Week 36

Dear Baby D2,

 

Ok, Mommy feels big.  I actually feel like I'm much bigger (and uncomfortable) at this point than I was with your brother - but I went back and compared my 36 week pictures and it looks like I'm close to the same size.  And based on my blog entries, I was getting just as uncomfortable at this point!  I'm definitely having fairly regular Braxton Hicks contractions and am just getting plain slower.  I've tried to remain somewhat active - taking walks, etc.  Last week I walked about 3 miles to and from the park while pushing your brother in the BOB, which was quite a workout!  The doctor says that you are heads down and I'm actually already 2 cm dilated, so things are progressing!  Which means, I've finally started washing your clothes and getting things together - like the car seat, swing and bouncy seat.  The doctor also mentioned that he expects me not to go beyond 39 weeks, but we will see! 

 

As I was going through the newborn clothes for you, I was shocked by how small they are!  I'd forgotten how teeny-tiny you are going to be!  As we near the big day, I can hardly wait to meet you and have you unveil your big secret...If we will be welcoming a baby boy or baby girl into our lives!  I can't wait to hold you in my arms and smell your sweet baby smell...feel your extra soft skin and snuggle with our new blessing.

 

Love Always,

Mommy

 

 

(For comparison, here's my 36 week picture with Frankie.)

Week 32

Dear Baby D2,

 

This week's picture is the last that will be taken in our old house. :(  The time has finally come for us to move out while demolition and construction get underway to make more room for our family.  Between packing and running around after your brother, I had been pushing myself a bit lately - and feeling short of breath more than I remember with your brother.  But now with the move behind us, I really feel like I can kick back somewhat and enjoy my last two months of pregnancy. 

 

32 weeks in our empty house!

 

I have been trying to be very conscious of  my stress level through-out all of this - knowing that the anxiety isn't good for you.  And I have to say (and your Dad actually agrees with me!) that I've been much more relaxed throughout this process than we would have expected!  I've been trying to adapt the "que sera, sera" attitude and it's working!  For example, during the move, the cushion to our baby glider blew out of the truck - after a brief moment of frustration, I succumbed to the fact that it was over-and-done-with and it really wasn't the end of the world.  (Definitely a new leaf for me!)  I'm hoping this change in attitude keeps up throughout the rest of the pregnancy and throughout the whole construction process (for everyone's sake)!

 

More directly related to you - You have been moving like crazy!  It's hard to believe there was a time when I was worried that you weren't moving enough - now there are days when I wonder when you rest!  You were having 'playtime' at my 31 week doctor appointment and your heart rate got up to 170bpm!  The doctor wasn't worried though, since there were periods of 'rest' where it dropped down in the 150's.  (Phew!)

 

Last night your brother and I read Dr. Seuss's Oh, Baby, the Places You'll Go!: A book to be read in Utero to you and you were wiggling around.  Your brother was determined to show you the pictures in the book, which was adorable.  "See zebra, baby - right there." 

 

A mere 8 weeks until I get to hold you in my arms...I can't wait to meet you!

 

Love Always,

Mommy

Weeks 25-29

Dear Baby D2,

 

At the start of this 4-week stretch, I started to get a little worried because I wasn't feeling you move an incredible amount.  I mentioned it to my doctor at my 26 week appointment but your heart beat sounded great and you were moving so she told me to rest assure - you were fine.  And then I swear, immediately after that appointment, you kicked it into high gear - and now I'm worried that you never rest!  I'm supposed to be able to recognize patterns in your active and resting periods, but pretty much any time I sit down and relax I feel you moving, which is comforting. 

 

My glucose tolerance test came back normal.  Thank goodness, because I've been devouring sweets.  Ice cream, candy corn, your brother's birthday cake, cookies.  It's amazing that I haven't gained more weight.  At my 28 week appointment, my belly was measuring in at 28 inches, exactly where it should be. 

 

I had been having a really tough time sleeping but ever since I got a monster u-shaped pregnancy pillow, I've been getting much more rest.  Between the pillow and me, there's barely enough room in bed for your daddy, but it really is so comfortable, I can't give it up! 

