The Lawrence Family

Starting 2012 and reflecting on 2011

2012-01-02T20:35:00.001-06:00

As I started writing this blog my heart is filled JOY. I have so much in my life to be thankful for and I am totally blessed. I can’t help but think about how far we have come in just a few short years. Jeremy and I have been married for 4 years in October and just welcomed our 2nd daughter 5 days before our 4 year anniversary. Everyone told me that having two was WAY different than one (and let me tell you that it is difficult many days) but I feel so much Joy when I look into their faces and see them smile, they melt my heart. We have had a year of new beginnings in 2011 with a new house, and a new baby girl that we can’t wait to see what GOD has in store for our family in 2012.

Since I haven’t posted since Christmas I thought I would share some pictures

Audrey loves being a big sister and is a big help (when she wants to be) She is excited about holding her little sister helping feed her and burp her.

Caroline helped welcome home her new little cousin Kate just days before Christmas.

Santa was good to Audrey this year

The Cousins at “Sugars” house for Christmas

Dad got the CHIA pet this year, then Marsh stole it from him. The CHIA pet is a Christmas joke in our family that began with Nanny and keeps coming back year after year. Each year whoever has it get more and more creative with how it re-surfaces.

In 2011 we welcomed 4 new babies to our family staring with Grady then Caroline, then Isla and lastly Katherine (Kate). Mom is very excited because 2 of the 4 happen to be her grandbabies. See picture below.

This year has started off great with a little “Staycation”. Jeremy had off several days between Christmas and New Years and I am still off on maternity leave, so we did a lot around the house and just hung out as a family. It was really nice having coffee with him every morning while watching – yes - Mickey Mouse.

Hopefully in 2012 I will be better about updating our blog. I (like many others) don’t make new years resolutions cause by the time the new year comes around I forget what they were. So my hopes for the new year are to live life and not have the “routines” of life take over. I hope to be “better” at the things I do and maybe learn to sew or use my fancy camera. Both are Christmas presents from past years that I still haven’t learned to use.

Caroline Jane Lawrence

2011-10-19T09:12:00.001-05:00

Caroline Jane Lawrence arrived in the wee hours of the morning on October 15th 2011. She was born via c-section at 0001 in the morning. Dr. Dryden decided on Friday afternoon to go ahead with the c-section a week early after a non-stress test showed non-reassuring fetal heart tones. An ultrasound was done which showed that Caroline had her cord in her hand and was occasionally squeezing it (silly girl- that is something I could see Audrey doing). When Caroline got here her daddy was the first to announce to the room that “it’s a girl!! Caroline’s Apagar scores were 9/9 and she weighed 6 pounds 1 ounce and is PERFECT!!

We were in the recovery room for several hours following a bad reaction to some pain meds I was given so we didn’t get to a room until about 5 am on Saturday morning. We had lots of friends and family members that were anxious to meet miss Caroline and came to visit us while we were in the hospital.

Caroline looks so much like her big sister did when she was born. Below are pictures of them side by side, see if you can tell who is who

Ultrasound picture of baby “L”

2011-09-22T20:05:00.001-05:00

Today we had an ultrasound of baby “L” and got the cutest little 3D picture of the baby. Look at those chubby little cheeks. Audrey had the chubbiest little cheeks when she was born too.

This is a picture of Audrey when she was just a few hours old. I think they look a lot alike, but I will let you guys decide.

32 weeks with Baby #2

2011-08-31T20:17:00.001-05:00

I am 32 weeks pregnant with baby #2 and this baby seems to be causing me more grief than Audrey did when I was pregnant with her. All the doctor keeps telling me is that I am older and “our bodies as they age don’t handle things the same as they did when they were younger”. Booo I’m not old.

Anyway I have gestational diabetes (so they say, I am still not convinced). I am having to check my blood sugars four times a day and cut out cookies, cakes and Cokes, the 3 C’s - everything I love. SO no more going to subway and ordering chocolate chip cookies, no not as a side as my main course. Now my blood sugars have been LOW not high.

The baby is measuring a little on the small side which is odd for a baby of diabetic mothers, usually these babies develop a “fat pocket” and get very big in utero. So the Doctor is a little concerned so I am going to the hospital twice a week for non-stress tests and I am having more frequent ultrasounds.

Audrey is busier than ever just as I am slowing down more. She is learning so much every day and is really starting to comprehend things. I know she is going to be a great big sister. Hope to post again soon.

30 weeks

2011-08-19T20:38:00.001-05:00

Just a few pictures of me 30 weeks pregnant with Baby #2. We are all very excited to welcome baby into our little family (although I am sure Kizzie is not to thrilled)

I was just diagnosed with gestational diabetes so I am learning how to check my blood sugars and keep them better in control. I have affectionately referred to little bit as “honey bun” because I have a little sweet bun in the oven.

