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Just another blog with random ramblings from a mother and wife trying to be and do her best.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Friday, December 26, 2008
Lost and Found (x2)
Here's a nice little story I'd like to share about the goodness of strangers.
When Rob and I were dating, for our first Christmas together, he got me a necklace with a pendant. He spent a little chunk of change on it but the sentimental value was worth much more to me than the monetary. Ask anyone, I wore that necklace ALL THE TIME. Then one night at work I felt something funny on my watch and there was the chain hanging on my wrist wrapped around my watch. I immediately wondered where the pendant was and soon found it in my shirt. Anyway, I had put the necklace away until I could take it to get it fixed. I hadn't thought about if for awhile and then when I went to look for it I couldn't find it anywhere. I was devastated. I was hoping that it would eventually turn up. A couple of days ago I was cleaning out my junk drawer and lo and behold, there it was. I was extactic! So much so I rushed to the jewelers today to have it repaired. I dropped off the chain and put the pendant, along with the original reciept and the claim check from today, into a small little ziplock bag and tucked it into my pocket. While I was sitting in the deadlocked parking lot at the mall waiting to get out, I decided to check my voicemail at home. There was a message from a lady who had found my pendant on the floor in the mall. In her message she said she would mail it to me. I panicked and immediately called her back. I couldn't believe I had lost it again. Fortunately she was still at the mall and happend to be close to where I was parked. I made my way like a mad woman through all the mayhem and found her. I almost started crying and she was so sweet. I told her the story about how it had been lost and found twice and she said, "All right sweetheart." "Now you have it back. You take care, honey."
Maybe I'm jaded, a bit skeptical, or see the glass as half empty, but it seems like most people don't go the extra mile to do something nice. Somebody else could have picked it up and thought, "Her loss, my gain." But this lady took the time to look through the paperwork, find my number, call me, and then wait outside until I found her, to return this treasure to me. I wish I had learned her name. Thank you for returning it and renewing my faith in the goodness of people!
When Rob and I were dating, for our first Christmas together, he got me a necklace with a pendant. He spent a little chunk of change on it but the sentimental value was worth much more to me than the monetary. Ask anyone, I wore that necklace ALL THE TIME. Then one night at work I felt something funny on my watch and there was the chain hanging on my wrist wrapped around my watch. I immediately wondered where the pendant was and soon found it in my shirt. Anyway, I had put the necklace away until I could take it to get it fixed. I hadn't thought about if for awhile and then when I went to look for it I couldn't find it anywhere. I was devastated. I was hoping that it would eventually turn up. A couple of days ago I was cleaning out my junk drawer and lo and behold, there it was. I was extactic! So much so I rushed to the jewelers today to have it repaired. I dropped off the chain and put the pendant, along with the original reciept and the claim check from today, into a small little ziplock bag and tucked it into my pocket. While I was sitting in the deadlocked parking lot at the mall waiting to get out, I decided to check my voicemail at home. There was a message from a lady who had found my pendant on the floor in the mall. In her message she said she would mail it to me. I panicked and immediately called her back. I couldn't believe I had lost it again. Fortunately she was still at the mall and happend to be close to where I was parked. I made my way like a mad woman through all the mayhem and found her. I almost started crying and she was so sweet. I told her the story about how it had been lost and found twice and she said, "All right sweetheart." "Now you have it back. You take care, honey."
Maybe I'm jaded, a bit skeptical, or see the glass as half empty, but it seems like most people don't go the extra mile to do something nice. Somebody else could have picked it up and thought, "Her loss, my gain." But this lady took the time to look through the paperwork, find my number, call me, and then wait outside until I found her, to return this treasure to me. I wish I had learned her name. Thank you for returning it and renewing my faith in the goodness of people!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Pictures!
So I've finally recovered from Sunday and now have time and energy to post some pictures! It was a really busy day but totally worth it. Leah's baptism and Max's birthday party went off without a hitch. Since we had the entire family together we decided to celebrate both at the same time and to celebrate them at church. After the luncheon mess was cleaned up we had an hour and a half to kill before our church's Christmas pageant. We found a couple couches and just vegged out! By the end of the pageant, Max was spent. We had been at church for 9 hours. No nap coupled with lots of sugar and excitment overload made for one very tired little birthday boy! Here are some pictures.
Leah's baptism was very nice... even though her brother tried to steal the show with his little shinanigins. Here are our little girl's first "engagement" photos.
Leah's baptism was very nice... even though her brother tried to steal the show with his little shinanigins. Here are our little girl's first "engagement" photos.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Whew!
Today I made 15 pounds of barbeque, 4 pounds of macaroni salad and 64 cupcakes! All while still in my pajamas! This Sunday is Leah's baptism and Max's 3rd birthday party. I usually procrastinate but I didn't have anything on the agenda today so I thought I'd get a head start. All I have to do now is put the BBQ in the crockpot and throw the macaroni salad together and lunch will be served. I do still have to decorate the cupcakes. I made Max's cake last year and decided to make it a tradition. Because there are going to be so many people I opted for cupcakes this year. I thought this was a clever idea! It's a good way to serve many and yet still easy to do. The Thomas the Train cake I made last year took forever to decorate, yet it was worth every minute! I just want the memories... for me and for Max. On Saturday I hope to get these cute little catepillars decorated and then drop everything off at church so Sunday morning isn't so crazy! Tomorrow I'm taking the day off and going to the mall with some girlfriends. It will be nice to let Max burn off some energy at the playland and I can finish up some last minute shopping.
Stay tuned for baptism and birthday pics!
Stay tuned for baptism and birthday pics!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
So, what's new?
Well, let me tell you. First off, I'm happy to report that I am now typing on my new laptop! No more trips to the cold basement. Now I can blog, email, surf, facebook from anywhere in the house! Maybe now I can keep up on my blogging.
Right now I'm enjoying a nice, quiet night at home. Both of the kids are in bed and I'm just relaxing. Leah has been sleeping like a champ for the past 3 days. I'm not superstitous, well, if you have some wood, go ahead and knock on it. But she has been sleeping from 9ish to 6ish. She's getting a somewhat predictable schedule. I go back to work in about 3 weeks and would love it if she keeps this up! Now if I can only change Max's sleep schedule but I think he is taking after his dad and will be an early riser. The anxiety is creeping up when I think about working until 1 am and then getting up at crack of dawn.
We had a really busy weekend and what looks like a really busy week in the works. Friday night was fun night with friends; Saturday we did our Christmas and birthday shopping; and today we had our nephews baptism. This week I'm going to prep for Max's 3rd birthday party and Leah's baptism this coming weekend. And before you know it Christmas will be here and then I'm back to work! Whew! Where did my 12 weeks of "vacation" go?
Right now I'm enjoying a nice, quiet night at home. Both of the kids are in bed and I'm just relaxing. Leah has been sleeping like a champ for the past 3 days. I'm not superstitous, well, if you have some wood, go ahead and knock on it. But she has been sleeping from 9ish to 6ish. She's getting a somewhat predictable schedule. I go back to work in about 3 weeks and would love it if she keeps this up! Now if I can only change Max's sleep schedule but I think he is taking after his dad and will be an early riser. The anxiety is creeping up when I think about working until 1 am and then getting up at crack of dawn.
We had a really busy weekend and what looks like a really busy week in the works. Friday night was fun night with friends; Saturday we did our Christmas and birthday shopping; and today we had our nephews baptism. This week I'm going to prep for Max's 3rd birthday party and Leah's baptism this coming weekend. And before you know it Christmas will be here and then I'm back to work! Whew! Where did my 12 weeks of "vacation" go?
Monday, November 24, 2008
Is it just me...
or do all mom's feel like they are just treading water? I never feel that I am caught up. My to-do list is never done. The house is never clean. There is always laundry to do. Just as I get the kitchen cleaned up from one meal, it's time for the next. There are groceries to get, bills to pay, children to clean. I always feel like I'm playing catch up. Is there always something to do? I always wonder if I focus too much on all of that "stuff." In my ideal world I would like to have all that "stuff" done so I can sit down and truly focus on my children when we play instead of pretending I'm completely engaged when I'm really thinking about the next thing I need to do. I am so lucky that I have a hubby that is really helpful with the kids. I sometimes gripe that I need some time to myself and he is really good about honoring that request. It's what to do with that time that is hard. I feel like I SHOULD be checking things off the to-do list; I WANT to spend some time scrapbooking. I END UP laying on the couch and enjoying the complete silence.
