This is Declan - from mommy's view. He is the size of a grapefruit - a 1lb 7 oz grapefruit. He is measuring in the 57th percentile for weight, and a few days ahead of what the calendar calls for. We got to see our sweet baby boy on Friday. . .that extra ultrasound that was planned when they found a calcium deposit on Declan's heart at 19 weeks. Our appointment started off a little rocky, as the ultrasound tech immediately picked up on the calcium deposit and told us Declan needed additional analysis on his anatomy i.e screening for Trisomy 13, 18 and Downs. It was a sickening feeling, but our doctor walked in a few minutes later and announced Declan is 100% perfect! I kept asking "so I don't have to worry?"...he said "Nope, not even 0.0001%". That was a good feeling.

I've spent alot of time this past week getting Declan's room decorated. I wanted to incorporate a few hand painted wall hangings in there. This past Sunday was one of those typical rainy Fall days, so we pulled out the paint and canvas, and let our 2 year old create with color. . .the result is a beautiful swirl of color that translates into Chloe's master piece of love! As soon as I get it up on the wall I'll take a picture for you to see.

We're hosting Thanksgiving this year. . .we're literally going to have a houseful! Snow showers on Thursday - perfect timing as we'll be around the fire, sipping apple cider. Our baby girl also turns 2 this weekend. Age one you're just grateful to have made it there with all members of the family still accounted for. Age two. . .man, it's a bit of a tear jerker knowing she's growing up so quickly! She's so much fun, has us laughing and swept up in her world of discovery. She's been learning manners at school, specifically how to address adults. Much to our amusement she's picked up on calling EVERYONE "miss". I noticed it this weekend when our niece Hailey was with us, Chloe would run after Hailey calling her Miss Hailey. Then suddenly it was Miss Mommy, can I please have a drink, Miss Mommy, please come here. My folks were over for dinner and she was addressing my mom as Miss Granny. She's hilarious! Then tonight we had to make a quick run to the store and as soon as Jon was out of sight she said " Miss Mommy, where is Miss Daddy?"I nearly died laughing! ALL EVENING LONG Jon as been "Miss Daddy".

Week 23 has drawn to a close, we came out a few pounds fatter, moving a little slower, but it was a good week knowing our little boy is going to be all right. The other morning I hopped on the scale as I was getting ready. . .much to my shock I realized I have gained 12 lbs (8 to 12 overnight), so I was expressing my shock to Chloe. She stood there listening to me as I explained this to her. As soon as I was finished she says. . .Mommy you're still cute. She melts my heart y'all!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Declan is the size of a papaya!

With each passing day his little features further develop - this week it was his lips. His sleep cycles are also easier to determine now that he is getting bigger. He tends to wake up alongside us in the morning. Noise and activity gets him moving quite quickly.

This is the first picture taken in Declan's room! I have organizing, mainly, to do at this point. . .and wean Chloe out of her rocking chair so we can move it into the baby room. She LOVES to be rocked before bed. . .and I probably love it even more than she does, but we can hardly justify the cost of another rocker.

To prepare Chloe for the baby, we bought her a baby doll a few weeks ago. This week we spent alot of energy guiding her on the importance of being gentle with it. But then...I think I accidentally undid all that effort this morning! I was standing at the bottom of our staircase, Chloe at the top - she was holding her baby doll trying to navigate the stairs while holding the baby. She is fairly nimble at going up and down the stairs so rather than expending extra energy in going back up the stairs to retrieve the baby doll so she could come down the stairs, I told her to just throw the doll down the stairs. Big mistake. The baby doll flew headfirst down the stairs, hitting every second step before it landed with a hard thump on the landing. . .that was followed by a big belly laugh from Chloe. She promptly ran into her bedroom, retrieved her teddy bears, who took the same fateful journey down the staircase. Chloe loves the effect of gravity! Back to square one in teaching Chloe how to be gentle with the baby. Good job mommy.

Tomorrow we are in the 23rd week!

Have a wonderful week all. . .!

Declan and I had a good week in California. Despite it being business travel, I thoroughly enjoyed a little bit of rest too. It was guilt-free rest too! Jon had everything under control here at home, and he'd send me these sweet little messages letting me know that everything was going fine and to just enjoy my time away. I was so grateful as it meant I could enjoy a nice deep bath and read my book knowing my world was ticking along just fine without me. At the back of my mind I knew this would be my last bit of "me time" before the introduction of another little person in our lives. Quiet evenings are not lonely - they're a good time to recharge those batteries!

This week our little babes learned to gulp down several ounces of fluid - this for hydration and nutrition! On the topic of food - he has taste buds so can taste what I eat. He is also the size of a pomegranate! A big one, I would like to add. He has really gained strength in his movements and there are times when I get a good knee to the gut.

We're making really good progress on Declan's baby room. While I was away Jon had his room painted. Crib is set up, and other furniture moved in. I'll post some pictures in the coming weeks.