Family Fun

Wednesday Daniel didn't go into work. This was the first time since the first week of Ezekiel's life that he's had a day "off." Since he works two jobs, he works at least a few hours all 7 days of the week. He's been working a lot lately since I've been out of work. It's been hard taking care of two by myself most of the time, but I have enjoyed getting to know Ezekiel and playing with Malachi.

My favorite picture of Ezekiel thus far

Mid-yawn

Malachi - "I love getting my little brother."

"Cheese" --- I love getting my picture taken!

"Vroom, vroom"

Ezekiel slept through most of it.

After we all got ready, we went to downtown Concord to a consignment shop or two. My favorite shop was locked and closed for no apparent reason. The second shop was greatly overpriced (I won't be going back there). I can buy brand new stuff for what they were wanting for a pair of shorts for Malachi.

That was a bust. Then Daniel wanted to go to Bass Pro Shops to look at some fishing gear. Before heading there we ate at a Mexican restaurant and went to New Creation Book store to buy some VeggieTales CD's. They had some of the CD's 2 for $10. We got the worship CD and the 70's CD. Malachi loves them both and asks for them as soon as he gets in the van. It is a little bit more entertaining for us adults compared to the theme song and the hokie pokie.

The picture of Malachi in the racecar shopping cart was taken in front of the big fish tank. Sorry for the flash. I should have put my camera in a different mode, because the ones without the flash on were even worse. Anywho, Malachi had fun "driving" the car and looking at the big fish. Daniel didn't come away with any fish gear, but he did scope out what he wanted for later.

It was so nice just to have some quality time as a family without feeling like we had to run and do stuff or get something from the grocery store. I hope we can have another day like that next week before I go back to work.

Many Words

This evening Grammy and Grandpa took Malachi, Uncle David, Ezekiel, and I to CiCi's. Daniel was working. I think they had a Secret Shopper appointment. Anywho, two nights a month this CiCi's has a balloon artist in the house. He finally made it to our table right before we left. He asked Malachi what he would like. I said, "Would you like a dog?" He smiled and said, "Daaawwwg." Then the man asked what color. I said, "Would you like blue?" Malachi smiled and said, "Booo." Of course, neither he nor I knew what he wanted, but I asked about something that I knew he could say and participate in. By the way, he ate 3 (small) pieces of pizza (no toppings/cheese) and one piece of apple dessert pizza.

I said earlier that Grammy and Grandpa took us out to eat, but I should say that Grammy and "PawPaw" took us out to eat. Malachi says Mom, Dad, and PawPaw. Sorry, Grammy, there's none of your name coming yet. He does have a Nana, and I know that he can say that. It is so funny to hear him say it. You see, most of his words have come on his own. He doesn't repeat after me several times. He just all of a sudden starts saying a new word, and we have to figure it out. Now I know why southern grandparents are referred to as PawPaw. There are many children that say it first, I guess.

Here are some words and their meanings:

• "Seat" - his booster seat, his car seat, and just about any chair to sit in. I think it also means 'I want to sit.'
• "Eat" - I'm hungry. Let's eat. You are eating. I am eating.
• "Hold" - Hold me and pick me up
• "Hep"/help - I want to help. Help me. Look at me, I'm helping someone. (I'm a big boy!)
• "Daa" - Please and Thank you (Don't ask me why)
• "Ama"/amen - said at the end of the blessing or bedtime prayer or anytime we pray
• "Zeeeee" - his little brother Z (Ezekiel's nickname)
• "Ha-ma" - Handy Manny (a Disney show about working together and tools---Handy Manny is Fez from That 70's Show). It also means his TV shows on Disney in general, but he does recognize that one with more emphasis.
• "Bye-bye" - and does a funny wave
• "Hey" - Hi and a telephone
• "Ny-ny" - night, night - Good night
• "Eye-di-di" - I love you (my personal favorite)
  