 

We've started setting up house at your Aunt Laura & Uncle Jon's and bought a co-sleeper which is where you'll hopefully be sleeping a lot once we welcome you into this world.

 

Love Always,

Mommy

26 Weeks

29 Weeks

2 Year Stats

I feel like people are constantly asking "is he big for his age?" so I was very curious to see how Frankie measured up at his 2 year appointment.  Turns out he's pretty spot-on average across the board:

Height: 34.5" (50th percentile)

Weight: 29.2 lbs (65th percentile)

Head: 19.5" (71th percentile)

At 2 years old, Frankie can talk.  Not little phrases either - like full, 8 word sentences.  And sometimes he can be pretty amusing with the lines he comes up with.  Out of the blue he'll blurt out "Grammy likes donuts" or one of my least favorites, "Mommy fart" - which #1: I would much rather him say "toot" (thanks, Daddy) and #2: No, I didn't!  We were leaving Starbucks the other day and he started yelling it.  In the grocery store parking garage where everything seems to echo, at the top of his lungs, he yelled it.  He obviously enjoys my reaction, but come on! 

At his appointment this morning, he showed off by telling the doctor "I wanna put my socks back on".  (She took them off to look at his feet to assure us we didn't need to be worried about his feet turning in when he walks.)  He impresses me a lot of times, too (but hey - I'm the mom!) - like the other day when we sang the ABC's together:

(He's more focused and spot-on when he's not shoveling apple sauce into his mouth.)

 



About a month ago, I thought I had noticed Frankie's top 2-year molars and the doctor confirmed that they were in - which is apparently on the early side.  I was trying to think back to correlate a period where he was super cranky which would account for his molars breaking through, and I suspect it was around August when he was having a tougher time sleeping.  It wasn't horrible though, so I'm hopeful that when the bottom ones decide to pop out, it won't be too bad either.

 

Within the past two months, Frankie has become very interested in the potty and especially gets a kick out of seeing Mommy & Daddy go potty.  He's right there to lend a helping hand and flush the toilet for us and the other day even offered to "wipe mommy's hiney" (don't worry - I didn't let him).  Frankie's had one successful pee-pee on the potty - but so far, it's more for fun and to get him used to the concept.  I have no desire to push to try to get him potty trained before Baby D2 arrives. 

 

Watching "garbage truck" on the potty

Frankie's a very active little boy and would spend all day outside if he could.  Overall, he has an extremely happy disposition, which I'm hoping doesn't change now that he's hit the 2 mark!  

Celebrating 2

Somehow our little man turned 2.  I swear we just brought him home from the hospital the other day.  Man - What a difference 2 years makes.  Frankie is truly a little boy now.  A little boy that his mommy and daddy cherish with all of our hearts. 

How could you not love this face?

Because Frankie's birthday fell on a Sunday this year, we decided to host his party the following Saturday (to better accommodate our out-of-towners).  We kept his actual birthday celebration low key by spending the morning at a fall festival in Fairfax where, in the 90+ degree heat, it didn't feel so fall-like.  Frankie got to ride a few rides, visit the petting zoo and enjoy ice cream.  Later that day, he helped make pizzas (with pepperONI) for dinner and we enjoyed "pupcakes" followed by a few small presents. 

 

Mr. Cool riding the whale ride solo

Petting the bunnies

Making pizzas - He would not take his sunglasses off

 

For Frankie's party, we went with a construction truck theme.  He is in love with trucks - "I see Bobcat!"  "Cement Mixer!"  "Excavator!"  "There goes dump truck!"  It's amazing how many trucks he knows and how he can distinguish one from the other.  He's prompted me to brush up on my construction machine terminology!  (Or perhaps I should say learn my construction machine terminology - I'm not sure how much knowledge I ever possessed on the subject. ;) )  With so much going on - including the fact that a lot of our house was boxed up for Frankie's party - I wanted to keep things more low key.  And I really feel like I didn't go too over the top.  We kept it to around 30 guests with simple food and simple decorations.  Most importantly, I think Frankie had a great time with his family and friends!

 

 

Happy 2nd Birthday, Frankie!

