19 weeks - Baby #2

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along : 19 weeks

Size of Baby :  ~6" (still using crown to rump) & 8 oz

Total Weight Gain : ~ 8 lbs

Maternity Clothes :  I'm starting to wear over-the-belly pants, tho my belly still isn't the greatest at holding them up. I often use a Bella band to help, but honestly I spend all day pulling my pants up :)

Best Moment This Week :  Of course seeing our healthy, growing SweetPea was the real highlight, but there was another high point to my week. I was in BodyPump doing endless lunges (after already completing countless squats earlier in the routine with more weight on my bar than usual) and feeling slightly discouraged that I still can't do lunges with any weight and make it thru them all. Then suddenly it dawned on me that 3-4 months ago I couldn't do ONE lunge without hurting my knees b/c I lacked the strength for proper form. This week I did almost every single one. I may not look impressive compared to others taking the class, but compared to myself (the only one that really matters) I've come a long way in a relatively short amount of time. I am significantly stronger than I was even at the beginning of this pregnancy. THAT is an accomplishment to be proud of!

Gender : It's a BOY!

Movement : Still just moments of flutter here and there. This has been a source of stress for me early in the week, trying not to let a lack of perceptible movement convince me something was wrong. Of course, a healthy ultrasound and lots of moving while we watched confirmed that there's no need for worry. 

Food Craving : Still crunchy. I even bought crunchy peanut butter!! Way outside my norm. Of course I'd love some chocolate and ice cream (or chocolate ice cream), but these will wait till Easter.  

What I Miss Most : Not feeling completely wiped every day. I take a nap most days, and can hardly keep my eyes open at bedtime. I'll find out from labs at my next appt if I should start taking iron, which may help. 

Sleep : I wake at least once a night, often with sore hips/shoulders, and occasionally have to pee.  I'm trying to drink most of my water during the day so I can make it thru the night w/o getting up. I was been sleeping in a modified runners pose, tilted toward my stomach with the little pillow at my chest or a foam pillow between my legs & against my belly to keep me from rolling too far onto my front. I kept forgetting to bring up the body pillow from the basement till crawling exhausted into bed at night, but one night I just made the trek down there at bedtime anyway. So now I sleep nestled into my little "nest", feeling snuggled all night long. 

What I Am Looking Forward To : Being able to feel strong movement & the peace of mind it brings. 

Belly Button : same. I can see now how it MIGHT pop out later. We'll see :)

Symptoms : I've been surprised by some serious leg cramps when I'm lying slightly curled up. I've also experienced more nausea this week than I'd expect. I thought I was past it, but it made a recurrence this week. Fortunately I still have some vitamin B on hand. Otherwise it's the usual : reflux (this one better come with hair too!), aches (esp in my lower back and round ligaments), exhaustion, etc. 

Compared to last time : Pretty similar, but more nausea still. No pics from 19 wks with Ash, so here's my pic from this weekend. 

18 weeks - Baby #2

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along : 18 weeks

Size of Baby :  ~5.5"  7oz

Total Weight Gain : ~ 7 lbs

Maternity Clothes :  I feel like I've gone through another growth spurt and only a few of my non-maternity tops are fitting over my big belly. I'm in that frustrating no-man's land where the under-belly pants dig in too much, but I don't have quite enough belly to hold up the over-belly pants. When I threatened to start wearing exclusively sweat pants, Josh looked horrified ;-) But it's fun to truly look pregnant now.  

Best Moment This Week :  Thursday Ash was looking forward to Jack coming to our house. He called him a friend, and said he wanted to play with him. When he finally came, Ash ran to give him a hug. This is a huge step for my little introvert, and made my momma heart smile to know he's building his first friendship. 

Gender : hopefully we'll find out at our ultrasound NEXT WEEK!

Movement : Still mostly the quickening at night, with just a couple noticeable movements during the day too. I can't wait to SEE the movements next week. 

Food Craving : Crunchy!! Apples, baby carrots, nuts, kettle chips...it's more about the texture than the flavor, though mostly salty. Even sprinkled salt on my apple slices. 

What I Miss Most : knowing what clothes will fit me at this stage without trying on three different shirts before finding one that flatters. 

