In True Summer Fashion...

We have a million things going on this weekend. I get to have a little mommy time tomorrow morning when I get my hair done (and stop for a Starbucks on the way of course). And then it is off to Eric's Aunt and Uncle's house for a big cookout on the lake. Their house is AMAZING! It is like going to a resort. The weather man says it will be sunny and 80 tomorrow so maybe we can do a little swimming. Addie already picked out the suit she wants to wear...

I got this at Baby Gap and the end of the season last year and I have been dying for her to wear it. Is she not the cutest little thing? Eric thinks the suit is a bit skimpy, but she is 17 months old for crying out loud...I highly doubt she is trying to pick up guys...especially not at a family party. Eww!

Then on Sunday, we have Eric's work picnic. Not sure how I feel about this yet, but Eric did mention that they will have a bouncy house so at least I know how I will keep Addie occupied :-)

OH! And I suppose the most exciting part of our weekend (in my opinion) is the completion of the paint job in Blake's nursery! My Dad and I worked on it today and while I am off having mommy time tomorrow morning, they guys are going to finish things up. So if all goes well, I will have some pictures up on Sunday. Woohoo! I hope you all have a fantastic weekend!

5 Pregnancy Questions That Blow my Mind

Now that my belly is becoming noticeable to people, I am starting to get asked the inevitable pregnancy questions like, "When are you due?" and "Are you having a boy or a girl?".  I love getting asked these questions because I could talk about pregnancy all day long. But what I have come to realize during both of my pregnancies is that some women are pretty damn ballsy. There are certain questions I get asked that just blow my mind. And I am not alone. Many pregnant ladies have told me that they get asked the same things. I am sure I have been guilty of asking some of these questions too, but only to my closest friends/family and only when I know that I am not going to offend someone. But some of these questions I am going to list have been asked by random strangers! And that...my friends...is the most mind blowing part of all. So here they are, in no particular order...

1. "Wow...you are so big! How much weight have you gained?"

My mom always tells me that being referred to as "big" while you are pregnant is a compliment because pregnant ladies should be big. It means you are carrying a healthy baby. And while I can accept that part of the question, asking me how much weight I have gained isn't always appropriate in my opinion. Now, I will gladly share this information because seriously...who cares. But it still shocks me that some women will come right out and ask you this! I was asked this question by a random co-worker (whom I hardly knew) during my first pregnancy.

2. "Why would you want to ruin the surprise and find out the sex of your baby?"

You know...I give props to all those mommies and daddies out there that want to keep their baby's sex a surprise. I have had several friends and family members decide to do this and they said they wouldn't have changed the experience for the world. I, on the other hand, don't have that kind of self control. I like to plan and prepare myself and Eric is the same way. Plus, I think finding out the gender means you get two fantastic surprises. The first one is when you find out the sex, and the second one is when you have them and get to see them for the first time! See how I already have my defense set up? It is because I got asked this question more than once during my first pregnancy, and at least twice during this pregnancy.

3. "You are going to breastfeed aren't you?"

As a matter of fact, I do plan to breastfeed again. But someone PLEASE tell me why the woman working behind the counter at Jiffy Lube needed to know that information? When I was pregnant with Addie, I took my car for an oil change and while I waited, the woman noticed I was pregnant and started asking me a bunch of random questions. But this was my favorite. She then proceeded to tell me about her sister's breastfeeding experience. I learned more about her sister's nipples than I even knew about my own. It was SO uncomfortable. Luckily, she wasn't as judgmental as some other ladies. When I told one woman that I would switch to formula if the baby didn't nurse well, she said "ALL babies can nurse...only lazy mothers resort to formula!" OUTRAGEOUS!! I then said "well I was raised on formula and my mother is the least lazy person I know." The woman shot me an uncomfortable smile and then turned away. I then shot her a satisfied smile and gave her the bird.

4. "Do you plan to get an epidural?"

