We're having a...

BOY!!! Another momentous day! I know there is much disagreement about whether or not one should find out the sex of the baby they are carrying. Recently a friend asked me, "Don't you like to be surprised?" She cracked up when I responded, "Of course! I'm in for a big one on Tuesday!" I can't understand the "surprise" mentality- was I not surprised when the ultrasound technician looked over at Mike and I and said, "You're having a BOY!"?? In that moment, pregnancy changed for me. It changed with Evangeline, and it changed with this still-nameless angel baby boy. For me, I feel much more connected when I find out what I'm having. The excitement begins to build, whereas in the beginning, I'm just kinda of.... well, waiting. I can't help but dream very specifically for my little one once I know the sex.
So, yes, it's a boy! God has blessed us richly- far beyond what we ever could have asked or imagined and far beyond what we deserve. I can hardly contain myself knowing that in 4.5 short months I get to meet my little boy face-to-face. We are over-joyed at the news. Of course, I would have been equally as over-joyed with the news of a little girl, too. It seemed that every other day I had ideas of "this or that if it's a girl" or "this or that if it's a boy". I honestly wanted both a boy and girl! It's hard to express in words, but as soon as I knew this baby was a boy, I could sense that this exactly what our family needs. The peace that comes from knowing God is sovereign overwhelmed me. All happens in His time, for His purpose. Praise the Lord!
We had the whole family (siblings and parents) over to reveal the sex tonight. It's a Whitnah "tradition" of sorts and we call them "sex parties". (I know, how risque!) It was such fun to celebrate the soon-to-be addition to the family. Now they've all left and Mike and I are here alone just reveling in the idea of our SON. We have a SON!!!??? What an amazing feeling.
Now, I can stay focused and put my energy where it's needed. First on the list, my angel boy needs a name! I'll keep you posted...

Productivity is glorious!

Labor day weekend was, in a word, productive! There are few feelings that satisify me quite as much! On Saturday Mike installed a picture-perfect egress window in our soon-to-be-finished basement. We had equipment laying in every nook and cranny of our yard and very large machinery sitting in the parking spaces. My husband GOT IT DONE! In ONE day!! Evangeline was mesmerized by the whole process (see photos). We stuck around for the first couple hours, and then we went to my mom's (Grammie Whitnah) for nap time.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

At Grammie's house, while Evangeline was napping, my sister (Jill) and I re-decorated my mom's family room. We don't exactly agree whole hearterdly on every nuance of the process, and if you know my sister, you know there is no point in arguing. You just say, "Yes captain Jill" and MOVE ON! I must say that it looks great and feels so cozy and warm. My mom and dad are very pleased!

When Mike arrived at Grammie's later in the day, he and Eva enjoyed the pool and hot-tub. Eva somehow ended up naked and I figured I wouldn't fight it (see photos). Afterall, I had lost many battles with Jill throughout the day, why fight another losing battle? So my naked, and especially adorable, pumpkin skinny-dipped with daddy (he wore his suit- no worries). S'mores followed. Perfection!

On Sunday, we landscaped the small beds around the house that had to be dug up for the window project. Clarification: Mike dug and spread mulch and moved plants and even a tree (more photos). I sat on the bed of his truck and told him where to put things. Ah, the joys of pregnancy. It truly does have it's perks! Then, it was back to Grammie Whitnah's house to finish the odds and ends of the re-decorating of the family room and to celebrate my mom's 56th birthday. More swimming, birthday cake, and more love than one can take in.

Finally when today (Labor Day) actually arrived, we decided not to labor at all. Spent an easy-breezy morning at home and then picked up a Craigslist find RIGHT DOWN THE STREET (awesome!)- a new glider for the next baby's room. The day was overcast, which for me means that I don't have to worry too much about sunscreen, a rarity in this fair-skinned family! We loved the jeans and long sleeves weather and took advantage with a long afternoon in the park. I didn't even sweat! A wonderful day with my favorite people- over way too fast!
The next several months will be stuffed full of basement finishing and fixing up the new baby's room. That's the goal at least. Eyes on the prize! Time's a wasting...

Feelings of Fall mix with Poor Parenting

What an absolutely picture perfect week. We've woken to crisp and refreshing mornings and then we warmed throughout the day just to the point of pure comfort. This is the weather I wait for all summer and all winter; I was born for the spring and the fall. On Tuesday, we forgot to close our windows. Fine for Mike and I- we were cozy under the sheets and comforter. Evangeline, however, is a crazy-girl sleeper and can't keep the blanket I put over her at night on for more than 2 minutes, which is exactly how long she stays in one place once asleep. She woke extra early on Tuesday, probably because her mama and daddy froze her to the point of blue lips, fingers, and toes. When I went in to get her, she was happy and smiling to see me, but clearly C-O-L-D! So, this is how she was dressed for the first several hours that morning...