Merry Christmas!!

Oh my goodness...we are getting so close to meeting baby Roger!  At my appointment, I was dilated to a 2 and my doctor discussed inducing me.  We'll discuss more at next week's appointment.  This week Matt put in a lot of extra hours at work.  One, he has a deadline coming up.  Two, he wants to get it done now before we are in the hospital welcoming another baby to the family!  So this week Zane was my photographer.  He did a pretty good job...here's the best photo we got:

37 weeks!  Only 3 to go!

We headed to the mall to ride the free train.  I think the boys are getting a little bored with this...but they wanted a second turn, so we went again.



Waiting for the train ride

All aboard!

Another Christmas has come and gone...wow...how did that even happen? It's truly my favorite time of year...I love everything about it...but hate when it comes to an end. We had a wonderful Christmas this year! Because I'm so close to delivering, we did not travel back to Iowa for any of the gatherings, rather we stayed here and our families came to us.  Saturday, we spent Christmas Eve with the Bakers.

Christmas Eve - getting ready to open presents with the Bakers

Grandma, Mason, Zane, Papa

Yea!  New John Deere stuff!

"Farm stuff!"

Kindle Fires!  Once they got these...they didn't surface again!  Thanks Grandma and Papa Farmer and Grandma and Papa Hammer!  (Seriously, we've already gotten your money's worth out of them)!

The best (?) of the pictures of all of us...

Aftermath #1

Watching cartoons on their Fires!

Christmas morning was just the 4 (5) of us...and it was amazing!  They boys are at SUCH fun ages!  As tradition goes...we had to stop and take a picture on the stairs before opening gifts.  We sort of forgot to leave milk and cookies for Santa...whoops...so he had to scrounge around and eat some Lucky Charms.  That silly guy made such a mess!  Christmas didn't last long...30 minutes from start to finish...but it sure was nice to not have anywhere to go and the boys could play with their new stuff!

Christmas morning, 2011

Matt, Mason, and Zane in their Grinchy jammies

Me, Mason, and Zane in our grinchy jammies

Zane with his stocking

Mason with his stocking

PRESENTS!

A wagon!  Mason was funny...he stopped with EVERY present for me to take a picture of him!

A hay baler!

What?  He just kept saying "This is just what I wanted" for many of his presents!

BeyBlades...the ONE thing Zane kept talking about wanting.  Just look at the look on his face!!!

LOVE!

Aftermath #2

And again...playing on their fires!

Dad helping them pass levels so they could have more options...ANGRY BIRDS!

My parents and Adam arrived around 11:30 on Christmas Day.  Aaron and Michele were with her family so could not join us.  We had dinner, played outside (who knew we'd be out in the sun, without coats, on Christmas Day), and opened presents.  Another great day!

Grandma, Mason, Papa, Zane

Helping Adam open a present

Mason pretending to shoot something outside.  After shooting he put the gun up to his mouth and blew into it!

Then he went around shooting everyone and you had to "put your head over"

He thought it was hilarious when we acted as if we were shot!

Playing with the track Adam gave Mason

We had a wonderful time with each of our families!  Thanks to everyone for the gifts that you so thoughtfully gave each of us!  We are so lucky!!!  Who knows...maybe my next post will include our newest family member!  We appreciate any prayers that are directed at us for Roger's safe arrival, health, and happiness!!!  Merry Christmas everyone!

Dear Santa...

Wow...37 weeks along...only 3 weeks until my due date...and that means only one week until Christmas and two until the New Year!  Where has time gone?  SOOOOO ready to cuddle this little guy, but know that I will dearly miss having him with me all the time and feeling the life inside of me.  I could give up all other aspects of pregnancy...but that is one thing that I love...the only part of the baby that only I get to experience!

36 weeks!

36 weeks with ALL of my boys!

They had to give Roger/Sambo kisses!!

Each year, Jo has Santa visit her house a week or so before Christmas.  He came on Thursday.  Zane has been waiting and waiting for this...telling me he couldn't wait to tell Santa at Jo's house what he wanted and talk to him.  On Thursday when I picked him up, he was SOOOOOOO excited...saying "I'm going to get my Beyblade stadium!"  I had to explain to him that Sant would probably bring him a little gift that day, but not the big gift he was asking for.  He didn't realize that...and I didn't want a meltdown or him acting unthankful for what he received.  When we got to Jo's, the little kids were all excited.  They were huddled around the snack table...imagine!  I was really wondering just how this would all go with Mason!

Braeden and Mason hanging out by the snacks...waiting for Santa!

The "big kids," Madelyn, Ryan, and Zane

Mason can talk the talk...saying he'll talk to Santa and sit by him and on and on...but he sure doesn't walk the walk!  He was eating, laughing, and having fun...until Santa walked in the door.  As long as he was far away, he was okay, but the minute I tried to have him come with me to go upstairs, he started screaming/crying!  Luckily Mary was there to save the day...she carried him upstairs and he calmed down.  Look at this poor kid's face...

