Slew of photographs.

Isn't she going to be a great big sister?

OK, thought you'd like to see a few more from our visit with the Laughrey's...

Taking Kelsea for a spin in the Escalade, around the corner to see the Halloween house.There is a petting zoo at the apple farm. The girls got a kick out of watching the goats knock each other over trying to eat out of hands. Kelsea and Alla both fed them!

A repeat of last year's shot. (You'll have to scroll thru the October archives to the 10-3-06 posting. And please note, she wore the same shirt apple-picking last year.)See, told you they had matching outfits! And this is also the day I realized I could not squeeze one more minute out of her size 2T's. The 3T's are now out in full force.One shot we didn't get last year, a Killins family portrait! Thanks, Katie!

Wednesday it was gorgeous so my friend Michelle and I took our girls to Stillwater to play at the Teddy Bear Park, walk downtown (ok, walk to a toy store), and then grab some lunch at a (cheap!) restaurant overlooking the St. Croix river.

Signing train...you'll remember this from the last time we took her...and again with the yellow shirt. Good thing we got such use out of it cause it definitely won't fit her for a third summer.

In the train - There are teddy bears everywhere and much bigger than this! I think I said it before, it's no Veteran's Park just based on location, but it's a pretty close second for all the amenities and view of the river.I caught her behind a wooden post, counting to twenty. She said she had to. Wish I could remember why. Then she was off, looking for a cake for Leigha. When, after at least twenty minutes, she couldn't find one, she said it was time to build a word, found some pretend letters that she figured would spell c-a-k-e, and then presented it to her. The imagination on this child...I love her!

Ten on Tuesday.

1. What is with all the subtitles on Heroes? I truly enjoy a more passive approach to television-watching. While folding clothes, scrapbooking, blogging, etc.

2. But no worry. I have Friday Night Lights to look forward to.

3. What's up with Grey's? Can no one be happy at the start of a new season? Sheesh.

4. We had a lovely weekend with the Laughrey's. Check them out at their first apple-picking experience.

5. And of course Alla had a built-in playmate for the weekend. With a matching outfit!

6. Does anyone have any idea where to get a baby book that's a 3-ring binder-type? I'd love to be able to add to it, versus the book I have for Alla that's just all crammed with loose papers every which way.

7. Sleeping is a night-by-night event. Meaning, Sunday night I slept 9 hours, in a row, no waking up to pee, and felt amazing in the morning. But last night, not so much. The shooting pain down my left leg was really hampering my sleep. So today I broke out the pregnancy yoga video and we'll see if that helps at all.

8. I ran half a mile yesterday. Woo.

9. I want this for over our bed. But of course it's sold out in chocolate.

10. We got invited to a family Halloween party in a few weeks and I really want to go, but here's the thing: I don't dress up. But I'll be a complete spoil-sport otherwise. And think how excited Alla would be! And of course if this pregnant mama has to dress up, then so does Ron. So PLEASE, give me some great and easy ideas. I know a few of you must be Halloween fans???

Well, It's Wednesday.

But we'll still go ahead with our ten. That's just how some weeks go.

1. Been thinking we should start Maple Mondays here soon, except that I remembered ours is one of the last trees to turn. So the entire state is all ablaze with yellows and oranges and reds and we're still green. Completely.

2. Yesterday at lunch, Alla says, completely utterly out of the blue, I'm not saying any bad word. I'm not saying 'shit.' Alla! You can't say that word. That's a grown-up word! But I'm not saying 'shit.' Alla! You can't say that word. That's a grown-up word! Please don't say that again. And then: immediate sobs. And choking on her half-chewed carrot. Seriously.

3. At the moment we're sitting here watching WordWorld. Have you seen it? She's in L-O-V-E. And I think it's adorable the first two times I see an episode but after that I pretty much wish I knew how to knit or some other couch-potato hobby, hence the blogging now. It's the one about there being an ant in every g-i-a-n-t again.

4. She also told me yesterday, Mama you have to hug me cause I got a 'brrr.' After she had a chill.

5. Speaking of chills, it didn't even get to 60 yesterday.

6. But Sunday and Monday we were so hot we had to turn on the a/c.

7. I reluctantly finished Waiting for Birdy. I say reluctantly because I was enjoying it greatly and it was so like what I feel pregnant for the second time, and her Ben was sounding so similar to my Alla, that I would find myself just cracking up in bed and trying to explain it to Ron. And, no, he wouldn't quite get it.

