February Music Program

On Thursday, the Kindergarten class had their "February Celebrations Program". They sang about Groundhog Day, Valentine's Day, President's Day, etc. As I watched, I kept thinking about how far Ben has progressed from his first preschool music program where he got mad that he couldn't stand by his friend and stormed off the risers. I also think his music teacher must have more patience than most humans and was amazed that she got 40ish Kindergartners to tap dance on risers without anyone falling off!

Here are a few highlights from the program. The first song is one of Ben's favorites about George and Abe. The second is about Shadows (and includes some FANCY dancing), and the third is Skinnamarink (cue sappy, sappy mommy tears). (Ben is in the second row, center.)

Second Child Syndrome (Already)

I can't believe I haven't posted any information about our sonogram last Friday until now. This poor second child... already missing out....

On Friday, Don, Ben, and I found out that a baby BOY will be joining our family sometime in late-May or early-June. And sunshine, and rainbows, and puppy dog tails...right? Well, kinda.

Since we told Ben about my pregnancy, he's been convinced he was having a "sister" (even though we called the baby "Bob"). When the ultrasound technician said, "What would you think about having a brother?" Ben said, "Nope. I'm having a sister." She smiled and told him that, actually, it was a brother. Ben asked her to check again. Still a brother. Hmmmm. Ben boycotted any further participation in the ultrasound. No amount of "Ben, look! There is your brother's face!" or "Awwww, look...he's waving at you." was going to convince Ben that he hadn't been completely screwed in the sibling department.

As we were leaving the visit, I heard him mumble, "Great. A brother will touch ALL my stuff." Ah, the truth comes out. It wasn't about some fantasy where he'd have an adorable little sister to nurture and protect. It was about preserving the sanctity of Transformers and Power Rangers. "Stuff touching" coupled with the sharp sting of being WRONG for a couple of months about his sibling had him in a funk.

Luckily, he has come around. A brother is going to be just fine. Not what he ordered, but he'll make do. The next hurdle will be finding a way to tell him that "Bob" won't really be named Bob. But, for now, we're going to enjoy knowing that we're a 2 boy family.

Cold

B: Can I have a Popsicle before lunch?
H: No. You may have one after lunch.
B: Come on. Is there no love in your heart? I thought there was some love in there, but I guess not.

Baby, It's Cold Outside

Happy snow day! We're all settling in for some nasty winter weather. We got out today before the snow really hit and plan to spend tomorrow watching movies, playing Wii Fit, and making cookies....and snuggling on the couch with a furry friend.

Bob? Boberina?

We're 10 days away from knowing if the bins and bins of baby boy clothes I saved are staying or going. Ben is still convinced that my ever growing belly is full of a girl baby. We decided that Ben will join us at my ultrasound next Friday morning so that he can't "blame" us if it turns out to be a brother.

I'm starting to notice frequent kicks and jabs from Bob. After a rather forceful bump to the belly, I realized that it's just beginning to sink in that we're having another baby. I know that sounds crazy...hello....one look at my body and it should be obvious...but the first 12 weeks of this pregnancy were like a long, crummy flu. Now that I feel better, I'm ready to settle in and enjoy the next few months until we become a family of four.

Ben continues to ask hilarious questions and make funny observations. Having a 5-year-old share the experience has been such fun. Here are some highlights:

*Mom? I don't want Bob to touch my stuff. She'll bite the heads off all my "guys." (Because, in his head, evidently I am giving birth to a piranha or Cujo.)

* When Bob is born, will you still be the same tall as you are now because Daddy said you will shrink? (Just the belly and the boobs shrink, the height will stay the same...I hope)

* Woah, Mom. Your belly looks HUGE. What did you and Bob eat??

* I don't think I can go to school next year because you're going to need me to stay home and help with Bob.

* When Bob is born, I'm gonna teach her how to do karate. And Kung Fu. Oh, and to like pickles.

What a good big brother. And we think Ben is going to need therapy when he grows up. Are there therapists that begin working with children BEFORE they're born? Bob might need it.

Christmas/Remodeling

What's better than getting a new Rip Rider 360 from Santa? Having all the carpet ripped out of the family room for a sweet indoor bike path.

Bob

Now that my expanding belly is making it difficult to keep a secret from anyone who sees me (and now that it's the P.C. time to share), we are happy to announce that Mayfield Baby #2 will be making his/her arrival sometime in late-May or early-June. As excited as we were to find out about my pregnancy, we were equally excited to tell Ben so that he could begin sharing his ideas about having a brother or a sister.

Several weeks ago, I had my first ultrasound. I have to be honest, it didn't look like much. But, it was something tangible, so we showed Ben the pictures.

H: Ben. I want to show you something. See this? Right there (pointing to the ultrasound picture) is a baby. Our baby. We're going to have a new baby and you are going to be a big brother.
B: (staring skeptically at photo) Hmmmm. Where? Here? Soooooooooo, babies just start as dots?
H: Well, yeah.
B: Was I a dot in your belly?
H: Yep.
D: What do you think, buddy?
B: This is great! I really want a brother but I don't want him to eat my toys. Can we build him a new room? (gets very quiet and totally distracted by a Transformer)

A few minutes later....
B: Uh, guys? (looks at the ultrasound picture again)
H&D: What?
B: Our baby kinda looks like Bob. (from Monsters vs. Aliens: See below)
Thus, Poor Baby, you are "Bob". If you're a girl, you'll be "Bob the Girl".