Summertime firsts in pictures

This summer has been fun for us, as it's Dane's first summer that he is really able to try a lot of new things. I love seeing the joy and wonder on his face as he experiences something new.

First taste of Iowa sweet corn right off the cob. My neat eater even got messy for this tasty bite.

First popsicle. Well ok this was more like his 2nd or 3rd. He wasn't a fan the first few times since it was so cold. I waited until a miserably hot day and gave it too him. Then he thought it was great stuff!

First baseball game. He loved it! I loved his face as we sat down in the stadium and he looked all over the place eyes wide trying to figure it all out. By the end he was clapping and cheering when the players got hits and he says "swing batta batta" it is so stinkin cute. Did I mention we, as in my sister Melissa and I, caught that ball he is holding? I stuck my hand up in the air and it hit my hand to my surprise and landed in Melissa's lap.

First taste of cotton candy. He carried it back to the seat so proudly. A little hesitant but the first bite was pure delight. And he had quite the sugar buzz, at least he focused most of that energy into cheering very loudly to the amusement of those around us. He woke up the next morning still wound up from all the fun he had at the baseball game.

Getting closer

This pregnancy is going way too fast. Can it be that I am already 8 months pregnant? 32 weeks? Only 8 weeks away from my due date? (but hoping for less than 8 weeks). Wowzers I still have a lot to do. I would love to finish Danes big boy room up, and paint the half bath downstairs and a whole host of other projects. The rest of the painting can wait until later. Have I even mentioned that I have already painted the family room, kitchen and both kid's bedrooms? Maybe that is why I am having a hard time getting started on these other painting projects.

I find it interesting that my body has been taken back all those first trimester woes. Such as feeling gross and gaggy in the evenings, itchy pits and calves in the evenings. Yeah that's right itchy pits-- so weird--and only in the evening. It's not a deodorant or shaving thing either. I went with out both in the winter to see if that was the issue. Nope not the case so I resumed both, for the sake of everyone around me. I am tired all over again, and no food sounds good but I am always starving. The second trimester really is the "honeymoon" trimester. I hardly felt pregnant at all for those 3 blissful months and then literally the day the third trimester rounded the corner the slight nausea was back and food started sounding gross. I know I don't have much to complain about, most people have it far worse like actually puking, and a whole host of other things. Overall I would say I feel better this time around then I did the first. It's either because Dane keeps me in shape by chasing him all day or because he keeps me distracted from my woes by me chasing him around all day.

Weekend Getaway

We had a fun trip just Andy and me to Chicago this past weekend. It was a good time away. A little unusual for us we tried every type of transportation. We took the Metro, the bus, walked, a horse carriage, drove, and walked. Maybe a few months ago I could have walked more but not this time. I have to say, that cabby tried to run up our bill. Fortunately we knew exactly where we needed to go I was just too tired to make it that far. It was straight down many blocks and over 2 blocks. When we got to the over part the cab driver floored and we flew past the address we wanted to stop at and it wasn't another 2 blocks before we realized he wasn't stopping and said something. So he said sorry backed up a block and dropped us off.

I love how the clouds opened up so we could see to the top of the tower.

We managed to sit out in the skybox at the top of Willis Tower, rather breath taking. I think the Willis/Sears tower was our favorite part. We also did lots of shopping(des moines needs an H&M) and walking and sitting and visiting bathrooms. We even found some time for a carriage ride.

There were signs that said not to ride the Ferris wheel when pregnant. I was severely disappointed, because what is so dangerous about a Ferris wheel? Then I asked to be sure I really couldn't ride and it was no problem they let me ride and there were several other pregnant people in line. I was glad because I really needed to do something fun that required sitting down.

It was a great weekend with just my honey and me, and I am feeling a little too tired to make it sound any more interesting.

The rest I will just save for good memories.

appointment week

This week has been full of appointments for this family. They all seemed to land one right after another. We started off the week with Dane getting tubes in his ears. He did great, though he wanted nothing to do with me afterwards. When they brought us back after he woke up the nurse said I sure hope you brought daddy with you. We got home and all he wanted to do was sit with daddy and watch football. By afternoon I think he was back to close to normal. The rest of the week was full of routine appointments, and boy am I tired. So tired I feel like I could just sleep all day long. Maybe it's because I have been dehydrated and it has been hot and rainy or maybe it's because I am 30 weeks pregnant and only have 67 days to go. I hope I get another burst of energy because I still have a lot I need to get done.

Tomorrow we are headed to Chicago for a weekend away just me and my honey. Dane gets to wear his aunts out while we are gone. I am sure gonna miss that little guy, but I am looking forward for a few days away.

Wordless Wednesday

Just a few things we have been doing

We had some good cousin time last week. We are in a lull right now before my mom and sister Rachel get here on Tuesday.
If you look close Aletheia in the picture below, she does look a little beat up. She actually has healed quite fast. Last Monday she took a fall in her stroller down all of the stairs at the Lincoln Memorial and landed on her face. God was watching out for her and she walked away with scrapes and bruises, no stitches, no broken bones. Amazing!!

We went to the Science Center last week. Dane loved the bubble room! I also thought this was a good picture of my 7 month pregnant belly. I am definitely starting to get tired and nauseous again. I am sure by the time month nine rolls around I will be ready to have this baby!

In the meantime I hope to enjoy alot of one on one time with Dane.

Growing Up

Dane took his first nap in his toddler bed last week, I would say it was successful. It took about a half hour or more for him to fall asleep. Though he was very good during that time and didn't get out of bed too much. He then took a 2 hour nap and hardly moved. Today is attempt number 2. So far so good. He didn't even get out this time!

I told him if he got out of bed he would be in trouble. He looked at me with a big ornery smile and said "saw we" (sorry). Yes I told him then you will have to tell mommy you are sorry. I think he rather enjoys apologizing.

I am not ready for him to grow up, his second birthday is coming around way too fast.