Don't Rain On My Parade

Yesterday, we went to a parade. We waited for the fun to begin in a nice sunny spot. Sadly, about 20 minutes into the parade, it started raining. That just "forced" us to go out to eat instead of sitting in a puddle.

We enjoyed the parade while it lasted. 

Gerrit dressed Addie that morning (can you see the matching Batman shirts?). 

Precious.

The men-folk.

 As usual, Delia and Adeline enjoyed each other's company.

Delia could hardly handle ALL THE FUN!

The highlight of the parade was when the fire trucks went by. The firemen made sure everyone was safe and on the curb before one larger truck went whizzing by with two men on top holding up a large American flag. The moment inspired me to call out " 'Merica!" just loud enough for our friends to hear. Addie agreed, started clapping her little hands, and yelled "America!"

I'm so proud.

Summer Traditions

It just doesn't feel like summer unless one goes to the fair! 

We've tried to go to the free-admission fair with Adam and Maria every summer, starting that tradition before the kiddos were born. 

To think, we used to go listen to the bands and eat the greasy food. 

We still eat the awesome, greasy food. Now we just spend more time in the petting zoo. 

The girls got to "milk a cow."

 They pet a very patient bunny.

We practiced the "buddy system."

 This was the first year we did any rides. Well, being the pregnant woman that I am, I was the picture taker. 

Adeline LOVED the carousal. 

Her face was stuck in this expression through every turn. 

Just by riding that fake horse, it was like all her baby dreams came true.

Then she did the slide...the FUN SLIDE, to be exact. With a name like that, how could it be anything but wonderful?

 I wasn't sure when they were up at the top what she might think. I thought she might be flailing her body to get off ASAP. But again, more smiles. More dreams coming true, right there.

A great evening was had by all. Thanks, Adam and Maria, for continuing this tradition with us.

Boy, oh Boy!

 On Tuesday, we learned that we are having a BOY!

This boy was not shy about displaying himself. He left no lingering questions about his gender.

Gerrit and I have never been good with long-term surprises, so we chose to find out the gender of the babe. I haven't regretted the choice either time. And even though there's no way to know the gender before an ultrasound, test, or birth, we both found ourselves surprised and delighted by the news of a boy. I'm still getting used to the idea. I didn't grow up with brothers, so this is new territory to me!

During each pregnancy, the ultrasound has been a highlight. Finally, the movements inside are matched with an image. 

In the picture below, his little feet are crossed. Adeline did that from Day 1 out of the womb and continues to sit that way. They must be related. 

All of his organs and limbs look great. His heart is pumping well, his brain is in the right spot, and he has 10 fingers and 10 toes. He has gentler movements than his sister had at this point. She was on the move constantly. So far, he seems content to relax and carefully adjust his position as not to disturb me.

From what I know of him, he seems like a pretty cool little guy. I'm excited for him to arrive (not to be confused with "excited for labor"). He's very much loved already.

Dear Selena, Your Song is Terrible

Firstly, I get it. I'm not your target market. But since I have no fan-devotion to you, I can say this with honesty. Secondly, I'm sure you didn't actually write this song. That being said...

Your song that is #3 on the Billboard charts is entitled "Come and Get It" and the lyrics in your chorus are "Na na na, na na na, na na na." This takes us back to playgrounds where we taunted our classmates with the same phrases. Since you still see yourself as a little girl, allow me to introduce you to something coming your way soon -- Womanhood, where these lyrics are embarrassing.

Verse 1

You ain't gotta worry it's an open invitation

I'll be sittin' right here real patient

All day all night I'll be waiting standby

Can't stop because I love it, hate the way I love you

All day all night maybe I'm addicted for life, no lie.

Chorus

When you're ready come and get it (x2)

Na na na (x3)

Problem: Woo, an open invitation for this guy, huh? All day and all night you'll be waiting? That sounds desperate and depressing. Little girl, when he's the right guy and you're the right girl, he will be metaphorically busting down the door of your life to get to you. Right now it sounds like you are "addicted for life" to a real D-bag. Based on this song, you don't sound like a great catch either. Sorry...I'm not sorry.

Bridge:

This love will be the death of me, but I know I'll die happily.

I'll know, I'll know, I'll know

Because you love me so....Yeah!

Problem: This "love" will be the death of you? He's sucking the life out of you and you're still going to die happily? No, dear, you will die tired and emotionally exhausted. Because again, he sounds like a tool. And that's not love he's giving you. 
I'm going to die happily for many reasons and among them is the LOVE that my man gives me brings life and rejuvenation into my heart and home. 
Darn it all, the song is catchy. But I'm hoping that my daughter doesn't catch what your thrusting about, because it's a pile of crap. Addie provides enough of that in her diapers. We don't need it oozing out of the radio, too.

A Trip Home

Ah, the comforts of being home. 

Family

Lakes

Walks

Fresh Air

I made a quick decision one day to take the trip home with Addie since there won't be many opportunities this summer. My mom called back, "Do you want to be alone here with us or should we make it a girls and kids weekend?" 

And so, my sisters and their kiddos came, too! What a treat! 

We walked on the Bearskin Trail. I love being a tourist in my own hometown.

 Addie did a pretty great job of keeping up with everyone. That was made easier for her since the older cousins liked to stop frequently to gather bugs.

Top: Starting the walk with "Gamma"

Bottom: Leaving the trail with my sisters, Courtney and Carey

And as is tradition, the Cousins-on-the-Tube pictures were taken. They couldn't have more fun on this thing if it were actually floating somewhere. It was a great investment by my parents. It keeps the gang busy.

Half the battle of this was just getting Adeline to cooperate.

Sophie, Owen, Addie, Jozie, Aubrey

Adeline told us it was "Addie's turn."

She's a determined little bugger.

It's always hard to leave. Fortunately for us, we had a guy we love waiting for us.