The Gender Party (#2)

Surely you remember Ross's Gender Party? 

And, well, after such an exciting event like that, 

we couldn't go without doing it again!

And, (if you haven't heard already) it's a...

BOY!!!!

I can't tell you how THRILLED we are!!

Baby Marsh #2: Week 18

Hahaha! It's been quite some time since I've posted one of these pictures. And it's amazing to think I'm already almost half way there. I'll admit, having Ross around really has made this pregnancy go by much quicker than I thought. So fast, that I'm starting to get a bit worried how I'm going to have everything done before he/she comes along...big girl bed transition...big girl ROOM...brand new nursery...and I haven't even opened one paint can. sigh.

On a more exciting note, last week I REALLY started feeling this baby move! With baby #2 I've had a keener sense of baby movement awareness. I'm pretty sure I felt it long ago once or twice...but now I feel it many times a day. It's wonderful...and such a relief.

On a more depressing note, I've grown fatter and fatter much sooner this time...and to make matters worse, excercise seems so much more difficult this go-around. (Of course, that could just be my old age.)

Ross is getting very excited. She talks about the new baby a lot more than I anticipated. Honestly, I figured she wouldn't really bring it up unless we did...but she points to my belly constantly, saying, "The baby's getting bigger and bigger."

Next Saturday the fam comes for the big gender reveal. We've asked Ross over and over what she thinks this baby is...and she has said "girl" just as many times as she's said "boy," so I feel pretty confident she'll be happy with either.

Until then, I'll be dreaming of nursery ideas...and hopefully mustering up enough energy to get things rolling.

Ross's First Day of School: Age 2

My favorite color is: Pink

My favorite toy is: my phone 

(which can be created from any toy or trinket around the house, in fact I'm carrying one now!)

My favorite food is: ice cream

I really don't like to eat: vegetables

My favorite TV show is: "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" 

My favorite animal is: a monkey

My favorite book is: "Biscuit Goes to School"

My favorite song is: "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star"

When I grow up, I want to be a: a baby...hold the baby (which I took as a mama?)

What really makes you happy? Popscicles 

(or my phone, or the baby, or Biscuit...really anything that I'm holding at the time) 

Ross did FABULOUS! After the series of pictures we took of her, Grady and I both kissed her told her our good-bye's...and, it was at that point we both clinched our fists in fear, not knowing how she'd react...but, she simply smiled and said, "Okay!"
And, that was it.

No tears or screams (from either of us)...just, "Okay!"

I thought I was in the clear, until I picked her up...
A couple mothers and I waited outside the door for the teacher to open the door...most of the kids had started piling up at the door anxious for their moms...but when I looked inside the room, Ross was just sitting there...at that big, giant table all by herself, with her bookbag on her back...smiling. She jumped up, yelled "Mama!" and ran to me.
I don't know if it was her...or the hormones...or what...but, I lost it.
She just looked so sweet...and so innocent sitting there. There was nothing I could do to control it.
So, I had to scoot out of there fast- before it got any worse...

When I talk to her about school, she always has a smile and gets very excited. She clearly loves it!
I'm just so thrilled for her... and for who she is. I just feel so grateful for the little person she's becoming. She is certainly one special little girl.

Meet My Class Day

Next week Ross starts school. The real deal.

I know what you're thinking...it's just preschool. But, oh my goodness! She has a folder and centers and sits at a table...it's the real deal, okay.  

I caught myself holding back tears as the teacher was explaining everything to us.

I guess I'm THAT mother- the one I used to always giggle at, crying and taking pictures of their kindergartener...I mean, how can you not? When she used to be this...

...and now she's clearly...not.

I guess I'll get past it...

Until next year, at least.