6 Months Pregnant at the Fire Station

     Sorry for the late post, but I'm here now! :)  On Saturday, Mark and I took Marcus to the Skyland Fire Department where our dear friend Brian Grindstaff works.  A smile didn't leave Marcus' face the whole time we were there.  Mark and I enjoyed learning all the ins and outs of the way things are handled as well, so a good time was had by all. 
     In baby news, we had another great doctor's appointment last week.  My belly is measuring right on track but it's been feeling awfully tight lately.  Just to ease all my fears, Dr. Cobb gave us a brief ultrasound to check my fluid levels.  Not only did I have enough fluid but he (yet again) said how great everything looks.  It's always good to be reassured. 
     Also this week, Marcus got to feel the baby move!  The baby was super active one afternoon so I took Marcus' hand and put it on my belly where I was feeling the jabs.  He said, "Hey Baby!" and "I'm your big brudder!" and then felt a big THUMP to his hand.  His little eyes lit up and he said, "HE KICKED ME!"  It was great.  (and yes, he said, "he" - Marcus changes his answer every day as to whether we're having a girl or a boy)
     Finally, we're taking Marcus to the Biltmore House tomorrow not to see the house, but to see the goats, chickens, and horses at the petting zoo. A friend from church had a few passes that expire Thursday, so we decided to use them up! Pictures will follow for sure.

On the front of the fire engine

He LOVED "driving" & even got to crank up the fire engine.

Headphones

He called this a 4 wheeler and of course had to crank it, too.

"This one's a little more my size."

1960 Model Fire Truck

Playing peek-a-boo in the extra lockers

Mr. Brian helping him try on a fire helmet.

As big as Marcus' head is, Mr. Brian's is bigger.

He loved dressing up in this gear.

Trying on the boots, pants, and suspenders.

Probably my favorite picture in the whole batch.

Oxygen mask

Mr. Brian, Marcus, and Mark on the big fire engine.

Family photo :)

Napping attire is either his "cozy warm pants" and camo shirt or a set of "fishy pajamas."

24 Weeks!
-Tight belly lately but at our last appointment we got another ultrasound and there's plenty of fluid (just a big baby!)
-Marcus got to feel the baby move this week as he was talking to him/her saying, "I'm your big brudder!"
-It's getting harder to breathe when sitting down.
-This baby is going to have two cousins arrive within a few months since my sister is pregnant with TWINS!

The newest outfit for Baby Schuurman #2, no matter whether it's a girl or boy!

We Love the Hausers

     Acquaintances are easy to come by.  Good great friends are not.  Mark and I are blessed to call Matt and Mary Clark Hauser two of our closest friends.  Matt and Mark lived together in college and a little bit before Mark and I got married, and Mary Clark and I lived together for a few months pre-marriage as well. We were in each others weddings and try to see or hang out with each other as much as possible.  It's harder now that they live in Winston-Salem, so a few months back we planned a weekend together. 
     On Friday, Matt, Mary Clark, and their adorable baby girl Madison came for a weekend visit.  That evening, Mary Clark and I left the children with the men and went to a HUGE consignment sale called Wee-Trade.  I consigned a few items there this year, but she and I both were shopping for summer clothes for our little ones at a bargain.  We each found some precious outfits without breaking the bank and then went out for supper at the Twisted Crepe.  It was nice for us both to eat without children or husbands (just for a meal) because we didn't have to worry about others or share food. ;)
     When Saturday rolled around, Matt and Mark went to eat Mexican for lunch (both their favorite type of food) and then onto the UNCA men's basketball game.  You could tell when they got back how much fun it was for them.  We had pizza for supper, then went to the Saturday night service at their old church, North Asheville Baptist.  Marcus cried pretty hard when I put him in the nursery because he wasn't in the same room as Madison.  She, on the other hand, was super happy in her new surroundings and played well with the other children.  The nursery workers told me he only cried for a few minutes, but still, it broke my mama's heart.
     Both babies went to sleep with ease Saturday night and the four of us stayed up and chatted.  Laughter abounded.  We really to love just spending time with them. They left before we went to church Sunday morning, and we all said good-bye.  It was a wonderful weekend to say the least. 

Marcus was checking her diaper to see if she was, "still dry."

Holding hands - aww!

Preciousness

Getting ready to go to church

He liked hugging her more than she liked it.

She was a smiley little gal!

Footie pajamas and sleepies were still in their eyes

23 Weeks!
-Still feeling pretty good
-This is the part of pregnancy I enjoy most.
-Craving sweets (thanks to Mary Clark - she made cookies and cupcakes!)
-Even though I'm putting on the pounds, I'm STILL COLD most of the time. That'll change in a few months I'm sure.

He had to have a turn holding the sign as well.

