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.

Playing at the park

Here are just some recent pictures and a video of Bruce (and Willow) at the park. Bruce loves the splash park (basically like an uber-sprinkler to run through) and the slide. He also loves to climb all over the playground equipment. In the evening, we hung out with our friends Laura and Aaron and their boys Walt and John. We had a great time touring their wonderful mini-farm and even learned some Texas trivia! They always make sure we take a load of home-grown veggies when we leave too, so we are now enjoying the fruits (and veggies?) of that. It's so nice of them to share their talent. Hope everyone's having a great week!

Proud of himself for climbing to the top

"Have a treat, Willow"

Going down the slide

Walking down the dock

Looking for turtles in the water

In the splash park

Plotting his next move

Sometimes the puddles are the most fun

Still playing

The cutest footprints ever

PC Gaming for Toddlers

OK, so, despite the fact that I know both of our mothers will sigh and wonder where they went wrong, I had to post this video. Jerret downloaded a video game for toddlers and it's no surprise that Bruce loves it. (Jerret does too - maybe we should download a Linux version just for him!) Since Bruce loves to type on the computer and play with the mouse (can't imagine where he got that), we had been looking for something on his level that he could do without just messing things up. The funny thing though, is that his "messing things up" on the computer has taught me about some abilities and options that I didn't know how to use - things that happen when you push two unlikely buttons at once or scroll and push a button, etc. It's interesting - give it a try when you get a chance - but remember that some changes may not return to normal!

Our most recent pet praying mantis, smiling and looking right at the camera

(what, you can't see his smile?)

Our little girl appears to be growing normally and doing well! She is certainly very active, moving and kicking throughout the day. Bruce is now 15 months old. He has been very healthy and his newest skill (aside from the above demonstrated talent in the gaming department) is climbing! He climbs all over the couches, stairs, coffee table, bed, etc. He can even get on the kitchen table when he's feeling a bit daring and mom turns her back momentarily! Although we discourage the more dangerous feats like the kitchen table, it is so fun to see him discover this part of life. He attends Toddler Time weekly at the library and has learned some new finger plays and how to color. He also gets to dance (this remains one of his favorite passtimes - most recently exhibited daily on the coffee table) and catch bubbles!

We are really enjoying the time we are now able to spend with Jerret every day. It seems so abundant in contrast to what we've had with his previous jobs. We are also a bit giddy over our "cold front". The weather has been so nice lately! It is currently below 80 and we've had a few gentle rain showers in the past few days. How refreshing in contrast to the recent sweltering stickiness!

Fun Stuff

Here's some fun stuff just in case you have some free time lately like we have!

4th of July

We went to Ram Stadium to watch the fireworks for 4th of July. It was a good show and not very crowded, so it was very nice for us. The show started about 2 hours after Bruce's bedtime, so we were a bit worried whether or not he would enjoy it, but he had a great time! He watched the fireworks, pointing, clapping, and talking throughout the show. I only got one (very poor) picture of the fireworks because Jerret made me stop messing with the camera and pay attention to the show. But you all know what fireworks look like anyway. :)

Us with the stadium in the background


Hats off!


He walked laps around the grassy area


And had to have some help staying away from the street


An exhausted but intrigued little boy watching the fireworks


And here are a few pictures of our recent life.


Watching TV with Daddy (very serious)


We found a new veggie that Bruce likes. He can only eat about 1 kernel at a time, but he LOVES corn on the cob!


I took this picture just because I knew the Mesa crew wouldn't believe it without proof. Someone else CAN hold her (very carefully)!