25 Weeks

25 WEEKS! WHAT? This pregnancy is flying by and I'm already feeling a little '2nd baby guilt' as I have not posted 1 US picture of my littlest man!  I always thought, "of course I'll do everything the same for this baby as I did for James", but I'm now finding that to be a little more difficult than I originally thought ;) Go figure!   I'm just thankful that I have a few hours this Sunday to sit at the computer, download pictures of the handsome boys in my life and take a moment to reflect on my 2nd son…the one who will be here in 15 short weeks... YIKES!

This pregnancy has been pretty much by the book so far.  I'm so thankful for that and pray each day that is continues to be so.  We did have a little scare early on when test results showed a very…very low level of the pregnancy hormone, PAPP-A.  This hormone has been linked to low birth weight, pre-term labor and a higher risk of pre-eclampsia.  My doctor is monitoring all of these risks with bi-weekly US and a few extra trips to Fetal Medicine at Children's Hospital. So far, so good! This tough little guy is growing perfectly (measuring a full week ahead of his due date) and is even more active then his big brother.  The good part of a higher risk pregnancy is lots and lots of US.  So not only do I feel better being monitored so closely, but I get to see his precious face 2X/month.

He is handsome, just like his daddy and big brother. We are getting the nursery ready, have our name picked out….shhh keeping it a secret ;) and are anxiously awaiting his arrival around March 1st.

Here's a glimpse inside! 

11 Weeks

20 Weeks

24 Weeks

Keep Growing Big Boy!

November Happenings

Carrying on with Fall traditions, we sought out another fun adventure in North Dallas, the Pilot Point Sharkarosa Wildlife Reserve.  We had a great morning there enjoying the petting zoo and taking a Safari ride.  It was an 80 degree day here a Texas and we took full advantage; enjoying this wonderful weather while it's still here.

On the Tram- Ready to go!

Zebra-Horse

We also celebrated Grandma's birthday when they came down for a visit this past weekend.  Mom and I enjoyed a night out with a great dinner at Neighborhood Services and our annual trip to SYTYCD Tour. It was amazing as always and even better with our 5th row seats! Such a fun girls night out.

Also, showing off my 25 week bump :)

It was (at one time) a fried s'more! Yum

Happy Birthday Mom! I love you. xoxo

The Fun of Fall

This fall has been all about feeding farm animals, playing among the pumpkins and outdoor fun; all things that I'm adding to my 'greatest memory' bank and hoping James is as well.  We have spent every weekend this month exploring all the kid friendly parts of Dallas.  These past 2 weekends were no exception, hitting up the Texas State Fair and the Dallas Arboretum.

You can't get any cuter then baby lambs.

Well, maybe baby goats???

 Nope, baby donkey takes the cute cake!

Big Tex Reincarnated

Dallas Arboretum Pumpkin Feast

 "Trick or Treeeeaaat"

The Queen and her Prince

Exploring the Children's Garden

Pumpkin Carving Time

Scooping "guts"

Pumpkins in action...once we finally got them lit.  Someone liked blowing them out better ;)!

Our nest

and just because....it's the suburbs...dancing in the streets with your pants off ;)

 

Oh yea!

Party On

Finding Fall

Autumn is not quite the same in Texas as it was in Ohio or the East Coast, but I'm doing my best to find it where ever I can; a cool night, a fire in the fireplace, pumpkin bread, pumpkin patch trips and digging out the boots.  No changing leaves or sweaters yet... but we are getting there and enjoying the slow way that Texas unfolds the season.  A few early fall highlights;

Date Night with Friends ;)

 Visits from Mimsy & Popsie (3 generations of Peter James Shempp!)

Enjoying our first fire

Boys days to the Farmers Market

Pumpkin Patch Visits

"Open Up!" - just like his grandpa ;) 

Sunny Squints 

Snack break with cute girls (Kylie Swenson)

Fun for ALL!

And Enjoying the 1/2 way mark! 20 weeks with my littlest man.

Happy Fall"ish" :)