Baby's Room

We've been busy the last few weekends completing projects around the house. Last Sunday we tackled the basement. It's going to take several more days/weekends with a little remodeling before it's a space we use on a regular basis, but we're off to a good start.

This past weekend we painted the baby's room and continued to prepare for the arrival of baby #2. Baby's clothes are washed and put away, and all the baby gear was dusted off and is ready for the big day. My parents were in town visiting for the weekend, and we're so grateful/thankful for their helping hands. Helaina just loves their company!!!

Little by little Helaina's second birthday party is coming together. She knows her big day is soon arriving. Every time we light a scented candle in the house, she sings herself "Happy Birthday" and asks to blow out the candle.

The plan for the baby's room is to paint an additional pink accent border if it's a girl or a navy blue accent border if it's a boy. We'll put all the finishing touches together after the big day.

Not much has changed in Helaina's room. New curtains and storage bins, but everything else remains the same. So far, she hasn't tried to crawl out of the crib, and we're keeping our fingers crossed that we won't have to transition to the toddler bed until a few months after the baby is born.

Date Night

On Saturday, Randy and I were able to enjoy a date night thanks to the help of Auntie Abla. We joined some fellow co-workers for dinner at 24 Grill in the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel in downtown Detroit. Abla brought over Play-dough, which kept Helaina busy for at least an hour. Together they baked cookies and she helped babysit Omar's dog, Roscoe. We are so thankful to have wonderful family that Helaina loves to spend time with! When Randy and I were leaving and telling Helaina goodbye, she said, "Daddy and Mommy going on a date. Helaina and Roscoe going on a date." Too cute!!!

More potty time.

We snuck a picture from the kitchen...this is blackmail for the teenage years!!!

Ricky's Sub Shop

This Friday, after our cousin Emann had watched Helaina for a few hours while Randy and I were at an office meeting, we all took a trip to the infamous "Ricky's Sub Shop" for a delicious dinner. Amo Basel and Auntie Susan had been busy at work all day, and then closed down shop for us while Helaina inspected "Basel's Kitchen" (per Helaina). Nothing tastes better than one of Basel's steak and cheese subs!

Randy and his brother practically grew up at this sub shop...working long hours with their family as teens and even kids. Now it's Helaina's turn to get to work, learning the art of "subology".

Sitting on the counter, loving every minute

Helaina says, "Steak and Cheese Please"

We must clean up our mess, Helaina wiping the tables

So today was our first official effort at potty training. Helaina's very familiar with the whole process, but has a hard time telling us before the event is occurring. She's very descriptive about her bowel movements while they are happening, but that doesn't help us much in moving out of diapers into panties. So all week we talked about wearing Dora panties, getting rid of diapers, selecting special treats for going on the potty, and so forth. After a long morning of guzzling down milk, lemonade, and water to increase our opportunities on the potty, along with timed visits to the potty, we only had 1 successful trip. After wiping up several "accidents", we decided to take a rest and try again another day.

This was Helaina's treat of choice for the big event, a blue M & M.

Sledding

This afternoon Helaina went sledding for the very first time! She doesn't like gloves, boots, or anything too tight so I thought we might have trouble getting her in all the snow gear, but to our delight, she suited up just fine.

Auntie Abla has the perfect sledding hill just out her back door, and she kindly welcomed us over for some winter fun. We had such a great afternoon, enjoying family and making memories in the snow.

Helaina is all smiles after Randy attacks her in a snowball fight!

Helaina sledding by herself

Helaina's buddies and cousins, Emann and Rana.

We've entered the Third Trimester, 28 weeks/7 months. We're on the home stretch. I had my 1 hour glucose test Friday and will know the results sometime this week. The pregnancy has been going well, not much to report. Every person I encounter seems to think that I'm carrying much lower than I did with Helaina, and almost every person I know has told me that I'm going to have a boy. I have no feeling either way, and we are just praying for good health.

Brace Face

At this point, I'm still trying to convince myself I'm not crazy. This photo is not one of our teenage patients...brackets, wires, springs, and rubber bands. No, this is actually a picture of me! Here's hoping that after 12 looong months and with the help of a wonderful orthodontist (Dr. Reynolds) and the amazing skill and talent of my husband, the results will be fabulous. In bet you're wondering why in the world I would do this for a second time in my life (had ortho as a teen...thanks mom and dad). Well, I have a few TMJ issues, chronic clenching and grinding, a front tooth that is darkening b/c of trauma as a child, malocclusion, and peg laterals. All things considered, it was now or never.

So glad Randy is supportive and doesn't mind a little metal with his smooches.

Post-holiday Fun

Last week we started back to our normal routine. Helaina went to her Wednesday night swim class and Friday morning music class. She had been asking for several days to go see Miss Courtney and Miss Connie, so she couldn't have been happier when we finally told her the break was over.

We have spent most of our days in 2011 discovering and enjoying all of our wonderful Christmas presents. This past weekend Randy put together Helaina's new kitchen. She makes macaroni and cheese, blueberry pancakes, and pours us tea in the morning. It is great to see her imagination at work.

Ever since the Christmas cards started rolling in last month, Helaina looks forward to opening the mail each night when I get home from work. We sit together on the floor, while she carefully opens each piece of mail to see what's inside.

Each day with her is more fun. She's speaking full sentences and you never know what's going to come out of that little mouth of hers. In a few weeks we are going to make a serious attempt at potty training. She tells us when she's going and that she needs a new diaper, so we are going to give it a try before baby #2 arrives. Wish us luck!

On Saturday, I was able to spend the afternoon with my best girl friends in Fort Wayne. It was our 4th annual Christmas outing, without the kiddos. As our families and other commitments grow, it becomes increasingly more difficult to spend quality time together. It was a wonderful girls day out!

Christmas in Indiana

This weekend we traveled to Indiana to visit my side of the family and continue our Christmas and New Year's festivities. Unfortunately, Randy and I spent our first New Year's apart in 8 years. He worked the Wings game, and I spent the evening with my aunt and cousins devouring deep dish pizza. We wished each other Happy New Year on the phone around 10:3o pm, and then I was fast asleep within minutes. Not exactly the way we used to celebrate, but having kids and being pregnant changes things a bit!

Randy hit the road early Saturday morning and made it to Valpo just in time for the Walter Family Christmas (my mom's side). Helaina was spoiled with many more gifts, but most importantly we shared a great day of quality family time.
Grandma and Grandpa Walter with the grand kids

Sunday morning we had our immediate family Christmas at my parents' house. Helaina, again, took center stage. She has learned to pass out all the presents under the tree to their respective recipients, then finds just the right spot to sit and open her presents. She probably enjoys tearing the wrapping paper more than the actual present itself, but either way, it's fun for all!!!

Nate and MaKayla helping Helaina open her new kitchen

Helaina and her very own Red Wings jersey!!! After she opened this gift, she said "Daddy! Go Red Wings!" It sure is the little things that make these times so special!