8 Weeks Until D-Day!!

It is hard to imagine that I'm only 8 weeks away (maybe less... but maybe more) from meeting our sweet little child. As I look forward to meeting this precious child doing gymnastics and playing soccer with my ribs, hip, and belly I am also trying to enjoy every moment of being pregnant and being a mommy of one!! It's hard to imagine I'll be the mommy of 2 very very soon- but I can't wait! Ruthie has been an awesome 1st child and it's hard to imagine what the 2nd will be like. Will he/she look like me, therefore, look exactly like Ruthie... or will he/she be Jon's double? All these questions and we'll find out soon! I can't wait to compare- although, that sounds bad... bu seriously, compare my children. Not the good verse the bad, but just see how they are similar and yet, how they are different. It's very exciting!!

Today Ruthie, Piper, and I went to my doctors appointment with Dr. Patel. She's so very awesome and I hope she's apart of my delivery with little Stube. Pregnancy is continuing to go well and Dr Patel is very onboard with doing whatever she can to help make my delivery dreams, come true! She is secretly scheduling a c-section date (one out 42 weeks) so that if I don't go on my own and I have Have HAVE to have a c-section, I will be scheduled with one of the MY doctors and not just a random doctor in the hospital. She is not telling me any more information and letting me continue to visualize having a natural childbirth. Thank you Dr. Patel!!

My glucose test came back great and the doctors only had one minor complaint and that was I am very anemic and they would like to see some more iron in my diet. Dr Patel asked how I have been feeling and after I told her lately I've been more tired than normal and a bit irritable, she told me she believed I could change that a little with some iron- so... bring on the iron! And to think- I could have had more energy had I known sooner ;)

My next appointment is scheduled in another two weeks (Heather and Nat's Anniversary). After that appointment, they will schedule one last ultrasound (hopefully) to measure the baby. So far, I am measuring a tad bit smaller which could or could not mean I'm carrying a smaller baby?!?! We'll see...

I'll keep you posted :)

2 Years Old!!!

My Sweet Two Year Old

Dear Ruthie- I decided to start this blog entry a little different then all the rest... 1) I sent out a blank post to send confusion to all my faithful readers and 2) I'm now starting this entry with a letter to sweet little you! I can't believe two precious years have gone by. You are such a blessing to me and your daddy. I can't even get over how much fun these last two years have been. I've always known that I was called to be a mommy and have looked forward to that day for a very very long time. But honestly, I had no idea how truly blessed I was going to be. It's been so much fun being your mommy these last two years. You are forgiving and so loving and wow... I am blessed! I just had no idea the amount of love I had to give until I held you in my arms on December 4th 2008 at approximately 11:30 pm. I will never forget as I sat in the recovery room how excited I was to hold you. I knew you were in great care with your daddy, but I dying inside to see you, to really see you and hold you tight. Your Gaga Marshall at one point came down to visit and brought the computer so that I could video chat with your Uncle Andrew as he pointed the camera into the nursery so I could watch your daddy rock you. What a special moment. :) What an amazing experience. I will never ever ever forget it. And as you grow older, I look forward to creating so many more amazing experiences with you. I know we will have our mother/daughter moments, but it's my prayer that even in those tough times, you will know without a doubt that I love you and you are my very special blessing. Tonight, as you "rocked with mommy" I just ate up every moment of sitting with you and talking about our day and what we get to look forward to tomorrow. Gosh girl, I love you!!

Love Always, Your Mommy

Ruthie Blowing Out Her Candles

What a fun day celebrating your 2nd Birthday!! You were so excited for your party!! It was so much fun to plan the details with you. I wonder if you'll remember but you helped with most the planning. Choosing your theme: Hello Kitty! Choosing what you wanted to give each of your friends. :) Deciding what you wanted to eat at your party, and of course, choosing the fun decorations. It was absolutely wonderful. I know I wouldn't have changed a thing!! Ava, Liam, Ceci, Zaani, Jack, & Lucy came to celebrate your special day. You were so excited to see each of them.

Ava (Ave) and Ruthie at the craft table

Just so we never forget... here is what we did!

Set-up: We set up a "craft" table filled with Hello Kitty drawling pages, stickers, and Hello Kitty headbands. We also had some toys to keep you all occupied but I think truly the biggest hit was the gigantic Hello Kitty Balloon that Ruthie picked out!!

Food: Ruthie decided on PB&J sandwiches that mommy cut into Hello Kitty's. Ruthie also wanted some special yogurt, so we made Hello Kitty bowls with yogurt, blueberries, and strawberries. Hello Kitty Apple Juice drunk out of cool Hello Kitty cups that mommy and Ruthie made and a yummy Hello Kitty Cake (and cupcakes). Adult(ish) food: Meatballs, Mini hotdogs, veggie tray.

Entertainment: Daddy brought down the house with your favorite music!!! "If You're Happy and You Know It", "ABC's", and "Mr. Golden Sun"!! (Ruthie absolutely LOVED this time.. and at times... I felt like it was just her and her daddy in the room) :)

(Ruthie singing and dancing)

Presents followed music time and then we concluded with singing Happy Birthday and having some yummy cake!! All in all, a great success!!

Ruthie's 2 Year Old Stats!!

