Side Shot

Okay, okay - here is the side shot everyone has been asking for. Paul took it tonight, so I am 36 weeks and 5 days. It is funny because I feel HUGE, but everyone keeps telling me I am small for almost being to my due date. I get lots of people that say that it is not fair because I look I have a basketball and this is my fourth so I should have gotten big everywhere. They also say that you cannot tell I am pregnant if you are behind me. I don't tend to agree with any of that, but I guess that is because it is me!

It is funny when I sit up from laying back, and my stomach tenses, you can see where he is laying. My stomach goes in on the side, but not in the middle. He is always straight up and down - dead center in the middle of stomach. His head is under my belly, his butt above (that is how it feels with his movements anyway). I have a bruise on the inside of my stomach because his butt is always poking out. It is actually pretty painful!

I can't guarantee there will be anymore pictures posted of the pregnant belly, but there will be lots of pictures post-pregnancy - I promise!!!

Hiccups

Andrew has been having the hiccups a lot lately. I mean several, several times a day and they go on FOREVER!!! They used to be cute, now they are getting pretty annoying! They are VERY strong and you can see my belly jump every time he hiccups. I am going to try to enjoy them, but...

I am fairly certain that between how low the hiccups are and how low the dr always picks up the heartbeat, he is head down and has been for awhile. That is a good sign!

Doesn't It Figure

I decided not to lay down today when Bryce did, because the longest nap he has taken this week was about 20 minutes and that makes me feel worse instead of better. I laid him down in my bed and went to get the other two settled before I went to pat his back. When I got back he was asleep.

He slept for almost an hour and a half!! I told Paul he would do that if I did not lay down! I guess in order to get him to sleep - I can't try too!!!

Gifts for Andrew

Here are the gifts we have received for Andrew so far.

The above pictures are of a blanket that a woman that Paul works with made. She also got him some clothes (that are in a lower picture).

The above pictures are some Gymboree blankets that a really good friend of Paul's (from work) and his wife got for Andrew.

This blanket is from a friend at church

This diaper bag is from another friend at church.

Another gift from a friend a church

Assortment of clothes from people at church and Paul's office.

More Sandbox Pictures

Healthy Eating Update

Well, this healthy eating is going much better than anticipated!! We have eaten fairly healthy all week, meaning - it could probably be healthier, but it is much better than we have been eating. Nothing fried, no eating out, light dressings, etc. We still have the occasional sweet, but Paul has knocked out the 9 oreos and cup of milk every night at bedtime (yes - it has to be 9 oreos with his cup of milk - and if you eat one when he is not looking, he can tell without counting!!!)

Last weeks menu consisted of grilled chicken salad - which I already told you about, we had tuna sandwiches one night, chicken stir-fry with lots of fresh veggies, this one-skillet meal with chicken, garden veggies cooked in LIGHT italian dressing, tonight we are having homemade chicken noodle soup.

This is the amazing part. The only night there were ANY complaints was the night we had tuna sandwiches. Bryce was not big on that. The rest of the nights all of the kids have eaten ALL of their dinner! Even more amazing - they are not asking for all the sweets - after just one week!

Today while we were getting groceries, Bryce was in the buggy and we were going through produce. I was getting some fresh green beans and Bryce was naming all of the vegetables - correctly - even the ones we don't eat!! I mean, he pointed to the squash and said "that is butternut squash!"

They also asked for lots of fruit. So we got cantelope, strawberries, bananas and apples for snacking and also got supplies for smoothies, which we ALL love!!

So - after week 1, this whole thing is going great and I am VERY impressed with the boys (especially Bryce who NEVER eats vegetables!)

The Boys and Andrew

Andrew is not moving quite as much anymore (thank goodness), but when he does - you can feel it, no matter how small the move. He is still spending a lot of time in my ribs, so I can feel every stretch he makes!! I am interested to see how big he is, because he feels huge!! He is
ALL over my stomach!

Caleb keeps asking me just how big this baby is going to be because my belly is so big. I thank him each time, especially for the look of disgust he gives while asking!! Bryce's new thing is to ask to give Andrew a kiss. He pulls my shirt up to kiss him, but gives him raspberries instead. EVERY TIME, Andrew kicks Bryce in the face (and I mean hard!!) and Bryce starts laughing uncontrollably, which makes everyone else laugh. I guess Andrew does not like the sound or feeling of Bryce doing that. Isaac likes to give me hugs and kisses and then give Andrew hugs and kisses.

