Family

I finally got a copy of our family Christmas picture from my mom's camera. Not the best picture of me, but everyone else looks fabulous! I wish we lived closer to everyone so that we could hang out more often (and help when people are sick!!!).

My parents are both well from their horrible few days of sickness. Mom sees her surgeon today to get a release to travel and plans on flying here Friday (weather permitting). Dad will drive straight here, 14 hours, as soon as we know the baby is coming.

Kellen will be ecstatic to see his Mema and I will breath a sigh of relief that I can finally have this baby with someone to care for K. (Thanks to all the friends who offered--you guys are awesome!! But grandma's are always the best option.)

Let the nesting begin!!

The count down

I went to the Dr this week for my 34 week check up. Can't believe I'm 34 weeks along already!! I've been having contractions daily most of the month, although this week they have become a little more intense. So far nothing to be concerned about because they stop when I lay down. I think that means they are braxton hicks. At my appointment, the dr said that they would not stop labor if it started after 35 weeks. Thirty-five weeks is on Sunday, YIKES!!

There are numerous reasons for this baby to stay put for a few more weeks.

For one, he/she needs to get as plump as possible.

Secondly, I need more time to prepare. I finally got the bassinet set up in our room last weekend and have washed all the gender neutral clothes. We are planning on touring the hospital on Sunday. I still need to pack my suitcase and continue to prepare mentally for the upcoming changes. Not sure I'm ready for this!!

Lastly, I NEED my mom here when the baby is born!!! She was planning on being here this weekend to help prepare for the baby. However, God had different plans. Mom had surgery last weekend to remove her gallbladder. So now, she is unable to travel until next weekend at the earliest. The night after they got home from the hospital, my dad came down with a stomach bug and is unable to care for my mom. When it rains, it pours! They are in separate bedrooms listening for each other. Oh how I wish I lived closer!! Although I'm not sure how much help I would be since I am trying my best to rest and keep this baby at bay.

Kellen has been a champ since I have been less available to him. He is typically content to read books, watch tv, or play by himself. I guess I'm preparing him for the hours I will spend nursing and caring for his sibling. Poor guy!

Yesterday the weather was gorgeous! Kellen was able to play outside in his sandbox for 45 minutes while I watched him through the screen door. I eventually moved outside with him and sat on the patio while he kicked the ball and counted rocks. His counting skills right now consist of: "four, sick, four, sick, four, sick."

Tandon has been an awesome help! After working all day, he comes home and does chores around the house that seem to bring on my contractions (sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, cleaning tubs. . .). Love him!!

For at least a couple more weeks I will be doing the bare minimum around the house and will forgo shopping trips that require a lot of walking. I'll take this over bed rest any day!!

Triplets

Tandon's sisters, Heather, Heidi, and Holly, came over this weekend to help celebrate Kellen's birthday and a belated Christmas.

Kellen enjoyed the extra attention.

And the fun John Deere gifts from his aunts and grandparents. Thank you everyone!!

Oink Oink, Moo Moo, Kellen Just Turned Two!!

Accessories

Friends

Crafts

Food

Games (I didn't get a good picture of anyone on the stick horses, but it was pretty entertaining in person. Silas learned how to gallop, Kellen simply squeezed the stick with his knees and let go of the horse, and Sam made no attempt to ride, just neighed along with the horse.)

Singing

The Cake (just to clarify, since some people were confused, the tractor plowed a number 2 in the grass.)

Two Years Ago Today

God entrusted your daddy and me with a very special gift!!



Since that day. . .

We have learned what it means to love so much it hurts.

We have watched our sweet baby blossom into a laid back, tender hearted little boy.

We have kissed hurts, changed diapers, pushed you out of your comfort zone, wiped tears, tickled toes, won battles, wished you would grow and develop faster, longed for you to stop growing and developing so quickly, and continuously thanked God for giving us this opportunity to help mold you into the man He wants you to be.

We look forward to. . .

Seeing you grow up never knowing a day apart from our Savior!

Watching how God works in your life through your compassionate, steady personality.

Our prayer for you is. . .

Colosians 1:9-11

"That you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the LORD, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might."

Happy 2nd Birthday Little Man! We love you so much more than you will ever know!!!

Sick

Kellen was sick this week.

As a result, he did a lot of this...

and a lot of this. . .

He is finally feeling better--just in time for his Birthday tomorrow.

He's not trying. . .

. . .to get on my nerves.

I have to remind myself of that daily (sometimes hourly).

ALL. DAY. LONG. I hear "ut's at?" (what's that) and "Oo's at?" (who's that) As a result I spend my day identifying items and people. "Cup, table, window, I don't know her name-she's a lady shopping just like we are, peas, stop sign, I don't know who that is-just a man driving his car, mole, tires, lasagna." On and on it goes!

At first it was sweet to see my boy discovering the world around him. Now, however, I sometimes think he just asks to get under my skin. I want to shout, "Stop asking!" I have to remind myself that Kellen is experiencing everything for the first time and I am his source of information. It still gets on my nerves!

I guess when this phase passes, we will move onto the "why?" phase. At which point, I'm sure I will wish we were back in the What's That? and Who's That? phase, when at least I knew the answers. :)

Look...

...what Tandon made for me!!!

Big Boy Bed!

We switched Kellen into a twin bed today.

At nap time he sat up and shook the rail for a while and then named the balls on his sheets. After about 10 minutes he fell asleep.



Tonight he talked and played with the rail for over 30 minutes, but never got out of bed. He finally fell a sleep a few minutes ago. I don't think it will occur to him to get out of bed for a LONG time. He's not exactly adventurous like that. His laid back personality comes in handy sometimes. :)




For the observant readers. . . yes, the pluggie is still in use. Tandon and I decided it wasn't hurting anyone for him to sleep with it. (Although, deep down we know the longer we wait to take it away, the harder it is going to be.) He's still my baby! At least until February, when he becomes a big brother. Right?