It's A Girl!

So many people were confident that this next little baby was going to be a boy, but we had to stay with my family's tradition- 2 girls to each family. It's true for my sister, my mom, my mom's sister, and my grandmother. So, all that to say...we're happily having another girl!

We met my sister's family and my parents in Palm Springs for Resolved last Thursday. Jesse and I made the announcement to them by baking a vanilla cake and using a little red dye in the mix to make it pink. Then we iced it really well. Everyone took their guesses as to what gender the baby will be, then Charis (the oldest cousin- 6 yrs.) cut the cake to reveal the secret to everyone. There were many surprised looks and excited voices to follow.

This little one has been kicking a ton since 16 weeks- wonder what she will be like! We are so thrilled to meet her.

Anniversary Cooking Class

Jesse and I celebrated our 4th anniversary by going to a cooking class ("A taste of New Orleans") with the Yoons! We had such a fun night learning to cook Cajun at Chef's Inc.

Chef Jesse chopping and juicing a lemon.

Making the shrimp Po' Boys.

The Yoons :)

Our instructor with the finished product of our Po' Boy sandwiches with Remoulade Sauce.

Enjoying the finished product! Our menu: Po' Boys with Remoulade Sauce, Seafood Gumbo with Fried Okra, Chicken and Audouille Sausage Jambalaya, Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce, and Chicory Coffee. Whew!

Happy Anniversary Jesse!

From our first kiss four years ago to today, I have been blessed by your loving leadership. It's such a joy to live every day with you! I love you tremendously.

The Last Four Months

We were thrilled to find out in February that we were on our way to have baby #2, then I became pretty much bed-ridden for the next 3 1/2 months with morning/all day sickness. I am very thankful that this time I didn't end up in the hospital (like I did with Maddie). There was actually so much to be thankful for during this time of sickness! Jesse was finishing his THM degree, editing several study guides, writing a book, shepherding a Bible Study, working, and caring for Madison and me! You would have thought his only job was caring for us- he was so attentive and loving in light of my weakness. I am so thankful to the Lord for a husband that is a strong and gifted leader, and at the same time a compassionate and gentle provider. Our family is also so thankful to my parents and friends who cared for Maddie when we couldn't, provided meals, and helped out with cleaning. We are grateful to the Lord for reminding us how our health comes from Him, our strength, and our family. I definitely grew in my love for being a wife and mother over the last few months. I have a renewed joy in my role as a wife and mother!

Here are some things that have happened in our lives since March:

Lots of Papa and Mimi time!

Jesse graduated with his THM, yet another degree! I'm so proud of his hard work.

Great Grandpa and Grandma came in town for graduation.

Gigi had fun giving Maddie a bath.

Everyone helped Mads get dressed!

Madison had her nails painted for the first time!

Anna came over for a little tea party with our stuffed animals!

We had a visit from Grandma and Grandpa Robert!

We went to a train park.

And even got to take a ride! Madison woke up from her nap that day calling, "Choo choo!"

Papa bought Maddie her first treat from the ice cream truck.

Everyone enjoyed it! Great way to celebrate Memorial Day!

Lots of special time with Daddy!

Pictures from Rachel

More Amazing Pictures from Rachel

Since I haven't exactly been keeping up with taking and posting pictures, here's a few Rachel took on Memorial Day of Madison...thanks Rach!