Time to Take a Guess

Many of you haven't heard that Ryan and I know what Baby Banana's gender is. We have confided in a few family and friends, so obviously you guys can't guess at the gender. However, it's still open for the rest of you, as well as date and weight. Background info: James was a week overdue, Baby Banana's due date is September 16th. James was born at 11:18am. James weighed 8lbs 3oz. Here's my 32 week photo with James.

July: Past & Present

July 2007

July 2008
July 2009

Last photo courtesy of friend Jeremy Hiebert.

Why I Don't Sleep at Night...

This is me in bed, lying on my side. The best part starts at about 1:12. Don't mind the stretch-marky tummy. Most of those are leftovers from James!

How weird is THAT?!

(Couldn't help myself, had to add the theme music!)

Out of the Mouth of James

James: Why is the push mower in the dirt mommy?

Me: I think daddy put it there to be out of the way of the big mower.

James: Oh! Is that what the problem is?

After getting upset at James for not settling down in the car, James is crying and I am telling him he needs to listen to me...

James: Mommy, what would make you happy?!

Me: James, instead of pooping in your diaper, why don't you come and tell mommy when you have to poop? Then we can do it on the potty, and you won't have to have poop in your diaper.

James: No comprendo Mommy.

Yes, he ACTUALLY said that!

James: Bumpa, I have a question.

Grandpa: What is it?

James: I don't remember.

Grandpa: Is it stuck in here? (points to James head)

James: No, it's in here. (points into his open mouth)

Walking by an old cemetery near my parent's place...

James: What are those things? (pointing at the grave stones)

Me: Those are stones with people's names on them that went to live with Jesus in Heaven.

James: Oh! That's a good idea!

I had just picked up my cousin's foster baby after her nap, and walked into the living room where James was...

Me: James! Look who I've got!

James: *gasp* YOU GOT THE BABY OUT!

He Can Swim!

Okay, wasn't he JUST born yesterday?! And now he's swimming!

Baby Purchases

When I was pregnant with James I was totally pumped to do all the baby-related shopping. At the time we needed EVERYTHING, like crib, change table, blankets, clothes, towels, tub, sterilizer, blankets, etc. I loved getting good deals on that stuff, and I loved finding homes for everything and getting it ready for his arrival. As with James, I have also stocked up on some newborn diapers with some almost-expired coupons.

With this baby I have a lot less on my list, but I am still enjoying the preparatory purchases! I have bought a few blankets, mainly to replace the very obviously over-used ones. I've bought a few new sleepers, and BPA free Avent bottles to enhance my collection of Gerber Gentle Flow ones. I still have a few more things to pick up, like bottle nipples (do I have to replace them even if they are in good shape?), a couple of soothers (in the case that this one actually likes them), and washcloths - the ones I had for James stink, and look really ratty.

My two main purchases though were almost more for me than for baby. One was a Baby Trend Sit 'n Stand stroller. We use our stroller A LOT!!! That thing has put on serious miles, has travelled to Hawaii twice, and other various locations. I knew I would need something to haul my two kids around, but I didn't want a huge limo of a stroller. I did A LOT of research, did some test drives, and chose the Baby Trend. James totally loves the idea of being able to sit of stand, and the baby can rest in it's carseat. I am totally pumped to hit the road, or the mall, with this lovely ride!

My second main purchase was a new diaper bag. James' diaper bag is still in operation since his birth, but it is definately a little worse for ware at this point. I've taped the insides together twice with binding tape, and now that is no longer holding. It was time for a new one, so I decided to go high-end this time. With some advice from a friend, I went with a JJ Cole System diaper bag. It's smaller than my old one, but I think I can get used to that. It has a lot of other nice features that I will use - like the stroller straps, and the diaper caddy. I'm looking forward to using that as well. (And I got one that matches the new stroller!)

Although I have already mentioned it, my other favourite purchase is my baby carrier. I haven't tried it yet, but I can tell that I will love it.

Any second child purchases that I should think about? What did you get new for your second baby? How did you prepare differently with your second?