Brandi and Grandma Pat's Birthday

This past weekend we celebrated Brandi and my Grandma Pat's birthday (which they share)

Brooke decorated the cake all on her own, and when asked why she wrote "BROOKE" in big letters across the top she said it was "because she designed"

Brandi had a girls sleep-over the same night so Oliver was absolutely covered with girls and loved it. This was the "kissing circle".

A VISIT TO THE DOCTOR

After Oliver's fall we had to go see the doctor.  Part of the process was having his blood drawn, the first needle he's ever had in his little body.

Daddy trying to distract him before his appointment

Waiting for our turn

All in all he did really well. He just cried during the drawing, but then quickly recovered. 

I recently had to give blood for pregnancy related stuff and he started to panic when they sat me in the chair. Poor little guy:(

Oliver's 2nd nap ever in his toddler bed

Oliver update

Wow it's been forever since I've blogged. I started selling on ebay ( as a business ) so I have to prioritize my time a little differently. Blogging just isn't very high on that list.

Oliver has been keeping us very busy lately. 

He will be 20 months on Thursday. He's been talking a lot more, and climbing a lot more (he fell and broke his collar bone earlier this month). 

We started weaning him last Wednesday - I say "we" because it took the Lord, Mark, and me to initiate it (give me a break, he's my baby).

Oliver has done remarkably well, and it just reassures me that he was ready.  He is still a wonderfully happy, well behaved, and very lovable/cuddly little guy.  We are so happy for this, but bracing ourselves for #2 (due in April). I can just tell from his uterine activity that he and Oliver will be very different.

Mark and I have finally gotten motivated again to finish the house. We're currently in the process of putting up trim, setting up Finn's room, and Lots of other odds and ends. Our deadline (for ourselves) is spring.

Mark has being feeling  a strong calling to go to Haiti lately, although unsure of how or when, he would appreciate any information you have on trips, organizations, etc.

Oliver and I would not be able to join him (unfortunately) but I know the Lord must have an awesome plan for him, if he feels this strongly about it.

Please also be praying for him to have clear direction and safety if he does find a way to get there. 

Well, after talking to my wonderful sister-in-law Kristin over the holidays, I decided to start selling on ebay. I've done little bits here and there in the past, but never with this much focus, or organization. I've got a set profit margin, and calculate all of my fees, time, etc. I'm excited to see how the Lord uses this, and have been just praying his blessing over everything I buy and sell. My ebay name is mbmelby if you want to check it out:)

Mornings

Weekend Mornings are so special to us. We lay in bed with Oliver and snuggle, watching cars and airplanes out the window. 

As soon as Oliver's eyes open he crawls to Mark, his best friend.

Pregnant Buddies

Our great friends Lisa and Ivan moved to Philly this Summer so it's rare that we get to see them.  On Friday night we were blessed to be able to have them over to visit.

Lisa and I are 2 days apart in our pregnancies. It's been awesome to have someone to compare notes with.

Just chillin'.

Poor Lisa has been plagued by morning (and night) sickness this pregnancy. 

Pray that she is able to feel good, and enjoy the rest of her pregnancy without feeling nauseous.

 

Oliver and Ivan are good friends. Oliver spent the whole night shooting, throwing things, and talking to Ivan, and Ivan alone. He was sad to see him go.

We always have such a great, relaxing time with the Stewarts. I wish they lived closer, but for now we are super grateful that they make time for us when they come to visit.

Baby Finn

I just realized that I didn't really say much about Finn in my previous blog. 

He is doing great. 

He's moving like crazy, and getting bigger every day.

I'm now in my 7th month, and enjoying every minute of it. 

Mark is very helpful, and Oliver is always so well behaved that I'm not really feeling the strain of pregnancy...yet:)

Please keep us in your prayers as pre-eclampsia is a concern the farther we get into our pregnancy.