4 Babies, baby party + a bounce house

2011-07-24T19:47:00.001-05:00

4 little babies will be joining our family in the coming months. Baby Grady Scank is due August 17th, Baby Lawrence is due October 25th, Baby Girl Foster is due Nov 24th and Baby Genella is due December 27th. The family gave us a baby party to celebrate all of the new babies.

WOW it’s a while …….

2011-07-23T21:31:00.001-05:00

It’s been a long time since I have posted on our blog and I have no good excuse for it. A lot has happened in the year since my last post so I will try and fill you in. Jeremy Audrey and I moved into a new house in April 2011 and we love it. It was a little bitter sweet, but mostly sweet. It was tough moving from the town house where we started our little family but with arrival of number number two in October we needed more space. Below are a few picture of the new place.

Like I said earlier we are expecting baby number two in October. We decided not to find our what we are having this time so it is very exciting. Audrey is super excited about being a BIG sister and has already been practicing.

Audrey turned two in June and we had a big party for her at the new house. It was a Minnie Mouse theme because she has a new obsession with Mickey Mouse Club House.

Aggie football weekend

2010-09-20T20:24:00.001-05:00

We spend most weekends of football season in College Station for Aggie game days. We have lots of fun tailgating with family and friends. Here are a few pictures of the last few weekends.

Mommy, Daddy and Audie on the third deck

Little aggie

Don’t interrupt me mommy I’m watching the band

Miller and Audrey

Summer Saturday 2010

2010-08-14T21:10:00.001-05:00

After Audrey’s surgery she was put on oral steroids, they make her a little crazy. Here are a couple of pictures her acting silly on her steroids.

We spent today at the Houston downtown aquarium. We rode the train through the shark tank and saw the exhibits with all the fish and the white tiger. It was really hot and I am not sure that Audrey knew what to think about it all. Here our some pictures from our fun day.

Audrey’s Surgery

2010-08-13T16:58:00.001-05:00

Audrey has been struggling with Ear infections and Sinus infections for a really long time. Our first thought was Ear tubes so we did that last February and she has still had lots of trouble with runny nose and ear infections. Finally we did the Adenoids on August 11th 2010. Here are few pictures from surgery.

Julie taking Audrey back for surgery

Daddy calls this my ninja suit

Mommy stop picking my nose

I Love this Car!!!!

And here is a picture of my snotty nose

Random Pics

2010-07-25T17:44:00.001-05:00

Sharing cheerios with Bella

Bella taking over Audrey’s couch

Trying to escape

This is what daddy does to get some peace in the mornings – puts me in jail.

Help me.

I love swim lessons

I think they are trying to drown me

Learning to kick

At the circus

I love my wand

The circus held her interest for about 30 minutes – after that, she just wanted to practice walking.

Walking

2010-07-21T19:58:00.003-05:00

Audrey is still practicing walking. Although she can, she chooses not to. However, when she really wants to, she can walk.

Don't worry - Daddy caught her.

Vacation in New Braunfels

2010-06-27T17:00:00.001-05:00

We spent the last week in New Braunfels with the Family. Audrey got to Swim in the swimming pool, go to Schlitterbahn and have lots of fun with her cousins. Here are some pictures from our trip.

Grace and Miller having fun Dancing

Audrey has had enough

I’m out

Schlitterbahn FUN

And too much fun

Miller and Audie Hugging, Aren’t they cute.

Audrey’s First Birthday

2010-06-20T08:17:00.001-05:00

We had had Audrey’s first birthday party at MiMi and Papa’s house in Lake Jackson. The theme was Lady bugs and we had so much fun. Check out the pictures below. Audrey is almost walking she takes a few steps by her self and then sits down. She is very cautious so once she realizes she is walking she sits down. She is definitely getting a little personality (as you can see). She will be asking daddy for the car keys before you know it.

Sitting on my new couch with Beary and Ariel

Getting into trouble

Feeding Bella and Kizzy my puffs

Me and Uncle Wes

I love cake

Partying is hard work.

Walking (with help)

2010-05-17T20:33:00.001-05:00

Daddy bought me this new toy so that I can practice walking. Look at me I am walking (with my toy). Things I am doing now: Kissing Mommy and Daddy(big open mouth kisses and most of the time snotty), terrorizing the dogs, eating anything that is puffy ie: cheese puffs, Pirate’s booty (thanks Eva and Nico), Cheese balls, and Magic pops (from Central Market). I got moved to the Pooh Bear class at daycare because I kept escaping from the room so they had to move me ahead. And I steal the ball from all the other kids, daddy says I am going to be a bully but I just think they are all mine.

