Day Out with Thomas

This was our second year participating in Day Out with Thomas when it came to town, but this year we live just a short drive from the event. I love that our little town has the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, because our little boy loves it and has enjoyed it many times already. Nana and Grandpa joined us, and James had a great time. We didn't do the train ride this year (the most expensive part!) and James didn't miss it at all. Last year he cried to have to leave the other activities (petting zoo, bubbles, tent full of train tables, sand box and toys, etc.) to get on the train (and because he's not a fan of the "ductor"), and so this year we just got him an activities wrist band and let him play and play. The weather was perfect and it was just a great day. I love soaking up these last weeks with him and trying to make special memories - I feel myself wanting to squeeze in everything that I possibly can while he's still my only for a little while longer.

Oh, what a little boy does to his Mama's heart! And he knows it too.

Waving to Thomas as he came in (while keeping a close eye on the "ductor" as well!)

We ate lunch at Steak and Shake afterwards. Stephen ordered the 7X7 burger after some encouragement from the rest of the table. In his defense, 7 patties was only the equivalent of about a pound of meat so it's not quite as crazy as it sounds! Also, he's like 40 pounds lighter than when James was born so I think he's doing just fine - but he would not be happy with me if he knew I said anything nice about him on the blog. ;) 

No-Bake Lemon Pie

I made this pie last night that I found on Plain Chicken blog (although mine doesn't look as lovely as the one pictured below!) and it completely fulfilled my current pregnancy craving for lemon-y things. It's so easy and refreshing - the perfect summer dessert and apparently the perfect dessert for a very pregnant girl as well! I definitely think I will be making this again before Jude arrives.

No-Bake Lemon Pie

Warm Weather Days!

We have been experiencing some warm weather this week, and we actually had one day that got up to about 86 degrees. James and I have been spending lots of time outside and embracing my love of warm weather (even while pregnant! Although by June, I may not be quite as fond as I've always been.). We pulled our little baby pool out from storage. I realize it's looking pretty small in it's, now, fourth summer of use by our little guy but it was still plenty enough water for him to enjoy. He loved using his "water shooter" to water the garden and me too!

This is my view these days. Jude is surely growing! (9ish more weeks! eeeek!)

30 Weeks! 10 more to go/grow!

How far along are you? 30 weeks, 1 Day (We are in the 60's now for days left until Jude's arrival. Unreal. And I predict he'll come a few days early but only time will tell.)

Total Weight Gain? I was surprised to find out at the doctor this week that I didn't gain any weight since my last appointment. I don't even know how that's possible after our trip to New Orleans, but I'll take it (because I know he's still growing steadily).

How big is the baby? Jude weighs as much as a large cabbage or around 3 pounds. He is measuring about 15 3/4 inches from head to heel. 

Maternity Clothes? Oh Yes! Can't wait for warm weather and the simplicity of wearing comfortable, cotton dresses. I was never big and pregnant with James during the spring/summer. 

Sleep? I'm really starting to struggle to get comfortable enough to sleep for very long stretches combined with getting up several times throughout the night to use the bathroom. But it's all just part of it - and so worth it!

Best moment this week? Watching James hold his newborn cousin and imagining how sweet he's going to be with his little brother. Also, just reaching 30 weeks seems like a big milestone. Only ten more weeks to go!

Movement? Lots and lots of movement! He even wakes me up in my sleep. 

Food Cravings/Aversions? Some new things that I have been craving lately in addition to my continued "real food" love (sorry to sound like a broken record!) - fresh pears, smoothies, icees, lemon flavored yogurt, and other fruity things

Morning Sickness? None. Although heartburn is entering the scene sometimes now that I'm in the third trimester, just like it did with James.

Gender? A sweet boy! Jude Brooks Johnson! 

What I'm looking forward to: Embracing final moments/making final memories together as a family of three and, of course, meeting Jude in a little over two months now! I can't wait to have both my boys in my arms.

James really did want to be in this picture (and even wanted to hold my hand), but said he didn't want to smile.
Such is life with a three year old - you just roll with it. 

Christ is Risen!

It was so sweet to watch James really grasp truths about Easter this year and the price that Jesus paid for us on the cross. We did the Resurrection Eggs with him several nights at bedtime in the days leading up to Easter, and he would ask for them over and over again. He was particularly bothered and burdened by the "mean things the soldiers did to Jesus" and was very adamant that I tell everyone about that. Precious little heart! He also shouted out in church on Easter morning at a very quiet moment that "God rolled the stone away!" Another reminder that our children are watching and listening (even when we think they aren't!). 

 There is love that came for us

Humbled to a sinner's cross

You broke my shame and sinfulness

You rose again victorious

 Faithfulness none can deny

Through the storm and through the fire

There is truth that sets me free

Jesus Christ who lives in me

 You are stronger, You are stronger

Sin is broken, You have saved me

It is written, Christ is risen

Jesus You are Lord of all

 No beginning and no end

You're my hope and my defense

You came to seek and save the lost

You paid it all upon the cross

 You are stronger, You are stronger

Sin is broken, You have saved me

It is written, Christ is risen

Jesus You are Lord of all

(Hillsong - Stronger)

Happy Easter from the Johnson Family!

We'll be celebrating as a family of FOUR this time next year!

New Orleans Fun!

Our visit to New Orleans was brief but we enjoyed eating at a couple of great restaurants, seeing so many updates and changes around the city, letting James have his first beignet experience, having an easter egg hunt on the playground that was right behind our first seminary apartment, attending the church where we were members and Stephen worked, and catching up with a lot of people from our time in New Orleans! It brought back a lot of memories and a few tears too!

This wasn't really part of the New Orleans experience, per say, but I wanted to include a picture of James with his Easter Basket on Easter morning. We found another great Little Einstein's playset at Big Lots back in AL (super discounted! because it had been on the shelf for so long, I'm sure. They don't make any Little Einstein's stuff anymore so I love anytime that I run across something.) and it thrilled James to no end! He says he's going to keep it "forever and ever!"
I also loved the chocolate fisherman bunny along with a chocolate fish and bobber that Stephen found for his basket (It was so perfect for our sea animal loving little boy!). 

Cousin Love!

We had the chance to travel down to New Orleans to spend Easter with Stephen's sister, Leah, and her family along with Stephen's parents. We were able to meet sweet baby Reagan at about the same age that we first met Jonathan and Samuel, and it was just really great to all be together. It also brought back so many memories being in New Orleans (the place that Stephen and I spent our first year of marriage) - it had been four years since we visited and five years since we lived there. The next several posts will be picture overload, because we took a bunch! James had so much fun with his cousins and it was so precious to watch them all playing together and loving on one another!