HippSpace

Disney- Christmas Time

2012-02-12T07:30:00.001-05:00

December 27, 2011
We thought it would be a fun adventure to take Nana, Aunt Heather and Uncle Jon to Disney with us- and it was a blast! Rosemary stayed home with Grammie and Grandad so we would 't be slowed by the stroller. And even though we were worried about Christmas-time crowds, the rain that day must have kept some away. I think we got to do almost every major ride- some more than once. And Georgia surprised us all by hopping on Big Thunder Mountain (a major roller coaster) and loving it! After that she insisted she go on Splash Mountain too- and even rode up front! That girl is braver than her mommy- but now Daddy has someone to ride with him! The whole day was a blast, and even more special with our family, and also knowing it was Jonathan's first Disney trip! I definitely think it was Magical! :)

Christmas at the Beach

2012-02-11T07:30:00.000-05:00

December 26, 2011

While Heather, Jonathan and Diane were here, we spent a good afternoon at the beach. It was so beautiful! We ate lunch and hang out, letting the kids play in the sand. It was actually Rosemary's first time to get sand in her toes. She seemed to like it, and I bet she'll be rolling and digging it it in no time, like big brother and sister! We definitely have some Beach Babies!

As much as I love the picture on my blog title of the kids at Auburn, it's hard to resist baby-toes-in-the-sand! Don't be surprised if you see that picture change! ;)

Rosemary actually fell asleep like this in my arms at the end of lunch, and stayed that way for 30+ mins while we walked down the beach- the sound of the waves + mommy's arms = perfect nap!

Christmas Day 2011

2012-02-10T07:30:00.000-05:00

December 25, 2011

We had a great Christmas! Lots of good family time, fun, and surprises. It was great having Nana, Aunt Heather and Uncle Jon staying with us, and Grammie, Grandad and Great-Grandma Gert come over for the morning's fun and brunch. We all took a midday rest, then continued our celebration at Grammie and Grandad's with a wonderful Christmas dinner and more gift-giving!

I caught a picture- right after Santa left! ;)

The morning started with all of the presents in nice piles...

... but quickly...

... looked like this! :)
Lincoln thought his presents were "cool", and Georgia was especially excited about the new, REAL big-girl camera Santa brought her! Maybe we will have another family blogger soon? Stay tuned ;)

Jonathan thought he'd hit the jackpot with this BIG box... but inside was another box- to Heather! Inside that, another box- to Nana, then a smaller box to Jonathan, then a smaller box to Heather, then a tiny box to Nana... then- 3 "golden" tickets to Disney! It was such a fun way to give them all a special gift!

And the looks on their faces was priceless!!

At Grammie and Grandad's- we were at it again! We all got some very special gifts, including a music box- and dance classes! for Georgia, a musical book- and music classes! for Lincoln, some beautiful rocking chairs for us all, and a basketball goal for Larry- and the rest of us! Georgia was also very excited about these "Special Rocks" from Aunt Jen and Uncle Wes, and Linc was excited about his new FLASHLIGHT! (Even though he doesn't look it- I think he was in the middle of talking!)

And Rosemary just loved being loved! Don't worry- she got some good stuff for her first Christmas too! Thank you to all who gifted us- we have such thoughtful family and friends! It was a very wonderful celebration!

AL Graduation Part 2

2012-02-09T07:30:00.000-05:00

We were forced to once again celebrate within enemy lands, as we headed to Tuscaloosa for the graduation of Larry's cousin, Jaclyn, and brother-in-law-to-be, Jonathan, from The University of Alabama. Larry, Rosemary and I went up, and though it was a quick weekend trip, we did spend some great time with family and friends. And to say we are proud of these two is a major understatement. Both overcame many obstacles and hardships and persevered to accomplish something many said they probably couldn't- a college degree. And now they join Aunt Heather as the family's Tide graduates! We pray this gives them the confidence and momentum to accomplish many great things!

While I took pictures during the ceremony, Daddy did a great job getting this wiggly baby to do this...

...sleep!!

And then it was all about Picture Time! And there are double the pictures, since there were double the graduates...

Jonathan and Tyler

Jonathan and his brother, David

Jonathan and his family

Jonathan and his parents

Jonathan and the Hipps

Jonathan and more Hipps

The Graduates- Jaclyn and Jonathan

Jaclyn and her grandparents

Jaclyn and her family

Jaclyn and us

The Cousins

Zach and Jaclyn

Jaclyn and her parents

Jaclyn and her brother, Joseph

Proof that's really Rosemary in that bundle- tiny stocking toes!

Thankfully Jaclyn and Jonathan both graduated from the same college, so we could do all these pictures at the same place, let alone be in the same graduating ceremony!

We are so proud of you both! Congratulations!!

Georgia Performs

2012-02-08T07:30:00.000-05:00

Georgia had two special performances in early December:

December 11, 2011
Her little dance class had their first recital. They performed The Chinese Dance from The Nutcracker. Ironically, that is the same thing I did for my first dance recital the only year I took ballet, when I was five! I still remember feeling jealous that the other classes got to wear beautiful tutus, and I was stuck wearing a short kimono and ugly green, Chinese hat. Georgia didn't have to wear a hat, and I think her little kimono was cute- but that's probably what my mom said too!
To say her class "performed"- is a huge overstatement! The whole thing was only a minute, seven seconds- literally, and by the end Larry and I were laughing so hard I could barely see to take pictures. And it was ADORABLE! Georgia's class is three and four year-olds, so she's one of the older kids, and one of the few watching her teacher give cues offstage. We were very proud of her- and she really enjoyed the after-show ice cream! :)
(She's the second one from the right- the tall blonde! ;)

December 14, 2011
The next week, Georgia's preschool did their Christmas program. It was very sweet. The 4-year olds were the members of the Nativity scene, including all the animals that were hanging around to see baby Jesus' birth. She chose to be a sheep- also ironic, considering my childhood growing up with many little lambs! The whole performance was well-done, and well-attended. I didn't get many good pics b/c I was holding a squirmy baby and trying to keep little brother from doing church-pew-gymnastics, while daddy shot video. The whole theme was a Birthday Party for Jesus, and I love how this school not only points the kids to Jesus during Christmas, but every day they have class!
And little brother appreciated the punch and cookies afterward!

Disney- Lincoln's 3rd Birthday

2012-02-07T15:23:00.002-05:00

Alright, people- get ready! The blogging is going to be coming at you fast and furious! It's time for Catch Up!! I've got a bunch of posts that I've been getting ready- mostly events from December!! I don't want to just move on and forget them because, as you know, this is our family's photo album and record of events. If it doesn't make the blog- it's like it never happened! (not really- but kinda!)

SO here's what's about to happen- I'm not post-dating these- b/c then they'll get lost. They'll show up under the current date- but I'll also put the date of the event in the blog. And they'll be released one per day, in the order they happened (back in December!), until we're all caught up- about a week's worth of new blogs coming at you! Are you excited? Confused? Oh well- if you want, just come back in a week and scroll back and catch up all at once! Or not... is there anyone even out there any more... besides my parents... love you guys! ;)

First up- Disney for Lincoln's birthday...

December 9, 2011

We headed over to Disney for the day to finish celebrating Lincoln's 3rd birthday. This year we've definitely taken advantage of living so close to Disney. The kids are getting way spoiled! But they love it! They would just ride the teacups over and over- but they also love the parades, shows, Dumbo and Magic Carpet rides, small world, and-yes- even the Peoplemover!

This was also Rosemary's first visit to the Magic Kingdom (well, first time OUT of my belly!), so that made it special too- even though she mainly hung out in the stroller! She was a trooper- she took her naps, got to ride 'it's a small world' and on the Peoplemover, and posed for pictures, of course!

Gasparilla and Beer Can Island

2012-02-04T11:23:00.002-05:00

I know I just posted a blog yesterday, and it is very unlike me (lately) to blog more than once in a ~~week~~ month, but the kids are busy playing, the baby is taking an extra-long nap, and I should be drying my hair, but I love these pictures and I've been looking forward to posting them!

But first a word about my kids- imaginative! They are currently throwing a surprise birthday party for "John the Mountain", their newest (imaginary) friend. I like to think Lincoln introduced this guy, just because Georgia doesn't usually use real names with her "friends", aka "Banana Daughter"(who, yes, is still around too). So- John the Mountain must be really old because he has birthday parties just about every other day, a lot of them surprise parties. And on the other days it seems he's sick of some terrible illness, so I guess that balances out all the partying. Or maybe he's sick because of all the partying... hmmm, seems I need to figure out just who my kids are hanging out with!
Now let me get on with this post before the party and nap are both over- and before my hair is dried all crazy!

January 28, 2012
Last weekend was Gasparilla here in Tampa- an annual city-wide holiday event! Pirates invade the city on their pirate ship, and the Rough Riders, and many, many local boaters, battle the invading marauders. Then there's a huge parade (one of three parades, actually) that highlights the trowing of many, many beads, Mardi Gras-style. To say this is a big event here is a serious understatement. People around here have had pirate flags out and bead wreaths on the door for weeks- pirates visit the schools, take pictures with kids like celebrities, kiss babies, etc. It's a lot of jolly-ho fun!
We all boarded Daddy's Farm (Grandad's boat) early Saturday morning to boat around to the other side of Tampa and be part of the invasion. Well, we actually stayed on the outskirts of the invasion, as we really didn't want to be crowding dad's big boat in the main frenzy. The kids loved seeing all the boats, and the pirate ship taking off across the water with the loud "boom booms" (cannons)!
Then we let all the crazy folk head towards Bayshore for the rest of the invasion and parade, while we went the opposite way to anchor off Beer Can Island, a small spot of land at the edge of the bay. We ate lunch, relaxed and played on the beach. The island has a ton of shells, so while baby sister napped onboard, the four of us walked around the island gathering a collection. It was a fun day with Grammie, Grandad, and our good friends the Pates- aunt Karen & uncle Steve, Andy & Kristen- who brought their smaller boat too, and their kids Aidan & Karissa.
There's a lot of pictures- but you know how I get when I get my kids on a beach! ;) Yo Ho Ho!!

