1 week to go...

So the end is in sight...a week from today, God willing, we will be holding our new son in our arms. This pregnancy has definitely been a challenge physically (you name it, I've probably dealt or am dealing with it), but has passed by in what seems a minute. I am sitting here, while my two boys are out for a quick run to the store, thinking how blessed I am. I am blessed to have such a wonderful & supportive husband, a beautiful son that surprises me everyday with his spirit, smile, and growth, an extremely loving family (both near and far), a church family that has welcomed us with open arms, and friends (old and new) that genuinely care for us. So, may I say thank you for all to hear and God bless.

I'll keep you updated; but as of right now we are scheduled for our C-section @ 9am EST. Please keep us in your prayers, especially for our new little guy!

Joseph and Ruby

He loves his cousin!

Faces of Joseph

Depending on who you ask, we get different responses about who Joseph looks like...however, in these pics I can honestly say that I see a little more of Brad coming out in him. Still, predominantly me :), but a little of Brad...haha!

Fourth of July!!!

The fourth of July was a great time. I always love when Brad's family can all get together with one another and Joseph gets to spend time with his cousins. For those of you who don't know, the cousins where born within 4 months of each other...also, it's a time to not only celebrate America's birthday, but it's Uncle Joe's birthday as well. The kids are so cute together, although we have to watch Joseph...he tends to be a tad more physical than the girls!

A little time with dad...

I took these photos while Brad was spending some time with Joseph in the backyard. They have an afternoon practice of going out in the backyard and hitting golf balls onto the green. Well actually, Brad hits the balls and Joseph is his cheerleader. It is always so touching to watch the two of them together and I'm glad I got these photos (sorry about the grainy nature of the pics, but I was shooting through the window). Later, though, we got some posed shots in the backyard...my guys are just too cute!

Joseph's First Haircut

We took Joseph for his first haircut right after his first birthday in May! The little man has been blessed with my hair (at least the thickness of it) and had a wing developing on the side. He was also beginning to get curls in the back, and initially I didn't want the hairstylist to cut those...but, as she finished cutting the sides and top, Joseph had a genuine baby mullet going on. So, I gave in and said go ahead. We walked in with our baby boy and left with a little man. By the way, he was sooo good...didn't whine, he sat there and even giggled when she got the clippers out to clean up around his neck. It didn't hurt that there was a slide in the salon, flat screen with Baby Einstein playing, and other kids for him to watch...kudos to Cookie Cutters.

Joseph's One Year Pictures!

We took Joseph to get his 1 year pictures yesterday; we had to go to a new portrait studio as the one we've been using recently closed and relocated to Northern Kentucky! We had a great experience with the new studio and the photographer really had a way with Joseph (he was giggling and smiling through most of the sitting). These are just a few of pictures that we captured; we purchased the disc, so we have all of his shots. I downloaded these from the disc, so they are not cropped, etc. I'll be sending copies out soon (hopefully this week) for friends and family of the "official" pictures. But, I thought you'd enjoy catching a glimpse of his photo shoot...and for those of you who don't know, he has a slight obsession with sport balls (soccer, basketballs, baseballs, anything resembling a sphere)...we loved the picture of his soccer snarl. What do you think? Perhaps the next David Beckham?