Abby’s Saturday // Two Hundred And Eight

Highlight of the Week

We made it over to Kennywood again this week. Our season passes have almost paid for themselves twice-over at this point!

On the way to the park, we asked Braelynn what her favorite ride was. She very quickly & enthusiastically responded: “The Elephants!” So, then we asked her, “Why are The Elephants your favorite ride?” and she almost instantly came back with, “Because you go up so high!”

So, we went to Kennywood, and the first ride she rode was – yep, The Elephants! And then she rode almost every other ride in Kiddieland. We were going to end out the night with a ride on “the big” Whip, and as we walked over that direction, Derrick noticed that the height restriction on the Pittsburgh Plunge was only 36″! So, after standing and watching the boat climb the hill and then dive down into the water (creating its signature gigantic splash), he asked her if she’d like to ride that ride. She said, “Yes!” So, they hopped in line & ended up getting a seat in the very front row. Needless to say, this Mama’s heart was pounding! I was so nervous for her! Not only was she going on a really big ride for the first time ever, but if she got scared or didn’t like it, that would not bode well for our future roller coaster rider!

Off they went – and well – you have to see the video I took! I posted it to my Facebook page on Thursday night (I die at her little wave at the end). And then, since there really was no line, they simply stayed on the boat, and rode it again! Needless to say, by the time Braelynn & Daddy got off, they were soaked through – but smiling ear-to-ear. I am so proud of my big girl!! (And now, Derrick’s dying to get her on an actual roller coaster!)

So, on the way home, we asked Braelyn (again) what her favorite ride was. This time she was quiet for a long time – so long that I actually began to wonder if she had heard my question. But then she slowly responded: “The Big Splash AND The Elephants!”

Yes, This Happened

• I am now 18 weeks pregnant & baby is the size of an artichoke. We had another monthly checkup this past week & all is well! It’s so fun to hear the little “artichoke’s” heartbeat. So far, every time we’ve had a checkup, the midwife has found baby’s heartbeat right away, and then the little stinker squirms away & she has to search for it again. I’m not sure if that’s a sign of what’s to come or not..
• I scheduled my 20-week ultrasound (after some insurance runaround – sheesh)! It’s not for another 2 weeks, but I’m so excited!! It seems like that 20-week mark has been so far away for so long, that I’ve just put it out of my mind. But it’s actually upon us! Just 2 weeks away! And yes, we’re going to find out if little baby “artichoke” is a boy or girl! Braelynn is 100% completely on “Team Girl” – so we’ll see!
• How could I forget! My favorite day of the month was this past Tuesday! Our little Greensburg Tuesdays Together met on Tuesday morning to talk about “passive income” – and of course, now I have all the ideas rolling around in my head. If only I could find a few more hours in my day..

Feeling Blessed

Today is my little brother Stephen’s 16th birthday! I’m not sure how that’s entirely possible, as I was 12 when he was born and I’m still only like 22 years old, right? He’s growing into the most mature, handsome young fellow that we’re all super-duper proud of (and yes, he’s off to get his driver’s license ASAP!) He’s so smart & funny & capable – the next few years are going to be pretty interesting I think! Happy birthday, little bro! Love you!