5 months, and a growth spurt!

This little LaRock mister is really reminding me of Sammy.  I'm sure he'll be different in many ways, but the pregnancy and growth feel very familiar.  At our last appointment when I was in week 20, this baby measured at about 18 weeks.  I remember Sammy measuring small at one appointment, then at the next he had my midwife saying, "cut the bagels, mommy!".  It's really strange how my kids do that!  We'll see how I measure in a few weeks, but based on the way I look, and the amount of stretching I've felt, this kid's grown plenty!  I was looking at this photo of me when I was pregnant with Sammy.  Here I am 5 months with him:

The picture above is me at 5 months with our newest little man.  Yes, I think I just carry big and out front.

In other news, we were hit with a snow storm last night.  Our drive home from Purcellville was seriously crazy.  Thankfully Peter was with us and drove like a champ.  Visibility was terrible, and when we hit the mountain there were cars off the road everywhere!  We had to stop several times and clean off the wipers just to be able to see well enough to continue on.  We made it fine, albeit slowly, until about 1 mile from our house.  There's a road with a really large hill, and one needed speed to make it up.  Unfortunately, folks became stuck ahead of us, and there was oncoming traffic, so we got stuck.  One man who was hopelessly stuck took to pushing folks.  He helped us the first time, but we just slid.  So we turned around and prepared for attempt two.  The silly drivers behind us though, didn't note the stuck cars on the hill above OR the oncoming traffic and so passed us and created more stuck cars, grrrr.  FINALLY we had a clearing and went for it.  This time the gentleman pushing out cars got in front of our charge, (by mistake) and we once again came to a halt.  He graciously gave us another few good pushes and we made it.  It was very nice to get home and out of the snow.  I think we have between 8 to 10 inches.  I'm a fan, now that I'm home, warm and safe!
 

LaRock baby #2 and Sammy's pox.

Our newest addition is now 21 weeks old.  The following picture was taken at 20 weeks, but you get the idea.  He, (yep it's a he!) is growing  a lot.  He's started kicking a lot more, and I'm getting more excited to meet him!  This pregnancy has felt very similar to Sammy's.  I've had many of the same aches and pains, the morning sickness was almost exactly the same, and I'm carrying out front.  It's funny how it all kind of comes back.  I've been able to get out and walk alot, (Sam's been a trooper getting out in the cold). Exercise helped me so much in Sam's pregnancy.  So far the same is true with this one.  We're working with the same midwife we had with Sam.  I always love our appointments.  Peggy's really become a good friend, and we really like working with her.  We've also gotten to know the other midwife in the practice, and we really like her, too.

While we were home for Christmas, Sammy picked up the chicken pox from my brothers.  He handled it like a little trooper though.  

just starting to break out...

pox boy!

still smiling:-)

He's still got a few scabs, but other than that, he's back to normal.  He's such a goober.  He communicates so much now, and copies so many things he sees.  It's hard to believe that he'll be 2 in just a few more months!

We're getting back into the grind of things.  It's been really busy, but that seems to be the norm for most folks I talk with.  I realize that I often don't put a lot of words on my blog.  Maybe one day, when I have more time, or maybe when I make more time, ha, I'll type more.  

One last thing; just remembered.  I got a sewing machine for Christmas!  Thanks Dave and Liz!  I'm hoping to make quilts for each of my boys, (and one day one for me and my big boy).  I'll have to post progress on here.  I'm very excited to be getting back into some sewing.

Christmas in Illinois

 In 2010 we decided to spend Christmas with my family in Illinois.  We were able to take almost two weeks, and just enjoy spending time with them.  Before we left we had our first Virginia snow.  Sammy had a great time stomping around in it!

We took the train to overnight to Illinois again.  It wasn't so relaxing this time as last.  Samster decided to get up at 3am, and refused to go back to sleep.  Thankfully Peter and I took turns with him while the other slept.  But, needless to say, we were worn out by time we arrived at my folks.  My sister Jane brought her little cutie, Teddy over, and he and Sam got to hang out.  Sam had a very hard time sharing, (as the following pictures will demonstrate) but it was good for him! :-)

"but, I want both phones!"

waahhh, not gonna share!

okay, but I don't like this...

Below are some fun pictures of most of my family.  I didn't get any of Janessa and Justin or Jane and Jonathan (sorry guys!), but I think I got most of the others.

Judy and Jeanette

Trying Jeanette's glasses

Joanna and Judy, again with the glasses :-)

Joanna and Jeffrey

Sisters.  Don't ask me what Jeanette and Judy are doing here.

Aunties with their nephew.

awwww.

My "little brothers, Jeff and Jed.  Growing up!

Stud.

My mom and dad.

Jane, Teddy and Sam.  Jane's due with baby#2 in about 5 weeks!

We had fun visiting with friends, and just spending time with my family.  Sam had a great time getting to know his Cole aunts, uncles and grandparents better.

The trip home went much more smoothly.  Sam slept well on the train, and was mostly good.  He did manage to get the chicken pox from my brothers, but handled it very well.

For an update on baby LaRock #2 and Sammy's pox see the next post.  This one's getting long!