Ebby Cubed

Beckett 4th Birthday

2012-01-30T15:29:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday Beckett.

Today you are a bright, funny, high spirited little boy. Just as I thought, no longer my "baby boy". You are so not afraid to let me know. You have accomplished so much in this last year. I wasn't sure we were ready for all you wanted to do. You seemed to grow into things so quickly.

You may have started growing, but your interests haven't changed. You still love your trains. While your Thomas obsession is over, you love playing with Geotrax. You are always asking daddy to build you a track. I think you figured out quite quickly that mommy just doesn't have that ability. You also love playing with figurines--like daddy's old Star Wars characters and your new Batman toys. You play very well (most of the time) with Tatum as you guys roll play and cohabitate your characters (batman and Moster High). I am sure I will never hear the end of that in years to come.

For your birthday you didn't ask for much. I think you got so much for Christmas that it was just overwhelming you. You have been interested in Play Doh for a long time so we bought you several different sets of those. You pulled them out right away and played for about an hour.

Aunt Krissy and Grandma Jahnssen called to sing to you and you thought that was very cool. We offered to take you out to get some ice cream and you were not interested. We ended the evening all playing Play Doh together and making some cars with it. You seemed to really enjoy your birthday.

I hope the next year brings amazing things for you my son. You have certainly blessed our lives. We love you:)

High Needs Baby

2012-01-25T15:42:00.000-06:00

Have you ever heard of this? I hadn't. Which is why when I stumbled upon this and was reading it, I felt like someone had some and stalked me for weeks on end.

I have a high needs baby. I am sure of it. This is why I am an emotional mess, completely drained, house is always messy, my kids hate me because I have no time for them, my husband wants me back in the marital bed but I can't fathom the though as I am getting up once an hour, dinners suck, want to run so bad but can't, need to get the gym, piece of shit mother.

Cry...all I do is sit , nurse, rock baby, nurse, walk with baby, nurse, hold baby, nurse....you get the picture. There is no down time. I haven't been out of the house but only three times without her. I can't grocery shop, shop for myself, enjoy time with my husband or my other children. I miss them so terribly bad. I keep fearing the worse will happen...that my other kids will start to resent me and I am now fearing that my husband is giving up on our marriage. Is he? No, but this is what it feels like to me on one hour of total sleep per day.

I am lucky if I get a shower every third day. There is just no time--the crying is absolutely insane. There is no drowning it out. There is no stopping it. I have to make dinner in the morning because otherwise, no one will eat. She is worse at night.

I love my baby, please don't get me wrong. But, I am at my wits end. Seriously. I have had about all I can handle. I feel like such an utter failure. Please don't think that I don't want to do anything like the laundry or clean the house, or play with my other kids. Don't think for one minute that I want to be lazy. I am far from lazy. I have seriously gained 30 lbs since giving birth b/c all I have time to do is graze and I sit so long from nursing her that I rarely move. It is all so depressing. Blogging? LOL..she is upstairs screaming her head off right now and I had to walk away because I needed a break. I just can't deal. I just can't deal.

Finley FOUR months

2012-01-16T16:07:00.001-06:00

Four months old...

I can hardly believe we are here. How fleeting this baby time has been. I feel like you were just born and with the struggles we have had this month-it feels just like that.

Daddy and I are trying to determine if you are indeed teething. Everything into the mouth. Drool, everywhere. Soaked clothes and were changing clothes like crazy (sometimes up to three times a day). You are however, chatting our ears off. It is like sweet, sweet music. Because just a few short weeks ago, you did nothing but cry.

Cry? This is because you have a little know disease called Reflux. Very common in infants, however, usually outgrown within the first three or four months. We had you on Zantac and while this worked for awhile, we noticed you were starting to take a turn for the worse and very quickly. The meds seemed to stop working and your pain was much more noticeable. We took you back to the doctor and she quickly confirmed your reflux diagnosis and put you on another med. She said we should start seeing a difference as quickly as the first or second dose. Boy was she right. You are like a completely different baby. Your crying spells are that of a typical infant, you know, change me, play with me, love on me, I'm tired or I'm hungry. They are not whaled or painful. And now that you are not longer in pain you are gaining so much.

Your giggling and smiling and laughing more--and more at other people. Yep, these things are no longer just designated for mommy. Everyone gets them.

You love to chew on your hands and you are starting to find your feet. You love when we play peek a boo and patty cake with your feet. You love to have your little toes wiggled with those Piggies that go to the "market". You are doing a lot more tummy time and holding your head and chest up so well. You are trying to roll --getting over to your side and then you fall right back over. It's so good to see.

You are growing by leaps and bounds. I feel like we just got you out of your 0-3 month clothes but you are almost to tall for your 3-6. Some are better than others.

You still required to be swaddled to sleep but we are going to start working on that this week. I am sure everyone will be thrilled with what little sleep they will be getting. Speaking of...you don't every sleep. Go to bed...sleepyhead. You are such a cat napper. Your little bouts of 20 minutes here, 10 minutes there just wont fly with me..but they seem to keep you in ok spirits. You used to sleep through the night but you don't seem to be doing that anymore either. Your changing though. Instead of 10-11 at night you know start your fusses at 830 and like to be in bed by 930. You are then up again around 1 to eat and then up again at 5 or 6. I'm not sure how to perceive this. I just roll with it. :)

You go to the doctor soon, so I will be able to get those official stats. A few weeks ago at the doctor you weighed in at 12 lbs so I expect you to be at least 13 especially with that 2 hour nursing sessions we just finished up:)

We love you sweet-pea. Keep growing. Keep smiling. Good things are yet to come for you. By 5 months, I project we will see a tooth and report you finally rolling over:)

Love,
mommy

Christmas DVR

2011-12-25T20:52:00.000-06:00

Do you ever wish your day could be on a DVR? You had options to pause, fast forward, rewind, start over or delete? This is how I felt all day today. I awoke in a pretty nasty place and pretty much stayed there all day. I'm not sure when or why but I kept feeling like whatever started me off that way, the fire kept being fueled so in the end it really didn't matter.

Finley awoke around 6:00. I was able to get her back to sleep but then Andrew got up and Beckett crawled into bed with me. He lasted for all of 10 minutes and then tried to wake the baby. After he had no luck he went downstairs. I had made overnight french toast to throw in the oven. In years past we have eaten breakfast first. I was in no hurry to get downstairs. In my world right now...when the baby sleeps..I sleep, especially when another adult is present. I guess however, this wasn't the day. This may have been where it all goes wrong...maybe.

I lasted about 10 minutes and went downstairs. The pressure was on by said son to get moving on breakfast, but I had to pump so it was going to be slightly delayed. I got the oven preheated and popped in the overnight french toast. About 20 minutes later we ate breakfast and then the pressure was on to open gifts. HERE is where my day turned. I felt that our ENTIRE family should be present, whether or not, one would even know if they were there. Andrew felt otherwise, stating the ever obvious factoid, "Don't you remember being their age on Christmas morning?". Um, yes, I do...but still wasn't comfortable leaving Finley out of the festivities so I went to wake her up.

Despite being woken, Finley did very well. The kids ripped through their gifts. All were enjoyed and couldn't wait to played with. Upon polling the kids, Tatum said her favorite gift was her Monster High dolls. Beckett loves his Batcave. Finley, I think enjoyed listening to all the wrapping paper and played with a little doll that I won for her on a blog:) Andrew and I did not buy for one another this year and I am perfectly OK with that. I love making sure that the kids are well taken care of.