I think all of the boys will do good with the baby. I am kind of concerned with Bryce getting a little rough, not on purpose, just because he is rough! I think Isaac will do good. He did great with Bryce and he was only 18 months old! I think he will be gentle and try to take care of him a lot. Caleb - well, I think he will just get annoyed by the crying, etc and lock himself in his room!! We will see though!

I had to put together the swing and playpen yesterday to make sure everything worked right. My 90 days to return them were about to run out and knowing my luck, if I did not check it - it would be broken and I would not be able to return it!!! Everything worked great! Bryce came out into the living room and started looking for Andrew. I guess he thought that since the swing and playpen were set up - the baby was here. I guess he thinks the stork is delivering him, because he does not understand that I will have to go away for a little while and come back with the baby!!!

I still need to get a high chair, but I have a few months for that, so I have not been too concerned with it.

Maternity Leave?

I guess that is a downfall of NOT having an outside job! I would LOVE to have that right now, but my bosses don't offer it!! I am feeling more and more exhausted every day. I am also in more and more discomfort!! I am having a hard time breathing and sleeping less and less every night. I am getting up just about every hour at night to use the bathroom and when I am "sleeping" it is not a deep sleep. I am dreaming a lot, although I don't know what I am dreaming about!!

My pants are not fitting me anymore. Everything slides off my belly every time I move. I don't want to buy any clothes with just a few weeks to go, but in addition to them not fitting, the majority of my clothes are long sleeve and spring sprung early this year and we have been getting in the 80's just about every day. I am just going to suffer through it. I have become a home body, so I am not going out to where I have to "get dressed."

I had my 36 week appointment yesterday. Everything seems fine, still measuring perfect, still hearing a good strong heartbeat. I start going to see the dr weekly now. Of course, Paul will be out of town on Monday, so I will have to go on my own.

New Sandbox

As a kind of spring gift, Daddy made the boys a sandbox - a good sized one too. It is about a 5x5 and has 800 pounds of sand in it. Bryce LOVES to dig, so we have been talking about getting one, but we figured we would get more for our money and a better box if Paul built it. Also, it is not easy to find a sandbox already made, big enough for all of the boys to play in. So the boys have been unpatiently waiting for the last two days for the sandbox.

I have been painting it. It is not done, but the boys REALLY wanted to play in it, so I told them I would finish painting it tonight. I need to paint one side and the frame around the top, so it should not take too long to finish. I am going to try to do it this evening, so they can play in it as soon as we get home from church tomorrow.

Paul even added on the umbrella so they would not get sunburned playing in it (like we did making it)!! I think it turned out great - and gives them some entertainment in the backyard!! I will post more pictures when I get done painting it.

Healthy Eating

So, Paul and I have decided that we are going to start trying to eat healthier. Not because we want to lose weight - just because we need to eat healthier than we do, and the kids need to learn to eat healthy. We made our menu for the next week, which every night has LOTS of fresh vegetables in it.

Last night we made a grilled chicken salad, complete with baby lettuces, baby spinach, radishes, sugar peas, carrots, grape tomatoes, eggs and cheese. We even got LIGHT dressing to top it, and did not add the croutons on bacon bits.

We REALLY expected a big fight from the boys, especially Bryce because it was ALL vegetables. We were pretty generous on the dressing for them (not over the top, but it was light dressing!) and were expecting them to ask for croutons for sure. They all ate EVERYTHING on their plates. They were asking what different vegetables were, we were honest, and they said they were good. Caleb loved the radishes (odd child). Bryce ate everything without one complaint.

I announced that I was glad that they decided they liked the vegetables so much because we were going to start eating meals like that more often. We will see how soon they get tired of it! Since it is so expensive to buy fresh produce - we are cutting out all of the extra snacks!!

Another Sign Spring Has Sprung

Our cars (and everyone elses car) has a constant green coating on them. It is to the point where you feel like you should wash your car, but what's the point?? The pollen is horrible right now, as it is every year around this time.

I knew it was coming though because Bryce's asthma has been flaired up.

That is life in the south!!!!

Has He Lost His Mind?

I think he has. I just got back from having lunch with Paul. He said that one of the guys at work wants to take a two day kayak trip. I asked when (knowing what he was going to say).

