Welcoming Genevieve Roper!

After a short and uncomplicated labor and delivery, Geni arrived right on time (today is her due date) at 8:40 AM, weighing 7 lbs. 11 oz., measuring 20 1/2 inches long, and bearing a large and unwieldy head.

More pictures to come!

One week and counting...

This will be the week... most likely anyway... that Geni is born. How is it that I can feel SOOO much less prepared to give birth to her than I was to Mel? I've done this already! but am TERRIFIED!!!

I want to be cuddling Mel every moment of the day... I feel like this is the last time... something. Things will never be the same. I already feel homesick for the family I have right now, and nothing has even changed yet!

I know things will be different and WONDERFUL with Geni here... of course they will be and blah blah blah... but still.... I really enjoy life with my men- and am nearly sick with all the anticipation of the unknown everything.

There is so much to be done! So much to look forward to! What will I regret about this last week... what do I need to focus on? Will I wish I would have let the toilets mold a few months longer and really PLAYED with Mel more? Or going to playdates I won't be getting around to in so long? Will I wish I would have relaxed and literally put my feet up more so I would have actually had the energy required to give birth?

I think I'll go eat some icecream- watch what is left of Toy Story 2 with Mel... and then put us both down for a nap. I'm feeling exhausted.

Yesterday Mark took the day off so we could get things more ready for Geni... but to start the day we spent the morning at the zoo... petting zoo especially... Mel loves the goats. It was wonderful. Thus, the picture.

BABY SHOWER!!!!!!!!!!

I HONESTLY had THE best time at Geni's baby shower this morning. I have such awesome friends-- I feel so blessed. More to come on this.

FoTo ShOoT!

Not much of the belly... but I HAD to share our impromptu family fun with our camera this evening. :)

This one is the winner. Check the dimples!!!!!!!!

Some Updates...

After repeated dismounts from his crib at odd hours of the night, Mark and I have finally turned Mel's crib into a toddler bed. I wasn't ready... I liked the power of locking him in his crib for naps and the like... but he just wouldn't be restrained any longer... and instead of risking him breaking his neck at three in the morning climbing out of a crib... we just removed EVERYTHING from his room to toddler proof it, except the toddler bed which of course he can EASILY get out of, and a rocking chair. :) THis is how we found him after a nap on that first day of his toddler bed freedom. Conked on the chair with his snuggle blankets. Very sweet. A little look at the kitchen...

I can't get over how big Mel is!!!!!!! Two years in May people!

Still a master of the "scrunchy face."

At long last!!!!!! We have family in OHIO!!!!!!! Oh the joys of family!!!! We are all completely beside ourselves with joy having Mark's brother's family here, (Mark's brother,sister in law, and their fabulous childrens. ) They have introduced us to Thomas the Train, and I know life will never be the same. :) Here is Mel with his cousin Henry... Wendy is sprinting in the background. :)

Geni should be here in 5 weeks. Her little rump is always pushing in and over my ribs... I have constant raging heartburn, and as unprepared and scared as I feel.... I CAN'T WAIT FOR HER TO COME!!!!!!!!! Come on out baby Geni! (as soon as you're ready of course...).Let me hold you on the outside. :) Belly pictures are coming.

My moon my man...

Isn't he getting big?

Maple Syrup Festival in OHIO!

Mark is THE best. He found a Maple Syrup Festival at a nearby scoutcamp for me!!!! It was AWSOME- maybe not quite as awsome as those in Canada... but we had so much fun, and it brought back wonderful memories of my time in Montreal, so way to go OHIO! There was SOOOOOOOOO much to do, we'll make this one a family tradition.