Canadian Cousins Come to Town

     It's been a very fun week here at the Schuurman household and Marcus wasn't the only one enjoying himself.  He's tall enough now to "wash" his animals in the sink (standing on a stool, of course), and he can climb into the windowsill and scale across like Spider Man.  I've been preparing for a large consignment sale this week and had Matthew's sister, Shyann, over to help me with it.  Not only was she a huge help to ME, but Marcus absolutely LOVED playing with her.  She read him books and they played ball while I did a few chores around the house, so like I said before, a good time was had by all.
     Also this week, Marcus and I met up with our friends to eat free pancakes at IHOP.  Holden and Marcus are only a few months apart and they get along great.  And who doesn't like free pancakes?!  Then on Wednesday, Mark, Marcus, and I got to go to UNCA for a men's basketball game vs. conference rivalry, Winthrop.  I won two free tickets on facebook and since Marcus was 2 and under, he was free, too.  Obviously, Mark and I love going because UNCA is where we met and dated.  Marcus, on the other hand, just loves seeing Rocky the Bulldog and was especially happy to see a new character this week...the Zaxby's Chicken!  We all lasted the whole game and really enjoyed our time together as a family  Mark even let us get some home-made ice cream!  He knows the way to my heart...
     The highlight of our week was when Mark's cousin Leah and her husband Jon came to stay overnight with us.  They have an almost 4 month old baby boy named Levi and he was just an angel!  Much to my delight and surprise, Marcus was very excited about seeing Levi and begged to hold him.  He was super involved, asking where he was when they were in separate rooms, and when it was time to change Levi's diaper, Marcus said, "I'll get the wipes!"  I was very pleased with his interest and enthusiasm with baby Levi and HOPE that continues when our own little blessing arrives in June. 
     Jon, Leah, and Levi were on their way to Florida for a much-needed vacation, so they only spent one night, but they did, however come to Sunday School and church with us this morning.  Levi was fed and changed and we took a "family picture" before they hit the road again.  It was a good week for sure.  

His animals must've been dirty because he insisted on washing them (and his tractor).

Yes, we fit 3 car seats in one vehicle.

Marcus chose blueberry & strawberry syrup & LOVED them.

Holden obviously loved his, too.

After eating, Holden & Marcus played with cars & animals so us mommies could chat. :)

Sweet baby Dagen was alll smiles as we ate.  She, however, enjoyed her pear.

UNCA vs. Winthrop

Marcus sported his black & blue sweater to show his Bulldog pride.

Playing is more fun than watching.

Rocky the Bulldog got a new kid-friendly look.

Being silly before I cooked spaghetti one night.  Yep, we're prego! :)

Shyann reading to Marcus.

Levi, Mark, Marcus, and Jon

Marcus was so proud of he was able to hold "Baby Wee-vi"

Cuddled up on the couch before church this morning.

It was windy and chilly, but we managed to get a family shot before they left.

Sweet good-bye kisses

22 Weeks!
-Baby is definitely growing (so is my waistline...)
-I'm feeling pretty good right now and sleeping well
-Baby put on an absolute show for Mark and we felt him/her move for a good few minutes!
-My bladder seems to be shrinking

Sweet smiles after church (please excuse the dirty face)

It's fun being a mommy

     I know it can be an exhausting job at times, but most of the time, I really have fun being a mommy.  When I let my OCD go, things can be really great.  For example, letting Marcus play in the mud makes a colossal mess, however he enjoys himself SO MUCH.  Thankfully, this week when he went out and played in the puddles, Mark was gracious enough to clean him up.  He stripped Marcus down on the front porch and carried him to the shower for a quick rinse.  Of course, that made it all the more fun for Marcus since Daddy was involved.  Everything is cooler if Daddy's involved.
     Later this week, I also worked with Marcus on knowing his shapes.  He knows a triangle all the time, but only knows the other shapes here and there.  Either way, he enjoyed me letting him use a dry erase marker to try to trace each shape, outlined with a dotted line.  Again, I had to let go of the OCD because he typically writes all over himself.  This time, however, he did alright. :)  

     He can sing his ABC's and count to 12 without help, but is yet to recognize the numbers or letters.  Thanks to my sister and her husband, he has a soft-foam puzzle with both, so we practice them sometimes multiple times a day.  I hope his enthusiasm with learning continues, but for now, we're teaching him as much as possible while his brain is still so sponge-like.  In fact, Mark even taught him how to spell his first and last name.  I wish I could say I had something to do with it, but I did not.  The video below proves that I'm not a liar. :)  Enjoy!

Playing in the puddles with his bucket and shovel.

I'd like to say he's tracing shapes, but he just enjoyed scribbling on each card.  And yes, I fully believe he's a lefty nowadays.

Eating lunch - Today he wanted triangle sandwich pieces.

What's cuter than a naked baby in the tub?  His love of bathing continues (just like Daddy)

He was so proud of how he lined up his cars, bumper to bumper.

Just a lazy Sunday afternoon, after church, while lunch was cooking.

He WANTS to catch the football but even when Mark hits him in the stomach, it's hard to catch it with your eyes closed.

Ok, NOW he's ready!

We are SO EXCITED about his new toy box.  He put all his toys in it and neatly displayed his trucks on the second shelf.  Yes, he has a little of his mama in him, too.

21 Weeks
-Mark got to feel baby move this week!
-Eating Gushers like they're going out of style
-This child is ACTIVE!
-Stayed up and watched the Super Bowl with my love. Yay for popcorn and caffeine free pepsi!

Marcus wanted his turn, too

Sneaky little grin

Looks like Mama in his picture

 

In this video, Marcus is spelling "Marcus" and then "Schuurman"