Mom Ears!!

Last night I actually would have slept well, except for BRYCE!! He was in bed next to me when he awoke me at 1:15, but he had been there for awhile because he was dead asleep (and kicking me!!) I climbed over him and went potty, then came back and took him to his bed.

Then, at 4:30 I woke up again (again being kicked by Bryce). He was back in my bed. I got up and went potty, but did not have the energy to take him to his bed. Instead I put a blanket on the floor and gave him a pillow and made him lay down there. Andrew was actually pretty calm over night -so Bryce took his place!

I am doing good getting up to put him back in his bed once - which usually means carrying him because he is too asleep to walk (although he manages to make it TO my room walking) - much less more than once!!! Last week, he woke me up in the middle of hte night when he was coming in here and told me that my room was too far away. I have to agree that in the middle of the night - their rooms seem a world away!!

This weekend Paul learned how much my super-hearing has grown! I have never slept well when he is gone, I wake up at every noise - and that was with their rooms right next to me. Saturday when we put the boys to bed, we went to our room and watched tv. I would hear their door or someone in the bathroom, Paul would not hear it. I had to explain that I had to adjust the super-hearing to catch noises across the house because I would need to hear if someone was breaking in, or someone got hurt etc. IT'S A MOM THING, I guess!

This, again, is why I went and bought to monitors! We did not use baby monitors with the other kids because we were always in a small enough place that we could hear the kids wherever we were. Not anymore. I can't even hear the ANNOYING bird screaming when I am in the kitchen (he is in Caleb's room). I LOVE that!! He may actually get to continue living here if I don't have to listen to him all the time!! I guess we will have to see if the baby can sleep through his screaming (his room is right next to Caleb's)!

Baby Excitement

It is so funny watching and listening to the boys. They are SO excited about the baby, and can't wait for his arrival.

Yesterday, Bryce noticed my belly button. It is obviously sticking out now, and I guess he has not seen it. He had the funniest look of disgust on his face when he asked what happened to my belly button. Daddy told him that the baby was pushing it out. He spent the next 5-10 minutes poking at it and giggling about it. He also really enjoyed the fact that he made the baby start kicking like crazy.

The baby is apparantly very territorial!! If anything as much as touches my stomach - he kicks where ever the touch was. Paul was gently rubbing my stomach with his fingertips Friday and apparantly it tickled him. He started going crazy!! Paul did it again yesterday - he went crazy again!!

Then this morning, I was in the bathroom fixing my hair and Caleb came in. "Andrew is getting REALLY big!" He has been commenting on my size a lot lately. "Andrew is hanging over the sink he is so big in your stomach!!"

Isaac likes to have his hand on my stomach all the time. He likes to feel the baby move and his hiccups. It is just sweet to listen to the excitement in all the boys voices when they talk about him and they tell everyone we are fixing to have a baby! Isaac and Bryce LOVE to give "the baby" hugs and kisses ALL THE TIME!!

I hope they ALWAYS feel this excited about him!

No Sleep

As I have previously mentioned, I have been having a lot of trouble sleeping lately. Thursday night, I decided to try sleeping on the couch. I slept for longer stretches than I have been in bed, but still not well.

I felt so bad Friday night, Paul was home and I woke up about 3 am and could not get comfortable. Finally, about 4:30 I got up and went and got in the recliner with a pillow behind my back. I finally got back to sleep at around 5:45 or so and the kids slept in until about 7.

I have really gotten to where I dread night! I used to love nighttime, and could not wait to go to bed (and it always flew by too fast!!!), but now - seriously - I HATE IT!!! It could not drag on any longer!!!

Luckily, last night was a pretty good night. I woke up around 3:30, but was only awake for about 45 minutes before I fell back asleep. I guess exhaustion is outweighing uncomfort at this point (or for one night anyway!!).

Our Weekend

We spent the weekend just being a family!! It was nice!! Yesterday we went to Hot Springs so Paul could go look at some kayaks for him and Caleb and Isaac. We went to Garvan Botanical Gardens after looking at the kayaks. As much as I DID NOT want to do all the walking (it is a nice trail, not a rough one), the boys REALLY needed some time outside!

I have really started turning into a homebody!! I guess because I am getting close to the end of the pregnancy, not sleeping and ALWAYS uncomfortable! Since Daddy has spent the majority of the last month out of town, the boys have been cooped up in the house with me! They really enjoyed the walk we had, and as tired as it made me - I did too. Towards the end I started having a couple of contractions - which is why it became the end!!

Today, we had to go to the mall so I could get a few last things for the hospital. I am trying to get my hospital bag packed - just in case! We left too early (the mall opens late on Sunday). We went to The Old Mill while we waited on the mall to open. It is beautiful. I have not been before, but have seen pictures etc. It was used in the opening scenes of Gone With the Wind.

We spent the rest of the day here at home - just relaxing. It was a nice weekend - especially since Daddy was here to spend it with us!!

DADDY IS HOME!!!

We picked Daddy up last night. Isaac was sleeping, so Caleb and Bryce competed to talk to Daddy.

We were not in the car 10 minutes, and Caleb says "Daddy, I have grown smarter than you!"

What a welcome home!!!

Hot Body

Caleb and I were watching tv earlier. One of those commercials for weight loss came on. The woman was gushing about her "hot body." Caleb wrinkles up his face and says "why is she so excited about her body being hot?" He thought she was talking temperature!!!

Bryce's Song

Everytime this song would come on the radio, Bryce would get excited and say it is his song and then sing along with it. I listened to the words and the song is REALLY fitting for him! It is from the movie Curious George, and the song is from Jack Johnson.

Upside Down
Who's to say what's impossible?
Well they forgot this world keeps spinning
And with each new day
I can feel a change in everything

And as the surface breaks reflections fade
But in some ways they remain the same
And as my mind begins to spread its wings
There's no stopping curiosity

I want to turn the whole thing upside down
I'll find the things they say just can't be found
I'll share this love I find with everyone
We'll sing and dance to mother nature's songs
I don't want this feeling to go away

Who's to say I can't do everything?
Well I can try, and as I roll along I begin to find
Things aren't always what they seem

This world keeps spinning
And there's no time to waste
Well it all keeps spinning spinning
Round and round and upside down

Who's to say what's impossible and can't be found?
I don't want this feeling to go away

Please don't go away
Please don't go away
Please don't go away

Is this how it's supposed to be?
Is this how it's supposed to be?

It is not that the other two are not curious, but Bryce takes it a step further. It is not enough to just ask and get an answer or read a book and get an answer. He has to search and find the answer and why it is the answer. Nothing stops his curiosity- not even answers!

I must admit, I don't always have the patience for his level of curiosity ( especially when he is curious about how far he can test me!!!) because he usually ends up getting into trouble. I am trying to be better at this and understand that he is trying to learn, but it is hard because when you try to explain or tell him, he argues!

I have to pray A LOT for patience and strength with life in general with 3 boys (and one on the way) but I have to pray for extra patience and strength with Bryce!! He DOES like to turn things upside down!!

Today!!

Today I am EXHAUSTED!! Yes - it is only 8:15 in the morning, but I only got maybe 2 hours of sleep last night. I just cannot get comfortable anymore! I can only lay on my side, but I have gotten to where even when I lay on my side, it pushes on the baby and he gets antsy and upset. On top of that, I am still getting nauseas from his abundance of movement!!

Caleb went to school today and I will not be doing anything. I need to go grocery shopping, but it is going to have to wait. I am going to park myself on the bed or on the couch and stay there until 2:15!

Amazing

Caleb has been home since Monday. His throat has not really bothered him - just the rash. So I asked him if he wanted to go to choir tonight - even though he would have to get dressed. He said yes.

We went to church and I walked through the gym where they have choir 3 or 4 times and Caleb was running around and being crazy and wild every time.

On the way home I asked the boys what they were suppose to do when they got home. They all answered "get ready for bed." Then Caleb started saying that they had school tomorrow and needed to go to bed. "But, I don't know if I will be able to go," he said, "I think I might be too itchy."

"You have not been too itchy while you were at church. I saw you several times and you were running around and being wild."

"Well, I had to keep stopping to scratch my feet!"

I told him that as much running and stuff as he was doing he WAS going to school!! Tomorrow is Mothers Day Out and I NEED a break!!

It is amazing that he is already figuring out how to milk getting out of school. Now he just needs to learn that if he is well enough to play at church - he is well enough to go to school!!!

A Few House Pics

Here are a few pictures of the boys bedrooms, living room and dining room. There is still nothing on the walls because Paul has not been home to hang them for me, but this is all a work in progress!! Slowly, but surely, things will get done!!




Dining room - which we are using as an office




















Living room from front door




Living room from front door

















Caleb's Room

Isaac and Bryce's Room

Computer Problems!

Okay - I have been trying for two hours to do pictures on the blog. For some reason my computer keeps shutting down. I am going to keep trying to get the rest of the pictures of the house that I took on there, but no promises!

