I feel as though I am falling behind in the blogging world, as I haven't blogged in nearly a month. Maybe it's due to the fact that I have two 17 month olds that keep me running. So much is happening, but at the same time I can't even put into words what really is happening and changing. It's just the day-to-day routine that happens and that is what makes my month go by so stinkin' fast.
I can tell you something new and exciting, Joshua has started to walk! He's still more comfortable with crawling but he is becoming more confident with each passing day. Each day he walks a little more, pretty soon he'll be running like Saray. I knew he would walk when he was good and ready. With his personality I figured he wouldn't walk til 17 or 18 months, so I was right on. That's my boy.... :) I am happy to announce that Joshua is nearly done with teething (for now...) He has all four of his 1 year molars and his last eye tooth is coming in. I am hoping that his 2 year molars come in AFTER he is two, instead of before. He is such a delight; he's very quiet and a bit passive, but very easy to entertain. He is my easy child.
Saray is very busy. She runs whenever she can (especially during diaper changes) and walking is now a breeze for her. She is a little jabber box, although, I still have no idea what she is saying. Saray is a bit more of a handful than Joshua; she can throw quite the fit when things are not going her way. We're trying to figure out the best way to handle those fits. She too is a delight. She is full smiles and hugs for everyone, including Joshua. Oh, and she is no longer taking a pacifier at ALL! Before she was using it at nap times and bed time. After awhile, she started hunting for lost pacifiers under her crib, so I knew it was time to cut her off from pacifiers all together. We just went cold turkey and within 3 days she was no longer hunting and throwing fits when I said no to a pacifier. And within 5 days she was no longer missing them at nap or bedtime. I am so glad we're done with that stage. Pacifiers are nice when they are real little, but with age comes attachment, and that was one area I didn't want a real attachment. On the other hand, I do not mind blankets or bears.
Baby #3 is growing and his movement is becoming more and more noticeable to the outside world. Yesterday was the first day that Daddy felt continual movement from Baby #3, it went on for nearly 15 minutes. I find that this little one's movement is different compared to the movement I felt with the twins. Maybe it's due to the fact that this little one has a bit more room still at 24 weeks then Joshua and Saray did. Oh for those of you who have not heard, Jer and I have decided on a name for Baby #3. Since we know it's a boy we have decided to go with Grayson Carl. The name Grayson just popped into Jer's head and it wouldn't leave no matter what other name we'd discuss. After a few days of thinking on the name, I agreed. The name Carl is after my late Grandpa Culver. So there you have it, he shall be called Grayson Carl Chapeau.
Sorry I don't have a new belly bump photo; I feel as though I haven't even had time to think about taking a belly bump picture let alone taking some. But soon there will be a photo...
Here are a few more pictures of Joshua and Saray. Enjoy!
Saray had smeared her pudding all over, proceeded to even put her face into it. After she was done having fun making a big mess, she signed "bath". What a girl...
We had our 20 week ultrasound yesterday afternoon; our little one was moving so much that it was quite difficult for the Tech to get very many pictures of the little one (No 3Ds this time). We really wanted to find out what the sex of this baby is, mostly for planning and organizing purposes and so we can actually start making a list of names. This little one wasn't going to show us, but after a little poke from the Tech, it moved just right - it's a boy!! So now the boys will out number the girls in this house, but I think Saray and I can hold our own - ha, ha! As far as names go, we don't have any yet, although lots of people have given us input in that department. Just to name a few that people have suggested: Shadrack, Ricco, Gerald...umm yeah, thank you, but I think we'll have to decide on a name by ourselves - no offense to those that have offered names.
The only concern regarding this pregnancy is that my placenta is either over or near my cervix (placenta pervia). We're praying that it will move (this is very possible) as the baby grows and that it will not be an issue. We'd appreciate your prayers regarding this. But over all, the baby is doing great, he's right on schedule with his growth (his growth even lined up the due date of May 19th).
All of a sudden, Christmas is over. All the planning, wrapping and baking has come to an end and the Christmas tree and decorations are put away; it's all a little bitter-sweet. But I do enjoy having my house back to normal, with the toys in the playroom instead of in the living room. I can hardly wait to start planning for next Christmas. This year I had everything bought and wrapped by Dec 5th, but next Christmas I want to have everything done by the first and just do last minute wrapping and baking. I should shop all year for Christmas like my Mom does, instead of starting in November. I want the cost to be spread out a bit next year. Although, I did get most of the kids' clothes and a few toys for Christmas at garage sales, which I will do again for sure.
We had a very busy Christmas Eve and Day. Christmas Eve we attended a Christmas Eve service at our church here in town, although I spent most of the time out in the foyer with Saray as she wouldn't sit still (which doesn't surprise me). Then we headed out to my parents for dinner and a visit from Santa. Joshua was more interested in Santa's beard then the present Santa was trying to give him. Saray, on the other hand, wasn't so sure about the man in the red suit; from a distance she was a fine, but when it was her turn to receive a gift, she cried and screamed. However, she does know what Santa says, and proudly shares her knowledge. Christmas Day we had a small Christmas here at our place, then we headed out to my parents house for the day. Saray and Joshua would have been happy with just one gift, as it seemed that the whole "many presents at once" just overwhelmed them. We cut our day short as the snow was coming down and blowing around quite wildly. We really didn't want to get snowed in at my parents (would have been fun for awhile, but home is better, especially with little kids). By the end of the blizzard, we ended up with over 2 feet of snow here in Spearfish, and drifts were much higher (5 to 8 ft) in some areas.
Hope you all had a great Christmas! Happy New Year!
