The potty-training extravaganza

So, we are on approximately day 5 of the potty training experience. We started last week around Wednesday or Thursday putting Adam in training pants and no diapers. He has had one accident at Aunt Mandi's on Friday, but other than that - no accidents. He doesn't like the feel of pee on his legs, so I think he is going down the right path. It is so true that they just have to be ready and there really is no use in trying to make it happen any sooner. I also must admit, there is nothing cuter than seeing his skinny little butt in real underwear. He is just getting to be so big and independent. It's good, but sad for mom and dad. He also enjoys going to the bathroom outside. With the weather being so nice, we have been outside every night. There is no time to run inside to go to the bathroom, so he has found a nice big bush to pee on. The joys of being a boy, I guess. Us girls will never understand.

On another note, I had a doctor's appointment last week. Everything is going fine. The heartbeat was 156. It is so amazing to hear the heartbeat. So far, my pants are tight but other than that I haven't felt any movement or anything yet. I've gained a little over 2 pounds, but it feels like 20. Sometimes it's hard for me to believe that I actually am pregnant, so it's nice to hear the heartbeat. According to Becky (my midwife) I should be feeling movement by my next appointment. That's my favorite part!!

A mommy moment

I do not know who it was that told me, or where I heard it from, but there is one piece of advice that I have received as a mom that I think is probably the best advice that any parent could ever receive. The advice - Always take the time to watch your child sleep. Out of all of the advice that I have gotten (which has been A LOT), I think that is possibly the best.

Yesterday afternoon, I layed Adam down for a nap and decided to lay with him for a little bit. He did his usual - singing, talking, rolling around - but then he got quiet and drifted off to sleep. Next thing I know I am laying there next to him just watching him sleep. He looked so peaceful. I just think that at the moments when I want to pull my hair out and scream, I just need to remember how he looks when he sleeps. All of the smiles, frowns, sounds, and movements that he makes is just priceless. I probably could have watched him for hours.

So this is my advice (well not really MY advice) that I am passing on. No matter what age your child is, I truly believe that you should take time to watch them sleep. It will be well worth your time.

It's starting to "pop"

First thing this morning I had 2 people say to me - You're really starting to pop. Not that I was offended or anything. It's not a bad thing. The only bad thing about this morning - I was just about to stand up in front of 12 people to do an orientation at work. All I could think about was "Oh my gosh. My stomach is sticking out. Everyone is looking at it. They all think I'm fat. Maybe I should somehow bring up that I am pregnant." Now, obviously the fact that I am pregnant would not come up in a new hire orientation so I basically had to suck it up and just let them think that I was fat. I hate this stage where things are getting a little too tight, but yet it's way too early to wear maternity clothes. Oh well, I guess I better enjoy it while I can.

Scavenger Hunt

This evening we met with a group of friends and had a scavenger hunt. We had an awesome time! We had to go around town and do silly things. It was hysterical. My ultimate fave was watching Mike be a greeter at Wal-Mart. We got in trouble from the "real" greeter for taking pictures, but we were in and out so fast that she couldn't do too much. Here are a couple of pictures from our night.

This is Jeff washing the windshield of a stranger at Casey's gas station. The lady was very thankful!

Here is the group on the carousel in front of KMart.

Connie in front of the "Flavor of the Day" sign at Culver's

Brandi did a great job of putting it all together. We really had a lot of fun.

Fun with the cousins

Here are some pictures from the other day when Caitlyn and Jack came over and played.

Jack was more willing to pose for a picture than Adam.

They had a lot of fun. Thanks for coming over! We love you Jack and Caity!

Baby Poll

I have placed a poll on this blog where you can say what you are predicting our baby to be. Place your prediction and see where other people voted! Notice that I did not put the option of twins on there. If that ends up being the case, I will likely shoot myself.

Oh the joys of prenancy

There are lots of good things about being pregnant. I must admit that I liked being pregnant with Adam (until the end - then it was no fun). Anyway, it's funny how soon a person forgets all of the other little things about being pregnant. While I haven't had tons of changes and symptoms yet, there is one thing that is rearing it's little head. For those of you who have had kids - you will totally understand. Basically, I would give anything just to sleep through the night without having to make a middle-of-the-night trip to the bathroom. Last night I had to make 2 trips! Oh it just drives me crazy. I just want to sleep the whole night through. I guess maybe it's just your body's way of preparing you for when you actually have the baby and have to get up all night. Other than that, things are pretty good. My pants are getting tighter and my stomach is getting rounder and harder. Jeff says that it's getting harder because of all of the sit-ups I have been doing. I don't know what he's thinking. I hate to say it but I haven't done a sit-up for a LONG time. I think it's his way of trying to make me feel better.

Jeff is teaching Adam to "talk" to the baby now. It is so funny. Adam will only talk into my belly button (because otherwise the baby couldn't hear him - ha, ha). He says "Hi Baby" in a really high-pitched voice. On Saturday I was sitting on the couch and Adam came up to my belly and said (into my belly button of course) "Hi Baby, I love you." It was adorable. I wish I would have caught it on video.

Brandi and I checked the Chinese birth chart today. According to it, we will be having a boy. Although it has been accurate for almost everyone in our office and was accurate when I had Adam, I'm not placing any bets on it. Brandi is convinced it is wrong and we are having a girl. Guess we will just have to wait and see!