The Nursery

Robby's Birthday

Bryce and Robby - Bryce "helped" Robby blow out the candle

Annalise and Bryce enjoying their cupcakes.

I don't guess I ever posted about Robby's birthday party. If I did, sorry - but I have pictures to put on. Around Valentines Day, Bryce announced that it was Robby's birthday (his imaginary friend). We were on the way to the grocery store so we got cupcakes for Robby. Then Bryce asked if we could invite Annalise over for the party. So that afternoon after school, we had a birthday party for Bryce's imaginary friend!!

When Bryce got up from his nap, there was a cupcake missing. He asked if Robby ate one. I told him that he did, he just could not wait. He lectured Robby a little, but decided it was okay (the cupcake was GOOD by the way).

During the "party" Robby sat next to Bryce. He had his own cupcake and everyone was eating their cupcake but Robby. He kept asking about why he was not eating his cupcake. I told him that his tummy may be hurting from the cupcake he ate at lunch. Shortly after, Bryce had to go potty. While he was out pottying, I smeared frosting on the plate and left the cupcake paper on the plate and threw the cupcake out. He came back and was all excited because Robby finally ate his cupcake!

Enjoy the pictures!!!

Isaac about to eat his cupcake.

Jordan and Bryce did not really like the idea of having a party for an imaginary friend, but they sure did not mind eating the cupcakes!!

"Number 2.."

I guess Bryce has been listening to me lately - even if he doesn't show it! He was screaming and mad and asked him what the problem was. He throws his hands on his hips and said "Number 2 Caleb won't leave my toys alone." I guess he has heard me explain things as "number one..., number two..." He just forgot number one!

Catch Up

Okay - so yesterday I had my 32 week check-up. Everything is going good - still measuring where I should be. I go again at 34 weeks - and I will try to get a side shot up soon!

Yesterday, after my appointment, Caleb's school called to let me know he was not feeling well. His throat was hurting and he was not able to eat his lunch because of it. I called the dr on the way to pick him up and the soonest I could get him in was today. Yesterday afternoon, his torso broke out in a rash. By last night, it had spread down to his bottom.

This morning - he got up and was covered from his neck to his toes in this rash. It is worse in his arm pits, behind his knees, his feet and groin area. I took him in this morning - it is strep. Apparantly, there is some kind of strep that causes a major rash that is worst in all the places I previously mentioned. The dr said it was so textbook - he did not even have to do a throat swab. The good news - because he broke out in the rash first - we were able to get him antibiotics BEFORE his throat got bad. He was just getting the first spots on his throat when we got to the drs office. The bad news - his skin could peel (like it would if he had a sunburn) everywhere he broke out in a rash. I am not kidding when I say he is COMPLETELY COVERED in spots. Tonight he pointed out that he had blisters forming on his feet.

I must brag a minute here - when we were at the drs office the nurse asked if Caleb was allergic to any meds. Before I could answer he told the nurse he was allergic to penicillin. I was so impressed that he knew to tell her that and actually got it right! I am glad he knows that and understands the importance of knowing it.

So, yesterday Isaac got into the refrigerator and drank Caleb's gatorade. I told Isaac that he was going to get sick and he says "No, I feel fine." I explained that it would not be instant - it would take a few days. The countdown to Isaac being sick now begins! Luckily, I told the dr about it and he said that if Isaac broke out into a rash to call and they would just call in an antibiotic. One less visit - YEA!!

GOOD NEWS - I talked to Paul a little while ago. They are going to be getting done to late to fly back Friday, so I think they are going to drive home Friday evening (it is about a 6 hour drive). He knew he would be home for the weekend, but thought he might have to go back. Well, after Friday THEY ARE DONE!!! That means he won't have to leave (hopefully) again - at least not to Kansas City! We are ready for Daddy to be home! I don't think he has been home a full 2 weeks since we moved into the house - and that has not been a straight two weeks!!

Caleb's Last Basketball Game

This morning - at 8 AM!! - was Caleb's last basketball game of the season. He did really good. He did not make a basket, but he had the ball a lot, he dribbled all the way down the court (he used to stop at half court and pass the ball - EVERY TIME!!!) and he shot the ball.

On our way home he complained that every time he got the ball the other team tried to push him out of the way or out of bounds. I tried to explain to him that that was basketball, but he just does not get it.

He improved a lot from last season, so I am sure he will improve next season as well!

Where is Bryce?

Bryce has not slept all night since we moved. He gets up in the middle night and gets in our bed or sleeps on our floor. I have been trying to break him of this by making him get back in his bed - when I have the energy to get up and take him!!

So, yesterday morning, I woke up and thought I remembered hearing Bryce coughing at some point during the night, but I did not see him anywhere. Then I noticed a firetruck blanket hanging out from under my bed. I lifted the bed skirt and saw a sleeping Bryce. That is right - he was sleeping under the bed! I guess he thought if he was under the bed, we would not see him and take him back to his bed.

In the middle of the night last night, I awoke to Bryce coughing. I looked and did not see him. I lifted the bed skirt again and behold - there was Bryce!

This is where he watches cartoons too!!! I guess this is his hiding spot now!

Moving - Again

Paul - his office, not us!

Paul took yesterday off from work since he had to go out of town today. It is looking like he will be there for two weeks at this point. Wednesday, he found out that they would probably be moving into their new office starting next Friday. Since it was Thursday and ALL the boys had school, we went to his office to pack it up. On the way he got a phone call about personnel on the ER's.

When we got there, I went in and started packing. I got his whole office packed while he was talking! I think he packed one out of eight boxes (and it only had two things in it). We went to his bosses office - which is FULL of papers, files, books, etc. Paul told him I could have his office packed in an hour tops. He said no because he was scared of what I would find!!

Anyways - his office is packed and they will probably be in the new office by the time he gets home from Kansas City!

A New Bed

We got a twin bed yesterday for the nursery. Now, if anyone comes to visit - they actually have a bed to sleep in (I will even let the baby sleep in our room if someone is here!). I spent today looking for bedding that somewhat matched the crib. I actually found some stuff - after a LOT of searching!

"Motion" Sickness

Many people get motion sickness when they are traveling, etc. I had motion sickness night before last. The only difference is I was sitting on the couch. The "motion" sickness was from Andrew moving. Literally, I was extremely nauseated because because of his CONSTANT moving.

Last night we had basketball practice. We were going to skip since Paul was leaving this morning, but it was his last practice and he wanted to go. So, we ALL went. On the way there I had a pretty strong contraction. They did not stop! The entire time we were at practice I was having strong, constant contractions. They finally stopped about 9 last night.

Bryce "I Love List"

These are the things that Bryce informed us on the way home from school that he loved - in this order:
firetrucks
dogs
girls
cowboys
cartoons without commercials

Don't know where it came from - but it was cute!

And He Is Off

Daddy leaves again Friday morning -back to Kansas City!

Contractions Update

Yesterday I only felt two slight contractions all day!!! It was great. Today, however, I have had two have-to-lay-down-in-fetal-position, worst so far, contractions in the last 45 minutes. Not a very promising way to start the day! Luckily for me - Bryce has school today. The only plans I have is to have lunch with my husband - who amazingly is still home!!

I guess it is a good thing I see the doctor every two weeks now. I am not sure that this one is liking it inside me as much as the others did. It will be interesting to see if we even make it to 40 weeks! I am ready as soon as he is healthy enough to make an appearance!

Last night, I had my shirt pulled up and was watching my stomach ripple as the baby moved. Paul saw and said it looked disgusting - like there is a worm or something moving around in there. I told him there was definently something - but a wee bit bigger than a worm!!!

Amazing - baby number 4 and all of a sudden it looks disgusting!! It might have something to do with the speed in which he moves and the never ending movement I guess. It does look kind of strange to watch - especially if you don't feel it all the time and get used to it!!

YUM!!

I had some bananas sitting on the counter going bad, so I decided this morning to make some banana bread. This might be because I bought some, got home and realized it was SUGAR FREE!! Yuck! The boys like it though, so they are eating it.

IT IS SOOOOO YUMMY!! I hope baking is considered taking it easy, because I think I am going to start making more breads! I have lots of bread recipes I have not tried. Now that I have an oven that is pretty accurate, temperature wise, and bakes good - I will have to start baking more! Not to mention that everything is so much easier accessible in this kitchen - I don't have to search for everything!

Requested Update

I am feeling much better. I am still having contractions (usually minor and not near as often as they were last week). I am doing housework, etc in spurts. As soon as I get tired or start hurting I stop. Unfortunately, I cannot just quit doing housework. The boys don't stop making messes because Mom needs to take it easy, and if you let the mess go too long it gets REALLY out of hand!!

Thank you for all of those who helped and offered help - and for all of the concerned phone calls. I think Paul was much more relieved when he got home and saw for himself that I was okay!

The Weekend

Daddy got home late Friday night (10:30), so the boys did not see him until Saturday morning. We had a busy weekend (but not too straining). We got home Saturday morning from basketball (where I must brag about my husband for a minute. Every week, as soon as we get to the gym, he goes and finds me not only a real chair - the bleachers are REALLY uncomfortable right now - but he gets me a PADDED chair with a back!!) and running some errands and had a message from Ashley's Furniture telling us our kitchen table was in. We went and picked that up. Then we went to the dump - FUN! to get rid of some of the boxes that were taking up the garage.

