Big Belly and Big Girl Room

Many people have been giving me a difficult time because I am not giving enough updates on the blog regarding Baby Sister. So, here's the latest. Baby Sister is still very active, but not quite ready to come out yet. Her head is down, way down so that's great for delivery, but makes standing for long periods of time difficult. I am about 2.5 centimeters dilated and will be going back to the doctor tomorrow for my 39 week check-up. Wow! I can't believe we've made it to this point!

On Sunday evening we had a practice run to labor and delivery at the hospital. Without giving away too many medical details, I am having a few urinary tract issues so the doctor wanted me to go in and make sure labor hadn't started. We were there for about an hour and a half and were then sent home. Ironically we were in the same room I delivered Lauren in. It was actually rather reassuring and comforting to have a short walk through before the big day really comes.

Here's a profile shot of my belly from Thanksgiving day.




Now on to Lauren's big girl room. A few months ago I promised more photos after her room was finally completed. Well, it's been completed for awhile, I just haven't gotten around to taking the photos. Finally her room was clean enough and she wasn't sleeping when I thought about taking the photos.


Creating Lauren's name was a little art project of mine. I love doing any type of paper crafts so of course I was going to create something for Lauren's new room.




Lauren's reading corner. I think she talked Daddy into reading her at least two bedtime stories last night even though she was already up past her bedtime. It's really cute to see the two of them sitting on the bean bag reading at the end of each day.

Getting Ready to Be a Big Sister!

Lauren just LOVES playing with her baby dolls. She takes them on trips in their strollers, gives them bottles, wraps them in blankets, and even changes their diapers. We hope this means she is ready to be a big sister, after all it's only 2 weeks away! We are almost ready here at home. The car seat is almost ready, Geoff just needs to put the base in the car. Baby Sister's room is all clean and her clothes are hanging in the closet and folded up in her dresser. I even packed my hospital bag last night. All of this preparing has been much easier now that I'm not allowed to go to work anymore. As of last Wednesday, my doctor said no more working and I should be spending this time resting up. Thank goodness!


Taking not only one doll on a walk, but two.


Let's hope this isn't a sign of things to come. Check out that mischievous look on Lauren's face!


Testing the swing with her little blue bear.



Do you think I still fit in my Bumbo seat?



Lauren loves putting Baby Josie in Baby Sister's car seat. This time though, she felt the need to put two babies in the seat at once.

Baby Beluga

Grandma and Grandpa Hanson sent Lauren a very special package filled with Baby Beluga goodies. She just loves listening to the CD, reading her new book and taking Baby Beluga "swimming" around the house. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Hanson!

A Weekend of Family Fun

Geoff, Lauren and I had so much fun together as a family this past weekend! We spent our Friday evening wandering around the mall, purchasing Lauren a fancy dress-up coat for the upcoming holidays, and eating at a new restaurant. We tried letting Lauren sit in a booster seat instead of a high chair and quickly found out she is a bit too mobile and into discovering new things for this.

Saturday morning was full of adventure as well. Lauren and I baked cookies for the first time. We made oatmeal chocolate chip cookies for our church bake sale this morning.






Daddy and Lauren reading the paper together.


Then we went to music and gym class at Sprouts as a family. Lauren sure knows her way around there now! She should though, as we've been going since she was 4 months old. While Lauren was napping, Geoff and I watched the Michigan game which had a terrific ending! Then Aunt Stephanie and Uncle Jon came over to spend the evening with us.


The whole family was up early Sunday morning. Thank you end of Daylight Savings Time which toddlers on a sleep schedule don't quite understand! To Lauren's credit though, I woke up completely on my own at 4:45. Oh well! Geoff made a wonderful breakfast for us, while Lauren and I created ducks and numbers using Playdough. Then while I was at church and the craft show, Lauren and Geoff worked outside raking leaves. They were so cute out in the yard together!










All of this family fun could not have come at a better time. Lauren and Mommy had a bit of a difficult week, as Lauren is starting to exert her independence. She had her first two time outs at Mariah's house. One for not helping clean up the toys and the other for deciding to sit on top of the coffee table. Lauren and I had many struggles throughout the week as well with potty training and following directions. These past few days together were all we needed!

Happy Halloween

Grandpa and Grandma Hanson came to visit for Halloween weekend. Geoff and I were lucky enough to have a night out on the town Saturday evening. It was wonderful to spend time together at the movies and dinner.

On Sunday morning, before trick or treating began later in the day, all five of us took a nature walk. Lauren looked so cute in her new winter hat and gloves, that I just couldn't resist taking a photo before we left.



Getting ready for trick or treating with Daddy and Grandpa and Grandpa Hanson. I stayed home and handed out candy. Everyone said Lauren had a great time and her skunk costume was a hit (thanks, Sara)! After Lauren arrived back home she helped me hand out candy to the remaining trick or treaters and just LOVED it. In fact, on her way to bed tonight she asked when more trick or treaters would be coming.



Daddy's jack-o-lantern all lit up.




Elmo all lit up!