"In April." he says with puppy dog eyes.
"It is not going to happen!"
More puppy dog eyes.
"I told you this was going to happen. The truck is not even delivering your kayak to the store until April 18th. You are not going on a two day trip when I am due. Not to mention that when you go on these trips your phone does not work. You would come back and there would be a new baby here."
"Good!!" he grins.
"Yeah - it is such hard work for you!"
"It is!"
WHAT?????
"DO NOT tell the person that has to push something that size out of something that size that it is hard work for you!!"
He laughs. Keep laughing - you talk like that you may never GET a kayak much less take it out!!!

I told him that he would get it and would not be able to use it because of the timing! I guess he thought he would figure out a way to go when he got it - but again, IT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!!!

"The" Oil Change

Last nights oil change took:
10 quarts of oil
3 quarts of transmission fluid
2 rolls of paper towels
about 70 pounds of kitty litter
one jug of pine sol
3/4 container dish soap
and 4 1/2 hours to change the oil and clean-up (usually takes 30 minutes or less)

I did cheer Paul up however. He got a good laugh out of seeing a HUGE pregnant woman squatting down and picking up over 70 pounds (after you add the oil it soaked up) of kitty litter, dustpan full by dustpan full. My legs kept hurting and there were several times I almost landed face first in the kittylitter/oil mix!

Glad I could cheer you up Dear!!

Me, on the other hand, woke up several times last night to my legs trying to cramp from all of the squatting and standing.

We seemed to have gotten most of the oil up. I am going to go to Home Depot today and see if I can find some garage floor cleaner.

I think out of almost 12 years of us being together there have only been a very few times I have seen Paul that mad. Luckily, the kids were in bed and did not witness it. I had to stand outside with him to make sure nothing got destroyed (like my car or the house) by flying fist!!!

World's Most Disasterous Oil Change

My dear husband always does the maintnance on our vehicles. We were reminded why when my car needed its first oil change. We took it to the dealership because it was free. They go through a checklist of fluids, etc that they are suppose to check and fill. We took it in with the windshield washer fluid completely empty. They use a red, yellow, green chart to let you know how everything is (red if you are out of fluid, yellow if you will soon need service or green if you are good). Everything came back green - even the EMPTY wiper fluid (and yes we got it still empty).

So, we decided we would continue doing the service ourself (as in Paul). Not such a good idea tonight! Paul got under the car and there is an engine cover that had to be taken off. He finally got it off and got to where he could get to the oil filter. During all of this he noticed that the screws were not at all scuffed, so we are wondering if they even changed the filter at our last appt. He got going and was draining the oil - so he thought! He drained all the transmission fluid!! He realized it instantly, but could not get the plug back in. He got the oil draining and went to the store for transmission fluid.

He came home and was finishing up. Got the oil poured in and the cap put back on and started hearing a noise. There is now 5 quarts of oil on my new garage floor!! He forgot to put the plug back in. Now, he is using Synthetic oil - it cost him about $30 JUST for the oil!

Needless to say - he is back at the store for oil and cat litter (to clean up the oil). He is in a VERY BAD mood now that this 30 minute job has turned into a 2+ hour job and two trips to the store. He will probably never be willing to change my oil again!

Don't ever by a sportscar/minivan. You get all of the performance and speed of a minivan with the expense of a sportscar. Unfortunately, we did not know about this sportscar aspect when we bought the car. We soon learned when less than a month after we bought it we had to buy a new tire and found out that they were sportscar tires and cost $250 EACH!!! It also takes the most expensive transmission fluid - and a lot of it!!!

I LOVE YOU SWEETIE AND APPRECIATE THE WORK YOU DO ON THE CARS AND THE HOUSE!!!

Potty Mouth

Bryce has become quit the potty mouth. While I am thankful that there is no curse words involved, I still don't like it. He trys to incorporate fart, poop, poopoo, etc in everything. Or he we will be in the car and he will talk about birds "crapping" on our car.

Yesterday, Caleb introduced a new word into Bryce's potty vocabulary. Caleb called Bryce a "butthead." I got onto Caleb for not only calling his brother a name, but teaching him a new word that he did not need to learn. Sure enough, about 30 minutes later I hear Bryce saying butthead.

I know he is just trying to get a laugh because after he says one of them - he starts giggling. Now we have to get everyone NOT to laugh when he acts like that (which he has a contagious giggle so you may laugh at his laugh and not the word, but he does not know the difference!!