We got home and Paul got the table set up and then the boys played with their helicopters. ALL of the boys (that includes Daddy) got indoor helicopters. Unfortunately for me - they all make noise!! That is okay though - they had fun.

Sunday we went to church and ran a couple of errands and then stayed home (other than a quick trip to Walmart to get a plunger because Bryce backed up the toilet and we did not move the plunger from the other house!!). Then after dinner, Daddy gave the boys haircuts - which they DESPERATELY needed!

We were all just glad to have Daddy home!! Hopefully he will be here for a while, but with only a month or so left to travel before he will need to start staying close to home for the baby, I don't know how long he will be here. I got his laundry done and packed back up for him this morning!

DADDY'S COMING HOME!!!

Paul called a few minutes ago and said it looked like he would be home this evening, he may, however, have to return on Monday. We will take the weekend with him though!! After a week and a half without him, I don't know who is more ready for him to be home - me, the kids or HIM!!

I think we are all ready!

Peanut Butter

I am sure by now everyone has heard about the Peter Pan peanut butter recall. Well, I heard about it from Mom yesterday morning. I got online to see if we had the recalled peanut butter. I have three jars of Peter Pan (because they started selling Honey Roasted Peanut Butter - YUM!!! so I stocked up before they quit selling it).

I bought them at different times, but still ALL THREE JARS ARE RECALLED!!! Luckily, since I got it at Walmart I can supposedly return it there. Apparantly, here anyway, if you bought it at one of 3 stores, you can return it to the store - otherwise you have to mail the lid to Conagra. I don't know that you would really get your money back doing that - by the time you pay for shipping the lid!!

To buy Peter Pan or not to buy Peter Pan. That is the question now!!

Sad, But True

Satellite could not have come at a better time!! I don't really like the kids watching a whole lot of television, but with the recent turn of events of my health, it has come in handy. There are enough choices of shows that the boys like that I have even been able to get Bryce to sit down, be quiet and be still!

I still don't want them watching all day, but the only way I can sit and take it easy is to let them watch tv for a little while, that is the way it is going to have to be for a few days anyway!

More Snow

Yesterday morning, as I was making the school rounds, it was snowing. It was the pretty snow, where you could see it falling, but it was not sticking because the sun was blaring! This morning we woke up to a dusting of snow on everything. Again, it was pretty because it is sunny and although it is only 19 degrees, it did not rain or sleet - just snowed, so the roads are not unsafe (no more so than normal anyway).

The boys are unsure of what to do with all of the snowfall. They think it is suppose to be Christmas again (nevermind it almost never snows at Christmas).

THANK YOU SWEETIE!!!

I was greeted by a box of flowers from my sweetheart when I returned home from the doctors office. He had sent me a text message while I was hooked up to the IV that said it was supposed to be a surprise but there were flowers at the front door and to make sure they were there when I got home. He sent me two dozen long stem roses.

Sweetheart - I love you and appreciate the flowers. They were a definite pick-me-up to a horrible day. I am enjoying them greatly! Love you and can't wait until you get home.

It Takes A Village!

It has not been a very good couple of days!! Wednesday, I woke up about 1:30 am sick. I was up praying to the porcelin gods ALL night. On top of that, I was having wierd cramps under my ribs (instead of the usual lower abdomen). I passed out three times Wednesday morning - luckily before the kids were up (Paul is still out of town).

I could not even get up to take the kids to school. Thank God for good friends! A friend came and picked up the boys and took them to school. I called the dr and they called me back and told me I needed to come into the office, and they were going to work me in. I got another friend to take me to the dr and drop me off.

The dr decided that he wanted me on a fetal monitor to see if I was still having contractions and also wanted me on an IV with phenergan in it. I had Bryce with me, so yet another friend (the husband of the one that took the kids to school) came and picked up Bryce - that way his wife could pick up the other kids.

I slept the entire time I was there. I was already exhausted from absolutely no sleep that night, so it did not take much of the phenergan in my system before I was out. Poor Paul was calling pretty frequently trying to figure out if he needed to be on the next flight home. I kept telling him to wait and see what the dr said.

I was having contractions still, but the baby was doing great. I took 2 bags of IV fluids. I was at the office for 3 or 4 hours. When I was finished the friend that took the kids to school and picked them up came to pick me up at the drs office. She took me home and kept the kids at her house until church. I slept from 5:30 to 8:15, when some more friends drove two vehicles to church so they could bring my kids home. Not only did she bring them home, but she got them ready for bed. All I had to do is tuck them in.

I was back in bed by 8:45. After months of getting up every hour at night to use the bathroom, I did not wake up once! That just shows how dehydrated and exhausted I was!!

I don't know what I would have done without all the help and support I got yesterday! Even today many people called to check up on me and offered more help. It is so comforting to know there are people around you to help you when you need it.

Today, I have felt better. I have eaten a little, working on getting fluids in and taking it easy. I quit my part-time sub job this morning. I just told her I could not chance being put on bedrest with 3 kids. I have had contractions for 4 days, and even though so far they are only Braxton-Hicks, I cannot afford for them to turn into labor contractions! Luckily, she took it well! I have still been having the cramping and feel pretty weak, but I am functioning and that is a lot more than I could say yesterday!

Contractions

It has been almost 24 hours of having contractions now. Paul griped at me until I called the dr this morning, but I know they are just Braxton-Hicks. They are not regular enough to be the real thing. The drs office called back and told me if they get to be 10 minutes apart to go to the hospital. She also said when I am home to lay on my left side, and that should make the pain more bearable.

Quick Side Note

I have been having contractions for about an hour now. This is the second time this has happened in the last month, so we are going to assume they are Braxton-Hicks and not the real thing. Especially since I am home alone with 3 kids!!!

FINALLY!!

THE CAR IS IN THE GARAGE!!!

Don't give me too much credit, the garage is not cleaned out, I just went out and moved everything and piled it on one side, so now I can park in there. It only took about an hour :)!
I got done just in time for it to start raining, so now if we have to go anywhere (and I think it is suppose to be raining in the morning) - we won't get wet getting to the car!

On the downside, I was going to try to put some boxes out and see if the trashman would pick them up. I put the can out last night so that this morning all I had to do was put out a couple of bags and the boxes. As soon as I pulled out to take the kids to school, the trashman was pulling up to pick up trash. So. not only did I not get all the trash out, but the boxes did not make it either. I told Paul, I guess I am going to have to start putting ALL the trash out the night before and hope that animals don't get into it. I was not expecting them at 7:30 this morning!!!

30 Week Check-up

Well, I had my 30 week checkup today. We got the due date confusion straightened out. He is not sure how he had me two weeks ahead, but I am due the end of April, I am 30 weeks right now. He said the baby was probably stretched out the last couple of times they measured and that is why he has been measuring big. Today, he measured at 30 weeks.

He likes to stretch out. I am not getting a whole lot of sleep because of the stretching and he makes it pretty easy to tell which way he is laying. I can feel him stretching on both sides or top and bottom. For example - right now he is straight up and down, dead center with my belly button. I can feel his butt and his head (though I cannot guarantee which is which!).

His heartbeat was going strong, as always. Somehow the dr. remembered that last time we were there Caleb said his heartbeat sounded like a horse and Bryce said it sounded like a train. So when he started listening to the heartbeat today, he asked Bryce if it sounded like a horse or a train. Bryce said a train. It is amazing that with all the people he sees, he remembered that conversation with the kids.

I start going every two weeks now, so my next appointment is on the 26th. I have a feeling the next 10 weeks are going to go by slowly, due to how uncomfortable I am!! It will all be worth it though, if it makes him healthy and strong!!!

Busy Saturday

I have worked really hard on the house this weekend (well, really just yesterday - I did NOTHING today!!) The inside is now unpacked (other than the books for the office - still waiting on bookshelves!)! I am very excited about that. However, every time I leave the house, I get very unexcited - very quick! There is nothing out there (that I know of) that is suppose to come in, but there is a lot of work that needs to be done out there. The problem is that I can't do much out there until all of the empty boxes are gone. That is going to mean borrowing a truck and making a trip to the dump! We have a box that the 56 inch tv came in STUFFED with broken down boxes, 4 big boxes that had 2 end tables, a coffee table and a tv stand (that is big enough for the 56 inch tv). On top of all of that there are about 4 "regular" size boxes full of broken down boxes. We had A LOT of boxes!

I am going to put out the regular size boxes with the trash, but I don't know if they will pick them up. Worth a try, though. I think everything else in the garage is tools, empty tubs and stuff for the attic. I am going to try to spend some time out there this week, but can't make any guarantees!

