Christmas Eve and Day

This year was the same as any other around the holidays:  hectic!  We are hoping that this little girl will be the answer to some of our craziness around this time of the year, with a few people coming to visit her next year and not so much running around for us :) 

We started out Christmas Eve with Nick's mom's side of the family around 1:00.  The Hall side knows how to do Christmas.  There is always plenty of food and good cheer to be spread around.  I love Nick's family so very much and we just don't get to see enough of them.  Of course, we were spoiled as always, but E didn't miss out on the action this year; she got a set of keys and teething necklace (both staples when all of the kids were little) from Aunt Melanie and Uncle Kenny, as well as burp cloths from Uncle Milesy and Aunt MaryBeth.  I tell ya, this kid has been awaited for a long time for this family!  The youngest on this side is 19 years old, and the last girl they had was Lindsay, who is now in her 30's.

Christmas Eve night we got to see our bestest friends at church at 6:00 service, and I was so happy my mom and dad could join us.  I knew that I wouldn't get to see Amie until after we got back from Florida, and being away from each other isn't our forte, so I was happy that I got to spend a little time with her and also to kiss my munchkin goodbye for Christmas :)  Love, love, love C Monkey's latest fashion trend... amazing striped leg warmers.  I love those little legs running to me in them! 

After church, we headed up to Nick's dad's side of the family at his Uncle Mark's house.  We always do a White Elephant type thing, which is a hoot.  I ended up doing great this year; a gift card to McDonald's!!  Nick also did well, as he got an Old Man bobblehead from A Christmas Story, one of our fave holiday movies. 

Christmas morning, I slept in until 6:45 (I am a very early Christmas morning riser normally).  N and I exchanged gifts and then headed down to my mom and dad's house.  We got so much stuff, including presents from Santa.  He got E her bedding (pictures to come soon), and a mobile for her crib.  I got plenty of pregnancy clothes, which I need for the upcoming months.  Eliot got a super cute outfit from Nan and Pop (UofL shirt, leggings, and matching bow) which I can't wait to put on her during basketball season next year :)  We got great stuff from Mom and Dad and Caitie and Tyson.  E even got her very first junk box!  A tradition in my family is that my Mom collects stuff all year on clearance and makes us a "junk box" filled with things like socks, belts, and other stuff.  I know it is crazy, but it is always our favorite present!  I hope to pass it on to Eliot one day, too (even if Nan still makes her one).  :)

We headed to my Grandma Mary and Grandpa Bud's for breakfast around 10:00.  After an always awesome breakfast, we opened gifts from everyone, and this year we all chipped in and got my grandparents a flat screen TV.  My grandpa was so excited that he could watch the Nascar races even better :)  He is too funny.  E got more stuff and we got some great things, too!  My grandparents even bought her paint for the nursery, which was extremely thoughtful and much appreciated!  We only stayed until about noon this year because we had to get back home and finish packing for Florida before Christmas dinner at my Grandma Sandie's house.  I got one of the greatest presents as we were leaving.  Amie, Chris, and Camryn were just getting to his mom and dad's (which is about four houses down from my grandparents), and I got to hug Amie and Cammie bye one last time.  I know it sounds crazy, but a week away from those girls can make me homesick quicker than anything else!  As much as I love vacation, I would love it even more if we could all go together, all of the time :)  This made my Christmas very complete :)

N and I headed back home to organize our Christmas goodies and get the rest of our stuff packed.  We did a great job and almost had the house back to normal before we had to leave for my mom's parents's house.  My grandma always makes an amazing meal for Christmas dinner, and we always have prime rib and twice baked potatoes (prime rib being a favorite of N and twice baked potatoes being a favorite of mine).  Then we all exchanged gifts and E wasn't left out of this celebration, either!  My grandma hand-crocheted a blanket for her which had me in tears immediately.  My grandmother has a really hard time seeing and is legally blind.  I know how much work this took her and how much time was invested in this precious blanket for Eliot.  She is the first great-grandchild of their's and I think they are pretty excited :)

We had to leave there and get gas in the Jeep because we were set to leave at 5:30 the next morning for our Lawrence Family Adventure 2011 in Destin.  What an amazing Christmas we had!!!