Audrey’s 10 months old

2010-05-09T21:19:00.001-05:00

Audrey is getting to be such a big girl. She can stand by herself for several seconds now. She is eating more and more solid foods but still not a lot. She moved up to the older infant class at daycare called the pooh bears. We are still battling infections. Now it is her sinuses we have been on two different antibiotics to try to treat this. Hopefully this new one will work.

Easter 2010

2010-04-05T20:24:00.001-05:00

Easter Sunday was so much FUN, not only did we celebrate our RISEN SAVIOR but we had our first Easter egg hunt since we were all Kids. Miller was really the only one big enough to “hunt” the eggs but Audie sat there like a little princess and let everyone bring the eggs to her. She looked so beautiful in her little Easter dress. Here are some pictures.

Audrey 9 Months

2010-03-28T18:06:00.001-05:00

Audrey has been very busy the last few months learning so many new tricks. She can finally crawl forward. She loves to eat little puffs, cheerios, gold fish, and a few little things here and there. Her favorite food right now is sweet potato and turkey dinners from Gerber. At Audie’s 9 month Dr. Apt she weighed 17 lbs and was 28 inches tall.

Here are a few random pictures

Audrey in Easter dress #1

Audrey with Aunt Stefanie

Audrey, Daddy, Charlie, and Jack at Fernandez in Sweeny for lunch

Say Cheese!!!

Uncle J and Audrey

Rodeo Time

2010-03-17T18:02:00.001-05:00

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is always a Fun time. Here are some pictures from our trip.

Surgery day

2010-02-24T11:31:00.001-06:00

Audrey’s surgery went very well. Dr. Duncan did tubes in her ears and a sinus wash. The Doctors said she was a sweet little angel. Here are some pictures.

Crawling (kinda)

2010-02-21T20:42:00.001-06:00

Audrey's new trick is that she crawls backwards. She pushes herself backwards with her hands. She hasn’t figured out the whole moving forward thing yet.

Wednesday we will be getting tubes placed in Audrey's ears.She has had constant fluid in her ears for months now and it has started to affect her hearing. She would finish 10 days of antibiotics and two weeks later she would have another infection. The fluid just doesn’t drain right. It is better to do it now so that it doesn’t delay her speech.

Dr. Duncan will be doing the procedure at Texas Children’s so keep us all in your prayer.

Here are some recent pictures she is 8 months old and is getting so big.

Sharing a bottle with kizzie

Playing with Mommy’s balloon

Do I look sophisticated?

Peek-a-boo

It’s eating me, it’s eating me

Audrey’s first tooth

2010-02-15T19:06:00.002-06:00

Audrey is getting her first little tooth. She has been a trooper, a little fussy but over all not too bad. She has not started crawling yet but is getting so very close. She scoots herself backwards but can’t quite get the hang of going forward.

This is our favorite thing to do on mommy’s day off. She is such a little cuddle bug, I Love her.

Cousins

2010-02-07T20:50:00.001-06:00

These are a little late but here are some pictures of our trip to Shreveport. Audrey got to meet her cousins for the first time all that were missing was Alex and Donovan.

My little fairy

Audrey and Evangeline

Becca and Evie

Sweet Noah

Me and Moka (Moriah)

Diva

Girls Playing

My 30th Birthday Party

2010-01-30T18:16:00.001-06:00

Jeremy threw me a party at our house for my 30th birthday. Sorry there are not many pictures, we were so busy having fun that we forgot to take many pictures. I stole these from Laura’s Blog.

Audrey’s first Christmas

2009-12-28T20:57:00.001-06:00

Audrey’s first Christmas was very nice. We had lots of family time with the Marsh clan and got to hang out with lots of aunts, uncles and cousins.

On Christmas day we went to Aunt Janice’s and we had a “Chinese” gift exchange. After a year on furlough the Chia Pet made an appearance again. For those of you who don’t know the story of the "Chia Pet”, Nanny gave it to Charlie, Laura’s husband, his first year in the family. The next year Laura and Charlie gave it back to Nanny for Christmas. After Nanny died Laura found the Chia Pet when we were cleaning out her house so in memory of Nanny she gave it to Jeremy his first year in the family. So like I said after a year on furlough the Chia pet made a surprise reappearance. We have had so much fun with this Chia Pet - thank you Nanny for giving us such great memories.

Here are some of the pictures from Christmas.

Uncle Wes I do not wear CAMO

Audrey in her new hat from Santa

Audrey digging in her stocking

Audrey was so ready to open presents that mommy didn’t even get to have her coffee yet.