Paul is out of town still. He said he would not be back until at least next weekend! We knew this was going to happen though. He was on call beginning last Monday. There was an emergency on Monday, another one on Tuesday, but they were only put on stand-by and did not end up going to them. So, Wednesday when he called and told me that there was an emergency in Kansas City and that a plant had exploded, and they were on standby - I knew he would be going. Put on top of that the fact that Friday was parents night out at church, Monday I have a drs appt and Wednesday is Valentine's Day - he would not be here. Out of 11 1/2 years of being together - I think we have spent one maybe two V-days together!!

The baby room is done. I got all of the boxes out and unpacked, the bed is completely set up. We need to get a twin bed for the room and hang a shelf and some pictures on the wall. I can't wait for Daddy to come home and see it. You could not even really walk in there when he left!

I will try to get some pictures of the boys rooms online soon!!

More Hookers

Walking in to church tonight (it was parents night out) Bryce starts pulling on his coat like he was trying to put a hood up. "Can you help me put my hooker on, please?"

Then on the way home he said something about not being able to find any humans to eat.

He is one strange child, with one WILD imagination!

Happy Birthday Robby

This morning, on the way home from taking the kids to school, Bryce announced that it was Robby's birthday (Robby is one of his imaginary friends). Bryce asked if we could have a birthday party for him. Since we had to go grocery shopping, I let him get some cupcakes (for Robby). After lunch, Bryce went and took his nap. When he got up he asked for a cupcake. He went in to the kitchen and saw that one was missing. He asked if Robby already ate one. "Yes, you told him they were for his birthday and he could not wait anymore!"

Bryce asked if Robby talked to me. I told him he had to tell me he wanted a cupcake. He said okay and went and ate his cupcake. I guess as long as Robby actually spoke to me to tell me that he wanted the cupcake - it was okay!

A Baby Story

For some reason, several times this week I have watched A Baby Story on TLC. Am I trying to scare myself or what? It is funny though because Bryce will be in his room playing and when he hears the crying baby (right after they are born) he comes running in.

He watches with a wrinkled up face at the "dirty" babies. He then asks if that is what Andrew will look like. It was very sweet. He put his hand on my belly and started talking to Andrew. He seems like he will be a great big brother, but we will see when it comes down to sharing the attention even more!!!

Short, Long Day

I had a short, but long day. Does that make sense? It was short because it was the first day I have had time without ANY kids since before Christmas - those few hours always go by quick. At the same time though, it has been a long exhausting day.

Paul got called out on and ER yesterday. He had to go to Kansas City to a plant explosion. So, I had to get all of the kids ready for school and out by 7:30. I got Caleb dropped off and went to take Isaac to therapy. The teachers were locked out of their new school. I waited for a little while, and his therapist told me to go ahead and go and she would sign in Isaac.

I finally got everyone dropped off and headed out in search of a dresser/changing table. I found some dressers, but just did not want to pay as much as people were wanting because we don't know what kind or color of bed etc he will have later. I found a really nice changing table, that matched the crib. Apparantly it was the last one, so the guy offered it for more than $50 off. So I got that taken care of.

Then tonight we had basketball practice. I tried to talk Caleb into skipping, but he went into this long spill about how much he needs to practice, so we went. On the way, I got pulled over - in our neighborhood!! There were two police cars hiding somewhere. They did not have lights on top so they would have blended in with everyone else, I guess. He came up to the car and told me he pulled me over for not stopping at the stop sign. I told him I was sorry and thought that I had. He said "No ma'am. You almost came to a complete stop, but you didn't!" I started to hand him my license and he said that they were only giving warnings for now. THANK GOD!!!

So, I have enjoyed my bath, now I am laying in bed and enjoying the quiet!

Paul got called on an ER today. So after church I came home and got the boys in bed. I am laying in my bed watching some tv, and started hearing a noise from the kitchen. I ignored it at first because I thought it was one of the animals. I finally decided to go check it out. When I turned on the light, Bryce jumps and starts dancing around "I can't get in my bed, I am scared. Too scared for my bed!"

He was digging in the pantry in the dark, but he is too scared to stay in bed!! Go figure!

The Hooker on the Wall

Tonight the boys and I went to church. When I went to pick up Isaac and Bryce, their teacher told me she had to tell me what Bryce said. I was SCARED!! He saw a hook on the door and asked what it was. The teacher told him it was a hook for hanging things on. He went and played and a little while later found another hook on the wall. "What is that hooker doing on the wall?" he asked his teachers. She said they got a pretty good laugh!

I Got Spoiled

Okay, I have been spoiled. We have always lived within a couple of blocks of the kids schools, since Caleb was in Pre-K in Texas. Not anymore! Not only did we move, but Isaac's school moved so now I have even further to drive than before.

I must give Paul credit, he is still taking Caleb to school in the morning and it IS out of his way! What is so hard to adjust to is that Isaac gets out at 3 and Caleb closer to 3:30. I don't really have time to come home between then like I did before. So now, I have to sit in the car with two kids who DO NOT want to sit in the car!

We will get used to it, eventually! Isaac just started his new school today. It is NICE!! He has been so excited, looking forward to his new school. If the boys don't get to stay at the school they are at, the school they will be going to is a couple of blocks away. As much as I dislike having to drive the further distance to the other school, I REALLY want Isaac to do Kindergarten there next year. He already knows all of the therapist he will have at that school (in fact, his Occupational therapist he has had since he started OT). I just don't know how he will handle ALL the changes at one time if he has to go somewhere new.

I must say, I have always wanted a house with a split floorplan, then I was apprehensive about it before we moved in because of Bryce's asthma attack. Well, I LOVE IT!! First off, let me say that NO ONE has had a cough or wheeze since the day we moved into this house - AMAZING!

It is so nice for the kids to be able to play (quite noisely) and not be able to hear it all! I can be in the kitchen and can't hear the bird screaming in Caleb's room! It is great!

The last couple of nights the dogs have been locked in the hall right outside of our bedroom. In the mornings, because Bryce cannot get through the gate, we hear "Mommy, Daddy get up - it's a beautiful morning!" Luckily, strangely and amazingly, we have been awake before the boys! They seem to be sleeping SOOOO much better now. Bryce is not even waking up in the middle of the night crying like he did in the other house!

Bryce's new favorite thing to do: run from one end of the house to the other screaming. There is not only more space, but he echoes through the house!

Paul's favorite spot: in front of his new 56 inch HD television! Even though he does not have satellite yet (I am stuck at home today waiting on them to come hook it up), he likes to watch DVDs on it. I have to laugh at him because he hooked up the rabbit ears to the tv. It looks kinda funny having rabbit ears on this huge fancy tv!!

My new favorite spot: in my whirlpool bathtub!! Every night, as soon as the boys go to bed, you can find me with a candle lit, soaking in my AWESOME tub!! I feel so small in it, but it has been just the therapy I need to relax and unwind at the end of our BUSY days!

What A Beautiful Morning!

our house with it's first snowfall! That is actually snow too - it is really blowing around today (as it melts away!)
across the street from the garage
this is what your cars look like when you have so many boxes in the garage you can't park in it!!

I AM BACK!!!

FINALLY!! Our DSL came on last night, so after a week without internet (boy, was my inbox FULL!) - we are back!

Moving (and everything that comes with it) has been awful!! But, we are in our new house and slowly getting things unpacked! THe first night was eventful! We did not quit moving until midnight. We only had the Uhaul one day, so we had to keep trucking until it was done! While moving, Bryce managed to get a rock stuck up his nose. I kept telling him to blow out and he would suck in. Luckily, it was a fairly good size rock, so we were able to get it out before he sucked it up!

The dog threw up on the carpet the first night! So much for new carpet! The weather held off somewhat. It drizzled and lightly rained throughout the day, but nothing horrible like expected!

I have got the boys rooms unpacked. It was nice - since many of the toys have been packed for a month, it was like getting all new toys for them! We did not see them at all the first couple of days.

Caleb is liking his own room, sort of. He is not used to not having his brothers around all the time, so I think he has spent more time playing in their room than his. I am sure once we get his computer set up and tv going, things will change!

So, I have about 10 weeks (maybe) to get this house put together, or at least get a room for the baby set up! Let the countdown begin!

Colorful Hair

Last night, on the way home from basketball, Caleb and a friend of his were talking about relatives that they don't know or don't see much. Caleb started talking about my brother, Ronny. He was talking about how he had had lots of different colored hair, but that the last time he saw him, his hair was darker.

He started naming all the different colors, and I was amazed that he remembered things like that. Kids pay attention to the oddest things and remember them. I guess red or blue or yellow hair would stand out, but we are talking over many many years!!

"But God Said..."

When we pulled into the drs office today, Bryce said he could not go to the dr. I asked why.
"God told me at nap time not to go to the dr. He told me to go home." I told him I was sorry, but we had to go. His response: "I am scared, because God TOLD me not to go. I have to mind God!"

He tried using it again since. I told him I would have a talk with God tonight.

FYI

Bryce is now scared to go to bed!!! Isn't that nice (especially since we have been up since 2 AM!!!!!).

