Pajama Party!

Oh. My. Gosh. The cutest experience ever.

We had a PJ party at the studio for our 4-6 grade team tonight. I brought Addison along, and she had a BLAST! She seriously thought it was SO COOL to be at a party with the big girls. They were all so sweet with her- played with her, included her- she was in heaven!

Part of the PJ party was to bring pajamas for a local organization called the PJ Program. They decorated bags and the new jammies are going to children in local shelters. Addison and I picked out jammies for a boy, and she decorated a bag with the rest of the girls. Here she is with the girls, posing with their pjs and decorated bags. You might need to click on the picture to see the full extent of Addy's giddiness :-)

Two shots of Addy and Mommy

Eating pizza and watching a movie

My belly. Only half way there. Am I going to be twice as big at the end of this??

Edited to add: One of the girls asked me when I was due, I told her the end of the school year. Her eyes got really big and said quietly, "you're huge!". Don't mistake this for a rude comment. She seriously is one of THE sweetest dancers I work with. She just really meant it and didn't know that these kinds of comments are usually kept to ourselves. :)

After School Story

I love talking to Addison on our way home from school. She really talks to me and will answer my questions, and I feel like I actually get good information from her about how her day was.

Today I asked her "how was your day?"
"I had to go to time out" (she did sound sad when she said this)
"Oh, no, Addison. Why?"
"I pushed Erin" (her best friend at school)
"Oh, no, Addison. That wasn't nice. We don't push our friends. We don't push anybody. Did you tell Erin you're sorry?"
"I told Ms. Amy I'm sorry. I'll tell Erin when we get back to school."
"Uh, yeah, you really need to do that!"
"I really am sorry!!!" (voice starts shaking, tears are just under the eyelids, ready to explode at any second.)
"Oh, honey, I know you're sorry. I'm glad you're sorry. And you'll apologize when you see her at school."
"Okay, Mommy."
"Okay, Addison"

1. I can't believe she pushed her friend!
2. Good for her teacher for putting her in time-out.
3. I didn't mean to make her feel guilty about it! Now I feel guilty!
4. I love my sweet girl. Pushing and all. Ay yi yi...

To My Blogger Friends With 2 Kids

Don't think it's gone lost on me that blogging frequency takes a rapid decline when you add another child to the mix. I am very astute. I notice these things.

This makes me sad. I like blogging.

Oh, well... you're still stuck with me for four more months.

Addison is a GLEEK!

Addison LOVES the "Glee" Soundtrack. Her favorite songs are:

"The Wheels Song": Tina Turner's Proud Mary
"Crush": CHEESY but fun song from I think the 90's- Crush
"The Jump Song": Van Halen's Jump
"Parade": Barbara Streisand's Don't Rain on my Parade
"The next song": The song after "Parade", The Rolling Stone's You Can't Always Get What You Want.
Of course, these are all songs sung by a high school Glee Club, so they have a certain Glee Club feel to them, but they are SO much fun! And Addison sings right along! She literally will request one of these songs within the first minute (30 seconds, really) of being in the car).

She also loves to watch the episodes- and gets excited when one of her favorite songs comes on.

Here are the songs we sing together every day (most of them)

My Favorite Shirt Ever

Name Suggestions Courtesy of 3 and 4 year olds

Here are some names that my students have suggested for baby boy arriving in May:

Leggo Boy
Ben and John (one name)
DooDoo
Evan
Cherry
Bill
Cooper
G-Force
Gage
Peter
Bo Bo
Emma
Bella (yes, even after I reminded then that this is a BOY)
Owen

I will most certainly take each of these names into consideration. Hmmm... Leggo Boy Reed. It does have a certain ring to it.

Reviews

I'm stealing this idea from Hai. I've read quite a few books over the last month, and thought I'd share my thoughts and give each a quick review.

And yes, I do realize it's a Saturday night, and I could be doing WAY better things with my time. But the truth is, I am a mommy, and a pregnant mommy at that, so my evenings are becoming less and less exciting. It's come to this... blogging book reviews on a Saturday night.

1. Moose by Stephanie Klein.
Stephanie Klein is an author who I've followed since she was in NYC and she's ironically an Austinite now. I also follow her blog. Her books and blog aren't for everyone, she can be crass, and she definitely doesn't hold back. Moose is a memoir of her childhood experiences with obesity and fat camp. Sounds fun, I know. But it really was a funny and touching book. I give it 3 out of 5 stars.

2. Best Friends Forever by Jennifer Weiner
I didn't know Jennifer Weiner had a "new" book out, and when I found out, I was super excited. I've read all of her books and loved each one. Did you see In Her Shoes? Based on the novel by Jennifer Weiner. Anyway, total, TOTAL chick lit, but very good. 4.5 out of 5 stars. Really good.

3. Juliet, Naked by Nick Hornby
I think Nick Hornby is one of my favorite authors. Again, I've read all of his books. This one wasn't my favorite, (About a Boy has that honor), but is was enjoyable nonetheless. Nothing super special, but I read it quickly and wouldn't mind reading it again, so there's that. 3.5 out of 5 stars.

