The Big 3-0 (again)

I say 'again' in the title because I know I used the same title back in February for Mike's 30th. I have to admit that despite being miserably fat and uncomfortable, this has actually been a pretty enjoyable Birthday for me. I know most people freak out about turning 30, but I couldn't care less. Perhaps because I've got bigger things on my mind.

The gifts started rolling in last week. First I got a 2 lb box of See's full of only my favorites. Let's just say, the box did not last very long. And I'm embarrassed to admit that I ate almost the entire box all by myself. Shoot, I didn't even tell Mike about the candy for several days.

To counteract the See's, I also received the P90X workout system and a check to buy some new running shoes. All courtesy of my parents. I'm so ready to lose this baby weight and am determined to not have it take 2 years like it did after I had Dylan. I can't believe that I am actually excited about working out again. It's a great stress relief for me and my workouts went to zero after we moved.

Today (my actual Birthday), turned out to be pretty nice. The weather here has been WAY warmer than is normal for this time of year. The past three days it has been in the mid-90's. Playgroup decided to meet at the locals beach this morning and even though I have no summer maternity clothes, I improvised and made the 20 minute trek. Gee, it's rough living so close to the awesomeness of the beach. I have learned (from visiting my parents in Charleston) that Dylan is a total beach bum. The child loves the water and sand and sun. So, I knew this would make for a fun morning for us. The playgroup mommas even sang Happy Birthday to me and one of them brought brownies as a special treat to share with everyone.

The water was SO FREEZING COLD! But, none of the kids seemed to care...including Dylan. He really has no fear of the water, which is incredibly scary for me. There were several times I thought I'd have to jump in the ice water with my clothes on to grab him. Luckily, threats to leave and go home worked to keep him somewhat in check.

(Seriously, I just love this kid's feet. They are so chubby and adorable).

When we got home from the beach, I was greeted with a beautiful bouquet of flowers from my Mom and Dad. Mike was able to come home from work really early today and he arrived with an Edible Arrangement of chocolate covered strawberries. YUM! Those are my absolute favorite treat...my two guys did a good job. I'm pretty sure they will all be gone by the end of tomorrow. Apparently everyone was out to make me gain a ton of weight during my last two weeks of pregnancy. Oh well, I'm enjoying it while I don't have to feel guilty.

I was really hoping for a Birthday surprise baby, but it's not looking like that will happen. So, I'm hanging in for another 7 days. Thanks to all who made this a wonderful 30th. I am so lucky to have the family and friends that I do.

Easter

Easter kind of came and went in a blur this year. I felt like a really lame mom because I didn't do a whole lot for Dylan, but we did manage to slip in a couple fun things. For play group last week, we had an Easter Egg Hunt at the church. Dylan walked away with only 3 eggs because he was a little hesitant to run off on his own, but once he saw they all had candy inside he didn't seem to care about the amount. I just didn't let him see the baskets of 20 eggs that the other kids were carrying around.

Easter Sunday was a little different this year because we didn't actually go to church. Instead, we were able to sleep in a bit and enjoy General Conference via the Internet. I made this awesome French Toast Casserole for breakfast. Got the recipe from my friend Christine, who made it for my baby shower brunch. SO yummy!

Dylan spent the morning playing CandyLand a gazillion times. Mike and I can stand to play 2 or 3 games a day with him, but that is never enough. So, Dylan will often play by himself. He just loves to play board games.

Mike and I wanted to catch a few extra minutes of sleep Sunday morning, so Mike came up with a brilliant idea to keep Dylan occupied for a while. He built him a 'clubhouse' in the living room. Dylan sat in his 'private clubhouse' for about an hour! It was awesome!

I really felt like I gave Dylan the lamest Easter basket this year. A couple books, some Starbursts and Cadbury mini-eggs (his favorite, which also happens to be MY favorite). Lucky for me, he's still too young to care about quantity and he was perfectly content with his treats.

Easter is honestly my favorite holiday. I love having this special time of year to remember that the Savior LIVES. Not to mention that the candy is awesome!

The end is near

I have been really bad about documenting my pregnancy via pictures. Actually, I wasn't that great with Dylan either, but I had a co-worker who would take pictures of me almost weekly. I really wish I'd taken the time to journal more with each of my pregnancies, but I get lazy and well, life gets crazy.

Figured since I'm officially considered full term now (37 weeks), I should get at least one last belly shot. I feel a lot bigger than I look in these photos. Everyone says you forget about the bad parts of being pregnant and having a newborn...I guess I'm the only honest woman out there...you DO NOT FORGET! At least, I didn't forget. I tried to complain less this time, but honestly I'm a horrible pregnant woman and my self esteem suffers terribly. Good thing I have a great husband who still tells me I'm beautiful almost daily!