I recently had a converstation with some friends about multi-tasking. I consider this one of my strong points. I love my hubby, but it's not one of his. Curious about whether this was a male/female thing I started asking around. It seems to be a mom thing. I don't know any guy that can talk on the phone while cooking dinner, fish car keys out of the toilet and still know what's going on on Oprah!
We mom's rock! We do what we do with love and devotion. I may not always be graceful about it but I wear motherhood like a badge of honor! So for me, I'm not going to worry about the BIG things and focus on my little things!
I recently had a converstation with some friends about multi-tasking. I consider this one of my strong points. I love my hubby, but it's not one of his. Curious about whether this was a male/female thing I started asking around. It seems to be a mom thing. I don't know any guy that can talk on the phone while cooking dinner, fish car keys out of the toilet and still know what's going on on Oprah!
We mom's rock! We do what we do with love and devotion. I may not always be graceful about it but I wear motherhood like a badge of honor! So for me, I'm not going to worry about the BIG things and focus on my little things!
Monday, November 10, 2008
This and that...
OK, as you can see I've been working on making over my blog. Hopefully, I'll get this figured out and next time it won't take me a week to do it! By the way, thanks to Lori for answering all my questions! You've been a true blogger friend!
Anyway, now I'm just trying to figure out why my header is not centered. Anyone know?
Now to other stuff- My blogging has been put on the back burner. Our computer is in our unfinished basement. I rarely get an opportunity to get down here undisturbed. I try sneaking down while Max is watching cartoons but I swear that kid has a GPS system on me. As soon as I sit my butt in the chair I hear his sweet voice yelling from the top of the stairs, "Maaameeee" (that's how it's spelled if your yelling it, in case your wondering). If I manage to make it down here without Max taking an interest then Leah makes it known that she would like my attention. I think they're in cahoots (Is that the way you spell it?) I'm hoping and praying that I can get a laptop this winter. This is definitely a want and not a need but I really, really want one! And for those of you out there wondering... it's not just so I can blog! It's so I can Facebook, too! No, seriously, I use the computer for lots of stuff, important stuff, like finding good recipes to make and feed to my family and good deals on Craigslist. Ok, it's not really important stuff but lots of fun stuff.
Life has been good with two children. Max is turning 3 next month and is a little spitfire. This kid doesn't forget a thing, fortunately and unfortunately, sometimes. He's funny, creative, imaginative and too smart for his own good. He's a chatterbox and has quite the vocabulary. I'm amazed at what he comprehends. Rob and I have had to resort to speaking in code at times- it will be nice when we can figure out what the other person is saying though. I'm not too concerned. Max will probably figure it out before we master it!
Leah is our little "sweet hon," as Max calls her. She is a pretty easy baby. She has her moments, usually between 6pm and 9pm where she lets us know that she is in charge. She usually gets up 1-2 times at night- depending on when I fed her last- and goes right back to sleep. She is getting so big! I have definitely noticed that I don't take as many pictures of her as I did with Max. I'm going to make a more concerted effort to do so.
I'm about 1/2 way through my maternity leave. That just doesn't seem right. I'm fully of anxiety about going back to work. With Max I went back to the day shift. This time I'm going back to my evening shift of 5p-1a. Eventually Max slept through the night which meant I did to. Even if Leah is sleeping though the night (I'm praying!) I still will only get about 4 hours of sleep since I will get home around 2am and Max will be up by 6 or 6:30! Ahhhh! Fortunately, Rob doesn't work much in the winter so hopefully that will allow me a few more hours of sleep!
That's the update...
Anyway, now I'm just trying to figure out why my header is not centered. Anyone know?
Now to other stuff- My blogging has been put on the back burner. Our computer is in our unfinished basement. I rarely get an opportunity to get down here undisturbed. I try sneaking down while Max is watching cartoons but I swear that kid has a GPS system on me. As soon as I sit my butt in the chair I hear his sweet voice yelling from the top of the stairs, "Maaameeee" (that's how it's spelled if your yelling it, in case your wondering). If I manage to make it down here without Max taking an interest then Leah makes it known that she would like my attention. I think they're in cahoots (Is that the way you spell it?) I'm hoping and praying that I can get a laptop this winter. This is definitely a want and not a need but I really, really want one! And for those of you out there wondering... it's not just so I can blog! It's so I can Facebook, too! No, seriously, I use the computer for lots of stuff, important stuff, like finding good recipes to make and feed to my family and good deals on Craigslist. Ok, it's not really important stuff but lots of fun stuff.
Life has been good with two children. Max is turning 3 next month and is a little spitfire. This kid doesn't forget a thing, fortunately and unfortunately, sometimes. He's funny, creative, imaginative and too smart for his own good. He's a chatterbox and has quite the vocabulary. I'm amazed at what he comprehends. Rob and I have had to resort to speaking in code at times- it will be nice when we can figure out what the other person is saying though. I'm not too concerned. Max will probably figure it out before we master it!
Leah is our little "sweet hon," as Max calls her. She is a pretty easy baby. She has her moments, usually between 6pm and 9pm where she lets us know that she is in charge. She usually gets up 1-2 times at night- depending on when I fed her last- and goes right back to sleep. She is getting so big! I have definitely noticed that I don't take as many pictures of her as I did with Max. I'm going to make a more concerted effort to do so.
I'm about 1/2 way through my maternity leave. That just doesn't seem right. I'm fully of anxiety about going back to work. With Max I went back to the day shift. This time I'm going back to my evening shift of 5p-1a. Eventually Max slept through the night which meant I did to. Even if Leah is sleeping though the night (I'm praying!) I still will only get about 4 hours of sleep since I will get home around 2am and Max will be up by 6 or 6:30! Ahhhh! Fortunately, Rob doesn't work much in the winter so hopefully that will allow me a few more hours of sleep!
That's the update...
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Blog Help!
I am almost there! With my blog makeover, that is! I've created a page on scrapblog but I'm unsure how to "post" it on my blog. Can anybody help me?
Thanks
Thanks
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Max 3 year pictures
I wonder if Rob new when he did our landscaping that we would have such perfect picture backgrounds!
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Bragging.
I just think I have two of the cutest kids and, since this is my blog, I'm bragging about them! Here are some recent pictures!
Things are going pretty well in the B household. Max has adjusted well and Leah is a great baby! She eats just about every 3 hours and is sleeping good at night. She likes to be awake between her 8pm and 11pm feedings but goes right back to sleep after her middle of the night feedings so I can't complain! Max is still taking naps on most days so I can usually catch up on some sleep then.
Just another really quick update...
Things are going pretty well in the B household. Max has adjusted well and Leah is a great baby! She eats just about every 3 hours and is sleeping good at night. She likes to be awake between her 8pm and 11pm feedings but goes right back to sleep after her middle of the night feedings so I can't complain! Max is still taking naps on most days so I can usually catch up on some sleep then.
Just another really quick update...
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Remembering the good old days...
So today I decided to venture out to the grocery store. This was my first big trip with both kids. I only needed to get a few things so after planning my trip... yes, I have to plan. I need to nurse Leah just before I leave so I have enough time to get to the store and back before having to feed her again. With just one child I used to sneak into a changing room and nurse there but I don't know how I earth I could do that AND entertain Max. So, needless to say, I nursed and we rushed out of the house. Sorry, I'm so off track. Anyway, the shopping trip was uneventful. The reason for this post is to vent. What happened to the good old days when baggers bagged your groceries and loaded them into your car? Our Meijer was just revamped and now we have all new self check out lanes. The option is to scan and bag your groceries yourself or wait (really wait) in one of the five "full service" lines they have open. There is always some type of glich in the self serve line. Getting someone to help is always a chore. I can't even find a button to alert the attendant that is at least 4 aisles away. So today, on several occassions, I'm yelling to the attendant, "Can you help me?" She'd come over and enter her password and fix things... and then come back and have to do the same thing again! I live in a small town that has a small grocery store that still bags and loads your groceries. I'm starting to wonder if it isn't worth paying more for my groceries just to get the service?
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
A quick update!