Bryce's Asthma

Well, we were up at 2:30 this morning. It was not as bad of an asthma attack as Monday, but this time it was major coughing and wheezing. He could breathe this time, just could not quit coughing. The two of us ended up in the chair in the living room. It took him a long time to calm down and doze off, but apparantly not long after we dozed, he laid down and started coughing again. So pretty much - we have been up since 2:30.

We have been running around trying to get stuff done today, so when we got home from picking everyone up from school, I made him take a nap. He slept for literally about 10 minutes. When he woke up and came out I told him that was not a good nap because it was so short. In his sleepy, whiney voice he says "It was a pretty rough nap too!" I know it was because I heard him coughing the whole time!

Looks like we will be in a chair tonight and I guess I will have to call the dr tomorrow to make sure we are not in the beginnings on bronchitis!

Moving Weather

Well, I said it was suppose to be perfect weather (for this time of year) for moving. Now, they have put rain chances in the forcast, but only for Saturday - the day we have the uhaul and have to move EVERYTHING!!! As of now, it is only a 30% chance, but it is only Wednesday. Even if it is only a 30% chance - all of the rain will be concentrated from this house to the new house!!!

It is not a move if it is not raining, I guess!

Caleb Knows How To Work People!

Caleb was asking questions CONTINUOUSLY - as always! The builders agent really seemed to like him. Caleb kept asking questions and he took the time to answer and explain everything (which usually only leads to more questions!).

He was also doing his normal finding trash and picking something to use it for. Today it was some foam from the dishwasher that he was going to turn into a boat - along with some carpet padding! I was explaining how Caleb likes to save every piece of trash to "recycle" it at some point in the future for something! Usually it is to make trash with trash, but hey!

They are going to start building another house across the street and over a couple of lots. The builder told Caleb that he would bring him their scrap wood so Caleb could build a boat. YEAH FOR US - MORE TRASH!! Hopefully he will forget to bring it!

Our realtor kept telling ushe was the next Bill Gates! She kept going on and on about how smart he is for his age!

OLD NEWS!!!

Only Bryce

Bryce has already made the place his own. While we were talking to the agents, Bryce decided he needed to poop. Thank goodness, we already knew the water was on - BUT THERE IS NO TOILET PAPER!! What was worse than the fact that we could not wipe his butt, he did not make it to the toilet before he pooped, so it was on the floor.

Luckily, being the mother of three boys, I have learned to be prepared. I keep several things of flushable wipes in the car!

Unfortunately - our realtor is the one that had to come tell us that he had an accident on the floor. She said it was because he was nervous. Either she is just polite and trying to make us feel better or she does not have boys and does not know better!!

Just picture this: the realtor calls me and I come to where she was. When I look up in the bathroom, Bryce is standing there with his pants off and his shirt pulled all the way under his chin. MODESTY CHILD - MODESTY!!??

...And It Is Complete!!

The yard that is! I drove by around 2:30 and the fence was up. I did not go look at the yard though, because the superintendent was there and he likes to tell you his life story - I had less than 3o minutes to get Isaac picked up - no time for life stories!!

So, we met our realtor and the builders agent at the house. The yard looks better, still not great though. I think we really do have to let it settle and see where the low spots are going to be - but they addressed the issue of the water not flowing and now it should. They also got the concrete poured, they are just waiting for it to dry so they can pull the frame. They powerwashed the back patio and the back of the house, oh and they fixed the yard at the side of the house in front of the back gate.

Now, for the inside. They have to repaint the entire house! Apparantly, when the house was first painted, they go the paint from one company. That company got bought out by another company who changed the mix. In other words, all throughout the house where they touched up the paint a couple of weeks ago, the paint does not match - even though it is the same name. So they went and got all new paint and are starting over! That is suppose to be done tomorrow.

The appraiser is going to come out as late as possible tomorrow, so that the painters can finish. There are some other little things that their agent pointed out to us that will be getting fixed (like our shower doors are backwards, lightbulbs that need to be replaced), other than that - we are good to go.

Oh - and - we are suppose to have dry nice weather this weekend - lets pray that the weathermen are right!!!

House Troubles

Friday evening, I was getting ready to go out for a girls night when the phone rang. I saw that it was the realtor and immediately knew something was wrong. Things have gone WAY too smooth!

The house itself is great - pretty much done, but we have been trying to get the backyard fixed. It holds water in a few spots and we were trying to get it leveled and fixed to where the water will drain instead of just stand. They also need to fix our back patio, where the landscaper drove his truck over the corner of the concrete and broke it.

We have been going to the house at least once every other day the last couple of weeks to make sure things were getting done. When I went over the end of last week, the frame for the new concrete had been put in, but the concrete had not been poured. They were supposed to be taking care of that that day.

The realtor called and told us Friday that she had gone out to the house earlier that day. She had talked to the builders agent before hand and was told that the concrete was done and the yard was going to be getting done. When she got there, the concrete was done, and the yard still looked bad.

Here is the problem. We are suppose to close on the house on Friday. The appraiser will not come out until the backyard is taken care of and the rest of the fence is up (they won't put the rest of the fence up until the yard is done). If our lending company does not have ALL paperwork in their hands (including the appraisal - which is all we are waiting on) by Tuesday, we don't close on Friday!!

We HAVE to close on Friday!!

The realtor asked what we wanted her to do. I told her we have been asking for the backyard to be fixed since before we put an offer on the house, and they had had plenty of time to take care of it. If we did not close on Friday, the builders would have to pay for us to stay in a hotel and store our stuff because the house we are in has been sold already!

She called the agent and he said he did not think the yard would be done by Tuesday, because it was suppose to rain all weekend. So, she called the builders. She told them that I was VERY pregnant and did not need the stress of this on top of trying to move, etc. and that they were going to put me in labor (yeah - she knew she was stretching!!). She also told them that she has had clients pull a deal for less than this. They said they would fire the crew and the yard would be COMPLETED by Monday night.

We drove by Saturday morning at about 9 - there were guys out there working on the yard. They even had surveying equipment out so the grade of the yard was correct. We drove by again around 11 to see if they were still working, since it had started raining and sleeting. They were still working in the rain and sleet.

Apparantly, the old man who was doing the landscaping was eye-balling everything, and his eyeballs obviously aren't as good as they used to be! The builders hired professionals to come out and get it done. They worked all day Saturday - but not at all Sunday. I have not been out there today to see what they have done, or if they are even there. We are, however, meeting the realtor out there this afternoon to make sure all is done as promised!

Our realtor has been great. She has really gone out of her way to make sure everything goes right and we get what we want. We were not to sure about her when she showed up to our first meeting 30 minutes late (she got lost), but she has proven a great asset to our buying!! It is especially great that she is our realtor only - she has nothing to do with the sellers!!

We will see this evening how things are going to turn out!

Long, Scary Night!

I am kind of scared about the floorplan of the new house. I have always wanted a split floorplan (master bedroom at opposite end of house than other bedrooms). I was very excited to see this one had one - until last night!

I did not sleep well last night, between a squeaky fan, outside dogs barking, and my ever-moving child inside me. At about 4:15 this morning, I started hearing a very strange noise. I heard it a couple of times and sat up to try and figure out what it was. Then I started hearing Bryce crying intermittingly.

I went into his room to see if he was okay and if the noise was coming from in there. As soon as I open the door I start hearing the noise again. I turn on the hall light and see Bryce sitting in a corner. As soon as I looked at him I realized the noise WAS HIM!!! I was hearing him breathing from my room - with both doors closed! He kept crying asking for medicine!

He was having the most severe asthma attack he has ever had. Usually his asthma symptoms are severe coughing and light wheezing. There was no coughing, only a horrible, barking, gasping breathing. Bryce hates his inhaler - there is always a fight to give it! The fact that he was BEGGING for it proves how scared he was and how hard he was having to try to breath!

I had already said something to Paul about putting a baby monitor in there room too at the new house, and had decided that since they normally just come to our room when they are scared or have a problem, I would not spend the money on it. At 4:30 this morning, when I sat it bed holding Bryce because he still could not breath, I told Paul that I was going to get a monitor for there room!

Bryce was so scared that he just ducked into a corner on his bed and struggled to breath! We have been up since then. It took until almost 6 this morning just to get his breathing back to where he was no struggling to take a breath. I did not want to go back to sleep, because I did not want him to lay down flat, and I could not sleep with his struggled breathing in my ear if I wanted to.

There is an inhaler in the car and two in the house, but since I will soon be carrying a diaper bag again, there will be one in the diaper bag as well. I don't know who was more scared last night - me or Bryce! This morning, he is a little raspy sounding and I am now on bronchitis/phnemonia alert - since those are what he likes to get this time of year!!

P.S. Even Paul leapt out of bed when he realized that the sound he was hearing was Bryce!! And, unfortunately, he was up with us most of the morning since!!

Dr. Sears on Dr. Phil

Today I turned on the television to turn on the x-box and Dr. Phil was on. I don't remember the last time I watched Dr. Phil, because I don't have much time to watch television! I ended up turning on the xbox and then going to my room to watch the show. They had Dr. Sears, his two sons and his wife (the nurse) on. I only got to see the last 15-20 minutes, but there was really some good info on it.

