An Elmo experience

Like most toddlers, Knox loves Elmo.  He has Elmo videos, books, clothes, dolls, etc.  His obsession is unhealthy, but I promise I have done nothing to encourage it.  All his paraphernalia he received as gifts.  Anyway, one of Knox's buddies, Avery, had her 2nd Birthday party today and the theme was Elmo.  Knox was hyped!

the Elmo goodies

Bradley made these herself- insane! 

The big surprise of the day was that Elmo was making an appearance.  Avery's dad donned the costume for all the kiddos.  We were 99.9% certain that Knox would be scared to death of Elmo, but we were still curious.  So, I was armed with the camera for this Elmo meet & greet magic.  I'll just say that Knox did not disappoint.

Elmo meeting the kids

Knox sees Elmo for the 1st time....total terror

It was like toddler torture...so sad

 I would like to say that this is a normal toddler reaction and maybe it is, but he was the only child at the party that had this reaction.  I don't blame him though a 6 ft Elmo kind of freaked me out too :)

-Stacie

Galveston

Last weekend we were lucky enough to get invited to stay at our friend's family beach house in Galveston.  We had visions of Knox loving the beach- playing in the sand and splashing in the ocean.  But as those of you who are parents can relate to- our vision was quickly crushed.  Knox apparently HATES the beach.  He cried and screamed in the water and got upset when the sand touched him.  He spent most of his time at the beach with his clothes and shoes on sitting in the wagon so he didn't get sandy.  Who would have thought?  Oh well.  We still had a fun trip despite his trying to thwart it! 

Knox & Blythe eating popsicles on the beach 

Knox eyeing some candy on The Strand

Me & my sweetie

Knox & Blythe

It was so nice to be at the beach and be away from home for a few days.  Although vacationing with a toddler is nothing close to a vacation.  Good news is that next week Kyle & I are taking a real "vacation"- which means no Knox.  We're getting away to San Francisco for a long weekend while my mom takes care of Knox.  We are really looking forward to the time away!

-Stacie

It's a GIRL!!!!!!!
If you know me at all you know that I am BESIDE myself with excitement- and that is a bit of an understatement.

Sister or Brother...

We find out officially tomorrow if our little one is a boy or a girl! Up until now I've been having fun reading all the old wives tales and taking online quizzes to see which way my pregnancy symptoms are pointing. Here are the old wives tales and their predictions: 

• If you have morning sickness you're having a girl- check!
• If you're craving sweets or citrus it's a girl, salty or meats it's a boy-  I've been craving cereal and sandwiches.
• If you're skin breaks out you're having a girl- it hasn't been too bad this time! 
• If you feel more graceful it's girl, more clumsy it's a boy- neither
• If you gain weight in your face it's a girl- nope :) 
• If you prefer sleeping on your left side it's a boy, right side it's a girl- I would prefer my right side. 
• If the maternal grandmother doesn't have grey hair it's a girl- she's a natural brunette, not a grey hair yet!
• If the heartrate is above 140, it's a girl- it's been around 150 or so.
• If your feet are colder, it's a boy- this is stupid, it is HOT in Texas...
• Mayan Tale- add your age at conception to the year of conception- my number is 43, so odd means boy!
• Justmommies.com- 75% chance of girl
• Childbirth.org- 83% chance of girl
• Chinese Gender Predictor calendar- age at conception and due date = girl

Count:  Girl- 7         
              Boy- 3



Neither Kyle or I have any feelings about what the baby is so who knows!  We'll let you know tomorrow! 

-Stacie

The 2nd time is so different...

I am already neglecting our next child. I haven't been taking belly pictures like I did with Knox or even really remembering that I am pregnant- except for it being hard to button my pants now (I still can though- whew!).  Good thing the baby is starting to kick, that is helping me remember they are in there! I am at 19 weeks now and find out a week from Monday if Knox will have a baby brother or baby sister.  I would be lying if I said I didn't have a preference (girl).  However, I honestly will be thrilled either way.  I already love this little guy so much it won't make a bit of difference if they are a boy or a girl.  They will be my sweet little baby and that is more than enough!

Here is a pic of the growing belly:

So far, I have been blessed with an awesome pregnancy. I felt yucky for about a month and had a few weeks of an upper respiratory infection that I couldn't shake due to my immune system being down with the pregnancy.  But all in all I am feeling so good that I seriously don't even remember that I am pregnant half the time.  I am definitely in the second trimester honeymoon phase right now!

-Stacie