It's a boy!

We found out last week that we're having a boy! Jim and the girls and I all went in and saw the ultrasound together, and let me tell you, it truly was like watching a movie! He wasn't just lying there passively, like both girls did on their ultrasounds. He was movin' and a-shakin'! It even looked like he waved at us one time. It was so much fun watching him--and tonight, he's just as active. I swear, he's got the Boogie Fever in there!
I'm 22 weeks along, now. Of course, that's according to my midwife. If you go by what the ultrasound tech said, I'd be 23 weeks along. I can expect to have my baby anytime after Christmas. Now, I'd like to do it either on New Year's Eve, for Jim (he'd relish the tax break more than I would) or on New Year's Day, for myself (for one thing, if it was the first baby of the year, I'd get free stuff! and for another thing, New Year's Day is a Monday, and I just want to have a straight set of weekdays in the hospital... so nice!). However, everyone is telling me that NO DOCTOR will do a voluntary C-Section (which I'll be having) on a holiday! Fooey! So I've got to pick a day between December 26th and January 7th (my official due date). I do want to stear clear of January 5th, though, since that's Lindsay's birthday. Hmmmm...
We're so excited that it's a boy! I think maybe Lindsay was a bit disappointed for a moment or two, but she's come around. Jim's gotta be the most excited one of all. I mean, now we'll have a little boy to carry on the family name. (Not like he's the heir to the throne or anything, but I think it still means something.) I just hope he and I continue to grow healthy and strong as the next few months wear on. Will do my best to keep you all updated on MR. Lump! :)

Norfolk visit

After a nice sleep-over, it was time for more fun and games with the toys at Grandma's house. All that playing makes us hungry, so we had to go out for some delicious Ricardo's Mexican food with Uncle John, Devin, and Jim. Then, of course, right back to play-time! 

Fun with John & Kalista Rae

Once back in Nebraska, we had to make the required visit to Valentino's--for Uncle John's sake! Josie and Lindsay each took a turn trying on Casey's helmet for his scooter... They look like true biker chicks, don't they? After a week in Lincoln, John headed to Norfolk with Kalista, and we followed! The girls just love playing dress-up at Grandma's! 

More about Chicago

The girls were so excited to go to Chicago, but what made it most special for them was that all their cousins on the Tibbels side were going with us! It doesn't matter where we are, if the cousins are together, we're happy! One of my favorite things about our trip to Chicago was the tour-boat trip up and down the Chicago River... we even went out on Lake Michigan for a bit! The tour was very informative, and part of what made it cool was that it was the one thing we all did together as a family in Chicago! We also did a bit of site-seeing on our own, going into the Belmont area, where I hung out a lot during my younger days in Chicago; we also made a visit to the Buckingham Fountain, which is in Grant Park--across the street from our hotel! 

Trip to Chicago

We were so blessed to have the opportunity to travel to Chicago, via AmTrak, with all of Jim's family! We had the best time doing all kinds of fun thing--dining at the Walnut Room at Marshall Fields, walking to and from Giordano's Pizza, taking in the beautiful surroundings of our lovely hotel (Chicago Hilton Downtown). Jim even got to go to a Cub's game... and they WON!!! 

NJ Family Visit

We were all so excited for the part of this summer which brought my brother, his wife, and their daughter to see us! They came for the celebration of our parents' 40th Anniversary, and they stayed at our house for several days. It was their first trip back to Nebraska in over four years! In addition to the Anniversary party (which was quite a hit, if I do say so myself), we went out to eat a few times, we had a few trips to the swimming pool, plus a trip to the State Capital and Morrill (or Elephant) Hall. There were a few BBQ'ed meals, and a few made inside. We had a lot of fun catching up and watching all the girls interact as though it'd only been a few weeks since they'd seen each other, rather than a few years! Thanks for coming to see us, C, K & M!!!