STAY BACK!

Jo's kids!  Jo, Zane, Madelyn, Arthur, Nora, Mason, Vaughn, Ryan, Braeden, Aiden, Nicholas

Nora and Mason watching from afar.  (Mary and I joked that we need Santa at our house...Mason was super well-behaved while he was there!

Zane got a present!

A Hex Bug!

Mason was on the nice list too!

Binoculars!  At first he said, "I wanted a tractor!" to me, but I explained that is what he would probably get from Santa on Christmas morning.  He ended up "watching" Santa through these the rest of the time!

I really wanted a picture of the boys with Santa, but wasn't sure how that would go...again...Mary to the rescue...she took him up there and said she'd stand right by him.  He posed for us...(see Mary's arm hanging on tight) and I was able to get a shot with BOTH boys and Santa...and both smiling!  Yea!  He was so proud of himself!  Everyone told him good job and when he got back to the couch I told him I was proud and he said "Mom" and put his hand up for me to give him a high five!  So cute!

The boys with Santa

The boys with Jo

Friday evening Matt's Dad stopped by on his way home from St. Louis.  They had asked us earlier in the week if they could get the boys for the weekend so they could be at the Beggs Christmas (Matt's mom's side).  We had already decided that we should stay put in December...you never know when Roger will make his debut, and I'm too scared to be 2 hours away from the hospital!  So...he got the boys and headed to Iowa with them.  It has been SO quiet around here for 2 days!  We have gotten a ton of things done and it's been nice to just have the time to do them...without little hands messing it all up as soon as it's done!  We had time to run errands order a new car seat/stroller (found out ours expires this month...handy), I got a pedicure (heaven), packed more in my hospital bag, cleaned up the baby swing and bouncer, caught up on my pregnancy memories book, cleaned out ALL of the toyboxes, made some treats for school, finished and started a book, went on a couple of dates, watched a movie, and even had time to get our blog done on a Sunday!!!  I know the boys had a great time in Iowa and haven't missed us a bit!  We've sure missed them, but the extra time to tie up some loose ends was very nice!  Thank you Craig and Keeta!

And who knew...that a week before Christmas...Matt would have to mow the yard!  Seems kind of funny to have to move the Christmas decorations so that you can mow!  It really does look nice, Matt did a great job!  I'm interested to see what it will do this spring/summer!

It's hard to believe that the next time I post on here, Christmas will be over.  We're trying to take it all in as it's our favorite time of year.  I always get a little sad when it gets closer...I just hate seeing it all over so soon!

Buzz the Elf:  Buzz has found some interesting places to hide this year!  This week the boys found him in our manger scene, and Mason hollered at me saying, "Mom, Buzz is looking at Baby God!"  Buzz seems to be lonely without the boys this weekend...he was in Zane's bed Saturday and is now looking out the front window.  We sent them pictures, to which Zane said, "Do you think Buzz knows where we are?  Maybe Mom should tell him" and Mason said, "Why is Buzz in our room?"  Today Zane called me asking where Buzz was and when I sent him the picture he said, "Poor Buzz.  He misses us.  He'll probably be glad to see us."  Another reason I hate Christmas ending...Buzz really is a part of our "family" and I remember how heartbroken Zane was last year when Buzz had to go back to the North Pole with Santa.  He cried!  I've been trying to prepare him, but still not looking forward to it!

Enjoy this week!  Take time to appreciate your blessings!  And I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!!!

Preparing for Baby Roger!

I can't even believe I'm discussing the fact that we're preparing for the arrival of the baby!  It seems like just yesterday that we were shocking our families with the great news...and now we only have 4 or less weeks before he will be in our arms!  Matt laughs at me for "nesting..." and quite honestly I've been doing this for awhile, but it's what us expecting moms do, right?  I feel fortunate to know what in the heck is headed my way...so am trying to get as much done as possible so that I can just enjoy my time with him when he's here!

35 weeks!

It's going fairly well to have the boys in the same room.  I'm happy to report that Mason has begun sleeping in his bed instead of on the floor...most of the time!  We will still find him on his floor once in awhile, and if he has an accident in the night, we'll change him and he'll say, "I have to sleep on the floor now!"  We're getting there...baby steps!  We've been trying to practice being quiet in our room at night...for when the baby's here...but I'm thinking that the baby will have to learn to sleep through lots of noise!

In his bed!!!

Thursday evening, Mary and Tara hosted a "Cookies and Milk" shower for me!  Everything was so cute!  They had a variety of cookies, cupcakes, milk, and water.  There were goodie bags for everyone to take some home and the decorations were adorable!  They asked everyone to bring a package of diapers and wipes...exactly what we need!  I am so lucky to have such amazing friends and co-workers!  THANK YOU to Mary and Tara for thinking of me and having the shower.  THANK YOU to everyone who came to help us get ready to welcome baby #3 to our family.  I feel so blessed!  