Ruthie is a remarkable 3' tall!! They are predicting that she'll be 6' (just like her daddy) by the time she's finished growing. She weighs 31 lbs 12 oz and is in the 99% in both height and weight. Her check up went well. She impressed her doctor with her vocabulary and with how well she could comprehend what the doctor was saying. Of course, as her mommy, I already knew she was brilliant, but it was absolutely wonderful to hear her doctor give her so much praise!! Ruthie is now dropping whole milk and is on 2% milk instead. The doctors gave her a clean bill of health and sent her off (but not before giving her two shots :() Of course, the one was just brutal and I couldn't help but join her with tears as she grabbed me around the neck and held me tight as she cried out in pain.

Ruthie and Mommy traveled to Boyd's Bear Factory in Gettysburg right after her appointment. We met up with Ruthie's friends Landon (who she saw over the summer) and Elsie (who she hasn't seen since she was a little biddy baby) The mommy's and kiddos had a great time catching up and checking out the different rooms!

More Fun Facts About Ruthie Ru

Favorite Colors: Green and Purple
She continues to excel and perfect her colors, numbers, and ABC's.
Vocabulary: This girl can talk talk talk!! And you have to be very careful what you say these days- she catches and repeats EVERYTHING... maybe not the exact second after you say something... but she remembers and can always bring it out when you least expect it.

Ruthie loves art and music. She looks forward to each and every Wednesday because that means she gets to go to art class AND share a bowl of oatmeal with mommy! Music- I so badly want to get her into some type of music class. Ruthie loves to sing and dance!

Ruthie is wearing "big girl" panties now!! I decided to stop putting her in pull-ups and (knock on wood) we haven't had a single accident! She continues to wait until diaper time to go poo poo- but I'm okay with that! We'll get there when we get there... I am in no rush.

Ruthie is excited for "our baby". She is well aware that when she's not gentle with me and I say "ouch" that she hurt the baby :) ... (not so much me) haha! She loves all my doctors and nurse appointments. Both nurse and doctors have done a great job with allowing Ruthie to be involved with listening to the heartbeat and when we get the chance... to see the baby. I have no doubts she's going to be an awesome big sister... even if she's not so sure of him or her at the beginning!

Ruthie is moving into a big girl bed this weekend! As we move into our new house, we are going to set up her room with all her new Hello Kitty accessories which involve a Big Girl bed!!! We are excited!! I hope she is too!

Ruthie Mackenzie- it is an honor to be your mommy! Thanks baby girl (big girl) for being my daughter. I love you!

Almost 2!!!

Ruthie is ALMOST Two!!!

We celebrated Ruthie's 2nd Birthday in New Bern, NC with all her wonderful aunts and uncles, Gaga and Opa and her favorite cousin: Miles. She had so much fun celebrating! Ruthie helped bake her birthday cake and had fun decorating it with me. She especially LOVED eating the sprinkles off the top and eating her piece of cake with her special icecream she requested.

Lots of fun these last few weeks. We went to New Bern, North Carolina for Thanksgiving. We had such a wonderful, relaxing time... although, Ruthie decided that she was over the whole "nap" thing and learned how to get out of her pack-n-play!! Crazy!! Heather and I were enjoying a peaceful afternoon with the babes safe and "sleeping" in their pack-n-plays when we heard a noise and the sound of a doorknob turning. I really thought we were hearing things because it wasn't possible that either Miles or Ruthie would be making that noise, but we decided we better check just incase. Heather and I walked down the hallway (heard nothing), opened the door to my bedroom and there was Ruthie, standing by the door, shoes in hand, greeting us with "Good Morning!" I did what every "normal"mom would do- I screamed and jumped! I couldn't (still can't) believe Ruthie got out of her pack-n-play!

(Ruthie striking a pose on Thanksgiving!)

We had such a great time! We spent the first few days relaxing and having one on one time with Gaga and Opa. On Monday, Opa took Ruthie (and her parents) (mommy's request) to the Chelsea. I was really craving some Butternut Squash soup, but they didn't have any. We had a great time and Ruthie loved having lunch with her Opa. Ruthie went to Gaga's school on Tuesday for a Thanksgiving Feast. She absolutely loved going to Gaga's school. After we all finished eating, Ruthie went back with Gaga to her classroom and helped herself to a desk and some crayons and colored pencils. Ruthie had a great time hanging out with her Gaga and Opa. She learned some new songs (Wheels on the Bus) and continued enjoying some older classics (Sunshine on my Shoulders)

(Ruthie and her daddy enjoying a snuggle after raking the leaves)

Tuesday night Auntie H, Uncle Nat, and Miles got into town! We were all very excited to see them. Wednesday we decided to go to the beach! Miles had never been there and the weather was absolutely gorgeous and we didn't want to miss a great opportunity. I think we all agreed- we were happy we made the trip. It was a wonderful time shared by all! Miles loved the sand and Ruthie, well... she loved the water! (Pictured below) I came prepared with an extra change of clothes incase she got "wet" but I definitely didn't think she was going to run into the water and play in the water acting as if it was a normal summer day! Great great day!

(Ruthie loving the water at the Ocean)

Thanksgiving Day we got up, had some breakfast, and headed out to the Pier to swing and take a walk down by the River. Ruthie and Miles had such a great time. (so did all the adults) We spent the afternoon relaxing and getting ready for Thanksgiving Dinner. Auntie Kristen and Uncle Andrew arrived around 5:30pm that evening and we all enjoyed a nice dinner. It was so nice to have some time together as a family with absolutely nothing on the schedule.
On Friday- the guys went out to play a game of golf and the ladies and kiddos went out shopping and out to eat. Again, we celebrated Ruthie's 2nd Birthday Friday evening and Ruthie had a blast opening gifts and hanging out with her family! Saturday, we were sad to pack up and head home- but this was definitely a Thanksgiving we'll all remember!!

