8 Months

Alright, so I've been eight weeks for two weeks...but it took a week to remember to take the pic, and another week to upload it. Synopsis of eight months?  I feel BIG.  Carter is very active and it's been increasingly harder to find a comfortable position (translation:  baby feels like he's grinding on my bladder all the time!!).  I am now craving fruit, specifically Fuji apples pretty much every night.  Strawberries and pineapple have been very yummy, too.  The cravings are so funny...with Reid, I had to have sour stuff (the entire second trimester, if I remember correctly) and scarfed all the pickles and grapefruit I could.  This time, it's varied and a lot of it has been a textural thing.  Dark chocolate cherry granola bars have been a fave throughout. 

 I've cut down aerobics to once a week now, thanks to my gym changing basically the only three classes I could attend.  PiYo (pilates/yoga) is not meant for a big bellied pregnant girl, but I did try out one class.  No thanks.  And I'm not attempting to try Insanity (lots of jumping!) for at least a few more months.  So the only one I can do now is my regular, Saturday morning Zumba class.  I guess it's forced me to slow down a bit, which might be good at this point. 

I'm ready, yet not ready for Carter's arrival.  My team leader at school just went out on maternity leave this week (baby Jack is only about an hour old at this point!), so my team will be down to two regulars and two subs once I'm gone.  So I'm basically planning and running copies for everything for Science/Social Studies until May.  Eek!  My class is throwing me a baby shower next week, so I'm looking forward to that :)  The kids have been funny and asking me random questions.  Carter was moving so much (and hurting!) earlier this week that I had to stop the book I was reading a few times.  I finally explained that he was moving/kicking a lot, so the kids pretty much watched my belly, entranced, for the rest of the lesson.  On the home front, I need to dig out the crates of itty bitty baby stuff and nursing stuff.  Another eek! 

Seems as though everyone is getting sick around us (stomach bugs, flu, strep, allergies, you name it!), so we are praying that our little family stays well!!

Cousin Time

Aunt Lala, Ben, and Alex made the trek up to McKinney to see us just before New Year's.  It was so much fun to catch up and see them.  As soon as all the bags were inside, the first question was, "Can we open presents??"

Reid had memorized who a couple of the presents were going to (he even tried to "help Alex open" one of his...but that was before Alex had arrived!) and began to pass them out, but quickly got sidetracked when Ben gave him one for himself.

Ben was politely watching and I realized Reid had slipped up on the job!  We remedied that right quick ;)

 

I think everyone was quite happy with their new goodies and they began to play.  Surprisingly, Reid even took a nap, despite being thrilled with our new visitors.  

While Reid napped and Jason caught up on some work before returning after the holidays, Laura and I took Ben and Alex to Toys 'R Us to spend their new gift cards.  It was really fun to see what they picked out.  Alex went with Laura and picked two Mario Bros. dvds, and I took Ben to look at the cars.  He chose ever so carefully and selected one special car.  Then, they agreed to combine the rest of their cards to get this neat car parking garage with slides.  Alex and Reid enjoyed racing Goldfish down the slides later at snack time.

Each time the boys are here, we suggest going to play at a park, which they like, but all three of the boys would rather hike.  So even though it was a mere 25 or 30 degrees outside, everyone wanted to hike!  It actually felt pretty nice because there wasn't much of a breeze (odd for Dallas) and the sun made it feel warmer than it actually was.

Back at home, the boys all had fun doing boy things... Cars, tickle fights, playing with the play kitchen, etc.

And what fun would a cousin visit be without the obligatory bath picture??  I'm pretty sure this might be the last one because they've all grown too long-legged to really fit into the tub together comfortably.  Guess baby Carter will miss out on these photo ops!

We loved seeing Laura and the boys and Reid loved playing with his cousins.  It was a fun, normal visit...and I'm already looking forward to Laura's next visit, but I have a feeling it'll be a little less 'normal' since it will be for baby Carter's arrival.  There's nothing like sister time for me, and cousin time for Reid!

Finally Christmas!

