Love Bug

I just wanted to show you all the dress Grandma bought for me. Isn't it the cutest? She's got pretty good taste. Mommy added the pink bow and it makes me feel like a princess!

Hope everyone has a great weekend! We're enjoying our last day with Grandma. We're going to miss her so much! But she and Grandpa will be coming back in a few weeks. I think I won her over. And I know my brothers have!

Guess Who...

Had a bow on today!

Has the best big brother in the world!

Gets lots of kisses from Grandma!

Is the sweetest baby girl ever!

It's Allie!!!

One Week Old

I'm one week old!

Yesterday Allie turned one week old. Of course I had to dress her up and take some pictures. She is a week old and has never had a bow in her hair. Poor little girl! Coleman asked why she's a girl if she looks like a boy. She wears boy pajamas at night, but I do try to put her in pink or purple during the day. I'll get you some bows soon Allie!

Yesterday Allie and I went on our first shopping trip. We took back the "Little Brother" onesie and traded it for a girly outfit. It was a little sad to take back Cooper's outfit, but I just have to keep reminding myself that there never was a Cooper. I just assumed there was! Anyway, Allie and I looked at all the precious-beyond-words girl clothes and I almost started hyperventilating! All...too...cute!!! How I ever got out of that store spending less than $3 is a miracle.

My sweet little girl

Allie, these little boys think you're the best!

Spence enjoying his middle child status

And finally... A picture of Daddy with Allie!

The other night Coleman said, "I'm going to miss Allie when she's not a baby anymore." I can't believe a 4 year old thinks of stuff like that! Let me just say that Allie is a good baby. I don't even want to say how good for fear that I will jinx it. I just feel really blessed right now!

Sweetness Alert!

5 days old!

How blessed can one Mommy be???

Grandma meeting Allie yesterday

First Granddaughter

Coleman made hearts today for Grandma and Mommy

Coleman's prayer tonight:

Thank you for Baby Allie coming out. 'Cause we just really like her.

A Word From Allie

Hi everyone! I'm 3 days old!

Today the loud, rambunctious little boys that they call my brothers wanted to hold me. Mommy and Daddy made them sit in the chair. They did pretty well for their first time. I mean, they didn't drop me or anything.


The bigger one is pretty sweet. He is always giving me kisses. Today he started talking kind of strange to me, saying something like "coochie coochie coo." I have no idea what that means!

I think I'll have to keep a close eye on this one. He kept trying to hand me little sticks today. But he adores me also. I can tell.

Now this lady knows how to love on me! They call her Nana, and she knows exactly how special I am. I hear that another lady named Grandma is coming tomorrow. I'm sure it won't take me long to win her over either. I'm pretty cute and sweet if you haven't noticed.

These are flowers that Grandma and Grandpa sent me today. They are beautiful and smell so wonderful! I hope these people keep fresh flowers around all the time. A girl could get used to that!

Well, I think it's about time I wrap this up and get back to reminding Mommy who's in charge around here. I can have her up and feeding me in no time at all!

We're Home!

Allie, the newest Pik got to go home today!

It's so nice to be home! Allie is sleeping, so I have a moment to post some more pictures. Later I'll try to write a little more about the boys and Allie, but for now I just have to share one sweet story. After we got home and took a few pictures, Allie was still asleep. We left her in the car seat and put her in our bedroom. Brian put a receiving blanket over her. Spence went upstairs and got his favorite blanket that he sleeps with every night. He calls it the donut blanket (it's got big polka dots that apparently remind him of the donut holes Poppa brings). He went over to Allie and draped the blanket over her. It was the sweetest thing! Sharing his favorite blanket with his baby sister. I cried!

Well, I know you all just want to see some pictures!

Mommy and I have been watching HGTV, but she says not to get attached because we don't get that channel at home!

I finally get to wear pink and everyone will realize I'm a Princess!

OK Mom and Dad, show me where we live!

Beautiful flowers from Nana and Poppa

My brothers are glad I'm home!

