Baby Update, 23.5 weeks

My mom asked to see the belly, thought everyone might be interested to see how we are progressing.  I am 23weeks, 4 days into this pregnancy and my co-workers observed that my belly just popped out last week.  In their words, I finally look pregnant.

 From the front/back I don't look pregnant especially when I wear dresses....then I turn to the side:

I'm definitely pregnant (and wearing wrinkly clothes, my comfy after work attire--don't judge).

 Here is a pic of me pregnant with Elena at about the same time in pregnancy (different color shirts but actually the same size).  My belly was a bit bigger.  You cannot tell from this picture but the belly was also wider than I am now.  Baby boy has pushed the belly out so I can feel my hip bones.

My last check-in was 1.5 weeks ago and everything is going good.  My weight gain is a bit slower than with Elena, more in line with what the doctors advise.  This is a good thing since I put on a bit too much with her.  I'm sure constantly battling the recurring head cold and weeks of nausea have helped on that front.  Chocolate and junk food just aren't appetizing, my junk food is carbs--cereal or toast.  Now that I'm feeling better I hope I can keep the cold at bay and stay healthy for the remaining 3.5 months.

Next week I take the glucose tolerance test, an 8 hour fasting, blood draw, then chug awfully sweet drink, wait 2 hours and have another blood draw.  Hopefully all will go well with this test.  In about a month I will have another ultrasound to size up this baby and maybe even have a few more photos to share. :)

Elena's 4th Birthday

 'Twas 4 years ago today, I awoke feeling a little weird.  I had no idea we would meet Elena later that evening.  It's hard to believe it has been 4 years already!

 We threw her a party, total attendance was 30--14 kids including 2 older siblings, plus parents, Pop and Lorraine and of course us.

 Elena loves balloons but is always disappointed when they deflate the next morning.  So instead of balloons, we used beach balls to decorate the fence and slider.  After a little while the balls were taken down and the kids had a blast playing with them.

 Everyone seemed to have a good time.

 The girls especially had fun with the veggie straws.

 In order from top to bottom: Elena, Ema, Lulu, Emma

 And as Elena dictated earlier this week, no party is complete without a cake.

 Carl lit the candles and as everybody inhaled to begin singing, Elena blew out her candles!  The picture above is her giggling after realizing she blew them out too soon :)

 As Carl re-lit the candles, the breeze began.  It was a very welcomed breeze but took a few matches to relight these candles.  Elena found it very difficult to wait...we're still working on patience.

 So excited to finally blow out her candles!!

 The girls are so excited to get some cake!  Left to right: Lulu, Selah, Emma and June.

 Yum!

 Ever wonder how many kids can fit in Elena's small bedroom after they have pulled out most of her toys?  Our final count was 8.  7 are accounted for above: we have Jonah, Selah, Emma, Ema, Lyla, Ryan and Lulu.

 Galit and Claire...

 and Norah :)

 Mischief makers...Elena and Lulu = trouble :)

 Another piece of cake (or rather frosting) with Grandma Lorraine.

 Loving her Pop Pop and Grandma Lorraine.

 Such a happy girl!

 Elena on her new bike!  

A big girl bike.  It's a 16" but she'll soon out grow this bike and be on to the 20" bike.  We still have a little room to raise the seat but not too much.

It didn't take her too long to master starting and stopping.  We're still working on looking ahead and steering.  She's posing in the picture above...loving her bike.

Overall we had a good day and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.  Elena had one melt down and a couple cases of the grumps but enjoyed her party and having her friends over.  Next year we'll keep it a little smaller.  This year Elena asked to invite 2 friends.  With prompting she asked to have a big party--with 5 friends.  She has a couple group of friends at school so I talked her into inviting 10 friends from school.  There are 32 kids in her class, including all the part-timers.  I was surprised with the turn out, nearly everyone we invited attended.  Most other parties we have attended have invited everyone in the class but the turn out is small.  At the end of the day, Elena was right, a smaller group is more our style.  I'm glad we did this party but we'll do something a little smaller next year.

Hoppy Easter!

 Good morning!  The kids are ready for their egg hunt!

 Oh, the anticipation!

  Eggs!

 A final review of her stash.  She's trying to figure out what she can eat next!

 Yay for raisins!!

 After breakfast, we were off to see Great Grandma Ruth and Great Grandpa Jim.

 Elena telling Grandma about her jelly bean.  :)

 Kailah made a paper flower for Grandma with her basket wrappings.

 Here is Grandpa enjoying a hug from Elena!

 Then we were off to Great Grandma and Grandpa Herr's house.

 Grandma and Grandpa

 Grandma laying out the egg hunting rules.

 First task was to find her basket, then off to find eggs!

 With a little assistance here and there, Elena was a champ at finding eggs.

 Kailah's find!

 Cousin Ryan's windy was so much fun!!

 Grandpa for a hug.

Elena guiding Grandma on how to cut the dessert.

Our trips are always so short.  We were fortunate to see many of my Aunts, Uncles and cousins.  Wish we were able to visit more often during family gatherings but timing is everything.  We had a nice time visiting and catching up with everyone.  Hope you also had a wonderful Easter.

Little Friends Egg Hunt

Can you believe how big these kids are...and adorable!

Mom set up an egg hunt for the kids...I think they had a great time!

Any more?

Checking out their loot!

The newest baby in the clan, just 11 weeks old.  Such a sweet baby and so cute!

Elena was on cloud nine holding the baby, playing with his fingers, caressing his hair and cheeks.