Congratulations!

I have been sitting on some big news in the family for a while, but now that she's moving into the second trimester (almost), I feel I can finally post an official congratulations to Greg's sister, Andrea, and her husband, Blake, who are expecting their first child in April!!!! I am sooooo excited that our little ones will have cousins to play and grow up with! (Hopefully, it won't be too many more years before there are more from others in the family?! *cough*)

It's already been a bit of a challenge as she has an ovarian cyst that caused a lot of pain in the beginning, but is hopefully dissolving now and she has other obstacles to contend with, so please send her some good vibes and happy thoughts to continue on this spectacular journey safely!

Nightly news

This week at work has had some up and down moments of actually having work to do and then waiting on the client again. We got off early on Monday and Tyler & I went to Target. I had some returns to make and some gifts I wanted to get for the girls at the gym that were planning to meet up on Saturday for some scrapbooking. (However, it turns out, the hostess is having bead board installed in her nursery and so we're trying to postpone. We'll see if we can make it happen or not. We may end up just doing a dinner thing again.) On our way back from Target, I stopped to go ahead and pick up Dellaina. She was doing fine until she realized Tyler was in the car and I was trying to put her in her seat behind him! She was crying and clinging to me. She settled down, but was truly traumatized and barely spoke the whole ride home - even after I'd dropped him back off at the office to get his car! She just has issues adjusting to new people, even when she knows them! He had bought her a big coloring book (which Greg was thrilled about) and she had a big time coloring in it on Tuesday when I brought it home.

We ended up going out to dinner with Greg's boss, Mr. Martin on Tuesday night as well. Mrs. Martin is down at the beach house, so he's staying in their townhouse, which is just 1/2 mile down the road from our neighborhood rather than driving all the way back to Dawsonville every night/morning. He called to see if we'd be interested and we feel compelled to go since he's alone and inviting us! We went to a little Italian place just down the road that we hadn't tried yet. It was nearly 8:00 by the time we got there, so Dellaina was nearing that delirious state of being extra sweet and extra silly. She was so cute playing shy with the waitress. She was in the booster seat, holding my hand and kept putting her head down on the table/our hands, just grinning when the waitress would talk to her. It was just nice that it was a sweet shyness, not the terrified shy which can be disturbing for other people because she seems so tormented (see Tyler above). She did start with the panic reaching for me when the waitress came around the table to color with her. She did well, eventually wanting to get down out of her chair. The people behind us had just cleared out, so I let her come hang out, sort of in the corner behind me, because there was a little half rock wall that contained her near us without disturbing others.

Yesterday was yet another picture day at school. I'm not sure how the pictures will turn out because she didn't seem to be too happy when I dropped her off and Carrie said the second attempt didn't go much better. They had a really cheesy backdrop, too, though. It was some uneven white boards together (I guess to mimic a picket fence, but without the cute pointed part, you know?) and then they had some kid-like drawings of ABC's and a rainbow on it in primary colors. I was just expecting it to be more of a Fall picture and had dressed her in a much cuter and sophisticated outfit than I think the background lent itself to. I wasn't the only one making comments, because Tracie with the twins and I had a discussion of it together. Maybe there will be a cute one or I might get out of buying anymore pictures! ha. we'll see.

One night, she was eating very well and had mostly finished her ABC's and 123's and I told her "Granny would be so proud" of her for eating so well. Greg was nearby and she looks up and replies "Daddy be proud!" We both laughed and agreed that "Daddy is proud!"

I think she might turn into a Pop-Tart. She seems to want them for breakfast AND dinner lately these days. She liked the Go-Tarts for a while and then she liked the "Big" ones, especially the strawberry kind with Sprinkles! but, lately has been wanting the "brown" one like her mama likes. Brown Sugar & Cinnamon, yum. I'm a sucker for cinnamon. . gum, toothpaste, pastries, syrup, you name it!

Continuing with the eating observations/comments, I was struck last night with how precisely she can pick up her peas now. It was the 2 finger pinch, which I know she's been able to do for awhile, but just thinking about how that is such a big skill to master and how far we've come so fast. And now we're about to start over again!

Yesterday I was having some trouble catching my breath and just felt winded and congested and uncomfortable most of the day. So, when we got home and Dellaina wanted to "watch animals?" I agreed and we curled up on the couch together to watch Madagascar. We ended up watching the whole thing, so it was her first full movie experience! We usually cut it off at some point, because we don't want her to watch too much TV or she might get a little distracted and we take advantage of it.

Mid-week weekend update?

Friday not only did they have her hair in two little pony tails, but they actually had managed to braid them somehow and have two pigtails! I never got a great picture of them, because this is the side that was falling out, the other side was still this great tiny braid. I was amazed. It does make me feel like she's getting some personal attention if she's sitting still long enough for someone to tend to her like that! And, yes, she had more stickers from the car ride home. (You'll also notice a sticker in the shower picture below that was on one of the gifts! 3-pack of bibs, that she pointed out "3!" and promptly stuck on her forehead.) She also got a new book from Megan & Ella: "Click, Clack, Moo" that she refused to let me read, because she wanted to read it all on her own. Friday night, Doug & Morgan along with Moxie & Bela came up to stay with us. They got there after Dellaina had already gone to bed and actually were gone when she woke up, so all of the build up I'd been doing seemed like a lie. Our uncle's father passed away on Monday and the funeral services were in Cartersville on Saturday, so we were all making an effort to go. Especially, since it was so close and not in Memphis where they live now, but where my uncle grew up. Doug & Morgan left their hang-up bag, though, that had all of their clothes in it, so had to get up early on Saturday morning to get to Kohl's as soon as they opened at 8:00 and were fortunate enough to find Doug some great-looking charcoal pants and a snazzy shirt that matched Greg's tie very well. Morgan was able to piece together a very cute outfit from my closet. It was nice to see some of the dusty clothes being used and hard to remember being so trim! Emily was wearing a pair of my pants as well! One day I'll get back to them! We managed to get to the funeral home just as the family was being led in to sit down. I was proud of our 3 pews supporting Wade. Dellaina was laughing as the service started and the more we tried to distract her and whisper the more worked up she got. She was sitting in Emily's lap and she just snagged her and went out into the hall. I felt badly that she left, as I had been fully prepared to myself, but she said there were speakers out there, so she still got to hear everything. And I know they came back into the back at one point, too. The service was very good and very personal, providing a timeline of Walt's life and really touching on who he was as a person. Wade is an excellent story-teller and he stood up, with 2 of his 3 boys and talked about his dad's 3 favorite hats (as the boys modeled them). It was a very great reflection and tribute to his dad. Then, we made the processional out to the grave site, which had beautiful rolling views. As they were folding the flag from the coffin an airplane flew overhead which was very appropriate because Walt had flown B-52 Bombers, I believe. Then, the family went to the church and were provided a wonderful home-cooked meal by the neighbors on either side of where they had lived. Even though it was a sad occasion overall, it felt like Thanksgiving or other family holiday get together, so was nice to be in each other's company.

Greg had stayed home to work in the yard. When we got back, Mema, Dellaina, Morgan & I (along with the dogs) all laid down to take naps! Mom went on over to help Emily get ready for my Dinner Party she was hosting. We had a little bit of social time after waking up, before getting ready to head over to Emily's. The party was so much fun. Emily served homemade lasagna that was scrumptious and we had a nice time visiting with an eclectic mix of friends and family. It was a nice celebration and we got some great things for the new baby as well as people were sweet enough to include Dellaina in some of the gift giving! I had two small little things for her in case it became a problem, but it all worked out great. I thought she'd be more into helping me open presents (and take some of the focus off of me), but she was very content hanging back and just absorbing and watching me like everyone else and entertaining herself. Occasionally, a gift would catch her eye and she'd come play with it or tote it around for a while. I do really wish they made some of her outfits in my size! Whatever size that might be! Mom and Emily had managed to get my scrapbooks of Dellaina's birth and my pregnancy with her and had some pages set out for people to sign. It was very neat and I had actually wondered briefly where my scrapbooks had gone because Mema had pulled out some albums to look at while we were at my house. I just chalked it up to I had moved them somewhere else for some other purpose and didn't really dwell on it!

After the shower, we headed back up to our house where all of the displaced guys were watching the UGA-Alabama game. It was fun, loud and obnoxious watching the end of the game and Dellaina managed to stay up for the entire thing - including overtime! It was after midnight! I hated to kick folks out, but we really didn't have a room to offer anyone, because Greg's parents were coming back up early in the morning to finish the floor in Dellaina's Big Girl room (currently the guest room) and we didn't want to have to worry about waking folks up and clearing it out. Some drove all the way to the lake, which I know was difficult after our full day, but we really enjoyed visiting and just need a bigger house!

We slept in a little bit on Sunday, but not much. Granny & Granpa were arriving just as Dellaina & I made it downstairs on Sunday. She definitely woke up fussy and yet we still stretched nap until nearly 2:00! She woke up much happier after that. It was nice for me not to feel as "on alert" because I had backup (Granny) and I am just following her and Dellaina around. Greg & Granpa were going to be one piece short on the floor, but after much deliberation, came up with a way to rig the remaining scraps into place and finished! We still have to get the room painted, redo the closet and order the furniture, but I feel (felt? until I made that list) like we are making progress. Dellaina is starting to embrace the concept, even as the room is barely taking shape. She knew "Granny & Papa" (she tends to still say "Papa" when she says them together, but will say "Granpa" by itself) were coming to work on "Dellaina's big girl room." And she told me tonight she wanted it to be orange when I asked what color she wanted her new room to be. I've been talking about what we are going to paint on her walls so much, that she's gotten excited and has been adding to the list: kangaroo, green alligators (1, 2!), zebra, rhino. . . .so, we've veered away from the girlie, forest room I had planned (which she jumped on initially) back into the zoo/jungle animal theme. I'm sensing we are on dangerous ground with this whole transition thing! Also with the whole painting the walls situation. I want her to be involved, but I'm not sure it's a good idea to encourage. She even went marching up the stairs tonight to "color ladybugs on wall!" She was ready! She likes to go in the room and play on the bed and walk around, so I'm hoping we can keep the interest and excitement up.

34 weeks

I know I just did a pregnancy update/rundown of my emotional and physical status, but here are the pictures to go along with it. . For some reason the first one is blurry again. I guess I need to start getting my photographer BEFORE his evening wine?! Also, since I am posting these for everyone, I really should work on picking out cute outfits and brushing my hair I suppose. Oh well. I'm too tired to think about all that and too impatient to think about redoing them. They are what they are. .

And for comparison to last time around. . .looks like I didn't learn my lesson about cute outfits last time around either, hmm. And we were still having the same blurry first picture issues then, too. It just seems that this time, I will have cute outfits on and then we'll forget, so I end up squeezing it in once I'm ready for bed, etc.

Talking Moose head

Tuesday night, the whole family met up at Bugaboo Creek to surprise my dad with dinner. Doug & Morgan rode up with mom and dad, so he knew he had some company, but despite driving to Gwinett, he still was surprised when the table was so big. Emily & Daniel rode over with us and we actually watched the other car turn at the light and pull into the restaurant just ahead of us and had hoped we could beat them, but really couldn't have timed it any better! He didn't have long to process the empty seats. Garris & Marla straggled in a little bit later, but before we'd gotten any food. Dellaina had a big time sitting at the head of the table between Grandaddy & Mammie. Greg & I were at the complete opposite end of the table, so it was a little odd for me, but I'm glad she had the attention and doting. She enjoyed pointing out all of the animals - "duck! owl! turkey gobble gobble! moose!" and then, the huge moose head up on the wall started talking! She just watched with her mouth agape and was clearly intrigued, almost scared, but quickly saw we were all smiling and continued watching. When he stopped she said, "uh-oh!" and then "sleeping!" It was pretty cute. He came back on a few times throughout the night and then at the end of the meal, the wait staff came out singing for dad with a stuffed moose head of their own that Dellaina got to pet, timidly. I think I got more video inside and took pictures outside where Dad opened most of his presents - since Emily & Daniel couldn't easily bring an axe, sledge hammer and case of wine into the restaurant! We ordered 3 different desserts and passed them around the table (The chocolate chip cookie in a skillet pan with ice cream on top was the clear favorite) but we managed to actually leave some in on the plates. Greg said we'd come a long way, because our family is known for plopping down a whole dessert - cake, pie, whatever - and not leaving the table until it's all gone. It was a good little change of pace mid-week and nice to get together with everyone for a celebration.

Pregnancy update

5 weeks yesterday! Holy Smokes, Batman! I'm super excited to find out what little creature will be entering the world. .it's going to be so wild to have two little rugrats and see the similarities and the start differences!

I had a doctor's appointment this morning. Blood pressure was 120/70, which is a little higher for me, but still good, I think. I'm up 2 more pounds, putting my overall at 25 pounds, which, I think is pretty good. The desirable range is 25-35 pounds and I need to be at the lower end of that when all is said and done because I started ahead. Hopefully that's feasible if I don't go over the 1 pound/week expectancy for the remainder. Next appointment is in 2 weeks, at 36 weeks and we'll have an ultrasound to check on things and then I go every week. But, really should only be going one, maybe two more times, because I'm scheduled during week 38!

The plan is to get the floor done in Dellaina's room this weekend with Granny & Granpa coming back up Sunday morning. Lots of my family will be around on Friday/Saturday, so maybe we'll even get the room painted the base coat, who knows? Then, we just have to order some furniture and get that in, so I can start transferring all of Dellaina's clothes and such into her new room and figuring out what boxes of baby clothes to pull out! wow. this is really happening again, huh?

