Sorry we have been non-existent

So, I hadn't realized how long it has been since we posted until a good friend from CT called up to see if we were all okay...

We have been fine, just busy. Mainly, our desktop computer was down for over a month before we finally replaced it. We bought a computer back when Jessica was born and it never really worked properly. It finally crashed bad enough to replace the entire thing instead of piece by piece. DJ actually built a new one with help from our kind neighbor. So far, so good. We just have to finish reinstalling everything and get the photos back on and such.

We are excited for the coming holiday season. I am feeling VERY pregnant at only 7 months... With Jes, I wasn't uncomfortable until the week I went over. With Kelsi, it was a little earlier and with this one earlier still. Partially because this baby LOVES to kick and push and stretch. DJ said that before he has barely been able to feel tiny bumps when the baby kicks and with this one we watch and laugh as my whole stomach convulses back and forth as he does somersaults. It is CRAZY! He especially likes to jump on the bed when I lay on my side to go to sleep. I swear I felt a complete foot outside of my ribs the other day. Hopefully he doesn't take after his Dad who broke his mom's ribs in utero. (If I have the story right...) It really isn't that bad. Thankfully I have a very wonderful husband that takes good care of me.

The girls are at such fun but also interesting stages. 2 Weeks ago I was commenting about how obedient Kelsi was. She must have heard me because ever since then she has been trying out saying "No" and testing what happens if she doesn't stay in time out. She is hilarious and saying new things all of the time. Language development is such a fun stage as you begin to make sense of the things that come out of their mouth. Jes talked extremely well very early, but Kelsi had a series of ill-timed ear infections last winter and spring that delayed her expressive language. It is fun to be enjoying those stages now.

Jessica is enjoying preschool at "Little Leopards" at East High School. It is run by 2 teachers and then lots of high school students and the kids have 1:1 ratio. It is AWESOME and they have a really good time. She seems so much older. I can't believe she will be in Kindergarten next year, especially because she is so tiny. It is fun to see as she discovers new ways to play with toys and use her very active imagination. She has lots of "ideas" especially if she doesn't like ours.

DJ just finished and passed his written PhD qualifiers and is now actively working on his orals. This has been a very busy semester with several conferences, one in Germany, and then his qualifiers. It has been very good timing, though, because next semester should be a lot less stressful and demanding.

I am doing well. I am actively working on Christmas gifts. I have felt a huge push to get things done and taken care of early this year. The baby is due the middle of January and I think the next 2 months are going to fly by. I am really enjoying the girls and trying to live in the moment.

So- hopefully that sums up the last little bit and sorry for the lack of pictures. I will get my act together soon.