Few More Weeks Down...Lots To Go

I have not written since right after Independence Day. We haven't been too busy, mainly just passing the days with lots of family time. We have started the unfamiliar task of disciplining a toddler. Noelle has taken to Time Out and when threatened she will put herself in the corner! I guess that is a good sign that she understands what it is. Every time she does it I just want to pick her up and give her tons of hugs and kisses because of the extreme sweetness she exhibits.

I am now fourteen weeks along in my pregnancy. Basically that means my first trimester is over and the nausea and fatigue should start to subside. While at my last doctor's appointment we pretty much decided that this baby will be delivered by cesarean section. A few factors helped make the decision, the biggest one being the doctor said it was the best decision in my case! I'm a little nervous about the recovery, but I know that I can handle it with the help of family and friends.

Aunt Charlotte came to stay with us from Wednesday until Friday of last week. She was on break from her school. Of course, instead of a fun relaxing visit she had to get an eye infection and we had to take her to the doctor and get that taken care of! She did end up watching Noelle so Tom and I could see a movie. We saw Transformers and loved it.

Last Saturday, Tom's Dad came to visit for the day. Noelle was way more cranky than she normally is and I'm not even sure why. It was nice for her to be in her own environment and I think that helped combat her crabbiness. We grilled for lunch and have yummy Mancino's Grinders for dinner. It was really a great visit and Noelle loved reading books Grandpa and having him around for the day!

On Monday, this week Noelle and I visited my Grandparents in St. Clair. We haven't seen them since they left for Florida in the early fall. We stayed for a few hours and Noelle loved watching the boats go by on the river.

Zeus decided this week that he wanted to have an ear infection! I took him to the vet on Tuesday and we found out that he weighs 78 pounds! I also booked him some obedience classes that start in mid August. He listens fairly well, until he is distracted then you can yell at the top of your lungs and his ears seem to stop working! Next Tuesday he gets his "manhood" taken away and that will be an interesting time for him.

Well that has been the last few weeks for us. Next week I venture up to Alpena for a few days and will return will lots of pictures from my good friend's baby shower! Wish me luck on the long drive, alone, with Noelle.

Fourth of July and Fun Times At The Zoo!

I hope everyone had a fabulous Independence Day! We didn't do too much for the Holiday. Being so far way from family makes it very difficult. Noelle is too young to go to the fireworks as she goes to bed around 7:30pm! We did go to our local Adrian Mall and walk around to get some exercise and for a change of scenery. After the sun set we could hear fireworks in the distance and decided to step outside. Fortunately, we could see very clearly just over the trees the Adrian fireworks. I think the best way to enjoy fireworks is at your own house with the one you love! It was a very fitting ending to a wonderful Fourth of July! Last year at this time we were on our Alaskan Cruise and it was something we will always remember, this year was not as exciting, but what can compare to Alaska? Here are two pictures one from a year ago, in Alaska, and the other one is this year, with the same hat on!

Today, we went to the Toledo Zoo! Tom took today and tomorrow off of work and the Zoo just seemed like such a fun trip with a toddler in tow! After we woke up we got ready quickly and headed out. Luckily, it's only about a 40 minute drive for us and we arrived just after they opened. We stayed for about two and a half hours, visiting almost everything. Noelle really enjoyed all the animals and making the appropriate noises to go along with most of them! There were times when the animal crackers I brought to snack on were of more interest than some other things, but who can turn down the great taste of animal crackers?! They have a children's zoo with goats that Noelle did enjoy brushing and petting. After a few hours we were getting very sticky and dark clouds were rolling in. We decided to head towards the entrance and as we got there light showers started to cool us. We had to stop at the gift shop and get a few souvenirs. Noelle chose a giraffe and tiger stuffed animals, which were clutched tightly in her arms the rest of time!

Pictures

Some weekend pictures to enjoy...

Noelle's first orange push pop!

Chasing Bubbles!