Bryce has started calling himself "Bubba." I don't know where he got this, because I don't think we have called him Bubba, but he always calls himself "Bubba" now and it is always "Bubba this" and "Bubba that."
This morning I called him Bryce and he came in and told me that I was suppose to call him Bubba from now on. I guess he is taking his new roll as big brother seriously.
There has definently been some acting out from him, but luckily it is geared toward Daddy and I, not Andrew. He seems very excited around Andrew, and usually does great with him.
This weekend I think the last two weeks have caught up with all of the boys. It was a pretty long and rough weekend. Noone wanted to mind and they were all pretty out of hand. Next weekend we are going to try to do something fun with them - Mommy should be feeling better than she has the last couple of weeks (or months really!)
Monday, April 23, 2007
To Sleep or Not To Sleep
Andrew cannot decide. He sleeps about every other night and stays up about every other night. Don't get me wrong - he is getting PLENTY of sleep, he is just not getting it all at night. He is kinda on a schedule of his own!
This is probably Daddy's biggest weakness with him. Daddy LOVES his sleep, and has a really hard time waking up. He opens his eyes, and he tries to calm him down, but he is not really awake! The first couple of nights, he did really well getting up when he cried and changing his diapers and bringing him to me to nurse, but since I have been doing better, he hasn't really been getting up.
I don't mind though. I am so used to NOT sleeping at this point, that it is not that big of deal for me to get up with him. Besides that, I have to nurse him anyway so I have to get up whether Paul does or not. He tries! He opens his eyes and pats Andrew when he cries, but his hand usually lands on Andrew's head!! He never really wakes up enough to know what is going on though!!
One reason he probably is not waking up all the way is that our lamps were pretty bright next to our bed and all times of the night. I requested that he either get a new lamp for my side of the bed (like a nightlight lamp) or get a dimmer. He found a dimmer that you just plug in and plug your lamp into. It has worked great. Their is a cord that has the dimmer switch on it that I put on the bed next to me and when he wakes up I keep it as dim as possible for me to still see to change diapers and feed him.
The hospital told us that we are not suppose to switch what side we are nursing on until he quits nursing the first side. It used to be that they said to nurse for about 15 minutes and then switch sides. Now they say that if they only nurse for 15 minutes, they are not getting all of the nutrients they are suppose to be getting. Now they say to let them go up to 30 minutes before you switch sides. This is not working to well for us. Andrew cannot stay awake that long. He does good if he eats for 15 minutes on one side before he falls asleep - which means I am having to nurse about every hour and a half. I am afraid his supply is going to dry up if I don't feed him at least that often - even though he will frequently go much longer if I let him! He nurses well, and has since he was born, other than the falling asleep quickly. We have tried letting him cry - really scream - so that he would be awake, but I think that just wears him out quicker!
We will get each other figured out soon I am sure. I am really just taking it as it comes with him and trying to enjoy every second because this will be the last time we do this and it goes by SOOOO quick!
This is probably Daddy's biggest weakness with him. Daddy LOVES his sleep, and has a really hard time waking up. He opens his eyes, and he tries to calm him down, but he is not really awake! The first couple of nights, he did really well getting up when he cried and changing his diapers and bringing him to me to nurse, but since I have been doing better, he hasn't really been getting up.
I don't mind though. I am so used to NOT sleeping at this point, that it is not that big of deal for me to get up with him. Besides that, I have to nurse him anyway so I have to get up whether Paul does or not. He tries! He opens his eyes and pats Andrew when he cries, but his hand usually lands on Andrew's head!! He never really wakes up enough to know what is going on though!!
One reason he probably is not waking up all the way is that our lamps were pretty bright next to our bed and all times of the night. I requested that he either get a new lamp for my side of the bed (like a nightlight lamp) or get a dimmer. He found a dimmer that you just plug in and plug your lamp into. It has worked great. Their is a cord that has the dimmer switch on it that I put on the bed next to me and when he wakes up I keep it as dim as possible for me to still see to change diapers and feed him.
The hospital told us that we are not suppose to switch what side we are nursing on until he quits nursing the first side. It used to be that they said to nurse for about 15 minutes and then switch sides. Now they say that if they only nurse for 15 minutes, they are not getting all of the nutrients they are suppose to be getting. Now they say to let them go up to 30 minutes before you switch sides. This is not working to well for us. Andrew cannot stay awake that long. He does good if he eats for 15 minutes on one side before he falls asleep - which means I am having to nurse about every hour and a half. I am afraid his supply is going to dry up if I don't feed him at least that often - even though he will frequently go much longer if I let him! He nurses well, and has since he was born, other than the falling asleep quickly. We have tried letting him cry - really scream - so that he would be awake, but I think that just wears him out quicker!
We will get each other figured out soon I am sure. I am really just taking it as it comes with him and trying to enjoy every second because this will be the last time we do this and it goes by SOOOO quick!
Learn to Aim It!!
One thing Paul has apparantly forgotten is that with boys, when you change their diapers - you have to aim them when you put the diaper on!!
He seemed to remember pretty quick after a few times of having to change diapers and clothes because Andrew peed up his side or back and got his clothes, blankets etc. soaked!! It is bad enough the amount of times we have to change his clothes because of dirty diapers!!
I guess if that is all he forgets with number 4 - we are doing pretty good!!
He seemed to remember pretty quick after a few times of having to change diapers and clothes because Andrew peed up his side or back and got his clothes, blankets etc. soaked!! It is bad enough the amount of times we have to change his clothes because of dirty diapers!!
I guess if that is all he forgets with number 4 - we are doing pretty good!!
A Sad Day!!
I have gotten spoiled having Paul home for the last week and a half!! He told me to find something that he can do where he does not have to go to work anymore. He has been faithfully filling out his Publishers Clearing House forms for several years now - well - you see how well that has worked for him!!! No one has shown up at our door or met him on an airplane (or anywhere else) with a huge check and flowers and balloons.
I don't think having four is much different than three! Maybe after Andrew is a little older that will change! Also, I have had Paul home doing everything - between friends at church and him, I have not cooked in almost 2 weeks! Today, though, life goes back to normal - whatever our new normal is going to be!!
Paul has amazed me with everyone of the kids. He is so hands-on with them and really does everything, without me asking and without complaining! He did all the diaper duty and changing clothes, etc for about the first week. He is such a pro - but I guess having four kids will do that to you!!
I don't think having four is much different than three! Maybe after Andrew is a little older that will change! Also, I have had Paul home doing everything - between friends at church and him, I have not cooked in almost 2 weeks! Today, though, life goes back to normal - whatever our new normal is going to be!!
Paul has amazed me with everyone of the kids. He is so hands-on with them and really does everything, without me asking and without complaining! He did all the diaper duty and changing clothes, etc for about the first week. He is such a pro - but I guess having four kids will do that to you!!
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Piranha or Rubber Ducky?
Andrew goes from being my piranha to my rubber ducky pretty quickly. I usually call him a piranha because if anything touches his face, he trys to eat it! Or if anyone is holding him he trys to eat their shirt. He is always going after something to put in his mouth.