Oh I’m so excited

Ok lets take a little break to eat

What’s on my head?

Audrey and Blair

Christmas baby

Miller

Family picture

Cuddling with Jack

Splish splash I was taking a bath.

Christmas letter 2009

2009-12-23T19:30:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas from the Lawrence’s

This has been a very exciting year for the Texas Lawrence's. Much of the year revolved around preparing for and the arrival of our little princess, Audrey Belle. Audrey’s middle name is Belle after a tradition from both sides of the family, my dad’s mom Elisabeth Belle, my mom, Patti Belle and me, Julia Belle.

Jeremy and I spent most of the year waiting on our house to be repaired from the damage that Hurricane IKE caused to our roof and extra bedroom. Once we had all four walls back again we began painting and decorating for the “BIG DAY”. Jeremy got very good at putting together furniture (who knew baby furniture could be so difficult). Around April we begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel so our preparation became more intense. The “Big Day” finally arrived (after a long labor) and on June 20, 2009 at 3:05 a.m., Audrey arrived. She weighed 6 lbs 14 oz and was 19 ¾ inches long and had the chubbiest cheeks you have ever seen. Over the next several months we spent countless hours bonding and getting to know our little girl.

Audrey is now 6 months old and is growing like a weed. She is sitting up almost entirely by herself and eats lots of carrots, apples and bananas. She is such a sweet little girl and has impacted our lives so much in this short amount of time that it is hard to imagine our lives without her.

We close 2009 with excitement looking to the future to see what God has in store for our little family.

Merry Christmas and Happy 2010

Jeremy, Julia and Audrey Belle

December Fun

2009-12-19T10:26:00.001-06:00

Audrey is getting to be so big. She is almost 6 months old and is growing like a weed. We have been battling ear infections on and off for the past 6 months. We have had 2 1/2 infections and have had 3 rounds of antibiotics. Hopefully this is not an indicator of things to come. Kizzie has really taken a liking to Audrey and they nap together a lot. Here are a few pictures of Audrey this month.

Audrey’s first visit to Santa

2009-12-12T21:16:00.001-06:00

Last Thursday Santa can to visit all the little boys and girls at Avalon Academy. I hope Audrey told him what a good little girl she has been this year. She is such a smiley little girl these days I guess she wasn’t really sure about this guy.

We hope everyone has a Merry Christmas, and remember that Jesus is the reason for the Season.

Message from Uncle J’s Facebook page

2009-12-01T19:30:00.001-06:00

Audrey getting ready for New Braunfels

Getting ready for Christmas

2009-11-29T17:54:00.001-06:00

Christmas is right around the corner. In all the preparations for Audrey’s first Christmas one thing on the top of the list is to mail out Christmas cards. We spent today trying to get the right picture for the cards. Here are a few we took you vote let us know your favorite.

Audrey is getting so big. She is so close to sitting up all by herself. By Christmas she should have it mastered. She is just a little giggle monster now. She laughs all the time. It is so sweet to hear that beautiful laugh it bring Joy to a mothers heart.

Audrey Loves to eat Carrots and bananas but does not like Green Beans or Sweet Potatoes.

Here are a few pictures we took at the park today.

As you can see I don’t have very good balance yet!!

Audrey’s new highchair

2009-11-08T19:39:00.001-06:00

Audrey got a new highchair this weekend (when I say new I mean that we bought it off the side of the road in Sweeny for $20) yes bargain shopping. She is really getting good at eating baby foods. Her favorite so far seems to be Carrots.

Before carrots

After Carrots

Jack’s debut

2009-11-08T19:29:00.001-06:00

This weekend Audrey got to spend some time with her Cousins Miller and Jack. It was Miller’s Birthday party and Jack’s Debut party. Here are few pictures from the party. Sorry I don’t have any pictures of Millers Party I was taking pictures with Laura’s camera.

Audrey eats Sweet Potatoes

2009-11-01T17:27:00.001-06:00

Audrey tried baby food for the first time this morning. We started with Sweet potatoes. She didn’t really know what to think about them, she mostly just spit them out. Here are a few pictures.

Halloween 09

2009-11-01T17:16:00.001-06:00

Went spent most of Halloween in College Station watching the Aggies BTHO Iowa State. After the game we rushed to Sweeny where we made it just in time to catch the end of the fall festival at Sweeny First Baptist Church. Audrey got to see Monkey Miller and Skelton Jack. Enjoy the pictures

Audrey and Aunt Sue

Monkey Miller and Charlie

Gangster daddy and little Lady Bug

My Little Lady Bug

JuJu, Skelton Jack, Lolly and Lady Bug Audrey

And of coarse of Aggie Dog

Audrey’s 4 month Dr. Apt

2009-10-29T20:36:00.001-05:00

Today was Audrey’s 4 Month Dr. Apt with Dr. Koush. She is growing like a weed. Her stats: 50% for weight at 13.2 lbs, 50% for head circumference and the 70% for height at 25 inches long (WOW) we have a tall baby.

