Canton has been SUCH a big help lately we decided he needed a day of fun out of the house.  Boy, did he ever have fun!  He greatly enjoyed himself at the Monster Truck Rally on 7/26.  He was in awe of these machines and all they could do, but he still noticed Venus and various stars in the sky 😉

Canton!

Canton went to Winchester with Nanny, so Mike and I had a day with just Liberty. She’s such a sweet girl, it was really quiet around the house today, it will be interesting to see how big brother fits into all of this, but we are excited for all the adventures to come.

I know, everyone wants to know about the baby. Mom just loves answering emails and walking around the neighborhood having people say “you’re still pregnant?” Well, like me, big brother, this little one has decided to stay with mom longer than anticipated. While we’re waiting the big arrival mom and dad have been keeping me busy with karate and plenty of space talk (crafts, books, etc). Pap came down last weekend to help out and joined us for fun at Riven Rock Park and even went to the planetarium (though he did fall asleep 🙂

Fingers crossed for the big day coming sooner rather than later!

Mom and Dad have been trying to do as many things with me as they can before the baby gets here.  Here are a plethora of photos of my last couple weeks.

Riven Rock Park–the mountain spring water was SUPER cold!

Splashing with Dad

Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton–super fun and learned a lot!

PBS Literacy Festival–I met Clifford and won 8 free Karate Lessons!

Karate

Elias’ Birthday Party–Great time!  Rode a pony and tried/fell off a rope swing! 🙂

This pregnancy has definitely been different for mom. Evidently I just made her tired, but this one is HURTING her! She’s been having contractions for about a week, so, we’ll see if the little one decides to make an appearance anytime soon, otherwise we’re at the 10 day countdown! Plus side, she only gained half of what she gained with me! 🙂

37 weeks

38 weeks

38.5 wks

Mom had an ultrasound today to check and see how the baby is doing. She’s been having a few contractions, but I guess it is just the baby getting ready to come see me.

We think it definitely has dad’s nose! I was so excited when it put its hands in front of its face, I said it was waving to me! We’ll see you soon little one!

No pictures please! 🙂

We cannot believe that our baby is now a full-blown four-year old. Time sure does fly. I remember, sleep deprived, wishing away the first couple weeks, we’ll have to make sure not to do it with the next one, because it is gone in the blink of an eye. Crazy that his next birthday he won’t even be the only kid and he’ll be off to school soon after!

Canton enjoyed his day with Pap, Rhonda, Mike’s family, and several friends. We are grateful to Lilamae and her family for making the trip from Floyd, Can sure missed his girl. He’s also made a few new friends since being in Harrisonburg: our neighbor Alex, feisty Elias who definitely keeps Can going, and twins Chase and Luke that are just a month younger than Can.

Nanny sent a stuffed Pluto and a Planetarium Projector and has already been through a set up batteries! He is in LOVE with this thing! It lights his bedroom with starts, planets, and other space things that Can could tell you much more about than I could. Thanks Nanny and Grandpa!

Can has been obsessed with boxes and building since we moved here and discovered the joys of Costco. So Pap, being the creative guy he is, found the biggest fridge box and made Canton a little clubhouse that has provided hours of entertainment! Can was super impressed!!

At his four-year checkup he weighed in at 37.5 pounds and 40 inches, right where he needs to be. But, he so impressed Dr. Ashton with his knowledge and social skills he commented “you are the smartest 4-yr old I’ve ever met, and that’s a lot of kids!”

I hope time slows down a bit, but I know it is only going to get faster, so take time to enjoy all the blessings you have and hug everyone just a little tighter next time.

To the next four years and beyond! 🙂

Oh, almost forgot, this was the first year Can actually tried his cake. He ate the icing and complained the next day how much his belly hurt because of the cake, lol!

I’ve had two more soccer games since the last post, I’m really starting to enjoy myself! I had an “assist” last game and even tried to get the ball from this super good six year old!

I’ve also been helping Dad on a super cool project: A SANDBOX! Mom had her doubts that it would get done, but I was on top of things! I helped stain my playset too! I’m a regular ole builder now!

So, I’ve pretty much known the states since we moved (November) and mom finally decided it would be a good idea to get a video of it… 🙂

canton states from Mike Murphy on Vimeo.