I officially can no longer see my belly button when I look down at my belly. Not even if I try to push/pull things out of the way - it's too tight and too far over the mound! I don't remember that happening last time, but it very well could have and I blocked it out. I feel like things have dropped some over the past few weeks and I'm not carrying quite up under my chest like I was before.

One of my biggest pet peeves about pregnancy is no longer being able to hold my leg up straight with my knee bent against my chest to put on my socks and shoes correctly. I've always enjoyed being flexible and it's such a pain to have to prop your ankle on the other knee and put things on sideways! It's not like having a fatty gut that might move out of the way some, it's solid and inflexible or painful even if pressed too much. Plus, I think your hip bones are expanding and no longer allow that straight alignment anyway, hence the bow-legged waddle.

I thought I had been doing well, but Greg told me the other day Mr. Martin asked how I was doing and he told him I was "over it!" I admit, I have been a little more tired, worn out and uncomfortable and do make more guttural noises whenever I attempt to do much of anything.

Yesterday, I was leaning over to pick something up and my bra snapped! I thought it was like an elastic popping, but it was actually the under wire snapping in two! Lovely. I know Megan will have a field day with that one and how I obviously can't have the right size bra and I readily admit I was pushing that one and am pissed because I really liked it. Under wire is getting harder to wear anyway, but for some reason I decided to tempt fate. I just thought it was a lovely reminder of how things are continuing to expand and apply pressure everywhere!

After reporting that I hadn't felt many hiccups, I have since noticed several sets. I don't know if I just wasn't as aware before thinking about the rhythm of the movements I was feeling or if they truly just started up, but I have had some fairly violent ones from little peanut where I swear s/he is simultaneously kicking down on my bladder or cervix or something way down low and karate chopping up into my rib cage at the same time with each jolt.

I definitely feel the pregnancy mush brain setting in more firmly. This morning on my way to the doctor's I realized I didn't have my watch on and remembered that I'd let Dellaina play with it and wear it this morning. She saw it when I was trying to put it on and wanted me to put it on her. I vaguely wondered if she'd made it to school with it still on or if I'd ever find/see it again from wherever she might have ended up putting it in the house. Greg brought it down this evening and asked if I'd missed something today. It was indeed under the bed or covers or dresser somewhere in the bedroom. Not sure how he saw it, unless Dellaina went back and got it out.

My feet are getting more swollen and sore by the end of the day and I'm constantly trying to keep them propped at work. My back hurts at times, mostly just when we do squats at the gym, somehow that strains my lower back. I am having more trouble sleeping at night. I woke up suddenly last night, went to the bathroom and then laid there panicking that I woke up for a reason and something was wrong, so I kept moving around trying to make sure I could feel the baby moving. I felt some small little flutters and eventually fell back asleep. Things were definitely going this morning and heard the heartbeat at the doctor's office, so it's all good. Just some of that paternal paranoia setting in. I feel like anytime I move I have to go to the bathroom.

So, yeah, maybe I am over it. And if that's not a good dose of birth control for folks out there, then clearly you skimmed it and didn't let it all sink in.

Halloween costume

Monday, I got off a bit early and went to pick up Dellaina and we did a little shopping. One stop was Old Navy and I wanted her to pick out her Halloween costume while I had a $10 bucks back and they were also 25% off! We walked around the racks pointing and talking about them, but she didn't really gravitate to any too strongly and wasn't interested in trying any one. We did look at the little ones for babies that are basically just sacks. I was sooo close to getting either the Pumpkin or the Penguin (over the Hot Dog or Mermaid), but they looked huge for a newborn that will just be 6 days old! They were just one size, so I resisted and just got a little onesie ("Mummy loves me")and some orange and black striped pants instead. We walked around a bit more and eventually came back to the costumes. I was really pushing for the Ladybug or maybe even the Kangaroo. She liked the monkey, but I told her she that's what she was last Halloween. I'm sure she understood perfectly.

