Feeling Ill

Well, we didn't escape the bug that was going around in Kentucky. All three of us are sick. Mike has been home with the Flu the past couple of days. I've got a really bad cold (I think, anyway, I haven't been to the doctor). My lack of sleep hasn't helped, I'm sure. And poor Abby Kate is really congested. She could barely breath last night. I wish she knew how to blow her nose, or how to breath through her mouth for that matter. Isn't it weird that infants won't breath through their mouths, even when they are so stuffed up?! I tried saline drops and using the nasal aspirator, but it's not working. She doesn't have a fever, but we're taking her to the doctor today with hopes they can do something for her.

We answered a knock at our door yesterday afternoon and were surprised to find Chad and Sommer standing in the doorway with homemade chicken soup and warm apple pie in their hands. We were so grateful! We didn't have the energy to cook anything or go out and pick up something to eat, so their thoughtfulness was such a blessing. Thanks again, guys! Sommer, I hope to be feeling good soon so we can get back to our daily workouts! My new jogging stroller is ready to hit the pavement!

So Much to Be Thankful For

Our little family set off on the 9.5 hour trip home to Kentucky for the holiday last Wednesday. We were a bit nervous of how Abby Kate would do in the car for so long. We were relieved to find that she loves road trips. At least right now, anyway. She slept the whole way and didn't cry one bit. I sat in the backseat with her so I could feed her along the way. She is doing good taking the bottle when we need her to.

We arrived at my parents' house late Wednesday night. I was excited to introduce Abby Kate to her Uncle Brian and Aunt Carrie for the first time! Brian held her for awhile and she just stared up at him with her big blue eyes. It was great to be at home with my family and to bring our daughter to Kentucky for the first time. Unfortunately, most of my family was sick. Mom had an upper respiratory infection. Dad and Carrie had some sort of bad colds going on, too. We all kept the antibacterial lotion handy.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving meal on Thursday. My grandmother and many of my aunts, uncles, and cousins came over. They all held Abby Kate and said (as everyone does) that she looks exactly like her daddy. So true. Thanks, Mom, for cooking a delicious meal, even though you weren't feeling well. The desserts were especially good!

The trip was way too short, but thankfully we were able to see a ton of our friends and family while in town. I already miss them and I can't wait until January when Abby Kate and I will be home again.

Mom in the kitchen
I couldn't believe how much my nephew has grown since I saw him last!
My sister-in-law, Carrie, with Abby Kate
Abby Kate meets her great uncle Greg
Our daughter's first Thanksgiving.
Abby Kate meets her "aunt Lyndsay"
Mike and Brian lounging with the babies
Abby Kate meets her great aunt Linda and second cousin Windy

I Know, I'm a Slacker

I've been meaning to post for days now, but I've been so busy lately. Hmmm, now why would I be busy?! Ha, ha. Caring for Abby Kate is a full-time job! I haven't been able to master the suggested "nap when she naps" thing because with all the extra laundry and my design work on top of that, I go non-stop all day long. I'm a zombie. A lot of things I say make no sense. Mike would argue that this was the case BEFORE I was a mom, but he exaggerates [a little]. Anyway, I've got lots to post, so my goal this week - besides getting my Christmas decor up - is to update my blog. So stay tuned...

Officially Part of the Moms' Club

Abby Kate is only a little over two weeks old, but she already has several 'friends'. Sommer with her son, Griffin, and Sarah with her daughters, Eden and Maren, came over last week to have a play date. I look forward to our future get togethers. Sommer and Sarah are great company, not to mention a great support for a new mom like me.

It's a Boy!

Congrats to CJ (Mike's brother) and his wife, Amber, on the news that they're expecting a baby boy in March! We're so excited for you two and can't wait for him to get here. It'll be neat to watch Abby Kate and him together. Again, congratulations!!!

The First Week

Time sure flies by when you have a newborn! I can't believe Abby Kate's 10 days old today. It has been such a joy getting to know her. She is an angel. She doesn't cry much and is pretty content most of the time. Her eyes are so bright and big. I can't believe how alert she is at such an early age. She's nursing very well, eating every three hours consistently.

We've spent our days hanging out at home for the most part. My parents were here the week before she was born and a few days afterward, then Mike's mom and dad were here for a few days after that. Her only outings so far have been to the hospital for her 48 hour check-up and a quick trip to K-Mart.

At her check-up, we were pleased to hear she is already back to her birth weight and she is perfectly healthy. I checked out OK, too.