So far being a family of four is great! Max is so protective of Leah. Yesterday at her doctor appointment he was so concerned that the doctor wasn't going to give her back to us! He seems to be adjusting well. Tomorrow is Rob's first day back to work... we'll see how he does then. He's such a daddy's boy. Just a couple of pictures...
Ain't she SWEET!
Ain't she SWEET!
Friday, October 3, 2008
And it's a.....
GIRL! I absolutely cannot believe that I have a daughter! I was so convinced that I was having another boy but nope, Leah Grace was born October 2nd at 7:54 am weighing 9 pounds, 3 ounces and 22 inches long. Oh, and as beautiful as ever! So, congratulations to the 76% of you that voted on the blog that I was having a girl! I had a repeat c-section and other than being a little tired and sore, everything is going great. Max LOVES his little sister and has been so cute! He constantly wants to hold her and feed her... we've intercepted a jolly rancer, chocolate covered pretzel and some 7-up! Here are a couple of pictures of our littel bundle of joy!
(Leah's little foot next to her big brother Max's foot!) I love this picture!
Saturday, September 27, 2008
One last time...
This is the last ultrasound photo! The next photo posted will be of Baby B #2! I still have what seems like an eternity left... FIVE long days!
I hope you guys can make out the face of the baby. The left side of the baby's face is blocked by a hand or something (I was having a contraction so it all looks kind of smashed.) But if you find the 2 eyes (dark spots) and the white nose in the middle you should be able to make out the face. A friend of mine scanned me at work on MOnday of last week. I measured 41 weeks and 4 days. According to the u/s I should have delivered already! She noticed quite a bit of hair already and "chubby cheeks." The estimated weight 1 week ago was 8lbs 11oz... I'm curious how much 10 days will add to that. I'm thinking another 10 pounder.
Anyway... here is the star of the show! Click on the picture to make it bigger.
I hope you guys can make out the face of the baby. The left side of the baby's face is blocked by a hand or something (I was having a contraction so it all looks kind of smashed.) But if you find the 2 eyes (dark spots) and the white nose in the middle you should be able to make out the face. A friend of mine scanned me at work on MOnday of last week. I measured 41 weeks and 4 days. According to the u/s I should have delivered already! She noticed quite a bit of hair already and "chubby cheeks." The estimated weight 1 week ago was 8lbs 11oz... I'm curious how much 10 days will add to that. I'm thinking another 10 pounder.
Anyway... here is the star of the show! Click on the picture to make it bigger.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Next week.
Next week. Next week? NEXT WEEK! Oh, my gosh. I can't believe I can actually say that I am going to have a baby next week! I'm beyond ready and believe that 10 months (yes, you are actually pregnant for 10 months.... 40 weeks=10 months) is torture!
I had my first- and last- pelvic exam on Friday. My doctor said I don't have to get checked for dilation anymore. I wasn't surprised when he said that I hadn't dilated at all or that he thought I wouldn't dilate... period. It's the same story as Max. My "problem," according to him, is that "the baby is too big to fit into the pelvis." Thank goodness for c-sections. Would I have been one of those mothers that died in childbirth years ago? I'm sure I would eventually go into labor but what if I couldn't deliver? It's kind of a scary thought.
According to my lovable hubby, I only have a week left before my "vacation." My what?! Does this mean I have 12 weeks of no cooking or cleaning and that he is going to pamper my every whim? Probably not but I just had to chuckle. He quickly chose different words... must have been the look on my face!
I had my first- and last- pelvic exam on Friday. My doctor said I don't have to get checked for dilation anymore. I wasn't surprised when he said that I hadn't dilated at all or that he thought I wouldn't dilate... period. It's the same story as Max. My "problem," according to him, is that "the baby is too big to fit into the pelvis." Thank goodness for c-sections. Would I have been one of those mothers that died in childbirth years ago? I'm sure I would eventually go into labor but what if I couldn't deliver? It's kind of a scary thought.
According to my lovable hubby, I only have a week left before my "vacation." My what?! Does this mean I have 12 weeks of no cooking or cleaning and that he is going to pamper my every whim? Probably not but I just had to chuckle. He quickly chose different words... must have been the look on my face!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Any ideas?
I'm entertaining ideas for a new blog name. It'll have to be changed once the "one more" arrives. Any creative minds out there?
Sunday, September 14, 2008
A fluke.
I think this nesting thing might have been a fluke. What's the opposite of nesting? Whatever it is, that's what I did today. Hibernation! That's it. I slept all day. Thanks to my hubby that totally indulged my laziness!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Nesting
Ok. I think I'm nesting. Here's why.
Last weekend I got out my planner and scribbled notes on different days of stuff that I wanted to get accomplished...put laundry away, wash clothes I just took off and any newly dirtied item that didn't make the last load, clean out car, take car to get washed, take Max on picnic (got out of that one for weather related reasons), call hospital to make sure I'm registered, call insurance to confirm something (?), schedule haircuts, schedule newborn portrait session, get Max new winter clothes, take Max on playdate with his cousin, clean house, clean again, make salsa.
This past week I became obsessed with getting Max some new winter duds. I went to one store on 3 seperate occassions just to make sure I got all the stuff that I wanted. They were having a sale plus I had ten 20% off coupons to applied to the sale stuff. Can't beat that, right?
On Thursday my aunt and I planned to make salsa. I chopped all the veggies the night before and started everything else first thing Thursday morning. We were finished by early afternoon. My body was hating me so I decided to lay down. I couldn't fall asleep so I got up and kept thinking of all the stuff not yet accomplished. My previous trip to the grocery store ended up with me purchasing 10 pounds of hamburger. We really don't eat that much red meat... but you just never know. So, after canning 16 quarts of salsa, I decided to make 2 tater tot casseroles, one for dinner and one for the freezer. Our small group was coming over on Friday for a cookout so I pattied up some burgers and then froze the rest of the meat in 1 pound packages. After dinner Rob was going to help me clean the house up a bit. (Gotta love him.) When the time came I told him I had no umption in my gumption (a line from one of Max's kid CD's that seemed very appropriate) so why don't he and Max pop some popcorn and watch a movie while I put away the laundry. Ok, I finished that task and tried to relax and watch some tv. I became obsessed with the fact that I hadn't cleaned the toilets. One by one they got cleaned. Along with the rest of the bathroom. In Max's bathroom I noticed hard water stains on the walls of the shower. Since I felt like I couldn't adequately clean the shower without being in it, I decided to kill 2 birds with one stone and shower while I was cleaning it. Now that's done. It's almost 11pm now so I try to sleep. I'm having a hard time because I haven't vacuumed or mopped the floors yet. If Max hadn't been sleeping I'm sure I would have done that as well. I had scheduled a massage for later the next morning. My plan was to get up and clean the floors, have my massage and relax until our small group came home. Well, I had the massage which was AWESOME, but then counteracted all the good of the massage by running errands ALL AFTERNOON! I got home with about an hour to spare before our friends came over. We had a great time together. BUT, as soon as they left (around 10pm) I was washing the dishes that hadn't fit into the dish washer, picking up the house, and vacuuming and mopping the floors (AGAIN)!. I have never vacuumed and mopped twice in one day.
I've been known to be impulsive and sometimes a little obsessive but the level of this obsession and compulsion was quite scary. I think Rob was even a little nervous. The only thing I haven't crossed off my to do list is pack my bag for the hospital. So between working this weekend, a 40th birthday party for our friend tonight and church and potluck tomorrow, I will pack my bags. Hopefully, this will sway mother nature into sending me into labor early! Here's to hoping.
P.S.
Have I mentioned I don't have ankles anymore? More like cankles.
Last weekend I got out my planner and scribbled notes on different days of stuff that I wanted to get accomplished...put laundry away, wash clothes I just took off and any newly dirtied item that didn't make the last load, clean out car, take car to get washed, take Max on picnic (got out of that one for weather related reasons), call hospital to make sure I'm registered, call insurance to confirm something (?), schedule haircuts, schedule newborn portrait session, get Max new winter clothes, take Max on playdate with his cousin, clean house, clean again, make salsa.
This past week I became obsessed with getting Max some new winter duds. I went to one store on 3 seperate occassions just to make sure I got all the stuff that I wanted. They were having a sale plus I had ten 20% off coupons to applied to the sale stuff. Can't beat that, right?
