The Legg Family- Ryan, Holly, Payton, and Elin: Welcome Third Trimester!

We have finally made it to our third trimester with this pregnancy! On Monday, I hit 28 weeks, and I am starting to feel all the symptoms that typically arrive with being this pregnant. Even though they aren't always pleasant...exhaustion, heart burn, back aches, weight gain, etc., these symptoms always remind me that our new little girl is growing just like she should, and we feel SO blessed to have had a healthy pregnancy thus far! I am seeing our doctor every other week now, which I know is going to make these last 10-12 weeks fly by! I wish I had some more pictures of our new little one to share, but unless an issue arises, I won't have another ultrasound until I hit the 37 week mark. It will be so fun to see how much she has grown at that time! We are still working on deciding a name for our new little miss. I am starting to think that I may just have to see her first before I make the final decision.

Payton is starting to talk more about the new baby. Ryan and I both know that she doesn't fully understand exactly how much things are going to change, but we are trying to do all we can to prepare her for this. She has went to the doctor with me a few times to see and hear the baby, we have taken her shopping with us to pick out a few items for the baby, she will talk about sharing her toys and helping mommy feed and change the baby, and she is definitely aware that my body is changing indicating that something is up!! Haha! Payton is also getting a new "Big Girl" room before the new baby arrives, and she is starting to get very excited about sleeping in a big bed and giving her crib and other items to her little sister. Her only request is that we make the room yellow! Lol! I will have to post some pictures once we get all of the rooms rearranged. It will definitely be fun to watch her mold into this new role as the "Big Sister." Ryan and I are both fully aware that it will take quite a bit of time for all of the adjusting to sink in, and we are trying to prepare ourselves for all of the ups and downs that we know we will experience over the first several weeks.

Speaking of Payton, I cannot believe how much she has grown and changed over the course of the summer! At times, it feels as if we have a little girl now instead of a toddler. She communicates with us very well, definitely has her own preferences, likes and dislikes, and seriously will do something new everyday! It is amazing how much they take in and learn at this age. Payton now knows every letter of the alphabet and most of her colors and shapes. She can also count to 10, and loves to sing and dance! She is also getting much better at following step by step instructions. She loves to help me cook and does a pretty good job! Of course, like every two-year old, we have our frequent meltdowns and like to exercise our "free will" at times to get a rise out of mommy and daddy, but time-out is starting to work better for us, and being able to communicate better with her has been a HUGE help when it comes to discipline!

Payton and I have been going to play group and swimming lessons this summer. She has always loved play group, and seems to enjoy swimming lessons a little better than gymnastics. Again, we are still working on how to behave in a group setting and how to follow directions and listen to the teacher. We've had a few meltdowns lately at playgroup when it was time to clean up the toys, so hopefully this will be something we can push through. However, I would strongly encourage any mom out there to join a group like this with their little one. This has been so good, not only for Payton, but also for me! I've been able to get to know other moms who have children Payton's age, and it is so nice to be in a non-judgemental atmosphere where you can talk about the different challenges, issues, and hurdles that go along with each stage of a child's development. The one we attend is "4C Play and Learn." They have several times and locations, and they are all on 4C's website!

As I stated earlier, Payton is really starting to develop her own personality and is very passionate about certain likes and dislikes. We notice this particularly with toys and certain TV shows. Right now, the huge favorite around our house is Veggie Tales, particularly the character of Sweet Pea Beauty. Payton has a Sweet Pea toy that has to go everywhere, and I am currently on the hunt for a Sweet Pea Halloween costume! She is also very fond of the color yellow. She will always say that this is her favorite color, and is quick to choose anything that's the color yellow, whether it be a sno cone, m & m's, sucker, or choice of a crayon. As far as dislikes go, she still HATES to take time out of her day to eat. Who's child is this?!! lol! We struggle a lot with getting her to eat any amount of food, but her weight has always been in the 50th percentile, so our pediatrician has never been too concerned. I guess she must be eating more than we realize, but it sure is a fight every time! :)

In addition to all of these likes and dislikes, Payton is really starting to do some things that completely melt our hearts. Her favorite thing to do now is to say to us, "Mommy/daddy I want to snuggle." which of course I always love to do! At night, she will sit with me in the chair for a bit and then say, "I go snuggle daddy." She then will plop down and march her way over to Ryan on the couch and snuggle him for a bit. It is so cute! She will also ask almost every morning as soon as she wakes up, "Mommy/Daddy, want to play?" She is really getting into pretend play and is starting to develop friendships and play with kids her age. Her and Tinley love to play baby dolls and ring around the rosie. Of course, we are still working on sharing our toys, but Payton is starting to develop empathy. and it is so rewarding to watch her make good decisions and want to be kind to others!

Below, I have attached some everyday pictures of Payton this summer!

Payton and Mommy at 28 Weeks!