On a Year Ago Today

A year ago today, on July 14, 2010, Tom and I found out we were pregnant.

What I remember most about that day was waiting.  Waiting to take the pregnancy test.  Waiting for the results.  And waiting to call parents and friends.  (Little did I know I would wait an extra eight days after my due date to go into labor!)

I also remember how quickly my mindset changed.  All of a sudden, I stopped worrying about myself and started to pay more attention to all the things that would or could affect our baby.  I started to pay more attention to what I ate, what medicine I took, and even how I drove my car.  My life, a year ago today, started to rotate around someone I hadn't even met.

My life is so different now. But just as I was a year ago today, I'm still waiting.  Waiting to watch her roll over from her front to her back.  Waiting to see what color eyes she will have.  Waiting until she loses the hair off her tiny little ears.  So many things to look forward to.

I can't believe how much I love her.  It's been a great year.

On a Picture with Pop Pop

No children were harmed in the taking of this photo.

On a Family Trip to the Beach

This year, Tom, Colleen and I joined Mom, Dad, Kara, Andy, Sophie, Owen, and James on a trip to Ocean Isle Beach, NC.  (Unfortunately, Kyle wasn't able to join us as he is working an internship in San Francisco this summer).We stayed in a beach house that belongs to one of our assistant principals where Tom and I work.  Having four children ages three and under made the trip crazy at times...but in a good way.  I'm so glad Colleen got to spend time with her grandparents, Aunt, Uncle, and cousins.

Colleen did great on the car ride to the beach-sleeping most of the way!

View off the bridge on the way to the island.

Since we did have young kids with us, we spent some time in the house as well as underneath and on the two porches.

Colleen had her three month birthday while on the trip.  She also learned how to roll over from her back to her front!  

One day, a fort was built!

Colleen had lots of time to get to know her cousins.  I loved when Sophie would gently put her hand on Colleen's tummy and say, "hey girl" and then try to figure out if there was a toy Colleen wanted to play with.  The twins were interested in Colleen as well.  However, they found her to be a useful climbing obstacle and I think Kara even has a picture of Owen poking Colleen in the eye!  

Getting ready for and going to the beach was eventful. Our list of items to take included:  diapers, wipes, backup outfit(s), swim wear, sunscreen, beach tent,beach chairs, towels, sunglasses, and bouncer chair for Colleen.  But it was worth seeing all the kids enjoy their first trip to the ocean. 

Mom made each grandchild a sun hat.  Here is Sophie with her bee suit and hat.  Too cute!

Here is Colleen with her hat.  And it's reversible!

This is how the boys typically enjoyed the beach!

Even though it took all six adults to help the kids, both the children and adults enjoyed time at the pool.

On Wednesday morning, we woke up to rain.  So we piled everyone into cars and drove to Wilmington to go out to eat for lunch and check out the historic part of town.

Lots of car seats!

Owen and James enjoyed goldfish crackers while many of the adults enjoyed fresh seafood!

When we left Wilmington, Colleen was "blowing raspberries" in the car!

It was a great trip!  Still wishing we were there and hoping we can all go back again soon!

On Tom's First Father's Day

After a busy end of the school year, Tom asked for a low key Father's Day.  The Saturday before Father's Day, we went to Wingfest at the Piedmont Triad Farmers' Market.

Colleen looks excited, doesn't she?

On Sunday morning, Colleen and I made Tom breakfast and enjoyed it out on the porch.  We also got Tom a digital picture frame for him to put in his classroom.  If you would like, you can e-mail pictures to rees.thomas330@kodakpulse.com and they will be downloaded to his frame!

It was a relaxing, fun day!