Showering

Some blessed friends showered me and another friend (who just had her second child) this past Saturday. It was a wonderful gathering - a great time of fellowship and fun. They gave us many great gifts - our daughter will be well dressed! It was another wonderful reminder of God's blessings and how much we are loved by those around us!









Two special gifts came from my family. The outfit on the left was my niece's - my sister kept it and chose to pass on to our daughter. On the right is the sampler my mother made that will displayour daughter's name, birth date, weight and time. It is identical to Jbird's with simple color changes, and it looks great in their room.

The first haircut

We decided it was time for a haircut on Friday...not because the boy's hair was exceptionally long or unruly, but due to two pronounced cowlicks and some wave, we wanted to make sure we were combing it in the right direction and to help him look a little more kempt. We went to Cool Cuts for Kids based on recommendations by many friends...and we were pleased. We got there a few minutes early to help Jbird become accustomed to these new surroundings, but he didn't need any help. At first he clung close to us, but then he saw the Legos and he took off on his own. He played well alongside other children - we were quite amazed! Then he discovered the colored tiles and spent the next 10 minutes going back and forth between us and different colors identifying them.









The company is great - offering fun seats for the kids. We got in a car, and Jbird immediately started "driving". We've never seen him do this so we were quite impressed. They also have TVs so he got to watch Elmo do the ABC's while he got his hair cut. What a great distraction! Doesn't he look like such a little boy with his cape on? Again, he was all smiles and friendly. We kept asking him who he was and what he had done with our son. Things went so much better than we expected.









He didn't even seem phased by the snipping, only that Miss Kayla sometimes got in between him and the TV.

He was even intrigued by the edger when she put it on his arm, but once it got near his head/ear, the waterworks began and he was no longer content in the car!












Here Dad is trying to get the boy to smile for a picture. The company gives you a card that holds pieces of hair and a picture of the haircut. As you can see, we didn't get a smiling boy, but it's cute none-the-less.

Learning to ride a horse

As any good Texan should, Jbird got his first taste of riding a horse last week. He's learned how to make his horse sing and talk, but he still isn't very sure about sitting on him without Dad's hand behind him.

To nap or not to nap...

That has been the question the last two days after lunch. With Jbird's new ability to open doors, he is much more intrigued with getting off his bed to open the door and see what is happening outside. Yesterday, no nap happened - well, not at his normal time. I kept putting him back on his bed and sternly telling him it was rest time, but it was all a waste of breath and time. I finally gave up after he was in his room for about 1 1/2 hours. He was so cranky after snack that I laid him down and we finally woke him up almost 2 hours later so we could go to church.

Today started out no differently. He opened the door and talked to me a bit. I put him in his bed and left, praying for him to at least play quietly in his room - I had some things to do! It was quiet in the house and I chose not to keep tending to him. A bit later I hear some funny breathing so I go to check on him...and the picture to the left is how I found him! I guess he got tired enough that he headed to his bed, but didn't make it all the way up. He slept like this for over 2 hours! He is now calling for me to get him - repeatedly opening and closing his door. I am thankful that at least today ignoring him was all it took. We'll see what tomorrow holds!

Graduation Day

No cap and gown, but it's graduation day in our house...Jbird was officially released from physical therapy this morning!

For those who have no idea what I am talking about, let me give a brief history: upon his first birthday, Jbird wasn't rolling over (he had, but only a couple of times), getting himself to sitting up, pulling up, crawling or walking independently. He could sit up if we put him there. He could walk around furniture if we placed him at something, but he seemed to be missing some key gross motor skills. Our pediatrician was quite puzzled because he was skipping easy things for harder things. He suggested we get in touch with Early Childhood Intervention (ECI), a state-funded program in our state that helps those with developmental delays from birth-age 3. After talking with them and going through the evaluation process, Jbird qualified for the program and physical therapy began every other week in our home in late September. From the beginning, Jbird was comfortable with Jennifer - and he's been so excited to see her each time. We have seen DRASTIC improvement in Jbird's motor skills and confidence over these past months. We had been discussing how much longer we should continue since he had come so far; and at our last session, Jennifer, our angel of a PT, commented that she was having difficulty finding things that challenged Jbird. So today we did another evaluation, and he was deemed "typical." He is right on track for an 18-month old! We are so excited, and yet sad to not see Miss Jennifer anymore. God was good to take care of all of this before our daughter arrives, and to provide therapy at a flat monthly rate (a state-run program that is doing good work and does well by their clients!). We are so blessed!