For one, they were saying that we should not be started babies eating with rice cereal. They were saying it was full of carbs and it is no wonder that Americans are carbaholics - because we are started on them at such a young age. He said, even though most drs will not tell you this, you should start with fruits and vegetables (naming mashed bananas and avocados as good first foods).

He also talked about "colic." I have heard mixed stories about what colic is and if it is a real problem or just what drs say when they don't know. They say it is what drs say when they don't know what is causing a babies constant crying.

As most of you know, Isaac suffered from "colic" for about 4 months. The only way we could get him to sleep at night was to put him in his swing (next to our bed) and let him swing all night. If the swing stopped he screamed. If we laid him down in bed, he screamed.

Dr. Sears said that often it is because of the equivalent of an adults heartburn. They said that frequently with nursing mothers, if they eat dairy or wheat it passes through the breastmilk and cause this problem with the baby. I thought you were suppose to drink milk when you are nursing! Nurse Sears was in the green room with mothers and babies. One of the mothers was asking about colic. She told her to set up the baby and rock her. I guess that explains why Isaac would only sleep in the swing!!

Definently things to make you think!! Hopefully I can remember these things when our little one gets here!!

House Update

I went by the house this morning to see if carpet had been put down and the back patio fixed. When I got there the garage door was open, but noone was there. I went in the backyard and saw they had worked on the back patio. They got the corners cut and the frame down - all they need to do is pour the concrete now. I peeked in the window and there was carpet down - HOORAY!!!!

The door into the house from the garage was not closed all the way. I peeked my head in to see if they had put the black microwave in - which they had. I did not want to go in, because I did not want someone to drive up and think I was "breaking" in or anything.

As I was leaving the builder pulled in. He asked if I wanted to walk through the house - and of course I did!! It looks GREAT! They got it all cleaned up - all the paper out of the windows. They touched up the paint (they had previously touched it up with the wrong color!). He explained the plan for the backyard, but the yard man has been in the hospital the last couple of days.

There is a guy coming out to hook up the gas fireplace today and someone was coming out to do the final inspection on the house. Other than the backyard - everything is pretty much done. He told me to call the realtor and have her call his agent and set up the final walk-through. It looks so different now that it is cleaned up and there is carpet. Bryce was quite excited (as was Mommy!)

Thank goodness the water was running! Bryce was going from room to room closing himself in the rooms. For some reason when he went in the bathroom, I thought I better go see what he was doing. He was pottying!! Doesn't matter how many times we have told him he could not use that bathroom until we move in - he did anyway. Luckily, the toilet flushed!

Report Card

Caleb got his report card last week. He again got straight A's. His semester grades are:
Language 97
Reading 93
Spelling 99
Math 91

And S's for those classes that don't give number grades.

Such a SMARTIE!!!

Doesn't That Figure

So my day starts today with me trying to take Isaac to school. I open the car door to put Bryce in. When I do, I hear a popping sound and the handle does not pop back like it is suppose too. I put Bryce in, go to shut the door - IT WON'T SHUT!!

I study the door, latch, etc., trying to figure out what is going on. The only thing I can figure is that the door broke - why else would the handle not go back like it was suppose to. So, I call Paul. He is stuck in traffic and cannot turn around. I call Isaac's therapist and told her we were not going to make it to therapy and she offered to come pick him up and bring him home after school.

Paul calls me back to tell me to call roadside assistance to come close the door. I told him I did not think it was going to closed and thought it would have to be towed to the dealership. He comes all the way back home.

He got the door to close. I thought he had fixed it, so I open it to put Bryce in. It won't close. Paul tells me he only closed it to get me to the dealership - and closes it again. I get Bryce and we go to the dealership.

When we get there I told the guy what was going on. He said he was going to look at it and if he thought it would be awhile, he would give me a car to use. They opened and closed the door 50 times, and it did not act up once. I look like some pregnant psycho saying my door won't close - even though it is closed when I get there (but it was forced!) and it acts perfectly normal for them.

How does a door handle not work at all and then 20 minutes later work perfect?? I don't have enough going on already?

Still Going...

Maybe we are having the energizer bunny!!

Paul thinks that I drank nectar yesterday for my test and the baby became a hummingbird.

I don't know what to think!

Well, the baby still has not stopped. He has not slept since yesterday morning when we did the glucose test. Literally, he has been moving continuously. He woke me up numerous times last night and Paul and I both woke up this morning to him rearranging my ribs - he apparantly has not found a rib arrangement he likes yet!!

It was funny at work though. I was holding a two month old little girl. She was sitting in my lap facing out and leaning back on my belly. She was happy and smiling and talking. Then the baby kicked her. She started screaming. That happened with this one little girl three times today. You know it is bad if he is kicking so hard that he makes another baby cry!! THINK ABOUT HOW I FEEL!!!!

Maybe he will decide to sleep tonight! PLEASE?

No More Sugar!

As if this baby was not active enough - they make me drink sugar. He has not slept AT ALL today!! He is always active first thing in the morning, and since I drank that stuff at 9:45 this morning, he has gone non-stop. It is not just kicking, though. He is doing somersaults and jumping on trampolines (my bladder and other vital organs) and rearranging furniture (my ribs). It seems to be more exhausting for me than him though, because it is not 6:50 - and he is still going full force!

It is going to be a LONG night -and I am suppose to work tomorrow! Yeah for me!

P.S. I have been drinking water since this morning trying to dilute that stuff - apparantly that has done nothing but make me have to use the restroom more!!

A Dog or a Train?

Caleb and Bryce went with us to the dr appt (Caleb's school was closed for MLK day - Isaac's had to be open because they have been closed too many days this year). I figured when the babys heartbeat came on - Caleb would know what he was hearing, but he didn't at first. When we first heard the heartbeat Caleb looked up from the gameboy and said it sounded like a dog (don't know where that came from because it didn't sound like a dog!!). The dr said it kind of sounded like a train (more along the lines of what I heard). So then Caleb and Bryce started saying the baby sounded like Thomas.

We went by a store on the way home and Caleb told the salesperson that the baby sounds like a train. I did not explain - so the poor guy was probably VERY confused - especially since I was wearing a coat and he could not easily see I was pregnant!!

28 Week Update

We had our 28 week check-up this morning. This was the "fun" one where they did the glucose test. For those of you that have never experienced this, you have to drink a - in todays case Fruit Punch - flavored sugar drink. It is very sweet and by the second sip - the baby was going crazy kicking! After you drink it ALL (in less than five minutes and we are talking 10-12 ounces I think) you have to wait an hour for them to poke your finger.

Anyways - all is fine with the baby. We got a good strong heartbeat and he was kicking the entire time the dr was getting measurements. He said I was measuring exactly what I am suppose to be. I have gained 19 pounds since the beginning - which is a little more than I should have gained by now, but the dr did not say anything about it.

I see the dr again in 4 weeks and then we go to seeing him every 2 weeks. Only 12 more weeks until our due date!!!! I have made it to the last trimester! Hopefully, since we will be moving in a couple of weeks and then with all of the unpacking, I will stay so busy that the time will fly!

I HATE WALMART

We FINALLY knocked out a big chunk of the baby shopping! We went last night and got the carseat, stroller, playpen and swing. I did a lot of research on carseats, because of the consumer reports test that came out in which most of the seats did pretty poorly! I had decided I wanted a Graco Snugride, which ranked second, but was pretty close in ratings with the number one.

I did a lot of shopping around, trying to find one I liked. The one I wanted, and was going to get, cost quite a bit more than a lot of the ones I was looking at. I decided to go the cheap route - since I have so much to get for the baby alone! When we went grocery shopping last night, I looked at Walmarts selection. They had a Graco travel system I liked, but they are zip-tied to the counter and they are so high up you cannot see anything.

While I was TRYING to look, a Walmart employee came over and while talking on her cell phone - told us we could not take them down. I was a little annoyed that she would come over and tell us we could not look at it, but extremely annoyed that she did not even get off the phone to help us!! So I went to ask another employee if they could cut the ONE ziptie and let me look at it. She said they were not allowed to. "So, you are telling me I have to buy it, take it home and put it together and then bring it back if I don't like it?" She said that is all I could do!

At that point, I told Paul I did not even want to buy from Walmart! We left and went to Target to see their selection. They did not have much Graco Snugrides. We went to a different Walmart and they did not have what we were looking for at all.

I was trying to keep from having to drive the two and a half hours to Memphis to go to Babies R Us, and too cheap to pay the shipping cost to buy online, so we went back to Walmart here and got it. When I was checking out I asked if after I got it all put together, if I did not like it if I could bring it back. SHe said yes, and asked if this particular one was displayed. I explained what happened and she said there was no policy that said they could not cut the zipties, those people were just rude.

This is why I HATE WALMART!!!!!!! But, at least the baby will be safe in his carseat if we ever get into an accident! The sacrifices we make for our children:)!!!!

