Averi is 4

Happy 4th Birthday Averi! I can't believe how much of a big girl you are turning into. Here are some memories from this past year...

You went to your first year of school this year and LOVED it. You adore Mrs. Reeves and said you want to be her when you grow up:)

You started gymnastics which is one of your absolute favorite activities of the week.

You played in the snow for the first time where you actually enjoyed it. You also helped mommy build a baby snowman...

You LOVE to talk and almost never stop.

You are a little shy when your around people you don't know, but warm up almost instantly once you get to know them.

You got a new baby cousin, Addison Kate, who you love and adore...

You love to play with baby dolls, Barbies, read books and run around outside or jump on the trampoline.

You still love to cuddle, give mommy and daddy lots of hugs and kisses and tell us how much you love us or think we are pretty, cute, nice, etc...

Mia is still your very best friend. I am so thankful that ya'll have each other and love one another the way that you do...

You prayed for a baby brother or sister which God answered and now you thank Him EVERY time you pray for mommy's baby. You cannot wait to be a big sister and I know you are going to be a great one.

Thank you for the blessing you are in our lives. We love you so much!!!

Av's Black Eye

Poor Averi got her first black eye this week. She was trying to jump up on her bed from the floor and fell and hit her eye on the corner of her bed post:(

Mia Scores a Goal!

Mia started her second season of soccer a couple weeks ago. She was pretty disappointed when we first told her that we would not be coaching her this season. We just felt like with me being sick and Jon having work and other church commitments along with projects to do on the house, that we needed to take a break this time around.

But she has actually really enjoyed her new coaches and there are 3 other girls on the team which she loves. Here are a few pictures of her first game where she scored her very first goal! It may not seem like a big deal to everyone but as a soccer player I can still VERY vividly remember the moment I scored my first goal.

My parents were there to see the game and my dad had promised her ice cream when she scored a goal, so the first thing she said after the game was "are you taking me for ice cream?" :) And he did...such a fun memory.

Excited Sisters and Funny Questions

All is still going well with the pregnancy. Thanks so much to all of you for the prayers and support. Jon and I have been amazed at how many people we have shared our news with that have told us that God had laid it on their heart to be praying for me these past few weeks and now they know why. Such an awesome testament to the body of Christ and how God prompts us to pray for one another.

Our girls were absolutely elated about the news of the baby. They want to touch my tummy or "feel the baby" daily. According to them my stomach is already getting big. They are going to think I'm a whale by the end of it:)

It's cute to hear all the questions they come up with. Averi's are always sweet and simple like...

"Is the baby swimming in your tummy or sleeping right now?" or

"what color is her hair going to be". Typically followed by

"when is the baby going to be born? Is it today?"

She wants a baby sister...

Mia asks some really hard and more intellegent questions like...

"if you are eating rice and the baby doesn't have teeth yet then how does it chew the food?" or

"when you throw up is the baby throwing up too?"

Her questions are good bit more challenging to answer:) I've even already gotten the dreaded "how did the baby get in your tummy?" question!

Mia wants a baby brother because she already has a sister although she has also mentioned that she would be happy with either one because it is a blessing whether it is a boy or girl:)

It's cute to see how they are both excited in their own ways. I am learning to deal with the sickness and go on. Jon has been a huge help during this time and getting up early to get the girls to school by 8 as it takes me a while to get moving first thing. He has also been cooking since I can hardly stand the smell of food right now. I sometimes feel like I get so down on myself about not being able to do more around the house. But I realize that God's #1 priority for me right now is to rest and eat healthy as this baby grows. I'm definitely looking forward to having my normal energy back. Maybe only a few more weeks! Here's to hoping!

Averi's Prayer & Announcement

A couple of months ago Averi prayed during lunch that "mommy would have a baby in her tummy". At the time she prayed, I teared up a little and thought to myself that it would probably not be a reality and was so heartbroken about it as both of my girls have been begging for me to have another one. Well, God hears 3 year old prayers too and He chose to answer Averi's prayer. Several weeks later I found out I was pregnant.

"I'm the Big Sister"

I have had 3 ultrasounds and the baby has a good, strong heartbeat and all is going well. I am 8 1/2 weeks and due October 10th. We feel so blessed and are incredibly excited. I was honestly at the point where I had accepted that another baby may not be a reality for me. But I feel like God was waiting for me to come to a point of contentment and complete reliance on Him.

Please continue to keep this pregnancy in your prayers. I have been positive and had a good feeling about this pregnancy the entire time. I decided I was not going to live my entire pregnancy in fear.

I am having HORRIBLE morning (or all day) sickness which is the sign of a healthy pregnancy for me. Although it has been hard to get through each day of our busy lives when I'm constantly nauseous and throwing up. But what are you gonna do?! You just deal with it... I'm certainly not going to complain because this is what I have prayed for the last 3 years!