I have never seen a newborn suck on a pacifier like he does. The other three did not use pacifiers AT ALL. Andrew has used it since day one. No confusion though!! He was a champ nurser from birth and the pacifier has not affected that. He sucks that thing like there is no tomorrow!
Rubber ducky comes from his hiccups. He still gets the hiccups several times a day and they always sound like a squeaky duck!
So - don't take offense to the nickname piranha - it is given in love!
I have never seen a newborn suck on a pacifier like he does. The other three did not use pacifiers AT ALL. Andrew has used it since day one. No confusion though!! He was a champ nurser from birth and the pacifier has not affected that. He sucks that thing like there is no tomorrow!
Rubber ducky comes from his hiccups. He still gets the hiccups several times a day and they always sound like a squeaky duck!
So - don't take offense to the nickname piranha - it is given in love!
My Great Husband!!
Today, while out running some errands Paul blurts out "Crap, I just got a ticket!" I was not sure what he was talking about and he asked if I saw the police man. At this point, I still was not seeing a policeman. I was looking in the side mirrors and did not see anyone and Paul pulled off into the shoulder. Then I saw the motorcycle cop with the blue lights flashing.
The police man was not very friendly!! He asked for Paul's license and asked when the last time Paul got a ticket was. Then he took his DL and started filling out a ticket. He did not ask for insurance info, registration or call anything in. He simply wrote a ticket.
Paul was doing 79 in a 65!! He had the radar detector on, but turned down all the way. A lot of good that does him!!
The police man was not very friendly!! He asked for Paul's license and asked when the last time Paul got a ticket was. Then he took his DL and started filling out a ticket. He did not ask for insurance info, registration or call anything in. He simply wrote a ticket.
Paul was doing 79 in a 65!! He had the radar detector on, but turned down all the way. A lot of good that does him!!
Andrew Update
Well, Andrew went for his one week checkup. The hospital never told me his discharge weight, so I had no clue where he was at. At discharge, he was 6-15 - at one week he was 6-14. The dr was not too concerned - he thinks he was still just losing like normal and should be going up now. We have to go back next week and have his weight checked.
As far as the ASD, the cardiologist report said there was nothing showing on the echo. Dr. S (the pediatrician) listened to his heart and did not hear a murmur. Paul and I are a little confused as to how they heard a murmur and a technician read his echo as ASD, but now they hear nothing and the cardiologist did not see anything on the echo, but we are more than happy to accept that he is healthy!!
Dr. S also checked his blood pressure on all extremities - which came back normal. Then they put a heel warmer on his foot for several minutes and took blood from his heel. They were checking for jaundice. The count had to be under 20 and his was 12. So he has jaundice, but not severe enough that we have to take him in everyday to be checked or put under lights. We are trying to let him get some sunlight to get rid of it.
Overall - he is healthy. I am glad we did not waste our time stressing and worrying about it for the last week.
As far as the ASD, the cardiologist report said there was nothing showing on the echo. Dr. S (the pediatrician) listened to his heart and did not hear a murmur. Paul and I are a little confused as to how they heard a murmur and a technician read his echo as ASD, but now they hear nothing and the cardiologist did not see anything on the echo, but we are more than happy to accept that he is healthy!!
Dr. S also checked his blood pressure on all extremities - which came back normal. Then they put a heel warmer on his foot for several minutes and took blood from his heel. They were checking for jaundice. The count had to be under 20 and his was 12. So he has jaundice, but not severe enough that we have to take him in everyday to be checked or put under lights. We are trying to let him get some sunlight to get rid of it.
Overall - he is healthy. I am glad we did not waste our time stressing and worrying about it for the last week.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Great Friends
I just wanted to acknowledge and thank everyone that has helped us out! We have been so blessed! Friday we had some friends that delivered bbq with all the trimmings, along with trashbags, paper towels, drinks, paper plates, utensils, cups and drinks. Monday we got lasagna, salad, bread and cookies. Tonight, someone brought Kings Ranch Chicken, salsa and cheese dip, chips, ice cream, a package of diapers and some clothes for Andrew. There are people lined up to bring us food through next Monday. All of these people work and have their own families to take care of, and still manage to find the time (not to mention money) to do this for us.
On top of having great friends, my wonderful husband has been great! He has done a lot with the boys and around the house. I have not had to do much other than focus on getting back 100% and taking care of Andrew. He has even pretty much taken over diaper duty - and with Andrew that is no small feat!
Thank you again to everyone that has helped us out and for all of the great gifts! It is all greatly appreciated!
On top of having great friends, my wonderful husband has been great! He has done a lot with the boys and around the house. I have not had to do much other than focus on getting back 100% and taking care of Andrew. He has even pretty much taken over diaper duty - and with Andrew that is no small feat!
Thank you again to everyone that has helped us out and for all of the great gifts! It is all greatly appreciated!
Meaning of the Name
Someone asked the other day what Andrew's name meant, so I thought I would post it. Andrew means manly; a warrior. Jace means God is my salvation.
The No-Bed Baby!
Andrew is not a bed baby!! This is taking some adjustment for me, because none of the other boys were like this. Since he was born, if you lay him in a bed, he crys. I try to let him cry it out, he doesn't - he keeps crying. It is not just that he does not like his crib or his playpen, he wants constant contact.
In the hospital, he ended up sleeping on me! It wasn't that bad because I was on steroids and was not sleeping. I don't think I slept more than 15 minutes at a time at the hospital. The first night home - he did not sleep, but did not really cry. He would let out a grunt every now and then and we would get up and check on him and he would be contently staring. The second and third night we were home he was up all night - with lots of crying. Last night he did pretty well. I woke up before he did for feedings so he never really got worked up.
He has spent a lot more time awake today than he has any other day - maybe because he spent a lot more time asleep last night!! We are hoping this means good things for tonight!!
In the hospital, he ended up sleeping on me! It wasn't that bad because I was on steroids and was not sleeping. I don't think I slept more than 15 minutes at a time at the hospital. The first night home - he did not sleep, but did not really cry. He would let out a grunt every now and then and we would get up and check on him and he would be contently staring. The second and third night we were home he was up all night - with lots of crying. Last night he did pretty well. I woke up before he did for feedings so he never really got worked up.
He has spent a lot more time awake today than he has any other day - maybe because he spent a lot more time asleep last night!! We are hoping this means good things for tonight!!
New Brother
Paul called the boys first Wednesday to let them know their brother had FINALLY arrived. They had all been anxiously awaiting his arrival. Since Andrew decided to make his arrival an all day affair, it was late and Bryce had already gone to bed, but he talked to the other two and then Bryce the next morning.
Here were the first responses from the boys:
Caleb: "What was he wearing when he came out?" After several minutes of discussing that he came out wearing nothing, Caleb says "Is he wearing his birthday clothes?" I guess he has heard of a birthday suit!
Isaac: "Did Mama get her baby?"
Bryce: "The babies out!!"