Reid has been soooo excited about Christmas this year.  It's been way more fun since he actually "gets" it!  We've been looking at our Peanuts countdown clock every day, eating a chocolate from his advent calendar after dinner each day, and talking nonstop about Santa bringing him Snot Rod.  Then we looked forward to Grammy and Grumpy coming to visit us...and the big day was nearly here.  I was actually a little nervous...did we put away Buddy, the elf, who we'd told Reid would fly back to Santa until next year?  Check.  Did we put out cookies for Santa?  Check.  Reid picked some special ones, including a huge sugar cookie.  Did we set up the train that Santa brings?  Check.  Did we remember the stocking?  Check.  I still had trouble sleeping, wondering if I'd done everything I should.  This Santa stuff is a big deal!  But how much fun is it to see how excited your own child gets?!  It's kind of like being a kid all over again :)

The next morning,  we adults had everything all ready.  Grumpy remembered to put Santa's cookie plate back down near the fireplace (I had been worried Dixie might help herself and leave us her own Christmas morning surprises, so we'd wrapped it up overnight).

 

Laughingly, someone didn't even wake up until close to eight, which is about an hour past when he's normally awake.  I was trying to decide if I should wake him or make breakfast when he awoke.  After a quick bathroom break, it was present time!  He still wanted help opening his presents, unlike most kids who love to rip the paper off immediately.  Oh, happy day!  First he opened the Santa gifts.  There was a remote controlled crane set... (a few of the pics are dark--I can take pictures during videoing, but I guess it doesn't flash)

A stocking full of goodies like candy, his own flashlight (so he'll quit stealing Daddy's), a top, a Cars Nerf gun, a flashing Mickey Mouse snow spinner, etc...

...an M&M machine...

 AND...could it be?!  Yes...it's Snot Rod!!

Oh, happy day!  The gang's all together, now.  Is this a happy face, or what??  And this kiddo cracks us up.  Later that same day, he said, "Halloween is over, Thanksgiving is over, now Christmas is over.  Next Christmas, I ask Santa for Flo!"  Flo is another Cars car, which he realized he didn't have as we were watching his new Planes movie.

"I want to open MORE presents!" And so he enjoyed opening gifts from everyone else, too.

 At first, he enjoyed passing out presents (or in this case, with a breakable one for Grammy, he assisted).  But then he just wanted to open all the ones that were his, as any kid on Christmas morning would.

I even let him open Baby Carter's present...the rubber duckies he'd picked out all by himself, and a cute little baby wash cloth.

Then it was on to the guys putting together the complicated crane set (why are kids' toys so darn complicated??) and the girls making monkey bread.

 Later that day, we all enjoyed watching Planes.  Reid helped himself to some of Grumpy's pork skins.  We still crack up because this is one of those things we thought he'd hate to eat, but he loves them!

After all that excitement, we needed to let this silly boy run off some energy.  When promised a trip to the park once he got dressed, he promptly stripped and proceeded to run around the house like a maniac.

 

 A picture just didn't do it justice, so I had to take video, too...

 It was wonderful to be able to stay here in Dallas and not travel (thanks, Mom and Dad!) because I would've been extremely uncomfortable in the car and the packing with presents and all would've been torture.  We had a fun, quiet, family Christmas and enjoyed each moment, thankful for the True meaning of CHRISTmas.  

Christmas Party & Christmas Program

Jason's company its annual Christmas party for the employees' kids and grandkids.  They do a really nice job of keeping it laid back and low key, but fun and full of activities and yummy food.  Reid got to see Santa, sit on his lap, and get a present from Santa right then (an all-knowing employee has shopped for the kiddo's goodies beforehand).

All Reid has wanted from Santa is Snot Rod, the orange part of the four "Fast and Furious" type characters from Cars...the only one Reid didn't have.  He's been announcing to anyone who will listen, "Santa's going to bring me Snot Rod!!" much to my chagrin.  I always apologize and have to explain that it's a Disney character.  (Really...couldn't they have picked a nicer name?  But I have to admit--it is funny...)  Daddy finally tracked Snot Rod down on Amazon for a reasonable price, so we saved that for Christmas Day.  But here you can hear him asking Santa himself!