She grows and changes every day right before our eyes it seems. We are so glad she's here and just can't get over the fact that she's ours!

Some photos from her first week...

One day old, still at the hospital...


Already spoiled by the Grandparents...



First stroll...


Sleepy girl...


First bath...


After pooping on Mommy, she sported her "Junk in the Trunk" onesie, courtesy of Sommer and Chad...


Most of her clothes are still way too big...


With friend, Griffin, in the hammock...


First outing - doctor's appointment...


Daddy's girl...


Enjoying the early Fall weather...


Mike changes his first diaper...

A Most Precious Gift

Mike and I returned home Saturday night from the hospital with our daughter in tow. It was such a wonderful feeling to strap her in the carseat and finally bring her home.

I was a week and one day overdue and I didn't think I'd ever go into labor on my own. My doctors had scheduled me for an induction on Thursday night, so I was happy. However, to my complete surprise, my water broke on Wednesday afternoon at 3 p.m. and the contractions came quickly after. Mom and I took a one mile walk around our neighborhood to make sure it was the real thing. When I got back, I had lost a lot more fluid and Mike called the hospital. They told us to come in right away.

I got to the hospital around 5 p.m. They checked me to find out I was only 2 cm dilated. But since my water had broken, I was admitted. My contractions intensified throughout the night and I thought I was going to die before they gave me the epidural around 3 a.m.

To make a very long story short, I dilated very slowly so they gave me pitocin. This brought on strong contractions. Unfortunately, the umbilical cord was wrapped around Abby Kate's neck and every time I would contract, it would tighten and her heart rate would plummet. So they'd have to back off the pitocin drip. This resulted in a 25-hour labor with very ineffective pain relief due to the position they had me in. The epidural numbed my legs, but nothing else. As we came up on the 24th hour, Mike and I could tell we were headed for a c-section. At that point, I wanted the pain to end so bad that I didn't even care. But thanks to our WONDERFUL labor nurse, and his confidence in me and encouragement, I delivered her naturally at the 25th hour. I only pushed for 29 minutes and she was here. He was able to cut the cord and then we were holding her in our arms not long after. Mike was a great help through the whole labor process. He never left my side and encouraged me at every step. He was in awe as she came into the world. I'll never forget the pride and absolute joy in his eyes as I delivered her.

We spent the next two days recovering in the hospital and getting to know our daughter. She is such a wonderful gift. We just stare at her in amazement and thank God for giving her to us. My heart melts every time I look at her. Sometimes I have to remind myself that this isn't just a dream and she's really ours to keep!

I'm feeling pretty good now that we're home and Abby Kate is doing great. She nurses like a champ now and sleeps just as well. She doesn't cry much, but when she does, it breaks my heart! Mike has been the best support I could ask for. He has taken to being a father like I never imagined. Abby Kate and I are so lucky to have him taking care of us. I didn't think I could love him more, but seeing him with our daughter makes it possible.

Thanks to all of you for your prayers. Finally, I'm excited to introduce you to the newest member of our family, Abigail Kate Wallace...

Miss Abby Kate has arrived!

Hi everyone,
I am Casey's friend, Sommer Tucker and it is my pleasure to announce that Casey gave birth to a beautiful baby girl at 3:59PM today (Thrusday, Oct 26th). She is 6 pounds 15.6 ounces and 21 inches long. Both Casey and Abby Kate are healthy and currently resting from a long labor that I am sure Casey will fill you in about later. A big congratulations to Casey and Mike! It is an exciting time for the both of them and I just know they are going to be wonderful parents. Abby Kate is very lucky to have them as her new mommy and daddy!

Will this EVER end?!

Yup. I'm still pregnant. Five days past due and still no progress. No contractions, and I'm still only dilated 1 cm. We went to the hospital Saturday where they told me I had low amniotic fluid, but it wasn't low enough to warrant an induction. We were told to come back today to check it again and my fluid level was back to normal. I was hoping they'd induce me today, given that I'm almost a week overdue. But it looks like I may be waiting until the end of the week or the beginning of next week before they'll induce (hospital policies and such). I'm feeling fine, which is good, but it's SO FRUSTRATING!!!

Thanks for your continued thoughts and prayers. I'll post again once I know more. For now, it's back to squats and spicy food!

