Fiona's 18 month and pregnancy update!

And my baby Fiona is 18 months old!  When did that happen?

She's finally walking!  They say not to worry until a child is 18 months and not walking and my stubborn little girl waiting until 17 1/2 months to finally decide she was ready. 
 

She is full of cheesy grins when she sees a camera lately! 

 

Walking with Daddy

At the park!

Sisters!  I love that they practically have the same expressions on their faces!

 

33 1/2 weeks pregnant me with Fiona

 Yes, that's me!  I feel huge and uncomfortable and hot.  I've started weekly visits at the chiropractor.  I was experiencing a lot of hip and sciatic pain and my midwife recommended it.  The chiropractor said she can tell how I hold Fiona.  My hip is cocked from holding her on my left hip all the time - but hey, she couldn't walk!  The adjustments are helping and she has me icing my back at least 3 times a day and I have to say that if giving me a lot of relief.  I am measuring large.  At my 32 week appointment I measured 34 weeks!  And I usually measure small once I go into the 3rd trimester so I have an ultrasound at 36 weeks to check up on him and see how big he looks.  I just keep remembering that Fiona was born at 38 1/2 weeks so I may only have a month or so to go!

Claire is now 8!

I just can't believe my baby is 8 years old.  How does the time go so quickly? 

She had a fun birthday!  Her birthday was on Friday and we took a picnic to the park and they got to play in the creek.

She said she was an explorer!

Treasures from the creek.

Fiona thought the water was awesome!

Water fun!

Then on Saturday we had a ball at The Fun Factory, including the inflatable slide, mini golf, video games, air hockey, bumper cars, go-karts and more!  Claire requested it as her birthday present.  :) 

My golfer.

So big!  (And so hard to take pictures in the dim florescent lighting!)

Go-Karts with Daddy were her favorite part!

Chandler waiting his turn.

Fiona walking!  Eek!

Then we hurried home to prepare for family coming over for dinner - tacos, of course - and dessert.  

We went simple this year - Claire requested Chocolate Eclair Cake!

The fam.

My Claire with an amazing missing teeth smile.  :)

We have a very happy 8 year old! 

Athena

We found Athena under the bedroom couch this morning.  She had passed away sometime during the night.  She was our first baby.  I brought her home before we were even married and Daddy adored her from the moment he saw the little kitten come out from behind me.  She was always sweet and a total lap cat.  One of the few cats that I have known to come when her name was called!  When Claire was a little baby she pulled Athena's fur and Athena turned and bit ME!  :)  She always understood that they were babies and while they weren't her favorites she was always good with them.  She was 13 years old and was definitely getting elderly in the last year, but was still eager for a lap snuggle whenever we finally sat down in the evening.  She was a part of our lives for a very long time and she will be missed dearly. 

Athena at 4 years old