They did not come to the hospital until Friday morning. I wanted to get them coming into the room for the first time on video, but unfortunately my nurse was discharging me when they got there. I did get some video of them really meeting him for the first time though. I have to get a cable to get the video from my camera to the computer, and then I will post it.
It was so nice to see them all so excited. They have all been fighting over who gets to hold him and who has been holding him for how long. Everyone wants to help - although Caleb learned VERY quick that if a diaper is being changed he does not want to be around. Daddy asked him to throw away a dirty diaper ONE time and now if he sees a diaper being changed he quietly turns and leaves the room!
Isaac always wants to put the pacifier in his mouth. Other than that - he is content to just sit next to him and stare at him or to hold him. When people ask him what he thinks of his new brother he always answers with a big smile and "Good!"
Bryce. I am impressed! I had gotten to where the last couple of weeks I was really wondering how he was going to take having a little brother. I think he has been the most excited! When he sees Andrew, his face just lights up and he gets a huge smile. He always calls him "Baby Andrew". He can not leave Andrew for school or anything else without giving him a big kiss!
They all get up in the morning and go directly to give him kisses. When we take them to school or see someone we have not seen since we had him the first thing all of them say is "I have a new brother now."
I know it will not always be like this, so I am just going to take what I can get and enjoy it while I can!!
Here were the first responses from the boys:
Caleb: "What was he wearing when he came out?" After several minutes of discussing that he came out wearing nothing, Caleb says "Is he wearing his birthday clothes?" I guess he has heard of a birthday suit!
Isaac: "Did Mama get her baby?"
Bryce: "The babies out!!"
They did not come to the hospital until Friday morning. I wanted to get them coming into the room for the first time on video, but unfortunately my nurse was discharging me when they got there. I did get some video of them really meeting him for the first time though. I have to get a cable to get the video from my camera to the computer, and then I will post it.
It was so nice to see them all so excited. They have all been fighting over who gets to hold him and who has been holding him for how long. Everyone wants to help - although Caleb learned VERY quick that if a diaper is being changed he does not want to be around. Daddy asked him to throw away a dirty diaper ONE time and now if he sees a diaper being changed he quietly turns and leaves the room!
Isaac always wants to put the pacifier in his mouth. Other than that - he is content to just sit next to him and stare at him or to hold him. When people ask him what he thinks of his new brother he always answers with a big smile and "Good!"
Bryce. I am impressed! I had gotten to where the last couple of weeks I was really wondering how he was going to take having a little brother. I think he has been the most excited! When he sees Andrew, his face just lights up and he gets a huge smile. He always calls him "Baby Andrew". He can not leave Andrew for school or anything else without giving him a big kiss!
They all get up in the morning and go directly to give him kisses. When we take them to school or see someone we have not seen since we had him the first thing all of them say is "I have a new brother now."
I know it will not always be like this, so I am just going to take what I can get and enjoy it while I can!!
So Much to Blog...So Little Time!
We are still trying to get into a routine here, so things are a little crazy.
Friday morning when the pediatrician checked on Andrew so we could be discharged they found that he had a heart murmur. The pediatrician ordered an echo before we could leave the hospital. This kept us there until 3:30 in the afternoon!
The technician that read the echo said it looked like he has ASD or Atrial Septal Defect. Basically, it means he has a hole in his septum between his two upper chambers. This is just what the technician saw - we have not gotten the results from the cardiologist yet.
After talking with our pediatrician, they let us go home. Our pediatrician pretty much told the nurse at the hospital that we were very responsible parents and would know if there was a problem and what to do .
Often, this hole will close on its own, but if it doesn't it could require surgery. We decided in the hospital we were not going to worry about it until we are told to worry about it. That does not mean that I am not guarded and keep and extra eye on him for signs that he is having problems, just means I am not going to focus on it or let the worry take over me!
We go to the pediatrician tomorrow so they can listen again and see where we go from there.
Friday morning when the pediatrician checked on Andrew so we could be discharged they found that he had a heart murmur. The pediatrician ordered an echo before we could leave the hospital. This kept us there until 3:30 in the afternoon!
The technician that read the echo said it looked like he has ASD or Atrial Septal Defect. Basically, it means he has a hole in his septum between his two upper chambers. This is just what the technician saw - we have not gotten the results from the cardiologist yet.
After talking with our pediatrician, they let us go home. Our pediatrician pretty much told the nurse at the hospital that we were very responsible parents and would know if there was a problem and what to do .
Often, this hole will close on its own, but if it doesn't it could require surgery. We decided in the hospital we were not going to worry about it until we are told to worry about it. That does not mean that I am not guarded and keep and extra eye on him for signs that he is having problems, just means I am not going to focus on it or let the worry take over me!
We go to the pediatrician tomorrow so they can listen again and see where we go from there.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Andrew Jace
Andrew was born April 11 at 8:30 pm. He was 7 pounds 5 ounces and 20 1/2 inches long. Everything went great and I will post more on the birth and the boys when I get a chance.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
When I went to pick Bryce up this afternoon from MDO, I stopped and was talking to someone in another classroom. Bryce walked by taking out the trash, and saw me. He stopped and with a huge smile said "did you bring the baby home?"
Let's hope that after I have him, I look at least a little smaller than I do now!!!
Let's hope that after I have him, I look at least a little smaller than I do now!!!
Caleb's Parent Teacher Conference
Caleb's school is having parent teacher conferences Friday. Obviously, I will not be there. I sent a letter to his teacher that I was being induced tomorrow and could not be there, but that we could reschedule or she could send me the info through email.
She called today, and asked if we could do it over the phone. I told her that would be fine. She said that he has straight A's (which we just got his report card - so we knew that). The last STAR test (a reading test) he took showed that he is reading at almost a 5th grade level (he is in 2nd grade). She told me that she was very impressed because he reads a lot of non fiction (Yes - he is an encyclopedia of knowledge - some useful some not!!).
She also said that she put his name in for gifted and talanted and that we should be getting a permission slip to have him tested around the end of the month.
Other than that, she just wished us luck and congratulations. She also talked about how great Caleb was and how much she LOVED having him in her class and how intelligent he was.
She called today, and asked if we could do it over the phone. I told her that would be fine. She said that he has straight A's (which we just got his report card - so we knew that). The last STAR test (a reading test) he took showed that he is reading at almost a 5th grade level (he is in 2nd grade). She told me that she was very impressed because he reads a lot of non fiction (Yes - he is an encyclopedia of knowledge - some useful some not!!).
She also said that she put his name in for gifted and talanted and that we should be getting a permission slip to have him tested around the end of the month.
Other than that, she just wished us luck and congratulations. She also talked about how great Caleb was and how much she LOVED having him in her class and how intelligent he was.
Dermatologist Appointment
So, I went to see my dermatologist about the poison ivy. The poison ivy has pretty much gone, it has now turned into hives. The bad news is that the hives could last up to 6 weeks - and I am not sure that they are any better than poison ivy. It itches just as bad! I am glad that it is not still poison ivy spreading like I thought it was!