This question by itself isn't offensive to me. It is an honest question and most woman say "if you are smart you will get one." But then there are a select few women out there who fully believe that epidurals are an easy way out. I am not disagreeing with these women in any way because everyone is entitled to the birth experience they feel most comfortable and satisfied with. Hell...even my mom said "I had all three of you kids without any drugs" and when I asked why, she just said "I didn't feel like I needed any." Sweet woman. She is so blocking out that experience. But regardless of my mom's confidence in a drug-free birth, I was certain that I wanted to be drugged out of my mind. But again, I don't judge women who want a natural birth and I was hoping other women wouldn't judge me for wanting lots of drugs. I didn't get too many rude comments, but I was asked (on more than one occasion) why I wasn't at least going to try to have a natural birth. They would say it just like that, "You aren't even going to try? Don't you want to know what it feels like?" My answer was always "Um...that's okay. I am sure I will feel enough."

5. "Oh...you plan to have another c-section?"

And speaking of not trying, many women feel the need to ask me why I am not going to try for a VBAC (vaginal birth after c-section) this time around. They ask me why I wouldn't want to experience "real" childbirth. And you know...I take a lot of offense to that particular question. I believe that my first childbirth experience was as real as it gets. I felt labor (for 16 hours with a partially working epidural), I felt every second of my first 5 hours of contractions, I was fully awake and able to hear my baby's first cry AND I was able to look at her and kiss her seconds after she was born. Sure...it wasn't the childbirth experience I planned...but that didn't make it any less real to me. And what makes a childbirth experience real? No drugs? Blowing out your vagina instead of getting an incision? Being in labor for 30 hours vs 5? Going into labor naturally instead of having to be induced? I guess I don't understand how anyone can judge another woman's decision. Will I schedule a second c-section? Absolutely. I already have my date picked out. Will I try a VBAC if I go into labor on my own and start progressing quickly? Sure. I am absolutely not apposed to the idea. BUT...I believe that no matter how my second childbirth experience goes...it will be real. To me at least :-)

So there you go...the 5 pregnancy questions and/or comments that blow my mind. Am I leaving any off my list? Have any of you been asked any of these questions? Any of you guilty of asking these questions yourself?

True Friendship...

Is a pretty rare thing to find. A true friend is someone who accepts you for who you are, never judges you, never calls you out on your mistakes and never makes you feel bad for eating a whole package of Oreos over the course of two days. And above all else...a true friend always knows the way to your heart.

Take for example, Exhibit A: A container of homemade vanilla cupcakes, a container of peanut butter & jelly bars and a variety of hard salami. Yes...I already ate a cupcake and a PB&J bar.

My BF Linsey knew that buying me a new baby boy outfit would have been a great way to celebrate my pregnancy, but not as great as satisfying my three S's (Sweet, Salty & Salami).

If that's not true friendship...I have no idea what is. I heart you Lins!

And here are our two little princesses today during our playdate. Please excuse Addie's sour expression, she broke two plates before this picture was taken.

Oh, and if you just want one more example of true friendship, here you go. Linsey knew I was having just a little bit of buyers remorse regarding my BOB (only because I felt guilty about the price). So before she left, she put the two girls in the stroller and gave it a test drive. She then looked at me and said "That stroller is awesome! I would have paid double." Ahh...I just love that girl :-) Thanks for the great playdate Lins! I am going to go have a salami sandwich...and a cupcake now :-) 

Bottle Advice Needed

I should be a bottle expert, considering I tried almost every bottle on the market when Addie was a baby. I exclusively breastfed her for the first 3 months and then when I went back to work, it was time for her to take a bottle. She actually did quite well at first. She seemed to like the Playtex bottles the best.