We all got vaccines today, Jeremy and I got the 2009 H1N1 Nasal spray vaccine and Audrey got all the little baby vaccines. She took them like a champ.

Zoo Boo and Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-25T15:55:00.001-05:00

We took Audrey to the Zoo for the first time for the Zoo Boo. She got to see the Giraffes and Elephants and got to paint a pumpkin (well mommy painted the pumpkin. There were a million people there so we didn’t stay long.

Here are some pictures for the Zoo and the pumpkin patch

Cooking is hard work

2009-09-29T20:38:00.001-05:00

Audrey likes to watch Jeremy and me cook, but man cooking is hard work. Although we almost got her confused with the roast. ;)

Audrey's New trick

2009-09-24T18:21:00.002-05:00

Lately, she has been learning to use her hands, grab things, and try to stick her entire fist in her mouth. Her latest trick:

Now if we can just teach Bella to put her pacifier in her mouth.

2009-09-16T18:49:00.001-05:00

Audrey’s professional Pictures

2009-09-16T18:44:00.001-05:00

Audrey’s Second day at daycare

2009-09-13T20:50:00.001-05:00

We forgot to get pictures on Audie’s first day at daycare so we took some on the second day. Enjoy

Daddy Daycare

2009-09-10T20:59:00.002-05:00

Today was my first day back at work after doing nothing for 12 weeks except bonding with my little one. Which meant Audie's first day at daycare. Jeremy and I were very diligent and got everything ready last night, labeling everything! We went over and over all the supplies making sure we packed everything (mainly diapers, she a pooper).

Since I go to work at 7 am Jeremy has the joy of dropping Audie off at daycare. Good thing for mommy cause I don't think I could have left her. The morning went pretty smooth, I guess (what do I know I was at work). But before I left I held her and rocked her and gave her "tons" of kisses, I started to get teary eyed and told myself, don't cry you will smear your makeup :)

After work I couldn't wait to get to daycare to pick up my little lady bug. Everyone said she did great and she had tummy time, singing time, story time, took three naps and pooped all day long.

I guess we will see what tomorrow holds.

Audie and her tutu

2009-09-02T18:14:00.001-05:00

We had professional pictures taken of Audrey. I really wanted some picture of Audrey in her tutu but she hated it! Every time I put it on her she screamed!!! So we waited until she fell asleep and I snuck it on her. Here is just a couple of the pictures, I haven’t gotten the finals yet. Miguel just gave me a little sneak peak

Audrey’s 1st Vacation

2009-09-01T17:00:00.003-05:00

Jeremy,Audrey, Mimi, Papa and I went to San Antonio this weekend. We visited the Alamo, a street fair and did lots of shopping. Audrey also had her first swim in the pool with Mimi.

More Pictures from the Beach

2009-08-16T17:06:00.001-05:00

We had such a good time at the beach with family and good friends. Audrey has 3 different bathing suits so we decided to go with the strawberry bikini. She did not have a hat so Papa tried to make her a sun hat you’ll see what I mean.

We had her Cabana all set up in the sand.

Our First Beach Day

2009-08-16T15:12:00.000-05:00

This Weekend we went to surfside for the day with Mimi a Pops, Stephen, Angela and Joe-baby. Audrey had to show off her new bathing suit and sunglasses.

I love her!!

2009-08-11T17:36:00.000-05:00

Audrey- 7 weeks old and oh so CUTE!!!!

Getting stronger everyday

2009-08-11T17:29:00.001-05:00

Audrey is getting stronger and stronger everyday. She doing a good job trying to hold her head up. Now every time I try to cuddle with her she tries to pick her head up and look around. She is getting so alert. Here are a few pictures of her holding her head up.

Here are just a few random picture of Audrey.

These are her Big Girl pants. They are still a little big!

Pretty in Pink

2009-08-03T19:03:00.000-05:00

We went to church with Mimi and Papa and got all dressed up in our pretty pink dress. Everyone at church was so excited to see and meet Miss Audrey, and why - not she is such a cutie pie!

Audrey’s One month pictures

2009-07-23T19:08:00.001-05:00

So tired

2009-07-20T21:06:00.000-05:00

Mimi I'm so tired could you please stop talking so I can go to sleep. Oh yea and rub my back please!

