Lilypie Kids Birthday tickers
Lilypie Fifth Birthday tickers

Friday, December 25, 2009

Our Christmas Miracle!

Stella Ross is FINALLY here! She was born at 12:47 a.m. on Christmas morning. We cannot think of a better day to have this precious miracle join our family. We are all doing great and are at home enjoying our first Christmas as a family of four. Rafe is the BEST big brother I have ever seen. He waited ALL day on Christmas day without getting a present or seeing what Santa brought until we came home from the hospital. He didn't even ask about Santa. He was so excited about his little sister! What a joyous day and wonderful way to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday to our sweet Stella Ross!











Tuesday, December 22, 2009

You know you are pregnant when...

I know I feel like I have been pregnant forever, but, apparently, so does Rafe. He has said some pretty funny things about it recently on two separate occasions. Last week I was talking on the phone and I said, "I don't know why they said that." (don't even know what I was referring to) Rafe screamed from the back seat, "They don't need to say that to a tired, pregnant woman!" I about ran the car off the road I was laughing so hard. I don't know where he came up with this. Of course I am tired and pregnant, but he has never heard me say that. Not even once. How funny is that?

Today we were looking at some recent pictures and Rafe said, "I didn't feel good in that picture." I said, "Oh, I'm sorry. What was wrong with you?" He said, (grabbing his chest) Oh, just awful heartburn!" Now that he HAS heard me say!!

Just goes to show these little ears hear everything!

Christmas Fun!

Rafe and I made reindeer antlers. I think he makes a very good Rudolph!


Last weekend we had an "ice" storm and Rafe was so eager to go outside and play in it. We were up at 7:30 Saturday morning trying to enjoy what little bit we had before it melted. Rafe LOVES the snow. I don't know what he would do if we actually had some accumulation. Maybe this year!





Saturday night was our Christmas party at Hot Dog and Lu Lu's (my grandparents). This is always a lot of fun for Rafe. There are four boys all born within a year and a half of each other and then little Jay who thinks he is their age. Stella Ross better be ready next year!

Rafe and his cousins

Present time!!

Rafe's favorite gift - a take-along castle

Ready for battle


This was the ONLY time they were this quiet


Last night we went with Nana to Pelzer to visit the "Light People". This was unlike anything I had ever seen. There is one street in Pelzer that would make Clark Griswold SO happy. Every house is decorated beyond belief and a lot of people stand out in front of their house to hand out candy. Rudolph and Santa were even there. The highlight of our night were the "Light People". These people not only decorate their house, but they decorate themselves. They even invite you to get out and wear their light suits as well. Of course we had to try them on. It was hilarious! I couldn't believe they had a coat big enough for me! We stood out there and just waved at the MANY people that drove by! I don't think Cory will ever be the same!



One of the Pelzer Light People

Our family all lite up!


Rafe and Cory had enough of our silliness

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Dear Santa .....

Rafe and I had such a fun morning yesterday. First we went to Krispy Kreme for a Snowman Doughnut. Of course, that was not enough for Rafe. He HAD to have one of their famous "Hot Doughnuts" before we could leave. This boy loves his doughnuts!




Next we went to the mall to visit with Santa. Can I just tell you what I had to go through to get him to talk to Santa. He has not wanted to "sit on his lap" at ALL this year. Every time I mention going to see Santa he just replies, "I'm not into Santa!" What???? I sure hope Santa didn't hear him say that. Rafe thinks that he can just yell out what he wants for Christmas and tell our elf, Fle, what he wants and that will be enough. However, this mommy really wanted a picture so I forced him into going. He was SO nervous when we were standing in line, and as you can tell by the look on his face he was not the happiest little boy while he was talking to him either. But, after he got it over with he walked away so confidently and with the cutest face said, "I'm into Santa now!" Too funny! I'm glad, because I am too.


Look how nervous he is!

Next we went to Build-A-Bear to build an Alvin from the Chipmunks. Rafe has really wanted this and can't wait for the new movie to come out. This was a lot of fun.



Last night was the highlight of our day. We went with Pop and Gram to Hollywild Zoo to see the lights. The men of our family complained the whole way there and could not have had more fun once we got there. You get to buy animal food and ride through an open field FULL of deer, horses, bulls, buffalo, zebras, an ostrich, donkey and other animals. To say these animals are not afraid of cars would be an understatement. The ostrich tried to kiss Rafe and he rolled the window up just in time to avoid it. The horse would not move out of our way. We had to sit and wait on him to find another car before we could drive off. Next we got out at the animal farm, but it was SO cold that we had to run from one area to another. Rafe was not ready to leave, but the adults with him were. I have never seen Rafe have so much fun. Pop has promised him a return trip. He is looking forward to doing it again!!



You cannot see it, but the bull was right behind Rafe


P.S. - Stella Ross update. I went to the doctor on Monday and she is just not quite ready to come out. So right now I am scheduled to go back to the doctor Monday and go in for an induction on Tuesday, December 22. I am just nervous about this since I had a two-day induction with Rafe and do NOT want to be there for Christmas. I know this is all completely out of my hands and I only want what is best for Stella Ross. Santa will be coming regardless! Please pray for us during these next few days. I will update with any changes!!

Monday, December 7, 2009

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

What a busy, fabulous weekend we had. Friday night Rafe had his final rehearsal for the church musical followed by a pizza party. The kids had a wonderful time.

Carter, Hudson, and Rafe enjoying Christmas goodies!

One of Rafe's favorites - play-doh

Making ornaments

After church we headed to Roper Mountain to see the Christmas lights. This is always one of our favorite things to do. Rafe loves to visit the winter wonderland and roast marshmallows and make smores. (Mommy likes that, too!!)
One of our last pictures as a family of three!


Rafe and the HUGE balloon snowman



Yummy marshmallows!

This is what you do with the sticks when you are finished!
Yesterday was the preschool musical at church. All of the children did a FABULOUS job. I just love hearing children sing, especially Christmas songs. Rafe was so proud of his new sports coat. He carried it to the car on a hanger just like his Daddy does and did NOT want to take it off! He did look pretty handsome! (I could not take pictures during the program and this is the ONLY one Rafe would let me take afterwards!)


Yesterday afternoon we bundled up and headed downtown for the Greer Christmas parade. Rafe had a blast with his friend, Hudson. They loaded up on candy. Just what he needed!