His favorite show and music is VeggieTales. We have to listen to his CD with his name in the VeggieTales songs most of the time in the car. His two favorite shows on Disney are "Little Einsteins" and "Handy Manny." He also likes "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" and "The Doodlebops." He also loves to watch Clifford because he is a "daaawwwg" and loves those books, but we don't watch it that much. Disney's programs are much more entertaining for adults. Since Ezekiel has been here, Malachi has been watching more TV. It just helps me keep an eye on him while I'm nursing his little brother and holding him. I have been trying to wean him away from watching so much now. It's not good for him to watch too much. However, he is learning things from the shows, like how to pat, pat, pat his legs and say "pat," too. I've never been an advocate for TV, but it sure does help when you've got your hands full.

I have to go back to work two weeks from today. I was looking forward to it when I had cabin fever, but now, I'm not too sure. At least I only have to work for two months before summer break. I have really enjoyed the last two weeks with Malachi and Z. Malachi is growing so much and coming out with new words almost everyday. Ezekiel and I are finally figuring out a routine. I am getting a chance to rest a little and sleep off and on. I don't know if Ezekiel will sleep through the night soon, but he's getting better about sleeping on his own and not near me.

I think that I have rambled enough. Good night.

My Boys (Dad, Malachi, and "Z")

Daniel (Dad) has been working lots of hours to make up for the large sum that I am missing out on right now. It makes him very tired. I hate that he is so tired, but I am thankful for the jobs. He is still having to work his pastor "job" (really ministry). My head just spins thinking about all he has to do on top of being a great father. I'm so blessed to have a wonderful man of God as my husband.

Malachi still loves his little brother. He is a true toddler, though. He doesn't understand that he can't step on his little brother or other rough things, but he still listens well and loves to "hep" put diapers in the trash and other things like putting clothes in the dryer and emptying the dishwasher.

When "Z" is on the floor, Malachi has to be there sitting with him or laying with him.

Today Ezekiel was actually awake and not crying for quite some time. This is the first time this has happened in the afternoon ever. I guess he's starting to be awake a little more.

Too cute and AWAKE!

I'm still on maternity leave and will return on April 16th. Thanks to our spring break, I will get over 7 weeks off to be with my boys. I am feeling pretty good, not 100%, but better than I have felt in a long time. I am over my "cabin fever" and feeling good about being a mom of 2 at home. I have been making small trips occasionally and taking a day a week to go to a friend's house who is a "SAHM" of a 1 year old. I actually miss my work and students a little but not enough to go back until its time.

Dear Ezekiel,

You are one month and two days old today. Yesterday at your appointment you weighed in at 9 lbs. 12 oz. Wow! The doctor says you must be taking in at least 28 oz. of milk a day in order to have gained over a pound in two weeks. You are up to 21 and a half inches. That's a gain of 1/2 an inch from birth. You are growing so quickly. You still don't sleep long periods of time at night, but we are starting to figure out a schedule/system, and it is making things easier on me.


You don't smile a lot yet, and you sleep A LOT! It seems like you are awake for about a total of 4 hours a day (not counting the time that you eat). Most of the time you eat and go back to sleep. The past few mornings you have been waking up about 7:30 or 8. That is when you will eat and be awake for awhile. It makes it hard for your Daddy to get out the door that way. He very rarely sees you awake. You also cry a lot. I don't remember your brother crying that much, but it's ok. You need a little more structure in your day, but are pretty good about going with the flow as long as you have a full stomach.


You seem to really like your big brother, Malachi, and he absolutely adores you. When I lay you on the blanket on the floor, he will lay there with you. He wants to put the blanket on you when you are sleeping in the swing. You do pretty well at sleeping through all the noise that he makes when he plays. I hope that means that you will be able to sleep through any noise just like Malachi can now. The first night at the hospital, you came in our room at about 3am. What did you do? You cried. The only way I could get you to not cry was to nurse. That's ok, though, because you latched on so quickly and helped my milk come in sooner. It was a long night. When your big brother came into the room to see us the next morning, you immediately calmed down and cried less from that point on. I hope and pray that you and Malachi will be close friends. When you get mobile, I know he'll be glad to show you the ropes.

