Chuck E Cheese!

 Well, the inevitable has occurred.  Nathan has now officially discovered the childhood wonder that is Chuck E. Cheese!  Up to this point in his life, we had not acknowledged the existence of this fine dining establishment.  This weekend, however, Nathan's good friend Ellie had her birthday party there.  Nathan and all the rest of the kids were in heaven, and all the parents were in overload!! I always love to see Nay interacting with his buddies, and I always enjoy chatting with the other parents. We have such a good community with this daycare; I am sad that none of the kids will be going to the same kindergarten as Nathan next year.

Nathan was a really good boy; running around like a maniac when it was time for that, and super cooperative when it was time to go potty, eat, and eventually leave.  We both slept very well that night! :)

 A highlight for the pre-K kids was getting to meet Chuck himself!

A Tradition Continues

This year was the 15th Valentine's Day that Todd and I have celebrated together. Whoa! Since our first one, we have marked the occasion with a heart-shaped pizza from Bilbos.  This year was no exception.  Todd, the kids and I enjoyed a delicious and casual dinner together. I am so blessed!

38 Weeks

My due date is 2 days away, so it's probably time for my 38 week update! :)  As far as real complaints go, I don't really have any. Just the normal late pregnancy stuff.  I am, however, running low on clothes!  My shirts and pants are no longer reliably covering my belly!  Even though my belly is not huge, my long torso plus belly means that I'm still outgrowing all my maternity clothes!

At my 38 week check-up, the midwife was a little concerned that I was measuring a little bit small, and sent me in for an ultrasound to check the amniotic fluid level and baby's size. After a stressful few hours waiting for my ultrasound appointment, I was very relieved to learn that both the fluid level and the baby's size are within the normal range--the smaller end of the range, but nothing to be concerned about. Whew!  Oh, and the tech reconfirmed that the baby is a girl. :)

 Pre-coffee (aka grumpy) iphone photo of the 38 week belly.

Some photos from the ultrasound: her wispy hair!

Hand with finger pointing, above her toes!

Let it Snow

This winter has been one of the coldest and snowiest in recent memory. The College has even had two snow days and one delayed start, which is almost unheard-of for a residential campus where most faculty live within walking distance.  I love all the snow, but the extremely cold temperatures have made it too cold to play outside most days, which is a huge bummer.  The silver lining, however, is that it has made me realize with absolute certainty that I do not want to live in Minnesota, where it is regularly far below zero with even colder wind chills.  I like the temps that allow us to bundle up and play in the winter wonderland!  

We have been able to get out and about a little bit more recently, however.  Both kids absolutely love to play in the snow, and to help Daddy plow the driveway.

We regularly shovel our way to the grill--no reason to wait til spring for delicious grilled meats!

"I made a comfy chair!"

A big attraction for Nathan this winter is clambering around on and sliding down the big banks of snow that the plow makes along the perimeter of the driveway.

Natalie loves shoveling duty.

With the length and grade of our driveway, I am very thankful that we have a plow!

Apparently riding shotgun while Daddy plows is very soothing!

The snow monster in action. :)