A few more photos and April updates

Things are going well for our little family. Ben is chugging along on his final paper and plans to have his Master's finished this fall. He was hoping to complete it yet this spring, but got promoted to Supervisor at work, so he's been busier than expected. I think he's itching to start mowing season already. He really enjoys getting out in the fresh air. He has been taking Colt out for lots of walks and is spending as much time as possible outside between after work and dark.

Maddie is doing well, still working hard in school and wading through teenage angst. We got an Xbox 360 so she and Ben have been playing Halo 3 when they get spare time. I think she's itching to have some garden booty as bad as I am. Harvest time is still so far away, but at least we are done with winter. She seems to have a natural green thumb, which I think is a blessing in life. She got highlights in her hair for her birthday and is still pleased with them. It was her best friend's birthday sleepover this past weekend as well, so she got to hang out and go swimming with a gaggle of crazy teenage girls. She and her friend from Mankato are still very close and keep in contact. I'm impressed with how well they maintain their relationship. I know adults that stop working in the same cubicle that can't manage to stay in touch (I admit to being guilty of that very crime). I'm glad that both Maddie and Jessica (her friend) have the maturity to value their friendship and realize that it takes work to remain close. She is looking forward to summer break, but I am concerned she is going to get bored. I guess since the baby will be coming not too long after school lets out things shouldn't be too boring here right away anyway.

Reese is growing at an incredible rate. He seemed to learn to talk in just a week or two. He is now fully capable of sharing his every opinion with you all the time. Yes, it's as fun as it sounds sometimes. A lot of sarcasm there. But seriously, it's fun to be wowed by him on a daily basis right now. He apparently understands a lot more than we realize, and surprises us with his comments and responses. It is nice to be able to get an answer when I need to know what he wants to drink, and though he doesn't speak very clearly yet, it's nice to have a better shot at finding out the source of a meltdown.

Things are still going well with baby and I. I am grateful for such an uneventful pregnancy this time and really enjoy that I have been able to remain so active. I actually went to the Mall of America with a friend this past Friday and did about seven hours of walking. It's reassuring to know I'm in good enough shape with this baby to do that and have nothing more than sore feet when it's all said and done. I'm just over 30 weeks along now, so the end is in sight. Even though this pregnancy has been an easy one, we are still very anxious to meet our new family member (and to find out if the kids are getting a baby brother or sister).

I have uploaded a few photos here. Have a nice shot of Maddie playing with baby toys. It was so nice and warm earlier today that my son insisted on being "nude". Our version of letting him go nude still includes a diaper - can anyone fault me for that? One day I let him run around in his diaper like that, and when I looked over at him there he stood, diaper in hand and shocked look on his face. Those are the moments when you look at your child and just can't help but laugh. They give us those moments as a thank for you for all the tantrums and headaches they put us through.

He really enjoys stomping on the rocks in the landscaping around the house. He was able to practice this craft after lunch today. As you can see, we shaved most of his hair off this weekend too. He didn't like it at all, but it had to be done. I was ready to buy stock in the baby shampoo company.

That's pretty much all I know right now. Enjoy the warm weather and take care everyone!