24 Weeks

This post is two weeks overdue since I am now 26 weeks pregnant! Our last visit to the midwife was very good (yes, a midwife). We were able to do one more sonogram to check a few more things that were hard to see last time. But the best part was I got to see a "4D" sonogram for the first time. That whole term doesn't make much sense to me, but you get the idea. Not only do you see the form of your baby, but I guess there's more computer generation in this kind of sonogram. David thinks it looks a bit creepy, but I was fascinated!

The pregnancy is going well. Everything is checking out great! I think the hardest part has been getting used to the extra weight again! Some of you might remember my die hard efforts at losing weight last fall. Efforts that were well worth it I'm proud to say. But I'm afraid I'll be working hard again in a few months!

Differences this time around: First, a lot more round ligament pain. If I walk too long, sit too long or stand too long, I start to ache quite a bit. I stopped working out months ago because of this. Second, I feel baby's movement in a different place than last time. The sonographer determined she was breeched this time around, which might explain why I feel movement in my lower abdomen. The movement an expectant mom feels is usually due to her baby's kicking legs. So, if that's true, then this baby is head up. This is a big contrast to the sharp kicks I felt in between my ribs while pregnant with Ethan, who was head down at the time of delivery. As a result, I've been reading up on what to do to encourage this baby to "turn around". You wouldn't believe what you could find on the internet...

Monk or Punk?

A few days ago we took Ethan for a haircut. David thought we should just take some #3 clippers to his head and shave the hair to promote thicker growth. I said, "OK, but he's gonna look really silly with his big head!" I laughed the entire time as the stylist shaved off his brown locks. I'm used to it now, and in fact, it's actually endeared Ethan more to us. His bald head is reminiscent of his infant days. It's like he's a baby all over again (except one that talks and walks and gets into trouble!)

Aunt Gayle's Visit

Ethan became quite attached to Aunt Gayle as soon as she arrived. It was "Aunt Gayle this" and "Aunt Gayle that"! First thing in the morning: "Go see Aunt Gayle", first thing after his afternoon nap "Where's Aunt Gayle?" It was very cute. I try not to take it too personally that he rarely asked for me, though towards the end of her visit he did start to ask for me more. In fact, he became downright clingy at times. Strange for my little independent boy.

Early this morning Aunt Gayle was finally able to get a seat on a flight outta here (long story). This was the exchange between Ethan and I when he woke up this morning:

Ethan: "Go see Daddy?"
Me: "Daddy's not here."
Ethan: "Go see Aunt Gayle!"
Me: "Aunt Gayle's not here." (apologetic face included)

I was relieved to see that Ethan didn't pitch a fit (yesterday he woke up from his nap while Aunt Gayle and Daddy were out), though he did continue to ask for her a while longer. I think he had such fun spending so much time with his aunt. Thanks, Aunt Gayle!

Anniversary Tornado

On our way back from our anniversary trip we spotted a tornado probably about 2 or 3 miles away from us as we drive South on I-55. We submitted the below video clip to one of the local news stations, and it made it on TV! We had no idea that it did, but an acquaintance told me she heard my voice on the news two nights ago and saw my video clip and name. Bummer! Too bad we missed it!

Happy Anniversary!

This past weekend David and I celebrated our four year wedding anniversary in Chicago. His sister, Gayle, flew in from Dallas to watch Ethan while we were out. Thanks, Gayle!

Our celebration began with dinner at one of my favorite restaurants, Geja's Cafe, a romantic fondue restaurant in Lincoln Park. After checking in to our hotel, we parked the car for the night and hopped on the bus. We passed by all my old haunts along the way, which was so much fun! Probably more so for me than David! Our dinner began with a yummy cheese fondue appetizer, followed by salad, then a variety of meats and veggies that we were to cook in hot oil and dip in our choice of eight sauces! It was a bit messier than I remembered, but very yummy and fun.


Afterwards, dessert was served--chocolate fondue with a variety of fruits, pound cake and marshmallows. A perfect ending...

After dinner we hopped on the bus back towards the hotel and caught a movie. Iron Man! A very fun flick, and I was surprised that I actually liked Robert Downey Jr. in his newest role. Definitely a must see for the summer. The walk back to the hotel was pleasant, and felt like we were dating again! How long had it been since we'd walked down a busy city street after a great date? Years!

The next morning after breakfast we decided to spend some time at the nearby beach. A short walk from the hotel was Ohio Street Beach. Where else can you go sun yourself on the water and also see a cool city skyline? Only in Chicago! We then headed back to the hotel for a quick dip on their rooftop pool, then cleaned up to do some more sightseeing.

From the hotel we walked south to Millenium Park. This was Chicago's newest addition since I had left four years ago, so we really wanted to see it. They had several structures in the park, one of which was the great, big, "bean".

No Chicago trip would be complete without shopping, though! We managed to stop by Nordstrom so I could get a mini makeover. I love my makeup!

We left Chicago in the afternoon very full and satisfied from our overnight trip. My only regret is that we didn't have any time to say hi to our friends!

Jump! Jump!

One other toddler milestone...jumping. Ethan hasn't quite mastered it yet, though he keeps trying. Sometimes when we three are out walking around the block, he will stop and try to jump. It's very funny, actually! This video shows a little bit of his efforts, and he improves everyday. He also loves to run around the tree, chasing daddy in the backyard. It's so fun to hear him do his belly laugh.

Say cheese

During one of our many Memorial Day celebrations last month we were lucky to have our friend, Anthony, take some snap shots of Ethan. Anthony has been dabbling with photography for a while now and we are always so pleased with his pictures! Last year he also took a few photographs of Ethan at the Sugar Creek Arts Festival. Click here to see that post.