Happy Sad

Last night, our neighbors the Freemans watched Thompson so we could enjoy a nice dinner out. Upon returning home, Kristine told us they introduced Thompson to a new movie - Arthur and the Invisibles - and at the end of the movie, Thompson was overcome with emotion and began sobbing during the credits.

As a bit of background...about a month ago while watching Ice Age, Thompson began crying when the father encounters his infant son towards the end of the movie. He was a bit embarrassed about crying, covering his face under a blanket. When I asked Thompson why he was crying, he said I just am. I realized then that a 3-year old may not understand or articulate why he would be crying, especially if he wasn't physically hurt or upset, so I attempted to explain that sometimes very happy things will make us cry.

So, this morning (with no prompting necessary) Thompson told us he was "happy sad" last night when he watched Arthur and the Invisibles. "Happy sad"...we couldn't have described it better ourselves! I don't think we'll ever think of the emotional tears we shed the same ever again...if we are to shed tears, wouldn't "happy sad" tears be the best!?

Let's see in other quick updates...Thompson is still talking about his train ride from Greensboro to Raleigh (pronounced RAW-lee) with Ma-mere and Pa-pere on the passenger train two weeks ago...Thompson and Avery had a great time at the beach last week, although we missed Bobby incredibly--needless to say, we are glad to be home...Thompson helped me make a red velvet cake yesterday to celebrate Bobby's birthday last week and my birthday today...we are enjoying awesome spring weather with all the windows open...we are having dinner tonight with the Freemans at the Pisgah Inn on the Blue Ridge Parkway to celebrate our birthdays...I'm 10 weeks along now, feeling good overall despite some fatigue, and feeling bigger with each passing day...Thompson is already talking about being a big brother and mentioned this morning over breakfast that we wanted to hold the baby...we are reminded daily that God continues to bless us more than we know.

Big Brother

That's right...Thompson is going to be a big brother...with Baby Jones looking at a Thanksgiving arrival!

We had our first ultrasound yesterday afternoon and were amazed to see the baby's heart beating (yes, it is already beating!), arms and legs beginning to form, and blood beginning to pump through what will soon become the umbilical cord. According to the results, Baby Jones is 8 weeks old. We didn't have this early ultrasound with Thompson, so seeing our baby this early reminded us that the creation of a child is a God-breathed miracle.

In the coming weeks and months, we invite you to join us in praying that:
* Avery's body would remain healthy and provide the perfect environment for Baby Jones to grow and thrive
* Baby Jones would develop according to God's perfect design
* God will prepare Thompson's heart for his newest role in our family as the big brother

"For you created my inmost being;

you knit me together in my mother's womb."

Psalm 139:13

Easter Recap

We had a very busy and fun-filled Easter weekend. It began Thursday with a visit from Avery's cousin Stephanie who lives in NYC with her husband Carter and children Nella and Henry. They stopped in Asheville for a few days before heading to Greensboro for the weekend.
Thompson enjoyed playing with Nella that afternoon - and we were able to catch up with them again on Friday for lunch before we headed up the mountain to Cashiers. Saturday found us attending the church's Easter Egg Hunt and luncheon...

and then in the kitchen where Thompson helped Ma-Mere make the bunny cake.

We attended church Easter morning and then joined both grandparents at Annie and Poppy's club for a visit with the Easter bunny, another egg hunt and a scrumptious brunch.

Pre-Easter Festivities

from our neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt last Saturday afternoon...

How many ways can you carry (or wear!) your Easter basket?

Thompson and Daddy's first sack race

and from this morning...
Thompson dying his first Easter eggs

Get Up and Dance

After viewing this video, we knew it needed to be shared. If it doesn't make you want to get up and dance, then we don't know what will!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlfKdbWwruY&feature=email