A professional photographer....I am not

Yesterday we did a somewhat impromptu photo-shoot for this year's Christmas card.....brought on by the fact that I had about 12 hours left to go before a very ridiculous 70% off coupon expired (nothing like huge savings to bring out your productivity).  I'm lucky I didn't go into labor as a result.   I quickly realized about 4 minutes in that the picture-perfect card was not going to happen, instead a more accurate snapsnot of the girls personalities (and life) was going to have to be the theme.   And I was going to have to be okay with that.   Jeez Louise was the Reesers not a willing participant.    Ryan couldn't have been better.
Reese would have preferred to do nothing but this:
and this....
This was the look I got pretty much anytime I attempted to give the lady any direction....she's internally mocking me, I know it.
Next year I should really just hire a professional (or at least attempt with a glass or two of wine) but for 2012 you'll get the lazy, pregnant mom version of a card.  
A few unedited, un-cropped teasers that didn't make the final cut.
And this pretty much sums it up... I'm right there with ya Ryan.

34 weeks

I had my follow-up ultrasound yesterday since I was measuring small and I'm happy to report all is well!   Thankfully we got another look because of course now I'm measuring only 29 weeks, even though we're obviously at 34....so five weeks behind would normally freak me out.  But the babe was nice and big (and fluid levels were good) - measuring in the 70th percentile (estimated weight is at 5 lbs, 8 ozs) and all measurements were actually a few weeks ahead....first thing my buddy Susan (the ultrasound tech whom I've now seen almost 8 times between this pregnancy and Reese) said was 'whoa, this child definitely is not small' as she got a peak at the head.  And speaking of head.....the nugget is head down!  Huge relief.   Although that could always change, the chances are pretty good that he/she should stay put for the remainder of the baking.    Heartbeat was still on the low side (130's), weight gain was +3 pounds for a total of about 23 pounds.   And Grant and I have switched over to the 'boy' side....I feel like this mug is that of a little dude.  And our child does not have 7 fingers.....the hand was moving as the shot was taken so you get a little bit of a motion effect.
And should our dude, be a dudette, no harm in looking like a boy in ultrasound pics as a few people thought Reese was going to be a boy based on her in utero photo shoots.

My trusty helpers with the latest bump shot:
We've been in full on baby prep mode....crib is up, car seat is ready, clothes are washed, diapers are stocked (thank you Ella!) and the girls have been helping me every step of the way. Helping is sometimes up for interpretation but they mean well.   Lately they love testing out the crib.

Tis the season....

to freak your freak on Santa.  Yet still manage to ask him for a book for Christmas.
And we'll try to ignore the judgmental little elves (aka - camera operators) who gave me a look when I told them we are all for crying pics so when (not if) Reese lost it, feel free to click away.   I mean isn't scaring little kids sh*tless what mall Santas are all about?

Scenes from the yard....

rockin' the pirate face
collecting dirt....no shovel, no problem.

Buses, dinosaurs and markers

The girls are loving having Christopher, Aunt Barbara and Uncle Bo in town for Thanksgiving.   The cousins are getting their fair share of playing in and thanks to Christopher and his affinity for all things vehicular, his toy buses have been quite the hit.
the little tush in the air kills me...
Jack has a permanent stash of dinosaurs over at Grandma and Grandpa's so when he's not looking, the others dig in...
And then some genius decided a dinosaur that squirted water would be a fun toy for kids....and yes, Reese is in yet another stage of undress.
Markers and pouty lips....I like to call Christopher 'mini Chris Martin' because gosh darn it, doesn't he look like he's about to bust out a version of 'Clocks' or 'Yellow'?

Hugs

Of many different varieties:
genuine (at least on Papa's behalf)
incestuous
painful
coerced/bribed/forced for the camera but that pretty much sums up families anyways, right?

And, yes, we put up Grandma and Grandpa's Christmas tree for our Cleveland visitors and, yes, Reese is very fond of taking off her clothes.

32 weeks

I'm a little off with my appointments, so I actually went last week at the 31 week mark.  I'm up 19 pounds, heartbeat was low again (130's - low 140's) and I am measuring a few weeks behind so next appointment we'll get another ultrasound of the little nugget.  Normally such things might make me worry but considering the exact same thing happened with Reese (measuring small/needing a late ultrasound) and she ended up coming 5 days early at 8 pounds, 11 ounces; I'm not losing any sleep over this one.  What I am literally losing sleep over, and perhaps what explains why my stomach isn't as round as it should be, would be the crazy kicking on the far (and I mean far) right side of the stomach.  I'm more interested in figuring out how this babe is laying than anything else at this point. And crossing my fingers we get the ideal head down pose on the ultrasound in two weeks.   Other than that, I'm feeling pretty darn good - amazed at how time seems to be flying by now (especially with the holidays upon us) and needing a burst of nesting energy to finish getting ready.
The girls still say we're having a boy. If you ask why a boy and not a girl, Ryan will tell you "mom, we already have two girls, we can't have another".  And the other day, I overheard the two of them arguing in the back of the car on where 'he' would sit.   Also, any stranger who offers their opinion on the matter - whether I ask or not:) says boy.  Not one single person has said girl.   Time will tell.  Grant insists we're having another girl, I lean towards girl, and everyone else in the world says boy.  Only the ultrasound tech and Ella know for sure and thankfully those two aren't going to give it up.

The outtakes.....we picked up two Santa hats at Michael's today and the girls have been insistent on wearing them around the house. I likey my Christmas, so I don't object.
And no 10 minute interval would be complete without a Reese wardrobe change...

Life's a hoot...

The girls became the proud owners of two inflatable owls over the weekend....courtesy of a very cute first birthday party for our cousin Xavi.  After mom nearly passed out trying to blow the damn things up, I will admit they have provided quite the entertainment for the ladies.  Last night, they took part in a riveting game of hide-and-sneak.  If you have ever witnessed Reese playing said game, you fully understand that 'riveting' is said with 120% sarcasm.   She either:
A.  Announces her hiding spot before you get to her..."Hello!  I'm by the chair"
B.  If she is seeking, the second she finds you and it's time to switch roles, she immediately squats down in the spot you were just hiding....tells you to go count and then doesn't move an inch.
Ryan's hiding spot...
Reese finds her...
Reese's stellar game play, steal the exact spot you just found your opponent in...
When the game loses its luster (I can't imagine why), some sort of wrestling/rough play/interpretive dance usually ensues...
Those poor owls...
The owls are given a break while the ladies love/torture each other...
Who needs an arm firmly connected to its socket anyway?
One of Reese's many talents...she likes to pretend to fall asleep on command.
These girls are going far in life I tell ya.