The Name Game

I've added a poll to the blog with our thoughts of names for the new baby. Thought it would be fun to get your feedback. Likely we will wait until she's born to decide for sure what her name will be, but we're interested in your opinions too!

Slow Transition

Slowly but surely we have begun the transformation from office/guest room to nursery. This past weekend we got the baby furniture and 'things' out of the attic, and spent some time arranging furniture. It's still very basic and undecorated, but here's a glimpse of what the new baby's room is looking like. These pictures were taken starting from looking in the doorway, and moving around the room to the left.

Pippin (the cat) has staked a temporary claim on this room. She is most often found these days sleeping in or on top of the rocking chair, or curled up in the crib. Thankfully we have no bedding in the crib yet. I do remember both cats taking a fascination with Tori's nursery as well. The closet (behind the rocker) is acting as a temporary storage for the cradle, which will move into our bedroom, and other baby necessities that are yet to have a home. Eventually I think we will add some storage cubes inside the closet for toys and such.

Tori seems to be adjusting alright to the new baby's room. She likes to play with the bouncy seat and turn it on to listen to the ocean. She also likes to sit in the infant car seat with her books and read, or put her baby dolls in and read to them. And she loves to sit in the rocking chair with her books as well. I hope as it gets closer to bringing the baby home, she will transition as smoothly as she's started.

Here are a few cute pictures of our girl from the last few weeks.

Coloring with Daddy

A day at the Zoo

Fascinated with a too-small Halloween costume

Snow Days, Christmas, and 30 Weeks Pregnant

It's quite belated at this point, but Tori had so much fun enjoying the snow around Christmas that I couln't not share pictures. We bought her a pair of snow pants that actually fit her, and let her go crazy outside. It took her a little while to get used to the snow, but after that, she was hooked and didn't want to come in. She even had lots of fun helping Daddy clear off the driveway, and eating pinchfuls of snow from the bushes.

We also enjoyed a family filled Christmas when Grammy and Grandpa were able to make it through the snow and bring Great-Grandma Margaret for a visit. It wasn't the plans anyone was expecting, but it was so much fun once everyone was able to arrive and settle in. Tori had lots of fun reading new books, coloring with new crayons, and playing tea party (hours at a time).

And lastly, a pregnancy update. It's hard to believe that I'm into the third trimester already, at 30 weeks. Once again the time has flown by, I'm sure quicker because I'm running around after a two-year old this time. But thankfully I am feeling and doing great, as is the baby. I do find that I'm starting to wear out earlier in the evenings again, and starting to have some trouble sleeping comfortably, but it's not too bad. We are in the process of transitioning the third bedroom from office to nursery which is starting to make it feel 'real' that there's actually a baby coming soon; I'm sure pictures will follow as we get the nursery in order. For now here's a picture of me and the baby...

Christmas Cutie

Winter Fun

Tori has been enjoying the snow over the last week. She and I went for a walk, her in the stroller, to the mail box one afternoon. No snow was falling, but it was all over the streets and sidewalks. She spent the entire ride giggling at the snow crunching under her tires, and so excited to be outside in the snow. When we got back to the house she was ready to go out again. So the next day Ej took her out to play in the yard. Lacking appropriate winter attire, we dug out her old, too small, snow bibs so she wouldn't get completely soaked. She and Daddy walked all across the back yard, then the front yard, attempted to throw a couple snowballs at me, and then walked around the block. Her nose and cheeks were bright red when they came back into the house, but again, she was so excited and giddy to have been outside in the snow. Enjoy some pictures of Tori's most recent snow experience.

Getting all bundled up (note the short pants)In the backyard

Snowball for Mommy

BRRRR

Warming up with some cocoa

Continued Traditions

Once again 'tis the season for traditions to be carried on. Among our favorites is the annual Mattos/Ratliff hunt for a Christmas tree. The girls had a ball climbing all over the hillsides chasing after each other. They didn't want to be too far out of sight of the other.

Last years trek

This years trek

Tori was a little braver this year and ventured toward the towering inflatable Snowman and Santa this year. She wanted nothing to do with it last year. She wasn't too sure of the chainsaw trimming the trees, however, and nearly froze in place as soon as the noise started. Once assured that the machine wasn't going to get her, and Santa doesn't say BOO, she was ready for the adventure.

The Alphabet Song

A few letters missing, but generally she will sing the entire song...