It's Ice Cream Day!

Post by Coley

Yesterday I learned that today is Ice Cream Day. I was putting food away into the refrigerator when Abigail declared, "Daddy, tomorrow is Ice Cream Day!"

"Really", I said, "and what is Ice Cream Day?"

Abigail then expained to me that Ice Cream Day is when I take her to the ice cream shop across from where she takes dance lessons.

As I told this story to my coworkers I was teased that she had me wrapped around her little finger, but I protested that I am unmoved by her charm. I am the boss here. I did take her for ice cream, but it was my decision. After all, it is Ice Cream Day.

Almost There!

Today marks 37 weeks of pregnancy, so I'm now considered full term! Yeah! I'm not counting on the baby coming early, but I certainly wouldn't mind! We are getting excited about welcoming a new baby into our home. We have everything just about ready and I have even started packing my bag for the hospital..... not bad for those of you who know how much I do not like to pack. Now I just have to pack a bag for Abby and Sydney. :)

The baby is finally in the right position. Up until about two weeks ago, he kept us guessing as to how he would be positioned. For awhile, he was breech. That wasn't too fun, but it was worse during the weeks that he was in a transverse (sideways) position. It was extremely uncomfortable! Now that he's in the right position, the doctor said it would be tough for him to move out of it. The waiting game begins. We have been trying to prepare Abby for her visit with some friends when Coley and I head to the hospital, but whenever we say, "When the baby is born....," Abby says, "Not today." At the same time, she acts very excited and talks about helping me when baby brother is born. She's just not quite sure about what is happening!

In any case, whether the bags are packed or not, I'm ready! I also look forward to being able to bend over and see my toes again! :)

Our Visit with the Melansons

My dear friend, Julie, and her family were able to come visit us for a little over a week the end of August/beginning of September. It was so great to spend some time with all of them. The weather actually cooperated quite well, all things considered. The first day of their visit, we spent the afternoon on the bay. We had a great time on the water!

Connor, Courtney, and Mallory have fun playing on the tube and swimming at the sandbar.

Abby loved being with Courtney and Mallory!

We spent a couple of days with the Melansons in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. This was the view of the city at night from the rooftop of our hotel.

While walking around the city of Toronto, we found this little restaurant. We didn't eat there, but we had to take a picture since Abby's most favorite food in the world is a "hot cheese sandwich."

I was surprised that it was 95 degrees in Toronto. Sightseeing in 95 degree weather while eight months pregnant is a little rough. As a result, Coley, Abby, and I spent most of our time in the pool at the hotel while Pete, Julie, Connor, Courtney, and Mallory experienced the city. The pool was the perfect temperature! We all loved it!

After returning home to Rochester after our Canada adventure, we had a yummy chocolate cake (and, of course, Perry's ice cream) to celebrate Courtney's 11th birthday. Happy birthday, Courtney!

The next few days of their trip, Pete and Julie were able to visit Church sites in Palmyra and some of the other fun places in Rochester.

Before the end of their trip, we had to introduce the Melansons to chocolate almond custard. Julie is all smiles!

Courtney, Connor, and Mallory get a glimpse of Lake Ontario as a storm rolls in.

Mallory and Courtney don't seem to mind the crazy wind coming in off the lake.

It was wonderful to spend this time with such good friends. We hope they had a great time and we certainly hope that they will come see us again!

Sew What?

For the first time since high school, I finally decided to complete a real sewing project. (I have done some mending and what not, but I haven't really done much of anything with my sewing machine.... much to my mother's dismay!) Most of you know that my mom is an amazing seamstress, but I never put the time or energy into developing the talent to sew.

The big project was to make a new dress for Abby. The adventure began with Abby choosing the fabric. From that point on, my mom received MANY phone calls as I tried to understand the rather confusing directions on the pattern.

When I was about half way done with the dress, Abby asked me if she could wear the dress to Church when I was done. I told her that I needed to finish the dress first and then we'd talk about it! :) I wasn't about to commit to letting her leave the house with the dress on if the project ended in disaster!

While I know that it did NOT turn out perfectly (especially the zipper), I was pleasantly surprised at how well it looked when I was finished. I even let Abby wear it to Church.