Halfway There!

It is hard to believe that I am halfway through this pregnancy.  I am starting to show a little more each day, but most people don't believe me when I tell them that I am 20 weeks.  I'm not complaining :)  I need to start taking pictures of this baby belly to look back on, and since N got me a great new camera for Christmas, I am going to take advantage of it. 

I am still feeling great; sleep is beginning to be a bit sporatic, although I know it is just Ellie Ann preparing me for the months ahead.  I am still running 3 miles at a time (with a bathroom break sometime in there) :)... I hope to keep it up for as long as I can, but today was a little tough.  It felt like my belly was stretching at the bottom and felt tight all day.  We shall see how running on the beach goes here in a few days! 

A Night with Friends

I am fortunate enough to have a group of girls from college that I am still close to.  An annual tradition that we have is to have an ornament exchange.  It is a fun time to get together and spend time with each other as the hustle and bustle of school is put on hold for a few weeks.  "Aunt" Jessica got Ellie her first ornament, a precious letter e for the tree.  I also got a beautiful ornament from Krystina.  It was a great night filled with fun and laughter.  We ate (and some of us drank) at the River City Winery.  We better go back next year when I can enjoy some wine with the girlies :) 

Our First Two Christmas Celebrations!

On Saturday, December 10th, the Kane and Lawrence families (along with the Murrells later) got together for what we hope to become our annual Christmas cookie extravaganza/Christmas celebration.  Although Amie and I see each other almost every day, the weeks leading up to the holidays are crazy busy for both of us, and we are usually too busy to just enjoy time together.  Since the IU/UK (Go Hoosiers!) game was on that night, the boys had plenty to keep them occupied while we were baking away.  Cammie got to check out Eliot's tricycle and rocking horse, while playing with her Rockin' Mickey that we got her.  I love how she loves that mouse just as much as I do :)  Ellie (although we didn't know it was an Ellie at the time) got the sweetest gift from Camryn Marie (although I know her mommy played a big role in it :))... it was a basket filled with all of the things that Cammie loved when she was a "baby" and that she wanted Ellie to have.  In the basket were:  Sandra Boynton bathtime books, a package of Nuxy's, her favorite blanket in chocolate brown (the one that she can't live without), the famous Mickey Mouse CD, a bar that goes on the car seat, the I Love Puppies book, and a picture and frame of me and Amie from our October photo shoot.  It was such a thoughful gift, and brings tears to my eyes to realize that this time next year, our two little munchkins will be roaming around the house together at Christmas (well, Cammie running and Ellie maybe crawling or rolling :)). 

We also celebrated Christmas with Nick's immediate family on Saturday, December 17th.  We always do Christmas the Saturday before with his family, and it is just a great time to sit down with the six of us (and Sasha, Brandon and Amy's boxer :)).  Sasha and Penny don't get along too well, and since P got to come to Christmas last year, we let Sasha have a turn this year.  Penny still came away with a lot of loot, though :)
Eliot was not left out of this celebration, either.  She got her first Build-a-Bear from Aunt A and Uncle B, which was a puppy named Scruffy (too precious), a few outfits from Mamaw and Papaw Lawrence, a recordable storybook from Mamaw (which had us all in tears with the message she wrote to Eliot),  a few outfits from Aunt Amy and Uncle Brandon, and sweet little bows to match from Sasha.  I don't think she will be spoiled or anything ;)

The Elves Came!

Baby Eliot received her first gift from The Elves, who always seem to visit Nick's family around this time of the year.  They always wrap presents in really thick paper, and write on it in golden ink... such a great tradition.  E got her first baby doll from The Elves, which I love because of the feet.  She is dressed in a Ralphie-like suit!  I am sure that Baby Ellie will absolutely love her first doll! 

