We had our "fetal growth" ultrasound of Anna's new little sister today, and she looks great! They said everything looks healthy (and she's still a girl, so no repainting the nursery for us...ha!) From the ultrasound, she actually looks a lot like Anna did at this stage...maybe they'll favor each other!
They did say that she's measuring larger than they expected at this stage (by a few weeks), so they're thinking she'll come earlier than originally expected. My original due date was April 21st (has moved a few days earlier over the course of the pregnancy), but now they're saying she's measuring as though her due date would be April 4th. Whoa. While I'm generally not wild about inductions, my doctor said today that if she's not here by April 10th then he'll want to induce me to up the odds that I could have her naturally without a C-section. Lower chance of C-section? Sign me up for that induction! Hopefully she'll make her debut before April 10th, but if not, that's probably the day!
I of course am a bit apprehensive about "why is she so big??", but the ultrasound tech and doctor were both very comforting that its very normal and nothing to worry about it. They apparently did not get the memo that it is my job to worry. Constantly.
I'm sure Anna will be excited about her new sister arriving a bit early (that is, til she gets her and Anna realizes that this new baby thing is maybe not quite as exciting as she's gotten into her head that its going to be!) Anna's been really cute recently...wanting to buy gifts for the baby, and talking about when her sister gets "bigger and bigger...and she can take a bath with me...and when she's even bigger she can sleep in my big girl bed with me..." and on and on. She's going to be an amazing big sister...
...the mice will play! Daddy had to go to Denver for work for a few days this week, so Anna and I were on our own. We took full advantage of the opportunity to break all of the rules--of nutrition (one day did actually consist of donuts for breakfast and McDonald's for lunch--what?!?), personal hygiene (who needs a bath?), and bedtime routines (we had a "slumber party" in Anna's bed one night). While we missed Daddy immensely, we did have a good time! 
She also enjoyed a little reading (and snuggle) time with her friend, Zachary, who went with us (with his mom, my friend Rynee). 
It seemed like a little harmless toddler snuggle time until the shot above. I'm not sure how I feel about Anna sharing a small chair with a boy who's drumming his fingers, licking his lips, and looking mischevious...hands off my daughter!!
Happy Valentine's Day! Anna shared the love with one of her most favorite people, her teacher Ms. Monica, at yesterday's Valentine's party at school. Anna was awfully excited that she and Ms. Monica had on matching shirts...she pretty much thinks Monica hung the moon! (To put it in perspective, her prayers before dinner recently have been "Thank you for this food....and for Ms. Monica"...at least we know she's happy at school!)
Anna went on her first school field trip this past Thursday, and had an absolute blast! They've been studying penguins in school all month, so went to the Aquarium at Moody Gardens to check out some macaroni and king penguins (among others!) for themselves. While the kids loved all the things they saw at Moody, they were just ecstatic about the penguins, and were giddy when the penguins swam up to them. Above, Anna's getting some face time with a macaroni penguin with her friends Ava and Kara.
Almost as tall as a King penguin (but he's still got about 10 lbs on her...)!
