Our Growing Family...

Yep, that's right...we're pregnant! Our little one is due on March 9th (only 2 days earlier than Abi's original due date). Similar to my pregnancy with Abi, all of these crazy hormones have not been agreeing with me and my life for the past two months has consisted of moving between the chaise lounge and the bed (depending upon whether Abi is playing upstairs or downstairs!). Needless to say, poor Abi has been getting the short end of the stick. Maybe this is good practice as come March, she will no longer be the only center of attention. With Mommy not feeling good, she has become quite the Daddy's Girl.

Fortunately, I have been feeling a bit better now that I am beyond the first trimester and we have been able to venture out of the house on occasion. I have seen the doctor several times (including today) and so far, so good. Abi has accompanied me to a couple of appointments and she LOVES to hear the baby's heartbeat! We have our next appointment on October 22nd when we get to find out the baby's gender. I am very excited but this also means we need to start thinking of a name (which has proven to be quite a challenge for Josh and I!)

It is hard to believe that summer has already flown by and I haven't updated my blog in such a long time. Hopefully now that I am feeling better, I will be able to keep it up-to-date. Here is a summary of our summer in pictures:

-JULY-

Fun at South 47 Farm

I'm ready...

Look, there's a good one, Daddy!

4th of July (Prior to the Fireworks)

The key word in the above sentence is 'prior'. That's because we missed the entire fireworks show. As soon as the fireworks started, that cute smile quickly turned to frightening cries and tears. Maybe next year...

Fun at Whidbey Island

Abi had so much fun playing in the low tide

Redmond Derby Days
Abi and Colby are not sure what to make of this clown

-AUGUST-

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star...Abi singing "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star". I love how she emphasizes the word 'are'. She definitely loves to sing although I am not sure that would be the best career choice!

ABCs...Abi singing her ABCs...yes, she may get a bit distracted by the camera, miss a few letters along the way and is not sure how the song ends but it is still really cute!

Trip To Lake Chelan

Sitting on the 'Oma and Opa Bench' in Leavenworth

Abi LOVED the pool and would be in the water 24-7 if she could be!

Swimming Like a Fish...Abi swimming in the kiddie pool at Lake Chelan. For Abi, swimming means moving her arms back and forth while walking in the water.

This bunny was huge - literally the same size as Abi!


-SEPTEMBER-

Enjoying Some of our Last Days of Summer at the Ballard Locks

Our Weekend

We had a great weekend - spending lots of time outdoors trying to enjoy the warm weather!

On Saturday morning, we hiked down Snoqualmie Falls. All was going well until we discovered one of the tires on Abi's stroller was flat...not good considering we were headed down to the bottom of the falls (about a mile hike). Abi was a little trooper - she actually walked most of the hike, even in the hot weather!

Don't worry - that's not sweat! Just some water...

On Sunday, we headed out to Northwest Trek with Abi's godparents, Justin and Jen. Again, we had a good time and Abi got to see some bison, deer, moose and goats up close during our tram ride. When she would see an animal, she would point to it and say "look, look!" with much enthusiasm - so adorable!

Terrible Twos

I think we have hit those dreaded "terrible twos". Though I have always heard of this concept, being such a proud (and probably somewhat naive) Mom, I didn't think my little girl would ever turn into a little terror (you know, those kids you see at the grocery store who are running around, tearing all the groceries off the shelf, screaming and not listening, as their parents yell at them from down the aisle). I've had a bit of a reality check as we had a few of these moments this week....

At any given moment during the day, Abi decides it's not necessary to listen to Mom & Dad anymore. Actually, in most cases, she tries to do the opposite of what we ask and loves to say the word 'no' at any chance she gets (while often stomping her feet and throwing a tantrum). Apparently this is normal two-year old behavior or at least that's what people tell me.

Oh, and did I mention that we are also started potty training? Lord help me...

In an effort to keep Abi out of trouble (not to mention save my sanity), I try to make it out of the house for at least one activity per day with Abi. This could be as simple as a trip to Target (Abi shares my love!) or a walk around the neighborhood (which would be Sadie's vote). Here are some pictures of our recent activities:

-Mighty Mites Gymnastics Class-

Abi Loves Ice Cream (Especially Milkshakes) - She Definitely Inherited Mom's Sweet-Tooth!

Abi & Colby Dancing at a Sing-Along

My Favorite (& only) Nephew... SO CUTE!

Abi & Colby Examining a Caterpiller


Abi's Love For Elmo...This is a video of Abi watching Sesame Street. Abi is singing and trying to play the piano with Elmo.

-Farm Tots Program at the South 47 Farm-

Creating a "Worm Purse" with Grandma
Picking Bok Choy Look What I Got Mom!

-Celebrating Abi's Friend, Regen's 4th Birthday Party at Farrel McWhirter Park-



Getting Ready for Pony Rides...


Abi's First Time Riding Horses...She had a great time (maybe horseback riding will be in her future???). When Abi saw that Penny (the horse) had pooped, she announced to everyone waiting in line, "Here Comes the Poop!"