As a Coast Guard Commander, you'd think Andy would know that running circle around bigger, slower boats is not safe- and is definitely showing off! ;)

The invading has begun!

The Pates "beading up" for the invasion- they got right up in the frenzy with their quick, little boat!

The Pirate Ship, with all her flags a'flyin!

And now- for the beautiful beach!

Donuts with Daddy

2012-02-03T16:16:00.001-05:00

Georgia had a Donuts with Daddies day at school, and both her and Daddy had a lot of fun! She loved showing him all the things they are learning, making a craft together, playing some games, doing a science experiment, sharing an original song about Daddies loving Donuts- and, of course, eating donuts!!

I added this picture Georgia drew of her and daddy after I originally posted- just too cute to not share! :)

Georgia's teachers, Ms Annette and Ms Shannon, do a great job of taking pictures of events with the kids and just of classroom life and sharing them with us- so thanks to them I have something to blog with!

Rosemary: 6 & 7 Months

2012-01-20T10:54:00.000-05:00

Dear Rosemary,
I'm sorry I didn't post your half-year update. It was the holidays and I was already behind... I kept meaning to still do it, but now it's already past time for your 7 month update! An awful stomach bug hit our house last week, and continues to bring us down one by one. You got it too- your first real illness, besides major sniffles. It was so sad to hold you as you got sick. Poor baby! Thankfully you seem to have survived just fine! And not even that has slowed you down much- you've been a very busy girl these months! Let's list some highlights:

~ At your 5 month post you hated tummy time and I thought you'd never learn to roll- about a week after that post you went from your first roll to rolling end-to-end across the rug! And you haven't slowed down since. You are a major Rolly Poly. And after about 6 months you went from rolling to army crawling, and scootching on your belly. And now you've taken a few crawling steps- but are super fast at scootching! In the living room we set up a barricade of a double stack of pillows to keep you in a 'safe place', but you continually climb/wiggle your way over the pillows. You are very persistent!

Up on your knees! This little face you're making is you grinding your gums together. You're doing this a lot lately- maybe we'll see some little teeth by the next update?

This is your "safe place"- barricaded in by pillows. It's now a double stack of pillows and you STILL crawl over/through them to get out!
~ Along with all that moving and grooving, you're sitting up better. If you're distracted by toys, you'll sit there for a few minutes, but soon you fall over and get back on your belly so you can scoot somewhere else. You can almost pull yourself into the sitting position from your tummy, unless you're in your crib where you can use the bumpers to help and you can do it more easily.

~ You've also pulled yourself to your knees in your crib- and even to a stand! I couldn't believe it the first time I saw you standing there! I ran out to get the camera, and that made you mad since you thought I was coming to get you out, and you fell back, crying- and I missed the picture! I tried a couple more times to get a picture and finally succeeded, as you were peering out to see what was going on down the hall- though I had to leave your brother dripping wet in the bathroom as I'd just pulled him out of the tub!

~ Speaking of the crib- you've been in there more (finally!), and have become quite mischievous! You quickly realized you could reach the changing table and would pull piles of bibs, diapers, blankets- anything I had neatly stacked there, into the crib with you! Then you found the cord to the monitor and 'bout pulled that down on your head! I finally had to rearrange the room to try to keep your little hands away from trouble.

~ And, speaking of trouble, you are now banned from the swing and can not be left in the highchair without an adult within arms reach. You almost pulled yourself out of each, and that would have been quite a scary fall! In the swing you'll grab the fish circling above your head and hang on- letting them pull you up!
~ And... speaking of the high chair ;), you are eating solids now. You started slow, but quickly took to the cereal. In fact, you were eating a bit too much of the rice cereal and I had to switch you to oatmeal to get a bit more fiber in you. And we're slowly getting through first fruits and veggies- bananas, sweet potatoes, apples, carrots, peas... but you'd rather just eat the cereal. We're still trying to find a good balance adding solids to your diet, bc now you want even less formula! You forced me to drop a bottle- you literally just would NOT eat it, so now you're at 4 bottles of 5-7oz each. I also mix your cereal with prepared formula, to add some calories to it. I wish you would drink more, but I can't force you- trust me, I've tried!

~ We've been working on dropping a nap to go to two, and that's working out ok. Most days you take a 1-1.5 hour am nap, and a 1.5-2.5 hour nap in the afternoon. If you don't get those long naps, like on Bible study days, you may take a 3rd lunch or dinner nap. I've been trying to put you to bed around 8 with the big kids, but still wake you around 10-11pm for your last bottle. I just can't drop that bottle while you're not eating more during the day. And you've been waking up at night now- usually around 4-5am, will chug 3-4 ounces, then right back to sleep. Again- I wish you'd drink it during the day, but we haven't figured out how to get you to do that!

You've already bonded to your Purple Hippo lovey- even using her as a pillow!

~ You continue to be very vocal and love to interact with us all. You "ahh- AHH" at us like you think you're saying something, will give wet, slobber kisses, and still LOVE to laugh! It's funny the little things that make you chuckle- like, one day you kept putting your toy to my mouth, and when I'd say "no, thanks", you'd laugh so hard! And you'd do it again! It cracked me up that you would even understand to play a game like that!

~ Of course we had some other exciting "Firsts" during these two months- first Christmas being a big one! You went to Disney (very exciting), first New Years (not at all exciting), even your first circus (you somehow SLEPT through the whole thing!)... hopefully mommy will get these posts done... one day... I'm working on it- I promise!

You are on the move, baby girl- moving right towards being a big girl! Eating food, getting around- I know the real crawling is coming any day and I really DON'T know how we're going to keep up with you! But you're still my sweet little baby, and I cherish the moments when you fall asleep in my arms, roll to me on the rug, or just give me your sweet smiles! You are a sweet, sweet blessing to our family and we love you so much!
love, Mommy

And the children are nestled, all snug in their beds...

2011-12-24T22:34:00.002-05:00

.... while mommy catches up on blogging, a to-do list running thru her head! ;)
(I have several blogs that I am behind on- updates, ballet recital, graduation, etc... but I've decided they'll just have to wait till after the excitement of the holidays!!)

Happy Christmas Eve! Our children are nestled and (finally) asleep, Santa's milk and cookies are out and ready, the tree is brimming with gifts for all, and we are filled with excitement of celebrating Jesus's birthday with some celebration tomorrow! Here's a special preview with our Christmas Eve:

All dressed up for Christmas Eve service at church- so sweet!

After we got home from church, ate dinner, had baths and got in our Christmas pi's, the kids got to open one special gift. I got this idea from a friend- one special ornament for each kid symbolizing something special about them that year. They can collect them each year and share them on their own family tree one day.

Georgia's ornament was a pink princess, of course, since this was THE year of the princess for her!

Lincoln got a red truck (bc I couldn't find a car!) because he's obsessed with all cars, trucks, etc!

Rosemary got a sweet "Baby's 1st Christmas" ornament of a pink stocking!

After our ornaments, we got out Santa's cookies...

Lincoln made sure he would like them! Georgia wouldn't think of breaking a rule like that! :)

We laid out the cookies next to the kids picture with Santa from meeting him at the mall on Friday. Georgia wrote him a note-" To Santa... Georgia", and drew a picture of a teddy bear Santa should bring for Aunt Heather! ;)

We are ready for some Christmas morning fun real soon!!

Ready, Set, GO- Lincoln's 3rd Bday

2011-12-21T16:23:00.003-05:00

WOW! I am SO behind on blog posts. And Christmas is right around the corner... so be patient with me! I'll try to get them up at some point...
Lincoln's birthday party was 20 short days ago- we had family over for dinner, presents and cake. It was so fun to watch him! He loved all of it- the family, the presents AND the cake! :)

Hmmm- the cake Grandad picked out looks tasty!!

Yep- I was right! Tasty!!

Expert present-opener. He's just warming up for Christmas morning! Did you catch the theme yet? (Cars, cars cars- and things that go!)

Hmmm- a bike helmet. What do you use this for??

How 'bout a super-cool awesome new big boy bike?!? :)

Hopped right on and was rolling!

Time to blow out the candle, make that wish, and eat some cake!

Another cool present from the Phelps- safety first!

With our big THREE year old!

The next morning he got some good practice with that big boy bike...

Now he's zooming around the driveway with Big Sis. What an awesome three years with our sweet Lincoln!

Happy 3rd Birthday, Lincoln!

2011-12-01T18:25:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday to YOU!

Happy 3rd Birthday to LINCOLN!!

Happy Birthday to You!!!

Here's a ~~little~~ video with the birthday boy... :)

Rosemary- 5 Months

2011-11-21T17:20:00.000-05:00

Dear Rosemary,

Well, I'm late on your monthly update again, but I'm not apologizing anymore. Now my goal is just to get it done, at some point, as close to the month as possible. Life continues to swirl around us, and you're growing before our very eyes! Let's check out some highlights from your fifth month:

~ First, eating & sleeping: You still get 5 bottles per day, but just after your 4-mo doc appt I changed to the stage 3 nipple and that seems to have helped you eat better. So I've upped your ounces to 6.5-7 oz per bottle. We were trying a formula with rice in it that the doc gave us, but it was upsetting your tummy and making you very constipated, so we're off that. That's another reason I've been delaying starting you on any solids- I want your tummy to settle and let you just eat good for a little bit. So no pictures of your first messy bites yet!

You still sleep great- we've been walking again and so a couple of mornings you get your first nap in the stroller. You're ok with that, but it's not as long of a nap as you're used to, so you take a solid lunch nap too, then a long afternoon nap. You've woken up early in the morning some this month; maybe now that you're eating some you're realizing you are hungry! Usually it's when you didn't eat great that day. Also- I'm trying to get you used to sleeping sans swaddle, so I will wrap you, but leave one arm out- and usually the other arm, and your legs, find their way out too! You're snuggling up to your lovey, Little Hippo, some too, and learning to use it to comfort yourself to sleep.

~ I'm also finally admitting that it's 'bout time for you to move out of our room and into the crib in the "girls room" with Georgia. So you've taken a few practice naps in there. Georgia is really excited every time you do and asks when are you going to sleep in there all night! (I think daddy is asking the same question, but has been gracious not to ask it out loud- too many times!) I know it's soon- especially when you start rolling around good; then you won't fit in the cradle much longer.

