Last day with Ethan

I honestly can't remember if I ever mentioned that I was keeping a friend's baby two days a week. I've been doing it since August, so surely I've mentioned it. If not, Jessica is a friend and sorority sister who also happens to be Finley's pediatrician. Long story short, she needed child care and I wanted to make a little extra money so we decided I would keep Ethan two days a week. I planned to keep Ethan until Sam was born, but as I got bigger and more uncomfortable and as I realized how little time I had left with just me and Finley, I decided I needed to leave a little sooner. Luckily, Jessica had someone lined up and it was no problem. Finley absolutely loved going to Ethan's house. She loved their dog Dixie and playing with Ethan's toys. As he got older she also loved to make him laugh and help me do things for him. I feel very fortunate that I had the opportunity. I'm hoping it helped get me back in baby mode and that it got Finley comfortable seeing me with another child. She never got upset or jealous when I held, rocked or fed Ethan. Who knows what will happen when it's her little brother and it's happening all the time, but I can hope, right. We are going to miss our Ethan. We have really enjoyed watching him grow. I will also miss seeing Jessica. Since she is Finley's pediatrician and will be Sam's also, we will get to see her a good bit after Sam is born, but it won't be the same :( We love you Ethan!!! You are a sweet little boy and we will miss you so much!

Sam's nursery and Finley's big girl room

My in laws came up to visit and were nice enough to paint Finley's and Sam's rooms for us. Joey and I have painted several rooms in our house, but we HATE doing it and we're not very good at it. I painted Finley's room navy blue a while back (remember I spilled half the paint on her carpet?) and I decided I didn't like it so we painted it pink and then painted Sam's room baby blue. Correction: my father-in-law painted. We did not help at his request. I LOVE the way both rooms turned out. I need some artwork for Finley's walls and her room will be complete. We are also waiting on her furniture to be painted. Sam's room has a ways to go. It's funny...when I was pregnant with Finley, her nursery was completely finished in January (I was due in April). I have a feeling we will be pulling Sam's room together just in time. Poor, neglected second child ;) Here are some pics.

She has an opinion this year :(

I had big plans for Finley's birthday this year... a fancy tea party complete with party dresses, big hats, tea cups and fancy tea cakes. Finley had other plans. Even though I already had it all planned out in my head, I politely asked her what kind of party she wanted thinking she would have no opinion and I could suggest the fancy tea party to which she would enthusiastically reply, "Yeah!" That didn't happen. We were in the car on the way home from keeping Ethan and I asked her what kind of birthday party she wanted. She was very matter of fact in her answer. An animal party at Chuck e Cheese. I was so impressed and proud that she had her own opinion and had communicated it so well that the fancy tea party went out the window. An animal party at Chuck e Cheese it is! In case you were wondering, there are no girly animal party invitations, cakes, party favors, etc. so the party is looking kind of boyish, but oh well. What my baby wants, my baby gets ;)

Oh No! The Big 3-0!!!

It happened. Joey and I actually turned 30. It wasn't too long ago when I thought 30 was old. It seems like a lot of our friends are a few years older than we are and we were the "young ones". I liked being able to say I was 29. I'm dealing with it though. At 30 years old, we are happy, healthy and expanding our family. I feel like we are exactly where we should be in life and that makes me happy. We have a lot to be thankful for and a lot to look forward to in our "old age" :)

We went to Bham to celebrate with family. We ate way too much food and got some great gifts. Happy 30th to us!

The Fab Five

Maybe I shouldn't name Finley and her friends after a mean-spirited group of Texas cheerleaders, but the name fits :) The day after Christmas I got together with my pledge sisters for brunch and a playdate with "The Fab Five". We had a great time as usual! I sure wish we all lived in the same city.

Scarlett got this for Christmas from her grandparents...



Finley LOVED it and I'm thinking this needs to be her big sister/birthday present. It does take up a lot of space, but it entertains her and she can operate it by herself. Those are my only toy requirements at the moment.

After our playdate, we stopped by to meet Ellison Beth! I was still coughing my head off so I didn't get to hold her which was disappointing, but I'm glad I got to see her in person. She is beautiful! Kristen is my sorority sister, college roommate and one of my best friends. I'm so excited and happy for her and Sam!!! I can't wait to visit again soon. Welcome to the world Ellison!!! Auntie Elizabeth has a lot of good stories about your mom in college whenever you're ready to hear them ;)

Wordless Wednesday

Window markers!

Happy New Year!

We had a low key New year's Eve this year. Food, friends and fun! Happy 2012 from The Dambros!!!