Half-way there...

Actually, if we go by Miss Maizey's arrival, we are more than half-way to the arrival of Lucky #2. I cannot believe how quickly this pregnancy is going, and how much earlier I am feeling the effects of harboring this little parasite. (Uncle Pete's words, not mine.) Part of this is probably due to my out-of-shape bod, and part due to my already-given-birth bod. My bum is bigger. My shoulders are wider. The girls are busting into a C-cup. I make more trips to the loo than a Detrol user. But, we are very excited (and a little apprehensive) to welcome our new addition.

Since I am WAY behind in posts, I thought I'd answer a few of our Lucky #2 FAQs. Here goes...

Q: What does Maizey think of getting a brother/sister?
A: Maizey thinks it sounds just fine, but I truly doubt she has a clue what she's talking about. She's just too young. She knows when I point at my belly that she's supposed to say "baby" but also likes to poke Will's tum and say the same thing. When asked if she wants a brother or a sister, 90% of the time she answers "brother." (9% sister and 1% brothersister - the latter of which will NOT be happening.) She loves babies, which is heartening, but has also started referring to me as "MY mama" which is a titch worrisome.

Q: When do you find out what you're having?
A: When Lucky #2 is born. Our 18 week ultrasound - the standard "gender-reveal" - has come and gone and we remain in the dark. By choice. During the first pregnancy, nothing felt real. I couldn't connect the fact that my enlarging midsection meant I was housing a person. Finding out Lucky #1 was a girl helped bridge the emotional gap. This time, thanks to Maizey, I don't lack the connection.

Q: Are you giving birth at the ABC?
A: Yes. It is an amazing facility and we feel very fortunate to have it as an option. I did, for a month or two, seriously consider a home birth, but ultimately, think that the ABC is the best of both worlds.

Q: Are you using a doula?
A: Yes. But, this time we are hiring Erin Barnes. We interviewed her the first time around and loved her, but she was fairly new to the business. As first-timers, we wanted someone with more experience.  Deb was a super choice. Now, two years later, Will and I, and Erin, are more experienced and I am very excited she will be joining us in the delivery room. But, hopefully, Deb will be her back-up.

Q: When are you due?
A: Saturday, September 28.

Now that I've wrapped my work in Ann Arbor, posts should be a bit more frequent. No promises though. ;)

Copper and Wool

Happy Seven Years, dear Will. Thank you for being my life partner.

St. Lucia, seven years ago today...

 

  Let's go back!

p.s. And Grandma Mary... we miss you...

Little Lady Love

In a month, Maizey has become such a little person. Will and I are astounded at the changes we've seen since early April. She has a sense of humor - is giggly and silly. She chatters non-stop. Favorite phrases? "What's up, Mom," "See you later," and "I came back." Not to mention calling anybody with freckles "Polka-dot face."

She loves to sing.

Especially in bed.

Her symmetrical thigh-rolls are nearly extinct, replaced by long, lean legs. She entertains herself for thirty minute intervals outside, shoveling rocks and dumping them into different buckets. She amazes me.

But, more than that, the love I feel for her amazes me. I loved her so much when she was born. And I love her more and more every day. Last weekend was Mother's Day and instead of wanting respite from my bustling toddler, I wanted to spend time with her - a definite departure from last year. It's not that I didn't love her just as much before - we just weren't "friends." Weird, I know, but I honestly feel like this little towhead is my pal. I enjoy her company. Wow.

What else amazes me? The speed in which the last two years have passed. Every parent I know (including check-out-line acquaintances) told me this but I had to learn it myself. I remind myself regularly that there is no rewind. That I need to enjoy this time. Sassy or sweet. But, not to dwell too much. Not too spend too much time "capturing" the moment or reflecting, and by extension missing the real moments that matter.

Another thing Mamas of two (or more) have said? You don't think you can love another child as much as you love the first, but you can. Just as much. And like the first, your love will grow every single day. This comforts me as I fret about how much I have to give...

And, as I wrap up, I'll repeat an adage a dear friend shared when I was struggling with infant Maizey: The days are long but the years are short. Oh so true.

{35}{35}{35}{35}{35}

Happy 35th Birthday, Daddy-Husband-Will!

Cheers to your 34th...

And here's to 35 more.

Public shaming as punishment

What has Miss Crazy been up to since my last post?

Well this...

And since we thought talking to a 20 month old about biting was pretty lame/ineffectual, we decided to enact public shaming. Next time? Eye for an eye.
Will, get your incisors ready. (wink)

Really though - poor Hanish. Just sittin' at the table.
(At least she 'fessed up to the unfortunate victim. Now to think of it, she seemed kinda proud. And, there was the time he bit her cheek...)

Munch, munch...Easter brunch (and breakfast)

Easter Saturday's fab meal was followed by a decadent Sunday morning Sayklly's fudge egg/Betty banana bread buffet (below), and later on, an all you can eat gorge-fest at Uncle Joe and Aunt Jane's preferred Clarkston country club.

So, Easter morning... Maizey.was. in. love...

with the candy,

the sidewalk chalk eggs,

and her multiple new books.

But mostly the candy.

Grandma Betty and I "hid" (loose use of the word "hide") about 8 M&M/massamallow filled plastic eggs. After the first one was properly shaken, and opened by Dad - excitement ensued. She developed her now standard response to anything especially fun/surprising: widened eyes, enormous horizontal-type grin with chin jutting out, hands and fingers rigidly extended and shaking... (It sounds like a seizure but it's truly much cuter.)

Anyhow, it was a fun morning.

After B&B took their leave and headed to Chicago and The Book of Mormon, this crew spiffed ourselves up and rolled out to Clarkston, where we were greeted by more family, 

 and an odd washcloth-created bunny party favor.

 Not to worry though, Maizey's besties were there.

 

(Remember this guy from last year?)

And since he was bearing gifts, the Eazzer Bunny was much more well received than at prior events.

 Candy = photo op.

 And a smile.

Soon, it was time to take the party outdoors.

 For some fun and family photos.

Though apparently, with Maizey, the two don't go hand in hand (unless you are dolling out candy.)

At least Grandma Katie and Grandpa Bill gave me a grin.

Oh, and the boys too.

Brothers...