behind the times

It's been QUITE a while since I've posted anything, so I'd say it's high time I do!

I am very pleased to announce that after about 2.5 solid months of potty training, Mr J has been diaper-free for about a month now! Woowhoo! He has developed the sense of KNOWING when he needs to go, he stops what he's doing, and GOES! And, he's able to hold it if he needs to. But mostly, I'm just SO grateful he KNOWS when he needs to GO, stops what he's doing, and DOES what he needs to. It's such a huge help having him self-sufficient in that department. And yes, I know this is all in time for another round of diapering to start but it's different with a little baby who is COMPLETELY DEPENDENT on you, vs. a little boy who tells you when he's stinky or hides to do his "business". Thank you for these little miracles!

Speaking of miracles, I can count down the days to my due date on 2 hands! Holy cow! I'm feeling pretty good though. Baby dropped a couple weeks ago and that has helped a lot, but I'm still growing and getting not as comfortable (again).

Current challenges you're welcome to chuckle at include:

* tieing my shoelaces is not a pretty sight, slip-ons are preferable;
* sleeping for more than 2.5 hours comfortably is not attainable (I know this is good prep for the upcoming days but still...);
* sitting at or near a 90* angle is not possible without sending me into contractions (maybe that's a good thing...);
* getting off of the couch MAY occasionally require me to roll off first, then get to my feet with assistance;
* sleeping with 3 pillows and a body pillow is necessary for optimal comfort- times like these a KING bed would be nice, at least for the hubby
* Rutter's chocolate milk is an essential food group, mmm mmmm good.

 (this shot was taken about 3 weeks ago, and not the best picture but you get the idea)

These and many more obstacles make my daily life comical to watch, and no I'm "not that big" for being 9 months pregnant, but I'm bigger than I used to be and I'm not used to lugging all this around, so it doesn't come off as graceful or natural. And, let me just say, this is not whining, or is not meant to come off as whining, I'm simply trying to paint the picture for you, or me rather for future journal purposes. :)

Our family had a very nice Christmas and New Year's filled with numerous gifts and tablescapes of delectable cuisine. By the time New Year's was over, we were all ready to de-tox and take a breather from "all the celebrating"- it can be exhausting! (Tough life, I know.)

Miss Alivia continues to LOVE preschool and currently has her first loose tooth! Can you believe it?! Me neither! She loves to color and draw, sing and dance, play dress-up, and help Mommy with whatever she's doing. She's a great big sister to her brother and will be a BIG help with her new brother, I'm sure of it.

Jackson is all boy. He likes to dress-up with his sister in his army fatigues or Spiderman costume and then chase her around the room with an occasional karate chop/kick combo. He has some golf clubs he likes to drag around, and he LOVES the garbage truck and spiderman toys he got for Christmas. He likes to " 'nuggle wif you" on the couch or whereever and although he has the tough guy persona at times, he's definitely a lova'.

We have received a little snow here and there and the kids are always anxious to get out and play in it! Of course! At this very moment they're bundled up and are walking around in the crunchy snow we got last night and this morning (a couple inches of snow with an icy layer on top). It's great that they're able to get outside and play!

Mommy and Daddy are getting anxious for the new addition to their family. Mommy fills her time with housework, shuttling to and from preschool, trips to the store, crafting/creative time with the kids, and a lot of other "nesting", including more simple sewing projects, including taggie blankets, burp cloths, and blankets for the new baby and for expectant friends. Daddy fills his time working hard for all of us every day, then playing hard with the kids when he's home and helping Mommy whereever she needs, including giving her a hand to get off the couch or tie her shoes, or whatever the task requires. He is a GREAT daddy and a GREAT husband and I really lucked out. Honestly, I'm grateful every day that I have him for forever!