12 More Days!

Only 12 more days until we get to meet baby Max! We are so excited! Mason told me yesterday that he was worried about Max. I asked why and he said, "I'm just ready for him to be here." I told him I completely agree. I went to the doctor today and everything is right on track. I have an induction scheduled for the 19th at just over 39 weeks. It was supposed to be a day sooner, but there was a miscommunication with the nurses. Who's counting, though? Here is a picture of me at 37 weeks. I haven't taken many pictures of myself this time around. I guess I've been a little busier than when I was pregnant with Mason. A little girl at school told me that my belly looked big like Santa Claus. I just laughed :)

Baby Shower

Eight of my sweet friends from church threw a baby shower for Baby Max and me a few weeks ago. It was at my friend Allison's house and the girls really out did themselves. It was absolutely wonderful and everything looked perfect! It is always humbling when people shower you with such kindness and gifts. Thanks to everyone who helped out and to all of those who came. It made me even more excited for Max to get here!

Halloween in FTG

As I said in an earlier post Mason went to Ft. Gibson for Halloween. My mom and dad met me halfway on Thursday afternoon to get Mason and he stayed until Sunday. My sister, Gabe, and Josh were also there, and from what I hear they had a really fun weekend. They said Mason's favorite thing was to sit on the porch while they were handing out candy and to look at all of the other kids costumes. He supposedly gave a commentary on all of the costumes and even sang the theme songs to go with the kids who were dressed up like superheros. I think he also told most everyone to "Walk the plank!" while pointing his sword at them. Thanks Mom, Dad, Julie, Gabe, and Josh for providing Mason with a fabulous Halloween and Jonathan and me with some relaxing down time!

Mattie (Gabe's niece) and Mason aka Tinker Bell and Captain Hook

Sorry, Josh! This was the best picture I could find of you and Mason :)

Trunk or Treat

We went to Trunk or Treat with Jonathan's family on Sunday night. Mason had a lot of fun getting candy, jumping in the bounce house, riding the train, eating cotton candy, and the list goes on. He also enjoyed dressing up like Captain Hook and seemed to get into character (notice the scowl on his face in most of the pictures below). Jonathan and I liked it because Mason is going to my parents for the weekend so we won't actually see him on Halloween. It kind of makes me sad, but the idea of one last kid free weekend before we add a baby to the mix is quite appealing. Not to mention that my parents are super excited, and Mason already informed me that he doesn't care if I'm there or not. I'm sure it has nothing to do with the fact that he will be the center of attention.

Jedi Pumpkin

I bought a pumpkin the other day for Mason and Jonathan to carve, and today was the perfect day to do it. Jonathan found some templates on the internet and let Mason choose which one he wanted. Naturally he chose the one that looked the most difficult, and I have to say I had my doubts. I wasn't sure how accurate the carving would be with a $3.50 carving set from Hobby Lobby. Jonathan's determination came through, though, and he did an excellent job. I guess cutting on body parts for a living pays off when it comes to carving Jack-o-lanterns. :) Mason helped cut the top off and scoop a few seeds out, and he then did a good job of watching and advising Jonathan. I got the easy job of toasting the pumpkin seeds and watching Jonathan work. Mason's quote of the day: "Little boys have to help daddies carve pumpkins because it is dangerous."

So much better than last year...

Catherine, Jackie, and I went to the Arboretum to take pictures of Mason and Amelia today. Catherine and I went last fall as well, and let's just say that this year went a hundred times better. I guess a child who is a year older really does make a big difference :). I got some good pictures, and Catherine got some really good pictures. She took the first three that I'm putting on here. Thanks, Cat!

These last two pictures demonstrate two common occurrences today. The first is Mason coughing, and the second is Mason giving me his "I'm sick of pictures" face. They both make me feel like a great mom.

Mason's Friends

Mason loves Macy and Jarett, and when he refers to his "friends" that is who he is talking about. A few weeks ago we went to his "friends'" birthday party at a gymnastics place. The kids all had a great time playing in the foam pit, doing the zip line and just running around. Mason was pretty sad when we had to leave. Mason falling into the foam pit off of the zip line. He did this several times, and I was completely shocked because he wouldn't even jump off of the horse into the foam pit. I was just glad that he didn't drop before he got to the pit :)