December Festivities & 7 Months

Our little guy has become quite creative in his 3 1/2 year old wise age.  He had a "birthday party" for one of his friends and invited all the other friends to come.  They sang happy birthday, had pretend cake, and everything!

"Mater and the Ghost Light!" (or in this case, LED flashlight)  Made this up all by himself, credit to the Disney short on the Cars dvd.  "They're running away from the banshee, Mommy!"

This morning, he realized Halloween was over, Thanksgiving was over, and now Christmas is over.  All he'd wanted from Santa was Snot Rod (a fabulously named character from Cars 1...more in a later post) this year...and he suddenly decided, "Next Christmas, I ask Santa for Flo!" (another Cars car he realized he doesn't have).  Sheesh.

He also has created "families" first of acorns, and then of coins.  On our walk to the park today, he collected three handfuls of acorns (very carefully selected) and informed them, "Come with me!  I take you to your new home."  There are mommy acorns, daddy acorns, baby brother acorns, and then a random menagerie of whatever other family members come to mind.

Jason and I thought Baby #2 would never have a name.  We were throwing a few around one day and Reid suddenly said, "My baby brother's name is Carter!"  So, officially, I guess Reid picked his name.  All we had to do was narrow it down :)

My team threw a baby shower honoring my team leader (Jill, who's due with her first son, Jack, at the end of January) and me just after all the craziness of the ice storm.  Holli made the wonderful, beautiful, delicious cake.  One layer was vanilla and one was chocolate. 

A close up of the first thing I've really gotten to see Carter's name on!

Our kindergarten team

We decided to have one shower so neither of us had to be the very center of attention, and went ahead and did it early just in case baby Jack decides to make his entrance early.  I know my team is quite nervous having two of us pregnant, due within 6 weeks of each other.  Wasn't planned that way...we both had trouble getting pregnant!  But it's been nice having someone else to compare symptoms with and complain about our swollen feet.  It will also be fun for our babies to play together, too!  In the meantime, we just found a long term substitute for Jill...but no one is in sight for me (eek--so please pray!!).  It's a very strange feeling to prepare to leave your class with a stranger for about eight weeks!  Personalities, grades, planning (when half of your team will be gone simultaneously), etc...all a bit disconcerting when you have no idea who will be there in your place.  But, I am thankful for the reason and that my entire summer won't be gone in a flash this time, like after I had Reid.  Just have to remind myself that God's timing is always perfect!

One last shower picture we had to take was with our AP, Kari.  She's pregnant, too, so here we are, all within about six weeks of each other.  In baby bump order, Kari is due mid April, I am (technically) due March 3, and Jill is due January 21.

Bennett Elementary will have lots of baby boys this year!  Soon to arrive...Boston, Carter, and Jack.

 I've hit seven months.  Definitely bigger.  Definitely can't see my feet any longer (I think that happened last month, but my memory's definitely worse!!).  I am still able to do Zumba, but I majorly modify it and I've cut down to twice a week instead of three times a week.  My appetite has never really gotten any bigger...there are a few days here and there where I snack a lot, but nothing like the time when I was pregnant with Reid and ate a normal breakfast, lunch, snack, happy meal, AND dinner...with seconds and probably Blue Bell ice cream for dessert.  Yes, I've already gained pretty much 25ish pounds (depends on the day and water weight, I suppose).  Yes, I still crave dark chocolate (and this month, peppermint bark--good thing it's only out once a year!).  Yes, the holiday sweets will probably do me in.  I made almond/toffee/chocolate bars on Christmas Eve and literally ate 5 of them--I couldn't help it!!  But baby Carter looks good and seems to be doing great, according to his last sonogram, movement, and heart rate.  That's the important part :)  I get bigger jabs now.  Wish I knew if it was elbows, feet, or what body part.  I do know that since he's now head down instead of breech (like two weeks ago), I have to run to the restroom constantly!