(Ruthie and Miles looking at the ducks)

(Ruthie and Miles playing by themselves back the hallway)
(Until Mommy's came back to check on them!)

Thanksgiving is a time of to reflect and give thanks for all we've been given.
This Thanksgiving- I am so thankful for such a wonderful family. Jon and I truly blessed with amazing parents and the best brothers and sisters. I also give thanks for such a wonderful daughter and the best nephew!

Some happy news!! I had my ultrasound and diabetes test on Monday. The ultrasound revealed that my placenta has moved up and far away from my cervix which means I am free again to picture and plan a natural childbirth which brings me such joy!

Little boy/girl Stube is healthy and growing well. So thankful for such a wonderful pregnancy.

Dear Ruthie,
I love you so much sweet little girl. I can't believe that at the end of this week you'll be two! I don't know if you'll remember all the fun we've had in the last month preparing for you big birthday party. We have gone to many stores buying fun Hello Kitty supplies which you are so excited for. I can't wait to go pick out balloons with you on Friday and then make your cake and finish up those last minute touches. :) I know you're going to have a great time with your friends and family! You are such a happy child and I hope that you know that you make your mommy and daddy very happy. We love watching you sing and dance and now play pretend!

Love you Ruthie Mackenzie

Mommy

Shutterfly Promo

Hey Moms (And Dads) !!! Looking for a cheaper way to send out this years Christmas cards?!?! (Who isn't...right?) Well- Shutterfly is promoting their Holiday Cards with 50 free Christmas cards to all you bloggers out there!! This year they many new styles to choose from. Whether your taste is more modern or traditional (like me) they have what you're looking for. Shutterfly also has Christmas gifts including some of my favorite: Photobooks and Gift Tags. Can't wait to send out the Stube family Christmas card this year... get ready... your Christmas card is coming soon!!!

Please click on the links provided to find your favorite Christmas cards for this year!! I have always been a huge fan of the Photo Christmas cards. It's a wonderful way to wish family and friends a wonderful Christmas with a nice family photo! Some of my favorites are the Cool Stripes and Merry Montage.

I hope you enjoy getting into the Christmas spirit by checking out these beautiful designs from Shutterfly. Why not make some hot cocoa and turn on some holiday music to get into the Christmas spirit. Happy Early Merry Christmas!!! Can't wait to see you all this Christmas!

23 Months- Love Bug

"JON!!! I have to go potty please"
1st- Jon? Really... and in the same tone I tend to use!!
2nd- I love you! What a gem you are!

"I have two daddy's" - where did she get this from!

(This is the first time I ever caught Ruthie "picking" her nose!

"It's Okay" "It's Okay"
(she says this everytime she has to go potty!)

"Daddy U" - she loves the letter U and has renamed it "Daddy U"

(My sweet little girl- she picked out her Hello Kitty Socks"

Forget Trick or Treat... my daughter goes right for the candy and says "treat!"
She had no trouble figuring out how to get candy!


(Cheese!)

"Ruthie, what would you like for breakfast?" Ruthie responds: "Toast, Yogurt, & Juice"

(My absolute favorite picture of my two favorite people)

"Where did T go?" - well, if you'd stop hiding it in-between the fridge and the freezer!!

"I'm a mess" - thanks mom for teaching her this!

"I want to sit in Piper's seat, no Ruthie's seat, no Piper's seat!" (make up your mind!)

I thought it would be fun to try and document some of the crazy things my silly daughter loves to say! She continues to grow (quickly). I would say that my 23 month old is completely potty-trained. Of course, I'm well aware at her age she can still have accidents, but we really don't have any to speak of. She is still learning to poop on the potty- but either makes the choice to hold it until naptime or she will go eventually in the toilet. Ruthie is very tall for her age. We just recently bought her some size 7 shoes that are just a tad big, but fit her better than her 6 1/2 size shoes! I can't believe how fast her feet are growing.

23 Months is going to be a very exciting month for my toddler leading up to her 2nd birthday. Ruthie and I are traveling to spend the weekend with Auntie H and Miles this coming weekend. I can't wait to get our kiddos together! Daddy and Uncle Nat are going to travel down to Richmond to celebrate Uncle Andrew's Birthday that same weekend! I also just signed Ruthie up for art classes that will meet every Wednesday morning at Cool Beans (where Jon and I had our engagement party) leading up to Christmas. I can't wait to see what she thinks! She loves having crayons and markers in her hand and of course, paint!! Also- November means THANKSGIVING and we are very excited for Jon to go on winter break and head down to North Carolina for the week to visit Gaga and Opa and then celebrate Thanksgiving with our entire family!! So exciting!!

Happy 23rd Month Birthday my sweet Love Bug! You were the cutest!! Everyone said so!

Think...

THINK

PINK

THINK

BLUE

...ONCE AGAIN.... THESE STUBE'S DON'T HAVE A CLUE

We are blessed. Although this little one (like his or her sister) decided to keep his or her gender a secret, we were blessed to watch as the ultrasound technician showed us our beautiful, healthy baby. I couldn't hold back tears as I watched my little bundle of joy hug me tight and not budge for the entire time! I cannot wait to meet him or her! February ... don't take your time getting here- we are excited to meet our baby!

