Baby Shower and More

Jenny's colleagues had a baby shower for her and another colleague who is expecting.  Lots of fun!

Bumping baby bumps!

While Jadyn did not attend the event itself, she had a blast that evening carefully inspecting all the new things for her baby brother.  She even attempted to try on most of his new clothes (nothing here was anywhere close to her size, but that did not deter her).

 

Some of Jenny's colleagues are quilters, and they made this one for BabyJ#2.  Amazing and beautiful!  We are so impressed and thankful!

This is the quilt they began years ago for Jadyn, and they presented it at this gathering.  Perfect timing for a Big Sister gift!

Here is Jadyn all snuggled up under her new quilt.  We are so appreciative of their generosity, and she loves having a special quilt for herself!

This week's OB appointment confirmed Jenny is tracking "normal" for weight gain and external measurement of the baby's size at the current gestational age of 34 weeks and a few days.  Baby's heart rate is around 150 bpm and Jenny's blood pressure is a little below normal (which is normal for her), so there has been ZERO indications for bed rest or other work and/or activity restrictions.  Baby is still super active, kicking, elbowing, rocking his bottom from side to side, and he even hiccups for short periods several times a day.  Dr. H is nearly 100% certain he is head down, facing toward the tailbone, and suspects he doesn't have enough room to get his head out of the "bowl" in Jenny's pelvic girdle, so he is likely to remain head down for the rest of the pregnancy.  The next OB appointment is in two weeks, and after that the appointments will be weekly.

Without the forced rest, Jenny is finding out just how exhausting it is to work full-time, parent a 3 year old, AND grow a baby.  Yikes!  We can meet this guy at anytime now, so we are making final preparations....  Childbirth refresher class - check!  Install infant car seat - check!  Preregister with the hospital - check!  Big box of newborn diapers and lots of wipes - check!  We'll rearrange the bedroom and set up the crib in the next few weeks, and start washing all the new newborn sized clothes, too.  Will we meet him early, at the end of March?  Around his due date of 4/6?  Later than that?  We shall see, we shall see....

Happy 3rd Birthday, Little Miss J!

Jadyn has been talking about her birthday for months!  The day before her actual birthday, we celebrated with a gathering of friends and neighbors.  Jadyn is comfortable around folks of all ages and was thrilled to engage with all the party-goers.  The birthday cupcakes baked with love at home were exactly as Jadyn had ordered: vanilla and chocolate, with pink frosting, and green icing.

Here's Daddy and Jadyn later that evening, with some of her birthday presents from Doug. Thanks, Doug!  All the goodies are just perfect for her.

The next morning, on (Mommy's and) Jadyn's REAL birthday, we had a casual morning at our favorite coffee shop.  Madeline was there that morning, too!

Near dinner time, we opened some gifts while Skyping with Grandma Jeanne.  Here Jadyn is enjoying a new robe from Aunt Crissy and Uncle Jason, which came with a matching robe perfectly sized for a doll.

More clothes from Grandma Jeanne and Grandpa Frank -- thanks a lot!  We love them!

An alphabet game/puzzle from them, too.

This book, from Mom and Dad, has been a HUGE hit.

Jadyn and Baby Kinzy dressed in matching nightgowns.

Happy 3rd Birthday, Little Miss Jadyn!  What an amazing 3 years we've shared with you.  Looking forward to all that this next year will bring!  ;-)

Exhausted after a weekend of birthday celebrations

Heading to 3

Closing in on Jadyn's 3rd birthday, here are a few shots of what's been keeping her busy these days.  Puzzles are still a big hit and very engaging.

We had a week of crazy weather (snow, freezing rain, wind) with 3 days of no school.  Jadyn liked being out in the snow until she got too cold, so it took us several ventures out in the weather to get this snow person together.

 
As soon as the temperatures climbed enough to make the roads passable again, Jadyn tagged along on Jenny's hair cut appointment and decided she needed a hair cut of her own.

 

Not at all afraid of the hair dryer!

Here is Jadyn with one of her playdoh pizza creations.  She also likes to come up with interesting ways to lounge around the living room.

 She plays well with new friends, here, at a restaurant.  Sophie is 5, and the two of them drew for the better part of an hour!

We've been blessed with some lovely, sunny days in early February, and so we made another trip to the zoo with friends.  We didn't see very many animals on this trip -- the play areas were too much fun.

 
And finally, a baby update.  Jenny is about 31 weeks along now, and everything is "tracking normally" for babyj#2 at this time.  Jadyn has been attending some of the OB appointments, and she has gotten very good at finding her brother's heartbeat with the help of some of the doctor's instruments.  She gives Jenny's bump a hug and a kiss most nights these days.  Super sweet!