One of Maya's favorite friends is Austin. Here they are at the zoo. Austin is helping her get a drink. I didn't capture when she is actually drinking while he's holding the button. I missed that shot. It was cute.

Austin's mom emailed me this shot. This is another time when they were at the park. They get along really well. It's sweet. Sorry if the picture is too small.

brand new babies

I love this arrangement. I wish I had these flowers growing in my garden so I could make this arrangement for all the new moms.

My brother and his wife just had their baby boy Nathan. My sister in law Michele had a baby girl Elizabeth. My two friends here in Seattle had their babies-girl and boy. I am always amazed that these babies come and do so well. I just love seeing how tiny they are. Their feet are so tiny! I just pulled out my baby stuff from the garage and am dusting it off. I picked out a little girl outfit and need to find a boy outfit to pack for the hospital. I've been re-reading my hypnobirthing book the last few months and am now reading for the first time, Ina Maye's Guide to Childbirth. The first part of the book is birth story after birth story. It makes me excited and anxious.--It's bringing it all back for me. I sometimes wonder why I chose to do this when life is so nice right now. Maya is practically potty trained, the kids are out of school and so far are really enjoying just being together. We have a good routine going . . .but then I hold my friend's little newborns (Wish I could hold my nephew and neice too!!!) I just cannot wait to meet my next little addition to the Leavitt family. I'm excited to have my baby during the sunniest part of the year. My one problem is figuring out a boy name....suggestions? Boy names are hard. I'm sure we'll think of something in time...

BMX racing

We took L to watch his good friend do some BMX racing on a pretty intense looking track. (I can't even imagine how intimidating it would look to a five year old.) We brought his bike and told him he could try it if he wanted to. After watching the kids for awhile we asked him if he wanted to try. He shook his head like, "no way you have got to be kidding me." Then when we were saying we should go he started breathing hard and said I want to try it! So Kurt walked him and his 12" wheel bike up to the gate. He did it! The third really steep hill he pumped his legs like crazy but couldn't make it to the top. Everyone was cheering for him because he had the tiniest bike out there. He cried when he didn't make it to the top but he finished. Kurt thought he would want to be done but he just pointed to the track and said again! He borrowed his friend's bike (16" wheels)and made it around without any help. He went over and over and we stayed until it was about to close. Natalie has always been envious of Lincoln's bike skills and I've had to remind her many times to be happy for him instead of pouting about not being able to keep up. She was just as excited for him as I was. She watched from the fence and cheered so hard. It was a sweet moment. I spend so much time trying to teach them. I am constantly correcting, instructing, reminding, time-outing. It was like manna to watch N cheer for him and get to see L do something I knew he wanted to try even though he was scared. He was so happy with himself afterward.

sweet and sassy

Maya is starting into a new phase. She is trying to see how much she can get away with. I've had to put her in time out a few times already this week. She's also so much fun right now. She's up for anything she sees her big brother and sister do. She's pretty coordinated at running and jumping but she doesn't see why she always has to be holding my hand. I took these pics right before we left for the YMCA the other morning. One thing you can count on with Maya is she is always up for an outing.

book club pregos

It was quite a shock to learn that my two good friends from bookclub were due the same day as me. It's been fun to see each other once a month and compare bellies and share progress. They were good sports last wed and let me take a picture of all three of us. So here is my latest prego picutre. I put it up on the side but it's a little small so I thought I'd post it officially. 8 weeks to go!

sunshine in may!

It was hot enough to bust out the pool! It's been a gorgeous may and
the kids have enjoyed the sun almost as much as I have.

we drove to the temple last Sunday and enjoyed the gorgeous flowers there.
If you didn't know that is Wisteria above us in this picture--it smells amazing.

Kurt and I went sea kayaking yesterday for our weekend away trip. It was a little foggy just where we were kayaking. We're right by deception pass next to Anacortes (just past Whidby Island.)

Here is one of the views from the top of Mount Eerie. We had a picnic lunch up here.

Kurt and I got to spend a day in Leavenworth then a day exploring Anacortes, Mount Eerie area. I loved the houses around Anacortes. We swapped with some friends (thanks again hunts!) so we could have a mini vacation just the two of us. The kayaking was my favorite. No we didn't spot any whales. The guide said he gets to see them often but we weren't really near where they are right now.

Happy Mothers Day!!!