Santa Claus

Logan is so excited about Christmas this year. He helped decorate the house and the tree, sings Christmas Carols, and loves watching Christmas movies. I think we've already watched the Polar Express 5 times. He can't get enough. Not only do we have one Advent calendar, we have 2!! Each morning Logan is very adamant about putting the day on the calendar, and then opening a box on the 2nd one to get a piece of Chocolate. We even got the book Elf on a Shelf, which has an Elf that stays at our house until Christmas. Each night he flies home to Santa to tell if Logan has been good or bad that day. We named our elf Buddy and each morning we run around the house to see where Buddy has landed for the day. Logan picked up on all these fun family traditions very quickly;) He has been the most excited about going to see Santa, he is 2, which means - he only understands Santa brings toys!!! Last night we took him to meet Santa - and it was well worth the wait. All afternoon he kept telling me he was ready to go - let's go mommy - let's go. Once daddy finally got home, we headed to the mall to see Santa. Logan did not say a word the entire car ride, which is very unusual. Once we got there, we had to wait in line for our turn, and once again - he was a perfect little man!! When it was finally his turn, he ran and hopped on Santa's lap and then buried his chin in his chest. He was so overwhelmed, he couldn't even look or speak to Santa. I have NEVER seen Logan speechless!! Finally after warming up to Santa - he ran through his list, and told Santa what a good boy he's been. We even got a great Santa pic! It was so much fun, and these trivial things to us as adults, are what makes childhood so special! I wouldn't trade anything for the look on Logan's face when he finally saw Santa!!!

Reading Time

A few weeks ago some of my girlfriends from home came to visit, so we could have a girl's night. While we were sitting around chatting, Logan went and grabbed a book and wanted Carrie to read to him. It was so funny, he needed ALL her attention.

Getting to Paint....

Logan loves to do crafts now and I'm still a little leary of making a HUGE mess. So - he finally convinced me to let him paint using his easel. After covering all the floor and HIM - I got out the blue and green paint and let him go to town! He had a ball, and eventually gave up the brushes to use his hands. He was a mess!! When I got the paint out - I also put out a cup of water for him to clean the brushes. Well, he thought I had brought him a big boy cup of water. Instead of rinsing brushses he kept taking a break, to have a sip of water. He thought he was so big!!!

Hangin' Out with Uncle Boomer

One night while we were visiting my parents we all decided to watch a movie. Boomer came in halfway through and grabbed a pillow and hopped in the floor - well - Logan who was about to fall asleep in Grams lap, jumped down, got his pillow and lay down beside Uncle Boomer. It was so sweet. Logan loves his Uncle Boomer, and if he isn't following him around the house, he's doing exactly what Uncle Boomer is doing!! They are too cute together.

Pregnancy......

This pregnancy has been such a whirlwind that I at times forget I'm pregnant - until, of course, I walk by a mirror. With logan - I just sat around and waited on him to arrive. I napped, ate Chick-fil-A (almost every meal), was waited on dearly by my husband and thought it was the longest period of my life. The big day seemed eternity away. BUT - with this pregnancy the time has flown by. It's hard to believe that I'm now 21 weeks - almost half way there. I guess chasing a 2 year old around can make it seem that way. I also think I rushed away 1st one because I was too impatient to hold that sweet little baby, but with this one - I want to enjoy every moment of being pregnant. Except of course the sickness and tiredness. It's such a blessing to be able to carry a child and feel it grow and move inside. We finally started to feel her kick a few weeks ago and each day it gets stronger and more frequent. Last night Logan wanted to sit on me and as soon as he did - she went crazy! Logan put his hand on my belly - but he couldn't keep it on there long enough to feel her kick. She already knows what's waiting for her on the outside;) Each night when we go to bed, Carl puts his hand on my belly and talks to her and she kicks and moves all around - it is the sweetest thing. We are so excited about having a baby girl in the house, it'll be nice not to be outnumbered by the boys!!

They say that cravings are just a myth and maybe they are - but when I think of something - I'm not content until I eat it. Sweets are always a favorite but before I would pick the cakes, brownies or anything chocolate, NOW - all I think of are pies, apple, peach or any fruit. Thank goodness for Harris Teeter - each shopping trip I pick up an Apple Pie;) It's divine!!! We are now the best customers of Chipotle - no more chick-fil-a!!! I've never been a big fan of mexican food, but fajita burritos w/ hot sauce are the BEST!!!!

We go to the Doctor next week and that means only 4 more visits until I start the weekly visits! It is getting so close and we haven't even picked a name or nursery! This time is going so quickly I wish I could freeze time!!

