Happy first month Alaina!

Alaina turns one month old!

Today Alaina had a big day.  Pete, Alaina, and I had brunch with our friend Herm to start our very special day.  Then, Pete gave her a bath and changed her into a new dress for church.  It was a blessing to be able to take her to her first worship service one month after we were so blessed with her!  

Thinking of you all!  Can't wait for Labor Day!!!

Emily Ann

Mama Mia!

Tonight my friend Deedee and I went to see Mama Mia! It was a great movie! I recommend it for its great music, fun cast of actors, and beautiful Grecian scenery! Have you seen it too?

Alaina meets Great Gram and Poppy

Alaina met my grandparents last weekend. We were so glad they were able to come up and visit. We can't wait for Labor Day when we'll be able to visit with the family in Ishpeming!!!

Taking Matters Into My Own Hands

Yesterday was the start of the summer heat wave in Detroit. Ugghh - I'm not a hot weather lover - but at least I don't have to work - so I manage to find places to cool off. The window air conditioners have been working well this year - but really - today was HOT! So Carrie and I decided to go to the Red Oaks Wave Pool. I love going on the Lazy river - round and round - I could go forever.

We decided to go in the afternoon and looked up the prices of the tickets: $16 a person. If we waited until 4pm they were half price: $8 a person. Afternoon it would have to be. We drove over just after 4pm and behold there was a line out the door - it was long . . . really long - and it wasn't moving - they were at capacity! What were we going to do? Well - it was time to take matters into my own hands. I drove to Meijer Thrifty Acres and bought myself a good ol' kiddie pool. Our next door neighbor Chuck hooked up his 150 psi air compressor and pumped that baby up!

We filled it up with the hose - and AHHHhhhh refreshment! All for the price of $23.99 plus water! What a deal - who needs the water park anyway?!

A Sweets Invasion

We have been experimenting with different sweeteners at my house. I am growing a plant called Stevia. It is an herb that has leaves that are 1000x sweeter than sugar. I am going to dry the leaves and crush them into powder. It's great for coffee, tea, and most beverages that require sugar. I am going to look for some recipes that use it too. Ohh - and it hardly has a calorie in it.

I also picked up some Blue Agave Sweetener from Trader Joes. MMMmmmm. It's a lot like honey but it doesn't cause a spike in a person's glycemic index. In other words, unlike other sweets, it doesn't make you more hungry.













the only problem is . . . well the recent ant invasion that I have had. Every day I am greeted by hundreds of tiny ants. I need new ant traps. Apparently they love Agave Nectar too.

Spending Time On the Cart!

Hi Everyone

Paul and I have been enjoying the summer and driving around Peachtree City with our cart. These are a few of the places we like to visit. Paul reads the paper and I paint or draw or knit. We usually take a pinic lunch and enjoy the ride. So here are some of my watercolors and pictures of sites.

Matthew 6:28 - 34

And why do you worry about clothes? Look at how the lilies in the field grow. They don't work or make clothes for themselves. But I tell you that even Solomon with his riches was not dressed as beautifully as one of these flowers. God clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today but tomorrow is thrown into the fire. So you can be even more sure that God will clothe you. Don't have so little faith! Don't worry and say, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear?' The people who don't know God keep trying to get these things, and your Father in heaven knows you need them. Seek first God's kingdom and what God wants. Then all your other needs will be met as well. So don't worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will have its own worries. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Alaina's first 4th

My parents, sister, and her boyfriend came to visit for the fourth of July.  We had a BBQ at my aunt's house and went to the Taste of Chicago.  Everyone had a great time spending time with Alaina- she looked adorable as usual.  

Happy Birthday Linda!

Happy Birthday to you - Happy Birthday to you - Happy Birthday dear Linda - Happy Birthday to you! I hope you have a wonderful day. I am so glad that God made you exactly the way He did! May your year be filled with unexpected joy - and experiences beyond your imagination!

Mom & Me Time

As you can see here, Emily Ann and Alaina have tons of fun together. Alaina loves to do her exercises everyday. Emily is a such a natural at taking care of Alaina. You can hear the joy in her voice!

So Young . . . Yet So Many Faces . . .

What are you lookin' at?
No, I simply will not!
Here, Here Matey!
and my favorite Bliss - Pure Bliss!

Welcome

Welcome to the World Alaina Marie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Pete and Emily what a beautiful and precious little girl you have. We are so glad to welcome her to the family. Congratulations from the U.P. We enjoy looking at the pictures of Alaina.

Love from Aunt Debbie and Uncle Pete

These are a few of my favorite things . . . by Alaina

5.  Smiling or Opening one eye at a time

4.  Giving Kisses (yes she really does give kisses)

3.  Sleeping

2.  Mom 'n Me Time

1.  Daddy's Snuggles

whisper sweet nothings to me. . .

Mother's Love

Beautiful Blossom

Welcome to this World Sweet Girl

Emily Ann and Alaina snuggle together. She feels so good right next to mom.

Alaina already recognizes her Daddy's voice.

Alaina is the first grandchild on both sides of the family.

Here she is meeting Nana Emily for the first time.

Here she is meeting Aunt Tracy (CC) for the first time too. She (tracy that is) is overjoyed.

Tomorrow she gets to meet Grandma and Grandpa Donnelson! She can't wait.

Emily did an amazing job - the nurse said that she was an incredible pusher. Pete encouraged Emily along the way. They are already great parents! Everyone is healthy and happy. (ps. Alaina was 8lbs14oz)

Just A Snipet of Alaina in Action!

Still Waiting . . .

But it should be soon. Emily Ann is feeling a lot better today since they have given her an epidural. She is resting right now - but the contractions are getting much stronger. It shouldn't be too much longer.

TN

She's Coming - She's Coming

Alaina has decided to make her debut early!

Emily is in the early stages of labor.

I'll try to keep you all updated.

Love, Tracy

School's Out

We are finally out of school! I finished up last Saturday with my end-of-year requirements and had a quick meeting yesterday morning. Tim checked out on Monday. (He has to go in all week, though, to finish up odds and ends.) It is so nice to be able to sleep in a little bit.

We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Alaina. I wonder when she is going to make her debut on this earth. I am guessing June 25th. When do you think?