So all the neighbors know about my arrival

More pics of Allie

What Daddy says to Coleman and Spency when we go on ice cream runs.

Just hours old. Our new sister. Spency likes giving kisses.

Mommy and Allie.

I can open my eyes.

Oh Boy! Baby Pik is Here!

Welcome Allie Vaughan!!!!

7:27am, 8lbs 9oz, 20in.

That's right! A precious little girl. We're all doing well. Thank you for your prayers. We'll try to get some more pictures up later.

We're at the Hospital!!!!!!

The contractions started about 3am Wednesday morning. Amanda woke me up at about 3:30am and we left at about 4am. I wish I would not have stayed up until 1:30am this morning writing a report. 1.5 hours of sleep will be tough today.

The epidural is in and Amanda's doing much better. Probably the next post will be pics of either Cooper or Allie!

The Soon-to-be Middle Child

I was showing Spence some pictures of himself on the blog:

Mommy: Spence, look at that picture of you. Are you sweet?
Spence: Yeah. I'm nice... and very messy.

And last night Mom said Spence told her, "I just can't wait for the baby to get here!" I think he might change his tune in a few days!

That's my adorable little soon-to-be middle child. He's such a hoot! I love you Spence!

Weekly Doctor Update

I am still 4 cm dilated. I couldn't believe after all the contractions I had this week there was no change! For those of you who know what this means, I am 70% effaced. So I'm getting there! My doctor offered to schedule an induction for Thursday or Monday. She said being 4 cm and 70% effaced with a 3rd baby, it shouldn't take much. I called and talked to Brian about it, and we decided to schedule the induction for Monday. We would rather have things happen naturally, but if they don't by Monday, that's only one day before my due date. I loved not knowing when the boys would be born and that excited feeling of it's time and let's go to the hospital! I may or may not get to experience that again, and either way is fine. God is in control! Keep us in your prayers! I'll try to keep everyone updated.

400th Post!

I had hoped to save my 400th post for announcing that we were on our way to the hospital or Baby Pik had arrived, but it's not to be. I go back to the doctor tomorrow, so I'll give an update when I get home. So, what's been happening since I've been too stubborn to post?

The boys' bunk beds came in and Brian and my dad got them put together. They look great and the boys are really enjoying them. Naptime for Spence has been a little challenging, but Mom has been laying down with him and helping him get to sleep. Thanks Mom! Oh yes, my Mom has been our prisoner for the last week. We try to feed her well and let her out occasionally. Of course, she is required to play all kinds of sports ranging from baseball to soccer and I think tomorrow she is assigned to curtain making.



We put the bouncy seat and swing together a few days ago in preparation for Baby's arrival. The boys have been swinging their stuffed animals every day. And Spence likes to sit in the bouncy. I let Coleman sit in it once, but let him know he was too heavy to get in there anymore. Hopefully either the swing will be old news or they'll realize they can't push it fast by the time the baby gets here and we won't have to deal with any whiplash!

This weekend Brian broke out the Slip-N-Slide for the boys. I think they spent about 2 hours playing on it!

And here is the latest belly picture. I had Mom take this today. Come on Baby!

Saturday night we went to a house warming party at Brian's boss' house. I figured I should wear shoes a little nicer than flip flops, and ended up turning my ankle in my strappy sandals! I can still walk! I only had to endure two rude comments from party-goers: "Can I get you a wheel barrow?" and "Are you sure it's just one?" Everyone else was very polite.

I've decided to try to enjoy each day I have with just my two children! We went to Double Dave's today for lunch. I love watching them eat that chocolate chip pizza and then see it all over Spence's face! (And shame on Double Dave's for not having a changing table in their restroom! They must not know how hard it is to change a dirty pull up on a standing toddler.) This afternoon we stopped by Target and Mom bought Coleman some coloring and activity books. He is just amazing us with his interest in reading and math!

