Baking cookies for Daddy

She said "Mama my hands can smile" which meant "take a picture of my hands!" I love being around her enough to understand 99% of what she says--even when she speaks in code!

Believe it or not, she can actually help in the kitchen now--she's a great at stirring (and tasting).

Book exchange

I've been wanting to host a book exchange for Bianca and friends, so we planned one for this week--I thought it was good timing for a "back to school" themed playdate. I really wanted to thin out and refresh her book collection but wasn't sure how it would go over with Bianca, since she's attached to all of her books (in fact, she gets attached to any book that crosses our threshold!). And two-year-olds aren't known for their sharing. :) But, it was a hit. Between looking over all of the new books ("Lookit all the BOOKS mama!!!!") and playing with her friends, she had a ball. When it was time for her friends to leave she announced "Books STAY HERE!" Everyone got a few new books, and we'll donate the extras to charity.

Tonight I'm carpooling to my first ICAN meeting--the International Cesarean Awareness Network's Seattle Chapter, to talk VBAC. I'm trying to surround myself with as many positive success stories as possible as we get closer to the due date. And, AHEM, my ticker makes it loud and clear--we have fewer than 60 days until Deuce arrives!!!! Where has the time gone?

Seabrook

We had a fabulous time at Seabrook near Pacific Beach, Washington, on yet another getaway with the Lundahl clan. We had some nighttime and early am rain, but we were cozy and happy in our gigantic "cottage" (as the Seabrook brochure calls all of the houses, some of which sleep 14) and we spent lots of time outdoors in nice weather. Seabrook and the houses are amazing--they come fully stocked with hot tubs, outdoor showers, bicycles, every cooking item imaginable, huge grills, even sand toys for the kiddos. We can't wait to go back!

Seabrook "cottages" all have cute names--this was ours.

The house.

Sandy toes at Pacific Beach.

We have a total beach bum. She couldn't get enough.

Go fish!

We had a fun day on Wednesday...we got to buy some new goldfish for my mom's newly filled pond. Off to the pet store we went! Bianca was fast friends with our new fishies and very reluctant to let them go.

Lookit my fish!!!! Giving them a pep talk before their big release.

Can't...let...go...

Home at last!

B told me the fish were very busy, and when I asked what they were doing she said "Going shopping!" OK!

Had to include one of Sylvie snuggles later that night. Two little sweeties.

Summer fun

A few photos from this week. We're enjoying Steve's last full week of summer break and what looks to be our last week of hot weather for the month.

Fun in the new pool--it's huge!

Daddy and B on one of our evening walks around the neighborhood.

Making friends with a wallaby at the PDZA.

Armadillo on the loose! They're pretty cool-looking up close!

B got to pet and brush some very tame goats. I'm not sure they even woke up!

28 weeks

I had my 28-week appointment on Monday and the big news is that I beat 10-to-1 odds and PASSED MY GLUCOSE TEST! WHOOO HOOOO! Since I missed the test by a few points last time and was diagnosed with gestational diabetes (perfectly controlled with diet), I had a 90% chance of having it again this time. It will be soooo nice not to have to check my blood sugar four times a day while running after Bianca.

I'm feeling good, but more tired. Yoga and chiropractic are really helping to keep me feeling good, but the pregnancy is still taking its toll. Steve and I are taking advantage of his last few weeks off and busy making changes to the house and furniture to prep for our new family member. We thought adding a second child to the family would be easy because we already have most of the "stuff"--WRONG! We're cleaning out an office, switching B's room, and switching out all of our living room furniture to create extra space--this also entailed cleaning and rearranging the basement and getting rid of a few things on Craigslist. Oh, and I'm shopping for Bianca's fall and winter clothes, Halloween costume, and Christmas gifts too. Who would have thought a tiny person could create such a whirlwind of work?

Gig Harbor getaway

Mom volunteered to watch B, so Steve and I headed across the bridge to Gig Harbor for a parents' getaway...our first joint overnight trip away. We wanted to go someplace close (being neurotic parents) but with a "vacation" feel, and I'm so glad we came up with GH. Twenty minutes and we were in the historic downtown waterfront area. After checking in and relaxing, we strolled to a fabulous waterfront dinner at The Green Turtle, followed by a lazy evening watching boats in the habor. Sunday we slept in, grabbed coffee at Java and Clay across from the hotel, and explored the cute waterfront shops before heading to Uptown Gig Harbor for lunch and more shopping. Leisurely browsing is such a treat--since most gift-type stores aren't Bianca friendly, I never go in! What a great weekend--I don't think B even knew we were gone!

The harbor

Me and my Buddha belly at Uptown Gig Harbor