 

Family portrait with Santa

  He has been a little obsessed with the Disney movie Planes ever since we saw it this summer, too.   Think he was excited much??  He was literally jumping up and down and demanding that we please open it.  (or maybe that was the donuts talking)  Reid carried these four planes around for a few minutes, then asked politely if we could go home.  He didn't want any more food, a balloon animal, a caricature, or any of the other fun activities...and Jason realized it was because all he wanted to do was go home and put the two Dusty Crophopper planes together...his "Planes family."

We didn't really give him a choice on the caricature--they were so cute!  While we waited in line, Batman swooped over to remind him how good vegetables are and remind him how listening to your parents is good.  We were surprised Reid didn't freak out since he's not a huge fan of dressed up people.  He even allowed us to take a pic.

Before we left, Randy and his daughter, Madison, came.  Reid was quite enthralled with Madison and was telling her all about Ripslinger (or "Risleeler," as he pronounces it) and his other planes.  Madison is so sweet and got right down on his level to play with him.

Sunshine Kids (Reid's wonderful preschool) had their Christmas party that Tuesday (right in the middle of when I teach math) and the Christmas program on Thursday (yay--the first thing I've been able to attend all year long!).  A wonderful, sweet parent from my own class at school has a daughter in the Monkey class, too, and she has been so thoughtful to take pics of Reid for all the events I'm not able to attend.  He is actually able to tell me tidbits here and there about his day such as, "I was the calendar helper today!"  Sure beats the typical beginning of the year, "What did you do at school today?"  Reid: "I dunno."

On Thursday, I raced over to the church right after I dropped my class off at PE to meet Jason, who'd had a walk thru nearby and was able to come.  Here's our "little angel".  We were shocked that he actually wore the wings!  Not sure if it was the hormones, knowing he's growing up, or just that he was so darn cute (as were all the other kids), but I was nearly moved to tears a few times.

Each class went to the center of the stage to sing a cute little song.  I was amazed that they all did so well (and I know they practiced a ton, but still...these kids are all under 6!) and I just barely got to see Reid's class before hopping back in the car to race back to school.  I was one happy mommy!

And yes, kids will be kids.  He had a couple of random, hilarious faces thrown in there.  Just thankful it wasn't nose picking!  It did break my heart that he saw me when I had to leave early...I could read his lips, "Mommy!" (as in "where are you going??")  but he did stay put and Jason said he did well for the rest of the program.

In the midst of all the happy holiday activities, my little former student J.J. (whom I taught two years ago) was struggling to hang on to life.  He'd battled stage 4 liver cancer since last January, when they discovered the first mass when he didn't seem to be recovering from the flu.  He had numerous rounds of chemo, hospital visits, was in and out of school, etc. but then had come back to school this year to join his second grade class.  We were all very prayerfully hopeful, but he took a turn for the worse.  His first grade teacher and I were able to join the principal and assistant principal when they arranged for the Texas Rangers mascot to come see him on Friday the 13th.  He surprised us by walking to the door (I think he thought we were the mascot :) but quickly faded and was so weak he couldn't talk again by the end of our short visit.  It was wonderful to see him and his sweet family (I also had the privilege of teaching his sweet older brother several years ago and just love their family)...and just in time.  On Friday, 12/20/13 at 3 pm, this precious boy slipped away from Earth to be with his Heavenly Father.  His funeral the following Monday, in the same sanctuary where Reid's Christmas program was the week before.  This amazing little guy had a spark for life and anyone who's known him has been blessed.  To see a picture or read the amazing account of his final moments, you can visit http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jjbryant .  Please pray for their family, and for all the kiddos who are trying to understand why this happened.  We don't understand everything God does, but we don't have to.  God is God, and we are not!  In my own little mind, I'd like to think my own grandparents and Samson were there to greet him.  (J.J. was a cat lover and they had to get rid of their little kitty when the chemo started)  I feel honored to have known this sweet, amazing boy, and it just goes to show you that life is short and we often don't slow down to truly appreciate what He has given us.  He and his family remained strong and faith-driven throughout their painstaking ordeal.  And I have hugged my own little guy extra hard during this holiday season, thanking God for him.

