Flashback Friday

6:00 AM
December 13, 2007

This picture was taken the morning I was induced (13 days overdue) with Lucas.  I look so tired!  And swollen! 

We have a big THIRD birthday to celebrate at our house in a couple of days.  Not long after that we will be celebrating a new baby.  So many blessings ~ so much fun!

Big Brother class

Lucas attended "Big Brother/Big Sister Class" at the hospital the other night.  He was so excited about going - he talked about it all day at daycare.  The class is designed for children between 2 and 4 years old; there were three little girls and two little boys.  First, they each got a a special pin for their shirt that said they are an "official" big brother/sister.  Then, the kids colored a paper bib that the volunteer ironed onto a real baby bib.  They read a book about some of the changes that will happen at home when baby comes.  Each child got their own turn to hold the baby doll and change its diaper.  When Lucas was holding the baby doll, I got extremely emotional thinking about what a "big kid" he is... he held that baby and looked like the proudest brother ever.  When it was time to pass the baby to the next child in line, he turned around and looked at us like "I did it!"  We toured the Birthways unit so Lucas knows right where to find us when he comes to visit and meet the baby.  The class concluded with cookies, apple juice and a "graduation" certificate. 

Lucas is going to be a great big brother and great help to mommy and daddy, too. 

my branches hang low

Lucas helped decorate both of our Christmas trees.  He was very good help and was very careful with the ornaments.  The bottom two feet of the trees are heavily weighted this year and I love it!

pregnancy brain

I've heard lots of people mention "pregnancy brain" when a pregnant woman forgets something, makes a silly mistake or something similar.  I've always thought it was just normal forgetfulness or errors.  Until recently.

Two nights ago, I walked into the kitchen with my almost empty cup of ice water that I wanted to refill.  I opened the fridge door and, instead of pulling out the water pitcher, I pulled out a gallon of milk and poured it into my ice water.  Yuck. 

Last night, Lucas said his tummy was empty before bed, so I cut him 1/3 of a banana, peeled the banana and threw the peel in the trash.  I have no idea where I set the banana.  Still.  I looked all over the kitchen, the trash, (even the refrigerator).  No idea. 

I am now a strong believer in this weird condition called "pregnancy brain" because apparently I suffer from it.  I'm worried what tonight might bring. 

Christmas, part 1

Our first Christmas celebration has already come and gone.  We celebrate Perry family Christmas the Saturday after Thanksgiving.  There were two new babies since last year - Kale and Joshua.  It is always fun to see everyone and visit. 

Lucas and Great Pa.

The adults each bring a gift for an exchange.  We draw numbers and when it is your turn, you can pick a new, wrapped gift from under the tree, or you can "steal" someone's gift.  Lucas had fun helping pick up the gift wrap and carrying presents to and from people.  That was until someone wanted his daddy's gift.  He even stood in front of Brent to protect it.  He didn't understand this silly game and was pretty sad. 

It was all made better when Andrea got a Cyclone checkers set, though.  He enjoyed "playing" checkers and Landon was a good sport to let him interrupt the game. 

Then it was gym time!  The big boys and little boys (and Audrey, too) enjoyed burning off some energy. 

Disney on Ice

We had a quiet Thanksgiving because we celebrated with my family the weekend before and Brent's family was at Brad's in Chicago.  My doctor recommended not traveling that far so close to delivery, so we stayed at home.  On Friday, we took Lucas to Disney on Ice: Mickey & Minnie's Magical Journey. We had no idea what to expect, or if Lucas would even sit and watch, but we were hopeful he would enjoy it. 

Our tickets were great!  There were two rows right beside the ice and we were the first row up.  When the characters came to our side of the rink, they were only a feet away. 

Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daffy and Goofy were there.

We saw the Lion King, Little Mermaid and Lilo & Stitch.

Peter Pan, Wendy, John and Michael "flying."

This is the dog from Peter Pan.  The poor skater was hunched over the whole time - ouch!

Captain Hook's pirate ship.

Lucas loved it.  He sat in his seat most of the time, but by the time Captain Hook came out, he was on Brent's lap.  It was a fun afternoon, colorful and great music, with talented ice skaters who can perform wearing awkward costumes.