Our boy needs a brother.

Gus and I probably say that once a week. Henry is at this magically fun age where he loves to play and explore and imagine. But let's be honest, playing with your parents does not compare to playing with your little brother. Until then, he will have to enjoy giving his Baby Brother a nice belly rub and sharing his trucks. Just a few more weeks, sweet boy.

Oh my darlin', Clementine!

Henry-boy loves him some clementines, and it certainly shows. Henry is usually pretty calm, and I am fairly certain he doesn't get that from me. He has also been very expressive lately, and I'm pretty sure I know who that comes from, too. (Watch for those crazy eyes!)

My Funny Valentine

How could you not love Valentine's Day when you wake up to this face in monkey pajamas?!?


We started the morning by making Daddy a valentine and then hiding it in his car before he left for work. I have a feeling those Reese's Pieces were his breakfast.




When Daddy came home from work, he wooed me with roses and Sour Patch Kids. Clearly he knows the way to my heart (and Baby Mak's).


Nine years ago, Gus and I dined at a Cracker Barrel in Howell, Michigan on Valentine's Day because it was the half-way point between our two colleges. And from that night, a tradition was born. Tonight we spent our tenth consecutive Valentine's Day dinner there with our almost 2 year old and almost newborn. I'm hoping by the time we're 70, I will have enough photographic proof of our children aging in those cute rocking chairs that Cracker Barrel will fall in love with our story and throw in a dinner on the house.

Number 1 in my heart.

Un, Two, Fee, Foor, Fiii, Siii, Se'n, Eigh, Nii, TEENNN!

All About Baby Mak

This pregnancy has flown by, to me anyway. I stared blankly in disbelief at the nurse in the doctor's office when she told me it was time to start making bi-monthly appointments. But that's a good thing; it just means I am that much closer to finally seeing this little boy's face, and I can't wait for that.

Overall this pregnancy has been pretty similar to my first, with a few exceptions. Baby Mak is a mover and a shaker! Henry had his fair share of kicks and punches, but this baby is constantly moving and dancing around in there. He even has one particular spot on my left side that he loves kick. Some kicks to the ribs even take my breath away!

I have officially experienced the dreaded symptom of heartburn, but only after eating one particular food: black cherry jello. It is the strangest thing. Here I was trying to be healthy by snacking on jello instead of ice cream, but after a few nights of heartburn, I decided to put the jello down. Whaddayaknow, no more heartburn! That Bill Cosby is full of it.

During my first pregnancy, I had very few Braxton-Hicks contractions. This time around, they come on an almost daily basis. They don't even begin to compare to "real" contractions though, especially now that I know what those feel like!

Being pregnant with a toddler is a whole new world. I definitely tire more easily after lifting a 30 lb. child all day long, especially when those 30 lbs. refuse to stand up and put on his shoes (hello world of temper tantrums!). It's also difficult to explain to a toddler why it's not okay to lift up Mama's shirt at Publix after he demands, "Baby hiding? Hi Baby! Kiss! Kiss!", because he's used to doing that at home. We give the deli guy some serious entertainment.