6 1/2 Months Pregnant

I've been terrible at documenting this pregnancy . . . below is the first picture taken of my belly (Grayson took it!) at 6 1/2 months. Perhaps the reason is that this has been the hardest pregnancy of all 3. My first trimester I was very morning sick (which is really all day and night sick) and exhausted. I've felt better ever since that ended, but I still have two active little boys to run around after and I just don't run as fast as I used to! And I've also battled a stomach bug and a bad cold/sinus infection in the last month (and both kids had one or both of these as well, and Max had croup). Nevertheless every day (even on the sick days) I am thankful for this little blessing. Her name will be Ella and we can't wait to meet her. Even Max, when asked where the baby is, says "in Mommy's tummy." And Grayson says that as the biggest brother he will take good care of her. I know he will, because he takes such good care of Max and is his best friend already. 2 1/2 months and counting . . .

Picking out our Tree

This weekend we decorated our house for Christmas. Grayson and Max are so excited about Christmas this year. And this is the first year Max kind of gets what's going on . . . and he's caught up in all the fun.

Thanksgiving 2010

This Thanksgiving we had a wonderful and relaxed Holiday at our home with Mima, Pop-pop, and our friends Emily, Chris, and Ethan.

I was pretty happy with how my turkey turned out. And it actually tasted as good as it looked! After brining it overnight I followed a slow cooking method found here: www.howtocookathanksgivingturkey.com and also put herbs and butter under the skin over the breasts - it makes such a difference!

Look Mom - No Training Wheels!

Grayson has a new skill. It took very little coaching - just a little motivation watching Grace, our 6-year-old neighbor, ride her bike without training wheels. Tony took them off, gave him a little push, and he was off!

No Training Wheels! from Shannon on Vimeo.

Cupcake Love

This afternoon Tony went to the Atlanta Cupcake Factory and brought a little helper to help pick out the perfect cupcakes. For himself, Max chose a chocolate cupcake with - of course - a huge helping of bright red frosting and sprinkles. It was cupcake love from the first bite.