I SLEPT!!!

I only woke up ONE time last night, about 3 am and was only up about 10 minutes!! I got up to potty of course, but right after I got back in bed, Bryce came in. I let him stay last night because his asthma is acting up again and I am so scared after the asthma attack he had before we moved. This attack is allergy induced, though - like his normally are.

Paul got the boys the movie The Little Rascals yesterday. He sat down and watched it with them, and I took a nap on the bed in Andrew's room (I could not exactly find my bed and did not want to clean it off). I think a lot of my discomfort is our bed. We have known our mattress is not that comfortable, but it has apparantly gotten a lot worse since I got pregnant. I laid in that bed for about an hour and a half - and did not change positions once - and did not hurt when I got up. I feel like in my bed I change positions at least every 30 minutes (if you don't believe me ask Paul - I keep him up because of it!).

Even though we did not get a very expensive one for Andrew's room, it is a pillowtop and pretty comfy! Paul asked if I wanted to sleep in there and I would except I would have to walk across the house everytime I got up to potty (I don't use the boys toilet! :) ).

Unfortunately, one night of good sleep does not make up for 2 months of no sleep, but it is a nice start and so far this morning I am feeling pretty good. So, I am going to go get some housework done before my high is gone!!

Andrew's Baby Shower

Our Sunday school class had a baby shower for us yesterday. Everyone brought a breakfast food and we had a giftcard shower. We got over $200 in gift cards, plus several gifts. We got a highchair toy, a cute little blue and white sweater, some onesies, a blue and white gingham diaper bag with his name monogrammed in yellow, and really soft little sleeper, and a really soft blue and yellow blanket with his name monogrammed in blue. Hopefully I did not forget anything.

Thank you to everyone who got Andrew something!! I love the gift card shower idea for people who already have kids!! I also loved the gifts that were gotten for him though!

Now there is only one thing missing - ANDREW!!

PS: monogramming is a good way to get those who like to change the babies name last minute to STOP doing that (I love monogramming though)!

A Miracle

I was pretty shocked when Paul was able to come home, but after watching the news this morning - it was really a miracle!! I can't believe the number of flights that were cancelled because of weather and messed up computers. Thank you God for getting him home!!!

Of course, we only got one day with him and he is back at work - but at this point we will take our one day!!

He's Home!!

Daddy got home last night - it was a very late night though. We got back to the house about 11:15 or so. I had put the kids to bed at their normal time and got them up when it was time to go get him. They were wide awake when Daddy got to the car - the excitement of seeing him!

We are very happy to have him home and hopefully he will be here until after the baby comes!! There were, however 3 more ER's Friday, so they may not have anyone else available to go if there is another one!!

Pitbulls Running Free (through my yard)

I find it somewhat disturbing that while I sat here and typed my last entry I looked out the window to see two kids running down the road, followed by two pitbulls. As if it was not disturbing enough that two pitbulls are chasing two kids - one of the pitbulls is dragging a cable where it looks like someone had him tied-down in the yard with a NAIL!! Now, I don't know much about pitbulls, but who would think that a nail in the dirt (mind you it rained at least 3 days this week) would hold a pitbull?

The kids jumped in a car, with I assume someone they know and I saw some guy running through my front yard yelling at the dogs. Have not seen him go back by with the dogs though!! I guess the boys definently won't be playing much out front (not that I let them anyway since we are on a corner lot and people drive through here way to fast).

My Night of No Sleep

I can't blame Andrew for my lack of sleep - not completely anyway. Here is how last night went (roughly):

9:30 - I start trying to call Paul. I can't get in touch with him, so my mind starts wandering. What if a tanker car that he was standing to close to exploded? See, he called me the other night and was telling me that he felt like he was sunburned because he was so close to a burning car. Then I remember that it has been snowing in NY. What if he has been an accident. Surely, someone would call right? Unless they were all together! I finally convinced myself that his phone was still screwed up from being in the rain and that is why I could not get him. I go to bed.

Today I found out that he did not even HAVE his phone - they were in the process of activating a new phone for him. He had sent me an email, but it was after I had turned the computer off for the night!

11:15 - Potty time

12:00 - Bryce comes to my room. He is congested and having a hard time sleeping so I give him some medicine and decided to let him stay in my room because I did not want him to wake up Isaac.

