Andrew's footprint in the sand
Bryce's footprint inthe sand
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
A Mini Vacation
We have been trying to plan a beach vacation for this summer. One great thing about where we live is that we are close enough to the beaches that we can go check out the houses and beaches before we make reservations. Yesterday Daddy decided we would take a trip to Alabama today and check out a couple of the different beaches and see where we wanted to go this summer.
We started out by going to Dauphin Island. This is our luck....we start getting close and traffic gets really thick. Then we see police cars racing around the LONG line of traffic, which we later find out was to go direct traffic. This is the first time since we moved down here we have gone to the beach. We choose to go to this island when they are having their Mardi Gras parade. THE ENTIRE ISLAND was cars parked everywhere, people standing around drinking and grilling and throwing footballs in the road. It was 12:40, the parade started at 1. We were debating whether or not to take the ferry (it was $21 ONE WAY). When we realized we could take the ferry or be stuck on the island until the parade was over and cleared out, we quickly opted for the ferry. LUCKILY, they were high-tech and took credit cards. We had no cash!
We pulled onto the ferry just as it was about to leave. There were only three cars on it and we were the last one. It was about a 30 minute ride and the boys loved it. Bryce was a little nervous at first and would not let go of the rail, but about half way through he settled into it. As we were being let off, Paul went to pull off and realized he had set the emergency break (as you are supposed too on a ferry). He ended up popping the hood while trying to figure out how to release the break. One of the guys that work on the ferry pushed the hood down and told Paul how to release it (I MAY have been sitting in the passenger sit laughing my bottom off at him). It was all worth a GREAT laugh and we were glad we were the last in line!!
We checked out Gulf Shores first. We parked on a street with a lot of rent houses and let the kids play on the beach. This was the first time for all but Caleb to be on a beach and he was AJ's age the one time he went. They were SO excited. Bryce could not wait to collect shells. Andrew was very uncertain about the sand for a bit! We walked down the beach and let the boys run around and let AJ get used to the sand (he never got used to the water though). It was beautiful weather (around 70 degrees) and partly cloudy.
We went to Orange Beach next. There was a big difference. We were quite happy with Gulf Shores until we saw Orange Beach! But, Gulf Shores beach was empty. Where we were at Orange Beach was where all the condos are and there were quite a few people there for January, so we can imagine August! We again got out and let the kids run around. Andrew probably had the most fun he has ever had! He was running around, squealing, wanting to be chased, etc. Bryce, after trying to run in the thick sand and falling on his face, decided it was fun and started throwing himself down. Caleb ran all over the place throwing sand at everyone and chasing them and Isaac spent a lot of time chasing the seagulls. Daddy was chasing them all, wrestling on the beach with them. I had such a great time watching them all enjoy them selfs so much and can't wait until we go back this summer.
I took LOTS of pictures and will post them tomorrow. I am exhausted and off to bed now. Hopefully since we got home late and the boys spent lots of time running around they will sleep in in the morning!!
We started out by going to Dauphin Island. This is our luck....we start getting close and traffic gets really thick. Then we see police cars racing around the LONG line of traffic, which we later find out was to go direct traffic. This is the first time since we moved down here we have gone to the beach. We choose to go to this island when they are having their Mardi Gras parade. THE ENTIRE ISLAND was cars parked everywhere, people standing around drinking and grilling and throwing footballs in the road. It was 12:40, the parade started at 1. We were debating whether or not to take the ferry (it was $21 ONE WAY). When we realized we could take the ferry or be stuck on the island until the parade was over and cleared out, we quickly opted for the ferry. LUCKILY, they were high-tech and took credit cards. We had no cash!
We pulled onto the ferry just as it was about to leave. There were only three cars on it and we were the last one. It was about a 30 minute ride and the boys loved it. Bryce was a little nervous at first and would not let go of the rail, but about half way through he settled into it. As we were being let off, Paul went to pull off and realized he had set the emergency break (as you are supposed too on a ferry). He ended up popping the hood while trying to figure out how to release the break. One of the guys that work on the ferry pushed the hood down and told Paul how to release it (I MAY have been sitting in the passenger sit laughing my bottom off at him). It was all worth a GREAT laugh and we were glad we were the last in line!!
We checked out Gulf Shores first. We parked on a street with a lot of rent houses and let the kids play on the beach. This was the first time for all but Caleb to be on a beach and he was AJ's age the one time he went. They were SO excited. Bryce could not wait to collect shells. Andrew was very uncertain about the sand for a bit! We walked down the beach and let the boys run around and let AJ get used to the sand (he never got used to the water though). It was beautiful weather (around 70 degrees) and partly cloudy.
We went to Orange Beach next. There was a big difference. We were quite happy with Gulf Shores until we saw Orange Beach! But, Gulf Shores beach was empty. Where we were at Orange Beach was where all the condos are and there were quite a few people there for January, so we can imagine August! We again got out and let the kids run around. Andrew probably had the most fun he has ever had! He was running around, squealing, wanting to be chased, etc. Bryce, after trying to run in the thick sand and falling on his face, decided it was fun and started throwing himself down. Caleb ran all over the place throwing sand at everyone and chasing them and Isaac spent a lot of time chasing the seagulls. Daddy was chasing them all, wrestling on the beach with them. I had such a great time watching them all enjoy them selfs so much and can't wait until we go back this summer.
I took LOTS of pictures and will post them tomorrow. I am exhausted and off to bed now. Hopefully since we got home late and the boys spent lots of time running around they will sleep in in the morning!!
Daddy's Girl
I know she is because she is already as stubborn as he is!
I think someone has already given the princess her tiara. She knows what she wants and she will not give up until she gets it.
When I wear my support belt, instead of moving up away from it, she stays where she wants and kicks until I take it off. It actually helps my back and the pains, but the trade-off is her kicking. Same when I wear a seatbelt. If I am in the car and the sun is shining on my belly, she kicks until the sun is off of my belly.
I think someone has already given the princess her tiara. She knows what she wants and she will not give up until she gets it.
When I wear my support belt, instead of moving up away from it, she stays where she wants and kicks until I take it off. It actually helps my back and the pains, but the trade-off is her kicking. Same when I wear a seatbelt. If I am in the car and the sun is shining on my belly, she kicks until the sun is off of my belly.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
As for this post, I got this comment:
Are you 'warn' out from warning your children to behave or face the consequences or 'worn' from dealing with boys? Better brush up on your girl problems because they come with a whole different set of issues!! LOL Love Mom
The answer: I am SO warn out AND worn out that I don't even know how to use my words properly!! I need a vacation!
Are you 'warn' out from warning your children to behave or face the consequences or 'worn' from dealing with boys? Better brush up on your girl problems because they come with a whole different set of issues!! LOL Love Mom
The answer: I am SO warn out AND worn out that I don't even know how to use my words properly!! I need a vacation!
ARGHH....
Some of you may remember this post about Caleb going to school in tears because I made him wear a coat when it was in the 20s. When we were cleaning out the closet in the garage, I found all of the boys gloves (which would have been nice to have when it snowed). Today, Bryce is supposed to take gloves for a graphing project. Caleb saw the box of gloves and asked if he could wear them. I reminded him of his little break-down about a coat and asked if he was wearing a coat today. "No, it isn't cold out."
THEN WHY DO YOU NEED GLOVES?
THEN WHY DO YOU NEED GLOVES?
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Greediness or Big Family?
Caleb is really bad about when we are eating he will start asking for seconds before he is half way done with his food. We are constantly reminding him that that is rude and to wait until he has finished eating and see if he REALLY wants more. Then he scarfs down his food as quickly (and messy) as possible. I can't decide if he is being greedy or preparing for being part of a large family.
At this point, if there is enough for seconds, typically he will be the one to get it because the other two don't usually want seconds.
I buy the big boxes of lunch chips. Caleb always takes ALL of whatever flavor he likes out and hides them. When is brothers comment about not being able to find that flavor he either tells them they are all gone or ignores them, but never offers them. Usually when I find what he has hidden, I just put it back in the box and let whoever get them.
Last night I found all of the bags of Fritos hidden. Instead of taking them and putting them back in the box, I just took them and put them away. I was telling Daddy about it and he says "well he is the oldest, if he can figure out to hide them then he deserves to take them."
