Mini Vacation

Ryan, Avery and I took a mini 2 day vacation to Myrtle Beach this week. We wanted to take a few days and spend them with Avery for some special "Mommy & Daddy Time" before the new baby comes. It was a great! We did a lot of stuff just for Avery and our goal was to see her smile as much as possible! When we got to the beach on Tuesday we stayed at a hotel that had a few different pools and a lazy river. Avery loved the different pools and swimming with us. She is so confident when wearing her swim vest and says "I want to swim by myself". We went to Broadway at the Beach later that night and got some dinner and made a trip to the candy store. We found a lot of different flavors of gummy bears and Avery was in heaven! On Wednesday, we went to a water park for a few hours and then made a "Big Sister" bear at Build-A-Bear later that night. We got up early this morning to leave (we had to pick up our dog at the kennel by noon) but made a stop at the beach to take a few pictures. I knew we probably wouldn't get a great family shot (since we were doing it ourself with a tripod) but I think we got a couple cute ones of Avery with Ryan and I. It's so sad to think that it won't be just the 3 of us for much longer. We have so much fun with our little angel. She amazes us with her verbal skills and Ryan and I are always saying "I can't believe she said that". As sad as I am that Avery won't be our only child, I am just as happy to meet this new little one. Our next trip (wherever that might be) will be as a family of 4! How crazy is that?!!!
Here's a few pictures of our trip. You can check out more on Phanfare.

Flippin'

Today was my 34 week appointment and I heard some great news. The doctor said the baby's head is definitely down. So, at some point in the last 2 weeks he/she did a little flip and I had no idea. So, hopefully the baby stays in this position for good! It was a small concern but I do believe God knew how worried I was about it and has answered my prayers to calm my mind. Everything is meausuring and sounding great. The baby's heartbeat was 150 and he/she is still very active! The doctor assured me they will do an ultrasound at 38 weeks to check the size but even if the baby is measuring big, they won't induce until 39 weeks. She also said that chances are I will carry this baby to term since I did with Avery - which is a good thing! So, it looks like at least 5 more weeks of this big belly! We are so excited about this upcoming addition to our family. Avery is hugging my belly even more these days and giving it lots of kisses! Today she was talking to the baby and said "Hi baby - I can't wait to meet you!" So sweet! I can't wait for her to be a big sister and see how she interacts with her little brother or sister.

Prayers

Avery has started "freestyle" praying at night. I call it this because she will start listing off random things while we say our prayers. Tonight was so cute and it was hard to keep a straight face and not laugh. (A little background - yesterday we hung a clock up on the wall in our living room above our fireplace.) I was praying and she started with the following - Avery: And for Rainey Grace, Thank you for my friends coming over, tomorrow, Terry, Shelley, Taylor, for Mommy's clock and hanging on the wall, for computer, for baby doll, for Daddy, Mommy, Avery, bubba (our dog Scooter) and thank you for all those kinds of stuff. Amen!

Toddler Talk

While we were walking down the stairs... Avery: Hey Mommy! Me: Yes Avery. Avery: Listen to me! Don't follow me! While we were just sitting around... Avery: Mommy, let me see your arm. (I give her my arm) Let's take this arm off Mommy! Me: Oh, no! Why would we do that? Avery: Because, we put a pink one on.

31 weeks

I had an OB appointment this morning and everything is great! I felt a little guilty complaining about my common preganancy symptoms (not sleeping well, tired, heartburn, Braxton Hicks, achy etc.) but my doctor assured me that sometimes it's okay. I am measuring right on track (32 weeks) and the baby's heartbeat was 150. I've gained a whopping 6 pounds! (Don't ask me how it's not more - I've had my share of M&M's while Avery's been potty training! - and I've still got 8 weeks to go.) The doctor said they would do an ultrasound at 37 weeks to check the baby's weight and size. Right now she thinks the baby is breach but said that I have a lot of time for the baby to turn. I am hoping that he/she does - but I am not looking forward to that feeling! Yikes.