12:30 - I wake up to the dog in hall (his nails on the tile wake me up). Apparantly, he has decided that tonight he is dying of thirst, but is out of water. I tell him to go to bed.

1:30 - Isaac comes in the room. I take him and Bryce both back to bed. Went potty!

3:00 - wake up to the cat biting my toe - guess she was ready to play and I moved my foot under the blanket so she thought I wanted to play. Kicked her off the bed and she decided she would play without me - but as loud as possible. Went to the bathroom AGAIN!!

3:45 - wake up to the dog moving the water bowl around in the laundry room on the tile floor.
Yell at him to go to bed.

5:00 - Bryce comes back - no energy to take him back to his bed. I get up to go potty and debate just staying up for the day.

7:15 - Isaac comes in asking for cartoons to be turned on, and in the process wakes up Bryce. I give up on sleep and get in the shower.

See, other than getting up to potty - none of it was Andrew's fault. The animals, on the other hand, I am ready to get rid of. The kids - well I guess I will keep them!!

Now at nap time - I can blame Isaac and Andrew! I went and laid in my bed with Bryce to get him to sleep. Caleb and Isaac were suppose to be sleeping in their beds. I dozed off while getting Bryce to sleep, only to be awakened after about 10 minutes to Isaac getting into stuff in the living room. I get up and move to the couch to try to finish my nap, after I put Isaac back in bed. As soon as I laid down, Andrew decided to practice his somersaults!

Tonight, Paul's flight is suppose to be here at 10:50 and I have to go pick him up at the airport. Usually, if his flights are on time, they loose his baggage, so we may be home by 1!!!!

WHO NEEDS SLEEP ANYWAY???

It Figures

Well, they are actually trying to get Paul home, even though they are not done in NY. Unfortunately, because of the weather in NY (it is snowing) he is having a hard time finding a flight. On top of that, they had two more ER's yesterday. One of the guys that was in NY left to go to another ER. He told Paul if he could not find someone to replace him this weekend, he would come back by Wednesday to let him go home!

We will see - with his job, a lot can change in 4 days!!

Funny

I forgot to post this and was reminded about it earlier. When Paul was home, he had gotten Bryce to where he was staying in his own bed most of the time. There was only one or two nights he got up and got UNDER our bed.

Monday night - the first night of Paul being gone this trip - Bryce came in and got in my bed before midnight. "I thought you were going to be a big boy and start staying in your own bed." I asked. "Well, Daddy's not home." he replied as he rolled over and got comfortable. Then I went and took him back to his own bed - where he stayed for a couple of hours before climbing UNDER my bed!

Magic Crayon Update

Well, after 4 magic erasers, 1 scrubby rag, lots of elbow grease and a hour of scrubbing - the dryer is still colorful, but it is not coming off, until I put a white load of laundry in I am sure!! I put some wet old towels in just to see if it was going to come off. It appeared that a little did, so I am going to do all of the dark laundry and blankets, etc first. Maybe by the time I get the whites in there - the crayon will not be coming off anymore.

As for the clothes: I am washing them for the third time. This time I have sprayed each individual piece of clothing with Shout, and I am splitting the load in half, so instead of one regular load, I am going to do two small loads and see if that will help. Unfortunately, on top of turning this one load into 3 loads, the load that was in the washer when I found the mess last night was a white load. Now, by the time I can get that load in the dryer - it will have to be rewashed!

This is what happens when you let laundry get behind and finally decide to try and get it caught back up!! LESSON LEARNED!!

"Magic" Crayons

Caleb gets magic crayons at school (art). For those of you who don't know what a magic crayon is, they take pieces of different crayons and melt them in muffin cups. They look like really colorful peanut butter cups!! Anyways, when you color with them you get lots of colors at once.

I will tell you the real reason they are magic crayons: (double-click the pictures to see)
































these were CLEAN when they came out of the washer!!

I have a whole load of laundry (about half of the boys pants!!) that "magically" turned very colorful while they were in the dryer!! These pictures do not do justice to the mess I found when I opened the dryer. Now, I can not dry anything until I get on my hands and knees and somehow with a very big belly - get a dryer scrubbed out - because not only did the clothes get magically colorful - so did the inside of the dryer!!

I opened Caleb's bedroom door and was holding these pairs of pants. "Oops, I forgot my magic crayon was in my pants!" He slowly says. "That is obvious - I hope you did not ruin the entire load of laundry!" I stayed very calm - mostly because I really felt like I was going to blow!!!