Entering Our 41st Week

Well, my due date came and went and we're still waiting for this baby to make her way into the world. I had a doctor's appointment yesterday and sadly I'm still only 1 cm dilated. I'm hoping to be induced this weekend, but we'll have to wait and see how I've progressed by then. I still haven't felt any true contractions.

Please pray that Abby Kate decides to come on her own before the weekend!

The $2 Look

So many of you were willing to pay the two dollars for a look at the Lady Freak that I thought I should abide. With a lot of help from the lighting of our back window, I hope this is somewhat tasteful. At least it gives you an idea of the monstrosity I'm dealing with here at 40 weeks pregnant.

Although sometimes this form is quite functional. My belly gives Junah a little seat to sit on when I pick him up. And it also serves as a great cup holder. Plus it can hold a handful of candy corn or other treats for easy-access snacking. Thankfully, while there were plenty of opportunities, Mike has not taken any pictures of me eating junk food off my stomach! Love him.

Nevertheless, I will be happy when this jolly belly is gone!

In Case You Were Wondering...

Yup, still pregnant.

My due date is tomorrow, but I'm not feeling like it'll be Abby Kate's birthday. No 'real' contractions yet. I have an appointment tomorrow morning, so I'll let you know what my progress is after that. I think this baby wants to be our Christmas present! Maybe I should warn her about being on Santa's naughty list. Ha, ha. :)

Labor: Bring it On! I'm Ready!

I've been trying all kinds of things to get Abby Kate OUT! Here are the numbers...

2 - times I've had my membranes stripped (Don't worry, I won't explain this procedure)

100 - squats I've done today

8 - miles I've walked in the last few days

6 - cups of disgusting raspberry leaf tea I've consumed, blech!

3 - hospital bags we have packed ready to go (one for baby, one for me, one for Mike)

1 - phone # of the air traffic controller I carry with me to get Mike out of the sky and home to me (just in case)

1 - centimeters I'm dilated as of Wednesday

1,000,000 - thoughts I've had about labor

10,000,000 - thoughts I've had about our daughter

39.5 - weeks I've been pregnant

276 - days I've been pregnant

4 - days until my due date

0 - real contractions I've had


...but it won't be much longer. If I go past my due date, Dr. Branton will induce at 41 weeks. So we're looking at 1.5 weeks at the most until she'll be here! We're so excited. I'll continue to keep you updated on our progress over the next few days.

$2 for a Look at the Lady Freak

It's official. I'll be among the carnies on the next carnival tour. I am a freak of nature. Yes, I realize that lots of women go through this body-changing experience, but I am astounded at the disproportion this baby has wreaked on mine. I watch that show, Biggest Loser, and I think 'my gosh, how can those people even get out of bed with all that weight?' I'm having trouble just picking up dirty socks off the floor and tying my shoes with an extra 30 lbs. How can they get out and do crab walks across the sand carrying 100+ extra pounds?! I'm amazed at their determination.

I hope I can muster the same determination to shed this monstrous belly in the upcoming months. I'll be so excited that first day I can take off running!!!

Nine days and counting until my due date!


... Oh, what, were you looking for a picture? Ha! Yeah right. (That'll be $2. You'll find me in the tent next to the Siamese Kangaroos.)

Entering Our 39th Week

Yep, that's right... week 39 (out of 40) begins Wednesday! (I'm due Oct. 18.) We are so close, it could be any day now as I am considered full term at this point. I have a feeling I'll go on or after my due date, though.

We went to our weekly OB appointment this morning. Everything looks great. The baby's head is down and I'm 1 cm dilated. There's a procedure the doctor can do to speed the onset of labor, but we decided to wait another week because Mike needs to finish up a few more flights before taking leave for the birth. I haven't had any painful contractions and I'm feeling very good. Dr. Branton is fairly confident that I'll make it to our appointment next week.

Some additional stats:

- Blood Pressure: 111/70

- Weight gain: 30 lbs so far

- Fundal Measurement: 36 cm

- Baby's Hearbeat: 130 bpm

Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers as we count down the remaining days!

I Heart Fall

Summer used to be my favorite season... going barefoot, getting a suntan, time at the beach, BBQs, long days. Well, pregnancy has changed my mind for me. I now love Fall the best, I think. I can't tell you how excited I am that the humidity is lessening and the temps are dropping a bit - even down here. This morning I walked outside with Junah and I could actually breath. Breathing is nice.

Seriously though, the weather is WONDERFUL here these days. It only gets up to the low 80s, and the lows are in the high 50s. It's great! I'm not sure when the trees start to turn here, but I'm looking forward to it.

