We took a 10 day rip to Michigan to see my family and get in a little wedding action from my cousin Scott and his beautiful bride Jen. After a 12 hour ride in The Big Red Tomato (as Beth Anne and Katie affectionately call our Durango), we made it to Michigan at 3:30 in the morning. We figured a nighttime drive would be good for Emma, hoping she'd sleep and we'd have a comfortable drive. Little miss didn't fall asleep until nearly 10:30pm waking for every stop, big bump or toll booth. It made for a long haul but I'm proud of her, I wouldn't want to be tied to a car seat for that long either!
After just 4 hours of sleep we all trucked it to Detroit for the wedding Friday night. It was a perfect day and surprisingly Emma was well behaved, aside from the desire to want to walk around instead of being held (typical). We managed to stay at the reception until 10:30 then crashed like lumps on a log till morning.
We spent a full week in Michigan, visiting family, romping around the Lansing area and just plain hanging out which we truly needed. Grandma worked a lot, but her, Grandpa and Aunt Jenni got some good lovin' time in with the little miss. We even got to meet cousin Ryan for the first time... what a cutie!
Friday came so quickly and it was off to Indianapolis to visit with my best friend Nikki, her husband Mark and their two children Drew (2.5) and Elsie (3 weeks). We stayed with Nikki's parents (people I love and adore with all my heart) since Mark's mother was in for a visit the same week. A quick two days later and we were off again to DC, another 10 hour drive. No fun. We did manage to get home around midnight though which meant at least a good night's sleep before the work week started.
After we left Indy Nikki asked if I'd come back to help her with the kids while Mark was away for three days. Since we didn't see much of them the weekend we were there I was super excited at the thought of going back to hang out with Nikki some more. I booked the ticket and it was planned... two weeks later and I was going back to Indy.
Well, now the fun starts. Little Drew came down with a cold while we were in Indy and because I am a sickness sponge I managed to catch what he was dishing out. Being pregnant did not help the recovery time, I was miserable. Claritan? Nope. Tylenol Cold? Nope. I finally started getting better after a friend dropped off some Sudafed 12 hour. 6 days later and I could finally breathe out my nose! Sickness aside, I was determined to get on that plain to Indy that coming Friday.
Now I have always believed that God has a way with making things happen. Good or bad, I feel there is always a reason for everything and things are meant to be no matter how hard it may seem. Friday morning, just 2 minutes before I was to board my flight back to Indy my mom called. My grandfather, Paw as we called him, passed away that morning. He was to be buried in Indianapolis the following Tuesday and my family would be there. God had a plan all along, I am convinced.
Paw was a great man. I grew up visiting him and Maw with my mom, step-dad and brother Mike. I remember being totally spoiled, fed wonderful food, playing with their loving puppies and being very loved by each of them. We knew Paw was sick and I am very thankful that I got to spend time with him in New Orleans. He is missed, but I know he's being taken care of and looking down on all of us.
I spent five days in Indy with Nikki and her children. I had such a good time and missed her the second I boarded the plane to come home. She's a true friend and always there for love, support and friendship. Not only did I have a great time seeing her and spending quality time with her, but she stood at my grandfather's funeral, along with her parents, in support of my family. I love them for so many reasons, but it shows how wonderful they are to have been there for me and my family.
Since I have been back I have been overwhelmed with how quickly time passes. I look to my belly often now and wonder where the last 30 weeks have gone. My little guy is growing day by day, getting closer to meeting the world, and I sit here in awe at how fast the time has gone. In just 8 or so weeks he'll be here and quite honestly I can't believe it. There is still so much to do yet I feel so much more prepared for his arrival than I did with Emma. Sure, he still doesn't have a crib or a room to call his own and I have yet to buy the necessities for his homecoming, but I know it'll get done. In fact, all that matters is that Dave, Emma and I will be here to love him and take care of him, no matter if there's a pair of pj's ready for his first night home.
As with the time before Emma's arrival Dave and I are starting to feel the panic with the work load. I still haven't figured out what to do while I am "out", but as with God's plan with Paw I am sure it'll all fall in place when the time comes. Until then Dave and I will throw around ideas and hope the answer will fall in our laps.
Now that I am no longer sick I am feeling well and our son is growing right on track. I had a dr. appointment last week and am measuring at 31.5 weeks, just 1 week ahead. The plan as of now is to talk inducement at 39 weeks for fear that he'll get too big and I'll be unable to deliver him. Daddy is hoping for a delivery on the 8th (makes remembering birthdays easy for him!), but we'll see what's in this little ones cards.
Emma is turning into quite the charming little girl and has such a cute personality. She's talking up a storm, repeating words you say as best she can. Barbara and I have talked a bout starting a list but there are so many it'll be hard. The newest is octopus. She's also starting to talk in short two word sentences. The other night at 5:30am I heard through the monitor "help please". Little miss had gotten her leg caught in her crib and couldn't get it out on her own. Makes your heart melt doesn't it?
Emma also eats with a fork and drinks out of a straw now. Um, can you say cut? She can't make it through a meal without spilling an entire cup of water down the front of her, but it's adorable nonetheless. She's eating better these days but had a rough month with teething. The eye teeth have finally broken and we're back to eating all things toddler like pb&j, cheese sticks, graham crackers and more.
Here's Emma reading, one of her favorite activities.
This is another favorite...
This summer Emma scored a few new toys which are proudly taking up every inch of our living room. She got a doll house, a play kitchen, a big comfy chair and ottoman and best of all a power wheels quad that's just her size. Day one and she figured out how to work it. Off she went banging into furniture, dog bowls and poor old Cooper. She hasn't quite figured out how to turn yet but she's pretty good at going straight and laughing when she hits the first obstacle. (I'll post the movie of it later)
We're also taking Emma to a class at JW Tumbles. It's an indoor play area with a structured class for children in her age group. She loves to climb so it's perfect for her. And, she's meeting other children, learning a lot of new things and having a blast. She goes twice a week, sometimes three if Dave and I take her on Saturdays.
Summer is coming to a close as we look forward to the baby's arrival, but we had a good time. We visited the zoos, took lots of walks, took some mini vacations and learned a whole lot about what it means to be a toddler in this big world. We are very blessed. We hope everyone had a wonderful summer and look forward to seeing everyone to introduce the new little one. Now if I could only find a third bedroom in this dinky house....
And finally, me at 32 weeks:
love to all.
