The Happenings at the Bender home

We've been up to a lot since our last post! I should have written everything down to update when I had the time or just updated right away! I can't remember much since August, but I'll try to fill you in on everything... At least what I can remember from the start of October!

My baby brother got married on October 9, 2010. His wife is such a sweet girl and we all adore her. The boys love their new Aunt Gigi. She is a great addition to our family and we love her!

We went Trick-or-Treating on October 30. Brady was the cutest Buzz Lightyear you ever saw... Complete with blow up wings! We wanted to keep with the Disney/space theme and borrowed a Stitch costume for Jackson. He had so much fun! They loved walking our street and knocking on doors. We even taught them to say "Trick or treat, smell my feet". We also celebrated my birthday. The big 3-1... I keep thinking that each birthday can't get any better and yet, it does. How does that work? I don't know...

There is something VERY special about our family picture this year... Can you tell? Can you see the difference? Did you know that there are 5 people in this picture?? THAT'S RIGHT!!! We are having a baby! After our last miscarriage in May, I had the feeling that we might be done having kids and I was okay with that. Well, lo and behold (shortly after my birthday), we found out that we were expecting again! What a miracle and a blessing! I've been put on progesterone to help sustain this pregnancy and it seems to be working. My hCG numbers were rising and doubling like they should and I've had ultrasounds at 6 weeks (we saw the heartbeat), 7 weeks (saw the heartbeat again), and today at 8 weeks (yes!! We saw the heartbeat again!). Our little bean keeps growing and getting bigger. What a relief to see this little babe grow and know that all is well. With our last pregnancy, we (mostly I) knew that it wasn't going to work out and even before (months before) we found out we were pregnant, I KNEW that this one would make it. We feel so blessed! I've mostly been feeling okay. Some nausea off and on, the awesome bloating (grrrrr...), and some other mild pregnancy complaints that I'm absolutely OK with since it means that there is a baby in there after all. I normally love being pregnant, but this first trimester is taking it's toll on me. It is definitely worth it though. We are due in July 2011 (wish me luck in the summer months...). Brady and Jackson are so excited and think that it's another brother coming our way. We'll be happy with either. We just want him/her to make it here healthy and safe. Now I'm sure that any of you who remember about Jackson's birth (NO epidural... He was almost born in the car!) are wondering if I'll be trying that again. I want to try it again without an epidural. I've done it before, I can do it again, right?? But if it comes to be too much, I have no problem getting an epidural.

November was pretty quiet and uneventful. Other than doctor appointments...

***EDIT: My little Jackson also had his second birthday. We celebrated as a family on his birthday and had cupcakes and did presents. We had and extended family party the following Sunday and had cupcakes again and icecream. He got spoiled with stuff this year. But don't worry, he's still sweet as ever!

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving at my parents house and that's when we told pretty much everyone in our families about our newest bundle of joy. Steve was also offered a promotion at work. It will be a great opportunity and we are SO proud of him! He works so hard so I can stay at home and raise our kids.

Now on to December. Not much has happened... yet. But all I have to say is BRING IT ON! We're ready to celebrate the holidays and are so excited to start a new year!

Happy Holidays to you all!