What Was He THINKING?

Obviously he wasn't!! Caleb got in big time trouble this weekend. This is something I really went back and forth on posting, but I want the boys to be able to look back at this and see the things they did - good, bad and stupid!

Saturday, after a day of running around, the boys were in the playroom playing together. Isaac and Bryce ran into the kitchen to tell us that Caleb had pooped in the playroom and gave us a lego. The lego had poop in it. We called Caleb into the kitchen with the other two and asked who did it. Isaac and Bryce say Caleb, Caleb says Isaac.

Unfortunately for Caleb, he can not lie to save his life! He finally confessed and was sent to his bed to determine what punishment was suitable for what he had done. After about 10 minutes, he came out and said that he should not be able to play with toys for a month. That was a little harsher than I would have given or expected him to choose, but we agreed. Then Daddy told him that he had to write sentences on Sunday.

So, this morning, he got up and started writing I will only poop in the toilet. He did three pages, front and back of this then switched to I will not lie to my parents - and did 2 or 3 pages - front and back - of this. He kept asking if he could come out to the living room to write, and we would not let him. I had to keep explaining that it was punishment and if he wanted to be included with what the rest of us were doing - he could not act like that!

He spent the entire day we were home today writing. He is finished now, and surprisingly - he is drawing. I did not figure he would want to hold a pencil again for a while. Maybe that will teach him not to do stupid things. I thinking pooping in a lego - at 8 or any age - is pretty stupid. We also told him that next time we would make him tell all of his friends what he had done.

When punishing Caleb - you have to get creative!!!

P.S. The lego went straight to the trash - even though I thought Caleb should have to wash it (and then throw it away!).

Growing Caleb

The beginning of the school year, I went and got Caleb some new jeans, because he had outgrown all of his jeans from last year. We are only half way through the school year, and I am on my way back to the mall to find some jeans for Caleb. That is right - in 6 months he has already outgrown the size he started the year in!!

I am sure his age is a big part of this, and it will get much worse before it gets better!!

A Bad Sign For the Day to Come

We are in the process of packing - with me in throw out mode. This means we are filling our big WM trashcans in about 2 days tops. Our trash has been picked up a day late the last couple of weeks because of holidays. I guess this morning they were wanting to get it done, because when I came home from taking Isaac to school - the trashman was driving past the house WITH NO TRASH OUT!!

They don't usually come until noon or later, so I usually take the kids to school and come home and put it out. They saw me roll it to the road when I got home, but they did not come pick it up!! Now I am going to have to try to store trash in the garage - with all of the boxes - and hope that they will pick up all of the extra trash next week. Believe me - a week before move-in date there will be alot of trash!!

Hopefully this is NOT a sign of how my day will go!

Doggie Accident

Poor Trip (our cocker spaniel), Sunday, came in from outside with an occasional limp and yelp. I asked Paul to look at his foot, because he sometimes gets something stuck in his pads and it hurts. Paul looked, and unfortunately it was more than just a sticker in his foot. Somehow he had broke his dew claw, down past the quick.

He would not quit licking it so we decided to wrap it with some vetwrap we happened to have. It was so funny watching him - he would hold his paw straight up in the air like he was trying to give someone a high-5, except he would just hold his paw up like that (I told him it was probably good to keep it elevated!!). He would do this, that is, until we quit looking at him. Then he immediately started chewing the wrap!

So Monday morning he went to the vet. He was still in pain and the claw was bleeding occasionaly. The vet gave him a local anesthetic in the paw and then cut the claw off. Because of how far down he had broke it they had to cut all the way to the base of the claw. Now, he is on pain killers and an antibiotic for his foot. While we were there we discovered that he had an ear infection - which we have been battling off and on since we got him. The dr said it is probably just his breed, but that it was pretty bad. So on top of the two medicines for his paw, we have to flush out his ears every day and put drops in twice a day.

He is getting rather spoiled though. The pain killers are chewable, so we have no problems giving that to him. The antibiotic is a capsule. We have to put it in a piece of hot dog to get him to take it. Now, every time he sees us get into a medicine bottle, he runs to the refrigerator. It is amazing how long it takes to train a dog to do something like potty outside, or sit or heal, but you throw a hotdog in the mix and they get it in a day!!

I take care of his ears before I give him the hotdog/medicine. His ears are pretty sensitive so the first several times we gave him the drops or flush I literally had to sit over him (I did not put all of my pregnant body weight on him!!) and hold him while Paul took care of his ears! He is getting better at it though, because today Paul has been out of town and I have been having to do it by myself! After all of that I guess he deserves a treat!

He will be sorely disappointed at the end of the 10 days when he no longer gets a hotdog twice a day!! Lets hope he does not go injure himself again for the treat!

Stupid Criminal Story

I heard this story on the radio and think it tops the stupidest criminal list!!

A man walked into a Bank of America and wrote "Put all your cash into this bag." on the back of a deposit slip. He then went and stood in line to wait his turn. While standing in line he bagan to worry that someone may have seen him write the note and was afraid the police would be called before he even got his turn. So he left.

He went to the Wells Fargo bank across the street, and got into line. When it was his turn he handed the teller his note and bag. The teller says "I am sorry sir, but I cannot accept your stick up letter. It is on a Bank of America deposit slip so you will have to go back to Bank of America. Disappointed he said okay and left.

He was arrested a few minutes later in line at the Bank of America across the street!

HOW STUPID CAN PEOPLE REALLY BE?

Pictures

I know I have not posted many pictures of the boys lately. Before I get lectured from anyone, just let me say that things have been REALLY crazy lately. Between everyone being home, trying to find a house, buying a house and packing a house, I have a hard time remembering to do the everyday things!

I will get back on track - eventually! I will try harder to remember to get the camera out more now though - I am just not making any promises!

Scaring the Unborn

Last night was my monthly Bunko night. Usually, I have fairly good luck, but last night I was not rolling well!! Our little group gets pretty loud while we play and last night the person next to me got a bunko (or baby bunko) and started screaming with excitement. She scared the baby!!! He jumped so bad that the person sitting across the table from me SAW him jump!!

Mommy No More

Bryce likes to call me names other than Mommy. Don't get me wrong, they are not usually bad! For a long time he very lovingly called me MiMi. I don't know where it came from - I guessed he was just playing with sounds.

The last several days though, he has been calling me Baboo. This is awfully close to baboon, so I am not sure what to think about it. He still says it very sweet and lovingly - so that is a good thing. I guess I will start to worry if he calls me that when he is mad at me!

Milk

Bryce came in and asked for a drink of milk this morning. I grabbed him and played with him for a few minutes and then said "let's go get some milk."

He grabbed my hand, "We go to the farm for milk?"

He apparantly wanted it straight from the cow!

Picture of the House

This is not a great photo, but it gives you an idea of the house. I could not see what I was taking a picture of because the sun was shining in my face.

We went by the house yesterday and took photos of the yard and to check out the fence. I thought while I was there I would snap a picture of the house. They have put out the SOLD sign!!!

When we got home, we emailed the realtor and explained that we had talked to the builders agent about the yard. We told her that we had asked about getting it leveled and he said we should wait until the yard settles and the sod takes root. We told her that we did not think it made sense to wait until the sod takes root and then have to lay new sod. At that, the way the sod is under water and in some places floating on the water, the sod will rot before it ever has a chance to take root.

She is going to take care of it today and we are going to add an addendum to the contract saying that has to be fixed or in writing that it will be fixed within an alotted time - before we exchange any money. I will add a few photos of the yard so that you get an idea what we are dealing with. It will show a couple of the spots, but there are more that I can not get to load on here.

They are supposed to be coming tomorrow to put in our gasline, which somehow got forgotten. It is kind of important, since we have gas stove, heat and water heater!! Carpet should be here early this week and they said it should only take a day to lay it. As I said previously, they put the fence up the end of last week, except one spot in the front - so they can put the compressor in for the air conditioner.

Things are finishing up quickly!!! YEAH!!!!!

Wheelchair

Yesterday, after church, Caleb brought Daddy a Children's Tylenol bottle. It was empty. After we spent quite a while trying to figure out where the medicine went and who took it, we figured out that Bryce took the bottle out of my bag. I don't know how much was in the bottle, what he ate and what he threw out or hid. It had been a couple of days since he had gone through the bag, and he finally said he had eaten some Friday or Saturday.

Daddy was telling him he was going to have to go to the hospital and get some shots in the bottom. "No! I don't have a hole in my butt."

I will leave that one there!!

Caleb then starts telling him he will have to have a wheelchair when he gets to the hospital. He kept walking around asking what a wheelchair was, but noone would answer him (we are trying to scare him as much as we can!!). We got in the car to go to look at some stuff for the house and he really started getting concerned.

About 5 minutes into the trip, and Caleb telling him we were on the way to the hospital for his shots, Bryce frantically asks "WHAT IS A WHEELCHAIR? Is that what they stick in my butt?"

