Happy Birthday, Hayden!

We had such a good day today! Hayden decided to celebrate his birthday sleeping in until 8:30! YAY! Breakfast was a cupcake - because I'm an awesome mom. Then we went to the Farmer's Market - which is one of his favorite places to go...and mine, too...we got the BEST watermelon there today! YUM! Anyway...after that we went up to the St. John's Town Center so he could ride the train. Every time we are up there he begs to ride it, but the stinkin thing is $3 a person so we never do. He had so much fun!

Daddy and Hayden

The three of us

He's got a silly face because instead of "Cheese" I kept making him say "Happy Birthday!"

Ready for the ride!

Waving to all the other non-cool people not riding the train

All aboard!

After that we went to Target to pick out a present from Grandma Lorna and he got some water guns, a bubble blower and a Blues Clues DVD. Thanks, Grandma!!

While at Target there was a "Hurricane Preparedness" event going on in the parking lot, so there were fire trucks everywhere! Chick-fil-a was giving out samples of chicken nuggets and lemonade (side note - they have the best lemonade ever!) He got to go inside of one of the rescue trucks and they gave him a fire fighter hat and ball. What a perfect thing for a 3 year old!

The way awesome latter

Inside the rescue truck

Chicken nugget and lemonade in hand...what more could a kid ask for?

Meeting one of the rescue dogs.

Then we had our little party for him at Grandma Brenda's house. They played on a slip n slide...of which I got NO pictures - so use your imagination. Then we dined on grilled hot dogs and cold watermelon. He had so much fun today playing with his friends and even drinking *gasp* a soda!

The very lame birthday cake

Did you know it's impossible to get three kids to look at the camera?This is what Hayden did when I told him to "hold it up" so I could take a picture...

Jace helping Hayden open his present
A way cool tractor from Nana and Bobby

Hayden, the kitty cat

Hayden and Aunt Wanette

10 Weeks and Counting!!!

I know, I know...I'm only 29 weeks, but my doctor is going to do my c-section at 39 weeks so...hooray!!!

Anyway - anyone who knows me knows that I haven't had ANYTHING to wear to church in a few weeks because my one dress is a little snug...so after trying on at LEAST 20 dresses, I came up with this green polka dot number that does absolutely nothing for my butt and kinda makes me look like I should be having triplets!

To my sweetheart!

Rebecca I just want you to know how much love and adore you. I could never say it enough, I LOVE YOU! I'm so excited for our new edition to come. I know he will be another great blessing to our family. See you when I get home.

Michael

What a great day!

On top of the super fun sonogram, Mike had his oral board interview today - and he made it through!!!!! This means that now he has to get a physical, a psychological evaluation and a stress test...and if he gets through those - he'll get the job!!! YAYAYAYAY!

Baby Boy Richards! 28 Weeks 4 Days

The cutest foot ever!

Looking at you ♥

Profile - I just love his little nose! And the sonogropher snuck in some 3D pictures for us!

This is his face squished up against something...

If you can spare some prayers...

Y'all are very aware of our financial situation. Mike lost his job last June and hasn't worked full time since then. He graduated from the Police Academy and passed the state exam in February and has applied sooooo many places it's hard to keep count. The job we are most hoping for is working with Jacksonville Sheriff's Office as a bailiff (since he needs a degree to work on the street - lame). This position would be M-F 7-3, allowing him to have a 'normal' schedule so he can finish school. It's like a 2-3 month hiring process at best. Well..........

He has an interview!!!!! May 21st...not sure what time yet. It happens to be on the same day as my sonogram, but quite frankly I could be having the darn thing and I'd still send him to this interview!

So please...we could use all the extra good thoughts and prayers we can get!

The Beach!

The first peek at the ocean this year

I believe the exact words were "It's cold!"

Just cute

This is where he told me to "Go back in the ocean, Mommy!"

First Pool Trip of the Summer

Tuesdays are when we get to go to playgroup. Normally they're at different parks, but it is just wicked hot outside so I do believe we will be enjoying the pool from here on out!

26 Weeks (and 1 day)

Ugh...I really need a haircut! And man ALIVE! My face is the size of a truck!

Oh well...here I am:

I'm going to complain for a minute...

I hate retail. I hate hate hate hate hate it. I don't hate the fashion part of my job...I don't hate interacting with different people every day...I hate how bad my body feels when I get off of work. Right now, muscles I didn't even know I had hurt. They had a ton of extra hours at work so I worked 32 hours this week...7-8 hour shifts on my feet with only one 30 minute break (no...they're not breaking any laws, don't worry) and it is just beginning to be too much for my tired pregnant body. I am very grateful that I do have a job and I am grateful for the hours because we're poor as all get out, and I am so grateful to be having another baby, but I feel like I am falling apart. Come Monday night I'll have worked 6 days in a row.

It just doesn't seem fair for someone to be forced to be in this much pain all the time. It's not fair that I have to work and that Mike can't find a job. It's not fair that I don't get to be at home with my child. It's not fair that I have to be on my feet all day.

And since life isn't fair I'm just going to pick myself up by the bootstraps and keep on going...