Is it a Split or a Sprout?

On March 4, John and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary. He worked that day and came home. What he didn't know is I was out buying a pregnancy test earlier that day. So this was Johns adversity present from me! I knew that I was preggo, but find it hilariously funny HOW FAST it happened. I had my IUD removed on January 19, which gave me--oh, approximately 18 days to conceive. It happened right away and we are delighted!! I always told John that I did not want to be preggers beyond my 30th birthday, and this new little one will be born about a month before my 30th. AND I'M DONE! 

It also appears that we are having another little BOY  (SPROUT, as Grandpa Shipp would put it.)  I am shocked. I really was placing my bets on a third girl, but obviously it didn't work out this way. We are excited for Jack to have a little buddy around. Jack and the baby will be just over 2 years apart, which is exactly what I was hoping for. I guess if things are "planned," it couldn't have been planned any better!


We are throwing around the name Madden Cole, and I think we are 90% sure of it. I guess I have a few months to determine that. We expect him around October 30. (I am actually due on November 6, but Dr. Smith cuts me open a week early.)

Mothers Day

Life seems to be passing me by!  I (still) cannot believe that it is me being celebrated on this holiday!  I am SO thankful to be a mom to the greatest children on the planet.  Each of them were so sweet to me today.  While we were getting ready to go to Logan to see my grandparents, Jensyn kept asking me what she could do to help me clean...and then she completed these tasks!  I held Logan for a long time this evening, she kept reaching for my hands and was laying near me for a few hours.  (I have moved Jack to a "big" bed, out of his crib) Tonight was his first night going right to sleep and not getting out of it!  I was so proud of him.  It made for a perfect day with my little family.  I am so THANKFUL that I was blessed with these perfect children.  

On top of all this, I HAVE THE MOST AMAZING MOTHER ON THE PLANET!  Growing up I knew that I had a fun mom, an out of control shopper, and a friend.  Now that I am older I have REALLY been able to develop a fabulous friendship with her.  I love going to lunch with her, and do so very often during the summer.  I am glad that she is willing to put up with me and the little ones.

Well, today was much harder of a day than I had originally anticipated.  John put Baxter "down" and the kids and I are taking it quite hard.  John and I bought Baxter from the pound almost 10 years ago.  He has been part of our family for many years.  He was quite small when we got him, maybe almost a year old.  He was my baby for 5 years until we actually had babies of our own.  I always feel so bad for him because he reminds me of...I think...Eyore on Winnie the Pooh.  (Those reasons I'll keep with me forever.)  He has been a loyal friend, has always listened to instructions and always obeyed.  He has been fabulous with each of the kids and it will definitely be interesting to see how life is without him.  He loves my kids, and he loves being a part of our family.  

We're gonna miss you, Baxter!