Tatum did score quite a few Monster High dolls. She is pretty pleased that she now has so many. Lets hope these last longer than the infatuation with the Zhu Zhu pets last year.

Beckett was thrilled to receive all things Batman. He has been playing with them all day.

Finley just kinda took it all in. I did take lots of pictures of her though.

As the day progressed the day seemed to get better for me though. Finley has been suffering through some bad reflux. Enough for us to decide to call the doctor on Tuesday when they reopen. She isn't sleeping during the day at all and when she cries it is that painful, burpy cough. She refuses to be put down. She just isn't comfortable. She is SO tired though. You can tell as she will fall asleep but once you put her down, she lasts about 10 minutes and is up again. I was with her for the rest of the day. I got very little play time with the other kids (however, I am sure this will catch up to me later in the week):). To put this in perspective, I didn't finish one whole cup of coffee, one glass of water or finish my lunch. I made dinner in between feedings and rocking back to sleep.

At least dinner turned out OK. I made ham, cheesy noodles, corn casserole and rolls. I got the OK from Tatum and Andrew so I will take it. Now that Finley is down, (for the night I think), I can kinda relax (at 945) , and get this blog post done.

Please don't get me wrong. I am THANKFUL. I am BLESSED. I am HAPPY. I just had an off day. Andrew says I put too much on my plate for this day. I just feel like I don't them to miss anything. It is so rare for us all to be together with so much time (4 days). I always want to make the most of it. Andrew says that I do this every year. I don't remember feeling so down in years past, so I will just chalk this up to a bad day and move on. I do however, wish I had a DVR remote so that I can "start over". I feel like I wouldn't miss so many smiles, the laughter or the kids playing with their toys.

I also don't want anyone to misunderstand-- we do celebrate the birth of Christ in our home. We strive to put Him first and have Him be the forefront of our celebrations. Our kids are very cognizant of the true meaning behind Christmas and why we give and get gifts. We have not lost sight in Him. In all truth, today was a day that I really reflected a lot of this in ALL of my downtime. I got a lot of prayer in today:)

From our home to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas. Sincere tidings for a very blessed New Year!

Cinnamon Rolls

2011-12-23T09:00:00.000-06:00

I am NOT a baker.

Tatum rolling the first batch.

The melted butter technique.

Look at all that yummy cinnamon.

I attempted to make rolls the first year Andrew and I were married and I couldn't get the dough to rise. After that I decided I would never bake from scratch again. And, I didn't..until today.

My goal was to have these done on Monday but my first batch of dough didn't rise and I couldn't get the stuff I needed to make another batch until after Andrew got home. Tatum was suppose to help me--THAT was also part of the plan. It was suppose to be something we did together..but what I have learned from this experience is that baking while having a small infant is not conducive to getting a plan into action.

Here is what I can tell you.

*I followed the recipe to a T.
*Melting the butter made a huge mess...I liked slathering it on better
*I didn't use enough cinnamon (I think)
*There is enough fat in these to kill a small human instantly (guess what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger)?
*I missed making these with Tatum:(
*These make 7 pans of rolls but they way I cut them I think I could have easily gotten 8
*The recipe called for powered sugar icing...but didn't state how big of bag...so I got a two lb bag and It wasn't enough to ice all 7 pans (like the baker I adapted it from) so I used 4 LBS of powdered sugar to make the icing for these crazy rolls.
*I probably wont be doing these again any time soon
*I'm tired and can't figure out why anyone with a baby can bake

Photo's are my own (I'm practicing)
I used the Pioneer Woman's recipe...which looks Delicious and can be found here! I just love her and all her recipes:)

So to bask in the glory..my husband messaged me and said they were good enough to challenge his mom (cute..but not buying it). AND...my kids all said they liked them and they tasked like grandma's. SCORE!

Christmas Hangups

2011-12-22T15:24:00.000-06:00

Two weekends ago Tatum was in a play at church. The name of a play was called Christmas Hangups. It was a bout the Christmas ornaments in a box and what they meant to the family that housed them. It was a very cute little play all to remind all about the true meaning of Christmas.

She went to practices for 11 weeks prior to the play and twice the weekend of. She had two performances and she did beautifully. It was hard for me to see her as she was the last on her row and all the "big" performers were in front of her. I tried to get as many pictures as I could.

I can tell you that I was brought to tears with my cutie. She makes me so proud. Each child was to pick out what ornament they wanted to be and Tatum picked out a butterfly. I didn't know we even had a butterfly costume but she came home and pulled out some antennae and some wings and we made do with the rest. She performed with a few of her friends from church. It was open to kids in grades 1-5 for the choir and the older kids in the church handled the speaking parts. They sang some adorable Christmas tunes of which I had never heart but melted my heart none the less.

I think she has a knack for the arts though. She has enjoyed going to plays with both grandma's this summer and now in performing in one.

Santa's Little Elf

2011-12-21T15:13:00.000-06:00

THIS little boy is the cutest little ELF I have ever seen.

He had his first preschool program today and he was a success. He didn't appear nervous, he said his lines, did his dances and sang his song--and all so wonderfully:) He and his friends from preschool put on a little skit to a song, followed by some collaborative songs. They each then had a solo and bubba sang Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer and he did so GOOD. I am such a proud mommy. ~~I took lots of pictures and if I ever get around to editing them I will get them on here.~~

He also did a gymnastics demonstration. Let me tell you, this kid has skill. He really enjoys his gymnastics class and he is so confident in his actions. Today, I asked him if he would prefer to do gymnastics or soccer in the spring, he chose gymnastics. After he did his last cartwheel of the session, he came over and gave me the biggest hug. I am so so proud of him. He definitely adds some character to our lives:)

A table top

Standing on one leg...

Running to do his cartwheel

Cartwheel

On his own...

Right before he ran over to me to give me the biggest hug ever. I nearly dropped my camera:)

Finley THREE months

2011-12-18T15:05:00.001-06:00

Finley turned THREE months old on this past Wednesday.

THREE MONTHS OLD??? HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN???
You are no longer considered an infant. You are no longer classified as a newborn or "brand new". Where has this time gone? Seems like I just brought you home.

You are definitely growing. You are barely fitting into your 0-3 clothes and a size 1 diaper--yet your 3-6 are huge on you. We are lucky so many people got us some 3-6 outfits, because we didn't have too much:) Tatum's clothes were on a different season for this size so we are slightly behind. I have no doubt by the time you hit 5-6 months, we will catch right back up. While you are not measured in your 3rd month--I assure you that you have reached some milestones.

For instance...you are generally a more happy baby. We get some real smiles from you--and not just to me. You smile at daddy and sissy and granny. While you still have some serious problems with your reflux this is generally fewer than last month. You talk to us..well to me anyway. Your coos and "oohs and ahhs" are all the signs that tell me you know that I am talking to you and you have something you want to say--and tell me you do!

Schedule is not something we keep here in this house but you are becoming slightly more predictable in your ways. When you wake up in the morning at 6 you like to snuggle now before you eat. You "snack" just enough to become alert and then you just like to hang with us until sissy gets on the bus--then you mean business. You generally take a small 30-45 minute nap between 930 and 1030. You eat again after your nap and this is when you are your most alert and active. After this time (around 1-2pm) you like to go down for your big nap. You usually sleep about 3-4 hours and wake up starving! Its then play time (mainly with daddy) and then off to bed again around 930-10:00, along with your last feeding session (however the last few days it seems to be a little earlier).

