Reagan is ready for baby!

While I was tidying up the loft, Reagan announced she was going to the doctor with her baby. She went downstairs to the bedrooms and I continued to listen for her. When she is making noise while playing, she usually isn't getting into trouble. Silence tends to be a bad sign. Of course, she was silent. I went down immediately to check on her. She was in the baby room, rocking her baby (Dolly) on the rocking chair. She said, "Shhhhh, Mommy. Baby is sleeping." From the rocking chair, she got up and swayed with the baby in her arms. Just like a little mommy. She then placed (dropped actually) Dolly into the crib, shut the door behind her and said, "Baby is sleeping. Reagan and Mommy take naps too." Any bets that nap time won't be this smooth once baby actually arrives? She actually kept her hands on my belly for an extended period of time today. She didn't get to feel the baby kick - one of these days it will happen. 9 weeks to go!

Gram Pam was here! She came to see us while Ben and Gary went to Cozumel for a scuba trip. Reagan keeps saying, "I NEED Gram!" It is cute, but unfortunately, I can't do anything about this particular need. The good news is that we get to see ALL of Reagan's grandparents over Thanksgiving! We spent our time running errands, doing things around the house and playing. I tend to hit ultra-low gear when the grandparents come to town. I didn't cook for a week and I didn't change many diapers either! It was a lovely break for me and Reagan thoroughly enjoyed all her one-on-one playtime with Gram. One day, Reagan and Pam were playing with Reagan's learning house. Pam asked Reagan if she wanted to put a letter in the mailbox. Reagan walked over to her alphabet puzzle, picked up a couple of letters and put them in the mailbox! Just too cute. I also had an opportunity to go out dinner with Rachel, without a child attached to my hip. What fun we had! Reagan also had her 2-year wellness visit AND her first dentist appointment. Both were challenging experiences. She had 3 shots and for the first time ever, screamed throughout each one. Pammie could hear her in the waiting room. So what do her loving parents do to reward her for her bravery and courage? Throw her in the car and cart her off to another brand new experience involving scary tools and even crazier doctor folk! She did okay at the dentist but she certianly didn't love it. Who does? Doctor Daddy was off having a great time swimming with the fish while she was being tortured! :-)

We heard from "the boys" twice a day (they must have really missed us?). Reagan had her first successful phone conversation with her Daddy! She has been on the phone a bunch but she actually talked and responded to his questions. She tends to shy away from talking on my cell but now she goes all out when she gets a chance to talk on our land line phone. She paces around the house, just like her Daddy does when he talks on the phone. Pam has probably slept for 4 days straight because we worked her so hard. Thank you Pam! I am sure Gary is glad to have his gal home. We are very happy to have Benny home. After a week of scuba-diving (2 dives per day) he seems to be well-rested again. They had a great time and he deserved a wonderful break from his hectic schedule.

On Monday, Reagan and I went to the Please Touch Museum with our newly formed playgroup. It is AWESOME. The entire museum is devoted to toddler play - there is an entire mini-city that the children can run around and be independent. Reagan's personal favorite was the child size grocery store. There they were with their shopping carts, going up and down the aisles, grabbing any groceries they wanted. Then off to the checkout. It was just so sweet. There is a carousel, an Alice in Wonderland maze/garden, water play yards, slides, trains - the fun just continued from room to room. Needless to say, we became members at the snap of a finger. Reagan can count on going many MANY times this winter (especially when her grandparents are all here to meet the new baby!)

Our Jitterbuggin' Girl! Today we went to Jitterbug with Kam and Luke, at the local library. Reagan had great fun. It was such a joy to see an entire room full of 2 year olds - happy 2 year olds - playing nicely together. Our time was filled with stories, dancing, music making, parachute play and crafts. Reagan had a blast and we can't wait for next week! She ended the day playing in the leaves with Sam and the older neighbor kids (Keely, Austin and Sydney). Great fun had by all.

Sleeping update - we are in the home stretch! Reagan has weathered the storm. I can now say goodnight to her, tell her I will check in on her and that is good enough. She gives me a "good night Mommy. I love you." That is that! We also do hand kisses. She kisses my palms and I kiss hers. When we miss one another, we simply put our palms to our cheeks and then all is well. Whew! My friends told me to hang in there and sure enough, we got through it. I sure complained a ton about it though. Sorry to those who had to listen to my rants. I suspect that this same sort of thing will happen again when the baby comes home. We will be better equiped to handle it next time (but more sleep deprived!). Uh-oh! Naptime has also become easier.