Flutters of Love

Tonight was the first time that I felt Ellie move.  The ultrasound technicican asked me on Monday if I had felt any yet, and I hadn't, but they say that it could be anywhere between 16-22 weeks, so I wasn't worried.  However, when it happened, I was at the computer in the office (soon to be playroom :)), and I thought I was crazy.  It felt like someone was flicking the inside of my stomach; when it happened about five more times, I knew it had to be it.  I texted Amie and called my mom to tell them the big news.  Whenever I feel her, Nick keeps telling me to quit showing off :)  I know that he will be able to feel her in a few weeks as well, which is extremely cool.  I am sure by then, I will be telling her to knock it off, though!  Love her so much already!

Think PINK!!!

Okay, so I might be the world's worst guesser when it comes to baby gender.  I just KNEW Cammie Marie was going to be a boy, and I felt the same about this little one.  However, when the ultrasound tech. stated calmly, "Female,"  I was as shocked as anyone.  Emotions overwhelmed me for sure.  I hadn't cried yet over this baby in the doctor's office, but hearing those words and seeing that precious baby on the screen made everything SO real.  I cannot begin to describe how blessed we are as a family.  Everything is measuring perfectly, with a heartbeat of 152 beats per minutes and her weight being in the 47th percentile, which is right on for my due date of May 8th. 

This little one already has a name:  Eliot Ann.  We both love the name Eliot for a girl, with her nickname being Ellie.  Litttle Ellie already has taken over her mom and dad's hearts for sure :) 

Just a little longer...

Until we find out just who Baby Lawrence will be!  Monday, the 12th is our exact date at 1:30.  My mom and Nick's mom will be joining us.  I am so blessed to have a mom and a mother-in-law who are both so excited about this pregnancy.  Nick and I discuss a lot who we think will be joining our family, and I am still predicting a boy.  However, when Amie was pregnant with Cammie, I could have sworn she was having a boy too, so guessing at baby's gender isn't my forte.  I say it all the time, but for this to be the biggest event in my life, I have never cared about something so little (the gender, that is :)).  I know whether it be a boy or a girl, our lives will be enriched because of it.  I can't wait to finally see this precious little one with an actual picture! 

We have both a boy name and a girl name picked out.  Nick and I came to an agreeance fairly quickly on both, which is typical for us.  Although in the past few weeks he has really been liking another girl name, but I still LOVE our first choice, so we will probably stick with that :)  Hopefully Baby L. won't be stubborn and we can see who they are.  That is a big fear of mine now, probably because I have looked forward to this day for a long time.  Such exciting things going on lately!

'Tis the Season

I am feeling very thankful for many things lately, which is why I love this time of the year so much.  While trying to keep a positive attitude about most things, it isn't always easy with so many places tugging at my heart.  It seems the past few weeks have been the utmost craziest, with hardly any time to breathe or to enjoy life much.  Today was a little different, making me slow down and realize what this season is always about.  Here is my list this year:

Baby Lawrence:  Who knew you could love someone so much when they are the just the size of a lemon?  I find myself getting emotional lateley (especially when praying) because I think that it is so neat that the only person who knows what Baby Lawrence is going to be is God.  He knew this little person when he created him/her and already knows so much about him/her.  It is overwhelming to think about how much love this tiny little creature has already received from friends and family members. I know that this time next year will be so extremely wonderful, being able to share our first holiday season together. 

Nick:  While I can give him a hard time sometimes, I don't know of another person who could put up with me all of the time and have a good time doing it.  He always puts me first, which is such an amazing trait.  Some of my favorite moments in life are simply doing nothing together.  I don't know what I did to deserve such an amazing person, but I sure am thankful :)

The Kane Family:  I can't imagine my life without them.  It is funny how God puts different people in your life for a reason, and He knew that I needed a true best friend.  Not many people have what Amie and I have, and I treasure that so very much.  I look up to her so much as a mom, and have so much to learn from her in the next year.  She is such a wonderful mom to our precious Cammie, who I love dearly.  Just thinking about the day she was born can bring tears to my eyes at any moment.  Seeing her grow so much every day brightens up my world :)

Penny Layne Lawrence:  Our first baby, the one who has gotten all of our attention for the past two and a half years.  I know she is going to be such a great big sister to our little one soon. 