Can you tell who was the oldest child and who was number three of four? Totally different wave-lengths going on!
At this point, if there is enough for seconds, typically he will be the one to get it because the other two don't usually want seconds.
I buy the big boxes of lunch chips. Caleb always takes ALL of whatever flavor he likes out and hides them. When is brothers comment about not being able to find that flavor he either tells them they are all gone or ignores them, but never offers them. Usually when I find what he has hidden, I just put it back in the box and let whoever get them.
Last night I found all of the bags of Fritos hidden. Instead of taking them and putting them back in the box, I just took them and put them away. I was telling Daddy about it and he says "well he is the oldest, if he can figure out to hide them then he deserves to take them."
Can you tell who was the oldest child and who was number three of four? Totally different wave-lengths going on!
Eating Habits
My kids choice of food is....well, some could consider strange for kids. They all love most fruits and veggies and eat great. Caleb has been eating tomatoes like apples since he could stand up and still them of my grandparents side table on their screened in porch. He will try just about anything, once. Some of the things he will NOT eat is onion, squash, and green bell pepper.
Isaac will eat things most kids won't (i.e. onions, squash, bell peppers) but rarely eats french fries, won't eat ketchup and for the longest time would not eat pizza (although now he loves it).
Bryce went the longest time where he would not eat vegetables at ALL - especially green veggies. He is one of our biggest green veggie fan now. He gets excited and ask for green beans, peas, brocolli. The one thing he still refuses to eat is tuna sandwiches. He will say he will eat it, we have even made chicken salad instead of tuna, he gags everytime he tries to eat either. Texture thing I guess.
Andrew will eat BLACK OLIVES over Teddy Grahams. Last night, however, I attempted to give him Beenee Weenees for dinner. WOULD NOT TOUCH THEM! He would wrinkle up his nose and put his hands over his eyes, peeking through his fingers. When we made a run to Walmart Monday night, we picked up something quick for dinner. I grabbed a bad of chicken nuggets (always a good backup if we are having something Andrew can't have). He grabbed the bag of chicken and started screaming "CHI-CHEN" over and over and kissing the bag. He continued that until he ate some for dinner. Then started it again yesterday at lunch time. I guess we are in a chi-chen phase right now!
Over all they all eat fairly well, but at every meal the kids inspect their food. We have tried to explain that things like mushrooms and onions kinda take on the flavor of whatever they cook in. Caleb still has to go through and point out what has onions and what doesn't. We have started naming foods that he LOVES that have onions in it. I think he might finally be coming around!
They really don't have a choice. I cook one dinner a night (unless, of course I have to make something special because of AJ's lactose intolerance). They eat it or they don't eat. It is that simple and the boys have learned this early on. Momma won't spend hours every night cooking six different meals.
Just another way I earn that Mean Momma badge I wear so proudly!
Isaac will eat things most kids won't (i.e. onions, squash, bell peppers) but rarely eats french fries, won't eat ketchup and for the longest time would not eat pizza (although now he loves it).
Bryce went the longest time where he would not eat vegetables at ALL - especially green veggies. He is one of our biggest green veggie fan now. He gets excited and ask for green beans, peas, brocolli. The one thing he still refuses to eat is tuna sandwiches. He will say he will eat it, we have even made chicken salad instead of tuna, he gags everytime he tries to eat either. Texture thing I guess.
Andrew will eat BLACK OLIVES over Teddy Grahams. Last night, however, I attempted to give him Beenee Weenees for dinner. WOULD NOT TOUCH THEM! He would wrinkle up his nose and put his hands over his eyes, peeking through his fingers. When we made a run to Walmart Monday night, we picked up something quick for dinner. I grabbed a bad of chicken nuggets (always a good backup if we are having something Andrew can't have). He grabbed the bag of chicken and started screaming "CHI-CHEN" over and over and kissing the bag. He continued that until he ate some for dinner. Then started it again yesterday at lunch time. I guess we are in a chi-chen phase right now!
Over all they all eat fairly well, but at every meal the kids inspect their food. We have tried to explain that things like mushrooms and onions kinda take on the flavor of whatever they cook in. Caleb still has to go through and point out what has onions and what doesn't. We have started naming foods that he LOVES that have onions in it. I think he might finally be coming around!
They really don't have a choice. I cook one dinner a night (unless, of course I have to make something special because of AJ's lactose intolerance). They eat it or they don't eat. It is that simple and the boys have learned this early on. Momma won't spend hours every night cooking six different meals.
Just another way I earn that Mean Momma badge I wear so proudly!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Life Cycles
Caleb keeps going on and on about how the sculpter Rodin (which he is taking a field trip to see) died on his birthday. I finally asked today why it was so exciting to have someone DIE on your birthday. He says "it is not that he died, it is that his life cycle ended on my birthday."
Ummmmm.....PRETTY SURE that is the same thing as dying - although I guess a much nicer (?) way of putting it. Still, my point stands, what is so exciting about someones "life cycle ending" (aka DYING) on your birthday?
Ummmmm.....PRETTY SURE that is the same thing as dying - although I guess a much nicer (?) way of putting it. Still, my point stands, what is so exciting about someones "life cycle ending" (aka DYING) on your birthday?
26 Weeks
I just got back from my 26 week drs appt, complete with a grand glucose test! Nothing like getting to go to the dr hungry, get blood drawn, drink sugar wait an hour and get your finger poked!
Mady is doing good, strong heartbeat (155bpm), good measurements. I have been in pretty bad pain the last couple of days but it has not been in my back this time. She is sitting so low that it has been hurting my lower abdomen to where it is hard to stand up straight. I talked to the dr about it, she has told me to try a support belt. I have NEVER had to use one before, but Paul has been telling me to get one and try it. I got one on the way home....we will see!
Of course, since I was at the dr this morning, she was the highest I have ever felt her. Shortly after we left though, I felt her moving down. Just like a kid! You take them to the dr because they have had a fever for a couple of days and they are perfectly fine while you are there!
Oh, I also asked if she normally started seeing her patients every two weeks this early, because I have never started that until 30 weeks (I think I mentioned in this in my last appts post). She said she does start at 24 -25 weeks.
Andrew did great, again. He had to sit in his stroller for over an hour, this after sitting in his high chair until not long before we left, then sitting in his carseat. Basically, he has been "tied down" all morning. He was very patient and sweet!
So, we go back in two weeks, at 28 weeks. Getting closer, but still seems SO far away!
Mady is doing good, strong heartbeat (155bpm), good measurements. I have been in pretty bad pain the last couple of days but it has not been in my back this time. She is sitting so low that it has been hurting my lower abdomen to where it is hard to stand up straight. I talked to the dr about it, she has told me to try a support belt. I have NEVER had to use one before, but Paul has been telling me to get one and try it. I got one on the way home....we will see!
Of course, since I was at the dr this morning, she was the highest I have ever felt her. Shortly after we left though, I felt her moving down. Just like a kid! You take them to the dr because they have had a fever for a couple of days and they are perfectly fine while you are there!
Oh, I also asked if she normally started seeing her patients every two weeks this early, because I have never started that until 30 weeks (I think I mentioned in this in my last appts post). She said she does start at 24 -25 weeks.
Andrew did great, again. He had to sit in his stroller for over an hour, this after sitting in his high chair until not long before we left, then sitting in his carseat. Basically, he has been "tied down" all morning. He was very patient and sweet!
So, we go back in two weeks, at 28 weeks. Getting closer, but still seems SO far away!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Strange Child
We ate McCalister's for dinner tonight. I had my normal Taco Salad, which comes with black olives. I like to make Andrew try new things (or make funny faces at things I don't think he will like) so I gave him an olive to try. He liked it. From that point on, he would spit out his Teddy Grahams to eat a black olive.
The funniest part was getting the faces I expected from Andrew from Daddy, who was pretty grossed out.
The funniest part was getting the faces I expected from Andrew from Daddy, who was pretty grossed out.
Have You Ever Been to the Point....
That you would rather sit through a gruelling root canal than hear "Why?"
That is where I am.
