Picture Post

Pictures....







Eating yogurt outside.





















Braden and his tricycle.

Getting ready to go swimming with his friends, Carolyn and Emily.

Big smile



















Me, ENORMOUS! (38 weeks)

17 days and counting

We are doing well here. Braden is doing well considering we are pretty much confined to the house in this heat. We have had some visitors, which was nice. Braden and I were saying good-bye to one of my friends that came over on Tuesday and for a moment, we were able to feel how hot it was outside. After she left I asked Braden if he wanted to go outside in the pool. He looked at me like I was crazy and said, "no-no". We did get in the pool after my OB appointment yesterday. It is the only way to be outside. Braden is talking well and my favorite word that he says is banana. It is more like, "boonana". I love it!

I am now 2 cm dilated. The baby is still low and I am still around 70% effaced. The doctor says I am not able to get any bigger. My uterus is maxed out. Brian was surprised when I told him that because he thinks I was much bigger with Braden. I gained more fluids with Braden than with this one. I am just not experiencing the same amount of swelling.

I am trying to be patient, but it is hard. The baby is moving well and the heart rate is still around 140. Many of the people that I talk to are surprised when I tell them that we don't know if it is a boy or a girl. I am anxious to find out.

I know there haven't been any pictures to accompany the last posts, but we haven't been taking many. I will try and get some up this weekend!

Waiting for the new baby

I am a little anxious waiting for this baby. I had Braden in less than 7 hours and I was concerned that this baby would come even faster. My doctor has reassured me that I should have enough time to get to the hospital and get an epidural even though Braden came quickly. (I loved having an epidural the first time, and I am not interested in going through labor with out it.)

I am uncomfortable and the weather is taking it's toll on me. I should have an exam at my appointment this week and then I will know better the progress that my body is making. I have my bag and Braden's bag packed. I hope that we will have news soon.

4th Wedding Anniversary

On our honeymoon.

In Las Vegas!

Two new, proud, house-owners.




















In New York for Valentine's Day.

We have been married for 4 years as of today! We had such a beautiful wedding day and these past 4 years have treated us very well. We are going to dinner tonight down in Baltimore.

The pictures are dedicated to Brian and I this time. Braden gets enough air-time! (By doing this, I realized that Brian and I don't take enough pictures together anymore. I am going to work on that!)

Hair-cut

I finally took Braden to get his hair cut on Tuesday. He did great. No screaming and he only cried for a minute in the beginning. He looks so cute with his hair short but all the curls are gone :( I know they will grow back quickly.

I also had my 35 week appointment today. It looks like the baby's head is very low and I am 70% effaced, which means my cervix is almost 100% thinned out. I am not dilated, and was surprised by that news. The doctor expects that I will have this baby early based on how thin my cervix is. She wants me to lift Braden as little as possible, and I will do my best, but that is not easy. She also said that many times a baby born at 36 or 37 weeks is usually big enough to go home with the mom. I guess we are going to get the infant stuff out of the attic this weekend, just to be safe. I am back at the office every week now.

The bathroom is finished!

I have been away from the computer for a little while. We had some visitors and Brian has been finishing up the bathroom, so I have been very busy. Brian has finished the bathroom! It looks great! Every time I am in there, I can't believe it is our bathroom. The last finishing touch is a mirror and after it goes up, I will take some pictures to post.


We also had two visitors this past week. My friend Kate and her son Joshua stayed with us from Tuesday to Friday! It was so nice to visit and meet her little boy. He is 3 months old and is such a laid back little baby. He just played and talked to us. Braden liked having a baby around. He just keep saying "baby" and pointing to Joshua.


Braden is talking up a storm! He is saying everything that we say! I just can't believe my ears sometimes. Every morning we wake up to a little voice saying "mama" over and over again until I go and get him. He is also counting from 2-6. (he skips 1 for some reason) Reading is his favorite past-time. He wants to read every book we have. When we put him to bed we usually have to go back up after 20 or 30 minutes to remove all the books from his bed and tell him to lay down. He just says, "read book". It is really cute.

A few last pieces of information......

1) Tomorrow Brian will start his new job. We are both really excited. This is really a great opportunity for him.

2) I have been feeling pretty good. I have some days were I am very uncomfortable and others are just fine. I am having lots of Braxton Hicks contractions (the ones that don't hurt) and some cervical pains, but that is all normal.


