We have spent the past two weekends (entire month really) packing, purging and organizing what we'll need in the rent house and what can stay packed until we move into the new house. Yes we are preparing to move into our rent house this week! You know what that means...we are finally on our way to actually building the new house! I will not believe it until they demo the old house and pour the foundation of the new house, but it seems after 3 years the beginning is finally in sight.
Securing a rent house was not as easy as we thought it would be. Apparently everyone was looking for a house at the same time we were. The good affordable ones went fast! With a little persistency, I was able to lock down the perfect 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom 1500 square foot "tear down" for 12 months. It's old, but we are used to old...look at what we live in now! It is very close to the Albans house, so we will still be near Reese's school, my work and will be able to drive by the new house daily. They say the house will take 9 months to build, but it could be less, it could be more. Matt will no doubt keep you posted every step of the way.
Being pregnant hasn't slowed me down a bit, but we've had a lot of help from my Mom, Grandma Ruth and Pat. Mom and I pretty much packed the entire house while Matt was in charge of the Goodwill runs and carrying out massive amounts of trash and recycle. It's amazing how much crap you can accumulate. I didn't want to pack anything we didn't need or want.
I'm now 18 weeks pregnant and feeling great! My energy is back, better enjoy it while it lasts! The growing pains are over, I think, but the nightmares continue. What is it with pregnancy and nightmares? I have them almost every night. They range from me being captured by a robber to me being perceived as a bad mom by Reese's school. Most everyone I know is a character in the dreams. They are vivid and last forever. I wake up thinking it's only a dream!!!
My 16 week appointment went well. I'm not gaining too much weight, the baby's heartbeat is good at 156 and Baby S. is quite active. I started feeling movement at week 14/15. Way earlier than the first time. When I told the nurse I was already feeling the baby, she said "Yes, baby is active." She could tell from the heartbeat monitor.
The belly bell is out in full force and has been since at least week 15. I am bigger than this now. Pretty sure I am growing by the week!
Reese never ceases to entertain us. Here are some of her latest stories:
- She has started to talk like me (i.e. repeating my goofy sayings). She says things like hungry bears, funny bunny and tweet tweet. The other day I called her a toot toot and she said, "No, I'm a tweet tweet." Oh yes, Mommy does call you that too.
- She knows what is in my belly. When asked, she points and says, "Baby". She also pulls up my shirt and kisses my belly. What a sweetie! She still hasn't decided if she wants a baby brother or baby sister. I think she'll be happy with either just like Mommy and Daddy.
- She sings when she thinks nobody is listening or watching. We have heard her belt out the words to Twinkle Twinkle, Old MacDonald and Itsy Bitsy Spider. I've tried to capture it on video, but she is camera shy. Her voice is truly the cutest I have ever heard!
- She has expanded her movie selection to Monsters Inc. and Finding Nemo, but Cars is still the favorite.
- Every little bump means that she "needs a band aid". We are actually out of both Dora and Hello Kitty band aids and I've packed the boring plain ones. Oops.
- She is very demanding and likes to tell me to "stop it Mommy", "I need ___ right now," "don't do that" etc. We are teaching her to use alternate phrases like "no thank you" and "may I have the ___ please?" She is getting there, but some times blurts out a demand which is so funny to hear. She does say "excuse me" to anything that may be in her way, even if it can't move itself. One of her toys was blocking her way so she said, "excuse me tunnel" and then she said "thank you tunnel."
- She loves sweet tea from Chick-fil-a. When she sees the sign she says "nuggets and sweet tea!" Needless to say, I am limiting the Chick-fil-a to once a week! That is the only time she gets sweet tea, ok.
A few weeks back, we had a nice dinner with Papa Larry at the Outback in The Woodlands. Reese warmed up to him immediately. I was so happy to see that! We went right after work/school, Reese was covered in sand and sweat, but Papa didn't mind.
Reese's last official day of school was before Memorial Day weekend. She graduated to a new class on June 1st. We had lots of end of year activities like the picnic lunch.
Here is Reese's bff, Chloe and her mom Gail. They also live on our street.
There was a fun band.
Reese got up on her feet to dance.
The class sat together after the band played. We have come to know many of the parents which is nice.
Reese got a hold of a cupcake and ate the entire thing. I think I managed to swipe some of the icing in an attempt to limit some of her sugar intake.
The weekend after Mother's Day, we celebrated with our Mothers and Grandma Ruth at Aunt Sharon's with burgers, ritas (non for me of course) and more cupcakes. MaMa Pat always treats us to RJ Goodies!
Reese and Matt shared ice cream after their cupcakes. Daddy loves to share his ice cream with Reesie.
Then while on a sugar high, they banged (I mean played) on the piano.
Here are some silly shots around the house.
I love a baby girl in a diaper! What a cute sight to see. Hopefully we'll move to panties soon...still working on that.
Reese and Mommy enjoying an ice cream snack after dinner. Yes, I am aware neither of us are wearing matching clothes.
Bath time fun!
Chillin' with Daddy wearing her Dora hat.
Then playing patty cake.
We celebrated MaMoo's birthday on May 28th. The strawberry cake was delicious!
Reese preferred to have ice cream and sprinkles.
Hmm seems like we've had lots of cake and ice cream this past month doesn't it?