Amazing Parents, Grandparents, and In-Laws:  I don't know how I am so lucky to have two amazing parents and four amazing grandparents.  I am blessed by their big hearts and excitedness over our newest addition.  Nick's parents are no exception to this, either.  They are so wonderful to us with every step in our lives, and for that I am extremely thankful. 

Family: The rest of our family is magnificent.  This kiddo is going to have some amazing aunts, uncles, great-aunts, great-uncles, and cousins.  The holiday season is wonderful because we get to see and spend time with some of them!

Wilson: Although this place can cause a little bit of stress at times, I wouldn't choose to work anywhere else.  I am so blessed to have a job in a place where kids are truly cared about, and co-workers are wonderful.  I have met so many great children over the past few years, and hope to stay there for a long time. 

Faith:  I have been a pretty religious person throughout my life, but have found myself praying a lot more lately... wonder why?! :)  This tiny little miracle growing and expanding inside of me has made me slow down (just a tad) at times for their sake and for mine.  For that, I am grateful.  While I am nowhere near where I would like to be in my walk with Him (is it ever enough?), I am trying hard to be the person that He wants me to be, whether it be at home, school, or church. 

A Comfortable Life:  I have been so blessed in life.  God has enabled me to use my talents to complete a job that I love, created a husband who provides for me, and a beautiful house to where I can call home.  While I try not to take these creature comforts for granted, it can be too easy at times to get so busy and not to acknowledge them.

I hope everyone has a blessed Thanksgiving week! 

15 Weeks Already?

I had another doctor's appointment today with Dr. Wright.  We got to hear that sweet baby's heartbeat again.  Although it was strong, Dr. Wright said it seemed a little slow, so he is predicting a boy.  Of course, Nick started smiling really big when he said that.  We also get the best Christmas present EVER this year by finding out on December 12th who will be joining our little family.  We asked my mom and Nick's mom if they wanted to come with us, and they were both thrilled.  Since it is their first grandbaby, I think it makes it all the more special if it is a family occasion. 

Other points of the appointment were:  a three pound weight gain (my first weight gain of the pregnancy :)), and very good blood pressure.  I guess this means we will keep up our YMCA routine.  It has been working.  I hope to continue to run for as long as I can (even if it means running intervals or slowing down the pace), so that it won't be so hard for me to get back to it once the baby is born. 

Still not in any maternity clothes yet, which kind of makes me happy.  My pants are getting a little snug, but with the help of some friends (thanks Amie and Meghan!), I have some before and after clothes to wear that are just fine for now :)  So very excited to see what is to come in the next few weeks!

Official?!

I felt that yesterday, on Halloween, was the appropriate time to make it official on Facebook.  I had been getting a few questions here or there, and I wanted to be in charge, lol.  Plus, I got an e-mail that said the child was the size of a peach this week, which sounded official :)  Timing was right, I guess.  I do feel like time is going by a little quicker now.  We go back to the doctor to check on the munchkin in a little less than two weeks.  Other than a horrendous head cold (partnered with a sore throat and no voice on parent/teacher conference night), I have been feeling pretty good.  I hope to keep it up! 

There's Really a Baby in There!

Today, I had my first prenatal visit with Dr. Wright.  It felt like it took forever to get here since I first called them with a positive pregnancy test!  I absolutely love him and the people in the practice and can't think of a better place to take care of me and Baby L.  Amie had him for her doctor as well, and he delivered our sweet Cammie girl, so I know I am in the right hands.  I knew there was a chance of hearing the heartbeat today, and after a few moments, we did!  It was by far the most amazing sound I have ever heard in my life.  Dr. Wright actually had a student doctor shadowing him, and it was her first usage of the doppler on a real patient.  We were all thrilled that she found it so quickly.  The look on N's face was priceless.  Although we both knew I was pregnant, it was really reassuring to hear that precious sound.  I am measuring 10 weeks, 3 days, with a due date of May 8, 2012.  He assured me that everything was extremely normal and I was a very healthy pregnant lady :)  That always makes a girl feel good. 

