2 years ago. . .

Rhiannon two years ago. She was two weeks old here. And Rhiannon the morning of her 2nd birthday.

Just over 2 years ago, I moved away from this blog to create Rhiannon's own website. http://www.babysites.com/sites/rhiannonjames/ While, I still plan to keep up with it and maintain updates and photo albums for Rhiannon, I have decided to move back to the blog world for a few reasons. First, I have been inspired by the blogs of friends; stay tuned for a more "jazzy" blog. I've lost my mind and am thinking of getting the help of a blog designer. Second, we are expecting our second child in February so I thought it was time that I start documenting our new journey and growing family. So, the name has changed. . . to "Growing Crains". I thought it was fitting as our family grows, our children grow and Russ and I grow.

So, where are we these days? Well, I'm 11 weeks pregnant and can't wait to get out of my first trimester. I suffer from night sickness that begins after 4. It was the same with Rhiannon but more severe this time. I usually do not have the luxury of keeping my dinner. However, I have been lucky in that I haven't had the exhaustion that I remembered when pregnant the first time. I'm not sure if it's not there or if I just haven't noticed it due to keeping up with a 2 year old. I haven't really had time for exhaustion anyway. Russ had class 3 nights a week this semester (that thankfully ended last week) so I have felt like a single parent. I rush home from work each night to rescue my wonderful in-laws from Rhiannon. Then we have 1 1/2 hours to cook dinner, clean up the kitchen, bathe and PJ Rhiannon, read books and then tuck into bed. I'll be glad to have my cook return this week! I love you Russ.

Rhiannon just celebrated her 2nd birthday. This is a huge milestone for a preemie and one that we thankfully have passed with no issues. We had a fun little party with family and a couple of local friends. I have an entire album at Rhiannon's babysite.

Rhiannon is almost potty trained. She now only wears pull-ups when she leaves the house and when she sleeps. This has happened in the last 3 weeks and I'm sure I'll have many more blogs on this process. Stay tuned.

Check out the big girl Elmo panties. Okay, with a tiara and heels. A girl has to have accessories right? We're also planning on moving Rhiannon into her big girl bed and new room this weekend. When it's finished, I'll show more pictures.

So, welcome to my updated blog. My goal is to at least post something every week.