Introducing Kie Matthew Allen

Our long-awaited Kie was born April 27, 2010 at 5:50 p.m. weighing 8lbs 4 oz and 20 inches long. Our hearts are overflowing with gratefulness to God for the way that He so perfectly orchestrated the makeup of our family. The labor & delivery experience with Kie was certainly different than it was with Kati Ann. I was so blessed to labor 1/2 the time with a caring nurse & doctor that served as my cheerleaders as I delivered our little guy.
Kati Ann got to meet her new little brother within about 30 minutes of his arrival and just like Daddy and Momma fell immediately in love. She is thrilled to have a brother and can't wait to "take him home."

His hair isn't really as red as it looks in this picture the light makes it look red (in fact, its more blonde)

Momma's "Other" Man

Daddy's Little Man

Kati Ann's very own "real" baby

Daddy, Momma & Kie

My Sweet Nurse, Stephanie, that took such good care of me and loved on me all day.

Thomas' Birthday Party

Kati Ann & I were able to go to Thomas' birthday party on a Sunday afternoon because I started my maternity leave at noon today. Usually, we're unable to do anything on Sunday afternoons because Jared & I are both working but what a treat. Kati Ann had an absolute blast. When it was time to open presents, Kati Ann sat down next to Mae (Thomas' little sister) in the stroller and the 2 of them watched him open his presents. It was so fun to see Kati Ann running all over the park with her friends having so much fun. It is such a treat to watch her grow up and interact with other kids. She of course adores Thomas so it was an extra special treat to get to play him.

Last Pic of me Pregnant

Today I'm 39 weeks and 4 days. I visited the dr. this morning and she told us she wouldn't be surprised if I didn't make it through the weekend so I went ahead and took a final picture. I am scheduled to be induced on Tuesday morning if we haven't had him before then so one way or the other we're at the very end!! Can't wait to meet our precious little man!

Product Review

Nobody asked but I'm just going to weigh in on a new product I tried this morning. So, I saw on The Biggest Loser a little plug for the Yoplait Smoothie mix that you could make at home. It sounded really cool to me and a great option for breakfast. Well, I bought it and tried it and am sadly disappointed. First of all...it was entirely too expensive for what you get and I expected to get some protein in this smoothie that would take me through the morning, that's a negative too. Plus, it just doesn't taste nearly as good as I had hoped.
So, I'm just saying, I'm disappointed by the overall "performance" of this product.

Why Not?

My assistant took this picture with her phone of Kati Ann eating dinner "in" our cart on Sunday night next to my assistant's daughter. It of course makes perfect sense to eat there...why not? Kati Ann told me she was eating in the "tunnel."

Surprise!

Some of my sweet girls' Sunday School classes surprised me with a baby shower one Sunday morning. The shower was actually back in March but I'm just now getting to putting pictures on here.

One of the Perks

Jared & I decided early on that we wanted our children to feel like it was a privilege to have your parents in ministry instead of a burden. There are plenty of downsides and sacrifices made by minister's kids so we try to allow Kati Ann to enjoy some of the "perks" of ministry whenever she can. Today was one of those special days for Kati Ann. One of my girl's Sunday School classes hosted a "tea party" as part of their lesson today. I asked if it would be okay if Kati Ann attended. Kati Ann LOVES tea parties and we have them at home often at snack time. The girls loved the idea that Kati Ann was coming and so I went and picked up Kati Ann from her Sunday School class just for a little while so she could enjoy a tea party with the "big girls". She loved it. She quickly realized she had an audience and "performed" for everyone. It was so fun for Kati Ann and for me!