Which brings me to my next sentence: You still wont take a bottle...FROM ANYONE! My friends gave me some advise that we may try while on vacation this week and not nurse you and only try to offer you a bottle. We might have to see how this goes!

You love to play "Pat a cake" and "Itsy Bitsy Spider". Its fun to watch you be so interactive with those big hands and long fingers. You are such a little mover and shaker now too. If we put you on your play mat you will kick your little legs and move them up in the air. At night we will lay you in one side of the crib and in the AM we wake to find you laying on another side of the crib...all while being swaddled. Yes, this is the ONLY way you will sleep. You are starting to enjoy some tummy time now (mainly I think this helps your reflux) but it is so much more tolerable for you. Today, I saw some signs of you looking like you wanted to try to roll so I will be looking forward to that huge milestone coming up!

Well miss Finley, you continue to prove to us that you will be heard in this family. No man left behind here. We are enjoying every moment trying to figure you out. We love you little girl!

Santa

2011-12-03T22:27:00.002-06:00

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2011-12-03T22:17:00.002-06:00

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Happy 7th Birthday, Tatum!

2011-11-30T00:00:00.001-06:00

Tatum, Tatum, Tatum...

This has been a crazy, crazy year for you! I say this as you went through some changes this year.

You made it through Kindergarten with FLYING colors. You are so smart. You read at a 2nd grade level and do 2nd grade math. You and I tease each other about skipping a grade. Your first grade teacher is Mrs Clark.

You have the same friends but are gaining a few more. Your best friends are Erica, Estella, Justin and Caleb. You ask for play dates every single week. Your daddy and I tease you that you had your first boy call the house (and at 10:00pm no less..lol).

You still love Awana and have already finished your first book. You are starting your review book a whole month earlier than last year. WOW. I think having Ellie in your group challenges you.

You continued on with your soccer season. We weren't sure if you still enjoyed it but you begged us to sign you up. You were on another new team but you did very well. You started a new league which now allows goalies. You attended two soccer camps and learned the goalie position--which you love to play. Go Blaze.

You are an awesome big sister. We welcomed Finley into our family and you are such a brilliant little mommy. You want to do everything for her. It is so cute.

Your vocabulary is astronomical. Granny and I talk all the time about all the new words you learn. You use them in the right context too. Sometimes I wonder how you pick them up--but then realize it is because you LOVE TO READ...and you are reading chapter books. You love reading Ramona, the Magic Tree House series and the Jonie B Jones series. You sometimes read two chapter books in a day.

Monster High seems to be your toy of choice IF its not arts and crafts. While I really dislike these dolls, I try to take interest so at least I am in the loop. You love to draw and come up with new fashion idea's. Funny thing is, you hate to shop for clothes. I am sure this will change soon...haha

You have lost four teeth--with the latest being last week. You got your braces off and they just started coming out one by one. You were so happy to have your braces off --and them sometimes you say you miss them. Don't worry...round two will be coming soon:)

We cut your hair. It was a hard decision for us to make, but daddy and I decided it would be best. We got 7 inches cut off and you look so cute. Sometimes we both miss the long hair, but we are making do.

We joined the YMCA and you swim almost daily ( or well we did before Finley arrived). You have become such a fish. We spent most of our summer days together at the Y. You enjoy playing in the baby pool to with bubba:)

We got to go see Taylor Swift again this year. You share my love for country music and I can't tell you how much this pleases me. We have so much fun singing in the car together. We had a great time at the concert too. Daddy got us some pretty cool seats.

I don't have your yearly stats as your appointment is not until January. If I had to make a guess you are still 48 inches tall and about 75 lbs?

You took your first trip to Kings Island this year with daddy and had fun. You were a little scare of the rides at first but daddy said you came around. You also joined the kids choir at church.

My dearest Tatum. I love you so much. I enjoy getting to see you grow up and become quite the young lady. You are thoughtful and generous. You have a great smile that melts my heart. You are a phenomenal big sister. You are still a little shy and go to the beat of someone else's drum, but you are expanding your horizons a little more every day. Continue to learn and to love my sweet girl. Evolve into that beautiful young woman that daddy and I envisioned for you the minute God placed you into our family. Thank you for being you. I am so proud of you sweets. So proud.

Many many birthday wishes.

Love,
Your mommy

Beckett-isms

2011-11-29T08:23:00.001-06:00

While in the car last night driving home from the gym, Beckett was none to happy with either of us because we didn't let him watch a movie. He started throwing out all sorts of comments that could only come from my funny little man.

Here's the rundown:

*You (points at me) do not make me (points at him) happy.
*Do you understand my words? (His take on "Do you understand me?)
*Can you play with me? (Spoken from sunup to sundown)
*That's not fair to me. (When he doesn't get his way--stomps foot, crosses arms over chest).
*I'm sorry.I didn't know (Why stop at I'm sorry...he'll throw the other on in for good measure).
*I hear ya.
*I don't like ____. (Fill in blanks with something, anything, will a really whiny voice)
*What about now?
*That doesn't make me happy.
* What? You gotta be kidding me? (When he doesn't get his way).
* I gotta tell you a question. (This is used generally when he is in bed and keeps coming downstairs).
* Can you tell her? (When his feelings get hurt by sissy or neighbors..he will come up to tell and I will tell him to tell them to be nice--he comes back with Can you tell her).
* I broke the wind

Also, for a three year old (nearly four)...the following have also come out of his mouth

* You ruined my life (yes, in his three short years, I have ruined his life).
* I don't like you anymore.
* You don't love me (wherever this stems from? We sing the "I love you" song all the time and I am constantly telling him.
* Your mean. (He gets this from big sissy).
* I like your _____. (Insert...this weekend it was daddy's haircut, today it was Ms. Phyllis decorations, on Thanksgiving it was papa's turkey).

Things you will hear Beckett say on a daily basis.

* Will you play with me? ( You could also be playing with him a this time and he will still say it).
* Mom, can I watch Thomas on your computer?
* Dad, can I have the touch?
* Mom, when you are done feeding her, can you put her in the bouncer?
* Mom, are you done feeding her yet?

I can only guess a majority of these -isms have come from Finley being born and he is not getting the full attention he is used to getting. Some of them, from preschool and daycare, and some of them from big sissy. At least he hasn't pulled the eye rolling (Tatum) yet. HA!

Lord knows we love him though. He brightens our day...gives us unsolicited hugs and kisses and "I love you"'s. He is a mama's boy and that is OK with me. He is and will be my only son--so that tickles me pink! I am sure I will have to write a new post in the next few years where all of these will change, just ever so slightly , but the context will remain the same--as will this part about our unconditional love for him. Only a son can push your buttons and melt your heart and make you laugh all in one sentence!

We love you bubba!

Finley-two months

2011-11-23T22:11:00.000-06:00

My how time flies.

Finley, you are two months old and how different some things are and how much some things stay the same.

