PREGGERS!

I'm sure many of you have heard our latest news, but we're pregnant! Again! And so is my beautiful sister, Stacy (she's a bit further along). Stacy's baby girl, Avery, is due Oct. 5, and our little peanut is due the first of February.
I'm so thrilled and for so many reasons.

1. I think it's so cool to be pregnant at the same time as my sister.
2. I've always seen us as a family of five, so this sweet baby is completing our home.
3. I always keep in mind what a miracle it is to be able to have another baby.
4. I have so much fun with Kate and Sam; how awesome to be able to do it all over again!

I could go on and on...

On a personal note--Sweet baby, forgive your mom for not posting our news earlier. I'm every bit as excited as I was with Kate and Sam, just a whole lot busier. I can't wait to meet you and sugar that sweet face of yours.

nana and sam, best friends forever

beach bound '09

This year the Russell family vacationed together at Carolina Beach. We rented this amazing beach house and enjoyed some great family time. With a few hiccups. First, with two pregnant women in the house, you're bound to have your typical pregnancy ailments. We won't get into specifics; suffice it to say that Stacy and I both had some uncomfortable moments and sleepless nights. Secondly, my dad fell ill with what I just knew was H1N1 (it wasn't) on the first full day of vacation and was out of commission until the next to last day. Poor guy. Nan Nan had a little difficulty navigating the various floors, and there was one unfortunate mishap with the elevator (I don't mean to implicate Nan Nan...she wasn't the culprit). Other than that, we had a GREAT time. No, really. It was a great week, and I'm so thankful for my family and this chance to hang out with them.

***I've been meaning to add this little tid bit for weeks now, but just now getting around to it. Funniest moment of vacation: Kate just finished up a bath when I hear her walking up the steps to the main floor where EVERYBODY is hanging out. Her PJs had somehow been left on the couch, and as she makes her way upstairs, she's shouting "Everybody stay calm! I'm naked as a jaybird! Everybody stay calm!". Oh my. Cracks me up.

beach or bust

It took the kids about an hour to make friends with the beach, but once they did...wow. They had such a great time. Kate pretended to be Ariel, and her daddy (Prince Eric) had to rescue her from the evil Ursula. Sam stomped his feet as the waves came in and ate sand until he was just too tuckered out. Mommy rested in her beach chair snacking on fritos. Aunt Stacy got knocked over by a wave (a bit alarming at first but absolutely hilarious once we realized mom-to-be and baby were just fine). Nan Nan, Nana and Pops enjoyed watching all of the aforementioned. Needless to say, a great time was had by all.

Mom and Dad found this place at the end of the island one afternoon where a river (don't remember which one) and the Atlantic collide. It was gorgeous and a tad bit windy. I think we all wished we would've stumbled upon it earlier in the week; it was a favorite.

lisa, dennis, and will!

It just so happened that while we were vacationing at Carolina Beach, my BFF Lisa and her sweet family were in N. Myrtle. Since the Bakers live in Asia and we rarely get to visit, we were thrilled to be so close and planned a get-together. Best part of the visit: watching our kids play together. Here's why: I vividly remember conversations between Lisa, Maria, Heather and me in our Church St. apartment where we would imagine our futures...whom would we marry? how many children would we have? what would we be doing? God is still working out the finer details, but look how beautifully blessed we are!
I'm so thankful for the friendship I share with Lisa. We're cut from the same fabric (the one with frayed edges and the funky pattern!). She "gets me," and I love her to pieces for it!

why water paint reads "for ages 3+"

Fourth of July, 2009

We celebrated Independence Day with flags and cherry icies at our favorite spot in town, Marietta Square. Sam just kind of went with the flow (while proudly waving the flag), but Kate loved every minute of it. There were tons of vendors lining the street, and Kate's budding love of shopping was on full display. She had to walk through every single aisle, touch all things remotely shiny or shimmery, and even tried on a feathery hot pink boa. All with patriotic pride, of course. We could'nt stay to enjoy the fire works; we just didn't have it in us. Toddlers outside in soaring temperatures tend to drain every bit of energy out of you.