And here's a strange little story that could mean years of therapy for Spence. I have to preface it with a story about our dogs. When we were training our first dog Lucy (who now lives with Grandma and Grandpa because she needs to be a princess) we taught her all the names of her toys and all kinds of commands. She had a vocabulary of about 150 words and when asked, could go upstairs and find a certain toy and bring it to you. She was quite smart and very well trained. When we got Maestro, we were satisfied that he didn't pee on the carpet. This week, Coleman has been so into coloring and learning about letters and numbers. My Mom's been working with him a lot. Meanwhile, Spence is pulling his soaked pull up off and running around peeing on the floor. He even took a bite out of a foam ball! Brian made the connection between what we expected from Lucy versus Maestro, and now what we expect from Coleman versus Spence! We've just got to get Spence to stop peeing on the floor and we'll be good!

That about sums up what's going on around here. I'll let you know if there are any updates tomorrow!

You're All Ready For Some News, Right?

***Update for June 13, 2009***
Still nothing. Mexican food tonight.


***Update for June 12, 2009***

Still no news! However, the baby seems to have shifted to the left, taking my belly button with it! It's about an inch off center and looks pretty strange, therefore no pictures. I'm being stubborn and trying to save that 400th post to at least inform everyone that we are off to the hospital, but Baby Pik is proving to be just as stubborn. If you're on Facebook, I do updates on there more frequently.

I got nothin'. Last night I woke up about 12:30 having some back pain and contractions. Brian was still up and so I called him in and told him I thought this was it. He took a shower and I started getting dressed. I made sure everything was in my bag, and we started timing my contractions. They were about 3 minutes apart, but they didn't feel very strong. After a while, they just stopped! I kept waiting for more, but nothing happened. After that I was so wound up that I couldn't go to sleep. I ended up getting up and making a sandwich and reading a book until 4:30 am. I was finally able to go back to sleep. I've had very few contractions today, which has been a bummer. Coleman loves to play tricks on me, so I'm guessing this baby is going to have his personality! We'll see what the rest of the day holds! Also, this is my 399th post, so it might be that Baby Pik's announcement could be my 400th!

The Guys Planting Azaleas

I keep forgetting to post this! My guys planted some azaleas out back on Sunday. Here are a few pictures:

I thought this picture of Spence was too cute not to include!

How To Send a Pregnant Lady Over the Edge

***Updated at bottom***

Here it is, the latest news: I'm dilated almost 4 cm! So things are progressing! In other more disturbing news, I'm having a hospital dilemma. I had heard that Houston was having a baby boom this June (due to Hurricane Ike, but that's another story). Our hospital is smack dab in Southwest Houston, and was quite crowded when I delivered Spence there. I almost didn't get my epidural! Today I decided to ask my doctor if she'd seen any overcrowding issues there, and she said that a few months ago the hospital was having lots of issues with crowding and many of her practice's patients weren't able to schedule inductions, get in for C-sections, and would go to the hospital in labor and sit in the waiting area for up to four hours waiting for a room. Not what I wanted to hear! She said it's better now (not sure how much better!), but if I wanted I could register at another hospital in Sugar Land that she has privileges at.

I have been a ball of nerves since I left her office. I checked with some friends that have delivered at this other hospital and have heard nothing but great reviews. I called the hospital and asked if it was too late to register there, and was told no. So I will be going later today, after my Mommy arrives (thank you Mommy) to register at a new hospital! Yikes! This all seems so last minute! I've been trying to calm down, pray, ask God for guidance, and not yell at every little thing the boys do! I realized that ever since we chose the other hospital and I registered there, I've never felt 100% comfortable with that decision. Too bad I'm just now realizing this!

But you know what? God is in control. No matter what hospital I end up at, or when I go into labor, it is in His hands. I needed to say that for my own benefit! OK. I'll quit rambling now. Thanks for listening. Hope you don't think I'm a nut. Remember, I've got all kinds of hormones raging and crazy things going on and aches and pains and nerves! I hope Brian remembers this too and doesn't try to have me committed! Nah, he probably won't since he'd have to take care of 3 kids on his own!

