32 Weeks Porch Pooch

Here is the 32 weeks picture. She is definitely growing.

And because Burke had a lot of coffee this morning and was a bit wired, here is his cheesy pose on the bench....

and then on the stairs.....

and then by the tree....

I couldn't stop laughing. The man is funny.

Those Stinkin' Squirrels

So apparently squirrels like pumpkin as much as I do. We have learned this holiday season that when you leave pumpkins on the porch, this happens....

and this....

and then eventually this....

They haven't touched the B-O-O pumpkins. I told my nephew its because the "BOO" scared them. Yeah, he didn't think it was funny either.

But the squirrels seem to be a hot topic on our street. We have one neighbor that shoots them with a BB gun and then another neighbor (that likes to wear fun hats) who feeds them. Apparently the squirrel loving neighbor called the police once on the BB gun neighbor. So scandalous. Our very own Wisteria Lane, I tell you.

So we probably won't be carving them afterall since the squirrels have added their own creative touches. Little brats.

This is what I found later in the afternoon. Look how fat he is! Fat on my pumpkin. At one point, the only thing sticking out of the whole was a little squirrel behind. And he isn't afraid of me. I had to open the door and then stomp my foot on the porch for him to even move. Little jerk.

8 More Weeks!

Dear Marin,
I meant to write this all out on Tuesday but I haven't been feeling the greatest this week. Again, I say thank you for that, little missy. But this Tuesday (October 26th) you had the hiccups for the first time in my belly. It took me a minute to figure out what was going on but your little hiccup, hiccup, hiccup was just the most precious thing ever. It was fun!
You are growing everyday and it is evident by the size of my belly. Your dad teases me a lot about how "graceful and flexible" I am when I try to do simple things like get off the couch from a lying position. He sometimes compares me to a turtle stuck on its back. So, yes, you are growing. And you still love to move. Which, I must say, is absolutely my most favorite part of being pregnant. It's fun to feel you moving around but it gives me peace of mind that you are doing ok in there. It is still so crazy to watch my stomach move around like something from a horror movie. I always want your dad to see it but when you start punching my stomach in weird positions and I get his attention, you get stage fright and stop. Little stinker. You better not do that later on because it really does make me look crazy. And I don't need any help looking crazy.
And...your favorite place to rest your head these days is right on my bladder. We spend a lot of time in the bathroom....mostly at night. But you're comfortable.

We go back to the doctor next week and we get to see pictures of you again. We only have 8 more weeks and then we get to meet you! I! Can't! Wait! And remember, you are fully baked at 37 weeks, so if you want to come on out around December 3, we would love to spend Christmas with you! We love you, sweet girl.

-Mom and Dad

Parenting Practice...or...Babysitting

A couple of weekends ago, Burke and I babysat for a friend one night. Aubrey is the most adorable little girl. We really did enjoy it and it gave us lots of opportunities to talk about the things we feel are important about parenting, etc. We read books, were the human jungle gym, watched her play with diaper wipes for at least an hour longer than any of her toys....and when the night got later...she crawled into my lap and snuggled with me. I won't lie. That was my favorite part.

I have been babysitting/working with children for oh, about 15 or so years. Man, that makes me sound really, really, reeeeaaaaaaallllllllyyyyyy old. I've learned a lot about children from classes and experiences. Burke, on the other hand, is just a natural. He had a respected father friend (thanks, Courtley) give him the advice "get on the floor with them and play" and that's exactly what he did. I love how important it is to him that Marin feels loved and not only that but he wants to give her the attention to prove it. That's one of the reasons we don't have cable (that and we are cheap). But he does worry he will be to distracted by television. He works hard for us and his job isn't the typical 9-5 job. So when he is home, he makes his time at home count....with me now....and I know even more once our little one arrives. I love him. And I have a ton to learn from this man.

Story time...

A wagon ride....

Just so cute!

(Sorry if I am a little sappy in this post...Burke is away this week and I may be missing him a just a little bit this morning.....:o)

Happy Birthday, Mom!

This past Saturday was my Mom's 60th birthday and I got to go to Alabama and celebrate with her and my family! It was great to see everyone! I loved watching my nephew Will's face light up when he felt Marin kick. Too funny.

Here my nephew, Drew, is mocking me and my big baby belly....

A little birthday dinner celebration! (Mom had a really cute dress on but of course she had to hide in the back for the picture....) Burke you were missed but everyone thanks you for taking care of me and Marin and working so hard!

My mom's birthday present was a little help with house cleaning. My mother has a HUGE sentimental streak in her personality. She has some trouble with saving basically everything from our childhood. She has every Halloween costume, every baby doll, first sewing kit....even our toys like this oldie....

And now kids have Ipads....

Happy Birthday, Mother! We love you!