Sleep : I wake at least once a night, often with sore hips/shouldersu, and occasionally have to pee.  I'm trying to drink most of my water during the day so I can make it thru the night w/o getting up. I have been sleeping in a modified runners pose, tilted toward my stomach with the little pillow at my chest to keep my from rolling too far onto my belly. I think it might be time for the body pillow. 

What I Am Looking Forward To : I'm SO excited about our ultrasound this week. I can't wait to see Sweet Pea again and probably find out what color paint & fabric to start looking for. 

Belly Button : same

Symptoms : I've hardly taken any B6, so I'm thinking the nausea is finally fading into the past. Though I usually feel a little sick after eating anything more than a small snack. It's counter productive b/c I often feel so hungry I want to eat a horse, but I get a few bites in and start to fill up! Then of course the usual - reflux, exhaustion, more easily winded, etc. I'm beginning to experience some mild back pain occasionally. And fairly regular occurrences of ligament aches. 

Compared to last time : seems pretty much just like where I was at 18 wks with Ash. I can't really complain since I had a great pregnancy with him except the reflux, which I've learned to manage.

17 weeks - Baby #2

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along : 17 weeks

Size of Baby :  ~5" 5oz

Total Weight Gain : ~6.5 lbs

Maternity Clothes :  Mostly maternity.  I've finally hit the point where a few strangers aren't afraid to ask how far along I am, the universal sign I've transitioned from ambiguous weight gain to preggo belly. :)  It really does seem to have popped this week.

Best Moment This Week :  Surviving my incredibly busy Tuesday and my first week of work this week was a big deal for me.  But the most enjoyable moments were probably when Ash begged me to lie down with him at nap time.  I usually doze off before he does, but it's just fun to have my busy boy ask for some snuggles.

Gender : hopefully we'll find out at our ultrasound in 1.5 weeks! Every time I think about it, time seems to slow down a little more. 

Movement : still just the quickening at night when I lie in bed.  I have felt occasional little flutters at brief moments during the day when I'm sitting a certain way or lying still.

Food Craving : Giving up treats for Lent has made me want them all the more.  Especially at like 3pm. 

What I Miss Most : feeling healthy.

Sleep : I wake at least once a night, often with sore hips, and sometimes have to pee.  I'm generally sleeping with a pillow between my knees.  Still vivid dreams; I think these will last throughout.

What I Am Looking Forward To : I'm holding my breath in anticipation of our ultrasound in a couple weeks.  I'm also starting to get excited about having the family come visit after the baby comes.  My parents booked their tickets this week, and Shelia and I are pinning down the dates for her visit. 

Belly Button : normal has been my go-to answer, but I realized that this is not completely true.  Since my belly started to expand, I've been noticing a divot above my belly button, like something got stretched out funny last time and never fully recovered.  I even took a picture, b/c it's hard to describe.

Symptoms : My ligaments are feeling the pull.  I have a general ache on a regular basis, and then the sharp pinch when I move to fast or cough/sneeze/laugh without warning.  I'm having to eat smaller portions b/c my stomach doesn't have enough room.  Nausea still comes and goes, but I'm only taking the B6 as needed now instead of regularly 3 x's a day.  Reflux is mostly managed with my two Zantac, plus a few Tums if I eat an offending food. And I have to be careful when I exercise b/c I get winded and light-headed.  Even doing the low-intensity options, my heart rate peaks, and it takes me a long time to recover afterward. 

Compared to last time : reading back through my post from 17 wks last time, things seem to be pretty much the same. I'm so glad I did these posts, b/c my memory is so poor, I'll swear it's way worse/different until I go back and read it and realize how similar it was last time.  It's just not so new and fascinating as the first time, but still exciting.  I really can't hardly stand the wait till our ultrasound!! :)

16 weeks - Baby #2

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along : 16 weeks

Size of Baby :  ~4.5" 3.5oz

Total Weight Gain : ~6.5 lbs

Maternity Clothes :   I've been wearing maternity pants exclusively for a couple weeks now. A few of my tops are still fitting for a few more weeks, but the majority are maternity.  The black shirt I'm wearing in the photo for this week is one of the few non-maternity I still have in my closet.  I also had to borrow a hoodie from my sister b/c mine wouldn't zip comfortably anymore.  I only wear it to the gym, but don't have any looser.  Thanks, Lindsey!

