By George, I Think He's Got It!

While driving home from school, Nate says to me, "Mom, you are going to be really tired for a while after the baby is born, right?" I answered that yes, I would probably be tired for a few days, wondering if he was getting ready to make a comment about how that was any different from right now before the baby is born...but I was just overthinking the thought process of a 4 year old.

"Well," he says, "that just means that Dad will have to do all the cooking for a while."

How right you are my dear little one, how right you are...

Almost Here

My doctor wanted to do an extra ultrasound to check the size and position of the baby this week. I did not complain. She looks great, although her head looks much like Nate's in size. Oh yay.

In this picture you can see her little mouth, nose, and lips - and her hands are up near her face in a curled position. So cute!

We, of course, can't wait to meet her. And when our ultrasound tech asked what we were naming the child, we woudn't even tell her. So no one out there should feel slighted :)

Dog Barking Causes Bad Behavior?

Nate's been having, well, let's just say some interesting behavior this week. Monday night was particularly rough. I realize there is a lot going on right now, but bad behavior can be exhausting for everyone. So on Tuesday afternoon when we got home from school, I was hoping the evening would go better, but instead the exorcist started rearing his ugly head again. After dealing with whatever the issue was, I told Nate that if something was frustrating him at school or at home that he should talk to us about it so that we could try to make it better...instead of having bad behavior. Oh my, reasoning with a 4-year old is so much fun.

Nate: Well, Mom, actually both of those things
Me: Okay, let's start with school.
Nate: Well, this little boy named M. at school keeps trying to talk to me when I'm trying to sleep.
Me: I can see how that would be frustrating, why don't you ask him nicely to let you sleep?
Nate: OK.

Me: Okay, now what is frustrating you at home?
Nate: Well, Mom, you know that dog across the street? [dead serious look] It really frustrates me when he barks all the time.
Me: [with a straight face] I can understand that. But the dog barking across the should not cause you to have bad behavior.
Nate: Okay Mom.

First, if you've ever talked to Nate for any length of time, you know he starts almost every sentence with WELL. And second, I managed to keep a straight face through the lack of correlation between bad behavior and dog barking explanation, but I may or may not have been in danger of peeing all over myself when I relayed the story to Scott.

Oh and by the way, after getting the whole dog barking thing off his chest, the rest of the night was extremely pleasant. Go figure.

Confessions

• I stayed home the entire weekend (as in did not leave the house ever)
• I chewed my nails during the Missouri-Oklahoma game on Saturday night
• I was in my bed or on the chaise lounge in the living room for 90% of the time I spent at home (I did come down with a cold on Friday so I had at least some excuse)
• I cried on Sunday because I didn't leave the house all weekend, even though I wasn't really all that sad about it. Hormones.
• I watched Scott paint the letters of baby sister's name while trying to distract Nate who was trying to figure out what it spelled. I should be happy he can spell, but it was a huge inconvenience at the moment, since I was comfortable and didn't want to get up from the table.
• I asked my mom when the heck she was going to come see me, even though I know she's busy with harvest right now. I just need her to swoop in and make it all better (and yes, she is coming on Friday - did you have any doubt?!)
• I have been holding off on packing baby sister's hospital bag because I don't want her coming home outfit to get wrinkled
• I purchased a pink girly diaper bag even though I'm pretty sure I have 3 perfectly good red diaper bags that could be used
• I did not take any pictures of Nate this weekend but did send the camera with Scott to Grant's Farm, who only took pictures of animals
• I am excited and nervous about Missouri's game against Nebraska on Saturday - wonder if we can keep up the winning??

Painting Project

At long last, I received the plate that I painted for Baby Girl's Pre-Baby Celebration Party a few weeks ago. It didn't turn out quite as bad as I thought...I don't think I'm ready to show a side by side comparison of the one my good friend Audra painted for Nate when he was born. But you can take your guesses as to which one is better! I'm sure Baby Girl will like it just the same.

Happy Birthday Scott!

Happy 34th Birthday Scott!! When Nate asked Scott how old he was going to be last week, Scott of course answered, 34. From the kitchen, I said "Are you really going to be 34?" He said, Duh, you're going to be 34 too in June! Oh yeah. Right. It just sounded older than I thought we should be! But 34 is going to be a great year for you - I promise.

Scott is truly the best Dad and husband anyone could ask for - he is so devoted to making us all happy and comfortable. He is almost always in a good mood, never complains, and doesn't sweat the small stuff. He deserves the best birthday ever, especially this year after listening to all of my pregnancy woes for the last 8 months!

