Pix of Simon

Simon wearing my tennis shoes ... He wrote the "T" on the chalkboard. Simon looking pretty lopsided in the second photo :)

More Shower Snapshots

A few more snapshots of the shower and some friendly faces ...
Simon loves looking at maps of the world. He can sometimes point out China, India, Nepal and Laos. The other day he pointed to Nepal and said, Let's spell India, "N..E..P...A..L" You can see our old-school Operation World on the table. Matt airlifted our family's copy to his office at GFA, so we're left here w/ one that is pretty out of date :)

Baby Shower Pix

The top pix is one Shay snapped of Simon and I while she was here visiting. So, that's how there came to be a pix with me in it :) Matt and I joke about how little he takes any pictures these days ...
The theme for the babyshower that our GFA family gave Maddie and I was CandyLand. I was surprised to learn that there was a villain in Candyland...but there is. The shower was really a blessing and definitely made Evie seem like more of a reality. (Though you would think the constant kicking would be a reminder enough...)
It's so exciting to think about getting Evie's room ready. Painting is the first step and hopefully that will be happening this Thursday!
The bedskirt and sheet I ordered for the crib from Target came in today and I think it will work great to pull in the blue from the futon it is really adorable and "cottage-chic." I"ll post a pix of it soon.

Slideshow of "New" Bedroom

Simon transitioned seamlessly (so far) to his new bedroom. It will be interesting to see his reaction as his former room becomes the baby room. I was reminded of how easily he transitioned from nursing, then bottles, to nothing. It was as if he could care less. I'm thankful for that. Now, if we ever took his green blanket or lamby away, I wonder ... (Actually we have misplaced both for a time and Simon didn't notice) I think I am more attached to them than he is.
We told Simon that this was his new room and that the other room is old. (He understands that because when drinks or food is old, he knows not to eat them or to put them in the dishwasher) His toys/books/movies are on the old entertainment center that we have had sitting in the garage for 2 years. I remember when Matt first put this piece of furniture together for us the first summer we were married! We were able to get his room together w/out buying any furniture or even bedding (w/ the exception of water proof mattress protectors) ... His clothes are still in the 'old' room, so we have to still find a three year old friendly dresser for him to use, as he becomes more independent.

After-Dinner Birthday Entertainment

Simon and Alex enjoyed the bubbles in the pool (and outside the pool courtesy of the bubble machine from Alex) Simon smelled yummy afterwards, b/c the bubbles were Sweet Pea scented :)
We had suits for the boys, but I thought it would be easier just to forgo them. I did slip some on Simon, however, right before some non-family company stopped by! (Hey, I at least don't want to come in last place for Mother of the Year)
Simon enjoyed jumping in the water. It looked painful.

Birthday Snapshots

Simon turned three on Saturday! Matt and I let him choose what he wanted to do that day - see a movie or go to Chuck E. Cheese. He chose a movie, so we saw Disney's animated Meet the Robinsons (G) and wished we had done a little research b/c some parts were a little scary ... (for Simon)
Simon is really into spaceships and I thought the movie was about spaceships; it wasn't :)
Well, Simon loved the cake and everyone singing Happy Birthday to Simon!

Simon Poses with Bears

We're cleaning out to make room for another child...I was going to pass on these bears until Simon saw them and loved them! He has lots of fun playing with them; consequently, I worry not about their well-being, if they are broken...(since we were going to get rid of them anyway)
In these pictures, you can see how much Simon loves to pose! The secret is letting him see the picture on the digital camera after the shot is taken. He is wearing his training underwear with a plastic protector over it.
In these pictures, you can also see Simon's understanding of labor, birth, and life.
Notice the mommy bear on the rocking chair is lying down while everyone is watching her ... EXCEPT the daddy in the rocking chair who is facing the other direction with a cup that Simon calls coffee.
Hmmmm...
I asked Simon why the mommy is down and he said because of the baby, it is coming out.
At least he put a nurse up front. But, personally, I don't want this many people in the labor/delivery room; especially the mailman ????? (My dad has already commented that postmen do deliver ...)
Yesterday we had two successful uses of the toilet. My trick was warm water in a bowl that Simon gets to play with and pour on himself. Sounds weird, looks weird, but it is helping him get an understanding of what is supposed to happen :)
Last night, Simon had been in bed quiet for an hour, we assumed asleep, then we heard remnants and strains of "No more monkeys jumping on the bed" as he was singing. We couldn't resist going in there for another hug and prayer. Simon informed me then that Baby Evie was napping and that he would be quiet. Apparently, Matt had told him earlier that when baby Evie comes, she'll nap and Simon must not be loud. We'll see ... Maybe baby Evie will just end up being more flexible with background noise :)