The McGinnis Family

No major news to update. We're all on pins and needles waiting for the baby to arrive. At this point, it looks like we will definitely have a little one sometime next week if not earlier. Today is my last day of work. I'm definitely ready as I am starting to need more rest and am feeling some major shifting in the baby. Last night Pop Pop arrived though so it definitely brought some excitement to the house. CJ was showered with gifts from Aunt Cherie and Aunt CeCe, which he has been certain to remind us are the gifts for big brothers! He is getting excited at the thought that the baby is coming home soon. Of course, he's even more excited that Pop Pop is here for a long time and that his Nana and Grandma will be out soon too. We will try to keep you all updated when things start progressing. Just wish us luck!

Well, we just got back from a doctor's appointment. I am excited to say that we are definitely on the way. I am dilated to 2 cm and 70% effaced. The doctor is thinking we'll go sometime between Nov. 30-Dec. 4. It was just the news we all needed to hear! We are excited and ready. My dad will arrive on Tuesday to distract and take care of CJ during the big day. We are so disappointed that CJ will not be able to go into the hospital to meet his new little brother, but he will have fun with his Pop Pop. Nana will arrive shortly after the baby gets here to help too. It looks like Grandma is going to be able to make it in town the week after that as well to make sure we have plenty of help and support. God bless them. CJ has not seemed jealous at all so far. I'm sure he's in for a big shock when the day comes we actually bring the baby home though. Aunt CeCe sent us a box of pacifiers and CJ was just thrilled that the baby got a present! He's just such a sweet natured kid

What a difference getting ready for a second baby is compared to the first. With CJ, we had things bought, washed, and put away 3-4 months before he was set to arrive. We had the nursery together and way too many things we would find out we really didn't need. This time around we're in week 37 and we just realized that I really could deliver any day now so we probably should at least pull out the car seat. We're not going with a crib as we tend to be co-sleepers plus there is not a lot of room in our bedroom. We got out the pack-n-play and added the bassinet function. It might get more use than with CJ who always slept with us just due to the fact that I expect CJ will want to climb into the bed too (at least at first). We have his old crib mattress ready to lay down on our floor in a ploy to keep him involved in a way that avoids 4 bodies in the bed. We had a few outfits for the baby that we bought along the way, but had not yet gone through CJ's old clothes. We finall

What a great Halloween! CJ had a wonderful time trick or treating and visiting with Aunt Cece and Uncle Nick. The pictures above show the three day fun. Thursday we went to the pumpkin patch to pick out pumpkins and get some apples. CJ had a great time playing on all the fun wooden equipment. Trick or treating was definitely quiet here in Newark. As you can see from the photo CJ was a fireman and Daddy was a fire truck. It was quite funny. There were not that many kids trick-or-treating around our neighborhood. It really made me sad to see such an awesome community event begin to disappear. Maybe it's just where we are though. Anyway, CJ still had fun and got lots of candy because people were trying hard to give it away. He walked over to Uncle Sami and Aunt Vicky's house and received extra special treats that he was very proud of and excited to eat. The evening was gloomy and wet, which was just spooky enough to be fun. The rest of the weekend went great too. CJ

Halloween week already. It's so hard to believe. CJ is absolutely excited by all the fun things going on. This weekend we went to a Halloween parade and CJ got to trick-or-treat downtown. He is a fireman and loves squirting everyone especially Mama with water. Later this week we will be going to the pumpkin patch, 2 Halloween parties, and more trick-or-treating. Tonight we are just excited to settle in and watch Charlie Brown. Last week we had a doctor's appointment and an ultrasound. The baby is growing beautifully. He's up to 5 lbs now. His head is down and he looks like he's getting ready. Mama is really ready to have the baby. CJ and Daddy are being wonderful and helping me with all of the things I can't do anymore. The first picture is of CJ who fell asleep during dinner. It was only about 6pm. He had a bad cold last week, but refused to admit it. That was Saturday night. It was funny to see him just fall over asleep like when he was a little ba

