Berry Picking

We had an absolutely beautiful weekend here in Portland. It appears as if perhaps summer has finally arrived. On Sunday morning, the Douglas Family ventured out to the farm to do some berry picking. We had a pretty good feeling Alia would like it, but we had no idea how much. We were there for nearly two hours and picked strawberries, raspberries and blueberries. Alia easily ate her weight in berries while we were there, which is really saying something.

sitting down and enjoying some yummy strawberries

Alia posing with Daddy, with berry all over her and we had only been there a few minutes at this point.

Mommy and Daddy picked raspberries and Alia ate them. We did manage to come home with a few pints somehow.

Alia and Mommy enjoying a sunny day!

Silliness

Alia will one day KILL me for posting this video, but I think its just hysterical. I'm not sure what's funnier ... Alia's dancing or Jason's commentary. This video is from June 11, 2010. Enjoy! And, if Alia ever asks if you saw it, please deny :-)

18 Month Update

It's hard to believe, but its true. Alia is now 18 months old! We had her check-up with Dr. Nash today. Unfortunately for both Dr. Nash and his nurse, Alia seemed to remember right away what goes on at that place. She was displeased from the moment we stepped into the exam room. Alia is 2'11" tall (99%) and 27.5 pounds (87%). She is a healthy and happy little girl!

In case you haven't seen Alia in a while, allow me to fill you in on what's going on in her little world. She is continuing to talk up a storm. She is combining words now to make little sentences. She is turning into a toddler and having some very bossy and opinionated moments. She is learning that hitting and kicking are "not nice" and how to apologize when she forgets these things. When you ask her what is in mommy's belly, she replies "baby brother". She loves riding in the bike trailer and going for bike rides with Daddy! She still loves books and asks to read all the time. She knows the title (or her version of the title) of all of her favorite books, so now she can request certain ones. She loves singing songs and dancing and has just recently discovered Dora the Explorer! The "breaking" news around here right now is that Alia is finally getting her molars in, but unfortunately it appears as if they might be attempting to all break through at pretty much the same time. I can see the bottom two slowly making their way in, but can't get a look at the top. Alia is doing quite well with it, but isn't sleeping very well at night. It looks painful, so I can't imagine how it must feel. Poor little thing!

Here is a little video clip from this morning. I was trying to capture some of Alia's newest skills to show off. She can name lots of animals, most of her family members and knows most of the major shapes (circle, square, rectangle, triangle, heart and star).

Froggie Pool

Here is a little video of Alia enjoying the froggie pool on the dock at my dad's house during vacation...

Vacation at the Lake

The Douglas family just returned from a week in Tennessee at my dad's house on Norris Lake. He lives WAY OUT in the middle of nowhere! There is no cell phone coverage and no internet. It was wonderful and SO relaxing! We spent our days hanging out by the lake and doing a lot of eating. Here are some pictures from our trip showing all of the many things Alia did to keep herself busy!

Alia checking out the sand at the beach that my dad made for her.

floating in the lake with Daddy

playing in the froggie pool with Papaw

The froggie pool was a big hit. Alia could play and splash and it was in the shade most of the time!

Lounging on the dock and playing with Daddy's hat. Alia was very good about wearing her "float coat" whenever she was on the dock.

Alia used some of her sand toys and played with the hose on the dock.

Dad, Deb, Alia and I posing on the beach that dad made just for Alia!

Baby Boy Update - 24 Weeks

Hey Everyone! I thought I would do a quick post here with a brief update since this seems to be a good way to get information out to all of the different sectors of the family. I had my 24 week check-up today and everything was perfect. Blood pressure good, pulse good, weight good, tests good, baby's heartbeat good, belly size good!! My doctor and I have chatted and I've decided that I don't want to go the scheduled c-section route unless I am past my due date and not showing signs of progressing. We will schedule a "just in case" date in the event that things go that direction. Otherwise, the plan is to keep a closer eye on me towards the end of my pregnancy to monitor the situation. I think the doctor and I are both secretly hoping that this little guy decides to come just a hair early in case he is as big as his big sister was at birth! We are not planning on doing any growth ultrasounds, since they aren't known to be very accurate and certainly were not with Alia. So, 24 weeks down and 16 to go!