Sweating bullets already...

May 15 in Las Vegas and it feels like summer is really upon us.  I keep telling Chris that I'm not sure how I'm going to make it this summer.  The heat is already pretty much unbearable to me (unless we're in the pool) and we haven't even hit 100 yet.  I'm in trouble and so is our electricity bill.

Speaking of pool, we have been swimming quite a bit already.  Abuelita found some really great toys for Siege to play with while he's swimming at her house and every time we head over there he runs strait for the pool.  He seems to have gotten his fear of cold water from daddy though.  While other toddlers that we have our play dates with dive right in, it definitely takes Siege a little longer to adjust and start having fun.  I'm going to get him a new floaty for the pool today and see what he thinks of it.  

I am absolutely loving Siege's new independent stage.  He can actually entertain himself for a while now. He loves his ipad, the backyard, his giant leggos, tools, and marble track.

Lately he's really started to love  his books.  I've always read him stories before nap time and bed time, but recently he's gotten picky and wants to read only certain ones.  His favorite story is, "I'm a big brother" and he's constantly signing "more" each time I finish it.  I'm hoping his love of books and stories continues.  It would be really great to have a little reader.

In other news, we have finally gotten rid of the pacifier.  Hallelujah!  It was one really tough day and a few nights of having to put him back in his bed, but besides that it wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be.  I love NOT having to bring a binkie with me everywhere I go.  The next big task will be moving rooms and transitioning from his crib to a toddler bed.

The older and more independent that Siege gets the more I find myself feeling like I can handle a little more on my plate.  Come September I'm adding quite a bit to my plate, because not only will I be having a brand new baby (that I'm hoping will be a perfect little angel), but I've also committed to a bible study group that will be once a week and I've taken on a leadership position with my MOPS group that I love so much.  I'm going to be in charge of putting together the curriculum for the little ones that attend childcare while their mommy's attend the meetings.  Joining MOPS is really one of the biggest reasons why I enjoy staying at home with Siege so much.  I've met so many great women and formed so many new friendships.  It gives me an outlet to vent my frustrations and an opportunity to learn a ton about motherhood.  I'm really looking forward to the following school year and becoming part of the MOPS leadership team.

Baby Gifford (in the belly) is kicking away at this point.  I've forgotten what a great feeling that is and how much more real it makes pregnancy.

My sister in law graduated from law school this past weekend.  The ceremony was beautiful and it was such a proud moment for all of us.  It's really been inspirational to watch her journey from a first year law student to graduating with honors.  She is definitely one of the most hard working/driven people I have ever known.

Before our big trip to Wyoming this July we've got a few little trips planned with friends.  We are taking Siege camping for a few days in June and we're taking a quick trip to Utah soon.  Lots to look forward to!

P.S. I've been really bad about taking pictures lately. This month I'm going to do much better! This is Siege figuring out he can take his own picture using the iPad.