Preparing for Baby

Well, as of today I am 36 weeks pregnant! So hard to believe. I think we have the house in order and are ready for baby's arrival... My "menu" for this week has several items that I am making double of and freezing for down the road...and I ordered some newborn diapers today when I ordered Griffin's diapers for April...other than that, I am just trying to stay caught up on everything else!

36 weeks

We did major clean outs of the closets in both the nursery and the kids room...and have successfully combined Avery and Griffin into one room. They really have done remarkably well with the transition. They only have issues going to sleep every now and then.

Here are a few pictures of Graham's room. I think the only thing its missing is him!

We'll let you know when our little man arrives...until then, pray for health, patience, and an epidural!

Cookout @ the Likes

We had a cookout last night at the Likes' house. Delicious BBQ chicken, green beans, and macaroni! Once again it was nice to be outdoors....but it did get a little chilly! Where did our spring weather go???

When I looked over and saw this sight, it made my heart smile! Daddy and son having their own little meal!

Creighton, Daniel, and Brent

I am so thankful that we have been blessed with such great friends here in Durham!

Still Alive!

Just a quick to let you know that we are still alive and hanging in there! I haven't posted all week because we have been hit with the GI bug! But I think we are on the mend now...(hopefully!)

Griffin woke up from his nap on Saturday with a fever and then woke up Sunday morning puking...Avery woke up during the night Tuesday saying that her belly hurt and then had a fever and was puking Wednesday morning...and I woke up puking on Thursday morning!!!

Thankfully, Brent was able to stay home from work on Thursday and play "Mr Mom!" He was a champ - taking griffin to/from school, feeding kids, putting them down for naps, and taking Avery to dance. That allowed me to lay low and rest and start feeling better. Now we are just praying that Brent doesn't get the bug too!

Our Weekend

We had a great weekend and really enjoyed this great spring weather! It was in the mid 70's both Saturday and Sunday so we took advantage of it. Brent and I worked in the yard - cleaning out flower beds, raking leaves, organizing outdoor toys, etc. The kids just enjoyed being outside.

Avery found a new love - earthworms! She knows just where to go to dig them up. I think she added about 10 to each of her flower pots! Brent also gave her a lesson in planting seeds - she's always talking about planting beans (as in dried black or pinto beans) so she loved this idea. They planted several different types of zinnia's and shasta daisies. Now we are praying that at least some of them grow so that she gets the full experience!

working on her "pots"

Saturday evening we had our good friends the Likes over for a spring cookout - we had burgers, homemade fries, baked beans, and strawberry shortcake - what a perfect way to welcome the warmer weather!

the kiddos enjoying their food

Griffin suddenly learned how to slug the ball this weekend. And it looks as if he'll be a left handed batter...

We are looking forward to many more weekends like this one!

Kudos to Daddy

I worked yesterday...one of my last 2 days of work before I stop for Graham's arrival! So exciting...Meanwhile, Avery had dance pictures yesterday. And that left Daddy to take her! Brent is a good sport and has gotten to where he's okay doing almost anything with Avery and Griffin. (and I'm so very thankful!)

This is Lauren - she babysits for us when I work. And she too is wonderful. She is great about entertaining the kids, doing projects with them, getting them outside, and leaving a clean house! And she is always willing to do whatever extra thing is needed - so yesterday she fixed Avery's hair in a beautiful bun and put some makeup on her for before her pictures.

Here is our little tap dancer - all "dolled" up and looking precious! Good job Daddy! (he can put on tights, leotards, ribbons, and dance shoes!)

Avery and Katelyn

Avery's Dance Class

Daddy even does costume changes!

Avery in Action

Here are a few pictures from Avery's school class website. Her teachers write a daily note that tells what they talked about, what books they read, what songs they sang, and what projects they worked on. It has been great because it allows me to ask Avery about what she learned/did and I can jog her memory when she can't remember!

This month they have been talking about birds. Here they are in circle time passing around a real bird nest for everyone to feel.

reading herself some books

making a bird feeder out of a coke bottle

yes, she stays dressed up - even at school!

practicing making the letters of her name out of playdough

my little artist!

Griffin in Action

Both of the kids' teachers keep a website updated with pictures and stories from school. Avery's teachers update her class site every day after school and Griffin's update his class site monthly. I always get a kick out of seeing them in that setting...here are a few pics from Griffin's class website. (I just learned that I can download from their sites...)

concentrating hard while doing stamps

making peanut butter and bird seed bird feeders

he's actually sitting in place with his hands in his lap!!!

learning about animals this month

busy painting