In Other News...

On top of having a second baby, we also decided now would be the perfect time to build a house.  We debated for years, yes, YEARS!  Do we move to a bigger house outside the beltway?  Do we move to a bigger house in Arlington?  Do we put an addition on our current house?  Do we tear down our house and rebuild?  We looked at other houses.  We met with builders about additions.  We contemplated moving to Ashburn (gasp!).  And then we toyed with the idea of rebuilding on our lot.  This is a HUGE decision, guys.  There are risks that come with every scenario.  Would we like where we moved?  Would we run into problems renovating and adding on to our 70 year old house?  Would we be ok tearing down our first house and would we be happy with what we could build on our 1/10 of an acre?  We thought long and hard.  And then we finally settled on Stanley Martin Custom Homes.  We initially met with them in the summer of 2012.  And it took us until June 2013 to sign the contract.  But we did it.  We selected our base plan and then customized it with our wish list.  Earlier this month we finalized our architecture plans and we're now very close to completing the site plans.  Then we submit to the county for permit!  Our move-out date is November 11 and our fingers are crossed that construction will start sometime in December.  We are so thankful that Laura & Jon offered to have us stay with them during the construction.  No decision throughout this process is easy, and we thought long and hard about moving to Stephens City - but in the end, it made the most sense - We will save a boat load of money PLUS get to be around family as we welcome a new little one into our lives. 

Here's a quick glimpse of the house front and the first and second floor plans.  We're also doing a finished basement plus a detached garage.  Yes, we are going to have a garage!  And a basement that doesn't leak water!  And insulation!  (Which our 1940's plaster walls are without.)  Oh yea - and 4 bedrooms upstairs (plus a 5th in the basement) and a mudroom...and a foyer...and a bigger kitchen with an island...and a screened porch!  We are excited.  And scared.  A few weeks ago, Frankie and I happen to be walking by a house that was being torn down and as we stood there and watched, tears flooded my eyes.  How could I do that to my own home?  But then a few days later I went to an open house for a new build and was quickly back on board.   

Let's get this party started...

 

For the Memory Book

I wanted to take some time to jot down a few of Frankie's latest sayings and actions so I don't forget them:

• Sometimes he will get confused and call his boo-boos "boobies".
• Sometimes he'll also mistakenly call his (or my) bum "pum".
• He loves to fake cough, followed by "I need wata".  After a few nights of this happening at bedtime, we just started bringing his water cup up with us - and usually putting it in his crib.
• We've been working on manners - he's pretty good at "please" and "thank you" (immediately followed by "you're welcome") and we've taught him to say "excuse me" when someone is in his way instead of screaming/whining.  My heart melts when he's playing with his trucks and I'll hear, "sku me choo choo".  Or the other night a stuffed animal was in his way, "sku me sheep".  Love it!
• He loves putting his own "cin-min" on oatmeal - his oatmeal, my oatmeal, Daddy's oatmeal (and any spice is cin-min).
• He's started to become very interested in the potty and will sit on it in the morning and before bath, wiping himself and flushing the toilet.
• He's also become interested in himself - as in putting his hand down his pants - or his finger up his nose.
• Has trouble pronouncing his "k" sound.  "I want milt" or "I want go for a walt".
• Thanks to Daddy's teachings, yells "DIN-NER TIME" after washing his hands and running out of the bathroom to the table.
• He knows what he wants - "Come, Daddy.  Sit down - right here" (pointing to the floor) - or "Daddy - Don't do dat!"
• When it's sunny and he's headed outside, he can't leave without his hat and shades:  "I need sunglasses.  I need hat." 

I can't believe Frankie is almost 2 years old!  He is just so much fun and I love being able to talk with him and most of all listen to the little conversations he has.  This boy definitely has my heart. 

Big Boy's first pony ride

Week 24

Dear Baby D2,

 

We're cruising right along...I'm about 6 months already!  Where does the time go?  No big updates this week - I'm still feeling really good - although a good night's sleep is hard to come by.  I keep finding myself waking on my back, which is probably part of my problem.  I need to start propping a pillow behind me to keep me on my side.  But that's boring talk...