~ Speaking of rolling- you have finally admitted you know how to roll from back to tummy. You did it for Georgia on day in this fifth month, but then didn't want to do it again. But you've showed us your gift a few times since then. I think next month this will be a regular trick you do!

~ You were Super Baby for your first Halloween, as part of our Super Hero family. I made you a little purple cape like your sister's that you wore, along with the pumpkin hat and "got Candy" bib. We just took turns carrying you as we trick or treated the neighborhood. You were a good sport!

~ We broke out the Excersaucer at the beginning of this month, and you're loving that! You took right to it, and have already figured out how to slobber on all the toys, spin yourself around, jump and bounce. You love that you can see what's going on better, and, as if all the toys and bouncing weren't enough, the kids love to entertain you with dances, musical instruments and songs. I guess you are their captive audience- literally!

~ Along with your slobbering and bouncing skills from the Excersaucer, your hand-eye coordination is progressing rapidly. You can grab something we hold in front of you, grab at your fish hanging above the swing, grab handfuls of hair, hold a chew-toy to your mouth for a bit, and can even do a beginner's peek-a-boo, pulling something off your face when I cover it.

~ You continue to be the sweetest, smiliest, giggliest baby. I love to tickle you- it doesn't take much because you are so ticklish and you laugh! You let anyone hold you, and share your joy. Which is great because people are drawn to your smiles- you get practically grabbed out of my arms at Bible study! :) You're also realizing your voice, and will YELL when you want something. Not cry, not fuss- YELL. You know you're the third child and have to speak up to be heard around here!

We each love you so much, sweet Rosemary, and I love that you have a special smile for each of us too. For Lincoln- the smile like the funniest guy you know just came in the room and you can't wait to see what he's going to do next! For Georgia- the smile like you give your best friend, the one that is the prettiest girl you know, but will also do anything for you. For Daddy- a smile for your hero, and the man you love most. Your eyes always follow him around the room; you love to watch him! For Mommy- Your mommy-smile! Like the one in the picture above! Like you're so happy to see me and you know I have exactly what you need at that moment- and I hope I never disappoint! I love you so much, and thank the Lord daily for you! love, Mommy

Inquisitive mind wonders- will this fit in my nose?

2011-11-16T11:46:00.001-05:00

At four-and-a-half years old, Georgia is learning so much every day- upper and lower case letters, sounding out short words, basic numbering, how plants get and lose their colors, why we celebrate Thanksgiving, how to dance an "echappe (a-sha-pay)" in ballet class... At school she learns by listening, watching, interacting, doing. Sometimes she hears something and remembers it forever. Sometimes she sees something and forgets it immediately. Some lessons seem more important than others, and some take multiple reviews to be learned...
Last night she revisited a previously explored lesson- Nothing Goes In Our Nose!
Kids were in bed, Larry was doing schoolwork, I was making Georgia's lunch for the next day, when I heard her crying in her room. I waited to see if it was just a "there's something scary" ploy, but her crying continued. When I went in to check on her, she was sitting up in bed holding her nose.
I asked her if she hurt it?- "yes"; bumped it on the wall?- "no"; scratched it somehow? -"no"....."I put a bead in my nose."
I guess I should have gone right into mommy-mode, trying to comfort and fix the problem, but I was dumbfounded. You did what? "I found a bead in my bed and put it in my nose. It's still in there. It hurts." Are you sure there's a bead in your nose? (C'mon- you're four-and-a-half, my Big Girl!) Let's blow your nose- maybe it's just some boogers... (we blow her nose- yes, there are a few boogers.) See- just boogers. Go back to bed. (She sits still. Then a panicked look in her eye...) "No, mommy, the bead is still in there. it Hurts!"
I hear Larry in the kitchen so I just scoop her up and take her out to him, still shaking my head.
"Georgia says she put a bead in her nose. She found a bead in her bed and put it in her nose. Really."
He obviously is the more responsible parent because he calmly says, "Ok, let's get a flashlight." Oh- right. I guess we should check her nose. And what do we see shining way, WAY up in her little nose- one sparkly bead. "Yep- there's a bead in there."
Georgia still looks panicked, but thankfully my mommy-mode finally kicked in. I grabbed a clean tissue and told her to blow hard, plugging the clean nostril. She's not a great nose-blower all the time, but she really gave it her all and.... pop! We all heard the tiny pop of it finally coming dislodged! I'm telling ya- it was really IN THERE. We were about 30 seconds and one more sniffle from a night-run to the ER. Hopefully this lesson will stick this time- stick like a little bead up your nose!!

Georgia & Grandad's Fishing Date

2011-11-05T12:09:00.001-04:00

Georgia had Thursday off from school, and since she couldn't go to Bible study with us, she and Grandad went fishing! They were both very excited about their day together and had a great time. She proved herself a natural fisherman, and had no hesitations about anything slimy or squirmy. And they had success- caught 5 fish! I think she'll grow up feeling very natural on the water!

We they got back to the dock I took some more pictures and a little video asking her about her day:

Of course little brother was dying to try out that fishing pole. Grandad had a couple extra shrimp and let him stick them in the water for a few minutes. Wouldn't ya know it- despite his squirming, bouncing, chattering- within 5 minutes he caught a stingray, then a big catfish! He, however, did NOT like the squirmy, slimy stuff and did NOT want to get anywhere near his catch, even for a picture!!

Our Super Halloween

2011-11-01T16:17:00.003-04:00

When we started prepping for Halloween at the beginning of October, we asked Georgia what she wanted to dress up as. I thought for sure it would be one of her favorite princesses, and was already planning in my head how I was going to convince Lincoln to dress up as Prince Charming- maybe if I let him carry a sword? The pictures would be so cute! But the answer she had ready was not the one I was expecting- SUPERHERO'S!!
As in capes and masks? -yes!
As in Batman and Robin? -yes! And Super Girl!
As in fighting bad guys and saving the day? -yes!
As in NOT a princess?? -yes! We can ALL be Superhero's!!
Alrighty then! I can work with that! And the guys were definitely more excited about that idea. I had seen a couple of friends make capes for their kiddos, and it seemed like a project I could handle, so I went looking and found this tutorial, which I loosely used. They took me a little bit of time (mostly bc everything I do is interrupted 157 times) but turned out cute and will hopefully be used in many Superhero escapades to come!

Every Super Family needs their capes and masks hanging by the door, ready to go.

The Super Hipps: Super Daddy, Super Girl (who sometimes wears a kitty mask), Super Spiderman (who has a mask but refuses to wear it bc he's not afraid of anything, let alone his identity being exposed), Super Mommy, and Super Baby.

Some Super Kids! (I love that you can see Rosemary's cape turned around and cute pumpkin hat in this one...)

(...and her look like "I'm not sure I like what's going on here" in this one!)

Enough pictures- time to Trick or Treat!

Grammie and Grandad joined us, and Uncle Wes and Aunt Jen caught up with us later.

Here's a classic example of taking a picture with the flash (first one of Grammie & Grandad) and without the flash (here). Without gives a prettier picture, but the slightest movement (like a baby wiggling!) makes a blur. I do love the pink flash in the bottom left- that is a kid running by to trick or treat!

Our loot after a Super Halloween night!

Meet Jack

2011-10-31T16:57:00.000-04:00

The kids are getting older and, so, are more INTO holidays as they come around, especially Georgia, who I can already tell is going to be a little traditionalist like her mommy! So come Oct 1st they were ready to get a pumpkin! We managed to hold them off for a week or so, and finally settled on a nice, big, happy (cheap!) one that we all picked out together. Then they were ready to carve! But we know around here the buggies love the taste of pumpkin, so, again, we held off, till right before Halloween. Then we finally got to carve! The kids were hesitant to get their hands dirty, but Georgia eventually led the way in, as usual! She also was our designer this year, with the square eyes and big, happy grin (see her original design on the counter below). Jack looked quite happy on our front step when we were all done!

Picture of Three

2011-10-24T10:00:00.000-04:00

Just so you know I'm not trying to leave my older two children out of the picture (pun intended!), here's a little unedited glimpse at what happens when I try to take a picture of all three of my kids together...

Ok- SHARE your baby sister! You might have to touch each other...

Need you guys to look at me...

Almost- Linc, you gotta look AT mommy...

Look at me AND hold still! And don't squish Rosemary- you are making her yell...

Maybe if you both give her kisses that will make her happy...

Nope- NO kisses! Now you're squishing her more! Just sit up and smile at mommy...

Got One!!! :)

Rosemary: 4 Months

2011-10-23T16:27:00.000-04:00

Dear Rosemary,

Mommy is late with your monthly posting- again. (sigh) But the reason is I spend the last free hour of my day holding a sleeping you, rather than at the computer. I'd rather snuggle up with you and enjoy my little baby than put you down even for this. I treasure these little moments so much. I've tried taking pictures of me holding you, but that's kinda hard to do yourself and they usually turn out looking fuzzy, so I just hold you close and mentally imprint the image on my heart. I've realized that with the third, and last, baby I am willing to give up just about anything to just hold your little baby self close in my arms, feeling that sweet joy and contentment that is so special between mother and child. That feeling is still there when you get bigger, but it's never the same as holding a tiny, vulnerable, reliant, precious baby. I just soak it in!
But enough mushy mommy stuff- let's talk about you! Because you are getting bigger by the day and realizing more and more about the world around you!

~Stats: We had a checkup this month and Doc said you are very healthy. Weight: 12 lbs 13 oz (32%), Height: 25 inches (78%). Still long and thin, but your percentages remain consistent, so that's good. You get five 6oz bottles per day, but rarely eat all of a bottle. You just are a fussy eater, like Georgia was. The Doc again reassured me you are healthy and won't let yourself starve!
~You may not like to eat, but you are a great sleeper! You love to sleep in long stretches. You like about a 1 1/2-2 hour nap in the morning, a short nap at lunchtime, a long 2 1/2-3 hour afternoon nap, and usually a little dinnertime snooze- then go right to bed after your last bottle (or whenever mommy finally puts you down after snuggling!), and snooze usually till your brother and sister come wake you in the morning, around 7am! I've been amazed how quick you've learned to put yourself to sleep- I can put you down awake and smiling, and you usually have no problem going right to sleep- with no paci! That part really amazes me! I am leaving one arm out of your swaddle a lot so you have fingers available to suck on.