He gave me Zyrtec and told me to supplement with childrens benadryl during the day and regular benadryl at night. Then he said that he was going to call my OB about putting me on a steroid IV after I have the baby tomorrow.
This is the epitomy of misery!!
My "village" is working hard to help us with the kids, etc while at the hospital. We have a great support group, thank goodness. We have people from church delivering meals every night for the first week after we get home.
He gave me Zyrtec and told me to supplement with childrens benadryl during the day and regular benadryl at night. Then he said that he was going to call my OB about putting me on a steroid IV after I have the baby tomorrow.
This is the epitomy of misery!!
My "village" is working hard to help us with the kids, etc while at the hospital. We have a great support group, thank goodness. We have people from church delivering meals every night for the first week after we get home.
Monday, April 09, 2007
38 Week Check-up
And, the last! I went for my 38 week check-up today. The dr was very concerned because of the poison ivy. Not only is he concerned about the fact that it is still spreading - he is most concerned with the fact that I am bruising. He asked if I was scratching with a wooden spoon or something. I said no, that when I scratch it is lightly with my nails and usually over my clothes. He then examined every bruise I have and questioned where I got it and how long I have had it.
I half-jokingly told him he could induce me - and he said "I have never induced because of contact dermatitis, but I think we may have too." After a few minutes of staring at the rash in wonder, he pulled out his cellphone and personally made the appointment to be induced. He asked how soon they could get me in and the hospital said Wednesday, so Wednesday at 7:45 am, we go to the hospital to be induced.
I asked the dr if I was the first pregnant person he had with poison ivy and he said no, but he has never seen ANYONE bruise from it. He is sending me back to the dermatologist tomorrow. He wants me on a more aggressive treatment. I don't know that I will be able to start this treatment before I have Andrew, but I will definently be able to right after I have him!
Assuming that it does not take ALL day for me to get induced and deliver, Andrew's birthday will be April 11, 5 days before Daddy's!
I half-jokingly told him he could induce me - and he said "I have never induced because of contact dermatitis, but I think we may have too." After a few minutes of staring at the rash in wonder, he pulled out his cellphone and personally made the appointment to be induced. He asked how soon they could get me in and the hospital said Wednesday, so Wednesday at 7:45 am, we go to the hospital to be induced.
I asked the dr if I was the first pregnant person he had with poison ivy and he said no, but he has never seen ANYONE bruise from it. He is sending me back to the dermatologist tomorrow. He wants me on a more aggressive treatment. I don't know that I will be able to start this treatment before I have Andrew, but I will definently be able to right after I have him!
Assuming that it does not take ALL day for me to get induced and deliver, Andrew's birthday will be April 11, 5 days before Daddy's!
Houston, We Have A Problem
A BIG problem. Yesterday afternoon we had to make a quick trip to Home Depot - which we were not sure would be open since it was Easter. One major design flaw in this house is that they put the doorbell in the hall with the kids rooms - wouldn't you think it would be in the middle of the house or at the master bedroom? We cannot hear the doorbell - or knocking - if we are in our room.
Right after we moved in, someone had come to the door selling newspapers or something and the boys opened the door and talked to them. They did not even come get us - not even Caleb!! Caleb did not open the door - and I am not sure if he was even out there with them, but he knew what his brothers were doing and did not come get us.
Yesterday, we had put a doghouse out at the road - getting rid of it. An older couple rang the doorbell and we did not hear it. Paul walked into the kitchen and heard the boys talking and noticed the front door open. The boys had answered the door and GONE OUTSIDE with these people. Luckily for us, they told the boys to go in the house. Paul went out and talked to them - they were wanting to know if they could have the doghouse.
We left immediately to get a lock to put on the top of the front door. I cannot get Isaac and Bryce to understand about strangers. When I was telling them that someone could take them and put them in their car and drive away with them, Bryce says "but he didn't!"
It also upsets me that Caleb knows his brothers are doing this and doesn't come let us know! The problem has been temporarily fixed - at least now they can't open the door, but we really have to work on the stranger thing with them!!!
Right after we moved in, someone had come to the door selling newspapers or something and the boys opened the door and talked to them. They did not even come get us - not even Caleb!! Caleb did not open the door - and I am not sure if he was even out there with them, but he knew what his brothers were doing and did not come get us.
Yesterday, we had put a doghouse out at the road - getting rid of it. An older couple rang the doorbell and we did not hear it. Paul walked into the kitchen and heard the boys talking and noticed the front door open. The boys had answered the door and GONE OUTSIDE with these people. Luckily for us, they told the boys to go in the house. Paul went out and talked to them - they were wanting to know if they could have the doghouse.
We left immediately to get a lock to put on the top of the front door. I cannot get Isaac and Bryce to understand about strangers. When I was telling them that someone could take them and put them in their car and drive away with them, Bryce says "but he didn't!"
It also upsets me that Caleb knows his brothers are doing this and doesn't come let us know! The problem has been temporarily fixed - at least now they can't open the door, but we really have to work on the stranger thing with them!!!
Weekend Update
We had a BUSY weekend! Our focus going into the weekend was yardwork. Friday we just chilled most of the day after we got home from the drs office. I think the only thing we really did was grocery shopping.
Saturday, we had to go get spark plugs, filters, etc for the lawn mower, weedeater and blower. That took quite a bit of time because it meant several different stores. Paul got home and got everything put together on the weedeater. When he went to start it - it would not start! We tried not to get to upset because we have had the weedeater for about 8 years!! Paul wanted one that would weedeat and edge - which was not easy to find!! We spent several hours and several more trips to stores looking for THE weedeater. We finally found it.
By the time we got done doing all of the running around, Paul got the front yard done as it started getting dark! So the front is all that he got done Saturday. He is questioning whether he likes the corner lot now - there is a LOT to weedeat - especially since we have a sidewalk around the side and front of the house and then up to the front door.
Sunday we got up and went to church. We had our Easter lunch at the Mexican restaraunt! NO CLEANING!! We got home and Paul and I worked on the backyard while the boys played with their stuff from the Easter bunny. We went through several pairs of clothes each and LOTS of washing to NOT get more poison whatever! Sunday evening we did an Easter egg hunt - which I will post later - with some pictures.
As far as the poison whatever - I am still getting new spots. I go see my OB today and we will see what he thinks. The itching is much worse at night! The side of my belly that initially broke out is REALLY dry - which is part of the problem with the itching. The other side of my belly and my back is all newer spots and they are itching because of the poison - they are not dried out yet! Needless to say - if pregnancy did not do enough to destroy the way your stomach looks - throw on top of that a REALLY bad case of poison whatever and that will pretty much seal the deal!
Saturday, we had to go get spark plugs, filters, etc for the lawn mower, weedeater and blower. That took quite a bit of time because it meant several different stores. Paul got home and got everything put together on the weedeater. When he went to start it - it would not start! We tried not to get to upset because we have had the weedeater for about 8 years!! Paul wanted one that would weedeat and edge - which was not easy to find!! We spent several hours and several more trips to stores looking for THE weedeater. We finally found it.
