Easter 2011

Gaby and I went to Houston for Easter this year, since poor Daddy had to work (Booo!!). We enjoyed a laid back Easter with my family. On Saturday, we attended the Easter egg hunt at my parents country club which was alot of fun! Gaby enjoyed every little second of it :) Real bunnies!!! Bubble fun!! Not much of a "hunt", if you ask me ;-) The goods!! A little face painting, anyone??

Hey look!! The first belly shot!!! 22 wks prego :)

MS150

Today, Byron accomplished a goal he set out for at the beginning of the year. He decided that he would do the MS150 bike race from Houston to Austin. He has been training for it and was successful in completeing the race with a time he was very happy with. This was our first race experience and we were so very proud of him! Gaby made her Daddy some beautiful posters and we very excited to see him cross the finish line! Byron did the race with his friend, Steve... Go, Daddy, Go!!!

Photo Op

Pito and Pita came to visit for the weekend. We had lunch out at one of my favorite restaurants in Austin- the Iguana Grill. It has the best views of Lake Travis!!

Guess who took this photo??

The Easter Bunny!!!

New Swim School

This April Gaby starting taking swim lessons at a new school to start focusing on her strokes and form. We absolutely loooved Emler but feel like she had learned all she could there. She is now at the West Austin Swim Association in a Guppy Class. She is learning to swim the length of a real pool, side breaths, diving, pushing off the wall, freestyle and backstroke. And let me tell you, she is still so very happy to be in the water and swim. She just has such a blast and really enjoys herself. We are considering doing a swim team this summer but might wait one more year. I don't want to push her too hard (plus mommy might not be ready for every Sat morning swim meets!).

Practicing kicks...

She looks so little in that big pool...
An awesome side breath!!!
Yipee!!
I love my new swim school!!!

2nd Child Syndrome (Already!!)

Today I am 20 wks pregnant! Halfway there! Sadly, I just noticed that I have barely blogged or written down anything about this pregnancy. I haven't even taken any belly pictures. It has just flown by in the flurry of my everyday life. Now I totally get "Second Child Syndrome". Poor kiddo.

I haven't even blogged yet that we are having another girl! We are all very excited! Gaby knew she was having a little sister. I'm pumped because I don't have to give away any of Gaby's old clothes! It's all so cute and barely worn.

So what I can say about the first trimester is that although I did not have any morning sickness (Thank God!!) I still had to suffer through Cedar Fever with no allergy medication and it was pretty awful! Apparently, I have to suffer one way or another for my babies.

Second trimester has been great! Feeling good, less tired, healthy glow etc. Love it! One thing that has been a little odd this time and of which I'm secretly proud of is that up to this point, I haven't gained any weight! Isn't that crazy? I feel like I'm eating normal amounts although sometimes I do get full fast. I'm not necessarily trying to eat super healthy or anything but I've noticed that this little one gives me salad cravings all the time! I'm crazy for Olive Garden soup & salad- yum!!!

The bump is there and growing. And in the last couple of weeks I have defintely felt little kicks and karate chops. Our little sweetie is strong and active! As far as names go....no luck there. We cannot agree on ANYTHING! Last time it seemed so easy because I had already envisioned my little girl named Gabriella. This time, the couple of names I thought I really liked have lost their luster. So we'll keep thinking (and arguing) over names until we come up with something good.

Gaby is all over being a big sister! She can't wait to help me with the baby. She says she wants to change diapers and help feed her and hold her etc. We will see how long that lasts once the baby gets here. She has become so loving and sweet towards the bump and always remembers to kiss it goodnight. I can't wait until the kicks are strong enough for her to feel them! Speaking of, Byron got to feel one the other day. It was just as exciting as last time :)

So I guess that's a pretty good pregnancy update. I feel better now. Baby Girl #2 will get her blog-time. Can't wait until the big ultrasound in a couple of weeks!

My husband- Local Medical Hero :)

My brilliant husband has been interviewed/featured on the local news with one of his cute, little patients. The title- "Open Heart Surgery Saves Infant". Sound very dramatic doesn't it?? For Byron, this is his everyday work. Pretty impressive! We are very proud of him :) Check it out! http://www.myfoxaustin.com/dpp/community/community_05/CMNH%3A-Open-Heart-Surgery-Saves-Infant-20110330-ktbcgd

The Evolution of Art

Gaby's drawings have definitely evolved. There is alot more detail and thought put into it. This is a picture of me. Please notice my eyebrows, earrings, shoes, etc. It's just too cute! And that is Rosko on the roof of the house. Looks a little more like a monkey than a dog but still adorable! I just LOVE her drawings :)

Spring Break 2011- Cousin Camp

This year for Spring Break Gaby got to spend some quality "cousin time" with Mia. Together they spent the week with Mimi & Papa in Orange and even spent a few days at the farm seeing MawMaw and other family. It sounded like the girls had such a blast togther! Mimi said they got along really well and didn't fight very much. I really love it when they get to spend time together. I also really love it when Byron and I get some quiet time together too :) Here are some pictures of the fun they had.

Dressing up... A McDonald's playday... Helping Papa in the garden... Hanging out... The Alexandria Zoo... Visting w/MawMaw... Movietime w/Caitlin... A Chucky Cheese trip... Playing in the mud... Definitely some good times :)

Austin Rodeo 2011

Another fun tradition that marks the beginning of Spring is the Austin Rodeo. We love going to this Rodeo because it's still is pretty small by Houston and other big city standards which makes it so manageable and enjoyable. No long lines, no crazy crowds. Just alot of fun things to see especially for the little ones. Another great day in Austin with good friends and picture perfect weather!!

First, a pony ride...

The petting zoo animals were starving and not shy about it...

Pig races!!

The gang- Gaby, Ellington, Tripp & Tate

Riding a roller coaster all by herself! My brave sweetie!!

My most favorite day in Austin....

Yesterday was the annual Zilker Park Kite Festival. It is without a doubt my most favorite day in Austin!! It's like the unofficial end of Winter & beginning of Spring and the amazing weather it brings to Central Texas. We met up with a bunch of friends and enjoyed a picnic, watched the kites fly, and of course the warm weather. By the end of the day Gaby was saying it was her favorite day too!!
Sadly there wasn't a whole bunch of wind, but John did manage to get our kite up a little bit...

Getting ready for the rock wall...
My fearless little girl...

Cupcakes are YUMMY!!!

"Ring around the Rosie...."

"....we all fall down!!!"

Aunt Pauline & Baby Will

Great day!!!