Merry Christmas! 

Raleigh and Santa

Last year's Santa picture was classic. He screamed his guts out and you could even see a big tear in his eye.

This year was totally different. He was a big boy and enjoyed it! I finally got the chance to take him yesterday. Traffic in Hickory was a nightmare, but I wanted to go there b/c I knew they took good pictures with Santa. As soon as we got into the long line he started waving at Santa. When it was time for him to talk to Santa he hopped right up in his lap and said "cheese" when they told him to. When asked about what he wanted for Christmas he used to just say "a present". He decided later he wanted a Thomas train track.


Maybe he'll get one!

Raleigh and Santa! 

The death of a parent....

Is there EVER a good time for it? I thought about this on Friday morning about 12 hours after I learned that my daddy had died. The beginning of a pregnancy is not good. Four weeks from now would have been worse b/c I wouldnt have been able to travel. Right after I have the baby? No. A year or 2 or 3 or 4 from now when my boys really know their grandpa Doug? No.

There is no good time to lose a parent.

Especially when it is so sudden.

I thought about calling Daddy several times on Thursday. I needed to check on him. I needed to tell him about my decision not to come home for Chrismtas since Ill be 31 weeks pregnant then.

I didn't call.

Instead, my mama and his friend called me with the news that he had died.

My best friend Susan gave me great peace though when she reminded me of my last phone call to my daddy.

My last phone call to him was last Monday when I left a message telling him the baby is a boy and he will be named William Douglas.

Yes, the last time my daddy heard my voice he found out his grandson would have his middle name.

All babies are a blessing.

How fortunate I am that both of my babies are extra special blessings to a family who has needed it so badly.

I love you Daddy.

Its a boy!

Yep, we're having another boy!

Im in shock right now.

Ive had 3 ultrasounds. None of them were very clear. Its incredible how clear the Perinatologist's machine was. We were able to see everything!

At my last ultrasound before today my doc *thought* it was a girl. He only gave me a 60% chance though.

I really thought it was a girl too. This pregnancy has been SOOOO different than the last one. When the doc. gave me the thought of a girl last time I assumed that he was correct. Last night I even dreamed that it was a girl.

I thought I would fall off the table with the ultrasound tech and the doc showed me that its a boy!

Boys ARE wonderful though. There is nothing like my precious boy. I'll be a VERY blessed mom!