Monster Family

Andrew is loving Kindergarten, which I love!  I'm glad he's having a good time learning and making new friends.  His teacher loves him too!  She writes little notes on his daily report like "Andrew is such a sweet boy. Great listener!"  And most recently she wrote, "Andrew has stolen my heart."  I know what a sweet kid he is.  It's just nice to hear that other people agree.  I'm a proud Mama!

When he comes home from school, we do homework and play until supper time.  One day, Andrew wanted to make a monster family out of our empty toilet paper rolls...so we did.  We even built them a lego "house."  Then he wanted me to take their picture!  

 Mom, Dad, and 2 kids

Gender Reveal

Well, today was the day.  We got to tell the world what we're having.  Mom came early to help with the decorations.  We worked really hard on a pinterest worthy party.  I think it turned out great!  Here's the dessert table.

I made the cake to stick with the theme. *I tried a new swiss buttercream...I LOVED it!*

The whole set up with balloons and all.

My father-in-law climbed the ladder to hang them all.

Mom made a cute wreath for the door.

 Cast your vote: Pink or blue owls in a "tree"

We also set up a "photo booth" for people to dress appropriately to their prediction.

 Missy and Vikki

 Roxy

 Granny Margaret

 Grandma (Ladner)

 Nancy and Erwin

 Kenneth and Kristi

We had another table in the kitchen with drinks, chick-fil-a, fruits, and veggies, but I didn't take a picture of all that.  

 Time to cut the cake...(P.S I have a video that I'm trying to upload but have had no luck so far.)

 We took Andrew in our room and told him what we were having just before he cut the cake.  We told him he couldn't give it away, so to curb his excitement, he covered his mouth!  And look....

IT'S PINK!!!!

 Andrew wanted a sister so badly.  He's very happy! (So is Mommy!!)

 Gracie couldn't be here today, but she got to watch live via Skype and Kellye was listening on the phone!

 I did a great job not spilling the beans for the past few days....so great in fact that mom was convinced I was having a boy!  hehe

 So she was happy that I'm getting my girl.

 The Ottens had to sneak out early, so no photo booth for them.

 The girls loved playing dress up!

 Kristen

 Grammy and Granddad

 At the end of the night we finally took a family photo.

 And FINALLY....a belly pic! (16 weeks)

 Lil tiny bump

It looks bigger without the shirt.

 Andrew and Granna

 Why we're sticking out our tongue, I don't know.

 He loves the photo booth!

 Granna looks like a hippie!

 This one just cracks me up!

The party was super fun!  I'm glad we did it!  And I'm so glad that of our friends were there to share it with us.  We missed those of you who weren't able to make it.  And most of all, I'm so thankful and happy and excited that WE'RE HAVING A GIRL!!!  Mom and I are going shopping tomorrow after church! (and pretty much every day after that!)

16 Weeks

I had my 16 week appointment today.  Drew drove into town just in time to go with me.  The heartbeat was strong and steady and everything seems to be normal.  Since Drew was in town, I sweet talked  my Dr. into doing an ultrasound to tell us what we're having a little early.   Drew was going to miss the official 2nd trimester one and he wanted to be there when we found out the gender, so we worked a little magic.  Luckily baby cooperated and WE KNOW WHAT WE'RE HAVING!  But I can't tell you. (More on that later) I will however, show you this adorable little face.....

Is that not the sweetest little thing ever?!  At a whopping 4 1/2 inches long, about the size of an avocado, baby Ladner has been very active.  I've started feeling those first little flutters and a couple of tiny kicks.  Feeling movement is my absolute favorite part about being pregnant!

I'm still craving salty things and protein....I always want RED MEAT!  Sweets aren't really my thing lately, but it's still hard to resist a freshly baked cupcake!  Just sayin'!  The second trimester has brought me more energy, as promised, though I did sneak a nap 2 days this week while Andrew was at school.   

Now back to the gender thing:  Yes, we know!  And yes, we're going to tell you, but not until Saturday. We're having a "Gender Reveal Party" at our house.  So if you're in the panhandle area, please come and join us.  It's sure to be a good time!

Check back on Saturday night for the BIG REVEAL!

First Day of Kindergarten

Well, it's official.  I have a school-aged child.  Today was Andrew's first day of Kindergarten.  I was very proud of our morning.  We got up in plenty of time to eat, watch a show, and skype with Daddy.  Andrew requested boiled eggs and cinnamon raisin toast.  (I know, right?)  So that's what he got.  We got dressed and posed for some pictures at home.

 We left at 6:57am and made it through the line and had a parking spot by 7:05.  The teachers didn't open their rooms until 7:15, so we just hung out in the hallway waiting with the other early birds.  Andrew walked into his classroom like a pro, put his backpack in his cubby, and sat down and started coloring.  

 I did interrupt his work long enough to get a quick picture before I left.

 I gave my big boy a hug and a kiss and told him I loved him and that I'd see him after school and I left him all smiles at his table coloring with Harlie.  

And then I walked to the car and cried a little.  I chalked it up to the pregnancy hormones. :)  I'm so excited for him to start this new chapter in his little life.  He is going to love school! I can't wait for him to get home so he can tell me all about it!

Traci turns 30!

I went home this weekend to celebrate my cousin's wife, Traci's birthday.  She turned 30 and my cousin and Traci's best friend planned a huge surprise party in her honor! The party was so well done!  She was completely shocked. When she walked in the door, she didn't even look in the dining room (where we were all hiding).

 Surprise!

 But the biggest surprise came when the crowds parted and Traci saw that her Mom, Sister, Nephew, Grandmother, Aunt, and Cousin all came from Oklahoma!

 She had no idea!  And it was overwhelming, so she cried.  So did this hormonal pregnant lady!

 Dessert table

 They had a "photo booth" set up so all the guests could take silly photos.  Leave it to Jason to be the Alabama redneck...uh excuse me, Updike!

 Andrew had a blast and had to try on all the different hats and wigs.  His first choice: mustache and afro!  I think he rocks it.

 Mom, Andrew, and I with the birthday girl.  (this counts as a belly pic right?)

 Paw-Paw got in on the action.  He kinda looks like Hitler with the upside down mustache, doesn't he? 

 Traci and Andrew sporting the mullet.

 Raegan and her bff, Kelsey.  (These two were at Disney when Drew went over to spend a couple of days with them.  There's a really cute pic of the 3 of them on splash mountain)

 Andrew and Raegan

My aunt did a headcount after the fact and I think she said there were 34 adults and 20 kids.  I know there was an 8 yr old, 6, 5, 2 4yr olds and the rest of them were under 2!  Lots of brand new babies too!  We had a great time.  Traci, Happy Birthday!  We love you!