I love you so much Ezekiel Luke. I can't wait to see more of your personality and all the wonderful things that God has in store for your life. I'm so glad that you are here. I have really enjoyed being home with you and your big brother.

-Mommy

Things I Love About NOT Being Pregnant

• I can lay comfortably in any position in the bed (especially on my stomach).
• I can hug my husband and not be a mile away from him.
• I can bend over easily and not be a chore to get back up again.
• I am definitely lighter.
• My post-pregnancy pants are actually a size too big, since I didn't gain as much weight this time.
• My stomach is shrinking not growing.
• I can wear more than one pair of pants and two shirts.
• I can walk and run again.
• I can lift things without feeling like I am going to throw out my back.
• I can get the baby out of the bed and cuddle my husband or have more room to myself.

(taken at 39 weeks)

Fun with Hamburger and Friends

Monday night Daniel grilled hamburgers. Malachi enjoyed being outside on the porch with his Daddy. He also enjoyed eating hamburger (without the bun!). I was shocked and amazed. This is coming from the kid who will rarely eat meat, and it needs to be on a bun when eating meat. Wow! He's also been trying and eating a few new foods. Maybe, just maybe, we are coming out of the picky toddler stage. Let's hope!

If you look closely you can see he was having a little too much fun on the dirty porch (hence the black on his nose and hands).


Today we had a little "playdate" with Kyla. It was so nice to sit, relax, and watch the children play. Malachi had lots of fun playing with her toys and sharing his cheerios. Below, he's being a good big "brother" to Kyla. He's so nurturing. Thanks for the time Lesli! We'll do it again soon.

"Hep!"

The past three days I have taken my two boys and one girl (Kiev) out for a walk since the weather has been in the 70's and 80's. After walking about 3/4 of a mile pushing the limousine (double stroller), Malachi is ready to play outside with Kiev. Well, Grandpa came home early today to mow the grass and do some yard work, since it supposed to rain tonight and tomorrow. Malachi hung outside with Kiev, throwing her ball at her and giving her sticks.

Then, when Grandpa was done and Grammy came home, he wanted to "hep" (help). He helped push the lawnmower (while it was off), carry crape myrtle branches to the road, and push the edger around (while off). He had so much fun. He wanted to make sure that everyone was watching him "hep." Ezekiel rolled over to his side while we were walking and stayed comfy there for at least an hour. He was content being outside in the shade, sleeping.


Malachi was also stoked when Grammy came home. He was playing with his car which is not much bigger than hers. I think he just really wants to ride since its more his size and its the only car that he hasn't ridden in. Look out world!

Dear Malachi,

You have amazed me at how many words you have added to your vocabulary in the past week. There is no way to describe how neat it is to see you articulate different emotions. I can actually sort of carry on a conversation with you. How cool! You say things like "help, keys, ball, up, down, hot, dad, eye, nose, shoes, bowl" and many more. You try to say things that you can't yet. And if you know you can't say anything, its just "da!" with a big smile.

When you went to the doctor two weeks ago for your upper respiratory infection, you weighed 27 lbs. You are wearing 24 mo. and 2T shirts. You still mostly need 18 mo. pants, but you are getting ready to move up in pants, too. You still are wearing your favorite spiderman shoes. You love to look at other shoes. We bought you a hat to wear when your brother came home. You love to say, "hat," and wear it around the house and outside.

You love your little brother. You love to be near him and hate to hear him cry. It hurts you when he cries. You are more used to his cries than you used to be, but I can tell that it still pains you. Anytime I put the blanket on the floor for Ezekiel to lay on, you automatically lay down on the floor next to him. You will often point out his eyes, nose, and head. You also love to hold him. When I place in on your lap, you put your arms underneath him and just giggle. When I pull him away, you whine to have him back. You have also started tickling him. You basically pinch his clothes and make a "tick, tick" sound. It is quite precious.