Best Moment This Week :  It was definitely NOT getting Josh's cold!  I guess I'd have to say I'm thrilled to be employed again.  I've taken on a little boy just a month younger than Ash who is at least as verbal as he is.  Two little talkers in my life now.  It's only my first day, but already I love him.  He's so laid back and fun.

Gender : hopefully we'll find out at our ultrasound in 2.5 weeks!

Movement : at night as I lay quietly (and attentively) in bed, I can feel the first flutters and pops they call quickening.  During the day I haven't really noticed; it's definitely something I have to concentrate on to feel.  I can't wait till the movements get big and fun.  I can't wait to share the movements with Ash once they get that big.

Food Craving : Having yet another cold on top of the pregnancy symptoms, I've been craving comfort foods... which primarily seem to be cheese related.  Pizza, mac-n-cheese, quesadillas, etc.

What I Miss Most : not feeling like I look fat.  And being healthy.  My 4th illness in 3 months is getting on my nerves.  I'm never this sick this often.

Sleep : I wake at least once a night, often with sore hips, and sometimes have to pee.  I'm generally sleeping with a pillow between my knees.  Still vivid dreams; I think these will last throughout.

What I Am Looking Forward To : I'm holding my breath in anticipation of our ultrasound in a couple weeks.

Belly Button : normal

Symptoms : I'm still struggling with nausea.  I did end up going back for a new box of B6 lozenges.  Hopefully this is my last box.  As long as I don't drink coffee or eat too much chocolate or tomato based, it seems that two zantac a day are plenty.  Though the mornings I forget it and head to the gym, I definitely regret it.

Compared to last time : Looking at the pictures, I'm generally bigger than I was before, but I've still gained less weight than I had at this point last time.  I'm trying hard to keep my gain lower this time, since I started this pregnancy heavier.  Of course, that's been a little hard since I've been sick and craving so much junk, but I'm working hard to rectify this, and giving up treats again for Lent.  I have been sick more often this pregnancy, on my fourth illness in three months, possibly in correlation with the junk I've been eating?  I also seem to be fighting nausea just a little longer than last time; I had been off the B6 for a couple weeks by now with Ash.  I can't recall if I struggled this early with stomach size, but I'm already having to eat smaller portions at mealtime.  My stomach is losing its real estate! :)

14 weeks - Baby #2

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along : 14 weeks

Size of Baby :  ~3.5" 1.5oz

Total Weight Gain : ~3 lbs

Maternity Clothes :   I've been wearing maternity pants exclusively for a couple weeks now. A few of my tops are still fitting for a few more weeks, but the majority are maternity.

Best Moment This Week :  Touch A Truck was fun for Ash, and the first time someone assumed I was pregnant.  (The shirt I was wearing probably helped)  We also had a blast celebrating Elijah's 5th birthday with free breakfast at Chick-fil-A with Lindsey & gang.  I've also really been enjoying the gym this week; I think the increase in energy is helping, and I can feel myself getting stronger with consistency.  YAY!

Gender : hopefully we'll find out in March - only 4.5 weeks away!  (somehow we got in earlier than 20 wks; I'm not complaining)

Movement : not yet

Food Craving : I haven't really had any lasting cravings. From moment to moment, day to day, certain things sound good or not, but there's no one thing I've craved above others.  This is still mostly true, but I have had a random craving for "Italian" - spaghetti, lasagna, ravioli, even pizza.  Apparently cheese and tomato sauce are awesome :)  Also, there are still times when something sounds distinctly disgusting, even if it sounded good yesterday.

What I Miss Most : not feeling like I look fat.  I'm starting to push my belly out when I'm in public so I look a little more pregnant and a little less poochy.

Sleep : I wake usually once a night, sometimes have to pee.  I'm generally sleeping with a pillow between my knees.  I had one morning where I woke up with serious hip pain this week.  Also, since I got pregnant (right away!) I started having very vivid dreams.  They are often random and switch gears quickly multiple times a night, but there's a stark difference in pregnancy dreams from non-pregnant ones.