I actually liked the Playtex system because the drop-ins were very convenient. I also liked that they didn't have an insane amount of parts to clean like the Dr. Browns I tried. The only problem was that the drop-ins sometimes busted while I was trying to squeeze the air out and you couldn't warm them in a bottle warmer. But despite those two little problems, Addie was content with the Playtex bottles for the two months I actually worked. Then when I quit to be a SAHM, she decided she didn't want bottles anymore. She just wanted the boob. I couldn't get this baby to take a bottle to save my life. And I didn't give up easily. I tried almost EVERY bottle out there and she just wasn't into any of them. The only bottle she kinda took from me was the Adiri Bottle.

You can probably see why...it looks like a big old boob. And even though I loved the design and the fact that they were BPA free (which many bottles weren't at the time), I didn't like how you couldn't warm the milk in the bottle. You had to warm it in a separate container and then put it into the bottle. It was sort of inconvenient when you were in a pinch. That is the one reason I am reluctant to go back to these bottles with baby #2.

So...even though I should be a bottle expert from all the experimenting I did...I am a bit lost as to which bottle I should purchase for the new baby. Almost all brands have now switched to BPA free so that isn't much of an issue now. What I am looking for is convenience. I do plan to breastfeed again, but I have learned my lesson. This baby WILL take a bottle so that I can leave the house every once and a while and so Daddy can participate :-) Does anyone have a bottle they love? Does anyone have a bottle I should scratch off my list? I need some help mommies...or nannies or daddies :-)

It's A Sign

If Eric and I were having any doubts about the name "Blake", I think this would have sealed the deal. My favorite kid's catalog is featuring not only a preppy camo backpack (which Eric wants for himself)...but it is also embroidered with a very special name. Yeah...I think it's a sign.

Family Reunion Fun!

Every 3 years, the Mueller family gets together for one heck of a reunion (also know as the Lakota reunion. My Grandma was a Lakota). As you already know from previous posts, the Mueller family is...well...pretty damn big. So big in fact, we had to have our reunion in the woods in order to fit everyone. Here is a picture of just the Mueller family. Take in mind we are missing at least 20+ people.

Yes, all these people get together for Christmas...and that is why we have to rent a banquet hall. Ha!

Coming from a huge family like this is so much fun. Sure, we don't all get to see each other very much but when we do, everyone has a blast. Today was no different.

Here I am with Addie, my cousin Kris (who is expecting twins!) and her daughter Gracie :-) 

And here are the guys (Eric, my brothers Ryan and Adam, and my Pops).

And here are the grandmas looking happy as ever with their little grandbabies. As you can see, Addie was not in the mood to pose for pictures today. She had better things to do...

Like run...

And bounce...

And play with Uncle Ryan.

It is amazing how much energy this little peanut has, although I am sure it had nothing to do with the lemonade, cookies and cake she had for lunch today. She is sound asleep as we speak and I think it is time mama relaxed a little too. I hope you all enjoyed this sunny Sunday as much as we did!!

How Could I Forget?!

My most favorite comedy EVER! The comedy that I know by heart (literally...every single word)! The comedy my BF Tara and I watch every time we are together (and text each other quotes from when we have had one too many cocktails). The comedy hardly anyone remembers...including me apparently. So what is this movie I speak of?

 

If you have never seen this movie, you have to rent it. It is was made in the 80s so you can probably find it in a discount bin at Wal-Mart for $5. But seriously...one of the most hysterical movies and I can't believe I forgot it!! Thanks for the heads up T :-)

Favorite Quotes:

Col. Mustard: Are you trying to make me look stupid in front of the other guests?

Wadsworth: You don't need any help from me sir.

Col. Mustard: That's right.

Mr. Green: So it was you. I was going to expose you.

Wadsworth: I know. So I chose to expose myself.

Col. Mustard: Please...there are ladies present.

Classic.

Top 5 Comedies...According to Jen

It's movie night around the Davis household and Eric and I both feel like a comedy. So...this got us talking about our Top 5 favorite comedies of all time and I thought I would share my list. Let me tell you...this was a tough decision! But here it goes (with favorite quotes and all)...

