Today is my daughter's birthday

I can not believe she is three years old today. Just in the past few months she really has begun to act like a kid, not a baby. I miss that baby stage, but I do love her little personality. She tells me everything right now, good and bad and I know at some point I'll miss that.

For example, yesterday I asked her to do something she didn't want to do. Her response? What Momma, I'm not listening...Oh boy, just think when she learns to just ignore me!

This little girl loves elephants, music and did I mention elephants? She turns anything into a musical instrument and loves to sing "pretty songs". I bought her a harmonica the other day and as soon as she figured it out, she couldn't play more than a note or two because she kept smiling so big. She's already gotten pretty good at it. I see lots of music lessons in our future.

I'm going out while she's in preschool to find her an electric guitar. Yes, I am. She has an acoustic guitar, but it's a little big for her. The electric one I'm looking for is smaller and she can hold it more easily. She is going to be so happy she'll bust! And hopefully, she'll sing me a few more happy songs!

Happy Birthday baby girl! Your Momma and Daddy love you more than you'll ever know.

(pictures of the big day will come later)

It's a BOY!!!

We had our 20 week appointment yesterday. Our little man is measuring right on target and everything looks good. He moved his little hand in front of his mouth like he might have been sucking his thumb and even yawned while we were watching him! It's pretty amazing to see!!!

I am in awe of the fact that we're having a boy. Ever since we decided to adopt Miss E from China, I've always dreamed of little girls. It was a little surreal to hear boy when all my thoughts were still pink. We even had girl names picked out! Of course, it meant that Miss E and I immediately went shopping yesterday afternoon looking for baby brother things. Miss E also grabbed a big sister gift as well - she's going to be great at this!

I started crying on the table because I was just so happy to see everything looked good. We had opted out of any testing in the first trimester, so this was our first chance to really see him and know that he was healthy.

On my health note, I have a horrid cold that is keeping me from sleeping. It's hard to sleep when you can't breathe. I'm hoping this one doesn't linger because it's a doozy. I'm including a 20 week belly shot that I'm not thrilled with, but it'll do! I wish I'd learn to stand up straight. I look a lot bigger but in reality have still only gained two pounds total. Everything is just shifting!

Parent Teacher Conference

We had Miss E's first parent teacher conference yesterday. It was fun to hear about the few hours that she spends away from me. Apparently she is very bright (we know), very active (we know) and a big helper (nothing new there).

Her teacher said that she will help the other kids pack up their lunchboxes after snacks and always loves to help out when she can. She also said that the other kids ask about her if she's absent. I think that's pretty impressive considering they're only two!

Umm, okay yeah...it's been a while!

I figured I'd make one more post before our big ultrasound on Wednesday. We find out whether it's a girl baby or boy baby. I really don't have a preference other than boy babies scare me a little. I've got the girl thing down (for now) so a change in my parenting MO is a little nerve wracking!

I have another belly picture that I'm going to post when we know the gender, but even though I look MUCH bigger (I feel huge) I've still only gained a pound. It's not for a lack of eating either...I'm a little piggie these days! I'm sure it'll catch up with me, it always does.

On another note, tomorrow is our first parent/teacher conference for Miss E. I'm a little nervous to hear what the teacher has to say. I think she's absolute perfection, but I guess we'll find out if her teacher thinks so or not! I'm sure that will be a blog post too!

Oh, and NICOLE IF YOU ARE READING THIS I NEED TO SEE A PICTURE OF THAT BABY! I know you wouldn't read a blog without sending me one of new little P right???

Christmas Eve: No Words Needed...

Santa Clause: The Sequel!

For the past three years we have taken E up to J's work to see Santa. The same Santa each year. He's gotten a complex because of how scared E is of the Jolly Old Man!

Well, this year was a SUCCESS! She was still scared and did not sit in his lap, but due to a bribe of a candy cane, she did stand in front of him.

Gaining weight...or not!

For the past two years, gaining weight has been a big deal in this house. Not for me (I've never had a problem gaining weight before) but for little E. She eats a lot - A LOT! But, she also runs around like a crazy kid so the calories just burn themselves off. When you get her dressed, and can see her little ribs sticking out, you can't help but want to give her an oreo or something.

I've been trying to find high calorie, but healthy foods for her to eat. She eats a lot of organic chicken nuggets, beef (no nitrate) hot dogs, mac n cheese, etc but will also eat anything we eat. Last night we discovered she has a love for frito chili pie! Gotta love our little Texan!

So, it should not have come as a surprise that during the one time in my life that I SHOULD be gaining weight, I can't. I'm four months pg and should have gained five pounds by now. All I've done is lose 10 pounds. I can't gain weight for anything. I am showing and the baby has a healthy heartbeat and I do eat, but no weight gain.

The doctor was a little concerned, but when I explained I went from eating the not so healthiest of diets to a much better one, he understood. I have a family history of no weight gain during pregnancies, but it doesn't seem normal. What also isn't normal is my inability to eat anything sweet. I'm normally a chocoholic and can't even stand the smell of chocolate right now!

Happy Holidays everyone!

My next post will include SUCCESSFUL photos of E with Santa. Way better than the last two years!

PS Sorry the photo is so blurry. J took it and isn't that great at photography! This picture is two weeks old, but I don't look much different.