Big Changes

Well these past 3 weeks have held a lot of changes in the Nieter household. Apparently Blake decided he wanted to grow up a little faster than Mommy was anticipating. About 3 weeks ago Blake started telling me that he had to go pee pee on the potty. Personally I was not thrilled about the thought of running to the bathroom every 10 min. and all the training that comes with it. However, I didn't want to sell Blake short if he really was ready to potty train so we started the process. Wouldn't you know it, our little man took to it very quickly. He currently is wearing big boy underwear and staying dry. We are amazed and so thankful for this blessing. I know for a fact it is nothing I did but Blake just made up his mind and was ready. I keep preparing myself for a relapse at some point but until then I will just enjoy these moments :)

Another big change for Blake was that this weekend we converted his crib into his toddler bed. He has seen the railing in his room and kept asking for his big bed so we decided to try it. Again, Blake seems to have grasped onto this excitement and loves sleeping in this big boy bed. Last night, he fell out of it for the first time because of pushing on the railing so we are going to construct it a little better tonight but so far so good with him staying in it at night!
I just cannot believe that my little boy is growing up so fast. I am happy because obviously with our little girl coming this winter I want Blake to be more independent and progressing in his development but I am sad to see my baby boy growing up so fast. They really are tiny only for a moment. I find myself hugging him a little tighter and holding him a little longer while I can because who knows what tomorrow will bring and before I know it he will be grown!

We're having a....

GIRL!!! The ultrasound today went great. There was no doubt she was a little girl and everything is measuring right on. She was pretty mellow during the scan so we are hoping this is an indication of her personality :) Brent and I are so excited and Blake loves watching the baby on the DVD they gave us of her!

July 4th

We had a blast this July 4th. Blake being a little older made it so much more fun. We had our annual cookout at the Nieter's pool and then we took Blake to his first fireworks. We weren't sure how it would go but it was so much fun! Blake absolutely loved them. He kept calling them "booms" and pointed at each one naming the colors he saw. He stayed up the whole way home talking about it. Brent and I talked about how much more fun all these events are now that we can celebrate and enjoy them with Blake. It allows us to be kids again :)

Waiting for the fireworks!

Brent and me

Blake & Mommy watching the fireworks!

16 weeks

It was brought to my attention by a certain family member that I was not showing my progress pictures with the pregnancy :) So here is the first one of me and #2 last week!

Happy Birthday Millie!

Today we are celebrating Millie's 5th birthday! It is hard to believe she is already 5 and although she is getting older she still has her moments of puppy energy. We went to the park today so Millie could jump in the lake. There were other dogs there much younger than Millie and she kept up with them no problem. She has gone through quite a bit these past couple years adjusting to Blake but she finally seems to be in her groove and happy with her place. We hope that lasts even when we add #2 in December :) The things we love about Millie are her loyalty, gentleness, patience with Blake and other kids, and her loving heart which can best be felt by her constant licking! She is not a perfectly trained dog or going to win any awards but she is our dog and we love her!

Cousin Fun!

Summertime is in full swing here in the Nieter house! We are loving that Daddy is home and the fun we are able to have. With school being out, Blake also has the opportunity to play with his older cousins more. Don't get me wrong Blake loves all his girl cousins, but there is something extra special about playing with the boys, Caleb and Noah :) We also had a blast when Cousin Rachel came from Roanoke to visit. Blake has loved every minute of his cousin fun!

Heading to Cousin Noah's baseball game!

Noah's team, the Orioles, were in the Championship game!

Smiley Cousin Rachel

Blake loved giving her hugs!

Rachel swimming in the pool! (not pictured: Uncle Brent under the water)

Blake & Rachel!

Helping Cousin Eva celebrate her 1st Birthday!

So inquisitive...I love this little girl!

Pool time!

Swimming makes us all hungry!