Just chillin'

Makayla is very capable of entertaining herself, although it's a little scary to see what she is up too!
We also enjoyed a great Memorial Day. We loved the extra day off to spend together as a family, a trip to the pool, then had friends over for hot dogs, hamburgers, and red, white and blue jello. And we also thought of the meaning of the day and all of those who served and sacrificed. We hope you all enjoyed your Memorial Day too!

The pool is open!

It was in the mid 80's here today although I think it felt more like 130... So as soon as Makayla got up from nap, we were headed to the pool! She was so excited and was so much braver than the end of last summer. And fortunately, the water wasn't ice cold, it actually felt really nice. She loved running around in the kiddie pool and wasn't phased at all when she fell in the water up to her eyes. We also took a dip in the big pool and she was mad that we kept holding her because she wanted to swim by herself! So back to the baby pool where she could stand and practice her kicks and blowing bubbles. I think we have a future swimmer on our hands - and I think we will be back to the pool A LOT!

Makayla's Day

Today was all about Makayla - no chores around the house, just a day of fun! We started by taking a trip to The Virginia Safari Park. It's about two hours south of us, right off I-81. I've driven past this exit for about 15 years on the way to and from my parents but never stopped - I am glad we went today though!
It starts with a drive through the "wild animal" area. Since we were only going to be driving about 5 mph, Makayla was excited to sit on Jason's lap (I was excited to be driving and not feeding the animals...)

It started calmly...

But the camels were really hungry! They got a little too aggressive and Makyala was NOT happy! This group took the bucket right out of Jason's death grip!

The single camel was a little calmer, but Makayla still did not like feeding him. We spent most of the rest of the drive with the windows up...

We came across several Elk.

And even several bison! We also saw lots of deer, antelope, ostrich, emu, wildebeests, zebra, gazelle, llamas, and pot bellied pigs.

After the drive, we walked through the Safari Village where we saw a lot of other animals to include: a petting farm area, snakes, monkeys, turtles, tigers, and birds. Makayla took a break to pose with a giant turtle statue.

The highlight was a giraffe feeding station. Makayla liked looked at them, but did not want to feed them.

A family shot - maybe the last picture of our family of three???

After a lunch stop, Makayla and I slept the whole way home. Then it was time to play outside and enjoy a popsicle treat

We brought out the water table which she loved to play with.

She saw me relaxing in the chair with my feet up and tried to do the same. Looks relaxing doesn't it?

Then inside for a little painting.

We made pizzas for dinner and ended the day with movie night. Makayla LOVES movie night and was very excited when we told her we were going to do it again. I have a feeling we may be doing this a lot!

Relaxing?

While Jason went out to pick up dinner, I told Makayla I was going to sit down for a bit and rest my feet. I reclined in my favorite seat and put a pillow under my feet. Well, of course Makayla had to do the same! And when I asked her what she was doing, she said, "relaxing and putting my feet up because they are tired." I think I was a lot more comfortable than she looks though!

We ordered sushi for dinner and got hibachi chicken for Makayla. Although she was much more interested in what we were eating - she loved her California Rolls and edamame!

Checking email

This morning, Makayla was ready early enough that she was able to check her email before leaving for school. Jason said she sent me one so I better go write her back!

Ready for shopping!

A "me" day

Today I had my doctor's appointment in the middle of the day so I took the whole day off work. Jason got Makayla up as usual and took her to daycare so I could sleep in. And sleep I did - until 9:00 am!!! Once I finally woke up, I made myself a nice breakfast and relaxed while I watched a few shows I had DVRed. Then it was time to get ready for the appointment. I met Jason at the doctor's office and everything continues to look great. Then we went out for a nice lunch. Jason had to get back to work and I went shopping! I wandered through a book store, enjoying being able to take my time. Then to Kohls where of course I bought things for Makayla and Conner. I also got a few strange looks as I browsed through the bathing suit isle - hey, I won't look like this forever! Then back home to watch a few more shows - I'm almost caught up with Grey's Anatomy now, two episodes left to watch. Then I went to pick up Makayla. I had a great day but felt a little guilty for not really accomplishing anything substantial. But I quickly got over that guilt as I realize I won't be having a day like this again for a LONG time!!!

37 weeks and the room is ready!

On Friday, Kristin, the other pregnant teacher at my school who was due the same week I am, had her baby! I guess he decided he was ready. So that prompted us to make sure we had everything ready to go this weekend. We spent some time finishing up Conner's room and picking up a few other "necessities." I have also spent some time getting school paperwork done so everything is taken care of there. But we are still hoping we have a little over two weeks to go!
The room is looking good and Makayla likes to go in and check on it often.

Looking huge! Everyone at school is convinced I won't make it until the end of next week. We'll see!

Fun, fun weekend!

Saturday morning I worked on some paperwork and my little buddy wanted to do the same! She was quite serious with her work and can almost spell her name!

