Updates

First things first, we have a nickname for the baby. Benjamin was spike and this one is spud! We got a lot of fun suggestions, but couldn't find many that we agree on, so spud it is.

We had play group this morning. Benjamin would swing all day long if he could!

We went to the cardiologist today. I have an infection they are trying to find the source of. That could be the answer to everything, but I'm also wearing a 24hour holter monitor (it records everything my heart does). Tuesday, I'm going for an echo to make sure the heart is structurally sound, but she feels pretty optimistic about everything. I'll go back on the 12th for results etc.

Benjamin has been working on his animal sounds. He's added cow, chicken, elephant and sheep to the list. I tried to get him to show off his new talents, but its hard to get that kid to sit still and focus on one thing.

And the verdict is.....

Well, we had our ultrasound yesterday. We have a healthy baby boy on the way. I am 19 weeks today and he measured at 19 weeks 3 days. He's right on track. We could see all 10 fingers and toes. Now comes the hard part of deciding on a name. Once again, we will keep the name secret until the end so we're working on a fun nickname like we had for Ben.
The annoying part is just when I thought this one would be an easy pregnancy (the nausea is gone!), my body had to throw in a different complication. I'm having a couple issues with shortness of breath and feeling like I'm going to faint, so I'm going to see a cardiologist tomorrow to get checked out. Hopefully, it will turn out to be nothing and start to resolve on its own. I'll keep everyone posted.

Play time

Today was week 2 of our church play group. It was a bit too cold to be outside, so we went to the Nature Center today. Of course, half the time, Ben ignored all the kids and animals and wanted to hang out by a container of rubber ducks promoting a race in June!

After, Ben and I met Jon for lunch. We've been trying to avoid introducing Ben to sauces. Mostly because we know how much of a disaster it will be to clean him up. We cant avoid it anymore though. He discovered syrup a few weeks ago, and today he discovered ketchup. Check it out...

Messin' around

We had some friends and family over for brunch on Sunday. Ben took advantage of some play time before we ate.

After, Ben and dad had some fun.

Market love

I am now in love with the West Side Market. Jon and I went there this morning for our first shopping experience. We got a ton of fruits, veggies and cheese. We spent a total of $18. Jon just got back from the grocery store and compared prices. Had we got everything at Giant Eagle, we would have spent $37! We are definitely going to start shopping there every week.

A feast for the ears!

Like father, like son....

Play group

We went to the first Cross Point Church play group this morning. It was really cold, but we had a lot of fun. Seven moms brought their kids to Lakewood Park. Ben spent most of the time on the swing, but had a great time going down the twisty slide with Debbie. Of course I forgot my camera, but Prasti was kind enough to forward a couple pics to us.

Exploring Cleveland

Benjamin usually gets his baths at night before bed time. One of his routines afterward is to grab his "talking" bunny and relax in his chair for a few minutes before bed.

He has also made it a habit to sit in his car to watch Sesame Street as often as we'll let him.

Benjamin and I went on a tour of the West Side Market today with Aaron, Prasti and Emma. I've lived in Cleveland my entire life and have never gone there before today. We were amazed at how big it is and how great the produce prices are. I'm going to take Jon up there Saturday morning and I think we're going to make that a regular part of our weekly shopping.

Family visit

We went down to St. Clairesville today to see Jon's aunt and uncle who came to visit from St. Louis. They had their 2 year old twins with them as well. Benjamin had a great time playing with his cousins and running around the huge yard. Here are some highlights. There are more on Flickr.

New adventures

Benjamin started with a new sitter today. Melissa goes to our church and has a daughter a week younger than Ben. She also watches another toddler for half the day that is a week older than Ben. It sounds like his day was packed with activity. They did a lot of reading, swinging, playing with Lego's, dancing etc etc.

Ben also had a busy day yesterday. He spent the afternoon with grandma and grandpa while Jon and I went to the Indians game with our church. It was a lot of fun, but a win would have been nice.

In pregnancy news, I have fired my OB. I wasn't thrilled with her attitude or the attitude of one of her assistants. I was referred to a doctor out of Lakewood Hospital. I've heard great things about her so I hope she lives up to the hype. I'll meet her and have an ultrasound 5-27. As long as it cooperates, we'll know the sex that day. The only downfall is I'll deliver at Lakewood instead of Fairview. I'm a little disappointed about that, but if this doctor is as good as I hear, I'll get over it pretty quickly!

Slow week

It's been a slow week for us this week. We took Tyler to his soccer game on Sat. Ben had a good time kicking around the ball on the side lines. Ben and I had our weekly play groups and lunch with friends Wed and Thurs, but I forgot the camera. We've had a lot of swing set time this week. Ben is in love with our back yard! Here are a couple pics.