Full Term?

Well, according to the doctor, I am 37 weeks today. They consider that "full term" which I have never really understood, as I always considered 40 weeks as "full term". Anyway. I am sure there are scientific reasons for this label, but I don't know what they are.

I had a scheduled ultrasound today to check on the baby's size and position. According to the measurements taken today, Baby Brother (as he is affectionately called around here), is currently 7 pounds, which is just over the 50th percentile. So it looks like this little guy will be a bit more average-sized than his big brother! Although, only time will truly tell...

He is head down, in position for delivery. I suppose it is possible that he could still turn around, but hopefully he'll stay put! The tech. who did my ultrasound today also asked me if I have been having any discomfort lately, as the baby is "very low, looking for his way out" (her words). Why yes, yes I HAVE been having a lot of discomfort lately. I am glad there is a reason for that!

It is exciting to know that in a few weeks, we'll have another precious child to hold. While there are still a number of things that need to be taken care of before he arrives, we are ready to meet him!

I'll take my 37 week "belly picture" on Sunday, and will update with any new news after my Monday morning doctor's appointment.

No More Monkeys...

...jumping on the air mattress?!



A couple of weeks ago, we set up our air mattress for Kris' brother, who was in town at Thanksgiving. I never deflated it, because that is where Caleb has been taking his afternoon naps these days.

We are thankful to have this air mattress for when guests come over (since we no longer have a "guest room") and Caleb has enjoyed taking his naps on it. But the best part about it might be the entertainment that it provides! The kids love to play on in. And, while I am a firm believer in no jumping on the beds, or couches for that matter (I know, I am such a boring mom), I do allow the kids to bounce around on this. And they love it. And they get some energy out. And it is fun to watch. All around goodness.

Unfortunately, this will not be a permanent activity in our home, as the air mattress is currently in Baby Brother's room, and it will need to be deflated sometime in the next few weeks, for obvious reasons. But until then, if you come to our house, you might witness my little monkeys in a jumping frenzy! Oh and don't be surprised if you witness their momma take a few bounces here and there as well....(there are NO pictures of this, thankfully!).

36 Weeks

Less than a month to go (hopefully)!

Let it Snow!

Both kids were very excited to see all of the snow outside after they woke up this morning. And to be honest, so was I! After lunch, we all bundled up and took advantage of the virtually untouched snow, which was perfect for packing.

Meredith, while a little hesitant at first, soon discovered that she could actually pick up chunks of snow...


...and would proudly show us what she managed to grasp!



Caleb also enjoyed packing the snow to make snowballs...



It's hard to hug in these big puffy coats!


Snowman...



Playing...


Hot chocolate to warm us up...

Hand and Foot Angels

In keeping with the focus of our first few days of going through our Advent calendar, we made Angel ornaments.



Meredith's...


Caleb's...


The bodies of the angels are made from the kids' traced feet, and the wings are made from their traced hands. Both my kids LOVE getting their hands/feet traced, so this was a fun one for them to do.

Add a head (we used paper) and a halo (pipe cleaner), are you're good to go! Oh, and don't forget the glitter. It's messy, but Caleb loves to use glue and glitter, so I let him add some sparkle to his angel. I didn't venture into the world of glitter with Meredith, but did let her "decorate" her angel with a crayon.

Meredith was so proud of hers that she had a death grip on it after it was made. She now seems happy enough that it is hanging on the tree, and is content to wave at the angel at times. Super cute.


Luke 1:30-31
And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.

Matthew 1:20-21
But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

First Snow!