Well then. We have a small announcement to make. We’re having another BOY!! William is going to have a little brother! I am over-the-moon excited. More excited than Jason I think. We had our 20 week ultrasound and everything looked good. We didn’t get any good pictures this time because the little bugger is uncooperative (already), and insisted on being curled up in a tight ball face-down.
About the only good pictures they got were of his baby boy parts and since this is a family blog I’m going to abstain from subjecting everyone to that. After finding out the gender I was immediately dreaming of all the cute onesies and monkey-bottom pajamas I’m going to get to see on another little peanut. With them being 25 months apart (Will-March, Baby2-April) I’m hoping we’ll have a ton of overlap and be able to reuse most everything. The biggest decision between now and April is if we try to move Will into a toddler bed/twin bed to free up the crib, or if we attempt to have 2 cribs for awhile. He doesn’t seem to show any interest in climbing out yet, but that could change any day. I’d also like to be able to transition him to his new room before baby brother arrives, so we can be as settled as possible. Pregnancy is treating me well so far this time. Other than being larger sooner no complaints. Jason even felt the little guy kick for the first time this weekend!
After a full 14 months, I FINALLY got the baseboard trim painted in the house. It had a rough unfinished edge from where the quarter round was removed when 
the shag carpet was removed and it had been a major eyesore to me for a year. Everyone else has commented that they hadn’t noticed our trim was only partially painted, but it really bugged me. Having it finished is a big weight off my shoulders. I’m glad I didn’t wait too much longer because it was already difficult to bend over my pregnant belly to get the painting done. The last painting project before baby2 is bedroom ceilings. This should be a much more comfortable position for my preggo self and I estimate I’ll start this project after the holidays in January.
We finally finished up the yard work and leaf raking. We counted about 25 bags of leaves that we took off the lawn and that doesn’t count any of what we spread on the garden.
I planted about $75 dollars worth of tulip and daffodil bulbs and have included this picture to show you how impressive they are. (Here’s waiting for spring!) We also got the roses trimmed back and the flowerbeds trimmed/mowed down before the snow flew. Ironically I think we got our first major snowstorm the weekend after finishing the last of the yard projects on our list. Excellent timing.
I was a proud mom after buying snow pants, boots, and a winter coat that not only fit but were also happily accepted by a certain little man. He had his first real play day in the snow and LOVED it. Jason had a small lightweight snow shovel and he delighted in helping Daddy shovel the sidewalks. He also plowed around through snow in the back yard and attempted to take his lawnmower for a spin. We even Skyped out the window so Grandma and Grandpa in WI could partake in the fun. Those rosy cheeks and smiles out in the snow were the highlight of my winter so far.
We hosted a small Thanksgiving at our house this year for Jason’s immediate family. Unfortunately his grandparents were under the weather and not up for travelling, but we did make it up to the ranch for a visit the next day. We’re also excited about hosting Christmas this year since Jason’s grandparents are still recovering and Jason’s parents are still in process of renovating the house they bought this summer. These are exactly the kinds of activities I had in mind when we purchased our new home so I’m glad we’re putting it to good use. The only downside I can see is that it will probably speed the rate at which I’m hoping for a kitchen remodel. Jason has nixed my half-joking idea to use my retirement savings for a kitchen/bathroom remodel, so I guess I’ll still be waiting for awhile. We will see how things shake out when we try to sell our old house sometime next year. Maybe then we can make something work to do some updating.
William is getting so BIG! Last night he counted to 14 out of the blue–I’m sure it was a fluke, but it’s fun to know that stuff is in his little head. He is more and more able to help with tasks around the house. He’s also getting closer to loading himself into the car which will really help when a little brother comes along. He talks about everything and has more complete sentences all the time. He recently started asking “Um, Mama, what that?” It is also fun to see how he’s learning to interact with his toys and act out things with them even if it usually involves growling or head-butting something; the toys also want drinks of his juice and to have their teeth brushed. This weekend he had his 3rd real haircut and it makes him look like such a little man.
We set up our Christmas tree and some small decorations. I didn’t go overboard this year, but I did buy a new wreath for the door and some tree garland I really like. William and the tree are getting along about as well as can be expected for a 21 month old.
He licked all of the fake glass icicles and a few of the colored ornaments just to see how they tasted. We have to reinforce that he cannot throw or kick balls at the tree. He has also taken to chasing the cat under the tree lately and she is under and back out while he is still wiggling his butt to get underneath. He really squeals when you pull him back out by his feet! I sent out my Christmas cards early as they doubled as a baby-gender announcement. It appears some of my cards are taking forever to arrive and I’m just not that patient. I hope everyone has gotten theirs by the time I get this blog posted–more than a full week between Utah and Wisconsin seems a bit insane. Thanks USPS.
Happy Holidays Everyone! I hope this post finds you enjoying time with family and friends. Best wishes for a healthy, happy, 2014!