February 2013

             February has come and gone and we are starting to realize that our world is about to beturned upside down.  We realize that manypeople in this world and before us have had more than one child, but thereality that we will be a group of 4 is exciting and scary all at once!

Randyand Anna came to visit toward the end of February and we were able to get a lotdone.  Anna and Deb went through all ofour baby stuff and cleaned all of the toys, wiped down all of the differentthings we barely believe Allison ever fit in and did several loads oflaundry.  We moved some furniture and gotthe nursery nearly done.  We have a fewsmall things to do, but for the most part, we are in good shape.  I spent my free time over the weekend puttingup some blinds and doing some other small projects.  Randy fixed some damaged hardwood in ourkitchen.  We really appreciated themcoming as it helped us get ready for the addition without having to do it allourselves and watch Allison. 

              Allisonis doing really well.  We transitionedher bed into a “toddler bed.”  Now, asfirst time parents, we have put a twin bed rail on the outside of it.  The funny part about that is that is takes upthe entire crib…so we don’t really know if she could get out if she wanted to!  She has done well with it and even herweekend naps have started to be a little better (knock on wood!).  She is babbling all over the place and we canmake out some of her words.  We can’ttell if she is talking to us or just telling herself a story sometimes.  She loves singing, especially in thecar.  Her favorites are the ABC’s,Twinkle Twinkle and Mary had a little lamb. We have started to discipline her a little, with time-outs and make sureshe says she is “sorry” for hitting or throwing food.  It isn’t much, but we are assuming it be anecessity over the next few months.
 
             Debis feeling normal for someone who is 34 weeks pregnant.  Not that I would know, but she is holdingtogether pretty well, but sleep is becoming erratic and her energy isdecreasing.  She is having some legpain/numbness, but she doesn’t complain much and is still able to keep up withAllison most of the time. 

 WhenDeb was at this same point in her pregnancy with Allison, my dad passedaway.  Some of those feelings andthoughts creep in as you revert back to “what did I do last time this happened”when comparing the pregnancies.  I feellike I’m in a much better place and am hoping I can be more excited this time,as I struggled with that last time. 

A few more items from thismonth:

·        We started privateswim lessons for Allison.  One ofAllison’s babysitters, Stacy, also teaches swim lessons for infants.  We contacted her and she meets us at my mom’spool for lessons.  We have had 1 and shedid well.  Mom and I took her anothertime and she did well for us.

·        For Valentineday, we did our usual heart shaped pizza from Papa Murphy’s.  I went to Allison’s daycare to decorate acookie and she really enjoyed the icing. 

·        I went withJeremy and Ben to a Purdue game vs. Michigan State.  We enjoyed getting there early and havingsome signature drinks at Harrys, a Baltimore Zoo and a Long Island!

·        We watched theAbby and Ella Watkins while Ben and Julia looked for a house this month.  We had a good time and I was glad to see thatmy humor translates well to 6 year-olds. That must mean that Allison will like me for at least 4 more years. 

·        Nothing toodramatic this year for Lent.  I havegiven up the radio in the car and I’ve decided to limit my caffeine while Debhas given up talking on her cell phone while in the car. 

·        I attended adinner for my aunt and uncle’s anniversary thrown by their daughter.  This was on my Dad’s side, so it was good tosee some relatives I don’t see all that often.