I'm going to save announcing the actual choice until Halloween and pictures, but she finally had some interest in one of them - the only one on the rack of that particular costume and it was her size, so that was a good sign. She tried on the top - the pants were still attached by one of those plastic tags, so I just let them hang down behind her. We went walking around to find a mirror and she kept it on walking around the store the rest of the time. Lots of comments were bestowed upon her and it was pretty darn cute. She had her pink sparkly shoes on, too, so that really added to the look. To check out, I had to dig the tag out and hold her up so the lady could scan it! Then, we got to the car and I had to take it off of her to get her buckled in. So, we had a little meltdown. But, she held on to it and was looking at it and loving on it and I felt very successful and happy and hopeful that she would continue to want her choice. Until, she got fed up with it, tried to throw it on the ground, but it caught on her shoe, so she had a major fit and eventually ended up saying, "No xxx, Ladybug?!" My mouth just fell open and I turned to look at her like, "You've got to be kidding me! Now you want the ladybug?!" A few minutes later she mentioned the Duck, too. The chosen one is now hanging in the closet and I'm hoping keeping it out of sight and bringing it back out for Halloween, she'll be excited again! We'll see won't we. . .

Camera Shy

Dellaina has been "singing" songs more recently. The other night at dinner, she broke into "Where o where has my little dog gone?" Except, she wasn't really singing it, so much as saying some of the words, but it was enough for us to get the gist of what she was thinking and was very cute. Then, last night, she started "The Farmer in the Dell" and was saying either "farmer takes a wife" or "mama takes a wive" I'm not exactly sure. I usually skip around on those versus, so I was surprised she knew them well enough to repeat!

We went to the grocery store yesterday on the way home. I'm sure it's bad, but I let her get into some of the things we were buying while we were still shopping. She saw some Scooby snacks and wanted those and I let her open them. Then, she wanted the little Danimal yogurt drinks and she actually drank nearly 2 of them! I usually poor them into her sippie cup, so I was very impressed with her ability to drink them straight from the little bottle.

This morning, when we came downstairs the plant was knocked over and there was a huge puddle of water all around it. The dogs had been barking earlier and obviously in their excitement had knocked the plant over. I was just amazed at how much water was in it, though. Perhaps, it's not too dry, maybe it's too wet and that's why it's droopy! But, Dellaina kept pointing it out "boys knocked it over!" Even this evening when we got home she pointed it out to Daddy (although, I had cleaned it up this morning, so it's not like there was really anything to point out).

On your mark, get set. . go, go go! Ready to Run! Dellaina fast! Bye-byyyyye! No, mama!


I thought I had more to report, but my brain is actually shutting down now. I'm showing some pictures of her sparkly pink shoes. And I love this one capturing her running from me so I can't take her picture. It's like one I just showed Greg a few weeks ago on dooce.com where the lady writes newsletters to her daughter every month and I just loved the picture she had of her running. It captured the action so well. And now, Dellaina has helped me create one as well. I guess this could be her 21st month newsletter, since it's almost the 22nd. I have one of her making a very funny/smelly/ugly/bad face that I will save for another time, but here's one of how she was sitting watching Elmo the other day. I wish I'd gotten video of it, because she was actually mindlessly touching her nose with her toes!

Happy Birthday, Grandaddy!

I know he's trying to ignore it completely, but just wanted to send birthday wishes his way anyway. . .Happy birthday, dad!!! The big L-X!! (does that make it sound better?) There are still a few things to keep you young. . and one more on the way!

Fun Granny & Granpa

Saturday evening, Granny & Granpa were coming up to stay so that Granpa & Greg could work on installing the new floor in Dellaina's Big Girl Room on Sunday (Granpa's day off). We decided to meet them at the Olive Garden for dinner on their way to the house. We had a gift certificate from Emily & Daniel from at least one Christmas ago that prompted the choice, but I'm not even sure we remembered to use it! It was nearing 8:00 by the time we got there, so Dellaina was getting more goofy and delirious, but as she gets tired, that also means she gets more affectionate, so they just ate it up. We had a good time and as we're pulling out of the parking lot, Dellaina announces "fun eating!" She's gotten in the habit of telling me she had fun at places like, "fun Aden's party" or "fun purple hands" when we leave at the end of the day, I'm presuming it's because I always asked her if she had fun at school that day. Sometimes it comes off as a question and she answers herself, much like the "what color is . . .Groover? Blue. yes." question and answers.

Sunday, we had a big time just hanging out at the house. (I've mentioned she won't let me take her picture anymore, right?) I think it was good for Granny & Granpa to experience her in her own environment for a change. She really chatted them up and it's just more of a glimpse into the "normal" routine. Granpa & Greg worked hard all day and finally got to the point of being able to put the first piece of actual flooring down by 4:00 (after we pulled up the carpet and pad the night before, there was still lots of clean up left - pulling up the tack strips, taking off the baseboards, pulling out and left over nails or staples, going back over the floor, securing it down to try to lessen the squeaking, laying the new pad down and figuring out the cuts for the floor!) They completed one box and called it a day, preparing to come back and finish up next Sunday! I think they are at the point where it will go much faster, now that they are laying the floor and know what they are up against.

