We're Officially OLD

Drew and I decided we're officially old folks now because we have two kids. I don't feel old (probably because I'm not really), but I do feel tired, a LOT. Although having two kids isn't as straining as I thought it was going to be. It's not easy by any means, but I stressed out so much that I think I made it a bigger deal in my head. One thing I have noticed: I am a lot more patient with Gracie than I was with Luke.

But that makes sense, right? I was new to mommyhood with Luke and didn't know what I was doing or what he wanted. With Gracie, I usually know exactly what she wants. However, she's a second child, so she doesn't get everything on demand like Luke did. Tough luck. But she's SOOO good. So sweet, so lovable. Even Luke has ventured to touch her a few times. I tempt him by rubbing her leg and saying "Ohhh, she's soooo soft!" Then he puts his little chubby hand on her leg and says "Ohhhh!" He's funny. And she's a good sport. Luke calls her "My baby" or just "Baby." But he's always worried about her when she starts to cry, which I think is pretty sweet.

ANYWHOOO...here are a couple of pictures from when my family was here for Gracie's blessing. I miss them a lot. And now that we're moving, I'm going to miss Drew's family a lot. They sure have done a lot for us, not to mention they've been great grandparents!

Gracie's Blessing Day

Gracie was blessed this past Sunday and it was quite the affair!

We had Grandma Olson surprise us for the event (she came all the way from VEGAS!), my mom, dad, and brother Steven came from Washington state, our friends Ryan & Lainie and Megan & Josiah both drove from a ways away, and Kevin & Martha (Drew's bro & his wife) drove from 3 hours away. And of course the Peppers came up from Mansfield.

This little girl better know how loved she is!!

Also, she wore MY old blessing dress! That thing is OLD. Two of my cousins and my niece also wore my dress when they were blessed. This dress has really gotten around.

The Arrival of Grace Kathryn

We had a baby!!

Grace Kathryn Pepper was born on March 7, 2011 at 12:44 p.m.

What a BEAUTIFUL baby. We are so blessed to have this sweet little spirit in our lives.

Enjoy some pictures of our adventure!

























































































































































We're a happy family of four! Next up on our agenda: My dad and brother come tomorrow; Grace gets blessed in church on Sunday; my family all leaves on Monday; Drew, Grace, and I leave for North Carolina on Wednesday to look for a place to live; packers come the day after we get back; drive to North Carolina 2 days later. Phew! I don't even know if all that makes sense, but the point is we're in for a busy rest of the month! I hope we can all survive!

Baby Shower for Baby Girl!

My dear dear dear friends Emily and Melissa threw me a wonderful baby shower about 2 weeks ago. I had SO much fun! We played the game where you have a piece of string and you guess how big my belly is and we played the game where there are a bunch of baby items on a tray and you have to memorize as many as you can in 30 seconds and write them down.

PLUS, I got so many wonderful presents! I was so spoiled! And my mom was able to be there for it, so it was super special. I am so grateful for all the people I have met while here in Texas. I'm going to miss them all.