My Promise

Hi baby girl. You are coming into this world in 2 weeks. I can hardly believe it! This pregnancy seems to have gone by very slow, but now that I'm almost 38 weeks along, the time is flying by. I certainly didn't have as much time to bond with you that I had with your brother, but I want you to know that I am just as excited and happy to meet you as I did with your big bro.

Here are a few things you should know about me. I tend to get very emotional, especially when I've suffered from lack of sleep.  This emotion can come in the form of anger, impatience, and (sometimes) giddiness. I can also get very moody. Daddy doesn't have much patience for me when I am like this, but he deals with it the best he can.  You'll learn quickly that he is the best man in the world. Sometimes, I also have quick outbursts which may seem like I'm in a bad mood, but once it's over, it's over. Once I let out my steam, I quickly settle down.

The thought of adding another baby to our family has me feeling excited, happy, and blessed. It's also making me a little anxious and worried about being the best mom I can be when my emotions get the best of me. The only thing I can pray and hope for is that you, Daddy, and Connor will all know how much I love you amongst our stressful times.

And, also that I won't ever give up on us.




When I look into your eyes
It's like watching the night sky
Or a beautiful sunrise
There's so much they hold

*I can't wait to look into your eyes, baby girl. They are the windows to who you are, and I can't wait to learn all about you. 

I don't wanna be someone who walks away so easily
I'm here to stay and make the difference that I can make
Our differences they do a lot to teach us how to use
The tools and gifts we got

*We may be family, but we will have our differences. I will always respect you and your feelings. 

I won't give up on us (no I'm not giving up)
God knows I'm tough enough (I am tough, I am loved)
We've got a lot to learn (we're alive, we are loved)
God knows we're worth it (and we're worth it)

*We sure do have a lot to learn about each other, and the rest of our family of four too. Let's never give up on each other. Our family is growing, and it's a beautiful thing. Time's may get tough, but we will all persevere and love one another as we all grow. 

I won't give up on us
Even if the skies get rough
I'm giving you all my love
I'm still looking up

*You have all my love, Daddy's love, and Connor's love. I can only do the best I can baby girl. I only hope it's enough for all of you. 

All my love, 
Mommy

July 4th, 2012 (Part One)

This is going to be a 2-part, possibly 3-part post because, well, we just had too much fun! Our PA Richardson family came down for their annual visit. With Sydney being 12 now, and Alex 7, they were the perfect playmates for Connor. The three of them played outside, upstairs, downstairs, and in Connor's room a lot. I feel like I barely saw him all week! 

Our family arrived the July 3rd, and so the festivities started early the next day! After a big pancake breakfast, we spent the morning decorating 4th of July cupcakes (and getting an early sugar high):

After that, we spent the day at the neighborhood pool and waterpark: 

Then, after lunch and a long nap, it was time for the nighttime festivities (to be continued)...

July 4th (Part Two)

So, we checked off the pancakes, cupcakes, and pool. Then came time for the fireworks and s'mores! Connor and his cousin, Alex, went out to pick some sticks for our marshmallows (and found some time to give each other some cousinly love): 

S'mores might be one of my favorite things! The gooey marshmallow, melty chocolate, and crunchy graham cracker are a heavenly combination. We all thoroughly enjoyed them in our backyard while watching the neighborhood fireworks. I can't say Connor really enjoyed the fireworks, but he stayed content inside the house and didn't realize how much fun he was missing...maybe he'll be brave enough next year.

July 4th (Part Three)

After a busy two days of the pool, fireworks, s'mores, and running around town, we all took a family trip to Carowinds Amusement Park. Yes, it was scorching out, but we visited the water park for quite a while, which really broke up the day. Connor had a ton of fun on the rides this year, and Andie and Sydney made their way 301 feet in the air on the new ride: the Windseeker!

Best buds:

Such a good big cousin to Connor: 

Father's Day 2012

Connor and I have a special somebody to be very thankful for: his daddy, and my husband. Tom wears many hats in this family, and we love him to pieces. Whether it's giving piggy back rides, running around the house, playing hide-and-seek, or spending an extra 5 minutes in Connor's bedroom at the end of the day, Tom is a father and husband to be admired. I can only hope and pray that my lil' guy grows up to be just like my big guy. 

After a long day of work, Tom comes home with more energy than I can muster these days, and takes over playtime, bath time, and bedtime without blinking an eye. And, after Connor is down for the count, Tom is there to help me relax and cater to my ever-growing belly. I thank God everyday for the blessed life I have, and a lot of that has to do with the man in my life who is both my husband and best friend. 

We love you, Tommy Boy, and can't wait to celebrate many more Father's Day's with you as a family of 4! 

New Bike

Connor got a new bike for his birthday (thanks, Grannie). He's still trying to get the hang of it, but is doing a fairly great job. It's been so hot out here that we haven't been able to practice much because, well, I just might melt, but he looks cute so far!

Checking the tires...

Connor is 3!

Connor turned 3 a couple of weeks ago. His construction party was super fun. He seemed quite impressed by his dump truck cake, which made me happy:

Connor loved having all of his friends over for water play. He greeted them at the door with a big smile on his face and sometimes with a hug.  

Grannie was here to visit too!

It was a great day. Happy birthday, lil' man. We love you very much and are so proud of the little boy you are turning into. 

A couple of days later, it was off to the doctor for a check-up. She was quite impressed by the muscles in his legs and said he is growing well. He is now 38 inches tall, and that means he can ride the bigger rides at Carowinds this year! Connor's love of cars, trucks, and books is still as strong as ever. He even bought a ride-on excavator with his "spending" money saved in his piggy bank. It is going to come in very handy in the sandbox Tom is building him for his birthday present! 

Love you little buddy!