Two wheeling it

Adam and Jack spray painted the old bike for a new look
(and gave Jack red hands for a few days)

He DID it. Jack learned how to ride his bike without training wheels- and is killing it.
 Last summer we never really got the opportunity to work on it. We were attempting to settle into our new home, and with a gravel driveway we didn't have the optimal location for bike riding.  His bike sat most of the summer untouched other than a few family bike rides that we took down at the trails of Paola's fairgrounds.
I hadn't really put much thought towards teaching him, assuming/hoping that next summer we would find the time.  But Bella Black changed these plans :)  Bella's Mom babysits Jack and NonaJane during the week. Nona is there about 9 hours a week, and Jack is there for about 4.  Well Bella learned how to ride her bicycle without training wheels when she was 3- and rides like a pro!  Jack was getting upset that he couldn't keep up with Bella- we told him that until he lost the training wheels that he would never be able to turn as sharp or ride as fast as Bella.  It only took about 5 minutes for that comment to sink in- he was asking Meagan to take the training wheels off their spare bike.  Bless Meagan as she didn't even hesitate.  She took Jack right out into their street (on a tiny pink bicycle), holding onto his seat and running beside him (as my 9 month pregnant body watched lazily from the drive).  It seemed it only took a few runs and Jack was off.  He was hooked too.  Everyday this week he insisted on practicing at Bella's house (where they have a nice quiet and flat street for riding).  We bundled up with hats and gloves- again NO hesitation from Meagan and Bella to take part.  Bella rode along side Jack cheering all the way.  Meagan kept Jack calm and would advise him "don't think- just GO!"  In 4 short days he is already riding with confidence.  Making sharp turns thru the street, and even taking his bike "off-roading" thru small hills. Bella is excited to have a friend that can ride bikes with her, and I'm excited for family bike rides this summer! Nona LOVES riding in the seat on my bike. So we will either get another one for Matthew (on Adam's bike) or we will find a bike trailer for them to ride in.

Adam hooking up the 'train cars' to the mower to give the kids a ride.

Jack is pretty darn proud of himself as well- he likes to inform NonaJane that he only has TWO wheels now.  But NonaJane accomplished her own feat this week! She figured out how to pedal her tricycle and is zooming around the driveway and garage. She informs us "I ride my bike ALL BY MYSELF".  Heaven forbid she get stuck on a hill or a crack in the drive though.  She detests asking for help and instead prefers to get unreasonably angry :)   I know what everyone is thinking- she obviously gets this trait from me.  But can you blame the girl for wanting to be independent? If you have to push her than she doesn't feel like she did it ALL BY HERSELF!
Either way, the kids are thoroughly entertained with their new skills and we have been getting plenty of fresh air.  A win-win situation.

on the extremely RARE occasion that I can get NJ to nap... it goes best if I offer her Big Brother's Bed :)

Cherishing the calm

Sharing my feelings of impatience at the Dr's office after 9 months of pregnancy

The kids trying to figure out diapering... more challenging than one might think!

Nona's new headboard and footboard for her bed

I updated my calendar today. It's a dry erase board that hangs in the kitchen foreshadowing the next 5 weeks of our life.  Matthew's birthday is officially in the forecast. 3 weeks to be exact.  With this visual reminder a new crop of emotions has arisen.  There is the obvious relief as I see the light at the end of a long pregnancy tunnel. The excitement to finally meet our little boy, the final addition to our family.  The fear and anticipation that arises as we await what we hope to be a healthy birth and healthy baby. The realization that I will in fact survive my third pregnancy despite all my complaining.



This final month is the time when I should be nesting. With Jack and NonaJane I ensured their nurseries were perfected, their clothes were washed and hung in their closets.  My hospital bag was packed and the house was spotless.

Matthew's 'nook'

This time around I did prepare a 'nook' of our room for Matthew. I guess after 3 kids I realize this is all he really needs.  Poor kid doesn't get his own decorated nursery, no closet devoted to his little onesies.  Our house only has three rooms, and I see no need to kick Jack or NonaJane out of their own spaces just yet.  In fact, I'm trying to keep Jack and Nona's lives as normal as possible.  Rather than nesting for Matthew, I have found myself painting 4 coats of white paint onto a new headboard and footboard for Nona's bed.  I rearranged Jack's closet (finally removing the skis and snowboards that somehow landed in there when we moved in), I've sorted thru Jack and NonaJane's clothes ensuring to hang only those that actually fit.  I even found myself sorting and organizing their toys.  I think deep down I have some fear about the 'growing pains' we are all about to feel.  I remember how hard it was for Jack and I when Nona was born. I realize it was only a phase, but that does not take away the memories of how difficult it was.  Because of my c-section (and the complications with it NOT healing) I couldn't really carry or hold Jack.  It felt that I was continually nursing NonaJane whenever he was needing me, and eventually it felt as if Jack gave up on me completely. Turning to Adam for all his needs, I remember him crying each day when Adam left for work... which had never been an issue before.

NonaJane singing the itsy bitsy spider before bed

Tonight I laid in bed with NonaJane, listening to her ramble on about the day, letting her hug my head and daydreaming together about what tomorrow will bring.  Fearing that in a few weeks I may struggle to find this time with her.  Fearing that everything will be different, for her, and for me. Nona will no longer be the baby, but will be a middle child.  A little sister and a big sister. I know these fears probably seems crazy, when obviously everything WILL be different.
So perhaps I can focus these worries, and turn it into something positive.  Spending the next few weeks cherishing the calm.  Focusing some positive energy and love on both Jack and Nona.  Preparing them for their little brother, and praying for a smooth transition.  Because we all know that in the end, having a brother is going to be great beyond measure.

my sweet little girl... cherishing her little cheeks and last few weeks of being the "baby"