Here are some pictures of Braden and Joshua. There are also pictures of Braden playing with Brian in the pool. Braden loves to splash around, especially with his dada.

It is HOT!

It was 98 yesterday and its going to feel like it is 100+ degrees today! HOT, HOT, HOT! I am not venturing too far outside. Just into the pool and back.

Brian is still working on the bathroom, but it is starting to come together! There have been a few bumps, and many trips to Lowe's, but he is the home stretch!

I had a my 33 week appointment last Thursday and everything is fine. I go back in 2 weeks for an exam to see if I have started dilating. After that I go to the doctor every week until the baby comes! I am very excited. I am a little nervous about all the stuff you can't control, but for the most part I am excited. I held a 2 week old yesterday and I can't wait to hold my own!

Here are some pictures of Braden from this morning. I kept telling him to smile....but this is what I got! By the way, I think we are going to get his hair cut today, after his nap, of course. He screams enough as it is, I am not going to make it worse by taking him while he is tired!

Almost Done!

I am very very close to completing my summer graduate class. I can't wait! I am hoping to be all finished tomorrow. The final paper, that I have developed as a result of the class is about 30 pages. I am happy with it.



It feels like I updated this blog so long ago, but it has been about one week, that's not so bad! In the past week we had new carpet installed in our basement. It is so nice! I didn't realize how terrible the other stuff was until we had the new stuff. Also, Brian has started to tear out our bathroom. I took my last shower in our house today. I have some friends lined up for Braden and I. I guess Brian is going to use the hose! I am going to hang out for the next few days with some friends while Brian works on the bathroom. The only thing that will stay the same is the toilet! I can't wait to see the end result. I usually help with the home-improvements. I can be a bit handy, but this time I haven't been able to help much.



Here are some new pictures, I know that is what most of you have been waiting for!



















Braden needs a hair-cut, if you can't tell!

















So cute!

OK, this is Braden and I opening up his new toy, an Elmo tool bench in the midst of all the bathroom stuff. He loves it!




















Braden is very good with a spoon. This breakfast. He is not shy about asking for "more"

I leave you with some video of Braden...I know everyone will enjoy this!

Pwese!

I have more video for you, but I am having trouble uploading it! (I will try again tomorrow) Brian and I have been talking about trying to catch Braden's very cute "pwese" on video and we finally did. We taught Braden to sign 'please' a long time ago, and now he can say the word. He usually says "pwese" and signs at the same time, which is adorable. It is hard not to give him your last grape when he asks so nicely!

On a side note, I am doing well. I have been inside these past few days due to the terrible humidity. I am getting a little stir crazy, so it is a good thing that tomorrow should be nice. Brian has been working hard on the last of the home-improvements. I haven't been able to help as much this time around. Brian has only two more weeks off this summer because he just accepted a position working as a "battery scientist"! He is very excited for the change. He needs a little break from teaching right now. It occured to me the other day that we are no longer a "teacher" couple as so many people like to refer to us.

Here is Brian working hard on the half bath! By the way, it looks great!

Braden Talking

Braden is talking so much right now. His new favorite phrase is "I go". He now shakes his head in an exaggerated "yes" action and you can also add pizza to his word bank. It is really adorable. Brian and I were able to get some video of Braden talking about the vacuum. It may be hard to decipher, but he keeps saying vacuum over and over in the video. Hopefully you will catch it.

By the way, please ignore the mess, Brian is putting new tiles in our entrance way. Braden was helping, sort of!

Just a quick update

With regards to the switching of Braden's room, so far it is going well. Braden slept all night in the bed. He resisted in the beginning, but gave in eventually. It only took about 45 minutes. Today for his nap, the crying was only for about 5 minutes and then we heard him talking to himself like he used to do in his crib! I am optimistic for the rest of the week.

Some of you may be confused with how much I am talking about this, but I wasn't sure how to move him or what it would be like. I expected sleepless nights and lots of resistance. I was a bit nervous to do the whole thing.

I am still waiting for him to roll out of bed in the middle of the night, but so far so good!

From Braden....

I slept in my big boy bed for the first time today. I was so tired and my mommy thought that maybe I wouldn't put up too much of a fight! She was right. It only took about 15 minutes. I cried in the beginning and since I can open this bedroom door, I came out twice, but my mommy laid with me until I fell asleep. How nice of her. I think I might try sleeping in it tonight but I am not sure yet!