You are still a very fussy baby. I got really worried there for a bit because I could tell you were losing some weight. I was right! I took you into Riverside to get a weight check and you were down almost half a pound from the week before. Boy! That threw me. I decided to meet with a lactation consultant as well as go to a le leche league meeting. Lots of help. I started in on the Fenugreek and pumping after each time you ate. This was starting to annoy everyone, including you! I took you in for a follow up appointment the following week (so two weeks from the last weigh in) and you were up to 9 lbs. I was so happy. After talking with the doctor we also found out that you have reflux so you are now on medication to help you through that.

At your two month appointment you weighed in at a healthy 10 lbs even (24th percentile) and went up to 22 3/4 inches (61 percentile). I'm so happy for your growth. You are evening out in length--kinda tying in with how Tatum grew over the years.

What a different baby you are starting to become though! The medication seems to be helping some. You are still fussy but not nearly as bad and the fussy is more of an intolerant cry and not a painful please help me squeal. Your cries were breaking our hearts (and ears).

You are much more alert and awake these days. You continue to gain muscle control on your neck so we are allowing the kids to hold you a little more. Around 7 weeks you started smiling and it started with me. You just melted my heart all to pieces. Around week 8 you started in with your sister and daddy and this week, you smiled at Beckett. You would have thought you made his wish come true. He was so excited. You have been a bit more tolerant of daddy. You don't really like to be held by too many other people.

I went back to work this week for a day and you stayed with Miss Beth. We spent a whole 9 hours apart. You went on a feeding strike and only ate 1 ounce while you were with her. You decided you would rather sleep and eat. You did scream and cry and I kinda expected that. Other than that, you were an angel for her. I am so proud.

You stared coo'ing and aweing. Tatum feels like she is teaching you all about your vowel sounds. She likes pretending you are her student. You can recognize my voice and daddy's now. You are a cuddler. You love to shape your body into mine to cuddle. You love to be swaddled to take a nap and still sleep in your car seat.

You don't like to be left alone too often so we carry you all over the place. Daddy likes to carry you like a football. Mommy just carries you around and swishes in your ear:)

Pumpkins and Apples

2011-11-15T14:39:00.000-06:00

We had again, waited too long to pick apples, so we decided to combine our trip into one collaborative "picking'" trip. We decided to do what seems like all my other mommy friends do and went to Lynds Fruit Farm.

It was a gorgeous day. The baby was doing well and was sleepy so it seemed the perfect time to head out. We drove out about 15 minutes from our home to one of the largest fruit farms in the county. It was jammin! Now, granted, I had never been here, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I can however, tell you, that why I thought it was pretty organized...I was not impressed. We generally go apple picking at Legend Hills which is a smaller orchard and very quiet. There are all the same varieties of apples just in a smaller orchard scale. Needless to say, I will try to better organized next year to get out to the apple orchard earlier (September). Plus, I felt Tatum just wasn't into it this year..and neither was Andrew. Tatum, I am sure was due to her tooth bothering her, and Andrew, was probably due to lack of sleep. But I want to try to treasure these moments now, because, I fear in about 5 years, it will all be over.

So after all the excitement of picking apples, we walked across the orchard and let the kids pick out their perfect pumpkins. We stressed the perfection part as they are just so much easier to carve. I'm not sure if the perfect pumpkin is out there but the kids found theirs. We got them home and daddy and I helped carve them out. Tatum free styled hers and bubba chose out of a book , a which, for daddy to get started on.

I generally roast pumpkin seeds but with Finley as fussy as she has been. I get about 30 minutes of time between feedings to do anything.

Until next time...

A Star in the Making

2011-10-22T07:20:00.000-05:00

Wow. I have had a lot of "stars" in my posts lately. Maybe this is because my kids are doing so well.

This is Beckett's first year of preschool. We were understandably concerned to send him as he is on the younger side (he has a January birthday) and with the new baby and our potty training issues we weren't sure we were making the best decision.

Beckett had been potty trained as of December 2010. We made it months (until March) with NO incidents. We were thrilled. When I started showing (March/April) and he realized this baby was more of a reality he started regressing and we were having daily and sometimes more accidents. This was upsetting everyone, including our babysitter. We also really needed a push on this because in Ohio you can't attend any preschool unless you are 100% potty trained.

Well, summer went by rather quickly and we were still having problems. September finally rolled around and school began. Beckett had a late start and began on Sept 12th. We made it through the first day at school with no issues. Hallelujah!! Then our daughter was born on September 14th. I went into labor on the 13th so we got Beckett off to school and I stayed home to labor. (That is another story which you can read here). So we had exactly 48 hours to get him acclimated to school before another thing came to uproot his life.

He didn't take to well to Finley at first. We know he loves her as he says it all the time. He was very loud and abrupt around her. He was also very rough. But, boys will be boys.

However, five weeks have now passed and each week we get a better report from school. We've had no incidents. He is minding his manners. He is learning his letters and how they sound. He is making new friends (6 to be exact), and learning new skills. He loves to scissor and paste. He doesn't like to color and certainly not within the lines:) He LOVES his gymnastics class and can already to a flip on the rings. He is minding his teacher. These are the reports that make him a "star". Not only in his teachers eyes but in ours as well.

As parents, you always dream big for your kids. Beckett is no exception. We know he is destined for big things and we have no doubt that he is on the right track. Even if we were off to a rough start.

Congratulations on a first big month son! You have made us all proud. You are growing in so many ways and we are starting to see that more and more with each passing day. You are a great big brother to Finley and a great brother to Tatum. They are so lucky to have you. No doubt you will be their protector. We can see that plain as day.

Keep up the star quality work my love!

Mommy

One Month Old

2011-10-21T08:01:00.000-05:00

This is Finley at one month old...

She has been so fussy lately so I decided to take her in for a weight check. She weighed in at 8 lbs 3 oz. So, she is gaining some weight. My concern was only that she was at the breast from 6-10pm straight and every two-three hours prior to that time. She does some decent naps during the day (when Beckett is not home). I had considered maybe skipping out on the dairy as I did when Tatum was a small baby but I decided to give some Fenugreek a try. The fussiness has not subsided but I can tell a dramatic change in my milk supply. Thank goodness.

I go back to work in three weeks and need a supply for my babysitter. Speaking of...we have been ultimately blessed as one of our friends from church has agreed to watch Finley. It is so nice to be able to leave her with someone we KNOW and TRUST. I can't tell you what a relief that is. Such a burden off my shoulders even with the "plan".

Anyway, Finley, aside from her fussiness is starting to really work her neck muscles. She is very alert and working really hard as well on giving me one of those social smiles. I got one...just haven't got one since. I keep trying though. She is giving me a run for my money for sure.

She seems to be very well on par for her age. I don't have any doctor's stats since she doesn't have an appointment until she is two months old. ACK...TWO MONTHS OLD...

So until then:)

My Superstar

2011-10-20T08:01:00.000-05:00

Tatum has recently been awarded Student of the Month. Each year, they use character words to follow and learn. September's word was Character. Tatum received this award last year as well. I can't tell you what this means, as a parent, that your child gets rewarded for her character. I think it means MORE to me as a parent than it did to her to receive it.

She has been doing so well and her teacher has nothing but good things to say about her. Andrew and I recently went to parent teacher conferences and once again, we got nothing but good reports. She is still reading at a 2nd grade level and enjoys math. She is reading at home all the time. She got nothing but 3's on her progress report. Her daddy and I are so proud.

