Ani's Thumb

Ani discovered her thumb today. She's been working on it for awhile, loudly sucking on her fist or a couple fingers. Occasionally she would get her thumb in her mouth for a moment or two but couldn't get it back in once it was out, which was monumentally frustrating for her. So instead she would fuss or cry and mainly want to comfort nurse, which was fine with me. Today, though, she figured it out, getting her thumb in her mouth in just the right way so as to be comforting and not choke herself. Hearing her fussing this morning, but busy with something, it took me a few moments to get in to check on her. By the time I got there she was quiet, peacefully sucking on her thumb. Throughout the day she's continued to find it and soothe herself with it, sleeping longer than she normally would without it. She does eventually realize that the thumb is not as good as Mama and wakes up to eat, but she's definitely enjoying this new find.

Thumb-sucking concerns us a bit: What about getting too dependent on it? What about affecting her teeth or messing up her thumb in some way? Well, those are considerations down the line. But for now, it's a natural source of comfort. Maybe she'll be hooked on the thumb at 2 1/2 or 3, like her sister is hooked on the paci. We'll deal with that then. Right now, though, it's just cute.

Ani Sucking Her Thumb

January 26, 2010

11 Weeks, 3 Days

To Mother Nature, With Love

Dear Mother Nature,

This evening marks the beginning of one of the biggest snow storms this region has seen in several years, a snowstorm for "the record books" says one of the local weathermen. A gift of a white Christmas comes around only so often so I thank you for making the dreams of many come true this year. My daughter will undoubtedly enjoy the countless snowballs and snow angels she will make this weekend.

That said, I find the level of your generosity - a proposed 12-24 inches of snowfall - to be a bit alarming. While the landscape will no doubt be breathtakingly beautiful, the sheer volume of this could bring the city to a halt for days. Any other year this could be a good thing. Recently, though, we welcomed a new little lady to the family and have spent the last several weeks doting on her and her sister. As a result, I have gotten very behind on my Christmas shopping and a storm of this magnitude will seriously hamper any further progress and delay delivery of those gifts I have been able to squeeze in. In addition, my oldest daughter would very much like to visit Santa Claus this last weekend before the big day.

Aside from Christmas shopping, and even more importantly, I know of at least one friend who is very likely to be in labor this weekend and will need clear roads, warmth and electricity to deliver safely and healthily.

So, Madame Nature, I humbly request that you give a slightly smaller gift to this city so unused to large snowfalls and instead bestow the soft powder to those who need it most - the ski resorts. Thank you.

With warmest regards,

Megan

Halloween 2009

Aria as a Witch

Hilloween 2009

 

Aria & a very pregnant Mommy

Hilloween 2009

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Aria tries on Mommy's costume.

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Aria & Grandpa John

(photo courtesy of Carolyn Cason)

Aria & my 39-week pregnant belly.

(photo courtesy of Carolyn Cason)

Announcing Ani Kathryn Nelson!

Ani Kathryn Nelson

Born November 7, 2009 at 1:21am

8lbs, 4oz

21 1/4 inches

 

Proud Daddy holding Ani for the first time.

Mama & Ani a few hours after Ani's birth.

 

Aria & Ani

November 15, 2009

37 1/2 Weeks

This is what I look like this week, at 37 1/2 weeks pregnant. However big I look, I guarantee you I feel bigger. I have very regular Braxton-Hicks contractions (sooo not "false" contractions, let me tell you), skin so itchy and raw that I can't sleep, and lots of pressure and soreness in places I won't mention or describe. I am a poster-child for the pregger waddle and move at a rate of speed not unlike that of a turtle, and that's when I'm booking it. God forbid I make the mistake of getting down on the floor; getting up again is a struggle of mammoth proportions. My hands are swollen, my feet are flat. I'm done. Aria's Itsy Bitsy Yoga instructor told me that the mark of readiness for labor is when 30hrs of it starts to sound good. Bring it on, I say. Let's get this party started. Whenever this little lady is ready to make her appearance, I'm happy to have her and the sooner, the better.

You Know You're Very Pregnant When...

Facebook friends will have read many of these already, but for those less technologically inclined, I thought I'd post here as well.

You know you're very pregnant when...

...your husband has to help you get your socks and shoes on b/c you can't reach your feet (bring back flip flop weather!).

...the maternity clothes start to get too small in the belly.

...the lady that makes your coffee and that you see at least a couple times a week and has your drink memorized says upon seeing you for the first time this week, "Wow, that baby is getting big."

...people at the local street festival stop in their tracks to say "You look like you were ready to pop yesterday!" and then you have to explain that you in fact have a few more weeks to go.

...people stop making eye contact, instead approaching you with eyes firmly affixed on your massive belly and the greeting, "Hi. Has your baby dropped yet?"

...you lose your pen, look everywhere around you knowing you just had it, then stand up and see it fall out from under your big baby belly. Beware: This same thing can happen with cell phones, small toys and towards the end, the occasional book.

Family Portraits

 

"Mommy" by Aria

Chalk on Chalkboard

"Aria & Mommy" by Aria

Chalk on Chalkboard

Note that the toddler's self-portrait

is larger than the portrait of Mommy. 

Coincidence or is there a deeper meaning there?

"Daddy" by Aria

Chalk on Chalkboard