just the every day

I took Lara to a class at the Discovery Museum Tuesday morning where we learned about frogs and ducks. I was glad to hear about these classes because I do not generally like to commit myself to weekly sessions (even 20 minutes at the library), but these classes are on a monthly schedule, and you sign up for them individually. It works well in our tight schedule of child care, therapy, and family-only days.

Lara liked the class. She played with everyone very well and participated just fine. I was concerned that they would have the children do some gross motor activities that would be difficult for Lara, but they actually did some really simple things that Lara could do on her own. And she came home with some crafts and a toy (and you know how much this mommy likes crafts).

In other news, I am excited about a trip we are taking to Chicago next weekend. We are going to ride the train up to spend an evening shopping and eating. The next day, we are going to spend the morning at Shedd Aquarium, before heading home on the train. Dustin's schedule is getting tighter with his new role at church and with the baby due in a few months, I thought it would be nice to get away for a bit, even if it is just to Chicago for a short time. I don't want to be any further from home, what with being a possible preterm labor mommy.

On that note, I have officially made it a week further than I did with Lara. I am feeling really good. Near the end of last week, I grew concerned with Braxton-Hicks and a little pressure, but I got it under control. Lots of water, lots of resting. Now I am doing fine. I was simply not drinking enough water. I wonder why this happens to me, although I know that I get dehydrated VERY easily. For me, I have to be drinking pretty much all day to stay at a normal level. And, of course, all of that triples when you are pregnant!!

Lara is doing well. There is something about her where she is always making people laugh and smile. Even when she isn't actually doing anything. I understand this, because it is how I feel a lot of times with her too. Sometimes she is silly and sometimes she is serious, and always a delight. At church, she is beginning to be called "Wild Child" because she uses her walker and runs all over the place, passing people in the hall and saying loudly, "HI!!!" She'll just start giggling and scoot away quickly. We are often told that Lara "is always SO happy" or that her happiness is contagious. Well, I assure you she is not like this all the time, but for me, out of all the things I would want to be said about my child, that is it: that she is super happy. Lara was so colicky as an infant, and being a new mom, I worried this said something about her disposition. I was a new mom, what did I know? I still don't know most things, after all.
Finally, some nice weather....

This is my cat. He is sort of on the dumb side of things. Before I had a chance to put Lara on the potty, Aidan jumped up to drink out of the toilet (which is not allowed in my house). So he got stuck in Lara's potty chair.