Today Bobby's extended vacation has come to an end. He reported to his first day of work at 7 am after getting up at 4:30 am to go to the gym for few hours. I am structuring Alyssa's day, so we have a schedule. She is going to be very lonely for her dad who has been with her 24/7 as long as her little mind can remember. She wakes up in the morning and from every nap calling his name and searching the house for him. I bet she'll be confused this morning when I tell her he is at work. At least this week he will come home at night. Next week when PTI starts we'll say goodbye on Sunday and not see him until they finish for the day on Friday.

Unfortunately, I don't have any news to post about the baby. She hasn't budged and I have my next appointment tomorrow. I made it full term and now the waiting game has begun...

How far along?

Today Holly went for a check up with her doctor. He said she looks great (I could have told him that), and that the baby is head first and sitting low. In fact, she is 1 cm dilated and the doctor projected our little girl coming either this week or next!

Labor Day

Labor Day is suppose to usher in the Fall and it's cool weather. Well, today I'm asking where that cool weather from a week ago was as we endured the heat for a little fun at the St. Louis zoo. Alyssa was so excited to see all the animals she cried last night when going to bed because she wanted to go to the zoo right then. "Patience" I told her, which means nothing when your 2. As promised though at 6:30 am I woke her up to get ready to go. Funny thing was she said, "I'm sleeping." Priorities my dear...sleep on the way up, we have to go pick up Granny Linda by 7 am. Two hours and forty five minutes later we passed the St. Louis Arch and walked into the zoo grounds.






This is Holly's glamor shot photo that mistakenly went to St. Louis instead of to our house.

This Asian Elephant was relaxing in his/her pool no more than 10 ft from us. It was awesome! Alyssa was a bit nervous and was pushing off of us to get some distance between her and the gentle giant.

Finally, this is how we ended the day. Luckily, I had Holly get me one of those energy drinks as the rest of my crew ended up like this in their seats.

This morning Alyssa went to her preschool to meet her teachers and get acquainted with her new classroom. She goes to my friends house for preschool Wed. and Fri. and will now go to Mother's Morning Out at the Presbyterian Church on Tues. and Thurs. from 9-noon. Alyssa is much happier when she has friends to play with instead of trying to occupy herself all day at the house. She love computer games! She plays ABC Zoo, Elmo and Dora interactive games and loves Leap Frog ABC's. I thought I had better take a picture of me so this baby doesn't feel neglected since I have barely taken any pictures this pregnancy. I had Bobby join in on the fun. Tomorrow is his last round of tests before he starts work next month!

Alyssa loves going to Springfield to visit her Great-Grandma Martin and Aunt Kristy. They watch a 3 year old and have a house set up with more toys than we do. They actually potty trained Alyssa over a weekend she stayed with them! Here are a few pics from her visit.

We are starting to get ready for baby. One thing I want to finalize before Bobby leaves on Sept. 11 to work is a name. The three we are leaning towards are:
1) Reese
2) Sydney
3) Riley
For middle names we are deciding between Leigh and Jean depending upon the first name. No new updates otherwise. I have my next doctor appointment Friday and am going to the Wisconsin Dells for Mary Kay next week which I am really looking forward to.

Backpack

Today Alyssa went to her preschool where she was instructed to bring a backpack. She currently did not have one, but we think because of the emphasis that Dora the Explore puts on her backpack (and we know Alyssa loves Dora) this had some effect on Alyssa when she was presented with her backpack. Basically, it hasn't left her sight today and as she sleeps in her bed tonight it lays next to her with one of her babies safely tucked into it's spacious confines. Here are some pictures from earlier this evening when we went for a walk. Enjoy.

Congratulations!

I am happy to announce that Bobby received his preliminary offer today from the University of Illinois Police Department! He will start doing the paperwork on September 11 and go into the Police Training Institute on September 16!
We are so proud of him and excited as we start this new phase of life :)