It's a girl!

We had our sonogram yesterday morning to determine the baby's gender. It did not take the doctor long to tell this baby is a girl. We were very excited to see that all her measurements, heartbeat, etc. were healthy and right on track. Although we would love to add a boy to the McSpadden clan, we are very happy to have a healthy baby girl on the way. I grew up with the brother, so I don't know much about the sister thing. Everyone who grew up with a sister/sisters tells me it is great. I am very happy for Brooke to have a sister. I am also excited that we don't have to buy any new clothes or shoes for this baby. She will be born in the same season as Brooke so they can share clothes. Thanks to everyone for sharing in our excitement!!

Putting up the Christmas Tree

Keith and I debated if we should put up our Christmas tree this year. Brooke is into everything and is not the most gentle. We put up the tree after Thanksgiving while Ryan and Kelly were still visiting. They helped us contain her a little bit. Even with their help she still broke 2 ornaments. Later that weekend she drove her car into the tree repeatedly until it fell over. We had to move all the ornaments up out of her reach and we decided not to put on any lights that she could break or eat. Here is the result, a pathetic tree that is in danger of being destroyed each day.

Sharing a Graham Cracker

Brooke loves her daddy, that's for sure. He thought it was so cute that she would hold a graham cracker in her mouth and let him take it. He called it their Lady and the Tramp moment. They are very sweet together!

Thanksgiving

Keith and I were so excited to host Thanksgiving this year for the podiatry residents and their families that were in town. We had 12 adults and 4 kids for our meal. I was really impressed with the food that everyone made. I'm not just saying that because I'm pregnant and pretty much devoured all food in my path. We truly enjoyed all the food. Keith did not disappoint with his deep fried turkeys. They were delicious too. It was so cute to see Jacob watching so intently as Keith carved the turkeys with an electric knife. I don't think I've ever seen him stand still for so long. We enjoyed a great day of friends, food, and fun. Lots to be thankful for this year. Ryan and Kelly drove into Pittsburgh late Tuesday night and were able to stay until Saturday morning. We loved having them visit. They were a huge help with Brooke while Keith and I were cooking for Thanksgiving. Brooke was definitely not shy with her uncle Ryan and Aunt Kelly. I think she wore them out with playing and climbing all over them. We are excited to see them again for Christmas in just 3 weeks.

Brooke and her shades

Brooke takes after her momma in a lot of ways so I'm not one bit suprised to see how much she loves sunglasses. I happen to love sunglasses, even though people in Pittsburgh tell me I don't need them here. I still find myself wearing my sunglasses almost daily. Brooke's Grammy got her a pair of sunglasses last year and she loves them. She insists on wearing them in the house or if we are going bye bye. Here are a couple shots we took of her sporting the shades this month.

Resident wives hang out time

The 5 third year residents went to a national conference earlier this month in Florida. While they were living it up in Florida, we deicded to get all the kids together for quesadillas and tortilla soup. We had the best time. I can't remember when I have laughed so much. All the kids play so well together and Jess made the most delicious soup. We ended up staying at her house past bedtime so we deicded to give the kids a community bath. They loved it and we were so entertained. Christian has so much hair, it would stick up like a little Who child. Jacob was diving and swimming all over the tub and Brooke got a kick out of pouring water on everyone. On Friday Jess came over to learn how to make chinese food. I had been telling her how easy it was to do. We made a delicious dinner of kung pao chicken, potstickers, edemame, and fried rice. I'm confident she could make it again on her own. The kids enjoyed another night of playing together. Sadly Brooke and Jacob came down with a stomach bug the next day. Brooke was so kind to pass it onto me and then a couple days later Keith go it. We were so relieved to be a throw up free house after a full week of being sick.

Halloween at the Zoo

We took our little cow to the Pittsburgh Zoo for trick-or-treating. It was a brisk 39 degrees outside, so we didn't stay too long. We ran into our friends Lindsey and Pete at the zoo. Their little boy Christian was a cute monkey. I can't get over how the costumes are so different back east. When I was growing up in Arizona it was still hot on October. I remember trick or treating as a swimmer one year. I was glad that we had Brooke bundled up in her costume. She had a great time.

First snow

This post is a little out of order. We had our first snow in Pittsburgh the weekend before Halloween. It was pretty and short. Here are a couple pictures from our October snow storm.

We're having a baby, round two!

We recently made the announcment to everyone that we are expecting our second baby on May 6th. This pregnancy has been very different from the first time. I started feeling sick at 5 weeks and it lasted until about week 15. I am glad to finally be over that stage. I have also being eating like every day is Thanksgiving. Oddly enough, I haven't gained any weight, but I know it is coming. We heard the baby's heartbeat again on November 16. I was suprised to already take my diabetes test at that appointment. Thankfully I passsed, for now. I guess you can develop gestational diabetes at any time during a pregnancy. We also scheduled our sonogram for December 14th. We are hoping to find out the gender at that visit. We are very happy that the baby is healthy and growing fast. Brooke has no idea what is happening. She was fascinated watching me get my blood drawn. Maybe she has a medical career in her future. I do know that she will make a great big sister. She loves to play with other kids. Stay tuned for more details on baby number 2.

Keith on the cover

The podiatry residents at West Penn go to a national Podiatry conference each year in the spring. The flier came in the mail this month. There was a picture on the front cover from one of the labs during last year's conference in Florida. If you look closely, beyond all that blue garb you can see that it is Keith! He assures me that no one will notice but I thought it was pretty cool. He was on the front cover of a national podiatry publication. He is looking forward to their conference this year, hosted in San Antonio.

Playing with the dogs

Brooke loves Mason and Jackson. She asks for them as soon as she wakes up each day. Jackson lets her do anything to him but Mason is quite a bit afraid. Keith took a few pictures of her climbing into their chair to give them hugs.

Brooke's October Art

I look the preschool that Brooke attends on Tuesday/Thursday. They send home the cutest projects. Here is what came home for October!

Country girl

Brooke has a pair of cowboy boots from our friend Lindsey. I think she looks so cute and country when she wears them. I had to snap a couple pictures of her before church a couple weeks ago. She loves to wear her boots! Too bad she won't let me out a bow on her head.

Pumpkin Patch and Petting Zoo

We went to the pumpkin patch for our third and final year last month. I think the pumpkins were the best this year. We tried to get some pictures of Brooke in all the pumpkins but she is on the move. It is very difficult for her to sit still. She did enjoy the hay ride and walking through the pumpkin patch. Hands down her absolute favorite was the petting zoo. She was not one bit afraid. She kept chasing the sheep around saying Baaaaa.... At one point Keith had to pull her off of a goat's back. She was trying to ride him like a horse. She loved the little pigs too. The farm had a lot of different activities for kids, mostly for bigger kids. She did seem to like "milking the cow." Maybe we have a future Ag girl on our hands. The day was beautiful and we enjoyed our last outing to Reilly's farm.