Monday was a nice slow start to the week.. We were home all day and made a couple of crafts. First was a thank-you card for our good friend Annika. We had dinner at Annika's house over the weekend…the kids dined on macaroni and cheese. So on her thank-you card…Annabelle glued macaroni noodles (painted orange of course!) onto a plate.

Next we worked on her "Big Sister" treats that she is going to hand out to friends after her baby brother is born (a kid version of the cigar!). That about took care of the day.

Tuesday was a special day at preschool. A traveling "zoo" came to visit! Annabelle saw everything from an armadillo to a chinchilla! The chinchilla and parrot were her favorites.  Annabelle said, "chinchilla's are the softest animals in the world!"

Wednesday was Annabelle's first day of "Big Kid" storytime at the library. You have to be 3 and a half to attend…and she has been waiting a long time! The big difference is that moms and dads do not stay in the room…the kids are in there by themselves with the storyteller (Joni). Annabelle's buddy Annika was there too…and the girls were quite excited to be on their own. Meanwhile…the moms are out in the corridor with tears in their eyes watching their little ones grow up too fast! That feeling quickly disappeared as I realized I had 40 minutes of library time to myself! Got some great books and movies…but still never made it out of the kiddie section!

After the library…we zoomed to the doctor's office. Time for mommy's 38 week check-up. Annabelle and I dined on a picnic lunch in the waiting room (oh joy!). Baby is fine…and making progress on his grand entrance. Mom is dilated to 1.5 cm…50% effaced (0 % last week!)…and baby is at +1 station. Doctor says all systems are go…it is just a matter of time!

Other big Wednesday news…our digital camera arrived. Daddy has been having fun with it all week. It even got us motivated to finally get our website out here!

Thursday…preschool again and grocery store for mom. Annabelle had fun playing outdoors with her friends….it was an outdoor play day at preschool. They are learning about the sports of the winter Olympics…hockey was the theme of the day! It was also a classmate's birthday…so they celebrated with chocolate everything…cupcakes, icing and milk! Annabelle was on a major sugar high the rest of the day.

Friday was fantastic as well. Friday is cleaning day…but we cut it short to have a play date at Annika's house. Another friend from church, Mason, was also there. Both mom and Annabelle had a wonderful time…playing and chatting with friends (both of us!)…eating a nice lunch together (imagine 4 preschoolers and 3 moms!)…icing and eating sugar cookies for dessert….then a quick Valentine heart-puppet craft to finish off the day. Then it was naptime for everyone!

Saturday…we've been indoors all day and it is heaven! Daddy and Annabelle are having a special day together while mommy does a bunch of housework! It really is a treat to have uninterrupted time to get a few things done. We will finish off our day with a fire and homemade pizza!

Next week:

• Baby to come?
• Lunchdate with Daddy on Friday (if mom's not in hospital!)