Two-and-a Half

Alex is two-and-a-half. Where has the time gone? I feel like it was yesterday when we were at My Gym celebrating his 2nd birthday. In the past 6 months, he has really changed from a baby to a little boy with all of the good and the ornery that comes with it.

He is so smart. He not only speaks in sentences but in paragraphs. Even when a one-word response is appropriate, he answers in a complete sentence. He has even more of his books memorized. The other night, I was going to read him one of his favorites, Jamberry. He said, "I'll read it." And he did...with just a little prompting.

Jay took him to swimming lessons this spring, and he really has gotten the "kicking" part down pat. He loves to swim in Grandma and Pop's pool, and today I took him to the pool in our new neighborhood.

His newest talent is he can take off his own clothes. And he loves to take showers now, when up until two weeks ago he said, "Showers scare me." We were at Grandma and Pop's a few weeks ago, and he took at shower with Sophie and Jake and now it is his favorite thing to do at the end of the day. He actually runs up the stairs to get in the shower with Daddy.

He also loves to "help" build our house. He takes his hammer over and says he is building.

Some other of his "talents" that aren't as desirable include: sticking out his tongue, name-calling - his favorite being "poopy head," extreme possessiveness of his toys, and refusal to go near a potty unless it is to flush a bug! But I guess all of that goes with the territory of being two-and-a-half.

I can't help but wonder what the next six months will bring....

Beware of Belly

Here I am. Look at my belly! It is huge. I just finished my 6th month and can't believe I still have 3 more to go! This picture was taken on June 1st - 26 weeks! One more week until I start my third trimester. I am really starting to feel uncomfortable which is scary, because I have a long summer ahead of me. You should see me trying to get up off the floor after playing with Alex. It takes me forever, because I am so heavy! We have so much going on with building the house and trying to sell this house, that I am still pretty tired all the time. But I really can't complain. I know all the aches, pains, and sleepiness is worth it.

Let's just hope the next picture I post will fit on the screen...

House Update

As month 2 of Project Build Beynon comes to a close, you will not believe how much our house has grown! I get teary everyday when I go and see all the progress being made.

The first floor - May 7, 2008


The second floor - May 19, 2008


Putting the roof together - May 28, 2008

The roof - June 1, 2008

Moving and Shaking

I have been feeling the baby move for about 2 months now. At first it was barely noticable, and now I feel her moving all the time. It is my absolute favorite part of being pregnant. It is our special bond. I think about her constantly, and I love when she moves because I feel like she is saying, "I hear your voice, Momma. I feel your hand on your belly, Momma."

In the past week or two, I have thought I felt her from the outside too. In fact, I could swear at times that I have seen my whole belly shake. But no one else had seen or felt her yet. On Saturday night, May 24th, my suspisions were finally confirmed. Jay felt his daughter move for the first time. He put his hand there and said he only felt me breathing, but then she gave a little "kick" and he said, "I felt that!" So although I have loved sharing these little moments with my baby over the past two months, I am so happy that Jay is now in on our secret. I can't wait for Alex to feel her.

3 and 1/2 Months to Go!

I had another ob appointment this morning. I am 5 and 1/2 months along and getting bigger by the minute! Alex went with me to the doctor this time. He got to hear his sister's heartbeat! He wanted the doctor to listen to his too! Everything is going well. He told me to take it easy, because the more I do the more my sciatica acts up. Easy for him to say...he doesn't have to organize and pack a house and chase after a toddler. Dr. Akman told Alex, "By the sound of this strong heartbeat, she is going to be trouble!" It is going to be so great to have someone in the house who can give Alex a run for his money!

Mother's Day!

Dear Alex,

I have had the most wonderful day. It started at 6:30, and it might have been nice to sleep a little longer, but I was anxious to start the day with my baby boy. Daddy even got up with us too! Daddy made us pancakes, and then I went to church to thank God for you! When I got home, you were there with a present and cards. You and Daddy bought me a beautiful watch. I love it. We spent the afternoon at Mark and Peggy's. We had a great time. You played so nicely with Mason and Preslee. Then we went to Grandma and Pop's for dinner. You had fun playing with your cousins. You were such a good boy all day. I am so proud of you! We came home and read you books and said our prayers. And as we put you in your bed and tucked you in "like a mummy," you looked up at me and said, "Sing 'You are My Sunshine.'" I sang to you, just as I have since my first Mother's Day - four years ago - when you were growing inside my belly. Now your baby sister is growing and kicking in there. I just know you are going to be such a caring, protective big brother. You already take such good care of me. You always give me the best hugs and kisses! She is going to be so lucky to have you, just as I am.

I love you "this much." You bring so much joy into my life. I thank God for you every second of every day. I have always wanted to be a momma, and you made this dream some true. Thank you.

Your Momma

Fun and Games Until Alex Got Hurt!

Tonight Alex fell and got his first REAL boo-boo! He was bleeding like crazy but was very brave. Sophie even made him a "Super Alex" badge. He cried but then we gave him some ice in a washcloth and that helped....until the ice melted. Then he said, "I need some more ice. My lip is sick!"

Alex's First Haircut

Yesterday Alex got his haircut for the first time. It was very traumatic for him and for me as well! He cried as they were cutting it, and I wanted to shed some tears myself. Even though he is almost two-and-a-half, he is still my baby boy. It was one of the last "baby" moments we will have, except for potty training which he seems in no rush to do! I guess when you look at it that way, changing diapers is not so bad. I digress, as I often do! He looks adorable with his new do! He still has lots of curls. Yesterday he kept asking me to put his hair back on, but today he was proudly showing off his new haircut!

Are You Happy?

Alex is your typical fearless, stubborn two-year old boy. Lately when he does something that I don't like I have been saying, "Alex, that doesn't make me happy when you.... hit, don't listen, stand on the table, whine, etc. Then he always says, "I'll hug you Momma and you will feel happy." Now he asks me at random times, "Momma, are you happy?" It is like he just wants to make sure.

Last night he was very upset because I wouldn't let him take pictures with my new, expensive camera. He was crying so hard. It was breaking my heart, but he was not getting his hands on my camera. I told him we would go home get my other camera for him to use. That seemed to help a little. Then he said to me, "Momma, I'll be happy. I will just wipe my tears away!" It was the cutest thing I had ever heard!

House Update

As month 1 of Project Build Beynon comes to a close, we can't believe how much our lot has changed. A little over a month ago it was filled with trees and vines and now we have a foundation, brick to grade, a first floor and even a few walls. These builders are something else!

The foundation - April 15th

Laying Brick in the areaway -April 21st

Building the first floor - April 29th
The sunroom (left) and mudroom (right) walls - May 2nd