8. So in its place I started The Good Good Pig, which sounds very charming.

9. I also have A Prayer for Owen Meany on my shelf. Any thoughts on that one?

10. Can't believe it. TOMORROW The Laughrey's come to visit!!

And a bonus because I'm a day late: Today Alla is 2 years and 5 months. Next month I officially get to say two and a half. Whoa.

Roast Beef.

We're trying to put on her Dora sandals this morning, and she says to me, Mama, my roast beef doesn't fit! No, no, it's my none! My none doesn't fit!

Oh my goodness where does she come up with these things! Yep we'd been doing "This Little Piggy" in bed this morning, but isn't it refreshing that 'roast beef' came to mind before, say, 'toe?'

In other news, the sixteen-week mark happened yesterday, and since we had 85-degree weather, we headed outside to document the occasion. Will be interesting to see if the 20 week photo involves sweaters and hats!

Last Day of Summer.

We had lovely lovely weather. And our first day of fall should be even lovelier.

Ten on Tuesday.

1. I spy with my little eye: two turkeys on our next-door neighbor's roof.2. Now isn't this the happiest picture you've seen all day? 3. I am in love with the current issue of Wondertime. If you don't have it, run out and get it tomorrow. It's just so good.

4. Why is it September and I'm just finishing up the production part of my January photo-of-the-day album? I'll get it all assembled in time to start over this January.

5. We were lucky to share brunch here on Sunday with the Zitz', and Alla is just head over heels in love with Baby Dane. (Happy Six Months, Little One!) 6. Today was the first day of school! Alla is the youngest and only one of two girls! 7. Our after-nap ritual has become, wake her up and then go make moo-moos. She likes 'em really 'fick.' 8. I spy with my little eye: a bald eagle just chillin' in a tree.

9. I have the best husband. He laughs and plays with Alla at six o'clock like he hasn't just worked his butt off all day. I love that.

10. On Saturday morning we participated in a walk to benefit Camp Odayin. When we woke up it was a balmy 35 degrees, hence the hats, fleece, and gloves. Alla was all smiles that morning, since Ron was home from Puerto Rico and we were setting out on a family walk. She got a heart balloon, a tattoo, her face painted, and did all the aerobic warming up that a two year old could do. Which meant she was pretty pooped for the actual walk part. Which meant we (Ron) pretty much carried her on our one lap around the lake. Ah well.

Ten on Tuesday: Revisiting the State Fair.

Today is a great day to revisit our day at the fair, just a week ago yesterday, because the difference in our weather in just a week is shocking. When we walked out of the fair it was a sweltering 87 degrees. Today we are down THIRTY degrees to barely 57! I mean, I'm in a t-shirt (that I'm pulling down all day, hello, can we say, maternity shopping?), a sweatshirt, and a jacket, and I'm still standing in the sun and feeling the cold wind is truly stealing all the warmth of the sun.

But onto the fair!

1. First of all, Ron dressed her. I mean, I put out her clothes, but I can't help it if he thinks it best if her socks are pulled up to her knees and she thinks this is fancy, too.2. We went with our wonderful friends and neighbors who have these two boys that Alla is in love with. The grown-ups stopped for coffee and mini-donuts while the kiddos ran around. We got there at 8:30 am...
3. A huge hit was the giant slide. She went twice.
4. Just a little of the carrying by mama.