To celebrate (or not, Amie and I already had this trip planned :)), we headed up to the outlet malls after I ditched my husband so that he could go off to work.  I know I can't buy much right now as I will be expanding out soon, but I did buy a pair of jeans that will hopefully last for a month, and a few shirts.  These will also be the jeans that I will be into next fall :)  Everyone needs a pair of "goal" jeans, right?!?!  All in all, it has been a wonderful break so far!

A Little Spoiled?

I have to laugh at this one a little bit.  Our little bean is the size of a kumquat this week (which prompted me to Google image kumquat), and has already received their first tricycle.  It is a red Schwinn low-rider with leather streamers coming from the handlebars.  It was supposed to be a part of our Christmas presents, but Nick's mom and dad couldn't wait to give it to us.  They have also gotten many loving cards and well-wishes from family and friends, as well as their first UofL onesie and booties.  I can only imagine what will happen when we found out who will be joining our family in a few months.  Amie and I have both had BOY dreams... will we be seeing blue in the Lawrence household soon?!?! :)

Crazy Dreams!

I have had some crazy dreams in the past few weeks.  I know this is a "symptom" of pregnancy, but some of this stuff has really freaked me out.  The first dream happened a few weeks ago.  Nick and I were staying at the Galt House for one reason or another.  Chris, Amie, and Camryn had come over and joined us.  All of a sudden, we got a creepy phone call telling us to go to the common area and not to touch anything.  Well, Camryn had other plans and started opening all of the doors (which has been a recent phenomenon in her life).  The people that were holding us captive happened to be aliens from another planet.  Since Camryn was being so active, they decided to let the Kane Family go home.  Nick and I were another story.  They were trying to turn the Galt House into a rocket ship, but their button was broken.  While they were tryingi to figure things out, Nick and I went back up to our room.  Not soon after, we got the same creepy phone call again telling us to get to a common area immediately.  I woke up covered in sweat.  I thought for sure we were on our way to another planet :)

The next dream happened last week.  I dreamed that it was a boy (which made Nick extremely happy :)), but that when I gave birth to him, he was about five years old.  All I wanted to do was to cradle him, and he wanted nothing to do with me.  He was just walking around the delivery room like any normal five year old would do.  That one actually made me laugh when I woke up from it.  Crazy baby dreams.  I am just happy that I remembered both of them long enough to write them down!

Baby Lawrence!

I wanted to start this blog to primarily remember things about this most special time in our lives:  our first baby!

We are so very excited, and get even more excited with each and every passing day.  We don't go to the doctor until Fall Break (which we are eagerly anticipating), but have been extremely blessed thus far. 

We found out on September 2nd, a Friday.  This was also the beginning of Labor Day weekend, and my favorite "niece"'s first birthday party!  I didn't want to take anything away from Cammie's big day, so I waited to tell my bestest friend in the whole world until Tuesday.  I still don't know how I managed :)  Of course Camryn was the first person to know.  Baby Lawrence sent her a thank you card for inviting them to her first birthday party, and inviting Cammie to their party on or around May 9, 2012!  I don't think it registered with Amie at first :)

The rest of our family was told the exciting news within the next few days, and against our wishes, could not keep it in.  I am pretty sure that my mom's whole school knew by 8:00 the next day!  This kiddo is already so blessed in so many ways, and it loved by so many people.  This is the first grandbaby on both sides, and the first great-grandbaby on two sides.  Talk about spoiled!

I have been feeling great, albeit tired.  The beginning of school is crazy enough, but throwing a pregnancy into the mix has worn me out!  I am also taking two classes at IUS right now, so extra rest isn't in the vocabulary at the moment :)  I have had some back soreness primarily and a bit of nausea here and there; I'll take it compared to some other expecting mommas!  We are just going to keep praying that everything stays great.  We are very blessed people in so many ways and are extremely thankful :)