I must get going on a Fall door decoration!

Good Friends, Tough Goodbyes

After a year of becoming close friends, Mike and I will say goodbye to Chad and Sommer Tucker as they move to Corpus Christi, TX, in less than four weeks. Chad will be attending Primary Flight School there instead of here in Milton. It'll be strange not having them close by as we've gotten used to each other's constant support and company, but we wish them the best of luck in their new adventure. We look forward to exchanging many phone calls, e-mails and future visits!


WE'RE GOING TO MISS YOU!!!

Entering Our 36th Week

I went in to the hospital for my fifth ultrasound this afternoon. Normally, I'd only have had one or two, but they've been keeping an eye on my "low-lying placenta" for several weeks now. Good news... I no longer have a low-lying placenta and everything looks perfect. The baby weighs approx. 5.5 lbs and has moved into the head down position. When the picture first came up on the monitor all I saw was a giant head. "That's a giant head," I said. The ultrasound technician laughed and then assured me that the picture was magnified a bit. 'How much is a bit?' I'm thinking. On another note, if our child comes out with big bumps, lumps and bruises on her head, I'll know who to blame. The tech pushed down SO hard. I hope she didn't hurt Abby Kate, because she definitely hurt me!

I was happy to go in for another ultrasound, if only to be absolutely certain it is in fact a girl we're having. Everyone - including the occasional complete stranger - keeps telling me I must be having a boy because of the way I'm carrying the baby. So I started to worry a little about all the tags and receipts I've discarded and the fact that I've already washed everything. Nothing's returnable now! But the doctor was able to confirm today that the baby is 100% girl. And I saw for myself - no doubt about it. Relief!

Here's a picture of our girl. It's only of her face. It's not the clearest of images, but I think she looks just like Mike. Can you tell?

So less than five weeks until the due date! I haven't had any contractions besides the fake kind. I'm doing good, feeling well and we're all prepared. Thanks for your continued prayers as we enter the last few weeks. We'll be keeping you posted!

30 Years

Happy Birthday to my big brother, Brian. Today, he turns 30 years old. I can't believe it! Hope you have a great one, Brian! Can't wait to see you in a couple months.

29 Years

Happy 29, honey. I love you!
Wasn't he adorable at four years old?! I hope Abby Kate has some of that cuteness (in a girl sort of way, ha, ha).

About to Pop!

Well, here we are. Abby Kate has officially taken over my body. I just laugh at myself in the mirror these days (on the days I'm brave enough to look). I find it quite humorous, really. It's so unreal to me that my skin can stretch this far. But I'm happy to say I have yet to find a stretch mark. However, since I just wrote that, I'm sure I'll be stricken with a huge one overnight!

I seriously feel like I'm living in someone else's body. When she rolls around in there and we see some sharp body part move across underneath my skin, we just stare in amazement. We think: she's really in there... and she's really going to come out soon! That's the part - the coming out soon part - that invokes the panic inside me. In just six weeks (give or take a couple) she'll undoubtedly be coming out, one way or another. I've been anxiously awaiting this coming out process, but lately I've felt like cowering back down the ladder instead of jumping into the deep end! Of course, I can cower all I want - there is no ladder!

I've been brave today, though. I went shopping to get all the supplies we'll need for the hospital stay. Right now I'm washing the baby's clothes and socks and hats and blankets, and I've begun to pack our bags.

Although I'm apprehensive about labor and delivery, I'm so glad we're in the home stretch!

Thank heaven for Moms!

I was so happy that Mom was able to come visit over the holiday weekend. She drove down on Wednesday... by herself. (I know, Dad and I told her not to. Dad had a work conflict and couldn't make it, so Mom braved the 9 1/2 hours alone!) When she arrived in the early evening Wednesday, we grilled out shrimp and chicken for dinner just as a huge thunderstorm moved in. I don't like rain, but I did like the dip in temperature it brought.

The weather was beautiful on Thursday, so Mom and I did some shopping and then Mike joined us for dinner at a Key West-style dining place called Manatees. So good!