Here is a picture of Jbird with Jennifer. After Jennifer and Angela, our case worker left, Jbird watched them chat at their cars out our front door window. He kept saying bye-bye and then tried to open the door (a new trick he has learned) to go outside to them (thank heavens for deadbolts!). Jennifer was only in our lives for about 6 months, but the impact she made will benefit us for years to come.

Do you have a request?

Just asking...because it seems most of our family members have a preference for Elizabeth's arrival date. At this point, I'm banking on her arriving at the most inopportune time. It appears if she comes more than a couple of days early, it will cause a bit more scrambling for someone. So while they are all hoping she arrives really close to her due date, I just sit and wait silently hoping she does come early.

I am ready to gaze into her eyes, to hear her gurgles and grunts, to see how Jbird will adjust, and to not have heartburn anymore! Jbird came the day after a 3-day holiday weekend so something tells me that this little girl will come when she is good and ready disregarding everyone else's schedule/desire (even my own)... my mom says I am just getting a taste of what she experienced...she longed for an April baby and I came 1 day too late!

So, put in your preference now... ;)

All aboard!

This has been a favorite toy since his birthday almost 7 months ago (thanks Emma)...I pulled it out for the first time in a while and there was much rejoicing! He loves to get right in the middle of it all, and he even learned how to put the train back on the track correctly today. I think he played with this for almost an hour! He loves a choo-choo!

Beard, Belly, and Breaking free...

Here is a picture of the current progress of the oft-annual beard. It will be here at least until our little girl arrives...length of stay after that depends on how quickly it warms up! Not bad progress since Dec. 25! And here is the current progress of my expanding belly. It's not a complete side shot, but you get the point. So far being pregnant in the winter is boding well for less swelling, but I also did most of my puffing up in the last few weeks. My hair hasn't been cut since the day we found out we were pregnant...not bad since I got it cut that day to just below my ears!




Since he fell asleep at church this morning (sitting up inside one of the foam climbing pieces in the room, mind you), nap time wasn't happening this afternoon. We held out hope as we did his normal straight down to nap after lunch routine, but we soon heard him up and playing in his room. Then we heard an interesting noise...and soon discovered he was opening the door. Needless to say, in just a matter of minutes he mastered the art of opening the door (he just kept opening and shutting it). We put up the gate to see if he would play happily for a while (I didn't sleep well last night and desired a nap), but as you can see he was ready to break free! So I guess it's time to put child-locks on the doors...what fun! Another corner turned in just minutes...this little guy keeps us on our toes!

Getting ready for sister

We've been slowly getting ready for Elizabeth's arrival trying to make the transition easier for Jbird. We hope if he is used to the new setup in the house, bringing home a new family member won't be quite as traumatic. So far the only thing that really catches his eye is the swing, but it has been good practice for him pushing the swing gently. I just hope he is as sweet and kind to his real sister as he is to his baby doll. The house is definitely getting full, but there is nothing better than a home full of love and people...and the stuff that comes with them! We are so blessed!

Note there are 4 more entries today below...I think I am finally caught up!

The Backyardigans and other fun stuff

Jbird loves books...especially this one about The Backyardigans. He knows almost all their names, but he still won't readily say "mommy". His version of their names is cute - Ablo (for Pablo), Key (for Uniqua), Ausan (for Austin), and Ty (pause) rone (for Tyrone). He still doesn't know Tasha's name, but 4 out of 5 is pretty good, right?





