Perfect Sunday

Today was great...a beautiful sunny day with Jason and Reagan. We went to the Walnut Hills park up the street and over one more and got lots of pics. I have to say I have loved this day.

Birthday, Birthday Party, and Sweetest Day

Our baby girl turned one year old yesterday! Her party was today and we have lots of pics to show for it. I will admit I'm overjoyed that Reagan is one...but I'm also sad because I'm realizing how fast life is actually flying by. Especially since she's reached all sorts of milestones lately. Here are some pics to enjoy...she did a great job with her cupcake and received so many books, toys, and sippy cups to entertain. We are so grateful for all our friends and family that helped make today so fun.





And not only was today Reagan's party, but it was also Sweetest Day. Last year we were in the hospital, recovering from Reagan's birth. Jason brought me beautiful lilies, my favorite flower, and he brought Reagan a single lily...how appropriate! Anyways, as we were running around the house getting things in place for the big shin dig today, Jason marches in the living room with presents for me! What is this?!? He had a big Charlotte Russe bag and an Old Navy bag. He knows I was in need of winter boots with no high heels, appropriate for pregnancy and holding a one year old among snow and ice. So, he picked up a pair of black and brown boots for me from Charlotte Russe. Also, I needed a maternity coat for this winter since I'll have a huge belly by the time the dead of winter is upon us. So out comes a maternity overcoat from Old Navy! I also was graced with a pair of maternity khakis that were on clearance. Unfortunately they don't fit--so they will go back. But anyways, what a surprise this was! Jason's always good at surprising me, one of his finest qualities of our dating era I admit. And he found money in our account to somehow hide from me and surprise me on Sweetest Day. More to come on Reagan's gifts in the next few days...

Here he is!

Here's our baby boy!

And It's A...

BOY!

Yesterday Jason and I saw that we are not only the parents of a beautiful baby girl, but also...a strapping young boy! I'm officially 20 weeks pregnant today and are very excited to have a daughter and a son. :) Our due date is still March 5, but since we're having a C-section we'll have our baby boy at the end of February. We've reached the halfway point and are overjoyed to have a wingman even out our family. Now, to only land on a name...

Where to Begin...

Removing cereal boxes cause it's fun

Mommy's little helper

No words for this cuteness

Sorry for the delay in posting. Reagan has been keeping my very busy these days! She's taken her first steps, learned how to pull herself up on anything (including her crib rails when she doesn't want to get to sleep--like last night), does her funky monkey crawl, and is interested in eating, a lot! Perhaps a growth spurt? Her temperment is usually very pleasant, especially around people other than her parents. But I feel lately she's been extra cranky and has a small fit when she doesn't get her way. I'm trying to figure out when she's just being a one year old who doesn't understand most of life, or if she is displaying behavior that needs actual correction. So, here we go--parenting just got a bit tougher. However, my pregnancy hormones are in FULL, dramatic, cry-at-the-drop-of-an-anything, swing. So maybe things are just fine and I'm over-reacting.

Our little one has surely been a joy to us--can't believe she's turning one on Friday! Time truly does fly when you have children. By the way, we find out tomorrow at 1:00 if we're having a son or daughter. I've been feeling this baby move much more these past two days...always an encouraging milestone. Before I get going, here's what we're most looking forward to:

• tomorrow's ultrasound!


• big house church gathering on Wednesday


• date night on Thurs.


• planning for Reagan's birthday party


• Reagan's birthday on Friday!


• Her party on Saturday!

Thank You!

Phew! Thanks to all of you who helped me get on track to affordable meal planning! I'm so grateful for all the advice offered and all the websites thrown out there for me to visit. I have a lot to think about! Better to have a lot to look at and sift through than not enough...

Looking forward to getting together with Kate next week to discuss more about meal planning in greater detail. Amber and I were just talking last week about how difficult it is to plan healthy meals on tight budgets, God has answered yet another prayer of mine...seeking to be a virtuous woman who is thrifty.

Lots going on this weekend: family night at home (finally!), wedding tomorrow at 4, nursery duty at 5:30 at Apex, birthday party at 7:30, Jason working on Sunday, maybe getting together with the Ham fam at some point, it's been over a week!

Meal Planning Advice

Hey faithful readers...I'm asking for your advice...

In January, Jason and I decided to adopt the "envelope budget system." It brings so much freedom because we know how much we can spend each month and when the envelope gets low--that's it. No more till the first of the month, no matter what. So anyways, the biggest point of tension/conflict/frustration/confusion for us is how I'm so bad at keeping money in our grocery envelope. Grocery prices are going up so much--even storebrand foods/products (which I buy when possible). All that to say...could you point me in the direction of a website or blog or something that helps with meal planning? On a small budget? Like, really small?

Any tips or words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, girls!