Thanksgiving recap

I know that it's almost January, but I am just now getting around to uploading our Thanksgiving pictures (we have been a little busy packing & moving!) We enjoyed a wonderful trip to the Carolinas (and Georgia) and got to spend lost of time with some dear friends and family.

We had Thanksgiving breakfast with our dear friends, the Edingers.

Emma was thankful for a full tummy!

Emma and her (second?) cousin Taylor playing Mimi's piano.

Time for some turkey!

We cheered on those Gamecocks to a victory over Clemson (note: my husband was very kind to wear a maroon shirt even though his heart was cheering for the Tigers)!

We went to Mays Park (where Mommy played as a kid).

Had some snuggle time.

Loved on Granddaddy.

Enjoyed spending time with the cousins.

Daddy & Mommy got an inside tour of the Augusta National Golfcourse, thanks to Uncle Michael!

We had a wonderful trip and were thankful for the time we got to spend with family and friends.

What's your favorite Christmas song?

Just wondering...what is everyone's favorite Christmas song? Mine, by far, is "O Holy Night". There is something about that song that moves my soul every time I hear it. So, what's yours?

Santa

This is how we traumatized our daughter the other night.

Everything's changing (once again!)

In a couple weeks, this will be our new home.

Yes, our family will be moving into the Baptist Friendship House, as volunteer staff (missionaries). After I lost my job in October, things were uncertain for our family. Then, this wonderful opportunity arose for our entire family to serve the city with a ministry that is dear to our hearts. Matt will continue working at Earth Search during the day and I will continue to chase around Emma and help out with whatever is needed during the day. Then we will basically be "on call" at night in case there are any emergencies or things that need taking care of. If you are not familiar with the Friendship House, they are a transitional housing program for homeless women and children. They also serve the community in many other ways including giving out hygeine kits and food to the homeless, offering job readiness and GED classes, counseling, etc. We are SO excited to be able to be a part of this ministry and serve the city we love so much! Please be praying for us as we make this transition.

All I want for Christmas...

Just thought I'd post the links to our wish lists since everyone is asking anyway.

Matt's amazon list
Emma's amazon list
Sarah's amazon list
Eli's diaper registry (password: babyparks)

Natural Parenting

Before I had Emma, I thought there was no way that I would be one of those hippie, natural parenting (also known as attachment parenting) mommas. Those moms were just weird. Then, after having Emma, I become more and more interested in the idea of natural parenting. I did lots of research and my husband and I gradually made some changes in our parenting style. It is so interesting in how your ideas of parenting before you have a child and your ideas of parenting after you have a child are completely different (most of the time). My husband and I are truly embracing the natural style of parenting now and know it is best for us and our daughter (though it may not be best for all parents/children).

While I had many struggles with breastfeeding in the beginning (mastitis, thrush, low milk supply, etc.), I would not change it for the world. I greatly enjoyed breastfeeding Emma until she self-weaned at 11 months. We cloth diaper (and LOVE it). We "wear" our child (and will wear our new baby). I made Emma's baby food. We love natural toys. We co-sleep. I could go on and on. Though we do many things the "natural way", we in no way are crazy anal about being natural. I in no way had a natural birth--got lots of drugs and a c-section. We eat many processed foods. My daughter knows to ask for "fries" when we go through the McDonald's drive thru. Really, none of the details matter. What matters is that you and your family find out what works for you. I am glad that we have found what works for us! :)

And just for fun, here are some of my favorite natural parenting links:
www.mothering.com (Mothering Magazine)
http://www.novanatural.com/ (Nova Natural Toys & Crafts)
http://www.kiwimagonline.com/ (Kiwi Magazine)

the name game

Everyone is chomping at the bit and asking if we have a name picked out.

Yes, we do.

We debated a lot and ended up with our original name that we picked out for a boy years ago.

Eli James.

Ch-ch-ch-changes!

