Driving Lessons

Coleman has discovered a lot of buttons to push when he's in the driver's seat of the car. Often when we get home he'll ask to "push buttons". He's learned pretty quickly how to put the hazards on, wash the windshield, and roll the windows up and down. He laughs so hard when a car drives by. His newest phrase is "Want some, do you?" as he points to something he wants. It is really hard to resist when he asks so cutely. The other morning Jared was making pancakes and Coleman ran into the bedroom and asked me if I wanted pancakes? When I answered him he said "Thank you!" and ran back to the kitchen. I asked Jared if he told Coleman to ask me that and he said he didn't. He just thought it up himself.

We are as ready as ever for baby girl to arrive. Our bags our packed, her room is ready, the house is clean, now we just wait. Some days I feel really good, and some days everything hurts. Anyone care to guess when she'll arrive? I'm betting on St. Patrick's Day.

Showered in Pink!

Ashley and I were showered on Saturday with lots of love, gifts, laughter and pink! I had a great time. The guys were outside in the mud shooting skeet while we opened darling little outfits with bows, flowers and ribbon. Coleman loved eating his pink cupcake, as you can see here. When he is enjoying eating something he won't put it down, he'll just keep shoving it in his mouth as he swallows it. Coleman got a few presents to open as well as Ashley and I. One present was Toby the train from the Thomas series. He could hardly contain himself he was so excited, and has been playing with it ever since. He likes other gifts, but right now the way to his little heart is Thomas the tank engine trains...and "candy-candy".

Sue planned lots of fun games. One event was the daddy olympics: changing diapers. This is a video of the two dad's-to-be competing. Can you guess who the winner will be? She also had a lot of white onesies and markers so we could decorate our own. We have some interesting onesies now for our baby :).

Today it snowed! I bemoaned it thinking "This is why I left Boston". (Did anyone go sledding today?) I have had a serious case of the crankies lately. I can't sleep, I'm tired all day, when I eat I feel ill afterwards, I feel uncomfortable, people are always in my way, and I am just ready for little girl Fulton to arrive. Jared has been so patient with me through all of this. I'm very lucky.

Walking in Mama's Shoes

Either I have really small feet, or Coleman has big feet, because he is able to walk pretty well in my shoes. Coleman has 2 monkey towels, and he loves them both. Its a rare moment when he'll lay his head on anyone's shoulder. So, this picture is priceless.

Today I am 36 weeks and the countdown is on. We found a great used double stroller, and have everything else we need. We just need to pack our hospital bags and we'll be ready, whenever she is.

Crunch & Munch

Our neighbor Katie gave Coleman a little bag of special sprinkles as a treat. I let him put them on his pudding for dessert. He got so giggly when I said "crunch and munch" so we got the camera out and captured his giggles. Grammie is visiting us for the weekend, which has been such a treat.

Jared is taking this weekend to hang the doors on our back room, which will be Coleman's "big boy room" after the baby arrives.

Ready for Sister?

Apparently Coleman tells his teacher's at Parents Day Out all about the baby sister in Momma's belly. But when he's home he never talks about her, nor shows interest. We have set up the bassinett and room for when baby arrives, including the bouncy chair. Coleman thought the chair was the best thing ever and isn't keen on sharing with baby.

Coleman likes to help me out with things, such as dishes, sweeping, and walking Sadie. When he's in the jogging stroller he'll hold onto the leash and tell her "No pulling Sadie!". I think he likes to be able to boss someone, just as he feels I boss him. Yesterday, we drove the car to Jared's work and brought Sadie so we could walk home with her, leaving Jared the car. At one point Sadie was standing up in the backseat so Coleman said "Sit your bottom down Sadie." and when she did he said "Thank you!" just like I say to him.

With all of my insomnia I've been reflecting a lot on how blessed I am. The more I get to know myself and Jared the more I see God's hand in bringing us together. Jared's easy-going, forgiving, non-controlling ways have blessed me so much and made me a better woman. I'm truly very lucky.

Valentine's Day

Jared and I took Valentine's Day to revisit the church we got married in and

have lunch at The Globe restaurant, where we had our reception. It was
very romantic. Brian and Ashley very generously offered
to watch Coleman for the day so we could have time alone.

After visiting the church we visited some other Rural Studio (http://cadc.auburn.edu/soa/rural-studio/) projects. One

was the birding tower which we climbed up to the top. It was a beautiful view and well worth the 200 stair climb. When we got down from the tower and starting walking again our legs almost gave out from under us. We both had jelly legs and very sore thighs. We laughed very hard to know we are so far from being in the shape we were when we hike. One day we'll hike again.

Above is a picture of 'kissing cousins' soon to meet

each other in July.

Lately my biggest pregnancy craving is ICE! Not big cubes of ice, but the small ice cubes that you get from a soda machine. Its better than ice cream, or chocolate or fried chicken. I had a dream last night that our baby girl had one eye in the middle of her forehead, and was unattractive. I was horrified and thought "How can I love her as much as I love Coleman?"

Jumping on the Bed

Coleman was singing the song "10 Little Monkeys" as he jumped on our bed this morning. His memory amazes me. Maybe because mine is fading?

Tomorrow Jared and I are going to visit the church we got married in, and eat lunch at the restaurant where we had our reception. We are doing this to celebrate Valentine's Day and our anniversary before the baby comes. Coleman is going to stay home with Brian and Ashley while we go. What a great gift! They are expecting a girl too, in early July!