On Thursday my aunt and I planned to make salsa. I chopped all the veggies the night before and started everything else first thing Thursday morning. We were finished by early afternoon. My body was hating me so I decided to lay down. I couldn't fall asleep so I got up and kept thinking of all the stuff not yet accomplished. My previous trip to the grocery store ended up with me purchasing 10 pounds of hamburger. We really don't eat that much red meat... but you just never know. So, after canning 16 quarts of salsa, I decided to make 2 tater tot casseroles, one for dinner and one for the freezer. Our small group was coming over on Friday for a cookout so I pattied up some burgers and then froze the rest of the meat in 1 pound packages. After dinner Rob was going to help me clean the house up a bit. (Gotta love him.) When the time came I told him I had no umption in my gumption (a line from one of Max's kid CD's that seemed very appropriate) so why don't he and Max pop some popcorn and watch a movie while I put away the laundry. Ok, I finished that task and tried to relax and watch some tv. I became obsessed with the fact that I hadn't cleaned the toilets. One by one they got cleaned. Along with the rest of the bathroom. In Max's bathroom I noticed hard water stains on the walls of the shower. Since I felt like I couldn't adequately clean the shower without being in it, I decided to kill 2 birds with one stone and shower while I was cleaning it. Now that's done. It's almost 11pm now so I try to sleep. I'm having a hard time because I haven't vacuumed or mopped the floors yet. If Max hadn't been sleeping I'm sure I would have done that as well. I had scheduled a massage for later the next morning. My plan was to get up and clean the floors, have my massage and relax until our small group came home. Well, I had the massage which was AWESOME, but then counteracted all the good of the massage by running errands ALL AFTERNOON! I got home with about an hour to spare before our friends came over. We had a great time together. BUT, as soon as they left (around 10pm) I was washing the dishes that hadn't fit into the dish washer, picking up the house, and vacuuming and mopping the floors (AGAIN)!. I have never vacuumed and mopped twice in one day.
I've been known to be impulsive and sometimes a little obsessive but the level of this obsession and compulsion was quite scary. I think Rob was even a little nervous. The only thing I haven't crossed off my to do list is pack my bag for the hospital. So between working this weekend, a 40th birthday party for our friend tonight and church and potluck tomorrow, I will pack my bags. Hopefully, this will sway mother nature into sending me into labor early! Here's to hoping.
P.S.
Have I mentioned I don't have ankles anymore? More like cankles.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Pumpkin Time!
Today we picked some pumpkins from our garden. I've never grown them before and was really excited to see how big they were getting. Hopefully they will last until Halloween. Maybe next year we'll plant them a little later.
After the pumpkin harvesting, we decided to have a little more pumpkin fun. The pictures say it all!
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Nesting.
No, I don't really think I'm nesting. When I think of a mother-to-be nesting, I think of a crazed woman running around trying to get everything done. I might be crazed, depending on who you ask, but I'm certainly not running around anywhere. Nevertheless, today was a really busy day.
To begin with, my aunt came over and we canned salsa. We made 18 quarts and are already planning on making more. My hubby really likes salsa and I need enough to get us through until this time next year!
While we were slaving away in the kitchen, Rob and Max were taking down and putting up furniture. We swapped the kids rooms and moved Max in the the bedroom we thought would be the nursery and moved the nursery back into Max's room. The rooms are the same size but the layout is so different. There is now so much more room in each of them that they feel like we added space to them.
I started getting stuff ready in the baby's room. It is so different this time around not knowing the gender! I went through some of Max's stuff and picked out all the green and yellow gender neutral stuff. I figured that will get me through until after we come home and get settled. I had a bunch of extra diapers left over from Max so I was getting those out and putting them away in the changing table. I could not believe how small the size one diapers are! I showed Rob and asked him if he was ready for this again! I think the reason I have such a surplus of this size is because Max never fit into them! We'll see how they work out with this baby. The other day at the store I bought one bag of size 1 but I think I'll exchange them. If my intuition is right, we'll probably not be in the small size for long!
Anyway, I'm whooped and Rob's got a bonfire going! So I'm off to enjoy time with my two favorite guys!
To begin with, my aunt came over and we canned salsa. We made 18 quarts and are already planning on making more. My hubby really likes salsa and I need enough to get us through until this time next year!
While we were slaving away in the kitchen, Rob and Max were taking down and putting up furniture. We swapped the kids rooms and moved Max in the the bedroom we thought would be the nursery and moved the nursery back into Max's room. The rooms are the same size but the layout is so different. There is now so much more room in each of them that they feel like we added space to them.
I started getting stuff ready in the baby's room. It is so different this time around not knowing the gender! I went through some of Max's stuff and picked out all the green and yellow gender neutral stuff. I figured that will get me through until after we come home and get settled. I had a bunch of extra diapers left over from Max so I was getting those out and putting them away in the changing table. I could not believe how small the size one diapers are! I showed Rob and asked him if he was ready for this again! I think the reason I have such a surplus of this size is because Max never fit into them! We'll see how they work out with this baby. The other day at the store I bought one bag of size 1 but I think I'll exchange them. If my intuition is right, we'll probably not be in the small size for long!
Anyway, I'm whooped and Rob's got a bonfire going! So I'm off to enjoy time with my two favorite guys!
Friday, September 5, 2008
A conversation with Max
This is a conversation I had with Max about a week ago. It is too cute not to share.
Max: "Can I play in my sandbox?"
Me: "Sure, honey, go ahead."
Max: "Will you play in there with me?"
Me: "Oh, sweety, Mommy can't play in the
sandbox today. I promise as soon as I
have this baby I will play in the
sandbox with you again."
Max: (Now his voice is about 5 octaves higher
than normal) "It's ok mommy." "It's
ok." "I hold your hand, it's ok."
Me: "You are such a sweet boy, Max, but
mommy will sit right here and watch you
play."
Max: "Otay."
About 10-15 minutes later
Max: "Mommy, is Jesus done making my brother
or sister."
Me: "Almost, honey, almost."
Max: "When my brother or sister comes then
you can play in the sandbox?"
Me: "You bet."
Max: "Where is Jesus?"
Me: "He is everywhere." "He's in the sky,
everywhere."
Max: "Can an airplane see him?"
Me: "You can't see Jesus, but you can talk
to him." "You can say, 'hi Jesus'
anytime you want."
Max: (Contemplatively looking up to the sky)
"Hi Jesus." (then quickly looks at me)
"Did he hear me?"
Me: "He sure did."
Max: "My shishy (fishy) is with Jesus."
(I had to think about this one and then remembered that he had a goldfish that died back in March and I explained to him that he was with Jesus.)
Me: "Your right. Your fishy is with Jesus." (Boy does this kid have a good memory).
Max: "... and with Mommy and Daddy's
poopies."
Moral of the story? Don't tell you child that his fish that just died is with Jesus and then proceed to flush the fish down the toilet while he is watching.
Max: "Can I play in my sandbox?"
Me: "Sure, honey, go ahead."
Max: "Will you play in there with me?"
Me: "Oh, sweety, Mommy can't play in the
sandbox today. I promise as soon as I
have this baby I will play in the
sandbox with you again."
Max: (Now his voice is about 5 octaves higher
than normal) "It's ok mommy." "It's
ok." "I hold your hand, it's ok."
Me: "You are such a sweet boy, Max, but
mommy will sit right here and watch you
play."
Max: "Otay."
About 10-15 minutes later
Max: "Mommy, is Jesus done making my brother
or sister."
Me: "Almost, honey, almost."
Max: "When my brother or sister comes then
you can play in the sandbox?"
Me: "You bet."
Max: "Where is Jesus?"
Me: "He is everywhere." "He's in the sky,
everywhere."
Max: "Can an airplane see him?"
Me: "You can't see Jesus, but you can talk
to him." "You can say, 'hi Jesus'
anytime you want."
Max: (Contemplatively looking up to the sky)
"Hi Jesus." (then quickly looks at me)
"Did he hear me?"
Me: "He sure did."
Max: "My shishy (fishy) is with Jesus."
(I had to think about this one and then remembered that he had a goldfish that died back in March and I explained to him that he was with Jesus.)
Me: "Your right. Your fishy is with Jesus." (Boy does this kid have a good memory).
Max: "... and with Mommy and Daddy's
poopies."
