August 2012

As the Summer draws to a close, we had another fun month! Though it continues to be hotter than hot, we found things to do to fill our time to say the least. As I mentioned in July, we enjoyed watching the Olympics and even Samara learned a few things... One day she was yelling "bump, set, spike!" following Daddy's lead on the volleyball. Then she'd jumping around the living room watching the gymnastics floor exercise or singing row, row row your boat when the rowing was on. She even danced around with a ribbon trailing behind while watching the rhythmic gymnasts.

Despite the gymnastics, Jeff got Samara's room all "move in ready" and we officially switched her to the big girl bedroom. It has taken a couple weeks, but she now really understands that it is HER room now and the baby will have the other room. Only a couple nights did she wake up, or go back to the toddler bed/crib in the nursery. So, with that smooth transition we are also working on potty training. We are now to panties at home, pull-ups when we're out and during naps, and diapers still at night. She is doing really well and, barring any great distractions, will usually make it successfully to the potty chair.  By the time the baby arrives, she should be set (though I do expect some fall-back in progress at that time). She is very independent, which often just comes with being two, but we have learned to just let her do something herself and ask for help if needed. Over-helping can result in a fit-so it's a game really to get out the door sometimes!

Samara talks like crazy now and Jeff and I often find ourselves exchanging smiles or glances at each other when she says something.  From random movie quotes, to funny statements, to singing the prayer from Sunday school before dinner - every day is something new.  And so observant they are - at dinner she was talking with her mouth full and I brought it to her attention - she said "just like my Daddy!".  Jeff was just telling me something and, indeed, his mouth did have food in it at the time. :)  She is still a very good eater and I have started just giving her whatever we are having for the most part.  I am hoping the "this is what our family is having for dinner tonight" attitude will work with her.  I have been amazed by some of the things she actually has eaten (as I was an extremely picky child)...pea from pea pods right out of the garden, lettuce salad, cauliflower, etc.  And she can chew whatever she wants, as she has all her teeth except 2 year molars.  She let them count her teeth at my dental cleaning appt this month, and she loved it, talking about it the rest of the day/week!

As you'll see in the pictures, we decided to take our real first and last "family of three" vacation!  It was really a trip planned all around Samara - Great Wolf Lodge, KC Children's Museum and a park on the way home.  And she loved it all!  She did really well in the car and we didn't even end up using the portable DVD player we had borrowed.  The swimming, kiddie water slides, and splashing were super fun and it was neat to watch her enjoy and take it all in.  Besides one night at Great Wolf Lodge (which allows 2 days of water park fun), we enjoyed eating out, ice cream, naps and just being away together as a family for a bit.  On Saturday we had found a Children's Museum online that we thought she would enjoy and we went there before heading back home.  She loved all the different activities and themed rooms.  Overall, we decided that we'll do a family vacation again once the baby is a little older, but we definitely need to take a trip for just Mommy and Daddy again at some point.  So, plan is for when the baby is over one year to head somewhere with adults! :)

Jeff and I are both keeping busy with our jobs, but still keeping family as our focus.  I try to make sure I'm not typing away on the laptop too much when I am home with Samara and Jeff still goes in very early so that he is home for play time, dinner and the evening together.  At my August OB appointment, I was measuring about 1.5 weeks ahead so maybe an early baby like Samara.  Time will tell I guess - and that would be fine with me!  But, as Baby #2's due date approaches (officially at 32 weeks at the end of August-8 weeks to go) I am starting to wonder how I will get everything done that I am doing now.  But, all we can do it just plug away when that time comes I guess.  Fall will be here now in September with Sunday school (Jeff and I teach the 2 year olds twice a month), M.O.P.S. for Amanda two Friday mornings per month and Tuesday night bible study and don't forget football all starting back up!  So, the busyness won't stop, but we look forward to adding those things back to our weekly routines.  ...September's fall fun update soon enough!