Bye, bye office!

Today was my first day off from work. Of course, I was hoping to be holding my newborn baby at this point, but she's decided to miss her deadline and come a little late. Instead, I'm spending quality time with the boys and my mom.
Last week, Brendan attended Kindergarten roundup at Gallimore Elementary. It's a short walk from our house. He was so grown-up and cute as he went into the classroom for playtime while Ken and I attended a session in the gym. He had to draw a self-portrait, make his own nametag, then happily played with Legos.

Brendan stands in front of the Kindergarten roundup table last week. He's very excited to start his new school, but it's a little hard for us to explain that we're still months away! He'll forget once summer arrives!


We had a wonderful weekend with summer-like weather. We spent most of Saturday and Sunday outside playing. Ken even mowed the grass and bought a new grill, an early Father's Day gift for him. (We can't live without a grill, and ours was in no shape to get us through until June.) The boys are having a blast with Grammy.

Ryan and Grammy walk through Kellogg Park in downtown Plymouth on Sunday. Now that Grammy understands most of Ryan's growing vocabulary, they have become fast friends.

Brendan and Ryan created a house out of the grill box Sunday afternoon. We "painted" it with chalk on the outside, and Brendan added some one-of-a-kind artwork inside.

This morning we ventured to the park, where Brendan rolled down the hill a half-dozen times and Ryan found a slide he was quite content to go down over and over.

The boys chase one another in the greenspace behind our house. After a weekend of warm weather and sunshine, the grass is much greener and everything is beginning to bloom. Let's just hope the cold weather stays away for good!

Me, exactly 40 weeks pregnant. My mom and I ran various errands Saturday, and I can't tell you how many people insisted I was having a boy. (Yes, I looked exactly the same way with both boys!)

Grammy's here ... let's go!

My mom arrived in Detroit this morning, so it's officially time for the baby to arrive. No more stalling! We are as ready as we can possibly be, with bags packed, the car seat installed, and her room all set. Now we also have our full-time sitter in place, so no scrambling to find someone to watch the boys.

Of course, selfishly, I'd prefer she arrive before her due date. Maternity clothes don't keep stretching forever! And I'm really looking forward to meeting her. As my dad said Saturday, "Let the baby watch begin."

Farewell party

Today Brendan celebrated his last day at KidSpace, his day care and preschool since he was 7 months old. Many of his teachers cried as they said goodbye, as many have known him since he was that little bald-headed, fair-skinned, sensitive infant.

Whether Ryan returns to KidSpace is still undecided. We have many factors to consider, but if he is to attend day care in downtown Detroit near my office, then he'll definitely return to KidSpace.

On the way into school, Brendan counted the steps on "Grandma Buck" stairs, which remind Ken of the stairs in his grandmother's old apartment building. We also saw Ms. Melissa, who was Brendan's infant caregiver and still showers him with love and special treats.

We had a party in Ryan's classroom first, and he and his pal Gabby were quite content to sit by one another. They are always getting into trouble together and do little without the other. Ryan also donated two books -- Moo, Baa, La La La and a Curious George board book -- to his class.

Next we headed downstairs for Brendan's party. The kids were already on a sugar rush, having celebrated a birthday earlier in the afternoon. They still eagerly ate more cupcakes! It was fun to watch Brendan interact with his friends and made me see (once again) what a young boy he is growing into. Brendan chose three books to donate to his classroom's library: Leonardo, the Terrible Monster; a Magic School Bus adventure; and Curious George and the Kite.

He and his friends looked through some very cool books that Ms. Tasha, one of the teachers, gave to Brendan. He also received a sack full of Spiderman goodies (backpack, ball, games) from Ms. Margaret. And the day didn't end without several hugs and a few tears.

Brendan said many times on our drive home that he was going to miss his friends. I know he will.

Happy Easter!

I think I can count how many Easters I've had in which it was snowing nearly all week leading up to Sunday. It hasn't happened often. But that was the case this year.

Cold weather didn't keep us from enjoying the day, though. Brendan and Ryan awoke to find Easter eggs hidden throughout the dining room. The Easter Bunny was thoughtful enough to also leave each of them a gift and an Easter basket filled with goodies, such as Easter books.

After their hunt and exploration, we enjoyed pancakes for breakfast before getting ready for chuch. Now, church is always an interesting experience. Clearly, a 20-month-old isn't going to sit still for an hour. So Ryan kept us busy. Brendan did great sitting on the floor and drawing a picture of his new Dinoco Lightning McQueen.

Later, Brendan and I ventured to Barnes and Noble, where we bought books to give to his school, KidSpace. Friday will be his last day at KidSpace, where he started when he was seven months old. Some of the children -- Karrington, Skylar, Gabby -- have been with him since day one. Many of the teachers -- Ms. Melissa, Ms. Sheabra, Ms. Jeannette, Ms. Jackie, Ms. Ernestine, Ms. Courtney, Ms. Terrie -- have also known him since that first day and have seen him grow into an intelligent, creative four-year-old. We will certainly miss them all!

As for me, two weeks remain until the due date. I'm still hoping this baby girl will decide to arrive earlier. I've certainly had many more signs that my body is preparing for labor than I had with Brendan or Ryan, but I know that means very little. Every pregnancy truly is unique.

