Rhode Island Bound

Tomorrow we're heading out for a few days to visit friends and see the sights of Newport, Rhode Island. Pray we have safe travel and warm weather. We hope to visit some lighthouses, mansions and the beautiful coast. Should have some great pictures when we return!

Nonono!

Well, it had to start sometime. The moment a parent dreads... the first time their child says "No!". Madison's new thing is to say, "Nononononononononono....." She walks around saying it, shaking her head. We tell her "Nono" at times, so I'm sure that's where she picked it up. I'm also sure that, because of the context we say that to her, she knows what it means. But at the same time, I'm not convinced she's saying it to object to anything so much as it's just something new she's figured out how to say. She doesn't say it with attitude - she just says it. At the same time, hearing a kid say that just rubs you the wrong way. Matt & I want to be like, "Knock it off, kid!" -- but I don't think that would do any good. I think we just have to wait a week for her to get it out of her system and find a new word-of-the-week!!

Daddy's Little Girl

Madison's team preferences were chosen for her in the womb. ;-) I need to get a picture of the full ND outfit sometime (before she outgrows it). There are wind pants to match.

Pregnancy Update: 20 Weeks

I thought I should post an update on my pregnancy since I haven't mentioned it much since announcing we were expecting again. It's so funny how different this one is than with Madison. I guess with the first one it's so new and so uncertain as to what is happening and what's 'supposed' to happen. I was reading my "What To Expect When You're Expecting" book constantly, comparing every week to what was happening to be sure everything was on schedule. I was paranoid about what I ate, making sure I exercised. Oh how the novelty has worn off!!

This time, other than the reminder of not feeling well, I've somewhat forgotten about it. The kid's in the oven for another few months still and when time's up, it'll come out! So it's funny how non-focused on it I am this time. It's amazing to think I'm halfway through already, 20 weeks now. So things are going just fine - like I said, other than not feeling well. Sometimes I feel almost OK, other times I feel yucky. I can usually gauge how I'm feeling by if I cook dinner or not. I had about 3 weeks of throwing up at the beginning & a few random times since, but nothing recently. I think at least in part because of that, I've gained only a little bit of weight so far. (Hooray!!) So maybe I won't gain 50 lbs. this time! I haven't had nearly the heartburn I had last time - at least not yet. I have started getting it a little off & on, especially in the evening. Last week I came down with a nasty cold, so lately I've been more focused on trying to breathe than bothering to relieve any heartburn. Also no swelling so far this time.

I'm showing a little bit. I'm into maternity pants for comfort but still can wear a few regular pants. I'll post some pictures when there's enough there to be worth showing. We have an ultrasound scheduled for the end of this month for an 'anatomic scan' as my little doctor's form says. Hopefully the baby will cooperate and not be too modest. I'm sure I'll post again after that!

Pumpkin Patch Playdate

Had a fabulous time at the Pumpkin Patch this morning. Madison and I met up with about 8 other moms with little ones (& 5 of the moms are pregnant) to enjoy one of the last beautiful Fall days. I wish I had gotten a group shot... but try to get over a dozen kids & toddlers 5 & under to hold still all at once! I could barely even get a good shot of Madison! She was all over the place - she loved being out waddling around the pumpkins. Here are a few shots of the fun -- I will put the rest of my photos on Picasa, especially for those who were there that want to see the rest.

First Pigtails

I've been trying to put these in for weeks, but she's so wiggly and her hair is just barely long enough, it's been impossible. So I finally bribed her with TV - and it worked. ;-) Except she looks like a little girl and not a baby!

Bailout Blunder

The past few weeks have been insane for us - mostly for Matt. As the country rails against their Representatives in Congress over the Wall St. bailout, Matt has been taking the brunt of it since he's the one answering the phone for all those calls in our area. It's been a long few weeks, and he comes home pretty stressed out from work. We were super relieved when, during the first vote, Congressman Kuhl (his boss) was one of the House Republicans that voted against the bailout. This is what the majority of voices that Matt talked to were very loudly demanding, and we were thankful the Congressman listened to the voice of the people he represents and said no.

And then they voted again. And the second time around, he voted FOR the bailout. Basically Matt came home that day and said, "Well I guess I might as well start looking for a new job." The polls are very close with the Democrat running against Randy, and both Matt & I are convinced Randy's decision to vote in favor of the bailout will cost him the election -- and thus Matt's job. If that happens, we know the Lord will provide something else for Matt. We're not exactly looking forward to having go through the job hunt process, especially in this 'booming' economy, but we also knew it was a possiblity when he took this job.

So keep us in prayer if you think of it - that we won't worry and that the Lord will guide Matt's steps in whatever happens. And of course, pray for our country especially as Election Day approaches. What a mess we're in. I think of the vision and sacrifice of our Founding Fathers and think how horrified they would be to see things that are happening in this country today. May the heritage of their courage and patriotism remain in our hearts and homes, no matter how sour the rest of the country goes.