Pearl! I can not believe how much you are growing lately. Not only are you getting taller, but you're learning so much! In fact, you've discovered so much lately that I knew I owed it to you to write it all down. So this is for you...
Where to start?? You are loving animals more and more. It all started with your big picture books. You would point to the animals and we'd name them and tell you what sound they make. The animal sounds you can make right now are: elephant, lion, tiger, bear, cow, kitty cat, snake and my favorite, duck! You sign "bird" and "fish". You are starting to say more words. You can say "mama" "dada" "ampa" (grandpa & grandma), "hi" "hot" "NO" "bye" "where'd it/they go?". You shrug your shoulders and raise your arms when you ask where something went. You point and say something if something falls. Your thing right now is to run and fall. I think people think you do it so they'll feel sorry for you, but I think you do it to make people laugh. You're more of a comedian than anything. You adore your dada, but you like when I comfort you. I'm sure you almost always wanting me won't last much longer. You are getting better at helping me pick up your things. We still need to work on it though! You're also getting better at listening to us when we tell you no or to put something back. Although, you do have some crazy toddler days where you just won't listen to anyone about anything. I get frustrated sometimes, but I know it's natural! You're doing pretty good at eating. I need to do better at having you try new things. We took your bottle away on Ash Wednesday, about three weeks ago, and you're doing good. The first few nights were hard, but now you use your sippy. Brushing your teeth is still difficult, but we're working in it. I'm going to start potty training again. I stopped because you really didn't know what was going on and I didn't like making you sit on the toilet like that. I think you are more aware now though. We've been going down the hill with grandma for my doctor appointments (for your brother). I'm always so proud of you when we get home, because I know it's been a long day and you always impress me at how well you do. You don't start having a meltdown until you're absolutely exhausted and then I just feel bad. But only a few more weeks of appointments and then you'll get to meet your brother! What else is going on? You give good kisses! Well when you want to. Before you'd just put your face towards ours, but now you use your little lips. Oh! You can say "cheese" for the camera! It's still difficult to photograph you though. You still love going outside and getting dirty. You love being around other kids and you get so excited! That's one of the reasons I'm happy your brother will be here soon. You need a play mate! Well, that's all I can think of right now. Just know that you are getting so smart and catching on so fast! Also, know that I love you more than I can describe. You're my baby.
Now, onto my pregnancy. I'm almost 31 weeks. Like I said before, this pregnancy is so different! Lately, my little boy has been kicking the heck out of me and I've been feeling painful contractions. He likes to wiggle around a lot! We got to see him last week. He's "a little above average" in weight. He was opening and closing his mouth. The Drs are saying everything looks good so far. I have to bring them my medical records, so they can see what happened with Pearl and we can decide which delivery method is safest for baby. I just pray that everything goes smoothly and we have a healthy boy! Only a few more weeks until he's here, how crazy. I sometimes worry about handling a newborn and a toddler. I know Pearl will be a great big sister though. Can't wait to meet you little guy, but please stay in there as long as you need!