Between Daddy being gone the past two weekends, Bryce's "whys" and endless comments that he repeats over and over ("I would not want to get in a fight with a deer."), Isaac's stating of the obvious (like telling me the refrigerator is beeping while my head is IN the refrigerator) and Caleb's "I wonder's" which he wonders and elaborates on for half an hour, and then just toddlerhood in general....
I AM WARN OUT!!
It is not at all that I don't like that my children wonder a lot and ask questions, but when they are all going at you continuously and you don't feel great anyway...well you get my point.
That is where I am.
Between Daddy being gone the past two weekends, Bryce's "whys" and endless comments that he repeats over and over ("I would not want to get in a fight with a deer."), Isaac's stating of the obvious (like telling me the refrigerator is beeping while my head is IN the refrigerator) and Caleb's "I wonder's" which he wonders and elaborates on for half an hour, and then just toddlerhood in general....
I AM WARN OUT!!
It is not at all that I don't like that my children wonder a lot and ask questions, but when they are all going at you continuously and you don't feel great anyway...well you get my point.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Can I Tell You a Secret?
Bryce came home from school and asked if he could tell me a secret in my bedroom because he did not want his brothers or Daddy to hear. I played along and went to the bedroom with him.
"Mommy, am I allowed to have a girlfriend?"
"Who is she?"
"I don't HAVE one yet, I WANT one."
KINDERGARTEN - he is just in kindergarten!
"Mommy, am I allowed to have a girlfriend?"
"Who is she?"
"I don't HAVE one yet, I WANT one."
KINDERGARTEN - he is just in kindergarten!
Mad at Mom
Caleb is going to school mad at me (in tears so mad) because I...
Are you ready for this....
MADE HIM WEAR A COAT (since it IS in the 20s this morning). (insert collective GASP)
He came in from taking his backpack outside and said it wasn't cold. I told him he was wearing a coat anyway.
Caleb has one coat and I guess he suddenly doesn't like it. He had THREE coats, but managed to "lose" two, one that he no longer liked and one that no longer fit him. So, I won't spend the money on a new one for him. He says this one doesn't fit (it does) anymore.
The real problem, he wants a LEATHER coat (and a leather wallet). I told him I will not buy him a leather coat as long as he is losing the coats he has. Coats are not cheap and are not used much down here, so it would be really nice if we could pass them down to one of the other three brothers!
I know, I am just a MEAN MOM!
I wear the badge proudly!!
Are you ready for this....
MADE HIM WEAR A COAT (since it IS in the 20s this morning). (insert collective GASP)
He came in from taking his backpack outside and said it wasn't cold. I told him he was wearing a coat anyway.
Caleb has one coat and I guess he suddenly doesn't like it. He had THREE coats, but managed to "lose" two, one that he no longer liked and one that no longer fit him. So, I won't spend the money on a new one for him. He says this one doesn't fit (it does) anymore.
The real problem, he wants a LEATHER coat (and a leather wallet). I told him I will not buy him a leather coat as long as he is losing the coats he has. Coats are not cheap and are not used much down here, so it would be really nice if we could pass them down to one of the other three brothers!
I know, I am just a MEAN MOM!
I wear the badge proudly!!
Deer Meat
A friend of Paul's at work gave him four pounds of deer meat and several pounds of deer sausage. He told Paul that the sausage is really good if you cook it most of the way and near the end add some coke to it. It is supposed to give it a nice glaze.
Last night, Paul cooked some of the sausage. He did the coke thing. It was GOOD!
Bryce LOVES the sausage. He ate some last night and asked if he could have some for breakfast this morning. Paul had made some gravy to go with mashed potatoes last night and put some of the sausage in it. This morning Bryce asked for biscuits, gravy (with the sausage in it) and some sausage. At this moment, he is in his uniform, licking his gravy bowl clean. We might have to change clothes before we go to school.
Isaac liked the sausage okay last night, but did not want any this morning. I think he just wants to like it because we do ;)
Caleb, who eats the hot sauce at EVERY Mexican restaraunt we go too (and has since he was old enough to eat chips) says it is too spicy. It has a little bit of spice, but not bad. I think he is thrown off by the "deer" part of deer sausage.
Tonight, DEER CHILI!!
Last night, Paul cooked some of the sausage. He did the coke thing. It was GOOD!
Bryce LOVES the sausage. He ate some last night and asked if he could have some for breakfast this morning. Paul had made some gravy to go with mashed potatoes last night and put some of the sausage in it. This morning Bryce asked for biscuits, gravy (with the sausage in it) and some sausage. At this moment, he is in his uniform, licking his gravy bowl clean. We might have to change clothes before we go to school.
Isaac liked the sausage okay last night, but did not want any this morning. I think he just wants to like it because we do ;)
Caleb, who eats the hot sauce at EVERY Mexican restaraunt we go too (and has since he was old enough to eat chips) says it is too spicy. It has a little bit of spice, but not bad. I think he is thrown off by the "deer" part of deer sausage.
Tonight, DEER CHILI!!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Monkey
Andrew was looking at pictures on the computer with me this morning as I was posting some entries on the blog. I was asking him who was in each picture and he was telling me. But everytime we got to a picture of him and I asked who it was, he would wrinkle his nose, make monkey noises and start giggling.
I think we have called him monkey so much he actually thinks he IS a monkey (muntey as he says it)!
I think we have called him monkey so much he actually thinks he IS a monkey (muntey as he says it)!
AT LAST, A FENCE (or two)
We FINALLY got our fence done. It proved to be a very frustrating process! The fence itself was done last Thursday but for some reason they did not get the hinges and latches for the gate. They said they would be back Friday morning to do the gates so we could free the dogs, but it didn't happen (big surprise - they have been SO dependable). We ended up freeing the dogs anyway, we just had to bungee cord the gates closed. They came yesterday to do the gates.
The dogs were so happy! The kids, they were SO happy too! Especially Andrew because he gets to spend more time out there when Mommy and Daddy don't have to continously chase him to keep him out of the street. He looks like a caged monkey now, though. He goes and hangs on to the gate at the driveway and yells to be saved!
Andrew and I went and bought him a big ball for out there to celebrate HIS new found freedom!
the front fence/gate across driveway
Front view, wood on the left, aluminum on the right
I HAVE A PATIO!!! And, I forgot how big it is when there wasn't a 10x10 kennel in the middle of it! The back fence line and the cross fence (to keep the dogs on one side of the yard) are also in this picture.
Bryce playing on the patio
The dogs were so happy! The kids, they were SO happy too! Especially Andrew because he gets to spend more time out there when Mommy and Daddy don't have to continously chase him to keep him out of the street. He looks like a caged monkey now, though. He goes and hangs on to the gate at the driveway and yells to be saved!
Andrew and I went and bought him a big ball for out there to celebrate HIS new found freedom!
the front fence/gate across driveway
Front view, wood on the left, aluminum on the right
I HAVE A PATIO!!! And, I forgot how big it is when there wasn't a 10x10 kennel in the middle of it! The back fence line and the cross fence (to keep the dogs on one side of the yard) are also in this picture.
Bryce playing on the patio
Candy Andy
Daddy was trying to give me a slight break the other night and was trying to keep Andrew in our room with him. I did not know at the time HOW he was keeping Andrew in the bed, but I quickly found out when I found a very wired Andrew.
Daddy was feeding him candy. Endless. Amounts. Of. Candy.
Now, the mere sight of candy hypes him up.
Between the sweet "Peez" and "thank you's" and calls for "nanny" from him he is hard to resist. However, it is becoming increasingly easier when it comes to candy!
He now searches the house for candy.
Daddy was feeding him candy. Endless. Amounts. Of. Candy.
Now, the mere sight of candy hypes him up.
Between the sweet "Peez" and "thank you's" and calls for "nanny" from him he is hard to resist. However, it is becoming increasingly easier when it comes to candy!
He now searches the house for candy.
Bryce lost his first tooth yesterday morning. He and Andrew came in my room about 5:30 am. Shortly after, Bryce jumps up all excited and told me his tooth fell out. It was SO tiny! (Excuse the vitamin in his mouth. I didn't realize it was there.)
