party

We had lots of family over to celebrate Collin turning two, but I managed to keep this party slightly more low-key than parties in the past. Collin's reaction to the whole song-candle-cake bit is improving! Last year he bawled his eyes out when everyone started singing close around him & cheering. As you can see, this year he sort of just stared around, taking it all in. Collin does have candle-blowing down though...such a cutie! :) He loves his bubble mower & CARS airplane & fire truck. Thanks to everyone who came!

summer lovin'

We have our ways of keepin' cool...

You can see he is reading the directions on the bottle. Apparently they say to apply the lotion liberally to both nipples.

home stretch

I am nearing the end of this pregnancy! 31 weeks down and only 7-8 (or so) to go! Everyone keeps telling me that going from 2 to 3 kids is the hardest, so I'm bracing myself for an increase in household craziness and stress. That said, I actually feel more laid back this time around...we'll see if it sticks when I'm sleep deprived. :)

Our baby boy is developing perfectly. He finally turned head-down which is a huge relief since we are planning an out-of-hospital birth with a group of midwives at this birth center. It will be nice to avoid unnecessary hospital protocol. I actually looked into delivering with an OB, but they force their patients to sign a contract stating that mom's would not have a birth plan or attempt a Bradley Method birth. What the crap, right??!! (For those of you who don't know, I am a complete believer in the Bradley Method of Natural/Husband-coached Childbirth. Don't let the idea of natural childbirth scare you...it's safer. You just need to have faith that women's bodies were built perfectly for giving birth. You are stronger than you realize!) OK. I'll get off my soapbox now!

We bought the minivan. Ordered a new carseat. Moved Collin out of the crib. Preparations are underway and I couldn't be more excited!

Nauvoo

At the beginning of the month we took off in the car for a Clegg family reunion in Nauvoo, Illinois. Both boys did shockingly well in the car AND they became experts at pointing out farms and corn! We took 2.5 days to drive out and were able to swing by Chimney Rock, NE on the way there. Hotel pools, treadmills and elevators became favorites with Asher & Collin.

The best part of Nauvoo was the company- Nate and I loved playing board games late into the night with his siblings and their spouses. We loved getting to love on nieces and nephews that live on opposite ends of the country. Asher's new favorite word became "cousins!!"

It was also an amazing place to visit in light of the significant history our Church has there. My appreciation of the faith of the Mormon pioneers grew so much...they willingly left a beautiful city they worked hard to build in search of a place where they could worship without the threat of persecution.

Nauvoo offered lots of fun pioneer activities...the boys loved the wagon rides, playing in log cabin playhouses, walks down to the Mississippi River & I enjoyed the 1 mile (super hard/muddy) trek pulling handcarts. We saw how bricks, wagons, rope, bread, guns and rugs were made & caught a couple musical shows. Asher & Collin fell in love with fireflies. I could have done with a little less humidity. :) We celebrated Nate's parents' 50th wedding anniversary & visited the Nauvoo temple.

It was a wonderful trip & so fun to have Natey to ourselves for a whole 10 days. :)

two

Happy 2nd Birthday Buggie!

Collin is in such a fun stage right now. He is such a cuddly & affectionate boy and really enjoys BOY things... cars, planes, trains and his new bubble mower. He loves art & music. He sleeps like a dream and still sucks his thumb. He loves playing with his older brother & watches everything Asher does so that he can imitate him. (Even in Asher's current "NO" to everything phase.) They have such a sweet relationship. Collin is feisty & fun & we are just so blessed to have him.

Party, vacation & ultrasound/belly pics soon to come!

big guy bed

I accidentally woke him up taking this pic...you can see he is not pleased with me!

About a week ago we transitioned Collin into a toddler bed in preparation for new baby brother who will need the crib. Nate and I have been so impressed with how well he has done with the switch! Collin has always been a bit of a slug- he loves sleep as much as his mama. He has only gotten out of bed a few times- and most of those were to get more blankets for himself off the changing table shelf. :) He still waits for me to come in after naptime/in the a.m. to get him from his bed.