Little fish in a big pond

Bella has been in gymnastics since the fall and seems to really like it. She is pretty small and VERY flexible- just right for a little gymnast. It also allows her to be active while still in a structured activity. About a month ago, they asked us if Bella could try out for their Superstars class which is a precursor to their invitational, competitive team. I declined because I figured she is too young to really know what she wants and I didn't want her burning out. They called again and restructured the class a little (less $ and time per week) so we signed her up. It is an intense class (especially since there is only one other child in the class). So far, she loves it and we can really see an improvement already.

She looks SO little in that huge gym with all the bigger kids. Since they are in the gym at the same time as all the older ones, I can see how intense true gymnastics training can get and I am not sure I want her to go that route. We still have plenty of time and it will be her decision- who knows, next year she could be into karate or soccer?

Sorry for the poor quality of pictures- the parent area is on the 2nd floor.

*Bella is on the bottom left.


Bella and her coach- she is learning some sort of handstand?


*I thought this was a little crazy but I guess it's all part of the training. Right after this, the coach had them do wall sits!!

The final countdown

*I have not updated in a while- seems like nothing too exciting to post about. But, people have been asking for a baby update so here it is- including a photo of me in all my glory! I usually post something about the kids so it feels funny to talk about myself! :)

Only 10 more days until my due date! The c-section is scheduled for March 13th (after my due date to give her time to fully cook). However, I would love to go into labor on my own and have that element of surprise for once. If I do go into labor, I still have to have a c-section since its #3. I am feeling wonderful- I have lots of energy (for this stage of the pregnancy) and have not gotten so big as before. I have only gained 24 lbs so far even though I look much, much bigger since it's all is in my tummy. (Let's be real though- I started off with a few extra pounds anyway.) My tummy sticks so far straight out that a friend's husband even asked me how I am able to stand without falling over!

We still have not chosen a name and probably won't until we see the little princess. Our choices right now are Claire and Olivia.

I am probably most excited about this birth- over the other 2. I had medication with Julia that made me check out mentally so I don't have any real fond memories of her birth. Sad, but true. I was a zombie that entire day and still regret it. I didn't know how great Bella's birth would be since I missed out on the first one. So, this time, I already know how absolutely wonderful it is to see your child for the 1st time and am so excited about it. Seems like a no-brainer for most people, right?

Soon, I will posting everyday with new baby pictures!

*This is a horrid picture and doesn't show the belly in all it's glory. BUT, all the side shots are worse and I couldn't bear to put them up.

Hearts, hearts and more hearts

We began the long task of making our Valentine Cards today. I decided to attempt homemade cards for the first time (2 hearts connected together to make a butterfly (a pencil in the middle with googly eyes makes the body). After realizing that we needed 2 hearts per child in BOTH Julia's and Bella's classes, those store bought cards looked SO tempting. BUT, the girls had a great time customizing their cards and it was all worth it! We are only 1/4 of the way done and the rest is mostly my job.

For those of you with 3+ children in Elementary School, I applaud you! That is a lot of homemade lunches, daily homework and Valentine's!