What I Am Looking Forward To : today is Valentine's, and I'm looking forward to an evening with my sweetie.  And next week I have a twice-postponed (due to illness) mommy-date with Melissa.  YAY

Belly Button : normal

Symptoms : The nausea depends on the day.  I just finished off the last of my latest box of B6, so I'm going to see if I can survive without them now or if I have to run to the pharmacy for another box.  The reflux has picked up enough that I'm just taking Zantac twice a day as a habit.  It's even worse on days when I have coffee or chocolate or that tomato-sauce I've been craving.  I am starting to feel the 2nd trimester hunger occasionally.  And I've also been struggling a lot lately with circulation issues - feeling lightheaded, especially upon standing, and even sometimes winded.  I've had some issues with allergies this week too, specifically my right eye itching and getting irritated; random!

Compared to last time : I still have gained less weight so far (less than half), but look much bigger still.  At this point last time I was still having to take the B6 3x's a day, so we'll see how being off goes this week.  And apparently I have no photos between 13-16 wks from last time, so you'll just have to settle for a picture of me now, compared to a picture of me pushing my belly out like I do in public :-D  Thought you could use a little laugh.  Happy Valentine's Day!!

13 weeks - Baby #2

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along : 13 weeks

Size of Baby :  ~3" 

Total Weight Gain : ~3 lbs

Maternity Clothes :   I've been wearing maternity pants exclusively for a couple weeks now. A few of my tops are still fitting for a few more weeks, but the majority are maternity.

Best Moment This Week :  I got a couple incredible compliments at the gym this week. I feel like I look possibly the worst/heaviest I ever have. 10 lbs of extra weight plus the early ambiguous stage of pregnancy has done a number on my self image. In the locker room as I was getting dressed an older woman said, "you have the perfect figure! How do you do it?" Hah! Cracked me up and left me flustered, but put a little bounce in my step. :) Then the instructor from one of my favorite exercise classes noticed me making modifications and asked if I had some news. When I told her I was heading into 2nd trimester, she asked if this was my first baby. I said I have one, and she looked at my belly and said "you'd never know! You look great!"  Thanks, Eve. :)

Gender : we'll find out in March

Movement : not yet

Food Craving : I haven't really had any lasting cravings. From moment to moment, day to day, certain things sound good or not, but there's no one thing I've craved above others.

What I Miss Most : energy. Not worrying about feeling nauseous or reflux.

Sleep : I wake at least once a night, sometimes have to pee. Sometimes I have trouble getting back to sleep. I've already started sleeping with a pillow between my knees.

What I Am Looking Forward To : tomorrow we're taking Ash to Touch a Truck. He's gonna love it, and I'm so excited to enjoy that. Also, I can't wait for our ultrasound in March!

Belly Button : normal

Symptoms : at least half my days still include some nausea. The reflux is picking up; I have to take two Zantacs a lot of days. I'm starting to feel hungry more often too.

Compared to last time : I have gained less weight so far, but look much bigger already. I am having about the same amount and intensity of nausea as before.

First Trimester - Baby #2

I've been wanting to get these things written down before life gets too busy and I forget the details.  Pardon if the details are too personal; I tend to overshare :)

I had my IUD removed at the end of June.  After a few cycles of tracking everything and not getting pregnant, I needed to remove myself a little from the process.  Not tracking my basal body temperature (BBT) means I don't know exactly where I am in my cycle, which helps remove the illusion of control.  And not having to take my temperature before I got up meant I wasn't forced to think about the fertility process first thing every morning, which was a relief for a while.  So on Thurs, Dec 5th I was 26 days into my cycle.  Even if I ovulated a couple days "early" (as I suspected, but w/o BBT so can't be sure), it was still early to be taking a pregnancy test.  But I just felt off.  I was lightheaded and easily winded.  I was tired and peeing a lot and just OFF.  I decided to take a pregnancy test that afternoon against all logic.  Especially if testing early, you should use your first trip to the bathroom in the morning to get the most concentrated dose of hormones.  False negatives are more common later in the day.  But after I put Ash down for his nap, I went to my bathroom and followed the instructions.  I set the closed test on the counter, looked away for a second to start the timer on my phone, glanced back at the test and it ALREADY read positive.  I sat in shock for a while, trying to let it sink in.  Obviously my hormones were strong if I got such a clear reading so quickly in the afternoon, which would account for how I was already feeling.  But WOW, I was NOT expecting a positive that afternoon.

