The Latest Happenings....

It always surprises me how much things can change in such a short amount of time.  Take this pregnancy (or any pregnancy!) for example.  In 9 short months, another living human being is grown, with 10 fingers and 10 toes, a heart and all major organs.....it always just blows me away.  And of course how quickly the mother's body changes in those 9 months is a mystery to me.  Between all the stretching and the hormone craze, its amazing that the mother ever gets back to normal once the baby is born!  Despite all the difficulties I have had with this pregnancy though, it seems to have really gone by fast.  I'm sure it has something to do with not having time to focus and think about this pregnancy.  With Mateo's medical issues and milestones, I haven't given much thought to what's been going on with myself.  And he has had many milestones in just a few months!

Sunday night, he slept in his own REAL big boy bed.  He was in a crib-converted-to-a-toddler-bed, which we had called a big boy bed when he graduated from the crib part.  But now, since we will be needing the crib again soon, Mateo has his own twin size bed.  I had ordered it online and it is one of those pieces of furniture you get to put together yourself, but its definitely a bigger bed.  And I was a little sad putting it together.  Every time Mateo graduates to another phase, I feel sad.  I just can't help it.  I just miss my little, little boy.  He is growing SO FAST and I cannot do a thing to slow it down.  I have always been the kind of person that realizes how fast time flies and it always makes me sad to see it slipping away.  I truely believe in making every moment matter.

Another big milestone for Mateo is that he started preschool last week.  I thought I would have the worst time with dropping him off.  I thought he'd be a little scared or insecure and cry and not want me to leave.....boy, was I wrong!  He walked into the classroom with me and as soon as he saw all the things to play with and touch, I was barely even noticed walking out of the room.  When I came to pick him up, he talked non-stop and was as dirty as can be, but grinning from ear to ear.  I KNOW he loved it.  On Friday, I took him to school to attend his Thanksgiving Feast (normally, he only attends Tuesday/Thursdays).  We walked through the door into the hallway to go to his classroom and he took off at a good run, down the hall and disappeared into his room....leaving me to waddle down the hall by myself.  The Thanksgiving Feast was so fun.  Mateo walked into the eating hall with his classmates, all dressed up as pilgrims.  Cutest. Things. Ever.  I am having so much fun with this parenting stuff.  I'm excited to attend all his little programs (Christmas Pageant is only a few weeks away!) and take pictures and videos.  I'm excited to pack him lunch for Lunch Bunch on Thursdays.  I'm excited to fill out all his registration forms and see what kind of craft he brings home each day.  I'm excited to bring snack once a month!  What a blessing children are to their parents!

As sad as I am that Mateo is growing up so fast, I am SO happy we started him in preschool. This gives him a chance to get a weekly schedule established.  So much will be changing at the start of 2012, and I wanted him to have something he can count on.  His little world is about to be rocked!  I have my c-section scheduled for January 5th at noon.  I have a feeling this baby is going to be wild.  Despite Mateo's scary start in this world, he was an easy baby.  His temperament and personality were so easy to handle.  I don't suppose I can get THAT lucky two times in a row.  Then a month after the baby is born, Mel leaves for Korea for an extended (VERY extended!) amount of time.  I'm not sure how Mateo will handle that.  My mom will be here for quite a while after Mel leaves, so I'm very grateful for that.  I just pray Mateo adjusts well.

We are looking forward to all the holidays here.  Thanksgiving is this week...and we have so much to be grateful for.  I suppose we have much to give thanks for EVERY year, but this year seems special in particular.  For one, Mateo made it through his heart surgery and recovery very well.  We had some rough days, but looking at the overall picture, I know it could have been much worse.  He has had all the opportunities that a 3 year old should have.....such as starting school and sleeping in a big boy bed :)  We are grateful that this 2nd baby we're about to have is, by all appearances, healthy and heart-healthy....a big deal!  I am especially thankful to be done with the 1st and 2nd trimester "morning" sickness.  We are grateful for all the friends and spiritual family we have here in FL, who have helped us and been there for us when we've needed a hand.  And I know I could list much more....but those are the bigger things that have happened this year. 

Christmas is not far away now.  I get to decorate the house this week.  I'm always excited to blast Christmas music from the TV, drink hot chocolate and put up all the Christmas decorations.  Everyone on the block is out putting up Christmas lights and its a little easier to get into the holiday spirit, even when its still 80+ degrees and humid outside.  However, I really am wishing for some cooler temperatures!  While I don't miss Wisconsin winters, I DO miss that little chill in the air that lets you know Santa is on his way!