Belly Photos--Countdown!

Thought I would post the belly photos for 32 weeks and 36 weeks. I am about 37 weeks along now...the due date is right around the corner...September 14th! 23 days...

 

 

36 weeks (9 months!)

32 weeks (8 months!)

Grace's Summer

Sorry I have not kept this blog up-to-date! We've had a busy summer! Now that there are only a few weeks left before Grace's little sister is due to arrive, I have been in ultra nesting mode and have also kept busy trying to wrap up work. Meanwhile, I have had an energetic preschooler to entertain!

For much of the summer, Grace has spent time in PreK summer school and has had a blast. She's going to summer school where she will also go in the fall, so she is meeting her teachers and some classmates in advance. Luckily, she has loved it so far. She gets so excited about going to school--quite a change from last year! Thank goodness she has good teachers this time around!

Grace also spent the first two weeks of June at a gymnastics camp. She absolutely loved it. So much so, that she has continued to talk about the school ALL SUMMER. Now that I am about 3 weeks from my due date, I am growing more tired and more concerned about how Grace will be entertained. So, thankfully, my in-laws helped us send Grace to one more week of gymnastics camp. She is happily there now and enjoying a full day!

We also enrolled Grace in ballet classes. She has been asking to go to "ballet school" since she could talk--so for about 2 1/2 years! She's finally of age, so we decided to try it out. She also loved ballet. I think she is a born performer--she is so outgoing and very interested in "the stage." She loves to perform, loves to see herself on video performing, and she talks nonstop. Maybe a dancer, an actress, or a TV talk show host are possible futures? She also enjoys the "paparazzi"--she's a bit of a "ham."

On weekends, we do a lot together as a family. This past weekend, we went to a "Kids Day" event where they had a lot of activities for kids and some emergency vehicles that kids could explore. Grace thoroughly enjoyed herself--and the free lollipop she received. Check out the picture--can you tell what color her lollipop was?

All in all, we've kept busy! But boy am I worried about the time between now and the arrival of little sister. I don't know if I will have the energy to keep Grace entertained. And much of the summer activities for kids are winding down now. I will have to get creative!

Belly Photos

For those who are unaware...we are expecting baby #2. I am a little over 7 months along with a due date of September 15th. We are excited as this baby has been long awaited! Thought I would share some belly photos to provide a visual of mommy and baby-to-be:

7 months along (about 1 1/2 weeks ago)

6 months along

An Eventful Day

Just wanted to share a day that was a bit tumultuous!

Yesterday, I had a 2 hour drive to attend a training for my new job. I have been leery of driving my 10-year old car and have been saying we really need to find a way to get a new one. I just didn't trust it. On the drive in, I even was thinking I should probably get AAA again since my job will require more driving. I arrived to my training in one piece and spent 7 hours there. Then on the drive back, my car was shaky. I was very scared, but didn't know what to do at 2 hours distance from home. So I continued to drive, hoping I would arrive safely home and could discuss with some of those in the know about cars whether I could ignore this problem (we are on a tight budget lately). I didn't get the chance! I crossed the PA state line and, at 70 mph (the car didn't shake if I took it to 70), heard a loud noise, felt the car drop a bit, and moved over to the only open side--the left shoulder. Now, at 7 months pregnant and having driven 1 1/2 hours without a pee break, my first concern was, "how am I going to go pee if I am stuck in the center of a freeway?" Ha! I checked the car and saw that my tire tread peeled off and my rear fender was hanging down. I called a tow truck, chatted with my mom for about 40 minutes until they arrived, then got a tow home. And a $108 charge. Guess I couldn't ignore the problem! At least I am safe. Thank goodness Grace wasn't in the car...and thank goodness the big rig behind me wasn't riding my tail when it happened!

Backing up a bit---before my car journey home, I also got a call from my doctor. Last Friday, I had to take a 4-hour glucose tolerance test. Yesterday, I also learned that the test results came back and I have gestational diabetes. And the day started so well! I keep thinking to myself, maybe the diagnosis is a good thing. I will need to meet with a dietician and hopefully, I will gain a better understanding of healthy eating habits for diabetics overall (which is important since diabetes runs on both sides--mine and Pat's). I just hope the baby will be okay and will arrive strong and healthy.

What a day, right?!

Latest Antics

Sorry for falling off the radar for a while...we've kept busy! For two weeks, Grace went to a gymnastics summer camp and had a blast. We also took a trip to Sesame Place and the local zoo. We've frequented Mommy and Me Yoga and stopped by the local science center. Today, we went to the farmer's market, then to the art museum. Now, I have to share an anecdote.

