Meet Turtle

When I was pregnant with Hayden, we assumed we'd have one more. And then at 2 weeks she started crying for hours on end. And the spit-up? Our carpet, couch and clothes still haven't recovered. She may be the cutest, sweetest thing now but we couldn't help but wonder if we could do it again. Not to mention the money, time, energy... The need for a bigger house, bigger car, another college fund... All the negatives and what-ifs weighed heavily on us. Tom and I decided for once in our lives we weren't going to over-think or take the conservative route. A piece was missing. These initial years may be tough, but we didn't want to look back and regret not having another. Just as we were about to give up, our wish came true.

Today I went for the 2nd Down Syndrome test - I didn't expect to get a 3D/4D shot of our little nugget, but they needed to view my cyst up close (I get one every pregnancy... It has switched sides each time and goes away after delivery. This one is big, but they confirmed it's only filled with water so it's not an issue. I will get two more ultrasounds in the next few months to ensure it doesn't fill with blood or tissue). When I showed Cole the picture, he said our baby looked like a turtle.

Introducing, "Turtle"
17.5 weeks (Sweet Potato - Average size: 5.6 inches, 6.7 oz)

We are overjoyed and ready for the chaos!
(Please remind me in June that I wrote that).

Weirdos

Luckily Gavin and Colin only go to the world famous San Diego Zoo for the playground, goats, koala tree and mini loader too.

Where Will They Drop?

Hayden, Big Baby, Molly and Gil are still starting off on the living room floor each night - It was a little annoying at first, but now it's entertaining.

Phew!

"I look pretty like Minnie."

VERY happy with her present from Aunt Traci, Uncle Brett and Annie!

Return to Sender

Tom's company hosts a Santa Party each year for the kids. They provide the crafts and presents, parents provide the food. It's a very fun night and the kids were thrilled we could go this year
(we were home for Grandpa and Grandma's anniversary party last year).

Cole struggled with Santa, but LOVED his gift.
(That's his I'm-trying-so-hard-not-to-cry-I-just-want-this-moment-to-be-over face.)





















Hayden waited so patiently... She was second to last - Pretty tough when you're 2!

She had no problem hopping right up.

She ripped open her present and found a doll - "Mama, don't open it. Save it for Baby Annie. Why he not give me Bubble Guppies?" She then walked away and sat by herself.  We thought she'd be so excited. Every day she'd been mentioning she wanted Bubble Guppies, babies and Dora for Christmas... I went to comfort her and she told me, "I so very sad." My heart broke right then and there. I realized she remembered sitting on his lap two weeks ago and asking for Bubble Guppies... Nothing else. She thought this was her one chance. I tried to explain that this was a special party and Santa was coming to our house in a few days... She nodded and went to play with Cole and Isabella.

Goodness... Hoping all will be mended Christmas morning.

Garrison Street