Mary-Michael Update

It was hard to believe that it was already time for Mary-Michael's 18 month check up. The time has gone by so fast as all seasoned parents say that it does. And I can't believe how much she has changed even in these last few months. We are really starting to see so much of her personality. Mary-Michael, here's what you're like these days:

~You love people. You wave at passing cars wherever we are and often at people passing when we're in a public place. However, if a stranger gets really close you often sound the alarm - I'm ok with this. Unfortunately, we live in a world where not everyone is who they seem, so a little caution is good.
~You love to dance, twirl and dress up. Most days you want to wear sparkly shoes, your Mardi Gras beads and some sort of sunglasses. There is no doubt you are a girl. ~You are really affectionate with those you know and love. You freely share smiles, kisses and squeezes (aka hugs).
~You still love books - this makes me so happy! In long car rides or when you are playing by yourself I will often find you with a book opened up in your hand and you talking to yourself. The book may be upside down, but you are getting it. ~You mimic us a lot! The other day we caught you with your toy remote control under the crook of your neck (you think it's a phone) while reading a book. A clear sign that we multitask too much!
~You love all animals and enjoy giving them hugs and rolling around on the floor with them, especially our little beagle, Carla.
~You rarely sit.
~You love to be outside - swinging, jumping, running, screaming at the dogs, you don't care as long as there aren't 4 walls around you.
~You are a good listener, but you have learned the word NO....
~You are learning new words often but still can't communicate what you want, when you want it and why you want it, which makes you frustrated. You haven't been angry toward us but you do get mad at yourself and scrunch up your fists and yell.
~You love to be with other kids and watch how they play. You are quite observant, so we'll need to be mindful of who we surround our own family with.
~Your Daddy and I are completely enamored with you and know having a little brother will be an adjustment, but that you will love him beautifully. I can't wait to spend more time with you as I transition out of my job.

At the doctor's office this week, you showed that our efforts to feed you as often as possible were worth it, as you moved into the 32nd percentile in weight (from 4% at your 15 month check up). You are still tall in the 72nd percentile. And you still despise being at the doctor's office even though this visit has no shots. Here are some unedited pictures from a recent photo shoot at Portrait Innovations (inlcuding some that didn't get printed...the meltdown photo).








And here's a video of one of Mary-Michael's favorite things to do.

Baby Boy Update

-tomorrow I am 26 weeks
-today we had an ultrasound to check on his cyst, and it is gone. Praise God - thank you for your prayers!
-he is measuring great and the doc said he weighs approximately 1 lb. 14 oz.
-he now has a name...Frazier John Lawrence. Frazier is my paternal grandmother's maiden name and my dad and brother's middle name. Fraser (different spelling) is also on my mom's side. And we chose John to honor Geoff's maternal grandfather who passed away early 2010. John was his middle name and a man Geoff greatly admired. We found out later that John was also my great-grandfather's first name - John Frazier to be exact. How cool is that?!
-I haven't been sick since the day before we left on vacation - over 1 week!

I have been terrible with posting regular pictures and despite the reminder on my phone there have been weeks without a belly shot, so here's a smattering of his and my growth, as well as a few pictures from our ultrasound today.


12 weeks


13 weeks


19 weeks


20 weeks


25 weeks


Look at that sweet face.

2nd Annual Bald Head Island Trip

This past week we enjoyed an ultra-relaxing vacation on Bald Head Island. There is very little to do, a handful of restaurants and no cars allowed - it really makes you slow down, unwind and unplug. Here is the week in pictures.


The lovely home we stayed in thanks to a generous friend of Geoff's.


Our mode of transportation all week - golf carts! No cars are allowed on the island (unless you're a contractor or policeman). Nothing like driving in the open air all week!


Wearing Daddy's hat while waiting for the guys to come rescue us. We got stranded on the side of the road when M&M put the cart in neutral accidentally (and we didn't realize it)!


Off on a kayaking adventure. I should have taken an after photo as we were both soaked (largely because of my clumsy paddling skills). Nonetheless, it was a lot of fun!


Exploring Old Baldy Lighthouse with Grandma and Grandpa while Momma and Daddy went kayaking.


Checking out the sand shark that Grandad caught.


Hanging out with Daddy in the pool at the Bald Head Island Club.


Are you talking to me?


A shovel as tall as she was proved to be the favorite beach toy of the week.


Hanging out with Nonnie and Grandma.

And Then There Was Light

Ok, so when Genesis was written this phrase actually meant something quite huge and important, but I couldn't help but think of this when our power came back on last night after being out since Saturday. I was sure we wouldn't get it back until at least this weekend because of the pictures below from around our house and street.









We hope you and your family fared well!

I'll leave you with a question Geoff asked me yesterday that I've been pondering, "Is the prize worth the price?"

What are you seeking hard after, and is what you're sacrificing to get there worth it?