Laughter is the best medicine

Although Madeleine continues to be quite sensitive and shy around others, we really enjoy capturing her goofiness and great personality for others to at least watch, even if they cannot participate. So in the midst of all of the unknowns that currently surround our life, we take immense pleasure in moments like this one.

Baby on board

Here's a small part of our ultrasound. I know it's hard to figure out what you're watching at first but keep your eyes tuned into the right half of the screen and look for his face. The first video is using the 4-D technology and the second is the more traditional version. Enjoy!

And the winner is...

A boy. Yes, we are having a baby boy! So for those of you who guessed boy (like Justin who voted twice), you win the glory of being right. We had an amazing time today with the ultrasound technician who took her time and showed us everything. And she said that our baby is without a doubt a boy, in case you were wondering.

It will take me a little while to get part of the video uploaded so you'll have to wait but it should be worth it.

Communication

For about a month I was worried about Madeleine's inability to really communicate with me. Since then, her language skills have soared. She has every desire to mimic and imitate me whether I'm telling her an animal sound or if I yawn. Here are some of her latest additions.

Cheesecake conquered!

I spent Madeleine's morning nap yesterday making my first cheesecake. I had always been intimidated by cheesecakes. They have this aura about them that made them seem beyond my cooking abilities but thanks to a Good Housekeeping recipe, I tackled and conquered that fear! Here's the proof.

And I didn't eat the part that's missing, I promise! I only had one piece but left the rest with our friends with whom we had dinner last night. Technically the cake was supposed to be in celebration of Cody and Justin's birthdays which were last month but really I was in a baking mood but didn't trust myself with a whole cheesecake sitting around the house. And, by the way, I did make homemade strawberry sauce to go with it! Yum...I think I'll go have some now!

17 weeks and counting

I know I haven't been in the latest videos or pictures for you to see the progress Junior has made. Sorry about that. While we can tell I'm pregnant, I'm still in the "I just look like I've let myself go" stage so not everyone else can tell. But these are to show that yes, my belly has grown and it's doing so much faster than it did with Madeleine.

The disappearing feet shot is always a favorite. And, by the way, I was an "innie" for 27 years but I may be destined to be an "outtie" for the rest of my days thanks to the wonders of pregnancy.

One Week to Vote!!!

This is your last chance to guess the sex of Junior, a.k.a., the noodle. One week until the ultrasound. Hooray!!!