Our Little Brother

For those of you who don't know, Ryan and I are a part of the Big Brother/Big Sister program. A couple times a month we take our "little brother," Jeremy, out to do fun things like go to the park, go swimming, fishing, or just hang out- things that his parents just don't have time to do because of their busy work schedules. We have a lot of fun doing it, and I know that Jeremy and his family appreciate it also. It's been a great program to be a part of, and I would recommend it to anyone who may have a little extra time to spend with someone in need, or if you know of any child that may need some extra attention for whatever reason, its easy to sign up and take part either way. If you would like more information here is the website: http://www.bbbs.org/

Funny little Sidenote:

We told Jeremy and his mom this week that we were expecting our first child. Jeremy is 8 years old and still very much a sweet, innocent child. He looked up at me and smiled and said, "I thought you were getting bigger." Gotta love a child's honesty.

Can You Tell We're Excited...

So this weekend we got our baby a crib (a gift from my parents- thank you!) . I think I was the only one in the crib section who didn't have a big baby bump showing...even the sales lady told me to wait and come back when it gets closer. LOL But we were too excited and I fell in love with this one right away. And then I was too excited when we brought it back home in the box, so I made Ryan put it together the next day. Of course we had to re-arrange our guest bedroom and new nursery to accommodate and plan for everything. Needless to say it was a fun Sunday morning full of moving, building, and planning. But its built and it is beautiful and now we are even more excited. I can't wait to find out the sex so I can decorate :) Here are some cute pics of our teamwork, crib-building skills:

Okay...get to work Ryan!

Trying to figure it out on his own. (Its a man thing)

I decided to give him a few tips from this thing they call the INSTRUCTIONS! haha

Daddy's working hard

And he's done! Good job Ryan!

Our Baby's bed :) Just 6 more months... haha

Also, we just got back from our appointment and got to actually hear the heartbeat today! It was loud and strong so we didn't get any pictures today (they only take a look if they can't find the heartbeat with the little doppler machine). Old wives tale says if the heartbeat is fast, its a girl... well our's was fast so... looks like it could be pink in that room. We'll find out for sure on Nov. 10th. First trimester is almost over-woohoo!

Labor Day Weekend

For Labor Day Weekend we always go down to Port Aransas, and this year was a lot of fun. We went with my parents, Memaw, my cousin Travis and his girlfriend. I think I ate the whole time because everyone was spoiling me with great food, including my favorite, Culpepper Breakfast (biscuits, gravy, bacon, etc)- oh and fajitas, and lasagna, and seafood... wow, I'm suddenly getting hungry again. I think they were already trying to make my preggo belly grow, and at that rate, it shouldn't be too much longer :) We got to bring our puppies too. We didn't think they would like it because they hate getting in the lake but surprisingly they LOVED the ocean. We couldn't get them out of the water. They were so cute, and I think Shailey's allergies calmed down a lot while we were there... she may want to move now. It won't be too long, and Shailey and Lexi won't be our babies anymore! Hope they don't mind :) Here is the only pic we remembered to take while there (Ryan and Shailey on the left, Tiff and Lexi on the Right):

Also, I wanted to put Ryan's business website on here. He's been updating it a lot and if you want to take a look just click on the link. Remember to pass his name along to anyone who may be interested :)

http://www.parkerrenovations.com

I guess that's it for now. Hopefully soon I will have another baby pic and some growing belly pics of the first trimester (Because yes I am definitely growing)... stay tuned!

In Case You Need Proof...

... Cause I know we did! Haha- We couldn't believe it when the results came back positive so we took a picture. And it really didn't sink in until our first appointment when we got to see the little heart flutter away- truly amazing. The picture shows the baby at 7 weeks and 2 days and only a little over a cm big. That puts our due date at April 11th, which is right around Easter I believe. So here are a few of our first pictures. (I'll have more of my progress/changing belly soon :)

Our Anniversary Trip

Every year Ryan and I try to do some sort of special trip for our anniversary. Our honeymoon was in the Bahamas, our first anniversary was in San Francisco, 2nd anniversary we were low on funds so we camped in our backyard, and last year we went to Austin. For our 4th anniversary we went to Chicago. I tried to surprise Ryan by not telling him where we were going but slipped up, 4 days before we left. It turned out extra special, because just before we left we found out we were pregnant. Needless to say we had the time of our life in Chicago (due in part because we were already on top of the world from the news) but it really is an amazing city that we wouldn't mind visiting again one day. Here are a few pictures from our trip:

This is the Hard Rock Hotel where we stayed.

This was the view from our room... Chicago is so pretty and even has a river walk like S.A.

Millenium Park was a neat park to walk around... It had many artsy sculptures and other things to see and do. This is Ryan standing under the infamous "cloud" bean sculpture.

This fountain was so neat and also at Millenium Park. There were two of these that would spit water out at you as kids and people played underneath.

Our first taste of authentic Chicago style pizza. I forgot to take a picture of it but it was really good.

My wonderful husband surprised me with a journey diamond necklace for our anniversary... you can see it in this picture.

And of course, a Chicago style hot dog- YUM... minus the onions and tomatoes for us.

Sears Tower- Tallest building in the western hemisphere

On top of the world... at least the western half of it :)

The famous Chicago sign in the Theater District... although we didn't go to that theater, we did go to Second City and see one of their hilarious improv shows.

Can't go to Chicago without going to Wrigley Field :)

It was fun being Cubs fans for a day

After the game, we went to a nice dinner, but we were still sporting our sunburns from the game (and just on the right side of our bodies...haha)

This is the Hancock Building... we ate at the top at the Signature room. Sooo Romantic!

The view from our table... AMAZING

The staff there were so nice and they gave us free dessert to celebrate our anniversary and our little one on the way :)

I had to take Ryan to the statue and place where his sports hero played. Of course he wouldn't take this embarassing photo so I swallowed my pride and did it. First try too :) I think I look just like Jordan... NBA here I come!

You don't think of beaches when you think of Chicago, but they actually have some pretty nice ones all along Lake Michigan in Chicago.

The Navy Pier Ferris Wheel... The Navy Pier is a fun and popular tourist spot in Chicago

Our last night there we took a dinner cruise on Lake Michigan. There was food, music, and at the end, fireworks. It was so nice and a great way to end the trip.

Well, it's been four wonderful years since we became Mr. & Mrs., and I wouldn't trade a day of it. We've had our ups and downs, but through it all we have grown closer and closer as a couple. I can't wait to see what the future has in store for us. Especially now that we are taking a new step in our relationship- the step of parenthood.