Josh was expecting his PS4 bundle to come UPS that day, so I took a picture and made a cute little note I was going to slip into the box before he got home.  Unfortunately, UPS didn't come till like 6pm, so I had to just hand him the note when he got his package.  He was excited and hugged me, which is always an encouraging way for your husband to react to the news.

The first trimester so far has been rough.  Part of it is the typical exhaustion and nausea.  I've had two incidents where I puked.  The first was when I was still early (maybe 5 wks?) and wasn't in the habit of eating all day every day.  I felt the nausea build till I realized I wasn't going to be able to avoid it.  Miserable, but at least I felt better once it was over.  The second time came a few weeks later when I choked on some crackers, and the ensuing coughing fit led to a gag which turned into a full puke.  But otherwise I've been able to keep from puking by eating often, taking vitamin B, and eating often.  Haha, yes, I feel like all I do is eat :)  But what REALLY made this trimester rough was being sick.  First was one of those "colds" that's brought on by being too busy and not getting enough rest.  I was able to sleep that one off and avoid getting really sick.  But then Lindsey & kids brought us the flu for Christmas, and all three of us ended up with it, but I came down with it first.  I got sick between Cmas and New Years, when all the dr's offices are closed and just had to deal with it till day 5.  With the VERY few options for relieving symptoms that are left to a 1st trimester pregnant woman.  We went to the dr after New Years and tested positive for the flu (we forgot to ask, but we're pretty sure it was H1N1!), so the dr gave us tamiflu.  Which maybe have helped, though you're supposed to start taking it in the first 48 hrs... plus it made me nauseous, so I dreaded it every day.  In the end, I was probably sickly for about 2 weeks, with a VERY slow recovery time.  Then just when we were finally over the flu and coughing was an occasional event, all three of us got hit with a cold on the same day.  So we spent a weekend home together on the couch, miserable.  Again, taking just the minimum of medications to get through.  So, yes, I've been extremely tired and mildly nauseous almost every day, but it's all from a totally different perspective after experiencing the true misery of that flu.

Now that I'm caught up on the details, now that I'm public on FB and everywhere else, now that I'm heading into the 2nd trimester, I'll TRY to start doing weekly updates like I did with Ash.  It's been particularly fun to go back and read them to compare, and looking at pictures of my bump from the first time.  I started this pregnancy about 10 lbs heavier, and it's my second child - so I've definitely experienced the "showing earlier" phenomenon.  Of course, I still don't look pregnant enough for strangers to ask about it, but enough that none of my clothes fit and no one doubts me when I tell them I am and they make that furtive glance to see how I look.  But I'm definitely looking forward to the time when I look definitively pregnant, which I guess everyone thinks when they go through this stage.  I'm also looking forward to the boost in energy and passing of the nausea that should be coming soon.  Thanks for traveling this journey with me, and I hope you enjoy the updates :)

Ash's birthday party

Mom invited our small group, Aunt Lindsey, and Uncle Mark & Aunt Melissa to my birthday party. A couple of the families in our small group couldn't make it, but we all thought the size was perfect in the end with the friends that were able to make it. Mommy didn't get a chance to take pictures of all the kids playing outside, but the new sandbox was a hit with everyone! We served a finger food lunch with a veggie tray, a cheese & cracker tray, fruit salad and Chick-fil-a nuggets. We had a Disney Cars theme, with decorations and coloring pages and a cake from the grocery store bakery - yum! I got lots of awesome presents and had a ton of fun playing with my friends, and then crashed hard when everyone left. It was a complete success, and the best part was having people who love us come hang out for a couple hours to celebrate. Photo credit on this one goes to Aunt Lindsey, who took pictures so mommy could play hostess and mom for the day.  (For more pics, check out the album on FB)

We all loved the cool birthday card from Mrs Rachael

All my friends gathered around

Putting quarters in my new piggy bank from Lola & Papa

These are my fancy party clothes

 

The big cake (I got my own personal giant cupcake)

The candle blowing sequence.  Looking, puffing, smoke rising.