Sweet Audrey

2009-07-20T21:02:00.001-05:00

Cold Chillin'

Grandpa and Grandma Lawrence visit

2009-07-20T20:50:00.000-05:00

Grandpa Lawrence and Audrey watching TV.

Grandma and Audrey Cuddling.

To much fun after Church

Who is this guy?

Ugly Belly Button Thingy

2009-07-16T16:59:00.002-05:00

So the Dr. Told us that Audreys ugly dead belly button thingy would fall off in its own time. Well just like everything else I can't wait for nature. I was holding little Audrey on my chest and her cord got caught on my shirt, when I went to bring her down and off it came. I just looked down at her and it was gone! Then I look at my shirt and there is was all dead and hanging, caught on my shirt! I was so upset. She didn't seem to mind she just went on like nothing happened so I guess it was ready to fall off. See sometime things just need a little help.

2 week Dr. Apt

2009-07-09T16:22:00.002-05:00

Miss Audrey had her 2 week Dr. Apt yesterday. The big news was that she has gained almost a pound in 2 weeks. Her current weight is 7 lbs 10 ozs. The Dr. said that she has one more chin than the last time she saw her. She must take after her Papa. HaHa!! She is growing and getting bigger and bigger everyday.

Bath Time

2009-07-07T16:52:00.000-05:00

Audrey is like her mommy she loves bath time. Mimi is way better at giving her a bath than mommy is. Here are a few pictures of Audrey all wrapped up like a burrito after her bath.

Audrey 2 weeks

2009-07-07T16:16:00.000-05:00

Uncle J changing A's diaper

Audrey Pictures

2009-07-02T14:19:00.005-05:00

A few more Pictures

2009-06-21T08:33:00.001-05:00

A few more pictures of Audrey. She had to spend a little extended time in the nursery yesterday afternoon because her blood glucose was a little bit low – not much, just a little bit. She just wasn’t eating enough but was much more interested in sleeping. When we first saw her about 3 hours after birth, the nurses said that was the first time that she had been quiet – up until then she had been fussy, but when they brought her in, she just laid there and tried to sleep. That meant of course that she wasn’t much interested in eating, and therefore the low glucose. So, they kept her in the nursery for a couple of hours and made sure she was eating. Of course, she ate plenty for the nurses, but, as soon as we try to feed her, all we get are messy diapers and half-hearted attempts. Unfortunately, she didn’t get to meet a lot of or her visitors who came in Saturday afternoon because she was in the nursery.

Grandma and Grandpa Foster and Audrey

with Aunt Kristi

and with Aunt Wendy

Audrey Arrives

2009-06-20T11:14:00.001-05:00

Audrey Belle Lawrence was born at 3:05 A.M. on June 20. Both mommy and baby are doing great. After 16 hours of labor, she was delivered by caesarean. Here are some pictures.

38 weeks today

2009-06-12T15:28:00.003-05:00

I went to the Dr. today for my 38 week check-up. She informed me that I was still only 1 cm dilated but I was 50% effaced. My blood pressure us elevated because I am sooooo over being pregnant!! If Audrey hasn't arrived by next Friday (June 19th) she is going to induce. I will be 39 weeks on next Friday. Lets hope that she decides to come before then, but at least we have a plan. I hope that I can stay sane until then.

37 weeks and counting

2009-06-05T20:11:00.003-05:00

We had our 37 week Dr. Apt today. I was hoping for better news. She told me that I was only dilated to 1 cm and that my cervix was very LONG ( what the heck does that mean). She told me at LEAST another week. I keep feeling every little pain thinking it is labor but of course it is not. The only real place I can get comfortable to sleep has been on the couch, but it is so lonely without Jer. Bella does come down periodically to say hi and see if I will play with her. Other than that I am doing well. No swollen ankles, no high blood pressure and no weight gain so I guess we are in it for the long haul (as if 9 months is not a long haul).

Hospital Tour

2009-05-17T20:39:00.002-05:00

Today we took a tour of the hospital. We learned all kinds of things but mainly where the Cafeteria is and where the family waiting room is. The waiting room is pretty small, my family might be in trouble (or maybe the hospital will be in trouble) - if you have ever seen a bunch of Marsh's in one room you know it is a madhouse. The rest of the tour was . . . interesting, due to the rest of the people. One lady started out asking about birthing plans, who to give it to, etc., and by the end of the tour was asking about the c-section procedure. Since I'm pretty sure a c-section isn't in her birth plan, I'm guessing she's a worrier. It seems that natural child birth is the new fad (or old fad), you know more power to you if that is your wishes but I believe that GOD invented Drugs for a reason!! I want DRUGS!!! My only question is how soon can I start.

