Greta and Mommy's special day

So I wanted to do something special with Greta before the baby comes and decided today would be s great day for it. So I took the day off and planned s fun day. 

First we went to the Farm Center at Kensington Park. Loved it. For the first 30+ minutes we were the only ones there. Nice clean place, great walk on path, and good animals - except for the chicken who may or may not have gotten a little of Greta's finger... Or who maybe just scared her. 

Video to come... 

Then we headed to the mall to go to build a bear to make her a special something and let her make a special something for the new baby. Not too surprising she picked a pony.... A purple my little pony. And helped stuff it and put a heart in it. 

Patiently waiting... 

Then we did the same with the bunny she picked for the baby. 

Next we had to give them a bath... 

Great experience! And great customer service. The girl who helped us was wonderful. 

And I had a proud mommy moment, when the girl - whose name was Abby- asked Greta what her name was... A little coxing and she told her. Then Abby asked how to spell it and I said go ahead.. G... And Greta proceed to say Greta... No problem! Yeah Greta! 

Then off to pick out new shoes because I was quite certain she'd outgrown hers... And yup up a whole size! But what fun she had picking out and trying on shoes. She would put them on and then run down the aisle. She finally picked a dressy pair of Minnie Mouse hot pink ones. and I got the tennis shoes that she needed. 

After a quick lunch of spaghetti at the mall and a few more stores... It was time to go home. And it didn't take long for this to happen... 

So glad I got to spend this time with her! 

Happy birthday Karle

I can't believe it but my first and only niece turned 10! I can remember the day she was born like it was yesterday. It was the best and most exciting day I'd experienced to take date :-) and when I first laid eyes on her, I was in love. She was perfect. And now at 10 years old she's grown into quite

Pool construction is underway

So it's happening... The Delaney's are putting in a pool. 

Here's a look at day 1... 

Big girl bed - night 1

I can sum it up in one word... Fail! Greta was all excited. And loved laying in her new big girl bed (aka the crib with s railing). After finally rocking her to sleep, because nothing else worked.... I laid her down. And so far so good. 

Then at about 1:00, I heard her wake up and sit up and start to get out. So I go in and put her back in bed, thinking I'll pay her for a bit and go back to bed. 

Oh how wrong I was. Patting, singing, rocking, crying it out. I tried everything with no success. She wanted this pillow or this animal. She wanted a drink. Ugh - I thought I was going to lose it. Oh instead I let her scream it out for about 5 minutes and then went in and laid her back down and told her i was going to sit in my car. Every time she looked over I told her I was still there. About 10 minutes later finally asleep. 

Now it's about 3:30 and I finally get to go back to bed. 

Then about 6:30, she walks into out room happy as a clam. 

So praying she sleeps all night! 

Hard working man

Not that I didn't already know it but I'm married to a hard working man. 

Tuesday on his day off he cut down the big oak tree to make room for the pool and moved most of Greta's play set - which she wasn't too happy about. 

She kept saying my tree house fell down, and I told her that daddy would fix it. But needless to say she was quite confused.

Then on Wednesday, we got up north about 1 pm and by 2 he was totally into cutting up the 80 foot tree that fell at the cottage.

Always something - lol :-)

Then when work called and needed him, he went and saved the day. 

Now we are anxiously awaiting his return up north to have some fun. 

9 months

The countdown is on!! Only 3 weeks to go. Still feeling good and for the most part still have energy. Only downside, feeling large and sometimes forgetting how big I really am. 

According to the doctor nothing is happening yet. So don't expect any news any time soon.

Last week we had a final ultrasound and the baby was much more cooperative. and per the measurements, we have a big baby on our hands (was 6 pounds, 13 ounces on 7/7) and had lots of hair. 

The question still remains - to schedule c-section or hold out?? 

Helping hands and lawn mowers

Amazing how much you can get down with a sister, niece and nephew and and extra lawn more can do! They came over Friday around lunch and by end of day, they had the lawn all mowed, half of it bagged and picked up, the baby's new dresser put together, the bathroom cleaned, toys picked up, books sorted. I finished painting and then Mar helped me put the room back together. 

With Ryan working in Canada this weekend, it was a HUGE help!! I am so lucky to have such a selfless, helpful sister!!

A good helper

Greta has taken a big liking to help put her friends to sleep at day care. This week Greta helped pat Wesley to sleep a couple times. 

Can't wait to see how see reacts to the new baby and how much she's going to love helping. 

RAD pool is happening

Well it's official... We are putting in a pool. It's all laid out. First delivery has been made. And digging should start tomorrow. Hopefully it will be ready so we can use it this year. 

Nesting plus one

With the help of the best big sis ever, I completed round one of nesting! And we made a serious dent. We started about 10 and finished about 5. Lots of trash bags. New storage containers. A full suburban of items to be donated to the church rummage sale. 

Even got all the baby stuff found and cleaned. And the first round of stuff washed and ready. No bag packed but at least I know where everything is. That's s start.  

Felt very accomplished when we finished.

Operation Paci Takeaway

Well last night was night 1 of paci takeaway and we did it. Yes, there was tears and a little anger but she feel asleep no problem and slept until about 6 when she started demanding her paci. But again, ignored them and she fell back asleep for a bit. Then when I knew she was up, I went in to get her and she wanted it. This time the art of distraction win! A yogurt smoothie, 2 gummy blue bears, and George! And we are all good! 

Here's hoping night #2 goes as well! 

A great day up north

Mom, Greta and I had a great impromptu morning up north. We headed to Manistee for a craft shows - and found s few things. Then stumbled upon a carnival - Greta's first and petting zoo.  Not sure who has more fun - Greta or Mom and I who played lots of carnival games and won lots of prizes. 

All topped off with her first elephant ear! Yummy!! 

And almost before we left the parking lot, she was down for the count! 

27 months old

Another month old for Ms. Greta!

Top 10 for the month
1.  Got 5 new teeth - 3 K9s and 2 molars.   It didn't go so well but we survived.
2. Finished her big tot and parent swim class - and still loving the weather.
3.  Favorite show is still Curious George.
4.  Favorite books are Curious George.  But love to read anything.
5.  Has a new big girl room upstairs, all painted Blue (picked by her) and pink.
6.  Has been having a rough time getting dropped off at day care.
7.  Loves watching the baby kick and move in my belly.  She will even tell the baby it's not nice to kick mommy.
8.  She figured out how to make her tractor move, just needs to work on steering.
9.  Is hilarious and is always coming up with silly things to do and say.
10.  Knows how to use the potty but tells me she's too busy.

Love this girl more than words.  She challenges me and makes me laugh and loves me unconditionally.  By the time I post next month, we might be able to add big sister to the list.