 

Now is your time to grow!  Around this time, you should be packing on the weight - and on your way to being almost 2 pounds, which is hard to believe.  Mommy and Daddy have been in discussions about your name - and have pretty much finalized both our girl & boy names, although the boy middle name is up for debate still.  But we have plenty of time, right?

 

Love you little one.

 

Love Always,

Mommy

Weeks 21-23

Dear Baby D2,

 

Let me first start out by telling you how much your Daddy & I already love you.  Here's the thing - years from now, you can't compare the number of pre-birth blog posts that I wrote for you versus the number I wrote for your brother.  You just can't.  That boy keeps us busy.  But here's the silver lining to my more sporadic letters to you - Your Daddy & Mommy are completely engaged in your brother's life.  We are on the floor playing with him, outside going for walks with him, going to the park and play dates.  We aren't on the computer as much because we'd much rather be spending time with him.  Which is totally how we are going to be with you.  We promise.  I promise.  And just because I'm not taking baby bump pics and writing letters certainly doesn't mean that I'm not focused on you and thinking about you.  You also make a point to make your presence known, which I love - kicking those teensy feet and stretching those teensy arms.  I've started to see your movements now, too!  At week 23, we visited the doctor and your heartbeat sounds great - about 150bps.  And despite Mommy gaining about 10 pounds, you are only weighing in around 1 pound, which is right where you should be.  Keep cozy in there.  We love you.

 

Love Always,

Mommy

 

 

Frankie's First Pro Soccer Game

This past Saturday evening, we took Frankie to his first DC United game.  We rode the metro in, figuring Frankie would get a kick out of riding on the "choo choo train" - which he did.  "Anoth train!" he would shout as we passed other trains and "train station!" when we'd stop. 

 

Right before the game started, Talon, the Eagle mascot, came around for pictures.  Score!  I figured I'd get a great pic of Frankie and the mascot.  Not so much.  He liked Talon from afar but was terrified of the oversized bird up close.  He wanted to go "upstairs" (into the concession area) after the traumatic experience.  Thankfully when Daddy & Frankie came back, he regrouped and was into the game.  "In the air!"  "He fall down!"  His screaming had other fans turning around.  I think they were getting a kick out of him.  (That's what every parent thinks, right?  When actually the person is annoyed as heck at their kid.)  Since it was a night game and we knew we had the metro ride home, we only stayed until half time rather than press our luck through the whole game and the crowd at the end.  All-in-all - It was a great evening!  (Not to mention great next morning - Frankie slept until after 8am!)

 

Enjoying some good ol' stadium food

Into the action

He was also pretty into his chocolate cookies

 

Week 20

Dear Baby D2,

 

Once upon a time, there was a couple who found out they were pregnant.  The mommy wanted to keep the gender a surprise and the daddy said he didn't, but appeased his wife.  The daddy made the mommy promise (and actually shake on it) that if they were to be blessed with another child, they would find out the gender.  Two years later, when the couple was expecting their second child, the daddy admitted that it was pretty cool not knowing if they were having a boy or a girl the first time.  So, the mommy left the decision of finding out the baby's gender completely up to the daddy.  The day came for the anatomy sonogram... And guess what!?!!  They didn't find out!

 

That's right, little one...that story is about your mommy and daddy...and we're going to let you surprise us just like we let your brother! 

 

Looking back, I feel like I had a hunch I was going to have a boy with Frankie.  But I honestly haven't a clue with you!  At first I thought you were going to be a girl - then I really started to think boy.  Your daddy had a dream that we were having another boy.  I guess we'll have to wait another 20 weeks to find out! 

 

Boy or girl, we were so relieved to hear the doctor tell us that everything looked and measured perfectly during the anatomy sonogram.  We saw your ten little fingers and ten little toes.  We saw you moving around and putting your hand to your face.  The doctor told us we "have a mover".  You were comfy on my left side, which I feel like is your preference.  I can really tell that the left side of my tummy is slightly bigger than the right, most of the time.

 

We're halfway there, sweet Baby D2.  Take your time growing and developing - And I'll be here to hold you when you're ready to reveal your surprise.