A lot has been happening in our lives during the past couple weeks. Because of some unfortunate, yet completely understandable circumstances, I was laid off two weeks ago. Some crazy stuff was going on within the company and the decision was made to shut down the nursery. While it was quite unexpected, I felt at complete peace with the situation. It was just what needed to happen. I am now keeping two of the children three days a week and getting unemployment. While I know I can't get unemployment forever, it's been a nice change to only be working part-time! Emma and I (and the two other girls I keep) have been enjoying the beautiful weather by going to the zoo, many different parks, going for walks, and playdates with friends. It has been fun (and exhausting)!

Though I am enjoying my time at home now, I know it is only for a season. We simply cannot afford to live in this city we love on one income. Matt and I are currently pursuing a great mission opportunity in this city. While I cannot write of the details now, because nothing is certain yet, just know that it would be an amazing opportunity for our entire family to serve those in need in this city! We are greatly excited about this opportunity and just praying that God allows all the details to fall into place. I will update more about it when the time comes.

Oh, and in other news, I will have my 20 week ultrasound a week from today to find out if it's a BOY or GIRL! Can't wait!

Happy Tuesday!

Happy Halloween

from a punk rockstar!

Halloween Photos

Check Out our Halloween Photos

Another rainy day at the Children's Museum

Yesterday, we were keeping one of Emma's friends, Lucas, for the day. It was a rainy day, so we decided to head to the Children's Museum.

Getting ready to slide down the slide

Making big bubbles.

The bubbles are a favorite.

Hanging out by the steam boat.

Driving around...there was a fight over who got the drivers seat!

They both have a stroller obsession!

Happy to be in the stroller by herself!

Toddler love...so cute!

It's about time!

It has been over a month since I blogged last. Whew! That's crazy! All I can say is I have been busy chasing around my 16 month old and sick and exhausted due to the pregnancy. I honestly don't have anything really exciting to blog about right now (and not many pictures), but thought I'd just give an update on what Emma is up to these days.

*Emma's verbal skills have really taken off lately. I can't even count the words in her vocabulary. She is very into labeling things these days. She walks around with objects saying who they belong to and what they are.

*Emma loves animals! Her favorite animals are giraffes, monkeys, lizards, ducks, and dogs. She loves to go outside and look for "didards" (lizards) and gets so excited when she sees one.

*Emma loves music. She loves to dance and sing. Her favorite songs are "Row, Row, Row Your Boat", "Wheels on the Bus", and "If You're Happy and You Know It".

*Emma loves her friends in the nursery at work. She can say all of their names and gives them hugs and kisses all the time.

*Emma's favorite foods are blueberries, green beans, and cheese.

*Emma has an obsession with shoes (and really always has).

*Emma's favorite toys are baby dolls, her baby doll stroller, puzzles, and books.

*Emma insists on having a "bow" (clip, rubberband, or bow) in her hair at all times. As soon as she wakes up, she says "bow" and wants us to put her hair up. We have to leave her hair up until right before we lay her down to bed. Her hair has gotten long and she definitely doesn't like it in her eyes!

That's our busy girl for ya!

I only have two to share. I'll try to do better!

Here is Emma with her first pigtails!

This is Emma and her friend, Lucas, who we were watching for the day.

Hooray!!!

Emma has something she would like to share with you all...

"Hooray! I'm going to be a big sister!"

Here's proof there's a little peanut in there!

Emma is quite excited! Can't ya tell?!

Now, for the details. I am 10 weeks along and the estimated due date is April 2nd. We are all excited about this new little bundle of joy!

Callaway Gardens

Last weekend we took a mini-vacation to Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, GA. Our dearest friends, Kelly and Paul, joined us and we had a wonderful time making memories. We enjoyed a butterfly conservatory, a show on birds of prey, geocaching, a trip to Butts Mill Farm, and just spending time together. Here are some of my favorite pictures from the weekend.










Can't wait to make the trip again next year! :)