Waterbugs

First time in the pool for Reed. The water isn't quite crystal blue but we couldn't wait any longer...especially Hannah Kate!

Reed went for her 4 month shots this week (about 4 and 1/2 right now) and weighed in @ 19 lbs and 26 3/4 inches!

April blooms and such

Reed is growing leaps and bounds. So many smiles everyday. Her latest tricks include starting to kick herself over (I guess rolling over but in a messy kind of way), jabbering from soft to loud, a little giggling, grabbing her toes, grabbing anything - for that matter, putting things into her mouth, and sticking her tongue out. And Hannah Kate has her end of the year performance this week. Looking forward to that! She's been practicing some really cute songs that I can't wait to hear in full. We made a trip to Starkville this weekend for Lee's graduation (Congrats Lee!) and Hannah Kate got to pick up another Bulldog t-shirt- I think we're close to one for everyday of the week now. But that was a BIG deal to her so glad we could make her day!

Hannah Kate's latest funny:

We were walking around the block the other day and HK noticed some flowers blooming all around a neighbor's mailbox.

HK: Those are pretty flowers.

Me: I think they're called Jasmine

HK: That's a cute name for flowers. It's like the princess.

Me: Yep (giggle), and they smell good too.

HK: You know, we should name our flowers, too.

Me: Like what?

HK: We'll call the yellow ones Vicky and the purple ones Cara Lee.

So next time your by our front door, please say hello to Vicky and Cara Lee- if I can keep them watered!

Baptismal

We welcomed cousins from Tuscaloosa and Starkville this weekend for Reed's baptism. It was a gorgeous weekend. It was such a privilege to have the Godparents stay with us for the visit. As I've had a few moments to think about this weekend this afternoon, I've realized that they are two very special people that have agreed to help raise Reed in a christian environment, to help us teach her about God and values, to live an exemplar life, and to share in the responsibility of bringing up a child in the name of God. I've also realized how lucky we are to have others, for both Reed and Hannah Kate, to share in this responsibility of encouraging day to day holiness in their lives. It's nice to think that as we as parents stumble and fall along the parenting highway, we have a supportive net of loving family to take up the slack in teaching the Christian way. This attribute of Godparenting is really encouraging! Thanks Audrey and Lee!

Tucker loving on his cousin
Blessings

us with Godparents and grandparents

Lee and Audrey

cousins celebrating with us

grandpa with his arms full

Mimi and Poppy

my Godchild, Lauren, and I

Reed in the baptismal gown that was made for her great, great grandfather

Cute little bunny & Sweet little lamb

Had a great Easter weekend. Wonderful weather!!

Twins

Hannah Kate set her baby doll down next to Reed and I looked up to find this. Can you tell which one is the real baby doll?

March hodge podge

Aunt Mimi, this first picture is for you. We are ready for the rain!

We celebrated Poppy's birthday.


(sorry, I've had lots of blurry pictures lately- either I'm too excited to be taking pictures or I need to figure out a better setting...)

Mimzels and Reed

Uncle Mark and the monkeys...

Still being a pretty great big sis...

giggling a little

peace.

Reed's 1st Road Trip

Katherine- due with a baby boy in May

Mom, Nat and I with Reed, Hannah Kate and Emma

Nana and Pa in the same church that they were married in 67 years ago

Aunt Nancy, Aunt Steph, Aunt Amanda

Mom, Nana, Pa, Aunt Mimi and Aunt Marsha

lunch time

Nana and Reed

Examining that baby

4 generations

all smiles

Hannah Kate, Reed and I went down to the coast for a wonderful family weekend. We picked up my mom and sister and niece in Meridian and drove down to Diamondhead/Gulfport/Bay St. Louis to see family and celebrate babies and anniversaries. We stayed at the McMath Hilton (my aunt's house) and started the weekend off by welcoming the arrival of Georgia Mae Palmisano- our newest cousin! My cousin Vivian went in to labor Friday night before the shower that she was hostessing for her sister Katherine, who is due in May. Saturday, we showered Katherine at a lovely restaurant right on the beach in Gulfport- The Chimneys. And Saturday Daniel and I celebrated 6 years of marriage, too! Then Sunday we went to mass in the bay where my grandparents were married 67 years ago. Then back to my aunt's for a luncheon honoring Nana and Pa and 67 years of marriage! It's always so much fun to be around all of my aunts and get into good conversations. It was such a happy weekend!