Too Cute

This morning we were getting ready for school, and Logan was so stinkin cute - I had to show you! He looks like such a big boy - and if you call him a baby, he is quick to correct - No, I'm Big Boy!! I could eat him with a spoon!!
He also had to have Hokey Pokey Elmo in the picture!!

Babysitter

Tonight Carl and I are going to some friends for an oyster roast. This will be the FIRST time Logan has stayed with a babysitter - other than my parents or Carl's mom. I am a little nervous. Some of the parents got together and we have 3 sitters for 8 kids - Our friend Karen was nice enough to donate her house for the playland! Brave Soul!!!! Which would make it a little easier, but I think it makes me MORE nervous. Well - let me give you a background story so it makes sense. A while back we went to my friend Shelly's house for a playdate. As we were all eating lunch the kids were down playing. It was rather quiet - so I decided to go check on Logan - and couldn't find him anywhere. Finally his friend Caden told me - Logan outside - so I look in the backyard and there is Logan. The little monster opened the door and ran outside. No more than 15 minutes later I heard another door open and found Logan in the garage heading to the driveway. He was able to reach the door knobs and helped himself to check out the outside. Thankfully at our house, he can't reach the doors. This is why I'm a little nervous. I guess we'll have to make sure all doors and windows are locked before heading to the oyster roast and maybe we even need to put a tracker on Logan, b/c he's a mover;) Wish us Luck- that I don't call the house 15 times all night to check on my baby!!!!

It's A Girl.....

We recently went for an ultrasound to see how our new little baby was doing. Well, after searching the Dr. said he was 90% sure it was a girl. Well, w/ our history of first ultrasounds, we decided to wait to make sure. On Monday I went for a more detailed ultrasound and they can now confirm 100% Definite - it's a GIRL!! We are so excited and Logan loves the idea of having a baby sister - or right now he does! The baby is growing and developing perfectly. We were able to see her fingers and toes, arms, legs, and even heart, brain and kidneys. It was absolutely amazing. She even yawned while we were watching - it was the absolute sweetest thing, and we can't wait to meet her!!!

Halloween

This year Logan was a very scary Tiger. He roared and ran around all day. His preschool class had a party and they were all adorable. Then we went trick or treating with Haley. It was so much fun to see them - at first they were a little hesitant and then it was ON!! We were pulling them out of the candy bowls by the end. Logan's pumpkin was so full and heavy he could barely hold it properly!! He finally realized what candy is all about and whew - he loves it!!!

Pumpkins

This year Logan loved pumpkins. By Halloween we had 5 different pumpkins throughout the house. Su-Su gave Logan a small pumpkin and he got another small one from his school Pumpkin Patch. Since they were so small we decided to paint them, which he LOVED!! Now all he wants to do is paint pumpkins. We carved 2 fun pumpkins this year, Carl wanted to do something big and Logan really wanted a pumpkin to look like mine. (I have a ceramic pumpkin on one end table, and he loves it. He kept looking at the face and told me - he wanted his pumpkin to have that face!!) So - Carl picked out a Spiderweb, but everytime Logan looked at it - he started singing The Itsy Bitsy Spider - and Logan got his face!! Our church also had a pumpkin carving for the kids. Well, if you know Logan - it was not a great idea to try and carve a pumpkin - with him running around with all his friends. That means another painted pumpkin for our house;) We had such a good time this Halloween, because Logan really got into the holiday. I realize each year with him just gets better and better!!!

Thomas the Train

We recently took Logan to Spencer, NC to see and ride Thomas the Train. He had a ball, we didn't tell him where we were going until we got there. Our train ride was at 8:30am and Spencer is one hour from our house, of course they also want you there an hour ahead of time!! So - needless to say - we left our house at 6:30, with Logan half asleep on the way. Once he saw the sign with Thomas and we told him he gets to ride him - he was wide awake! We had a ball - they had a bouncey train, Bob the Builder show, temporary tattoos, lots of shopping, and of course Thomas the Train. Abuela was also in town for the weekend, so it was a great weekend for Logan!!

The BIG 3-0

Our hotel - it was incredible - a quaint little bed and breakfast!