I don't know if I can save the clothes or not. They are soaking over night in the washer. What really sucks is that there were several brand new pairs of jeans in there!! I guess we will see!!

Single Mom - Again!

Our Sunday School class is having a baby shower for us during class on Sunday. Guess who is not going to be back in town for it! I talked to Paul and they are still having tanks burning, so it is still classified as an ER. There is no one in the office to take his place so he is stuck there until who knows when.

It is getting pretty frustrating really!!! I am five weeks away from having a baby, with three kids at home and I have not seen my husband and they have not seen their Daddy much in the last month! It is not like I even really get to talk to him. He calls me at the end of his 15+ hour day, but is usually so exhausted that I think our longest "conversation" has been 4.5 minutes (and as short as less than 2 minutes). To top it off, yesterday he stood in the rain for over 8 hours and ruined his new phone (apparantly phones don't like water - go figure).

Please don't get me wrong - I don't blame Paul. He does not want to travel as much or often as he does, and he doesn't want to be away from his family all the time, but he is working hard to take care of and provide for us. This hormonal, exhausted Mama just needs a break! The only thing keeping me going right now is that I know that if and when he ever gets home - he is home to stay until the baby comes (he better be anyway!!) and at least a while after.

Scared Baby

Have you ever seen a baby get startled? You know when they are sleeping soundly, and all of a sudden their eyes are wide open and their arms and legs kinda just flail into the air. Well, today Andrew did that!

We were sitting at a red light on our way to pick up Caleb from school, with the windows down enjoying the nice weather. A VERY loud motorcycle went by, and Andrew DID NOT like it. I could feel all of his arms and legs all over my belly at once and I instantly envisioned my above description!

He was really active for quite a while. He finally settled back down, but not for long. On the way home the exact same thing happened again. It is so funny because it has never happened before and then it happened twice within an hour. Unfortunately, it does not feel good to me and it takes him awhile to calm back down, but just envisioning what I know what was going on makes it worth it (I guess).

He has reacted to loud noises before, but never to this extent. It definently makes real the fact that there is a human inside me and he can hear what is going on out here!

Boundaries

Bryce is having a hard time learning boundaries. This has probably been the biggest challange with him. You know the old saying "you give them an inch and they take a mile." Well Bryce usually skips the inch and the mile and goes straight for three miles!! I feel like I am always really strict with him, but really there is no other way with him.

One example of this is choir. He has been going to choir on Wednesday, but it has gotten to where they always give candy to the kids after choir, and Bryce never gets any because he does not listen. Now, I am all for sticking to your guns and not giving him rewards just because everyone else gets it (although I am not that fond of the kids getting candy at 8 pm), but every week we leave with Bryce throwing a tantrum because his brothers got candy and he didn't.

I think part of the problem is that Bryce cannot sit still to save his life, as many 3 year olds have a problem with this. In choir, however, they have 3-5 year olds all together. This is a big span in age when you are looking at the amount of attention you are going to get.

Last week, we (Bryce and I) decided that he would start staying home with Daddy on Wednesday night. We talked about it, and I explained why I did not think he should go anymore (for now) and he liked the idea of staying home with Daddy. Well, that is all great - except Daddy is out of town again!!! So he HAD to go tonight.

We talked about it on the way to church tonight and I reminded him when we got to class that if he wanted a reward he HAD to behave and sit down and do what he is told. As I left though, I was not feeling much promise about it!! Imagine my surprise when I went to pick them up and his teacher came out with a sucker and told me he was VERY good tonight. They were not handing out candy tonight, but because he was so good, she wanted to reward him. I really appreciated her doing that, because I am afraid if she hadn't after he behaved - it would never happen again!!!

I cannot make others understand that you have to stay on top of Bryce to keep him in line. I know that is not fun, for him or them, but that is the only way to keep him from getting out of line - which happens VERY quickly!!

I am very proud of him for his behavior tonight!!!

Blinds

Well, after four trips to Home Depot since Saturday - we finally have all of the blinds that we bought up. Paul really had all 8 sets up by Sunday, but the blinds in the dining room did not close, so they had to be exchanged. We went Sunday evening to exchange them - and we got there as they were closing the doors for the night.