Update:
I am now registered at Methodist Hospital Sugar Land. (Will this make my baby a Methodist? Ha!) My Mom is here and I'm feeling a lot better. After I registered, one of the nurses took me on a tour of the birthing center. It feels strange to change the plans so late in the game, but I think it was the right thing to do.

The bunk beds arrived this afternoon, and Brian started taking the pieces upstairs tonight. We had to move Coleman's chair out of his room so the bed would fit, and he had a complete meltdown. He was sobbing over "his favorite chair." The one he never sits in or even acknowledges. I'm pretty sure we may be having a few more meltdowns in the following days. They both can sense something major is about to happen. It made me feel a little sad for them. Their world is about to change dramatically!

I want to thank all of you for your kind comments. I'm so thankful that it's not about my plans, but that God is in control of everything. Thanks for your prayers! And our hospital does have wireless internet connection, so hopefully we'll make it to the hospital with the laptop and the camera cable so we can upload pictures as soon as possible. And if you live close by, come see us when you get the news!

How We Stay Entertained Around Here

You know me. I love to record the funny things that Coleman says. Here are a few of his latest:

In Sunday School, Coleman's class learned about the Ten Commandments. This morning while he was eating breakfast and drinking his juice, he said, "I wonder why they didn't add 'No Gargling' in the Moses story?" I didn't realize gargling was such a no no!

Coleman is on his second round of antibiotics for his sinus infection. He describes this new antibiotic as "yucky" and keeps asking me why it doesn't taste good. He has to take it in the morning and before bed. So when I give it to him, he says, "I need my emergency kit!" The emergency kit includes a cup of water and 1 pretzel Goldfish. I guess this keeps the yuckiness to a minimum! Spence also insists on eating 1 pretzel Goldfish at the same time!

Coleman has been trying to teach Spence how to argue. It goes like this:
Coleman: Are too! Now you say 'Are not!'
Spence: Are too!
Coleman: Are too!
Spence: Are too!
Coleman: No! You say 'Are not!'

Sometimes Spence gets it and sometimes he doesn't. I think this is so funny because I remember as an only child really wishing I had someone to argue with! I liked listening to my best friend and her little sister argue and would try to join in if I could. I'm sure it won't be so amusing when the boys are actually arguing, but maybe I will have a little more patience with it since I didn't have that opportunity as a child!

And "Happy Birthday Nana!" Coleman is very confused and concerned that you are not having a birthday party. He keeps asking when your birthday starts and when we're going to your birthday. I've tried telling him that today is your birthday, but there is no party. I explained that grown ups don't always have birthday parties, but he just doesn't get that! He's also confused that you are coming to our house tomorrow, since it is Maestro's birthday! Why would you come on Maestro's birthday?

Camera Trick

About two weeks ago the boys were watching a show and a guy disappeared. Coleman asked, "Is that guy a magician?" Brian said, "No. It was a camera trick." Coleman wanted to know what a camera trick was, so Brian decided to show him! Here are Coleman and Spence doing their disappearing act:

Welcome to Our Family...

New Kenmore Freezer
June 6, 2009
5:05 pm
8.8 cubic feet

Sorry! Couldn't resist! We've been looking at freezers for a while. The boys are starting to eat like teenagers, and I'd love to be able to buy more in bulk. Now I can! My playgroup moms gave me a food shower yesterday, and my freezer is stuffed. It's so nice to have extra space now.

And also from today. What I heard from one lady, almost said in one breath:

"When was your due date? Last month? I've never seen anyone so pregnant! How many babies are in there?" Dang lady! Take a breath and think before you keep rattling on! I told Brian I should have started crying and said, "It took me all day to get the courage to leave the house and this is what you say to me???" But I desire to take the higher road. I still haven't slapped a single person!

I'm really hoping that this baby will be born on Tuesday, June 9th. That is my Mom's birthday, and I haven't had a chance to shop, so that would take care of her gift. Just kidding! I have a gift for you Mom. But I would love for this baby to share your birthday! That would be so special.

Well, not really any updates. Maybe there won't be too many more posts without baby pictures!