Moral of the story? Don't tell you child that his fish that just died is with Jesus and then proceed to flush the fish down the toilet while he is watching.
My new favorite!
Yesterday Max and I decided to head to the mall for a little shopping. I debated this. Really, I did. But my need to shop won out over the pain and swelling I knew I would endure later on! I was on a mission to find some new jammies, or something of the sort, to take to the hospital with me. I'd like to avoid the hospital gowns at all cost. I also needed a few other things that I wanted to cross off my list!
I absolutely love going out to lunch with Max. I hate to admit it, but we do it frequently. Now that my "alone" time with him is winding down, these times together are so much more precious. I love TGI Friday's and there happens to be one at the mall. I ordered their new "Southwest Mac and Cheese." Oh, My Gosh! It was so good. It's penne pasta with a white cheddar sauce, diced jalepenos and shaved parmesean cheese on top served with a sided of grilled chicken strips. I already told Rob we might have to make one more trip out there before this baby comes! I'm hooked!
In case you're wondering... only 27 days left.
I absolutely love going out to lunch with Max. I hate to admit it, but we do it frequently. Now that my "alone" time with him is winding down, these times together are so much more precious. I love TGI Friday's and there happens to be one at the mall. I ordered their new "Southwest Mac and Cheese." Oh, My Gosh! It was so good. It's penne pasta with a white cheddar sauce, diced jalepenos and shaved parmesean cheese on top served with a sided of grilled chicken strips. I already told Rob we might have to make one more trip out there before this baby comes! I'm hooked!
In case you're wondering... only 27 days left.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Non labor Labor Day
There was no laboring this Labor day. Not pregnancy related labor or otherwise! We had a great weekend visiting. We finally got to enjoy a bonfire on Saturday and Sunday! Sunday afternoon we went to Crane's Orchard and had an out of this world peach pie! The waitress was almost apologetic when she delivered the pie because "it just came out of the oven." Bummer. Warm peach pie and homemade ice cream... I'll force myself!
I really didn't think I would go into labor this weekend. I was just hopeful. I'm getting pretty sick of feeling like everything is a momentous task. I'm pretty sure this baby will be born on October 2 when I have a c-section but I am still hopeful that I will go into labor naturally. I would love to have that surprise! Only 30 days to go! That doesn't sound too bad. Especially since we have NOTHING ready for this baby!
Saturday, August 30, 2008
I've learned...
that if you want a clean house- just invite people over! It's usually a good way to motivate myself to clean. The bad part is that the house usually needs to be cleaned again by the time the company leaves!
My uncle's daughter (you would think she is my cousin but she really isn't... but sort of) and her husband are coming from Cincinnati this weekend. They're hanging out with my aunt and uncle today and then coming over tonight for a bonfire and then will be staying with us for the rest of the weekend! I think I just might have to break all the rules and have a beer with them. For all of you that are thinking, "Is she serious?" The answer is yes... and I already had one last weekend, too! I don't get too concerned about a beer here or there, especially at this stage.. Please... no hate mail. It might cause me to drink more! JOKING!
My uncle's daughter (you would think she is my cousin but she really isn't... but sort of) and her husband are coming from Cincinnati this weekend. They're hanging out with my aunt and uncle today and then coming over tonight for a bonfire and then will be staying with us for the rest of the weekend! I think I just might have to break all the rules and have a beer with them. For all of you that are thinking, "Is she serious?" The answer is yes... and I already had one last weekend, too! I don't get too concerned about a beer here or there, especially at this stage.. Please... no hate mail. It might cause me to drink more! JOKING!
Friday, August 29, 2008
One year anniversary!
Yesterday was my one year blogging anniversary! I tried all day to think of something special to commemorate the day but nothing came to mind. Anyway, happy anniversary to me.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Update
So, last night Max was in bed at 8:08 pm and asleep by 8:10. No kidding. I had tucked him in after reading a few books and he wanted to see his dad. Rob was working outside with the skidsteer so I told Max that I would tell him to come in and say goodnight when he was finished. I went to the bathroom and then out to the garage. Rob was done and on his way inside. I told him that I had just put Max down so he went in to say goodnight. The tired little booger was asleep already!
Today he went nap-less, too. I can tell that he gets tired during his normal nap time but he really does quite well. Tonight was a repeat of last night except with Rob putting him to bed. There was no fuss or talk of monsters and he was sound asleep in a matter of minutes.
This no nap thing makes for a long day, especially at this stage of my pregnancy but I've been sleeping better as well. Last night was another pretty good night AND my hubby slept in the same bed.
Nothing too interesting... just an update.
Today he went nap-less, too. I can tell that he gets tired during his normal nap time but he really does quite well. Tonight was a repeat of last night except with Rob putting him to bed. There was no fuss or talk of monsters and he was sound asleep in a matter of minutes.
This no nap thing makes for a long day, especially at this stage of my pregnancy but I've been sleeping better as well. Last night was another pretty good night AND my hubby slept in the same bed.
Nothing too interesting... just an update.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Sleep Issues
I slept awesome last night! No medication or sleep induction methods at all! If any non pregnant person had taken my place last night they would think I'm crazy for saying that how I slept was "awesome." I fell asleep quickly after turning off the t.v. No tossing and turning or pacing the house until 2 or 3am. I still got up about every hour to hour and a half to use the bathroom BUT I fell back asleep quickly each time. I started thinking about what I had done differently... I did take a nap but it wasn't as long as usual. The only other thing that was different is that my hubby was upstairs sleeping on the couch! Poor guy... that might be his bedroom for the next 5 weeks! I can't believe that I can't share a king sized bed! Although he would debate this, he can be a bit of a bed hog. Not all the time. But when he is there's no chance in moving him... he sleeps like a bear.
Max has also been having sleep issues. The past couple of weeks have been so busy and his naps kept getting later and later which, in turn, caused his bedtime to get later and later. Saturday night Rob and I went golfing with some friends and my sister babysat Max. He fell asleep around 10:30 but then woke up again when we tried to put him back in his bed. Finally, around midnight he was out. He woke up at his usual 7 or 7:30 and was in a great mood. We were having a family cookout at our house and I ultimately decided to just skip his nap. He was behaving so I just planned on putting him to bed earlier. That night he barely argued about going to bed. The days that he has been getting naps he puts up a HUGE fight about going to bed. I can't figure if he is playing us or just ready to drop his naps. Yesterday I tried to skip his nap but he fell asleep in the car and then laid down on the living room floor and slept for another hour. He also started crying at night after we put him to bed and telling us that there are monsters in his room. At first I thought he was really good! And that he was just playing us. But last night he stared yelling at the monsters to "get way" and "quit looking at me." I don't think he is at the cognitive level to do such complex manipulation. Plus, I was a scare-dy cat when I was a kid and really don't want to ignore his fears. We'll see how tonight goes... we successfully skipped naps today.
Max has also been having sleep issues. The past couple of weeks have been so busy and his naps kept getting later and later which, in turn, caused his bedtime to get later and later. Saturday night Rob and I went golfing with some friends and my sister babysat Max. He fell asleep around 10:30 but then woke up again when we tried to put him back in his bed. Finally, around midnight he was out. He woke up at his usual 7 or 7:30 and was in a great mood. We were having a family cookout at our house and I ultimately decided to just skip his nap. He was behaving so I just planned on putting him to bed earlier. That night he barely argued about going to bed. The days that he has been getting naps he puts up a HUGE fight about going to bed. I can't figure if he is playing us or just ready to drop his naps. Yesterday I tried to skip his nap but he fell asleep in the car and then laid down on the living room floor and slept for another hour. He also started crying at night after we put him to bed and telling us that there are monsters in his room. At first I thought he was really good! And that he was just playing us. But last night he stared yelling at the monsters to "get way" and "quit looking at me." I don't think he is at the cognitive level to do such complex manipulation. Plus, I was a scare-dy cat when I was a kid and really don't want to ignore his fears. We'll see how tonight goes... we successfully skipped naps today.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Just a thought....
I'm fairly certain that my due date has been miscalculated by about 5 weeks. I cannot imagine there being anymore room in my abdominal cavity for more growth. I'm curious to see how the next few weeks pan out. I think I may be able to predict... grumpy, irritable, sore, hot, insommniac, tired.... etc.
