She is so sweet!!!

Abby's first ponytail!!

I got Abby to sit still long enough this morning to get her hair up
for the first time! She is so cute!!

Brian and the Cardiologist

For anyone that doesn't already know, Brian was born with a heart defect called a VSD (that's ventricular septal defect), which means that he has a hole between the bottom 2 chambers in his heart.  Well, as you can imagine, its not really easy for me to talk about (especially at first) because I just don't want to think anything could be wrong with my precious child.  Luckily, it was noticed right when he was born so we have been seeing the cardiologist since September.  Actually, he had his first echocardiogram the day we left the hospital!  

When he was first diagnosed with the VSD, the doctor told us it was too big to close on its own (some smaller ones will close on their own) and he would have to have open heart surgery where they would close the hole between 3 and 6 months of age.  We have been going to the cardiologist every two weeks to keep a close eye on him and see if he has any symptoms, which would indicate we needed to go ahead with surgery sooner rather than later.

We had an appointment today and I have to update that he is doing great!  Brian still has a very audible murmur, and the hole has not closed, but he continues to have no symptoms and gain weight appropriately.  The doctor keeps telling us Brian is doing much better than he thought he would be doing!  I am so thankful for answered prayers!  I know that he still needs surgery, but right now he is doing so well!!

New Stroller

This was an early Christmas present, but I just had to share!  We got a new double stroller and it is great!  It's a Phil and Ted's Inline Sport (you can check it out at www.philandteds.com if you are interested) and it adjusts so we can use it with a baby and toddler or with two toddlers.  So hopefully we can use it for a couple years!  I am still trying to talk Abby into riding more because usually she wants to walk, and having a "new" stroller makes it a little easier since she wants to explore it!

The way to stroller is set up in these pictures, Abby is sitting on the seat above Brian (you can't see Brian unless you know he is there ;) ).  When Brian is sitting up, I will move the seats around and Brian will actually be sitting below Abby.

Family Reunion

This weekend we packed up the kids (including William) and headed to Sunset Beach, NC for a reunion with the Clark cousins (My Grandaddy's family).  It was a lot of fun to see lots of family that we haven't seen in a while.  I think it was our wedding 3 1/2 years ago when we last got together!  Although it was very sad to not have Grandaddy there it made me remember how great he was.  I miss him a lot, but it was fun to be reminded of him in his brother and sister ;)

I also got to introduce Abby and Brian to some of their extended family they had not met and they had a blast getting passed around and getting to meet new people.  I just realized how truly blessed I am to have my family!  I love them so much and they do so much for me.  

Of course, I forgot to bring my camera, but I will steal some pictures from Sarah later and post some ;) 

Taking care of them ALONE!

So, for the last two days Bruce has been out of town and I have had the kids alone overnight for the first time!  Just wanted to let you know . . . I have survived!  Bruce is on the plane coming home ;)

Honestly though, we have amazing children!  They are so good and so sweet!

Halloween

Watching football

Brian and Bullet watching the football game.

Getting ready for the day

Abby brushing her teeth before we head out for the day!

Good Morning!

Brian is awake and so happy this morning!

Long day ...

Brian sleeping in his chair after a long day of fun.

Brian sleeping in the leaves

While Abby played Brian slept like usual ;)

Cleaning the rake!

Raking leaves

Fall in VA

Abby playing in the leaves at Bebe and Bullet's. Probably won't see
much of this in SC ;)

Abby's new train set

Bebe and Bullet pulled out Uncle Will's old train set which Abby loves
to play with!

First visit to Lynchburg

Brian finally made it to Bebe and Bullet's house after an eight hour
car ride! He slept most of the way, only waking to nurse twice.

So it's been a while . . .

I was informed by my awesome sister that I haven't posted in a while.  So, I thought I should update on Brian's first 6 weeks (Yep, he is SIX WEEKS OLD already!) and how the rest of the family is.

We had a couple visits from family - Bebe and Bullet, Aunt Sarah, and Nana, and it was nice to have the help of some more adults ;)  And then the dreaded day came when Bruce went back to work!  I was terrified of keeping Abby and Brian alone, but we have worked out somewhat of a routine now and it is not nearly as scary as I thought it would be.  They are just such great kids!  And, of course, the cutest kids I have ever seen :)

Big sister takes a break

After playing at the park and My Gym with Daddy, Abby settled back
with a snack and her balloon to watch Nemo :)

Naptime

Taking a nap on Saturday afternoon!

Actually we all got naps today ;). Bebe had to go home today, but will
be back next weekend with Bullet. We miss her already! Aunt Sarah
got here last night though, so we still have some good help ;)