Happy Father's Day Brian!

I have married such a great guy! He is so helpful, loving and considerate. He is also a great father. I know he is going to be great with this new baby too.

For Father's Day we celebrated yesterday and today. Saturday we went to see Pirates 3, a movie Brian has been dying to see. It was great! All he wants to do is see it again! After the movie we went to say goodbye to our friends Sarah and Scott (Sarah's Blog) that are moving back to Michigan in a few days. The 4 of us moved out here 4 years ago. We were able to see them get married and we both had our first child out here. We will miss them, but are very excited for them. We hope to follow in their footsteps next year.

This year I decided to get Brian's car windows tinted as a surprise present! He was almost surprised until he went outside the morning I took it and saw I took his car instead of mine. It gave it away. He was excited to guess his present because I always guess mine!

Today we had waffles for breakfast and pot roast for dinner. Brian's choice! I also framed the third picture from above for him. The first picture is of Brian and Braden watching Finding Nemo. Braden does say nemo, but is is more like mammu. Brian loves it when Braden sits with him like that. Braden only watches it for a little while, but he loves to sit with his daddy and watch the fish!

Summer Break!

I can't believe it! I swear it doesn't look this big in the mirror! My mouth dropped after seeing this one! I was just told yesterday that I look great for 7 months pregnant! Were they lying?



On another note....Brian and I are very excited for our summer break! He has to go to his school for a few hours tomorrow and Tuesday but that is all! I had an unemotional last day at work. I still think it is going to take a little while to set in.





Braden is doing well. He is talking up a storm. These are his new words: walk, lawn mower, vacuum, bike, rock, waffles, more, cup, wagon, go and shoes! That is all that Brian and I can come up with right now. I am sure there are more. We are in the process of putting him in his new room and we hope that he will be sleeping in his bed by the end of the week. All of his clothes, diaper stuff, books and toys are moved so all we need to do is move Braden!

Small Update

I am sorry for the lack of updates, but just give me two more days. I have been very busy with the end of the school year. I have had to clean out my stuff and finalize grades. I also have been working diligently on my graduate class that I am taking this summer. Between the hours of 7pm and 10pm you can find me on my computer typing away!

I will give a full update this weekend!

This is a picture of a few of us who had our little ones at a baby shower for a teacher at our school. There are babies missing, but I thought it would be nice to share this with all of you. (Yes, Braden is the only little boy)

Braden's Check-Up

Braden had his 18 month check up yesterday. He did relatively well. There is always a lot of screaming. He is in the 50th percentile for everything! I don't remember how tall he is but he is 26 pounds. He is really thinning out and getting taller. The words are starting to come quickly and he is getting a little more picky as an eater. I don't know if I have mentioned it on the blog before, but he doesn't like meat! This does make meals a bit more difficult. I have a vegetarian baby! We keep trying, but he usually shakes his head no! Braden does like many other food items, especially fruit, but meat does not top his list! The next time I take him to the doctor will be for his 2 year appointment! I can't believe that it is only 6 months away.

The doctor also asked me how I was doing and said, "well I guess I will see you next in August for the next baby". This next baby really needs a name. Brian and I have been working hard, but it is still going to take more time.

FYI--One more week of work after tomorrow!

Rainy Day

What a great rainy day we are having today. This morning, Brian attended the Parkville High School graduation at Towson University while Braden and I ran out the store. I forgot a few things while grocery shopping yesterday. Braden and I hung out and had a great morning. This afternoon we all took naps. (about 3 hours!) Right now Brian and Braden are spending time together while I work on some graduate homework, obviously, I am taking a small break!

Braden is talking a lot lately. He says "basketball" and is attempting to say his name. It is very cute. I will try and catch it on video, but that is not always easy.

I just wanted to tell everyone what a wonderful day we are having together and I hope all of you are having the same!

Doctor Appointment

Just thought I would fill you in on my doctor's appointment today, just in case anyone else wants to guess boy or girl. Everything was fine. I am measuring normal. I have gained 19 lbs, which is also right on target. The baby's heart rate was 140. Braden was 120. All of you who have had girls, was the heart rate high? This one is right in the middle, which is not helping me at all!

Boy or Girl?

Here are some pictures of my growing belly. The first picture was taken before work and the second was taken at home today. People are beginning to give me their opinions about whether it is a boy or a girl. I am getting mixed reviews. Any thoughts?