So- at our last ultrasound (and the reason we had another one in the first place) the technician had trouble seeing my cervix (and some of the babies anatomy) and so suggested that I drink more water this time before arriving. I did as I was told, but once again, the technician had trouble seeing my cervix. She decided to do a internal ultrasound to just make sure everything looked okay. The ultrasound revealed that a piece of the placenta was covering my cervix. At this point, there is no need to panic, but they are going to do another ultrasound at my 28 week appointment to see if it's moved or not. Please pray! I would love to have a natural childbirth but importantly, with my blood disorder, having an issue with my placenta can be a scary thing- so again, please pray.

The Big 28 Week Appointment: as I said, at my next appointment I will have another ultrasound to check to see if the placenta has moved up BUT... there is more! Here in good ol' Central PA you have to do the blood glucose test twice and this appointment is the 2nd round of testing. Because I wasn't able to handle the sugary liquid earlier in my pregnancy and ended up with the 12 hour fast and then a high carb feast (eaten within 15 minutes) and two hours of blood work... I have to do the same test again. So... I have a two and a half hour appointment of ultrasounds, gestational diabetes blood work, and oh yeah... my wonderful beautiful Rhogam shot right in the bottom!! My oh my!! It's going to be a great morning... huh! Appointment is schedule on my daddy's birthday (Nov 29th) Even though it's going to be a rough morning, I can't wait- it's another time to check my babies progress and to hear his or her beautiful heartbeat. <3 style="font-weight: bold;">Baby Pics: here are the same pictures that were shown at the beginning of this blog with some of my thoughts...

My beautiful baby... I love looking at this photo. Although, you can't see much... you do get a great glimpse of his or her sweet little hand. Look at those beautiful little fingers. I am smiling so big right now as I stare at my baby.


Here is another great shot of my little peanut. Oh how I can't wait to snuggle you close. I love how he or she is snuggling up close to me. Look at his or her precious little face. Beautiful eyes, nose, and look at those lips!! Jon and I are very blessed. I can't stop looking at my child. I can't wait to hold you in my arms baby Stube.

Dear Sweet Child~ I love you so much. I am so excited to meet you and get to know you. As I write this, you are moving around inside me and letting me know you are here. I am absolutely loving how as I rock Ruthie right before bed- you have started poking around to let the both of us know you are there. I'm not so sure your sister is enjoying having this extra poke a part of her night night routine, but it makes me smile. Love you! ~Mommy

The Belly!

24 Weeks Pregnant

(Yes Kathryn- I took this picture at your house!)

My Beautiful Growing Belly

That's right!! I just wrote my beautiful growing belly. I will admit, it is still very hard for me to watch my "imperfect" figure turn into what at the end, feels like a beached whale, but I don't know if I've just had a change of heart, or maybe I just feel better this time around, but I am loving the transition of my semi flat stomach to this beautiful round bump of joy! I am carrying very differently this time around, which in most cases, has been absolutely wonderful with the one exception... I've never peed so much in my entire life!! I am 24 weeks now!! I can't believe how quickly this pregnancy is flying by. I am so very excited to meet this little one growing inside me, but don't mind waiting... I am having so much fun with my Ruthie here at home and it's still so hard for me to imagine sharing my time between the kiddos.

I know you can only do so much to prepare for each child- but I think it really just struck Jon and I the other night how busy are lives are about to become (as if they weren't crazy busy already!!) Jon and I were leaving our community group the other evening and we walked out with another couple who just recently added their second child to their wonderful family... as Jon was buckling Ruthie into her carseat and I was jumping into the car (it was chilly and I haven't been one to wear a jacket in the last several weeks!) I watched as the family of four struggled to get into the car... two children, two carseats, two parents... (thank goodness for two parents!!) Man! That is going to be the Stubes in a few 16 weeks!! Here we go... right!

Ultrasound: So, this Friday, the end of October is my next scheduled doctors appointment that just so happens to also be my next Ultrasound!! I am so excited to get another glimpse of this precious little one!! I honestly, could care less about the gender, but I can't wait to see if he or she is sucking his or her thumb. If he or she will wave.. all the little things that Ruthie did during her ultrasound that I didn't expect and just absolutely loved. Of course, if this little one decides to stay still for round two... who am I to complain, but as much moving around he/she does 24/7 ... I should get a nice little show!

Moving: The Stubes are happy to announce that we are officially OFFICIALLY moving THIS DECEMBER!! Jon and I are both very excited to share that we just signed a lease to a beautiful 4 bedroom town home! I cannot wait to get inside and start unpacking. I'm thankful that it's not before December 17th- as I look at my daily planner I realized just how busy we are for the next several weeks leading up to the big move! Of course, mom and dad- we are so thankful for the opportunity you gave us to share life with you this past year (and then some) and we sure are going to miss our evenings of cards... but I cannot wait to have all my stuff again!! hehe! It's my pre-Christmas opening all the boxes and seeing all the things we've had packed away. I can't wait to re-due Ruthie's room (big girl style) and to work on the nursery for this little one... it's the small things- but I'm thrilled!!