4. An Education by Nick Hornby
I don't know how to describe this book. I saw that there's a movie coming out based on the novel, so wanted to check it out. Turns out Nick Hornby adapted someone else's novel for the big screen. So essentially what I read was a bit about the process of adapting the novel, and getting the movie ready for production (casting, etc.), and then the screenplay. I'm not sure it was the entire screenplay, as it seemed short, but it was VERY good, and I'm very much looking forward to the movie. I give the movie 4.5 stars without seeing it, that's how much I'm looking forward to it.

5. Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea by Chelsea Handler
I'm not even really a Chelsea Handler fan, but for whatever reason decided to read this book. And I am SO glad I did. I laughed out loud more times than I can count. She has such a way with words, and the stories she relays are funnier than hilarious, I don't know an adequate word to describe them. This book killed me. SO FUNNY. Super easy read, too, which is always nice. 4.5 out of 5 stars.

6. Official Book Club Selection by Kathy Griffin
I AM a Kathy Griffin fan, and sadly, this book paled in comparison to Ms. Handler's. It had it's moments, but overall I was left wanting more. 2 out of 5 stars. Sorry, Kathy, I still love you.

7. The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
Um, incredible. This is a LONG novel, and I devoured it in one day. (Granted, I stayed up until 2am to do so, but I didn't have a choice, seeing how I had a 2 year old to tend to during the day time). I laughed, I CRIED, ugh it was SO good. Am afraid to watch the movie for fear of being disappointed. 5 out of 5 stars. Love.

8. The Happiest Toddler on the Block by Harvey Karp, M.D.
This book was one big "DUH" for me. I really didn't learn anything. Maybe because I teach 2-4 year olds every day, I don't know. I loved The Happiest Baby on the Block, and really felt like I learned a lot from that book. But this one, not so much. I didn't finish it. Maybe there was some brilliant insight at the end that I would have been enlightened by, had I not given up. I'll never know. 1 out of 5 stars.

9. My Horizontal Life: A Collection of One Night Stands by Chelsea Handler
#5 got me hooked and I had to give this one a try. Not for the prudish, this is for sure. But it made me laugh just as much as the first one I read by Chelsea. In fact, I was reading it in the waiting area at my obgyn's office and kept laughing out loud. And when I wasn't laughing out loud, I had the stupidest smile on my face. It's SO FUNNY. 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Am just starting to read The Book Thief by Markus Zusak upon Hai's recommendation. And then am planning on reading Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See, (thanks Sharon for the suggestion).

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, I LOVE my Kindle. These books would NOT have been read had it not been for the Kindle. I'm a happy mama!

"No Way"

My exact response 3 years ago when we were told that Addison was a girl.

Today, the same words came immediately when the sonographer (is that what they're called?) shared with us that I am carrying a boy: "No way". "Way", she said, "sure thing, without a doubt." And then, after a second viewing, "FOR SURE".

So, everything checked out great. Growing at the right rate, he's just shy of a pound. (awwwe!) His brain, heart, kidneys, etc. all look normal. Not that I was really worried, but it is SUCH A RELIEF to see your healthy baby, kicking, squirming, and measuring correctly. Oh, and about the kicking, so strange to feel your baby kick and see it kick right there in front of you on screen. SO STRANGE.

Here are some shots we got of our handsome little boy. (Boy. Boy. Boy.... still trying to wrap my head around it!)

Ooh da baby!

His little legs, ankles crossed, and his flat, tiny tushie. We have 4 months to get that tushy to be squeezable!!

And if there was ever any doubt that this baby is a boy... I've never in my life seen such a conclusive ultrasound picture. :)

So, yeah, yeah, yeah, this is all good and well. But just GET THIS:

I have gained 11 lbs. in 4 weeks. Add that to the 11 lbs I gained 8 weeks ago, I have gained TWENTY TWO POUNDS at 20 weeks. At this rate, I will literally gain 80 pounds. I really thought I was looking okay! Oh, well... I'll just get rid of the bed side chocolates, I'm sure that's all I need :)

YAY! Addison's going to have a brother! Mike is thrilled, I am shocked, and Addison is clueless! Hooray!

While Daddy works...

Mommy and Addison paint our nails!

Grandpa came over on Saturday to help assemble a new dresser we just bought from Ikea (THANK YOU GRANDPA!), and while he and Mike worked downstairs, Addy and I stayed out of the way upstairs.

Addy was in her jammies and we stayed in Mommy and Daddy's bed all day long. We watched movies, snuggled, and had some beauty time. I thought these pictures were too cute not to share :)

Bedtime Stories

In my estimation, Addison has near one hundred books. Not an exaggeration. Some old, lots new, many of them were given as gifts from friends and family.

We read to Addison every night, (try to make it two books a night, if time permits), and let her pick out her stories every time.