~New tricks: I thought for sure you'd be rolling back to tummy by now- that was going to be your "new trick of the month". You are SO close! You get wiggling and get almost over- just one more shoulder holding you back! I think you're holding back on purpose b/c you really hate to be on your tummy- so why roll over onto it?! I am just fine with you waiting to go mobile in any way! You can still roll tummy to back, but often forget you have this skill and instead just get mad and try to smother yourself in the floor. So you only get limited tummy time!

~Vocal: You are quite a little blowfish! You tbbbbt at us all day long! It is really hilarious. You wake up doing it, you do it while trying to eat a bottle, you do it at the kids, in your carseat, etc etc. I'll often go to pick you up and your whole face is wet! Or- my face is wet from you!! We've all learned (the wet way!) to keep a couple feet radius when you get going!

~Playing- We have borrowed a playmat from a friend and you are loving it. You are really enjoying the ability to grab things and pull them to you- and of course put them in your mouth! You favorite is your elephant that hangs from your carseat. The kids love that you can play with toys now and try to be really helpful by bringing you LOTS of them! They make sure you are well entertained!
You have also started putting your toes in your mouth!! Yea!! The cutest thing babies do!! I love it! You are still mainly a finger-eater, but I'm hoping you'll try out those sweet toes more and more. There's just nothing cuter than a baby eating toes!

Another fun way you have started to play is by noticing yourself in the mirror. You love to smile at that cute baby and try to talk to her! You even like to watch yourself in videos on our phones. I can play a video of you to yourself over and over and you are just mesmerized by YOU!

~Personality: You continue to the the sweetest, smiliest baby ever. You share smiles with everyone and keep us all smiling back at you. You have made the transition to three kids probably the best it could have gone! I have also never seen a more ticklish baby. I can find a tickle spot on accident just by changing you or wiping off drool. Your little giggles are so funny! You are also very stubborn at times- like when you don't want to eat- and will yell loudly to make your point known. But thankfully you don't hold a grudge for long and don't usually yell incessantly, just enough so we know you're serious! You don't really like to sit, though you're getting pretty good at it, but would rather stand on our laps. Bout time to get the excersaucer out for you!

We know the time just keeps flying by and so we hug you and kiss you lots every day! We are soaking in every precious moment with our sweet BabyRosemary and can't wait to see what you'll learn next month!
love, Mommy

2 Weeks old

9 Weeks old

17 Weeks old

Pumpkin Farm

2011-10-14T16:16:00.002-04:00

Last Friday the kids and I went on a field trip with Georgia's school to a local farm. It was a beautiful day and I loved watching my city kids run around in the open space! They chased chickens, pet goats and moo'd at cows- who moo'd back! They sat in the pumpkin patch and heard a story from a friendly farmer, rode on a hay ride and leaned way over the edge, climbed up big hay bales to the top!

It is times like this when I'm a bit sad that my kids will not have all this to grow up in, like I did. I may not have been a 'roping, riding, wrangling' kind of farm girl, but I did grow up with wide open spaces out my front door, ready for forts, bike rides across fields and adventures in nature. But I know there are still ways to share this part of my heritage with my kids. We'll just have to make it part of our own family traditions to drive out past where the sidewalk ends, out to where animals answer a little kid's call and wide open spaces invite running wild!

Georgia with our sweet friend Lily, cockadoo-ing at the rooster!

Our group listening to the farmer-lady read a story about a little pumpkin who wanted a sweet boy to take him home.

Miss Rosemary did awesome and liked the country air as much as her big sister and brother!

The kids ran thru a hay maze where there was a "surprise" hidden towards the end...

... a mini pumpkin! Georgia proudly showed me hers; Lincoln was already off to the next thing!

Lincoln's not telling the momma pig she is smelly-
he just thinks you should plug your nose this way to do a proper pig OINK!

Spittin' Image

2011-10-11T13:48:00.001-04:00

Rosemary's newest 'sound' she has figured out is a "tbbbbbt"... allow her to demonstrate for you:

As Larry put it- it's like having a blowfish in the house. And she makes quite a mess. Like the excess spit-up wasn't enough- now everything in a five feet radius is wet too! The kids think it's hilarious. Until they get wet too! At least she looks REALLY cute doing it! ;)

Little Monkey Smiles

2011-09-30T10:49:00.001-04:00

Dear Birmingham, meet Rosemary

2011-09-27T07:00:00.000-04:00

Last weekend, we took Rosemary to Birmingham for the first time. (Sept 15-18) It was a great weekend of hanging out with family and spending time together. It was awesome to get to introduce her to special loved ones, and we all had a lot of fun! I was impressed by how well our kids did with all our busyness, but they held up great and really had so much fun with everyone. Thanks for the hospitality, Phelps, and we loved seeing you all!!

We loved being there for Avery's 1st birthday!
She needed no help digging into her little cake...

Georgia- 4yrs, Rosemary- 3 mo, Lincoln & Logan- 2.75 yrs, Avery- 1 year!

Sunday morning we joined the deVilleneuve's and Broom's for brunch. It was so great to see them and see how the deV boys have grown, and get to meet the Broom's baby Charlotte, just one month older than Rosemary!

After seeing Lincoln's joy on their tire swing,
we may have to find room for one in our own tiny backyard!

Rosemary- 3 mo, Charlotte- 4 mo

The girls & the babies- Jenn & Hutson,
Laura & Rosemary, me & Charlotte

Dave, Ryan & Larry

Georgia- 4, Christian- 3, Hutson- 1.5, Rollins- 4, Lincoln- 2.75

Rosemary Rae and her namesake, Jaclyn Rae!

Nana & Rosemary

Papa & Rosemary

Aunt Heather & Rosemary

Lincoln got everyone involved in a rowdy game of duck duck goose,
where instead of "duck" you say stuff like "cucumber, ketchup, hamburger, HOT dog"!!

Georgia & Uncle T

Uncle Jon & Rosemary

Lincoln & Joseph

A Morning in Auburn

2011-09-26T07:00:00.000-04:00

Last weekend we packed up the momma-mobile and took our first trip to Birmingham as a family of five. There were many family members and friends that needed to still meet Baby Rosemary, so we just made it a long weekend trip. As usual, we did the bulk of our driving at night, to limit the stops needed for feeding and taking care of the kiddos. And we planned it so our only stop could be in Auburn, the loveliest village on the plains and our much-loved alma mater.

So who drives 8 hours for breakfast and a haircut? We do! We grabbed some grub from Big Blue Bagel, then Larry popped into the barbershop for a little trim. He took Lincoln in with him, but couldn't convince him that haircuts aren't torture. We let the kids run out some energy across Samford lawn, walked across campus to the stadium, visited our old Eagle Eye professor, and of course took pictures! On our way back across campus we happened to see Aubie! Georgia was so excited she yelled out "There's Aubie!!" and so he stopped his golf cart and entourage, and took a minute to come say Hi to some little fans and play around with us for a bit. SO awesome! But, while Lincoln loves Aubie on tv and has been so excited to tell everyone about seeing him, he would NOT get anywhere close to him in person. He is just NOT a fan of life-sized tigers!

Toomer's Corner- so sad to think these trees probably
won't be here when the kids are in college here!

"Warrr Eagle, HEY!!!"

In front of Tichenor, where mommy spent many hours taking classes.

There were all these flags out in front of the stadium, in memorial of the 9/11 tragedy.

You too can Vote for Aubie in the CapitalOne Mascot challenge!

All snuggled in his carseat with his new AU football, tuckered out from a fun morning
AND staying up from 1:30-6:30am during our drive!

Rosemary: 3 Months

2011-09-25T17:54:00.001-04:00

Dear Rosemary,
More than a month has sped by and mommy is late in getting this update posted. You continue to delight us with your smiles and new discoveries. This month was all about learning a little control- over your voice, hands and smile!
~ Such a chatterbox! You are a master at cooing, gooing, oos and ahhs and love to carry on a "conversation". I have been trying to capture it on video because it's so adorable. Your brother and sister love to try to interpret, but they do talk over you a bit. No wonder you're learning to talk at full volume!

~ Your little arms still go crazy when you're trying to go to sleep and wake you up, but you're learning how they work and move. You've started grabbing things like a hanging toy or your bib- and then the next move is always to bring it to your mouth! Your little fingers must be delicious because you can't get enough of them and try to fit them all in your mouth. Sometimes you just watch your fingers open and close in amazement. It's so fun to see you start to play!

~ You are the most smiley baby ever! You share a smile with anyone and everyone, and no-one can get enough. And you're also learning to laugh, which is the funniest sound. You are quite ticklish and when I am coming close to "getcha getcha" you give a giggle, then a big laugh when I tickle you. It's also so sweet that you now know that kisses are special, as you give me a big smile in reward for giving you big kisses!

~ No checkup this month so I have no idea how big you are, but I guess between 10-11 pounds. You still eat about five ounces, five times a day from about 7-8am wakeup to 9-10pm bedtime. We've moved your last feeding up, and you still go right to bed and sleep sound through the night. You love to sleep! You take 4 naps, after each feeding, and seem to love to sleep long stretches. I often find myself pushing a feeding time back because you're sleeping so good. But you also are flexible, so if we are out and about, like during our weekend in Birmingham, you handle it fine. You are also definitely outgrowing your snuggle-me swaddler...

~ You are a bit like big sis in that you can be a fussy eater. Meaning- you could usually care less, but mommy wants you to eat and so we fuss about it! You eat enough to get by and are a strong healthy girl, so I try not to fight about it too much. But I guess I'll never have a sweet-chub baby!

~ You are very strong and have gained so much control over your head. You love to stand in our laps and bounce. You are also learning to sit up, supported, and we've been putting you in the Bumpo some so you can join us for dinner or hang out with me in the kitchen. And when you get to just lay on the blanket, you love to have all that room to kick and wiggle!

