Happy Easter!!

Happy Easter from the Held's!!

I thought a picture by the Easter Lily's would be really pretty- and it was...except Nick's height and my baby belly blocked the view.

I didn't want to be the one to tell you this, but....

Pepper has been very interested in all the new toys, clothes, and other Baby H. items.

I was sorting through the baby clothes this weekend, and she looked at me as if to say, "Um...Mom... I hate to be the one to tell you this, but all those cute little clothes you have been getting- I don't think they are going to fit. I didn't want to say anything, but you have gotten a little plump lately. You might want to lay off the sugar cookies and hit the treadmill if you have any hope of wearing any of that. And who is this Peanut person you keep referring to?"

Ahh...Doodlebug...times they are a changing. Just you wait.

Baby Shower

First, a big THANK YOU to my cousin, Erin, for all her hard work to make my baby shower special and full of happy and fun memories! Of course she couldn't have done it without three little helpers (Abby, Emma, Madilyn). There was cake and cookies and chocolate covered strawberries... and that was just dessert! Erin had all the things a pregnant woman needs to eat and be happy!

Here are a few pictures from the shower and some of the gifts we received. We were so blessed that I couldn't include it all...but rest assured that Peanut is VERY loved and already spoiled rotten!

Strawberries and Spring

Spring is here at last!! Hallelujah!

The first order of business this spring was to uncover the strawberries...which we were finally able to do on a beautiful Saturday afternoon before the rain came in again. As always, this was a family affair. Since last fall was wet, and we were busy moving...we didn't get as much done in the berry patch last fall as we had hoped. But better late than never. Nick ran the tiller while Mel and I pulled the straw off. Nancy came by later and attempted to stomp down the straw between the rows, with limited success.

The strawberries came through the winter well. Unfortunately, so did the weeds! It's ok. We don't have much else going on anyway so we have plenty of time to weed out the berries!

Professional Advice

This is what was waiting for me on my desk after lunch and my doctor's appointment today. Gross. It's growing on someone's driveway. She wants to know what it is and how to get rid of it.

Since I don't know the answer to either...I sent it out to my co-workers to ask for their professional opinions. One of the first responses I got back was from Shaun Casteel, our Extension Soybean Specialist- and good college friend. He suggested I check the following link for help.

Very helpful Shaun. Thank you.

Welcome to the World, Baby Girl!!

Kaylee Grace Estes, March 8, 2010, 6lbs. 11oz., 21 inches long

Welcome to the world, Kaylee Grace! Way to keep your parents on their toes from the very start! I guess the baby shower was just so much fun that Kaylee didn't want to miss out on any more excitement. Despite being a month early, Kaylee is just as cute as she can be! Congratulations Kelly and Ron!!

Kelly's Baby Shower

What a weekend! Saturday was a busy day filled with the usual hum drum chores and some time outside enjoying the sunshine. We then all headed to the Owensboro Orchestra Concert, featuring the music of John Williams, complete with Star Wars characters and Indiana Jones. It was just the thing to get everyone in the mood for the Oscars. Too bad I didn't watch them...

My good friend Kelly is expecting a little girl in April. So, Sunday, Peanut and I headed to IL to help shower her with baby gear. As expected, I had a great time and was able to catch up with some good friends while I was there. Since Kelly knows she's having a girl- when I saw this at Kohl's, I just couldn't help myself!! It has a strawberry on the butt! :)

Sondra, Lily, and Bella were there and Lily did a great job of assisting Kelly with the gift opening. It's very important to have good help! Jamie came and I gained a wealth of new-mom-must know information...her little boy, Carter, is 4 months. I'm not sure what was in the water for us Illini gals, but there has been a bit of a baby boom recently!

Kel- Can't wait to meet your little girl in a month or so!!