5. Old School

Frank: "I told my wife I wouldn't drink tonight. Plus, I gotta really big day tomorrow."

(about 5 minutes later after Frank hits a beer bong)

Frank: "It tastes so good when it hits your lips. Whoo!"

4. Beetlejuice

Adam: "Are you qualified?" (to haunt their house)

Beetlejuice: "Ah...well...I attended Julliard. I'm a graduate of Harvard business school. I travel quite extensively. I lived through the Black Plaque and I had a pretty good time during that. I'VE SEEN THE EXORCIST ABOUT A HUNDRED AND SIXTY-SEVEN TIMES...AND IT KEEPS GETTING FUNNIER EVERY TIME I SEE IT. NOT TO MENTION THE FACT THAT YOU ARE TALKING TO A DEAD GUY. NOW WHAT DO YOU THINK? Do you think I am qualified?"

3. Ghostbusters

Jeanine: "Do you have any hobbies?"

Egon: "I collect spores, moles and fungus."

2. Dumb and Dumber

I don't have a quote that is funnier than the "Mockingbird" duet they sing in the car. I almost pee my pants every time I watch it.

1. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

This movie ALWAYS makes me laugh, even though I have seen it about a hundred million times. I am afraid I have to share three favorite quotes (even though I have about 50 on my list).

Cousin Eddie: "You surprised Clark?"

Clark: "Oh Eddie...if I woke tomorrow with my head sewn to the carpet, I wouldn't be more surprised than I am right now."

Eddie: "I don't know if I oughta go sailin down no hill with nothin between the ground and my brains but a government piece of plastic."

Clark: "You really think it matters Eddie?"

Clark (looking out his front window): "Oh, the silent majesty of a winter's morn...the clean, cool chill of the holiday air...an a**hole in his bathrobe, emptying his chemical toilet into my sewer."

I know that many of you won't agree with my Top 5 (Beetlejuice isn't a movie that most people consider one of their favorites). But I would love to know what's on your Top 5 Comedies list! Include quotes please :-)

The Bedding is In!

Yay! Blake's nursery bedding is here! I took a risk and ordered this bedding without actually seeing it in person (it was out of stock when I visited Pottery Barn Kids) but I just had to order it anyway because I got it for a great deal on eBay!! Isn't it cute?

I fell in love with this bedding for two reasons: 

1) I love the bright, cheerful colors (plus I am always a sucker for red)

2) Because the bedding is transportation themed, I can do anything with trucks, cars, airplanes, trains, etc. It gives me lots of options.

I also love all the textures of this bedding. They used searsucker, corduroy and cotton percale. It is very cozy :-)

And speaking of cozy, I am a big fan of floor rugs in all of my rooms (even if I have carpet) because I think it makes the room feel more...well...cozy! This isn't the matching rug for the bedding set, but this one was in the clearance bin at Pottery Barn Kids and I just had to get it.

I already laid it down on the floor next to the crib and I really think it is going to tie in nicely. So what's next you ask? Well, Eric and I are going to pick up some paint samples this weekend and Pops and I are going to start the bookcase next week. Busy, busy, busy! I guess it is a good thing the nesting phase is kicking in. Mama needs some energy!

Pops & I Have a New Project

Yay! I am so excited...my Dad and I have a new project ahead of us. After scoping out the nursery this week, I realized that I have an empty little nook that is screaming for a cute bookcase. I got Addie this adorable handpainted bookcase from a local furniture store before I had her. It fit perfectly in that little nook.

Obviously, the garden themed bookcase is not going to work for a little boy (plus she has already claimed it in her new room) so now I have to come up with something equally cute yet boyish. I started doing some looking around and ultimately, I want a bookcase about this size so that it will hold a few baskets of toys, some books and a picture frame or two.

