The last couple weeks...

Well, it's been a while since our last update, so we wanted to keep you informed on what's been going on....

The first weekend of October, we took a quick trip to Ohio/Pennsylvania to see most of the Shibata's and to celebrate cousin JJ's 1st birthday. What a party! Good company, great food, and the cutest little 1-year old! We had a great time and Marie did very well in the car.

We got back late Saturday night so that Jon could go to his LifeTeen planning session on Sunday. Plus, since Uncle Matt was in town, we had a change to catch up with him a bit. Marie made sure that he was up to speed on the latest and greatest Courdory book.

The weather here as been great. In the afternoons it has been quite warm for October and the sunny days combined with the changing fall colors make it beautiful. Marie and Peg took another trip to an apple orchard and picked a bushel of IdaReds. When we talked about going, she asked if Grandma and Grandpa were going to be there and was quite disappointed to find out that they weren't. The apples were lower on the trees this time, so she was able to help a bit more.

We then spent a good day at a friend's house making applesauce. Marie was excited not only that we were making applesauce, but that it was PINK! What more could you ask for??? She did get to play with some friends her age while the moms worked.

Marie is enjoying her toddler swimming class, especially when she gets to swim after the floatie ball. Monday, she was actually using her arms and legs at the SAME time. We've also been going to Story Time at the local library. She is catching onto the songs, and particularly likes stomping her feet during "If You're Happy and You Know It."

Other than that, it has been life as usual. Her latest favorite phrase is "Do it," meaning she wants to do it. She also surprised us the other day by saying "St. Patrick" (her first saint!). She still gives out great hugs. Lately, she has been adding a "Squeeze" while virtually choking the receiver. She is starting to get better (or luckier) at finding certain colors and is fascinated by pumpkins, especially little ones that she can pick up. Sometimes we catch her reciting portions of the alphabet or counting things that she is putting away. Her recent night-time routine is that as we are rocking, she wants to hear a song / story about a "boy duck." She gets the biggest kick out of it when the "little boy duck" did all the same things as she did that day....right down to the chicken and green beans for supper.

Baby #2 is growing and growing. We are 31 weeks along. We may get a better idea of the projected delivery date at our appointment this week. If not, then likely in the next couple of weeks we'll have a better sense. It'll be here before we know it....time to get ready!