Sprinkled + Bebe Pool

I've found this second pregnancy to be so interesting. In some ways, it's wildly reminiscent of my pregnancy with Cole. With both girls, I knew almost immediately that I was pregnant. Still, this pregnancy has been different than my first. Most blatantly, I have a toddler to chase and haven't been put on bed rest. Cole distracts me from my growing waist line. Unlike my first pregnancy, this one has flown by.  I don't have to prepare a room.  And we don't really need to get many supplies. Since we know it's a girl and we're well set on girl clothing, I'm just planning on getting a double stroller. Really, if sister came tomorrow we'd be as prepared as we will be in a couple of weeks.

The other thing about second pregnancies- especially when they are so close together- is you don't typically have a shower. But of course, it's still fun to celebrate! I'm so fortunate to have a group of women in Memphis who already love this little girl and want to celebrate her. Sunday night, thirty women sprinkled me and little sister at El Toro Loco. It was perfect! The group was a cross section of my friends from many different places: church, the Clemson Club, my mommy group, Peter's coworkers wives, and so on.  It was overwhelming to have so many of my friends together to celebrate baby sister.

The ladies took up a collection for the Slaton Sisters' Stroller Stash.  I was floored by their generosity! Little sister also received some fresh items and clothes which I know will be so darling on her. I didn't bother taking my camera to the sprinkle so I just ganked a few iPhone pictures from friends.

Since little sister's arrival is right around the corner, I thought it'd be fun to do a baby birth pool. Just click the link and take a guess at the date you think sister will arrive. If you're curious, I'm due September 15 (Cole arrived 8 days before her due date). Good luck!

Day in Philadelphia

Before we left the Mid-Atlantic we decided to take a day trip to Philadelphia to meet Cole's new [second] cousin, Matthew. Matthew is the son of Peter's cousin, Rod. When Peter and I first heard that Rod and his wife were expecting we were beside ourselves with joy for them and our own children. You see, by the time they announced their pregnancy we knew that I was pregnant again but were still keeping the news private. The wee ones will end up being no more than two months apart in age. 

Sweet Matthew was born on Wednesday, July 31 and we met him Friday, August 1. What a precious little boy he is! Cole knew he was family right away and was very interested on loving on the babe.

 

After we left the hospital, we decided to take a trip to the Philadelphia Zoo. Kelsey came with us since she had to pass through Philadelphia on the way back to New Jersey. We were all so impressed with the zoo. It was much larger than I expected and the exhibits were so well tailored to kids. I'd go back in a heartbeat!

Rockin' n' Rompin' (and Kid President!)

On Saturday we went to Rock-n-Romp. Just like we did in April and May. We just love it! This month, Rock-n-Romp was a bit different because it was indoors at Bridges. In brief, Bridges is a local nonprofit that helps youth build teamwork and leadership skills. They have a rock wall that Cole desperately wanted to attempt. But, I think you have to be at least two years old to try it.

One negative of an indoor Rock-n-Romp was the volume. It was a great deal louder than the outdoor shows and we forgot Cole's ear plugs. We hung around the fringes and let Cole do some of the activities in the side rooms. In one room, Bricks 4 Kidz, a program that encourages learning in the STEM fields using legos, set up a craft area. Cole was able to draw on a paper plate while the plate was spinning. She was into it. But she wasn't into showing her work off.

A bunch of Sit 'N Spins were set up for the kids to try. Cole watched the big kids before deciding sitting wasn't interesting enough.

Kid President made a special appearance at Rock-n-Romp so we made sure to introduce the girl to him. She took the opportunity very seriously and made a case for her run as Vice President.

Chip Chockley Photography