"Has anyone noticed this counter? The pattern is mesmerizing!"

~ Favorite nicknames for you right now are: Little One, Wiggles, Messy Girl, and, of course, BabyRosemary, which I think Lincoln will call you until you're married!

~ Other things that happened this month: Big sister started PreK and you are so excited to see her at pickup every day. Daddy started graduate school- you'll be over two before he's done! We've started back at CBS (Community Bible Study) and all the ladies love seeing you and I get about 57 offers to hold you in the 2 hours we're there. And you had your first long car ride and trip to Birmingham, where you met many special family and friends for the first time! And you got to spend your 3 Month Birthday with Avery on her 1st Birthday- so neat you girls are exactly 9 months apart, and such a reminder of how quick you will grow in the next 9 months!

I already have a fun new milestone for your next update, but I refrained from putting it in here. Maybe I'll have to make a separate blog post about that (especially since now everyone's interest is peaked!). I thank God every day for such beautiful, healthy sweet baby and feel so incredibly blessed every time you smile at me- so I feel blessed all day! :) Love you baby girl, Mommy

Family Portraits

2011-09-07T10:21:00.001-04:00

A few weeks ago we went into a studio and had some family portraits taken. Larry can never understand why I want to go have pictures taken when I already take so many pictures- I tell him so we can get one good picture of all of us together! And I think they succeeded! I just wanted to capture what our family looks like at this special time of life, as we have this sweet new baby in our arms- before everyone grows up on me!
Pictures taken August 1, 2011
Georgia- 4.5 years, Lincoln- 2.75 years, Rosemary- 6.5 weeks

Georgia's 1st Day of Pre-K

2011-08-22T09:25:00.005-04:00

Today is Georgia's first day of 4 year old preschool- she was so ready! She's been asking to go back to school for- oh- about three months! ;) We are at a new school this year for preschool and she will be attending 5 mornings a week, 8:30-12:30. Just one step closer to real school!

Everyone obliged me for first day of school pictures on the front step...

And then we all loaded up for the 5 block drive to drop her off for her first day. It was definitely more for us (me!) than her- I probably could have sent her out the front door with her lunch box and she would have marched herself those blocks and to her classroom with no problem! When we got there she led the way to her room, and was inside and off exploring before we could even say goodbye!

I finally caught up with her for one last picture- she'd found the coloring table of course!

Have a really great year, sweet girl! You've gotten so big- we are so proud of your independence, your friendly, cheerful spirit and your inquisitive mind. We know this is going to be an awesome year!

Good morning, sunshine...

2011-08-20T10:46:00.004-04:00

Rosemary, 8 Weeks

Rosemary: 2 Months

2011-08-18T09:30:00.002-04:00

Dear Rosemary,

Another month has flown by! At two months you are really turning into a baby and have passed by the newborn stage. You are delighting us more every day. I still try to sneak in every snuggle I can- and so does every one else! We are all loving having you here!

~ Your smiles are in full force! They stretch from chub cheek to chub cheek and light up the room! I get lots of them when I come get you out of your bed or at the changing table. I think you love that face to face time. And Georgia and Lincoln are always funny to you!

~ You are starting to try out some sounds too, besides the grunts and groans we've been hearing. We've heard some adorable coo's, goo's and awwws- and it melts my heart every time! Lincoln and Georgia are great at interpreting your noises- "she said HI to me!", "she said she loves me!"

~ Official doctor stats from you two month checkup (8/18/11): Height 23 inches (74%), Weight 10lbs 9oz (42%), Head 15.5 in (66%)

~You are still amazingly laid-back and easy- you were nicknamed The Invisible Baby by the Phelps! ;) You are eating 6 times (3-4 oz) every 3.5 hours from about 7am till last feeding around 11-11:30pm, and sleeping pretty much thru that last feeding till 7-7:30am. (We dropped to 6 feeding at about 5 weeks). This month I've started trying to get you on a better schedule of wake time after eating, then regular naps, some in the cradle.

~ You will sleep in your cradle just fine, but what you really love is the swing! It swings really fast even on the lowest setting because you are still so little, but you seem to love the crazy pace! I guess it goes along with the tempo of our household with brother and sister running around!

~ We went back to the pediatric orthopedist and you were cleared- no more signs of any hip click or displaysia, which is so awesome. That means no more triple diapers! I've been able to put you back into some of your smallest clothes again that didn't fit with the extra padding. The ortho doc said we won't have to visit him again until we start playing soccer. ;)

~ You got to meet Barry, Dave, and the Phelps when they came down for Daddy's fishing trip. Logan and Avery loved playing with your big bro and sis, though Avery wasn't sure about sharing her momma with you! It was a great weekend with friends and you were awesome with the extra activity going on around you!

Rosemary's first Sunday in church:

~ I finally got your birth announcements together (though not all mailed!) and chose this verse for you: "I praise you (Lord) because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:14

We thank the Lord every day for you, sweet baby girl. You truly are a precious gift and we know the Lord has created you for His wonderful work. Thank you for being such a great baby- you make having a third child look easy! ;)

love, mommy

2 Weeks Old

9 Weeks Old

Teach a man to fish...

2011-08-06T08:38:00.001-04:00

... and he'll buy a boat, start a charter fishing company, take 5 guys out in the smooth waters of the gulf in the hot heat of August, tell them where to drop their lines and help them reel up fish after fish after fish!

So we've been living down here in Florida for almost two years now and had eaten only one self-caught meal that I can think of (courtesy Steve Waters!). But now we'll be eating like (fishing) kings for weeks! A few good friends went out with Larry for a charter fishing trip last weekend and pulled quite a haul! They had a great time and it was so awesome to see friends from Birmingham that we dearly miss- Barry, Dave (missed you Laura & Charlotte!), and all four Phelps. Sandy and I held down the fort at home with 5 kiddos all day Saturday while the big boys had their fun, and as she said, we had at least 10 unfinished conversations, which was so great! ;) It was neat to see the Georgia, Lincoln and Logan reconnect, and catch up with what a big girl Miss Avery is becoming. Mike also joined the guys and it was great to have him and Megan over on Sunday to sample the spoils with a fish lunch.

Thank you all for making the effort to be with us and our house is always open! We'll probably be having some yummy fish for dinner! ;)

The boys made sure to bring the favorite red suitcase!

Logan paused [briefly] to give me a quick smile!

Doing a little painting.

Attempted picture...

Group shot: Georgia (4 yrs), Lincoln & Logan (2.5 yrs), Avery (10 mo), Rosemary (7 weeks)

Another attempt ;)

Dave missing his Charlotte :)

Sandy & Avery- sweet smiles!

Mike bonding with Rosemary!

Happy 30th, Daddy!

2011-07-31T09:21:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday to you!

Happy 30th Birthday to Daddy!

Happy Birthday to you!!

Rosemary, 1 Month

2011-07-16T00:18:00.001-04:00

Dear Rosemary,

I did these monthly postings for the other two kids, and I'm going to try to keep it up for you- even though you are the third child! ;) You will grow and change so fast in this first exciting year, and it's always so neat to have your little milestones and precious moments recorded somewhere. And since this mommy doesn't do baby books, this is our only shot!

This first month has flown by- daddy and I keep saying "I can't believe it's been a full month"! Of course, we know from experience as we look at your big sister and brother, each day with our babies flies by! You are sweetly moving from newborn stage to baby stage, losing the "brand-new" look, starting to open your eyes and look around more, and plumping up in your cheeks and baby rolls. Here are a few highlights:

~Stats: At your 1 month checkup (7/15) you weighed 9 lbs 2 oz (52%), height: 21 inches (51%)- right in the middle, but up from your previous percentages so we know you are growing great.

You are eating 3-3.5 oz, 7x per day, from 6-7am first feeding till midnight last feeding, then sleeping from about 12:30am-6-7am. You win for Hipp sleeping thru the night the earliest! Not sure how that happened, only that maybe brother and sister wear you out like they do mommy every day! ;) We (mommy!) are SO grateful for this gift of sleep and can only give credit to our schedule and God for making you this way! We can only hope this will continue!

~You are having longer awake times, which are so fun because we get to interact with you! You are holding eye contact better, looking for someone when you hear a voice or noise, and even giving a few beginning smiles- mostly to Georgia and Lincoln. I guess daddy and I aren't as funny as them! Your longest wake time seems to be in the evening, when you'll often stay awake from about 8:30 till 10:30-11:30pm. You still sleep a LOT (not complaining!!), but these longer wake times are fun too!
Sisters...

Big brother love...

~One funny story about your new ability to be awake & aware is your new "friend"- when being changed you always stare intently at the baby on the Huggies package sitting on the edge of your changing table. You're only one month old and already have a little friend to hang out with!

Another funny thing- you must really be soothed by the sound of water, because when I give you a bath in the kitchen sink you fall fast asleep, right there in the water! I think you're going to be a bubble bath girl!

~It amazes us that we haven't had to pull out a pacifier for you yet. We just haven't needed it! You have had some "fussy" times, but generally can be calmed down to a reasonable volume by just being held. You also love to find your thumb or fingers for sucking comfort, and I often find you with one wiggled out of your swaddle and jammed in your mouth in the morning. Again- we are not against paci's, as your sister and brother used them from the beginning, and we're just waiting to see where this goes! But it is cute to see you find your thumb and hold it against your little mouth like its the best thing ever!

~Your first month hasn't been all smooth sailing. At 3 weeks you developed the worst diaper rash I'd ever seen- horrible blisters all over your diaper area! I took you in to the Doc and it was thought it might be a staph infection. (Thankfully tested not to be staph, days later, just a horrible rash.) On top of that I found out you had thrush (a yeast infection in your mouth, common in babies but uncomfortable). So we got you on an antibiotic, thrush medicine for your mouth, an ointment for the rash, and special soap for baths. Thankfully it all cleared up over a few days, and you handled it like a champ.

