Summer!

Time to embrace summer! We've been battling so many illnesses since the last week of June. I'm ready for everyone to feel better, me included! It's going so fast!

Hmm, been gone a long time

A relative, who shall remain nameless :), has pointed out that I haven't been doing too much on here of late. Indeed. I think it's time to pick up again, since so many family members won't join facebook!

Here are some pictures from the last few months:

News, news, glorious news

We're having a baby boy! We had an ultrasound today, at 21 weeks. What a miracle- the baby, the technology! James is thrilled at the news. He REALLY wanted a brother! Now I've got to figure out how to purchase all the "stuff" without going overboard. Do I really need the six piece nursery set? No, but it does bring the room together. I'm definitely looking for a bassinet this time around. I want the baby close to me so I don't have to drag myself half way around the world in the middle of the night. Sean, I've learned, can sleep through anything!

James is happily enjoying his first few weeks out of school. This week we're both participating in our parish's VBS in the morning, and then James has been playing with friends in the afternoon while I try to slowly piece our house back together. Renovations on the kitchen are coming to a close in the next couple of weeks, thank goodness!

Winding down the year

Tomorrow is James' class play, which is actually a collectively written poem. There will be songs, a picnic, and two solid hours playing on the school grounds. Hooray for Field Day! I can't believe that second grade is almost over. His last swim class was tonight, and as I've written before, he's really made terrific progress and feels great about it. James passed his "Facts in 5" subtraction test today, another milestone. One of my favorite moments of each day is when he arrives home from school, throws down his bookbag, jumps into a chair int he living room, and tells me all about his day. Someday soon he will not invite me in to know the details, so I'm loving every minute of it now.

I'm feeling really good in regards to the pregnancy. I'll be 19 weeks on Sunday. Sleeping is starting to get a bit uncomfortable, but I've finally wrestled control of the full body Boppy from Sean, which makes the nights tolerable. Leg cramps have become my constant companion. I can feel the baby moving more consistently- at least every day I feel a little something stirring. I LOVE those moments.

Tiny heartbeats and giant strokes

I heard the baby's heart beating at my dr's appointment today. What a thrill to have a little someone nestled and growing inside! I am thoroughly enjoying this pregnancy.

More news- James is becoming an absolute knock-out swimmer. I am so impressed with his developing mastery of the basic strokes. It's an absolutely satisfying experience as a parent to watch him progress through all of the stages of learning to swim. It finally pays off. We're looking forward to lots and lots of pool time this summer.

Baby

I've been gone a while. Just wanted to let everyone know that I'm expecting a baby at the end of October! Does that explain the absence? We are so excited!