Apple Picking

Today we went apple picking at a local orchard. The day was beautiful -- blue sky, warm weather, and amazing apples! Z had a great time filling his own little bag with apples, and afterwards he had a ride on a little train. I wasn't sure if he'd still want to go when he realized he'd have to go by himself, and apparently he did have second thoughts before he resolved to go ahead, because the first thing he said after the ride was over was, "I was so brave, Mommy!" Yes you were! (It appears we've also discovered where St. Nick works during the off season.)

A Little Lime

According to Babycenter.com, a 12 week old, in-utero baby is the size of a lime. So, that's how big our new little one is. Yes, we are having another baby! The due date is April 1. The first month after we found out I was pregnant was quite difficult, and we had lots of complications, but things seem to be all right now. We had our 12 week appointment this week and heard the heartbeat, so it seems everything is looking good and we're excited to be starting the second trimester. I've had some morning sickness (all day sickness, really), but it seems to be easing up now, which I'm thankful for. We told Z the news last night, but I'm not sure he totally understands what it all means. He will soon enough!

Make Way for Ducklings

Z loves to read books! The other day we were walking around downtown and spent a few minutes in the toystore. Z had a great time looking at all the toys, but was happy to leave when it was time. A few doors down is the used bookstore. We popped in there, and Z immediately settled into a little chair in the children's section. Twenty minutes later he was not as docile as he'd been when we left the toy store! I don't want to say he threw a fit, but he definitely was not happy about leaving!

At home we read books every day, and I've been amazed to discover that he is basically memorizing the books as I read them to him. Then, when he's playing by himself, he "reads" the books to himself. Here is an excerpt of him reading Make Way for Ducklings, which is a family favorite. If you want to follow along, the video starts with Z reading on the page where Mr. and Mrs. Mallard stop in the Public Garden: "So down they flapped."

Goodbye to our Dear Friend

Today we had to put our dear friend, Lu, to sleep. She got very sick very fast, and the vet said there weren't really any happy days left for her. She was a truly wonderful dog, and we'll miss her very, very much.

Stegall Family Vacation: Part 2

We'll back up a bit for this post, and go to the beginning of the vacation. Nathan, Z, Lu and I took several days to get to Colorado, since we decided to drive through the Black Hills of South Dakota and spend a couple of days enjoying them.

Here's the backseat gang.

We drove the wildlife loop in Custer State Park and saw lots of fun animals, including "wild" donkeys. They really enjoyed Lu's dogfood.

Mother and baby.

We stopped several times in Custer just to get out and hike a little. So beautiful! These two aren't bad looking either!

Hiking. You can see Lu a little further up than Nathan and Z if you look closely.

This is the church in Jefferson, CO where we spent our Sunday morning. I think our family doubled the normal number of the attendees.

Cute little Katy.

Charis, Z and Grady watching a movie. I don't think Charis is asleep, we just caught her blinking (so like Yaya!). Z and Grady are obviously engrossed.

Here we are at the Continental Divide, about halfway between Breckinridge and our cabin.

The day we went to Breckinridge we stopped for gas and got Z his own bag of Cheetos as a treat. Once back in the car, as Nathan and I examined the map, I asked Z if he wanted me to open the bag for him. He said, "No, not until the car is going." He wanted to save the treat for the road!

There was a beautiful stream running right through Breckinridge, just inviting us to put our feet in.

Stegall Family Vacation: Part 1

The entire Stegall family gathered near Jefferson, CO this month to enjoy a family vacation. My parents very graciously rented a cabin for us, and all 18 found spots within. This post features two highlights of the trip -- a hike around Jefferson Lake and Z's third birthday, on July 15.

Jefferson Lake. The internet site we found said the trail around it was "Easy." I think most of us would disagree with that. But, it was certainly beautiful, and we all made it all the way around.

Jake was a great help with the little kids. Here he is giving Z a ride.

On the trail -- Z, Grady, Charis and Christie.

Z enjoying the wild flowers.

Jake, Caleb, Simon and Ann.

Caleb, Charis, Mom and Ann taking a break. Everyone is wearing Dad's clothes, because the wind at the lake was very chilly, and no one had brought sweatshirts. Dad's suitcase was in the trunk of the car, so the troops broke it open and distributed what was within.

Z and I.

Nathan and Z on a snowbank. We took a different car than everyone else, so didn't know Dad's clothes were being handed out. We just suffered until the hike warmed us up. When Z saw the snow he started to cry and said, "I'm going to be chilly!" You can see from his face he's still not happy about it.

And the birthday -- 3 years old! He got a t-ball set, which he and all the kids LOVED!

Crazy Daddy at the birthday party. He looks like that demented clown everyone is scared to death of.

Opening the presents with the cousins gathered round.

In March, Aunt Christie offered to make Z's birthday cake, and Z looked forward to it for months! Here is is: a Vikings football helmet. The artist with her fans -- Grady, Charis and Z.

And a close-up. Isn't it wonderful? Z loved it!

Enjoying turning three!

Z Sings

Lazarus sings Psalm 150: