There's much to report in the Pulle household over the last few months. There's a surprise at the end, so hope I am not too boring to get y'all there. :)
Our year began with potty training! I didn't necessarily think that MP2 was showing "readiness signs" per se, but his teacher at morning out suggested that she really thought he was ready (on more than one occasion - perhaps she knew how tired we were of changing diapers!?!??!) With the holiday break, brought the change in our routine such that we felt we could give it a whirl. We went in both feet forward, and while I can't say there have been no bumps in the road, it was certainly much more pain-free than I'd anticipated. So proud of my little guy!
Winter weather (okay, Nashville style...meaning grey and cold and bleh), has forced us to find some new routines to get through the days. We really have a pretty fun schedule on non-school days, but school days present a challenge, as MP2 gets a much shorter nap there, is out at 2, and we have many hours to fill until dinner time. These used to be taken up by playground trips, nature walks, etc...but this mom is not one to freeze outside when there is some indoor fun to be had. About once a week, we head to the mall near school where we can take a trip to the lego store, indoor playground, and carousel. I try to dodge the mall "train" because I am too cheap to spend $4/ticket on that puppy! I am trying to get MP2 to become interested in riding on one of the carousel horses, but thus far, he's only interested in the little bench seat. For being such a daredevil most of the time, when he busts out the cautiousness, it shocks me.
Can't believe how big my valentine is getting! We've sure come a long way in just two short years!
MP does a great job of getting MP2 out on his balance bike and his tricycle. He loves the balance bike (not the helmet so much - though I am a stickler for forcing him to wear it, even when he's just in the grass!), and he likes the tricycle. I suspect if we can figure out how to teach him to pedal, he'll LOVE the trike. All in time, I suppose. Who knew how difficult it is to teach some of these things that I take for granted (um, like not swallowing toothpaste, for instance!)???
In what's become a very fun tradition. MP2 and I got out to cheer MP on in the Tom King Half Marathon. I have to say, this being the first year that we just live right up the street, it was much easier now than it's been in past years (which included a weekend trip to Nashville for the occasion!). See prior years here and here. I have to say, this year felt extra special to me...so I am sure even more so to MP...because it was the first year that MP2 got really into anticipating MP's passing by and actually cheering for dad! It was super cute.
We've been able to enjoy a few warm days here and there. One of which was the East Nashville St Patrick's Day Festival, which was awesome. It was about 75 degrees, and we loved getting to be outside for a good chunk of the day.
We're also having a great time with our friends. We're involved in a MOMS Club in our neighborhood, which offers many opportunities for outings and playgroups. Typically, once each week at least we attend something MOMS related (like an awesome tour of our area fire station - which houses a ladder truck!!) We also have another great group of friends whom we get together with as often as possible. We're lucky to have friends with whom to spend time. It's great for MP2...but also really nice for me!
In our final exciting news, probably deserving of it's own post...but wanting to put it out here today while I am actually typing out a blog post. MP and I are thrilled to announce that we're expecting a baby girl sometime on or around July 31st. Here I am sporting a 20 week baby bump. Seems smaller than I remember, but I think that is just because I am remembering instead just how large I was at the end of my pregnancy with MP2.
We can't wait to meet you, NCP!
