Summer Happenings...so far

We have been pretty busy these last few weeks.

James was on vacation for a week in the beginning of June. Our biggest project was taking down an above ground pool and ripping out the deck that surrounded it (it was all rotted). I shouldn't say "our" biggest project...it was all James. Preggers over here couldn't really help much. At any rate, we are now left with a big sand and gravel pit in our back yard. We have plans to build a screened in porch off the back of our house and to build a patio off of that. Of course all of this takes time and money...so it may be awhile before I have pictures of the completed project!!

"Before"

"During"

You will have to wait for the "After" photo...a work in progress!

We spent most of James' vacation at home working on house projects, but we were able to take a lunch break at Chuckee Cheese one day. I was deprived as a child and had never been to one. I'm not sure who enjoyed it more, James or Ryan!? I'm thinking James...but that's just speculation.

In other news...Ryan has been using the potty. I have always heard that with boys they do it when THEY are ready...and not a moment before. I tried getting him to go a few times soon after we bought the potty (several months ago) but he would have nothing of it. The other night he was getting ready for bed and told me he needed to use the potty. I keep his potty downstairs, so I thought for sure it was another stall tactic. Not so! He actually peed in the potty (A LOT!). Since that night he has used the potty on a daily basis...if only I could get him to poop in it!!

Baby Girl Carlson is due to join us on the 19th. I am hoping for a little sooner than that...but we shall see. I went to the doctor last week and was only a "fingertip" dilated...whatever that means! I am thinking about a 1/2 cm...which is good, considering that is what I was when I went into LABOR with Ryan!!

At any rate...we will keep you posted!

Bedtime Blues

Lately we have had a difficult time getting Ryan to stay in bed at night. He goes upstairs willingly...we go through our bedtime routine of brushing teeth, putting his jammies on, reading books, and praying. After that, it's lights out. Before our feet hit the bottom step, he is out of bed. Here is a list of his latest excuses:

• I have an itch
• I bumped my head
• I need to be covered up (um, if he stayed in bed...this wouldn't be a problem)
• I need my noise machine on (also wouldn't be a problem if he didn't know where the on/off switch was)
• I'm not sleepy

And my personal favorite...

I have a booger!

Father's Day

This Father's Day is bittersweet for me.

The sweet part...I have a husband who is an amazing father to our son . I love to watch James play with Ryan, and to see his loving patience, even in times of discipline. I look forward to seeing him interact with our daughter as well...in just about another month!! I am so thankful for James. God has truly blessed me with a wonderful husband!

Fun with Dad

The bitter part, of course, is that this is the first Father's Day without my own Dad. It has been almost a year since his unexpected death, and I still miss him every day (I don't think that feeling will ever go away). However, I am able to reflect fondly on the memories that I do have with him, and for that I am grateful. I had a great relationship with my Dad, and he got to see me through many important stages in my life (high school graduation, college graduation, he walked me down the aisle at my wedding, and he got to meet his first grandchild...just to name a few). While my heart aches that I cannot physically wish him a "Happy Father's Day" this year, I do thank God for my Dad's example in my life...and for giving me the peace to know that my Dad is safe in the arms of our Heavenly Father.

I miss you, Dad!

Summer Fun

Here are a few updated pictures of Ryan. He is enjoying our new house and our backyard where he can run and play and do boy things! We have had fun getting to know the area where we now live. Last week we had a picnic in the local park, and played on the playground there. Also, we visited the Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park and the Discovery Center, a local children's museum. We had lots of fun.

James is on vacation this week, so our plan is to get some things done around the house. The new baby's room is on the agenda...so we shall see what we can accomplish! Speaking of the new baby...I had my 34 week appointment today. They did an ultrasound to check on the baby and she is looking good. I am getting anxious at this point to meet her!! Only 6 weeks to go!!

Soccer anyone?

Do I look like my MiMi in this picture, or what!?

The next Monet

Ringing up the groceries

Finally...

I know, I know...I'm way behind on getting this blog thing started! But...here it is!! I hope you enjoy the updates!