He was very excited to have the tooth fairy FINALLY come visit him. It has really been bothering him that he was the only one (out of the older three) that had NOT lost a tooth.
As if Bryce doesn't have enough to talk about. ALL we have heard about for the past two days is his tooth and the tooth fairy. The tooth fairy NEVER has cash on hand. Luckily, she has a box she throws change into and she had a dollar bill she had pulled out of the washer on the dryer for the past month. So she was able to come up with the money to buy the tooth! When will the tooth fairy learn and when will the kids start accepting credit cards (I am sure they would love to accept the credit card and not give it back).
I expected him in my room early this morning. Andrew came in about 6:15. I figured Bryce would have his ziploc bag full of change shortly behind him. After about 30 minutes and no Bryce I went to get kids up for school. Bryce was still in his room. He asked if the tooth fairy came (the tooth fairy doesn't get teeth under pillows in this house, we leave them in the kitchen for her. No need to take the chance of waking ANYONE). I told him I didn't know, I had not checked and asked why he had not checked. "I didn't want to scare off the tooth fairy if she was still in there."
DANG IT - is it possible for him to lose a tooth every night? It might be worth it if it keeps him from coming to my room at the crack of dawn!
He was very excited to have the tooth fairy FINALLY come visit him. It has really been bothering him that he was the only one (out of the older three) that had NOT lost a tooth. As if Bryce doesn't have enough to talk about. ALL we have heard about for the past two days is his tooth and the tooth fairy. The tooth fairy NEVER has cash on hand. Luckily, she has a box she throws change into and she had a dollar bill she had pulled out of the washer on the dryer for the past month. So she was able to come up with the money to buy the tooth! When will the tooth fairy learn and when will the kids start accepting credit cards (I am sure they would love to accept the credit card and not give it back).
I expected him in my room early this morning. Andrew came in about 6:15. I figured Bryce would have his ziploc bag full of change shortly behind him. After about 30 minutes and no Bryce I went to get kids up for school. Bryce was still in his room. He asked if the tooth fairy came (the tooth fairy doesn't get teeth under pillows in this house, we leave them in the kitchen for her. No need to take the chance of waking ANYONE). I told him I didn't know, I had not checked and asked why he had not checked. "I didn't want to scare off the tooth fairy if she was still in there."DANG IT - is it possible for him to lose a tooth every night? It might be worth it if it keeps him from coming to my room at the crack of dawn!
Here is a picture of my arm that met the wall. It did not get near as black as I thought it was going to from the pain and how bad it looked right after it happened. Paul, however, still prefers that I wear long sleeves if I go out. I am not going to put pictures of all the other bruises, this is the worst of it, thank goodness!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Ruined!
Paul's screwy schedule is ruining me for life! The past week, we have been asleep by 7:30, 8 the latest. It has been GREAT!! The strange thing is, I have been taking the Ambien (except the night I fell) between 7 and 730 every night. I sleep without moving until 1:30. Like clockwork. I wake up at 1:30 and spend the rest of the night tossing and turning.
When Paul goes back to his normal schedule, I don't know if I will be able to end the 7 bedtime!
When Paul goes back to his normal schedule, I don't know if I will be able to end the 7 bedtime!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Where's Andrew
I heard a muted AJ screaming "hello" and pounding on something over and over. I thought he was playing with his brothers, but when it didn't stop I thought I should investigate. He had locked himself in his closet and was kicking the door and hitting it with a shoe.
21 Month Vocabulary
Okay, Andrew's vocabulary is increasing so rapidly I thought I should make a list of what he is saying unprompted at 21 months. He will try to say just about anything we say to him (like pewple for purple). He constantly amazes me lately with all of his "new things" and growing up. :(
mama
daddy
muntie (monkey)
Itick (started as I-Z)
BryBry (started as BrBr)
peeezzzzzz
tank tu
wub u
no
stop
hello
byebye
ball
candy
Ming Ming (from Wonder Pets)
Bob (Sponge Bob - BLAH)
Gorge (Curious George)
Wow wow wow wow wow wow wow
doggie
kitty
mama
daddy
muntie (monkey)
blankie
BabebItick (started as I-Z)
BryBry (started as BrBr)
peeezzzzzz
tank tu
wub u
no
stop
hello
byebye
ball
candy
Ming Ming (from Wonder Pets)
Bob (Sponge Bob - BLAH)
Gorge (Curious George)
Wow wow wow wow wow wow wow
doggie
kitty
OUCH!!!
Someone likes to turn on the light in my china cabinet. Last night, as I was getting ready for bed, I saw it was on and went to turn it off. I forgot on my way out of the dining room that Daddy had taken the tv out of Bryce and Andrew's room Friday night because they would not leave it off at bedtime.
The dining room was dark. I remembered about the tv, as I was tripping over it. I took a pretty nasty fall. We have huge columns in the kitchen/living/dining area to kind of seperate the open space. As I fell I hit the corner of the column.
I was already hurting yesterday, just baby pains. The aftermath of the fall....the top of one foot is bruised up (where I hit and knocked over the tv), I skinned both knees, bruised my rib, scraped the lower half of one arm, and completely scraped the inside of the top of the other arm, which is now black.
Luckily, I hit the column. The force of hitting the column turned me enough to the side as I fell so I did not fall directly on my stomach. Between my bruised ribs and the jolt my side and back are REALLY hurting today.
The baby is still moving around and all seems to be safe with her. I opted NOT to take my Ambien last night so I could be functioning enough to try and pay attention to the baby. So, between the neighbors dog barking (full moon or close to it), all of my bruises and the fact that I am just generally uncomfortable, I got NO sleep last night.
Daddy won't let me walk in the dark anymore. I knew the tv was there, but it isnt something that is NORMALLY there so I just wasn't thinking about it.
The dining room was dark. I remembered about the tv, as I was tripping over it. I took a pretty nasty fall. We have huge columns in the kitchen/living/dining area to kind of seperate the open space. As I fell I hit the corner of the column.
I was already hurting yesterday, just baby pains. The aftermath of the fall....the top of one foot is bruised up (where I hit and knocked over the tv), I skinned both knees, bruised my rib, scraped the lower half of one arm, and completely scraped the inside of the top of the other arm, which is now black.
Luckily, I hit the column. The force of hitting the column turned me enough to the side as I fell so I did not fall directly on my stomach. Between my bruised ribs and the jolt my side and back are REALLY hurting today.
The baby is still moving around and all seems to be safe with her. I opted NOT to take my Ambien last night so I could be functioning enough to try and pay attention to the baby. So, between the neighbors dog barking (full moon or close to it), all of my bruises and the fact that I am just generally uncomfortable, I got NO sleep last night.
Daddy won't let me walk in the dark anymore. I knew the tv was there, but it isnt something that is NORMALLY there so I just wasn't thinking about it.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
I Know WE Aren't Santa
Caleb has been in that phase where he KNOWS Daddy and I are Santa, until Christmas rolls around. Then he "believes" in Santa to humor us and get what he wants.
Well, here is the proof that we are NOT Santa, other than the obvious we don't have big white beards, long white hair and a jolly laugh.
First off, Santa HAD to be an only child. Because as someone who grew up with siblings and has multiple kids, WE would know to buy ALL the kids the same toys. It doesn't matter who asks for what and what who gets, everyone elses toys are ALWAYS way better.
Also, he would know that the boys are different ages and share rooms. So, you buy age appropriate but the big kids would rather destroy...errrr.....I mean, play with little kids toys and the little kids would rather choke...errrrr....I mean, PLAY with big kid toys.
But mostly, if WE were Santa, we would NOT to go spend lots of money on toys for the boys and to instead spend it on ourselves. It does not matter if they spent ALL year asking for the same toys over and over (and then added to the list even AFTER all the presents were open and started new lists for next year). The day after Christmas, and every day thereafter, they will ALWAYS be bored.
See, I told you I could prove WE weren't Santa. Santa would not have a brain fart EVERY year that would keep him from remembering these things!
Well, here is the proof that we are NOT Santa, other than the obvious we don't have big white beards, long white hair and a jolly laugh.
