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...