It's been too long....

I know, I know...it has been a crazy crazy long time. I think my last post was in February....yes, I do realize that was almost five months ago but hey, life has been quite busy in the Leach house. I finished up my Masters ( YAY!) and finally have that important piece of paper in my hands. JJ has been working hard at work but also having to become a "Mr. Mom" in sorts because I was working all day everyday. He did a great job at it but is happy to have me back in the "Mom" position ( as am I). Jack has been growing and growing and growing. He is officially a walking machine and is trying to conquer the run. He loves having more independence and being able to catch up with mommy and daddy more quickly now. He is almost 20 months old ( YIKES!!!!) and is weighing in at about 27 pounds and 35 inches long-- tall and skinny just like his daddy! His favorite things to do these days is torture Abby with kisses and hugs, playing outside at his water table and with bubbles, and climbing up and down, up and down, up and down the stairs. He has definitely transitioned into a little boy and is no longer a baby anymore which makes me a little emotional to think about.
The baby is doing well. We've had a few scares with some kidney issues with the new baby but have been told that it's not truly a big deal and it can easily be fixed ( if it needs to be fixed) when they are out of utero. So although we have been told not to worry, I of course, am still worrying about it-- I'm a mom, it's my job. Other than that, this baby boy is growing fast and strong. He is already weighing in at about 4 1/2 pounds ( I'm 31 weeks pregnant) and is in about the 95th percentile for his weight. They have already let me know that they will not let me go full term ( 40 weeks) because he is going to be a 10 pounder probably. If I have not naturally gone into labor at 37 or 38 weeks, they will take him at 39 weeks by c-section. Although I really wanted to try for a VBAC ( vaginal birth after Cesarean), I realize that my body probably will not be able to push out a 10 pounder since I couldn't push out a 7 pounder. So I'm leaving that all up to the doctors. So far, ( knock on wood), my blood pressure has been fine. Although, the closer I get to 33 weeks ( that was when I had to go on bed rest with Jack), the more nervous I get about it. I can't be on bed rest people, I have a 20 month old ( and a husband!) to run after!! We have been praying a lot and just hoping that this pregnancy will be different and I will be able to be off bed rest and have a normal end of pregnancy.
As for baby preparation, we are moving Jack into the extra bedroom and giving him a "big boy" room. Right now, Jack is at Grandma's house until tomorrow so JJ and I could work on the room without interruption. The room is cleared out and the crib is set up! I am excited to give Jack a big boy room and I know he is going to love it. Once the room is done, I will post some pictures of it. We have been trying to prepare Jack for the arrival of his baby brother because realistically, its probably less than two months away. He knows that there is a baby in mommy's belly and he is always excited to give the baby some of his kisses. I think he is going to be a great big brother and also a huge help to me. Jack listens SO well and is extremely well behaved. We rarely have to say "no" to him twice. I'm blessed to have such an easy, laid-back little boy-- I am praying the next one will be as easy as Jack.
We go to the beach on Saturday and I am PRAYING that jack does not eat the sand this time around. I'm so excited to see how he does on the beach-- I know he is going to love it and never want to go inside. I will post pictures of the beach when we get back.
I have to admit, I have not been GREAT with my camera. We have just been so busy with life that the camera kindof gets left at home a lot. But don't worry, I do have some pictures to share
with you!!