While at the art museum, Grace took part in a children's art project (making pop-up cards). A pretty young volunteer was helping her with the project, when Daddy came to join us. Grace was chatting away with the volunteer. Out of the blue, Grace asks, "Do you like my Dad?" Then, "Do you think he's handsome?" (Ha!) As Grace worked on her project, she then looked up at Daddy and said, "You're very handsome Daddy." Kids say the darndest!

Tonight we also took Grace to the local drive-in movie theatre. They were showing Brave and Madagascar 3. I was shocked to find it was PACKED! There seems to be quite a drive-in movie-going culture. Everyone was prepared with chairs and blankets--clearly seasoned veterans of the drive-in. Grace watched all of Brave and was ready for the next one. But it was quite late (the first show started at 9PM!), so we headed home. We may suffer the consequences of a late night out tomorrow...but it was nice to take part in a fond tradition with Grace. And to get out to the movies!

On to the next adventure--ballet class starts this week! We went to visit a couple schools. Grace loved the visits! She didn't want to leave. The school we plan to go to is down the road from Daddy's work. The teacher is very nice and personable. Grace took to her right away. After we spoke with her, she began to teach an adult class. Grace watched and tried to mimic the moves. At one point, Grace began grabbing her foot with her hand and bending it behind her. She looked at me with a serious face, "I need to stretch. I need to get ready." She's been asking to go to ballet since she could talk. We'll see how much she ends up enjoying it!

Tackling Number Two

Grace has now done "number two" on the potty! I have been very impressed with how quickly she has taken to  using the potty (after so long of avoiding it!). She's had no trouble using public restrooms. She's been pretty good about using the potty at night--but that may have just been a stall tactic.

As of this evening, she has now gone number two! When she told me about this latest accomplishment (I had been away at an exercise class at the time), she was so excited and proud! And she started to talk about our baby on the way and how the baby will make poo, too. She explained that she will help the baby use the potty for the first time--she'll hold  the baby so she won't fall in. I was touched that she brought up the baby and how she would help her as a big sister.

We'll see how she continues to progress!

Princess Grace Says...

"Princesses don't rest, sweetheart." 

(Said while stroking Mom's arm after Mom made the mistake of suggesting that Princess Grace might lay down for a nap.)

Grace says...

"Because I'm a superhero, I rescue worms."

This was said late last night. Earlier in the evening, Grace spent an hour or so making a "home" in the ground for a worm she found because she didn't want the worm to get hot in the sun. Later, when she was fighting her sleep (because she's afraid of the dark), she chatted with me about her "worm rescue." I wrote down this quote immediately--it made me laugh and cry...she's so darn awesome.

Grace Says...

"I'm a superhero!"

"I'm working on my cool factor."

"I want you to be happy."

"Come on pee pee! Come out, come out wherever you are!"

Potty Time!

Long ago, we tried to potty train Grace (about 2 years ago, actually). She peed two times, then refused to go. Screamed actually. Dug her heels. And has been doing so ever since.

Today, Grace made pee pee on the potty again. She announced she had to pee, ran to the potty, climbed on, and went! We both cheered and celebrated by calling Daddy, then Ta, then Grampy (the last two per Gracie's request). She went two more times after...Hopefully, this continues this time!

A few potty related quotes from today...

"Come on, pee pee! We're waiting!"

"The toot made my pee pee area stink." (toot=fart)

"Let's make pee pee and poo poo!" (no poo poo in the potty yet!)

Zoo Fun

This past Saturday we went to our local zoo to take part in their special Conservation Day event in honor of Earth Day. Grace had a rough start, but warmed up to the zoo after getting a bit of food in the belly. Here are a few highlights from our day's excursion!

Grace as an otter.

Grace building a bird house. So proud!

I Love My Family

In this year of sadness, I am trying to step back and remind myself of what makes me happy. You know what it is. That kiddo. She truly is amazing. And that husband of mine is pretty awesome too!

I wish I could recall all the funny and quirky things she has said, but no matter what she does or says, I am left smiling. I am very grateful for her and feel lucky she is in our lives.

Just had to share...I needed a happy thought right now.

Anecdotes

A couple funny anecdotes...

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Grace was giving her trucks a "bath" in the bathroom sink. I warned her she had five minutes to finish up, then two minutes, then time to clean up and get ready for bed. I brought her two jammie options.

Me: Grace, do you want to wear ballerina jammies or polka dot jammies?
Grace (playing with trucks): I don't want jammies Mommy.
Me: It's time to get ready for bed. Which ones? Ballerina jammies or polka dot jammies?
Grace (giving me a cursory glance and saying nonchalantly while playing with trucks): I don't want jammies, but thank you anyway Mommy.

