girl, so either way Ashlyn's clothes will get use.

When I had an ultrasound at 12 weeks I was told my placenta is in the front again. I was very sad to hear this. When your placenta is in the front, it makes it much harder to feel movement. However, I have been feeling some movement. Nothing major, but I have felt the baby. I can't wait for Joey and Ashlyn to feel it too.

I've been feeling pretty good lately. My only complaint is total exhaustion. I don't think I have ever been this tired. I'm fortunate that I spent my entire first trimester on summer break. But, going back to work has been quite difficult. I walk in the door at night and just about collapse. I just finished the first week of school and I'm a little overwhelmed with my class this year. I think this class will definitely be my most challenging yet. I pray for the strength to get through it.

Okay, that is the baby update for now. I will continue to update baby news!

Picnic Fun

Today was Joey's company picnic. It was at an old historic ranch. His company really did a great job of putting it together this year. The food was catered by Joey's favorite bbq place and it was really good. They had lots of activities and lots for kids to do. They even had a bounce house, which we couldn't get Ashlyn out of. We had a great afternoon.



They had this hay candy search. There was a lot of kids that participated. Poor Ashlyn couldn't get close enough to the hay before all the big kids took all of the candy. She did manage to find one piece.

Searching for candy

Cooling of with a popsicle

They had a tatoo station where Ashlyn got some tatoos.

She was very proud of her tatoos.

They had a really neat photo both to take pictures in. They had a box of silly props to use. Ashlyn picked up this wig and put it on. She just looked too funny in it!

Posing in front of the duck pond

We even got a family picture

There were lots of animals to see. Ashlyn loved the pig. She kept saying how dirty he was.

North Pole

We made our annual trip up to the North Pole about a week and a half ago. It was my last day of summer break, and we figured a day at the North Pole would be a great way to spend it. I just love the North Pole. I have such fond memories of going there as a child. I love that Ashlyn is now old enough to enjoy it. It is really geared towards preschool age kids. The rides are just right. We attempted to make a visit to Santa. Once Ashlyn got to the front of the line, she freaked out and wouldn't go near him. It doesn't look good for Santa pictures again this Christmas. It was a little hot and a little crowded the day we went, but we still had a blast!



Ashlyn has a new obsession with animals that lay chickens with prizes. Of course she had to get one.

No trip would be complete without a picture in front of Santa's sleigh.

Posing with a reindeer

She loves any ride where she gets to drive

Having a blast on the ladybug ride

She loved this ride so much she rode it twice in a row!

This was her favorite ride. I really think she thought she was driving the car.

What fun we had!