I think it's time for some bullets:

• Eric got a new teaching position he really wanted, but it means he'll have to go to Louisiana for two weeks worth of training.  I know two weeks is nothing compared to what spouses of deployed soldiers deal with, but I'm really dreading it.
• Maddie and I went to the "choo-choo" park with Rachel on Saturday.  We usually see a train or two, but this time I think we probably saw five or six.  I think seeing the trains is Maddie's favorite part of going to that particular park.  It's sweet that the conductors take time to wave at the kids as they go by.

• We set up Maddie's pool for the first time this year.  The water was freezing cold, but she didn't care.  In fact she thought it was great fun to try to drink it as it sprayed out.

• Eric and I went on a spontaneous date tonight to see What to Expect When You're Expecting.  I cried, I laughed, and I laughed until I cried.  That last one may have happened because of pregnancy hormones.  I thought the movie was pretty cute and Eric actually stayed awake 99% of the time.
• I've been feeling Baby T #2 moving around quite a bit in the last two days.  I love it!

A few days ago Eric decided we should take a quick vacation during his three day break before summer school begins, so this morning I booked a beach condo for us.  Here's our balcony view:

Where I plan to spend my time while Maddie naps.  :)

We went to Galveston last year, and even though I don't think Maddie really remembers what a beach is, she sure is excited about it.  Hopefully this time she won't want to eat sand. 

Other than spending time on the beach, our only plan is to visit the aquarium.  I asked Maddie if she wanted to go see fish and dolphins at an aquarium, she thought for a moment, and then said, "Sharks!"  Is it weird that her favorite sea animal is a shark?  The aquarium also happens to have recently opened a splash park that I think Maddie will love.

How fun is that?

Only two more weeks!

I think I officially felt Baby T #2 moving around early this morning while laying in bed.  It was the same "popcorn" sensation I felt with Maddie early on.  I can't wait for these little pops to turn into more distinct movements!

Thank you for the meal advice for my month long menu.  I think the two websites will be a big help; I just need to find some time to actually sit down and look at them without a toddler trying to climb into my lap.  :)

Although I've heard of it, I've never been to a Trader Joe's. Did you know there's not a single one in Texas? The TJ's website does show plans to open one in Austin next year, so maybe I'll get to visit one someday. 

Maddie's favorite song:



She calls it "Burger Cheese" and we listen to it nearly every time we are in the car. I've tried a number of times to videotape her singing it (because it's absolutely adorable), but she never wants to cooperate. The Veggie Tales video is kind of creepy though, isn't it?

I attempt to plan our menus a week in advance, but it never fails that I become totally overwhelmed.  Eric suggested that I come up with a menu for an entire month and then just use the same one every month.  I'm going to give it a shot, but 31 days worth of meals is a lot!

Will you help me out by sharing your family's favorite recipe(s)?

We started playing hide and seek with Maddie a few days ago.  She LOVES it!  Some things to know about Maddie's version of hide and seek:

1. You better hide fast.  She certainly doesn't give you until the count of ten to find a hiding place.
2. Accept the fact that you will likely not have the chance to be the seeker.  She can't contain herself, so as soon as she knows you are looking for her, she will come find you.
3. Expect to be told to hide in the "baff."  I hid in the bathtub one time and Maddie now thinks that is the best hiding place ever.
4. Be prepared to be licked in the face by Lucy.  She gets in on the game too and is usually the one who will show Maddie where to find you.