5. A local band was singing Johnny Cash songs, so Alla was in heaven. Check out the moves of Alla and Canton!



6. The food is what you go for, really, so here's what we ate: besides the mini-donuts and coffee (of which I was able to have a few measley sips), we had amongst us a hot dog (Alla!), deep fried smelt (basically walleye sticks with tartar sauce), gyros, ice cream, a bucket of cookies, deep fried Spam balls, and a great glass of fresh squeezed lemonade on the way out.7. The pregnant mama was not allowed on the skyride, but Ron had fun holding onto Alla for dear life.8. We headed over to the kiddie midway after that because they were melting and we thought we should end on a high note. They got to pick three rides. The bumper boats: big hit.9. The motorcycle, not so much.
10. So we walked her on over to the merry-go-round cause that's a foolproof way to put a smile on her face.Bonus: What we didn't know then was that the biggest smile of the day would come after that, when we were on our way out and an older couple came up to us and said they had a present for our daughter. They had evidently gotten a grab bag of some sort and the stuffed dog in it really wasn't something they were going to use. Oh. My. Goodness. You'd have thought Elmo had just moved in with her or something. She said thank you and then she talked to that dog all the way to the car, and then all the way home. I suggested that she give that doggie a good name, and she almost immediately said "Maurice," and we later figured out that she'd named her doggie after the author Maurice Sendak. The best part for me was when she said on the way home, "That was nice of that person to give me my doggie." Melting my heart.

'Til next year! When we'll brave it with two!

More Clues.

OB appointment today.
Pondegore is well in there.
Alla held my hand while I had my blood pressure taken, and again when we listened for the baby's heartbeat.
155, folks.
Place your bets.

Ten on Tuesday: Ten Faves From Nana's.

1. We'd walk every night after dinner. This would completely wear Alla out. But of course halfway through that meant she'd have to be carried or on someone's shoulders. Thank God for Nana!

2. I cannot tell you how happy a merry-go-round makes her.

3. Big sister shirt from Nana & Pappi.

4. Checking out the penguins (her favorite) at the Mystic Aquarium with Pappi.

5. Walking downtown Mystic with Daddy. She truly missed him after a week away.

6. Nothing like Nana's box of dress-up stuff, right?7. Ready to jump in the pool!

8. Her octagon. That's what she called it. Especially when she hugged it.9. Giraffes are my favorite, especially baby giraffes!10. Her very own little motorcycle raft for the pool:)11. BONUS! Also nothing better than licking the batter after making brownies with Nana. I want to make with you, Nana! I wish I could remember what she called the spatula.

8 Things.

What are you doing this holiday weekend? We are b-u-s-y. Ron is painting our bedroom, and I am desperately trying to keep up with Alla, who is the social butterfly of the neighborhood. The four-year-old down the street comes over and knocks on the door to see what we're up to, if Alla's coming outside. Sheesh. Thought we had a few years before "Can Alla come out and play?"

In between racing after her and napping myself, I've finally thought of my eight, since Stace tagged me. So here goes:

1. My first car was a 1989 Ford Thunderbird that was a hand-me-down from my mom that I loved. Remember all the trips to P.C., Dre?

2. I eat an obscene amount of butter if there is bread around. Please do not refer me to this statement if in six months I'm complaining of having gained 50 pounds. Already.

3. I also eat an obscene amount of cheese on a regular basis. Again, no need to refer back.

4. For a few years in college/grad school, I was a platinum blonde.

5. I have been to 4 Beach Boys concerts. I love The Beach Boys.

6. I've also seen America in concert. Love America, thanks to my dad.

7. I like my fruit sliced. That means bananas, strawberries, nectarines, watermelon, mango, and probably more. I think the clean edge makes it taste crisper.

8. I don't remember the first trimester being a time of uncomfortable sleep. About the only position that's comfy is on my back, and we all know those days are numbered. We're back to the part where if you lay on your side the top leg falls asleep. Ugh. Guess we better get the Snoogle out soon.

That said, today marks the beginning of the second trimester! I just KNOW happy days are right around the corner. Or at leat I'm hoping.

Happy Labor Day to all of you! We're heading to the fair tomorrow, in a much needed break for Ron from all the Labor Day weekend labor he's been doing. Deep fried candy bar, here he comes!

And, if you're interested in the results of the illustration I posted about, MAMA KEL found me through friends of friends and knew the book!! You can find it here. Thanks, new friend!

Does Anyone Recognize This Illustration?

I was going through some artwork of mine from when I was a child, that I brought home from Mom's house, and found that I had drawn on the back of this. Very vague memories of a book I loved started coming to me, something about a cat that ends up very fat by the end of the book. But for the life of me I have no idea what book that might be.

Anyone recognize it?

Gotta Do Something Creative.

So look up, a new banner is born.

Back.

And soooooooooo tired.
This one family shot will have to suffice.
Proof that I'm still here.
Still pregnant.
Still waiting for that magical moment when the relentless exhaustion and ill feeling go away.
Until then, I'm really only operating on about 70% at any given time.

