Consignment sales and pigtails

First, consignment sales. . .
My Mom and I got to attend the "presale" last night for the Divine Consign consignment sale in Grapevine since we were consignors ourselves. It's a really neat deal and we got tons of great stuff for Avery and girl #2, but I do have to say that it's just a tiny bit psycho. When I got home I told Scott that it reminded me just a little of that episode of "Friends" where Monica goes to a big sale at a bridal store looking for her wedding gown. If you don't remember, she gave Rachel and Phoebe whistles so that they could alert her quickly when they found it without leaving the dress for someone else to snag. She ends up getting into a knock-down drag out with some other girl over a particular dress. Now, there were no fights at the sale, but it was kinda crazy seeing so many women lined up outside the convention center, laundry baskets and wagons in tow (to hold their stuff), waiting to get in and snag the good stuff. One lady made the comment while we were shopping that she had never seen so many women in one place that were so quiet--we were all very intent and on a mission!

Next, pigtails. . .
This morning I decided to try putting Avery's hair in pigtails. I had her sitting on the bathroom counter so she could see and when I was done she just smiled and said "Avery po-tails!" (pony tails). I commented that she looked cute and asked her if we should take her picture. She quickly responded, "Yes!" and commenced to pose around the house for her pigtails pictures. Needless to say, I think the pigtails were a big hit. All day long she kept saying "Avery cute", including to me, to her Papa when he came over, and to her Daddy at dinner--nothing wrong with her self-esteem!

Outnumbered

Just us girls (yes, even the dog)

OK, so you may have already figured it out from the title and the picture/caption, but Baby Bedichek #2 is a GIRL!!! We went to the Dr. this afternoon and he said he is at least 90% sure we are having another girl. Scott and I are really excited. We hoped that it would be another girl since she and Avery will be so close in age, plus we already have just about all the girl things we need! Avery's less-than-thrilled look in the picture is hopefully more due to the fact that she is sick and this was taken right before bedtime than her actual feelings about having a baby sister. We have already started teaching her how to say "baby sister" and hopefully we'll have decided on a name before too long so she can start using that. As for the ultrasound, everything looked great, she weighed in right on track at about 1/2 lb, and the due date is still the same--Feb. 18th. In fact, I think I'm gonna go watch our DVD of the ultrasound right now. . .

"School" days

Today was Avery's first day of "school". She is going one day a week to Young Children's World at Richland Hills Church of Christ. I thought she looked so big this morning sitting by her "pack-pack", as she calls it, all ready to go. Naturally, I was a little nervous about it since it has been several months now since I have left her for an extended period of time (except with relatives of course), but she did great! She didn't cry when I left her and her little report had "happy" and "busy" circled for the day. The part I was most nervous about was whether she would take a nap on her mat, but she did with the help of her "ba-ba" (paci), "bankie" (blanket) and a little patting from the teacher. When I picked her up they were having free choice centers and she was sitting on the little couch looking at books (surprise, surprise). I enjoyed my free time, but I do have to say that I loved seeing her smile and run to me when I went to pick her up. I guess today was the first little step of many to come in her growing up and my letting go. It' s hard to think that in a just a few short months, she won't be the baby anymore-- she'll be the big sister!
Two quick comments on that note. . .
1. I have been enjoying the kicks of #2 since early last week.
2. We find out whether Avery will have a brother or sister on Monday, so stayed tuned!

"Sea. . . World!"

For Labor Day, my parents offered to take us to San Antonio for the weekend. We gladly accepted of course. We had a great time and it was so much fun having Avery along to watch her experience everything. We left Saturday morning and made a delicious stop at the "Czech Stop" bakery in West, TX, just outside of Waco. They make fruit filled kolaches and sausage rolls that are so yummy! After we had arrived in San Antonio and Avery had a nap, we headed down to Mi Tierra at the Mexican market for my birthday dinner. My Dad made sure the mariachi band played for us. Avery thought they were interesting but loud and cried when she got too close . Then we did the boat tour on the River walk and walked around. Sunday we headed to Sea World, which Avery called "Sea ... World!" with an interesting inflection. In the morning we watched the Shamu "Believe" show and saw some of the animals. Oh, and Scott rode one of the roller coasters, which I was jealous of, but didn't want to risk it in my "condition". We went back that evening and saw another show called "Viva" that was really great and then saw a few more animals before it started raining. My favorite part by far was seeing Avery's amazement and enjoyment, especially at the shows. Monday morning we hit some of the outlet malls in San Marcos and then went to Lockhart, TX to eat at Smitty's BBQ. Scott swears that it is by far the best BBQ he's ever tasted. Unfortunatley Smitty's was closed for Labor Day, but there was another great BBQ place there that we ate at before heading back home. We had such a great time on our mini vacation! Thanks Mom and Dad!

Every time my Dad got out of the car, Avery took
the opportunity to practice her driving skills.

Overlooking the River walk

Watching the "Believe" Shamu show

Avery with Mimi and Papa at Sea World

Watching the "Viva" show with divers,
dolphins, and beluga whales

16 weeks

Time for the 16 week belly shot. I am really starting to show now, but I am still wearing mostly regular clothes, to my amazement. This time around I know how sick I will get of the maternity clothes before its all said and done, so I'm holding out as long as possible. The baby is about 4 1/2 to 5 inches long now from head to bottom and should weigh over 3 ounces. I am just waiting to feel movement and to find out boy or girl at our next appointment in 2 weeks. Without further ado(sp?), here are the belly shots. Oh, and we just got back from a mini vacation to San Antonio, so stayed tuned for Riverwalk and Sea World pictures.

16 weeks