He's a Big Kid Now!

We finally decided to take Will out of his crib. It seemed soooo odd having him in there because he was getting so big--a crib seems like such a "baby" item to me. He was SOOOOO happy in his crib that I wasn't planning to move him for several more months. However, by random chance, we came across and great bunk bed that the kids fell in love with. So we bought it and they immediately wanted to have it up in their room.

We didn't really know what to expect with the transition to a "real" bed. I can count on one hand the number of times Will has slept in an actual bed (not a crib or Pack 'n Play) and he has never, ever slept in a bed at home. In fact, he has never liked to be in a bed with someone. We will be watching Saturday morning TV in bed together and he will refuse to come lay with us and make his own "bed" on the floor. Like Scott and I always say, "He's a little odd."

The "transition," so to speak, was non-existent. The first night, he climbed into bed, played around for about 15 minutes, I told him to go to sleep and he rolled over and slept without a peep for the next 11 hours. Ever since then, we put him in his bed and he stays there all night. He doesn't even get out of bed in the morning until we come get him. I doubt he'll ever come over to our bed either, considering he has no interest in anyone around him when he sleeps. He's honestly a freak of nature. Scott and I both shake our heads and wonder how there could be a child like this. Potty trained in a few hours, asks to go to bed, WANTS to nap. Oh, and if we put him to bed and we are talking too loud outside his room he yells, "BE QUIET! Trying to sleep!!!"

We are fully aware our next kid is going to be a hellion, just to make up for Will's easy-ness. Either that, or we'll get payback in the teen years. But that's cool....at least we have two "easy" ones right now which is great considering the storm that will tear through this house come May :)

All I want for Christmas....

...is my one front tooth!

Missing tooth count=3. The 4th one is almost ready to go, too. This one she pulled out herself...in CLASS!! I told her I couldn't believe she pulled it out DURING CLASS and she told me, "But I waited until the teacher was done talking and I was done with my work." Oh, ok. Cool. Wouldn't want to interrupt a math lesson with blood all over your desk.

Bah Humbug!

Will really wanted to have ZERO to do with a family picture at Thanksgiving. He definitely wears his heart on his sleeve!!

Brookey's 6th Year Video

Here is the annual video. For the past 5 years, I've opted for sappy songs, but this year was not a real "sappy" year. It was a year filled with firsts and fun! First lost tooth, first camping trip, first "pet." And a lot of fun little trips--Tahoe, camping, apple picking...

So instead of sappy, I chose Brookey's favorite song this year: California Girls. If this song is ever on the radio, she sings it at the top of her lungs. I did opt to use the Kidz Bop version for the video. I don't think "sipping on gin and juice" was really appropriate for this point in her life :)

Enjoy!!!

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Destination: Birthday

Tomorrow my baby girl turns SIX! It's hard to believe just six years ago our lives were changed forever. It's been nothing short of a blessing to see a screaming newborn with a full head of hair turn into an amazing school-aged young lady. I sometimes look over at her and see no trace of the little, chunky toddler I once knew. Then sometimes I look over at her and see a glimpse of childish innocence that reminds me that my little girl hasn't aboandoned me completely!

In her six years, we've had our share of birthday parties...at home and at various "party" locations. However, thus far our favorite birthday "party" was her 4th birthday when the 4 of us went to Monterey and spent the weekend at the Aquarium and touring around the area. So when I asked her if she would like another "destination" birthday, there was nooo hesitation at all! And this year, I suggested that we go with another family so we could share the experience.

This year's destination of choice was the Big Sur/Santa Cruz area and the Seascape Beach Resort...an awesome all-suite "hotel" right on the beach. Unfortunately, our friends came down with the puke flu a few days before the scheduled trip and were unable to attend which was a huge bummer, but we still had an awesome time!!!

From strolling the pier, playing on the beach, a swim in the heated pool and even a nighttime beach bonfire...it's safe to say we all had a wonderful weekend. I can't tell you how pleased I was that I didn't have to host ten 6 year olds, do dishes or spend the day at Chuckie Cheese..it was honestly a vacation for ME, as well! As we were checking out Brookey asked, "Can we come here for Buddy's birthday, too?" Absolutely.

What's better than cotton candy?!

Swimming in November!

Beach bonfire and Smores!

First Big Relief!!!

Here's the latest of Baby 3, flipping off the the camera for your viewing pleasure.

This picture was taken for the NT Scan, which is a screening for Down's Syndrome (among other things). My stomach was in knots yesterday. Almost 3 years ago the same Dr. told me that Will (then, "Baby 2") was high risk for Downs. Obviously, everything turned out fine but needless to say, I WAS NOT at all excited about this appointment.

This experience was MUCH, MUCH better, the Dr. telling me that "everything looked more than perfect!" Now, those are words I want to hear!!

This appointment wasn't all peaches and cream, though. Other words that I didn't want to hear at this appointment: "So you're Advanced Maternal Age....do you want an amnio and genetic counseling?" =SIGH= Advanced Maternal Age (AMA!!). Oh, well. I guess I have to face the facts!! I told the Dr. to please not check that box on my chart because my due date is FOUR days after my 35th birthday, but he didn't buy it. "Sweetheart, you gotta draw the line somewhere." I gotta find a new Doc :)

Here are some more shots from the ultrasound. They even showed me the 3D version which completely FREAKS me out. I really don't need that much information :) But I have to admit, it was pretty incredible. It really is a miracle from above!!

Little Hands--they could count the fingers and toes, even at 12 weeks-amazing!

He/She already knows how to pray!! I was told there was no way you could tell the gender from this shot or at this point.

Lost in the Fog...

It's not that nothing fun has happened in the last few weeks, but I've been in a total "first trimester fog" that I haven't had any energy to post!!! Literally!!

About a month ago, I was feeling great, just a little tired. I was swearing up and down it was going to be a boy because this pregnancy was soooo easy....just like it was with Will. I should have never opened my mouth, because two days later I was falling asleep at noon and going to bed for the night at 7:30 and feeling like I was going to puke 24 hours a day (i haven't once done that...yet).

I am nearing the 11 week mark and keep thinking this has to be nearly the end of it. Let's hope, otherwise there are going to be some people (family members in particular) that may be kicking me out of the house.

But all the hormones aside, our family is THRILLED to be adding another family member to our crazy mix. As with Brooke and Will, we won't be finding out the sex or releasing any names :) Brooke is ecstatic with "whatever God gives her" and Will is dead-set on having a brother. I don't think either Scott or I have a "preference"....maybe if there had to be 51% of me on a certain sex, it might be a boy for the simple fact I just think boys are a lot more simple, overall. But honestly, I would be soooo happy if I could give Brooke a sister, too...so it will work out no matter what!

Hopefully, I will coming out of this FOG soon and start feeling like a normal, productive member of society.....