The big announcement . . . . . .

So, most of you know by now that we're expecting a new baby in June.  The ultrasound was this past Monday and we found out that our new bundle of joy is going to be a girl !!  Yay !!  Cora is thrilled and can't stop talking about it.  Henry is very, very bummed and, in fact, cried when the technician told us it was a girl.  He's already asking if we can have a fourth baby to see if God gives us a boy this time.  Wow, I don't know about that one, sweetheart.  But our baby girl looks healthy and happy and we can't wait to meet her.  I tried to attach a picture from the sonogram, but can't seem to make it work.  (besides the babies kinda look like aliens on the ultrasound anyway).  Looking forward to seeing you in June baby Eckhoff !!

And more pictures of Walt Disney World

In case you aren't familiar with her - this is Lilo from Lilo and Stitch - one of the shows the kids love.  I just really liked this pic of Lilo hugging Cora.

More pictures - Cora and the princesses and fairies

Walt Disney World

Yay - Walt Disney World here we come !!   We have gone there almost every other year and we just love the place.  To see the Disney Magic through the eyes of little kids is just priceless.  Here are some pictures - I couldn't narrow it down any more than this - all of our pictures turned out great !!

The announcement of baby

So, we weren't going to tell the kids we were pregnant right away because kids have no patience at all and if you tell them you're having a baby, they think it's coming tomorrow. 

But one Saturday morning in mid-November we were playing tickle monster on our bed and Henry was jumping all over me.  Finally Dan said, "Be careful of mommy's tummy."  And Henry in all innocence says, "Why, is there a baby in there or something?"  To which we replied, "Well, yes, actually there is."  And classic Henry response, "Seriously ?!?"

So now Henry and Cora know we're pregnant.  They first wanted to know if the baby would come while we were in Florida (late November) and then they wondered if Santa would be delivering the baby (I don't think so).  So the waiting is taking forever.

But Cora looked at me one morning recently and said, "Wow, mom.  You're really getting fat.  The baby must be growing."  Thanks honey, that makes me feel so attractive !!   :-)

I know, I know . . . .

Okay, so it's been about two months since I posted anything.  I know, I know - "you have to keep it more current or people won't read it"  My apologies to all of you, especially Uncle Ed !

But I think I have a valid reason - you be the judge and let me know what you think:

In early October my dad semi-retired, which meant that Dan was now in charge.  Which has increased his workload and his responsibilities significantly.  So as a result he hasn't been home as much and we miss him a lot !!  Things are improving as the staff seems to be working well under the "new management" and Dan has relaxed quite a bit, but this fall/early winter was hard on him.

Then in mid-October I entered into a contract to purchase a court reporting firm from another reporter who has been doing this for over 25 years when she decided to retire.  She has a wonderful reputation and it's been a great addition to my business.  However, she was a workaholic and since I've taken over her clients in addition to mine, my business went through the roof.  With Dan being gone more in the evenings, I've been working after the kids go to bed to keep caught up with everything.  My normal work days are 9 to 4 when the kids are in school and 10 pm to 2 or 3 am, after they go to bed.  So, of course, I've been tired and gotten sick a few times, but figured it was part of this crazy schedule I'm now keeping.  But come to find out . . . . . . . . .

The reason I've been so tired and sick is because we are going to have another baby !!   Yay !!!!  We are super excited to have another little one join our crew.  Henry is hoping for a boy and Cora wants a girl.  We go next week for our ultrasound and we will find out then what we're having.  The timing is not great - it means missing Todd and Vicki's wedding next spring, but babies don't generally check to see when it's convenient, do they ?

So then over Thanksgiving we decided to sneak a quick trip in down to Disney World thinking that with the new company and Dan working more and the baby coming, we might not be able to fit a family vacation in next year.  I'll post more pictures of the trip soon, but that's our November.

And December had its usual craziness of family, holiday shopping, baking, cooking, wrapping, visiting relatives, etc., that it always has.

So there - those are my reasons for not posting more often.  Do you think they are valid or am I still in trouble for not posting more often?   :-)