Ultrasound

Guess what?! We're having a GIRL!! Yes, that's right, its a little Sara or Michaela or Ashley or Shannon -- just kidding, none of those names are on my list. You didn't think I would spill the beans about that did you? We saw little Miss at our ultrasound today and she is very active, and weighs about 13 oz. Everything measured well and looks good with her. (Sidenote: as I type, Jalen is sitting on Mace's back demanding GO, GO, GO!! Do you think he wants to be a rodeo star?) Back to the appointment...I somehow did not gain any weight since last month although my belly is seriously growing. Because I'm doing so well, my doctor ok'd my chocolate milk habit and said whatever makes me happy, in moderation of course. (Yes, Devan, she did!) After that I went to Target and bought Baby Girl her first outfits. I spent at least three times longer trying to decide what to buy than I usually do with Jalen's clothes, because there are THREE TIMES AS MANY OPTIONS!!!! After that, I took advantage of my Mother's Day gift card to the spa (a.k.a. - work) and received a great relaxing prenatal massage. Finally, I couldn't just buy girl stuff and nothing for Jalen (I see how this is going to be) so my final stop was at Smart Toys and Books. Jalen got some picture "flash cards" and a new puzzle. Wow, all in all a really good day.

NO!! Not Yet!

When Jalen and I are in my bedroom and I am not paying attention (i.e. - I am on the computer), he ALWAYS walks over to Devan's nightstand and grabs his glasses. He used to just bring them to me and say "thanks". Now we talk about eyes and I try to get them away from him as he is pulling the earpieces apart until the things look like one straight piece of metal and smudging the lenses with the who-knows-what that is on his fingers. These things must be made out of diamonds and rubber, because they are incredibly strong and always bounce back to close to the original shape. Today he tried to put them on his eyes and he let me help him so I could get a picture. I hope it is YEARS before we see another picture of him in glasses, but he does look cute! Then we took them off really quick because I'm sure looking through Daddy's lenses would give anyone a headache.

'Nana

Here's another video I had uploaded of Jalen having a snack at his favorite seat in the house - the kitchen window. Of course, Mace is not too far away. Jalen sits there and eats a snack and says "Hi" and "Bye Bye" to people and animals walking past.



I'll try to recap the rest of his expanded vocabulary:
Nana (banana)
cookie
cracker
cheese
(he says something for drink but I don't even know how to spell that!)
more (favorite word lately)
apple (for apple or applesauce)
boop (book)
gock (sock) (or clock)
go! (as in Mace Go Away!)
bat (bath)
diadu (diaper)
night night
bie dis (bite of this)
poon (spoon)
Maaaaaace (Mace)
too too (choo choo)
tootles (as in "Oh Tootles" on Mickey Mouse)
eyes
hot
cold
no no! (or Oh No)

Wow, that's quite a list! I'm sure there's more. Smart and Handsome! (just like Dad)

Evolution of the Hot Dog Dance

Jalen likes to practice brushing his teeth when he sees us do it. Sometimes he wanders off with his toothbrush and you never know where or if you will find it again. This morning while we were brushing, he had to take a time out to go participate in the Hot Dog Dance. As you can see, his moves have evolved from the lower body squatting and bouncing to the more upper body swing. He's so entertaining!

Happy Mother's Day

I had such a great Mother's Day! My boys spoiled me with a gift card for a massage and Jalen gave lots of kisses! Devan helped me finish painting the kitchen and clean up the house. I love spending days at home with them.

Road Trip to Indy

Where have we been lately? It seems like when I realize it's about time to make a new post, I check my camera and don't have any new pictures. I think I have a couple videos to upload though, so that will come next.

Last week, we bypassed all the rain in Tennessee by heading north to Indy. Devan had another training, and it fell on days that I was off work, so we decided to keep him company. I took my camera with me, but forgot to use it most of the time! The ride up there went pretty well - Jalen fell asleep almost instantly, then woke up and had lunch, and we were almost there by the time he got antsy. We checked in and went to check out the pool. I got Jalen new swim trunks and a life vest just for this trip, but sadly, Momma didn't trust the cloudy waters enough to get in!

The next day, we made a trip to Babies R Us (can't get away from that store) to find Jalen something to keep him occupied in the hotel. This is what we came away with: No, he doesn't like to shop. But he loves to push things with wheels. That evening we visited with friends Drew, Kim, and Rylon Gore who live near the Bowen Indy office now. Jalen and Rylon are a month apart in age and shared toys very well. Of course, the hit was Rylon's toy push mower (we think because it was the loudest)!

We hung out at the hotel and loaded the car the next day while we waited for Daddy to get done at work. We got everything packed up pretty quickly, but not before leaving a special surprise of Cheerios and Rice Chex for the friendly housekeepers! We made good time on the way home, until we hit stopped traffic due to construction and Jalen got bored/hungry all at the same time. Pit Stop! Before the next trip we will have to shop for a new dvd. Although Mickey and his Choo Choo Boogie are still very intriguing, I think Dad and I are ready to hear something else! I think I got my fill of 6-hour road trips for a while.