More Photos.

We had such a great time with all of the family that came into town to greet our new addition.

To share photos with some of you, I put together a Kodak Gallery of photos from last weekend!

Feel free to follow this link and see our photos from last weekend!

Merry Christmas!

INTRODUCING....

Lucie Rose Surratt!

Our precious second born arrived Dec. 17, 2008 at 11:50PM! She weighed 6Lbs. 9Oz. and measures 19 1/2 inches long! Lucie is adorable, and I just want to spend every moment kissing my two girls on their rosy cheeks!

We came home from the hospital on Saturday morning and celebrated the special homecoming with famly and friends! Eloise LOVES her new little sister and wants to help Mommy with everything!

I have been given the most blessed gift for Christmas.

Sleeping Beauty!

Coming home from the hospital

The Surratt Girls!

Northpark Santa

We took Eloise to see Santa not too long ago. Northpark has some fun holiday attractions like story time with Santa, toy train exhibits, etc. I knew Eloise would probably have a hard time with Santa this year, but I thought it might be easier if she saw him during story time. She loved Story time and while waiting in line she would point to Santa and say "Ho,Ho,Ho!" So, I thought that she would do great.

Northpark has the best Santa I have ever seen! I also love how you draw a numbered ticket, and you can go shop while you wait your turn (As long as you check back to see if your turn is up!)

Anyhow, after story time, and shopping and watching Santa all night Eloise FLIPPED out when it was her turn to sit in his lap. She wouldn't even let go of me! So, we spent all of that time at Northpark and ended up with no "Santa Shot." We did get a cute pict. of Eloise in her outfit though!

Although it was disappointing, I will make the drive next year too! I think that the Northpark Santa is worth the drive!

Santa in his "Casual" outfit during story time... he changed into the full velvet suit for photos!

Eloise at story time... reading up on "Jolly Old St. Nick"

Eloise after refusing to sit in Santa's lap. She didn't mind posing for this shot!

CHEESE!

Eloise is really into getting her picture taken right now. Last week she was on the couch with her daddy with her arm around his neck and stared straight at me saying "CHEESE!" I asked her "Do you want Mommy to take your picture with Daddy?" and she said "YES!" So here are some of the shots. I think it's these simple and suprising moments that I will always cherish!

Doc. Appointment

So I had another Doc. appointment today. (I go once a week now.) I found out that I am dialated to a 3! and 50% effaced. I have been having dreams that little Lucie was coming soon and this weekend I did some SERIOUS nesting..... Maybe the next post will be from a hospital bed in post partum??? It's getting down to the knitty gritty!

Decorating the tree with my sweet Eloise!

I know Eloise's days as an only child are numbered, so I really enjoy these little moments together! We recently decorated the Christmas tree. I was worried about putting one up at all this year, because Eloise is actually mobile this Christmas! I was decorating it by myself when I looked down and El was putting ornaments on, too! She was copying what mommy was doing! She would pick up one of the balls and set it on the limb. I had to go back and hang them by the hook, but she got the basic idea! I am really enjoying this time with her. She picks up new things daily and is SO interactive! I know she's going to be the best big sister!

Thanksgiving

This year was a bit different for us! Since I am so close to my due date, and I had pre-term labor with Eloise my doctor grounded me to McKinney from here on out. Instead of the big family gathering that we are used to, we had a quiet Thanksgiving this year. My parents came to see us and we celebrated with the 5 of us. Honestly, I didn't know what to expect, but things turned out very nicely! We had the traditional meal (on a smaller scale.) It was quiet and relaxing. We missed all of the family, but I truly enjoyed the day!

Papa, Eloise and Patrick eating dinner.

Kelly, Patrick and Eloise

Eloise in her pretty Thanksgiving Dress (that I made her!)

Playing games in the backyard after dinner

ICE!!

Over the holiday weekend my mom and dad came to town. We wanted to do something special so we went to the Gaylord Texan to see the ICE exhibit. It is an ice sculpture wonderland! They had gingerbread houses, Santa Clause, the Nativity scene, HUGE ornaments and much, much more... all sculpted out of ice!

It was so cool... LITERALLY... They keep it at 9 degrees in the exhibit so the ice won't melt. Everyone gets a long down parka to wear. Eloise was bundled up in several layers and wrapped in a parka as well. She learned through experience the words "ice" and "cold" VERY quickly! It was definitely something we will never forget. We had so much fun.

Eloise also had the chance to visit Mrs. Clause and Dasher, the reindeer! The famliy had our picture made (because Eloise didn't want to do it by herself.) The hotel was decorated for Christmas and really put us in the holiday spirit.

BRRRRRRR!

Ice Gingerbread House

Eloise wanted to touch it... so we took off the mittens for a minute!

Bundled up and warm!

The group!

Happy Birthday, Bri!

Sat. I went out to eat for my friend Brianne's birthday. It was fun to get a sitter and go out with the girls for a while. The boys were at a sports bar near by keeping track of the game and updating us via text message. It was a really fun evening. After dinner we met up with the boys for the second half of the game... although it wasn't really worth watching. Tech played their worst game of the season. I gotta hand it to the Sooners, though... they showed up in full force!

Anyhow, Happy Birthday, Brianne! I had a fun time at the dinner!

Me and the Birthday Girl!

(Notice there are no picts. of the sports bar... the boys were too grouchy for photos!)

Finally, a name!