 

Love Always,

Mommy

 

August Birthdays

August has been a bit hectic because our nanny is on vacation.  Yes, for the whole month!  My mom and sister have been helping us out as well as our friend's nanny, which has been great.  Mom and Laura have come to Arlington a few times to watch Frankie, but this has also been a great excuse for us to venture out to Winchester more than we usually do.  Last week, Frankie and I went out on Sunday evening and I worked from Panera on Monday while Mom watched Frankie.  Then we stuck around that evening for Laura's surprise 30th birthday party!

 

Happy Birthday little sister!

Notice the little fingers digging into the frosting
 

Only Laura would beg for a toilet seat for her birthday - I had to get creative so filled the box with candy and said "30's sweet!"  (We also got her a little something else.)

 This week we went out again for Mom's birthday.  Per the request of the birthday girl, we spent the morning at Marker Miller Orchard, followed by pool time back at Grammy's and then a BBQ.

Enjoying the playground at the orchard

Pool boy

What summertime BBQ would be complete without watermelon?

Helping Grammy blow out her candles (and test the frosting)

Frankie made Grammy a garden stone

 Happy Birthday Laura & Mommy! xoxoxo

 

Weeks 18 & 19

Dear Baby D2,

 

This week, at my regular check-up, I got to hear your heart beat again and everything is sounding perfectly normal.  We scheduled the anatomy sonogram - Next week we'll get a sneak peak of you!  No definite answer on whether we'll find out if you're a boy or a girl - I've left that up to your Daddy!

 

So far, I can honestly say that I really haven't had any cravings this pregnancy.  I've actually felt like I've been eating less!  (Which you wouldn't be able to tell by looking at my belly.)  It seems like I get full so much quicker - Maybe you're going to be a bigger baby than your brother? 

 

Something which I've definitely been getting less of is sleep - I've been sleeping terribly.  I don't remember waking up to pee this much with your brother!  Between my bathroom runs and tossing and turning, I guess my body is just reminding me how little sleep I'll get once you make your arrival!

 

Look how white that belly is!

 

Love Always,

Mommy

My Little Parrot

Over the past month, Frankie has really started to talk.  "Really started to talk."  (That's what he would say; he repeats EVERYTHING.)  I can't believe we already need to start watching what we say around him - and spelling things.  At 22 months old, I can almost have a conversation with him.

 

Frankie:  "I hear airplane."

Mommy:  "Where is airplane?"

Frankie: "Up there."

Mommy:  "Where is airplane going?"

Frankie: "Airplane go by-bye."

 

Hey - I didn't say they were elaborate conversations!  But it is super fun ("supe fun") being able to converse with him.

 

Here are two quick clips of Frankie "counting" and singing "Happy Birthday" to Aunt Laura.  He is able to recognize when there are two of something - "I see two trucks" - but if you ask him to count something, it's always "one-two-free-four-five-eight-nine-ten". 

 

 

 

I find it fascinating that he is able to refer to himself in the correct person.  If I ask him, "Frankie, did you ride in a car?"  He responds with, "I ride in car."  Perhaps that's normal - but to me it seems like it would be a difficult concept to grasp.

 

Frankie continues to LOVE being outside.  "I go outside."  He is constantly wanting to go on walks and has his 'route' down.  Always the same way.  ALWAYS.  We can divert him with the promise of seeing a Bobcat, digger, dump truck or mail truck on another street, though.  Or by luring him home via a different route by bribing him with an ice pop.  Food always does the trick with him.

 

He is such a boy - he's all about trucks.  But he also likes to look good - Whenever I wear a long necklace..."I try."  And he sports it around.

 

   

I can't believe my baby is almost 2!  He's growing up waaaay too fast! 

 

Weeks 16 & 17

Dear Baby D2,

It's official!  I've definitely started to feel you tap-tap-tapping!  Especially at night once I crawl into bed and relax.  It's much more than a flutter - definitely little 'kicks'.  I so enjoy the little reminders that you are in my belly.  It just makes me stop what I'm doing and be thankful for miracles. 