After a day full of running around, we had a family movie night. Makayla LOVED that we all watched one of her videos with her. And of course, she had to have all of her favorite buddies around her. But I think her favorite part was that she got to eat a whole bowl of popcorn herself!

Sunday morning started with donuts. Do you think she enjoys them?

We then worked together to finish getting Conner's room ready. Makayla was a big help, but of course had to take a break to be a goof ball too :)

That night she had corn on the cob for the first time. She LOVED it and ended up eating a whole ear of corn - without leaving a kernel on it!

The Pledge of Allegiance

This is just amazing....

Daddy's little helper

Jason brought home a truckload of mulch today and of course, Makayla was ready to help unload!
She loved getting her hands dirty!

She was very proud of her dirty hands, but also very ready to get inside and wash them!

So silly...

When we got home today, Makayla wanted to take her socks and shoes off right away to get more comfortable - I'm with her on that! But then she put her skirt on under her dress and put her heels on. How is that more comfortable??? She also put on her string of "pearls" and her "backpack" (that is really a bag but my mom told her it was a backpack so she MUST wear it like that all the time!)

Shower and pizza!

This afternoon, the staff at my school had a baby shower for us. We received a lot of great things and we really appreciate everyone's generosity! Of course there was cake that was enjoyed by everyone :)
I remember seeing a picture like this of my mom when she was pregnant with Erin or Colleen. I don't think she was this big though...

This picture was taken at my baby shower for Makayla. Another teacher at that school, Sarah, was pregnant at the same time and our due dates were about a week apart. (We ended up having our girls 5 days apart!) She is now also expecting her baby number 2, a boy, due in July!

This was taken today with a teacher at this school, Kristen, who is expecting her first baby, a boy, due within a week of my due date! Whoever I work with next better watch out!

When we got home, we played outside for a while then it was time to get ready for dinner. I was having a craving for pizza so we decided to make out own. Makayla LOVED being able to make her dinner - and she did a great job!

After dinner, she dressed up and played in her kitchen. Of course she made pizza and treats to share!

Elmo

Makayla sure does love Elmo! She loves to wear her Elmo shirts and watch Elmo's World. Sadly, she only has 2 Elmo shirts and she wore one yesterday and one today. Jason is in trouble tomorrow morning...

In baby news, we are at 36 weeks and had another check up today. Everything continues to look good and baby and I are both healthy - and I still have ankles!!! But I have had to take my rings off as my fingers have begun to swell :( I am just hoping he doesn't decide he wants to come early because I have a lot I want to get done before he arrives! C-section day - 3 weeks from tomorrow!

Busy day!

Today was all about yardwork. We started with a trip to a nursery, Target and Lowes (we are doing our part to restore the economy in Winchester... ) Soon after we got home, Jason went right to work ripping things out we didn't like and putting in lots of great things. It was a lot of work but we are very happy with the results!
A few months ago, we planted these roses which all bloomed yesterday. They are beautiful!

Of course Makayla was a big helper :)

While we were outside, the ice cream woman drove by. Makayla didn't really understand what was going on until we handed her a cherry slushy. She loved it! Sadly, most of it spilled when she accidentally knocked it over :( But she was determined to get one or two more sips!

The front planter before...

and after! You can't really tell in these pictures but it looks A LOT better! And we were able to replant a lot of what we dug out and put it in other places around the yard.

Makayla enjoyed the ride!

And then after all that work, it was time to head inside for a cold drink. Doesn't she look cool?

Just another relaxing weekend at our house!

Elmo!!!

A few months ago, Erin sent me an email saying that Elmo and friends would be visiting Charlottesville and asked if we think Makayla would like it. Well, knowing her love of Elmo, we got tickets as soon as we could! We kept it a secret until this morning and she was SO excited when we told her we were going to see an Elmo show, although I am sure most of her excitement was just from the way we were acting, rather than her actually understanding what we were going to do...
She really got excited as we walked in to the arena and started to see posters and lots of other kids.

She was ready to go in her own seat with her program! (Souvenir #1)

Erin was able to join us as well.

Keeping an eye out to make sure no one steals her popcorn... Can you believe she ate most of that bucket herself??? Notice she is holding a light up Elmo spinning thingy (Souvenir #2)

Although most of the Sesame Street characters were there, Elmo was definitely the highlight.

Makayla bounced back and forth between her seat and daddy's lap (I don't have much a lap left these days...) Erin said she had a good time but it looks like she is taking a little nap to me...

Elmo balloons for $10. Yeah, we got one (Souvenir #3)

Go ahead and laugh at this one. And yes, there is just one baby in there!

After a little nap at Erin's house, we spent some time playing outside. Here Makayla receives her first golf lesson from Jason. Her favorite part was putting the clubs and balls back in the case and wheeling it around...

After all that outside playing, it was time to relax in front of the t.v. for a bit.

And then after dinner, we got comfy in the car and headed home! Of course we watched a few Elmo videos on the way!

We had a great day and really enjoyed seeing Makayla smile and hearing her laugh so much today!