Back to School Picnic

We went to a picnic this evening for Madeline's preschool. It was nice to meet the other parents and some of the kids in Maddie's class.

Almost in Margaritaville!

Here is a picture a colleague took of me at today's faculty meeting. You can tell we were all ears! The doctor sent me to the hospital last Friday for a few tests since he thought the baby might be a bit on the small side. . . Are you kidding? After this lovely photo was snapped, I am holding strong to my 8+ pound prediction. Although I am still 15 days from my due date, while I was in the hospital last week, I was having contractions every 3 to 4 minutes, and the nurse had to give me medication to stop them. So I am thinking any day now . . . All of a sudden, I am feeling quite uncomfortable and tired and have decided this Friday will be my last day of work (yeah!).

A Baby Shower!

My dear friend Natalie hosted a lovely baby shower for me today. It was so nice to spend the afternoon with some of my closest friends. She made delicious food, organized some fun games, let us relax and soak our feet with her Body Shop products, and even made pink ice for our drinks. Jessie made sweet party favors; little bars of soap wearing lavender diapers. I received lots of very thoughtful gifts and had a wonderful time. ).

Saturday at Griffith Park

We took Madeline to Griffith Park today. We've been there before, but just to visit the zoo. Today we decided to investigate some of the activites there for kids. We rode the train, and Maddie rode a pony. There is a carousel there, too, but we'll have to save that for another day.

Riding the Train

Our first activity was to ride the train. Pretty exciting for Madeline. We saw lots of horses, a western town, and a snow white display during the ride.

First Pony Ride

Maddie loved riding on the pony. I thought she might cry when we couldn't walk around with her, but she smiled the whole time. She rode the slow pony in the center circle the first time, then said she wanted to ride the fast ponies whick ran on the outer circle. Well, that didn't go so well. I think the speed and the bumping around took her by surprise. The video is hilarous, but we took her off after one lap due to her crying.

Daddy and Maddie

Madeline is comforted by Daddy after the trauma of riding the fast pony. She said she was ready to go home.

Guessing Game

So here I am at 35 weeks, 2 days. Hopefully, not much longer to go! Now that it is less than 100 degrees here, I am feeling 100% better. Grandma Shirley suggested guessing the baby's weight, and it sounded like fun. I thought it would be fun to guess the baby's arrival date, as well. So here are some hints: the baby is a girl (3 different techs agree), and her due date is October 12th. Keep in mind that Madeline arrived 2 days past her due date weighing in at 7 pounds, 12 ounces. Also, my doctor will not let me go past 41 weeks, so October 19th should be the latest possible arrival date. Please leave a comment, your guess of the baby's weight and birthday, and hopefully, within a month, we'll know who is right. I am going to guess 8 pounds, 1 ounce, and October 8th as the birthday. Sorry Kent, but that is a Sunday and you might miss a little football. I'll try to give birth in the evening since the Titans usually play early.

Sibling Class

Madeline and I went to a sibling class at the hospital this evening. She snacked on juice and popcorn, then made an adorable card for her new baby sister. As you can see, some of the stickers got stuck to her shirt rather than to the card. She practiced holding a " baby," and then we saw some new real babies in the nursery.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

We celebrated another birthday last Wednesday, Kent's 34th! We had a nice evening together with presents, cards, and barbequed ribs and chicken.

Feliz Cumpleanos

We celebrated Madeline's third birthday today with a Dora themed party. She had so much fun celebrating with friends and family. We even rented a jumper which arrived at 10:00 am, so Maddie got 6 hours of jumping in before the party even began.

It's Party Time!

Pinata Time

After all of the little ones got a couple of turns to hit the pinata, our good friend Liam smashed it open for them.

Cake Time

Did I mention Maddie's sweet tooth?

Markers and Playdo

Maddie got lots of wonderful presents from our sweet and generous friends and family. Her favorites from today seemed to be a pack of new markers and a Dora playdo set. She insisted on using both before going to bed.

Happy Birthday!

Our baby turned 3 years old yesterday. She started her celebration by bringing cupcakes to preschool. Then the mailman brought her 4 cards to open. After an afternoon nap, Madeline opened some presents from Grandma Shirley and Grandpa Ralph while they watched on their webcam. She really loves her new doll and watched the new Dora video last night. Finally, Kent and I took her to Chuch E Cheese's for pizza and fun.

Today we went to see the Dr. for her 3 year check-up. I wish I'd had my camera because she looked so cute in the paper robe she had to wear. She weighs 35 pounds and is 39 inches tall.

We're looking forward to her party on Sunday when we can celebrate her birthday with more friends and family.

Swim Class

Maddie has been taking swimming lessons at our local YMCA. She loves jumping in the water and taking showers.

Maddie's First Camping Trip

We took Maddie on her first camping trip to the Angeles National Forest. With no power, water, flushing toilets, no cell phone service or any stores/gas stations for 30 miles, we were roughing it. We stayed for two nights, joined by Jess, Adam, and our 10 year old dog, Leroy. It feels good to be home!

More Camping Pictures

Big Baby

I am quite certain that Sophie is going to be a pretty big baby. I can't believe I have two whole months to go! Congratulations Jessie! Although you can't tell at all, she is now 11 weeks pregnant!

Bear Country

Although we were in bear country, this is the only one we saw. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

No Hook-ups? No Problem!

Aunt Jessie and Uncle Adam are well prepared campers. They can brew coffee and boil water without any power.

Saturday at the Zoo

Now that our weather is back to normal, we were finally able to go to the zoo.

Animals!

Riding the Train

Maddie is finally old enough, o.k. she'll be old enough in 3 weeks, to ride the train.

Summer Vacation

Yesterday was my last day of teaching summer school, so today starts my month of vacation! While Maddie was at preschool, I was able to put up a wallpaper border in my girls' room. Sophie will sleep in the beautiful crib made by Grandpa Dean, just like Maddie did.

Strange Things

Not only did Maddie take a nap today which was strange to start with, she fell asleep in the dog's crate!

Another Beach Day

We spent another Saturday at the beach. Thank goodness our heat wave seems to have passed.