February 2011

• We finished Ella's big girl room. For furniture we're using the top bunk bed frame from the bed Alysia & I grew up with as well as the matching dresser. The top bunk is great because it's about a foot off the ground and has a rail too. Papa fixed up the dresser so the drawers are secure. Yia-Yia found some cute bedding for us to use. Daddy and Grandpa installed the new curtain rod and bright pink curtains (to match her bedding). Grandma picked up our NaturaKids mattress (made from all natural-based foam and made in Canada) we ordered from Advanced Furniture.
• (2/20 - 2 Years 10 Months) Ella officially transitioned to a big girl bed in her new big girl bedroom. She's doing GREAT! (see picture)
  
• Ella's first dental appointment - NO cavities! However, couldn't get a picture since she wanted me to snuggle in the dental chair with her.
  
• Ella is 34 months or 2 years 10 months old!
  
• Closet systems installed in both children's rooms.
• Window treatments installed in both children's rooms, playroom, and dining room.
• Ella had all her CPSE (Committee on Special Education) evaluations to see if she will qualify for continued PT through our school district.
  

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