Letter to Baby Stube:

Dear Precious Little Girl or Boy- I can't believe we are only 16 weeks away from meeting you. I cannot wait for you to become an "official" part of this family. I don't think I'll be able to tell you enough how special you are to have so pretty amazing people in your lives to call your family! Of course, I know you are going to have your moments of wondering why you were stuck with parents like us and such a crazy sister... but most days, it is my prayer that you wake up thankful to be in this family and that you always know without a doubt that you are loved!!

I sit and I wonder who you are going to look like. Will you look just like your mommy (and so also look just like Ruthie) or will you share more features with your amazing daddy? All these questions and I can't wait to see!! I am interested to see when I look at your face for the first time whether I still believe you share Ruthie's nose (as I picture you do from staring at your ultrasound pictures). Looking forward to seeing you again this Friday during the ultrasound. Love you very much my baby Stube.

Love, Mommy

24 Weeks Pregnant!

(21 Weeks)


(5 weeks)

22 Months

22 Months Old!

The Stube Family LOVES Fall! What a wonderful season, and for many reasons! Ruthie is such a precious little girl. Blessing many with her beautiful smile and beautiful voice. She loves to sing for anyone who will listen... and if the song is just fast enough, she'll grab your hands and dance with you too! I know mommy's around the world probably think and say this... BUT!! Ruthie has such a fun personality. She continues to blossom and even when I don't think it's possible, she becomes even MORE fun!

For our first weekend this fall- we decided to take advantage of a beautiful sunny fall day and go to Harners Farm to try out our skills in a corn maze. We also thought it would be fun to pick out a pumpkin- but we ran out of time. (Don't worry- we're going to go with the Drakes ladies tomorrow!!) Ruthie had such a great time. Ruthie absolutely LOVED walking around the corn maze and finding her way to the different locations. Jonathan definitely thought he was the only one who could figure out the way... but Ruthie showed us very quickly that she was just as good... if not better!

(Ruthie loving all the orange pumpkins!)

(Ruthie working her way through the Corn Maze)
Harners Farm

Ruthie is continuing to grow so quickly and is towering over most two year olds!! As I said, she has a beautiful voice! We took her into Jon's lab where one of his colleagues was impressed with how well she sang and complimented her tone and pitch. She said that she was amazed ... most children sing mono-toned until age 4 or 5!! (Did I mention she is a Music Therapy Major!!)

Ruthie is almost completely accident free these days!! Potty-training has definitely been a huge success- although, very exhausting!! I'm so proud of her. One of the hardest obstacles (and really... I'd say there has been two) has been learning that we're going to hear her wake up anywhere between 5:30 and 6:30 screaming she has to go pee!! A great thing- but MAN!! We need that extra hour or two each morning. Thankfully, she does go back to sleep or atleast lays quietly until 7:30!! Truly our other obstacle has been pooping on the potty. She's now done that four times successfully, and doesn't seem as scared as what she was in the beginning. I try to keep her well hydrated so that it isn't so hard for her- but... there is only so much you can do when she does her best to hold it in until nap time! :)

Ruthie has also aced her colors of the Rainbow! She can point to different items around the house and tell you what they are and what color they are! Her favorite color seems to be green... but we'll see! Her vocabulary is off the charts these days. She's a little person who can hold a decent conversation with anyone. She loves to chat about her puppies (Pup Pup, Puppy 2, Puppy Ruff Ruff, and Big (or the Other One) She also very much enjoys playing Ring Around the Rosie!! She LOVES to fall down before the "correct" time.. but man, you should see the HUGE smile on her face as she grabs for your hands and starts to dance!! Nothing in the world is better than those moments!


23 Weeks ... I can't believe how quickly this pregnancy is going. I def love this time around so much more! Maybe it's the fact that I'm running around chasing a 22 month and have no time to really focus on what's going on with my body- but whatever it is... I'll take it! I feel the baby moving and kicking around pretty much around the clock! He or she def loves to move around right before I settle into bed- which makes falling asleep a little bit of a challenge. I can now show off my round growing belly! I have popped in the last week or so- it's so weird to think that only a week or so ago people were surprised to hear that 1) I was pregnant and 2) that I was over half way through!! Now it's not as much of a surprise!! hehe :)

Letter to my sweet children & more pics:

Dear Ruthie & Baby:

My life is changing drastically and so dramatically and I love it! I am so happy and proud to be your mommy Ruthie Mackenzie and I am so excited to meet you little Stube. Life is wonderful and although tough at times, daddy and I couldn't be more thrilled to be a part of your lives.

Ruthie: Keep showing off that gorgeous smile. You brighten the world. So many people compliment on how expressive you are and how much joy you bring them just by flashing that beautiful smile. I know daddy and I can't stop talking about you, even when we go out for a night without you. We have to laugh at all your cuteness. Some of the things you say and do are priceless. The other night, you asked mommy to sing you the ABC's. I sang it to you as sweetly as I could and when I finished... you said "good job mommy" and then turned to daddy and asked him to sing. When he finished you said "good job daddy" and then once again asked me to sing (as we were pulling into the driveway) I began singing again while daddy jumped out of the car to start getting you out of the ready... You looked right at me as I was singing my heart to you and said "get out mommy!" Cracked both me and your daddy up!! You are just to sweet and funny!!

Baby Stube: Keep growing inside me! We can't wait to meet you and give you the best sister in the entire world!! You are going to just LOVE your sister. She is going to spoil you with love. As I type this, she is sitting, resting on my leg. <3>


Pumpkin Patch: Here are so cute photos of my little pumpkin in the pumpkin patch. She had such a great time going around and choosing her perfect pumpkin. It really came to no surprise what you ended up picking out for you special pumpkin.... Please see below... Ruthie's Pumpkin!!