~You're also the first Hipp to have hip issues- because you were breech at birth you showed a bit of hip dysplasia, meaning one of your hips is not sitting completely in the hip socket, something that is common in breech babies. So we've been to see a pediatric orthopedist who will keep an eye on the development of that hip for the next month. This is really just a precaution and the doc is optimistic that it will be fine and no further treatment will be needed. In the meantime- baby got back! :) We have to triple diaper you (literally 2 extra diapers on top of your regular diaper) in an effort to hold your legs in a more outward splayed position, which (I think) is to help that hip settle back into the socket. This gives you some serious padding in the rear!

1 Week Old

1 Month Old

It's been such a sweet first month with you, baby Rosemary! I am loving your little bitty-ness, and precious baby-ness. Some afternoons, when brother and sister are still napping and the house is quiet, I lay down with you snuggled against my chest. We take a little snooze together and just enjoy the peace. We are all still so excited you're here, and Georgia and Lincoln can't get enough of you. We thank God for you every day, that you are healthy and well, being such a great baby sister, and that we get to enjoy you. What a sweet and precious gift He has entrusted us with, and we are praying for your future knowing Him already! We love you, baby Rosemary- happy first month!

love, mommy

Tutus and Mud

2011-07-10T11:48:00.005-04:00

We've been playing at Grammie and Grandad's house this weekend- swimming in the pool, and the kids got their first taste of the bay, literally, as the explored and swam under the dock. Don't let Georgia's pink tutu bathing suit- that she picked out and insisted on wearing- fool you- - she likes getting mucky, finding treasures under slime and picking up creepy-crawlies! Lincoln is the one that actually carefully picks along, following only after Georgia paves the way. But they both loved it, and provided mommy with some great photo ops!

Week Three with Rosemary

2011-07-07T15:24:00.013-04:00

Rosemary is three weeks old today... I'm caught somewhere in the middle of:

Three weeks already?! Where is the time going?? and

Only three weeks?! It seems like she's always been here!

Remember the blog post about our little family of four? How soon we wouldn't even remember what life was like BBS (Before Baby Sister)? I think we're already entering into that time. I think it's because my days focus so much on her- feeding, changing, holding, sleeping... We're definitely not doing much else around here.

She's a little thumb-sucker! We gave the other 2 kids a paci right from the start, but we haven't even really given it to her yet, just b/c it hasn't been needed. We'll see where we go from here on this...

Fingers work too, when you can't find your thumb!

The two big kids (it's kinda weird that I can all them the "big kids" now!) are thankfully putting up with this new daily grind pretty well. We spend a lot of time just playing- I recently saw the quote "Imagination is the child of boredom" and it definitely fits our days right now! They get bored- I tell them to go play- and then they off are building roads across the living room out of blocks, and setting up a doctor's office with the Mr. Potato Heads, and "building" a dog house under the dining room table with Lincoln's tools. If you've been around a 2 & 4 year old, you can imagine the kind of mess these games create, but we're just rolling with it!

Grammie also brought over a fun surprise- an inflatable pool that's just big enough to splash, kick, and roll around in during these hot summer days!

BabyRosemary (as Lincoln calls her, like it's one word) is doing great, and starting to have more awake time a couple of times a day, which is fun. The kids get very excited when they see her eyes open- that's how rare it's been these first few weeks! She's earned her nickname "The Snoozer"! She's a very laid-back baby- so far- and we're grateful. Who knows how long it will last!! We know she'll enter the chaos at full volume at some point!

She certainly does love her daddy- he is by far her favorite snoozin spot!

It's amazing how quickly babies grow and change in these early days. We already feel like she's growing out of the newborn days into "baby-ness". She still doesn't "do" much- and I try to soak that in every day! Since these days of having an "itty-bitty" around are already passing by, I try to fully absorb every minute! And she is happy to oblige me, just being her beautiful little self and lying content in my arms. Ahhhh- sweet baby love!!!

More thumb love!

Rosemary, 2-3 Weeks Old

I just can't resist...

2011-06-30T21:03:00.006-04:00

Rosemary, 6 Days Old

Welcome Home, Rosemary

2011-06-27T13:00:00.007-04:00

In the car seat for the first time, ready to go home...

The welcoming committee...

Two little tongues peeking out...

Being smothered in kisses (literally!)...

Exactly one week old!

First picture with the Hippo.

Sharing baby sister- when big brother and sister both want to hold her hand!

Meeting Baby Sister

2011-06-27T12:36:00.007-04:00

My pictures are already starting to accumulate greatly, even though Rosemary has only been here a week and a half... I'll try to get some up but forgive me if I'm short on words- I'm short on blogging time these days! :) Just know we're all doing great and enjoying our sweet Baby Rosemary so much!

These are from the hospital, when we all first got to meet our sweet girl...

Welcome, Rosemary Rae Hipp

2011-06-18T08:41:00.007-04:00

Baby Sister is here!

Rosemary Rae Hipp

arrived Thursday, June 16th, at 7:51am, 7 lbs 14 ounces, 21 inches long.

The C-section has been a totally different experience from my previous two births. It was very quick- all set up at 7:30 and they grabbed her by the leg (still breech!) and pulled her out just 21 minutes later! But while the birth was short and sweet, and went very well, I can tell the recovery is going to be much longer. I've just been very sore and slow to get moving around. Yesterday was a long Day 2, but today is already promising to be better. Rosemary is eating well, and just doing a great job being sweet and adorable! Everyone is in love with her and Big Sister & Brother have been so sweet on their visits up here to the hospital to see her, wanting to hold her and sing to her and share chicken nuggets with her! The Lord has certainly blessed us with this gift of another beautiful, healthy child!

These are some pictures of her just 24 hours old, by the hospital photography company. Definitely the best hospital photos I've ever seen! So awesome to be able to get professional photos done while we're still here in the hospital! I love them...

Last time- Family of Four

2011-06-15T07:31:00.000-04:00

I've gotten kinda used to us being a little family of four. So it's somewhat strange to think that we're really a family of FIVE, but we haven't even met our fifth family member yet! That, when I look at pictures of our family from now, they'll just look incomplete, BBS- Before Baby Sister! So, feeling a bit nostalgic about this unique piece of time we're in, I thought I'd do a little update. I'm sure it won't encompass all things, but just what I can think of right now!

Georgia

- Our sweet oldest child, God truly designed you to be a big sister! You take your role seriously and do a great job. You make up games for you and Lincoln to play, want to include him in almost everything you do, and if I happened to pick you up from school without him in the car, you would immediately say you miss him and want to know where he is. You also are Chief Tattler, which is mostly ok with us because you help us keep an eye on things. You are a strict rule follower, which can be good, but we're also trying to teach you a bit of leniency in life!

- You are SO excited to be a big sister again! I hope this excitement continues when a screaming little baby actually enters our home! You ask about Baby Sister every day, talk to my belly, always have to give her a hug and kiss before bed, and love to put your hands on my belly to see if she's moving. You share your lamby and favorite blanket with my belly, and take such good care of Baby Sister already. You're excited that she'll share a room with you (eventually) and say you'll share your play things with her too. You took to calling her "Pickle" for a while, until you realized pickles were something we eat and then you told daddy we can't call her that! Then you decided "Pepper" was a good name too! ;)

- You are a better eater than you have been in the past, thank goodness the Doc was right that you'd eventually grow into an appetite! Some favorite foods are: watermelon, corn on the cob, crunchy tacos, and any kind of dessert! You love to help me in the kitchen with anything from baking, to putting away clean stuff out of the dishwasher, and setting the table.

- Coloring is one of your main passions right now. You color all the time! It's often the first thing you want to do in the morning, before breakfast or even milk. You use all the colors and lately have been coloring things "rainbow". I love this artistic side and hope you will continue to brighten our home with your artwork! You also like to practice your writing, asking me how to spell things and trying to write them out. You often practice writing your name and drawing hearts and other shapes.

- Some other ways you like to play are dressing up as a princess- sometimes Lincoln is recruited to be the Prince and dance with you! He will also announce you- "Mommy- here is a beautiful Princess!" You guys also play doggies, sleeping game- where you put each other to bed, mama & dada- you are each other's mama and dada and take turns giving the orders, puzzles, reading books and riding your "motorcycles" and bikes.

Lincoln

- As a typical boy, you are busy, busy, busy! You go from one thing to the next, though you are pretty good at just playing by yourself when big sis isn't around. You love to play with your tools and often want to carry your toolbox with us when we leave the house- just in casesomething needs to be "fixed"! Also, as you told me directly the other day- "mommy, I like cars, trucks and boats. And planes. and trains..." Yes you do! Anything that moves!

- Speaking of moving, you also love balls and sports, -pretty typical boy, I suppose! Butit's funny to me how naturally you gravitate to these things, even when our house probably has more girl toys in it. You still love baseball and want mommy to throw the ball so you can bat All The Time! Georgia can sometimes be recruited to be your pitcher, but that usually ends up in a Battle of the Bat and someone gets bonked on the head...

- You're a pretty good eater typically, though it's an ebb and flow. You're not big on breakfast and I usually resort to giving you a cereal bar, though I'm trying to get you interested in other things in the a.m. like peanut butter toast or waffles. But we are very much a "cereal family" and you just don't want it and won't eat it! You love chicken nuggets, of course, and that's your usual request when asked what you want to eat. "chick nil-a" nuggets! Though we did find out at a recent Chick-Fil-A birthday party that you are terrified of people dressed as cows- you took off screaming to the top corner of the playground and stayed there crying till daddy convinced you to come down!

- You are much more "Two" than I ever remember Georgia being. While you're usually a sweet, happy, funny boy, you can throw a good fit and can be quite whiney and pouty when you get in a Two-mood. You have quite a temper when you get in that mood. As I've always said about you- when you are happy- you are very happy, and when you are upset- you are very upset! You have also been a bit clingy to mommy lately, so hopefully you'll be willing to share when Baby Sister gets here!

Baby Sister

- She comes tomorrow! Unless she decided to come before then... At my checkup last week we found she had turned breech- or head up. (If that's Greek to you: Babies are supposed to be head-down in the last weeks to get ready for birth. Not good to turn head up b/c then they usually don't have room to turn back around and be in the safest position to come out. Our little monkey somehow turned herself around and seems content to stay that way.)

