Trick or Treat!

Have a safe and happy Halloween from our little penguin!

Three Things

Three things happened today to us that we had to share.

1. At church yesterday, we let Matthew down after the service, and he proceeded to make his way into the main aisle, and begin dancing (Hot dog dance style) right in the middle of the aisle to the beat of the praise band's music!

2. The second funny thing to happen occurred on the way home from church. We were driving through town, and Jamie got a nice kick from Ella. She said "Ella!", and Matthew proceeded to raise his arm and make the sound for an elephant!!! The little stinker is always paying attention!

3. Finally, we bought Matthew a little tent at Kohl's on Saturday. It was the best money we've ever spent. The tent has a tube attached to it that he can crawl through. Here are a couple of pictures of him playing in the tent.

Before Matthew's nap yesterday, we were picking up toys, and we took his tent back to his room to get it out of the way. When we came back into the family room, we were met with our little guy dragging the tent back into the family room! I guess we weren't supposed to put that one away!

Daddy Time....

Matthew certainly loves hanging out with his Daddy. Here they are at the Fashion Farm in Ligonier. We went there to pick out pumpkins and go on a hayride, but the fire trucks and ambulances were the hit of the show for Matthew and Jacob.

Matthew loves his Daddy so much sometimes he dresses like him for church. Here he is with Ryan's glasses on all ready to go!

One of Matthew's new favorite activities is getting up and down off the couch. He can do it by himself and he just loves it when Daddy tickles him while he is up there!

I am so thankful for Ryan during these last few weeks of pregnancy. It is getting harder and harder for me to get down on the floor to play, so I am very grateful when Daddy gets home and can entertain our very active little guy!

It's that time again...

Well, I have officially reached the point in my pregnancy where EVERYONE thinks I look like I am going to pop! I am quite amused by this time because people say whatever they think! Here are a few examples I have heard this week:

"Just how big is this baby going to be?" (this was said by a nurse practitioner at my doctor's office).

A lady in the waiting room at the hospital: "When are you due?" Me: "November 18th." Response: "That is going to be one BIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIG baby!"

Matthew pointing to my belly: "Ball."

A lady in a parking lot: "WHOA! You look like you're about ready to POP!"

A man at church: "You look sooooooooooooo uncomfortable."

A woman at church: "My husband said we were going to have a new baby in the neighborhood this week." When I replied that the baby wasn't due until mid-November she replied, "Oh my."

Ryan after I came out of the bedroom in a shirt that was not maternity and waaaaay too tight, "I feel sorry for the buttons."

Hope you enjoy some of these as much as I have! I better go figure out which tent I am going to wear out of the house today! Have a great day!

Updates...

My friend, Sara's, mom is still in the hospital. They have actually ruled out H1N1 and are now working on a new diagnosis. Please pray for good test results and answers for them.

Melinda went home to be with Jesus yesterday afternoon. Please pray for their family and her 10 year old daughter during this most difficult time.

Bill is doing well and is up and about. He is still very sore and will have a long recovery ahead. Please continue to lift him up.

I went to the doctor this AM and my BP was only 128/72!!!! Hooray! I am measuring 4 weeks ahead of schedule, but I think little Ella would prefer to incubate a little longer!

That's all the updates I have for right now... Hope everyone has a great day!

Prayer Warriors

For all who believe in the power of prayer, we need your help!!!

1. My good friend from high school's mother was just admitted to the hospital with H1N1. She has been sick for more than a week and her fever will not stay down. Please pray for Sara's family during this difficult time.

2. Another friend's sister in law had a massive heart attack this morning and is in the ICU in Fort Wayne. Please pray for healing for Melinda. Don't know any other details... just requesting prayers.

3. Finally, some other friends of ours father is in the ICU following unexpected open heart surgery on Friday. He is recovering, but still in need of prayers and healing. Please say a prayer for Bill if you have time.

We feel pretty helpless in all these situations right now, but know the best thing we can offer are our prayers. Will you join us?

The Hot Dog Dance

Matthew has three things that stop him in his tracks.

1. Food. Anything that you are eating. He will try it. And if he likes it, you are in trouble because he WILL come back for more.

2. Veggietales. When we let him watch Veggietales, he sits down in his chair, and is a zombie, eyes drawn to the cartoon vegetables. Gotta love good cartoons!

3. Mickey Mouse's Hot Dog Dance. This is something they sing at the end of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. I was lucky enough to tape the song for him the other day, and here he is, performing a dance and song routine!

Haircut

Matthew did not like his haircut. The funny thing is that this is not his first one. He has had several, but this is the first one that Daddy came along for. Notice Daddy has to hold Matthew down. Everything went pretty smooth...Matthew cried, but not as hard as the last time. The little guy could hardly breathe after the last haircut because he cried so hard. This time...much better!!!

Picture Post - Playing in the Yard!

These are a few of my favorite things...

Hot apple cider
Crisp fall leaves
Pumpkins
Warm colors
Big sweaters
Hooded sweatshirts
Cool air
Hayrides
I LOVE FALL!!!!
Happy Autumn!

Doctor Update

Well, Matthew and I went to the doctor yesterday and my BP is elevated - 142/86. :( I think it is because Matthew was along, but my doctor did not buy it. She threatened bedrest, but since I am not the bedrest kind of girl, I agreed to check it everyday for the next 2 weeks and behave myself in the meantime. Of course, the health of Baby Ella is the most important, so I will try to take it easy and rest when Matthew is resting. I am not sure how Mommas of toddlers ever do bedrest. I am hopeful that it won't creep any higher and we will be able to continue our daily routine for now. Will keep you posted! Have a happy Thursday!