The Bump (15 Weeks)

Some of you may not have caught the little announcement we made a few weeks back here. Sorry about that! After the first two, we were trying to be a little more creative, but things don't always work out as we plan.

Yes, we're expecting baby #3 in mid-August. This shot was taken at 15 weeks. No real 'baby bump' to speak of just yet. Like the other two pregnancies, I've been plagued with nausia and exhaustion, but thankfully I am beginning to feel better. My sense of smell was ultra-heightened (i.e. I couldn't open the fridge without gagging), but now that's beginning to subside too. Aversions have mainly been to strong smells (like onions and garlic) and most beverages (other than water) and the only cravings to speak of are crunchy Cheetos and cold apples. Funny how each kid is different.

Stay tuned. This baby's growing fast....I felt the first kicks in the last couple of days. And if the baby (aka Cheeto) allows, we'll know if we're having a boy or girl in about a month. :>)

Girls will be Girls

 

Good Times with Grandpa and Grandma K

Grandpa and Grandma K came to visit a couple of weeks ago. The girls were very excited. And after a few inches of fresh snow fell, what could be more fun than a trip to the playground!

But Daddy, I wanted an Umpa-Lumpa!

Have you ever seen such a sad face?
She didn't get what she wanted for Valentine's Day....poor baby :<(

Winter Warm-Up

Here are some pictures of a little fun in the Chicago sun last weekend. We even managed to do a little "puddle jumping," though not as you might think. We were trying to stay out of the water, rather than get all wet.

Crazy about Hats

There's just something about this hat. I'm not sure what it is. Julia loves it so much that she wears it night and day....I'm not kidding. Here's a picture of her sleeping with it at night:


Maybe she'll change her mind come spring and summer.....otherwise she'll be one sweaty Betty.

Gifts from Grandma

My mom is a very gifted seamstress and quilter. Over the years, she has made everything from baby quilts and doll clothes to curtains, dust ruffles and pillow shams (the list could go on and on). This year she made beautiful aprons. Elise opened up a special Valentine package and found this little surprise.....heirloom quality to say the least. Thanks Grandma K! We love it!

25 Random Things about Me (as published on Facebook)

1. I love Chicago (when it's not winter). But our next dwelling place will probably be in a warmer climate.

2. There's nothing better than a good nap in the sunshine. I was probably a cat in a former life.

3. I hate making phone calls for carry-out. The orders almost always turn out wrong.

4. I love being outside in the summer. My girls do too.

5. I enjoy gardening and am not afraid to get dirty. I don't quite have a vision for what things should look like, but hopefully that will come with time.

6. I am a sucker for Hugh Grant movies. Must be something about the accent.

7. I was an RA at my college dorm during my senior year at Purdue. It was a good experience and my out-of-state tuition, room and board were covered at 100%. Can't complain about that.

8. My first car (owned by me) was an old, cream-colored Chevy station wagon. I bought it from my aunt and uncle and its name was Oleo.

9. It was my idea to get a dog (after years of trying to convince Paul that it was a good idea). After this week's vet bills, we'll probably never have another dog again.

10. I'm a better baker than a cook. It probably has something to do with my sweet tooth.

11. My nicknames growing up were L, Laura-gadget, and LL Bean (or just Bean).

12. Paul taught me to drive a manual transmission vehicle on our first date.

13. I've been on at least three missions trip--Tennessee, Miami, FL (after Hurricane Andrew) and Mexico. They were life changing experiences.

14. I love Egg McMuffins from McDonald's.

15. I am not a saver. If it doesn't get used, it gets given away or thrown away.

16. My favorite meal is a grilled Filet Mignon with Indiana Sweet Corn. Yum!

17. I have a favorite candy for each holiday--Necco Sweethearts at Valentine's Day and Brach's Candy Corn at Halloween are at the top of my list (and brand does matter).

18. My feet are generally cold throughout the entire winter.

19. I have big babies. They're born big and grow quickly. Who would've thought?

20. My house is generally picked-up but not always very clean.

21. Paul taught me the game of baseball and made me a White Sox fan. We 'watched' them win the '05 World Series over the phone.....he was in Chicago working and I was at home in Detroit. It was quite a moment in history. Go White Sox!

22. I'm a strong believer that each child takes a little bit more of my brain at delivery. I'm not nearly as sharp as I once was.

23. On my dad's side, there have been 11 granddaughters born in a row. My Grandma says we don't know how to make babies with handles.

24. After growing up a middle child, I vowed never to have an odd number of children.

25. As of August, we'll have an odd number of children in our family..... Ooops! Did I just say that?!? ;>)

The New White House

Love this latest picture of the White House....

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