First off, Santa HAD to be an only child. Because as someone who grew up with siblings and has multiple kids, WE would know to buy ALL the kids the same toys. It doesn't matter who asks for what and what who gets, everyone elses toys are ALWAYS way better.
Also, he would know that the boys are different ages and share rooms. So, you buy age appropriate but the big kids would rather destroy...errrr.....I mean, play with little kids toys and the little kids would rather choke...errrrr....I mean, PLAY with big kid toys.
But mostly, if WE were Santa, we would NOT to go spend lots of money on toys for the boys and to instead spend it on ourselves. It does not matter if they spent ALL year asking for the same toys over and over (and then added to the list even AFTER all the presents were open and started new lists for next year). The day after Christmas, and every day thereafter, they will ALWAYS be bored.
See, I told you I could prove WE weren't Santa. Santa would not have a brain fart EVERY year that would keep him from remembering these things!
New Names
Andrew is repeating his brothers names this morning. We have "Babeb", "I-Z", "BrBr".
I think the fact that he is saying so many new things so quickly is proof that he could have started talking a long time ago. But when you have three older brothers that are always in your face and talking for you, why bother?
I think the fact that he is saying so many new things so quickly is proof that he could have started talking a long time ago. But when you have three older brothers that are always in your face and talking for you, why bother?
Friday, January 09, 2009
On a Roll and It's Killing Me
We always say please and thank you to Andrew when we would want him to say it. He got please, today he started "I wub u" and NOW he is saying "tank uuuuu"!
That is a lot for one day. I don't know how much more of this growing up stuff Mama can handle!
That is a lot for one day. I don't know how much more of this growing up stuff Mama can handle!
Making of a Christmas Card 2008
We didn't actually send out a card this year, but I did the pictures anyway. I usually get a bigger hit with the making of THE picture, than I do with THE picture itself, so the tradition is that I post them all. I am a little behind, but here they are.
So, I had a few people comment on this picture. Yes, Andrew actually DID turn into a monkey. Really, AJ was not cooperating with us and the whole picture thing, so I gave up and put the monkey in his place. That was great until Andrew realized HIS monkey was there and took it!
The secret to get pictures of these boys (the older three anyway), I have to tell them if they will work with me to get some good pictures, I will take some pictures of them being crazy. Andrew is almost two, there is NO reasoning with him if he doesn't want to do something!
So, I had a few people comment on this picture. Yes, Andrew actually DID turn into a monkey. Really, AJ was not cooperating with us and the whole picture thing, so I gave up and put the monkey in his place. That was great until Andrew realized HIS monkey was there and took it!
The secret to get pictures of these boys (the older three anyway), I have to tell them if they will work with me to get some good pictures, I will take some pictures of them being crazy. Andrew is almost two, there is NO reasoning with him if he doesn't want to do something!
Andrew said "I wub u" this morning. When I told Daddy, he said "Wow, another weapon."
He has "Peeez" with the perfect sweet, innocent grin and puppy dog eyes down perfect. If sees ANYTHING he wants he smiles a big smile and says "peeeeez" and holds it out until he gets what he wants.
Now, it will be "peeeeeez. I wub u!!" with his puppy dog eyes and big, sweet, innocent grin.
He has "Peeez" with the perfect sweet, innocent grin and puppy dog eyes down perfect. If sees ANYTHING he wants he smiles a big smile and says "peeeeez" and holds it out until he gets what he wants.
Now, it will be "peeeeeez. I wub u!!" with his puppy dog eyes and big, sweet, innocent grin.
SLEEP AT LAST (some anyway)
I don't like taking new medicines without Paul being home because I react strangely to most medicines. Medicines that should make me hyper knock me out, meds that should make me sleepy can make me hyper. So, when the dr prescribed Ambien I was going to wait to take it until Paul would be home in the morning (just in case it REALLY knocked me out). Then, I found out he did not get a day off for two weeks and, well, with possible sleep that close to me, I did not want to wait two weeks to try it.
Last night I took half of a pill. Kind of testing the waters! I went right to sleep (which is never a problem for me) at 7:30. I STAYED asleep until 1:30!! SIX STRAIGHT HOURS OF SLEEP!!!!! The rest of the night I was in and out, but I don't remember the last time I got six straight hours of sleep.
I haven't decided if I am going to attempt a whole pill tonight. Six hours with half a pill is pretty good, and I really don't like taking it while I am pregnant because there have not been any extensive studies on the effect of it on the baby. Guess we will see how the day goes.
Last night I took half of a pill. Kind of testing the waters! I went right to sleep (which is never a problem for me) at 7:30. I STAYED asleep until 1:30!! SIX STRAIGHT HOURS OF SLEEP!!!!! The rest of the night I was in and out, but I don't remember the last time I got six straight hours of sleep.
I haven't decided if I am going to attempt a whole pill tonight. Six hours with half a pill is pretty good, and I really don't like taking it while I am pregnant because there have not been any extensive studies on the effect of it on the baby. Guess we will see how the day goes.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Yum!
Some parents catch their kids eating cat or dog food.
NOT my AJ!!!
I just walked in to the bathroom to find him on his hands and knees lapping water out of the cat's water bowl (guess it could be worse - could have been the toilet).
Is that better than eating catfood? Not too sure!
Oh, the best part....
His cup of milk was next to him on the floor. Not as though he was just thirsty. Guess it looks fun the way the animals drink.
NOT my AJ!!!
I just walked in to the bathroom to find him on his hands and knees lapping water out of the cat's water bowl (guess it could be worse - could have been the toilet).
Is that better than eating catfood? Not too sure!
Oh, the best part....
His cup of milk was next to him on the floor. Not as though he was just thirsty. Guess it looks fun the way the animals drink.
Growing Up to Be a Clown?
Andrew has always had this thing that if he sees peoples shoes sitting around he has to wear them. He typically spends most of his time on the floor when he does this with mine or Daddy's shoes.
Today he is wearing my tennis shoes around. Everytime he falls (which is like every other step) he screams "shoes NO NO"
It was cute for a while, but he has been doing it for about 45 minutes now and the screaming at SHOES is getting kind of annoying.
I took them away from him. He ran to his room crying his eyes out. SUCH A MEAN MAMA!!!!
Today he is wearing my tennis shoes around. Everytime he falls (which is like every other step) he screams "shoes NO NO"
It was cute for a while, but he has been doing it for about 45 minutes now and the screaming at SHOES is getting kind of annoying.
I took them away from him. He ran to his room crying his eyes out. SUCH A MEAN MAMA!!!!
Work Hour Changes
Paul knew this month would be crazy at work because of some stuff they have going on that will mean a health and safety person there a lot, and as always someone on call.
Things are not going well with what they are doing, there are injuries and so now they have to have someone at the plant 24/7. That means H&S will not get any days off until the end of January. Paul was supposed to have off Friday :(
We were kind of concerned about what hours he would end up with. Can you imagine him trying to sleep during the day with all of our kids running around. Even if just Andrew was here...
He is working 5am-2pm shift. All the days he should have had off and won't will be given to him as vacation days. That will be nice when the baby comes! So, he got a decent shift (he will just have to go to bed an hour early) AND he still gets the days off. He will just have more than his three weeks vacation time this year. Softens the blow a little anyway!
At least he isn't out of town all the time!
Things are not going well with what they are doing, there are injuries and so now they have to have someone at the plant 24/7. That means H&S will not get any days off until the end of January. Paul was supposed to have off Friday :(
We were kind of concerned about what hours he would end up with. Can you imagine him trying to sleep during the day with all of our kids running around. Even if just Andrew was here...
He is working 5am-2pm shift. All the days he should have had off and won't will be given to him as vacation days. That will be nice when the baby comes! So, he got a decent shift (he will just have to go to bed an hour early) AND he still gets the days off. He will just have more than his three weeks vacation time this year. Softens the blow a little anyway!
At least he isn't out of town all the time!
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Freaky
On my way to my appointment something very freaky happened to me. The weatherman this morning said the temperature would be going up and down today because there was a front that was going back and forth over us. I noticed when I was going in and out throughout the day talking to the fence people that the temp was fluctuating some, but nothing bad.
