32 weeks

Elyse is over the moon for her baby brother. She kisses him when she wakes up in the morning, before I leave her at daycare, when being picked up from daycare, before bedtime, and several times in between. She is just so sincere and seems to really understand that there is a real live baby growing in there. She also has much more patience than I ever expected she would just waiting until February for him to come. She does keep asking if today is February, but she hasn't given up hope.
He is a mover and seems to be taking up the entire space that he is being allowed. Some times I grab at my ribs as he's kicking those and end up squeezing my bladder at the same time hoping not to pee my pants as he pushes down there too. He's really good at stretching out I guess! We go in on Wednesday to check on measurements and all that good stuff.
We are very excited for Christmas. It's hard not to be when you see the twinkle and excitement in Elyse's eyes! We love spending time with family, having time off from school, and this year, getting ready for Micah! I hope to have his room finished, a trip to Target for necessary baby supplies, infant car seat ready, and a hospital bag packed before the end of our break.
We've been doing lots of extra praying lately for Ross' grandpa, Grandpa Bob. He's been in the ICU for over two weeks with what started as a bad case of pneumonia. He's nearing the end and so we've been praying for a peaceful departure from his Earthly body. We have lots of wonderful memories of Grandpa Bob and Elyse has always enjoyed his sense of humor. She enjoys playing hide-n-seek with his cane and when he fills her piggy bank with unique coins. Ross has been able to spend a lot of time with him in the last two weeks, and Elyse and I have also been able to visit him, squeeze his hand, and whisper in his ear. It's a learning experience for all of us.
And to all of those who lost their babies, families members, and friends this past week in the CT school shooting, we are so sorry and sad. We pray that God carries you through this time because really, I can't imagine getting through it any other way. I hope that in this tragedy we can all learn a little more about being the change we wish to see in the world.