It's also official that I apparently feel much larger than I am - already.  I swear, when I look down at my belly, it looks HUGE - but when I look at these pictures, I'm (thankfully) not as big as I perceive myself. 

Don't let the workout clothes in week 16 fool you - They are just the result of an early morning trip to the park with your brother.  You didn't think I exercised, did you?

Week 16

Week 17 is an on-location shot - at the beautiful wedding of cousin Theresa to Tom at the Coral House in New York.  You might want to get used to our quick trips to Long Island.  This time, we shot up Saturday morning at 4:30am for the wedding that evening and were back on the road to VA after breakfast on Sunday.  So worth it, though.

Week 17

At this point, you've grown to about 5 ounces - and Mommy should have gained 5-10 pounds.  I'm scared to weigh myself so I'll just take their word for it.  My appetite hasn't really increased yet - On the contrary, I've noticed that I become fuller faster. 

23 (or so) weeks to go!

Love Always,
Mommy

Weeks 12-15

Dear Baby D2,

 

I had forgotten how long and horrible and nerve-racking the first trimester of pregnancy is.  Keeping one of the biggest secrets of your life for TWELVE WHOLE WEEKS!?!  Ugh - the waiting period is for the birds!  And do you know what makes it even harder?  Apparently your belly starts showing much sooner after your first pregnancy.  For example, perhaps while you're trying to conceal your precious secret, around week 10, a neighbor may ask you, while at a block party, "Is your belly bulging?" to which you will quickly need to reply, "Uh...maybe - I did eat A LOT."  (True story.)  But now the waiting period is over - and we can share our wonderful news with the world!

 

On April 29, I was shaking with excitement as I told your Daddy about you - We were ecstatic!  "We are having another baby!"  The first trimester craaaaawled by but luckily was just as easy on me as my first pregnancy.  Really no nausea and minimal tiredness.  Don't get me wrong - I did usually have to eat something right away in the morning or my tummy would feel icky, but as long as I ate a bagel a day :), I was ok!  There were a few days when I would catnap during your big brother's nap time, but overall, I would say I lucked out!  Around week 14, I gave up trying to squeeze into my regular clothes and put on a pair of maternity pants.  My tummy - and you - thanked me.  I had forgotten how glorious and comfy maternity clothes are.  A few times I may have felt you move.  They say after your first pregnancy, it's easier to distinguish between baby and gas, but I'm not sure I believe that.  My exercising - running - has kept to the same pace as before pregnancy - which is virtually non-existent.  I have a handful of excuses, all which boil down to me being lazy and not wanting to pull myself out of bed in the morning to run.  Every few weeks, I'll feel motivated and run a few days - I even ran three days during vacation - but for the most part, my exercise involves chasing your brother around.

 

Speaking of your brother, he just started recognizing that you are in my belly.  While we read stories at night on Mommy & Daddy's bed, I tell him that you are in my belly and he repeats, "baby" and points.  (Ok, sometimes he also says "belly button" and points to my belly button but for the most part, I think he might be starting to get it.)  Some nights he'll ask "where baby?" and lift up my shirt and kiss my belly!  Talk about heart melting moments.  But then there are the moments when I secretly wonder if he is going to scare you from coming out of my belly.  I promise, I'll keep teaching him that teeth are not for biting and hands are not for hitting.

 

Stay safe in there for now and keep on growing into a healthy baby!  We can't wait to welcome you into our crazy loving family!

 

Love,

Mommy

 

Week 12

Week 13

Week 14

Week 15

 

Frankie's Announcement

Over the past few months, Frankie's had a secret.  That he's been bursting at the seams to share...

He's going to be a big brother!  Folks, prepare yourselves...Baby D2 is expected to enter the world on January 2!

 

Confession:  Frankie may not have been as excited about this photo shoot as the pictures make it seem.  The first 10 minutes went something like this: "Frankie, look, it's a picture of a baby!"  Frankie:  Throws the frame on the ground and hunts for ants.  I finally smartened up..."Wow, Frankie - this picture is black and white just like a...ZEBRA!"  Frankie (with big smile on his face):  "Zeee-bra?"  So, Frankie may think he's going to get a zebra in 6 months, but it made for cute pictures!

