We're having...! Christmas, Walking, and other asundry details

Hey guys!

I know, I know...it's been FOREVER since I've posted...but, I hope you'll forgive me when I tell you the news of what we're having. Here's a hint...Leah and I went to the consignment sale at the fairgrounds today, and I bought something that looked like this...


And a set of these, so that my twins can coordinate...



Yep...Josh is having twin sisters! I'd like to introduce you guys to our two beautiful baby girls: Kathleen Rene and Karissa Joy. We're THRILLED!

On another note, my little boy is walking, talking, and into EVERYTHING! Christmas was fun. Josh's favorite toys were the things that had wheels (there's a shocker :), and his books (just like his Mommy and Daddy).

Here's a few cute pics!


Out of my way people! I'm coming through! (That's my niece Katy beside him).



Why are you so impressed with twins people? I've already got one. She's my cousin Kaylin - we're only 3 weeks apart in age!



This is my cousin Katy. She's SO much fun! She has as much energy as I do! When she's around I laugh and laugh and play and play. We LOVE Katy! :)

Josh with his new push toy

Well...Josh has certainly gotten more independent - which I am thrilled about. The only bad thing is, he is now crawling over the entire house instead of sticking right with me. I don't miss the climbing all over my legs and being unable to move as I'm cooking, but having to drop the spoon and run to investigate what he's gotten himself into is not so fun. I was trying to get all the prep done during his nap - but I've been way too exhausted with the twins - so that's Mommy's nap time too :).

His other new thing is cruising everywhere - along the couch, the cabinets, the entertainment center...using the chairs as push toys. I can't tell you how many times I've been in the kitchen and I peek my head around the corner to check on him and my kitchen chairs are now in the middle of the living room :). The Lassetters were kind enough to let us borrow a push toy for my cruising boy. I think he's enjoying it...what do you think?

Josh May Not Have to Choose

Yesterday we went in for our first ultrasound. It was so exciting to get a chance to see Josh's sibling...or so we thought. We ended up with the surprise of our lives. We'd like to announce an extremely terrifying but exciting thing...In early May, or before, we will get to introduce you all to not one but TWO new Lytles. I must confess - when the doctor first said - are you ready? It's twins...I didn't even watch the ultrasound anymore - I was SO shocked. We have no twins in the family. So, we're the first! But, children are a blessing from the Lord - so we are doubly blessed.

For all those who were teasing about twins, we have every intention of calling in those offers of help. With three under 18 months, it will be a challenge, but a wonderful one. We are so excited, and feel so blessed that God would give us three children in such a short period of time.

Crawling, Moving, and House Readying

Whew! I can't believe it's been so long since I've done a post! These last few weeks have been insane! They started with a trip up to my mother-in-law's to help her pack. Leah and Georgia made the trip with us which was a HUGE blessing! The kids were able to entertain each other and we were able to get a lot done. And...Josh got tired of trying to keep up with Georgia doing his army crawl, and so he officially started to crawl! HOWEVER...that happened while we were away - so when I got home - YIKES! My house was not ready for a child that was that mobile!

Then followed several days of extreme nausea where I laid on the couch and tried not to move while Josh played. One day we even went over to Auntie Leah's so Josh could play with Georgia and Mommy could get a break. Then, we went up to help with the actual move. Josh got to stay with his Aunt Nay Nay, Uncle Eric, Katy, and Kaylin. He had a ball! They just played and played.

After the move, I've been working on getting the house cleaned out so that Josh can play in most rooms and getting the furniture out of the new baby's room that we don't use anymore. I have ENORMOUS bags of goodwill things that will be headed over there soon. So...I've been super, super busy...hopefully, things will slow down and I'll be able to post regularly again. Below are a couple of cute pictures.

The first one is proof of the crawler! And the second is Josh as the cowboy playing on his new horse from Aunt Nay Nay and Uncle Eric. Thanks guys!

" I Do EVERYTHING with Gusto!"

