Awaiting Baby Boy

I got my maternity pictures back today and I've been tearing up every time I look through them.  They are beautiful and capture perfectly the feeling of this pregnancy; causal, fun and full of family time.  That is exactly how the past 35 weeks have felt.  Very different from the first time, which was just as perfect, but more hectic (classes, showers, shopping, reading, waiting, worrying).  This one has been more easy-going.  It's been about spending special time with just the 3 of us, enjoying, celebrating with small groups of people; family and friends... no reading, no worrying, no hectic pace.  The blessings I feel are unmeasurable.  I feel so lucky to have had 2 great pregnancy's and I just pray that this baby's delivery is as safe and healthy as my first.

Seeing these pictures has been a realization that in just a few weeks, he'll be here with us!  This makes me feel 1.) freaked out...because, how was that 40 weeks? 2.) So excited 3.) Nervous about the unknown of being a mom of two.  I can do this! I am ready!  Baby is big (and so is momma) measuring about 2 weeks ahead of schedule (just like big brother).  It's time.  Time to turn this family of 3 into 4, time for new challenges, joys, memories and traditions.  35 weeks and counting....let's do this :)

A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

What a year 2013 was for us.  So many great memories made, fun times had, and milestones reached; James turned two, started a new school, made lots of new friends. Mom took a new job with Bayer and got pregnant with #2. Dad reached top wholesalers status at TransAmerica, got in super shape at Cross fit, took his dad on an amazing Canadian fishing trip, Cabo with friends, 2 amazing weddings for friends & family…..and on and on.  We are so blessed and can't imagine what 2014 will bring!

A few pictures from our latest 2013 adventures.

Holy Christmas Santa- Someone hit the jackpot ;)

  First Look

 Christmas Shenanigans

 Aftermath

 The new ride

 One Happy Family

Also during the week long break, we packed up the sleigh and took a 3 hour drive up north to Broken Bow, OK for a weekend get-a-way.

Charlie might have loved it most of all ;)

 Trying out the ATV in the woods

 Roasting S'Mores

 Family Hike

 

Had such a good time with this little dude :)

and this one too!!! 31 weeks

Wishing everyone a happy & healthy new year!

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.