the inside story. . .

I'm half way!  Twenty weeks today.  You know what that means. . .

Gordon and I really debated about finding out the sex this time.  I think I had reservations because I know this is probably the end.  And whatever this baby is, is also what it isn't.  That was a hard concept for me to swallow.  But, in the end Gordon convinced me that we are people that just have to know!  So, we found out.  And we've been holding our tongues for two days until we could have a little party and "reveal" with the kids.  We wanted them to be the first in the know.  So, this evening, we had a cake.  The inside will reveal the secret!  Emilee just about lost her mind in anticipation all day today.  She REALLY wanted a sister!

Here are the boys right before the cutting!   So excited!  So hopeful!

Since Ethan is the oldest we let him do the honors. . . 

 it's

   

a

sister!

Emilee is so excited!  She kept stopping between bites of cakes and exclaiming "It's a sista!!!"  So sweet.

I think the boys are pretty excited as well, even if they might have been on "team brother."  We're so happy!  And I'm so glad we found out now, because I REALLY thought this was a girl.  I've been accidentally calling her a "she" all along, and then correcting myself.  I'm glad I can stop wondering now and prepare!  Looks like I have another blessing dress to dream up. . .

PS - the best news of all is that this baby is healthy and strong and growing just right.  We couldn't be happier about that!

I'm getting older!

I had a birthday!  I am now 34 years young.  It was a busy busy day, but one of the highlights was that Keren stopped by with one of my very favorite desserts!  Date cake!  Oh, this stuff is heavenly. . .  and you can see that she was quite the little baker with her chocolate curls and writing.  

I had quite a little mid day party with all my favorite small people!

We are ready!  And man alive, is my face looking prego or what.

Later that night Gordon took me out to PF Changs for my favorite meal where I tried to make my belly even bigger.  It was a really good food day.  Thanks to everyone who helped me celebrate and make it special!

So cute. . .

I'm pretty sure there is nothing on earth cuter than baby ballet.

 Okay, I know she's not really a baby, but still . . .

the Blue and Gold!

 Last week was the cub scout Blue and Gold dinner!  Ethan has worked hard this year and received his bear award that night.  Our Wolf leader handed out the awards, and he always comes up with something fun.  This night, they had to defeat the Jedi master in order to get to their award!  After watching many light saber yielding scouts, Ethan opted for the "death choke" ala Vader.

As you can see, it worked!  The force was with him.

 So proud of our little Bear!

And, because this is the birthday of scouting we're celebrating, I got to make another big cake.  Look familiar?

Great job Ethan!

transitioning

Little Miss is giving up her naps.  She just doesn't need them daily.  But then, like all little ones who give up their naps, occasionally she hits the wall, and I find this little pile on the couch.

 Unfortunately, this usually happens in the late afternoon, when I "just can't take it anymore!" and turn on a movie to help everyone ease into dinner time so I can chop the veggies.  (she gets a bit needy without a nap)  And then we have to wake her up, and you can imagine how pleasant that is!!!

 And sometimes dinner is in the crock pot and we "watch" Sesame Street together.  And the warm snuggles are just a bit too much for the both of us. . .