3+1=4

We are happy to announce that another Giles family member is on the way. Ultrasounds have shown a healthy start to this little one's 9 month journey. The bundle of love (and work) will join our family in September. Don't ask me how I will survive a hot Texas Summer--plenty of shaved ice and ice cream! Plans for a lengthy vacation to Utah is in the works. The heat can't be as miserable as the morning sickness. I can't believe how tired I am especially at night. The fatigue mixed with nausea makes for an interesting combination when trying to care for a family of 5 and a Primary. I feel support and compassion from Brian and the children, what a blessing!

Because this is the fourth pregnancy my growing abdomen has done all the announcing. I have already climbed the ladder to the attic, dusted off the maternity clothes boxes and somewhat excitedly washed and ironed the maternity pants.

This Spring will be an eventful one, especially for our little Sarah...potty training, teaching her to sleep in a bed, reading books to her about how life will dramatically change when she must share Mama's attention, and trying to convince her that there really is a baby in my tummy. Last night she patted my chest and said, "BABY!" I replied, "No, not there Sarah, down here, inside."

It is always a special moment to share such news with family and friends. We love you!

Christine

Happy Valentine's Day

Nathan and Maren paint Valentine boxes to prepare for classroom parties. Happy Valentine's Day to our family and friends. We love you!

I could not resist posting three recent photos of our Sarah. Her two year old personality is in full bloom!

Happy Birthday Sarah!

Brian and I can't believe our baby is now two. Not so much a baby anymore, she has reached the status of TODDLER! Over the past few months she has become quite temperamental, determined, charming and full of personality. I am dusting off the "How to Parent a Toddler" books, as it has been a few years. I have discovered how liberated she feels as I present her with choices. For example, "Sarah would you like Cheerios or Cracklin' Oat Bran? Sarah responds, "Bran." As I sit her in the highchair she then complains that the "Bran" is not Cheerios (what she really wanted). Natural consequences are best so she cries through a few spoonfuls until her taste buds agree. The same goes for her daily choice of clothing. She always asks for "flowers" or "Maren's" (hand me downs). Once we dress the decision is final. I look forward to this upcoming year--one full of curiosity, learning, sharing and testing of boundaries. What a sweet gift she has been to our family.

Sarah is quite thrilled with her Minnie Mouse, bottles and stroller. Due to her strong drink preference of milk she has thrown out the orange juice bottle and will only give Minnie the very best-"Mope." Thank you Grandma and Grandpa Tanner for the cute pony and brush and valentine book. Thank you Grandma and Grandma Butler for the cute Hanna's. You are such thoughtful, loving Grandparents!

Alligators!

We spent the morning at a park down the street from our home. We packed a picnic lunch and blanket and found a perfect spot to eat and play. The only concern was the alligators!

Friday Night with the Houston Rockets!

Nathan and Maren had a blast with Dad at Houston's Toyota Center (Friday, January 11th). They enjoyed a great game and yummy cotton candy. Yao was so kind to pose with the kids for a brief moment during half time. A Sales Rep for the Rockets gave Nathan and Maren thunder sticks and poster board with markers to make signs to hold up during the game. Go Rockets!

Playin' at the Park

Written by Maren

This afternoon our family walked to a park. We had fun on the slide, monkey bars and cute frog. It was cold but our coats kept our bodies warm. We came home and ate hot soup and crackers.

New Year's Yard!

We have enjoyed a beautiful morning outdoors with sunshine, blue sky and temperatures in the 70's. All members of the family contributed to an overall yard clean up. Brian groomed the bushes and trees, Christine weeded and raked the flower beds, Nathan swept the sidewalks and fertilized the grass (with Brian's help), and the girls gathered twigs and leaves. We had a good time working together. The yard looks great for 2008!