She’s still growing! It’s hard to believe a couple of weeks ago I was excited about already being at the halfway mark…now I can’t help but think I’m ONLY at the halfway mark. Las Vegas’ soaring temperatures aren’t helping to make this phase of pregnancy any easier. We’ve been well into the triple digits lately and it’s quite miserable. Thank goodness for air conditioning!
Baby Girl’s weight, approximately one pound, is starting to press down on my pelvic bones already. A pound doesn’t sound like much, but it can certainly feel like a whole lot more at times. I don’t remember this shift happening nearly as early with Tommy. I’m trying to limit lifting heavy loads – groceries, Tommy – to ease the discomfort.
Tommy is getting more and more excited about the baby. Now that he can see my growing belly I think he might understand that Baby Sister is inside. He even goes so far as to speak directly to her…he crawls next to me on the couch, leans over my belly and says, “I love you, Baby Sister!” with a pat and a smile. It’s the sweetest thing. He’s still, by the way, talking about how he helped to pick out the lamp for her room.
He also enjoyed watching Daddy light fireworks in the street in front of our home. He kept saying “Daddy blow out fireworks” while he watched the show, puffing his cheeks as though trying to extinguish birthday candles. Here he sits like such a big boy on our driveway before the fun began.
James and I have made some progress on the nursery…we found a crib set we really like and have narrowed down a bedding selection, too. Tommy helped me pick a great Eiffel Tower lamp for his baby sister’s room. He says, “Tommy choose Baby Sister’s lamp” with pride every time he sees it. What a mouthful! And here’s a peek at the artwork that inspired the room’s theme. Sure hope she likes it!
And here is yet another picture confirming her gender. Now that she’s been TRIPLE checked, we feel confident in making choices on nursery decor. I’m thinking vintage hot-air balloons over Paris, though you won’t catch us with a frou-frou poodle in there. And we may come up with a name one of these days…we’ll keep you posted!
Next, his oceanside photoshoot. First with Grandma Norma:
Then with Uncle Jeremy & Aunt Cindy, who took him down to the surf so he could get his feet wet. The water was so cold his little legs looked purple!
And a pose with Daddy & Mommy rounds out the bunch:
With Dale: 
After breakfast we set off on our Disneyland adventure, first stopping by the Buzz Lightyear ride, then hopping on the Rocket Ships at the entrance to Tomorrowland. Tommy enjoyed piloting the ride for Daddy, since he is a much better driver than his father. 
Aunt Cindy & Uncle Jeremy are in the rocket ship behind the boys.
And here is a belly photo for Week 18: 
