We're Back! And Our Family Is Expanding!

So back in 2008, soon after we got married, I thought it would be a nice idea to start a blog to document the fun and exciting times in our new little family. I got about as far as blogging and posting pictures about our wedding, and then the addition of our first child, Ike the Cairn Terrier, before neglecting my blog for a long, long time....well, until now. I suppose I realized that we keep in touch regularly with anyone who might care about our travels (of which there have been A LOT in the past three years), new jobs and professional milestones (especially those of my rock star architect husband), our new puppy (Omar Bradley the Cairn Terrier), and our new home in Alexandria. I realized that those things would seem boring to anyone else, and I felt a bit self-absorbed writing about the fabulous times of Aaron and Meredith West, and our brilliant and adorable pups, of course!

But now ... now we are having a baby! And everyone loves babies, right?? What mother doesn't want to show off her baby to anyone who will pay attention?? That's what mothers do, and so gosh darn it, get ready to follow the life of our precious baby boy, due May 1st! While I can't figure out how to upload ultrasound pictures, I can post some photos of his nursery, which you'll have to admit is about the cutest nursery ever. Thanks to Baby West's Granddad, Willie West, for this wonderful gift to his first grandchild!

Granddad working on the nursery:


The finished masterpiece:














Artwork by the fabulous and talented Carey Sullivan:






I PROMISE that the baby won't be starting kindergarten by the time I post again. After all, I have 18 days and 2 hours before this kid is due (but who's counting??), and while I've loved being pregnant and growing this little miracle inside of me, I'm ready to have my body back and most importantly, we're ready to meet this little guy, who has already stolen our hearts. I suspect the days between now and his arrival will crawl by, given our excitement and nervous anticipation, so hopefully I'll get some more blogging in between now and then, perhaps with some baby bump pictures and some screen time for our two older canine sons, Ike and Bradley West, before their little brother TOTALLY takes over!

There's a new Sheriff in town!

Precious, the neighborhood cat, comes to visit us often, either by sneaking in when you open the door or jumping in through an open window. We have treats for her and have always been happy to let her come say hi. Well Ike has made it clear that he's the boss around here now, and Precious better go somewhere else for treats and petting. They have had several stare-downs outside, but on Sunday, they had run-in at our window when Precious tried to come visit....

I Like Ike!

Aaron and I are really enjoying our new puppy, Ike. He has such a funny little personality and makes us laugh! The other night, he came walking down the hall with a roll of toilet paper in his mouth. He seemed to be saying, "Don't mind me, I'm just going to go over here to the dining room and take care of business.... chewing business." We were laughing hysterically and couldn't stop him. His face is just so expressive. I'm sure we'll come to regret not scolding him for chewing on something other than his toys, but it sure was funny!



Here are some other cute pictures of Ike with his Daddy. They have become big buddies already!

Ike's First Week as a member of the West Family

Ike is adjusting really well to his new home, and already has us wrapped around his little paw. He had never walked on a leash before we brought him home, but he's a pro already! And potty training is going well - still no accidents in the house (KNOCK ON WOOD). Our little guy is definitely the cutest, smartest, more wonderful puppy ever!! He slept through the night last night (snuggled right up against Aaron) without having to go out to go to the bathroom until about 6:30 this moring. Ike is responding to his name and being a very good boy - well, except for chewing through Daddy's computer power cord, but he apologized when Aaron got home! Oops! Here are some more pictures:

New Addition to the Family

Aaron and I welcomed home a new addition to our family last night, a healthy and happy baby boy named Douglas Dwight "Ike" West. He was born on June 6, 2008 - the 64th anniversary of D-Day, hence the name "Ike." Our little boy weighs 8 pounds, 2 ounces and has black hair. Mom and Dad only had to get up once last night for him to go to the bathroom. He's precious and full of energy, as puppies tend to be. And he can't wait to meet all of our family and friends!

Bridal Shower - April 19, 2008

My dear friends Carey Sullivan and Tracy Garrett threw me a bridal shower on Saturday, April 19, 2008. The shower was at Carey's beautiful home on Davis Avenue in Alexandria, Virginia. My mom flew in from Louisiana and Aunt Missy flew in from Texas for the occasion. Aaron's mom and lots of good friends attended this lovely party. Carey and Tracy did a great job and I enjoyed the shower so much!

Pre-Wedding Activities - May 1, 2008

Here are some great pictures of Aaron getting deputized by Sheriff Ken Bailey and Judge Clason, getting our marriage license, picking up Sarah and Carey at the airport, and hanging out at Tall Timbers Lodge. The fun started early and continued for days!