Jim worked on the Fourth of July, and, typical for the Seattle area, it rained. But JT and I had a nice time at our neigborhood BBQ. I was surprised that not only did he love the fireworks and booms, he wanted more and it didn’t startle him one bit. The neighbors thought it was pretty funny that he didn’t even blink when the first mortar shell went off!

I had a checkup for Haley today and everything looks great. My doctor commented that my belly is “just the right size” but that I might not make my “goal weight” at this rate. It was a little funny because when I got weighed by the nurse she was concerned that I’d lost weight this month, until I pointed out that last month it was 50 degrees out and today it’s 90… so I think my clothes probably weigh a little less! But according to our scale at home, I haven’t gained a pound all month.

Since you’re so curious and people keep asking (Kim!), I’ll just write it: I’m 140 pounds and my waist is 38 inches around. I’ve only gained 15 pounds, and at this point with JT I’d gained 25… but my waist size is the same. My doctor told me to snack more and to feel free to indulge. I said I am, and I do. 🙂 So she shrugged and said, “It’s not like she’s not healthy. You’re fine.”

I got to listen to her strong heart beat and schedule all of the checkups through the end… crazy. I also got back my blood test results and everything looks great… glucose levels were good, antibodies good, and my iron count is pretty good for pregnant. I’m actually 1/2 point outside the normal range for adult women, which is better than most pregnant women. My doctor said to get more iron if I think about it. Between this and the weight gain comment, I’m feeling Red Robin calling to me. Yummmmmm.

28-week belly

The most significant change lately is the big pop-out… my belly button doesn’t stay tucked in anymore. Check it out: it even casts a shadow of its own in pictures!

Last, we also got to schedule our c-section. Mark your calendars for September 15th at 9 AM – if she waits that long!

JT picked up a little cold this week. Either that or his teeth are really bothering him… or both. It’s tough to tell because he’s drooling all over and saying “teeth, teeth” but then again he’s got an icky cough and some major snot issues.

Anyway, he loves the suction bulb for his nose. I know, what a weirdo. He is old enough to blow his nose now and does a great job, actually, but I wanted him to sleep well (and, in turn, me too) so before bed we pulled out all of the tricks: steamy bathroom, nose sucker, Vicks on the chest, and a humidifier in his room. Here JT is sucking out his own nose, and celebrating when he gets “a good one.” 🙂

If you are disgusted at all, I’m guessing you don’t have children. There is nothing more satisfying than getting all of that snot out so your kid can breathe!

Have you ever heard that saying?

I had to laugh when I came home from work (yes, still working a little over the summer!) and my mom showed me the videos she took on Monday. Apparently things get a little boring around the house and so they decided to send George on a wild ride. This is the third of George’s rides and the one caught on tape. My mom said that the second ride was a little too wild for JT and he got upset and ran and hugged George after he flew out of the wagon and landed in the rocks. So funny.

The other fun activity caught on video was teaching JT to squirt himself in the mouth with his new dolphin squirters. My favorite part is his pathetic “more water” at the end.

Who knows what they’ll do next together!

On Saturday, I hosted a bridal shower for Jim’s sister Jennifer at our house. It was a lot of fun! We had a great group and Jennifer got some great gifts to stock her newlywed kitchen.

Opening presents

The group

Saturday night, Jennifer, Jim’s mom, JT, and I all headed down to Seaside for another bridal shower on Sunday: for Jim’s cousin Katie. It was nice to see his family and enjoy some time with Grandma Hall.

JT enjoying some lunch before the guests arrived

I love this picture I took of Lucy, JT’s first cousin twice removed (or is it second cousin?)

The group

The fourth annual Book Club Family BBQ was a couple of weekends ago and we had a great time. Someone pointed out that there were no children when we started… and now there are a bunch! With ten ladies there are bound to be some kids around.

Enjoying the pool

Jim and JT eating their hamburgers

Playing badmitton with Brian and Eli

The first weekend in June (see how behind I am?!) is our big festival in town. We went to the parade and invited Grandpa and Grandma Keene to come with us. We got a great spot right on the street in the sun, and had a lovely time.

Watching for the tractors

Staying hydrated

So happy to be in the sun!

Walking with his balloon

I have always heard peaple say “kids are like little sponges” but it is more easy to see when you’re watching your own child, that’s for sure. JT sucks up everything around him and spits it back out when we’re not expecting it. It is so fun to watch!

His airplane toy has continued to be a favorite. The remote control is cool and all, but even better is the setting that asks for shapes. JT has been practicing!

With Jim’s crazy work schedule and our other commitments, I’ve been doing swim lessons lately. I don’t mind a bit… I won’t get to take prenatal water aerobics this time, so I’m loving the chance to get weight off my joints a couple of times a week.

My mom came a couple of times to watch and took some pictures of us in the pool!

Practicing the back float

“Reach and pull… reach and pull…”

Wow, I can’t believe it… third trimester already. This is week 27! I had a checkup last week and everything looks great. I have to do my glucose tolerance test next week (yuck). I got a referral for physical therapy/massage for my sciatic nerve that is killing me. This happened when I was pregnant with JT too, but I was hoping to avoid it this time. No such luck… but nothing some stretching and massage won’t cure.

I got everything I wanted to set JT up in his new room today. We had a little shopping spree at Target. 🙂 He won’t make the switch until right around his second birthday, but that’s only a month away! Then we will be super busy with vacations and guests and a wedding… then it will be September. So I thought I’d better get started with the big room re-org now. Fun!