I would just order this bookcase, but I thought it was a little simple. I was hoping to do something more fun and unique. I came across this bookcase and I really like the grooved sides and scalloped top. It just gives it something extra (although I would not go this big or add the drawers).

I also love the little cubbies on this bookcase. I think it is neat how all the shelves aren't the exact same size.

Now, this bookcase isn't exactly the color I would go for, but I do like the idea of painting the bookcase instead of staining it. It would definitely make it stand out in the room.

My Dad and I are putting our heads together tomorrow and hopefully we will be able to come up with something cute and unique. He is brainstorming as we speak and I am sure he has already come up with something perfect :-) Don't worry, I promise to keep you updated on our project as it develops.

You KNEW I Would Blog About This...

I try really hard not to use this blog as a bitchfest full of rants and complaints. I try to keep it happy and upbeat as much as a can. But damn it...sometimes a girl just needs to bitch and say her peace. So here I go...

Jon Gosselin...you are a sick, messed-up, selfish SOB and I hope Kate takes you to the cleaners. You claim to be "all about your kids" and yet you have been gallivanting around Europe with your twenty-something girlfriend holding hands and making out before your divorce is even final!!! You should be absolutely ashamed of yourself.

Sorry friends...I didn't mean to bring up Jon & Kate again after I swore I wouldn't. But after reading about this story in line at the grocery store today (and then for an hour online when I got home) I am just appalled!! I want to call Kate up and ask her if she wants to come over some wine and a cigarette. I just feel terrible...for her and the kids. I have a lot of wonderfully evil things I would LOVE to say about Jon right now...but again...this is suppose to be a happy blog so I will leave my rant at that. But, I do welcome any commentary. Anyone else want to punch this tool in the face?

Please Don't Judge Me

I just really, really, REALLY wanted to use my BOB double stroller today. I thought I would look foolish pushing around one baby, so I took my other baby for a ride as well. And yes...he stayed in the seat the whole time!!!

And just for the record...

yes...I know this looks almost as foolish (if not more) than pushing around one baby. I got quite a few stares and giggles as I walked the neighborhood.

yes...I know my porkie yorkie could have used the exercise

yes...I suffered a bit of buyers remorse after buying such an expensive stroller (regardless of my great deal) but after giving it a real test-run today, I am in love with it. Everyone should own one.

and

no...this will not be the only ride Howie gets in the stroller. The two of them had a blast. I guess the BOB will get some use this summer after all :-)

No One Could Resist...

Shopping for baby boy already. Just the thought of a new baby to shop for sent everyone running to the store...or closet. Auntie Dana first raided Nolan's closet for some essential hand-me-downs...

She also picked up an adorable White Sox onesie, which just happens to match the White Sox running suit Grandma Mueller got him (can you tell Daddy is a Sox fan?). The rest of the darling clothes already handing in his closet are compliments of Grandma Davis :-)

And since I already vetoed the camo bedding, I thought I could make up for it with a camo blanket. Eric was very happy :-) Auntie Dana also picked up this blanket and matching monkey. So cute.

And of course, my mom couldn't wait 24 hours before knitting baby boy's coming home hat. Seriously, how freaking CUTE will he be in this hat?!!! My little winter baby :-)

It's almost hard to think about winter in the middle of July, but I realize this pregnancy is moving right along and he will be here before I know it. I am already in my 17th week, which makes baby boy about the size of an onion...

And my belly the size of a cantaloupe.

I hope you all had a fantastic weekend! We have been on cloud nine, but now it is time to come down and start getting things organized. I mean...I have a nursery to plan!!!!

Pictures, Questions & Answers About Our Little Man

I apologize for the very quick post last night friends. Eric and I were too giddy and excited to concentrate. Plus, we wanted to take advantage of our night alone...you know...by talking, laughing, and falling asleep on the couch by 10:00 p.m. HA!

