God's gift--our little princess

April 20th, 2008, we were blessed by God and Carson Ann Benton Coughlin was born at 4:33 p.m. It was the beginning of our adventure with our little Annie girl. She is the sunshine in our house: full of energy, laughter, giggles and funny faces. She is definitely as funny as her name sake!

Yesterday we celebrated Carson's 3rd birthday with her girl cousins Reagan, Lucy, and Abrianna, her little friend Alethia, and of course Elliott. It was themed, "A Princess Party" and each girl dressed up in their best princess outfit. :-) Very cute! I was late to the party for various reasons, but Adam was able to get it moving. I would say in Carson's book it was a success.

Afternoon at the park

We had Abrianna as our guest the other day. The girls love when their cousin comes over for a playdate. We decided the park was a necessity with the temps hitting a wonderful 60 degrees!

Okay, so I'm now not feeling so hot. I'm trying to distract myself right now by posting something...I don't think it's going to work!

I tried giving Elliott a haircut tonight. Not such a good idea at all. Let's just say it was a great deal more difficult than I thought it would be. My dear auntie Coleen will be fixing it tomorrow--Thank the Lord! Luckily Elliott's hair was crazy long so there still is a bit to work with before it hits her shoulders! Dad's going to be shocked to see this:-)

Two things I learned from this:
1. A fabric scissors does not cut hair well at all.
2. There are some things I just cannot do.

Long days put into perspective

Sometimes the days are just long. Starting last Thursday Carson has been fevering and coughing and has continued up till this point. She is such a sweetie-pie its hard to see her down and out. I am so greatful Brook took Elliott today because she is so verbally demanding. She talks and talks continunally and wants immediate responses within a nano-second! She has no clue she is like this; she's just five!

I was so greatful for my devotions this morning. I have been studying the gospel of Mark and it has been so encouraging to reconnect with Jesus in a gospel again. This morning I was at the point past the Mount of Olives into Pilates court. I was tentative to read the cruxification for fear my mind was not ready to contemplate such heavy scripture. I prayed the Lord would put me in the right mind set and prayerfully continued reading the cruxification story. I then read the commentary out of the book "The Desire of Ages" concerning the cruxification (the all-time best book on the life Christ aside from the Bible itself). When I read the words, "It is finished." It hit me again. It really was finished. The work of Christ as our sacrificial lamb and atonement, was complete and sin and death were conquered! With tear filled eyes all I could do was look up and cry, "Hallelujah!"

No matter what each day holds, and there are much more difficulties than my child being sick, I know "It is finished." I can rely wholly and completely on Jesus to carry me through because he silently carried every burden of mine to the cross and conquered it. Praise to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Hallelujah to the Lamb that was slain!

Fiddling around with my new camera. Lots of fun. The girls sure are enjoying the 40 degree Valentine's Day! (I can tell I need some camera focusing practice! Need them a little sharper.)

It's been a great weekend. Currently I am sitting in complete silence with Carson napping and Elliott entertaining herself downstairs. Awww!! Refreshing.

The sun has shone for two days hitting the 40's both days. What a fabulous blessing. (We will excuse the unruly wind today as long as it stays in the 40's.)

Brett and I have decided to use Dad and Mom's timeshare in Florida, so we are tramping down to Orlando in two weeks. We'll be there for about 5 days, which gives us plenty of time to relax, go to the beach, and roam Orlando. Both of us are desperate for more sun. Two pregnant sisters + sunshine=fun!

I am now 28 weeks and 2 days! Yay! It is so different this time. I am looking SO MUCH forward to labor because I know I will survive (even though it's terrible:-) and have a beautiful new baby on the other end! I am still convinced this little one is a boy. I'll take a girl too, but Brett and Brook insist because of my insane citric cravings that it is a boy. Is it normal to each 15 oranges and at least 8 grapefruit a week?

We are planning a week long vacation in Glacier National Park this summer with my side of the family. Actually Adam and I still deciding if we want to go with a new little one, but I think we are leaning that way. The cabin has been obtained whether we decide to go or not and it is beautiful and in a beautiful location! So much to look forward to!

Adios January...

I've never been a big January fan. This January I tried not to dwell on the fact that we were in the middle of frigid weather most of the time and focus on things to do with Elliott and Carson. I was so thankful for a reprieve from the cold for a week! The weather looks as if it is going to warm up to the 30's again for the weekend, and I am VERY thankful and greatful!

Today has been interesting. I think I have the "nesting" bug because all I can do is think and act out how I can rearrange everything to maximize the space in our house to accomodate baby number 3. We put up bunkbeds in the girls room upstairs, so now that room will be for all three kidlets! What are we thinking!? Well, Elliott has made it very clear she will not be moving into the basement anytime soon. Also we would like to do a few renovations to the basement before we settle any children permanately down there. Nothing to major--just pulling down some paneling and new carpet. We are in no major rush, but would like to get it done in the next couple of years (did I just write years!?).

I am currently 26 weeks and 4 days along. Yes, I have it down to the days. I am not a huge fan of being prego, so days are extremely important to me! In a few short days I will start the third trimester. I had some major goals this pregnancy. I was determined to get help for my digestive system and I know God led me to the right doctor to do that. Thank you Lord! Also I was determined to keep on my regular workout routine. I have always walked in the past during pregnancy, but now I have restless legs and if I don't absolutely wear those buggers out I do not get any sleep! So far so good. I'm hoping I can keep it up very close to my due date.

I am very excited for the month of February (one month closer to warmer weather:-). I have always liked the randomness of 28 days. The girls are looking forward to Valentines' Day. Adam and I will attempt, like every other little holiday, to make it special to give them another good memory. They are such sweet little girls.