My husband, Rich, has been home on vacation since Christmas Eve. It’s been so nice having him home with us. This morning he is out running errands with Jacob so I thought I would sit down and put some pictures on here from the last few days.
This is a picture of Jacob’s birthday snow (from December 31)…it snowed pretty much all day, Rich planned on sledding with the kids but they didn’t because it was too cold and windy.
Twelve candles on Jacob’s ice cream cake this year, and his favorite gift right next to it (an army tank) ~
The next picture is of the family all around the table, except for the photographer/mama ~ I wanted the picture dark so we could see the glow of the candles. . . . .Caleb ended up leaning right over to help Jacob blow them out, blocking Jacob’s head entirely from those pictures. This one was the best.
Caleb preferred the blue icing, and we caught him carefully scooping and eating it off the leftover cake after he had finished his piece. He was blue all around the mouth.
Not only did we have a store-bought ice cream cake, but we also had homemade ice cream with it! We used my new ice cream maker attachment for my Kitchen aid mixer and it worked great. We made chocolate and it was so good.
Every year Jacob and I stand side by side for a photo. He is not quite standing straight in this one, but he is almost as tall as I am now.
When I made Jacob’s birthday slideshow I felt bad because there were no pictures of just Jacob and his Dad. So, on Jacob’s birthday I made sure to take a few of just the two of them together. I love these photos.
And I also love this next one. The sun was shining so brightly yesterday morning and I caught Rich hugging our little Caleb in a sunbeam. . . . .
Other members of our family include C.C. , Grace’s bunny ~
And my cat (I love my cat!) Spot ~
Isn’t he pretty? He loves to leave me mice on the porch. Sometimes the whole thing, sometimes just one end or the other, sometimes both ends without the middle. I guess it depends on his mood. LOL I’ve gotten used to it but my friend Kathy can’t stand it if she happens to see a piece before I’ve kicked it off the porch.
Wow, these random photos make for some pretty interesting topics, huh?
Lastly, here are some pictures of some teeny tiny shirts that I stitched, for Seth. I hesitate to actually call it embroidery, because I really didn’t do anything fancy….just plain stitching to personalize little Gerber t-shirts. These shirts are so small, he won’t wear them long. . . .I told Rich I’d have to keep making new ones in the next size up.
This one is my favorite ~
And here’s a picture of all three of them ~
I am 34 weeks along and really must get organized. We plan on buying a playpen to use as a portable crib for the main floor of the house (which is the floor our bedroom is on). Our last playpen was worn out and we had to get rid of it. I think I will order one online today. Rich is picking up a dresser this morning and it will be so nice to put the little clothes in it later, I already have them all washed. I also need to stock up on diapers and things. I would put it off until the last minute, but my mom says “now” . . . . 
I had a doctor’s appointment this week and I got to go all by mys
elf while Rich stayed home with the kids. Everything is going well. I have another appointment in 2 weeks and then I go weekly until he is born. My Doctor wondered if I was planning on an epidural. . . .I told her that I am playing it by ear this time. I did not have one with Caleb (there was no time for one) and it went so well that I might try it again. I would prefer no drugs but I’ve had epidurals before (when I had Grace and David) that were such a blessing, too, *smile* so I am keeping an open mind. We’ll see!
I feel great, just a lot more tired than usual but that’s to be expected. I know God will give me the grace and strength I need to get through the next month. For now, I plan on doing what HAS to be done around the house, and letting the rest go if need be.
Well, I guess that’s it for now. Happy weekend and Happy 2009!
Love, Shanda
Good to be Home 
Great pictures. Thanks for sharing. There is nothing like family.
jacob has ur eyes. =)’
all the best in 2009 =)
The little onesies make me cry …
I just love the picture of Grace’s bunny! He looks so cuddly. I can’t wait to see pictures of the new little guy. Wow, 34 weeks, where has the time gone? You look beautiful. Glad to hear you are feeling so well.
They are all great pictures. Your family has such love for one another that it just comes through in all your pictures, no matter how simple.
The first picture takes my breath away. I also love all of the ones with your husband with your children. They will be prectous memorys someday. God bless and “hugs”
Kelly
Great pictures! The photo of Rich hugging Caleb is precious!
Ice cream cakes are always so yummy! I’d actually rather have ice cream over cake any day 🙂 BTW your kitty is so pretty!Blessings on your day!
A beautiful peaceful snow picture! Nice to think of you all warm and snuggly inside. I love the ones with Rich and Jacob too. So special. And I always love seeing Daddy love on a little one. Melts your heart, doesn’t it mom? You are looking so cute next to your growing boy. Sweet little shirts. I am sure you are getting to that stage of wanting so bad to see little Seth’s face!
