The Party is O-ver

It seems earlier than ever this year, but school is officially back in session. We had such a fantastic summer! I was able to be with James every day for over 2 months and Brian had 5 straight weeks too. We were busy! James learned how to swim! He took 6 weeks of ISR (Infant Swim Resource) lessons and can now swim underwater with his eyes open to a ladder, hand or any other target. When he needs air, he has learned to float up on his back to relax and regain energy, and when he's ready he can turn back over and continue to swim! It is absolutely amazing! There were some tears along the way, but now James is a confident yet cautious swimmer. He will no enter a pool unless "invited" by an adult.

We had a fun trip to Houghton Lake, Michigan for the fourth of July with the Rich family at their beautiful lake house. James had his first real experience with big fireworks. See the picture below for his reaction. Let's just say he is not a fan! We spent tons of time with friends and family up there and lots of relaxation was had by all!

James had a great second birthday with all his friends and family by his side. His cake was Cars themed. He saw the movie Cars 2 with Nonie and Papa Rich and Aunt Sarah. He loved it! During the movie he jumped up and said, "OH NO!" loudly when the cars crashed. He sat and watched the whole movie! He takes after Brian and I...we love movies too!

What else???? Well, I can officially announce now that I am pregnant! That's right, baby Rich number 2 is on the way! I'm 14 weeks pregnant and due February 16th. James is going to need to become a big boy fast! Unfortunately, he has no interest whatsoever in potty training so the diapers remain! We are starting to get furniture together for his "big boy" room. I'm thinking a Zoo theme would be fun! We will be finding out the gender in a month or so! I can't wait! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it's a girl, but I have a feeling it's another boy due to the fact that my pregnancy is almost identical to how James' was. We'll see! I feel great and have tons more energy than I did earlier this summer. No morning sickness or weird cravings. My belly certainly isn't taking it's time to pop out! I guess that's the way it goes once your stomach muscles are pretty much gone! Ha ha!

Here's some pics of James:


Cars themed birthday cake! James loves Mater, the tow truck.
James dug right into his cake this year. He was on a major sugar high!
First Cardinals game thanks to DJ Reyburn. It's good to know a major league umpire! James loves his friend, "D".
Driving the boat at Houghton Lake with Noni Rich.
This is James' reaction to the first big fire work of the night. He cried for the next few minutes.
James with his good friend Macy Leitz at the Leitz Family Cottage.
This was Brian's life vest when he was a baby.
And this was Brian's rocking horse too. Noni Rich saves everything! James also slept in the crib that belonged to Brian and ate at the original wooden high chair. They don't make them like they used to!
James with Audrey Menees! She is too cute!
On our trip home from Michigan we stopped in Indianapolis to see the Everheart Family at their gorgeous new home. James had fun with Adrie in the wagon and in their pool.