Although we've had some recent illness (J escaped it this time) and I've been slowing down quite a bit, the family is doing great! After recent routine doctor appointments, we found out that both Bruce and his little sister are developing normally. Bruce went to the dentist for the first time and had a normal oral exam. His dentist felt everything was great, even though it doesn't look like there's room for any more teeth in that little mouth! His 15 month doctor appointment went well and his doctor said "Well, he won't be the fattest kid in class. But who wants to be that kid?". His doctor's a little on the weird side. Bruce is developing within normal limits and right on his growth curve, but on the thin side of the curve. His mom and dad were too, so I guess he didn't fall far from the tree. He took his vaccines like a champ (always does). His baby sister is growing normally and was still head-up at my OB appointment last week. Since then however, my contractions have lessened and she either dropped or is just in a much more comfortable position. I also can't locate her head on the top of my belly anymore, so that's a good sign. She is as active as ever and we are eagerly preparing for her arrival. My next routine ultrasound is scheduled for the week after next. This one will confirm her position and hopefully her gender as well! We'll let you know how it goes. Jerret is working a lot, which is an answer to prayer since his recent lay off, but we miss having him around as much. I am so grateful for his hard work, though! He takes such good care of us.

All of the activities Bruce and I are involved in are starting after our break for summer. Bruce will be going to MDO at a new preschool this year. Although we were all very attached to the previous one, this one is closer and will be much more convenient for all of us. We are also looking forward to CBS and MOPS starting within the next couple weeks as well.

We have been working hard on easing the transition to big brother for Bruce. He is fully aware that he's been number one thus far and a little sister may be a rude awakening for him! This is early to do some of these transitions, but at least they won't come by surprise when his sister gets here. We have been focusing on helping him become more independent, which I think we will all be thankful for in a couple months (or less). He has started sleeping in a toddler bed rather than his crib (which he could almost climb out of anyway). I thought this was going to be a nightmare, but it's not actually as bad as I thought it would be. He is now comfortable sleeping in it and is content most mornings to play in his room until we get up. When he first saw his firetruck bed in his room, he was ecstatic. It was love at first sight and he climbed all over it for the next hour or so. My first thought was that it was WAY to exciting for him to sleep in, but he does actually sleep in it. Who would've thought?

Climbing all over the new fancy bed

It turns out that this bed can double for a place to sleep after all!

One of those pictures you have to take because you (and your child's future spouse) will think they are priceless someday. No, that's a potty seat, not a hat. He was rather proud of his discovery of this alternate use, though.

He loves to find sticks for Willow to tear apart. He thinks it's hilarious!




He saw a huge bug, but it went under the leaves. After looking for it for a while, he says "bye-bye" to it.





This is just a video to show how he plays and talks his jargon constantly. It isn't the best sample, but they always have such perfect video moments when the camera's not on, you know?

Here are just a couple pictures from our time at the park today. The spray park water was off. The hours have temporarily changed due to the drought, but Bruce didn't seem to mind. He loves to use his climbing skills on the slides, stairs, and benches. He even found a puddle left around one of the spray fountains and had almost as much fun playing in it as he does in the fountains themselves. Go figure. We did end up leaving shortly after he split the inside of his mouth by spinning one of the spinny seats right into his face. It was very sad. We can chalk that one up as the injury of the day! The only sure thing is that there will be a new one tomorrow. He hurts himself all the time in his many adventures, but does recover (and luckily heal) quickly.

Bruce improvising

Unofficial neighborhood watch team

A few people have asked what I look like during this pregnancy. I found that weird until I thought back to when I was pregnant with Bruce and we agonizingly documented every second of the pregnancy, right down to monthly belly pictures for comparison. Sorry, couldn't help it - we were so excited and enamored with the whole process we had to share every minute. When I brought this up to Jerret, we realized that we don't really have any pictures of me pregnant this time, except pictures I am in with Bruce. It seems like the only way to get a photo op in our family or on the blog is to stand next to Bruce or hold him or be in the background. Our focus has really changed this time around! I hope this isn't a sign of things to come - our girl being the overlooked middle child. In reality though, there is also no way I can spend the better part of her newborn days documenting her every expression since there's a toddler in the picture this time. Sigh. I know the second child will bring an entirely new set of wonderful, yet exclusive parenting experiences. I am a little apprehensive but at the same time, I can't wait! Anyway, here is a belly pic for those of you who are curious. Maybe we'll post another one or two before the big day.

30 Week Belly Pic



Big boy sleeping in his big bed

Bruce was playing in the yard while I was outside working in the garden this morning. In addition to making an unsightly mess of himself while playing in the dirt with Willow, he caught a bug on his own! It was a huge Junebug, which isn't difficult since they are the slowest bugs and aren't the smartest, but a bug nonetheless. It held onto his thumb and he was very proud of it. He repeatedly showed it to me and examined it up close. When he was done holding it, he let it go unharmed. Here are some pictures of the catch.

"Look, mom! I caught a bug!"

"Now how do I get it off?"

No, he's not always covered with dirt and yes, he does have clothes. I know. I never thought I would let my kid run around looking like that, either. Guess you just never can tell!

Just wanted to share the latest accomplishments and pictures with everyone! We are doing well and just waiting out the hot summer and working on last minute arrangements for the arrival of our little girl.

Playing with froggies that Daddy caught (all unharmed in the process)

Terrible photo quality, but you can't beat the subject!

Feeling very cool in Daddy's hat

Using utensils like a moderately civilized person




Although we haven't been very consistent in teaching him sign language, he managed to pick this one up - with the right incentive, of course.