J.J. & Alla: Out.

Off to Nana's.
See you in ten days.
Peace.

Ten on Tuesday.

1. What a beautiful day. One of those where you don't leave the house, you just play and straighten and read books and snuggle and put away laundry and play teacher and read many more books and everyone feels the goodness of home and there are no meltdowns in the entire day.

2. Alla to Daddy, Daddy I'm asking you a question: Where's your clabicle? (clavicle)


3. And another conversation she had with us one morning: I need to find my reskipe (recipe) for my dinner. I just need some wipes (wipes are her imaginary everything) so Alla can make some potatoes.


4. She is finally getting the hang of the Escalade. And LOVING it. Probably doesn't hurt that all the four year olds in the neighborhood will gladly drive her around. Or that, because of this car, we are now the kool-aid house in the neighborhood. Alla has major cool status around here. And thanks, Katie, this shirt still fits her! As a kind thank you, Alla will drive your daughter around next month.

5. I am a little perturbed that MY car has a huge dent in it from last night's two-inch-around hail, but Alla's car is in pristine condition in the garage. Grrrrrrr. My brand new car.


6. I forgot how exhausting is the first trimester. How you just long for sleep and more sleep. At lunch, which seems to get earlier and earlier every day, whether because of my constant hunger or constant need to sleep, I'm silently pleading with Alla to finish so I can put her down and find my super comfy spot on the couch downstairs with the remote and my borrowed copy of Waiting for Birdy, which I love.


7. In all honesty, though, I've always loved our breakfasts and lunches, just the two of us. It feels like less of an ordeal than dinner, and it's quiet, and we chat. And I remember those early days where I'd try and sneak in a sandwich (which I hope to want again someday) while she laid on her Gymini or while she sat next to me on top of the table in her bouncer. Way before she actually ate food.


8.Alla and I venture off to Nana & Pappi's this weekend by ourselves...just the airport/airplane experience alone will probably do me in for a good few days. We'll need to get there like three hours early lest we (I) have to run at top speed to miss the flight anyway. Oh, did that happen to me the first time I flew alone with her? Hmph.


9. I am a horrible pregnant gardener. Feel free to comment on how that's ok. Problem with being pregnant is that nothing in my garden actually sounds good. Not zucchini or parsely, not pesto, so all the basil still remains even though ages ago I bought pine nuts. But tomatoes, which are finally coming around, sound lovely, so I do hope those are ready when we return from our trip. I'm so sorry, garden. I just don't want much to do with you now that that other human is inside me.
10. Alla and Dada. She sometimes still calls us Mama and Dada. I missed that.

Announcing...Pondegore.

You who know us well thought sure we'd pick another cracker when we got pregnant again, something like Ritz or Graham or Cheezit. But, alas, this time around we have a beautiful, smart, wonderful, amazing daughter who did the naming for us.

So, allow me to introduce that ten week bulge in my belly. That one's name is Pondegore.

That name is all Alla's creation.

And she's pretty protective, too. Like today when we went to the doctor again and the midwife whipped out the doppler and Alla said, What are you doing? And then proceeded to lay on my belly while the kind midwife searched for Pondegore's racing heartbeat.

Perhaps the laying helped. It was 180 beats per minute.

So, since we Killins' are not finder-outers, let the guessing begin. Girl or boy?

Keeping Cool.

Hope you're all keeping cool somehow. It's hot here.

The Giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein.

This is how much Alla "read" to her Daddy last night, and then again to me before nap:

Once there was a tree...
and she loved a little boy.
And every day the boy would come
and he would gather her leaves
and make them into crowns and play king of the forest.
He would climb up her trunk
and swing from her branches
and eat apples.
And they would play hide-and-go-seek.
And when he was tired, he would sleep in her shade.
And the boy loved the tree...
very much.
And the tree was happy.
But time went by.
And the boy grew older.
And the tree was often alone.
Then one day the boy came to the tree
and the tree said, "Come, Boy, come and climb
up my trunk and swing from my branches
and eat apples and play in my shade
and be happy."

I'd say that's the first third of the book.
We asked her how she got so smart, and her reply?
From American Sign Language.
She said it.

Ten Years.

Love you, Ron. With all my heart.

xoxo