By the time we got done doing all of the running around, Paul got the front yard done as it started getting dark! So the front is all that he got done Saturday. He is questioning whether he likes the corner lot now - there is a LOT to weedeat - especially since we have a sidewalk around the side and front of the house and then up to the front door.
Sunday we got up and went to church. We had our Easter lunch at the Mexican restaraunt! NO CLEANING!! We got home and Paul and I worked on the backyard while the boys played with their stuff from the Easter bunny. We went through several pairs of clothes each and LOTS of washing to NOT get more poison whatever! Sunday evening we did an Easter egg hunt - which I will post later - with some pictures.
As far as the poison whatever - I am still getting new spots. I go see my OB today and we will see what he thinks. The itching is much worse at night! The side of my belly that initially broke out is REALLY dry - which is part of the problem with the itching. The other side of my belly and my back is all newer spots and they are itching because of the poison - they are not dried out yet! Needless to say - if pregnancy did not do enough to destroy the way your stomach looks - throw on top of that a REALLY bad case of poison whatever and that will pretty much seal the deal!
Sunday, April 08, 2007
We Found the Poison!!
The city is going by this month and picking up tree branches, etc that we put out at the curb. Our "ward" is being done this week, so Paul was out cleaning up some vines that he pulled down a couple of weeks ago.
While he was out there he found a plant at the base of the tree that was three leaves and reddish. It does not look like poison ivy though. I did some looking online and I am pretty sure it is poison oak. Not only is it at the base of the tree - it is the only thing living ON the tree.
We are calling the builders agent tomorrow morning and telling them that they have to get someone out here - yesterday - to cut them down because we are all very allergic! Too bad they did not cut them down before we moved in like we asked - then we would not have this problem!!
While he was out there he found a plant at the base of the tree that was three leaves and reddish. It does not look like poison ivy though. I did some looking online and I am pretty sure it is poison oak. Not only is it at the base of the tree - it is the only thing living ON the tree.
We are calling the builders agent tomorrow morning and telling them that they have to get someone out here - yesterday - to cut them down because we are all very allergic! Too bad they did not cut them down before we moved in like we asked - then we would not have this problem!!
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Boring Baby
One day last week Bryce told me he did not want a baby. I asked why, and he said he just did not want a baby right now.
Today he says "Okay, Andrew can be boring now."
Paul and I just laughed and corrected him and said he could be born. Bryce said "Yes he can be boring." All morning, he has been meaning born, but saying Andrew is going to be boring.
I guess he is going to be a boring blue baby!
Today he says "Okay, Andrew can be boring now."
Paul and I just laughed and corrected him and said he could be born. Bryce said "Yes he can be boring." All morning, he has been meaning born, but saying Andrew is going to be boring.
I guess he is going to be a boring blue baby!
Friday, April 06, 2007
Some Relieve At Last!!
Last night we spent $40 on a wash called Zantel - that is for poison ivy. I was DESPERATE!! The stuff claims that if you use it, it will wash away the oils from your skin. It also says that if you have severe poison ivy, you may have to use it several times. The stuff helped for a couple of hours - no itching. I used it twice last night and once this morning. Unfortunately, you only get an ounce for $40 and it does not go far when you have poison ivy as bad as I have it.
I did not get much sleep last night. I kept waking up - scratching. Finally, about 5 am I got up and took a shower and stayed up. At a reasonable hour, I called my dr to beg for some relief. I ended up having to go to the hospital today to see a dermatologist (my ob made an appt for me). He looked at the poison ivy, asked how far along I was and said I must be COMPLETELY miserable!
I ended up getting a shot in the rumpous and send home with some topical cream. I wish I could take the nurse that gave me the shot with me to labor and delivery because as Paul was telling me my butt would hurt after the shot - she was saying she was done. I never felt it!!
The shot worked pretty quick! I have had a few spouts of bad itching, but it is much easier to handle than previously. Apparantly I had a "systematic reaction " which means it was in my blood stream so I was still breaking out from it. The dr was pretty shocked by how severe it was - and that it was mainly focused on my huge belly!
The cream takes a little longer to dry than I like, but it is helping so I will take it!!
I did not get much sleep last night. I kept waking up - scratching. Finally, about 5 am I got up and took a shower and stayed up. At a reasonable hour, I called my dr to beg for some relief. I ended up having to go to the hospital today to see a dermatologist (my ob made an appt for me). He looked at the poison ivy, asked how far along I was and said I must be COMPLETELY miserable!
I ended up getting a shot in the rumpous and send home with some topical cream. I wish I could take the nurse that gave me the shot with me to labor and delivery because as Paul was telling me my butt would hurt after the shot - she was saying she was done. I never felt it!!
The shot worked pretty quick! I have had a few spouts of bad itching, but it is much easier to handle than previously. Apparantly I had a "systematic reaction " which means it was in my blood stream so I was still breaking out from it. The dr was pretty shocked by how severe it was - and that it was mainly focused on my huge belly!
The cream takes a little longer to dry than I like, but it is helping so I will take it!!
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Another Caleb Story
This is my imaginary pet.
He is called a hot dog.
He came from the candy land desert.
I gave my hotdog a hat and gun as soon as he could hunt by himself.
He eats popcorn, ketchup, tomatoes, and mustard.
He is mean because he looks tasty.
Please be careful around him even if he's tasty looking.
He is called a hot dog.
He came from the candy land desert.
I gave my hotdog a hat and gun as soon as he could hunt by himself.
He eats popcorn, ketchup, tomatoes, and mustard.
He is mean because he looks tasty.
Please be careful around him even if he's tasty looking.
A Story From the Head of an 8 Year Old
This is a story Caleb wrote. I typed it just like he wrote it:
Once upon a time there was a hen who laid 5 eggs 4 were regular after hatching. 1 chick was stange, it had half a body. one day his mother told him he can live by himself. he crossed a stream geting choked by weeds what asked him to pull the weeds up. Then half chick said in a rude little voice, help yourself. Then he passed a farm house, a farmer started a fire for his patatos, and fire said toss me some wood, and the chick said in a rude little voice, help yourself and then he passed a cook who thn picked him up and said this will make some good chicken soup because half a chick is better than full and tossed him in some boiling water and said don't boil me. And it said he didn't pull the weeds up and he said the fire do not burn me, and the fire said you did give me some sticks and then it was much to late.
Once upon a time there was a hen who laid 5 eggs 4 were regular after hatching. 1 chick was stange, it had half a body. one day his mother told him he can live by himself. he crossed a stream geting choked by weeds what asked him to pull the weeds up. Then half chick said in a rude little voice, help yourself. Then he passed a farm house, a farmer started a fire for his patatos, and fire said toss me some wood, and the chick said in a rude little voice, help yourself and then he passed a cook who thn picked him up and said this will make some good chicken soup because half a chick is better than full and tossed him in some boiling water and said don't boil me. And it said he didn't pull the weeds up and he said the fire do not burn me, and the fire said you did give me some sticks and then it was much to late.
Made It To Land!!
