My little girl isn't so little anymore!

I snapped this picture with my phone while we were driving this weekend. I had one of those OMG moments when I realized my tiny, little baby isn't so "baby" anymore. I think she is technically a toddler now. I teared up a bit about how quickly time flies. It seems like just yesterday we were in postpartum learning everything together! I still believe that my family is my greatest accomplishment. I know Eloise will be a very loving big sister and we can't wait to welcome the new baby girl (whatever her name may be!) But, I still get a little sad when I realize how fast it's all going!

TAGGED

I've been "tagged" (it's a blogger world thing) by my friend, Katy, to tell you 7 random facts about myself. Here goes...

#1 I love game nights. My family and I are always playing games like Cranium, Mexican Train, Scrabble, Monopoly, and Life when we get together. Sometimes, when there's nothing else to do, my husband and I play games on Saturday nights!

#2 I love EVERYTHING Martha Stewart! So what if she is a convicted felon. She's a domestic diva and she knows crafts like no one else! I actually "Tivo" The Martha Stewart show everyday and fully intend on getting tickets to attend the show the next time I am in New York.

#3 I always wanted to be a chef. To be more specific a PASTRY Chef! I regulary bake and give the goods away. The act of baking is relaxing, but I don't need 3 dozen cookies just lying around my house! This, I believe, is my husbands biggest pet peeve.... He would like to keep all the baked goods to himself!

#4 I am terrified of tornados. I love it when it rains lightly, but I get sick (litterally) when the weather gets really bad. I have been scared of tornados since I learned about them in 2nd grade science! Last time there was a tornado warning I gathered up all of my photo albums (you can't always replace photos) and slept in the bathtub!

#5 To this day I insisit I am not sick unless I have a fever. Which, I know is not true. I think that this belief comes from elementary school, when I would go to the school nurse and could not go home unless I had a fever. I recently learned that you don't always get a fever when I had been miserable for a week and was diagnosed with a double ear infection and sinus infection!

#6 My second pregnancy has made me like beer. I never liked it before, in fact, I hated it! I know, it's wierd, but I actually crave it now. Sometimes I just take a sip of my husbands and it is like PURE heaven.... cold, foamy, and oh so delicous! Patrick is truly thrilled; he thinks I will now be a cheap date. I can't wait until I'm no longer pregnant and can have some.

#7 And now for the final zinger----I LOVE College football! When I watch it alone I actually yell at the TV (very feminine, I know.) Sometimes, it gets so bad that I will catch Patrick giving me this shocked look. I can't help it... I just get really into it and I want my team to do well. I am seriously counting down the days until this Saturday because Texas Tech #6 (My alma mater) is playing Texas #1 in Lubbock. I actually think that we have a chance to win. This would be the ultimate win! It would rank TTU at an all time high! I adore TTU quarter back Graham Harrell and Wide Receiver Micheal Crabtree. I want one of them to win the Heisman Trophy! College football is my favorite! It sends chills down my spine!

So here are the rules:*Link your tagger and list these rules on your blog.*Tell seven random facts about yourself on your blog* Tag six people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs*Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blogI'm tagging:

Wendy

Nissa-Lynn

Lisa

Holly

Vandi

KC

Sorry if you've already done this girls---then just send me your facts! :)

What is in a name???

I am being wishy washy. Am I crazy? What is the big deal about picking a name? I thought I had settled on Elaina Rose Surratt for the new baby girl, but now I am having second thoughts. It just doesn't "Fit." Does that make sense? I want a beautiful, feminine, not- so- common name for this sweet child. I have been through numerous books, websites and family possibilities but nothing has that special "ring" to it. Or, I like it and Patrick doesn't. I don't know what to do.... I guess you should hold off on buying anything personalized! I am feeling overwhelmed... am I the only one who has struggled with this decision?

Big Orange Pumpkin farm

Just north of McKinney in a town called Celina they have a pumpkin farm. We went last year, and were so impressed we decided to take the cousins this year. So, while Aaron and Lara enjoyed the Red River Rivalry, we took the kids to the farm! They have a petting zoo, hay ride, and pumpkin patch. There are some great spots for photo ops, but having a 1 year old, 1 1/2 year old and 2 year old made it rather difficult to rangle them up for group photos! Here are a few of my favorite shots from our day at the farm!

My little angel posing with the pumpkins!
Hayride!
These two sweeties wouldn't stop kissing on the hayride!
The best group shot I got!
Eloise taking it all in!
(and looking cute in Mommy's handmade outfit!)

I am SEW good!

I got the urge to be crafty last week so I did some sewing! I made Halloween outfits for Eloise, Connally and Cate! First, I bought the black pants and white t-shirt at Target! Then I added the applique to the t-shirt and ruffles to the cuff. Later, I added a white pom pom border to the hem of the shirt (not pictured.) I thought they turned out pretty cute, and they got lots of compliments at the pumpkin patch on Saturday!

(Pumpkin Patch pictures coming soon!!!)

Saturday is "Eloise Day!"

After being gone all week for work, Patrick wanted to take Eloise out on Saturday. We went back to the park and to Peter Piper Pizza (similar to Chuck E Cheese.)

Eloise had a great time! She loves to wave at people and say "Hi!" and "Bye, bye!" Her other favorite phrase is "Night, night!" But she doesn't always get the timing right on that one. She must think that ALL babies sleep ALL the time, because anytime she sees a baby she says "Night, night!" It makes me laugh!

Smiling in the swing.
Driving the Ice Cream truck at Peter Piper.
Waving at all her new friends.

We're having a girl!

Patrick and I are so glad to be blessed with another little girl! Elaina Rose Surratt is due to arrive January 7th, 2009. We are so excited for Eloise to have a sister that is so close to her own age. (They will be 22 months apart!)

To avoid the complications that I faced with my first pregnancy, I have started taking weekly progesterone shots. Studies show that this greatly reduces the risk of going into pre-term labor. My insurance plan covers a weekly nurse visit and shot. Thankfully, that means Patrick doesn't have to deliver the injection! (I am sure he would be gentle, but it is a painful shot, and it's best delivered by a professional!)

Below is our most recent sonogram picture of our precious Elaina (Or "Lainey" as we fondly refer to her!)

Going to the park!

Eloise was getting grumpy playing at the house today, so I decided to take her to the nearby park. She had a great time, and got really brave. She likes to go down the tall slides!

Before the park (She didn't really want her picture taken!)
When we first got there she had to "take it all in" before she was ready to play.
She likes to go through the tunnels.
At the top of the slide!
Whoosh!! Speeding toward the bottom!

Cousins!

We recently went down to visit the family in Houston! We went for my sisters baby shower (we are finally adding a boy to the group!) Eloise had a great time playing and laughing with her cousins. We can't wait to go back!

Eloise and Connally giggling!
The three cousins Connally, Cate, and Eloise.

(We can't wait to meet Travis!)

The Wiggles Play Center!

On Labor Day Patrick, Eloise and I went to the Wiggles Play Center! Eloise LOVES The WIggles! She had fun dancing, playing, and watching the wiggles!

Dancing to the Wiggles video

Throwing a HUGE ball!
Cruising in a pedal car.

Hairbows!

Eloise has started letting me do her hair! She still has very little to work with, so I have to do the best I can with what I've got! Her are some pictures with her wearing her new bows. I, personally, think she looks adorable with her new "whale spout" ponytail!