Fat Tummy

As requested by some of the college roomies, here is a baby bump picture. I am now 22 weeks and feeling pretty good. The nausea is gone (although certain foods still leave a weird taste in my mouth), and I have more energy than earlier on in the pregnancy. I feel like I'm getting a lot bigger pretty quickly, much more quickly than I did with Grant. So we'll see what I look like at 40 weeks, that should be interesting.

Hanging Out

The weather has been absolutely wonderful lately. I wouldn't say it feels quite like fall right now, more like a cooler summer day. We've tried to venture out as much as possible to enjoy the cooler temperatures and the sun. Unfortunately we haven't been able to travel as a family as much as we would like since Ryan is at school all day and it seems like I've been working most Saturdays recently. That's why we don't have any cool pictures of outside adventures yet. But don't worry, they're coming.

I don't know about the rest of you with youngsters, but brushing teeth at night almost seems like an act of torture in our house (in the eyes of Grant). So instead of listening to blood-curling screams every night as we try brush Grant's teeth, we decided to use the TV to get Grant's mind occupied on something else. Now right before bed, we plop him on the couch in front of a Disney show and let him brush for a bit. Then when he's good and mesmerized, we can get a hold of the brush and give him a good cleaning. All without any signs of complaint. Now, I know this is probably not the best method, but I don't mind him watching a minute or two of TV right before bed in order to forgo the screaming and kicking. Now he will actually ask for "teeth" throughout the day when he wants his toothbrush for a little mid-day brushing.

On a different note, here's a little Halloween preview for any who are interested.

Holding your own fruit

One of Grant's greatest joys in this life is being able to hold and eat his own piece of fruit. This event rarely occurs for a number of reasons: a.) his slobber and fruit juice get all over the place and make a big mess, b.) he breaks off a piece that is small enough to fit in his mouth, but big enough to choke on, and proceeds choking, or c.) he starts eating thing like seeds and stems, which are not really meant for little boys to eat.

Sometimes we are nice parents and let him hold and enjoy his own piece of fruit. Unfortunately for Grant, his joy is often short-lived, because eventually he gets to the core and the fruit must be confiscated. At least he enjoys it while he has it.

And the Verdict is In:

It's a boy!!

Long walks on the beach

We decided we had to take Grant to the beach at least once while we were in VA, what with only a 40 min. drive, you can't beat that. We went a couple weeks ago on a Sunday evening when my brother Ryan was in town, and my parents came along too. It ended up being a great idea to go in the evening because it was so nice out with a cool ocean breeze. We mostly just walked around a bit and let Grant play in the sand. He wasn't too keen on getting in the water, whenever the wave broke he would high-tail it to the shore. Being out there reminded us of how relaxing and fun it is to be at the beach. Anyone up for getting together and renting a beach house again?

Grant loves playing with his grandpa and has decided my dad's name is "Papa". He spends all day asking for his "Daddy" and "Papa". I have to continue to tell him they are at work and he will see them later. He doesn't quite have a name for my mom yet, Grandma is a little hard to say. And I guess he wouldn't ask for me when I'm with him all day. Still, I don't feel quite as popular with Grant as the men in the family. Although, one day when I was out my mom said Grant asked for "mommy" several times, that makes me feel a little better :)

What's a trip to the beach without posing on the lifeguard stand? You get a great view of the ocean from up there.

Here's the back of Ryan, Grant, my mom, dad and a little of my bro. Ryan. At least you can see the waves.

This is what Grant really preferred to do at the beach. Good thing my parents had some old sand toys lying around. It's quite surprising how covered with sand a baby can get when only playing in sand for a short while. The tub was full of sand after his bath.

Happy Anniversary!

Four years and I couldn't be happier. I love you, Ryan!

Numero Dos

As you may have guessed by the little baby floating around on the right of the screen we are expecting another Nicker-Wood to join our family. We are very excited and the little guy or gal is due to come in February. Now if only this nausea will go away...