Thanksgiving, the Christmas tree farm, and more random pictures

Unfortunately we hardly took any pictures at Thanksgiving, but we had a wonderful day. We were at my parents for lunch and Tripp and Kara were also in town. For dinner we were at Mike and Kathy's and got to spend some time with the newlyweds since John and Sarah were in El Dorado. The food was great and we were reminded again how lucky we are to live near our families.

On the last day of November we went to the Christmas Tree farm and took some pictures. Ironically, John and Sarah were out there when we arrived, so that was an added bonus.

Like last year, we didn't buy our tree out there ($$$), but we did buy one on our way home from good ole Home Depot.

Abigail really participated in the tree decorating this year. We had a blast and cranked up the Christmas music while teaching her how to put on ornaments. We have this one ornament that is plastic that I got one Christmas at my grandparent's church. It's not fancy and says, "simply Jesus." THis was the first ornament that we let Abigail put up and she has been obsessed with it every since. Constantlty taking it down and saying, "awwwww."

My Mom gave me an ornament every Christmas and it's a good thing, because it is literally what we fill our tree with. They are also fun to pull out and enjoy. It was extra special this year because Abigail just loved looking at all my old kid ornaments. I have started the tradition with Abigail as well.

Baby Girl #2 has a name...finally!

After much waiting and anticipation on your part I'm sure, we have finally and joyfully settled on a name for Baby Girl Rainwater #2. Her full name will be...

Emma Grace Rainwater

This was the first name that we both mentioned and liked. Somehow, as the date to find out if she was a boy or girl got closer, we decided that we needed to keep thinking and make sure that it was the best one. At that point we came up with so many good options that we kind of stalled out in our ability to choose. After thinking and talking and thinking some more, we both came back to the original name that we both liked. To say that we like it is not enough...we truly love it. For many reasons actually.

1. It's beautiful sounding.
2. It can be used as "Emma," or as a double name, "Emma Grace." We haven't decided on this yet.
3. It sounds somewhat antebellum like Abigail Jane.
4. WE love the sound of Abby and Emma together.
5. It's a classical name that is modernly cute and strong.
6. My paternal great grandmother's first name was Emma.
7. David's paternal great grandmother's name was Grace.
8. It is a cute little girl's name while being a strong adult name.

So now, not only are we excited to bring another girl into the family, we are thrilled to be calling her by name.

Emma--"whole" or "complete"
Grace--"God's favor"

I am feeling good and feeling larger by the day. Emma is growing and kicking all the time. This Friday we will be 27 weeks, which is truly hard to believe. The time is flying and now we are zooming toward Christmas, after which we will be well into our 30's (weeks). Her room is starting to come together physically as well as in my mind. There is a lot of furniture and other items to put other places and to re-organize, but it is going great. David will still get to have a desk in the guest bedroom, and we will still have room for guests to stay. Not only does David rarely use his desk, but we rarely have overnight guests, so it makes sense to put them together.

Abigail is growing and changing daily. SHe is beginning to talk more and it's so much fun. I was feeling like she was somewhat behind in her speech, which I still think she is, but the pediatrician assured me that she is fine and that all children develop at different rates. She IS talking, so as the next year passes we will just what all she continues to learn! The big news is that potty training is coming our way. She has gone TT in the potty a couple times, but we are about to take the plunge.

Thanksgiving was wonderful and I will post pictures soon.

Abigail is TWO!

Our sweet, spunky, smart, active, kind, loving, and adorable daughter is TWO YEARS OLD! Abigail turned two on Wednesday, but we had her party today, November 22. The theme I went with was owls since she loves them so much and we had a blast. The party started at 10:00 and we had a great crowd. Guests included, Mom and Dad, Mike and Kathy, John, Sarah, Shepherd and Rebecca, Scott and Laura Geurin, Kevin and Danielle Collie, Adele, William and Ellen Jackson, Jordan and Raleigh Rutledge, Chance, Kara, and Marlowe Tharp, and Jay, Katherine, Caroline and Owen Thorpe! I had tons of food making the food and trying to stick with the owl theme. We ate, had cake and opened presents! Abigail made quite the sad face when everyone was singing, but she knew exactly what to do with her candles and blew them out! We were proud parents and can't wait to add another girl to the crew. Here are some pictures form the morning, graciously taken by Laura Geurin. Thanks Laura!