Taking it easy at Nanny and PopPop's house

For the past week and a half, N and I have been in Cheraw with my parents during a construction project at our house (new flooring downstairs!) We have both loved the extended time with Nanny and PopPop, although we have missed Daddy a lot. He was able to come down last weekend, but mostly he has been working, "managing" the floor project, and re-living his bachelor days while staying with my future brother-in-law.

Our routine since we've been at Nanny and PopPop's house has included a daily walk, outside playtime, lunch with PopPop, naps, and playtime with Nanny after she gets home from school. It has been so nice to eat dinner with my folks, especially since my mother specializes in baking her own version of Burger King's cini-minis - we've all been eating well!

Here are some shots from the past week.

Visiting PopPop at work - N was scared at first, but was quickly won over by the peach cobbler my Dad's coworkers were eating when we got there...


To McLeod Farms with Nanny to get some fresh peaches (we also tasted a peach enchilada with ice cream!)


Playing in Nanny and PopPop's bedroom after a bath


Reading The Cat in the Hat - N (and my Dad, too) will sit still for the entire book!


Pool time in the backyard


He likes the mist a lot!


Walking with PopPop after dinner


Driving "blinky-blinky" on the "road" - N likes to say, "Light turns green, our turn go!"


Speaking of the road, N and I will be traveling to Durham to visit my college roommate, her husband and her new baby tomorrow. I am excited to meet this little guy!

Curious George

Here's our boy in his Curious George outfit, playing with his Curious George jack-in-the-box. We've also been reading Curious George and the bunny today.

It has been a relaxing day at home for us. We took a walk and then played outside with sidewalk chalk and bubbles for a long time. Lunch was pbj's, crackers and grapes for both of us, and now N's down for a nap.


Since I was on a mini "Mama vacation" last week while Nanny and PopPop kept N for us, I have some leftover chores to take care of today. I thoroughly enjoyed myself during the two days he was in Cheraw, doing everything from hanging out at a coffee shop and playing with photos for N's baby scrapbook (projected completion date is sometime before my due date, October 30) to having lunch with a friend and a dinner date with G.

I feel quite rested and as though I lived a life of small luxuries last week. Here's N enjoying one of his favorite "luxuries," water with ice cubes. :)

7 Months Pregnant!

I am feeling pregnant these days, but in a good way. The baby is moving a lot, especially in response to yummy foods like pizza and ice cream. He likes ice water, too! I'm still feeling wonderful and pretty energetic; nightime sleep is good for now.

I went to the doctor today for a check up and the glucose screening. M's heartbeat was nice and strong, and I am growing just like I should be. N was with me at the appointment, and he was very well-behaved. He "talked" on his toy telephone most of the time. We did get to leave the office between my check up and bloodwork, which was great because I ran some errands and N didn't have to sit in his stroller for a solid hour. That was a blessing, as has been this entire pregnancy.

I go back to the doctor in two weeks - hard to believe it's already time for these more frequent visits. Guess that means baby M will be here before we know it ~ we are eagerly awaiting his arrival!

This Little Piggy

On the way home from the beach last week, N started begging for me to do "This Little Piggy" on his toes. After doing it at least once, maybe twice, I told him it was his turn. He thought about that for a minute and then spouted out the rhyme. We considered it his first joke because he laughed so hard after telling us about the piggy that had roast beef, and the piggy that had none!

Daddy's Vacation

We've had G home with us all week after our return from the beach. It has been fun and relaxing to be together like this for so many days in a row! I have had a complete break from cooking dinner because G offered to cook or grill every night. I think my favorite dish was Chicken Tiki Masala, although the grilled salmon, steak and chicken were also delicious. N says, "Yeah, Daddy!"


G has been very productive around the house and yard. He struck a nice balance between projects and just being a loving daddy and husband. He played guitar for N several times and is teaching him how to strum. "I've Got a River of Life" made him really giggle.


Riding in the canoe did not, however, much to our disappointment. We're not giving up yet, though - he does like saying "ca-noo" so we are hopeful he'll give it another try sometime.


I am not sure what I'll do with myself tomorrow when I realize G's back at work and it's just me and N again! I do feel recharged after our family vacation time, though, so I will be doing my best to pray for and encourage my husband while he supports our family. He is a wonderful and selfless provider, and I am very thankful for him.