Friday morning, we headed toward the beach. It was another gorgeous day. Our first stop was at Surf Burger. It's a cute little hotdog/burger restaurant overlooking the bay. We ate juicy hotdogs and the best fries in the world as we sat outside in the warm breeze. Once we arrived at at the beach, Mom got us one of those nice sets of chairs with the huge umbrella that you can rent from one of the beachside restaurants. It felt great to lay in the shade looking out at the ocean. I ventured out into the sun for a little while to try to get somewhat tan, but I didn't last too long. For one thing, I now resemble Sea World's main attraction, and I didn't want to scare the children and have them say, "Mommy, look there's Shamu!" I wore my regular bikini instead of my maternity one because I hate it. Not a pretty site. And second, I just got too hot. My thoughtful mom went to get us some gigantic snowcones which helped a lot. It was very relaxing. We ate sub sandwiches for dinner and went over to visit the Tuckers for a little bit that evening.

Saturday morning, Mike and I woke early at 5:30 to set up for our yard sale. We had cleaned out all of our closets to make more room for the baby. We put a 7 a.m. start time in the paper, but several people showed up at 6:15! We didn't even have prices on most of the stuff at that point, so we just made it up as we went. We ended up with a great turnout and pocketed over $300. I was amazed at some of the junk people bought from us. That night we headed into Pensacola. We browsed in a few of the shops on the boardwalk, listening to music as we passed the Jamaican festival. Then Mom treated us to dinner at Hemmingway's. DELISH!!!

After a wonderful 4-day visit with Mom, we said goodbye this morning both realizing that the next time we see each other, we'll be in the hospital welcoming a new life and gazing at Abby Kate. That's so exciting, I have to catch my breath when I think of it! I can't believe the next time I see my mom, I'll be a mom myself!!! Only a little over six weeks left until my due date, and only three before I'm considered full term. WOW!

Mom, thank you SO, SO much for coming down to visit. I had a wonderful time with you as always. I'm looking forward to seeing you and Dad in a few weeks and introducing you to your granddaughter! I love you!!!

Meg and John

My good friend, Meg, called last week and said she and her fiance, John, would be in Destin to visit John's parents for a couple days, so Mike and I took the opportunity to meet up with them while they were in town. We drove over to Destin to John's parents' BEAUTIFUL home on the bay. We happily agreed to stay for a delicious seafood dinner and carrot cake for Meg's birthday. It was great to see them and catch up.

Meg and I have been friends since we were 12 years old. We went to middle school and high school together before sharing our first college dorm room at Eastern Kentucky University. I laugh every time I think back on that first semester living at Case Hall. We had so much fun. We learned a lot that first year about being college students. Mostly the social aspects, of course!

Meg is a dear friend and I'm so disappointed that I won't be able to be in, or even at, her wedding in late September due to the fact that I'll be nine months pregnant. I can't believe I won't be there! I'm so sorry Meg! My timing is bad. But we wish you lots of joy and happiness on your wedding day. And we can't wait to see the pictures!!!

New Fall Fashion for My Blog

I was growing tired of my blog's look, so I thought I'd change it up a bit. I browsed the options Blogger offers, but couldn't find one I loved, so I decided to design a new one on my own. I'm not sure I'm totally satisfied with this one either, but we'll try it out for awhile. For some reason, I can design something for a client or friend and I'm pleased with the outcome. However, I can't seem to create a design I'm happy with when it's for me.

Maybe that's why I have completely procrastinated painting anything for Abby Kate. I've painted countless pieces of furniture and canvases for friends, family and e-bay sales, but I'm saddened that I can't get motivated to paint something for my own daughter! I literally have a large blank canvas that I stare at everyday, hoping to get some inspiration to paint something for the nursery. Any ideas? Comment away!

My First Bestseller

Today I am feeling pretty good for being in month No. 8. I got some prescription meds last week that completely took away my heartburn and I am elated! But feeling good today has somehow turned my mind back to all the months gone past that were not so great. Very, very, baaaaaaaad, in fact. How did I manage to make it through all those weeks?! I guess it's because I know that at the end of these grueling ten months, we'll get to hold a [hopefully] healthy, beautiful baby in our arms.

So there's a book called "What to Expect When You're Expecting" that I have read each month of my pregnancy as its chapters are organized. It is very informative and seems to cover every aspect and situation for the mom-to-be. But I thought I might give you my own, condensed, less structured and less scholarly version... I'll call it, "Pregnancy: It's Good, It's Bad... But Let's Not Kid Ourselves - It's Mostly Bad."

Chapter 1 - The First Month
Congrats, you're pregnant. Stop eating what you like because you actually don't like it anymore. Go ahead and get out the oversized warm-up pants and big t-shirts. Let's face it, you may not be "showing" because your baby is only the size of a pencil tip, but you are bloated and you do look like crap. Again, congratulations.