This is just a cute picture I wanted to share. (I promise that he wears clothes besides this running suit...I just always seem to take pictures on the day I put him in this!) Jbird has turned a big corner with his speech. He repeats things (especially the word "go") and it seems like he adds words each day. He continues to add to what he can identify as well (stars and eyes). Fortunately this means he is understanding more and more too. This helps - and makes us realize that we need to watch what we say too. He is too young to understand our sarcasm and such. I am working hard on "please," but he doesn't seem to get it (or chooses not to). It is a fun stage, but the "What's This?" game gets old after playing for hours each day!

Jbird has been very kind to me over the last week. He has slept until 8:30 or later almost all week (it was 9:30 one morning!). He has been under the weather himself, but I've woken up on my own each morning and been able to slowly get out of bed and have some time for myself before he desires to see me. Sometimes he slept that late and other days he is simply happy playing quietly in his room. I've gotten more sleep this week than I have in a long time...and we are all better for it!

Another first in our home this week... Clay, wearing jeans and fleece shirt, was cold while I, wearing fleece pants and a short-sleeve t-shirt, was HOT! Gotta love being pregnant in the winter. I keep promising a picture of my expanding middle...and I will try to remember to get Clay to take one this weekend. 5 1/2 weeks to go!

Stuck

One of Jbird's new skills is getting up on the sofa (or fofa, as he sometimes calls it) and other living room furniture. His one problem with the recliner is that he can't get down as well as he can off the sofa or chair...between the dip of the seat and the rocking motion, gravity works against him. I caught him today and thought you might like to see his attempts to get down. I finally had to offer a hand to help him down.

Playing with others - well one other

Jbird hasn't been the best about playing with others. He has always needed his space, and at times he didn't even want another kid on the floor with him. He has improved GREATLY in this area - we think his improved motor skills have increased his confidence and comfort. I caught the phenomenon on camera last week while his friend, Aroo (his version of Drew), played at our house while his little sister was born. The two boys know each other well, but this was the first time I've watched Jbird join his friend in playing. Drew played with blocks, Jbird went and sat beside to play with blocks too. Here they are at the fridge DJ...they took turns... there was no screaming or crying on either part. I was so excited! And here is the adorable bundle that arrived that day...Cathryn. Jbird did great when Clay and I held her at the hospital, but it was a different story when we visited their house a few days later. Clay and I are both a little concerned about Jbird's adjustment to his own little sister...

Throwing a fit

I caught a Jbird fit on camera a couple of weeks ago and just haven't taken the time to post it. Fortunately he still doesn't know the word "no", but he is good at crying, kicking his feet, and making you think the world is caving in! This fit is the result of me not allowing him to touch the digital camera - he liked looking at the pictures, and apparently wanted to take a few pictures himself. I'll let him tell you the story...

Smile, Mommy is taking a picture! I think I will slightly protest when Mommy first says I can't touch the camera. Maybe sitting down will get my point across...










...guess I need to tune up a bit too. Louder...louder...get the body into it...louder...










Not working...hmm...she's still taking my picture...so maybe I'll give in...and smile!

A snowy, snotty day

You gotta love weathermen...as our pastor put it Sunday, it is one of just a few jobs that you can be wrong 50% of the time and still keep your job! They predicted a massive ice event this weekend that did slam north of us, but wasn't quite the catastrophe they forcasted for the metroplex - especially our area of it. Then they began talking about the next system that would head south of us providing possibly a few flurries, but no accumulation. Once again, WRONG!

Jbird woke up about 4:15 this morning unable to breathe (thus, the snotty part of our day) and as I sleepily headed to his room, I noticed the deck was shining in the moonlight. "Hmm," I thought, "the deck pretty much dried out yesterday so I didn't think there was much to refreeze." Then I passed by our front door which has a window...and I saw the blanket of snow. I tended to our son and headed back to bed, but the falling snow caught my eye. I took a closer look and realized that this was much more of an event than the weathermen thought. Clay stirred when I got back in bed, and I told him we had some snow (we don't see it much here). We laughed about how this was more of an event than the weekend...and then fell back asleep.