Brendan shows off his new Dinoco McQueen from the Easter Bunny.

Ryan models a hat and sunglasses that his cousin John Mitchell sent from Colorado.

He loves wearing the hat!

Ryan listens to Mom read a new Easter book.

Brendan and Ryan prepare to leave for church. Ryan really enjoyed eating the jelly beans!

Ryan chows on some more jelly beans. He enjoyed hunting for eggs and shaking them!

Free Press publisher dies

I haven't been at the Detroit Free Press for very long -- 4 years last month -- and I certainly haven't lived much in the history of this storied newspaper. But it only took one meeting with former publisher Neal Shine to know why this newsroom speaks of him as if he were still in the office next door. He spoke to the staff last May when the newspaper celebrated its 175th birthday. The staff was still in a state of disbelief and mourning after the sell of the paper from Knight Ridder to Gannett. Yet Neal came in and gave life to the staff and, I believe, reminded many that the people here are what really matter.

Neal Shine passed away yesterday. He's an interesting man and a great journalist. If you don't know anything about him, take a moment to read one of the many stories about him here.

Where did March go?

So I thought I should get in one, final posting during this month since I've been rather pathetic lately! What can I say, we've been busy and I've been exhausted.

The countdown is definitely on for the arrival of Baby Healy #3. Her official due date is April 23, but I'm hoping she'll arrive earlier. Unfortunately, it's not up to me. But my skin is stretched as far as it can stretch and I'm down to maybe 4-5 outfits that fit. I'm more than ready!

Last weekend, I kicked Ken into panic gear Friday by telling him I really thought we should be ready sooner than later. So the next morning, I awoke to find the infant car seat, two bouncy seats, bassinet and swing in the entryway. (We have a big entryway!) He also brought up my suitcase, which still sits unpacked in our bedroom. Still, we are much more prepared now for our newest arrival!

Brendan seems eager to meet her and continues to give my belly kisses and talk to his baby sister. Ryan seems clueless. I try telling him that there's a baby coming, but he doesn't really respond. He does enjoy using my belly as an arm rest or to climb on, however.

My girlfriends gave us a wonderful shower three weeks ago. Our drawers are now packed with baby girl clothes! I was simply overwhelmed by their generosity. My mom and sister also came for the shower, and they must have packed an entire suitcase just for this baby girl.

My goal in the next couple of weeks is to relax more. I've already started doing so: I'm no longer going home from work only to work for a couple more hours. I know once this little girl arrives, my hands will be VERY full!

Such the tease

Yesterday was awesome. We hit 72 degrees. 72. I haven't seen 72 since I visited Fort Worth last October. You wouldn't believe how one, warm day changed everyone around here. We were all happier.

I didn't hesitate to pull out my cropped maternity pants (that actually stay up and don't require my pulling them up every two minutes) and a springy outfit. Hey, it could be another month until we see this weather again!

Twins

Papa picked out these cool Cars shirts and sent them with Grammy on her visit in February. The boys enjoy dressing alike, on occasion, and did so on this day for school. The teachers thought they were rather adorable. Ryan, however, wouldn't stand still for a photo!

New roommates

This weekend we finally moved Ryan into his new room -- his brother's. The first night was smooth. No late-night chit-chat or early morning antics. We're on night #2 now, and so far, so good.

Of course, we completely expect this to change rather soon. Brendan is accustomed to his room being his space, where he can play and build without worrying about "tornado Ryan" coming through. Now he'll have to adjust.



And we will, too. We're basically saying goodbye to naps for Brendan. At 4 1/2, it's probably time! I'd much rather Brendan give up his nap than disrupt Ryan's napping at such a young age.



Some pics from the last couple of weeks:

The boys enjoy rough-housing with Dad.

Ryan was thrilled to finally get to eat popcorn just like his brother during a recent movie night. He also insists in sitting in his chair with a blanket, just like Brendan.

Ryan tries out cousin Kylie's crib, which is on loan from Oklahoma until Ryan is ready for a big bed. Don't let him fool you; he was actually having a good time!

4 1/2 years old

Well, I documented Ryan at 18 months, so it's only fair to do the same for Brendan. What a difference 4 1/2 makes!

• He plays independently much more these days. He still wants us to play with him, but he's also content to play in his room alone for an hour at a time.
• He's moved on from Thomas. OK, not entirely. But now he's totally enthralled with superheroes. Spiderman is still his favorite, but he's asking lots of questions about Batman these days. It's shocking, considering we haven't read any superhero books or watched their shows. Yet, he's practically an expert and just "gets" them. Must be a guy thing.
• Call him Mr. Helpful. Ryan's my helper, too, but Brendan now has a desire to help and get it right. He holds the door open for me at school, sets the table, loads the dishwasher, gets a diaper for Ryan, and so on. On good days, he'll decide to dress himself without any prodding.
• Meltdowns are fewer and fewer. Finally. On his bad days, he'll still drop to the floor when he's upset. On his good days? He works it out, especially with his brother. It's wonderful.
• He can spell and write his full name, recite his address, write all of the capital letters, count to at least 43 (the number of the King, from Cars), compose his own imaginative songs, draw beautiful pictures of Mommy and the baby in my belly, and simply amaze us with his knowledge of the world around him.

OK, so only a little bragging.