When I left the house the thermometer in my car said it was 73 degrees. The temperature quickly dropped to 60 degrees and went back up to 70 in a matter of about 10 minutes. In that 10 minutes there were two times my windshield completely fogged over to where I could not see out, but before I could even reach for the defrost it completely cleared.
Gives new meaning to the saying "if you don't like the weather wait 5 minutes!"
Now it is in the 50's. I guess it finally pushed through.
When I left the house the thermometer in my car said it was 73 degrees. The temperature quickly dropped to 60 degrees and went back up to 70 in a matter of about 10 minutes. In that 10 minutes there were two times my windshield completely fogged over to where I could not see out, but before I could even reach for the defrost it completely cleared.
Gives new meaning to the saying "if you don't like the weather wait 5 minutes!"
Now it is in the 50's. I guess it finally pushed through.
24 Weeks
I just got back from my drs appt. It was very quick this time (thank goodness because it was a later appt than I usually go for and I was hoping I would make it home before the buses). Her heart rate was around 150 bpm. Everything seems great. I asked about how low she was staying. The dr says it is to be expected because this is my fifth child and that is probably where she would stay. The more kids you have yada yada yada....
I asked about when I could schedule an induction (which we had already discussed). I explained that I needed to get plane tickets so my parents could come stay with the boys while I was in the hospital. She had no problem scheduling it now, although she normally does it around 30 weeks. But she understood the problem. SO.....assuming she does not come early on her own, Mady's birthday will be April 20. The dr said she would be surprised if I made it until then though. I told her that us scheduling it and buying the plane tickets were a sure fire way of making her come on her own early.
She also gave me a prescription for Ambien to see if that will help me get some sleep. When I was asking about how low Mady was she said I would probably start feeling lots of pressure and pains in my stomach and back. I told her I already was and it was causing me to have a hard time sleeping. I did not pick it up yet, so I guess I will try it tomorrow night.
I start going every two weeks now. I didn't think anything about it at the time, but after I left I realized that I have never started going every two weeks before 30 weeks. Kinda makes me wonder exactly how soon she thinks this girl is coming! She did not say anything to make me concerned, but I wish I could have asked why already or it that was normal. When I go in two weeks I get to take the LOVELY (insert gagging face here) glucose test!
The drs office is at the hospital. So, you park in Timbuktu and hike to the office. We got down stairs to leave and it was POURING! Not only was it pouring but we have been having wind gusts up to 35 mph today. I took Andrew out of his stroller and folded it up (these are the times I LOVE his stroller that folds in thirds and had a backpack strap). On the remote on my car if you hold down one of the buttons (I think unlock) it puts all the side windows down. I thought I was holding down the button that opens the back door. I got AJ in the car and the stroller in the back. As I was going to get in my door I noticed all the windows down. It was POURING into the car! I was soaked, the inside of the car was soaked but AJ was dry and getting into everything (I did not buckle him in yet).
I asked about when I could schedule an induction (which we had already discussed). I explained that I needed to get plane tickets so my parents could come stay with the boys while I was in the hospital. She had no problem scheduling it now, although she normally does it around 30 weeks. But she understood the problem. SO.....assuming she does not come early on her own, Mady's birthday will be April 20. The dr said she would be surprised if I made it until then though. I told her that us scheduling it and buying the plane tickets were a sure fire way of making her come on her own early.
She also gave me a prescription for Ambien to see if that will help me get some sleep. When I was asking about how low Mady was she said I would probably start feeling lots of pressure and pains in my stomach and back. I told her I already was and it was causing me to have a hard time sleeping. I did not pick it up yet, so I guess I will try it tomorrow night.
I start going every two weeks now. I didn't think anything about it at the time, but after I left I realized that I have never started going every two weeks before 30 weeks. Kinda makes me wonder exactly how soon she thinks this girl is coming! She did not say anything to make me concerned, but I wish I could have asked why already or it that was normal. When I go in two weeks I get to take the LOVELY (insert gagging face here) glucose test!
The drs office is at the hospital. So, you park in Timbuktu and hike to the office. We got down stairs to leave and it was POURING! Not only was it pouring but we have been having wind gusts up to 35 mph today. I took Andrew out of his stroller and folded it up (these are the times I LOVE his stroller that folds in thirds and had a backpack strap). On the remote on my car if you hold down one of the buttons (I think unlock) it puts all the side windows down. I thought I was holding down the button that opens the back door. I got AJ in the car and the stroller in the back. As I was going to get in my door I noticed all the windows down. It was POURING into the car! I was soaked, the inside of the car was soaked but AJ was dry and getting into everything (I did not buckle him in yet).
Finally!
Our oh so dependable fence people have FINALLY begun work on putting up the fence we ordered in October! I was having a slow start to my day yesterday, after getting no sleep and not feeling well. Andrew and I were laying in my bed watching tv when I started hearing some wierd noises outside. They never called to let us know they were coming this time (they have told us five or six times a day they would be here and never showed). I quickly got dressed and went outside. They were setting the third post already! Luckily we had flagged it all out back the first time they were supposed to come.
They got all of the wood post set and they got the fencing across the front at the driveway set. They have the back fence to put up and the cross fence. They also have to hang the gate and put in the electric supply for the fence opener.
We have gotten a lot of rain lately. The dogs will be SO happy to get out of their 10x10 (for three dogs) kennel they have been trapped in for over 6 months! Paul finished their dog house inside the shed a couple of weeks ago. We have been locking the big two dogs in the dog house at night so they stay dry. I feel so bad for them and how they have had to live since we moved here, but again, there is a lack of dependable customer service in this area!
They got all of the wood post set and they got the fencing across the front at the driveway set. They have the back fence to put up and the cross fence. They also have to hang the gate and put in the electric supply for the fence opener.
We have gotten a lot of rain lately. The dogs will be SO happy to get out of their 10x10 (for three dogs) kennel they have been trapped in for over 6 months! Paul finished their dog house inside the shed a couple of weeks ago. We have been locking the big two dogs in the dog house at night so they stay dry. I feel so bad for them and how they have had to live since we moved here, but again, there is a lack of dependable customer service in this area!
Monday, January 05, 2009
Not So Baby Anymore
Do you remember the day you looked at your "baby" and realized he was no longer a baby? I had that devestating epiphany moment today. Bryce and Andrew were in there room sounding very rough. I opened their door to see what they were doing. They scattered like roaches and Andrew gave the most I'm-not-too-innocent-but-that-is-okay-because-I-am-really-cute, VERY boy grin. It hit me like someone had punched me in the stomach.
Over the last couple of weeks he has started doing so many new things and talking and he really is little boy now :(
It makes me treasure the moments when he lays on my lap with his monkey and blankie and sucks his thumb (yes, I am the same Mom that just posted how she wanted to BREAK the thumb-sucking, as cute as it is).
He is so lovey too - and I treasure that as well. I KNOW it will probably end all too soon! He likes to give kisses. He will take our face in his cute little hands and turn your head so he can kiss your lips. SO SWEET!
Daddy says he is like a lap dog. When we are sitting, AJ wants to be in our lap. He is usually climbing up for a minute and then climbing down, which gets old after a bit, BUT... after my epiphany today, I welcome it!
My last little boy (along with his three older brothers) is growing up way too fast. I liked it better before I walked into that bedroom earlier. :(
Over the last couple of weeks he has started doing so many new things and talking and he really is little boy now :(
It makes me treasure the moments when he lays on my lap with his monkey and blankie and sucks his thumb (yes, I am the same Mom that just posted how she wanted to BREAK the thumb-sucking, as cute as it is).
He is so lovey too - and I treasure that as well. I KNOW it will probably end all too soon! He likes to give kisses. He will take our face in his cute little hands and turn your head so he can kiss your lips. SO SWEET!
Daddy says he is like a lap dog. When we are sitting, AJ wants to be in our lap. He is usually climbing up for a minute and then climbing down, which gets old after a bit, BUT... after my epiphany today, I welcome it!
My last little boy (along with his three older brothers) is growing up way too fast. I liked it better before I walked into that bedroom earlier. :(
Almost There!
As much as I LOVE my boys and all of their energy, and as much as I have LOVED the time I have had with them the last couple of weeks, I am ready for them to go back to school!!