SO- we have had to schedule a C-section for tomorrow morning. She'll get one last chance to turn around, then we're going in after her! Personally, I think she heard all the commotion out here with big sister and brother running around, and turned around to head the other way!! So stay tuned... lots of baby pictures coming soon! :)

Thank you for your prayers throughout this pregnancy. It has gone well and we're looking forward to meeting our Baby Sister tomorrow and officially becoming a Family of Five!

Georgia's Last Day of her First Year

2011-06-12T07:23:00.000-04:00

Friday (6/10/11) was Georgia's last day of school- she has had such a fun and special year with her 3K class at The Brach Academy! Her teachers, Mrs Daniels and Mrs. Griffith, were so great and showed her all year how exciting learning can be. She has grown in so many ways this year, and I know her time in her little classroom was definitely a part of that. I hope this love of learning will last her lifetime!

On Tuesday of her last week (6/7/11) her school did a little end of the year program, showcasing many of the songs they had learned all year for different seasons and events. Daddy, Grammie, Lincoln and I loved it, and Georgia did a great job singing extra loud- "so Baby Sister can hear in mommy's tummy", as she told me!

I know there are many, many end of the year programs and fantastic school years ahead for our family, but it was very special experiencing the first taste of it with our first student!

Georgia & Mrs Daniels

Georgia & Lincoln (Linc really didn't care about "capturing the moment"- he just wanted to run around on the playground!)

Grammie & Georgia

Georgia & Mommy

Tea for Georgia... Shower for Baby Sister!

2011-06-11T13:12:00.010-04:00

A few weekends ago my mom and Aunt Laura held a Tea for Georgia and some of her little girlfriends. At least that's what it was fronted as! We sent out cute little invitations welcoming Georgia's little friends to "Come to Tea with Queen Grammie and Georgia... Please bring your very best manners". The idea came from Georgia's book Tea for Ruby- a sweet little book that we love reading together!

The Tea was so sweet- the little girls got their crowns and jewels when they got there, then colored at the beautifully decorated table until "Queen" Grammie was ready to read the story. After the story they all disappeared with Grammie into her bedroom to get ready for a "surprise". When they came out they all carried baby gifts! The Tea was really a surprise baby shower for Baby Sister and me! It was such a sweet idea and so thoughtful of so many friends to be part of the excitement of this baby girl's soon arrival. And the little girls loved helping me open all the presents!

It was a very fun and special time, and everyone did a great job using their very best manners!

Going, Going.... Almost Here

2011-05-17T07:54:00.001-04:00

Lincoln has been through a lot of changes this past month. Right before my eyes my baby is disappearing! Those last few ties to babyhood are going, going, gone- but I suppose that's ok with Baby Sister scheduled to appear in less than 5 weeks. I'll get to start all over real soon!

So, what's my big boy been up to?

Well, you know we've been potty training. That's still a work in progress- some days are perfect, some days we're all frustrated. But overall, we're moving steadily towards being trained and a little further away from training. Which is good since I'm contractually obligated to have him off diapers before the next baby comes along and needs them! ;)

He's also moved out of the crib and into a big boy bed. (Well, its just the twin mattress and box spring on the floor in his room- I don't even have real bedding for it, but it works just fine!) We were going to wait to make that move sometime this summer since there's no real rush; Baby Sister will be in a cradle for awhile. But Lincoln kept crawling out, every day, coming to get us in the middle of the night, in the early am, during nap time... so we decided we might as well put him in a bed that wasn't a 5 foot drop to the hardwood floor! (Being the little monkey he is, he never actually experienced that drop, though Larry did find him hanging by a stuck leg once. Ouch!)

So, he dropped the diapers and the crib- what was left? The one thing I was probably holding on to as tight as he was... Paci. We took Georgia's paci at about 13 months, when she started making a game out of throwing it out of her bed, but for some reason I let Lincoln slide with his. Probably because he's a 2nd child, and he slept SO well with it! Nap and bedtime were so easy with him- give him paci & blankie, lay him down, asleep within 5 minutes, almost every time. Why would a momma mess with that?! I've know it was probably past time, at least according to our household rules, but, like the potty training, I was not looking forward to the learning curve I knew came with such an action.

Then, like the crib, he kinda made the move himself. One morning he woke up and showed me he'd completely chewed a hole in the end of paci. (oh yea- he's also finally getting his 2-year molars, so another fun change going on!) So I had to take care of that- broken paci's are not very safe, even if they do help usher in sweet sleep! I snipped the whole end off and handed it back to him. Of course paci didn't work then, and he told me so, then told me "we need to go to the store quick quick to get batteries for Georgia's camera and get a new paci". Nice try, little boy! So, he's finally getting used to the idea of falling asleep without paci, but it's definitely been another learning curve. A few days ago, after we heard a crash in his room at nap time, Larry found he'd fallen off the changing table somehow, (only a minor bump, no serious injury) where he'd been perched looking out the window for who knows how long! It was a very grumpy week with so many hours of sleep missed!

Despite the hard-to-miss fact that my baby is most definitely becoming a big boy, and that is always sad to a mommy, it's fun to watch him figure out the world in new ways too. He's big enough to sit on a barstool and paint with sister...

He's in love with baseball and constantly wants "mommy, you throw the ball and I hit it with the bat"- which he actually manages to do 2/3 of the time! He's got some skills!

And he's memorized "The Fire Engine book", so will tell it to us at bedtime! So great and adorable!!

I know it's all part of mommyhood, watching these sweet babies of mine grow up, but I must admit my hands are starting to itch to get back on a tiny, sweet-smelling, new bundle of joy! -Or maybe that's just my belly itching as it continues to grow to an astronomical size! ;)

Great Eight Anniversary

2011-05-10T15:08:00.006-04:00

Yes- the Trifecta is underway at our house! If you don't know what that means- it's a special time of year where Mother's Day, our Anniversary and my Birthday come within about a week of each other- three distinct and special holidays that together my husband have named The Trifecta. And every year he does an amazing job of helping me celebrate!

And today is our Anniversary!!

A very special Happy Anniversary to my best friend, partner in all, love of my life- my husband, Larry. These eight years have flown by, yet we've been through many things, and every day I feel blessed to love you more than the day before. Thank you for everything- and that encompasses more than I can say! I love you!

Here are Eight Great moments, not in any order, and not the only or best great moments, but eight great ones all the same! :)

Our special engagement at The Breakers, West Palm Beach FL

Talking thru the door before our wedding; what a beautiful and fun day!

Our first Christmas- with our first, and most challenging "child" Bernie the Basset Hound!

Dedicating our sweet girl, our first precious baby Georgia to the Lord.

Adding our rough, tough, bundle of love, baby boy Lincoln to the group!

Big move to Tampa!

An awesome trip Whistler, Canada- before it was an Olympic hotspot!

Last year's Trifecta topped off with a great weekend getaway to Daytona, packed with space shuttle liftoff, monster Jeeps, and relaxing on the beach!

Many more Great Moments to come.... :)

Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-09T15:57:00.001-04:00

I hope all the mothers out there had a great Mother's Day! I did- my family made me feel very special, appreciated and loved. I had a special breakfast carried into the bedroom to me (that I thankfully could intercept before my two little waiters dropped the whole tray!), sweet cards signed special by each of them, beautiful gifts that made me feel like a beautiful mama, a relaxing afternoon, and a delicious & special dinner celebration with my own mother. It was a great day and I appreciate the thought and effort that my family gave to make that way!

And I even got some great Mother's Day pictures with my babies- the perfect gift!

The Resurrection and Easter Eggs

2011-05-02T15:49:00.005-04:00

As my mom and I were checking out at Michael's with goodies for Easter baskets, the cashier remarked to us, "How did we all get from Jesus dying on the cross and rising to life again- to eggs, bunnies and baskets?" At first I shrugged it off- "That's true- Jesus' resurrection is the meaning and heart of Easter; the rest is just for fun". But the question has stuck with me and I realize it's something my own kids may wonder and, hopefully, will ask about some day.

I don't have a sound, biblically-based, theological answer. Just what's been rambling around in my head! If you do, please share! And I do think the bunnies, egg hunts and treats are just part of the fun. But they, of course, are not the Point. The Point of Easter is to reflect on and celebrate the incredible sacrifice Jesus made to save me, save each of us, from eternal separation from God. He died a brutal, horrible death on the cross for the only reason that I needed Him to. Then He defied death itself and rose to life again 3 days later, which we celebrate as Easter morning.

Here's my stretch to the eggs, etc- Eggs are a symbol of life, as little chicks (and other animals, I suppose) are born out of them. Easter eggs are a reminder of the new life we have when we believe in Jesus as our Saviour. The bunny is one of God's happy little creatures. The Easter bunny is one of God's creatures that helps Him by sharing the message of new life by bringing the Easter eggs to all of us. We can be like the Easter bunny and help God by sharing this message all year long.

How's that answer sound? :)

And we had a great Easter weekend ourselves, with messages of new life, sweet treats and good times with family! We are finally finishing out the Easter candy in our house (which reminded me I had yet to post these pictures!)- but will continue to share the sweet message year round! :)

Easter Egg Hunt with our church

Lincoln would shout "Here's an egg!" with every one he found- which weren't hard to find since they were literally rolled out across the grass!

It took them each about 17 seconds to overflow their baskets!

Cool kids wear sunglasses like Grammie!

A picture of Larry & I- what a novel idea! Oh yea- and Baby Sister! ;)

Easter morning baskets... Lincoln was all about diving into the candy. Georgia was separating the jelly beans, chocolates, other goodies into appropriate piles.

Easter egg hunt with Emma & Logan before a yummy Easter dinner at Grammie & Grandad's.

Easter morning finery...

Hope you had a great Easter too!

(Didn't this just happen?? I can't believe it's now MAY already!)

Wes & Jen: The Wedding

2011-04-15T17:15:00.001-04:00

I know some people have been eagerly awaiting pictures from my brother & his beautiful bride's wedding, but I've been delaying because- how do you choose what to post?? They had such a beautiful wedding in such an amazing spot, the pictures couldn't help but be great, and I wasn't sure I could even do a post without completely overwhelming you! So I'll do my best to pick out some favorites and give you just a taste of their beautiful, special day!