I really hate taking self portraits...especially in awful bathroom lighting, in the mirror. But, I also feel stupid asking someone else to take a belly shot for me and I can never get the angle right to use the self timer. Guess this is the best I'll get.

New Friends

I have to admit, this has been the best move in terms of feeling welcomed. The ladies from church immediately helped to include me and Dylan in their group. We go to a weekly play group, have been invited to family dinner, a couple play dates and a few ladies have been generous enough to offer babysitting so I can go to my Dr appointments without a 3 year old in tow.

My new friend, Julie, insisted on throwing me a baby shower. I will admit, I felt very awkward at first and even tried to decline (graciously, of course). But, she wasn't taking no for an answer. So, last night was my Virginia Beach baby shower. It was a lot of fun...chocolate fondue with fruits, cookies, and pound cake, good conversation and more gifts for Lena. I really lucked out.

Thanks for a fun evening, Ladies! Very much appreciated.

Just so you know

3 WEEKS!

Just thought I'd draw your attention to the fact that I'm having a baby in 3 weeks...MAX! (I'm not excited or anything, lol)

Dylan Talk

Dylan and I have had a rough couple of months. I think the combination of the move, pregnant mommy, and terrible 3's has caused us to be very discontented with each other. Dylan has spent most days whining/crying to get anything and everything he wants and I have spent many days in tears because I'm just at a loss for how to correct the situation. I'm miserably uncomfortable and hormonal and Dylan is just bored out of his mind and trying to be so independent.

That being said, he is still a pretty funny kid. I really need to be better about documenting all the funny things he says and does throughout the day. So, while I'm thinking about it, here are some of his more recent funny moments.

As Mike leaves for work each morning, Dylan has to stand at the front door to wave him off. The other morning Dylan says to Mike, "Don't hit any trees, Dad. Have a good day." Ummm, should Mike take this as a sign he needs to drive extra careful?

Mike typically will give me a hug and kiss as he's leaving for work and then he'll give Dylan the same. This morning he was running pretty late and failed to do the hug and kiss routine. Dylan was standing at the front door and before the storm door closed all the way he yells to Mike, "Daaaaad, you forgot my hug and kiss! I need them to have a good day." Mike came back inside, looked at me and said "How am I supposed to ignore that?" Dylan got his hug and kisses and all is now right in his world.

All of a sudden, Dylan is beginning to be fearful of different things. For the past couple of months, it's been the dark. Originally we just had to turn his nightlight on when he goes to bed. It has now turned into having to leave his bedroom light AND nightlight on each night. How the child can sleep with all the light is beyond me. But, hey, whatever helps him sleep through the night. His new 'thing' is monsters. I have no idea where he learned of monsters because I'm pretty good about monitoring what he is watching and reading because I think he's still too young for certain things (ie monsters). Monster, however, have somehow crept into his life. Yesterday morning we spent a good 45 minutes hiding under the covers and then trying to 'scare' the monsters out of our house.

Dylan is also a fan of bathroom talk. Meaning, he likes to talk about pooping and peeing anytime, anywhere, to anyone. AWESOME! Well, not really. It can be pretty mortifying in most situations. The other day while exchanging some things at Gymboree, he decided to tell the salesperson that he had a big, brown, mushy poop.

We have been trying really hard to explain the whole 'baby sissy' thing to Dylan. As birth day is approaching, I have started talking about the baby more and more. Dylan talks like he understands what is going on, but I have a feeling that once she's home he'll be wondering when she's going back to where she came from. He currently thinks that my belly button is actually baby sissy. Whenever he lifts my shirt to talk to her or see her, he goes straight for my belly button. It's cute, but I hope he's not forecasting what she'll look like!

Catching up

Mike and I always seem to be a step behind when it comes to owning the most current electronic devices. We have been wanting a camcorder since Dylan was born, but other things always need our money first. Mike finally received one for Christmas and we have had fun learning how to use it. I finally uploaded some of the videos we have taken in the past couple months. I'm sure there will be lots more to come when baby girl arrives in mid-April.

Here is a short clip of Dylan and his little bff's the night we loaded up our moving truck in North Carolina. They had a great time running all over the house and trying their hardest to make sure we were all worn out by the end of the night. And I have to admit, I hadn't watched these videos since we moved because I knew I would get all teary eyed. Sure enough, I cried...we are doing just fine here in VA Beach, but Dylan and I really really miss our friends.

Dylan and I are off to Raleigh this weekend because my friends are throwing me a baby shower. I'm so excited to see everyone, including my mom, sister and nephew. I'm sure there will be lots of pictures to post next week. BTW, in case you're not up with the Facebook world...C-section is scheduled for April 15th!!!