Apparently Not A Suspenseful Read

Just another day Being Billingsley...

The Persuasive Powers of a Cute Four-Year-Old...

It is amazing to me the extent to which Abbie can talk people into making fools of themselves.

Exhibit A: My Mother...

Clearly dressed as Chaka Khan. I didn't know Abbie was such a fan.

Exhibit B: My Father

Dressed as a proper English lady awaiting her spot of tea.

Just another day impressed by the powers of my oldest daughter Being Billingsley...

Keeping a Little Sister Entertained Is Exhausting Work...

Just another day of hard work Being Billingsley...

Say Hello To My Little Friend...

Lila Hope Billingsley

She was born on Monday, July 20, 2009 after about 3 hours of labor at the hospital!

6 lbs. 14 oz. and 20 inches long

She's every bit as dangerous as a rapid fire weapon because we are having to change her diaper almost 30 times a day!!! We are accepting donations for the diaper fund.

So far, she's a GREAT sleeper and eater. She only cries if she is hungry...quite the departure from her very "particular" big sister when she was an infant.

Although, after thinking about that, not much has changed there. She's still very "particular." Pretty sure she gets that from her father. Let's face it....he's picky.

We are doing great, and we thank God for such a beautiful new baby girl!

Just another wonderful day Being Billingsley...

Tutus Are Fantastic

Look at the tutu this gorgeous child's extremely talented Mom made...

My friend Anna hosted the greatest tutu making party last night. All of us were able to fashion quite the not-just-for-ballet-anymore skirt for our girls. The beauty of it all is that they are simple to make, and coming home with this little beauty made me quite the popular Mom.

Potential problems with making the tutu...

1. Your child will insist on wearing it to HEB and ride in the cart....tulle pouring out of everywhere.

2. She will also insist on having her photo taken in it all over the house so she can use her "America's Next Top Model" posing strategies. i.e. "Know your angles" and "smile with your eyes."

3. She will not rest until Mom has made herself a matching tutu to wear to church on Sunday...even if that means her pregnant belly has to hang over the top. It's ok apparently because, "everyone knows you have a fat tummy."

Thanks Anna for having us over!! I had a wonderful time!!!

Just another extremely creative day Being Billingsley...

Look Who Joined Us For Lunch Today

Do you think a little 4 year old girl must live here??

Abbie took the order of each one of her guests. Surprisingly, most of them requested "garlic and beverages" for lunch. We had a lovely time.

Just another day Being Billingsley...

Lila's Nursery

Well, since my doc said at my Tuesday appointment, "It could be any day," I figured we better get this baby's room finished. Believe it or not, I think it is all ready for her!

This is a closeup of her bedding. I love it, and it was a special gift from her Granna. She found the fabric that was used in the bedding and made the blanket herself. She is so talented!

Granna made these curtains too. They are tied to an antique crystal doorknob. You can't really see the sheers underneath it all. So, you'll just have to come over and see for yourself. It really is cute!

This grouping is next to Lila's changing table. It is really special because the gown was worn by James' Great Grandmother and the shoes were James' Mom's (Granna's).

This picture is perched on top of her changing table hutch. It is such a cool image of a guardian angel keeping watch over a sleeping child. I got this picture from one of my very oldest and dearest friends when we were in college. She bought it because she wanted me to hang it in my children's nurseries one day. Well, I kept my word!! I also had it in Abbie's nursery.

My brilliant friend Anna suggested I do an old fashioned wooden rocking chair in my nursery because it is just too small for an upholstered glider. Isn't it cute! James and my Dad painted it aqua, and Teresa made the cushions for it. I love that it is completely unique!

And, this is my favorite part of Lila's room... Abbie painted her little sister two pictures to hang on either side of her crib. It is beautiful!!

Just another day of preparation and Being Billingsley...