Here is a picture of CJ last Halloween. It's amazing how much he has grown. We were in Blue Springs and he went trick or treating with his cousins Dakota and Cheyenne. He had so much fun. This weekend we are going to buy a Halloween costume. So far CJ has mentioned being a dog and a house. I'm not sure what he'll decide on. LOL! Casey wants CJ to be a fireman so that Casey can dress up as a fire engine. CJ doesn't seem to want to do that though. Last weekend we didn't get to go to either of our planned destination. I ended up working on Saturday and Sunday Case really needed to study so our plans were delayed. It's cold and rainy this weekend so we may have to go to the pumpkin patch next week. I'm hoping that Sunday will warm up though. CJ is really excited to go. Many of you may wonder why I entitled this the war. Well, it's because CJ and Casey have drawn lines over this new little boys name. Casey really wants to name him Cooper and CJ is having noth

Okay...okay...I know I've been terrible about updating the blog. Thanks, Mike, for reminding me. LOL! Things in Delaware are good. We are starting to settle into the new routine now that CJ and Casey are both in school. Case is facing midterms next week, but I'm confident that he will do great. He sure studies 10x harder than I ever did. CJ still loves school. He seems to be making a few friends and he really loves his teachers. I think Case and I both feel confident that this preschool was a good choice for him. CJ has gone into full big brother mode and is really getting excited about the baby. He wasn't even jealous when we received the first present for the baby from Aunt Cherie. Two adorable outfits- one for Christmas and one Guess sweatsuit for everyday wear (with the cutest booties ever). He was actually excited and grew even more excited when I gave him the ribbon off the package to use for his finish line. He loves races right now. We play finish line

Well, I haven't updated in a long time on this blog as I've been waiting to upload a pic. I've been relocated to another office after we found black mold in mine. Needless to say, I may not be getting in there anytime soon. Things here are completely and totally hectic and good. I think all of you know by now we are about 85% sure we are having a boy. We are all very excited. CJ and Casey might lock horns about the name though as they are definitely divided between our top two names. Casey is doing well in school, gearing up for mid-terms, and trying to get a head start on papers in the event that I go early. CJ is doing great in preschool and music school. He's been a little annoyed that one of his old music teachers didn't come back this year. Other than that, he's doing great. It's certainly been a learning and trusting process for me especially with the introduction of foods I have no control over. We met with his preschool teachers to discus

Well, most of you know this was a big week for us! CJ attended preschool for the first time on Tuesday. It was a bring the parents day so we were there to take pictures and help him settle in. His teachers are Mrs. Pika and Mrs. DeBoda. On Thursday, he was expected to go to school by himself. Wednesday night he cried a bit at the thought, but on Thursday morning he kissed Casey good-bye and went right in like he had been doing it for years. When Casey picked him up, CJ turned to his teachers and said, "Thank you. I had a great time." He's so funny. CJ also had his first visit to the eye doctor. I thought it was going to be horrible, but he was absolutely fine. Right now, his eyes look good. He maybe a bit farsighted in one eye, but Dr. Knisley says they usually grow out of it so she wants to wait to see before discussing glasses. With Daddy back in school, CJ now gets picnic lunch days with Mama twice a week. We really enjoyed it so far. When it's nice outside we'

It's been a busy few weeks! CJ is just amazing. This picutre is of CJ and Daddy at the top of the ferris wheel at the Delaware State Fair. We thought CJ would never want to go up, but Case said he ran right too it. He even went on several rides by himself. It's amazing to watch him branch out and be so brave. This week he had his 3-year-old check-up and a visit with Dr. Correy his allergist. He did great at both. This was the first time he got to go on the big boy scale and get his height measured standing up. He even got his blood pressure checked, which he was pretty comfortable with since he's been watching Mama get it done at the baby check-ups. Everything looks good. Dr. Hill was impressed with his speech. He waighed in at 32 lbs and was 37 1/2" tall. She said he was perfect. LOL! Dr. Correy checked CJ again to see if we could possible allow him to try a peanut in the office to see the reaction. His test turned up that he was still too allergic to r

It's been a long week here in Delaware. Well, Mama has been crazy at work, but CJ and Daddy have had some good playing time. I think most of you know that our ultrasound went well, but we weren't able to see if we are having a boy or a girl. Now, we have to wait until Sept. 23. Pregnancy is going well. This baby is sitting extremely high up and loves to kick out of Mama' right side. Casey enjoys feeling his or her little foot pushing out. CJ is still really excited and keeps bringing me toys to give the baby. I think he's going to be really suprised when the baby actually arrives though. Daddy and CJ went to the state fair last week and had a great time. We didn't think CJ would want to get on too many rides, but he loved them. He and Casey even went on the big ferris wheel, which was by far his favorite thing. He can't stop talking about it. He also rode the train and the boats and was very disappointed when Daddy ran out of tickets. We just received