Here's the sad part- My family from Egypt is leaving 4 days before my c-section. They just extended their plane ticket for an extra 3 weeks or so. My sister and nephew will already be missing a week of school. What are the chances that I will deliver a bit earlier so they might have a chance to see the little one? If it's up to my doctor, zero. If it's up to mother nature? Hmmmm... Anybody have any tried and true recipes for self induced labor?
Stay tuned... I'm sure there is more pregnancy related talk on the horizon.
Here's the sad part- My family from Egypt is leaving 4 days before my c-section. They just extended their plane ticket for an extra 3 weeks or so. My sister and nephew will already be missing a week of school. What are the chances that I will deliver a bit earlier so they might have a chance to see the little one? If it's up to my doctor, zero. If it's up to mother nature? Hmmmm... Anybody have any tried and true recipes for self induced labor?
Stay tuned... I'm sure there is more pregnancy related talk on the horizon.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Big Bertha
.... and I'm NOT talking about the golf club! I had my ultrasound on Monday and got the "official" results yesterday at my doctor's appointment. Apparently I make big babies. This one is already measuring 6lbs at 32 weeks gestation. At the same time gestation Max measured 6lbs 2 oz and was born weighing 10 lbs. I'm pretty sure this ultrasound is accurate. I told Rob that if this baby is a girl that I wanted her to be a "little girl" not a hefty one. (Not that I'm petite at all... I have German blood coarsing my veins for goodness sakes!) He told me, "It's ok... we'll just name her Bertha." What a sad nickname for this baby, isn't it? It's down right awful. I no longer have placenta previa but rather a "low lying" placenta. It doesn't really matter to me anymore because all thoughts of having a vaginal childbirth quickly vanished when I found out it was going to be another big baby! I have no desire to push out a bowling ball!
So, I think I'm down to about 42 days. I'm really no way prepared to bring home another baby yet. I haven't even sorted through Max's baby things or put up the crib. These will be my September projects, I guess. To say that I'm not nervous or anxious about having another child would be a lie. Sometimes I almost feel panicky. I keep trying to remember that having another child doesn't divide your love it multiplies it! I just wonder how it will all work out. I'm not the first person to have multiple kids! I feel so sleep deprived now that I worry about that. How will I manage with interrupted sleep and 2 kids? Max excitedly talks about his baby brother or sister almost on a daily basis. "When's the baby coming out?" "Can I take her for a ride on my Gator?" "Can I hold the baby?" I'm not expecting this but hoping that the excitement continues AFTER the baby comes!
So, I think I'm down to about 42 days. I'm really no way prepared to bring home another baby yet. I haven't even sorted through Max's baby things or put up the crib. These will be my September projects, I guess. To say that I'm not nervous or anxious about having another child would be a lie. Sometimes I almost feel panicky. I keep trying to remember that having another child doesn't divide your love it multiplies it! I just wonder how it will all work out. I'm not the first person to have multiple kids! I feel so sleep deprived now that I worry about that. How will I manage with interrupted sleep and 2 kids? Max excitedly talks about his baby brother or sister almost on a daily basis. "When's the baby coming out?" "Can I take her for a ride on my Gator?" "Can I hold the baby?" I'm not expecting this but hoping that the excitement continues AFTER the baby comes!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
"That's Harious!"
The other day Rob, Max and I were out "picking the garden." I was checking out our watermelons and was surprised to see how many we have and how big they were. I lifted my shirt to expose my very pregnant belly and said to Max, "Hey Max, look, mom ate a whole watermelon." He looked at me with a little smirk and said, "That's harious, Mom." (Translated it means, "That's hilarious, Mom." I about peed my pants. Where does he get these words?
We've not done any scientific studies or anything like that, but we are pretty sure that chicken manure is like steroids to a vegetable garden. Our tomato plants are taller than Rob and we've been mass producing zucchini and cucumbers. The tomato plants are so heavy with fruit that they are falling over despite being caged.
I've got plans to can some salsa and tomatoes when they are ready to be picked. I would really like to can some spaghetti sauce. My dad did once, with meat, and it was sooo yummy! Rob and I already canned pickles. Our bread and butter pickles were awesome and the dills were good to, but just not like the bread and butter. I sound pretty ambitious... maybe too ambitious for being 8 months pregnant. Time will tell!
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Busy Bee's
I cannot believe how much I got accomplished today. It really makes a difference when you have a helper! And not a 2 year old helper! Today Rob and I canned some pickles. This was a first for both of us. Our garden has been in mass production. Our tomatoe and zucchini plants look like they are on steroids. We've had more zucchini and cucumbers then we knew what to do with! I'm really anxioius to get a taste test.
After we finished canning, we tackled house cleaning. It was absolutely filthy. I don't know how people can work, take care of kids, and keep a clean house. I don't have outrageous standards but sometimes it's just overwhelming. Rob took care of the toilets and vacuumed. I did the rest. I washed sheets on Max's bed, the guest bed, and our bed. Max woke up from his nap crying and told me he "went potty" in his bed. So, his sheets got washed twice today!
After the laundry, the dusting, mopping, etc., I was ready to check into a hotel so the house didn't get dirty!
Despite all this, I still managed to get a little nap in before heading to work. It certainly was a productive day... not one I'm ready to repeat anytime soon!
After we finished canning, we tackled house cleaning. It was absolutely filthy. I don't know how people can work, take care of kids, and keep a clean house. I don't have outrageous standards but sometimes it's just overwhelming. Rob took care of the toilets and vacuumed. I did the rest. I washed sheets on Max's bed, the guest bed, and our bed. Max woke up from his nap crying and told me he "went potty" in his bed. So, his sheets got washed twice today!
After the laundry, the dusting, mopping, etc., I was ready to check into a hotel so the house didn't get dirty!
Despite all this, I still managed to get a little nap in before heading to work. It certainly was a productive day... not one I'm ready to repeat anytime soon!
Saturday, August 2, 2008
What a day-
I had quite the day Wednesday. I had worked Monday and Tuesday and had one shift left on Wednesday. I feel like such a whimp because before kids and married life I used to work 3, 4, 5, and even sometimes 6, 12 hour shifts in a row. Now three 8 hours shifts about kill me. Anyway, I woke up Wednesday feeling very sleep deprived and all around "blah." After finally getting my butt in gear Max and I decided to take a little walk to the end of our road. When we returned home it was pretty hot so I decided to get the slip and slide out to cool off. (For Max to cool off, anyway. I can't seem to convince Max that slipping and sliding wouldn't be a good idea for Mommy or baby.) Anyway- I hate when things that should be easy, aren't. A perfect example, I couldn't get the nozzle off the hose to hook it up to the slip and slide. Max learned a new word that day- frustrated. He used it all day long. Plan B was to play in Max's little kiddie pool. Nope- it was covered in slime. For Plan C we decided to go inside and read some books. No nozzle, no slime, just the good old AC. We're laying in bed reading Dr. Seuss's Fox in Socks and Max was so excited that he accidentally hit me in the mouth with his head causing a upper and lower fat lip. This was it... I broke into tears. Partially from the pain; partially because I'm pregnant and hormonal, I think. At this point I quickly put Plan D into action. Cartoons or movies, I didn't care...I was going to let the TV do the entertaining!
I had a fairly easy shift at work on Wednesday and woke up with a much better attitude Thursday morning. Why wouldn't I? I didn't have to work that night and had a girls night planned. Max and I lounged around in the morning and then got haircuts in the afternoon. I was feeling so ambitious that on the way home from getting our haircuts I decided that I would forego my nap for the day and clean the house. That lasted until after lunch. I got jealous when Max got to take one so I decided to do the same. Oh, well. My already good day got great when I was awoken by my sweet hubby who asked me, "Are you ready to get up?" I kind of shrugged and then he said, "Do you want to get a massage?" (I had talked about it a couple of times during the week.) I told him that I thought it was too late in the day to schedule one and he told me he had it had all been taken care of. He had scheduled a massage for me! I went from the massage to dinner and a movie with the girls! It was such a nice, relaxing night.
About the massage- it was awesome. I LOVE getting them, especially when I'm pregnant. I don't think I've had a massage since I was really pregnant with Max. I was used to having a table that dropped out to make room for the belly. This place had a pregnancy pillow I laid on that was horseshoe shaped. It was fairly comfortable except for the time I had to get up off the table to roll over. That was too much work!