I am convinced that little Audrey is going to come one way or the other and that no matter how much I "plan" she is going to enter this world exactly how she wants. So I am just going to "roll with the punches" so to speak.

Work Shower

2009-05-17T20:04:00.004-05:00

My work threw me a baby shower and here's a couple of pics from that.

Here's me with Diana and Jenny

Here is the pretty cake that matches the room decor.

It ain't easy being green.

Brad, Abraham, and Tim at the baby shower

Rocking Chair

2009-05-17T17:40:00.004-05:00

One of Julia's co-workers gave us a personalized rocking chair for Audrey. Thanks Di.

And, it is the perfect size for stuffed animals.

And of course, Bella had to get into the picture. Here she is in her favorite hiding spot - under the bed in the baby's room.

More Nursery Pics

2009-04-19T19:52:00.003-05:00

After much work by Rob and Patti, the letters were finally finished and ready to hang to finish up the decorations in the nursery.

And, to complete the theme:

And just for fun, Bella trying to get into the baby's stuff.

Test Run for the stroller

2009-04-14T21:04:00.004-05:00

We test fit the baby seat in the car today - making sure we can figure out how it works and confirming it is not smarter than us. While we were struggling with it, the puppy kept trying to get into the car seat to play with straps. Finally we threw her in the stroller. Bella seemed to like it - after her short ride, she climbed up on the chair next to the stroller and looked like she was trying to work up the courage to jump back in the stroller.

The Nursery

2009-04-06T06:45:00.003-05:00

This was a busy weekend. With Patti's help, we did some painting, set up the crib, and generally worked on getting the nursery set up. Here's what it looks like. We aren't quite done, but, it is getting close. The hard part now is that we have to keep the door closed because Bella likes to "explore". She especially enjoys trying to get the bear out of the toy bin.

Our baby shower

2009-04-02T22:20:00.005-05:00

some random pics

Maybe we will make o.k parents

2009-03-24T21:16:00.005-05:00

We re-potted our nearly dead plant, and -

It's alive!

And, the green thumb must be contagious, because the plant on our patio that we had written off for dead after it lost all of its leaves and showed no signs of life for about 2 months, has survived. About 2 months ago leaves started coming back - although, only on half of it (the other half, the right side of the photo, is most certainly dead). Then this week, color:

It must be something in the water, because even Bella's hair is growing longer:

We have a wall

2009-03-24T20:57:00.003-05:00

After nearly a month, many phone calls, the repairs are finished (we hope), and we have a wall. It was a bumpy ride though. During the repairs on the back part of the roof, they knocked our a/c out on two different occasions. Then, partway through the work, it rained and we had a water leak around the vent fan in the master bathroom. So, they had to reseal that part of the roof. Then, after they put the sheetrock up and spackled everything, it rained and the spackle was mushy. It doesn't look like they got the leak around the window (that led to the wall being torn out in the first place) done. Of course, it hasn't rained a whole lot, so, it is hard to say if all of the leaks have been taken care of. But, we have a wall. The carpet looks like it will clean up o.k., so, our next step is to paint the wall. Until then, here's what it looks like:

24 weeks

2009-03-08T21:41:00.001-05:00

This is me at 24 weeks.

Ike Repairs, Redux

2009-02-22T17:06:00.008-06:00

It is 2 steps forward, one step back on the repairs. They started the repairs earlier this week and in a day and a half had the mansard roof (the vertical part of the roof on the backside) stripped and re shingled. As you can see, it looks very nice.

However, it was somewhat curious because they stopped at our unit. The rest of the building was tar papered only.

It turns out they were not supposed to shingle the mansard roof portion. We are supposed to get hardiplank on the vertical sections, asphalt shingles on everything else. So, they have to tear the shingles back off. In the interim, they have continued on the rest of the roof and have gotten about half of the building completely done. Unfortunately, it is much slower going on the front because these buildings originally had ceder shingles over lathing. When fire codes outlawed cedar shingles, they just slapped asphalt shingles over them. So, now, they have to tear off the shingles and lathing and lay down plywood. It has slowed progress down a little bit and our roof still looks like this. Hopefully it will be finished this week.

Hopefully not a sign of things to come

2009-02-22T12:08:00.003-06:00

It's official - we have the anti-green thumb. Try as we might, we cannot keep plants alive. In the past year, we have lost 2 hibiscus (hibiscii? hibiscuses?) - one was a victim of hurricane Ike. It was potted and sat in our humid house for the 3 days afterward and died. We killed some sort of bamboo plant thing that was supposed to be unkillable. Bella was probably largely responsible for killing off another one - it had long thin leaves like a spider plant and she liked to play tug of war with the leaves. We have one hanging on our patio that basically died, has since sort of recovered (half of it), but hasn't bloomed in a year. And finally, the latest - no idea why this one is dying. Not enough water? Too much water? Not enough sun, too much? Who knows - but, it is definitely on life support.