Tatum seemed to have a rough week the week we brought Finley home. No matter what we tried to do she just didn't want to adjust. She quickly got over that though. We've allowed her to bring a friend or two home and that has helped a little. She's been coming home after school too since I've been here and maybe that might have helped some as well.

Now if we could get her to stop growing. She is getting so big so fast. I can't keep her in clothes and the clothes I just bought at the beginning of the school year are already getting too small. UGH~ and make her run a little faster in soccer. Makes us wonder if she still enjoys it!

She

Costs associated with a High Dedcuctible Pregnancy

2011-10-19T12:55:00.000-05:00

This was the last update I had on the cost of our pregnancy thus far. I would LOVE to have this amount to be my final payment:)

The bills, they are a rolling in! We had been paying the bills as they had come in since we had the cash to do so. Now cash is getting tighter and with some new decisions in our family rolling in, it's also getting a little scary. I have called a few of the places to see if they will accept a payment plan. I fully intend to pay all those bills but man it is a lot!

Here is the breakdown.

As of May I had paid out of our pockets $1231.90. I had paid another installment of my delivery fee (doc didn't even deliver me:)) of $300.00

+30.00 in lab fees
+839.99 for the epidural
+887.00 additional to my doctor (who didn't deliver --we are hoping this is an error and we might receive a refund...)
+690.00 for my fee to the hospital
+130.00 for Finley's hospital stay (co pay finally kicked in)
+30.00 for additional doctor's fee's for Finley for her first day of life!

=3837.00 in out of pocket costs thus far

We aren't even positive if all the bills are in.

Oh well. Finley is worth every single penny! I can't imagine our lives without her! But what fun it will be to look back someday at this post and say "look...its cost us $3900.00 to birth you". Can you imagine the cost when our grandkids will be born???

WoW!

First Week Home

2011-10-03T22:00:00.008-05:00

Dear Finley,

My how you have changed our lives forever. You are such a blessing. You are such a good baby and a champion eater. You seem to have placed yourself on a schedule to eat about every 3 hours during the day except for when you are ready to eat and you nurse every 1.5 hours. We now know your hunger cry--it is loud and screechy.

The first night at home was rough. Mommy was so spoiled at the hospital that I forgot that I have to do things for myself now. You slept in the hospital and the first night home, you did not. You loved to snuggle with your daddy and me. You were having no part of sleeping in the bassinet. You only want to be in our arms. We co-slept with you for the first few days.

You had so many visitors that first few days. I am not even sure who all came--it was such a blur. After your first doctors appointment you weighed in at 6 lbs 12 oz. You lost a little bit more weight but the doctors weren't concerned. You were still eating well!

You love riding in the car. Daddy stayed home with us this week to take care of us. We went to Costco to get some groceries and you slept the entire time. We couldn't believe it. You didn't like church too much so I just held you the entire service while walking about the children's nursery. No one bothered us.

The kids are so taken by you. They want so badly to hold you and kiss you and take care of you. Beckett loves to kiss you everywhere--there are no limits with that kid :) Tatum loves to hold you and check on you every single chance she gets. I am sure this will wear off very quickly.

Yes, Finley, you have changed our lives. BUT, we wouldn't change anything about you! To us, you are perfect and a blessing to our family. You have completed us and we couldn't be happier. Your first week home was crazy for all of us but we are starting to figure things out. We love you, our sweet daughter. Thank you for joining our family. Thank you God, for giving us this sweet blessing!

And Baby Makes 5

2011-10-03T06:51:00.000-05:00

September 13 was starting out to be pretty much like any other day in my pregancy. I didn't sleep well because of my hips, I was peeing every 30 minutes, and the contractions were starting in. I say starting in because I woke up with a big one about 3 am and figured yep, this is it. Needless to say, that was my last big one until about 930-10:00 PM the same night.

That morning, I got up and showered and got ready for work. Helped Andrew get the kids ready for school. Got Beckett loaded up in the car and kissed he and Andrew goodbye and wished them a good day. Nothing out of the ordinary. After bubba leaves I have about 20 minutes to finish getting Tatum ready and to the bus. We were ready to walk out and I decided to use the bathroom. I got that done and we didn't get nearly down the driveway and I pee'd myself (or so I thought). I got her down to the bus and walked back. I had some mild contractions and by mild I mean just that....less than 20 seconds and no real "juice" to them. I decided to call in "just in case". I layed on the couch on my left and side and drank a full glass of ice water (just in case I was in false labor--this is what the doctor told us to do). I didn't have any contractions after doing this so I decided to get up and do two loads of laundry and finish cleaning up the house.

Around 11am I got really tired!!! I decided since I was home and this might be my very last day to myself to take a nap. I woke up around 2pm. I got up and ate the lunch that Andrew packed for me earlier that morning and drove to pick up Tatum. I surprised her and took her to Sonic for some 1/2 price smoothies. We made it home and finished up homework. My sister called me and I was going through the screnerio with her and she told me the same thing happened to her and to call the doctor. I called the doctor and first they chastised me for waiting so long to go in to get checked. I told them I would go in soon...

Andrew and Beckett got home around 6pm and I made a quick dinner. I wasn't feeling like eating so I just watched and then told Andrew that we should go to L and D to get checked out. Still not having "good" contractions at this point and they were will like 40-60 minutes apart. We called my neighbor and asked if she would take the kids for a few until we knew for sure and then my parents would come get them. We left the house around 7ish, got to the hospital and was in triage around 8:00. They did a few tests on me and sure enough, my water had broke. They chastised me again and we checked in to have baby at 9:15. We called my parents and they already had the kids bathed and in bed. Now we just wait....

When we checked in I was still dilated a 2 but the contractions were a tad stronger. I still wasn't feeling them but they could see them on the monitor. At 10:00 I was a 3 and since I was moving right along they had talked them off the pictocin until 11:00. I got checked at 1045 and was a 4 and 80%. Still moving along quite nicely. I decided to go ahead and get an epidural so we got that at 1130pm. Andrew was exhausted so I told him to get some sleep. I think we both finally tapped out around midnight. I was pretty comfortable with the epidural. They checked me at 1245 and I was still only a 4 near a 5 and so they decided to give me the dreaded pictocin. I fell back asleep and at about 1:00am I got woke up out of a dead sleep by the feeling of baby descending. I honestly thought that she was just going to "slip" right out. I screamed for Andrew and pushed the button and told them that I needed to push "NOW". They casually thought I was crazy, told me they called my OB and she would be here in 15 minutes. They asked if I could wait--to which I so nicely said no way. I figured I'd be pushing a bit anyway. They "prepped" me and got a resident in the room just in case. They told me to go ahead and push. Push number 1 was her head. Push #2 her body. Yes, two pushes--one contraction! She was so fast. My OB made it right after I delivered the placenta. She was a little disappointed and I understand. She was able to sew me up (small tear) and stayed to talk just a little. I can't believe I didn't get a picture of them together:( Another thing I wanted to do!

Finley was born at 1:06am. She is gorgeous.

Poor Andrew. I had asked him to make sure to take pictures this time around but I delivered so fast there just wasn't time. He cut her cord and he put her on my chest. They cleaned her off a little and then little girl went straight to the breast. She wasn't playing around. Even the nurses were amused! I was nursing my baby girl within 10 minutes of delivering her. After that we did some kangaroo care. They tagged her and got her stats and we were off to our postpartum room around 3am. She transitioned in my room so I didn't get any sleep what so ever as someone had to be awake the whole time she was transitioning.

