Are you out there?

Hmm.  Has anyone seen Amy?  She used to be here, but she's been gone for so long.

I could use the excuse that I've been over at my new blog, but it's not really true.

And now here I am after so long.  Well, I won't be making any promises this time... but I'll try to post a bit more often.

I am checking in today because of a new and awesome occurrence.  We have received J-Bug's first ever school picture and I want to share it with you.

And, just for fun, here's her mom's kindergarten photo too.  You know, I thought I was cute, but I've got nothing on my little daughter.  :)

Just in case anyone cares, she is actually nearly a year older in kindergarten then I was, so the comparison is not just right.  Still sweet though I think.

And now, I must excuse myself to tend the tantrum I hear downstairs about some very predictable things: television and candy.

We sure love it when grandpa comes to visit

I love you Dad!

28 weeks

As this posts, I am nearing 30 weeks along. Still, I want to share these photos of nearly two weeks ago. Little Fox is growing like crazy and kicking often. I am getting very excited to meet him.

Six Month Belly

So far so good with this second pregnancy. I feel much healthier than last time, and I can only attribute that to not having anemia. I thank my lucky stars that Adam offered to forgo his vegetarianism throughout my pregnancy so that I could eat more meat. If I ever catch up with blogging I'll post a number of my favorite meals of late. I've been somewhat of a cooking fiend.

As I write this, it is 80-ish degrees outside with a gentle breeze blowing. Our pomegranate tree has orange blossoms dappling it. The prickly pears are beginning to flower. Our house is tidier than it ever has been, and I keep saying that all the time, as we clear through the clutter and continue to make our house more and more presentable. You see, we put it on the market 4 days ago.

I asked Adam to take some pictures of my belly this afternoon. It seems like ages since I've photographed my pregnant self, and I wanted a memory of it.

The growing babe kicks like crazy lately. It is more painful than it was with June, and I've been having round ligament pains - also new. He kicks a lot when I am in a cramped seated position, prompting me to lean back and/or sit up straight. He seems pleased when I eat a nice meal, though it is hard to say how I know this. We've taken to calling him Fox, while he is in utero at least. If you've managed to read this far, and have any name suggestions, please do post with one. We'd love to hear it!

Mindful Mama Contest

Dear readers, I would like some help.

You may recognize this photo because it has been my banner image for the last few months. I have also mentioned the mindful mama photo contest and the possibility of winning a trip to New York to see Ani Difranco. Well, the contest is now active and I would greatly love it if you would comment on my photo on the mindful mama forum. It requires making an account and then navigating to the photo within the forum. Thanks a bunch!

Darn it, I am having technical difficulties uploading the photo to the forum. I will edit this when I have it right.

A little bit more

This is my favorite recent photo. It was taken by Adam.

It seems like she is about to peek through her legs and look back at the camera, but really she is prepping to stand. Our sweet little walker.