Moving Out

I was fixing lunch for the boys just now. Caleb was trying to use multiplication to figure out how many pieces of bread it was going to take to make 2 sandwiches for each one of them. He got it right! Then he had this to say: "When Bryce is 13, Isaac will be 15. When Isaac is 15, I will be 18 - then I will be out of this house!!"

"Yes, but when you are 18 and out of the house, you will have to have a job so you can pay for someplace to live."

"Oh." was the only response I got - along with a look of deep thought! I guess it was sounding as good then!

Rooms

Well, I have been trying to get a floorplan of the house on the blog. Hasn't happened yet. We finally got everything settled as to what is going where (until we move and decide we don't like it!). The boys bedrooms are 12x13, 12x12 and 10x10. Isaac and Bryce will be in the 12x13 (with a bunk bed), Caleb will be in the 10x10 (which is a change - he was going to get the 12x12) and the nursery will be the 12x12. We decided to give Caleb the smallest room instead of the baby because we decided to put a twin bed in the nursery for late nights and for when Paul's sister comes over.

I did not know how he would take the news that he was going to get the smaller room, but he took it well. I think at this point he is just so ready to have his own room, it could be a closet and he would be happy.

The other two are fine with sharing a room. Bryce is always scared, so he does not want his own room. I think Isaac doesn't care one way or the other. They are very concerned with not having a playroom. We just keep explaining that the toys will be in there room, but that I will start throwing them in the trash. Now, everytime they talk about it, they discuss how when

The New House

I just got back from returning a carpet sample to our builders. When I got there, the builder was the one there (we have been dealing with his agent before now). I gave him the carpet and he asked which house it was for. I told him and he started talking to me about the house.

He told me the gas company came out and apparantly the gas line never got laid. He said it was no big deal - they were coming out Tuesday to take care of it. He also said that the company they are ordering the carpet from is one they have never used, so while it SHOULD only take 3 or 4 days to get it, he can't really say because he has never dealt with these people. Other than that, he said the walls had some touch-up painting done, but it was done with the wrong color. He asked if I had noticed it. I told him we have only been over there one time with the lights on and we were only there long enough to pick out carpet. He said they were taking care of it.

I called Paul when I had left and he asked me to go by the house and see if the builder was there (he left when I did). The backyard - which has sod down - is very unlevel. It would not be to terrible a problem, except water is pooling in a few low spots. We mentioned this to the agent and he said that there was a one year warranty on it and if there was a problem, they could come back and level it. We have seen it twice now, after rain. We know it is going to be a problem. Paul wanted me to mention it to the builder and see if they could fix it before they put up the fence because the post are in, but the boards have not been put up. To level it correctly, the fence is going to have to come partially down.

Well, when I drove by, the builder was not there, but the guys were there building the fence!! I guess at this point it is there problem. We mentioned it to our real estate agent and the builders agent when we first looked at the house (it is always nice to look at a house in the rain! You see things like this!) and then we have mentioned it several times since. It will be mentioned again in the final walk-through!

To me it makes no sense to wait until the sod takes root and then either pull it up and start over or throw dirt on top of it and lay new sod. This is something we are just going to have to stand our ground on (no pun intended)!

Everyone seems to think the house is going to be ready very soon, and the lender called and said since the appraiser was coming out today, we will probably be ready to close before the original closing date of the 26th. That would be nice, but at the same time means more closing cost (they charge interest per day). We will see how things turn out and see what has to be done when we do our final walk-through!

Nursery Gloom!

I have spent the last 3 or 4 days looking for bedding for the nursery. I am very disappointed!!! As I said in a previous post, I wanted to do his room in green and brown. Well, I cannot find ANYTHING in green and brown. I was not even wanting a theme necessarily, just green and brown. I have one blanket that is green and brown, but cannot even find a brown or green (that will match the blanket) solid color bumper.

So, I have given up. I searched ebay, overstock, all of the department stores - nothing!! I keep showing Paul different bedding sets, he does not like any of them. I gave up on him, too. I finally broke down and "settled" on something. It is sky blue (I know, I did not want blue), chocolate brown and camel brown suede. I got it on ebay. It is a $300 set I got for $80. It is nine pieces (which that is a GREAT deal).

Paul does not really like it, nor anything else. When I ask him to help me look for something he says "that is your thing." Yet, when I choose something I like he says no. So, I asked him about this set. He said he did not like it. I told him I was going to watch the bidding and if it stayed low, I was going to bid because it was a great price for everything. He acted shocked last night when I told him I bid on it.

This is what I figured. From what I saw - I thought it was "okay," but the price was great. I told Paul if we get it and just really don't like it - I will put it back on ebay. There were several of them on there, and I got a good price compared to what some of the other auctions were going for. If we see something else we like better - we will ebay it.

I am almost 26 weeks pregnant and we have next to NOTHING for the baby! We have got to get going because we have a LOT to buy!!!

Livery

Yesterday we were outside playing and Bryce picked up a newspaper. He kept putting it in the mailbox. Every few minutes he would run to the mailbox saying that he needed to get his livery (sometimes it came out libery). It took us a minute to figure out what he was saying, but we finally did.

Rest In Peace President Ford

I watched the services for President Ford and today the burial. It was so neat today to see Mrs. Ford, who started in a wheel chair, get up and follow the casket all the way to the burial site. I also thought it was great that the Vice President was the one to present the flag to her. I can not imagine anything happening to Paul now, but I really can't imagine being married to someone for 58 (I think is what they said) years and then having to say goodbye to them. I guess this is why Paul and I have always said we would have to die together!

It was also very hard to watch. I guess this is the first military funeral I have seen since Paul's Dad died. I was doing good until I watched them fold the flag. Memories of Ron's funeral came flooding back. When the flag was presented to Mrs. Ford, I could vividly remember the flag that draped his father's casket being presented to him.

That was such a hard funeral - not just because it was my husbands father and my father-in-law, but it was also the first funeral Caleb had gone too and the first death he REALLY understood (as much as a 5 year old could). I remember at the funeral home, looking in to the chapel with the casket, and seeing Caleb - by himself - kneeling at the casket. I went in and talked to him with Lindsay. He had SO many questions. It was such an innocent picture to see such a small child kneeling at such a large casket.

I was so proud of him. We let him choose whether he wanted to go to the funeral, and he wanted too. The burial ceremony was on a different day, different location. As we were taking care of the many floral arrangements that had been sent, Caleb asked if he could save a sunflower (Pepa's had told Caleb that was his favorite flower) to put on his casket when he was buried. There was a portion of the burial ceremony where they said that Ron's eldest grandson would like to place a flower on his casket. I loved that they made it a part of the ceremony.

Caleb still loves seeing sunflowers and it is still is favorite flower. Every time he sees one he wants it because it reminds him of his Pepa. I am so glad that he chose to go to the funeral, and that he got to say goodbye to him. It is still hard on him at times, and he still remembers, but he got some closure by going.

I will never forget the one sunflower sitting on the top of that casket!

What A Busy Weekend

We got a lot accomplised this weekend. Since we are trying to be completely out of this house by February 1 (so we can go a month without any kind of rent or house payment), and we are suppose to close on January 26th, we spent the weekend packing and cleaning out the attic. We got A LOT done, I must say!

I am in throw out mode! I do not want to take a lot of junk to the new house. I would love to have my closets as closets for once! The attic is not set up to where we can put a whole lot in them, and eventually we will be getting a shed for the backyard, but for now - there is not a place for a lot of junk!

We spent a couple of hours pulling everything down from the attic and going through it all. Everything is now in the garage and organized and all trash thrown out. I have been saving boxes for a year and a half to two years - putting them in the attic. I did not realize how many boxes we had, between that and a friend who just recently moved and donated all of her boxes to me!

When we were done with the attic, we packed all the boxes we had. I am trying to get all of the stuff we can live without for a little while packed. I am having bouts of morning sickness again and don't want to put off getting stuff done and end up being sick the way I was the first trimester.

The plan - we close on the 26th and get the keys. We will make some runs in the cars (which won't hold too much!) that day and we will get a large Uhaul in Saturday. We will - hopefully - get everything moved Saturday and spend 27th through the 31st taking care of the rent house (I even offered to paint if they would get the paint - what was I thinking?? Trying to get my deposit back!!). Then I will spend the next couple of years unpacking! Packing is much quicker than unpacking!

We will be going tomorrow, probably, to pick out carpet. Then tomorrow evening we have a company coming to give us an estimate of getting gutters put on the front of the house and around the back porch. After they get the carpet down and stuff cleaned up, we will do a walk through with the realtor and make a list of anything that needs to be taken care of so that it can all be done and ready for us to move into on the 26th.

The New Year

I am very excited about the new year!! It is starting out great. We have a healthy family, a new baby on the way, and a new house we should be in by the end of the month. I hope it continues the way it has started!!

I also have the best husband ever in recordd history (his words!) It has been a nice 2+weeks having him home everyday (except for when I sent him for tape yesterday and he was gone for over an hour!). Unfortunately, he must return to work tomorrow. :(

I hope everyone has a great year and that God blesses them the way that he has blessed our family.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!!!!