12/30/04 Update - We leave this year knowing that like the New Year's Eve before Allie was born, this next year will be quite different from the last one. On Monday 12/27, we found out our next member of the family will be a little sister for Allie. To protect her privacy, we'll leave that picture off when I post the new ultrasound pictures here later next week. Wouldn't you know it, that day mommy already started nesting. She used the Home Depot card given by her father in law for Christmas to begin preparing the new baby's room. She purchased custom paint and some masking materials now that we've decided on the colors. But before any of that starts, we really need to clean out that room! Currently, that's the upstairs storage room so to speak. We have a twin bed, two dressers, all of the spare bedding, and the vacuums in there. The plan for a crib has to do with the fact that Allie will be 2 around the time the new baby is expected to be ready for a crib. So Allie will get a new bed (or we'll use the twin and attach rails) and the new baby will get the crib.

On Tuesday, we met with the high risk doctor and the talk was very informative. Next week we'll get back some blood tests to determine if we need to take any extra medications or precautions or if she'll just be watched very closely. Other than being very tired and realizing this one's kicks are stronger and more directed than Allie's, Sam is fine.

10/22 Update

From Sam: "This week Allie is learning to feed herself with a fork and spoon. Last night, I tried letting her feed herself mashed potatoes. Most of the potatoes went where they were supposed to, but a few didn't. But they didn't end up all over Allie, instead, she got them all over Mommy, I had mashed potatoes in my hair and my pants. The dog enjoyed licking them off my pants. No, there aren't any pictures... you'll just have to use your imagination."

From Chris: "Allie's growing up. I am continually amazed by her every day. For the most part, she understands what you say even if she can't talk just yet. Occasionally she says a word here or there but usually not on demand. However she is fond of the word "Hi" now and she's been trying to say her name. She can usually be coerced to wave and say Hi over and over again by you doing the same to her. Its SO cute. "