Happy Birthday Scott - we love you very much and appreciate all that you do for our family! And maybe just maybe, Georgia will win all of their remaining games in honor of your 34th year...Okay, okay, we'll just start with winning this weekend :)

Nate's Perfect Day

Nate's best friends from school, A. & A. started attending Pre-K at another school this year. They have been together since the very beginning of Nate's time as SLCH- around 18 months old. He loves them dearly and it has been an adjustment for him to not have them around.

They turned 5 this past weekend and invited Nate to their party. He hasn't seen them since probably July. Needless to say, he was so excited! When I talked to their mom before the party, I told her that he talks about them regularly, and she said she heard something about Nate nearly every day. Amazing the bond that even children can share.

I couldn't believe he was this much taller than them!! But isn't this picture so sweet?!? Love it.

He was so sad when he got home from the party, but we promised that we would hook up with the girls soon now that we have all of their contact information. I think he's going to ask every day until it happens :)

What do you miss while you are pregnant?

Nothing that isn't worth all the glorious minutes of growing a baby and the prize you get at the end. No laughing, I'm serious.

But since you asked, I've been compiling a list...

• Bending at the middle
• The ability to deal with minor disappointments without crying
• Eating when I want to, not when I think I should
• South Dakota Martinis
• Sleeping on my back

And for an update on Baby Girl...she is doing wonderful, at least I think she is and that's what the doctor tells me. I go for my 36 week appointment next week and the doctor offered to do an ultrasound to check position and size. I took her up on the offer and am so excited to see the little one again - we did not get to do this with Nate, so it should be neat. From there, I'll start going to the doctor every week for checkups. My hope (although of course I have no control, unfortunately:) is that she would arrive before Thanksgiving, but not too much before.

Her room is setup and I'm almost finished decorating. Clothes are washed, diapers are stocked, and bottles are organized. I think we are all ready, as ready as we can be for the changes that are almost here!

And yes, we officially have a name. But until she is born, only me, Scott, and the AirTran representative that booked our flight to Atlanta in January knows what that special name will be.

Mostly Pictures

While I was having a heavenly pre-natal massage on Saturday, Nate & Scott visited the Botanical Gardens. Scott had actually never been so Nate had to show him around. And while Scott was at it, he took some amazing pictures.

Just when I think his eyes are turning a blue green color, I see a picture like this and think we can hang on to the blue a little longer.

And photographing Nate in his Georgia shirt must have helped the Bulldogs on to a victory this weekend. But now on to worrying about Missouri! We are ranked #11 in the BCS poll and will be playing Oklahoma (#1) on Saturday. ESPN Game Day will be there. Fabulous, just what we need, more pressure!

Hot Water

No pictures today, but I do have a story...one day this week, the alarm goes off way too early. I sit up and let the blood flow get situated before I make my way in the dark to the bathroom for a shower. Since Scott & I got married, I've always been first to the shower. Some days I silently curse him for getting to stay in bed a few more minutes, but truthfully, I wouldn't have it any other way - I have to be first in the shower or it throws off my day. Just ask him.

I get in the shower and turn on the water. I'm waiting for it to warm up. I'm waiting...waiting...still waiting for the borderline luke warm water to turn hot. After I waited several minutes and nothing happened, I just proceeded on with the shower. I can't get off schedule in the mornings, it really does a number on me. I'm sure that surprises all of you.

Yes, I was cold, but I amused myself by thinking the worst...the hot water heater has gone out and we will have to buy a new one. Awesome.

So I tried to finish quickly and hopped out. By this time, Scott & Nate were both awake. I promptly opened the door and said, "Uh...Scott? There isn't any hot water." He replies with a "What the heck?" and tromps down the stairs to check things out.

He tromps back up the stairs and says, "Nate, did you turn a black knob on the water heater last night when we were playing downstairs?"

"Yes, Dad. I sure did."

Sweet Elena's Birthday

Well, first check out this sweet creation that Nate and I made with the rest of the apples we picked on Friday. I have to say it is the best yet - so yummy and the house smelled amazing!

Now on to sweet Elena...we celebrated my cousin Elena's 2nd birthday on Sunday at a local park. Nate was so sweet to her and loved pulling her around in her brand new wagon. Evan, Nate, Elena, Kathy.

Who would have thought tank tops would be worn in October! Another beautiful fall day - 90 degrees!

Of course Nate wouldn't put down his "monocular" that the shoe store gifted to him on Sunday - but it still makes for a good picture.

Nate does love his aunt Lee. He didn't want to sit by me at the party - had to sit by Lee!

The chauffeur...

