32 Weeks

My husband thought I needed a side-by-side comparison to see whether I was "bigger" with Brody or now.  Haha!  

We are officially in the final single digit countdown stages now.  Baby weighs about 4 pounds and is about 16 or 17 inches long although I suspect she is on the shorter side of that one.  She will really be packing on the pounds in the coming weeks as most of her other developments are complete.  She has toenails, fingernails, and some hair which we could see on the ultrasound a couple of weeks ago.  Hopefully, it will be just enough for some hair bows!     

Weight Gain:  I'm not sure, but I'm guessing maybe a little more than 16 pounds now.

Maternity Clothes:  Oh yes!  Dresses and skirts are still the most comfortable.  I just can't keep maternity pants from sliding down.  Ha!     

Sleep: Rough lately because of a cold and congestion combined with pretty intense back and hip pain.  

Best Moment of this Week:  Being done with law school classes FOREVER and celebrating Brody's birthday today. 

Movement:  Less active but stronger kicks and punches.  

Food Cravings:  The same...I guess I just don't have time for cravings although when I read about something yummy, I usually end up wanting it.  

Food Aversions:  Nothing really.

What I Miss:  Energy and being able to walk normal!  I feel like I am definitely having to waddle now.  

Gender:  Sweet baby girl to join a house full of boys!

Symptoms: Heartburn and back and hip pain and leg cramps are the primary symptoms. Dizziness and lightheadedness mostly when I wait too long to eat.  

What I'm looking forward to:  Finishing exams, ordering some more stuff for baby, and starting to put Baby Mattie's nursery together. 

Dear Mattie,

We are in the final countdown now.  Only about 2 more months to go before you make your grand appearance.  We have so much to do to get ready for you, but it is so fun preparing for you.  Mommy can't wait to get through with school so she can just concentrate on you and your brothers for a while.  I am a little sad as I type this to you because you will never get to meet your sweet great-grandmother.  She was the last of your great-grandmothers on mommy's side, and I was so glad your brothers both got to meet her.  I know she would have loved to have met you though.  I know she'll love watching over you as you grow up along with your other great-grandmothers.  We just love you so much and can't wait to meet you in about 8 more weeks.  Until then, keep growing!  

Love,
Mommy

Brody is 2!

STATISTICS

HEIGHT:  35 1/4 inches (75 percentile)

WEIGHT:  28.6 lbs. (50-75 percentile)

HEAD SIZE:  50 cm. (75 - 90 percentile) - Basically, his head has been doing most of the growing these last few months.  He has never had a larger head before so this one surprised me.

FAVORITE COLOR:  Not sure yet but Evan thinks he likes blue

FAVORITE TOYS:  Books, anything with wheels, Mommy's and Daddy's phones and kindle, big brother's Wii and other games, and big brother

FAVORITE GAMES:  running around copying big brother in everything he does like trying to use the potty; dancing; baby wrestling (Evan's invention)

FAVORITE CARTOONS/TV SHOWS:   He has never really been into watching TV, but lately, he wakes up and comes in Mommy's and Daddy's room and hands us the remote to turn on the TV to his shows.  He won't sit still and watch for very long, but it does help keep him happy so Mommy and Daddy can get ready in the morning.  He usually enjoys shows like "Diego," "Dora," "Blue's Clues," "Yo Gabba Gabba," "Backyardigans," and any shows that play lots of music.  

FAVORITE SONG: He likes music that he can dance to...none of that slow stuff for him.  If he turns on the music on our stereo that is loaded with his kids music CD's, he'll keep changing until he finds something he can dance too.  One of his favorites is "I'm a wiggle worm."  

FAVORITE BREAKFAST FOODS:  He still just prefers his old favorites, yogurt and applesauce, although he does like to occasionally eat some cereal. 

FAVORITE LUNCH FOODS: He takes finger foods he can easily feed himself to school so he likes cheese cubes, cut up turkey, cut up grape tomatoes, and cut up pieces of fruit like grapes, oranges, or melon.  He likes other veggies too like carrots, celery, lettuce, etc., but we don't send those to school because of the choking hazard.

FAVORITE BEVERAGES:  milk and cold water with an occasional juice/water mixed drink (his cocktail)

FAVORITE SNACK:  anything brother is eating, cheese crackers, fruit, cheese sticks

FAVORITE ANIMAL:  definitely dogs since he still thinks he is one

FAVORITE BOOK:  "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom," any Dr. Seuss books, "I'm the big brother," and any books brother will read to him.  He brings us at least 6 books to read at night. 

FAVORITE PERSON:  Big brother Evan but Daddy is a close second

FAVORITE CEREAL:  Whatever Mommy is eating. 

FAVORITE THING TO DO OUTSIDE:  swinging and pushing my four wheeler or other ride on toys around the yard, and he has become very adept at throwing a ball.

