Feed the birds

Last weekend, I took the kids and went with my sister Bonnie to visit another sister, Melanie, and her family, in Bellingham. I love Bellingham...I lived there until I was in the 4th grade, and there's still so much I remember about it. Every time I visit I think to myself, "I could live here again". Anyway, we went to one of the local parks to feed the seagulls. Travis loved it...Jayna just fed herself:) I tried scanning in a couple of pictures from when I was 4 and my mom had taken us to feed the birds, but it didn't work. Oh well. Here are a few pictures from the day.

Baby anticipation

I'm finally close enough now to the birth of this baby that it's starting to become real. We still have about 9 weeks left, but I know those will fly.

In some ways, this pregnancy has had a "been there, done that" kind of feeling...I know what to expect in terms of symptoms, emotions, etc. Because I've had Travis and Jayna to keep me busy, I sometimes even had to remind myself that I was pregnant! (this doesn't happen anymore...my physical body, along with a ton of baby movement, is a constant reminder:) Also, with the first there's obviously more anticipation and preparation, and with Jayna there was still a lot of that because we knew she was a girl and had that to look forward to and prepare for. On top of all that, I think other people have become kind of used to seeing me pregnant...it's just not as big a deal as the first or even the second one was (I'm TOTALLY not complaining or thinking anyone's reaction should be different...just observing that that's how it is).

My point is that I am now having fun trying to think of creative ways to celebrate the impending birth of this baby! I'm not buying any clothes at this point for baby - it makes more sense to wait until after baby is born and we know gender - but I did pick out a simple outfit for either gender for coming home from the hospital. Steve's been taking monthly pictures of my belly growth (which I'll post at some point toward the end), and I just finished crocheting a blanket (pics below).

In the next couple of months, we also plan to take the kids to Build-A-Bear so they can make a bear for the baby to bring to the hospital, and I just thought of the idea of having a little contest for all of you blog followers to guess baby's gender, arrival date, etc. (watch for it later!).

And sure enough, we are more excited all the time to meet this baby!

The family clothing closet

Can you tell which part of doing laundry I loathe? That's right...folding the clothes, and especially putting them away. Steve installed these shelves, which makes the folding part easier, but now the clothes just sit on the shelves until we need to wear them. But hey, they're clean!

I need to get past this mental block I have against putting clothes away...what is the chore that you dread the most?

Favorite Things Friday

My friend Tiffany started this "Favorite Things Friday" awhile ago on her blog, and now I'm joining the fun! A few of my favorite things...

1. Pregnancy. Aside from the first trimester, I love being pregnant!! I love watching my belly move, I love the excuse to nap, I love having our baby so close to me and dreaming about the little person this baby will grow to become, I love the anticipation of the baby's arrival and even giving birth, and I especially love feeling the gazillions of movements I feel every day. Sure, there are minor drawbacks (heartburn, and the fact that I already feel ENORMOUS), but the good far outweighs the bad. The hard part will be after the baby comes! In the meantime, I am really enjoying this pregnancy...and only 2 1/2 months left!

2. Steve's new work schedule. He is now (and through the end of 2009) on a 4-tens schedule, meaning we essentially have a 3-day weekend every single week (and even longer if he's on swing or graveyard). It seems like he's home so much more than he ever has been before, and I love having him around!

3. Cleaning kicks. Or is it nesting already? In any case, I have had the mad urge to declutter and clean this house up, which is a really good thing considering I have been on an anti-cleaning kick for a very long time. Like months. Cleaning is obviously not the most enjoyable task in the world, but it feels so good when it's done! There are several cleaning/organizing projects I'm actually looking forward to completing.

This 'n' that

Just some random stories/pictures to share (and for us to remember later on!)...

I've come to the realization that my kids are not the most stylin' kids on the block. As often as I am tempted, I am not one to buy full designer outfits for the kids. It's expensive, and kind of silly when you consider that they'll only be able to wear the outfit for 6 months or so. And yet, so many other kids are dressed like little models every time I see them! And being a mom, I sometimes feel a twinge of guilt that my kids are not as hip. But then I come back to my senses. Anyway...this dress is an exception. I saw it at Old Navy and bought it as a "christmas present" for Jayna. And actually, it was only $12.50, so I guess not much of a splurge. But it was too cute to pass up!

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One of the negative aspects of pregnancy for me is that I'm suddenly a teenager again with a face full of zits. Okay, it's not that bad, but definitely worse than usual. Today Travis noticed a zit that is nice and centered on my face, right above my lip.

Travis: "What's that?"

Sb: (why not tell him the truth?) Um, it's called a zit.

T: A zit?

Sb: Yep. And one day you'll get them, too!

T: (in his "really? that's amazing" way, but also not quite believing me) A zit on my lip like mommy?!

Sb: Yes.

So he started marching around the room, chanting "zit on my lips like mommy, zit on my lips like mommy". Thank you for reminding me, Travis. The chanting continued on and off throughout the day. Fortunately, we didn't leave the house today, or I may have been somewhat embarrassed!

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Recently, Travis learned that he is much more likely to get a "yes" from mom if he follows his request with a "I love you so much" (eyebrows lifted, sweetest voice he can muster). No, he didn't figure this out on his own; Steve taught him. And most of the time, it worked....you wouldn't be able to resist, either! However, this sweet (okay, manipulative) tactic has evolved to where he has forgotten that presentation is everything! Today he came up to me and, without even looking at me and in a manner that suggested he fully expected for me to grant his wish, he said, "I-love-you-so-much-can-I-have-a-fruit-snack-please?" Little stinker! So much for the sweetness!

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On the other hand, he really is becoming sweeter all the time--and genuinely! He often randomly hugs or cuddles up to one of us and says "I love you mommy/daddy". He's also much more aware of the baby on the way than he was when I was pregnant with Jayna, and today as we were lounging on the couch watching playhouse Disney, he asked me if he could lay on the baby (on my belly). After I said yes (of course!), he kissed my belly and said "Hi baby" in the really high-pitched voice he uses with Jayna and Ziggy. I love it!

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Along the same lines, Jayna seems more aware of this baby coming than Travis was of Jayna coming...maybe just a difference between boys and girls? Anyway, she has begun walking up to me out of the blue, lifting my shirt, and saying "aye, bebby" (hi baby). I can't wait until we all get to meet this baby!

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And finally, a picture of my men. Travis often asks whoever is putting him down to "lay wif me for jus' a li'l bit?" When we do, he rarely falls asleep. But on this rare occasion, both Travis AND Daddy fell asleep.

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Does anyone else have trouble uploading videos with blogger? I had a video to post, but it's not working, and it seems like that's happend the last couple times I've tried. I guess I could you tube it like I have others, and then use a link. Just kind of annoying.

Fun in the snow, part 2

After we realized the snow would be around for awhile, Steve decided we needed a sled. At this point, however, there were no sleds to be found in town. I think he went to four different stores and everyone was sold out. So he got creative and bought an air mattress, and it worked beautifully! We have several little hills around our place that made for some good toddler sledding.

A visit with (part of) the family

The weekend before Christmas, most of my family came to our house for a mini get together. My brother and his wife from Arizona were able to come, which was great since we rarely get to see them. My oldest sister and her family came from Bellingham, as well as my Seattle sister. We mostly played with and took care of the four kids, but also ate some great food, opened gifts, and played a few games. I wish we could all get together more often!

This series of pictures cracks me up...I think between 4 cameras we took at least 30 pictures, and I'm not sure there's one with all four looking and even a couple of them smiling. Still cute, though!

Travis received a "Go Fishing" game from the Engman family. Not only did he talk everyone in to playing it that very day, but we've played it every day since!