Three Piggy Opera

We heard about the "Three Piggy Opera" for weeks and were SO excited to see Cole's acting/singing debut!

I was thrilled that baby held out past due date to allow me to make it to the show!

The play was performed in the Waterloo High School Auditorium.

Cole had a large fan section!  (unpictured: Josh & Courtney)

Here is where the laughter/tears started for me. 

The curtain was drawn and we quickly spotted Cole in the front row....

picking his nose!  Or at least pointing to it.

He then progressed to playing with his pants.  

He made us nervous a few times with this move....luckily he did NOT drop trou on stage!

His attention span seemed to wane at times...

So he entertained himself with hiding behind stage props.
Cole kept his cheering squad laughing. 
I am not sure how much of the 'plot' I followed but thought I was going to die of cuteness throughout the show!
Cole's teachers are amazing.  I am so impressed with their patience and enthusiasm for all things child!  This show was an awesome demonstration of their hard work! 

After the play we rejoined our little star and spent some time with our family and his friends. 

Cole and Abby were precious.  Abby is who Cole always talks about from school.  I was glad to hear from Abby's family that the adoration is mutual.  Eventually, we had to call it a night and wrestle him away from his friend.

Personally, I was so incredibly happy and grateful to baby that I got to be there.  I can't imagine hearing about Cole's acting debut from the rest of the family or even seeing it on video.  Even if Cole didn't follow the "rules" that he told me over and over (stand still, no talking, eyes on Miss Renee), I was all puffed up with pride to see him. 

40 weeks

Dear Baby,
Tomorrow marks 40 weeks of pregnancy.  What a ride!  The past few weeks I have been nothing short of a basketcase. I have carried so much anxiety around....

How would I be mommy to 2 kids?!

Where will the money come from for child care?!

How the #*^% am I going to have a baby without medications?!

When will you come and will you interrupt your brother's performance in the 'Three Piggy Opera'?!

It's amazing what self talk can do.  I was overwhelmed with peace today, suddenly having more confidence in myself, you, our family, and the unknown.

Here's what I've come to.

Mother of two. 
I just know that this will work.  I know that there will be moments I will feel overwhelmed and under prepared.  I have a great partner and you have a great dad.  He can't wait for Cole to "need" him more.  And he can't wait to meet you. I know that "love will multiply, not divide" - this seems impossible to imagine, but I know it's true.

Money.
It all works out.  We've crunched numbers and we can make it work.  It will take some sacrifice, probably all of which will make us better (no netflix, less or no cable, downgraded internet, etc).

Childbirth.
It's natural.  Baby, you and me - we were both made for this.  I am at peace knowing that we both naturally, innately know how to do this.  I can't wait to meet you, hold you, name you.  My mantra for any meditations I have been practicing has been "my body was made for this."  I know that we will work together for a wonderful experience.

the 'Three Piggy Opera'
I hope that I can be there.  But, as your dad reminded me - you are more important to Cole for the duration of his life that me being at his play.  (secretly I think we're in the clear - only 24 hours until the play!  that helps me feel pretty good about this one.)

So, I am telling myself to calm down. 
Enjoy this time. 
Soak up your big brother. 
Get a kick out of your kicks - I think they are so cute. 
Imagine you. 
Dream of our lives together; your daddy, me, your big brother, and you. 

I feel so close to you already but I know that you are about to take me by surprise with love and emotion.  So, come when you're ready, baby.  You have missed several days when other people wanted you to be born.  I hope that this means that you are confident in yourself - and ready to be your own person.  Be who you are.  I can't wait to find out all about you!  See you soon.

Love,
Mama

Bathtime Sillies

Spring!

Within the last 24 hours our temperature has dropped 30 degrees.  Prior to the bottom falling out of spring, we got out and enjoyed it!  Derek did his thang in the yard, patching spots on the lawn ruined by dog-potty-breaks through the winter, and cutting in some beds with mulch through the yard.  His work looks amazing!  I can't wait until the weather is reliable enough for us to put some plants in the new beds!

Cole and I did our thang riding Hot Wheels, walking, and running around the yard/neighborhood.  Okay, so he did all of the riding, walking, and running.  I waddled.

Okay, come back now Spring.  We miss you already!

Reason #4972 I Love D.

He's nesting.

As I sit here and blog with my feet propped, he is sanitizing shampooing the carpet through the entire house.

He's the best!