Nov 2 ~ Natalie had her three year doctor appointment today.  She is now 3'1" in height and weighs 32 pounds.  That puts her roughly at 74% for both.  Dr. Miller asked us all kinds of questions about her development, what she can/cannot do, discipline, etc.  It sounds like Nat is average or slightly above average on most everything.  The only thing we could work on a little more would be pedaling that tricycle!  Otherwise she is doing great!  We talked about potty training and I told the doctor how she doesn't like to poop on the potty much and how she is still somewhat afraid of public restrooms.  Dr. Miller said that it is totally normal.  I also told her that I let Natalie choose when she wants a diaper/underwear/pull-up.  She said to keep doing that and not push anything at all - that what we are doing is the best way to do the potty training.  Like it has been said to me before " She won't be going to college in diapers - so don't push the issue!" :) 

     I officially have my bag packed for the hospital!  I am also pre-registered, so all we have to do is go straight in and up to the labor area.

 

Nov 4 ~ We went to Madelyn Schafbuch's third birthday party today.  They had it at the Iowa City GymNest, which was pretty neat!  Natalie got to jump into a pit full of foam blocks and jump on a trampoline.  The Caylors couldn't make it as they were delivering their third baby!  I believe they named him Nicholas Andrew.

 

Nov 6 ~ A cashier at Target asked me if I was having twins!  I was shocked - I didn't think I looked that big!!

 

Nov 9 ~ My Grandpa Fleming is still having a lot of health issues.  He is in and out of a nursing home because of memory loss and not being able to take care of himself.  I hope nothing more serious happens before the holidays.  I feel bad that I can't go visit him...if I wasn't so far along in the pregnancy I would.

     Took Natalie to Claire's at the mall today.  They were having some of their costume jewelry on sale - 10 items for $10.  So I let her pick 10 new things for her jewelry box.  It was so much fun!

 

Nov 10 ~ So I get out of the shower and catch Natalie behind the end table.  Guilty look on her face as she says "Mom, we need to wash the light."  I go all the way down the stairs to see that she had taken her "lipstick" (chapstick) and had written all over the lamp and end table.  She had also hidden the tube of chapstick because she knew she was wrong.  Not fun cleaning smeared waxy chapstick off of furniture!  She didn't receive too much discipline for it this time around.  I figure she was just curious so I wasn't too harsh :)

     Craig's parents came to visit and they took Natalie back to Illinois with them until Thanksgiving.  That's like a week and a half!  I've had mixed feelings about her going lately.  While I'd love the time to get some things done around here, I hate being away so long from my baby girl!  I hope she has a good time.

 

Nov 15 ~ Hearts In Touch was today.  Afterwards, our group met at Panera for lunch.  Actually, our "group" only consisted of me, Sally Wolinsky (my mentor mom), and Sheryl Moreland.  Amy Smellie (my former mentor mom from the past two years) also joined us.  It really was a nice time hanging out with these women.  I just still wish my group was bigger and closer.

 

Nov 16 ~ I've been missing Natalie SO much since she's been out of town!  It's kind of lonely without her around.  She is such a big part of my day.  I sent her an email card today.  Her grandparents said she loved it and they even showed her how to use the computer mouse to get it to play.  My baby can work a computer mouse!

 

Nov 18 ~ I haven't done much around here like I would have liked...been too tired.  But Craig and I have gone out together numerous times and it has been great!  We've gone out to dinner twice after 9pm.  Kind of feels like back when we were dating! :)  I've also almost got all of my Christmas shopping done so that is good.  Hope to get the tree up by the end of the weekend.

 

Nov 21 ~ Just finished putting up the remainder of the Christmas decorations.  I think we have enough ornaments for three trees!

 

Nov 22-25 ~ Natalie is back!  Sounds like she had a good time at her grandma and grandpa's house.  Though now I am having a little trouble getting her back on schedule at home.  Not that the schedule around here is ever really that rigid, but it is always a challenge to get back on track after being away from home.  She is not listening to directions very well and is being rude at times.  She also refuses to use the potty and wants diapers all day long. 

     We spent Thanksgiving here at our house in Iowa since I am so pregnant.  Mom and Dad Essington and Michael all stayed with us.  Mom Essington cooked Thanksgiving dinner which I was so thankful for!  I got to enjoy all the good food...no labor yet!!

 

Nov 28 ~ Spent some time at Ashley Williamson's house today.  It was nice to have someone to talk to and the kids were able to play as well.  I feel bad for Natalie lately because our friends don't come around as often as they used to so she doesn't have anyone to play with.

 

Nov 29 ~ Feeling very tired lately, but otherwise okay.  A week and a half till our due date!  Had an exam today and was told there is no progress...no dilation or anything like that.  I do think I may be getting stronger contractions but not regular yet.  Could be any time now.  Dr. Clevenger thinks the baby is head down.  She doesn't think the baby will be too extremely big since I am measuring about a week or so behind.  I am really glad the baby isn't early, but I just hope she comes sooner than later!

 

Nov 30 ~ We bought the kids a soft fabric nativity set this year.  I had always heard that it is nice for them to have their own nativity that they can actually touch and play with.  Anyway...so Natalie was sitting on the kitchen floor "reading" her little book that came with the nativity.  She was making up the words and saying them out loud to no one in particular.  At one point she says "Then this lamb says these are the mans (wisemen) to see baby Jesus."...it was so cute!

     Natalie seems excited for her baby sister to come - she now can say her sister's name in full.  She is also excited about Christmas.  She likes to look at all the lights and hear the music.  She likes to hear about the birth of Jesus and she also likes to store Barbie toys in her nativity manger!  What a girly-girl!  She said last night that the manger was "Barbie's hotel", but this morning she was back to playing with the nativity as it was originally intended.