Dellaina had a big time watching the video from Aden's party as we showed Granny and Granpa separately and she'd want to play it several times each time. She quickly learned what was coming next and would just laugh and laugh. I think we may now have video of her watching the video! When things were over, she'd freak out and tell me, "no mama!" because she didn't want me to turn it off, "play again!" and one time she saw me with the remote and tried to grab it, saying "no, press buttons!" meaning don't press that stop button or turn it off! That was right before her nap and it was pretty cute. Granny got a big kick out of her telling her "No, Granny!" and would torture her a bit at times continuing to do whatever it was Dellaina was prohibiting she do. We laughed because I admitted I'd thought about posting before how I usually said, "no, mama, dancing? ok, sorry." but sometimes, I was THAT mom that kept doing it just a little bit more every so often to send her into fits (usually it's singing or dancing along with something).

The weather was great - nice and cool and I was excited thinking about being able to wear some of my fall clothes soon. We tried to get Dellaina to go for a stroller ride, but she never accepted. She did like going out on the decks and playing, though, so at least we got some outside time.

She picked out her red shoes from Aunt Emily and had a big time wearing them. I'm glad they finally fit her because they are super cute and we won't be able to keep wearing our red Crocs once it gets colder! I also repainted her toenails silver like she was requesting. Then, on Sunday, she decided she wanted me to take it off (maybe I made the mistake showing her we could take off the old polish first?!) and paint them red like mama's. I liked the silver on her toes and had done it so maticulously, I didn't want to just take it off, so I offered to do her fingernails. Daddy wasn't exactly thrilled and perhaps, looking back on it, I might have jumped the gun on that one. Hopefully, I haven't created a monster, though. I also took a stab and "fixing/doing" her hair! It was in one little ponytail in the back and then I managed to get two little ones on top so she could see them in the mirror (which, of course, she always likes to go do to check herself out) and she will touch them and say, "pretty!" One morning, I went to get her out of her crib and she reached up and stroked my hair and said, "pretty!" That was a great way to start the day! I don't think I'd even brushed it yet, just rolled out of bed to get her! I better enjoy it now, because I'm sure in the teenage years I won't be hearing such encouragement!

Rough & Tumble

Friday evening Dellaina was getting silly and playing on the couch, kind of running back and forth from end to end and flopping around. Boss or Hank were up there with her at times, but would be quickly run off. I was standing nearby to attempt to prevent any mis-steps off the edge and resulting collisions with the coffee table. I wasn't as prepared, however, when she was flopping around at the other end of the couch, right as I'd sat down at the other end and she flips over the arm! It was kind of like slow motion for me, because I'm *ahem* not as agile as I was 8 months ago (hell, even 3 months ago) and her facial expression changing from having fun to panic as she disappeared. Thankfully, her head did come on around and she ended up landing basically on all fours. She did cry, but not for long, mostly, I think from being scared rather than any actual pain.

Saturday was the face plant at the inflatable bounce house. Then, that afternoon, we were standing outside on the deck, playing with her pink ball when we heard "Daddy!" out by his truck and went to "see him" through the rails. After waving, I turned back to her on my left, just as I see she's reaching up on the rail to step up on top of her pink ball! Again, the slow motion, "oh, Dellaina, be careful, that's not. . ." as I'm reaching for her to get her down, sure enough, the ball rolls out from under her and she tumbles all against the rails in the corner. I thought she mostly bonked the back of her head, but the two red marks that soon appeared on her forehead suggested otherwise! She hollered pretty well on that bump, but shook it off quickly, too. We went inside to get her a baggie of ice and she did fairly well holding it up to her forehead (so that it covered her eyes, too) for a few minutes.