...........................................................................

Grace was a bit cranky--tired, hungry. She hadn't napped and had refused to eat dinner (she's in a picky eating phase). She opened the fridge to get a snack, but grabbed chocolate soy milk instead. I told her she couldn't have chocolate until she ate some food. She was understandably upset, but finally ate some food. Then ate ravenously and asked for more. While I prepared more, I told her she could have the rest of her milk since she had had some food. She smiled and drank her milk, then said, "Chocolate makes me happy."

Grace's PreK Photo

Not too happy! We are actually looking at switching schools. If not this year, definitely for next year. She begs not to go to school each school day. : (

Chit Chat

We have two little pumpkins left over from Halloween. Grace plays with them. Here's the dialogue:

[Pumpkin 1]: You a orange?

[Pumpkin 2]: I not a orange, I a pumpkin. You a orange?

[Pumpkin 1]: I not a orange, I a pumpkin.

[repeat]

It's My Party And I'll Cry If I Want To

It's hard to take a tantrum seriously when the tantrum-thrower dons an Elmo party hat.

Time to Give Thanks

It has been a long time since my last post. In that time, we had a miscarriage. This was the third one. It was the hardest one as we were the farthest along this time and had been so hopeful. We have been so lucky to have an amazing kiddo...and love her so much it hurts. We so very much hope for another, but have not had the good fortune of making it happen.

2011 has been a difficult year. The year began with the sudden and unexpected loss of my grandmother, followed shortly thereafter by the startling loss of my uncle. In between I personally experienced great stress at work and missed out on seeing my family many nights. I experienced a health scare. And then this last loss...we were brimming with hope of a little baby and were so excited. It has been a truly difficult time.

Now 2011 is coming to an end...and it is time to reflect on what we are thankful for. It's a reminder, to me at least, that we do certainly have much to be thankful for in the midst of all our sadness this year.

First, I am so incredibly thankful for my little family...Patrick and Grace. Coming home to them is the best part of my day. I am thankful, too, for our extended family, both near and far. For Pat's parents, Grace's Ta and Grand and GG, and the major role they play in Grace's life. She has such a strong relationship with them and loves them so much. And I certainly appreciate all of their support. For my parents, who keep a strong bond over Skype. Grace loves her Grammy and Grampy very much. For our brothers and their families. For our Aunts and uncles and cousins. Family is everything to me and I feel so grateful for the wonderful family we have...on both sides!

Though I have had a stressful year at work, I am grateful that I am employed full time. I work for a great company with the best colleagues and the greatest supervisors. I have grown and learned so much from the company and the company continues to show great respect, professionalism, and appreciation for its employees.

I am grateful for my friends. I know I can reach out to them when I need someone to lean on and to listen.

I am grateful for being in good health (knock wood!). For all of us being in good health (knock knock!).

When I was experiencing the miscarriage, I kept my sadness at bay around Grace and, of course, didn't explain it to her. But, children sense things. She walked up to me while I was in the kitchen washing dishes or cooking something. She patted me on my arm and said, "Mommy, the best year ever. You'll see." I was startled and said, "What did you say?" She repeated with a smile, "The best year ever. You'll see." I hope she's right.

May 2012 be a good year for us all!

Grace and School

Grace is loving school now! Yay! In fact, we have been reading the "I Love School" book repeatedly each night, by request. She's talking about her teachers and singing classroom songs. It makes me so happy to know she's happy to be in preK now!

Anecdote

Grace woke up this morning and said "House? Watch House Mommy?" She's referring to "Bear in the Big Blue House," a favorite show. I said, "I don't know kiddo, let me think about it." Grace responded, "Just one episode?" First time I heard her say "episode." She's so funny.

School Update

Gracie goes to school three days a week. Monday and Wednesday of her first full week were rough. She kept saying "I don't want to go to school" and "Mommy don't leave me." She would cling to me and cry and scream.

Friday was better. She still said the same things, but once we go to school, I was able to get her to participate in one of the table activities. When she was distracted, I slipped out. I think it was a tear-free morning. Her Grand, who picked her up from school, said she came running out with friends. Progress! Now she's talking about school a little ("Mommy, I have teachers!"), so that's a good sign.

Pat and I went to her Back-to-School Nite to learn about her day in preK. It was nice to learn more about Grace's day. There were only two other sets of parents there. However, one mentioned her son would be having a birthday party soon and she planned on inviting the class. I look forward to that as it will be an opportunity for Grace to continue to build friendships and get to know her classmates.