He got up a bit later to work out only to wait at the YMCA for 10-15 minutes before realizing they weren't going to open. He headed into work and realized that this was going to get nasty fast...cars heating up the roads melt the snow (which even TX drivers can drive on), but the fact that it remains below freezing means the water quickly turns to ice... schools are closed, Clay's office is sparse, and the main stations are reporting non-stop.

Our day isn't much different except that Clay is heading home early...so I'll have an extra set of hands to catch the faucet of snot flowing from our son, extra eyes so I can finish getting stuff ready for Elizabeth, and maybe even get to rest a bit myself to ward off my cold getting any worse than it is!

Hope you are staying warm where you are!

Apology

I apologize for not posting more about life in this grand town or more pictures...I've taken some, but just haven't posted lately. I finally got a few nights of really good sleep so I've been active around the house during nap times and going to bed earlier in hopes of another good night. There is much to share - a new friend, new words, story time at the library, new skills/fun things, but those will wait...because it is much more fun to play with Jbird right now! Just wanted you to know all is well - I'm simply trying to make the most of these last weeks before there are two kids to care for!

Oh, so tired

I am so tired, but I can't sleep. The fun of late pregnancy. It's hard to get comfortable and stay that way... and just when I think I've got the sweet spot, my bladder starts screaming at me. This little girl is a night owl and she LOVES to get right below my ribs and push. Then there's the heartburn...Zantac has been working, but not so well tonight. Gotta love when a dinner of 4 bites of chicken, mashed potatoes, and one piece of bread gives you intense burning - I'm just glad we didn't have mexican! But the benefit of all of this will be a wonderful little girl to love on. I am getting good practice of functioning on little sleep again.

I think the worst part for me is that I struggle to shut my brain off - always have at night. I often fall asleep with the TV on just loud enough to drown out my thoughts. I relive the day, process news I've received, and such...and that can get me in to trouble. I can make more of something than it needs to be. I can work myself into a frenzy over something that was nothing - at least until I thought about all the different ways it could have been taken. And being a hormonal pregnant woman only makes this worse! I do get a lot planned at night, but then I wonder if I'll ever remember when I wake up in the morning.

Tonight, I finally just gave up and came out to the couch. I've done a Sudoku (yes, we are hooked in our house), but still sleep will not come. So, I thought I would share this fun with you who choose to read this blog... please don't feel sorry for me, just pray for rest... and now I think I will mess with my template and see I can't bore myself into sleep!

18 months

Jbird had his 18-month check up today...18 months! Hard to believe it's time for that. He has grown a lot in the last 3 months - now weighing in at 22 lbs. 11 oz. and measuring 34 inches. He remains in the 25-30% for weight, but jumped back up to the 90% for height. Now I get why he outgrew his pants so fast - 2 lbs. and 2 inches in 3 months! Everything else looks great and our doctor was impressed with his development...he feels Jbird is right on track for his age after being a bit delayed 6 months ago.

On that note, can I just say how much I love our pediatrician? Well, I love him and his nurses. I have yet to have a bad experience with them. Dr. Ben (as we fondly refer to him away from the office) is so encouraging and has such a great way with Jbird. He understands his stranger anxiety and can even get Jbird laughing and interacting - amazing! His nurses never make me feel silly for any phone calls or questions I have...and they love on my boy so well. When we are there, I don't feel like one more thing on their docket. We are the focus for that moment in time - they are not rushed, they are not preoccupied. And at each of our visits in the last 6 months (3 well checkups), Dr. Ben always asks how I am feeling with this pregnancy - and that's usually one of the first things he inquires about. That means a lot.

Anyway, I am very thankful for the handful of gals who recommended Dr. Ben to us... what a gift he and his staff are... and trusting them helps me relax about the care Jbird receives.

7 1/2 weeks and counting

It's hard to believe we are less than 2 months away from welcoming our little Elizabeth into our family. Everything seems to be going well and right on track. I continue to outgrow clothes (I'll post a picture soon) and the water retention has begun - I know I feel puffier than I look, but I know there is some extra padding in my cheeks and legs that wasn't there even 2 weeks ago. I stopped wearing my wedding ring the Friday before Christmas in fear of it getting stuck and having to have it cut off. I'm not sure how long my anniversary ring will last! No one except Clay can see the additional thickness in my legs thanks to cooler weather - I couldn't hide all the water I retained with Jbird in the heat of the summer! Elizabeth has quieted some; and while there are times my body is glad not be her punching bag, I find myself missing her constant activity. Jbird was never so active so this was a nice change (except for the sore insides)!

