Going to the Ocean

Yesterday, we went to the ocean with some of our friends, three other seminary couples. We ALL wanted to go to the ocean because it's been so warm here lately (in the 90's Fahrenheit / 30's Celsius). But Della (Samuel's mom) and I really wanted to go there because we're both in the throes of morning sickness (or, more accurately, all-day sickness). Our babies are due only one day apart, which makes it kinda fun! Della said that going to the ocean always helped her sickness when she had been pregnant with Samuel, so we thought we'd give it a try!

Here's Christopher (Samuel's dad) playing in the sand with Samuel and December

A sailboat on the ocean

Ryan (one of Brad's seminary friends who also lives in our apartment complex) brought a kite, and he and Brad spent a looong time flying it! They had great fun.

Here is Jennifer (Ryan's pregnant wife) flying the kite, with December REALLY wanting to fly it, too!

Brad helping December fly the kite

I even got a chance to do it, too! I thoroughly enjoyed that.

Then December and I tried to touch the kite while Brad brought it very close to us.

We stayed at the beach all day and brought along a picnic supper. The fresh ocean air really did help both Della and I. This is at the end of our little excursion, where December is getting tired and wanted to lay on the towels.

We didn't end up leaving until 7:30pm, which is December's bedtime, so it wasn't too surprising that she was so tired!

Our precious little 'Cember.

Making Cookies

Last week, December helped me make cookies! She'd never done that before, and she really enjoyed herself. Here she's helping me grease the pan. She also dumped ingredients in the bowl and helped me stir.

She also tried to help me form the cookies, but ended up trying to eat the dough instead.

Cleaning up the counter afterward

...and even washing dishes! She was a BIG help to me, and we had fun!

December's Daily Activities

Here are some of the things December likes to do every day: She got some water-color paints from Aunt Deb while we were in Michigan, and she now LOVES to paint!

She also likes to eat with Daddy. This is one of the reasons Brad is such a great daddy...he doesn't mind getting silly with December and wearing one of her bibs when she asks him to.

December in a bucket, as always

...and December climbing into a box

Every day, she gets to see at least one of her friends. Here she is playing the piano with Noah

And playing with Samuel and Daddy!

A little while ago, Brad brought home some doughnuts from the seminary, and here December is checking them out with Brad

December getting cleaned up before bed. Usually she doesn't take a bath in the sink, but she had been to the beach earlier that day and her lower half was completely covered in sand! So she's soaking a bit.

December cuddling with Daddy before bedtime

More cuddles before bed

New Baby?

Here's the latest -- and most exciting -- video from December:









It's true! We're going to have a new baby! We are SUPER excited about it!



He/she is due to come on December 1. If you do the math, that means I am not very far along yet, almost 7 weeks. We wouldn't normally tell everyone this early on in the pregnancy, but after talking about it, Brad and I decided we wanted to tell you right away so that we could also ask for your prayers. They say that the first 12 weeks that the baby is alive are the most volitile, where it is very easy to lose the baby. We would really appreciate your prayers for a strong and healthy little one, and that we will be able to meet this baby in its due time. Thank you very much!