An Easter Preview Pic

Rose Bailey, my new favorite photographer, sent me a preview pic of Noah's session yesterday. She's so awesome. I highly recommend her work as evidenced by this cute pic of Noah.

Children's Park

Here is my little Noah in his new sailor suit I bought him for Easter. He wore his shoes with little fussing today, so that was a huge success.

We rarely get pictures done without a sucker being involved somehow. Today, it was several suckers...Noah would get a sucker, throw it in the pond, then I'd try to lure him with another one, etc. etc.

Noah is a BUSY 2 year old...always on the move!

Today we went to the Children's Park to take pictures for Easter. Noah is just at a really tough age right now...so getting pictures is like going to the rodeo..we have about 8 seconds to get it right, if we're lucky. Rose had a baby bunny for the pics, and at first Noah just wanted to run, but he did become interested so I hope we got something we can use for an Easter card! If not, there's always another day!

Noah's St. Patrick's Day Pics

These are some more of Rose Bailey's St. Patrick's Day Pictures. We're supposed to do Easter pics this weekend, but that is yet to be determined. Noah has been sick all week, fell twice, and has 2 scratches on his face, so we will see how our healing goes. It's been a big week at the McBride home.

Our Amazing News

Life is funny. I woke up this morning, with no symptoms of anything...and thought to myself, "I need to take a pregnancy test today." I was shocked when I read the test and it said, "pregnant." It was 6:30 in the morning, and I just woke up from my 1st night's sleep in 2 days because Noah was so sick with a virus. I read the test again. Surely, my eyes just aren't awake and I'm not reading it right. Again, I read the test. Again, the test read, "pregnant." I felt shocked and amazed and immensely blessed. I didn't know what to do next. Michael & I talked recently about trying to have another baby in the future, but I feared this was nearer than he might be ready for. I teared up. I entered the living room and saw my husband of almost 12 years sitting in the chair with my darling 2 year old, Noah, snuggling. "He's got a 102 fever," he said. Noah, Michael, & I snuggled in the chair. Michael noticed something was different and asked if I was o.k. I told him, "Yeah." I must not have been too convincing, because he asked me again. I told him, "I'm pregnant." Evidently he thought his ears were having the same problem my eyes were...and for good reason. He actually has an ear infection right now. "Huh?" he replied, smiling. His jaw literally dropped. I told him again, and he smiled again. "How long?" I said, "I just woke up and took the test a few minutes ago." He hugged me and Noah, and we both laughed. Wow. Life can change on a dime. I got on BabyCenter.com and calculated our due date...November 16, 2010. Michael was sitting on the stairs, watching Noah play. I sat down beside him. I told him that we'd have a baby for Thanksgiving. Saying that outloud felt quite surreal....a baby by Thanksgiving?!? We laughed again, "Well, at least I'll have an excuse not to cook," I said. Michael looked in my eyes and said, "Merry Christmas." "Merry Christmas," I replied. Noah saw us sitting on the stairs, and sat in between us, and said, "Family." We did a "Family Hug," which is where Michael, Noah, & I get real close and do a group hug. Our little family is growing. My heart is filled with joy.

Noah's fever came down and it's a beautiful morning, so we took a walk around the lake. I texted Michael a message, "How are you feeling about our big news?" He replied back, "I'm excited about it...will be fun to have all the 'firsts' again...excited for Noah too...how he feeling?...how u feeling?" His message was very comforting, just what I needed to hear. I love that man.

Visit to Grampa & Oma's House

It was a beautiful day out today, & I wanted to get Noah away from Michael since Michael is so sick, so we went to visit Grampa & Oma. Grampa has lots of land, a big pond, & lots of fun things to explore. Noah had the time of his life! He fed the fish (which were huge!), took a long walk outside, and even walked across a shallow part of lake on a beam with Grampa. Michael would've freaked out so it's good he wasn't there. Grampa showed Noah some great dirt that he could throw in the pond...but when it came time to come back, Noah refused, so my dad had to walk across the beam with a fighting 2 year old. After my dad got 1/2 way across, Noah calmed down & made it across but I was sweating it for a few seconds!


Grampa, Noah, & Oma walk to the pond.


Feeding the fish


Grampa kept laughing because Noah was eating the bread.


Made it across the beam...


Thinking....


Grampa carrying Noah back to Mommy...after he turned him upside down Noah laughed & walked the rest. You can see where I get my balance/athletic skills from...my dad is in his 60's and walking over water...on a thin beam...with a squirmy (heavy!) 2 year old...and never missed a beat!
Home stretch...


Whew!


What a super fun day!!! We love you Grampa & Oma!!!

My poor boys

A week ago today Michael had knee surgery. We were hopeful that by today he'd be doing great. Well, for the most part, his knee is doing fine...healing. A couple nights ago he complained that his ear was hurting. Yesterday he became so sick he actually went to the doctor who diagnosed a pretty bad ear infection, probably surgery related. He has been running a high fever & is now coughing and sicker than I can ever recall in the almost 12 years we've been married.
Poor Noah hasn't been able to jump and climb on Daddy, and now this. My sweet boy woke up at 5:30 this morning & is having a tough day. I hope he isnt getting sick too!
My poor boys!






Brenda Joy McBride

Zoo Day

Noah thought it was great that the birds said, "Hello!"

He really enjoyed the mountain lion pacing back and forth

Bundled up smiles

Beautiful white tiger

Noah & I went to the zoo this week. It was very cold but the sun was out and we just had to get outside! He had a great time, as I had him bundled from head to toe! I froze, but it was worth it to see him smile.