A Couple of pics of Kizzie

2009-02-22T11:45:00.004-06:00

In practice for baby Lawrence, here's some pics of the current baby. She poses a lot.

AA for dogs

2009-02-22T11:41:00.003-06:00

We've decided that Bella is a borderline alcoholic. She loves to hit the bottle. Empty water bottles, saline solution bottles, you name it, she likes to play with them. Pics of her in action.

It is fun watching her play - until it is 3 a.m. and she is chasing the bottle around the floor in the bedroom bouncing it off the walls and the furniture.

Pregnancy

2009-02-19T19:19:00.002-06:00

So the weird thing about being pregnant is that everyone who has ever been pregnant, wants to be pregnant, or knows someone who has ever been pregnant, thinks they know what is best for your pregnancy and your baby. Like the waitress at the resturaunt who for lack of a better word TOLD me I was not going to have a full glass on wine (or even a sniff of another sip). Then i was working late and the only thing open at the hospital was McDonalds and the cafeteria. I chose McDonalds and the lady looked at me and said "is that McDonalds, you need to watch eating like that it is not good for that little one." Now don't get me wrong the best advice is the kind you get from Mothers, the key is knowing when to offer advice and when to keep it to yourself.

Ike repairs update

2009-02-18T20:52:00.002-06:00

They have finally started repairs on our roof. So far, they have replaced the shingles on the back mansard roof. It looks like they are doing the entire back of the building, then will move onto the top and the front side. Then, the interior.

Ike repairs update

2009-02-09T19:35:00.002-06:00

So, the latest update - repairs should start on our building later this week or next week. Maybe. In the interim, we have started emptying closets, tagging stuff for a yard sale, and generally making space for baby stuff.

More Cowbell (errrr, daycare)

2009-02-09T19:21:00.002-06:00

We toured our second daycare last week. The positive - it is much more convenient for both of us. It is about midway between our places of work. The downside - don't like the caregivers as much as the first, don't like the location as much (edge of downtown, in the shadow of the Pierce elevated, not much of a play yard), and it is more expensive. Basically, we liked the first place better, even if it is less convenient. Next up, we will tour the day care at our church. Unfortunately, it is the most expensive of the three. Julia is now having regrets about the whole day care thing, so this should be a fun decision.

Let the shopping begin

2009-01-27T20:16:00.002-06:00

In celebration of the big news, Julia and her mother did some shopping. That's a lot of pink.

Jeremy

It's a Girl

2009-01-27T19:56:00.002-06:00

It's a girl. And she's healthy, 7 ounces, and quite active. Grandpa Foster is really excited.

She's a Gymnast

2009-01-27T19:29:00.003-06:00

Daycare

2009-01-23T16:53:00.002-06:00

We really enjoyed the daycare that we visited today. Jeremy gives it a thumbs up. Thanks Ashley and Jeff for recommending it.

18 weeks (minus a day)

2009-01-22T19:55:00.002-06:00

18 weeks. Just a couple of more days until the big doctor's visit to find out if it is a boy or girl.

Day Care

2009-01-20T19:50:00.002-06:00

Jeremy and I are going to visit out first day care on Friday. A friend of mine from work has her little boy there and she loves it. I hope that we have a good experience so that I am not turned off by the idea of day care. Wish us luck.

Puppy Dogs and Concussions

2009-01-17T22:02:00.002-06:00

Bella, our 9 month old malti-poo, was chasing our other dog around the living room the other day when she jumped off the couch into the coffee table and gave herself a concussion. If you have never seen a dog with a concussion, it isn't a fun sight. There's nothing like being up until midnight because the dog is vomiting every 20 minutes and salivating/drooling all over every thing. It took her two days before she would eat, and then, only a couple of goldfish at a time. We knew she was recovering when she started barking again.

Hurricane Ike repairs

2009-01-17T17:05:00.003-06:00

They are finally going to start repairing the roofs that were damaged by hurricane Ike this week. Since apparently all of the buildings in the complex were damaged, it is going to take a while. After they finish the roofs, the interior work repairs will be done. So, we may finally get our plastic wall and carpet (pictured above) repaired.

2009-01-11T19:35:00.000-06:00

2009-01-11T19:24:00.000-06:00

2009-01-11T18:52:00.000-06:00

Jeremy and I created this blog to give everyone updates of our growing family. We have been married since October 20, 2007. We have two crazy dogs Kizzie and Bella. Our newest addition will be arriving at the end of June so stay tuned.