They go back tomorrow!!
It is just so hard to keep Andrew on a schedule with everyone home. Even if I make them lay down when he does so it is quiet - well it is never quiet! His routine on the weekends is no routine, but during the week when it is just us, he lays down around the same time just about everyday!
Two of the three boys are more than ready to go back tomorrow too!
They go back tomorrow!!
It is just so hard to keep Andrew on a schedule with everyone home. Even if I make them lay down when he does so it is quiet - well it is never quiet! His routine on the weekends is no routine, but during the week when it is just us, he lays down around the same time just about everyday!
Two of the three boys are more than ready to go back tomorrow too!
Life's Challanges Raising Boys
This (lengthy but good) article is about why you don't see President's get elected that have boys. I never really thought of the fact that there have always been lots of little girls running around, but not many little boys. This author has a good point, that as the mother of FOUR boys - I would have to agree with!
Guess Paul has a long while before he can become president!
Guess Paul has a long while before he can become president!
Smarty Pants
Andrew has lots of Shake n Go cars. He doesn't play with them on the track, just carries them around shaking them. When we would sneak them OFF he always would walk around shaking them and when they did not make sounds he would bring them to us mad.
He has figured out how to turn on and off the cars, by himself. Now if toys don't make sounds he instantly turns them over and looks for the power switch!
He has figured out how to turn on and off the cars, by himself. Now if toys don't make sounds he instantly turns them over and looks for the power switch!
Sleep....What is That?
I am not getting any sleep lately! I just cannot get comfortable and I feel as though I have tried everything. My back has been hurting horribly lately, especially when I am lying down. If I wake up on my back in the middle of the night, my back and head hurt. I don't know if the headaches are my sinuses and lying on my back or if she is on a nerve or something. I go to the dr tomorrow and plan on discussing this all with her and see if she has any ideas of things I can try. I use a body pillow already. Yesterday I bought a wedge pillow thinking if I put that under my belly while I was sleeping it would make my back more aligned. Well, Mady did not like the pillow. It apparently pushes my belly in and takes her precious living space. So, she kicked and kicked and kicked until I removed the pillow. Then she instantly calmed down. I am at a loss!
I don't know which way the wives tale goes about how you carry showing the sex of the baby you are having. I also don't know if I look like I am carrying different than I carried with the boys (higher or lower), but I know I am carrying different. By now with the boys I was feeling them moving around high - like reaching into my ribs and I always felt them in different spots. While Mady moves ALL. THE. TIME. now, she stays in the same spot. I always feel her in the same areas. She is very low (always below my belly button) and having her constantly in the same area, kicking the same places over and over gets kind of uncomfortable.
I don't know which way the wives tale goes about how you carry showing the sex of the baby you are having. I also don't know if I look like I am carrying different than I carried with the boys (higher or lower), but I know I am carrying different. By now with the boys I was feeling them moving around high - like reaching into my ribs and I always felt them in different spots. While Mady moves ALL. THE. TIME. now, she stays in the same spot. I always feel her in the same areas. She is very low (always below my belly button) and having her constantly in the same area, kicking the same places over and over gets kind of uncomfortable.
Blankie Drama
I have been looking for the material I made Andrew's blanket out of (the one he carries everywhere with him) so I could make a second blanket. He has some kind of sixth sense that when I go to put the blanket in the washer he walks in as I am doing it and starts crying.
I have never found this material anywhere (I got it at Hancock Fabrics). Yesterday I found a Hancock Fabrics here and went in. I found the material, but not in yellow (his blanket is yellow with green trim). I found it in the same green color as the trim on his blanket. So, I thought I would do the oppsoite and make a green blanket with yellow trim.
He tried to carry off the material (he stole it out of the bag when we got home) before I even goot the blanket made. I thought this was a good sign that he liked the blanket and would accept it, at least when I was washing his other one.
Well, I made the blanket last night when he went to bed. I put it in my room. Guess who found it this morning. Now, he is carrying BOTH blankets. If I try to take one, he screams "BLANKIE" at me and starts crying.
I think what I am going to have to TRY to do is get the yellow one, wash it and hide it. Then go get some more green material and yellow trim while they have it, and make a second green one. Maybe, if I am lucky, I can get him to accept the green one as a replacement and only carry ONE blanket! The good thing about this is that I have learned how to make the blankets a lot better now. The yellow one looks horrible because I did not know how to do blanket binding. Now I do!
Oh, we have code names for the blankets because if we say blanket or blankie he immediately starts searching for it (which is bad if it is in the washer). His yellow blanket it Big Bird (because it looks like Big Bird). So, we named the green one Oscar the Grouch, even though it is not the same green as Oscar. He has not figured these names out....YET.
I also got the same material in red to make a blanket for Mady. Maybe I should make two for her too! But let's be realistic. If she IS going to get attached to a blanket, it will be a blanket that there is only one of and that I can no longer find.
I have never found this material anywhere (I got it at Hancock Fabrics). Yesterday I found a Hancock Fabrics here and went in. I found the material, but not in yellow (his blanket is yellow with green trim). I found it in the same green color as the trim on his blanket. So, I thought I would do the oppsoite and make a green blanket with yellow trim.
He tried to carry off the material (he stole it out of the bag when we got home) before I even goot the blanket made. I thought this was a good sign that he liked the blanket and would accept it, at least when I was washing his other one.
Well, I made the blanket last night when he went to bed. I put it in my room. Guess who found it this morning. Now, he is carrying BOTH blankets. If I try to take one, he screams "BLANKIE" at me and starts crying.
I think what I am going to have to TRY to do is get the yellow one, wash it and hide it. Then go get some more green material and yellow trim while they have it, and make a second green one. Maybe, if I am lucky, I can get him to accept the green one as a replacement and only carry ONE blanket! The good thing about this is that I have learned how to make the blankets a lot better now. The yellow one looks horrible because I did not know how to do blanket binding. Now I do!
Oh, we have code names for the blankets because if we say blanket or blankie he immediately starts searching for it (which is bad if it is in the washer). His yellow blanket it Big Bird (because it looks like Big Bird). So, we named the green one Oscar the Grouch, even though it is not the same green as Oscar. He has not figured these names out....YET.
I also got the same material in red to make a blanket for Mady. Maybe I should make two for her too! But let's be realistic. If she IS going to get attached to a blanket, it will be a blanket that there is only one of and that I can no longer find.
Friday, January 02, 2009
PEEEEEEZ
We have been working to get Andrew to say please when he wants something for a while now. Last night, he actually started saying it. Today, I think he has mastered it!
It is very hard to say no to the little blond hair, blue-eyed boy that says "peeeeez" with a big smile while dancing around and giggling. SO SWEET!
It is very hard to say no to the little blond hair, blue-eyed boy that says "peeeeez" with a big smile while dancing around and giggling. SO SWEET!
I am wanting to start some stuff with Andrew, but I am afraid now is so not the time.
Number one: I would love to end the thumb-sucking! As cute as it is (except for when he sucks his thumb while also having one finger up his nose which is his new thing), it is not cute when they are older and still sucking their thumb or when their teeth are messed up from sucking his thumb.
I also want to try and get him potty trained. He shows interest and signs of readines, but he is not even 2. We have been "playing" with it since June, but that is it. I have not pushed him at all.
My concern: we have a baby coming in a few months. How much will he regress when she gets here. I am more concerned with him regressing with the thumb-sucking than I am the potty training.
What is a Mom to do?
Number one: I would love to end the thumb-sucking! As cute as it is (except for when he sucks his thumb while also having one finger up his nose which is his new thing), it is not cute when they are older and still sucking their thumb or when their teeth are messed up from sucking his thumb.
I also want to try and get him potty trained. He shows interest and signs of readines, but he is not even 2. We have been "playing" with it since June, but that is it. I have not pushed him at all.
My concern: we have a baby coming in a few months. How much will he regress when she gets here. I am more concerned with him regressing with the thumb-sucking than I am the potty training.
What is a Mom to do?
Busy Baby
I went from being concerned because I was not feeling Mady very much a few weeks ago (and Paul and I were both feeling the boys by that point in my previous pregnancies). Now we are at the opposite extreme.
