Missing Daddy

Colin has been working extra hard lately given his busy time of year with the scholars program and teaching a class at TCC in the evenings. We both miss him terribly when he's gone.

Jackie's all Dolled Up!

Results of digging in Mommy's makeup drawer: Eye liner on the cheek, foundation on lips and headband in a Star Trek Next Generation angle. Pretty good for a 23 month old.

Ft. Worth Zoo Fun

One thing I love about my husband is his love (more like need) for traveling and spontaneity. He called me at work last Thursday and said, let's go somewhere this weekend. We landed on Ft. Worth because it wasn't too bad of a drive, they have lots of things for kids to do and Colin's friends from law school are there. Logan, Nell and Ezra were such great tour guides and so gracious (especially with such a last minute visit). I have pictures from the zoo visit, which Jackie loved!

Jackie and Colin's favorite mode of transportation.

Looking at the cool monkeys.

Weirdest pig I've ever seen. Super hairy!

Ezra, Nell and Jackie checking out the turtles. Ezra is almost a year older than Jackie and he was a perfect gentlemen. He made sure she got to see everything Ft. Worth had to offer and would hold her hand and guide her to the next destination. It was fun to see them play.

Monkeys from the Lion King! I can't help but think of Stephen Colbert singing the "Circle of Life."

Spotting a school of fishies!

We thought the rhino looked like it had armor on.

We had lots of good food and visited the Science museum the next day. Had no idea how much Ft. Worth has to offer. Great place and we want to go back.

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.