Becca's First Dance Recital

It's been so long, I have been so bad at posting, but I needed to post this! Enjoy!

Pumpkin Patch Fun!

Last Thursday we went to a local pumpkin patch to pick our pumpkins and do something fun with Grandma Ratliff! It was Gwen's first outing that wasn't just going to a store, the doctor, or taking Becca somewhere.


Becca loves the tractors and ran up to them first thing!


And climbed on the BIG ones with daddy.

Picking a pumpkin!

A pumpkin for Gwen!

Becca was loving finding small ones she could pick up.

Gwen in the wheel barrel with our pumpkins.

I think I'll buy all 6 "pumpkins".

Our family of four!

I love this girl so, so much!

Look how big!



In the little corn maze...

Took Gwen too (should have known better cause it was a pain to push the stroller around, but I wanted to go, since we didn't do the big one at Cornbelly's this year!)

Cute girl...

And both my cute girls!

Our whole family.

With Grandma Ratliff!

It was a great day, and really nice to do something fall-ish since I have been so out of commission this October!

Welcome to the World Gwendolyn Grace!

On the morning of October 3, 2011 Tyson and I woke super early in the morning to prepare going to the hospital to welcome our new baby girl to this world.

We were very excited as we snuck out of the house, leaving Rebecca home with Grandma Bowen, both of them sleeping.

One last belly shot before we got to meet our baby girl was in order, and we were off to the hospital for my planned c-section.

I was excited and nervous, but mostly ready to meet our sweet girl!

Daddy got on his duds...and about an hour later...

Our sweet baby girl was born at 8:12 am! Gwendolyn Grace Ratliff, 8 lbs. 15 oz., 19 1/2 inches long! Healthy and oh so cute!

Daddy was in love from the start.

As was mommy.


She already made the cutest faces.

And was oh so sweet.

We just love her to death!

It was so wonderful to have quiet moments with my girl!

And felt even better to have Becca meet her sister and be instantly in love. The first thing she said was "She's so cute!" And then climb up (carefully so as to not hurt mommy!) and give her a kiss!

It was love at first sight!

It was great to have Grandma there!


And see daddy so in love with both of his girls.


It was truly an amazing momentous day. Sweet Gwendolyn has been such a good baby and such an amazing blessing in our lives. We are now a happy family of four!

The Time Has Come!

In 2 1/2 hours I have to be at the hospital to have our second baby girl. I am excited and nervous to the point that I have not slept a wink tonight. I have tried, but tossing and turning just doesn't help.

This new page in our lives is a strange and exciting one. I am both scared to death but super excited.

Right now, I just want my sweet Becca to know how much I love her. Tonight has reminded me a lot of the night before I was induced to have her. Very little sleep, very much anticipation. She has been the biggest joy in my life and I can't imagine life without her.

Becca, I love your sweet tender heart and your love for all people. You make friends easily because kids flock to you as you flock to them. I have so loved watching you grow from a tiny helpless infant to a strong-willed and loving little girl. I love when you sing. It makes me so happy and so proud as a mom that you could share my love for singing. Never give it up.

I also have been so happy that you have shown so much excitement and love for the coming of your sister. As a little sister myself, know that she will love you and look up to you in ways you can never imagine. Be kind to her. Be her friend. Lead her with a gentle hand and she will always be there for you in return.

I love you baby girl. Now and always. More and more each day.

Life is going to change for us, but I know it will be for the best. I am so excited to meet this new little one and the anticipation of having my heart grow 10 times all over again (think How the Grinch Stole Christmas) has literally kept me up all night.

I love my little family so much. Tyson is such an amazing father to Becca. He is her best friend and her hero. He is just amazing with her and I know he will be the same with this sweet girl as well. Tyson, know that your girls love you more than anything. We would be lost without your love and kindness and patience.

Well everyone. I need to TRY to get some rest...or maybe just go shower and get ready. Either way, the next time I'm on here, we'll be a family of 4!

Becca's First Day of Pre-school!

So today was Becca's first day of pre-school! She was super excited.
We got up and had muffins and eggs for breakfast (and of course she had to be in her princess stuff)

Then we got ready for school! She was very excited about her new apple dress.

A few cute shots of her all excited and ready!

This is her "princess" pose.

Getting up in the camera. Just LOVE my girl!

Then she got her father's blessing. It was very sweet. Daddy even teared up. I couldn't sleep almost all night long cause I was so excited for her! Our baby girl is growing up!

Cute girl!

All decked out with the "pack pack".

A little nervous on dad's shoulders with the backpack.

Ready to go!

Showing off her stuff.

With mommy!

In the car and on the way!

So excited to go in.



Cheese! It's pre-school!

Found her cubby and put her bag in.

Playing puzzles!

Friends! Becca has been talking for MONTHS about how excited she is to be in pre-school with Cameron (he lives down the street and they are in the same nursery class in church).

On this special day, I just want to leave a message for Becca.

Becca, I hope you love school and learning as you always have. I am so excited for you to grow and strengthen in your relationships with other kids and to learn to behave as you should. You have an amazing spirit and beauty that attracts others to you. Continue to be the happy you that I know you are and you will shine! I love you forever sweetheart. Today is just the beginning of amazing things to come!