Mom and dad got the kids off to school. Andrew headed out in the afternoon to get the kids from school to bring them in. I was a little nervous as I wasn't sure how they would take to her. We had several other visitors that morning and Finley did very well. Tatum was very excited. Beckett just wanted to play with all the buttons and switches he could.

The kids and Andrew left for the night ( Andrew doesn't sleep at the hospital as the beds there are not condusive to his back). I get more sleep with him gone I think. Finley slept in my room that second night as well and it was very smooth. I think she was only gone from me for her PKU test as well as hearing exam. I was still feeling some crazy after affects of the epidural. ( I was numb forever).

After everything, it was a very positive birth experience for me. I couldn't ask for more from my last birth. Our family is now complete (hoping that little inkling goes away) and we can now move on to the next chapter of our lives.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-29T16:31:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the World...

2011-09-17T17:12:00.001-05:00

Finley Larkin Ebbeskotte

Born on September 14th at 1:06 am
7lbs 4oz
21 inches long

We love her and she is perfect. God is good. Birth story to come soon:)

He's Bringing Preschool Back....

2011-09-12T20:08:00.001-05:00

Today, my little man started preschool.

It is the same preschool Tatum attended so he has the same teacher. As you know with Beckett's toileting I was a little apprehensive about how today would go.

Andrew and I dropped him off together. I met Andrew there and walked Beckett up the sidewalk and let him open the door. Miss Phyllis met us at the door and greeted Beckett with his "preschool animal" ( a monkey) and took a picture of of all of us together. It was so nice as I was so emotionally disconnected I didn't get many pictures of him. Andrew did get one...which I will try to get off of FB and put on here. I did get a few pictures of his classroom.

It was so fun seeing him check out his new school. I know he was anxious about it as he told us yesterday. But when we got there it was like he knew exactly what he was doing. He found his desk, the books, he computer, etc. I did get some picture of those:)

I was so sure that today was not going to go well. I barely left my desk today just in case the teacher was going to call. She did, but only to tell me he was going great. He did have some trouble at nap time but that didn't surprise me since he usually goes down at 230 and he was in bed by 130 today. She told me it took some time for him to adjust to that type of nap setting and she woke him around 330 today. He finally got adjusted to sleep around 230 so he got an hour nap.

I did pick him up from preschool too so that I could talk to Phyllis to make sure all my questions were answered. Did he do OK with his pull-up at nap-time? Did he nap? Did he eat his lunch? What about his snack? Did he make it to the potty on time? But you know what? Phyllis calmed my nerves. She told me he did really well. He colored, and followed instructions, and made friends and took his nap, and ate his lunch. He scissored and cut (with his left hand) and played on the swing-set. He had a great first day! I couldn't ask for anything more.

Congrats Beckett. You have survived your first day. You were a big boy and mommy and daddy are soooo proud of you!

38 Week Appointment

2011-09-08T11:23:00.000-05:00

Weight -2 (woot woot...back down to 11 lbs)

BP: 128/80

HB 145-150

Dilation: 2 50% effaced

Have to send praises out to my dad for again taking care of Beckett while I was in with the doctor. This would have been the WORST day for him to have been stuck in there with me. The doctor was running late and I was in there in almost an hour--which is strange as they typically get me in early and I leave within 15 minutes.

This week as been OK. I haven't been getting a lot of sleep. My hips have been hurting big time and I can't sleep much past 4am. I have been having immense charlie horses and leg cramps too. Yesterday, they were so bad I couldn't stand for an hour. Luckily, I ate a banana and they calmed down enough for me to get to work and SIT there for 8 hours.

Baby is still down and moving like crazy. The doctor kinda tried to "push" me a little to a three and "sorta" stripped my membranes. She said she didn't do it all the way as that wasn't her intention but that my cervix didn't like it anyway so she stopped before it got bad. Didn't stop me from cramping and bleeding and hurting for the last 2 hours. :(

I decided to park it on the couch here for a little bit.

Baby was NOT cooperating for the doctor today though. She asked if I felt baby was big and I said I couldn't tell a difference from my other two. She said that usually means they are usually around the same size. ????? I am still measuring at 37 weeks so I am not sure what kinda news that brings. However, she will not induce unless you go over 40 weeks so I am good there for now. However, if this baby doesn't come soon, I may ask her..LOL (joking)

I know Andrew and I were really gunning for the natural childbirth this time around...and by natural I mean without induction. I am NOT against pain meds. I just have had horrible, horrible outcomes with both of them. With T, I got an epidural which only took on one half of my body. I felt everything on one side...so my healing was also off. I was compensating for pain on one side with the other. With B I got the other side effects, like the shakes, headaches, backaches and swollen appendages. Not looking forward to any of those side effects this time around. I am not against induction either but man were those contractions painful:)

Well, here's to another week and another updates. If you pray, please pray that baby comes this weekend! I would love it to be in the next three days. I do prefer NOT to have a Sept 11 baby but that is for personal reasons. Lets aim for 9-10-11!!! OK prayer warriors...GO!

Till next week,

Kim

Updates

2011-09-04T19:06:00.000-05:00

I figured it was about time I gave you some updates on our family. I've been using this blog as a tool to document things and feel like my kids as well as Andrew and I's life have kinda taken a back seat to this upcoming baby!

Tatum has started school. She loves it thus far and and so do I. Her teacher sends home her homework for the ENTIRE WEEK. What I like about this is, I always know what is going on and that if there is a really busy day, (IE.. Wednesdays), we can double up on Tuesdays without running out of time and trying like crazy to rush through Wednesday's homework. So far they have been very basic assignments and I am sure they will get more involved. For right now this works.

Tatum has brought home a HERO card already for being a good helper and a student of the day for giving another student half her cookie since there wasn't enough to go around. She is such a good person. Her heart is so full. She loves to help other people. She is so compassionate. She has made some new friends which I am so thankful for. Not that we don't want her keeping her old friends, but Andrew and I just wanted to make sure she knew that other kids to exist. She is very happy that her friend, Layla, from church is attending the 1st grade an is in her class.

We have officially started soccer and Awana for both kids. Tatum's team looks very good. She seems to be happy with it and is taking all the soccer skills she learned from camp this summer with her. The last few practices have been hot, but we are thankful the weather is cooling down. Beckett starts next week. Saturday's for the next few weeks will be tiring I am sure. I am NOT sure what we were thinking, except maybe we wanted to give Beckett every advantage that Tatum had.

Awana has just started and I cannot even begin to tell you how excited the kids were. Andrew picked up Beckett and fed him dinner before meeting us at the church. Tatum had soccer practice so she had to eat her dinner in the car. It was Beckett's first time as a Cubbie. We dropped him off in his room and then took Tatum to her room, where of course, her friend Ellie was waiting for her. I didn't even get a goodbye or a kiss...WOW. We walked back up to Beckett's room to check on him before leaving and he was already having fun playing with tinker toys.

Since we didn't have the kids, and baby #3 wasn't acting like he/she was making an appearance anytime soon, Andrew and I took advantage of this and went out to dinner. He had been wanting to go to Mongolian BBQ for years...( I don't really like it) so I suggested this to him...knowing full well they had a salad bar and I had a doctors appointment the following morning. After dinner and getting in the car, he casually mentioned it wasn't as good as he remembered and we can cross it off our going back to dinner list. LOL. I love my husband.