Aden's Party

Dellaina got Aden's birthday party invitation nearly 2 weeks ago, so it's been a big build up to the actual party today. They did have one at school for him, too, last week, so that helped some, but also added to the confusion some. Whenever the subject would come up, she'd remember that the invitation was "Thomas train!" and be very excited to go. One morning, she was all set and ready and was really upset we were just going to purple hands! So, the day finally arrived and we got up and got ready and made it a little after 10 to Fiesta Jumps. We had to sign in and they asked if we had any socks, because apparently they require socks to go on the inflatables. Naturally, Dellaina is wearing sandals and Greg & I both have on our flip-flops! I was tensing up for the impending scolding or unpleasantness when we'd have to go home to get socks, when they finally presented that they actually sold socks! Best $3 I could have spent. Actually, $6, because Greg needed a pair, too, to help keep up with Dellaina. Smart people to have them for sale, but I was kind of miffed it hadn't been noted on the invite or the website (when I glanced at it) and it just seemed to take them awhile to offer that information. I mean, they sat there and watched us discuss this lovely development and dig through our bag and heard me saying I didn't think there would be any in there, before they even mentioned it. Anyway. . Aden's parents came up and introduced themselves, which I'm sure was weird for us to be at the party and still have introductions, but we tend not to run into each other much at school surprisingly and know each other mostly as "Aden's mom" or "Dellaina's Daddy." Kelly is actually pregnant and having a baby a few weeks after us as well. They know they are having another little boy. And they mentioned that they had come to a birthday party and run into the sock issue themselves and didn't know they sold socks (so you would *think* you'd make a point to mention the need for socks on the invite?!) Beyond that start, it was really a good time. Dellaina enjoyed seeing her friends from school - Aden, Caden and the twins, Hannah & Tess were all there. She joined them jumping around and liked sliding on the alligator slide and playing with the basketballs in one. Greg was working hard keeping up with her. There was a huge slide right at the front that was a good 12 feet tall, probably and the steps for it were pretty narrow, so it was really difficult for Greg to get a good grip with his feet and Dellaina wouldn't really hold herself up, so he's trying to climb it, holding onto her and I'm videotaping and cut it off. . just as they come sliding bump-bump-bump back down the ladder side! I was so bummed I hadn't caught it on tape (since they were fine, of course)! They did finally make it to the top and Dellaina went sliding down by herself and was doing fine until about halfway down, she started to turn from sitting upright and ended up landing kind of lengthwise on her face and bouncing back up into the air a good little bit! It was kind of shocking to watch, but she came out of it, perhaps a little dazed, but never upset or crying! We decided it probably hadn't been the smarted to let her go down by herself! Again, I couldn't get the camera turned on in time and completely missed it! But, decided perhaps it was better if Granny wasn't able to ever see it anyway. We talked her out of doing the big slide after that, because it was so difficult to maneuver. It was a good set up for a party and nice for them, I'm sure, to have everything handled as far as set up and clean up and entertainment. We had pizza, cupcakes and ice cream. We ran out of time to actually open the presents, but that was fine, because all the kids were having such a big time running around. They had a cute little basket of favors at the door as we were walking out and Dellaina got a green plastic flute/recorder. Hank freaked out when I opened it at home and played it, but thankfully, Dellaina hasn't quite gotten the hang of it yet. She tries blowing on it like we instruct, but then she held it out and told me "turn it on?!" we had to laugh.
We've had a big time watching the video several times and Dellaina gets the biggest kick out of it everytime and already knows it by heart, exclaiming "Aden" when he's going to be sliding down next, etc.

Stickers for Miss Smarty Pants

Dellaina knows the limits of her little brain, I think, and won't accept more knowledge in them than she's ready to handle. The other night we were doing her Animal Alphabet on the LittleTouch Leap pad from Unca' Josh. She was pointing out that some of the letters were, "RED!" and I'd never noticed that the first letters in each row were indeed red and it dawned on me that they were the vowels, A, E, I, O, U (in case anyone needed that refresher?!) So, I explained this to her, and she thought for a second and emphatically said, "no, mama, letters!" Like, I don't know what you think you are calling them, but these are called letters, thankyouverymuch.

We had a similar occurrence yesterday, where we were sitting in the camping chairs Dellaina had me get out again (this time in the house!) and she looks over and is pointing saying something I can't quite make out until she hops out of her chair and picks up a penny. I realize she was saying, "money!" and I say exclaim, "yes, a penny! yea! good job." And she looks at me and shakes her head, very seriously explaining to me, "no, money!"

Dellaina likes to put stickers, or as she says it most of the time, "steeekers" on her forehead. Ms. Georgia saw us leaving school one day and had a page of small stickers and started sticking them all over her as we were walking out. Dellaina was very accepting of all the places Georgia was putting them, like she was getting something special and she revered wherever Georgia would put them, but given her choice or control over it, she usually chooses her forehead - and they all end up there eventually! Then Georgia ripped a page out and gave her a whole sheet of these tiny stickers, which have been great entertainment in the car all week! Usually it's after school and she'll wear them until her bath, when usually I'm able to coax her to take them off by then, but sometimes, not even then. Friday, she put some on before getting to school and left them on all day long. She did tell me Aden took one of them, I think, but otherwise, they stayed on her forehead all day long! We've had them on in the grocery store and other such places as well, which I'm sure is quite a sight. I don't notice it as much as I used to when I'd pick her up from school and she'd have a big one on her forehead. I just figured the teachers put them there so the kids would forget about them and wouldn't see them on their shirt and take them off. She just enjoys having them on her forehead and will periodically touch them and say, "eh, stickers, forehead!" She wore my headband again to school, too and had it on at the end of the day. I think it was taken off of her at nap time, but she saw it again at one point and got it back!

