A Boy and A Girl

Yup, Baby A is a BOY and Baby B is a GIRL! We found that news out a week ago and I've been meaning to update the blog, but keep forgetting to do it. We weren't expecting to find out gender, but since I got another ultrasound (since they could only find one hearbeat on the doppler) the ultrasound tech took a peek. Jason was very excited to hear about the little boy (he was excited about the girl too, but I think he almost jumped out of his seat when the tech said boy).

We've also had some nice weather here lately. Not too hot and a nice breeze. So, we took Ruby to the arboretum on Sunday for a morning walk. She loved it there. And this morning we had a play date with some friends at a local park.

Here are some pictures of Ruby's recent activities!

Got new slippers and a hat from Grandma & Grandpa Anderson :)

What do you mean "don't throw rocks"?

Love my daddy.

Found a big stick!

Daddy and me!

Walking with mommy.

Going for a hike.

Daddy and me at the arboretum.

Swinging at the park.

I'm really into climbing these days.

Coloring with the cat, but she tries to steal the crayons.

Playing with my chalk ... I don't eat it (too much) anymore!

Long, Long Time ... but we're back

Ok, I've been meaning to get an update to this thing for awhile now. But, I've been a slacker ... We're back now and have a lot to update the world on. First, our really really big news is we're pregnant again -- this time it's TWINS! (Due Jan. 30, 2010) I'm just as sick as I was while pregnant with Ruby, but it's just something to deal with. I've been having fun thinking of "twin" names for these kiddos. My personal favorite Jack and Jill Hill (like "Jack and Jill went up the hill ...") Jason has absolutely vetoed that one and I don't think I'll get him to change his mind on it either.

In other news, I can finally give a proper update to our Iowa trip. We took Ruby to visit Iowa State and got her some new Cyclone gear. She got to meet one of my old professors and have lunch at Jason's favorite Chinese restaurant. It was a nice day in Ames, but way too short for all that we wanted to do.

We brought back some delicious Iowa sweet corn and our favorite salad dressing. And Jason filled a cooler with Anderson Erickson products to bring home. Ruby had fun visiting with her grandparents and her great grandmother. And, on the way back to Tennessee we stopped in Illinois and visited with Jason's sister and her boys.

It was a really nice trip, and it was fun to show everyone our ultrasound photos. I wish I had a way to post them on here.

In news from the home front, Jason has been really busy with work. And Ruby is talking up a storm. Every day she asks for "Connie" (her boyfriend, Connor). And wants to go "side" (outside). She can't look at an animal without wanting to give it a hug and has an obsession with reading the same book over and over and over again. I love to read to her, but it's a little difficult when the book she chooses has no words in it!

Now, enjoy some pictures!

Munching on blueberries & pancakes.

Riding the carousel.

Please, can I ride again?

Riding with mommy.

Riding with daddy.

Stylin' in my new hat.

At the Memorial Union fountain. I really wanted to go for a swim.

Campanille with mommy.

Central Campus with daddy.

Covering some breaking news for the Iowa State Daily.

Giving "Connie" (Connor) a big hug!

We're Back!

Hey everyone! Sorry for the blogging hiatus, but we took our mini-vacation to Iowa and saw lots of family and had a great time. Now, we're back in Tennessee and trying to get into the swing of things again. I haven't taken the pictures off of the camera yet, so pictures from our trip will be in a future blog post.

Anyway, I will post more later, just wanted to let y'all know that we made it home safe and sound and we're all doing well.

Quick update

We've been having a ton of fun playing outside, especially in the water, lately. This morning we found a place called the "splash pad" out at a park in Knoxville. It's a place with a ton of sprinkler type toys and other water spouts for the kids to play in. Ruby loved it! But, every time she got splashed, she would come running back to me for a hug -- so I was a little wet by the end of the morning. Here are a couple pictures from my cell phone. This weekend we are going to the Secret City Festival here in Oak Ridge ... and this year we are going to make it! A little less than 2 weeks and we begin our LONG drive to Iowa. See y'all soon!

Ruby's First Birthday Bash!

We had a blast with Ruby's first birthday party this weekend. Long ago, I decided that she needed a rubber ducky themed party and I think it was perfect! We put Ruby to work in the morning blowing up all of her balloons ... she thought the helium tank was pretty cool. But, she tired herself out and almost didn't wake up in time for her party.

Ruby spent most of the day yelling "Duck-y" "Duck-y" at the top of her lungs. We had a bunch of friends over and spent a couple hours running around the backyard, eating cake, and playing. Ruby had so much fun and crashed really hard last night. Thanks to everyone who came, it was a great day!

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Today we made the trip to Gatlinburg, TN (about an hour and a half from home) to visit Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and do some touring. It was a blast! Ruby could not get enough of the "fishies" and even got to touch a crab. The aquarium was huge and very child-friendly. She spent most of the time running from one exhibit or fish tank to the next while shrieking and pointing. And, she loved the stingray bay area.

Gatlinburg is one huge tourist town. So, after the aquarium we decided to do some walking along the main path with all of the shops. Ruby waved hello to everyone and was really well behaved. Here are some pictures from our adventures today. Tomorrow is the big party, I'm sure I'll post pictures after that!

Grandma's coming to visit!

We're waiting for Grandma (Jason's mom) to get into town for a fun visit this weekend. We have lots of plans. Friday we are going to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and touring Gatlinburg. Then on Saturday is the big birthday bash! And, we're going to try to take Ruby (and Grandma) to the petting zoo Sunday or Monday before she leaves.

Ruby has been up to a lot lately. We recently found a great "beach" area to play. It's a lake with a decent little swimming area. The second I set Ruby down on the sand, she runs for the water. The child is a complete daredevil! I haven't taken my camera to the beach yet, but maybe I'll try to bring it with next time.

I will post photos after the party! But, check out the flickr site (www.flickr.com/jasonhill1627) Jason did a big upload last week and we're almost caught up on photos for that site!