Here's me 28 weeks pregnant. Wow, the time has flown. I'm beginning to think I don't like being pregnant. Don't judge just yet. Sure, I love the movements and knowing I can just take care of Grady without really having to much of anything other than taking care of myself of course. But Grady's movements aren't sweets little flutters; they are extreme convulsions where my whole belly shakes. I know he's got really boney limbs because he jabs them in every part of my belly. He also gets the hiccups now quite frequently, just like his brother in the womb around this time, which is the weirdest feeling. It almost feels like he's scratching me inside consistently every 8 seconds. There is also one particular spot on my stomach that he likes to put pressure on to the point that I'm sore from it. I have to push back so he will move, but he's quite determined. We also don't have AC, which I really don't want to sound like an ungrateful, complaining mom (especially after writing all the things I'm learning), but it really doesn't make me want to walk around with the extra insulation from a baby on top of wearing maternity clothes that cover your belly. My short frame doesn't help either as it just seems crowded in there. Like Caden in the womb, Grady is beginning to nestle in my ribs and simply take over my torso. I also have awful heartburn, but at least I'm not throwing up anymore! Oh, definitely praise the Lord on that one!! All this to say, Grady Perry, I know we are going to have sleepless nights and many frustrations, but we can't wait to see you and HOLD you! Yeah, yeah I know I've got a ways to go (and the people here don't feel bad at all to tell me I look bigger than I am), but I'm really really looking forward to the day he is here :o) (a lot of these pictures were on my ipod hence some blurriness)
Here's my big baby being a good helper. Caden loves to help clean up, set the table, and especially help load the washing machine and put the clothes into the dryer. I've been so impressed by his natural, helpful spirit. I'm reassured in how great of a help he will be when Grady is here. Unfortunately, once he's done helping he pitches the biggest fit to the point where we have to discipline him and the cuteness is over. He just wants to keep helping, but a tantrum is not needed. We are trying to celebrate when we finish a task and give a big thumbs up, but often times he's still sad/mad it's all over. It will be interesting to see how his helpful spirit develops.
My mom sent us a package recently with some new clothes for Caden...because that's what grandmas do, right?! In it was this too cute shirt (that's also super soft by the way...I wish I had one!) where the eyeballs actually float around. Caden loves it and tries to eat the eyes off. He always has his way of destroying things, but how can you resist this precious face and the cutest cheeks in the world?! I'm asking him where the frog is...he got it right :o)
This is random to a "T." It's common here for people to install these bars on their windows to prevent break-ins. Well, right across from us one day (on the 5th floor mind you), our neighbor had these installed, and I just enjoyed watching how they did it. I love that the man is just hanging on tied to a rope. I can only imagine if he fell how his stomach would be cinched from the rope because of no give. I also love that he's wearing the slippers that people want you to wear in their house to keep their floors clean yet he's standing on that nasty window that I'm sure has never been cleaned. I love this country...I get good laughs.
Truly random. So, we had some friends over for dinner last week, and Caden had his passie in while they were here because their little girl has a passie and he kept trying to take it from her. At some point, the passie disappeared, and we were left searching for it for 30+ minutes. We eventually gave up and said, "Well, that's it. He's just going to have to get over it." I was secretly fine with it even though I knew we would face a lot of moodiness ahead, but he's gotta get rid of it sometime. Well, the next morning, Britton was laying on the floor next to Caden when he yelled, "I found it!" This is harder than finding Waldo! We have these gigantic speakers (that don't even work), and all the kids love to stick little objects in them. What a great hiding place for Caden's passie! Do you see it in there?! Caden is great at hiding...not so great at seeking. Although, it's really cute when he's trying to help because he squats on the ground like us looking under furniture, etc. Needless to say, Caden's passie (pa & his dog, gou) are supposed to stay in his bed all day awaiting him for sleep time only.
I love that all these pictures are so random but make up so much of our lives. I love our friends here...I mean really love them. They have become such family to us, and this picture will always remind me of their sweet presence in our lives. This was last Sunday in our home when everyone came over for some fellowship and food. Because our city is so dirty and because of split pants (literally pants that are split for kids to squat and go potty absolutely anywhere), you do not wear your shoes inside. The shoes are left at the door like this.
And finally, I love that Caden has so many buddies and gets incredibly excited to see them. This was also last Sunday, and these 2 insisted on playing in Caden's crib. It's a bit crowded in there with all the toys, but they had the best time. I love 'P's' face as he seems to be yelling at the book. Not quite sure what was going on in there heads, but I just love their skinny little legs and playful hearts.
Life wouldn't be normal if it wasn't random!
