Preparing for a Sibling

I've started doing a little reading on how to best prepare Rowen for his new baby brother or sister. (key word being "little"- I should really start spending some time on this probably.)

Some suggestions that I think might be helpful are moving him to a big boy bed asap, and taking the crib out of his room until the baby needs it. Then I guess it feels to Rowen like it's not *his* crib the baby is hijacking.

Another is getting Rowen a baby doll. I can't say that I'm uber excited about getting my baby boy a dolly, but I'm not against the idea either.

Also, checking out "new sibling" books from the library, visiting friends with newborns, etc.

Last night was day 1 without a bottle before bed. He got his warm hemp milk in a brand new "big boy" sippy cup he picked out himself. Which, he outright rejected of course. There was much crying. He did sleep eventually, however, and tonight will be day 2.

So I guess I'm asking for your advice & opinions, on things that have worked for you, gone terribly for you, or for others you know... keep in mind Rowen is 16 months now and will be almost 21 months when baby's born, Lord willing.

These five months are going to go by so quickly...

Four Months

34.25" 107#

Not much change since last month, nothing tremendously exciting to report, all seems well and little Bell Pepper is busy doing acrobats most of the day. I feel good, tired and a little breathless at times, but good. I do love being pregnant. Such a sweet time...

We're very excited for the ultrasound Wednesday... looks like our readers are rooting for some pink! We did the "needle test" last night with my mom, and the needle says "girl." as well. (The needle accurately "predicted" Rowen's gender, as did the ancient chinese gender chart, which is saying "girl" as well. We'll see!!) YOU, my dear reader, are going to have to wait until Friday to find out. Thursday we're playing a little game at family dinner night. Everyone is going to come wearing either pink or blue, whatever they think little Pepper is going to be. Matt and I will come also in the correct colored shirts and we'll see who is right and wrong!

One thing is for sure, God is good and He knows not only the gender, but the exact child we need in our family and that's who we're going to get. Such a peace!

The Progress:

pre-pregnancy: 105#

One Month: 100#

Two Months: 101#

Three Months: 102# 29"

Rowen inside @ 4 months

Resolutions

Why does January get to have all the fun?  (or torture?)  I think resolutions are great- except that they usually fizzle out by mid february.  This year, I've been thinking about making a new "resolution" each month.  If it's working out for me, I'll keep at it the whole year through.  If not, I'll try to "better myself" in another way.  
January 1st I decided it would be a good year to read through the bible in it's entirety.  I've done it several times, but the last time I read all the way through in one year was 1996/97!  The first year I was saved.  I was So hungry for the word of God, I ripped through it.  So, I downloaded a (free) one-year reading plan and I'm happy to say that I'm on track.  Not that I've done my reading every single day, but I've been able to catch up when I skip a day here and there.  I'm surprised each reading only takes 10-15 minutes.  Is that all it takes? Wow.
Anyhow... on to February!
As many of you know, we're Dave Ramsey fans.  FPU graduates, to tell you the truth.  We've been on the cash system for over a year.  Well, we were anyway.  I haven't gotten cash out since October!!!  I love my debit card, what can I say?  Oh, so swipey easy.  Well, my "resolution" for February is to get back to the envelopes and stick to our budget.  With another one on the way, we're going to have to tighten our belts anyway so it's high time to get it gear!
How are you doing on your resolutions, one month later? Keep up the good work!

Gender Poll

February 10th is our ultrasound date!  What do you think we're having?  I put up a poll - cast your vote ;)

Three Months

102# 29"

It's hard to believe, but I'm already three months along. Walking straight into my second trimester after I blinked and missed the first. I've gained about 4 pounds, sweet baby is the size of a lemon and has been giving me no trouble whatsoever. Except the trouble of finding clothes that fit... All my maternity clothes from Rowen are for summer, so I guess it's about time to hit Old Navy before I stretch out all my long-sleeve shirts. I certainly have more energy this pregnancy than my first. I remember being completely useless the first couple months at least. Perhaps it's because I'm chasing a toddler around and don't have time to think about it. Trying again to do what's best and eat the right things, avoid the bad things, and to stay active as much as I can. Though I'm certainly not being AS strict as I was with Rowen. I've definitely let a cup of coffee slip past my lips here and there! Ah well, little lemon will just have to survive.

With three down and just six to go, July is going to be here so quickly. Hoping and praying God gives me strength and wisdom to be a mother of two.

The Progress:

Pre-Pregnancy: 105#

One Month: 100#

Two Months: 102#

Rowen inside at 3 months

Conversations in ASL

We've been doing our best to use lots of sign language with Rowen, in hopes to improve our communication. He's been picking them up here and there, but the other day we actually had a "conversation" of sorts- and I feel like I should put it in the record books!

For a little background, Rowen hadn't had a bath in a couple days because of being different places for holidays and such. Normally, Daddy does bath & bedtime. Since birth. It's their special time together.

We had just finished a nice big messy spaghetti lunch. I asked Rowen if he'd like to take a bath. He signed "Daddy." I said, "Daddy's not home. Momma will give you a bath." Rowen shook his head "no" and signed "daddy." I wiped him up and took him out of the high chair and said, "okay, can we wash your hands?" he rubbed his hands together and walked to the bathroom. So, we washed hands (and face/head) and I put him down. He signed "bath." I said, "do you want a bath? Momma will give you a bath." To which he shook his head "no," signed "bath, daddy," and walked out of the bathroom. HAHAHA!!

The signs he's using regularly are:

dog

daddy (he pats his head for daddy, momma, grandpa & grandma)

eat

more

all done

milk

water

bath

nap

banana (which I think just means fruit to him)

monkey

please

help

hot

and...... of course, he's very good at pointing.

First Snowfall of the Season!

and what do I do? Drag my toddler out in it of course!! Sweat pants, leather boots, and no mittens.... but it's the best we could do on short notice :o) He LOVED it! We were out for less than 10 minutes when I decided we should go in to let his hands thaw. He had a genuine tantrum! (hot cocoa solves everything, though) :o) Enjoy the snow, and stay safe everyone!!!

Rowen learns to put his Jacket on!

Rowen signs "Daddy" 11-25-09

Rowen Helps with the Laundry