It's a Growin'

What's a growin'?

33 weeks..and the countdown is on. The dr. is saying that the baby will be taken (c-section) no later than the last week of August. So, if she doesn't try to come earlier, we think we have roughly 5 more weeks.

Splish Splash

Lauren's new favorite thing to do this summer is play in the splash pad at Bridge Street. She was afraid of it last year but not anymore. She begs to go all of the time. It is especially nice to go at night, as the sun is going down. It is still warm, but the breeze is nice and the sun is not scorching. Enjoy these pictures from one of our visits.



popping bubbles before heading to the water



here we go

Baby Bump...or is it a Watermelon?!

I've added a couple of pictures from my 28th week. I am going to get new pics up later this week, being that I am now almost 33 weeks..and looking every bit of it!!

June Pics

I have finally gotten Blogger to work for me. I've added a few pictures from June. July pictures to follow soon.


Daddy & Lauren being goofy in the pool

She is one silly girl

Lauren and her cousin Lizzie having a sleepover

She loves her bicycle

Chris starting to paint the nursery..finished pics to come soon

Lauren giving Elmo a haircut

Lauren at gymnastics..she loves it

What's new

This one will be short, as I am finding it more and more difficult to be creative as of late. In gist, our summer continues rolling along without any significant events to report. I've been extremely exhausted and experiencing those horrible 3rd trimester symptoms that makes doing much of anything problematic. So, we are mainly trying to stay inside the house and I am resting as much as I can. I return to work on Aug. 4th and the kids first day is Aug. 10. It's approaching fast, so I am trying to not overdo it now. We are going to attempt another day at Alabama Adventure tomorrow (Friday). Lauren loved it so much! Due to my condition, we can't be too far from home, but that is a fun day trip that we can make. In closing, I'm posting a few recent pictures of our summer. Enjoy.

Brandi

*Update- Blogger is not working for me and the picture feature is not being cooperative. I'll upload later.

Political Ramblings

I try to refrain from discussing politics publicly. But, there are times when I feel it is completely warranted. As citizens of what I believe to be the greatest country in the world, it is not only our right, but it is also our duty to be the voice for our children and families. I hate stepping on toes, but I have never felt more compelled to speak out about that which I feel is necessary. Our country is on a very slippery slope at this point. Whether you agree or disagree with its current direction, the truth is plain. America will not be the same for my children with the change that is taking place. I fear for what this wonderful nation is going to represent and become when my little ones are my age. I think we have been heading down the wrong path for years......long before the present administration took over. However, the swift winds of change as of late is beyond scary. Without going into too much more detail, I would love for you all to check out a blog I follow religiously. McMama (http://www.mycharmingkids.net/) has a very good post t about the state of affairs in our country. I was amazed at how similar our views are. Again, my goal is not to offend those that have a different opinion than my own. I am speaking on behalf of my family and the rights in which we were given. Our freedom is under fire, and my prayer is that the "change we need" is not overshadowed by glitz, glamour, and a new look. God Bless and please check out McMama's post. She presents my thoughts exactly and does a much better job!
Brandi

BTW...please comment. Open, civil communication is always good..whether or not we agree. I would love to hear from some readers.

**Update** No matter how I feel about our current administration, I carry a burden to lift them up in prayer. I don't want to sound cold or close-minded (as some might think), but I do love this great country and want only the best. Again, no matter the party or beliefs, prayer is in order now as much as it ever has been.

Summer Lovin'

I guess I have the movie "Grease" on the brain this morning, hence the title. The Styles clan is having a wonderful time though! It is so nice to have the chance to reconnect in such a great way! Teaching rules!!

We've not only had a chance to spend much needed quality time as a family, we've also been rather busy. Chris has completed a handful of rather extensive home improvement projects. Our new patio extension and freshly sodded/landscaped side and back yard look so nice..and much much better than before! Thanks Babe for being my handy man! The latter of his recent projects was painting the nursery. We are slowly getting things in that arena moving, operative word being "slowly". It is pretty in pink, believe it or not. I've always said I am anti-pink walls for a girls room because that is so expected. But, I found the cutest traditional looking, light pink bedding. The soft pink walls complement it very nicely.

Lauren started gymnastics about a month ago. She is loving it. I must say, she is about as graceful as I am. If you know me at all, you know that grace is NOT one of my gifts. But, she is doing very well, and I'm already seeing improvements in her. It might actually be good for her! Regardless, she looks forward to gymnastic Mondays and is highly motivated to behave in order to not lose this privilege. Does using this as an incentive make me a mean mommy? I am all about positive reinforcement, but I also feel that the extras in life have to be earned. She understands that and works very hard to hold up her end of the deal.

Well, I guess I better get off here. Our cupboards are bare, so we need to head to the grocery store to restock. Wow, we lead such an exciting life!!
Until next time. Stay cool, have fun, and God Bless!
Brandi