Well, here we are at the end of July. What a long month. Casey finished his summer class and managed to pull another great grade. I am so proud of him. I am finally finished with freshman orientation at work so I will be able to relax a bit. CJ is enjoying summer and getting excited about his new baby that is coming at Christmas. The title is a new statement that CJ tells me when he is drinking from a straw and runs out of milk. He is such a nut. His vocabulary continues to grow everyday and we are often amazed at his ability to use big words correctly. For instance, he likes to add things to his wardrobe and then ask, "Do I look distinquished?" We are probably most proud of the fact that he no longer needs pull-ups at night. It means he sometimes wakes me up to take him to the bathroom, but he hasn't had one accident yet! The new baby is growing well according to the doctor. He or she is moving and kicking like crazy and always seems to wave when the doctor us

CJ has had a wonderful birthday full of suprises so far. Yesterday he went with his Daddy to pick Pop Pop up from the airport while Mama set up the party. He was excited to come home to a house full of streamers, balloons, and of course, presents! It was fun to watch him really concentrate on opening each gift. He loved all of the wonderful things including a new fire truck that came with a firehouse and real fireman from Uncle Johnny. He also received a sand and water table from Case and I and a shopping spree to Toys R Us from Pop Pop and Nana. He, Daddy, and Pop Pop are there right now. His Aunt Cece knows exactly what he likes and sent out books, trucks, and cute clothes. He really loved this cool Activity Book that he can write in and wipe off. CJ polished off the day with Daddy's grillin', cupcakes, and homemade ice cream. Today he woke up and we all went out to breakfast together. We can't believe what a big boy he is now. He's spent the day playing w

Well, we are still adjusting to being back in Delaware. Case has two more weeks of his summer class left and we are gearing up for CJ's third birthday. CJ is extremely excited about it and continues adding people to his list of invites that currently includes Mama, Daddy, PopPop, Uncle John John, Jess, the other Jess, Grandma Dee, and Caillou (for those that don't know he's a cartoon). He also wants his brother and sister to come (he doesn't understand or yet). This week he has keyed in on the word dangerous and uses it to describe all kinds of activities especially the ones he doesn't to do such as cleaning up his toys. He was really excited to go to the doctor this week to see the baby. He was quite mad when Dr. Shawl didn't give him a picture to take home. The baby is doing well. He or she was excited for the close up and managed to wave an arm or leg our way. We can't wait to go and get the real sonogram done at the end of July. For now, we're just

Here's a pic of CJ in Connecticut. He and Casey had a great time exploring New Haven while I attended a conference. While we were there we headed to Little Italy to enjoy some pizza and some family time. It was nice. Poor Case had to drive home through a huge rainstorm! We were all so tired when we got home we almost didn't know what do with ourselves. Sunday was a rest day for me and CJ while Case had to catch up on homework. This week Case got into the swing of summer courses while CJ and I had a chance to play a bit. I am really starting to feel better now that I'm into my second trimester. I am hoping that my energy will also increase soon.

Wow! After two weeks of traveling we are finally back home. We first went to Kansas City to Eric's wedding and then flew out to Vegas for Becky's wedding. I will be sending more pictures as soon as I can, but thought you all might want to see CJ walking with his date at Becky's wedding. Kansas City was wonderful. We are so excited that Alycia and Nevaeh are now official members of the Yount family. CJ had a sleepover at Grandma's and thoroughly enjoyed himself. We were able to squeeze in time to see everyone despite a hectic schedule. CJ had a blast with all of it. It was great to finally share our news with all the family! Before we left for Kansas City we had a doctors appointment and actually got to see the baby move! It was exciting. We are anxiously awaiting the next ultrasound hoping we'll be able to find out if the baby is a boy or girl. Hopefully, it won't be too soon to tell.

We had a great weekend last weekend. The graduation celebration was great and we were so happy to have family in town. CJ was thrilled and even got to stay up late on Saturday night for boys night with PopPop and Daddy. I had a wonderful time at graduation and at the party. I felt truly grateful for all of my wonderful friends and family. This week CJ has continued to suprise me. I am constantly amazed at how smart he is. Last night at dinner he started writing his letters. He drew several Ps , Ts, and Os. He did a pretty good job at W too, but he tends to like adding extra waves to each one. I guess a lot of kids his age probably write letters, but it just astounds me. He's growing up so fast.

