my favorite shot from the ice skating adventure

Ice Skating at Crown Center

We had a wonderful time last night taking Bekah ice skating for her first time.  Her little skates were precious.  She was so excited.  Walking to the ice in her skates was like most things in her life-she booked it with confidence and we had to stop her from climbing on things in her blades! Curtis was a great teacher and Daddy (the first time she almost fell, she exclaimed, "I was about to fall but you caught me!") and she did great.  I took lots of pictures.  We had dinner at Panera Bread afterwards and it was just a lovely family time for the 3 of us.  Next year at this time, we'll almost have a one year old! 

Funny conversation between Bekah and Curtis

While I was sleeping...

Bek:  I want my Mama.
Curtis: Who's "my Mama"?  I don't know who that is. 
Bek:  You know, the one who cooks a lot in the kitchen?
Curtis:  Hmmm, "my Mama", I still don't know who you mean. 
Bek:  You know, she has long, black hair? 
Curtis:  I'm still not sure...
Bek:  You know, she cooks with the microwave and I help her sometimes?
Curtis:  I'm not sure who you mean...
Bek: You know, she does lots of laundry? 
Curtis:  Nope, I'm still not sure who this "my Mama" is that you're talking about. 
Bek:  You'll remember who she is when she wakes up. 

Oh Bek. 

leaving on a jet plane

Beks daily piles her doll and food on the rocking chair and tells us she's on her plane going on a trip.  Usually it's to Africa, often to visit cousin Kate.  She is always so excited to announce that she's home and gives us such warm hugs, you'd think she'd really been to Africa. 



She got these building blocks for Christmas (thanks Nana and Grandad!), and we built this together yesterday. 





Rebekah's Christmas outfit.  I can't handle the velvet coat! Thankfully it hasn't been too cold, and she could wear it alone. 




I'm sorry, but how delicious does this sweet petal look?  I'm trying so hard to carry on this Stump family Christmas tradition, but unfortunately I appreciate it much more than my family.  Bekah had one bite (seriously) and Curtis really enjoyed 2 pieces...the baby and I ate the rest.  It was divine, but maybe next year I'll have to skip it.  Probably not good for me to eat alone again! :) 



My poor pregnant feet.  Christmas Eve the baby sat on my sciatic and I could hardly walk.  I literally shuffled slowly like a crippled person.  Had to do a bit of crawling to the bathroom in the night.  Oh my.  Hopefully she'll stay off my nerve for the next 4 weeks so I can take care of my family...if not, I'll just be thankful Curtis is out of class!

budding artist and sick girl

Bekah has begun drawing faces!  It's really the cutest thing and we are quite proud. :)  The picture below is her drawing of herself.  She drew a bow on her head.  So funny! 

After throwing up again last night (and the night before, but not in between-weird), this morning Bekah woke up hot and lethargic.  Curtis told her he was sorry she was feeling sick.  She replied, "It's ok Dad, I'll get better soon."  Oh, sweet girl.  She's been watching a steady stream of Dora, Diego, Veggie Tales, and Madeline.  She's feeling a lot better as the morning wears on, but we're laying low.  In the picture with her is her new doll, whom she has named, "Judy", but sometimes switches to "Gisele" after the girl in one of her favorite Madeline episodes. :)

PS-we're 33 weeks today.  7 more to go!!! 

Early Christmas with Pops and Mimi

My Mom and Dad came to celebrate an early Christmas with us.  I'm so thankful that they can visit often. 

This sweet little dress is from Auntie Ang and Uncle Dan.

I love this.  Bekah wanted a front pack for her doll.  She saw it in an American Girl catalog.  My parents found this doll that came with a front pack, a diaper bag, a moses basket, etc.  She loves it and it's perfect timing for her to have when we have our new baby on the way.