The cake demolishing - or should we say frosting demolishing since that was mostly all I ate

Ash - 24 months

Two years old!!

 My apologies on skipping my 23 mo post, and on being so late with the 24 mo post.  As you may know, it's been a busy, crazy couple of months in our house.  First there was Thanksgiving week with Lola & Papa.  Then was the two weeks where mommy was watching two kids (plus me), while fighting off being sick.  Then Nanoo, PopPop, and Uncle John came to visit for a couple weeks.  After Christmas we caught the flu, so we all started 2014 sick as dogs.  Then we were healthy for a week, just in time for my birthday party.  The weekend after my birthday we all came down with the cold.  On top of ALL this, mommy is pregnant; I'm still not clear on what this means, except she complains about feeling sick and being tired a LOT.  Needless to say, it took a long time to get her to sit down and upload photos & type my post for me.  Thanks for your patience!

Chicken noodle soup during the flu

Size:  I'm wearing all 18-24 mo clothes now.  12 mo pants still fit my waist, but my legs are way too long for them.  At my 24 mo appointment, I weighed 23 lbs (3%) and measured 34" (39%).  I'll be 3' tall soon!

Eating oats on a breakfast date with mommy

Physical development:  I've gotten pretty good at going up and down the stairs by myself, so mommy & daddy don't even supervise anymore.  I can climb up on the furniture by myself.  I'm starting to jog a little.  My fine motor skills are still exceptional.  I can use my spoon to pick the raisins out of my oats and I love doing puzzles and playing with toys.  For Christmas, Nanoo & PopPop got me a sandbox, so when the weather allows I love playing outside in the sand. 

My new sandbox

Verbal development:  I'm talking up a storm, of course.  I'm getting better every day at expressing myself and what I want or don't want.  I'm getting pretty good at phrasing very specific requests.  I'm starting to make up stories about my toys.  Of course, my sense of humor is developing nicely as well.  I had a blast with uncle John when he was here b/c he loves to teach me new things.  He taught me all the parts of an airplane and a truck, he showed me his ukelele and played songs for me, and he even let me load his hands full of sand at the park playing construction vehicles. 

Lola & Papa got me a cool new hat like daddy's

Routines: Since the flu, mommy has been trying to make sure to get to the gym at least 3x's/wk, so I've been spending M/W/F at the gym with the kids.  I moved up to the bigger kids, so I get to rotate rooms every 30 min.  At first I had a hard time with the new setup, but I'm starting to adjust.  I love playing with the trucks in the free-play room, and I've enjoyed being in the big gym too.  One day we played with basketballs, another day we had hoops, and this week we got to bounce in the bounce house like Tigger.

Playing in the snow

Also, Ryker's mommy got a job in Boulder, so we don't get to see him anymore.  And we watched a baby named Rayden for a couple weeks, but over the holidays his parents split up and he hasn't come back to us while they figure out who is going to take care of him.  So mommy took a job watching the kids for MOPS twice a month; between church with the family and mommy's volunteering on every other Sunday, plus MOPS - I've been spending lots of time at church.  It's a little hard for me to be there for so long on Tuesdays for MOPS (8:30-12:00 is a loooong time for a 2 yr old), and since it's only a couple times a month it's harder to adjust.  But it's good for mommy to have a little work while she's waiting for a nanny job to work out.

My fancy new clothes from Lola

 Special events: Obviously this two month period was full of most of the big events for the year - Thanksgiving and a visit from Lola & Papa, Christmas and a visit from Nanoo & PopPop and Uncle John, and my birthday.  It's been a lot of fun and a LOT of presents.  I've really enjoyed it.

Elijah & PopPop helping Isaiah open his presents on Cmas morning

My favorites: I love all the new toys I've gotten.  Whichever toy is the newest present is usually my favorite at the moment.

This dump truck was from Lola & Papa

Daddy's favorites: Daddy has enjoyed getting his voice back so we can go back to our nightly routine of reading stories before bed.  He stopped singing songs, and added an extra story or two to the routine.

