It's About Time...

A lot has been going on, and I have been horrible at blogging. Now that I am back at work, maybe I will get better at being on a routine and be able to keep up with things better (yeah right).

First of all, I went to my doctor's appointment and took Julia to see the doctor who first welcomed her to this world. Here is Julia with Dr. Rob Marino. Great doctor! (And yes... he is young, but I did ask... he is at least a few years older than me!)

A really big thing happened this month. Julia found her thumb! She is a little younger than Abigail was when she started, but she also is sucking her left thumb!

The biggest news around here has been the snow. First we had the waiting....
Then, we had the playing....
All the snow resulted in lots and lots of laundry. Allan took this picture and just thought it was hilarious. Don't worry... the clothes were clean.
We also had a Pierce family visit. I have gotten really bad about taking pictures, but Michael did capture a few for me.
We also took a weekend trip to Thomasville. The kids had a great time playing with their cousins, Emily and Christian. We spent the afternoon at Paradise Park (and it was rather chilly).
We also spent some time with the Perry family. Here is Julia with Summer (hence the name Julia Summer). She also was held by Ian, who was practicing for his turn with a little sister coming soon.
I also had the blessing of spending time with my girls from home. Thank you so much Brecca, Ashley, Summer, Cindy, and Lesli for coming for a visit. I am so sorry I didn't get pictures. And, I miss you all so much. Thank you mom for all you did to have them over!

January Happenings

Well, it turns out that moms of 3 don't have as much time as moms of 2! I can't imagine how a mom of 8 or even 18 ever does it! Because of our increased busyness, I have let my blogging slip more. Here are some pictures of our January.

Upward Basketball
A.J. has started playing Upward Basketball. Since we don't take Julia out in large groups yet, Allan and I have taken turns going to his games. Here are some pictures of his first game.

Visit from Friends
We are very blessed to have our closest friends come visit. Summer came and brought Ian and Brennan. I don't know who was more excited... me or A.J.! Here is a picture of A.J. and Brennan hiding in the toy box (and yes, they actually could shut the lid). What you can't see in the picture is all the toys that came out of the box for them to get in!
One Month
Julia is now 6 weeks old (exactly today). Here is a picture I took of her when she crossed the one month date on Jan. 14. A.J. LOVED her in this outfit. He kept talking about how cute she looked and was sad when I put pajamas on her that night!

Somethings are hard to explain...
I don't know if I can explain why Abigail is wearing a football jersey on top of her dance skirt and tights (look close you can see them) with a Santa hat. Sometimes that is just the way the day goes!
Germs, Germs, Germs
Our home was attacked by tummy germs this month. Abigail had it first, A.J. had it so bad he spent a night in the hospital, and Allan and I both had it at the same time! It has not been a fun ending to our month. However, some sweetness did come out of it. While I was in the bed VERY sick, Allan went into the living room to find this...
And, as a final picture... gotta include what I hear many times during the day...

December Happenings

Trying to catch up.... here is a glimpse into our past month (only a small portion of it, of course).
The annual gingerbread project: Each year, we make something out of gingerbread. This year, we tackled a train again. Or, I should say Allan, A.J., and Abigail worked on it while Julia and I watched!
Christmas Eve: Every year, we attend our church Christmas Eve service. I wasn't supposed to have the baby out, but we couldn't bear the thought of us all not being there together, so I snuck Julia in! Afterward, we always eat Chinese for dinner and then open new pajamas. We then, pile into the car to go look at Christmas lights (puts the kids to sleep each year!).
A few pictures from Christmas morning:

All bundled up....
BRRRR... we have started the new year off to a cold start. This picture is for my mom who always thinks I don't have the kids bundled up enough. Not only does Julia have a hat, thick clothing, and a blanket, but she also has a onesie under it all! Mom, I knew you would be proud!

A.J.'s Blog

A.J. received a new camera for Christmas. He has had a great time taking pictures and now has started his own blog. Check it out: allanjamesblog.blogspot.com

Welcome Julia Summer Pierce

Julia Summer Pierce

December 14, 2009 at 12:45 P.M.
8 lbs. 8 oz., 21.5 inches

After the initial shock of pregnancy and then all the months of waiting, we are thrilled to welcome our new daughter, Julia Summer, into our family. We didn't know she was a girl until the moment she arrived, and we couldn't be happier. I asked Allan and the doctor a dozen times if they were sure she was a girl because I was expecting a boy, but a girl she is! A.J. said she was so beautiful it almost made him want to cry. And Abigail, of course, couldn't be happier to have a little sister.

The c-section went great, and we were actually released in less than 48 hours after delivery. Both A.J. and Abigail spent time in ICU at birth and were in the hospital for a week each. We prayed each night this entire pregnancy for this baby to be born healthy, and God gave us just such a blessing.

Julia was named Julia because we loved the name and thought a "J" name went well with A and a J for AJ, A for Abigail, and J for Julia. Summer is named after my best friend, Summer Perry. Although our friendship has had moments (that happens when you are friends since middle school) and has often been separated by distance, she represents the type of friend I hope Julia is one day to her friends.

We can't wait for all of our friends and family to meet her. Here are a few pictures from her arrival days.

Christmas Cards

Thank you to our friends who already have sent and will be sending us Christmas cards. We LOVE to get them. Please don't think we aren't doing the same... we will be waiting and sending birth announcement cards instead! Be on the lookout in January!

Breakfast with Santa

This morning, we went to Breakfast with Santa at Fountainview Mansion in Auburn. The kids had a great time... especially seeing Santa arrive in a helicopter! They also got to decorate cookies, make a craft, eat a fabulous breakfast, and sit with Santa. I can't wait to see the pictures from the photographer.