I love the embroidery you did! Hand stitching? I wish I had thought of that. I guess it isn’t too too late, H is still wearing onsies. That first picture with the snow should be framed. It’s so pretty and peaceful.
I love the picture of you and Jacob (and your outfit–so cute!). Also, I love the embroidery…good idea. I’m itching to make stuff, but there’s so many house things that need to be done. Ahhh, the laundry…I don’t know how you do all your laundry. Do the kids help? 🙂 I wish mine could!
Wonderful pictures! I especially love the black and white shots of Jacob and his father together…
I just love your posts. Always.The photos are great….I’m sitting here watching a Magic Lantern DVD Guide to my Nikon D80. I hope that one day my photos will turn out as well as yours! *smile*
The baby onesies are too precious. You are so blessed.
You won’t want Rich to go back to work:) He won’t want to either I bet:) Your pictures are so good. I’m glad everything went well at the doctor for you. I had a epidural with 2 of mine also. It was nice, but the first time I couldn’t move after I had her because my legs were so shaky & then with Matt (our last) the doctor didn’t come until the next night after I had him to take the thing out. I am almost finished with your last book and then I can send them back to you. I ended up ordering 2 of them online because I enjoyed them so much! Hope you have a wonderful day!
I love the random pictures. It looks like Jacob had a great birthday and everyone enjoyed the time.I also completely agree with the decision to play it by ear. There’s no need to worry about something that’s not even needed yet. I’ll pray that it’s not needed anyway.
Yay! I’m so excited for you! Not long now! Great pics! What wonderful family moments to always cherish.
Such a wonderful post, Shanda! Random is nice. LOL! You got some very nice pictures of your Jacob. He is getting tall- watch out, Mama! I really like the little shirts that you stitched. Good idea! Your kitty and Grace’s bunny are so sweet. Have a wonderful day, my friend!
@whateverstate – Me too… 😦
How exciting!!! You are almost going to get to meet your little Seth!!!!! I can’t wait to see pictures of the little guy!!
Love the snowy pic ~
What sweet little shirts! Now I want to make some for our expected baby Lucas. I love the pics of Rich and Jacob.
Aw Shanda, I love this post!! It’s so cute…I still cannot believe how big Jacob is, just like Casey, he’s so tall. Casey is technically taller than me now I think. I’m glad you guys had such a nice time together. Those little undershirts are so sweet, I love the stitching, it’s more than I could do, that’s for sure! I can’t believe how little time you have left, it’s so exciting 🙂 I hope you had a great New Year’s…love ya!
Thanks for the update! I loved all the pictures,especially teh ones of Daddy and boys. I can’t beleive how big your belly is! I guess it hadn’t really hit how close you were to your due date! I would love to come out and visit it with you after the baby is born, and maybe treat you and Rich to a night out and I could stay home with the kids, if that’s okay with you. I know you’ll have plenty of visits though from your family and I don’t want to invite myself-I think I just did though. you can be totally honest with me though if you’d rather I not come and visit. I love you! Lish
Wonderful pictures! Maybe next year he will be as tall as you 🙂
Take some time and rest dear friend. You are so near the end. I love the little shirts and the name Seth on them. Way to go. Looks like J had a great birthday. Nice pictures with his dad! Happy New Year. Take care.
Nice post! I remember my boys being so proud when they could look eyeball to eyeball with me — but then, I’m only 5’2″ so that didn’t take too long (-: I’m looking forward to seeing little Seth in those t-shirts!
i am sooo excited for you and your family! hang in there, i know how rough the last few weeks can be, and you look wonderful as always!
Christmas vacation is so much better when hubby/daddy gets to stay home. We traveled this year and the kids got sick, but it was nice to have Wes around!! 🙂 He has to go back to work on Monday and I am NOT looking forward to it (neither is he!)love the father/son pictures and the hand stitched t-shirts!!and thanks for your comment this week!!
those onesies make me go, “Awwwww!”:)
The pictures are beautiful! Especially the first one of Rich and Jacob! I can hardly believe you have so little time left to get ready for Seth’s arrival! How exciting!!! Take care and take breaks every time you can! love, Gail
Oh no! How did Jacob grow up so fast, I can hardly believe he is already 12.You were so wise to take these portraits of him with his daddy. The 1st one it so tender and the other two so full of love because they are smiling at you!God Bless you this week. I was delighted to read you’ve had Rich home for over a week!
The sunbeam photo was really a super super cool shot, it says so much!
Did the homemade taste better than store bought? No let me ask it another way, did it taste different than store bought? I like the idea of it.
Jacob is getting taller! I had to smile when I saw your socks! You are so cute!
Did you wash them in Dreft? If I smelled that right now I would burst into tears missing the baby years, and holding the little embroidered shirt would push me over the edge! LOL!