The setting was this beautiful venue, Tampa Bay Watch, on the bay in St Pete, by Ft DeSoto Park. It was a gorgeous Saturday in the mid-70s, a warm breeze blowing off the water, sun shining brightly. Jen looked like a model in her wedding dress, and Wes and the guys were very handsome in linen suits. Coral colored bridesmaid dresses, flowers and other touches were a perfect pop of color against the green and blue of the lawn and water.

I think it was just as Jen and Wes wanted it- very laid-back, fun, casual, yet amazing and special. I loved that Jen passed the time before the ceremony playing cards and wore flip flops all day! My sister-in-law and I definitely get along!

Everyone had such a great time and we loved being a part of their special day. It may have been a long time coming, but we all had fun when we got there! And we're wishing Wes & Jen a lifetime of blessings and love!

Georgia and Lincoln were the flower girl and ring bearer, and they did a good job being adorable, as was their job!

Both took a couple of practice runs down the aisle before. Lincoln had the real rings on that little pillow, so we wanted to make sure they made it to their safe destination. And Georgia's practice definitely made perfect- once she got halfway down the aisle during the ceremony she realized she had lots of petals left in her basket, so she started taking handfuls and throwing them up in the air! I don't know if anyone got pictures, but it was precious!

The Rodebush, men looking snazzy!

Peeking on the gathering crowd...

One last minute with his little girl before Daddy Kirby gives her away...

The whole gang...

And the happy couple had a perfect sunset on their beautiful day!

{As I said, this is just a taste of the pictures! If anyone has any pictures from the wedding, we're trying to compile them- please send us an email or mail a cd to me or Wes & Jen. And if you want a copy of any pictures, just let me know!}

Lincoln's Big Boy Business

2011-04-15T15:22:00.007-04:00

Well, if you were expecting wedding pictures next from Wes & Jen's wedding, sorry to disappoint! They're coming- as soon as I can pick some favorites out of the 300+ I have! And- we've been busy taking care of other business...

Yep- Lincoln is potty-training. We're a week in. It's going. Not awesomely, but not too bad either. Not quite as smooth a transition as Georgia had, but truthfully, I haven't been giving it the time and attention I was able to give her during this process. We're just on the go more, so I've been relying a bit on Pullups for when we're out, which I never did with her bc I feel like they can be a total crutch- they're just too much like diapers. But I've been too chicken to take Linc out without them! But only when we're out- he's been bare-bottom at home. He does great if I ask him lots, make him try lots, etc, but he hasn't quite caught on to telling me before he has to go.

We tried a sticker chart for incentive, but that really isn't his thing, so we're using candy- thankfully there are lots of jellybeans in stores now!

So we've just been hanging out when we can (I guess literally when potty training a boy!- sorry for that bad pun! ;), drinking lots of juice, eating popsicles, watching Monkey, playing outside... trying to learn this big boy lesson!

I'm proud of how well he's done and know that I am the one that needs to buckle down on this a little more and help him learn it. As daddy keeps reminding us- only 9 more weeks till baby sister comes and she gets the diaper money! :)

Pray for our sanity! We'll let you know how it all turns out! ;)

Purple & Pink Princess Party

2011-04-07T09:42:00.001-04:00

Are you noticing a theme around here? The princesses have taken over our house! Georgia is WAY into them. I'm not quite sure how it happened- it just did. I never remember being into princesses when I was a kid of any age- or purple and pink, for that matter! But Georgia was very clear that she was expecting a Princess party for her 4th Birthday- a purple and pink Princess party, to be exact! And it was lots of fun!

Attention all Princesses, Princes & Pirates

Please join

Princess Georgia Kate Hipp

in celebration of Her Majesty's 4th Birthday

Saturday, March 26th ~ 9:30-11:30am

We ate yummy princess cupcakes...

And opened princess-y presents... with lots of help!

Played with our princess friends...

And the pirate friends too!

And shared lots of smiles! Our little Princess had a great time and loved every minute of it. Thanks to all who helped make her party so special and fun!

Happy 4th Birthday, Georgia!

2011-03-31T09:46:00.000-04:00

(I know this is belated, but it's tradition, so I'm just going to post-date it!)

Happy Birthday to you!

Happy 4th Birthday to Georgia!!

Happy Birthday to YOU!!!

Some pictures from her 4th Birthday celebration at home:

Her big present was a big-girl BIKE! She loved it- and hopped right on and started riding around the house! The funny thing was we had hid it in our room to do a "big reveal", but she & little brother snuck in there and found it- next thing we knew she was like "look at this!" and riding it around! No big surprise needed!

Little brother was a bit envious and kept saying "I need a bike!". He's done a good job of keeping up on the tricycle, but I don't think we'll be able to wait till his 4th bday for his big bike! (And I finally cut his hair- doesn't he look so BIG!)

Our bday girl also got lots of fun princess presents...

She loved her new Ariel dress from Nana! It went perfect with The Little Mermaid movie we got her.

Stylin' all her new gear!

We hope you loved your 4th Birthday fun, sweet Georgia! You continue to be such an amazing daughter and we all love you so much! We are so proud of the big girl you are becoming- the way you share with Lincoln, the way you love your baby sister already, all you're learning at school, how you help mommy and the sweet love you give daddy when he gets home from work! We thank the Lord for our beautiful, healthy 4-year old and are looking forward to all the neat things you're going to do this year!

love, mommy, daddy & lincoln

Breakfast with Princesses

2011-03-29T15:27:00.009-04:00

After a fun-filled weekend, the Waters family left us to continue their spring break at Disney. And we continued our house full of fun with Nana coming in town for a week! The kids were so excited to see her, and she was great to have around for the week.

On Thursday of her visit, also St Patty's Day, we joined the Waters at Epcot for a very special breakfast and lots of fun!

We started with Breakfast with the Princesses at the Akershus Palace at Epcot and it was so worth the many miles I carried this baby belly and pushed an overloaded stroller the rest of the day! The girls were in Princess heaven! They were both star-struck and giddy with excitement! Georgia not only got to talk to her beloved Cinderella, and show off her look-alike gown, but then got to hold her hand and walk with her in the mini parade around the restaurant! So exciting!! AND both girls loved getting to hug sweet Ariel and walk with her later! It was awesome to watch their little faces light up as they met each beautiful princess!

Meeting Cinderella...

AND getting to hold her hand!

Nana helped with keeping kids occupied in line- "look, Nina, look!"

Alee and Georgia are now self-proclaimed BFF. Alee gave Ga a purple Mickey-shaped necklace with BFF on it to match her pink one and Ga has worn it almost every day in the 2 weeks since we last saw them!

Another (failed) attempt at a kiddo pic together. It was also the Flower Festival at Epcot and the flowers were amazing!

The Hipps

The Waters

and All Together now!

Whenever Lincoln was let out to roam or catching a ride on a daddy's shoulders, the girls took over the stroller...

My beautiful boy

Upside-down Eli!

Epcot was great, but it's a lot more walking around and seeing, as compared to the rides and parades we experienced at Magic Kingdom. It was great getting to be with our friends and Nana for this fun day!

Water's Visit

2011-03-16T14:04:00.005-04:00

Our next visitors were the Waters, who were here Fri- Mon am. Melanie and Steve are some of our best friends from our Auburn days, and the kind of friends we always pick right back up with, no matter how long we've been apart. Friends like that are priceless and we really enjoyed our weekend with them!

We played in the backyard, went to the park and pier, the dads did some fishing and caught our dinner for Sunday, they celebrated Grammie's bday with us, and we had some fun at the beach. Tomorrow we'll join them for their last day at Disney, and have breakfast with the Princesses together and explore Epcot. The little girls are equally excited about meeting Princesses and seeing each other again- so sweet!!

Eli- 6 yrs, Alee- 5 yrs, Georgia- almost 4, Lincoln- 2 yrs

Happy Birthday Grammie! :) That carrot cake was YUMMY!!

A LOT of fun = tired kiddos!!

If you notice we're in a new ride, you're really paying attention! I'll do a diff. post on that some other time! ;)

Papa's Visit

2011-03-16T09:12:00.004-04:00

We've had a constant stream of company recently, which has been a lot of fun and certainly has kept us busy! It started with a great 3 day visit from Papa, Larry's dad, last Wed-Fri. A last-minute blast of cooler weather canceled our beach plans, but we had a fun day at the Children's Museum instead.

Driving the Firetruck

Doctor, doctor

Water table time

Faster, faster- whoa!!!!

Lincoln and Georgia were so excited about their new "motorcycles"! :)

Celebrating Wes & Jen

2011-03-08T15:16:00.008-05:00

My brother Wesley and long-time love Jennifer are getting married soon- April 2nd!- and we've had fun getting ready with them. We're all four in the wedding- five of us if you include my sweet baby girl in the belly bump! You'll definitely notice her under that bridesmaid's dress at 7 months baked!

Recently my parent's threw a great anniversary party for them. It was a great mix of their friends, my parent's friends, people we've known over the years. Since Wes & Jen dated for 10 years there are a lot of people that have been with them over the course of their relationship, and are so excited for them as they take this wonderful, lasting step together!

Perfect setting

Happy couple

Me & my little love- he's been sporting a "Tom Brady" look lately as he hates haircuts so we just haven't taken him to get one. I recently got a little off those ears, but I think we're going to have to suffer thru a real cut soon!

Some of Wes's friends were really digging his high school senior pic and thought they could look tough like him!

Wes's best man found out what he'd be wearing this night and thought it'd be funny if they all showed up in the same... very cute matchy-matchy, guys!

Jen with her brother Nicholas and grandfather Pep.

More celebrating below!

Bridal Shower

2011-03-08T11:14:00.000-05:00

This past weekend I threw a bridal shower for Jen, with Aunt Laura's help. It was a sweet time where women of all ages and points from Jen's life came to celebrate this upcoming marriage and show her their love and support. It was a fun afternoon, Jen and Wes were showered with many lovely things, and we are all now in "wedding mode" for the main event in less than a month!