Before your brother was born, I could tell that you were becoming a little boy, but lately you have really matured and shocked me at how much of a big boy you can be. So far, Malachi, you have handled all these changes really well and love your growing family. I hope that the love continues and you know that we love you just as much as we did before, if not more. You are a precious gift from God. Thank you for bringing such joy into our lives.

2 week check-up

Ezekiel had his 2 week check-up today.

He was 8lb. 6 oz., 20 in. with a head circumference of 35 cm.

He had gotten down to 7 lb. 8.5 oz before leaving the hospital and was 7 lb. 10 oz. at his 5 day check-up. He is gaining weight fabulously! I knew he would be. The boy can eat!

At this time...

2 weeks ago I only had one son.
2 weeks ago I was having some major contractions and knew that I would have a second son soon.
1 week ago I had a very sick toddler whom I missed very much.
1 week ago life was very crazy.

It's getting better!

Feeling Better

Lots of pictures are posted below!!! Scroll down!

Malachi is feeling better. Yesterday, he played all morning and evening with his Nana and Grammy. You could see in his face how sick he was, but he just kept going. He napped and slept really well and has been taking the three medicines the doctor prescribed Wednesday. His fever was up most of the day as well.

Today, his fever is gone and is almost back to normal. His nose is dripping much less. He is still extremely tired and was ready to go down early again for a nap with now fussing. I hope this is the end, and no one else will get it.

Ezekiel is showing no symptoms. In fact, last night he slept four hours straight, allowing me to get 3 and a half hours of sleep straight. Praise the Lord! Daniel also let Ezekiel and I sleep in a little. I think I got a combination of 8 hours of sleep last night, and, boy, do I feel like I have more energy. I still don't feel up to standing or walking a lot, though. I haven't been past the mailbox since Monday afternoon and am starting to go stir crazy. Thankfully, everyone is doing well. Praise the Lord!

I'd like to give a shout-out of thanks to the boys' Nana and Aunt Miranda for helping me in the mornings the past few days. Daniel has needed to work. What a blessing to have family close by!

My Boys (All 3 of Them)

"Mommy, I really like my little brother!"
(Malachi - 19 1/2 mo. & Ezekiel - approx. 10 hours old)

The wonderful daytime nurse (Sue) let Malachi borrow a dinosaur puzzle to keep him occupied.

On the way home from the hospital

On Sunday (Feb. 25) Daddy and Malachi went out to BJ's to do some grocery shopping. Malachi is sporting the new hat that we bought him to help ease the stress of having a little brother at home. Boy, was Malachi ready to go and get out of the house. He had no problem leaving Mommy behind.

Brothers (the first time Malachi "held" Ezekiel)

Who's the cheeseball?
(Malachi - 19 1/2 mo. & Ezekiel - 6 days old)

Who loves to read even when he's sick? My precious eldest son!

Finally..........pictures!!!

You are finally here! Welcome to the world, Ezekiel Luke!

After several minutes, you finally began to cry and breathe.

Our first picture together

Under the lights

Back in our room, Daddy changes your first diaper

Your favorite place to be (besides in someone's arms) --- your bouncy seat

Serious cuteness

Taken today (at 9 days old) --- Wow! You sure are growing fast!

Please Pray

Please pray for us right now. Malachi has come down with a bad respiratory infection with a little bit of the flu. He is really quite sick. This is the first time that he has been truly sick (beyond a simple cold). To make matters worse, as you all know, Ezekiel is only a week old. Daniel had to care for Malachi while I cared for Ezekiel. I feel horrible. My son is sick, and I can't do much to help him. Please, please pray for Malachi's quick recovery and that none of us (especially Ezekiel) don't catch what he has. We definitely don't want to infect our youngest. Thanks for lifting us up!

Labor and Delivery

I have been meaning to post the events (not too gory) of the birth of our second son. It was almost a dream. It was honestly almost a perfect labor and delivery---almost exactly the way I had hoped it would go. I just wish I could have waited like 2 or 3 more days. I'm glad he came when he did, though.

