Post-Hebrew Relaxation

Josh just finished his summer Hebrew course this past Friday, and we could not be more thrilled. I think this is my favorite break that Josh has had since coming to seminary because he worked so hard during Hebrew. I'm SOOOO glad that at least for now neither of us has to look at those annoying little notecards (Josh to study, me to sneer at on the kitchen table), we don't have to feel pressure for him to study when we'd rather do something fun with Howie, and we have complete freedom to just enjoy being together before Baby Bowie arrives.

I'm officially at 37 weeks and 2 days, so I'm not thinking that I'll deliver any time in the next few days- I'm almost positive I'll be late like I was with Howie- but our thoughts are moving that way. Bowie's car seat is already installed in the car so Howie could get comfortable with a fellow passenger seat back there with him, complete with his baby doll Bojangle (please know that JOSH named the baby Bojangle, not me), or Bojo as Howie calls her from time to time. Bojo is acting as a placeholder until Bowie arrives to occupy his/her car seat, which looks a little weird, but is hopefully helping Howie come to terms with the fact that his life will be turned upside down in a few short weeks. It's hard to know how much he understands, but we're praying that this will be a good transition for him and we'll all know how to help him adjust to his new role as big brother. Josh and I are both thinking that he'll adore his new brother or sister once he gets used to not being the only one, but the transition may be a bit rocky for him, as it will probably be for all of us.

But for now, here are some pics of what we've been doing with our free time!!

Eating peanut butter and banana sandwiches while barely able to see over the table

Playing trains like it's going out of style

Eating watermelon constantly, and I really mean that

Playing in the crabby sandbox, regardless of the humidity level

Reading endless rounds of books, often the same one repeated 3 or 4 times in a row

Getting another big old haircut! Josh talked me into an even closer buzz than last time, but I guess it will grow out fast. It's good for the heat.

Just To Whet Your Appetite

Football season is almost here, Friends! Here's a post dedicated to our favorite face in the NFL.

Um, Howie, That's Slightly Unorthodox

Howie's 2nd Birthday, and Wow, I'm Really Behind

Hey Friends! It's pathetic, really, how long it's been since I've blogged. This has been a very full and busy summer. Basically, the biggest updates are that Hebrew stops owning Josh's life this coming Friday (can I please get a hallelujah, people??), and we have a baby due in 29 days!! Please notice the complete lack of belly shots during this pregnancy versus when Howie in utero pictures. Pregnancy 2.0 is just a different beast... Howie is as busy as you can imagine, so the camera does not come out very often unfortunately. I'll do my best to post some updated pics for your viewing pleasure. Much has happened since my last post, so buckle your seatbelts. We're going to kick it off with pics from Howie's birthday party/July 4th cookout that we hosted at our apartment last month! It was a blast with lots of family members!!

Howie's no fool... digging into the birthday cake



How cute is Pax??

Two sleepy cousins, having a nap slumber party

Josh getting some little baby-holding practice on Pax

Typical Poppy pose post-lunch

A remote-controlled backhoe? Is there anything cooler??

Nana and Howie with a mouthful of hamburger

Howie's Car Finds a Home In Josh's Curls

Visit with Grandma

My mom came yesterday to visit Howie and me for the day (remember that Josh is currently in intense battle with the Hebrew language... read on below... some days Josh wins, some days Hebrew wins)! It was so much fun to see her! We went to Chick Fil A in the West County Mall, which is always a hit. Howie managed to see the giant cow that works for Chick Fil A, and while impressed from afar, when the cow came up to him and tried to give him a hug Howie was offended by the intrusion into his personal space and started to cry. When the cow backed off Howie managed to wave him goodbye. It was lots of fun!!

How Howie Is Spending His Summer

Howie's Nana and Bible Bill got us a membership to the Magic House for Howie's 2nd birthday! It's already been so much fun- we have really enjoyed exploring! Here's Howie checking out a real-life bulldozer.

Mom, please hug these bunnies very tight

MUST HUG YELLOW BUNNY

Although this would be humanly impossible for most dads, Josh managed to squeeze through a crawlspace designed for children ages 1-6... yes, seminary is building up his brain but not fattening up the body

Our neighbors Sharon, Matt, Maggie, and Abraham have been kind enough to share their pool with us to beat the St Louis heat! It's been a big hit!!

Reading with our neighbor friends... PD and Kelly came over for brunch one Saturday and Howie hijacked PD for some book reading

Playing with Mya's water table- what's more fun than that??

How Howie chooses to spend many a moment- driving matchbox cars on all the furniture