Egg Drop, and not the Soup

At school Friday, every class participated in the annual egg drop. A firetruck comes and they raise the ladder as high as it will go. Then they proceed to throw objects that the kids have constructed, from the top. The kids were all trying to make something that could hold an egg and sustain a fall from up high. Elle and Shawn worked on their contraption and I'm proud to say that the egg survived!, well, at least till Elle got home and then her and Shawn went across the street and smashed it in the field.

Craving

Yes, I really craved this tonite. Shawn didn't believe me when I said that's what I wanted. And for the record, it was so good.

9 1/2 weeks

Today we went for our ultrasound, blood test, and all that stuff. It's really the first important appointment besides to one to confirm the pregnancy. We took Ava with us which was a bit of an adventure but she did well. She made sure to tell the Dr. that she also had a baby in her tummy and it was a girl. This sounds funny to say, but I almost feel like we are pregnant along side each other. She is hilarious. She has said once that she was so tired and it was because of the baby....think she's heard that one a few times? Anyway as soon as the picture of the baby was up on the screen, it was very recognizable as a baby! Only about 2 weeks ago I had an ultrasound to make sure the baby was still alive and it was just a speck...a blob. Now, I could see it's head, heart beating, spinal cord, arms, and legs....and the best part....the baby was moving around!!!! I was in shock. Wasn't expecting that. I was all concerned before the ultrasound about wanting to hear the heartbeat, but once I saw that it was actually WIGGLING on it's own, my fears and desires to hear the heartbeat went away! She said I'm measuring right on which is wonderful. Everything is great. We go back in fours weeks which will be the routine pretty much until I get close to the end. Some of the best news is that they are going to allow us to stretch our payments all the way until April instead of January so that will help a lot in making the monthly installments. Shawn is thinking about selling his gallbladder since it seems they aren't completely necessary....maybe a kidney if it will go for more so if you know anyone wanting one, let us know. lol! I have told the Dr. that I'd like to have the C-section on the 13th of April if that's okay and she said that was great, so for now that's the plan. Here's a picture of the ultrasound...don't have a scanner so this will have to do. Keep us in your prayers!

I know it's just about indistinguishable, but I know some want to see it anyway so there ya go!

Olive

That's a cute name, Olive, but I have a feeling Shawn would nix that pretty quick. Either way, baby is now olive sized. Some days I feel almost like normal and some days I'm completely useless. I am so thankful that Shawn picks up the slack big time on those bad days. He is a lifesaver! I go to my big appointment on Wednesday where we hear the heartbeat and then sell our kidney to pay for the appointment. Oh the joys of not having maternity insurance!!!! Only 4 weeks until this trimester is forever written in history!

Nursery Rhyme Parade

The Kindergarten classes at Elle's school do a nursery rhyme/fairy tale parade at the beginning of the year. Friday was the big day. Elle decided that she wanted to be Little Red Riding Hood (with a little nudging from me.) The costume I knew would be easy and very cheap. She looked so so so cute that I felt like the paparazzi taking pictures of her! The entire school lines the walls of the halls and all four K classes paraded through the school wearing all their costumes. It was precious! I sure am loving school almost as much as Elle is :)

Elle leading the kids in the parade!...the cow jumping over the moon is Elle's teacher!

Elle and Anna...this is Elle's best friend at school...they have been stuck together at the hip since the 1st day of school :)

A Pinkalicious Three Year Old

We had Ava's birthday this afternoon after church. I think it is the least amount I've planned ahead, the least amount spent, and the least stress and I'm pretty sure it was one of the best we've done! She said a few weeks ago that she wanted a pinkalicious party. If you don't have little girls, it's a book that most little girls love! She has said for months that all she wanted for her birthday was a sucker. My mom and dad were here to celebrate and we also invited our neighbors that have 2 little girls close to Ava and Elle's ages. We had Papa John's pizza and pinkalicious cupcakes with strawberry icecream. What a wonderful day. Ava brings such daily joy to our life and makes us laugh all the time! Happy 3rd Birthday!!!

We have a Raspberry

Every day is monumental as far as expending energy goes. I am tired and feeling kind of yucky from about 11 am till around 5 pm every single day. Only 5 weeks of this to go and then it should level off. I go next Wednesday for my first big appointment. I cheated and got a sonogram early so this won't be the first, but it will be the first for Shawn to see. Maybe in 5 weeks I'll actually start blogging regularly again but for now, I'm doing good to get off the couch when it's time to eat.