Babies and Miracles

Today, January 13th, 2009, my beautiful cousin Denise gave birth to a healthy 9.5lb baby boy, Andrew. I can not be more excited for her, her husband Travis, and Sadie, the new big sister.

Sadie is a beautiful 3 1/2 year old who will melt your heart. She was born premature and had to stay in the hospital for what seemed like ages, but you could never tell that today. I got to spend time with her over Christmas making cookies for Santa and playing. It was such a sweet time, and I feel so blessed that she is a part of my life. Her smiles can light up a room, and her laughter is angelic.

Today, our miracle became the big sister to another miracle. Andrew was born healthy, but that in no way takes away from the fact that this new life is a miracle from God. I can't wait to meet Andrew, and get to know this little man. Here's a picture of Andrew and proud dad Travis.

This family is so special to me. I have 10 cousins total, but I would probably say that Denise is the one I am closest to (no offense to my other cousins - I love you all very much). On my dad's side of the family, there are four grandkids, my cousins Debra and Denise are sisters, then there are me and my brother. Growing up we didn't see each other too often because we lived in west Texas and they lived in Louisiana, but it seemed like every time we saw each other we had never missed a beat. It still feels like that today. She is a few years older than I am, and we are usually at different places in our lives, but that has never stopped us from being more than cousins, we are friends. She is like a big sister to me, and I love her and her gorgeous family so much. I can't wait to see you all at the end of the month and meet Mr. Andrew!

I'm Moving on Up......

Yeah, good news - I'm finally moving. I do not think I could be more excited right now! I found a really cute two bedroom house about five blocks from where I'm living now. The new house is a 'real' two bedroom (meaning the second bedroom is actually large enough to live in - more on that later). It is a lot nicer than the house I'm in now - two bedrooms, large living room, a much bigger kitchen with lots more cabinets and a dishwasher (!!!), full basement, washer and dryer included, fenced yard, the how shabang! Everything fell into place so nicely, and I have no doubts that this is what I'm supposed to be doing.
Some of the too good to be true details:

• The girl who currently rents needed to move out because of financial issues, and wanted out asap, even though her lease was not over until March 31
• My lease is month to month, I had already paid all of January, so I have until the end of the month to be out - meaning I can take my time moving all my stuff (and boy do I have a lot of stuff!)
• The house comes with an almost brand new Washing Maching and Dryer. Exciting in and of itself, but what you don't know is that my own 2 year old washing machine is broken beyond (cheap) repair, and the repair man told me to just buy a new one because that would be cheaper.
• I am able to move in starting the 17th of this month. The prorated rent is cheaper than what I would have spent on a new washing maching (with delivery and warranty).
• The girl living there called me on Saturday as she was moving stuff out to ask if I wanted her to leave the queen sized bed in the spare bedroom.
• There's an unfinished bedroom in hte basement that will be perfect for my many crates of clothing and shoes, but most importantly - my punching bag I've been without for the past two years!
• The landlord is letting me sign my own lease this month instead of taking over the other young lady's rent and having to wait until April 1 to sign a lease.

Have I said that I'm excited??? I 'shopped' online all weekend for new things for the house. (Don't worry Dad - I didn't spend any money!). The good news is that I pretty much have everything I need as for decorations and furnishings, and goodness knows I can fully equip that kitchen! All I really *need* is a new shower curtain and stuff for the bathroom because mine are wearing out quickly; curtains for my room, the living room, and the little cute window in the kitchen; a few plants; and possibly a new rug for the living room and a rug for my room.

I can't wait to post before and after pictures - I'll take pictures on Saturday (the 17th) when I go sign the lease and get the keys, and I'll keep you updated on the progress. I should also post pictures of the 'old' house that I'm in now.....we'll see if I can get it cleaned up enough to be photographed!