Gearing Up...

Preparing for baby number two is SO different than baby number one. I never thought about it until recently. Before William came home I felt like I had to have everything here I could possibly need until he was 2 years old. Now, I don't even have a crib, and yet I am in no rush to get one. I was looking over the clothes I saved from William and realized that I don't really need anything in newborn size at all. They outgrow that size so fast that 6 sleepers and some onesies should do it. I will get a few new things just so I don't feel like the baby is wearing all hand me downs though. That just seems unfair. And un-fun.
There are so many things I feel less stressed about this time. I will be happy if the breastfeeding goes smoother this time, but I won't cry if it doesn't. Since I am having a boy, I will still dread the circumcision, but at least I am prepared to take care of it afterward. I feel very prepared for what lies ahead this time, and there are parts I am dreading, but I am very happy to be experiencing it all again. I am very thankful I was given the chance...

Nature Boy on the Potomac...

Searching for a good fishing stick...

Fishing for "Rock Fish"...

He caught one!

Daddy and William went out to the Potomac on Saturday so William could burn off some energy. He got nice and dirty and had a great time. I think he would live outside if we let him! He came back telling me he had caught a fish and he was so proud of himself. I came to find out, it was a pretend fish, but he was thrilled by the idea. I think I should update on the littlest man also: He seems to be thriving, and moving much more these days. His kicks are more frequent and much stronger. Jason was able to feel him for the first time last night! It is so nice to be able to share it with him. It certainly makes it seem very real. The midwife was happy with everything on Thursday and I will have another ultrasound in 2 weeks. While working the past 3 days I was having a lot more Braxton Hicks contractions, but they seem to go away quickly. It's hard working through them though, especially when you are still trying to hide the pregnancy as much as possible from the patients!

Christmas in Washington...

At the Imagine Children's Museum...
Digging for Dinosaur Bones...

Trekking out to find the tree...

Watching Daddy cut it down...

Our Snow Day at Big Four

December at the beach...

Playing with his Cars at our favorite restaurant...Ivars!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year...

Finally, an update! Christmas was spent in Washington this year. We had a good time, other than the fact we were all pretty sick by the end. William had an excellent Christmas and received so many presents we weren't even able to get them all home! Christmas Eve was spent with my family, and Will had a good time opening all the presents and was making everyone laugh frequently. The next morning we opened our presents from Santa and then headed into Everett to spend Christmas day with the Simmons family. It was nice to spend time with my nieces and nephews and see them enjoying all the presents. William had a lot of fun with them and he seemed to understand who everyone was by the end of the day. It is very important to both Jason and I that William is bonded to his extended family, even though they are so far away, and I think it seems to be happening. Merry Christmas to all, and here's wishing you a lovely 2011!

National Christmas Tree 2010....

The tree from afar...

Me and the ever growing bump...

William was in awe of the tree...

The Electric Train Village goes all the way around the tree!

The Tree in the Dark...

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue...I decided not to drop in unannounced.

Tonight we made our annual pilgrimage to the National Christmas Tree. It was very cold, and windy as it is every year. Yet, every year I forget! Next year I am dressing myself and the kids like Nanook of the North! William did well with the whole Santa idea until the time came to actually meet him, then it all went to pot. He wanted to leave, IMMEDIATELY! So, we did. I am glad we were able to fit in one of our Christmas traditions before we headed home to Seattle.

A Taste of Snow!

William was convinced today that the North Pole was coming to our house and he would soon see Santa Claus! It was so cute! The minute it started snowing he wanted to make snowballs, and I had to explain that you need more snow than a dusting to do that. It didn't stay around for very long, but it was fun while it lasted! Maya was here today and she didn't seem all that thrilled by the snow. She decided pretty quickly that it was much nicer to stay indoors and it was so windy, I was close to agreeing with her!

Making Cookies With the Naked Chef!

The finished product...

I felt brave today and let William help me make Gingerbread cookies. He had a ball, and thankfully tired of it after about 40 minutes so I could make the rest of the cookies without quite so much help. Merry Christmas!