doggy date

A couple weekends ago, Jason and I headed downtown to a concert on the river front with some friends.  It was a dog friendly event and I really wanted to bring Jack along.  We were a bit nervous about the idea at first because sometimes Jack can get pretty excited around other dogs.  Not because he is aggressive or anything, but he just loves to play with other dogs.  In the end, we were nervous for no reason because Jack did so well!  We were such proud doggie parents.  

We are trying to get out at every chance to enjoy this perfect weather while it lasts.  Don't you just love the transition into fall? 

the reason for my absence: an announcement

That's right, we are going to be parents!  

We are thrilled beyond belief for this exciting new chapter in our lives.  I am 15 and a half weeks along now, so happily in my second trimester.  Let me tell you, that first trimester was rough on me.  I was sick pretty much everyday with morning and night sickness.  So in between running to the bathroom and falling asleep while walking, blogging just didn't seem to fit in my schedule.  Thankfully, I have been gradually feeling better and my bad days are less, although not completely gone.  I definitely want to remember all the wonderful milestones, so I am hoping my blogging will pick up quite a bit.  Our little one is due March 1, 2013 and yes we will be finding out the gender; we can't wait!

open for business

Last Friday evening,  Jason and I re-opened our super exclusive babysitters club and watched my niece and nephew for the evening so my sister could take the night off and have dinner with a friend.  We had the whole evening planned out - rice and bean burritos with avocados for dinner and a surprise trip to get frozen yogurt for dessert.  When I told my sister our plans, the first thing she said was that Adelynn doesn't like rice and has always refused to eat it.  Say what?!  I refused to accept that fact and proceeded with our burrito making plans.  We decided our method would be to just give her the burrito and don't tell her whats in it.  Turns out, it worked like a charm.  She ate (almost) the entire thing and said that she loved it.  Operation rice-lover: success.

  

After dinner we loaded up the car and headed out for dessert.  This definitely put us on the top of the list for best Auntie and Uncle.  We had a grand time; sampling flavors before making our final choices, carefully selecting the perfect toppings, and enjoying every last bite until there wasn't a drop of yogurt left.  And we managed to make it through the entire evening with zero meltdowns.  I think it may be time to upgrade our babysitting status to child whisperers.  Maybe.  

a little backyard fun

It has been so amazing having my sister, niece and nephew in town.  Last week, I had everyone over for dinner and afterwards the kids ran around in the backyard until sweat was dripping down their brows.  Our neighbor's little girl, Ana, came over to play too.  Her and Kaleb are the same age and they always have a fun time playing.  Adelynn insisted that my brother run back and forth without stopping.  "Come on, Uncle Ryan!"  She just loves him so.  And of course Jack was in the middle of it all.  My heart is full.

slam on your brakes

A while ago, my high school friend Emily wrote a post about slamming on the brakes.  While reading it, I instantly thought of occasions where I wished I had done exactly that.  You see something interesting on the side of the road and hesitate for just a second and then the opportunity passes by.  

I remember last year while we were driving down to Panama City, we took some back roads and passed by this tiny post office building that was straight out of the olden days - I had never seen anything like it.  I said I wanted to stop, but Jason was hesitant and I didn't press the issue.  So I missed it.  And a year later I am still thinking about what an awesome photo that would have been.  

Needless to say, a few weeks ago when we passed this field of cows, we slammed on the brakes.  I mean, it's not everyday that you see horns like those (unless you are in Texas, I guess).  I am pretty excited about this new motto I have added to my life; it's time to start really living.  Thanks, Emily!

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