...at 33 weeks. There is surprisingly little time left before the next Mighty Mighty Mahnken is due.

Sadly, this is the better of two pictures that we took, even though Adam caught me midsentence (can I get a count of 3?) Thankfully, November and December have a tendency to go by rather quickly, what with all the visiting guests and festivitites going on. That will probably make January all the drearier and I will die of bordom and anticipation just waiting for this baby!

On a totally different topic, my heart goes out to all those people affectected by all the terrible storms we've been having across the US - first in the Pac NW and now these ice storms in Missouri & Oklahoma, among other places. Ice really scares me. Here and today however,  it was an uncommonly warm 76 degrees, so of course, we headed to the park. I think, moreso than getting to play, my kids were most excited to not have to "bundle up" like I have been making them for the 40 degree days we were getting!

And on yet another totally differnt topic, Noelle and I spent some time together last night when she couldn't sleep. Here's the transcript of a conversation between us:

ME: Oh, Noelle-y you're getting so big. What am I supposed to do with a big girl like you?

NOELLE: Um, feed me dinner! ...On'y you, not Papa! 

ME, laughing: Papa makes good dinner too, doesn't he?

NOELLE: Him makes good white bread!

LOL. Papa has indeed been making "good white bread:" He is so talented and handy, and he just the other day added Sourdough bread to his repertoire. While the kids like the honey wheat he makes that we use as "everyday bread," his bagguettes and sourdough are "treats" to be coveted for sure.

Pretty much everything Noelle says makes me laugh - she is such a silly sweetie, and she IS getting big - I can't believe she'll be 4 soon - I still think of her as my 2 year old! Lately she has been going through a backwards phase - as in, not a day goes by that she doesn't put some article of shoe or clothing on backward. I don't know if this is because she is a lefty, or if it means she is dyslexic, or if she is just being almost-4. For now, it is more entertaining than harmful, so we will wait and see :)

And now, despite the frappachino that Adam made me earlier (told you he was handy), I am getting tired, and it looks like neither Steph, Sarah, or Cass will be getting the emails I intended to write tonight. Sigh. Another night perhaps ladies. Goodnight!

Posted by Anonymous

hey veronica,

can't believe baby #4 is due right around the corner. i really really thought it was yesterday that you said you were 3 months pregnant.

wow.

sage is 4.5 months now. i can't believe it. she can sit up wobbly, grab stuff, and blow bubbles. she's so much fun now and so chubby.

let's chat sometime!

Posted by laura

You look so cute! A lot smaller than I was at that point with my first son...not quite sure how I'll be this time around :)

I bet you're so excited!!!
-Laura
(former babysitter of Renee's!)
oraeley.com