Wednesday started out as the typical day at work. I began realizing, however, that my contractions were beginning to be a little more different. They were becoming more consistent and definitely heavier. I know that I had said these things before, but something was just "different." By the end of 5th period (2-2.30pm). My contractions were consistently 6-10 min. apart and had been for awhile and getting stronger. I was supposed to go to the chiropractor at 4pm, but I called them and asked if I could come in a little later. I had a feeling I might not make it to school on Thursday. I started getting everything together and laid out for Thursday and Friday. I informed the teacher next door to me that "I might not be here tomorrow," and showed him where a few things were. I was honestly expecting to make it to next week. Thankfully, my mentor and fellow 7th English teacher was still there after school and stopped to check in. I told her how I was feeling, and she (being the mom of 3 boys) assured me that I was going to go soon. Wednesday was also the day that she had chosen in the pool at school for our little boy's arrival date. Anywho, I filled her in on my plans, and she told me not to worry that she would take care of everything else. Thanks, Mrs. M! You really help put my mind at ease.

I was able to leave the school about 4:30pm, feeling more and more certain that I would not make it into school the next morning. I got home and called the chiropractor again to cancel. They offered to see me tomorrow. I declined, and they got excited that I was in labor. Since it was Wednesday, we were planning to go to church for Bible Study. I was still planning on going at that point. I made an executive decision, though. This would probably be the last chance I got to eat out with only one son and no crying baby. We went out to Brooklyn's for some pizza. It was good, but my contractions were getting MUCH stronger, and my body ran the food straight through me. It knew that I needed to be cleaned out for delivery. I told Daniel that we weren't going to Bible study and that we would be going to the hospital at some point this evening. We played at home with Malachi. Daniel went out to run a last minute errand, and I put Malachi to bed (knowing this would be the last time as a Mom of one). I then took a shower, so I would feel as clean as possible for the arrival. Daniel got home, and I laid down in the bed to rest. My contractions were about 6 min. apart at this point. They were definitely too intense to sleep through, but I did dose off once or twice in between the frequency of them.

A little after 10pm, my water broke and continued to leak out. I had called the doctor on call earlier. She told me if my water broke to come in. I told Daniel, and he began to pack his stuff in the suitcase while I walked around. Your water breaking definitely makes the contractions worse. We left about 10:45pm, and left Grammy and Grandpa in charge of a sleeping Malachi.

We arrived at the hospital at about 11pm. I told them I was in labor. They didn't seem too thrilled to see me. They asked if my water broke, and I said, "yes." They immediately were interested and whisked me back to the bathroom where a nurse checked to make sure that it was my water breaking. We bypassed the initial check rooms and went straight to a delivery room. I was changing into a gown, and they were shooting off quesitons for the check-in process. The nurses checked me first since the doc wasn't in yet. I was 7-8 cent. I laid down in the bed with the monitors on. The contractions were getting unbearable, but I didn't want an epidural yet, and none of us thought there would be enough time anyways. I got some pain med. to take the edge off the contractions and waited through. The nurse told me to let them know if I felt the need to push. They still figured I had a few hours to go. There was still fluid in my "water sac" which the doctor finished breaking when she arrived.

Since I had a long, drawn out labor with Malachi and an epidural, the pains of childbirth were totally new to me. At about 11:40pm I rather painfully yelled that I needed to push. The doc and nurses ran in and told me to go ahead. I was doing it anyways, so they wasted their breath. As they were getting everything ready, I looked at the clock and it was 11:45. I commented on how this little one might make it today. The nurse assured me that he wouldn't. I pushed two more times with Daniel and a nurse holding my legs. Out he came at 11:54pm. I kept saying, "Hallelujah" and "Praise the Lord." It was by far a much better delivery than the first. It was more painful, but it was much faster and better. Plus we saved a ton of money on not getting the epidural.

