The Russo's

Gianna's room is almost done. The last piece is her dresser. We bought an antique dresser that we would repaint. It turns out it needs to be stripped first, so I'm waiting on Josh to do it. Here are pictures of what I have so far. On Thursday, I had my 36 week check. I'm dilated a fingertip and starting to thin. I wasn't expecting to have any progress yet, so I was happy. I'm still having contractions, so we will see this week if there is anymore progress. I'm also having an ultrasound this week to check on our little girl's growth.

It's still hot outside, but it's also been raining a lot. We have been seeking indoor activities to do. One day we went to the library for a program called Zoo Zoom. They take animals that are injured or that people couldn't take care of. The kids got to get an up close look at some of the animals and pet them. Hudson only wanted to touch a few, but he really enjoyed seeing them. Josh and I took him to see Cars 2. It was his third movie to see at the theater. He did really well because we brought his car seat and buckled him in. He also had snacks to keep him busy. We took a trip with the Russo's to the aquarium in New Orleans last Saturday. It was very crowded and I didn't get many great pictures. I guess everyone was looking for an inside activity. Hudson was excited to see the animals and had a great time. Jen and Nash were in town for a few days and stayed with us, so Hudson had a lot of company. Him and Nash played pretty well together and Hudson was looking f...

We went to Orange Beach, AL for a 4 day trip with my family. Dillon and Jen were able to come, so it was the whole gang. The last time we all took a trip together was 5 years ago. The pools were perfect for kids with shallow pools and lagoon type pools. Hudson did so well with his floaties and was swimming in deeper water with them by the end of the trip. He got brave and was jumping off the side. It was the first trip with all the grand kids together. My side is growing, we will have 6 by the end of the year with Gianna and Jen's baby. Vacations are all about the kids now and they had a great time and got along good. Last summer we went to the beach twice and Hudson did not like the sand at all. I'm so glad to report that he liked playing in the sand with the girls and it didn't bother him. It was Nash's first beach trip and he liked it a lot. I wish we could have spent more time with my family, but I'm glad to be home. I was worn out with the preparation, packing ...

It was a busy weekend with a few different celebrations. We got to relax some on Sunday, but Josh didn't have any special requests for Father's Day. Hudson gave Josh a Jeep cap and he had to put on a hat for the picture. Emerie had her 3rd birthday party at Bouncing Tigers. Hudson had a great time and didn't want to stop jumping. He worked up a sweat and took a good nap that afternoon. I went to the doctor today and we were able to do a 4D sonogram. Gianna was very cooperative and we got some good pictures of her. This is a foot. It looks long and slender. Her fingers also looked long and thin, but no picture. Her cheeks looked chubby and her bottom lip pouty.She may look nothing like this when she comes out, but it was fun to get an idea. They say their noses look wide in 4D, so that makes me feel better. This is Hudson at 28 weeks in 3D. My glucose was fine from the last appointment. I'm moving right along at 31 weeks, in the single digits for weeks left!

I'm in my third trimester now. I wish I was a little further because it's so HOT!! Oh well, it's fun seeing Gianna kick, move and roll. This little girl is packing some pretty powerful punches. She is way more active than Hudson and her moves are harder. I went to the doctor today and it was a good appointment. I'm doing good and so is little Miss G. I did the glucose test and start going every 2 weeks now. We got a quick peek at her. They said she is 3.5 pounds and on track. She is already head down. I might get to do a 3D sonogram next time. I'm looking forward to see who she looks like.

It sure does feel like summer now with the high temps we are having. It's hard to keep Hudson inside all the time, but the heat doesn't bother him. He helped Daddy over the weekend with some outside chores. He has been swimming a lot to keep cool. We took him to celebration station for the first time where he played games, rides and golf. It's fun to see him get excited about doing all the activities. Little Miss Gianna is a mover! She is more active than Hudson was in the womb. He felt her move for the first time and realized it. He was surprised when it happened. I was surprised he stayed long enough to feel her. Other people are getting to feel her and see her move now that she is so active. I go to the doctor on the 7th for a check up and to do the glucose test. I'm hoping to do a sonogram and see how she is growing. My back is feeling her growth. I went to the chiropractor today to see if that will help.

Hudson had his 2 year check up last week. He weighs 30 pounds and is 35 inches tall. He is in the 75th percentile for both. He was very afraid of the doctor and didn't want any part in the exam. Dr. Wood said kids start liking him at 3, so it was normal behavior for his age. He checked out perfectly and is a healthy boy. Hudson is showing signs of readiness for potty training, so the plan is to start soon. I had a good mother's day weekend. I spent Saturday with my mom and Jamie. On Sunday, both of our families came over for a barbeque. I've been so blessed to be a mom to Hudson and looking forward to a double blessing when the baby comes. Speaking of the baby, she finally has a name. We will be welcoming Gianna Ella Russo in August!! Gianna is a variation of Jean after my late maternal grandmother, which is my own namesake. Ella is after Josh's maternal grandmother. Little Gianna has taken a growth spurt in the last week or so. I'm really feeling pregnant now. I fe...