I am getting ready for her to be here... not too early (there are still a few things to get done), but a couple of weeks would be fine by me. It still seems surreal at times, but I am ready to hold this precious little girl in my arms. I'm ready to see what she looks like and learn more about her little personality. And it's getting harder to be the mommy Jbird needs as his activity level increases and my ability to move swiftly decreases. I am thankful he plays so well alone and he seems to understand that I need to rest more than normal. He will play with his toys and occasionally stop to say hello.

We still don't think Jbird has a clue about what is happening or is even really aware that my belly is much bigger than it was a few months ago. Upon the recommendations of many and with Clay's hesitation, I bought Jbird a baby doll today. While he hasn't shown great interest in it, he did play his "What's This?" game with me and the baby. He just giggled and he did inspect her hands. I made sure to get a little girl to help with the addition of his sister. We'll see what happens, but I was greatly encouraged that he didn't immediately throw her, hit her or scream as I held her. He pitched a royal fit over a week ago as I held a 6-week old... that helped Clay accept that we needed to do something to help our little man with the transition that will soon occur.

He is growing up so fast, and I know he will seem even more grown up when we bring a newborn home. He is basically running all over the place now. He is learning how to climb up on the sofa. His words have taken off - all done, juice, star, Austin (from the Backyardigans) - have all come in the last couple of weeks. There are many other things he says, but we are still trying to figure out what they really mean. He is following directions better as his udnerstanding increases. He learned how to make a fist this morning while taking a bath - he was so intrigued by it! He's also learned how to spit out his drink - well, it's more like a waterfall out of his mouth, but you get the point. He is stacking his blocks and cups with ease. He knows where his toy box is and how to get what he wants out of it. He is curious about what everything is wanting to know what it is called. I'm trying to capture it all in my heart and mind knowing that these last weeks of just us are precious.

7 1/2 weeks... life will change again. It will be here before I know it...

Wasn't expecting this...

Life seemed to get back to normal pretty quickly around here after Christmas. Clay's family left long before dawn on the 26th so Claire could get back to work and all Christmas decorations were down by Wednesday evening. My mother had her gall bladder removed Thursday morning and then came here to recover for a couple of days. We rested some, shopped some, and just enjoyed Clay being on vacation.

We rung in the New Year with a few friends, and sadly we kept checking the clock to see how much longer we had to go before we could go to bed! Jbird woke up about 11:00 PM and wouldn't go back to sleep... so the three of us sat upstairs in our friends' playroom watching the ball drop in silence. Hard to believe this is the year we turn 30, celebrate 8 years of marriage, and welcome another member to our family. We loaded up shortly after midnight and crashed at home. Due to a sick child, Clay got to go to the Cotton Bowl the next day for free. It was a great holiday, and Jbird and I were sad to see Clay go back to work Tuesday. And as we said at Thanksgiving, we have blinked and it is now January. We have less than 8 weeks until Elizabeth arrives...and it all still seems a little surreal.

Now on to the story that led to the title... Wednesday after Christmas I was walking to Jbird's room and something caught my eye out the front door (we have a window that runs almost the entire length of the door). I stopped to look and here is what I saw...

I could not believe one animal was eating another animal ON MY SIDEWALK - just steps from the door! I just started saying Clay's name, but he couldn't hear me back in our bathroom. I ran to get him knowing he would WANT to see this. After a moment of examination, he realized it was a falcon feasting on his fresh prey. Of course Clay grabbed the camera for a shot or two, but the first flash scared the falcon off. He snatched his prey (apparently he was hungry) and flew to one of our trees. Clay went out to get another shot, but the falcon got spooked again and flew off with his meal in his talons.

I can honestly say I wasn't expecting this...