the next best thing

As you know we live in a small town. We love most things about living in a small town - no traffic, the laid-back lifestyle, and community. But there is one thing we miss about living in the city: STARBUCKS! There's just something about a $4 cup of coffee and the cozy atmosphere that is appealing to us. (My mother-in-law's idea of "going to get coffee" is going to the grocery store and buying a can of Folgers!)

But...some relief has come. McDonald's has introduced their new iced coffee drinks. They come in hazelnut, vanilla, caramel, and regular. I had a coupon so I thought I'd try it. I opted for vanilla. Surprisingly, I was impressed. It was great! And it was a fraction of the price of my dear Starbucks version. So, I have found a substitute that I can enjoy instead of driving 20 miles to get the real thing. Now don't get me wrong, this is NOT a replacement. Starbucks will always be nearest to my heart!

Random Ramblings

A little update on our little family:

Judd is out with the boys tonight for "Guys Night." The guys from our small group went to Alamo Drafthouse for dinner and a manly movie. The wives and kids went to Whataburger for dinner then came to our house so the girls could chat and the kids could play. We are both enjoying the friendships that we've formed with these young couples.

I went to the doctor today and baby Campbell is doing well. I am officially in the third trimester so the countdown to May is on! I am now seeing the doctor every two weeks - time is flying. Yesterday I raised the crib mattress and put on the new bedding. I began thinking to myself that the mattress was really high and hoped that Bailey wouldn't bother the baby. About that time the phone rang so I left the room. When I returned I could hear Bailey laughing and screaming in delight. She was IN the crib! Yep, she climbed right in! I called my mother and told her I would need a crib tent to keep Bailey out!

Bailey has started calling me by my full name. When I got home from the doctor this morning I went straight to the bathroom and I could hear Bailey walking all over the house saying, "Where's Jennifer Cochran?" She's called me Jennifer constantly while I constantly remind her that my name is MOMMA! She is also aware of her own name. I called her Bay-Bay yesterday (which is a nickname we've used since she was tiny) and she corrected me saying, "I'm Bailey Cochran!" (It's actually more like Baywee Cochran.)

Judd and I have been spending Thursday nights glued to the television watching LOST! I have to admit that I'm not a very deep thinker and don't get a lot of the symbolism of the show, but I still love it! I rely on the theories of others to get my mind going so if you're a fellow "Lostie" let us know what you think.

Happy Valentine's Day

from our sweet thing!

Weekend Away, Etc.

This weekend I got to go to San Antonio for the National Women of Faith Conference. I went with 9 other women from my church (ages 80-something to 26 - yes, I was the youngest) and we had a great time! I'm always encouraged by the speaker team and special guests.

While in SA I got to visit my old school and eat dinner with my former teammates. It was so great to see them again. Three out of four of us are expecting and all of our baby's names start with the letter "C." Crazy! I love those girls!

On another note, I am going to Beth Moore's Bible Study in Houston on Tuesday nights with 6 other women. (No videos people - we get to see Beth live and in person every week!) We are doing Breaking Free and it has been AMAZING! The premise of the study is that Jesus came to set the captives free. God has been teaching me so much about myself and His character through this study...it's so exciting!

Lastly, Bailey is talking more and more every day. Today she said, "Oh my goodness" over and over! It was too cute! She also points to my belly and says "Campbell's in there." She is Miss Independent and wants to do everything herself. She will undo something we have done for her and then redo it herself while saying, "I do it." We are reminded every day that our baby girl is growing up.