Elijah opening presents and Uncle John in the background

Mommy's favorites:  Mommy's favorite joke this month was when I was eating a veggie mix and said "eh-da-MOM-eh" while pointing at her for the "mom" part.  I'm a funny kid :)

Opening my new Otis Christmas book

Upcoming: We've got no visitors planned in the next few months, so it'll just be hanging out at home, the gym, and church mostly.  But now that I'm two, I may not get around to posting every month.  Don't worry if you don't hear from me so often; I'm just busy having fun!

Mommy lit candles on a cupcake on my birthday so I could practice for the party

Ash - 22 months

Reading to Superbear :)

Finding Goldbug in Cars & Trucks & Things That Go

Physical development:  I've gotten quite good at climbing up on the furniture and usually don't need any help getting up anymore (unless I'm particularly tired).  I've been spending a lot of my time the past few weeks playing outside with my construction toys.  I'll spend 30+ minutes outside by myself just focused on digging and scooping and dumping the dirt.  Mommy says she wants to get me a sandbox to dig in instead of the spots where the grass isn't growing.  Unfortunately the time change means that the sun goes down earlier, so it gets pretty cold in the evenings, but I still want to go out and play.

Playing in the dirt till my hands turned red from the cold

Verbal development:  I continue to excel at expressing myself.  Right now I'm loving reading Richard Scarry's Cars & Trucks & Things That Go every day.  We just checked it out from the library, but I heard daddy telling mommy we should probably buy it b/c I can spend an hour a day looking at it.  I love to find Goldbug on each page and name all the vehicles I see.  I've started singing songs, especially the ones I hear every day as part of my bedtime routine.  The other day I sang "You Are My Sunshine" and "Itsy Bitsy Spider" and "Baa Baa Black Sheep" for mommy in the car.  I'm also developing strong opinions about things.  I picked out a very cute hat when we went shopping for cold-weather gear, don't you think?

After we finally got hat and gloves so I won't freeze when I play outside

Other developments:   I've also started to get really affectionate.  I like to initiate snuggles and hugs and kisses every day, and mommy & daddy are loving it!

Playing outside with Ryker

Routines:   I don't remember if I told you about climbing out of my crib or not, but this month we've spent a lot of time getting me settled and used to my "toddler bed" with the rail off the front.  I have new Cars2 sheets and a dump truck blanket that has to be snuggled with me in bed too.  Mommy & daddy are patiently teaching me to stay in bed when it's time to sleep and even helping me to drift off at naptime so I'll get my rest.  Also, though we've fallen into a comfortable normal with Ryker, his mommy got a promotion and they're going to be moving to Boulder at the end of the year, so we're trying to enjoy our last month with him before he moves.

Snuggling with Aunt Chellie

Special events: Halloween was awesome!  Mommy made me a backhoe costume; with a shirt she found in my closet, jeans, my brown "boots", and a hard hat (with one of my hats taped inside to make it fit my head), I looked just like a construction worker.  I had so much fun trick-or-treating in our neighborhood; everyone said how cute I was, and I had great manners saying "thank you" to everyone who put candy in my bucket.  Then it got too cold and my hands started to hurt so we went home and I got to eat some SweeTarts.  Yummy!  Then after I went to bed, mommy went to pick Aunt Chellie up at the airport and we got to spend a couple days with her.  She brought me some awesome presents (including a new Truck book!!) and I enjoyed snuggling and reading with her.  I think mommy might have enjoyed her visit even more than I did! :)

Wearing my backhoe costume, ready to go trick-or-treating

My favorites: I ask mommy and daddy to play me What Does The Fox Say at least once a day.  I'd listen to it all day long if I had a choice.  It's definitely my favorite thing right now.  And like I said, I'm loving Cars & Trucks & Things That Go lately too.

Enjoying the "fruits" of my labor on Halloween

Upcoming:  On Saturday we're having Thanksgiving dinner with Aunt Lindsey & Elijah & baby Isaiah.  I can't wait for all the good food mommy & Aunt Lindsey have planned.  Then on Sunday evening, Papa & Lola fly in for a short visit.  They were supposed to come longer, and we're all bummed they had to cut their trip short, but we're going to pack all the fun and lovin' into 4 days that we can.  We're going to decorate the house and tree for Christmas and have our own little early Christmas celebration before they leave.  I can't wait to give them lots of hugs and kisses!

Crazy morning hair!