I did not want to do in Monday after my drs appt because I did not want to carry these long, heavy blinds and try to deal with Bryce. So, Tuesday morning after I took Bryce to MDO, I took the blinds back to Home Depot. They were not going to let me exchange them because they were cut. I told them that the cut was not the problem, that the blinds would not close. They FINALLY said okay and a guy went back with me to cut them.

I told him the size and then asked him to just measure the blinds that I had brought back because they fit perfect. He measured them and started cutting. When he was done cutting he measured them again and boxed them up.

I got home and went to put the blinds up - they were over an inch to long!! I don't know what he was measuring, but he did a HORRIBLE job! So, this morning I went back - with Bryce - in the rain - to try again. This time they were done right. Of course, it took a woman to do it correctly!!

She asked if I gave them correct measurement and I explained that I had and also had him measure the blinds I brought back and told him to cut them the same length. She asked if it was THIS Home Depot and I told her it was. She seemed shocked! About the time she finished it started POURING!! This nice woman even carried the blinds to the car in the rain (I moved the car to the door for her). When I started to get out to open the back she told me to get back in the car - she wasn't allergic to rain (neither am I, I should add), but I got back in.

The moral of the story - if you want something done right, do it yourself. If you can't do it yourself - at least have another woman do it for you!!!

Spring is Here!

The last couple of weeks it has been in the 70's every day. It is so nice - I just wish I had the energy to be outside enjoying it!! We have been opening the windows though, so I guess I can enjoy it that way.

The poor boys can't play in the yard yet, we are still waiting on the sod to root. We have had someone come out and do our first fertilizer treatment, so hopefully between that the sun and the rain - we should be good soon. We are spending the money on a years worth of yard service (fertilizer and weed treatments) to get the yard established and then we will take over the work - most likely. Paul is pretty good at doing everything - we just want to get it started on the right foot!!

I am afraid that because it warmed up so quickly (there is still a chance of freeze since it is only March - but I don't know that we will have one - winter seems gone!!), we have missed our chance to plant some trees. We would like to put two or three trees in the front yard - right now there is none! But, all of the trees have already budded, so we will probably have to wait until next year.

Isaac and Bryce were so funny. We have Bradford Pear trees EVERYWHERE around here. If you don't know what one looks like, here is a picture of one:

I guess Bryce is to the age where he is noticing more and definently asking more questions. On the way to take Isaac to school the other day - they were both convinced it was snowing. I explained that it wasn't and Isaac believed me, but Bryce took much more convincing. He said that because the tree was white - it meant it was snowing because trees are supposed to be green.

After much argueing and me TRYING to explain to a very stubborn 3 year old that not ALL trees were green - I think he finally believes me that it is not snowing. I even tried to ask why nothing else was white if it was snow. He said it was only snowing on the trees (thousands of trees - that is it!!).

I am glad it is spring finally - it makes me feel closer to having the baby!! At least now we are in the right season!!!

Nursery

The nursery has been completed for awhile now, except for some things I needed Paul to hang for me. I gave up today when he got called to New York - I went and hung the stuff by myself! I expect NO complaining from Paul if he does not like how I did things!!

It was cute though because Bryce came in the nursery while I was hanging stuff. He looked around for a little while and asked some questions about different things. When I was cleaning up he says "I think we are done. I am happy for Andrew."

I asked if he was ready to meet his little brother and he asked if he could meet him tomorrow! I hope he stays this excited AFTER he is no longer the baby!

Take It Slow

I really want to take things slow with this baby. I know - from experience - how quick they grow up. Since this is our last, I want to savor every minute - even the pregnancy. He, however, is making this very difficult!!

Maybe I can have him and time will stop when he is about a month old! It did not work with the first three, but hey!

34 Week Check-up

ONLY 6 MORE WEEKS TO GO!!!

I went this morning. I have gained 30 pounds, but the drs are impressed because I am measuring exactly what I should be, so they are not saying much about the excess weight. I know I keep saying I am going to get a picture up, but I have to get Paul home long enough to think about taking one!! I will tell you I have not been able to see my feet in quite a while, and it is increasingly difficult to bend over or to get up from the floor.

I have been getting comments from friends that say I look I grow a lot over night! Believe me, I FEEL like I grow a lot over night! That might be why I am not sleeping! This baby loves to stretch!! I think everytime he stretches, though, he gets longer - and stays longer!! The discomfort of the last month has been amazing! I am still not sleeping. Paul will be glad to be out of town because I won't keep him up!