FAVORITE HOLIDAY:  Not sure yet but we think he enjoyed Christmas and Easter

FAVORITE VACATION SPOT:  Myrtle Beach and Disney World (the two primary places he has vacationed in his short life)

FAVORITE TOY TO SLEEP WITH:  his silky blankie

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO EAT FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY:  cake, definitely cake, since he already had cupcakes at his party

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP:  not sure...maybe a dog?

WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT YOU:  I am a good little brother, a good listener, and a good snuggler.  I am Mommy's sweet little cuddly boy who gives the best love.

Dear Brody,

Where did the last two years go?  It seems like just yesterday we were bringing you home from the hospital. You have really developed quite a personality in the last year.  You can be so sweet and loving, but you are definitely all boy and are so tough.  You definitely want things your way and will get so frustrated when you don't get it.  You are so physical (just the opposite of your brother) so your temper is displayed by physical acts of throwing things, turning over your chairs and table, etc.  We are so glad you are starting to get more verbal and hope that verbal communication will lessen your frustration.  You are a very smart little boy and love figuring things out for yourself.  You are also such a big helper these days and love throwing your trash away, wiping up messes, and helping to pick up toys.  You are already very adept at using technology and love getting hold of our phones or kindle.  You make lots of calls to family and friends.  Your newest fascination is getting your little chair and climbing in it to reach the light switches and turn them on and off.  You love to climb onto your little chair to reach the kitchen counter to see what we are doing and to "help" us.  You still love any source of water so I know you are going to love the pool this summer.  You are just tons of fun, and you brighten our home with your sweet smiles and giggles.  You also give the best hugs and kisses and make the cutest kissing sounds.  While I miss the beautiful little baby that you were just a short time ago, I am so proud to watch you grow into a sweet and beautiful little boy and man.  And you will always be my baby!  

Love always,

Mommy

A Party for Two Monkeys

With our family being so busy right now, Mommy thought it would be easier to just plan one big party for the boys.  Neither boy seemed to mind sharing a party with their brother.  We held the party this past Saturday after Evan's baseball game.  Mommy has determined that destination birthday parties are somewhat easier for her than parties at home...less preparation and clean-up required.  In 2009 when Evan was 2, we had tried to hold his birthday party at a local establishment called Lazy 5 Ranch, a large, private zoo where you can ride through a large and open habitat where lots of wild and exotic animals are kept.  It is about an hour north of our house.  They allow people to drive their personal vehicles through or you can ride a horse drawn wagon ride, but we have heard quite a few "horror" stories from such excursions...picture lots of animals with big horns coming up to your vehicle for food.  You get buckets of feed to feed the animals, and these animals are "expecting" you to feed them.  Ha!  Anyway, when Evan was 2, we were cursed with bad weather and had to change our plans to something indoors.  Thankfully, his party that year was small with mostly just our immediate family.  Actually, we feel we have been cursed every year with not great weather for outside parties.  It will be beautiful, warm, and sunny every day surrounding the day we pick for the party and then dawn wet and cold on the party day.  We hope by planning this party later in April and not on either of the kids' actual birthdays, we could avoid the curse, and I guess it worked.  Saturday was a pretty, sunny day although there was a little wind gusting that kept making it chilly.  Mommy decided to do a monkey theme for her two little monkeys (although after choosing this theme, Evan said he wanted elephants.  He has been liking elephants lately for some reason).  We used green, yellow, and a little orange for Evan for the colors.  We kept the food and treats simple with pizza ordered at a place close to the ranch and simple vanilla and chocolate cupcakes made at our local grocery store bakery.  I made some cute cupcake toppers to go on the cupcakes.  The wind did not make it feasible to use too many other decorations although we did get some balloons for the occasion.  The kids enjoyed playing on the playground, feeding the animals, and riding the horse drawn wagon.  Unfortunately, my nephew Lanny got sick on the wagon ride, and his daddy  wasn't feeling so hot either.  They were put into quarantine when they got home because Aunt Jessica is tired of sickness.  Despite a few downsides, the party was a fun experience.

{Warning:  This post is extremely photo heavy as this is our way of preserving memories such as these.}

The entrance

I wanted monkey mylar balloons, but the party store didn't have anything except girl monkeys.  I settled for a big 6 and 2 balloon to celebrate my two monkeys.  Yes, my OCD hates that the 6 is backwards in this picture, but the wind was not helping. 

A Scarlet Macaw

Evan and his pals at the party, cousin Reade, old friend Bryant, and cousin Lanny. 

Lanny didn't like that Evan appeared to be the tallest in the last picture. 

