Today

Taking a long walk in the mall. Feel big.

No baby yet.

No...not yet

As an FYI, Annika was 11 days late.

Baby #2's Nursery

Bedding: Courtesy of Migi's "Splash"

Paint color: Courtesy of Benjamin Moore

Crib and other furnishings: Courtesy of Annika

Name: Courtesy of the Baby Name Wizard

Fish theme: Courtesy of Daddy

Boowie the Dog

It's pronounced "boo-wee"...not sure how it's spelled, but I took a chance.

Annika and I have been drawing together all night. She says the animal she wants me to "trace" (i.e. freehand of anything that seems doable on the internet) and she colors. So far, she has colored a butterfly, frog, tapir, dog and is currently working on a kitty cat. Oh - and she wants to be a kitty cat for Halloween this year. She's told us about a thousand times.

Oh - tapir was not a typo.

Non-updates

No baby yet. He is due 4/28 - so it's ok. Originally we had a due date of 4/22, so wanted to clarify any confusion...I am not late (yet). Annika was 10 days late - so I'm actually familiar with that awesome feeling. (Yes, the use of "awesome" was sarcastic).

I feel ok for the most part. Tired (of course), cranky (a little...Chris would say a lot) and a somewhat emotional (I almost cried when reading Annika "Horton Hears a Who"...what a beautiful story!). I have terrible hip pains, usually at night after a long day's work (cleaning, shopping, general merriment). But otherwise...just waiting for the little dude to make his appearance!

Been on maternity leave since last Monday and I am very grateful that I don't have to go to work right now. Getting up every morning on Annika's schedule is rough enough - but for work we'd get up earlier. I'm tired writing this post.

I'll post pictures of the little dude's nursery soon- I think it came out great, but still needs a few more accent pieces. Hopefully I'll have time to get a few before the big day because after that - I don't think I'll care all that much.

64? Nah...96!

One of my most prized possessions when growing up was my box of 64 Crayola crayons. Annika has dozen of drawing utensils, but no box o' 64. I kept trying to remind myself to get her a box, but it continually slipped my mind.

Through the fog, I finally remembered and made good on that promise to myself. We went to the drugstore last night and picked up a box...but well, everything in Annika's life is bigger and better than anything I've ever known, so I opted for the box of 96. Who knew it existed? Oh, and it totally has a built-in sharpener. Genius!

She has really enjoyed - as much as I hoped - and is finding a new interest in coloring. I think the wide array of colors makes any girl happy. Next stop...make-up.

Annika the Builder