About the movie- it was funny and corny. Against the advice of my niece who thought the movie "sucked", we went to see Mama Mia It was so corny at times that it had to be intentional. It made me laugh and I didn't have to think. Definitely a chick flick!
I had a fairly easy shift at work on Wednesday and woke up with a much better attitude Thursday morning. Why wouldn't I? I didn't have to work that night and had a girls night planned. Max and I lounged around in the morning and then got haircuts in the afternoon. I was feeling so ambitious that on the way home from getting our haircuts I decided that I would forego my nap for the day and clean the house. That lasted until after lunch. I got jealous when Max got to take one so I decided to do the same. Oh, well. My already good day got great when I was awoken by my sweet hubby who asked me, "Are you ready to get up?" I kind of shrugged and then he said, "Do you want to get a massage?" (I had talked about it a couple of times during the week.) I told him that I thought it was too late in the day to schedule one and he told me he had it had all been taken care of. He had scheduled a massage for me! I went from the massage to dinner and a movie with the girls! It was such a nice, relaxing night.
About the massage- it was awesome. I LOVE getting them, especially when I'm pregnant. I don't think I've had a massage since I was really pregnant with Max. I was used to having a table that dropped out to make room for the belly. This place had a pregnancy pillow I laid on that was horseshoe shaped. It was fairly comfortable except for the time I had to get up off the table to roll over. That was too much work!
About the movie- it was funny and corny. Against the advice of my niece who thought the movie "sucked", we went to see Mama Mia It was so corny at times that it had to be intentional. It made me laugh and I didn't have to think. Definitely a chick flick!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Sixty Four and NO More!
Sixty four days left but seriously, whose counting, right? Well, I am. Eight and a half weeks, two months... it's all the same. I am officially ready to be done. I can't believe how different this pregnancy is from my last. It's not in symptomology necessarily either. That's pretty much the same... back pain and restelss legs are the worse. But with Max I was obsessed with baby related websites, stores, names, you name it. I bet I can count a handful of times that I've checked out something like that with this pregnancy. Could it be because I have an active 2 year old keeping me busy? There just isn't as much free time to peruse the pregnancy related websites, I suppose. Or is it that it's the second child and is "old hat?" With Max, I HAD to know his gender. It hasn't been so hard not finding out with this one. Max talks about his sister- when is she coming out and when can he play with her. I've been told that young siblings have some kind of supernatural insider knowledge. We'll see if he's right or not. I can't say that I feel strongly one way or another. I guess I'm slighly leaning more towards another boy but I don't have good reason to. Rob thinks it's a girl as well.
This baby is very active. I remember Max being active but this one never stops. Lately I've been feeling s/he having the hiccups. It's amazing to me to know that I'm carrying another life in me and I certainly can't wait to meet this little one.
This baby is very active. I remember Max being active but this one never stops. Lately I've been feeling s/he having the hiccups. It's amazing to me to know that I'm carrying another life in me and I certainly can't wait to meet this little one.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Etcetera!
It's been awhile since I've posted and for good reason! We have been so busy! My sister, Marion and her husband Achmed and their two children, Shireen and Adam are in town- by that I mean Chicago- for the summer but came to visit us this past week! They live in Egypt and we really only get to see each other every 2-3 years. We kept fairly busy the 5 days they were here. I picked them up in Michigan City from the train station and we did a little bit of shopping at the outlet mall. It was so hot and humid that it really "sucked" the fun out of it. Saturday we had a BBQ at our house. The weather didn't cooperate so we didn't get to enjoy the patio and backyard but even if the weather did cooperate the bugs wouldn't have. The mosquitos are aweful this year. Sunday my sister, nephew and Rob and Max decided to head to the beach and it was awesome. The clouds disappeared and the sun made an appearance! It was beautiful... plus I found my new favorite beach!
Rob being a good sport!
Max imitating his dad and looking cool!
Max and mom-
After the beach we headed into town to meet up with my other sister and her family for a game of bowling. This was Max's first time bowling and he really got a kick out it. This was the nicest bowling alley I've ever been to. If you don't believe me, check out the shoes in the picture... they were stylin'. Seriously!
The release...
Waiting...
Patiently waiting...
The goose who laid the golden egg-
Max cheering on the goose, his cousin Aaron-
Lacy strutting her stuff-
Aunt Memmi and her nephews, Max and Aaron-
My niece, Shireen, and Max-
My nephew, Adam, and Max-
After looking through some of the pictures I took this past week, I am bummed. I didn't get a group picture and I'm in none of them. I don't like the way I look in pictures these days but I would like a few for memory sake! I guess it's a good thing that they are coming back to MI for another visit in August!
In other news, I'm still pregnant. I've started my third trimester and have been debating which sounds sooner or quicker- 10 weeks or 2 1/2 months. I think 10 weeks. I will be really happy when I'm in sinlge digits. I'm still not sleeping well and figure that will be the case for the rest of this pregnancy. I had an appointment 2 weeks ago and got the results of my follow up ultrasound. I still have the placenta previa. No biggie, I guess, I just went ahead and scheduled my c-section. I'll have another u/s in 4 weeks. Out of cuiosity I decided to ask my doctor how much weight I've gained and was pleasently surprised when he told me 12 pounds. With Max I think I gained 12 pounds in my first trimester. Maybe that's an bit of an exaggeration but it was close. So yesterday I had another appointment- just 2 weeks after my last. (That's important information). I always turn my back to the scale when they weigh me... I don't need to see the numbers. I asked the nurse how much, if at all, I gained in the past 2 weeks. She looked at the chart and told me I've gained a total of 19 pounds this pregancy. I told her, "Really? That can't be right... he just told me at my last appointment that I had only gained 12 pounds." She said, "Yes, that's right." And then I caught on. I blurted out, "You mean to tell me that I gained 7 pounds in 2 weeks?" She chuckled and that was my answer. I guess I was making up for lost time. I must have done some serious eating while my sister wasd here...I'm giving her the blame! That's easier to do than to take responsibility!
Well, I'm starting to get a bit tired. The benadryl I've been taking to help me sleep is kicking in. My doc was pretty stingy with my Ambien prescription so I save them for special nights when I want to make sure I really sleep. Ridiculous, I know.
I'm off to watch Hopkins...
Rob being a good sport!
Max imitating his dad and looking cool!
Max and mom-
After the beach we headed into town to meet up with my other sister and her family for a game of bowling. This was Max's first time bowling and he really got a kick out it. This was the nicest bowling alley I've ever been to. If you don't believe me, check out the shoes in the picture... they were stylin'. Seriously!
The release...
Waiting...
Patiently waiting...
The goose who laid the golden egg-
Max cheering on the goose, his cousin Aaron-
Lacy strutting her stuff-
Aunt Memmi and her nephews, Max and Aaron-
My niece, Shireen, and Max-
My nephew, Adam, and Max-
After looking through some of the pictures I took this past week, I am bummed. I didn't get a group picture and I'm in none of them. I don't like the way I look in pictures these days but I would like a few for memory sake! I guess it's a good thing that they are coming back to MI for another visit in August!
In other news, I'm still pregnant. I've started my third trimester and have been debating which sounds sooner or quicker- 10 weeks or 2 1/2 months. I think 10 weeks. I will be really happy when I'm in sinlge digits. I'm still not sleeping well and figure that will be the case for the rest of this pregnancy. I had an appointment 2 weeks ago and got the results of my follow up ultrasound. I still have the placenta previa. No biggie, I guess, I just went ahead and scheduled my c-section. I'll have another u/s in 4 weeks. Out of cuiosity I decided to ask my doctor how much weight I've gained and was pleasently surprised when he told me 12 pounds. With Max I think I gained 12 pounds in my first trimester. Maybe that's an bit of an exaggeration but it was close. So yesterday I had another appointment- just 2 weeks after my last. (That's important information). I always turn my back to the scale when they weigh me... I don't need to see the numbers. I asked the nurse how much, if at all, I gained in the past 2 weeks. She looked at the chart and told me I've gained a total of 19 pounds this pregancy. I told her, "Really? That can't be right... he just told me at my last appointment that I had only gained 12 pounds." She said, "Yes, that's right." And then I caught on. I blurted out, "You mean to tell me that I gained 7 pounds in 2 weeks?" She chuckled and that was my answer. I guess I was making up for lost time. I must have done some serious eating while my sister wasd here...I'm giving her the blame! That's easier to do than to take responsibility!
