BRRRR...

We had a "snow day." I should say ice/snow/wind day. The wind was brutal. We couldn't stay out long. However, Laura Beth had a great time in it and looking at it. No snowmen. The snow wouldn't stick together.

Laura Beth showing her snow.

All of Laura Beth's "outside toys" were covered in ice and snow, even under the "porch."

CHEESE!!!

All together, it was a nice day to spend together.

Baby Shower for Julie Ann

Some "work friends" hosted a sweet baby shower for me and Julie Ann last Friday. We got lots of useful and cute things. Laura Beth keeps saying, "When Julie Ann comes out, she can play with these." I love how she is really beginning to grasp this Big Sister concept (NOT that I think she will be all that excited when she finds out how much attention Julie Ann will need. ha!).

The Cake. Red Velvet...sooo good! And NOTE the Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball in the background. MY FAVORITE!

Wabee and Laura Beth checking out the flowers.

Some really cute little bitty shoes.

The Hostesses.

It is snowy and icy here. We had a winter storm come through. I was a little excited about the snow, except it is RIDICULOUSLY cold outside. The wind is unbearable. We only stayed out for minutes and had to come in. There was no time for snowmen today. However, we are enjoying spending the day together. Pictures of the snow to come. :)

No pics, just words

I don't have recent pictures. However, I do have a few words. :)

I am starting the 29th week of pregnancy tomorrow. I feel it too. The back pain, the middle of the night bathroom trips, and the over-all exhaustion are all coming on strong. I have the glucose test in the morning. Joy. I also get the Rhogam shot then. I have our first baby shower for Julie Ann on Friday. Some sweet friends at work are throwing us a shower. I can't wait. :)

Laura Beth is really enjoying her Travis Ave preschool on Tuesday and Thursday. She makes the CUTEST art and crafts. She loves showing us her projects each time. Lately Laura Beth has not been "napping" as much. On the days that she DOES nap, she will sleep for 2-3 hours. On the days that she doesn't nap, she LITERALLY won't go to sleep...but she lays there so quiet for 2 hours. I am thinking two things: 1) She is growing out of her naps or 2) She isn't active enough to need a nap (i.e. it's too cold for playground, bike riding, etc.) Either way, her behavior seems to be the same on either day. Who knows? However, I don't like this timing of "no napping" right before a NEWBORN comes to our home. God will sustain me. RIGHT!? Of course, He will.

Other than that, Steve is enjoying days with Laura Beth. He uses the Travis Ave Preschool days to do some work at Travis for the youth. It has really worked out well. We are looking forward to seeing my parents this weekend. Surely I will have pics for the next post.

Barney!

Oh yes, yesterday, we went to a Barney show called, "Barney's birthday bash."

As most of you know, we tried NOT to have Barney in our home. However, we have now embraced it and "go" with it.

Laura Beth loved the show. Her Wabee bought her a Barney light up wand and we bought her a party balloon. She was set. She danced and stared in amazement.

Walking to the "party."

Here he comes....

The big purple guy himself.

Mommy and Laura Beth attempting a picture.

We eventually went to the floor in front of the stage. Laura Beth REALLY wanted to go on stage and "hug and kiss him, please."

The whole gang.

We had a great Saturday filled with "parties." Barney's party first, then a wedding (which Laura Beth thinks is a princess party, since most princesses get married at the end of the movie), and then a neighbor's birthday party. It was a busy, but fun day.

Right now, we are watching beautiful snow fall outside. Who knows, maybe the next post with have lots of snow pictures. 2 years in a row of snow here in Texas for us. We love it! We may even make "snow ice cream" later.

By the way, I am 25 weeks pregnant with about 15 weeks to go until Julie Ann arrives. I feel good and Julie Ann is doing really well. The next "big events" for her are a work baby shower on January 28th and then the Glucose Test on February 4th.

Happy New Year!

We had a great Christmas.

These are some lights from downtown fort worth. Laura Beth is in the front, but you can't see her.

Blowing out Jesus' Birthday candle.

2010 was the year of Princesses for Laura Beth!

Playing dress up is so fun.

Beautiful princesses!

We went to see the Canton Lights.

Mammy and Bampa

On the fire truck!

My sisters and their boys!

Aunt GiGi with Laura Beth laughing.

Buns in the oven! Love the mits Lou!

Painting with Papaw!

PRESENTS!

The telephone from Hannah Claire.

(Notice she is wearing her tinker bell dress.)

The Bike. From Gran and Papaw

The Princess dress from Uncle Lou!

"Belle" in her Castle tent from uncle Lou!

She got sooo many presents.

But the best present for us all was hearing Laura Beth say, "Happy birthday Jesus."

We are looking forward to a wonderful new year.

WHO KNOWS WHAT IS IN STORE FOR THE MEARS?

BOY OR GIRL?

Thats right. We are having another girl. We have already told so many people, but I never officially updated "the blog." SO I guess now the internet world knows. ha!

We are really excited about having another girl. We had a hard time deciding the name at first. We wanted a family name, as Laura Beth's name is very "family." Then, we wanted it to be a double name, as girls will wonder why one got a double name and one didn't (if you have a sister, you know what I am talking about). "Ann" is my middle name, my mom's middle name, and my sister-in-law's middle name. "Julie" isn't a "family" name, but we liked it. :) Altogether, we really liked Julie Ann Mears. We can't wait to meet her!

She is perfectly on schedule in weight, height, etc. We saw every organ and body part at the 20 week sonogram. We are so thankful for her great health thus far. I am 23 weeks pregnant and feeling well.

We are also excited about the week to come. Laura Beth cannot WAIT for Jesus' birthday (especially since Santa comes the night before). She has been carrying around presents and saying, "Can we open it?" and then answering herself saying, "Noooo, we have to wait for Jesus' birthday." HA!

Pomp and Circumstance...

...Texas Style

Proud Dad.

Proud Parents.

Proud Daughter.

Proud ME!

Steve graduated yesterday with his Masters. And he did it "Texas Style" (note the boots).