Hey guys! So, recently, I took a little test. I was so absolutely sure that this test was going to be "negative" that I didn't even tell Cline I was taking it, despite strict, long-standing instructions to never, ever take such a test without being in his presence. In fact, the only reason I was even taking the test was because I had one tiny symptom, that could easily be explained away, but that one symptom was causing a nagging guilt as I indulged in my 4th Coca-Cola each day, and I was tired of having my joy robbed for what was probably no reason at all.
So, I took the test, early on July 12, to put my mind at ease, fully expecting to resume my caffeinated lifestyle in peace. And it came back very clearly "positive!"
Luckily, I had some time to think of a cute way to tell Cline that I'd broken the cardinal rule of not taking pregnancy tests unless he was around to share in the joy. Cline was working a night shift that night and would be sleeping most of the day. As soon as Christa woke up, we got to work on a cute little construction paper card, and wrapped the life-changing stick up like a present. I was forgiven :)
We are thrilled beyond belief, and can't wait to meet this new little baby! My due date is at the end of March, which will make Abby Kate just over 18 months old. Whew!! That's an exhausting thought that I'm trying not to dwell too hard on right now :) I feel like I've just now gotten used to having two children, so I'm hoping for the best with 3 so young! Needless to say, I'm soaking up all of the sleep I can right now in preparation for some chaotic, fun, and memorable months ahead!
We have had a couple of scares this time around, but thankfully, things are looking better now. As a result, I have been back and forth to the doctor's office very frequently over the past 5 weeks, leaving little time or energy for appropriate blogging. We welcome your prayers that this pregnancy goes smoothly, and the issues continue to resolve themselves. Christa has already claimed her new room in preparation for the new baby, and Abby Kate is so excited that she's not sleeping anymore! I am so thankful that the pregnancy is progressing that the constant vomiting doesn't seem to be bothering me as much this time around. Cline is convinced the baby is a boy, but I think I'm going to let this one be a surprise.
In other news, Christa started preschool last week and loves her class. She goes 3 mornings a week, which gives Abby Kate and I some time to do Kindermusik together. Abby Kate is a different child from Christa, who sat calmly, happily patting to the music. Abby Kate, my active child, wants nothing more than to crawl around the room during this time, so our Kindermusik days may be short-lived and replaced with gymnastics classes down the road. Christa will start ballet in a couple of weeks and is sooooo excited. We went to buy her leotard, tights, and slippers about a week ago, and I've had a hard time convincing her to wear anything else since then. She insists on being referred to as "Ballerina," NOT, "Christa." She's a funny one for sure!
Cline has worked a ton this summer, so we haven't done a whole lot as a family. We're looking forward to resuming a normal schedule next month, and hope to be able to do more social/family activities this fall. I have been busy resting as much as I can and editing video for Abby Kate's first birthday, which is coming up in a couple of weeks. At some point, I'll have to figure out new room arrangements, and re-organize all of the kid stuff in the house to make room for the 3rd child. So far, I'm just focused on getting little "Gummy-Bear" here safely, and I will find the time and energy to get to all of that later.
Hope all of you are doing well, and I'd love to hear from you! I'm on Facebook now, so if we're not friends, please request me. I now have one of those fancy phones that takes pictures, so I'm a little better about updating that site right now, since it's portable!
Have a great day!
Happy Birthday Girl!
I found this outfit at a local store, and almost didn't get it because I already had a shirt for her. Then, I thought about what cute professional cake pictures that outfit would make, so I rushed back out and bought it. We'll see how those professional pictures turn out!
Getting ready to party!
Christa and I made the cake together. We have always done large parties for Christa, so I have always ordered a cake from a grocery store or baker. This time, I decided to try and make one myself, since we were having a small party. Christa loves to help me bake, so I thought it would be a fun mother-daughter activity. I was right! I didn't save any money, by the time I purchased all of the frosting, ingredients, cake pan, etc., but we had fun making it! 
Abby Kate devoured an entire cupcake... and started in on a second one!
Christa had her first ballet practice on Tuesday. She is so excited to be a ballerina, and we were pleasantly surprised to find out that a good friend of ours is in her class!