But seriously, last night was SO MUCH FUN!! As I said before, Eric's cousin Katie and I are pregnant at the same time again (Addie and Audrey were due a day apart) and now our new babies are due exactly one day apart as well. Strange huh? Well...it gets stranger. 

When we all decided to do our ultrasounds together, I never in a million years thought that we would end up with the same sex again. I mean, it was already mind blowing that my sister-in-law Dana and Katie and myself all had girls the first time!

So when Dana had her little man Nolan in March, I thought that either Katie or I would surely have the second girl. I mean come on...what are the odds that all three of us would have a boy right? Well...the odds are pretty good because Katie and I are BOTH having boys!!!! AH!!! Needless to say, Eric and Chris were lit up like Christmas trees last night after seeing pictures like this...

They took several "boy part" pictures but I thought I would just share one. You know...since it pretty much looks the same from all directions. Ha! When we got into the room last night and I laid down on the table, I asked Eric one more time what he thought and he said "100% girl". Then the ultrasound tech said "what do you think mom?" and I said "100% boy" and she said "well...you are right!" And then there he was....our little man...right up on the screen.

It took about 5 minutes and 20 different views of the "boy parts" for Eric to grasp the idea that our baby was in fact a boy. She had a very clear picture up on the screen and Eric was like "okay wait...what is that" and I finally yelled out "HIS BALLS! THOSE ARE BALLS!" And then we all roared with laughter. Seeing Eric's face as he finally realized he was getting the son he always hoped for was priceless. And then he said the sweetest thing walking out the doors. He said "you know babe, I am so thrilled to be having a son, but after meeting Addie, I would have been just as excited for another little girl". And the feeling was mutual. Having a baby is such an incredible feeling and as much as you sit and hope for one sex or the other...in the end...that baby was meant for you. This little man is meant to be our son and words can't describe how excited we both are to meet him.

So...enough sappy stuff...on to the big questions I know you all have.

1. The Camo Bedding

Lots of people are curious if Eric is insisting on the camo bedding now that we know we are having a boy. We talked about this last night and to my surprise, Eric agreed to let me be the Project Manager on the nursery. Woohoo!! BUT...I have to run the bedding and decorations by him to make sure they are "manly" enough. I can handle that :-) Peace out camo bedding!!

2. Names

When we were pregnant the first time, Eric and I had a boy's name picked out and ready to go. We were positive that at some point (if we had a son) we would use it. We would name him Parker. If any of you read my BF Mandy's blog, you would know that she has a little man named Parker. Mandy had P about 6 months before Addie was born and I remember telling Mandy that Eric and I had the name Parker on our list. She said the most fabulous thing to me. She said "That's awesome! Maybe we will both have Parkers!" How many friends are cool with you using the same name? Anyway, when we realized Addie was a girl...we didn't discuss boy names anymore.

So when we got pregnant this time, we started chatting about names we liked for both sexes. When it came to discussing boy names, I thought we would both immediately go to Parker like we had with Addie. But we didn't. Eric said that even though he still really liked the name, he was starting to think of others he liked just as much. And for me, after watching Parker grow up the past two years, it just felt like it was his name. Does that make sense? I no longer pictured myself with a Parker because I already had one in my life :-)

Okay...I am sure you are like "get to the damn name Jen!" so here you go. As of right now, Eric and I are leaning towards:

Blake Steven Davis

I am not having my mom embroider anything just yet, but after last night, I think we have decided on Blake. We also really like the name Carson, but I am not sure that either of us like it as much as Blake. Blake and Addison. Cute ring huh?

Well friends, it is time for me to go to Grandma Davis' house and pick up my little girl. I can't wait to tell her that a new baby brother is on the way!! I hope you all have a fantastic Saturday! I know I will :-)

The Results are in...We Are Having A...

BOY!!!

Turns out I was right once again :-) Eric and I had the best night and it was so exciting to see our little man up on the screen. I have some fantastic ultrasound pics that I promise to share tomorrow (when I am not so tired and overwhelmed with excitement :-) I know everyone is thinking "So...what's the name?" and I promise to share that information soon as well. Have a great night...I know we will!!

