3 + 1 = 4

I have been away for a while from the blogging world.  To be honest, life got busy (in a good way) and blogging was the last thing I thought about.  A few days ago it hit me, I need to get back in the habit so that I can record the BIG changes that are happening in our little space of the world.

As the title says, we are now a family of FOUR.  Wow, that happened a lot faster than it seemed.  During my first trimester of pregnancy I thought the days passed so slowly.  I wasn't feeling very well and every day I felt so sick and tired that I got a little "sick and tired" of being pregnant.  Thankfully at around 14 weeks the sickness went away and I could finally enjoy being pregnant.  I didn't have those feelings of wanting the pregnancy to be over until the last few days.  I just felt so HUGE.

Regardless of how I felt about my body, I was thrilled to add to our family.  Adding a BOY made things even more special.  I have always wanted to have a little boy.  Now I have the best of both worlds and I feel so blessed!  My heart is overflowing!

Overall I had a pretty uneventful pregnancy.  Things went well and I remained healthy the entire time (again, thankful!).  Our son was born on April 29th just a few days after his due date.  Although the doctors had suggested during an induction to help him along, he decided to come on his on and came pretty quickly too!

Big sister is transitioning well and already loves her little brother so much.  I never had siblings so I am looking forward to watching them grow up together.

Photos by Megan Lane Photography 

Snow Day Fun!

"Snowmegedon" has come and gone leaving behind a beautiful layer of soft snow, something we don't see very often here in the South.  It tried to snow a couple weeks ago, but all that was left behind was an icy mix.  This time we got legit snow that is both fun to look at and play in.  Of course it has also shut everything down so we are enjoying a snow day at home!

Although it wasn't the best for snowman making, a certain little girl did love making snow angles and sledding!  Living so far out, there is no telling when we will be able to venture out, but that's okay!  For now we are enjoying the time together and thankful for our warm home!

Take one! 

We can sled this time! 

Brotherhoods

You often hear firefighters refer to their special bond as brotherhood. Soon after Preston joined the fire service (almost 10 years ago) I quickly realized this bond was no myth. They always have each other's back through the good and the bad. 

Recently one of Preston's "brothers" was diagnosed with cancer. Without even thinking the fire department began a fund raiser for the family. Seventeen thousand dollars and lots of bald heads later they made a huge impact! 

At the event, Shave for Shane, I was so impressed with their willingness to give their time, energy, and money to help a friend. I felt very honored to be a part of this special family and even more thankful that my husband works with such great human beings every day. 

Firefighters are more than big trucks and uniforms. They are men and women with true hearts of gold. I challenge you, the next time you pass one by, say a prayer. You never know which one may be fighting for their life to save another's. 

No more monkeys jumping on the bed...

During our second beach trip we had a little excitement by way of a broken arm... you read that right.  One night while at the beach, Ella Ruth broke her arm when she feel off the bed playing with her cousins.  Let's just say the story about the monkeys has a totally new meaning for us! 

We were very thankful for awesome urgent care nurses and doctors that helped keep her arm safe so she didn't have to miss a minute of vacation.  Once we returned we headed straight to the specialist so that we could find out for sure if it was broken and if she would need to wear a cast.

Again, we were blessed with awesome nurses and doctors!  They diagnosed her break as a "buckle fracture."  This type of break is very common, especially in younger children who break a fall.  Coincidently the break also looked like a belt on the x-ray.  Unfortunately it takes some time to heal so she will be in her little cast for four weeks.  It also had to go above her elbow so that she doesn't slide out of it.  The good news is the cast is water proof so summer pool fun doesn't have to end!  Bath time is also a lot easier!  We have all been so impressed with how she is coping with wearing it.  It hasn't limited her one bit!  I think she is enjoying the extra attention too!

The soft cast we got from urgent care didn't slow her down one bit!  

Waiting for her new hard cast to dry! 

Showing off her arm! Although it took a little getting use to, this cast hasn't bothered or limited her very much! 

Beach Bums

Each year we are fortunate enough to go on two awesome beach trips with our families!  Of course both are filled with lots of fun family memories!

Our first trip took us to Cherry Grove, South Carolina.  For the past 29 years my Dad's side of the family (with the exception of last year) spends a week together at the beach!  It has been fun to grow up  with this tradition.  Now it is even better because my own child gets to join in on the fun!

Oh, how we love the beach! 

A trip to the beach isn't complete without yummy Seafood!

Ella Ruth's first put put experience!  

A couple weeks late we ventured down to Emerald Isle to spend a week with my husband's side of the family.  Their family is equally as large but with LOTS of babies (Eight total, three under one!).  Ella Ruth was fascinated with the babies and really enjoyed spending time with her younger cousins.  Aside from all the fun on the beach we visited the water park and bumper boats.  

Ella Ruth and cousin Ruby "surfin!"

The guys and their new game "Spike Ball."

Ella Ruth and Campbell looking for pirate treasure!  

Kindermusik

Before summer began I made a list of things I'd like to do with Ella Ruth. Kindermusik was one of those! Because of my work schedule I often miss out on doing these type of classes because so many happen in the middle of the day.   I was really excited to find a simple two week class that we could enjoy together! 

ER mostly enjoys the parts of class where she explore new instruments. Her favorite has been the drums! She wasn't too into the pretending at first but she is starting to get into it more each time. She is a realist like her mom I guess! 

We have had a great time! I am so as I can have this experiences during summer break! 

Zoo Fun

Before the summer began I tried to make a list of "must dos."  You know, all those things you just have to do when you have the time to do them.  At the top of the list was a trip to the Zoo.  We are very lucky to live within an hour drive to ours.  We also wanted to be sure to take two very special people with us... My grandparents!  We all had a great time.  Fortunately it wasn't too hot and there was lots of shade!