Ruthie's Pumpkin

Ruthie's favorite color seems to be green, so this should have been no surprise that she picked out her very own green pumpkin out of ALL the orange pumpkins around!!

Ruthie
Ways Fruit Farm
Pumpkin Patch

Jon & Ruthie
Ways Fruit Farm
Pumpkin Patch
Fall 2010

Daddy & Ruthie
Ways Fruit Farm
Pumpkin Patch
2009

My how much has changed in 1 year!!
Love you Ruthie

Ruthie in the Corn Maze
Listen... she'll say... "this way"

We are having a ....

We Are Having
A
...

What a fantastic day! Jonathan, Ruthie, and I just got home from our ultrasound appointment and celebration brunch at the Waffle Shop. We only were able to make two phone calls on the way home and then Jon had to rush off to work so we'll be calling the rest of our family tonight! As I have said, it has truly been an amazing day. I can't believe we are so close to getting to meet our son or daughter... and YES!! You read that right, son or daughter!! One thing I've learned about how I carry babies is that they LOVE to curl up in a tight ball and hang out with me. I feel him or her kicking me a bunch these days, but!!! when it comes to the anatomy scans- I have bashful babies!! Jon and I were def on the fence again with whether we as a couple wanted to know. Jon being yes, me being no! Our game time decision was to watch closely and see if we could tell ourselves and then have the lady write it down and put it in an envelope so if we decided later, we could find out! But!! This way is wonderful too!! We actually will have another shot at finding out this time around! Because this little one was so curled up, they weren't able to complete a couple of things on the scan, so they want to check me out again in 4 weeks. So- stay tuned... maybe we'll get an actual answer... but hey, maybe we won't! October 29th is the next ultrasound date!

( I can't get enough of looking at this beautiful baby!! )

I love being a mommy and I can't wait until this little one is in my arms. Ruthie seems to be getting it more and more that their is a baby coming! She was very excited about the ultrasound this morning and a few times said "there's the baby!" From everything the technician could see, we have a very healthy little baby. Everything is measuring correctly and the baby's heartbeat is strong! We met with the doctor afterwards for my appointment and got to talk about my options for the delivery of this little (hopefully little) one. Towards the end of this pregnancy they'll actually do a baby measurement and see how big they think the baby is and then we can decide from there. Obviously, the tests aren't as accurate as they would be right now (which by the way- the baby is measuring at 15 oz- that's almost 1 lb!!) (Ruthie is 30 lbs more!) but it will give us a rough idea. This just gives us the opportunity to schedule a c-section if we choose or go with the flow and see what happens. One more opportunity :) -Though I will say, as long as the baby is healthy, I fully anticipate trying to deliver naturally. They did stress again that if I want to have this child naturally I cannot be induced, so atleast I know I have some time if the baby isn't ready to come again on his or her due date.

All in all- it was a great appointment and I just feel like the luckiest woman alive to have this little one snuggled up comfortably inside me. Here is one last picture:

To the Left- Baby #2 and to the Right- Ruthie: 20 week ultrasound:

(Baby #2- 20 week ultrasound) (Ruthie- 20 week ultrasound)

After looking at these two side by side- I think they have the same button nose :) Is it just me, or do they look a lot alike?!?!

Love you Baby Stube- Mommy <3

20 Weeks & 22 Months!!

20 Weeks
22 Months
Life Keeps Getting Better

Another fabulous 4 weeks have gone by. Pregnancy is going extremely well- I'm starting to show and I get to feel the baby kick pretty much every day now. I love it! We have our 20 week ultrasound next Friday (October 1st) and I'm excited to take Ruthie and show her a glimpse of her new baby brother or sister!! We had a nurse visit the other day and Ruthie sat in-between my legs as the nurse checked the healthy and very strong heartbeat. Ruthie doesn't quite get whats going on, but she does love to point to my belly and say "baby in there" and sometimes "shhh... babies sleeping"

I remember being so much more on top of things with my first pregnancy. I had so much to write about- but this time around, I can't help but just stay focused on the here and now and just love watching my 22 month old grow and play! She is getting to be such a big little girl. She loves to go around and tell us what a big girl she is- and we enlighten her with "yes Ruthie- you are a very very big girl". (that always brings such a beautiful smile to her face! ... and I love it!)

Ruthie has a lot to share about her 21st month- we decided to start potty-training our little one because she was showing interest and we thought we'd rather move her out of diapers before we have another one in them!! Diapers are expensive and if we only have to buy one set- well... it's worth all the hard work we're putting into the training now! Some might say I'm a hardcore mommy- I don't expect excellence, but I am sticking to the expectation that she is to pee in the potty and keep her pants dry. If she has an accident, as we both like to say "It's okay" but we clean up the mess together and try harder the next time to make sure we make it to the potty. She has done terrific job and although she fusses when she has to sit and pee, she does pee in the potty and gets a loud standing applause when she goes! She is so proud of herself after a job well done on the potty. I love her big smile as she shouts "I'm A Big Girl!!" It's wonderful! We had a break-through over this weekend... Ruthie has gone and sat on the potty all by herself a few times now and just goes- I'd love if every time it's a no thought process and she just goes to the potty... but I know we have a few more weeks/months of reinforcing the potty. But non-the-less... GO RUTHIE!! If any of you are looking for a great book that your child will love about going potty- Ruthie would say "A Potty For Me". She LOVES to read the book on and off the potty and has a large section of the book memorized. To the parents out there wondering what method of potty-training we are using- we're using Potty-Training Bootcamp. I have swayed from the book a bit- but we are doing what's best for our little one and that's what is most important. I will say- we have had no poops in the potty- but I'm hoping that will come with time. It's been a lot of hard work for mommy- but well worth the time and sacrifice.