Backseat driver

Yesterday morning on the way to "purple hands" The Black Crowes' "She Talks to Angels" started playing on the radio and Dellaina pipes up "guitar! Uncle Doug!" I praised her for recognizing the guitar and pointed out as the drums were added and I started drumming my thumbs on the steering wheel and kind of bobbing my head and Dellaina pipes up "no mama, driving!" like you can't drum and dance while you are supposed to be driving! Then, I was absorbed in the song and I hear "green, go, go, go" and laugh, because now she's telling me when the light is green and to go! On the way home this afternoon, I pointed out that the light was red so we had to stop and she starts whining "no red, no stop!" (often at the end of the day, nothing appeases her and she adds no in front of anything I offer) and I explain that we have to or we will run into all of the other cars, there are rules and she says "no run. no other cars. no rules." But, she eventually she caught on and added "red, stop" to her instructions. And then said, "uh-oh red light" as we approached the next light.

It was a just a little after 8:00PM and Dellaina was wandering around in her pink sunglasses and I was finishing up dinner. She approached me and declared, "Dellaina tired!" I kind of took a second to process what she'd just said and then repeated it as a question and she replied, "yup!" I corrected her with "yes" and asked if she was ready to go upstairs and read stories and go to bed and she responded by saying "bye Hank and Boss" [I love how Boss looks so tortured in the picture] and turning to Greg and declaring "Daddy fly" meaning, Daddy make me fly up the stairs. It's become our little ritual for Greg to carry her upstairs laid out like she is flying (she even flutters her arms now!) and I "chase" them upstairs. When they get to the top, Greg says, "and she falls down" because that's what happens to Super Grover and Dellaina races to turn her light on, because that means she's safe. It's fun and simple and cute. It was just such a big girl moment for her to come tell us she was tired and ready for bed and we were pleasantly shocked! Am I wrong for hoping it will always be that blissful?

What would Emily Post say?!

So, perhaps against all rules of etiquette, I have graciously accepted offers for two "celebrations" or "get togethers/dinner parties" in recognition of, but not necessarily titled for baby #2. It was difficult to decide how to deal with it all, but I am looking forward to hanging out with people and if it takes my birthing a child to bring them together, well then so be it.

Perhaps even more of a slap in the face of the etiquette queen, I have actually created registries at both Target.com and Amazon.com because, well, enough people were asking what things we needed this time around and since it is more specific - we need less beginner stuff, because we still have lots from the first time around, but just more of the basics/essentials that you use up (laundry detergent, stain sprays, diapers, batteries!, new pacifiers, new toothbrush, ink cartridges for our photo printer because we all know I'm addicted to pictures, etc.) - I thought it was merely a helpful service to direct people towards the brands/products we use and perhaps a few other items we didn't get the first time around or that would be nice to upgrade. I just did the Amazon one because I could add some of those more perishable items like diapers and lotions, etc. and incorporate some of those more daily products.

I'm sure the final straw, though, will be making the big announcement/list available here, rather than more discretely spreading the word via friends and family. Oh well, I can blame it on pregnancy hormones, right?

32 weeks, oh my!

It seems like time is simultaneously slowing down and speeding up. I can't believe I'm already 32 weeks along and with the scheduled date being a mere 6 1/2 weeks away!!!!!! Yet, I also can't believe I have 6 more weeks of lugging this belly around - and it's going to keep growing?! While, I'm on the topic of pregnancy, a few notes I've thought about recently. Emily & I had a discussion about her first time watching a monitor on a patient and freaking out a little bit, until she realized the baby was just hiccuping. It made me realize I haven't really felt this baby have the hiccups. Seems like Dellaina got them a good little bit. I have had a few gurgley, shifting sensations that are very reminiscent of when my water broke and give me quite a start! I remember the shifting and popping sensation very vividly and some of these little movements or noises have been very similar, but thankfully, no fluid has emerged yet. And it seems to be more of a result of the baby sloshing around and just catching the side/running out of room and forcing the air or fluid to kind of escape noisily. I'm not sure I can explain this well enough, but wanted to make note of it anyway.
So, I know the first one's blurry, but you know me, I include them anyway. . .

And for comparison to last time around. . .