First Blog Attempt... while we're still pregnant

Here goes... we're attempting a blog (something new and unfamiliar). Our family updates via e-mail have turned out to be not so up to date. In fact, they've been mostly nonexistant in the last couple of years. Seems we did a decent job during Ella's first year keeping family and friends abreast of the happenings here. Ella is now turning three and I'm not sure if we've sent out more than five e-mails with new pictures and such.

We're getting very close to welcoming the 4th member of our Carver Clan. My body apparently attempted labor last night, but got shot down by my cervix which was not ripe for the pickin'. Suz and I went back to sleep in an attempt to rest as much as possible prior to the birth. Meanwhile, our families packed, prepared and waited (at 2:00 a.m.) to come as soon as they received word. Today, we are fairly rested and everyone else is probably dragging from their "dry run." Contractions have stopped and our midwife says that although uncommon for a first-time pregnancy, this phenomenon of labor starting when the cervix is not ready may happen a couple more times before it's really real. We'll hold on the phone calls next time until we're sure. It was fun, though....

Ella is in typical 3 year old mode ~ "I can do it! I can do it!" Potty training is going... though not so well the last few days. When Suzanne asked why she peed in her pants today instead of going on the potty, she said, "because then you'd have to take me." (This from the one who said she had to pick her nose because "it's all crazy up there!") It's a constant attempt for her to control everything & everyone these days, including herself and her excrement. I will admit, this is very difficult for me. I think Suzanne is struggling with it as well. When coming back from outings, she has been known to refer to herself as the "raw nerve." We are not used to being controlled, nor do we give in. Ella has always been fairly mild mannered and this new 3 year old behavior is testy. Needless to say, it's a power struggle in the Carver House.

In light of all this, I will say we are enjoying most of this developmental stage. With hormones raging, this blog could turn into our post for venting... you'll get the updates alright!

Many apologies for the lack of pictures so far... technical difficulties that we hope will be remedied soon.

Please be well.

S, S, E & M