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!

catching up

Lots to catch up on. First we celebrated James' birthday mid-month. Here's a shot of him at his laser tag birthday party, and a picture of the amazing dairy-egg free cake that our friend Jonelle at http://www.moredessertplease.com/ made.

James was also in the pinewood derby with his boy scout troop. He and Sean had worked dilligently on the "Thunderbolt." Here are pictures of the progress:

Now, there are some cosmetic changes to note- and these are for you, Mum.

James new haircut:

And my new glasses:

Yesterday

The Purdys were all caught up in the inauguration yesterday. James took my Obama pin to school for sharing. His class watched as Obama was sworn in. We watched the parade and the neighborhood ball after school. We all feel invigorated by our new President and his family! Have you checked out the White House website? www.whitehouse.gov? It's terrific to see Obama's face at the end of the presidential slide show! Also, check out www.usaservice.org. They are asking for care packages for soldiers serving overseas.

It sure does feel like a new day!