For the last few weeks, the following three books have been the only books Addy presents to us to read to her at bed time. We try to offer new, different books, but she just really is into these books at the moment:

The Monster at the End of This Book
This book is special to us, because it was given to us at one of my baby showers for Addison. Our good friends Brandon and Haila wrote a sweet note on the first page of the book, and Addison likes for us to read that part every time as well. I didn't know this book from growing up, but Mike has fond memories. It's a fun book to read, I don't blame Addison for loving it as much as she does!

Barbie and the Three Musketeers
To go along with the movie that she would watch all day, every day if we let her. Santa brought her a Corrinne Barbie, and she loves the dang doll as well.

Hug and Make Up
We got this one with a Chick-Fil-A Kids Meal, and she loves it. It's got a good message, so I'll go along with it.

I can't wait for her to notice and/or care about the other books she has to choose from! She loves her story time and I feel like she'd just get so much more out of it if we could diversify her stories every now and again! Whatever though, I'm just glad I have a daughter interested in reading.

What about MIKE??

All this talk about me in the last post, and Addison in every other post, poor Mike has been neglected.

So... what's been going on with Mike? Well, he finally got his baby. One might think that our sweet baby who's asleep in her room, or the baby I am carrying ever so gracefully would be who I am speaking about. But no, THIS is Mike's new baby:

It's a Toshiba 37". He's been complaining of being "the only one" without a HDTV for a while now, but we could never justify the purchase. So, this year he used all of his Christmas gift cards, and I totally selflessly pitched in my Christmas AND birthday money to finally make Mike's dreams come true. (I know, I know... how lucky are we to still receive money and gift cards for Christmas?) Two days after we bought it, the tv was $200 more on the same site from which we bought it. Score!

I just want to throw out a disclaimer. You might not have noticed, in fact I may be the one pointing it out to you, but our cabinet is scratched from our previous tv. I am on top of re-painting it. As soon as I do the thousands of other things on the to-do list. But it does really bother me, so I'll get to it sooner than later.

What about ME??

Here's what's been going on with me lately.

Today I received my first un-prompted "Mommy, I love you" from my sweet girl. Kinda felt like the best moment of my entire life.

Am in the throws of picking out and ordering recital costumes. Am disappointed with this year's selection in "baby" costumes. There are some gorgeous older girl costumes, too bad we have way more babies to order for. I will find the best of the best, though, don't you worry, mommies :)

Am also registering for our competitions. First one is at the end of this month, last one is at the end of April. It's gonna be a busy season!

Found out that one of my instructors is leaving at the beginning of June. My due date is May 31. This will be tricky.

Saw Avatar in 3D at the IMAX. WOW. For a movie that I wasn't really even super excited about seeing, I really enjoyed it. My Uncle Frank and I both agreed that we'd like to see it without the 3D, at times (for me, many times) it was distracting. But all in all, a GREAT movie.

Also saw Sherlock Holmes. I really enjoyed this one as well. I kind of have a thing for Robert Downey Junior. He's supa hot in my book. The movie was clever, funny, action-packed, all around a fun movie.

Feeling baby move more and more. Now, when I don't feel the baby move, I get nervous... I hate that feeling.

I've developed a hunger for Hot Wings. Preferably with blue cheese, but ranch will do too.

Proved to myself that it's impossible to be "Sees Candied out". The open package next to me in bed at this moment proves this.

Read six books on my new Kindle. Loooove that thing.

Trying hard to be patient... next Wednesday is the big day... when we find out if this little peanut is the boy kind or girl kind. Then I will finally be able to plan and get ready!

New Year's Eve

Nothing crazy to report here. We decided to hang low and have a fun family night at Mom's. It was Uncle Frank and Cheryl's last night in town, so we did it big: Beatles Rock band, Wii and board games. I was even able to manage staying up til Midnight. Which might have been a bad idea, because even though the tv was on mute, THIS is what I had to look at right before the ball dropped.












Isn't that horrible? WHAT was she thinking???

Anyway. Of course I will include tons of pictures of my own family, to in an effort to divert your attention and mask the memory of the previous picture.

Uncle Frank singing "Yellow Submarine"

Abigail drumming. She's REALLY good. Seriously good.

Grandma enjoying the fun and clapping along.

Addy's turn to drum.

I LOOOOOVE this picture of Jude.

My belly. Nothing going on in the background. Some of you have been asking for belly shots, so here you go.

True story: I didn't see Adam enter the room and was very confused to see a cop in the house. He had just changed and was about ready to head out for an overnight ride-along.

Addison with Cheryl.


Annalie is the sweetest, happiest baby EVER. Just LOOK at her!

Is it obvious that I don't stay up late anymore? I look SOOO tired.

Quelf. The most unfortunately named game ever. Also the most random and weird.

It lead to these moments:

Mom had to tell a ghost story and didn't get very far after looking at Melissa and getting the giggles. Too funny!


Uncle Frank's joke didn't elicit the same giggles unfortunately. ;)