I told Daddy last night that I had a feeling I would actually go into labor with her before a scheduled delivery (all of the boys were induced). She does not seem to like her confinement now and she still has quite a bit of growing to do!
She moves all the time now and if feels like she is always stretching out. A couple of nights ago, I am not sure what she was doing but it was hurting BAD! I tried sitting, walking, lying down, changing my position, a hot shower, pushing on her. NOTHING would get her to move.
We are only going into week 24, so she still has lots of time to grow and get stronger. Hopefully she will have some mercy on her Mom!!!
I told Daddy last night that I had a feeling I would actually go into labor with her before a scheduled delivery (all of the boys were induced). She does not seem to like her confinement now and she still has quite a bit of growing to do!
She moves all the time now and if feels like she is always stretching out. A couple of nights ago, I am not sure what she was doing but it was hurting BAD! I tried sitting, walking, lying down, changing my position, a hot shower, pushing on her. NOTHING would get her to move.
We are only going into week 24, so she still has lots of time to grow and get stronger. Hopefully she will have some mercy on her Mom!!!
:(
Daddy had to get up early this morning and go to work. It has been SO nice having him home with us for a couple of weeks and we got SO much done around the house. Next week he has Friday off so in a two week period he is only working a week. STILL SUCKS!
We got the nursery done, as I previously posted. It is so nice to go hide out in there in all the girliness in there. I am SO not used to that!
We also got all the living room, kitchen and boys hall painted. Last night Paul got pictures, shelves, etc hung on the walls that have been painted.
We got all the Christmas decorations, inside and out, taken down. Between the kids and the Wii and Andrew, the poor tree was just in the way.
We FINALLY got the storage closet in our garage cleaned out. We had no idea what was in there! We got a lot of stuff put out in the storage shed. Our next project will be putting up shelves in the storage closet and the shed. But, at least for now, we know what is where and our garage is cleaned up. It is amazing how much bigger the garage seems when there is nothing in it but a refrigerator and cars. The boys bikes, scooters, power wheels, etc. take up a LOT of space!
We even found time for play and laziness! All in all we had a good Christmas break!
We got the nursery done, as I previously posted. It is so nice to go hide out in there in all the girliness in there. I am SO not used to that!
We also got all the living room, kitchen and boys hall painted. Last night Paul got pictures, shelves, etc hung on the walls that have been painted.
We got all the Christmas decorations, inside and out, taken down. Between the kids and the Wii and Andrew, the poor tree was just in the way.
We FINALLY got the storage closet in our garage cleaned out. We had no idea what was in there! We got a lot of stuff put out in the storage shed. Our next project will be putting up shelves in the storage closet and the shed. But, at least for now, we know what is where and our garage is cleaned up. It is amazing how much bigger the garage seems when there is nothing in it but a refrigerator and cars. The boys bikes, scooters, power wheels, etc. take up a LOT of space!
We even found time for play and laziness! All in all we had a good Christmas break!
Thursday, January 01, 2009
AJ's Newest Tricks
The last couple of weeks AJ has really been trying to copy everything we say. I knew it was a matter of time because he has been really good at following directions for some time now, and even following multiple-step directions.
I was hoping he could TELL us what he wanted by the time the baby is here. Looks like he will be!
His bad habit at the moment....taking off his diaper! He especially likes to take it off when you put him in his room so you can do something (like clean up a mess or for him to take a nap). Guess who has to have pants on ALL the time now. Elastic waisted pants don't work too well either. He has learned how to pull them down. He slept the entire night the other night with his diaper half undone AND his pants UP. Guess who got to clean bedding the next morning.
I was hoping he could TELL us what he wanted by the time the baby is here. Looks like he will be!
His bad habit at the moment....taking off his diaper! He especially likes to take it off when you put him in his room so you can do something (like clean up a mess or for him to take a nap). Guess who has to have pants on ALL the time now. Elastic waisted pants don't work too well either. He has learned how to pull them down. He slept the entire night the other night with his diaper half undone AND his pants UP. Guess who got to clean bedding the next morning.
New Year's Eve
Last night we listened to over six hours of continuous fireworks. They were fun to watch, for a while. But, when you have four kids that need to sleep.....well, you see where I am going with this!
They started between six and seven last night and ended at about 1 am. They were mostly from three or four different houses, so obviously there were some people that spent major money on fireworks. They were not just bottle rocket type stuff either, Almost the entire time it looked like professional fireworks!
Andrew made it to 8:30 pm and the other three made it to almost 11. I can't say much because this is the first year in MANY years I have actually stayed awake to see the ball drop - and I just barely made it this year.
We got the boys some sparkling apple cider. Caleb was a bit of a baby about it, but the other three seemed to like it. Especially Andrew! He was gulping it down so fast that his face was turning red and he was choking himself. I wish we had gotten the video camera out for it. He was quite funny with it!
Daddy and I played Wii all evening. That thing can really wear you out!
What an exciting New Years Eve, but I wouldn't trade it!
As for our family, 2008 was not too bad on us! I know many who did not have a great year, for whatever reason and for you all I hope 2009 brings much better things for you. We had a major move (actually a summer of major moves), a new house, Daddy home all the time, the economy did not hit us as hard as many (and hopefully THAT trend will continue on in 2009). We also got the wonderful news that not only were we expecting again (surprising but wonderful), but that we were expecting a GIRL, finally!
We have watched our children grow another year older. We have watched our baby turn in to a toddler (watch out terrible twos and torturous threes....and ferocious fours - he is entering at an amazing speed) that is into everything. We watched our oldest turn 10! Double digit age :( He is still trying to convince us he is already a teenager (sadly he already ACTS like a teenager). We have watched Isaac excel greatly in first grade and watched Bryce enter and learn how to do the whole school thing.
Our major loss of 2008 was watching Aunt Mary pass. It was so neat to watch the kids with her in her final days and moments, but she is still greatly missed. She was a major part of our holiday season and it was saddening to think of the traditions we had with her. But we know she is in a better, happier place with her husband and nephew (Paul's Dad).
Here is hoping you ALL have a great new year. We hope our 2009 will be at least as good as 2008! And we cannot wait to meet our long-awaited little girl and introduce her to everyone!
They started between six and seven last night and ended at about 1 am. They were mostly from three or four different houses, so obviously there were some people that spent major money on fireworks. They were not just bottle rocket type stuff either, Almost the entire time it looked like professional fireworks!
Andrew made it to 8:30 pm and the other three made it to almost 11. I can't say much because this is the first year in MANY years I have actually stayed awake to see the ball drop - and I just barely made it this year.
We got the boys some sparkling apple cider. Caleb was a bit of a baby about it, but the other three seemed to like it. Especially Andrew! He was gulping it down so fast that his face was turning red and he was choking himself. I wish we had gotten the video camera out for it. He was quite funny with it!
Daddy and I played Wii all evening. That thing can really wear you out!
What an exciting New Years Eve, but I wouldn't trade it!
As for our family, 2008 was not too bad on us! I know many who did not have a great year, for whatever reason and for you all I hope 2009 brings much better things for you. We had a major move (actually a summer of major moves), a new house, Daddy home all the time, the economy did not hit us as hard as many (and hopefully THAT trend will continue on in 2009). We also got the wonderful news that not only were we expecting again (surprising but wonderful), but that we were expecting a GIRL, finally!
We have watched our children grow another year older. We have watched our baby turn in to a toddler (watch out terrible twos and torturous threes....and ferocious fours - he is entering at an amazing speed) that is into everything. We watched our oldest turn 10! Double digit age :( He is still trying to convince us he is already a teenager (sadly he already ACTS like a teenager). We have watched Isaac excel greatly in first grade and watched Bryce enter and learn how to do the whole school thing.
Our major loss of 2008 was watching Aunt Mary pass. It was so neat to watch the kids with her in her final days and moments, but she is still greatly missed. She was a major part of our holiday season and it was saddening to think of the traditions we had with her. But we know she is in a better, happier place with her husband and nephew (Paul's Dad).
Here is hoping you ALL have a great new year. We hope our 2009 will be at least as good as 2008! And we cannot wait to meet our long-awaited little girl and introduce her to everyone!
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