Christmas in July

Since we are going to have a new addition to the family around Christmas and we were able to do a little celebrating last week when we found out that we are going to have a baby boy.

After finding out the big news we went to buy the baby a few things to "celebrate"

We couldn't believe how much we had to look before we found something we really liked.
I never realized how convienent it was to shop for Libby...let the search begin!

This is Libby the day of her birthday party - we are hoping there is this much excitement when her baby brother arrives!

A visit with my yankee cousins*

Jane (Janie), Julia (Ju Ju) and Maggie (Maggie Moo Moo) left Memphis today. This trip was unlike any other in that we were living with mom and dad during their almost 2 week visit.
It was great to wake up, go downstairs, have coffee with my mom and sister on the patio and watch the girls whine, fuss and be dramatic play together.
All kidding aside, it was great. They had their moments but the true test was today when we woke up and the house was quiet and frankly we were bored and missed them already.
Libby asked about them first thing this morning...and Jeremy missed not being greeted at the door by 3 squealing little girls after work.

They made it back to Ohio safely after a 9 hour drive, Jane is brave, I will give her that. Here are a few pics Jane took while they were here.

JJ and Maggie Moo Moo

A stare down with Aunt Janie

Swinging on the back patio

A day trip to Dundee at Jana's house

Sharing Mimi

This is what our mornings looked like.

Mimi brought out the perfect surprise for the girls...slippers that made the noise of the animal
LtoR - sheep, pig & chicken

This is story time with Pop

Serious concentration from all - Please note the title of the book: I was so mad
I don't think it is just by coincidence that Julia picked that book to read - Libby likes to invade your personal space, and Julia did not cope well.

* This post title reminds me of all of my cousins who would refer to us as their "yankee cousins" while we lived in upstate New York. We did acquire an accent, but not for long.

Motherhood has it's moments...

July Fun

We had a fun-filled 4th with Nathan, Jonathan, Robert, Zoey, NaNa and Papaw.

We rented a cabin in Heber Springs and celebrated the 4th together. We ate lots of food, went swimming & found lots of bugs (this was THE highlight for the boys and Libby).

It was great spending time together and seeing the kids interact.

Nathan and Jonathan are so sweet to Libby loved being around them. Here are some pics from the 4th and a few extra I included:

swinging by myself on Mimi and Pop's swing set

Libby accessorized to go help Mimi get the recycling bin -

*accessories include: apron, purse (including lipstick, 2 cell phones & mirror) & baby with bib

J.P., Nate and Libby swinging at the cabin in Heber.

Eating popcorn & watching a movie with the boys

About to make a mess...

Sliding with JP

Summer time!

Summertime has brought us almost unlimited entertainment...I say almost, because this heat is pretty much torture, but besides the scorching heat we are having so much fun with Libby.

This summer is so different because last summer Libby was not walking which is hard to believe because she seems like such a big girl now. This summer we can run though the sprinkler, catch lightning bugs, go down the slide, go to the sprinkler park and so many other things. Sometimes I think Jeremy and I are having more fun than Libby. Watching her experience things for the first time has been a great perk to parenthood.

Here are just a few pics of what we have been up to!

Watermelon is hands-down my favorite fruit.

T.T., NaNa, Mamaw & Libby Lu

Swimming with Ansley

Playing in Pop & Mimi's backyard...

So cute.

Driving the boat at Sardis

If I am not swimming in the water, the next best thing is bobbing for ice cubes...

Having a great Father's Day on the lake!

Fiesta Forever!

We just got back from a great vacation in Playa Del Carmen. We had such a good time and I am sad that our vacation has come and gone so quickly! There were plenty of things for Libby to get into. She LOVED the pool the airplane and the biggest hit was the "bus"  (the shuttle that took us to the resort from the airport).

Here are a few pics from our trip...

Mimi, Libby and Pop riding the "bus" into town.

My favorite time of day - when I get to have a pop-pop...

Mimi and Pop enjoying the pool.

Normally I am a beach girl - If there is sand and water, I am under the umbrella on the beach.

However, this vacation with Libby was different. The pool was so awesome with lots of shallow space, and lots of people watching, and perfect for a little one.

Momma and Libby enjoying our version of "happy hour"

Libby and Pop walking

Daddy and Libby taking advantage of the swim up bar.

Another big highlight - the jacuzzi tub on the balcony.

It is where Libby bathed every night.

Bathing beauty

Daddy and Libby exploring on the beach.

Russell and Callie were another crowd favorite.

They were so helpful with Libby and she loved spending time with them.

View from our villa

Bath Time!

Libby enjoying her "bus" ride while Daddy sleeps.

More Life!

We have moved in with Mimi & Pop and closed on our new house. Now we are just waiting to move in, hopefully it will be mid-August. We are very excited and are having lots of fun planning. During the midst of all of our home selling/buying chaos we discovered another great surprise.

While we are thrilled to share the news, I have to be honest when I say...I under-estimated this whole moving project, especially when being in the first trimester. I would have a huge list of things to do during Libby's nap time, and as soon as I started reading that book to her, the bed was calling my name too.

Packing was the last thing on my mind.

I think for two weeks straight I looked like I just got hit by a truck...I know it was not easy on Jeremy either.

I know coming home to an exhausted and cranky wife, needy toddler, a house full of boxes, and not a crumb to eat was not the most pleasant part of his day.

Luckily, like anything in life - it was just a phase.

A Phase we probably go through again when the baby gets here...

Not saying I am back to my Donna Reed ways or anything (I've never been like that)

but I do have more energy and no more packing boxes in my immediate future (which puts my mind at ease).

We are 3 months along today and looking forward to welcoming another little one right before Christmas.

Libby has a slight obsession with babies, but I am not sure what it will be like when one arrives on her turf 24/7 and takes some of the spotlight. It will be interesting because she has such a unique definition of the the word "share".

We are very blessed, very excited, and looking forward to meeting the little one!