He is back on land! I was telling him I had looked at the weather and it looked good down there, but apparantly on the oil rig they were having about 40 mph winds - so made the helicopter trip kinda bumpy! But - he should be back about 4!
He got paid to do a lot of sitting this week! He has tomorrow off for Good Friday, so he only had to do about 3 hours of work all week and gets paid for 40 - nice mini-vacation (if you call bad weather and sitting on an oil rig wondering if your wife is going to go into labor while you are away a vacation).
He got paid to do a lot of sitting this week! He has tomorrow off for Good Friday, so he only had to do about 3 hours of work all week and gets paid for 40 - nice mini-vacation (if you call bad weather and sitting on an oil rig wondering if your wife is going to go into labor while you are away a vacation).
COME HOME!!
I just looked at the weather for Port Arthur. It says that visibility is 10 miles and there is abundant sunshine. I see NO reason why he can't get home today - especially since we also have abundant sunshine!! If he doesn't get to come home today for some reason they are going to have the wrath of a very angry 9 1/2 month pregnant woman to deal with (especially since the kids are home tomorrow!)
A Blue Baby?
On the way home from taking the boys to school, Bryce was talking about what color all of our animals were. I was really impressed because he said Bella was tan, white and black - as opposed to saying brown (for tan). I did not know that he knew tan!
What was really funny is that after he is saying all of this he says "I don't know what color Andrew is going to be." I am dying laughing and tell him that Andrew will be the same color he is and probably even have blonde hair like him (if he has hair). "No I think he will be blue."
Where does he come up with this stuff?
What was really funny is that after he is saying all of this he says "I don't know what color Andrew is going to be." I am dying laughing and tell him that Andrew will be the same color he is and probably even have blonde hair like him (if he has hair). "No I think he will be blue."
Where does he come up with this stuff?
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Now I Am Beyond Upset!!
I am beginning to think my husband is being held hostage! I know that is not something to joke about these days, but he went for a ONE day job on Sunday. This is Wednesday. He is still not home! They are stuck on the oil rig in the middle of the ocean. The helicopter won't fly because they have been having a bad storm all day.
It is just very frustrating for me because #1 I did not even want him to go! #2 I just feel like crap and could really use some help with the boys! I am having a hard time getting up off the couch at all, much less to cook, clean and take care of the kids.
I am trying not to use the creams much because it seems like for a couple of hours after I put the cream on, Andrew just kind of goes crazy. He moves and kicks like crazy, so I don't know if it is really bothering him or if it is just conincidence. So at this point I am only using the cream if I cannot handle the itching. So far today, I have only used it once - which has been hard!
It is just very frustrating for me because #1 I did not even want him to go! #2 I just feel like crap and could really use some help with the boys! I am having a hard time getting up off the couch at all, much less to cook, clean and take care of the kids.
I am trying not to use the creams much because it seems like for a couple of hours after I put the cream on, Andrew just kind of goes crazy. He moves and kicks like crazy, so I don't know if it is really bothering him or if it is just conincidence. So at this point I am only using the cream if I cannot handle the itching. So far today, I have only used it once - which has been hard!
Update
I did get some sleep - and actually slept pretty good. Bryce fell asleep between 9:30 and 10. I stayed awake for awhile, hoping Paul would call. He did, finally, at about 10:45. He was calling from the oil rig (which I think was an hour out by helicopter). He does not get phone service on his cell way out there, so he was calling from their phone.
He said they had finished working and were sleeping on the rig for the night. The helicopter is suppose to pick them up around 10 this morning and then they have an hour drive back to the airport, so the earliest they can even get to the airport is noon. So - as far as things go now - he should be home this afternoon.
Still having contractions, but still mostly just my stomach tightening, only a few that were painful!! I woke up a couple of times last night with some that hurt, but I was able to go right back to sleep. It will be interesting to see if he makes it to 40 weeks. He probably will, but he is going to keep us on our toes until then!!
He said they had finished working and were sleeping on the rig for the night. The helicopter is suppose to pick them up around 10 this morning and then they have an hour drive back to the airport, so the earliest they can even get to the airport is noon. So - as far as things go now - he should be home this afternoon.
Still having contractions, but still mostly just my stomach tightening, only a few that were painful!! I woke up a couple of times last night with some that hurt, but I was able to go right back to sleep. It will be interesting to see if he makes it to 40 weeks. He probably will, but he is going to keep us on our toes until then!!
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
No Sleep Tonight!
We have been waiting on a cold front to move in that was suppose to bring some severe weather. I tried to get the boys in bed a little early to beat it and the one that needed to beat it the most - didn't!
For about an hour we had nothing but lightening. Then I was looking out the front window and heard some loud bangs and it started hailing. The bangs were not thunder. They were our two 96 gallon trashcans - with trash - being thrown across my front yard into the street. So I had to run out -in the hail - to get the trashcans! When the loud bang happened it also opened the door from the kitchen to the garage (and the garage door is down!)! Pretty big pressure change I guess!
So, Bryce is up. Luckily, I guess, I had not taken my benadryl yet - and I guess I won't tonight!
For about an hour we had nothing but lightening. Then I was looking out the front window and heard some loud bangs and it started hailing. The bangs were not thunder. They were our two 96 gallon trashcans - with trash - being thrown across my front yard into the street. So I had to run out -in the hail - to get the trashcans! When the loud bang happened it also opened the door from the kitchen to the garage (and the garage door is down!)! Pretty big pressure change I guess!
So, Bryce is up. Luckily, I guess, I had not taken my benadryl yet - and I guess I won't tonight!
Still No Daddy!!
I talked to Paul earlier and asked him if he was going to be home today. He said it did not look like it. Apparantly it has been to foggy for the helicopter to fly to the oil rig, so they still have not been able to do the work. What was suppose to be a 3 hour job has turned into a 3-4 day job!! It is pretty frustrating!
I have been having contractions all day. They have not been to painful, just feeling a LOT of pressure. Also been kind of nauseas all day.
Paul did call a little while ago and said the helicopter was on its way and they were going to try to fly out tonight and do the work. If that happens they can get home tomorrow morning, otherwise the earliest he can be home is 10 pm tomorrow night. We will see what happens!!
I have been having contractions all day. They have not been to painful, just feeling a LOT of pressure. Also been kind of nauseas all day.
Paul did call a little while ago and said the helicopter was on its way and they were going to try to fly out tonight and do the work. If that happens they can get home tomorrow morning, otherwise the earliest he can be home is 10 pm tomorrow night. We will see what happens!!
M-I-S-E-R-A-B-L-E
That is what I am right now. Beyond the fact that I am 9 1/2 months pregnant - this poison ivy! I am putting so many different things on my stomach right now, and am having to walk around with my shirt pulled up or off to let all the creams, etc dry.
Here is what is hard. When I was talking to the dr about using the hydrocortisone cream, he told me to start using it again and that there was another medicine I could take, but that it is an oral medicine and they don't like to give it in late pregnancy. It would have been easier if I had not known about it. I really want to call and ask the dr for it, but I don't want to do anything to jeapordize the baby, obviously.