The nurses didn't tell us at the time, but Ezekiel wasn't breathing. The cord had been wrapped around his head somewhere. Daniel saw the doc move it. We didn't hear him cry for several minutes, but they never told us anything was wrong to keep us calm. He finally cried after having a tube shoved down his throat. How amazing is our God! He protected our little man. I got to hold him for a few minutes before they took him out to be bathed and watched. He had pooped ahead of time like his brother. I was so exhausted that I was shaking all over. After being stitched up, I tried to sleep with visitors coming in and out of the room. It didn't bother me that my baby was still in the nursery due to my exhaustion. He came to our room about 3pm and the fun began.

Thanks to the Boppy for allowing me to cuddle my baby and type with two hands while he was napping. What a wonderful invention!

Our First Night at Home

Our first night at home was eventful. Ezekiel woke about 11pm and was inconsolable for a long time. Even with the door closed, he was able to scream loud and long enough to wake up Malachi. Since he (Malachi) is so sensitive, he cries when other people get upset. Malachi was up crying several times in his room. Daniel went in once to try to calm him down, but it just didn't work. I'm sure Grammy and Grandpa were up several times in the middle of the night, too.

Well, I spent most of the night in the big chair in the rec room with Ezekiel. He slept and ate a lot. I was able to get Daniel to switch spots with me for 2 hours. Those were the best two hours of sleep in our bed in a long time. In the middle of the night Ezekiel decided to have a huge blowout poop (you know the black, tarry kind). Fun stuff. A few hours later, Daniel went into Malachi's room to get him up at about 8am. What did he find? A big toddler poop! Not fun either. Daniel immediately whisked him off to the shower while I dealt with Ezekiel. Wow! I sure don't want to revisit this night again.

Look out world here I am!!!

Ezekiel Luke was born

February 21st at 11:54 pm.

He weighted 8 pounds

and was 21 inches long.

Happy Birthday Cousin Avery!

It's your first birthday big girl! I'm sorry that we couldn't make it down to see you. I hope that you have a wonderful day and that you all recuperate from your sickness. Much love!

Many Greetings

Happy Valentine's Day from us all! Our day was pretty uneventful. Malachi took a long nap. We all went to my doctor to make sure I was Ok as well as baby. We had to eat dinner in the car on the way to picking up someone for church. A fun time was had by all. Happy V Day!

I want to send a few hour early greeting to Kyla. In a few hours, she will be one year old. She was born on the 15th. I hope that you enjoyed your first Valentine's Day and will enjoy your day tomorrow, Kyla. Happy First Birthday!!!

Avery, I will try my hardest to post a Happy Birthday to you on Saturday. I haven't forgotten, yet!

Update

Malachi is getting ready to get tooth number 12. Once this one comes in, he'll only need one more to make a full one-year-old set up top. He'll still need three more on the bottom. He has all of his one year molars, but he is still missing some of the ones in between. He is growing by leaps and bounds in personality and what he can do. Still pictures cannot portray what he can do and how much fun he has. The boy can run, and I mean RUN. He goes at full speed up and down the house and around the church/daycare. He has two voice levels now (loud and ear-piercing). He smiles and laughs much more than before (even though he always smiled and laughed a lot). He will follow directions pretty easily and is very obedient for a 19 month old child. He loves certain books (like Clifford) because it has a dog or a baby. When asked where his baby brother is, he will come over to me and lift up my shirt, pat my big belly, and put my shirt back down. How cute!

My contractions have become a little more frequent. I still don't know if I will go this week. I'm still predicting after my due date, but most of the ladies at work (who started a pool on my delivery date and baby's weight) chose dates before my due date. I've also got another ailment that I won't go into on a public domain. Not everyone would want to know. I have very, very little that I can wear now, but I am just trying to make due by washing clothes often.

Daniel was offered a seasonal job with good pay, but we would then have to pay for Malachi's childcare, and he would be driving more. I think that he will turn the offer down and just continue to up his hours at the YMCA. He enjoys what he does and has descent benefits.