On top of the lighthouse - yes - I was freaking out and ready to climb back down;)

Last week I turned the dreaded 30 - AHHHHH!! This was definitely not a birthday I was looking forward to - but it turned out to be absolutely fabulous!! My dear sweet husband surprised me with a trip to Savannah. If you know me, you probably realize I am not big on surprises, but this one was fantastic! On Wed. my parents came to pick up Logan to keep him for the weekend, and Carl and I left early Thur morning for my birthday adventure!! I actually had no clue where we were going until I opened my birthday card Thur morning. We had a blast - and walked ALL over Savannah!! We toured the ENTIRE city - and have tons of pics to prove it!! Not only did we see all the great sites, we also ATE all the great cuisine! AND - went into all the candy stores:)

I was also able to celebrate the 3-0 with my dear girlfriends! We met in the middle, which is Gaffney, SC, to have dinner and catch up! It was so wonderful to see them all! My best friend lives in Atlanta and all week kept apologizing for not being able to drive up for our dinner, as it was Monday night, but when I walked into the restaurant - there she was!! So, it was a great time - with all 13 of us together again;)

1st day of Preschool

After Labor Day Logan started Preschool. Which, by the way, he absolutely adores. Last year he went to St. John's Baptist 2 days a week, but this year our church started it's very own preschool. So, needless to say Logan is attending Hawthorne Lane UMC Preschool. He loves every minute, and we even did 3 days a week. I truly think he would love going every day. On our way to school each morning, Logan is so excited he tells me which way to go to get to "cool" because he can't wait to see his friend "Carwee".

A new little Godman.....

We are expecting another little Godman!! The baby is due in late March and we are so excited!! Logan really likes the idea of being a big brother, but we'll see when the baby arrives. He tells everyone there is a baby in mommy's belly. It's so adorable, he even brought the baby his milk cup the other day, because the baby needed some milk! We just hope he is this thrilled when March rolls around!

Camp Tekoa

This weekend we went to Camp Tekoa with our church. We had a ball! As many of you know - I am not really an outdoor type of person, but it was so much fun!! We stayed in a small lodge with 2 other couples. It was very rustic and exactly what I imagine camping to be! (of course Carl has a different image of camping!!) There were so many things to do - they had a natural spring with a gradual beach entrance. Logan had a ball playing with his toys in the sand, and he even tried swimming but boy was it cold!! He didn't last too long in the water. They also had lots of hiking trails, paddle boats, canoes, a zip line, rock climbing, and a huge field for sports and even a playground. Our favorite was the paddle boats, but when Logan saw the other kids going across the zip line, he told me - I do, Mama, I do. I vetoed that idea immediately!! It was so relaxing to sit on the rocking chairs and enjoy the beauty of the mountains. We can't wait to go back next year!!

****Please note - I did not take these photos! I stole them from our friend Anja Workman - who is an excellent photographer!*********

I do I do

Before each meal we say the blessing - well today at lunch was no exception, except when we were about to begin - Logan said, "I do Mama I do". Well, of course I let him and it was adorable. He put his hands together, bowed his head and said "Thank You Mama, Daddy, Annabelle, and food. Amen" It was so hard to keep the laughter in - but I had to because he was so proud of himself!

Summer Time

Gosh - it's been a while, and I do apologize! I keep asking myself where has our summer gone. Logan starts preschool in 2 weeks and I can't believe it's already that time. We have had such a wonderful summer with trips to Disney, Sunset Beach, lots of days at the Park, and Logan even had a blast at Bennett's birthday party at Ray's Splash Planet. I think this made his whole summer. He loved the slide - wish I had some photos to share, but as you can imagine it was impossible to take pics and chase him in the water. He was the cutest thing. One thing I will add that Logan has really picked up this summer was TALKING!! I remember Carl and I couldn't wait for him to start talking and now we can't get him to stop. His voice melts me each time he says something! He is becoming such a big boy. Some of our favorite things he says are - when you ask him a ? - he replies with - No, I'm fine or Sure!! (So big) And of course - his daddy has really worked with him to say - Yes Sir and Yes Ma'am - it makes others giggle when he answers with that! Each day I think - this is so fun and it just gets better and better!! I can't imagine what next summer will be like, and don't want to think of him being another year older - My baby is getting so big!!!

Prayers...

We have some really wonderful neighbors and are blessed to have them near us. One of our dear friends, who lives a couple of houses down lost his battle with Leukemia last night. My heart is utterly broken for this family, they have a 5 year old little girl - who will wonder why her daddy is no longer with us. Please raise this family up in your thoughts and prayers, they need this comfort right now. Thank you!

Abuela's House

Logan loves going to visit his Abuela. He has his own train set-up, a big boy bed, and he gets to spend time with all his family. He loves Grandpa and Gigi!! Abuela's house is so much fun, because it's all of his favorites!!