Ruthie is such a sweet little girl and I'm so thankful to be her momma. She has so much love and is so eager to please her parents. We are looking forward to this fall with our little pumpkin. Jon and I both can't wait to take her to fall festivals and to the pumpkin patch to pick out her 2nd pumpkin!! October marks a lot of fun for the Stubes. We are looking forward to going to the Aaronsburg Fall Festival on the 2nd of October and then the falling week, Ways Fruit Farm is open and they have lots of fun things for the family to do!! I can't wait to see what Ruthie does this year!! We had such a great time with her last year (and she wasn't even walking yet!!) :) I know I write this time and time again, but life just keeps getting better. Ruthie and I spend a lot of time together and I'm so thankful for that time. We have such a wonderful time together and enjoy each others company. Love you Ruthie Stube!!

On the family front- we are moving!! We are moving into my grandparents house here in Centre Hall. We just went and visited the house tonight to get a feel for the place. We have some work to do to get us ready to move in but we'll get there. It's a huge blessing to both Jon and I and my grandparents, so we're very thankful. Yes, we'll miss the card nights (every single night) but we're close and will be visiting often for some cards- don't worry mom and dad!!

Another highlight is Jon and I are celebrating our 3rd Anniversary!! It's been a wonderful 3 years and I look forward to years and years ahead. He truly is my best friend and I am so blessed to have him as my husband and the father of my kids.

Stay tuned for pictures of our little Stube on October 1st. As I've stated, I can't wait to see him or her again. Yes, we are still on the fence and don't know if we'll find out what we are having. I think it will be one of those game time decisions!!

21 Months

21 Month Old Ham <3>
My sweet little girl is getting so big! I can't believe how her personality continues to blossom into this beautiful wonderful little girl. She is my pride and joy!

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, How I Wonder What You Are. Up Above The World So High, Like A Diamond In The Sky Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, How I Wonder What You Are <3>
Ruthie charms her mommy and daddy with her sweet little voice. She LOVES to sing and has a great little voice! Her favorite song at the moment is Twinkle Twinkle. My favorite part is when she says "diamond" - how cute! She is also very good at singing her ABC's and of course, she loves to make up her own songs too!

Ruthie enjoyed her 2nd year at the Grange Fair this year. She LOVED LOVED LOVED it!! Her favorite part of the fair was the playground! She loved the swings and the "ducky, neighs" (or the horse and duck seesaw-ma-gig) and then a new fun play spot; the sandbox! Mommy loved her Wolfie's french fries with cheese (and this year: vinegar!!)

16 Weeks- Glucose Test

Well- I had my 16 week appointment (that means we are four weeks away from our big Ultrasound!!!!!). The test, well, it didn't go well. I tried my best to stay positive about the test, but I knew from my pregnancy with Ruthie that the super sweet drink doesn't go well for me. I arrived at the appointment right on time and began "chugging" the drink. With the first sip, I knew this wasn't going to be fun. It started burning my throat as I continued to drink. About 1/3 into the drink, I knew I wasn't going to finish. No sooner did I ask the nurse for some water that I ran into the bathroom and threw-up all the juice I had "chugged" so far :( It was awful. To make matters worse, when I flushed the toilet, it overflowed and made a huge mess on the floor. (So embarrassing!!) Boo! Of course, the nurse told me to go ahead and shut the door and being disoriented, I shut the door with me inside the bathroom (oh boy!) The nurse said "ah honey, why don't you come out" ... whoops! Of course, why would I stay in an overflowing bathroom?? Oh, I don't know why I do the things that I do sometimes!! Well- atleast I got a great story out of a not so fun experience!! hehe :)
So now what? I went up to my doctors appointment (and I hated my doctor today) !! He was sooo cold and quick to send me away. He listened to the heartbeat for no longer than 10 seconds and then sent me on my way. He was trying to schedule me another appointment today to drink the liquid, but I declined and said he was going to have to find me another option- I'm not doing it again!! Not today!! Hopefully- not ever!! As I discussed with another doctor, I may have to prick my finger a few times to check my sugar levels, but I'm waiting to hear back from the nurse to find out what route they want to take.
The good news?!?! I am 4 weeks away from my ultrasound to see my little boy or girl! I am sooo excited. Jon and I are still struggling with if we are going to find out or not- I'm still leaning towards a strong no and I think Jon is now starting to lean in the same direction. I thought it might be fun to have them take a picture and give it to us to try and figure out- but we'll see.

Any guesses?? It's time for your first round of guesses!!

15 Weeks... growing baby

15 Weeks

What an amazingly different pregnancy this has been- many ups and downs like the first time around, but soooo different. Although, I have lots of days that I complain I'm sooo nauseous and have been constipated for the last 15 weeks, things are really going well and relatively, a lot smoother. I am finally getting over the morning sickness and starting to be able to sit down and eat with everyone at the dinner table!

