{ Such Lucky Ducks }

The rain this week has kept us mostly indoors so Annabelle and I have been enjoying some fun fall projects. Waxed Paper " Stained Glass" Leaves to hang in the front window and a couple batches of homemade play dough. But by far her favorite " thing " to do all week is help me unload the silver wear from our wonderful new dishwasher. She is such an enthusiastic little helper and makes daily chores so much more fun. Her eagerness is contagious.

I have also been working away on stocking up my Etsy Shop with some cozy banners for Thanksgiving. And looking forward what comes next: Christmas paperie goodness!!!!



David has been home with us almost every day this week, thanks to the really stormy weather. Since we got married, five years ago, I have in particular looked forward to what we affectionately refer to around here as a " rain day." A impromptu day when it rains hard enough to cancel work and instead we get to cuddle each other up. We had gone through almost an entire paving season without a single "rain day" until they piled up this week. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and then of course our weekend. Annabelle and I are feeling pretty spoiled, as you can imagine. David even cooked dinner for us last night...a rare treat. Shrimp Lemon Peppered Linguine . It was so gourmet and yummy and for those of you who know David, a total treat to see him cooking. I was so impressed.
And Annabelle has been soaking up and loving all this daddy-time. One minute they are on the floor "wresting" and growling at each other. The next she's dressed in her pink princess dress with built in music box that plays Swan Lake, and her cloppy pink feathered high heels and waltzing and spinning away gracefully in her Daddy's arms.
I must admit I was a little bit reluctant to see this week end, even knowing we were being spoiled and what a truly rare treat it is to get random, unexpected at-home holidays in the first place.

This pretty little girl of ours has has either entered the almost-three-year-old stage or she has simply " up-ed her game " in the last couple weeks especially and has been known at times to give me/us a run-for-our-money. Little fire ball. She tells us knowingly , " some days I a good girl, some days I a naughty girl." So know we know she knows. And I have a whole stack of parenting books on order from the library. Feeling the need to be learning and growing in my parenting as our free spirited little girl learns and grows and becomes more confident in her spunky-ness. Don't get me wrong, we head over heels adore her at this age, even with it's challenges. She keeps us on our toes with her limitless energy and zip and we wouldn't have it any other way. Because of her there is twice as many smiles and twice as much laughter in our home.



New baby is now 15 weeks old. We had an appointment last week and can I just tell you what sweet, sweet music to my ears it is to hear that speedy little heart beating strong. I am sure I almost hold my breath until I hear it...and squeeze David's hand really tightly...and then there this is huge wave of relief, followed by a great big sigh and whipsered, "thank-you Jesus."

I am loving the gentle sensations of movement. At this point I only notice them if I am laying really still and quiet. Annabelle says, "Mommy is your baby bumping around in your tummy? " I cannot wait for those little flips and kicks to be big enough for her to feel and see.

I am beginning to feel less tired. And am excited to get back some energy. This pregnancy feels like it is flying by. In just three weeks we get to take a little peek-a-boo and hopefully find out who exactly this little person of ours is that we have come to love so much already. We don't have a girl name picked out and have decided to wait and come up with one until we find whether or this babykins is or is not another girl??? Such anticipation!

I cannot seem to get much written on my blog these days. But I am sure enjoying all the wonderful, creative and encouraging things you ladies have been posting. I especially am loving the 30 Days of Gratefulness posts that dear friends Andi and Jacy and others are doing.