Rayleigh's 3!

We had Rayleigh's three year old birthday party today. The kids all seemed to have fun, some of the parents didn't seem to sure about letting them dive in. We had a bunch of paint and chalk set up for them in the garage. Surprisingly they didn't get as messy as I had anticipated them getting.

halloween

We had a frog and a princess this year. Rayleigh has really been into princesses here lately. If I could figure out how to be a little more handy I may make their costumes next. (great big laugh for those who know me!) Rayleigh had a really good time. We went to the pumpkin patch where they had different little stations, they were trying to help Dora find Nemo. One night they had a Trunk or Treat at the school. Then we took her trick or treating to a few friends houses. We ended the evening at Paige's house where Rayleigh and Maty took turns handing out candy. However, if Rayleigh thought you were scary, she wouldn't give you any!

Random Stuff

Such a happy baby (very thankful)


Miss Diane's attempt at catching Rayleigh for her church picture.


Chance napping at Grandma M's house.


Look at those cheeks!


Hanging out watching squirrels.

Awards Night

All of our little kids were awarded. Yet again, I know, I'm a little slow! Rayleigh at first wasn't quite sure what was going on. She was the first one to go up there. That whole alphabetical thing. So by the second time around she knew a little more of what was going on. They all received their awards for learning what they were expected in their age group and for doing their daily bible reader. One was a plaque (there you go mama, no more plague!) and certificate the other was a children's picture bible.

VBS

Yes, the title is Vacation Bible School, so I'm a little slow. Rayleigh was big enough to go this year. One of those many bittersweet moments that I have been going through. So proud to see them going and wanting to go but, you can't hold them close to you. At least not as much. I have been trying to stop and color more or build more when she looks up and says "Mommy will you please...?" My house has gotten a little messier than I like or am comfortable in. But, I have learned that it doesn't matter like I thought it did.

Diaper Cake

This one goes out to Jessica. Who I know has been anxiously waiting for this posting. Here is another attempt at my trying to be crafty. Let's just say I have a little way to go! Kristie did the little diapers along the table.

FORE!

Mmmmm, what to do? If that's not that face of a kid lookin' to get into something, I don't know what is. (can you tell a resemblace between the two?)
Rayleigh found a way to kill sometime, her infamous disappearing act! We all had a really good time, we were out of the house, it was wonderful. Rayleigh has her own little plastic golf clubs now. She'll grab one, look at you and say shhh!

Bath Time

This was our first bath at home. He kept trying to attack my thumb. Rayleigh stood close by to supervise, which is what "big " sisters do best!
We were curious so we decided to weigh in at our local grocery store. He was 7lbs 4oz.

Our first days

Chance is Here

Chance is finally here! After an excruciatingly long week, Chance arrived Wednesday afternoon. He was born at 12:41 pm, weighed 7lbs 8oz, and measured 19 1/2 inches long. So far everything has been going good. Rayleigh has seemed to be doing okay with him around and has been the big little helper. No jealousy, so far!
It has been rough on her and myself, because she doesn't grasp why I can't hold or carry her. Hopefully that won't last too many more days. Also, I give my husband a hard enough time, that I have to brag on him now. He has been absolutely wonderful. Tim has been great with keeping all of us happy and comfortable. From cooking to cleaning and a to z.
Many of the nurses at the hospital commented on how there are so many "deadbeats" that aren't around. Also, how lucky I am to have one that is so sweet and willing to help. Which it's true, I am blessed to have him. He was there to help every second, not just on the easy stuff. But, also on the difficult things that are hard to see those you love dealing with. He could have opted to let the nurses do it all. Thank you, once more, Tim.

Baby Shower

The church gave us a baby shower Sunday, it was wonderful. We still find it amazing how generous and loving a large group of people can be. It makes you pray that those around you could open up and find or even see that opportunity of compassion around them.

First Night!

Rayleigh made it through her first night in her "big girl" bed. It was going on 10:30pm when we finally got it put together, in her room and the crib out. We said our memory verse, brushed her teeth and sat there giving her some time to wind down. When the next thing we know she gets all her blankets (those of you that know her, that's a lot of blankets!) and heads off to her room. Tim and I sat there staring at each other not quite sure what to do. We finally peeked in at her and she had laid down in bed, she stayed in there all night! So far so good! Rayleigh still won't climb out until she gets an okay from one of us.

OKC Zoo

Well, Rayleigh and I headed off to the city to visit family. We got to stay for a full week and was busybusy. Actually, I think she ran my grandma all over the place. While we were there my mom and I took her to the zoo, she certainly enjoyed it. Her little bitty legs walked over that place. Until we headed to the car, then it was time for her to collapse and be tired. Her biggest highlight that she got to tell daddy over the phone was the "I rode the choochoo train!!!"

aquarium trip

During spring break a group of mommies took a trip with all their kids to the Jenks Aquarium. Rayleigh is a fish girl and she loved seeing all the different ones. Tim and I are planning on taking her back when it's not quite so crowded so she can take her time looking. The picture is of her and a friend Dayne, which she sweetly calls "Dayna". They were attempting to feed the turtles. While she enjoyed her day, I don't think she quite new what to think about the sharks.

Towel Cake

Here's my towel cake! I am still awfully surprised at how crafty I became in an afternoon. However, when I close my eyes all I see is that thing! I my have to make another one for future showers.

And we're off!

Well, I've dragged my feet on this for as long as I could. We shall see how it goes, if you start reading this and get bored, sorry, move on. I have this friend who keeps giving me a hard time for not having already started a blog. For the sake of identity, we'll call her Jessica. I'm sure that my husband will most certainly roll his eyes at me, I've already attempted to maintain a myspace account for another friend that is away.