Chapter 2 - Months Two and Three (and probably Four thru Six)
Good morning. Wait! Don't get up, silly girl. Eat some crackers first or you're going to hurl. Didn't help? Yeah, it doesn't. Nothing does really. You're going to feel queasy all day long and you're probably gonna get sick every three hours, too. How long does it go on? An eternity. Stay out of the car. Not fun. Best just to stay close to the bathroom. You're going to be either going No. 1 or getting sick like it's your job.

Chapter 3 - Months Four, Five and Six
Still nauseous? Thought so. Good luck with that. Don't you miss sleeping on your stomach?! Try not to drop anything because it's going to hurt to bend over. Feel like you're losing your mind? You are. Oh, and those stabbing pains? Those are your insides stretching apart. Fun times.

Chapter 4 - Months Seven and Eight
Nausea finally subsided? Shoo! Thank goodness. Oh wait, here comes the fire in your esophagus. Hey, don't lay down whatever you do. Might as well fall asleep in a chair. I know you're sweating buckets, you can't breathe and the baby is stomping on your bladder. Everyone else [including your darling husband who got you into this in the first place] is feeling fine and having a grand ol' time, so suck it up! Careful sneezing or laughing now, that bladder of yours is pretty compressed! We don't want any embarrassing accidents! But hey, woohoo! You're in your third trimester, right? Don't get too excited, three more months is a loooooong time. Will this EVER end?

Chapter 5 - Months Nine and Beyond
Can you still see your feet? Can you roll out of bed without wincing in pain? Can you walk up a flight of stairs or stand in the heat without passing out? If so, good for you. If not, hang in there. Just a few more weeks of torture!

THE END.


Now, isn't that motivating? And I didn't even mention stretch marks, constipation, back pain, dizziness, emotional breakdowns, fatigue and oh my goodness, labor itself! OK, I must apologize that it's all negative. I know my title had something about "The Good" in there somewhere. Here's The Good:


1. You are creating a life. I know, it's a long, hard process, but how amazing!
2. An excuse to be fat.
3. People always seem to be a bit nicer to you.
4. The baby can't possible stay in there forever.

OK, now THE END.

(NOTE: This was only meant for comic relief for those who can sympathize, or those who will want to keep the birth control handy, ha, ha. I know that lots of people who can't have any children would long to have all these symptoms and pains. And I really feel very, very blessed to be expecting our little Abby Kate. I know it will all be worth it. Right????)

Have Your Cake and Eat It, Too... But Don't Look At It!

One nice thing about being part of the military world is that new people are so easy to meet. Everywhere we move, there are thousands of other families just like ours. Over the past months, we have met a few other friendly couples. In honor of Sommer's birthday, we invited everyone over for a cookout.

We spent most of the day cleaning the house and shopping for a new grill and groceries. (Mike had been using our Weber grill since we bought it in TX, but finally decided that even though the taste is better, waiting around for the charcoals to warm up is not. So we purchased a propane one. I'm sure we'll get a lot more use out of it solely based on convenience.) On a whim, I decided to bake Sommer a birthday cake. The girl LOVES her some cake, so I felt I should throw caution to the wind and get out my blender... err, mixer, I mean. [Let it be known that I'm not savvy in the kitchen or around its appliances.] I had originally planned to do the whole two-tier chocolate cake thing with lots of creamy icing and large pink polka-dots. In my head it was so cute. In reality, it was a mess. So here's what the birthday girl got... a plain old rectangular cake with messy, crumb-filled icing and a poor job on the writing and "polka-dots." Everyone gave me points for taste, however, which I whole-heartedly agreed while stuffing my mouth with cake. Duncan Hines knows their stuff. I must say I have a new appreciation for people who make those amazing birthday and wedding cakes.



And some pictures of our new friends...

Pictured from left: Jay & Anna; Kyle & Brandy; Colin, Sarah & daughter Eden; Dwayne & Liz; and you already know Chad, Sommer, new baby Griffin & Maggie Moo. Little Griffin slept straight through the evening. He's such a quiet baby. I don't think he liked the flash of my camera though. Pictured below, you'll see his annoyance. Two-year-old Eden enjoyed the birthday cake and sweetly sang a Happy Birthday solo to Sommer. Sommer forbade the rest of us to sing, but she couldn't resist a precious little girl.