I also have some pictures with Braden. He likes to be in the pictures too! He is showing off.



By the way, he doesn't have clothes on because we just came in from outside where he was running through the sprinkler.

Lately....

Lately we have been busy bugs.

(FYI- the blogger was not cooperating and the spacing is all messed up, so excuse the large, blank spaces.)





We went to a baby shower.

























































Braden played with the girls.












































We had a math department get together where Braden was able to play with all the other kids. The other teachers and I were all pregnant at the same time. (Braden is 18 months old, Carolyn is 16 months old, Isabella is 14 and Emily is just going to turn one year old.)






























Braden ran through the sprinkler while Brian worked on the cars.














































And today we get to go to a Cindy and Peters for some Memorial Day fun!

I can't believe it has been almost a week!

I can't believe it has been a week since I have updated the blog! I have been very busy with the end of the spring semester. I turned in my last assignment today and start my summer class next week.

We are all doing well here. This past weekend we did get a chance to meet with some friends for lunch on Saturday and on Sunday we attended a friend's baby shower. In between our outings, I was working on the two assignments that were due today. Having our new computers makes working on them much more enjoyable. I am no longer stuck in the basement on the computer, which is nice.



I have officially entered into my third trimester. I am two thirds of the way through this pregnancy and I still feel great! The baby is moving so much! The baby rolls and kicks me often. Brian and I are still working on names. I am guessing that when the baby is born, we will finally announce the name. It is probably going to take us that long to agree!


Brian has the camera tonight, so I can't upload any new pictures right now. He is at a banquet for some of his students. The teachers that attend have to be invited by a student. Only 15 teachers are invited every year and Brian feels honored.


These are two old pictures of Braden using Brian's leg as a pillow while watching "Baby Einstein", his favorite video.

Home sick

Today Braden and I used my last sick day to go to the doctor. Braden has a bacterial infection in his nose and eyes. This is better known as 'pink eye'. It is pretty common for kids to get this. His eyes are not bright red, just blood shot and he wakes up with lots of goop (for lack of a better word) in them. Braden didn't get a nap this morning because we were at the doctor's office, so he ate an early lunch and went down for a nap around 11. This is all his favorite stuff that he sleeps with. There are two blankets, a soft book, his bear and his monkey. I am hoping that his sleep lasts for a good 3-4 hours. Sleeping babies are precious.

We are wireless!

Brian and I invested in new computers! It is so exciting to have them set up. Our computers were very old in terms of technology and we had been needing to update them. We also decided to get a wireless router and this past weekend I installed it. That was no easy task. I began Friday night, after 2 hours I became frustrated and went to bed. On Saturday morning, after 3 hours, we were wireless. I stayed somewhat patient until the end. I was frustrated, but it is kind of like having a baby. The labor sucks, but you don't even remember any of the pain afterwards because the baby is so wonderful. Being wireless is SOOOOOO wonderful.

Brian and I are in our last week of graduate classes for the Spring Semester. We are so very close to graduating, which will occur in January of 2008. We are so excited and have been planning that day for about one year now. We are also done teaching around the 15th of June. This next week we both have state testing and the seniors will graduate. We are both looking forward to the last day of school.

I am feeling great. My sciatic nerve is acting up much more with this pregnancy. I also have heart burn. That is so weird and uncomfortable. I can't image having to deal with this on a regular basis. I had heartburn with Braden also, but it was the last week I was pregnant. I was looking at the blog the other day and noticed that I am into double digits for days left! I only have about 13 weeks left, hopefully it is more like 11 or 12! We will just have to see.

Braden is doing well. He is almost 18 months and starting to act like it. The tantrums are much more frequent and intense. I have had to leave the store only once so far, and I hope to not have to repeat that event! Our little angel is becoming not so angelic! We still manage to take pictures of him when he is sweet as can be....

I spiked his hair up in the front. What a cute little smile. In this picture I think he looks a lot like my brother, Steve.

The swiffer is now Braden size!

Our nosey son is checking out the neighbors. They love it when he says hi to them!

As you know, Braden LOVES his wagon and his balls so he thinks they all need to be together when we go for a walk!

My second Mother's Day

Being a mom has been a very special experience. Braden and Brian gave me a card and flowers today. Brian also made me breakfast. I am looking forward to adding to our family and becoming a mom of two.

I do miss my own mother, but I know she is with me, especially today.