The Vitamin D Shoppe

We've arrived safely in sunny Florida after a mostly uneventful trip. Despite the high winds that knocked our airplane around during our two flights, the traveling was actually quite fun. Maddy enjoyed her experience on the airplane, and entertained everyone around her with various antics, particularly on the leg of our trip from Boston to Baltimore. These included shouting "YAY!!!"and clapping when the pilot announced we were ready for take-off, attempting to carry on a conversation with "the man" on the loud speaker during his safety presentation, and requesting "french fries" from the flight attendant when she came to ask us if we'd like beverages. We were blessed with a 90-minute nap during the leg of our trip from Baltimore to West Palm Beach, and Maddy arrived refreshed and ready for action!

So far, the weather has been gorgeous and we have been ecstatic to find ourselves outdoors and with things to do. We spent a good deal of time today at "Sugar Sand" park before coming home for a rest and then heading to downtown Delray for some gelato and fun at the park. As you can see from the photos, Maddy is having a blast!

Da Bears

Maddy is recently crazy about the Care Bears. While at the library with Ethan today, she found a Care Bears movie on the shelf and said, "This is my favorite movie in the whole, wide world." She's decided that her favorite is Tenderheart Bear, and when Ethan told her that he likes Wish Bear, she told him to "close your eyes and dream." She's even taken to calling the two of us "Daddy Bear" and "Mommy Bear." Love! We had some fun this evening with tummy symbols, though Maddy was sad to see hers wash off in the tub. Daily tummy symbols are now sure to follow!

Heads or Tails

A routine trip to the OB-GYN this morning (32.2 weeks preggers with Baby Girl Deux) revealed that the latest addition is currently breech. She might very well take after her daddy, who was born via c-section after deciding he was perfectly comfortable standing up right in-utero. Apparently, Baby being breech is a non-issue for the time being as there is still opportunity for her to resume a more cooperative position. That said, I can think of some advantages to having a routine c-section that prevent me from feeling overly concerned about it. At this point, with so much to keep us busy, it seems a relatively trivial matter. Dr. D'Avenas suggested some gentle yoga poses to help encourage her; apparently, any stance I can maneuver myself into that finds my tush elevated above my head is a proactive way to get her to turn. While it may be true, the idea of such exertion (however minor) is enough to make me want to crawl back into bed. I'm so tired these days! I proposed an alternate solution of lying on the couch, remote in hand, with my tush propped by pillows. I was pleased that Dr. D'Avenas seemed amenable to the idea!

All joking aside, however this turns out (and...yes...I will try the yoga), we are so excited to be entering the homestretch of this pregnancy. All of us, including Maddy, are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the newest pup. We talk about her on a daily basis, and Maddy asks lots of questions that indicate she understands what is about to happen to our pack. She seems as excited as anyone, although she's made it abundantly clear that she is NOT interested in sharing either her toys or her bathtub! We simply assure her that babies don't play with "big girl" toys and she's content to move on to the next thing. Of course, another reason to look forward to April 2nd is the end of what is becoming an increasingly burdensome "condition" that, at times, is intolerable both mentally and physically. One of the benefits of maintaining a blog is that I can go back to August/September of 2008 and see that I was similarly uncomfortable while pregnant with Maddy. I find it curious that I don't remember it being such a challenge at this point, but I am glad to know my experience this go 'round is not unusual. I do recall one of my first thoughts when Maddy was born being: "Hallelujah! I'm not pregnant anymore!!" so it seems that I am right on track.

Boston Children's Museum

Feeling particularly motivated to get out of the house this morning, we were able to beat the crowds at the Boston Children's Museum to have some fun for a few hours. Maddy also enjoyed a brief visit with Aunt Becca; what a treat! I've also included some pictures from our most recent snow day. This winter has been particularly nasty with regard to the weather and snow totals. We are really looking forward to spending time in Florida with Savta and Saba in a few short weeks!

Lost Photos

After the many hours we spent organizing and posting the photos for our recent blog update, we decided to check one of our cameras and...lo and behold! More pictures. Since some of them are too good NOT to post, here is an addendum. Now I don't feel so bewildered by the initial lack of pictures in November and December!

Papa's 62nd Birthday

Savta's Summer Visit

Holidays, Festivities, and Fun