Well, I'm starting to get a bit tired. The benadryl I've been taking to help me sleep is kicking in. My doc was pretty stingy with my Ambien prescription so I save them for special nights when I want to make sure I really sleep. Ridiculous, I know.
I'm off to watch Hopkins...
Sunday, July 13, 2008
My Six
I've recently been made aware of a blogging assignment floating around the blogging world that has you sum up your life in six words. I thought this sounded interesting and after reading how fellow bloggers described their life I decided to come up with my six. It took me less than 2 minutes. Seriously. It might not be creative but when I reflected on my life and try to figure it out. this is what I came up with:
Accepting the past; Loving my now.
Initally, I almost tossed my first six in search of something that sounded less melodramatic. But then I started thinking and realized this is really how I feel. Let me first start off by saying that I did not have an aweful childhood. I wasn't starved, neglected or beaten. But it wasn't a childhood that I would wish for my children. The point of this is not to go into details or to toss blame but rather to say that, honestly, I wouldn't change a thing. To do so, I believe, would change the cascade of events that made me who I am. I am a work in progress, that much I know. I'm learning everyday what it means to be a wife, mother, sister, daughter and friend. One doesn't go through life's experiences without the effects of those experiences, good and bad, having an impact who they are and who they are to become. I'm happy with who/what I've become. That brings me to the second half of my six- Loving my now. I love my life. Today I watch my son run buck naked through the sprinklers in pure, unadultered joy. I was sitting next to my husband and we watched with absolute love as he laughed and giggled. As we sat in lawn chairs on our front lawn, we inventoried our life and remarked at how fortunate and blessed we have been. I believe that everything happens for a reason and that God doesn't close one door without opening another. My past has given me my now... and I couldn't be happier.
Accepting the past; Loving my now.
Initally, I almost tossed my first six in search of something that sounded less melodramatic. But then I started thinking and realized this is really how I feel. Let me first start off by saying that I did not have an aweful childhood. I wasn't starved, neglected or beaten. But it wasn't a childhood that I would wish for my children. The point of this is not to go into details or to toss blame but rather to say that, honestly, I wouldn't change a thing. To do so, I believe, would change the cascade of events that made me who I am. I am a work in progress, that much I know. I'm learning everyday what it means to be a wife, mother, sister, daughter and friend. One doesn't go through life's experiences without the effects of those experiences, good and bad, having an impact who they are and who they are to become. I'm happy with who/what I've become. That brings me to the second half of my six- Loving my now. I love my life. Today I watch my son run buck naked through the sprinklers in pure, unadultered joy. I was sitting next to my husband and we watched with absolute love as he laughed and giggled. As we sat in lawn chairs on our front lawn, we inventoried our life and remarked at how fortunate and blessed we have been. I believe that everything happens for a reason and that God doesn't close one door without opening another. My past has given me my now... and I couldn't be happier.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
I've been tagged!
I've been tagged!
The Rules: Answer the questions using only one word. Then tag four others.
1. Where is your cell phone? unsure
2. Your significant other? patient
3. Your hair? brown
4. Your mother? Deceased
5. Your father? Scott
6. Your favorite thing? motherhood
7. Your dream last night? WIERD
8 Your favorite drink? prohibited
9. Your dream/goal? contentment
10. The room you’re in? emergency
11. Your hobby? scrapbooking
12. Your fear? death
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Hamilton
14. What you’re not? skinny
15. Muffins? overrated
16. One of your wish list items? laptop
17. Where you grew up? Everywhere
18. The last thing you did? Medicate (not me, I'm at work!)
19. What are you wearing? scrubs
20. Favorite gadget? camera
21. Your pets? missed!
22. Your computer? works
23. Your mood? content
24. Missing someone? yes
25. Your car? guzzles
26. Something you’re not wearing? thong
27. Favorite store? Target
28. Like someone? yes
29. Your favorite color? orange
30. When is the last time you laughed? today
31. Last time you cried? yesterday
I'm not going to tag anyone. I don't follow enougth blogs to do so. But, if you read this and feel inclined, I'd love to see your answers- it's kind of fun!
The Rules: Answer the questions using only one word. Then tag four others.
1. Where is your cell phone? unsure
2. Your significant other? patient
3. Your hair? brown
4. Your mother? Deceased
5. Your father? Scott
6. Your favorite thing? motherhood
7. Your dream last night? WIERD
8 Your favorite drink? prohibited
9. Your dream/goal? contentment
10. The room you’re in? emergency
11. Your hobby? scrapbooking
12. Your fear? death
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Hamilton
14. What you’re not? skinny
15. Muffins? overrated
16. One of your wish list items? laptop
17. Where you grew up? Everywhere
18. The last thing you did? Medicate (not me, I'm at work!)
19. What are you wearing? scrubs
20. Favorite gadget? camera
21. Your pets? missed!
22. Your computer? works
23. Your mood? content
24. Missing someone? yes
25. Your car? guzzles
26. Something you’re not wearing? thong
27. Favorite store? Target
28. Like someone? yes
29. Your favorite color? orange
30. When is the last time you laughed? today
31. Last time you cried? yesterday
I'm not going to tag anyone. I don't follow enougth blogs to do so. But, if you read this and feel inclined, I'd love to see your answers- it's kind of fun!
Saturday, July 5, 2008
An old friend...
It's been a long time since we've seen each other but I've recently been reaquainted with my old friend Sleep. I cannot even begin to tell you how nice it is to sleep and stay asleep. My doctors partner prescribed 10 Ambien with instructions to talk with my doctor if I need more. I will be begging and pleading at my next visit. I'm talking about hands and knees begging. I used to take this medicine when I worked the night shift. It's a crazy little pill... or at least makes me a little whacky. The last time I took Ambien I had fallen asleep on the couch watching a Rescue 911 type show. Rob woke me up to tell me to go to bed. I looked at him like he was crazy and told him that I couldn't sleep when there was a man trapped between 2 bridges that needed rescuing. I was serious and the thought I had seriously lost it. What I like about it is it works super fast and I don't have the groggy feeling the next day. The other night I took a pill and watched some tv. When I started to feel the effects I decided to check on Max (like I do everynight before I turn the lights out.) Well, I looked at him and thought he looked like an 8 year old instead of a 2 year year old. I was somewhat convinced that someone was sleeping in his bed. I woke Rob up and told him he needed to check on Max. He asked why and I told him my theory. He was less than amused but did check on Max. I'm sure he was thinking, "here we go again."
I've also had 3 visits with a chiropractor. Initally I had mixed results but today I feel awesome. I am in the middle of a 16 hour shift and the first 12 were actually a breeze. I am starting to get a little sore and tired but I've only 3 hours left. We've been so busy tonight that the time has really flown.
I'm sure it won't last for the rest of the pregnancy but it certainly is nice to report feeling good and not miserable! Maybe all I needed was a little back cracking and some sleep. Let's hope.
I've also had 3 visits with a chiropractor. Initally I had mixed results but today I feel awesome. I am in the middle of a 16 hour shift and the first 12 were actually a breeze. I am starting to get a little sore and tired but I've only 3 hours left. We've been so busy tonight that the time has really flown.
I'm sure it won't last for the rest of the pregnancy but it certainly is nice to report feeling good and not miserable! Maybe all I needed was a little back cracking and some sleep. Let's hope.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Our newest addition!
I am so exicted to introduce to you the newest addition to our family!
Are you ready?
To meet.......
our hamsters!
(Don't worry he survived the fall with no injury!)
We "adopted" 2 little hamsters from some friends of ours. Max loves playing and holding them. I'm not sure where he came up with the names but he calls them "Blah" and "Blah." We aren't sure of the genders of these hamsters. We're just hoping we don't end up with "Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah." Know what I mean?
I didn't really fool anybody with the suspense, did I?
Are you ready?
To meet.......
our hamsters!
(Don't worry he survived the fall with no injury!)We "adopted" 2 little hamsters from some friends of ours. Max loves playing and holding them. I'm not sure where he came up with the names but he calls them "Blah" and "Blah." We aren't sure of the genders of these hamsters. We're just hoping we don't end up with "Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah." Know what I mean?
I didn't really fool anybody with the suspense, did I?
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