There’s a lot going on this week, but the weather was a bit less hot and my sister had given us a coupon for the zoo, so we finally went. The fresh air and exercise was good for all of us, and the kids were fascinated to see all these animals in person. I took a ton of pictures, so you may see some random animal photos popping up over the next couple of weeks.
Also, at my ultrasound yesterday, the baby measured 8lbs. I still have three weeks to go. I’m thinking in a week or so I should start a regimen of long walks and spicy food to see if we can get things going a little early. 
At the zoo:
Sam loved watching the elephant throw dirt on himself.
Maggie found an animal she could feed.
“Critter Encounters,” a little petting zoo area:
“Heehee!! I touched his ear!”
Maggie slept through part of the reptile/amphibian exhibit.
Family photo. Yeah, well… at least we tried. 
The frog is thinking: Hmmm. I wonder how those fingers would taste. Just a little closer…
I’m less than 4 weeks from my due date now and my brain has kicked into nesting mode. I need to wash his clothes, get a tour of our new hospital, set up his bassinet, and do some general rearranging of things around the house that will make those first weary weeks a little easier on us. And his name. We still don’t have his name. There are lots of nice names out there, but none of them feels right yet. With both the other kids there was sort of a “Yeah! That’s it!” moment. So far, we haven’t had that.
I’ve complained about being pregnant in this heat, and it is massively energy-sapping. But today I thought of one of the great things about having a summer baby. Easy meals. Nobody really feels like having a big hot, hearty meal in 95 degree weather. Our favorite lunch is currently block cheese, salad, fruit, and bread dipped in olive oil. The whole family loves it (Sam is a big fan of olive oil dipping) and it doesn’t require much preparation or the use of a single heating element. Plus it’s healthy, so I don’t have to feel guilty for not knocking myself out in the kitchen. Somehow, though, my utensils still end up bent, broken and burnt.
In other news, Sam has a major crush on his car (he is after all, a boy). He decided at some point that she was a girl, and he talks about her constantly. “Can I go play with Cozy Coupe?” (Yes, he calls her by her full name). “Cozy Coupe is my friend. I love her. She has rosy cheeks. Can I give her a hug, Mommy?” It’s understandable, though. She is a pretty sweet little character.
Rope and burlap? What’s your guess?
Happy Father’s Day to our wonderful fathers!
…and to the sweet father of the crazy little people living in this house.
Daddy and Sam were playing with their food the other day. At least it was educational.
