Salsa and Stuff

We spent part of our evening at Loews pricing items for the second bathroom we're about to have built. Yes, another remodeling project! Help me if I ever live in another house that needs major renovations! But, it will be worth it, I'm told, because it will increase the value of our home, blah, blah, blah. It BETTER increase the value of our home since it's about to increase the chaos in our newborn-and-currently-temperamental-toddler-and-sleep- deprived-mom-and-dad-inhabited home. Doesn't that sound fun! Anyone want to join us?

So, we took a break from home renovation planning and stopped at a local Mexican restaurant - my fav! Chips and Salsa take me away! As I was sitting there stuffing my face and watching Hannah with pride - because she's already learned how to down the stuff quite well - I was wishing I were eating Tex Mex. Tennessee has some good Mexican food, but nothing compares to Pappasitos! Oh, how I miss it! You Texans just take it for granted. Just watch out or you'll find yourself far, far away and your taste buds left wanting.

Us

Sweet Kaitlyn has been in our lives for 6 short weeks. Kaitlyn Vanessa was born at 9 p.m. on March 14 weighing in at 6 lbs, 10 oz. and was 19 1/2 inches long. Experiencing childbirth for the second time, I was amazed once again at how great a creator our God is. All of us are miracles! Kaitlyn is just perfect. So far, she sleeps a lot, eats almost as much, spits up half of that, and does a pretty good bobble-head impression. Thankfully, she's good at enduring the enthusiasm of Hannah, who loves to hug & kiss on her.... and pull on her legs, sing loudly in her face, and swing her with all of her toddler might, which is quite mighty I must say! I'm sure one day she'll understand "gentle"??

Today, Kaitlyn had her 6-week check up and her first round of immunizations. All went well until the needles came out. :( She's growing, growing, growing.... up to 10 lbs 4 oz and 23 inches long. And we've got some medicine that hopefully will help with her volcanic eruptions. I'm telling you, she doesn't just spit up, she gives herself a bath about twice daily. Fun stuff!

Hannah, who is almost 3, is quite the drama queen and entertainer around our house. She LOVES being a big sister and has been talking & singing to her long before she was born. Now that she can hold her and "play" with her, it's so exciting for her. Hannah enjoys singing and dancing to music, drawing, "reading", playing outside, and doing big girl stuff like helping Mommy around the house. She especially likes to make things in the kitchen. Today we made rice krispie treats. Yum! Daddy is also proud that she enjoys watching football with him and is able to throw her own toddler-size football quite well, "stepping into her throw". How 'bout that!

Life is precious, and short. I was reminded about that once again this last week as we unexpectedly buried the dad of one of our students. What a gift we have every day we're with those we care about. It's so easy for me to be busy, busy with to-do lists and daily activities. I'm trying to learn to slow down a little, at least in my mind, so I don't miss out on what's really important. I just want to soak in this time with my wonderful husband and my girls!

New Blogger

Okay, I've finally been inspired to create my own blog. Thanks Star! I've not been much of a blogger - too busy I guess. But now that I have more and more friends with blogs - I just love reading them and looking at the pics! It creates a sense of closeness despite the fact I may be hundreds of miles away. Of course, I've always thought, "If I had a blog, I wouldn't know what to say......" But, here I am, attempting it.

With so many of our friends and all of our family living in other states (or countries), I'm hoping this will prove to be a fun and effective way of letting people we care about both far and near see into our lives a little more. And hopefully as you share in the Braswell journey, you might be encouraged in yours.