Zoo

We went to NC Zoo on Saturday.  It's fairly close and the it was supposed to be sunny, so what the heck.  Bobby really enjoyed running down the paths and climbing in the mulch and jumping on the rocks.  I don't know how he wasn't more worn out; we brought the stroller, but he only really rode in it between North America and Africa.

Seals

 It wasn't too crowded when we got there at 11.  They opened at 9, but we wanted to give it a chance to warm up to see more animals (and let Rick sleep in) Most of the animals were indeed out, the polar bears were closed, and otherwise the North America part is pretty unremarkable.  Just bears really.

"Look at the elephant Bobby"

 We hiked over to Africa and the elephants, zebra, giraffe, ostriches and all were out. The rhinos were pretty far away, but the chimpanzees were very playful and near the glass.  Bobby enjoyed reading the map, or hiding behind it, I wasn't sure.

When we realized we hadn't taken any photos

It was a nice day, we spent a long time eating lunch of course, but were still in the car by 3, with a little nap on the way home. The worst part was that the ice cream stands were closed. Such a travesty.

Ice Skating

After two days over 60 degrees, it only seemed natural to go skating... I wondered what was the right age for it, but we just had to try.

Pretty excited at the prospect

 We got suited up in the smallest skates they had, which seemed to be the right size, but they were wobbly and only got worse on land.  But like an adult, the more you go around, the better you get.  They both got very comfortable and got going pretty fast.  Bobby would hang down to get more sliding on.  He would also run and pick up his skates.

Still excited, just wobbly

 We took a little snack break and then he decided he was done.  I thought he'd go for another round, but he said no. In the meantime they had blown some snow/crushed ice down a tiny hill for some sledders.  I thought they would have a little extra bit for little kids or those without sleds, but no.  Just the pathetic hill and hundreds of kids in line to go down it.  Not sure how long the snow lasted, but we were home before 7 probably, so we missed out on disco skate too.

Underway and getting faster

A very fun excursion.  $8 per person.  I would recommend it, but unless they can give adults spikes or special ice shoes, the ratio of stable adults to kids needs to be high. Or they could build in a handle bar at 3 feet tall.  If you can find double blade skates, I think a 5 year old could handle it on his own.  I got chatted up by a 6 year old and he was hugging the wall at first, but was pretty confident by the end (his Grandma was on the bleachers)

Future obstetrician

Help the baby, on Flickr.

I'd say he's ready for a litte brother, no problem

15 Weeks

How Far Along: about 15 weeks.  Baby 2 is sooo different.  I hardly know how far I am instead of knowing week, day, hour and everything about that stage.

Size of baby: 4", about an apple

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 6 pounds - so 5 pounds of thanksgiving and Christmas cookies and 1 pound of baby weight.  I'm told my face is that not that fat in real life.  Right.

Maternity Clothes: not yet, but I don't know what I'm waiting for.  I don't need them really, mostly because I spend a lot of the time in yoga/workout clothes, but by the end of the day when I wear jeans sometime I wish I had them.

Gender: I don't know and you're not going to either!

Movement: not yet, I didn't feel Bobby until 21.5 weeks

What I miss: Turkey sandwiches a bit. Diet Coke. 

Sleep: absolutely terrible.  

Symptoms: Again, no morning sickness.  I feel quite great.  What I am dealing with is some pain in my pelvis/back at my SI joint.  Pretty sharp pain if I lean back, lay wrong or want to roll over.

Cravings:   nothing, everything.  I do want a margarita though.

Best Moment this week: ?

What we are looking forward to: getting back on a good schedule in Greensboro; going to the Science center and seeing Dinosaur bones.  Regarding #2 - Napping?

January 6

Yesterday was the first day Bobby didn't ask about presents or Santa.  Until then, he would ask us what we wanted for Christmas. Or comment that there were no presents in the dining room anymore.  Or for the first several days after Christmas, that Santa was coming!

He is super funny theses days and it is cool to watch his personality and vocabulary continue to develop.  He says things like, I have a question,  or Nice to meet you.  He also puts his hand on your shoulder and cocks his head in sympathy and listening sometimes.