SUCCESS!!

Hopefully, after only 2 1/2 days, it isn't too early to claim SUCCESS on the effort of getting rid of the pacifier. We tried to cold turkey approach and it worked like a charm. No bribes or treats were needed...just a constant reminder that big boys don't need their pacifiers. Night time has been a breeze and we have had successful naps 2 out of the 3 tries. Kennan didn't even ask for his "bobu" today!! He is getting to be such a big boy!!

Next steps...big boy bed...and then potty training!!

Saying Goodbye to the Pacifier?

With the new baby coming, a 2nd birthday right around the corner, and fear that my child will be 3 years old with a pacifier hanging out of his mouth has brought me to the realization that it is time to say good bye. We are down to our last pacifier and I thought this would be a perfect time to attempt to get rid of it! Kennan sleeps with his "bobu" every nap and night time. He is only allowed to have it when in bed, on long car rides, or on the airplane. I am not sure if I should be feeling concern or excitement right now...Is he going to sleep? How cool will it be to get rid of the thing?...I am hoping this will be an easy process without too much emotion! Anyone out there have any tips?

On another note, here are some pictures of my silly boy.

A Snowy Valentines Day!!

We finally got snow in New Jersey! We got so much snow and ice that Kenny's classes were cancelled. It was wonderful to have him home with us today! Here are some pictures...


We also got to visit with some friends for Valentines Day. Kennan gave his BFF, Hannah, some flowers and she gave him a kiss! (chocolate, that is!) Here are some more pictures...

I Finally Finished!!!

I started my first knitting project during the Christmas break and I finally finished it. Just looking at it, you are probably wondering why it took me so long. Well, I didn't work on it very consistently and I was still learning! If you are still wondering what it is...well, its a dishrag. I called Kenny to tell him I finished it and that he needed to get home soon to do some dishes!!

While Kenny was gone my mom came for a visit!! Kennan and I were so happy that she came to see us. It was nice to have her here so I wasn't the only parent for 4 days! Kennan loves his Grammy and I love my Mom!

Prayers

Kenny's grandmother passed away this morning. She was ill, but her death was pretty sudden. I had only met his grandparents twice, but we were able to go and visit them last September and introduce them to Kennan. Please be in prayer for Kenny's grandfather (who is also very ill) and his extended family. They will all be traveling to Florida from all over the country this weekend. Here is a picture from when we went to visit.
He is leaving on Friday for Florida to attend the funeral on Monday. Kennan and I won't be going because there are not any direct flights from where we are to Tampa, Florida. It would be an 8 hour plane ride, not counting the time spent in the airports! Thanks for your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Cold Weather and a Doctor Appointment

Man, it is COLD here!! It is currently 10:00pm and 12 degrees with a wind chill of -2. That's right, I said -2. Our high for today was 17 degrees. Tomorrow's high is supposed to be 22 degrees with a low of 12, so I guess that means it is warming up some (HAHAHA). For some, this may be nothing. But for a Texas girl like me, that is pretty cold!! Now, if it was snowing it might make it a little better. It seems that I can handle cold weather when there is snow on the ground! I can't wait for it to warm up so that I can take Kennan outside to play again. He isn't a big fan of being cooped up inside.

Some of you have asked how the doctor's appointment went on Friday. It was wonderful! We heard our sweet baby's heartbeat for the first time! We took Kennan with us and it was fun to share that time with him. He left the office saying "heartbeat" over and over again. On the way home, I asked him if he had a heart and a heart beat and he told me that he didn't. Obviously we haven't learned ALL of our body parts yet!

Now it is time for reader participation...I have something I have been stewing over for awhile. At the OBGYN office I am going to for this pregnancy, you have the option of seeing a midwife or a doctor. Then, when you go into labor you can either deliver with the midwife that is on call or the doctor. (I will be delivering in the hospital.) The midwife's philosophy is to TRY to go through labor with no drugs or epidural (they will do their best to discourage an epidural, but legally have to give it to you if you want it). They are there to encourage you to try different positions, breathing, etc. They are also there throughout the entire labor and delivery process. If you go with the midwife but there is a medical need for the doctor, there will always be one available. With the doctor route, they are in and out throughout the process, will let you have an epidural or medicine as soon as you say the word, and are there if something goes wrong. My dilemma is this...with Kennan I had a doctor and an epidural. The epidural wore out with about 2 hours left. Part of me wants to try the midwife route without medicine and part of me wants to go with the doctor so that I am not criticized or given a hard time (by the midwife) for choosing medicine or an epidural. I know ultimately it is my choice (and I have plenty of time), but I was just wondering if any of you out there have had an experience with a midwife delivery in a hospital. Thanks for reading!

Jesus Christ and Amen!

Now that Kennan is older, much more aware, and vocal it has been fun to talk to him more about God. Kenny puts Kennan to bed (almost) every night and it is their routine to sing and then pray. Kennan is very good about reminding daddy that it is time to "pway". As Kenny is closing the prayer, he always says "In Jesus' name we pray, Amen". Kennan loves to remind daddy to say Christ, which he prounounces "Cist".

Today Kennan sat in church with me (Kenny was leading some of the service). Kennan kept reminding me about "Jesus Cist" and "Amen". He also joined me in the singing of hymns by using a deep, quiet voice and making sounds. It is pretty special to share that time with him and learn from him!! He lasted for about 10 minutes and at that point he tried to make a break for it down the aisle!

On another note, I have tried to be more regular about updating this thing...but am getting no comments. Anyone out there??

Belly Shot

Here is the belly at 12 1/2 weeks. I think the picture and the shirt make it look a little bigger than it really is...

We go to the doctor tomorrow afternoon for an appointment and hope to hear the heartbeat!