Little baby boy is looking forward to sharing his name with the world on the day of his arrival. His Mommy and Daddy are excited to share, too. They probably won't keep the name a secret when number three comes along. It's just too much for them to handle. Baby is moving plenty during the day and night. He's causing his Mommy to have a difficult time sleeping as each night comes along.

We don't know if the apartments that we are trying to get to will be open soon, but please pray that the baby can wait until we get moved. We would like to move this weekend if the place comes available. We'll keep you updated. I'm going to try to call tomorrow. A lot is happening, but we are happy, as usual, to be in the center of the Lord's will.

Baby Shower

Last Saturday Lesli threw me a baby shower. It was more of a "diaper shower" since we have the essentials. We still registered at Babies R Us, because there are several items that we still need. All the guests brought a pack of diapers and something else, too. Malachi thought that everything was for him, of course. He helped open all the packages and took the clothes and tissue paper for others to see. It was a lot of fun, and we were/are so grateful for all the wonderful items. Thank you again to all who came and gave. It was a blast!

Grammy read a few words of blessing for her newest grandchild (and got a little choked up, too).

Breakfast was cooked fresh and tasted great!

I don't understand that it is not all about me, yet!
I can still have fun throwing the balls everywhere.

Miscellaneous pictures that I failed to post before

A few days after New Year's Day, I was able to get together with some "old" friends. We went to McAllister's for dinner and chatted for a few hours. I told the girls I would post their picture, but I have failed to do so, until now. From left to right (Julie, Hanna, Morgan, Jess). I love these girls like my sisters and miss them dearly as we all have our very busy lives. I hope you all are doing well. Love ya!

Everyone look at the cameras!

Everyone look at the cameras, and, oh, Avery, stay put. Look happy!

No really guys, everyone look over here and sit still.

Just wait until next Christmas. We will have a 4 year old, a 2 and a half year old, a 22 mo. old, and an 11 mo. old. Wow! I can't wait for those pictures in front of the Christmas tree!

Callie and Avery's momma isn't the only one who can torture her children:)
Actually, Malachi really seemed to enjoy walking around with his pants on his head. He was quite the show-off.

18 months (over a month ago)
I think I'll print this one in 5x7 or 8x10 size and use as his 18 mo. "portrait."

Just to let you know. I am still having contractions. They are not getting much closer together unless I am on my feet a lot. At my appointment on Thursday, the doctor told me I was 1 cm dilated. I think she was just trying to make me feel better, though. I am trying not to do a whole lot and sit most of the day at school (which is rather difficult). Once I get past Friday, I probably won't be as "cautious." Daniel is in Phoenix right now until Thursday afternoon. I definitely don't want to go into labor while he is out of town. Thank goodness we are still with my parents right now. It helps to have a little extra support. Love you both!

Snow Day

Today was the first "snow day" of the year. This is the first time that Malachi has seen snow. We had absolutely no snow last winter. It started out snowing early in the morning (around 5am). By about 9am, we had accumulated about 2 in. of snow. Around 10am it started raining. I had two doctor's appointments scheduled for this afternoon that asked me to come in early since they were planning on closing early. Daniel had an interview at 9:30 this morning. He told me not to take Malachi out in the snow without him. We could have gone out while Daniel was gone, but we actually had to get in the shower, since we slept in until almost 9am. He got home about 10am, and we loaded up the car for my two appts. By the time we got home, a little after noon, Malachi was asleep in the car and most of the snow had melted under the temperature (34) and rain. So, Malachi was able to see the snow but not play in the snow. I am a little disappointed, but he probably wouldn't have liked it. I would like to have it snow once more and maybe get Malachi out in it. There's always next year, right? Who knows in NC?

I never got a chance to post the pictures of our last day off (MLK, Jr. day-Jan..15th). Daniel was off, too, so we went to the park to play a little. I wanted Malachi to play on the equipment, but he wasn't too sure. After failing to get him to play on the equipment, we tried to get him to swing (which he hated). Then we took our soccer ball out on the soccer field. He actually started kicking the ball instead of picking it up. He is very good at dribbling with his feet. I was very impressed.