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! 

Ice Storm

The much anticipated event has finally arrived.  All week, it was all that anyone talked about.  Our week back from Thanksgiving break was jam-packed with events...my school's staff Christmas party, aerobics, dentist appointment, glucose tolerance test, etc.  I had to go out looking for .  Stonebriar Community Church has even canceled services for Sunday and I've never known that to happen!

On Thursday, we teachers were glued to weather.com (whose radar is apparently not compatible with Macs...grrr) and sure enough, the parents began coming to pull their kids out early around 2:15ish.  I had my dentist appointment at 3:15 that day and wasn't sure if it'd be a good idea or not...but sure didn't want to reschedule or wait another six months since it takes so long to find an appointment after 3pm so I don't have to take a half day off of work.  When I left school at about 3pm, I had to scrape 1/4" of ice off my windshield and it was sleeting.  The roads were all fine, so I opted to continue.  I called Jason to let him know how the weather was up north, and he decided to leave a little early in order to hopefully avoid some of the freeway madness on his long commute home.  Turns out he had zero problems, and it just rained on him.  He got Reid from Kids Klub at preschool so that I could run to the store for a few more things just in case we were stuck inside.  I'd been to the store the night before, after our staff party, but there were still a few more things I'd thought of that we might need.  After waiting 30 minutes to check out, the checker announced that Collin county was supposed to be bypassed by the precipitation. Ugh.  Much ado about nothing?  It was still just freezing rain by the time I finally arrived home at 5pm.  We heard some sleet later that evening, then I got the phone call that school would be canceled on Friday.  Hooray for an ice day, but boo that we'll have to make it up in May!!  So then we just wondered how Jason's commute would be--his work hotline stated that "The work day begins at 7:30" but then had some lame statement to basically say that if you don't feel safe, don't come.  Really?!  It did sleet throughout the night as we awoke often, and he finally got word that they, too, had an ice day.  Woo hoo!  So I awoke to the wonderful smell of Jason's egg sandwiches and we got to go get Reid up as a couple. We were surprised that it took Reid a little while to discover why it was so bright outside.  He didn't notice until we asked him what the white stuff was outside after we'd eaten breakfast.  Immediately, he wanted to play in the "snow."  It was kind of a struggle to find super warm clothing to fit him, but we made do (such as the doubled up socks, wrapped in plastic grocery sacks, stuffed into too small rain boots).  Off into our Winter Wonderland...

From afar, it looks like snow, but it's all sleet and ice.  Not nearly as much fun to play in, but beautiful nonetheless.  It was beautiful and surreal.

Reid didn't seem to mind and was all game for venturing out into the 24 degree freeze.

We mainly stayed in the backyard, especially since I'm a little off balance these days, but on Friday there was decent traction on the driveway and along the sidewalk.  Saturday, not so much--very slick.  Everything was very quiet and beautiful.

We were pretty amazed at how thick the ice was in several places!

                                                                        Our little explorer

All the houses had long icicles.  I had Jason get a nice long one to stick in the big garage freezer so cousins Ben and Alex can see it when they come after Christmas.

More beauty...amazing what God thinks of!

Reid panicked a bit when he realized his pumpkin he'd "planted" was buried under the ice, so he and Jason dug it out.  Oddly enough, a few minutes later, he chunked it aside to play with something else. 

I didn't bother putting on makeup, but you can have a general idea of how bundled up we were!

Even the street signs had icicles...

Reid loved hitting the ice off of this crape myrtle.

Back in our own backyard, Jason posed by our ice laden river birch.  We're hoping it makes it and doesn't snap at the trunk...

Happy boy!

After awhile, Mommy's hands were frozen (even with nice, thick, waterproof gloves) and this little guy looked all petered out.  So inside we went for some hot cocoa with marshmallows and spray whipped cream.  Yum!  Someone also requested candy canes :)

We're so thankful for the fun family time the ice storm allowed us to have.  As an added bonus, we're sure hoping this freeze kills off some of the awful bugs we've had the last two years...  And Reid has enjoyed staying in his pj's all day long.