Candice's Baby

Some of my readers know my friend Candice. By the way, we've been friends since 1st grade! She had her baby today, so I'm going to link to her blog so you can see how beautiful the baby is! She also did not find out until today what she was having. I think she might have been my inspiration to not find out with this baby! Congratulations Candice, Paul, and Paul David!

Funny Spence

I called to talk to my friend Candice this afternoon. She's having a baby tomorrow! I can't wait to hear the news Candice! After I got off the phone, Spence and I had a funny conversation.

Spence: Who was on the phone Mommy?
Mommy: That was Paul David's Mommy. She's having a baby tomorrow!
Spence: (looking at my belly and pointing to it) This baby?
Mommy: No, her own baby. This one's ours!

Thinking about labor does make me a little nervous, and it might be nice to let someone else go through that for me (any takers?), but I'm pretty ready. And I'm really excited about hearing the doctor say, "It's a _______!!!" So I've got that to occupy my thoughts instead of, "Will I get my epidural in time???" I don't know if all pregnant women do this, but I also worry about my water breaking and there being some huge mess. Maybe on aisle 12 at Wal-Mart, or in the pool at the gym (yes, I went to the gym today!), or lying in bed at night. Then will my car seat get all messed up on the way to the hospital? I'm not even sure why I think about this. My water has never broken on it's own. I guess I just need something to obsess about!

Also, I'm going to lock my online baby pool in the next few days, so if you still haven't guessed but would like to, click here.

Spray Park and Some News!

I really didn't think I would have any news after my doctor's appointment today, but I do. I'm dilated 2 cm! This of course doesn't mean the baby's going to come any day now, and I'm trying not to get my hopes up, but at least something is happening!

After the doctor, we headed to playgroup at a spray park. Here are a few pictures of the boys playing in the water.

Filling up the buckets so they could dump them on their friends

Coleman says, "Watch out Matt!"

Spence enjoyed watering the grass

Summer Cuts

I guess our summer has started! No more school for the boys, so no more kid free grocery shopping! Well, if I could have gotten my act together on the weekend I could have gone while Brian was home to stay with them. But that didn't happen. We started the day with a trip back to Coleman's allergist. The last round of antibiotics didn't knock out his infection, so we're on to round two! He's on an antibiotic, a steroid, nasal spray, prescription cough medicine, and his usual Singulair. I felt like a drug dealer tonight at bedtime! Spence thinks it's way cool though and wants to take medicine also. He says, "I'm coughing too." Then he'll give a little fake cough. I even caught him with a medicine syringe and a bottle of Gatorade. He was filling the syringe and drinking the Gatorade out of it!

After the doctor, I took the boys to get summer haircuts. They turned out pretty cute! The picture isn't great, but it's the best I got.

The girl put some goo on Coleman's to spike it up, but he did not like that. I loved Spence's long hair, but it looks so adorable now, and I'm sure will be much cooler for the hot weather.

I'm going to the doctor weekly now, so I have another appointment tomorrow. I'm not expecting to hear that anything's happening, but it sure would be nice! I'll let you know!

If you clicked on the picture and saw the white stripes on Spence's right cheek, that is white out that he got into at Nana's house. Apparently that stuff doesn't come off! At least not in 3 days. I'm interested in seeing how long it will stay on there!

While I'm thinking of how silly Spence is, here's something that he did on the way home from Arby's last night. Coleman got a game in his kid's meal called "Would You Rather." So on the way home I was reading the "Would You Rather" cards and Coleman would say which one he would rather do. Then Spence started adding his opinion. Here's how it went:

Mommy: Would you rather have your thumb twice as long or your second toe twice as long?
Coleman: Um, my big toe!
Spence: Um, McDonald's!
Mommy: Would you rather live in a world with no tables or no chairs?
Coleman: No chairs!
Spence: McDonald's!
Mommy: Would you rather walk backwards for a week or hop on one foot for a day?
Coleman: Walk backwards for a week!
Spence: McDonald's!

You get the idea. Apparently Spence didn't, though!