Blowing out the candle - Nate was happy to help her out.

Happy 2nd Birthday Elena! We love you!

Go Tigers!

We made the short trip to Columbia on Saturday to be part of the Missouri vs. Colorado hype. Colorado beat Georgia last weekend, so it was important to see if the Tigers could do the job instead...at least in our house!

First we met up with our good friends, the Bakers, at one of our favorite spots - the Heidelberg. What a gorgeous fall day on the roof...love love love this place.

Nate, Myra and Reid outside the Heidelberg...my parents came here when they were in college and passed the tradition on to me, so hopefully at least one of these kids will go to Mizzou and let their parents tag along!

After an entertaining lunch - involving kids, silverware, a lost ball, and a table leg - we went to Jason & Amy's tailgate party. Lounging with Nate & Megan.

Some of our good friends from Atlanta, Lap & Hop were also there with their kids and Nate really enjoyed playing with their son Sean. He does love to play with the girls, but I think he was glad there was a boy to play bean bags with for once.

The many many years of friendship these boys share brings tears to my eyes. Robert, Lap, Jason, Scott and Kevin. So glad they got to be together for this game...and very glad for a Tiger win!

Keep it up Tigers!

Apple Picking

Today Nate & I made the trek to Eckerdt's in Belleville, IL to pick apples. It was a glorious fall day filled with sunshine and mid-70s temps while we were there. We are having a few days of Indian summer and I kind of like it. Cool mornings and warm days. Perfect.

After a short tractor ride, we arrived at the Golden Delicious apples. Nate did really well picking yummy apples, but not too many that I have apples coming out my ears. I am thankful. Last year, I think we came home with way more than we ever wanted to consume.

He was a little tired of my picture taking here...can ya tell??

Such a big boy - I've avoided counting the Fridays we have left where it is just the two of us because I'm sure the number would make me sad. We've had almost 5 years of Fridays and although we will all be beyond thrilled when baby sister arrives, I will miss our one-on-one time. I've been very blessed by my work situation to have spent this time with him.

This afternoon we made caramel apples. What is that odd mess in the center you say?? Well I had to cut off the skin of Nate's or else he wouldn't eat it. And of course he was so excited to eat them, I obliged.

Random Wonders

I'm not sure what's wrong with me, but I went another weekend at home without taking the camera out of the case. I'm totally still on that liberating concept...or maybe I'm just lazy. But whatever the reason, I have no pictures from the weekend. But I do have some random wonders that I thought I would bestow upon you.

• I wonder if I will still like Roasted Red Pepper hummus when I'm not pregnant anymore. Hummus has always kind of grossed me out and I wouldn't touch a red pepper with a ten foot pole, but I'm loving it these days
• I wonder if it means your daughter will be forever spoiled when her closet is already running out of room and she's not even here to actually wear the clothes yet.
• I wonder if I say "freaking out" too much when I hear my son say "Mom, you are really freaking me out right now."
• I wonder if other pregnant women have the exact same aches and pains as I do, but they just don't have to tell their husband about it every 5 minutes and instead keep it to themselves and say things like "Pregnancy is awesome, I've never felt better."
• I wonder if all the things on our to-do list will get done before November 26th, or whenever she chooses to make her debut.
• I wonder how many consecutive days Nate could play with his legos without having to touch the same piece twice. Seriously, the Lego habit at my house is out of control.
• I wonder how my cat knew how to catch and kill a mouse in short order after not being at the farm for 7+ years. Snow's Corner must breed strong instincts.

And last be not least, I leave you with not a wonder, but a "You know you are really pregnant when..."

You know you are really pregnant when you actually shed real tears at the discovery that the checker at the Target left the Preparation-H out of your bag. Real tears people.

Pre-Baby Celebration

I have 2 friends that I work with, Penny & Paulette. They are some of the sweetest, kindest, do anything for you people that I know. And I am truly blessed to have them in my life. While I was in Nashville this week they threw me a pre-baby celebration. We ate at a gourmet hot dog place and then went to Third Coast Clay to paint.

Now, I'm not a very good painter, but it was so much fun spending time with some of my wonderful friends in Nashville. Baby Girl is already loved so much which makes my heart swell.

It's almost an out of body experience to have a PINK cake!!

Cute, cute clothes - I hope I can keep up with all that you are supposed to do for girls...outfits, matching bows, matching socks, etc... It certainly wasn't that hard with Nate! I'm on a learning curve for sure.

Thank you to all of my Nashville friends, but especially Penny & Paulette for throwing a fabulous celebration and for being a constant support whether I am in TN or MO. You all are the best!