At the shower

The food table

A special thanks to Matt's mom and Grandma for making the trip to KC to support me and help celebrate!  And...thanks to Matt's dad for driving them down!!!

Jenny, Sarah, Chris, and Maggie...Graden girls!

Michelle (Graden girl), Mary and Jo (Daycare peeps)

Kind of a repeat picture, but it's the only one I had with Tara in it!  Tara, Mary, Jo

A very special blanket made by Grandma Beggs.  The other side has denim patches.  Very meaningful as I know it has some of everyone's jeans...including Grandpa Beggs!  She also made a matching pillow.  Each of the boys now has their own!

Tara made these adorable onesies for him!

Katy DeShon, one of my co-workers (she was taking pictures so I don't have any of her...boo), ordered this for me!  It's called a "Blooming Bath" and it goes in your sink for bathtime.  It "hugs" the baby.  So cute!  Can't wait to put his little hiney in here!

And I got a ton of these...I've got a nice stockpile in the basement...so nice!

So Mason's been a little bit of a stinker lately...wondering if he's sensing how his world is just about to change...drastically...which just makes a mama feel guilty!  I have to keep reminding myself that when Zane was 3, he was a little stinker too...but it's really frustrating when it's all happening!  He's just got quite the personality...I wouldn't trade it for the world!  You wouldn't know he was being such a stinker when you see this...

Braeden, Nora, and Mason at Jo's!

This weekend I got a few more baby things done.  I got all of those diapers organized and put away.  Oh my they are little!  I just forget!  I got some more things washed up...his clothes for the hospital, the car seat cover.  Then as I was cleaning the car seat up, we realized that we are in need of a new car seat.  They have expiration dates.  I had Matt check and it says "do not use after December 2011."  Just our luck!  So now we are going to be looking for one in the next week or so...I just can't make myself use it when I know it says that!  I began packing the hospital suitcase...bought myself some nice new jammies...and making "the list" to be sure we remember everything...and remember to let everyone know when he arrives!  Let's face it though...Facebook is going to be nice to have this time around...one click and I've told many people all at once!

Matt's also been seeming to "nest..." or maybe just finally getting to a lot of those projects we've had on our "to do" list for awhile.  He's now working on fixing our shower door and patching up spots on our walls that have needed it for awhile.  Last night and today he took some time from his projects to do our annual Gingerbread decorating with the boys.  This is always interesting...and fun! 

Getting started

Decorate...or eat?

I think this one should go right...here!

Mason posing for me

Zane posing for me

The concentration!

One of the boys' favorite parts is getting frosting squirted into their mouths!  Mason wanted me to give him a mustache like Papa...so I did!



 Mason's mustache

Zane's mustache...falling off

Ta-da!  The boys with their creation!

Naturally I did not get everything on my "to do" list done this weekend...had to take some time here and there to rest and relax!  We continue to pray that baby Roger waits to make his appearance until after the holidays.  I so want to be home with my oldest babies (and Matt) for Christmas...not in the hospital!  I know I have no control whatsoever, but I'm praying!

Zane-isms

• Today I was telling Zane that I couldn't believe we'd be meeting our baby in a few short weeks.  I also said I hoped he'd wait until after Christmas to come.  Zane said, "Why, do you want to hang out with us for Christmas?"  Yep buddy, I sure do!
• "Mom, when Baby Roger comes, I'm going to change his poopy diapers.  Actually, I'm just going to change his pee diapers because all you have to do is take it off, roll it up, and throw it away."  I honestly believe he's going to be an amazing help to us!

Mason's Marvels

• Papa had Mason outside on the farm the last time we were there and Mason had to go to the bathroom.  He looked down and said, "Oh, I made a river!"
• One night when Mason was supposed to be going to sleep, he got up and went to the bathroom (without me realizing it).  Then he came to me and said, "Mom, I need new pants, mine are wet."  I asked him why they were wet and he said, "Uh, from my weiner!"  Oh...I see!
• We were driving along one night after school and I don't even know how this came about...but whatever it was, Mason said "Oh my.  Jesus."  I told him that we do not say "Jesus" unless we are saying a prayer.  So then he said, "Jesus loves me."  So proud...he's getting something out of Sunday School!!!!
• Today Mason was at the sink "washing dishes" and he looked at my manger scene behind the sink.  He pointed and said, "Mom, is that Jesus?"
• At lunch today, we got to talking about presents.  Matt asked the boys if they thought he and I would be getting any presents for Christmas.  Of course Zane said NO becuase we were naughty and I told him that we told Santa that we didn't want presents...we wanted him to give to others who needed things more than us.  Then I went on to say that Christmas isn't just about presents, it was about something else.  Mason piped up with "Jesus!"  Wow, can you tell he's been to Sunday School a lot lately?