Some wonderful news- at an early 14 weeks I felt little babe move for two- 3 minute spans!! It was sooo exciting. I thought maybe I was just making up this movement, but yesterday (15 weeks now) my nurse was doing a check-up and as we were listening to the heartbeat... about every few seconds you'd here this loud noise as the baby did a flip in my belly and then more loud and beautiful heartbeats!! It was sooo amazing to hear. At one point, Ruthie came over to me and snuggled by my face. She was aware of the noise, but when I told her the sound was the baby- she climbed up by my face and let me know... SHE was my baby! :)

Monday is my ICKY doctors appt where I have to drink the yucky sugar drink and get pricked by several needles (Oh joy!!) Then we are 4 weeks away from our BIG ultrasound that Jon and i are both sooooo excited for!! Yay!

2nd Trimester!!!

2nd Trimester

20 Months
2 Happy Parents


2nd Trimester- I never thought this day would come and now, I'm already a few days into the 2nd (and my personal favorite) trimester!! I am completely off of Zofran (and have been now for two weeks) and although I'm still nauseous and having trouble eating, I'm feeling so much better than I did even a week ago! I had my 12 week doctors appt yesterday. I, of course, was pretty excited for another doctors appt. I love being affirmed that the pregnancy is going well. We waited for Jonathan to join us before listening to the heart beat. Ruthie sat quietly on his lap as our doctor began to search. To our discomfort, the doctor couldn't find one. She told us not to panic (easier said than done) and said that sometimes, depending on the placement of the baby, it can be impossible for the Doppler to pick it up. She took us over to an ultrasound room and did a quick ultrasound to take away any panic and/or fear. Instantly, I saw our beautiful little baby and quickly saw his/her rapid heartbeat. :) The baby is absolutely beautiful. A little person inside me. We watched as he/she waved at us, did some flips, and touched his/her face. All very wonderful to see!! I left the doctors feeling on top of the world knowing that things were going very well. It wasn't until later on last evening that Jon and I were able to talk at all about the morning and it was then brought up that OH NO!! We're in trouble... at 12 weeks- our baby was already moving all over the place... we have another Ruthie non-stop mover in there!! :) :) :)

All my blood work came back normal and the rest of the appt was pretty much a blur. I have a doctors appt today with my hematologist. I should mention, he's leaving the practice in a few months... so he won't be present when Baby Stube #2 comes into this world. yay for me!
In four weeks- I take my first of two diabetic tests (oh yay!) I'm already nauseous just thinking about that disgusting drink. Seriously, they can't just give us a candy bar and send us on our way!! Geez! Other than that, we are 8 weeks away from our big ultrasound. The one we COULD find out what we're having... but I'm pretty sure I don't want to find out. :) Jon does though... so we'll see!!

20 Months!!- My little baby girl is a little lady!! She's growing up way to fast. She is a smart little one too!! I posted a video of her saying her ABC's by way of flashcards. She knows them just as well out of order... and gets excited when she hits Q and a lot of times will begin to sing "Q R S T U V W X Y Z now I know my ABC's Now Sing Me" :) It's just too cute!

She also has the vocabulary of a three year old. She still mumbles and rambles a bit- but when she has something to say or a point to get across, she has no problem making it. Though we have noticed, most words are missing the first letter: so... duck is uck, milk is ilk :) too cute! But seriously, this girl can talk! The other evening, I was laying on the couch when Ruthie got home. She ran down to see me. Pulled out about 5 dvds, placed them right in front of me on the floor, and then stood on them. She looked at me straight in the face and said "mommy, I stand of them" I looked at her and said "Ruthie, don't stand on them" and she looked back at me and said "No mommy, I stand on them!" How do you not crack up after that!!

Ruthie has had an exciting month. She spent two weeks away from home. We celebrated her cousins 1st birthday and also his baptism. While hanging out with the family in Philly, we got to take Ruthie on her first trip to the zoo. She loved it, but we'll have to go again when it's not so hot. Both mommy and Ruthie were sooooo hot!! We also had a big pool party which Ruthie absolutely LOVED!! She LOVES the pool and the water!! We had a great time with all the family. It was a wonderful weekend.
After the weekend in Philly, we drove down to Boone area, North Carolina. We stayed in a beautiful cabin on top of the mountain. The scene was beautiful. Ruthie loved running around the porch. I was sick for the majority of the time we were there, but Ruthie had a wonderful time with her daddy, Opa, and Gaga!! She also had her very own HUGE bathtub with jets and lots and lots of bubbles! She loved her bath time!! After a week away in the mountains, we headed over to New Bern, North Carolina. We had a fabulous vacation. We spent every evening at "Opa's Pool" Ruthie loved it and asked for it every chance she had. We also spent one evening at the beach, and again, the ocean was Ruthie's GIANT pool!! She had no fear! Ran right into the water without a care in the world. Salt water splashed in her face and mouth and she could care less. She loved it! We also built sandcastles in the sand and had a fabulous time. Jon and I worked on our creation while Ruthie worked on destroying it!! :) Too fun!! We are now settling back into our daily routine. Taking our time though. Going through our normal routine, Ruthie followed me into the bathroom and jumped on the scale... WATCH OUT... she's 29 lbs!! I took Ruthie to her pool yesterday after her nap (and all my doctors appts) and we plan to do it again today with daddy! It's been cloudy here the last few days, but Ruthie could care less. She loves the pool!

Here's to another fantastic month and the start of a wonderful HEALTHY trimester!!