Nanny, Ms. Donah, and Jonah

Mommy and her little monkeys.  I wanted the boys to both wear monkey shirts this year, but I was having trouble finding something.  I had thought about special ordering personalized shirts, but I assumed I would easily find something in a store.  Apparently, monkeys are not the in thing this season because I found no monkey theme shirts anywhere.  On Friday night while we were at Target picking up a few necessities, I thought I would check one more time. All I could find were matching monkey pajama sets (they were actually two pajama sets on sale for $12.00).  I decided they could wear the shirts for the occasion and then would both have some new pajamas.  

Our family

Getting ready to go on the wagon ride. 

Not sure what Evan's expression was about...anticipation and excitement maybe? 

Our noble steeds.  The wagon could go where the cars could not, and the drivers knew a lot about the animals. 

There are always crazy animal stories at this place.  This zebra was the spectacle of the day.  He would just stand there right by the road where cars drove by, and he would just stare into the car window at the passengers.  He was "obviously" male, and I guess he was "protecting" his woman behind him.  I saved you the picture of him showing off his stuff.  

Emu

Vietnamese Pot-Bellied Pig

Not exactly sure what kind of animals these were, but they loved to eat.

Evan trying to feed one, but he didn't want to put his hand too close so most of the feed fell on the ground. 

The cousins feeding animals together. 

Uncle Paul helping his youngest feed the animals.  Even cousin Cate got in on the action. 

Evan and his pal, Bryant, waiting for more animals to feed. 

Not sure about these white animals as all of the animals do not appear to be listed on the website.

Pretty sure the spotted one is a Japanese Sika Deer. 

Duck pond

Some kind of buffalo. 

These were not as interested in eating.  Guess they had enough. 

Brody enjoyed his seat on Daddy's lap as he watched the animals. 

Giraffes!  Mommy's favorites. 

If there is one animal that reminds me of Brody, this is it.  Have you noticed how long and thick their lashes are?   He has a little blue stuffed giraffe he received at the hospital when he was born, and carries it around a lot because it has a silky ribbon.  I guess he is my little giraffe. 

This was the only giraffe interested in eating. 

A sweet little baby playing shy in the back. 

There is just something funny about the animals at this place.  They always have the funniest expressions.   I guess they are just so used to interacting with people. 

He was leaning directly over top of us. 

Peeking over the fence. 

Silly llama. 

Brody thought this llama was funny. 

A close encounter...thankfully, he didn't get spit on. 

African cattle

A lazy rhino camouflaged in his dusty habitat. 

Seriously, this should be the cover page for the park's website.  This was one crazy animal.  He had the longest tongue and drooled everywhere.  Yuck!  I would not want this one putting his head in my car. 

The boys eating pizza.  This was actually before the wagon ride.  

Brody was thirsty. 

Evan and his oldest school buddy, Bryant.  They have been friends since their early days at daycare.  They go to different schools now, but we try to get them together as often as we can.  Hopefully, there will be more play dates this summer when we get to meet Bryant's new little brother.  

Sweet little man playing on the playground. 

Going down the very fast slide. 

Wearing big brother's jacket because he was a little chilly. 

Hanging out with his pal, Jonah. 

Brothers = Best Friends

This is love!

Just the sweetest boys. 

Even cousin Grady joined the fun. 

Time for cupcakes!

Brother cupcakes

Brody's candle lit for him. 

Evan prepares to make his wish. 

Brody blows out his candle with a little help from the wind. 

Brody digs in to his chocolate cupcake. 

He's the opposite of brother -- he likes the icing while big brother always preferred the cake. 

Two thirsty boys. 

Reade gets a special Evan cupcake.  Notice his lovely colored hair?  He and his big brother had been to their school's fun day and gotten their hair sprayed. 

The kids enjoying their cupcakes. 

Sweet baby face. 

Evan wanted Mommy to eat one of his cupcakes. 

Oh my!  Gotta love that cupcake face! 

Cute little prairie dogs lived next to the picnic area. 

Lanny tries on his party hat before he had to leave.  Unfortunately, he had come down with a little bug and needed to go home.  

My sweet boy running to me on the playground. 

Peacock chasing. 

Almost got him!

He made it to safety. 

Jonah decked out in his party hat. 

Aunt Naomi reads Evan his birthday card. 

Brody opens one of his presents.  A little wagon and toys for the beach from Grandma. 

He is ready to head to the beach. 

And some new trucks. 

Brody showing us his new water table.  Now, we just need time to play with it. 

Brody gets a new movie from his pal, Jonah, and Ms. Donah. 

I had to snap a picture of the kangaroo on our way out of the park.  They were being very lazy though. 

This one did get up and spied me watching him. 

Saying goodbye to Mr. Camel. 

And Brody was soon out like a light! 

At home, the boys enjoyed playing with little Grady. 

Evan is so good with babies. 

He has so much love to give!

And this cutie tried on his party hat. 

I kept the party favors pretty simple.  Just their party hats, blowers, some "monkey snacks" (dried banana chips), and a little barrel of monkeys.