Today is bittersweet.....
We have eagerly awaited the arrival of Ella Grace for months now and here we are with less than 10 hours to go. We are so excited to meet our daughter and we are super excited to see how great of a big brother Jack is going to be to her.
This week was full of mini adventures for Jack Ryan. We took him to his first movie---Toy Story 3--- and he sat there for the whole movie, in awe. It was a great experience for the whole family. His week wrapped up with us going swimming at the pool and spending some time just doing the fun things Jack wanted to do. He got to pick where we ate for lunch and we even attempted to take him to the toy store to pick out a gift for Ella. The trip didn't go well to say the least. He had a bit of a meltdown in the store and caused more of scene than he ever has. I tried to reason with him, but before I knew it, I had become that mom in the store with the screaming child. I tried to give him the benefit of the doubt, I know he senses that something is about to change, he just doesn't realize what that change is.
He is busy spending time with his Grammie (Jon's mom) while Jon and I prepare to embark on a new adventure with Ella Grace. Our bags are packed, now we just have to attempt to get some sleep. We have to be at the hospital at 5 am! Wish us luck.
Here is our last picture as a family of three...... stay tuned.
Over the past few weekends Jon and I have taken Jack Ryan to feed the ducks at one of our neighborhood ponds. I absolutely love watching him throw the bread in the water and yell "eat the bread duckies". The turtles and fish are typically very elusive, but this past weekend we found a shallow pond where he could really see them swimming under the water. There is something so satisfying about watching your do such simple things like feeding ducks stale bread. The pure joy he gets from it makes us feel so happy.
Jon and I have also been trying to teach him the difference between the way girl ducks look and the way boy ducks look. He refers to them as "mommy" ducks and "daddy" ducks- which I find incredible sweet. He keeps looking for baby ducks and we are hoping to see some in the next few weeks. Below are some pictures from our adventures.
Over the past several months (since Jack has really started talking) both Jon and I have received compliments about how polite he is. I never really thought much of it. To be honest, I thought it was more often fluke behavior than intentionaly. After all, how much credit can you give to a two year old? This is the same child who throws a temper tantrum if he can't have chips 'n dip for breakfast and runs when you want to give him his allergy medicine.
My opinion of Jack's behavior have changed a bit this week. I was complimented not once, but three times by three different people on his manners and politeness. With lots of reinforcement he has gotten into the habit of saying "please, thank you, excuse me, you're welcome and sorry" when appropriate. We are just so proud of him and proud of ourselves too. It really gives you confindence as a parent when someone compliments your child this way. I know I feel like I am succeeding more at being a good mom than I give myself credit for.
n April 2nd we went and had a 3D/4D sonogram done and got to see our little girl for the first time since February. She was a bit stubborn, but after a little proding she finally showed us her face. Jon's parents were in town and helped us paint her room. Below are pictures from the sonogram and her room. Tomorrow is our 27/28 week check up. We are expecting to schedule the date for the c-section and I will start seeing the doctor every two weeks. Around week 34 (May 24th or so) we will have our final sonogram before she arrives. I can't believe we are so close to meeting her! We can't wait!
