January 2011

• Spent New Years Eve at Bridgetop with Mom & Dad Rassman
• Ella went sledding downhill for the first time (see video)
• Ella began Aquatic Physical Therapy (see video). She now received PT twice a week - once on 'land' and once in the water. She still is not jumping, running, or climbing stairs on her own, so that's why there's a continued need for PT.
  
• (24 weeks) Had prenatal appointment and measuring more like 27 weeks. I always measured small with Ella (hence she was 5# 5 oz). What does this mean for this baby? Fortunately, my glucose test was negative!
• (25 weeks) Feeling even more 'powerful' movements than before - much more powerful than I can remember with Ella. Although they can be gut-wrenching kicks sometimes, I love this part of pregnancy. Todd thinks it's totally weird...alien-like. From his point of view, that actually makes sense.
• Ella is 33 months or 2 years 9 months old!
  
• Up until now (for personal & medical reasons), I have continued to nurse Ella before bed just about each night. But in preparation for Baby #2, Todd and I began alternating the nights we put Ella down in December. As part of the preparation, January 30th was the last night I nursed Ella before putting her down. She really wasn't taking that much and it was becoming more of a habit than a need. Therefore, with a little pep talk beforehand she did just fine, which was just a sign that we were both ready. She has asked for some 'milk' here and there since, but I just tell her that we're saving it for the new baby and she seems to accept it.
  

Seventeen to Twenty-two Weeks Pregnant

• (17 weeks) Told the parents in my class (had to do it a month earlier this time as I couldn't 'hide' the belly anymore!)
• (20 weeks) Really starting to show (about 4-6 weeks earlier than I did with Ella)
• (21 weeks) Had a sonogram with a perinatologist - all looks VERY well!!!
• (21 weeks) Feeling more 'powerful' kicks
• Both Ella and Todd sick with the stomach bug - thankfully I did not get it!
  

Two Years Six Months Old & Thirteen to Sixteen Weeks Pregnant

• (13 weeks) Heard Baby Rassman's heartbeat
• (13 weeks) Feeling the need to hide my belly when in front of those who do not know
• (14 weeks) Beginning to feel 'fluttering' here and there
• Visited the preschool Ella will attend next fall. Ella was SO at home.
  

Eight to Twelve Weeks Pregnant

• 9/29 - First appointment with midwives (all appears fine so far)
• 10/4 - Told DJ & April (was waiting until they moved to Buffalo)
• 10/7 - First day beginning to feel 'well'
• 10/7 - Couldn't button pants
  

Oh boy...or girl...Baby Rassman #2 is on the way!

• 8/26 - Took pregnancy test and it was POSITIVE
• 9/1 - Told Mom & Dad Rassman
• 9/4 - Started feeling ill and VERY tired
• 9/5 - Told Mom & John
• 9/20 - Told Dad & Heather (had to wait for them to get back from CT)
• 9/21 - Officially eight weeks pregnant
  

Two Years Three Months Old

ELLA

• Participating in Music with Mar classes with Miss Katie
• Participating in Roly Poly classes
• Likes to sing ABCs; Twinkle, Twinkle; Wheels on the Bus; E-I-E-I-O; and Itsy Bitsy Stubble (Spider)
• Saying 4-5 word sentences
• Has on occasion counted to 8 on own

Twenty-Three Months Old

• Opening doors on own
• Climbing onto furniture on own
• Saying two-word sentences