Becoming a Big Girl

Our Jackie Jacks is growing up too fast. I want it to stop... but not really. We are doing the best we can to soak up every ounce of this gals babydome, because it is just so stinkin fun. She loves to help around the house by putting away clean dishes and tupperware (and I try to get to the knives quickly before she reaches for those), at times she prefers to read to herself (and she knows her books), loves to throw trash away, and gets into her carseat completely by herself (schedule about 5 minutes or so for this process).
Just finished helping Daddy peel shells off hardboiled eggs. This pair made green deviled eggs for the St. Pat's party we attended Saturday.

I know, how many close up shots can I take of her. I can't help that I love this face, so therefore, everyone else must as well. :-) I was going to take a ton of pictures at the zoo last weekend, but my camera is on the fritz. I feel naked without it. Colin's taking it in today to see what button I pushed by mistake. So, until then, we are limited on good action shots.

Baby 2 is doing really great! He or she reminds me of their presence all of the time. This kiddo likes to squirm and I love it. We've made it to the 27 week mark, so we are soon bringing the second trimester to a close. Can't believe that! The baby should be about 2 lbs. and about 14 1/2 inches long. Still skinny as a rail and starting to fatten up. He or she may be able to open and close eyes now. It's so amazing knowing that all of this is taking place inside of me while we go on about our daily lives.

Jackie likes to kiss my belly and still thinks she has one growing inside of her as well. I'm so curious to know how she will do. The other day I picked up my nephew Jason and she ran over to me and lifted her arms and shouted, "My Mommy!" Just a preview, perhaps. :-)

Saying Goodbye to our Sweet Ella Beaner

It is with a heavy heart that I write this. It's taken me 3 days to work up the energy to share this news on the blog. No one likes reading about sad things, but this is a blog about the lives of the Mannings and for years to come we will think about this year and the tough decision we made.

It's a controversial one and through countless discussions, making up our minds, then back tracking and so on, we decided it was time for our sweet Ella to go on to her next adventure. She's now living in Conway, Arkansas with another family. We met them this past Sunday and they are the sweetest people with 2 children and a black lab.

We realize to some, this seems very cruel, and that is why making this decision was painful and arduous for us. We love Ella and wanted the best life for her. When we come home, it is really hard to not see her sweet face and wagging tail. The house seems so very quiet without the occasional bark outside.

She brought so much joy to our lives 3 years ago and we have wonderful memories with her and feel so lucky to have been a part of her loving life. Her spunky personality is going to be adored by her new family.

Ella, you are a beautiful dog with a loving heart, sweet face, and joyous run. We will miss you always and know you spread joy wherever you are.

The Choices We Make

Jackie was insistent on wearing this hat to school. Even though I explained to her that this was for the heads of children 3 years and up. For older children or for those 18 - 24 month kids with abnormally large heads. But, then again, most kids have big heads. She was peaceful for about a song or two on the way to school, staring at the pink fleece before her eyes.

Then, the curiosity began...

And then the frustration...
And the lack of understanding that Mommy can't do anything about this dillema while driving. We enjoy our short commute to work and school. :-)

Love Your Face.