Yes, we have a 2 year old!

Last time we went to the library, Hannah found a book that is SO appropriate for where we are right now... "A Thousand Times No." The basic premise, Noah doesn't want to do what his mom is asking of him and tells her so in many, many, many, many different ways. Lately, Daryl and I feel the same way about Hannah. It seems like the first word out of her mouth is "no." It doesn't matter what we are asking of her, that is almost an automatic response. Daryl was talking to a woman on Friday who has grown children. She told him that when she was going through these stages with her kids, she read a book that said "the only cure for a 2 to 4.5 year old is 5." Oh boy! What are we in for?

This afternoon felt like another no nap day for Hannah, until I went into her room and laid down with her on her bed. She sang in my arms for about 3 minutes (a very sweet moment) and then fell sound asleep. (I think these moments help to make up for the other ones!) When I went in to wake her up an hour and a half later, she was completely out of sorts. It didn't matter what Daryl and I did or didn't do, she was melting down! Finally, we got her settled enough to eat supper and then went out on the porch to play before bath and bedtime (although she insisted she didn't want to play on the porch). She was a different person and played very nicely out there until it was time to come in. Ahhhh!

These final weeks of pregnancy have been tough. I haven't slept well for over a week now with last night being the worst (I think I was up until after 2:30). If the acid reflux isn't keeping me up, it is simply insomnia. The lights go out and I am wide awake. I'm starting to dread my own bedtime. Tonight, I'm up (obviously) and baby Grover is either tap dancing on my ribs and punching my cervix or tap dancing on my cervix and punching my ribs. Go to sleep, little one! You really don't want to meet a sleep deprived mama in 5 weeks. She is a much nicer person when she gets sleep.

Just a Teaser... and more

We said goodbye to our family this morning... very sad. Hannah is doing ok now, but it wasn't much fun seeing her tears as the van pulled away. We love you guys! Have a safe trip.

There are more pictures coming, but I wanted to post a teaser picture and video. We spent the 4th of July afternoon and evening in Salem where they had a great concert and a fireworks display. Hannah is still asking to go back to Salem to hear the music and see the fireworks.

The cousins strike a pose!
And who thought it was a good idea to give away RECORDERS to children (and some daddies)!?!?! Thanks Target...! (The kids... and daddies... had a really good time with them.)

--------------------------------------------------------------------

I didn't know if I would have time to do it today, but I did... check out our Picasa page for pictures of our weekend.

Yesterday we went to church together, ate lunch, and then laid down for naps (much needed!). After naps, we went to a small local beach so the girls could pick up treasures... sea glass, shells, pottery... all kinds of stuff. We had pizza and then spent the evening hanging out together. Danelle played the guitar for a while and we all sang. The cousins played with play dough and before we knew it... bedtime!

The Olson's headed out this morning around 9:00. It was too short of a visit, but we had a lot of fun.

Olson Visit

To say that Hannah is having fun with her cousins is probably an understatement. She is LOVING having Lanie and Macy around to play with. They are graciously joining in. This morning they were having a balloon parade around the house. It was very cute.

The Olsons arrived on Thursday night after a 13 hour drive from DC through New York City... well, they saw NYC skyline from a distance as they crawled along 95. I confess I didn't envy them that trip. On Friday we walked around Gloucester and then enjoyed the Horribles parade yesterday evening. Our friends Craig, Susan and Christopher, and Pastor Jim and Donna joined us for the parade. It was a lot of fun. Hannah and Christopher were not too sure about the loud firetrucks, police cars and ambulances, but Hannah loved seeing Elmo, Pooh and Thomas the Tank Engine. She is still asking to see Thomas again today. Unfortunately, the Gloucester fireworks were cancelled last night, supposedly due to the weather, but it actually turned out to be a really nice evening. We are going to brave the crowds and head to Salem on the train to try to catch those fireworks tonight.

Today we spent the morning at Good Harbor Beach. It was the first time Lanie and Macy were at the beach and I think I can safely say they loved it. Of course, our little water and sand bug loved it too and it was fun seeing all three girls playing in the sand in water.

Now it is family nap time before catching the train. I hope to post some pictures of all the fun we are having. Happy 4th of July!

Pregnancy and Birth Blessing Bracelet

My friend Amanda just sent me a picture of the bracelet she created with the beads from my blessing party a couple weeks ago. I'm very excited about it. It will be the first item into my hospital bag as we prepare for Baby Grover's arrival. Less than 2 months to go according to my "official" due date, although I'm trying not to get too fixated on the actual date.

Thanks Amanda and thanks again to everyone who contributed.

A Great Week with Family

Nana, Poppi, Jon and Mo all headed home yesterday and just about broke my little girl's heart. We dropped Jon and Mo off at the airport and Hannah burst into tears. She wanted to go with them or for them to stay with her. Her tears brought my own tears. The tears were a testimony to the fact we had a great week and didn't want it to end. Thanks, family, for making the journey to Gloucester. You made a little girl and her parents very happy.

See our picasa link for more pictures of the week.

Two years ago at this time...

...my little girl was almost 2 days old! Today she has learned to climb out of her crib. Can that really be?!?!? Every once in a while I can see that infant girl in my daughter's eyes, but more and more I see Hannah.

One year ago she was making consonant noises and sounds. Now she is asking questions and carrying on conversations. Last week we were eating dinner together and she turned to Daryl and asked, "How was work?" Daryl responded, "It was ok. How was home?" "Pretty fine," Hannah answered. We just had to chuckle. She is listening to our conversation and jumping right in.

I hope to post more pictures of this week with Nana, Poppi, Uncle Jon and Aunt Mo as well as pictures of Hannah's birthday day. We had a great day... perfect weather! Originally I had planned to do a larger party, but it was too hard to narrow the guest list, so we had a family party (which we rarely get to do) with one of Hannah's little friends. That wired her enough, I think:-)! So, be on the lookout for pictures soon!

Birthday pictures...

A Special Blessing

Today my mom and sister-in-law surprised me with a pregnancy blessing party. I don't know if that was the official term, but that is what I am calling it. While my mom was in Pennsylvania last weekend, she asked my aunts, girl cousins, and grandmothers to select a bead from the collection my mom had and write a special word of blessing or encouragement for me. Today mom and Maureen gathered several of my friends from here and surprised me at my favorite Tea Shop where my friends added their beads and blessings to the collection. My friend Amanda is going to create a bracelet or necklace with the beads for me to have as a reminder of the love and encouragement surrounding me going into the birth of my second baby.

It was such an incredible blessing to be surrounded by many of the women I love in my life. I had NO IDEA that my mom and Maureen were planning this. Thank you to everyone who touched my life in this way. It meant so much to me.

I really needed to hear all the words that were shared. I especially needed to hear that I really will love this baby as much as I love my little Hannah. I have no idea who this little one will be, but I look forward to meeting him or her.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to my special day!