Date Night

Jeff and I took a break on Friday from trying to organize our new home after the big move, and went on a date!

Just me and him.

It was WONDERFUL.

Have I mentioned I'm slightly obsessed with my husband.

I feel like lately I haven't gotten to be with just him having fun.

So we went to the "Hunger Games." We have both read the books and both wanted to see the movie.

And because I am my mother's daughter we arrived about an hour early to get in line. It's a habit I am super grateful for. And since we got there early, we got to have our favorite seats in the house!

Apparently my legs haven't seen the sun in 200 years. I love the seats right in front of the railing. Plenty of room to stretch out.

The movie was great! The bag of popcorn and Diet Coke was just what the Dr. ordered after a long day at Med Clinic where a "person" told me I was large for having 4 months left before I gave birth. True story.

And Jeff didn't even tease me as I was sobbing during Rue's death. He's a smart guy.

I love nights like this when I get to spend it with my best friend. Just the 2 of us. I'm slightly obsessed:)

Little Piece of Heaven

I got to go HOME 2 weeks ago.

It was just what I needed.

I got spoiled by my mom

If you ask Jeff he'll tell you I've been talking about getting breakfast in bed made by my mom for weeks. The way only MY mom can make it. She didn't disappoint. She's the ABSOLUTE best mom ever.

I got to meet the 2 newest members of the Slade clan.

One is 4 months, the other 6.....Can you tell which? I couldn't get enough of them!

Olivia got BEYOND SPOILED at a shower with my sisters and mom and a few close friends. We had it at Red Lobster. Can you think of anything more perfect? I sure can't. I had to take 3 pictures of her loot to send to daddy back in OK...

She's going to be one well dressed/well read to/well blanketed little lady. She doesn't know how great of a family she is joining!

I'm still working on thank you notes......

It's hard to pick a favorite day I had.

They were all SO wonderful.

But Sunday was practically perfect.

We had an early St. Patrick's Day treasure hunt for the kiddos. We barbecued. We ate. We talked. We laughed. And we were entertained by the funniest kids you've ever met.

Here's a picture of my dad sitting in the kitchen. At one point I looked at him and he had this big grin on his face. I know there is nothing he loves more than when his family is home.

This is of my niece Sammie. I now know her mom's secret to being so skinny. I was worn out just watching her. She had me laughing all day. She reminds me so much of her dad. She is adorable. Excuse the cackling in the background by me:)

Here's a video of Sophie and Ty chasing each other on the table. They were dogs. Of course.

I remember looking around as I was sitting on the couch and thinking that this is what Heaven must be like. Surrounded by family that you love more than anything on earth.

The only reason I didn't cry on the way home is because my mom will be here on THURSDAY!!!!

I'm so grateful I have an Eternal family. I'm hoping for an eternity of days like I had at home.

Last Night

Dear little Olivia,

Every night before I go to sleep your daddy tickles my back and plays with my hair. It's seriously the best. I don't even have to ask him. He just knows. So last night, after we got done talking, I gave him a kiss and said "You know what it's time for. He said, "I know tickle your back." He is just the best husband ever. I hope you find someone that treats you just as well someday.
Anyhow.......As I was drifting off to sleep your dad called my name and said he felt you move. I thought it was just another of your little flutterings that I live for.....Which by the way, I'm convinced you know we are trying to feel you, and you hide from us. Tricky little girl:)
I think I said that's nice, but he said no it was more than that.
He was rubbing my side and felt your little foot! He said he felt the clear outline of it!! And when he put his hand on it you kind of kicked it away!
I was so excited I couldn't sleep. And also a little bit jealous that he got to feel you first before me!
But, I like to think of it as your present to your daddy. After all, I get to have you inside me all by myself for nine months before I have to share you. It was probably your special way of saying hi to daddy, and that you love him! Way to start early on being a daddy's girl!
But....I wouldn't mind to feel you next!!!
We love you sweet little girl!
P.S. Your Auntie Phoo bought your bedding last night. Mommy is beyond excited to start on your room when Grandma Slade gets here in 2 weeks!

Little Olivia Stephanie Hale

Dear Olivia,

On Sunday your dad and I (and lots and lots of family) found out that you are going to be a girl. I even tear up just typing this.......For a couple months now I was pretty positive you were going to be a boy. But in my heart I couldn't let go of the thoughts of tu-tu's and leg warmers and bows...and well you know:). Needless to say I couldn't be MORE thrilled that I'm having a sweet little daughter.

When your aunt Stephanie and I were little girls we always said that we would name our first born daughters after each other. You already have a little cousin named Brooklyn Alicia that was born last year. Now we will have a little Olivia Stephanie born about 10 months later. You 2 will even be in the same grade. Your aunt and I are already planning the first trip we will take you guys on. The American Girl store in New York. How perfect is that?

And your precious Grandma Slade already bought your take home outfit. I've already spent hours looking for the perfect bedding for your first room. I'm having SO much fun!!

You are already SURROUNDED by SO many people that love you! You are the luckiest little girl in the world. Your cousin Courtney started planning a party to reveal whether you were going to be a boy or girl the minute I told her I was pregnant. She went to SO much work to plan this party. And your Aunt Cindy (her mom)hosted it at her house. Your going to love your aunt Cindy's house. Especially at Christmas time. There's a whole tree of barbie ornaments!

Here are some of the pictures from the party. If you'll notice your daddy is wearing a pink and blue tie. He had to stay impartial. And even though I thought blue for months, I chose that Sunday to wear a dress with pink flowers. Fate? I think so!

Here are the family members who were on "Team Pink." Your "Papa" snuck in both pictures:) Mimi is so excited for another little girl to join the crew!

Here's your great Grandma Lill and Kenneth. They always make a special effort to come to family events. Your great Grandma Lill is your daddy's grandma.Here's your daddy. When he saw a whole crock pot full of meat, I think he cried tears of joy. No. Really. He did.

Before we ate the meal your Great Uncle Rick said the sweetest blessing on the food. He talked about how loved you were and how excited your family was to meet you. He also said you would be raised in the Lord's name. You absolutely will. Your mom started crying. Surprise!

Here is the video of us cutting the cake to find out! We had your Slade family in Utah on Skype. It was pretty exciting!!

I love you my sweet little baby girl. Your dad and I are so excited to meet you. But you just stay where you are and continue to grow healthy and strong and come when you're ready.....We'll have a whole bunch of people ready to greet you.

Love, Mom