The benadryl last night helped me sleep! I only got up one time last night - which I don't remember the last time I only got up once. Unfortunately, the one time I got up I was up for about 20-30 minutes trying to get the itching under control. I am alternating the hydrocortisone cream, benadryl cream and this spray that numbs itching and pain (this spray was introduced after I had Isaac and works REALLY well). They all work short-term but not near long enough! I am also taking oatmeal baths, taking benadryl pills, and putting cool wet washclothes on it. The wet washcloth works GREAT as long as I can just lay down so they will stay on!
I am on day 5 of this, and still have spots coming up. I guess we know where Caleb gets his poison ivy allergy!! Paul and I both are allergic to it, so I guess the kids are doomed! I wish I could pinpoint when, where and how we got this!!
Here is what is hard. When I was talking to the dr about using the hydrocortisone cream, he told me to start using it again and that there was another medicine I could take, but that it is an oral medicine and they don't like to give it in late pregnancy. It would have been easier if I had not known about it. I really want to call and ask the dr for it, but I don't want to do anything to jeapordize the baby, obviously.
The benadryl last night helped me sleep! I only got up one time last night - which I don't remember the last time I only got up once. Unfortunately, the one time I got up I was up for about 20-30 minutes trying to get the itching under control. I am alternating the hydrocortisone cream, benadryl cream and this spray that numbs itching and pain (this spray was introduced after I had Isaac and works REALLY well). They all work short-term but not near long enough! I am also taking oatmeal baths, taking benadryl pills, and putting cool wet washclothes on it. The wet washcloth works GREAT as long as I can just lay down so they will stay on!
I am on day 5 of this, and still have spots coming up. I guess we know where Caleb gets his poison ivy allergy!! Paul and I both are allergic to it, so I guess the kids are doomed! I wish I could pinpoint when, where and how we got this!!
Monday, April 02, 2007
Bathing Dillema
First off, I have already gotten VERY spoiled with my tub! I was wanting to take an oatmeal bath for the poison ivy, but I did not want to clog up the jets in my tub, so I took it in the boys bathroom. There tub is tiny!! I am used to my BIG tub!!
Secondly, since I used the smaller tub, I could not get my big belly under the water. I stayed in for about 15 minutes, continuously pouring water over my stomach! Did the best I could - then SMOTHERED my stomach in hydrocortisone cream and popped a benadryl! Maybe I will sleep through it all tonight!
While in the tub I decided my stomach is looking more like a globe than a basketball everyone says it looks like. A nice globe though. You know, the ones that have the land raised up so you can feel it! The land on my globe is BRIGHT red instead of green and the interstates are in the water (the bright blue veins in my stomach). It has some big continents, some small continents and LOTS of little islands.
Hopefully my continents will quickly begin to break apart and disappear!! At least maybe my globe could become a not-as-nice one and the raised continents will become unraised!!
Secondly, since I used the smaller tub, I could not get my big belly under the water. I stayed in for about 15 minutes, continuously pouring water over my stomach! Did the best I could - then SMOTHERED my stomach in hydrocortisone cream and popped a benadryl! Maybe I will sleep through it all tonight!
While in the tub I decided my stomach is looking more like a globe than a basketball everyone says it looks like. A nice globe though. You know, the ones that have the land raised up so you can feel it! The land on my globe is BRIGHT red instead of green and the interstates are in the water (the bright blue veins in my stomach). It has some big continents, some small continents and LOTS of little islands.
Hopefully my continents will quickly begin to break apart and disappear!! At least maybe my globe could become a not-as-nice one and the raised continents will become unraised!!
It Figures!
Paul is stuck at the coast. He went down there to do some work on an oil rig and, of course, they have been hit with a bad storm. They were being flown out to the rig on a helicopter. They got part of the way to the rig and had to turn around because of low visibility. It does not look like the weather is going to clear enough for them to get out there today, so he will not be able to come home until tomorrow.
He keeps asking if I am going to be okay until then. I don't get to choose when I go into labor - so we will just hope the baby holds off until he gets home!
He keeps asking if I am going to be okay until then. I don't get to choose when I go into labor - so we will just hope the baby holds off until he gets home!
37 Week Check-up
The dr has told me I can use Hydrocortisone cream!! YEAH!!!!! I slept fairly well last night, getting up every couple of hours to use the bathroom like normal. When I woke up around 3:30 - I was REALLY itchy and could not get it to stop. I FINALLY fell back asleep!
Bryce told the dr I played in poison ivy. The dr looked at me and I said yes I have poison ivy all over my stomach and would love a remedy for the itching! He asked how I got it - especially since it is only on my stomach. I told him I did not know. He looked at it and was amazed at how bad it was. He asked if it itched pretty bad. YES!! He told me to use benadryl and hydrocortisone cream and to make sure and wash my hands if I scratch so it does not spread anymore. I think the spreading that has happened so far has been from my clothes though, not my hands!
As for Andrew, he is in position for delivery - head down. I have dilated to a one - which for me is a pretty good accomplishment 3 weeks out! Heartbeat sounded good, and everything seems to be fine. I go back Monday (although I hope I don't make it!!).
Bryce told the dr I played in poison ivy. The dr looked at me and I said yes I have poison ivy all over my stomach and would love a remedy for the itching! He asked how I got it - especially since it is only on my stomach. I told him I did not know. He looked at it and was amazed at how bad it was. He asked if it itched pretty bad. YES!! He told me to use benadryl and hydrocortisone cream and to make sure and wash my hands if I scratch so it does not spread anymore. I think the spreading that has happened so far has been from my clothes though, not my hands!
As for Andrew, he is in position for delivery - head down. I have dilated to a one - which for me is a pretty good accomplishment 3 weeks out! Heartbeat sounded good, and everything seems to be fine. I go back Monday (although I hope I don't make it!!).
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Poison Ivy
I have what appears to be poison ivy ALL OVER my stomach! Just what every miserable nine month pregnant woman needs on top of an itchy pregnant stomach is poison ivy. I have been using hydrocortisone cream on it, until I talked to Mom earlier. I thought I had read that I could use it, but she questioned it and made me want to make sure. I am NOT supposed to be using it, unless I have too, and then I am not suppose to use it over a big space. I have been spreading it ALL over my stomach today!
I am not using it anymore, obviously. Thank goodness I go to the dr tomorrow and I will find out what I can use. Hopefully, since I did not sleep at all last night, I will be so exhausted tonight that it will not keep me up!
I am not positive where I got the poison ivy - Paul has it too. I started getting spots Friday, that did not itch until yesterday and they have been spreading. My stomach is covered and I have started getting some spots on my legs. Paul has one spot on his stomach and lots on the back of his legs.
I am not using it anymore, obviously. Thank goodness I go to the dr tomorrow and I will find out what I can use. Hopefully, since I did not sleep at all last night, I will be so exhausted tonight that it will not keep me up!
