It's A...

Surprise! We went to our ultrasound today for the measurements of our little bundle and for "gender determination"...you know, twig and giggleberries or not. Anyone get the reference? Anyway...I wasn't sure whether or not I wanted to find out but was willing to do so because my hubby has zero patience and wanted to find out. Yes it would be easier to decorate but where's the fun in doing things early?? So there I am lying on the table with the lady pushing and twisting and patting and I knew what was happening. Hubs was in the dark so I let it play out. And then the words I knew were coming..."I've tried to get the baby to move, but it won't. I can't see what it is." I laughed, yes, laughed. Hubby's mouth dropped. I think he thought it was a joke at first and then realized that she was done. The little sweet potato wouldn't spread its legs for the u/s lady to get a glimpse. I jokingly said "That means it's a girl." Bucky was proud to show us what to expect but this one just didn't want to help us prepare. Either way the baby is measuring appropriately for it's due date and that's what really matters. We only got one picture of the baby's face which was kind of disappointing but we will be exploring other options to try and get some more pictures. The one today was printed on a 4x6 card but I want the pictures that are shiny like I got with Bucky. Call me picky but I want the "normal" ultrasound pictures :). So after all our anxieties about what the baby is going to be, well, we still get to talk about what we think ;).

Spring Break, pt 1

For Bucky's Spring Break this year, we headed south...but not too far. We went to Panama City to visit my family and enjoy the beach and some nice weather. Well, that changed. Two days after we got there, the forecast was calling for thunderstorms for 3 or 4 days. We were able to go to the mall with my sis-in-law and two nieces for some playtime for the kiddos on Monday. Tuesday we didn't do much of anything. Wednesday was still looking rough so we hung out around the house. Thursday, though, we went out to play some putt-putt with my mom since it was clear-ish weather when she got home from work. Bucky had a great time and lots of fun! He was the only one who got a hole in one. Even though it was not on one of the "special" holes, the worker gave him a free game coin anyway for doing so well! He was thrilled!

Bucky's Easter Egg Hunt

Today was the egg hunt and party at Bucky's school. I helped "hide" the eggs before the kiddos came out to find them. We ran out of places since there was a tote full of eggs so a lot of them were easily seen.

Once the kids were lined up, they were all so excited. Bucky knew I hid the eggs and the first thing he said was "Thanks mom!" Such a sweet kiddo.

And they're off...

Full basket of eggs

Volunteering to give some eggs to a little girl who was not able to participate because she was sick.

After hunt party and goodies...

Opening up the goodies at home.

So thrilled with his stash :)

First Attempt at Juicing

So now that I am able to be in the kitchen for longer than about 2 minutes, I decided to try something new. (BTW - You don't realize how many different smells there are at any given time until you are pregnant). After reading the blog The Verdant Life written by a vegan friend of mine from high school, I got the juicing bug. Didn't look like it would be too hard so I thought "Why not try it?" I ended up purchasing the juicer she recommended because I know nothing about them and quite frankly did not want to research them. It was only about $20 or so on Amazon so I went with it. With my little helper in tow, we went from this:

To this midway through...

To the final product: TADA!

It got really good reviews from my little critic. He finally handed me the glass with about 3 drops left and said, "I don't want anymore. You can have the rest." Thanks kiddo! 

The only problem I had with the juicer was that it didn't reverse every time I pushed down on it but it evened out well enough to get all the juice from the lemon. I also had to clean it a few times during the juicing of the 9 lemons because I was concerned about the seeds getting stuck in there. FYI: 9 lemons made just less than 2 cups of lemon juice so I still have almost a full cup of juice to make another batch of lemonade.

Here We Go Again...

I'm pregnant! I am a little over 16 weeks along now and feeling better and better each day. We've had a few hurdles to overcome but came through them (or over them) like champs. Bucky is very excited to be a Big Brother and he will make an excellent one! I have no doubts about his capability to love and help care for this new little addition. Every day I let him know how much we love him and make sure to answer any questions he may have or even just talk to him about his day and what's going on with him. I am finally able to start cooking again (thank goodness). I was beginning to go crazy having to stay away from all things smelly, good or bad, but that is now in the past for the most part. I am getting to do some of my normal activities again...and I am so excited!

According to Babycenter, our little addition is now the size of an avocado. It's amazing that just two months ago, he/she was just the size of a kidney bean. And just before that, a poppy seed. I enjoy reading how fast our baby is growing and all the new things developing. Needless to say, we are all ecstatic about our new baby and can hardly wait for September to get here. :)

Wahhhh!

I really need to get my camera out! I realized today that I don't think I have taken any pictures with my camera since the Christmas and New Year's holidays. What in the world have I been thinking?! The days are passing very quickly and my little boy is getting bigger and bigger. He put his bathroom stool in the Goodwill pile the other day because he can now reach the sink to wash his hands without standing on it. (SN: He took it out a couple of days later because he decided he can reach it better with the stool :) ). Either way, this little act showed me how big our little boy is getting and how fast time has gone. Note to self: Must get camera out soon and often!

Welcome...

...to the world, Caitlyn Thi Kirkland! My 2nd niece was born on Dec 17, 2011. She weighed in at 7 lbs, 3.8 oz and was 21 in long. And she is gorgeous! She is a wonderful baby and has a very loving big sister. Here are a few pictures I took while there over the holidays.