Thanksgiving in Ohio

Every year, for the past 6 years, we have traveled back to Ohio to spend Thanksgiving with the Shempp/Parks side of the family.  I am truly blessed to have married into such a large and loving family.  They love being together and boy... do they know how to have a party!   I love how each year Thanksgiving becomes a reunion of family & friends from across the country.  Pete's Grandparents and Aunt Emily fly from New York, the Davis and Dobbs families from Florida, us from Texas and an extra special visit for me, from my parents…hailing from South Carolina.  It makes this time of year so special for us.  James had a blast with all his relatives and partied harder then all of us combined. How truly thankful I am for family, travel, health and happiness.

Color Bonding

 Pete and Poppy

The Guys

(Peter, My Dad "Grandpa" & Grandpa Cline, Grandfather Shempp, Pete's Dad "Popsie" & James)

 Only upside down...

3 Generations of Peter James Shempp

Thanksgiving Day

Taking a rest on Clea

 Auntie Jza Jza and Auntie Em

 God, we are thankful for furry friends ;)…REX

 and fun Nerf guns ;)

Grandfathers 89th Surprise Plaid Party

 Paparazzi ;)

 SURPRISE!!!

 Beer Tasting

 Keeley gets in the spirit too

 Uncle Danny and James discussing the hunt ;)

 Happy Birthday Grandfather!

James has also become quite the musician I attribute this too Popsie love of Rock and Roll and the music iPad app. He was Rockin'

His second love is construction and between Poppy and Uncle Dan's construction businesses there is no short of equipment around.  James was in pure heaven!

Such a wonderful week. We are so blessed & thankful.

25 Weeks

25 WEEKS! WHAT? This pregnancy is flying by and I'm already feeling a little '2nd baby guilt' as I have not posted 1 US picture of my littlest man!  I always thought, "of course I'll do everything the same for this baby as I did for James", but I'm now finding that to be a little more difficult than I originally thought ;) Go figure!   I'm just thankful that I have a few hours this Sunday to sit at the computer, download pictures of the handsome boys in my life and take a moment to reflect on my 2nd son…the one who will be here in 15 short weeks... YIKES!

This pregnancy has been pretty much by the book so far.  I'm so thankful for that and pray each day that is continues to be so.  We did have a little scare early on when test results showed a very…very low level of the pregnancy hormone, PAPP-A.  This hormone has been linked to low birth weight, pre-term labor and a higher risk of pre-eclampsia.  My doctor is monitoring all of these risks with bi-weekly US and a few extra trips to Fetal Medicine at Children's Hospital. So far, so good! This tough little guy is growing perfectly (measuring a full week ahead of his due date) and is even more active then his big brother.  The good part of a higher risk pregnancy is lots and lots of US.  So not only do I feel better being monitored so closely, but I get to see his precious face 2X/month.

He is handsome, just like his daddy and big brother. We are getting the nursery ready, have our name picked out….shhh keeping it a secret ;) and are anxiously awaiting his arrival around March 1st.

Here's a glimpse inside! 

11 Weeks

20 Weeks

24 Weeks

Keep Growing Big Boy!

November Happenings

Carrying on with Fall traditions, we sought out another fun adventure in North Dallas, the Pilot Point Sharkarosa Wildlife Reserve.  We had a great morning there enjoying the petting zoo and taking a Safari ride.  It was an 80 degree day here a Texas and we took full advantage; enjoying this wonderful weather while it's still here.

On the Tram- Ready to go!

Zebra-Horse

We also celebrated Grandma's birthday when they came down for a visit this past weekend.  Mom and I enjoyed a night out with a great dinner at Neighborhood Services and our annual trip to SYTYCD Tour. It was amazing as always and even better with our 5th row seats! Such a fun girls night out.

Also, showing off my 25 week bump :)

It was (at one time) a fried s'more! Yum

Happy Birthday Mom! I love you. xoxo