I am not positive where I got the poison ivy - Paul has it too. I started getting spots Friday, that did not itch until yesterday and they have been spreading. My stomach is covered and I have started getting some spots on my legs. Paul has one spot on his stomach and lots on the back of his legs.
Night Owl
The last several nights, Caleb has been waking up in the middle of the night. Instead of trying to go back to sleep, he turns on the tv in his room. We found this out because yesterday morning while we were running errands, Caleb could not stay awake. Everytime we got in the car he would fall asleep.
I asked him why he was so tired and he said he got up at 4 am and watched Bill Nye The Science Guy, but stayed up all morning. Last night, when I was sleeping in Andrew's room, I kept hearing voices at around 3:15. I finally got up to see what was going on (thinking it was outside) and looked out in the hall and saw light coming from under Caleb's door.
We have been having problems with him and the tv and not doing what he was suppose to do since he got his own room. I kept threatening to take the tv out, but haven't. Last night, at 3:45 (less than 10 minutes after I went in and turned it off and unplugged the tv) I heard him plugging it back in. I waited to see if he was going to turn it on again, and he did. I guess he figured I had gone back into my room so it was safe. So, at 3:45am, I was moving a tv out of his room (I know I am not suppose to lift it, but you gotta do what you gotta do!).
It is one thing for him to not mind during the day about the tv, but there is no reason an 8 year old needs to be getting up in the middle of the night to watch tv. He says he does it because he can't get back to sleep, yet he was back to sleep in no time after I took the tv out. He obviously wasn't giving himself a chance to go back to sleep!
I asked him why he was so tired and he said he got up at 4 am and watched Bill Nye The Science Guy, but stayed up all morning. Last night, when I was sleeping in Andrew's room, I kept hearing voices at around 3:15. I finally got up to see what was going on (thinking it was outside) and looked out in the hall and saw light coming from under Caleb's door.
We have been having problems with him and the tv and not doing what he was suppose to do since he got his own room. I kept threatening to take the tv out, but haven't. Last night, at 3:45 (less than 10 minutes after I went in and turned it off and unplugged the tv) I heard him plugging it back in. I waited to see if he was going to turn it on again, and he did. I guess he figured I had gone back into my room so it was safe. So, at 3:45am, I was moving a tv out of his room (I know I am not suppose to lift it, but you gotta do what you gotta do!).
It is one thing for him to not mind during the day about the tv, but there is no reason an 8 year old needs to be getting up in the middle of the night to watch tv. He says he does it because he can't get back to sleep, yet he was back to sleep in no time after I took the tv out. He obviously wasn't giving himself a chance to go back to sleep!
Not To Great A Day!
I literally got NO sleep last night. I was awake ALL night!! I "slept" on the bed in Andrew's room, though, so I did not keep Paul up all night. Andrew would not settle down last night, and I think he "dropped" at some point. I knew I had ribs, because he has been in them for the last too-many-months, but I forgot that you are suppose to be able to feel them under your skin. I CAN FEEL MY RIBS!!!
I can breath a little better, but it was traded with other downfalls. For example, I cannot bend forward at all when I am sitting down now, I live in the bathroom - more than I did before!! Still, completely uncomfortable!!
I was put on bedrest today - from my husband. He had to go down to the coast to do a job tomorrow morning. He will be home tomorrow, but he is very concerned. This is what I have heard: with your first pregnancy the baby can drop several weeks before you actually go into labor. In second, third, etc pregnancies, the baby does not normally drop until you are about to go into labor.
I keep giving Paul a bad time telling him he is going to miss the delivery! He told me that I never went into labor early before and not to pump myself up to go into labor early this time. I told him if I could work myself up into labor - I would have had all the kids early!!
Before he left he told me that I could not go into labor until late tomorrow night. He told me to lay on the couch as much as possible and do absolutely nothing and then when he gets home if I want to do jumping jacks until I go into labor - that was fine. Don't count on that happening!!
I go to the dr tomorrow, so we will see if labor is looming (in the VERY near future!). I will probably get there and be disappointed to hear there has been NO progression! We will see. I have been having some sharp pains down low - so maybe there is hope.
I called Paul a little while ago and he told me I probably should not call him because every time my name pops up on his phone he gets worried! It is kind of funny!!
I can breath a little better, but it was traded with other downfalls. For example, I cannot bend forward at all when I am sitting down now, I live in the bathroom - more than I did before!! Still, completely uncomfortable!!
I was put on bedrest today - from my husband. He had to go down to the coast to do a job tomorrow morning. He will be home tomorrow, but he is very concerned. This is what I have heard: with your first pregnancy the baby can drop several weeks before you actually go into labor. In second, third, etc pregnancies, the baby does not normally drop until you are about to go into labor.
I keep giving Paul a bad time telling him he is going to miss the delivery! He told me that I never went into labor early before and not to pump myself up to go into labor early this time. I told him if I could work myself up into labor - I would have had all the kids early!!
Before he left he told me that I could not go into labor until late tomorrow night. He told me to lay on the couch as much as possible and do absolutely nothing and then when he gets home if I want to do jumping jacks until I go into labor - that was fine. Don't count on that happening!!
I go to the dr tomorrow, so we will see if labor is looming (in the VERY near future!). I will probably get there and be disappointed to hear there has been NO progression! We will see. I have been having some sharp pains down low - so maybe there is hope.
I called Paul a little while ago and he told me I probably should not call him because every time my name pops up on his phone he gets worried! It is kind of funny!!
Friday, March 30, 2007
Hilarious
Mom left me a comment on here yesterday about my profile. If you click on View my complete profile, it has a place for my age, my astrological sign, my zodiac year, occupation and gender. I remember doing my gender and occupation, but not the rest of it.
Apparantly they clicked on it last night. It says my age is 250. I asked Paul this morning if he did that and he says if he did it was so long ago he doesn't remember doing it. I am not 250, and while I frequently feel older than I am - no, I don't feel 250!! Made for a good laugh this morning though.
Apparantly they clicked on it last night. It says my age is 250. I asked Paul this morning if he did that and he says if he did it was so long ago he doesn't remember doing it. I am not 250, and while I frequently feel older than I am - no, I don't feel 250!! Made for a good laugh this morning though.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
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!
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!!!
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.
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.
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.
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!)
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!)
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
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.
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.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
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.
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.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
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.
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!!
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!!
Thursday, March 22, 2007
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!!!!
I knew it was coming though because Bryce's asthma has been flaired up.
That is life in the south!!!!
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
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!!!
"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!!!
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!!!
Monday, March 19, 2007
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!!!
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!!
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!!
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)!
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!!
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!!
Sunday, March 18, 2007
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!!
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!!
Saturday, March 17, 2007
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).
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???
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!!
We will see - with his job, a lot can change in 4 days!!
Friday, March 16, 2007
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!
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!!
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!!
Thursday, March 15, 2007
"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!!
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.
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!
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!
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
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!!!
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!!!
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:
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!!!
Monday, March 12, 2007
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!
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!
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!!!
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.
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.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
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??
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!!
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!!
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
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!!!
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!!!
Talking about a perfectionist!!!
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