It's almost summer time and we are certainly ready to greet it's arrival. This week has been a bit rainy, but we know summer is right around the corner. CJ is ready to spend his days in the pool and at the playground with Dad. As soon as we get back from our upcoming trips, Case is planning on building CJ some activity tables in the backyard as well. We are definitely looking forward to camping, bbqs, and nights by the firepit. CJ received his summer cut yesterday and did not cry one bit. He was quite proud of himself and enjoyed his ice cream reward. He is just ready for everyone to hit town As I write, Case and CJ are on the way to the airport to pick up my aunt. My parents and my brother will follow at various times throughout today. We are all really excited that family is coming to town. It's been a long break and with Case in school travelling will become a bit more difficult. He is much more dedicated to attending class than I ever was! LOL!

Life continues to move forward and things here are good. Casey is rocking the semester and just received two more As on exams and quizzes . He is so smart. I am enjoying a brief hiatus from traditional education, playing with CJ , and resting. CJ is frustrated that he doesn't have music school everyday, but luckily Miss Karen made us a CD so we can practice everyday. We are getting excited for next weekend when Pop Pop, Nana, Uncle Eric, Uncle Nick, and Aunt Cece will arrive to help celebrate my law school graduation along with all of our other friends and Philly family here. CJ , of course, thinks they are only coming to visit him and has a list of games that he will expect to be played. He also plans on Nana swimming at the beach. As far as CJ goes, he just continues to get brighter everyday. I am constantly amazed at how well he speaks and how good he is at drawing conclusions. However, he is still a typical almost three-year-old as was evidenced by his decision to

So this weekend was like summer here in Newark! We hit the 90s and broke the record a few days. On Saturday the University was having AG Day so we all went. CJ enjoyed seeing the animals and listening to the bands play. The very sleepy boy fell asleep on the hayride though. I think his favorite was the new UD ice cream! On Sunday we went and bought him a pool for the backyard and he spent about an hour in and out of the pool. He watered all the trees and flowers. He looked just like PopPop going around to each thing with his little watering can. On Monday we had to head to Philadelphia for an appointment. CJ loves the city and misses it a lot. However, we just realized that he is convinced that the Walt Whitman bridge in Philly is the Broadway bridge in Kansas City (that he's been over like 2x ever). He was quite upset that we wouldn't go over the bridge as he was certain PopPop, Nana, and Grandma were sure to be on the other side. The picture is of CJ after he hugged Elmo at t

This weekend was certainly a full one for CJ. On Saturday we took off for the beach (as people in Delaware call it) and drove south to Rehobeth. CJ was so excited to spend the latter afternoon digging with his newly purchased (because Mama forgot to bring one) pail and shovel. He made Daddy make trips to the water so that he could pack the sand right! He just had a blast and now thinks we should make it a daily trip. On Sunday, Casey stayed home to study so CJ, Uncle Johnny, and I decided to hit the zoo. CJ loved looking at the monkeys, but he mostly likes playing in the playgroud that is for zoo members. He got to meet Elmo, which he was thrilled about. He rode the carousal and the train! Uncle Johnny bought him ice cream and a toy. All in all he had a very good day. To top it off, Grandma Dee had pasta, gravy, and meatballs waiting when we got home. He couldn't have been happier and was quiet upset when Mama said we couldn't spend the night. We've had a ble

What? Two in one week. I know ya'll can't believe it. I have a quick second so I thought I'd just post a cute story about CJ. Above you see CJ doing what he calls "Bunny Muffins". Not only does he like to do it to himself, but he loves to make "Bunny Muffins" on Mama. For awhile, I couldn't figure out why he called it that. I thought maybe it had to do with one of his favorite shows called Max & Ruby, which is about a brother & sister bunny. He finds that show hilarious so I thought it had to come from there. Then one day I remembered that the first or second time we made muffins together in my bunny muffin pan I made that face at him. That was almost a year ago, but the face stayed with him. He thinks "Bunny Muffins" are hysterical so you better watch out next time you are in town!

