Potty time 101

This week began Halle's potty training. This involved many pairs of "undies," skittles, a potty chair, many hours sitting on that potty chair (or in my case watching her sit on the potty chair), many instructions on not going pee pee on the undies, and an occassional sucker. I feel like we had success, but I also feel like we have a long way to go. Halle did a good job going a few times in the potty. A few times, I think she doesn't think about it and we had an accident. That's why when we went out anywhere, we went back to the diaper. I feel like it was a good week introducing the potty and stocking up on "undies." I think all of Kohl's knew we were shopping for undies, as she yelled through the store, "undies where are you? I'm getting new undies!" My little girl is slowly learning and I feel like we'll continue to make progress. Here she is one on of her many stints of sitting on the potty.









And here's what Halle's doing when I'm not looking




In other news, I'm 19 1/2 weeks now and I think I finally kicked the morning sickness. Thank you God! Just this past week, I've started to feel more like myself. I'm so thankful there was an end to all of that. I'm excited to have 2 little girls and to dress them alike and to watch them become the best of friends. I hope! Halle is enjoying telling everyone about "little sister" and likes to say hello to her by kissing my belly. We've brainstormed name ideas but haven't come up with anything we really like, so good thing we have some time! When we decide, we're going to wait to reveal the name until she arrives, so you'll have to stay tuned!

And we finally think we have a house! After 4 months of searching every day, we've landed on one. We are set to close on it at the end of September, so we're praying everything goes smoothly and that the date doesn't get pushed back so that we can get in and paint before we move in. The timing should be perfect for us to move out of our apartment and into the house. We are soooo excited to finally have a home after 1 1/2 years of being in temporary housing. I can't wait to decorate and have something that's my own. I'm waiting to post pictures until after it's officially ours, so hang in there! I think that's about it for us! I'm looking forward to fall and for some cooler weather! TX is sure hot! And I'm ready for some relief!

So proud

Yesterday was the big day! My dad was baptized! Here he is after the big dunk! I was so bummed that I wasn't able to be there on such an important day, but my mom was able to video tape it and send it to me. It was amazing to see. You see, my spiritual heritage begins with my parents. Both of them became Christians as adults and thankfully raised my brother and I in the church. I remember my baptism- around age 10. I actually attempted one time a little younger than that and when it was my turn to get baptized, I cried and chickened out. I've witnessed many baptisms since then, large ceremonies, small ones- simple and more extravagant. They all leave me with the same feeling of excitement and celebration. When my dad told me recently about his decision to be baptized, I was thrilled. I've seen his faith grow immensely over the span of my life, as he's seen in me. And it's a great moment of pride for me to watch him as he made this important step in his faith. Wish I could have been there Dad, I love you and am so proud to be your daughter!

Halle was right!

She said she was getting a sister and she is! We saw our little girl this morning on the ultrasound and there she was! We were both really surprised, but we're excited for Halle to have a sister! I guess her big sister had intuition!

Louisiana

We just got home from another week away. We were able to go to Louisiana for the week to spend with Brian's family. We were very busy doing lots of activities and seeing lots of people. Halle loved spending time with her Mimaw and Pipaw and Aunt Lisa. We were able to go to the zoo and to a little Children's Museum while we were there. Brian and I took a day and went to New Orleans to visit some friends which was a fun day away.








In house news..we were negotiating on one house and have decided to move on. We're really hoping to find something in the next 2 weeks in order for the timing to be right for us moving out of our apartment. There doesnt seem to be any great options at this point, so we're really praying for just the right house to come along!

Baby is now 17 weeks and hopefully I'll be feeling better any day. I had a good day yesterday, so keeping my fingers crossed. Hopefully we'll find out the sex of this baby tomorrow, so stay tuned!

Home away from Home

This week we've had an amazing time in Naperville at my parents house. It has been so wonderful to be here with them for the week. Here are a few of my favorite things about this week...

1. Being outside- it's so much cooler here than TX!
2. Driving with the windows down
3. Driving.- Bri and I share a car now, so it's been wonderful to have some freedom
4. Babysitters
5. Spending time with my parents
6. Seeing so many friends and family members
7. Doing no housework
8. Doing no cooking
9. Naps
10. Watching Halle with her grandparents
11. Seeing the arrival of one of my best friend's first baby

Here's some of what Halle did this week...

A lot of playing with Nana and Papa outside!







My mom took us to the cutest restaurant called 2 Toots right by the train tracks where a train brings you your food. It was so cute!






We went to a mini zoo









Playing with cousins- Karen and I are pregnant for the 2nd time together- she's 2 weeks ahead of me.





And just a few more- and yes that's my 91 yr. old Grandmother on her knees playing with Halle. We'll be sad to leave, but excited to get back to Brian.







Today marks 16 weeks and I'm not feeling better yet, so I'm hoping any day! And we put an offer on a house and are waiting to hear back, so we'll see!