12 Weeks!

I am so grateful the first trimester is close to being over.  Just a few more days!  .... We just won't mention how much longer I have to go 'til the end.  

I had my doctor's appointment today and everything is good as can be expected.  Annika told Andy (who is in Dallas), "I heard the heartbeat at the doctors!  She (the nurse) couldn't find it, but then I heard it!  She's a girl, but very tiny still."  Of course we don't know for sure if it's a girl, but the three of us are pretty convinced that it is.   And if it's not, Annika will have a hard time accepting it.  I wouldn't want to be the one breaking the news to her.

Our little Dancer

Annika has been taking ballet and tap lessons since the beginning of the year.  It has been so fun watching her stomp, skip and twirl around with the other girls.  Annika takes the class with her friend, Allison.  Our weekly routine is for me to pick-up Allison while her Mom watches Gavin for me.  The girls quickly demand a snack before even pulling out of the driveway.  So, they share a granola bar and a gummy snack.  Lots of giggles are heard in the back as they laugh about Monkeys jumping on the bed or just making up silly words.  We walk down the steep steps to the studio and throw on the tap shoes.  After a few minutes of dancing, Allison has to go to the bathroom, which usually starts a trend with the other girls.  After a half hour of marching and sweeping the floor, they slip on their ballet

 shoes.  I quickly found out by Annika, who was having a fit, that the bows on the tops of the shoes MUST be tucked in.  I guess this is a ballerina rule -- don't want to look sloppy with strings loose.  They are learning a new routine for a dance recital in June.  They are beautiful, pink fairies.  The girls get a stamp and back to their Moms they go.  Gavin shows up (Allison's sisters dance right after) and we head home for dinner.  Of course 75% of the time Annika falls asleep in the car and I carry the tired ballerina to the couch.  I just have to keep Gavin from wanting to poke her eyes and stick his finger up her nose.  I am not always successful.

What did you learn in Church today?

Me:  "Annika, what did you learn in Sunbeams (sunday school class) today?"

Annika:  "Did you know that God gave us panties?"

Me:  "Oh!  And why do you think that?"

Annika:  "Because I am a big girl.  And that's what I wear."

Interesting statement.  A little curious why she would say that.  I was then relieved to see her craft she made in Sunbeams.  It was a cute flower with her picture in the center and the top said, "I am thankful for beautiful flowers."  My guess is that Annika innocently mistook "panties" for "pansies".  Yes, Annika, "God did give us pansies."

Gavin is 10 1/2 months!

Gavin is growing up so fast.  I can't believe he will be a year-old in April.  Where does the time go?  He always has a smile on his face.  His latest thing lately is using the walker.  He walks, crashes into an object, I yell "CRASH!", he laughs, and then he falls down in my lap.  We go back and forth in the family room playing this game.  Gavin's other favorite thing to do is the geo trax train.  He has the biggest grin when I start up the train -- all boy.  Another thing that I love is how he self-feeds.  Gavin grabs a fistful of food and shoves it in his face hoping it will get in his mouth.  It doesn't take him long to eat and then he demands for more.  I think he is the most vocal when eating, actually it is kind of annoying because it is a whine the whole time.  It's like he is saying, "HURRY UP!!  MORE!! MORE!!"  I guess his size proves that he loves to eat.

Some have asked about his bronchoscopy and larynoscopy from the other week.  It went well.  the good and bad news is that the doctor couldn't find why he has a constant wheeze.  I say good news because he won't need surgery and bad news is there is no answer.  Actually, the doctor seemed disappointed by the result.  He believed that surgery was going to be the answer.  I am relieved it's not because it would involve opening Gavin's chest.  So, we are hoping this is something he will outgrow in a couple years.  We shall see ...  thanks for all of your concerns and prayers on his behalf. 

Children's Museum

We went to the Seattle Children's Museum Saturday and had a great time.  Annika was running from one thing to the next with a big grin on her face.  The museum had so many activities for the kids.  If you live in the Seattle area, you have to go!

Surprise!! It's a Girl .... or a Boy?!

We are thrilled to announce that I am expecting our third child.  I am 8 weeks along and the baby is due September 28th.  This was quite a wonderful surprise for us since our last two children were in vitro.  What a blessing they are and what a blessing this baby is too.  

We had the ultrasound a couple days ago.  The heartbeat is strong and the cutest little bean ever.  

Yes, I feel pretty overwhelmed with the news because Gavin is only 10 months right now.  But, family and friends who have children close in age tell me that I will be fine.  I sure hope so.  Annika was actually disappointed when I came home from the doctors and  didn't have the baby in my arms.  "Didn't the baby come out?" she asked.  Very cute!  Thankfully not yet!  I need more time ... and more sleep!

Happy Valentines Day!

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