Happy 4th!

Frank's godson just graduated high school, so we headed up to Long Island for his celebratory party on July 6th.  Wanting to avoid traffic as much as possible, we opted to leave at 4am on the 4th - and were pulling into my in-laws before 8:30am - even with one stop!  We spent the 4th at Uncle Mike's with the Garones & some of Frank's family, too!  It was a great, hot summer day so Frankie spent most of his time in the pool - or eating watermelon...

 

Lounging in the grass, eating watermelon, with Daddy at my side 

Uncle Mike's neighbor has amazing, I mean AH-MAZING fireworks - but they scared the you-know-what out of Frankie.  (Quite literally - there may have been a pool accident.  Thank goodness those swim diapers are snug!)  Frankie would cling for dear life to Frank or I when a firework went off - and somehow managed to fall asleep during the big show in my arms.  These things were 2-3 houses down from Uncle Mike and rival the National fireworks.  I'm talking big time.  And Frankie fell asleep. 

 

We rounded our trip out with a day at Danielle's and then the big party on Saturday.  We thought we were genius for leaving Saturday evening - but since it took us 2 hours to get off the island, it seems like we weren't the only ones with the idea of breaking out early.  Oh well - how does the saying go?  One out of two traffic-less legs of the trip isn't bad...Or something like that.

Shake it all about!

Frankie loves, I mean LOVES, to dance.  He's taken a few Music Together classes which come with two take-home CDs - one for the car and one for the house, so we all know these songs by heart.  And Frankie learns the dance moves in class and comes home and teaches us.  Tonight while I was making dinner, I put on his 'Silly Songs' CD and caught him doing the Hokey Pokey...

 

 

I wish he hadn't spied me because he was really getting into it - even putting his foot in and shaking it all about!  (Oh - and every good dancer needs a cheese stick to keep him going, right?)

For the love of strawberries

I typically don't feed Frankie strawberries because when he was itty-bitty, they were too acidic for him and gave him the worst diaper rash.  But during one of my mom's recent visits, she brought us down fresh picked strawberries from a farm in Winchester and Frankie gave them another go.  And he fell in love.  You would have thought I was giving the child pounds of chocolate based on his squeals of delight.  Thankfully he (or more importantly, his bum) can tolerate them now.  He cannot get enough of them.  "More, please." 

 

Eating and riding

 

Old McDonald Had a Farm...

From zoo animals to farm animals to domestic animals...Frankie loves them all!  During the last weeks of May, we checked out the National Zoo with Grammy:

Hanging with the monkeys

Laughing at the sounds the barn makes

Drooling over animal crackers with Grammy

Over Memorial Day weekend, we visited Aunt Laura & Uncle Jon and headed to Harrisonburg, VA with the family to visit Uncle Jon's family farms.

Helping Aunt Laura feed the calf

Milk Mustache!

And then we checked out the National Aquarium in DC:

Watching the alligators

Do you think the little guy got his fill of animals?  Doubtful.

Truck Day

I am fascinated how Frankie already gravitates towards 'boy' things.  He is OBSESSED with buses - especially school buses.  And every time we hear a siren, he stops in his tracks, puts up his finger as if gesturing "listen" and says "shhhhhh".  Airplanes, helicopters, big trucks - he loves all of them, so I was really looking forward to taking Frankie to Arlington's Truck Day. 

 

At first he was a bit apprehensive about the big vehicles.  I suppose it's one thing for a little guy to see a garbage truck from afar versus climb right up on it. 

 

"What the heck am I doing on this thing?"

Driving the cement mixer

While I was in line waiting for the digger, Frank had Frankie in front of the firetruck when one of the kids 'accidentally' made the siren go off.  Apparently it scared the you-know-what out of Frankie.  Immediate tears.  But the digger revived him.  

Warming up after climbing on the digger tools

Operating the digger

 And then there was the bus!  He didn't want to get off. 

The bus driver!

Reflecting on the day

Luckily the weather held up for us - it was a cool May morning, but at least the rain didn't start until later in the day.  Truck Day 2013 was a success!