My Newest Little Nephew

I have been reflecting on so much all day today. My brother called this morning to tell me that they passed court and their adopted son, Micah, was officially all theirs! It has been a long journey for them and this day seemed like it would never happen. I have four pictures of the little guy in my photo library that we had to keep a secret. I wanted to show him off but couldn't. But finally the time is here and we can brag and show him off! So much prayer has gone into getting this little guy home. And to top it all off today is my brother's birthday. I cannot imagine a better birthday present for him!!!!

Micah with his Mommy

Little does he know there are three very excited siblings at home to play with him!!!

Such a sweet little face!

Let's Fly a Kite

Kevin had the great idea to buy a kite so he and Ayda can fly it. Let me tell you...it was a hit! Not only did she think it was the funniest thing ever to see Kevin running around the yard to get it up in the air, she was also so excited to see it fly! They had so much fun today playing with the kite. I was quite impressed with how high Kevin got it to go. It was a perfect day for flying a kite! Another reason I am so thankful for the amazing daddy Kevin is to our little girl. They had a blast!

Our cute ladybug kite!

Kevin giving Ayda the kite to hold on to.

She was so proud of herself holding the kite. She kept saying "Ayda doing it!"

Taking a little break to watch daddy get the kite REALLY high into the sky!

One last time before we brought the kite back down. Again she was so excited and would get really worried if it flew over a tree. She would say "oh no! A tree!" So cute!

It's Just a Trash Can...

Ayda has taken quite a liking to a trash can. Don't worry it is clean!! She loves to put it on her head and walk or ride her bike around the house. At first I would follow close behind as she ran into walls. She had me laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes the other day doing this. She was on her bike and would bump into a wall and say "oh man!". She cracks me up!!! Since then she has become quite efficient at walking around with it on. I think she looks down as she is walking and can see where she is for the most part. It's hysterical to watch!

Riding her bike!

She knows she is funny!

She was purposely walking into the wall here. She would bump into it and start cracking up...then look at me as I was laughing.

Making sure I was still being entertained!

36 Weeks!

Ok so I am really hoping that since I take a picture and post it every month that this is my last picture!!! If I have a 40 week picture to post Lord help me!!! But we have made it to 36 weeks which is very exciting. For here on out I pretty much can deliver at home. My midwife would prefer I make it to at least 37 weeks but she will deliver at "36 and some change" as she put it! Is the house ready for a home birth though, nope!! Gotta work on that this week! My goal by next Sunday is to have the birth pool blown up and ready, the supplies organized for the midwife, Ayda's info sheet typed and printed, the carseat (THANKS ANNA!!!!) installed, and the phone number list typed and printed! Lots to do!

Morning Sickness: I've started feeling better in the mornings again for the most part. There are a few days that I feel yucky but for the most part it's gotten better again!

Cravings: I have been eating a lot of Wheat Thins and Cantaloupe! It's my favorite snack in the afternoon!

Movements: I can tell the baby is running out of room because the kicks/movement I feel is no longer all over the place. It is pretty much in the same spot and it is more stretching than kicking. He/she is getting stronger too because some of the stretches hurt!

Energy: It seems to be about the same as last month which I am thankful for! My mom was here last week so that certainly helped! I'm sleeping really good at night which is wonderful. I'm a weird sleeper even when I am not pregnant so I am glad I am sleeping good at night!

Clothing: Clothing has become interesting, not because I don't fit into stuff, but because it decided to get hot outside!!! I was thoroughly enjoying the cold weather and my winter maternity stuff. Now that it is hitting the 80's during the day I am left with only a couple things that will work. I hate to go out and buy short sleeve and shorts that are maternity though. So I pretty much wear jean capris and a t shirt everyday! I have a couple short sleeve shirts I can wear if I need something "nice" to wear! Only a few more weeks though!!

What I miss: I miss being able to run, jump and play with Ayda so much!!! My good friend Taunya is awesome and chases after Ayda for me when we are together. I told her I owe her big time when she gets pregnant! Ayda will come up to me and say "mommy run!" and want me to chase her. I keep telling her I can't run now but will soon! I can't wait to be able to chase her, wrestle with her, etc. again! She loves that! Soon!

(owe how I have not missed the puffy, pregnant face! But alas, it is back! Oy!)

Gotta Love a Momma

My mom came down to visit this past week. It was so nice to have her here. She helps me with so many things which is awesome as my energy is dwindling every day. We had lots of fun while she was here which was the point of the trip. When she comes next time it will be to help out after the baby arrives. She'll be quite busy taking care of me and Ayda mainly!

While she was here we shopped, went to Disney, cleaned out the nursery and it's closet, cleaned the kitchen, rested, went for walks, had picnics by the lake, and just hung out. The week went way too fast in my opinion but we had fun. Ayda LOVES her Be-Be so she had a blast all week. She has already asked for her several times today since my mom left.

I'm so thankful for my mom in so many ways.

She and Ayda played outside for 2 hours one afternoon so I could get dinner ready and clean up the house. They were counting airplanes and birds!

And having a tickle attack!

Ayda loves her tricycle! She rides it around the house all the time and of course lugs it outside whenever we go out there.

Wearing Be-Be's reading glasses. She thought she was something!!

"School Fun!"

A few weeks ago Kevin and I decided that I needed to work with Ayda more on her learning. I was doing the teach throughout the day method and was getting no where. Ayda is apparently the personality that needs me sit down with her one on one and teach. She is so busy and active that teaching throughout the day did not hold her attention well enough. So we started having "school" every morning after breakfast. She knows the routine and is always excited to sit down and work on words, letters, and numbers. We usually make it about 30 minutes which is pretty good for a two year old. I am loving seeing her progress now that we have started doing it this way. She can read about 12 words! The letters are coming along nicely as are her numbers. She cracks us up though because her favorite number is apparently 7 so when we ask her to count something she always starts with 7. She usually goes from 7 to 13...who needs the first 6 numbers right? We are working diligently on those and I do believe she knows them (she counted to 9 today with Kevin correctly), she just likes to start with 7. Funny kid!!!

Whenever we mention School and usually pipes in with "School fun!" I love it!!!

Tampa Aquarium

Ok so I am pretty far behind on the blogging scene!

A few weeks ago Kevin had the good idea of going to the aquarium in Tampa. It's only about an hour and a half drive, maybe less. So we got up that Saturday and were out the door by about 8. Ayda had so much fun looking at the fish, turtles, ducks, penguins, etc. Kevin and I were not as impressed with the place. We still like the Chattanooga aquarium best! But Ayda had fun and that is what is important. And we had an awesome family day!!!

Kevin pointing out the different fish and turtles!

So excited!

Checking out the River Otters!

Ayda's "WOW" face as several big fish swam right by her.

They had a huge sand box with shovels and pails outside! She loved playing there.

About 10 minutes into our drive home and she was out! She was non stop the whole time we were there!!!