Prayers from an (almost) 4 year old

While volunteering at Dylan's school auction this week one of his preschool teachers told me that she looks forward to Dylan's prayer everyday at school. Apparently when each child is asked to share a personal prayer the rest of the class says a pretty short and sweet "I love you God" or "Thank you for my mommy and daddy." Dylan however is known by his teachers for his more elaborate and thought out prayers. Here are two of his teacher's favorites she could remember:

• "Dear God, Thank you so much for the toys that come in my McDonalds Happy Meals. I just love them so much."
• "Dear God, I pray that my new baby sister won't cry very much and if she does cry, I hope that she will do it quietly."

89 Days

I just looked at my online "pregnancy calendar" and it said I have 89 days to go. How did this happen and where is the time going??? I'm just a little over 27 weeks and about to start the 3rd trimester. I have a feeling these next 12 1/2 weeks will go quickly. So far I've been feeling pretty good....the belly has definitely popped out now and seems to grow an inch each day. This little girl is a mover as well- and constantly reminds me of her presence with kicks, flips and hiccups. (I love it!) We have another ultrasound to check in her next week, and I'm waiting to buy the pink paint for her bedroom (I've already picked out some cute bedding) until I have another look and am certain it's a girl. I think I'm just being paranoid since the ultrasound tech didn't seem to have any doubt...but I can just see myself starting the room and then finding out it's really a boy. We are in the process of cleaning out the guest bedroom and starting with a blank slate which causes some rearranging of furniture, closet "crap" and purging (yes we now know where the dump is in proximity to our house). We just are so excited to meet the newest little member of our family! Hopefully I'll have a good ultrasound pic to post next week.

"Sun"day

It sure is easy to have Spring Fever when the sun is out and the weather is so wonderfully warm (for Spokane anyway). We've been spoiled the past few weekends with fantastic weather and have enjoyed getting outside and out of hibernation mode around here.
We took advantage of the nice weather on Sunday and had some fun. Kevin took Dylan to the golf course to hit balls on the driving range and practice putting. I'm told Dylan was a big hit with all of the golfers- I'm sure he looked pretty cute toting his little golf bag around with Daddy. I'm sure this is the first of many father/son outings this spring/summer. Kevin has really looked forward to this time of fatherhood where Dylan is old enough to do some of his favorite activities. Later in the day we trekked over to Coeur d'Alene to purchase our new gas grill (can't wait to start cooking on it) and to hit the city park by the lake. Such a gorgeous setting and perfect place to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon.

Super D

For Christmas my sister-in-law Sarah made Dylan a t-shirt with an ironed on "D" that he absolutely loves. From the first day that he started wearing it he started referring to himself as Super D-- his very own superhero persona. Grandma Lee recently made Dylan a Super D cape to go complete the ensemble.....and he now has informed us that he could now be "Spokane's Very Own Superhero." He's also wanted me to start helping him write Super D stories so he can have his own comic book. Most of them involve him saving a neighborhood pet from peril.
Here's a glimpse at Super D in the flesh.

Sweet Seattle Weekend

View of the perfect Seattle day from our hotel window

Over the weekend Kevin were able to get away to Seattle together for his company leadership dinner on Saturday night. Since I knew ahead of time we were going to be in town I had contacted my DG girls to see if they might be able to meet up for lunch on Saturday to catch up. I miss these girls so much since moving away last summer so I was pleased that everyone was able to get together. My friend Razi offered to host a lunch at her home on Queen Ann but I was surprised when I showed up and the girls had planned a baby shower for me and my baby girl! So in addition to getting to spend some much needed time with these wonderful girls (+ some adorable kiddos and husbands)Kevin and I ended up bringing home bags of adorable "girly" clothes, blankets and accessories. What amazing, generous friends I have!

Amy, Ariane, Nicole, Bre, Jen, Razi & Levi, Rachel & Austin, Natalie & Taylor

The rest of the weekend Kevin and I were able to enjoy the gorgeous Seattle weather and spend some quality time together. We stayed at the Edgewater Hotel and took advantage of walking the Seattle Waterfront and Pike Place Market before heading to the dinner at the Space Needle. On Sunday we feasted in a delicious brunch and some outlet shopping before heading home. It was a fantastic weekend and the best part was coming home to our happy little man who was spoiled rotten by Grandma and Grandpa while we were gone.

{Bittersweet} Roadtrip

Grandma, Dylan and I on the front porch of Grandma's house (May 2009)

- at tradition for every visit

Dylan and I are off tomorrow with my parents headed to Montana to see my very special Grandma. After celebrating her 90th birthday this past fall she has decided that it's time for her to move out of her house of 34 years (alone since my Grandpa died in 1991) and into a nice retirement facility. I have so many mixed emotions about this....on one hand I'm so happy that my grandma will have more company, people to take care of her and a facility that she will be much safer in, but on the other hand this little house on Colorado Street is the only place I've ever known her to live. I have so many fond memories of visiting that house throughout my life and love that since our visit there last May with Dylan, he now has memories of it too (in particular the candy bowl that is always stocked with caramels and peppermints). It's sure to be a weekend full of emotions but Dylan and I are going to keep Gram in good spirits during the transition. I think we'll work as good distraction! We'll be back Sunday in time to celebrate Valentine's Day with Daddy....I've told him he can skip the flowers this year and just have a clean house to come home to and maybe a few things checked off that "honey do list" We shall see!

Oh Babies

On Sunday we had a baby shower for my beautiful friend Kalie who is welcoming her 3rd child to the world today (stay tuned...I'm waiting to hear the good news!) Our friend Jessica hosted a fantastic brunch for 8 of us and it was just perfect!
This is a picture of myself, Camille (due in April) and Kalie with our current baby bellies. We are all having girls and I am so excited to have such wonderful friends to share the experience with. I'm already looking forward to our weekly "playdates".

Jessica (aka Martha Stewart) outdid herself with a gorgeous table and delicious brunch.