17 weeks

Well, I'm a few days late but here's the first bump picture for baby #2.  (This kiddo still needs a nickname, so I'm currently taking suggestions)  I had planned to start taking pictures earlier in this pregnancy, since the kiddo "popped" out around 12 weeks or so.  But my bump hasn't changed size since then, convincing me it was more of my "maternal stores" than actual baby.  No one needs to see a bumch of belly fat, so I waited until now to post.  (no need to thank me :)

This pregnancy has been right on track compared to being pregnant with Brooks.  I went through the usual "I'm starving and exhausted" phase for about 6 weeks and now I feel great.  No really, I feel awesome!!  The only difference is that I had to pull out my bella band and maternity clothes sooner with this one.  But to be honest, I'm so busy chasing around a toddler all day that I sometimes forget I'm pregnant. 

We've heard the baby's heartbeat twice now, but I'm still waiting for that first movement.  That's the best part.  Well, until the baby gets so big that he's kicking me in the ribs constantly.  But even that's ok.

Our biggest decision coming up is whether or not to find out if we're having a boy or girl.  We found out with Brooks since I'm a super over-planner.  But this time around I'm leaning toward waiting until the baby's born.  I've always been slightly jealous of those who can wait.  The suprise seems like so much fun!!  And since we don't even have an ultrasound scheduled (and won't unless it's absolutely necessary), we won't be able to find out anyway.  Just feels more natural to me.

A Week with Grandma

So not only is March when the weather usually warms up and the snow sometimes melts, but it's also when my beautiful mama comes to visit!  This is the second year of her coming out in March and spending a whole week with us :)  My dad and brother come too, but they prefer to sit in a muddy cornfield all day waiting to shoot feathery, winged creatures. (aka, snow geese)

We had so much fun and Brooks had quite a week of "firsts".  He said "grandma" clearly for the first time, he learned how to climb on the reading chair by himself for the first time, drank from a straw for the first time, and he went potty in the big boy potty for the first time!!

Yep, I was one proud mama!!  He said "potty", sat down and actually peed.  That seemed too easy.  And of course, like an over-zealous first time mom, I rushed right out and bought him big boy underpants.  (Thomas the Train in case you were curious)  But they never adorned his little butt because as the week went on he became less and less interested in the potty chair. (sigh)  Oh well.  We'll try again later.  But my favorite part of potty training???

LOTS of naked butt time :)

We also did some shopping and Brooks came home with this prized possession!

Oh yes, my friends.  We now own The Very Hungry Catapillar and the matching stuffed animal to go with it. Brooks LOVES it!!!

Really, really loves that catepillar!

Tuesday was storytime at the toy store as usual.

Wednesday we visited the zoo.  We were a little over-optimistic about the warm weather, but we bundled up and enjoyed the few animals that were outside.  Mostly, we played inside :)

Thursday brought a trip to the playland at the mall ...

"well hello, handsome!"

... followed by a quick visit to Falls Park,

where Brooks showed off his cool new sunglasses,

which to everyone's suprise, he acutally liked to wear!!  That boy really HATES the sun in his eyes.

Friday morning we met Daddy at the midwifery clinic and listened to baby's heartbeat.  I love that sound, but to my suprise, Brooks started crying when he heard it.  He looked at this noisy box and realized the noise was coming from me!  I had to reassure him that it didn't hurt Mommy and we were just listening to the baby inside.  What a sweet boy.  After that we went swimming at the YMCA.  It's been months since we've been swimming and Brooks still loves it!

That afternoon, Grandpa stopped by for a visit.

Did I mention that he LOVES wearing his sunglasses?

Because he really does :)

Grandma went home on Sunday and we all miss her.  But we're so happy we had this week to spend with her!!