Okay so seriously...I mean well. I honestly do, but I can't seem to get this updated as much as I would like. Anyway, I have a bunch of pics now so that should help. Life in Delaware is good. CJ is as always growing and changing. He is so smart and we are constantly proud of his day-to-day accomplishments. Sometimes we worry that he is too smart for his own good like Friday when he used a magnet to make people on his MagnaDoodle. He made Mama, Daddy, and CJ, but then made two more figures that he informed me where the bad guys! I was so suprised. He didn't seem scared of them, but just matter of factly stated we need to get them and then laughed histerically when he erased them. This weekend we went up to Lancaster, PA, a family favorite. We had a quiet weekend enjoying the countryside and exploring some of the history. We stopped in at Bube's Brewery, which began in the early 1800s for lunch. It was quite an experience. CJ was thrilled with indoor playground at the hotel a

We had a beautiful weekend out here this weekend. We're supposed to get a bit colder again later this week, but we are trying to enjoy it as much as possible. CJ spent much of the weekend outside and was pleased as punch about it. He really loves to chalk on the sidewalk so he was thrilled when Daddy wanted to do some work on the Jeep because CJ got to chalk for hours. We even got to go and get ice cream after Daddy was done. The pic above is actually when we got ice cream with Christy in Chicago, but you get the idea. Saturday Mama had to go to the law school so Daddy took CJ to music class. This did not go over well. CJ proceeded to hide behind Case through most of the class when he wasn't running to the window and asking where Mama was. Even Miss Karen couldn't get him to help with his favorite game. Hopefully, next Saturday will go better. CJ is in to being shy now. He definitely realizes its an attention getter so he often acts shy even around us. Work. CJ has also tak

We had a great weekend here in Delaware! CJ is very much into heading off to school now. You can't see it in the picture, but he's got a packpack (backpack) on his back, his doogy packpack on his front, and a colorful cross bead necklace! He was ready to head out. He is saying cheese in the picture, which is a new favorite. As most of you saw, we received a lot of snow Sunday night and CJ and Daddy spent most of the day outside playing in it. Mama stood in the doorway snapping pictures. I realized that neither Casey or myself have any appropriate snow clothes so next year we will have to stock up. CJ, on the other hand was decked out with his new snow boots and snow pants. He's become a little pro at walking in his boots and we're looking at planning a trip up to the mountains before it all melts.

What? We're ending February and I didn't post at all this month. Sorry. I think we had a chance to touch base with most of you though. I'm at work and don't have a pic handy. However, I will give you all a brief updated on our star. CJ started music class two weeks ago and seems to be enjoying it. He never wants to leave at the end even though he likes to take 2 potty breaks while class is happening. He likes the songs, but is pretty shy around the other kids. Speaking of potty training, our kid is a pro. We still have a few slip-ups now and then, but in general he's good to go. The funny part is we never have problems when we are out in public. We have problems when we don't want to stop watching Max and Ruby or some other funny cartoon. He's a riot. The more he talks, the funnier he becomes. The other morning he informed me that Rice Krispies are too sugary for little boys. He's just growing and changing so fast, we seem to blink and he

This week is potty training week! So far CJ is off to a great start. In fact, he just called me to say he's pottied again. We're very proud. It's a lot of work for him (and us). The first day he looked so tired by the end of the day, but at dinner that night he said very loudly "Oh no! I am going potty!" Luckily, he wasn't yet and he made it on time. We thought the candy reward would be the best part, but he seems to like pouring and flushing best. He says, "good-bye pee!" as it goes down. The second day we hit the potty more times than we missed and today we've only had one accident so far. We are really, really proud of him. I have to say though that he seems really relieved when he gets to put his diaper on for bed. He hasn't been asking for one during the day though. I think he likes the feeling of not having one on even if its hard to remember to go. He's a bit sad about being a big boy too, I think. He's been asking to be held a

Okay so it's been a long time since I updated the blog. I really have no excuse since I'm no longer in school. I came back from KC sick and of course, made CJ sick. The poor little guy had a stomach bug that lasted fro a week. He's so skinny now. He really lost a lot of weight, but he's back to being active! Christmas was wonderful. We tried to make sure we got a chance to see everyone, but as always ran out of time. The days were filled with adventures such as riding on the train at Union Station and visiting Crown Center. CJ loves going back to his Pop Pop's house at the end of a long day, but enjoys hitting Grandma's in the afternoon to play with the kitty cats and eat snacks. The picture is actually of Christmas in Newark. Everything here is fine. We are enjoying a quiet break before Casey heads back to classes in February.