We have been working hard on getting the house refinanced due to all the changes and potential changes in our future. We got rid of the 15+ year old couches in our family room and made that into a play room for the kids. We took down the old blinds and curtains and Andrew purchased new ones. We picked up old toys and donated them as well as binned up most of the newer toys and left strict instructions as to where those toys should be. We have shampoo'd most of the carpet (looks SO much better)!! Please pray for us that our appraisal (coming up on Friday) goes well. We could really use some extra cash in our hands.

Beckett has been driving us NUTS. He seems to be all hyper and wired up. I am not sure if this is a phase or if he is really struggling. We are trying to give each kid extra attention but he just makes it so hard. He is hard to please, isn't listening worth a darn and just so quick to be so mean. He and Tatum are all over each other constantly. He is pushing and shoving and being aggressive. So not the little boy he was just a few short months ago. He have punishments put into place but he is very testy. He seems to be in time out more often than not. I am glad he has Cubbies and soccer. I am hoping these will be good outlets for him AND my baby boy starts Preschool in ONE WEEK (stay tuned for that one). Prayer is also accepted for this as well as his behavior. We are just not used to this type of behavior. I know not all kids are the same and we shouldn't expect it to be!

My doctor's appointments have been very good. Baby is due in 12 days. I honestly pray that he/she comes much sooner. I am ready for my baby. I am ready for our lives to get back to a little normalcy. I want my body back (not that it was all that to begin with) but I miss my running and being able to wear my exercise clothes.

Andrew has been taking care of everything here. He is a cleaning machine. Some of which is due to the refinance and some due to the baby. I just can't do it all anymore. My body tells me when to shut down. He is an awesome husband. He has given up so much for us lately. My hope is that once the baby comes he will be able to continue to the things that he loves like getting to the library for his research. I never want to have him give up those things.

I think that is about it...until next time:)

Its FOOTBALL SEASON!!!

2011-09-03T11:30:00.000-05:00

09/03/11	vs. Akron	Columbus, Ohio	12:00 p.m. ET
09/10/11	vs. Toledo	Columbus, Ohio	12:00 p.m. ET
09/17/11	at Miami	Miami, Fla.	7:30/8:00 PM ET
09/24/11	vs. Colorado	Columbus, Ohio	TBA
10/01/11	vs. Michigan State *	Columbus, Ohio	TBA
10/08/11	at Nebraska *	Lincoln, Neb.	8:00 p.m. ET
10/15/11	at Illinois *	Champaign, Ill.	TBA
10/29/11	vs. Wisconsin *	Columbus, Ohio	8:00 p.m. ET
11/05/11	vs. Indiana *	Columbus, Ohio	TBA
11/12/11	at Purdue *	West Lafayette, Ind.	TBA
11/19/11	vs. Penn State *	Columbus, Ohio	TBA
11/26/11	at Michigan *	Ann Arbor, Mich.	TBA
12/03/11	Big Ten Championship

37 Week Appointment

2011-09-01T14:48:00.000-05:00

Again, thank you daddy for taking time out of your day this morning to come and sit with Beckett. I am glad the doctors have been running on time and the wait's aren't long. But it makes it much easier to get through the appointment knowing that I do not have to worry about bubba.

Weight: +1 (On a side note, she was very happy about this and said to keep up whatever I was doing--hmmm...so maybe she was having a bad week last week)? 13 lbs total.

BP: 128/80 The same as its been give or take a few

HB: Baby was all over the place today--at one point escalating to 170 but once calmed down settled into 140-150.

GBS came back negative so no IV for me:) My anemia test came back 1 pt lower than where she would like it to be but she just advised me to keep taking my vitamins.

Dilation: 1 cm and 50% effaced. This baby isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

This week has been somewhat miserable. I have got a little edema in my feet (swollen feet) this time around and boy are they uncomfortable. Doc didn't seem too worried about it--checked both feet and told me to when I can to lay down, drink lots of water and stay away from salt. I do all of it anyway, except for the lay down part. So today when I got home and did a load of laundry, I took the chance to lay down and guess what? My already swollen feet were back down to normal! Maybe the doc's do know what they are talking about:)

I did get my flu shot while I was there so now my feet, pelvic area, hips and arm all hurt. Oh well...two weeks to go right? My aunt and cousin are on their way in and we will be meeting them at Thurmans here shortly. I've pulled T out of school for this meeting as she has never met them so we are off to go get her now.

On another note, I got another surprise baby shower from my office. They showered me with a few cupcakes, a nice giftcard and a big pack of diapers. I love my team. I am so sad that we are disbanding here in a short 10 weeks or so and we will all be on different teams. I did get the choice job that I asked for--even though I will suck at it! At least it is a job--right?

Till next week...as this baby is comfortably settled in for the duration it sounds like:) Hey...at least its a long weekend!!!

36 Week Appointment

2011-08-25T12:20:00.000-05:00

First and foremost, I need to take this time to thank my daddy. He came today and sat in the waiting room with Becket so that he did not have to be in the room with me. This really means a lot to me!

Weight: 4 lbs. She wasn't angry but just said it wasn't like me. She asked what I might have changed and I told her I hadn't been to the gym in a week. Its so painful to walk...it feels better to swim..but if I want to swim, I then have to take the children. So then it turns out to be more about watching the kids have fun than getting the exercise I need. She said "get back to the gym".

BP: 128/80...perfect again.

HB: 130's

Appointment overall went very well. I think I was less stressed knowing Beckett was being well taken care of from my dad--and I didn't have to answer any questions:) I got my Group B Strep test today and I will find out next week. I did have this with Tatum but not with Beckett. Also, for the last part of my pregnancy, amazingly I am not running big. Praise Jesus. I am measuring at 35 weeks. Baby is down and dilation was a 1.

I'll take it. I keep telling baby that I need one more week. My aunt and cousin are coming in from Florida next week on Thursday and they are staying until Saturday. No that baby will listen...but that is my hope. I want their visit to be no stress as well as no stress for my dad as I know he is really worried about me going into labor before they arrive or while they are here.

I also keep making a list of things that I still need....or WANT might be more like it.

1. New baby monitor...we need a digital one
2. A baby book ...tried Target and BRU...didn't find one that I liked...suggestions?
3. A swaddler blanket. I've never had one..but want one this time around
4. More paci's. I let Tatum pick out a pack and I have one that came in a package from my friend Debbie. I know it will depend on what baby wants...

Hahah...I think that is it!

Until next week that is~

First Day of School 2011

2011-08-24T21:21:00.000-05:00

I said I wouldn't do it....cry that is. My I can't help it...my hormonal, emotional self just couldn't help it. I was excited for her. She was starting something new and on her own. She got a different teacher than Erica so she was going in blind.

The morning started off good. She must have been very excited because she got up at 6:00...before her alarm. MY KID....6am. Anyway, I had gotten up early and made this delicious yummy casserole with some leftover banana bread. The casserole was gone so everyone must have enjoyed it. I put it in the oven and went back to bed. I got in the shower at 610 and by the time I got downstairs, Tatum was already dressed in her back to school outfit that she picked out herself:)

We got lunches packed and teeth brushed and then we were off to the bus stop. Of course, it has been raining since 5 am and showing no signs of slowing down..so instead of our usual walk to the bus stop, we drove. We took a few pictures, none of which I am happy with and said our goodbyes.