We decided on Lucie Rose Surratt for baby no. 2! I have always liked the name Lucy, but it wasn't on the top of Patrick's list. He saw it spelled with the L-U-C-I-E instead of L-U-C-Y and LOVED it! It is a compromise I am willing to make, so there you go! Little Lucie Rose will be a very loved little girl.

And yes, folks, we are for sure this time! I even bought something that is personalized!
What a commitment :)

UH OH!

Today, right about time Eloise wakes up from nap, I hear her saying "Wa-Wa" over and over from the baby monitor. She calls any fluid "Wa-Wa" (whether it's milk, water, Tee-tee... you get the point.) SO, I thought, "Oh! She must have a wet diaper!" I went in to get her up and change her. SURPRISE! I got in the room and noticed that Eloise's bed was all wet and then noticed that she was naked from the bottom down! She had taken off her diaper at some point, and wet the bed! So, of course she got a bath. We stripped her bed and washed the sheets and Snuggles (El's beloved stuffed dog.) I should be thankful that it was only wet... I remember the day I got photos of my niece doing the same thing, only with a dirty diaper! EWWWW!!

What does this mean? Is Eloise ready for potty training? I don't even know how to start that journey.... any mommy advice?

The little Houdini after getting out of her diaper... notice it next to her left foot!

Painting!

Today Eloise and I used "magic paint!" (AKA Color Wonder Paint by Crayola.) She loved it and so did I. The paint will only work on the Color Wonder paper, so there is no mess on clothes and other stuff! What a cool invention... I think I know a few kids that may get this for Christmas!

The finished masterpiece!

Eloise was so proud of her art on the fridge!

Thanksgiving Outfits

Lately I have been so in love with all of the holiday clothes and decided I could make them! SO the past few weeks I have tried my hand at some beginners sewing. I do not have my own machine (yet) so I can only do it when my nice friends and family will loan me theirs. Here are some of my creations!

Applique Turkey T

Eloise wearing her turkey t.

Doesn't she look like she is about to tackle something? (Silly Girl!)

My first dress. (Thanks for the help Aunt Deb!)

Christmas Cookie Recipe Exchange

I went to girls night at my friend, Brooke's, house last night. We went shopping and came back for some Christmas cookie baking. We had fun having girl time, cooking, sharing recipes and stories. It was a much needed night away. At the end of the night we all had cookies and new recipes to take home... What a fun idea! Here are a few picts. from the night. I can't wait to share some of my holiday treats!

The girls!

White chocolate covered pretzels
The bakers
Decorating the iced sugar cookies

Finished sugar cookies! So cute!

We found a cute Texas Tech Christmas plate at Market Street! It says "The Red Raiders were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of bowl games danced in their heads!" (Hopefully, visions of National Championship bowl games.....)

YMCA Baby Shower

Last Saturday my YMCA friends threw me a baby shower! I have to give props to the hostesses Tierra, Kelley, Christine, and Anrdrea because it was quite impressive. The food was fondue, which was really unique and fun. They had a generous spread of treats! All of the fondue was delicious, but my favorite part was the chocolate fountain!

Tierra and Kelley had done a terrific job organizing games to go along with the nursery theme (black, pink and white french country.) They had a "guess the baby game" where everyone had brought a baby picture and you had to figure out who was who. I won a prize on that one! They also had a French to English Translation game with lots of fun baby words. I also did very well on the baby bingo game! I did, however, feel a little guilty taking home extra prizes when I got so much good baby loot!

Speaking of that, I am super excited about my new baby swing and bouncer! The new baby girl (still nameless at this point) is going to look super cute in all of her new winter clothes, too! I got tons of Diapers and bath supplies... always awesome! And now my baby is going to drink from BPA free bottles, thanks to my sister!

Thanks to all of my friends at the YMCA who made this night so special! I am such a lucky gal!

Here are a few picts. from the fun evening!

All of the hostesses and myself!

Andrea and I in front of the food table!

Me and Kelley, one of the hostesses.

Party favors

My Swag!

The guests and me!

Baby Guessing game... Danae and I ruled at this one!

The gorgeous flowers and candle centerpieces!

Andrea did an amazing job on flowers!

Eloise had fun riding Felicity's Tricycle!

Opening gifts!

Baby Travis comes home!

My nephew, Travis, was released from the NICU on Friday. Mommy and Daddy were so happy to bring their one-week-old home. Mom said their first night home was a long one ! Thanks for all of the prayers and encouragement!

The happy family!

A BIG weekend!

So this weekend was HUGE in the Surratt house! There was the long awaited birth of my nephew, Travis (which came in the nick of time-- my last weekend to travel.) Then we had an awesome Halloween and Eloise got to see her cousins. And lastly, Texas Tech (no. 7) BEAT Texas (no. 1) in Lubbock on Saturday night with a national audience watching. I think we took UT by suprise... they must not have been watching the rest of the season. Tech has had our BEST season ever this year! With this win it catapulted us to No. 2!! Let's just hope that the good games aren't over for the year... I would LOVE to see Texas Tech finally get some serious recognition! Keep your fingers crossed for this Sat... One week at a time folks, one week at a time!

Happy Halloween!

While in Houston for the delivery of my nephew, we got to attend a Halloween block party in my borthers neightborhood. Eloise went as a belly dancer, wearing an outfit that my inlaws got on their trip to Singapore! I think Eloise had a fun time watching all of the people and sampling some yummy Halloween treats! She really enjoyed hanging out with her cousins the butterfly and ladybug (what an extra special treat!) She also enjoyed riding in their wagon and cool pink push-car! We could hardly get her out of it at the end of the night!