At This Time Tomorrow...

Eric and I will know the sex of our baby!!! Will we be shopping for little outfits like this...

Or more little outfits like this...

Either way, we will be THRILLED!! So far, it looks like more than half of you believe this baby is a boy (as do I) but only time will tell. Don't worry...I will post the results tomorrow night. Although, it may be quite late since Addie is staying over night at Grandma and Grandpa Davis' house so Mommy and Daddy can go out for a nice dinner with our cousin's Katie and Chris (they find out the sex of their baby too :-) Woohoo! Be sure to vote if you haven't already!

P.S. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince was fantastic!!!! The movie didn't cover everything from the book, but it was still funny, suspenseful and sweet. I highly recommend it...even if you didn't read the books :-) Thanks for coming to visit Tara and Tommers! The movie wouldn't have been half as much fun without your company. xoxo

It's Harry Potter Time!!

That's right my friends...the time has come.

HARRY POTTER 6 came out today!!!! I know it is sad that I am THIS excited about a kid's movie...but I can't help it! I have been waiting two years for this movie to come out and damn it...I am making a day of it! My BF Tara is driving 2 1/2 hours just so we can see it together tomorrow afternoon. We are grabbing lunch and then heading to the show (minus our babies). I have a purse full of candy (yes...I smuggle) but I will also be buying a huge freaking bag of popcorn. I'm pregnant remember? Gotta have that salty/sweet combo.

Anyway, I was reading reviews today from all the people who went to the midnight showing last night (so jealous) and the reviews are all fantastic. One of my favorite review sites, Rotten Tomatoes, gave it 89% which is pretty good because they are pretty harsh. I also had a few lucky friends go see it and their reactions were all just as positive.

It seems that this movie is less about all the action, and more about the developing relationships between the characters. Nothing like a little awkward teen angst to make you feel old :-)

I have read Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince and if the movie is even half as good as the book, I know I am in for a real treat. Did anyone see the movie last night or today? I would love to know what you thought :-)

Cute Little Target Dress

Have I said lately how much I freaking love Target? I have been trying to be a Frugal Frannie lately but when it comes to Target...I tend to lose my self control. Especially when I come across a cute little dress like this...

Anyone else totally and completely addicted to Target? Anyone else have a hard time getting out of there for under $100? I know I can't be the only one :-)

The Zebra is my Favorite Aminal!

After almost two months of trying to get everyone together for a little zoo trip, we finally made it!!! And the day was just gorgeous.

Notice the pony tail? Just wanted to make sure all the zoo-goers knew Addie was in fact...a girl. Haha!

And here is the whole clan: Grandma Davis, Grandma Mueller, Auntie Dana, Nolan, Nia, Addie and Me!

First stop: The carousel. Or as I like to call it...the Ferris Wheel. Baby Brain folks :-)

Addie LOVED riding on the Zebra. She couldn't get enough.

I was afraid there would be a tantrum when we got off the ride but luckily, there was something even better to distract her.

A REAL LIFE ZEBRA!!

She doesn't know how to say "Zebra" yet, but she was all about pointing and making up her own words for him.

I was telling her that the Zebra she was looking at was from "Madagascar" (her favorite movie right now). She was in love with him. Or her. I didn't get a good look. Ha!

Next stop was with the bears!!

The bear was actually just on the other side of this window (didn't get him in the shot) and I don't know if I was more scared about the bear busting through the glass, or all the germy finger prints on it. Yuck! Germaphobe alert!

After we checked out some of the big animals, it was time for Addie to pet some little ones. Man did she LOVE these goats! She chased them all over the pen.

And made some friends along the way.

After the children's zoo, the kids were pooped...and so were the mommies and grandmas. We had a great time today and I think we all look forward to going back again...next year. Ha!