It's the Great Pumpkin, Calvin Gardner

We went to the pumpkin patch on Saturday so Calvin could pick out the perfect pumpkin for himself and his new brother. We ran all over the pumpkin patch and tried picking up a bunch of pumpkins that were way too big for him to lift. Calvin wore a pumpkin sweatshirt and seemed to blend in with the patch at times. We tried to get some pictures with him, but he was more interested in picking out his pumpkin.

In other exciting family news, Michael is on his way home from Iraq. Mom & dad got word that he should be arriving home on his birthday, which is Oct. 29. We're very grateful that he made it home safely, but are bummed that we aren't going to be able to welcome him home.

We've decided on a name for baby boy #2... Aiden (middle name TBD). We're starting to talk to Calvin about "Baby Aiden" and how he is in mommy's belly. We don't really think he gets it yet, but slowly we think he'll pick it up. Aiden has been very active so far, which is really cool. I swear, he's going to come out kicking & swinging! Scott was able to feel him move the other day for the first time and we can't remember if Scott was able to feel Calvin this early.

Calvin began his new daycare last week and seems to be doing really well. He goes to First Steps, Inc., which is less than 5 minutes from where we live. I owe Susan a HUGE thank you, as there were NO daycares (that I was comfortable with), so she made a call and made it happen. He has already colored/painted us several pictures and has been playing soccer in the inside gym with some of his new friends. His teachers told us that he really likes to help them clean the table after lunch and enjoys when the lady comes to sing and dance with them. We're really excited about this program, as we think it will really be good for his development. They also practice sign with them, which is something we've already started.

It's a...

BOY!!

In a few years, Calvin will be able to run around with his little brother. We're really excited about having another boy, as they will be two years apart and will cause a TON of trouble.

It was so funny during the ultrasound, we weren't really expecting her to tell us what we're having at that point and all of a sudden she was like "it's a boy" and I thought Scott was going to jump out of his pants!! He gave Calvin high five, then it was my turn. I think Scott's just looking forward to when they're teenagers and I'm totally outnumbered!

We're not 100% about the name yet, so we're going to figure it out and then let everyone know.

October 24 can't get here fast enough!

So, we went to the doctor this past Friday and set-up our ultrasound for October 24. This time around, it seems like everything has gone by so fast, but I still feel like October 24 is YEARS away! We have picked out some names if it's a girl, but only have one name if it's a boy. Won't share those yet... you'll have to wait for the big announcement!

I FINALLY found a job this past week. I will be one of two Program Assistants for the Occupational Therapy department at Belmont University. I am very excited about this position and am looking forward to beginning my new job, although I will GREATLY miss my current position. If I like my new job half as much as I like my current job, I'm in great shape!

Calvin is, well... Calvin. He's getting so big and is just learning so much. We've pretty much mastered all of our major body parts and are now trying to work on some of the smaller ones. Calvin is obsessed with trucks, buses and fire trucks. Thank goodness the IU Homecoming parade is next week... lots of trucks! Calvin will be 18 months-old the day we find out if we're having a boy or a girl, so that will be a very exciting day. He is developing quite the little personality and loves to tell us "no", even though half the time he means yes. And, my goodness is he a flirt!!

Well, that's about it for now. I will make sure to update this as soon as we find out what we're having. Hope all is well with everyone.