Josh was born with an opinion about everything. And the things he likes to do - he does with gusto! :) (Thank you to Uncle Nathan for this original statement after feeding our son waffles :)) There is definitely no gray areas for him. He either loves it or he hates it. He's either thrilled with life, or hating it. So, here's a few of the things he likes!

Bath Time!!! Yippeee!

How much water can I splash out of the tub?


I LOVE my bath!!!


And my duckie makes it all that much more fun!


Be dainty about eating - ME??? NEVER!!!! The ENTIRE pear goes into my mouth Mom and Dad - I'll sort it out later! How much can I cram in there...maybe a little more - come on!


Guys - where's some more?


Check me out! Up on the tub - over to the chair, back on the floor, up on the tub, back to the chair, and I'm gone again! Let's MOVE!

Friends, Neighbors, and Visitors from out of Town

Matt and I are so blessed by the friends and family that we have. Yesterday was so precious to us with all of the congratulations that were offered. It was a perfect day :). I just want to list out for you so you can rejoice with us at the greatness of friends.

First, we talked to our wonderful family who were thrilled with our news...and then, lo and behold (after a phone call) there was a knock at my door, and Leah came over to congratulate us in person. By the way, she and Georgia also cast their vote for a girl for the new Lytle baby. So, we'll see if God took her vote into consideration :). Then, after that, Lauren from our small group called to congratulate me and went shopping for meals with me for Matt while I'm gone next week. Then, she took Josh so that Matt and I could celebrate our new addition. There's nothing better than church family. Thank you SO much Lauren it was WONDERFUL!

Then, I got to talk to Kelly and Mary Kathryn from my small group and rejoice with them, and then, I got to talk to my friend Jen and revel in the impending arrival of their little one Connor and celebrate our new addition as well. Then, the evening was rounded off with a wonderful visit from Stephanie (also in our small group) for a great night of just spending time together.

I am constantly amazed by how blessed we are with our friends and family. I am also so thankful for our small group - what would we do without you guys??? Anyway, I'm just overwhelmed and excited about all the upcoming things that our life will hold.

Today was also a phenomenal day. I've been trying to build a relationship with our neighbors without much success. But this morning I went for a walk at just the right time and was able to spend over an hour with Laura and Isaac. Isaac is three and Josh just thinks he's amazing because he can walk, run, and do all the things Josh can't :). Then, I got to spend about 15 minutes talking to Patil and Om, two of our other next door neighbors. This was a major breakthrough because I've tried talking to Patil's wife, but she does not speak English, so it's only gone so far. But, Patil is thrilled that he can actually understand me (it helps to know how to speak English to someone when it's their second language (thank you for 2 1/2 years overseas!)). So, he's all excited because he hadn't tried to talk to us because he figured that he wouldn't be able to understand us, like the rest of the fast-talking Americans! So, that's a MAJOR breakthrough there!

Then, my best friend since 3rd grade came over with her son. They live near Charlotte, so it was wonderful to see them. I had the most wonderful time with her. So relaxing and fabulous. It was so great to catch up. So...all of this to say - our lives right now couldn't be better, and I just had to share the blessings of the Lord with you all. Praise the Lord. He is good!

Josh needs your help making a decision

So, Mommy and Daddy told me that I was going to get a new toy...but, I had to pick which one I wanted. I can't make up my mind. Would you help me? This is WAY TOO IMPORTANT A DECISION to make alone! Help please!!!


Here are my two options...


Mommy and Daddy say that if I get this one, I'll get to be her protector. What do you think? It makes me feel like a man!



But...this one will play with bugs with me, defend the fort, etc.

Hmm...How am I ever going to decide???


Why can't I have BOTH Mommy and Daddy???!!!! You're SO cruel! I want BOTH! And 9 months??? Are you kidding me???

Note from Karen...just in case you missed it :) - We'll be expecting the arrival of another little Lytle around the end of May. Yikes!