Last Weekend as 3

This past weekend was our last weekend as a family of 3! It was filled with mixed emotions for me - anticipation of the new baby, sadness that it wouldn't just be Madison Claire anymore, excitement for Madison Claire to grow up with a sibling, and overall emotional about what these changes would mean for our family. We had planned to take Madison Claire to the zoo on Saturday but when we woke up, it was cold and looked like it was going to rain so we opted for Monkey Joe's instead...Madison Claire had a BALL! Afterwards, we went to McDougals for lunch.

We feel so blessed to have our sweet Madison Claire Bear and are looking forward to seeing her grow as a big sissy!

Big Girl Potty

She is still going!!!

Money

Madison Claire has discovered money. On Easter Sunday, she saw a coin underneath a chair at the McSwains house so we let her pick it up and she has wanted "money" ever since then. She goes to Annie's purse and pulls out her wallet to get to the coins and when she does something that we give her praise for, she'll usually ask for a sucker, M&Ms, bubbles, and now she has added money to the list! Usually it's in the order of bubbles, sucker, M&M, money....we know that will change one day!

Anyway - every night before she goes to bed, we'll say our prayers and read a bible story. For the prayers, I start by saying "Thank you God for...." and Madison Claire fills in the blank. Well, last night, after all of the normals (annie, daddy, mommy, baby brother, bear-bear, Jesus) usually in that order she looked at me and said "money". And I just said yes sweetie...thank you God for money. It was precious!

Potty Training

Well...I think it's official. Madison Claire has worn "big girl Dora panties" for 2 days in a row, only wearing diapers when she is napping or sleeping at night. She decided last Thursday that she was going to go on the potty so we went with it! The timing makes me a little nervous - I'm scared about her going potty in her car seat since she isn't wearing a diaper and anytime we are out having to find a potty for her but she refuses to let me put a diaper on her, so again...I'm going with it! She has even successfully gone #2 in the potty yesterday and today so fingers crossed!

It's hard to believe she is such a big girl! When she goes, she gets to choose between a sucker, M&Ms, or blowing bubbles. About 99% of the time her choice is bubbles! The things that make her happy :) Pics to come...

Mothers Day 2011

I had a great Mothers Day yesterday. Madison Claire was in a super sweet mood and we had a fun day at church, cleaning the house, resting, and having a great dinner at Stoney River with the McSwains! I'm so thankful for my amazing mom and all that she has done for me! I'm also thankful to have such a great mother-in-law! I'm mostly thankful to be able to be a mom to Madison Claire...my sweet angel. It was crazy to think yesterday that I'll be a mom to more than just Madison Claire soon!

I love being a mom and I know I probably wouldn't if I didn't have such a great support system, so special thanks to Ryan & Annie too :)

On our way to church

Blurry picture...I know...but I love it!

Video message to Jacob

Madison Claire loves her cousin Baby Jacob. Several times throughout the day she will look at me and say "call Jacob" and then look at my iPhone like she is on Face Time with him. It's precious!! She also likes exchanging video messages with him..here is one from yesterday:

Happy Birthday Keatyn Marie!

Madison Claire's sweet friend Keatyn Marie turned 2 this past week so we headed over to the Wuests for a party on Saturday afternoon! They had a huge Dora bouncy & slide - like their own personal Monkey joes! Everyone had a ball!! Happy Birthday to Miss Keatyn!!! Be sure to check out the video at the end - especially with the water slide...hilarious!!

Visit with Tom & Susan

My colleague, Tom Bivens and his wife Susan planned a last minute trip to Nashville to see the Predators play in the Stanley Cup playoffs. They stayed with us on Friday night and we got to treat them to Burger Up & Las Paletas! We had a great time!!

Bags are packed....

I had a drs. appointment this morning and I'm dilated to 3cm. Can you believe it?! I can't...so I came home and packed my hospital bag so I could be ready in case he decides to come early. The doctor told me today..."see you next week...if not before". Aiy Yiy Yiy!

If he doesn't come early, we are scheduled for Tuesday, May 17th!

Maternity Pictures - Gallery

Take a look....

http://karenhalbertphotography.zenfolio.com/mcswainwaiting/slideshow

Password = mcswain

I have to say that my favorites are the ones of Madison Claire...just precious!! Enjoy & thanks again to Karen!!

Happy Birthday, Marlee!!

Sweet Marlee turned one and we got to celebrate with her on Saturday. She is precious...just like her mom!!!

Memphis

Ryan and I went to Memphis this past week for a job interview there and while we were there we got to visit with one of my besties, Rebecca! Rebecca and I don't get to see each other often, but I treasure her friendship and always leave her presence encouraged. This time, Ryan and I got to meet up with Rebecca, Scout, and their sweet almost 3 year old Ce-Ce for breakfast. Wish we could have seen them longer!!

Mom & Dad came into Nashville to keep Madison Claire while we were gone and they had a ball. Here's a shot of Madison Claire blowing bubbles with dad...her FAVORITE thing to do! They all had a great time!

Sassy, sassy!

Just another breakfast...