Finally a due date!

We had our dating ultrasound this morning to confirm a due date for #2. It appears that my instincts were right on, and even though our images will be sent to medical higher-ups for results, our technician said Nov. 3 is when we can expect #2 to arrive. Nov. 3rd happens to be Auntie Cassie's birthday, and Nov. 5th is Uncle Ryan's birthday, so we might get another double birthday come fall.  We saw (and heard) the heartbeat and the pulsing umbilical cord...amazing! We also saw our baby kick one of his/her forming legs. Double amazing!

8 Weeks

Still experiencing waves of nausea. It's pretty darn devastating when the only thing to cure the queasiness is eating and there's nothing appealing to eat. On Friday we had another beautiful afternoon. Benji mowed the lawn, while McKinley crawled around the backyard.

I'm trying to suck it in, but it's not working!

With her rugby shirt and jeans, she looks like

she stepped out of a J Crew magazine.

She found Momma's belly.

Is her backside cute, or what?

Park date

Although I have been fighting nausea for the past week, the weather was too beautiful to stay indoors.  After McKinley's nap we took a long walk around the neighborhood and ended it at the park behind our house. There was a dad with his daughter, playing catch with his dog, which provided endless entertainment for McKinley.  She also took a spin in the swing and giggled every time I grabbed her toes.

Little Gray Riding Hood

It was down right drizzling today, but we decided to venture out of the house anyways.  Benji had planned a five mile loop beginning at Wahkena Falls and ending at Multnomah Falls, however with the unpleasant weather, lunchtime approaching, and McKinley being lulled to sleep while in the backpack, we hiked to the top of Multnomah Falls and turned around. The waterproof blanket from Auntie Shannon sure came in handy and for the most part, kept McKinley's core dry. She looked like Little Red Riding Hood!
After lunch at Baha Fresh and a quick stop at Al's for some herbs, we made it home. McKinley, thankfully, took a late nap, which began fifteen minutes from our house and successfully ended in her crib. I love it when a car seat-to-crib transfer goes without a hitch! Upon waking, she was rearing to go and helped Dadda in the garden.

Little Miss Gray Riding Hood!

7 weeks at Upper Multnomah Falls.

The Columbia River gorge was covered in fog. 

Helping Dadda plant some herbs.

I love her expression...or lack thereof. 

Six weeks at IKEA

After subbing on and off for the past three weeks, it was time to celebrate a free day.  We decided to take a road trip to Ikea and Home Goods in Portland. Browsing the showroom, we worked up an appetite and took a lunch break in their cafeteria. McKinley loved the macaroni and cheese and spinach and cheese crepes. Benji and I split their Sweedish meatballs.

Only 6 weeks, and I already have a noticeable baby pooch.

What's up with that?

Cheese!

I'm gonna be a BIG SISTER!

Our prayers were answered (more quickly than we anticipated), and McKinley will be a big sister this fall. Our first prenatal appointment in scheduled for March 16, so we will confirm a due date then.  We are super excited to expand our family!

Momma heading out to another half-day substitute job.

Hat Model

If anyone can knit cute hats like these, I will reimburse you, if you make one for my daughter.