I go back in two weeks. They will start checking to see if I have dilated at each appointment. He did not say anything about starting weekly visits yet, so we will see when I go next time what they say. The dr asked if I had ever started dilating early. I told him no, but that I had never had contractions early and that I had been having those for a month now (I did not see my normal dr - he was out - so this dr does not know everything that has been going on).

All I have to say is that as soon as it is safe for the baby - I AM READY!!!

Weekend

This was not a very good weekend. I had a list of things I wanted to get done - with the help of Paul. Well, Saturday he spent over 6 hours helping his boss move. When he got home we went to Home Depot and got blinds for the house. He spent the rest of the evening putting up blinds - at least that is done!!

Sunday, after church, we came home and he finished putting up blinds. Then we went and worked on the garage. BOTH CARS ARE NOW IN THE GARAGE!! HOORAY!! We were not able to put anything in the attic - we need to get some plywood to put down first, so the entire garage is lined with tubs, tools, bikes, etc. But, at least we got both vehicles in. We spent over five hours working on the garage, but it is well organized now. I spent the time to number the tubs and note what was in each one. I am going to keep the pages that have the contents inside and when we need something - I will know exactly where to go.

Paul was pretty amazed at the amount of empty tubs we had. He asked where they all came from (because I told him I was giving them away). I told him they were all full of stuff from the attic. We unpacked A LOT that was being stored in the attic into the house.

That is all we got accomplished from our list! I am suppose to have Bunco tonight. I did not get to play last month because Paul was in Kansas City, so I was really looking forward to playing tonight. Paul called me at 8 this morning to tell me he was on his way home to pack to go to New York. There was a train derailment, but there were at least four ER's last week, so everyone is out of the office. Paul came home, packed his dirty clothes (I did not do laundry all weekend) with his clean clothes and I took him back to the office so he could be on his way.

This should be his last trip. I told him he could not go past next week because we will be a month out from our due date.

Kayaks

As I mentioned in the previous post, Paul is getting a kayak and one for the kids. Really, it is bad timing. They are suppose to come in the middle of April. Paul will not be able to go out in them though, because he will have to stay close to home in case I go into labor!! So they are going to get these new toys they have all been so excitedly awaiting - and when they get here they will only be able to sit and stare at them!!!

I am sure I am going to regret even getting them. Somehow I think I am getting the rotten end of the deal. Not only is he going to be out ALL the time on the kayak, but I will be home with the kids while he is doing this!! HMMMMM - is it too late to rethink this??

LET'S CELEBRATE!!!

We are officially unpacked!! I mean - there are NO more boxes in the house. The only thing left to do is the garage which, assuming Paul stays in town, will get done this weekend.

Paul's office finally moved today, so we bought the bookcases that were in Paul's office from the company. I picked them up at lunch and came home and unpacked the boxes of books!! Tuesday I unpacked a couple of boxes of stuff for the walls in the boys rooms. I hung some of it, the bigger stuff I left for Paul.

There were four ER's today (of course the company was moving today - so everyone was going to need them!! I am sure by now Paul is on call, so he could be leaving at any time. Sadly, two of the ER's were here in Arkansas (I say sadly, not because I want him going far away, just unusual to have any here, much less two in one day!). If he is able to stay home this weekend - he and Caleb and Isaac will have a very busy weekend. Paul ordered a kayak for him and a kayak for the boys to "share" and learn how to paddle in. They will be arriving just in time for Paul's birthday so I told him it was a birthday present, but since it is not cheap - there would be some physical labor involved - and I don't mean paddling the kayaks!!

I have made a list of chores for them to get done this weekend. Also, Caleb has been having an attitude problem since he got his own room. We have explained to him that we have not paid for his kayak yet and if he can not grow up and straighten up - he will not get it!! We will see if that will help any! Hopefully - I can use this to my advantage and finish getting the house set up and put back together!!

Mr. Perfectionist

This morning, at 7:14, I told Caleb that we would be leaving in about 15 minutes - at 7:30, so he needed to get his stuff ready to go. "In 15 minutes it will be 7:29, not 7:30!"

Talking about a perfectionist!!!

Mr. Perfectionist

This morning, at 7:14, I told Caleb that we would be leaving in about 15 minutes - at 7:30, so he needed to get his stuff ready to go. "In 15 minutes it will be 7:29, not 7:30!"

Talking about a perfectionist!!!

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!