I honestly was okay..I was CLOSE...I wont lie...but I only shed one tear while at the bus stop. I came home and loaded up the car and took a minute to myself to pray. I prayed for her, her bus driver, her school day, the friends that God was going to have come into her life this year. I prayed for their protection from wrong doing. And while I was doing this, I look back and my baby boy has his head bowed and his hands perfectly folded--he was praying with me. THEN I cried....and I cried HARD.

After our amen's and I love you's...we were off to Amy's but NOT before I couldn't remember if I turned off the oven. Luckily I was close to home and was only 10 minutes late for work.

I couldn't wait to pick her up tonight so I could hear all about it. She had very few kids in her class that were from her last class so I was a little worried about her. But, you know T. She has her very own agenda. She was happy that she got to sit next to Layla for a brief period, but then got her desk moved because she was too tall for it:) She got to sit next to a new little girl named Cheyeanne and she said she tried really hard to befriend her because she was new to the school. She ate lunch with her and played with her during recess. She is such a great kid. God sure blessed us with her. I am so proud that she is my daughter. People will learn from her--I just know it!

She couldn't wait to have daddy come home though so she could tell him all about it.

We love you Tatum. You have such a huge heart and we love you for that. We continue to pray for you for a great year not only emotionally, but spiritually and scholarly as well. We are sooo proud of you!

Sweet and Sassy

2011-08-22T21:00:00.001-05:00

Sunday, our friend Melinda and her daughter Isabella invited Tatum and I out for a night on the town. Izzy was celebrating her 6th birthday and Melinda took them to Sweet and Sassy for a mini spa day.

This place is sooo cute. It is just like a miniature spa. It has foot baths for pedi's, tables and dryers for mani's and salon tables for hair and makeup. It also has a little catwalk for the kids to "strut" their stuff. Tatum and Izzy had a great time. They started them off with pedi's. The kids got to pick out their own polish (purple) and a toe ring. TOE RING? Tatum thought it tickled when they were "cleaning" her feet. Izzy was giggling the entire time too!

Next up were the mani's. They got to to pick their polish color (T picked blue ) BLUE?? and a decal to put on their nails. I asked her to sit under the dryer twice as this might be the longest time polish has ever been on my kids nails.

After nails was hair and makeup. They got to pick from several different styles that did not require a cut. T and Izzy chose different styles. Tatum said it was the first time she "missed" her long hair--but quickly got over it when she touched her hair and it was sticky and I explained that it will be that much more sticky in the morning. I had to try to tell her that I could try to duplicate the style for Monday but I had not guarantee's.

After the girls were done, they did a quick stunt on the catwalk. The girls were so cute strutting their stuff and posing for pictures. It was truely like Hollywood for them. They got to wear boa's and play loud music. It was a very fun day. We are so very blessed to have great friends that wanted to include us in their very special day.

After Sweet and Sassy, Melinda and I decided we didn't want the girls' makeover to simply go to waste....so we opted to take them to a "fancy" restaurant for dinner. We chose Molly Woo's since that is Izzy's favorite place to eat. We walked over and the girls held hands the whole way and had little chats..so cute!

Iz wanted to eat outside so we enjoyed our dinner outside. We all had a great dinner and we got ice cream and banana egg roles for dessert. The weather was great and it allowed us adults time to chat and the girls to simply do what they do best...be silly.

Happy Birthday Isabella. We hope you enjoyed your day as much as we did. Thank you for letting us be a part of it!

Sunday Sneak Peak

2011-08-21T21:33:00.000-05:00

Nesting

2011-08-19T22:05:00.000-05:00

Some people call what I have been doing Nesting...I call it getting what all I have to done--DONE...before this baby comes. Which , by the way, I believe will be sooner rather than later. Baby is sitting very low and every time he/she kicks I fee like my waters may break.

They say that the more active you are toward the end of your pregnancy the better labor will go for you. I haven't been to the gym in a week...A WEEK! This is horrible for me. I'm not trying to pack on the pounds, I assure you and I am still getting weird pregnancy cravings. For instance, I woke up this morning craving grape Koolaid. I had it a few times last summer and it is good, but we haven't had it in the house since. AND...I only buy sugar free stuff which is way more expensive, so I try to limit that kind of stuff. We do always have lemonade though!

But back to the nesting. I have been having some very real pelvic and hip pain. I feel like the sides of my legs are literally separating. Doctor says this is completely normal--I say this because I have not had pain like this in either of my other pregnancies. They way I walk is like an OLD person who can't keep balance and might need a walker in their near future..it cannot even be classified as the pregnancy waddle. Andrew tells me this baby is coming soon and I couldn't agree more. I just need to get through this week..it's close week..which means that if baby #3 decided to come, he couldn't get any time off and would only be there for the birth. This happened with Tatum.

While the kids bathed this week I was up in the nursery. I cleaned all the baby clothes I had 0-3 that wouldn't be too hot or cold for unisex, boys and girls clothes. I have those all in a basket ready to go as I don't have a dresser for this kid yet (long story). I separated all the clothes out by gender. I have all the diapers separated by size and wipes ready to go. We don't use a changing table, but I have all that stuff ready to go as well--upstairs. I still need to get the downstairs set up. Crib is put together. We don't do a whole lot of decor in our nursery (cost) so the walls are bare...but I hope to buy something like this from Etsy once baby is born. I also like this.

We had a surprise baby shower this week from our small group so I have gotten all those items out of the bags and on a sheet so that I can send thank you cards. I think I will try to make them with my cricket if I can find the time. If not, it is to the store I go.

I got the laundry done for the week, trimmed the tree out front, shaved the dog and cut their nails. I got the grocery shopping done and finished the school shopping with maybe the exception of some jeans which I will hopefully shop for on Sunday with Tatum.

Tomorrow we plan to go through all the toys to get those separated out and then hopefully to our last trip to the pool to get some swim time in while daddy is at the library. I still have a ton of things that need to be done...including getting my hospital bag packed!!!! On a great note...though...I HAVE A JOB!!!! This as the week that I was going to find out if I had a job or not to come back to and the hours. I HAVE A JOB!!

Maybe this is a good time to make a list.

*Get out pack and play and set it up in the front room
*Get out changing pad and changing kit for the upstairs and bring down a kit for the downstairs to have handy
*Get the carseat out to install it AND clean Beckett's as he just pee'd in it.
*Clean out the garage
*Bring up the baby swing(s)
*Bouncer
* Pack hospital bag
* Pack up a diaper bag

I feel like there is so much more, but I just can't "think" it right now. I wish I could get some rest (pain when I sleep)...or this would not be such an issue.

My next post???? Probably Tatum's trip to sweet and sassy!!! OR if I don't make it back for that one, it will be (((tear tear)))) the first day of FIRST GRADE....OR...maybe my little three year old sleepwalker:)

Till then!

SURPRISE

2011-08-18T07:03:00.000-05:00

SURPRISE!!!!

This is what I was blessed with today as we walked into our small group tonight. Our small group blessed us abundantly with their time, energy and gifts. Can I just say this baby is LOVED....already and by people that have no relation to it.

Sara (our group chef) fixed my families favorite foods of wings, homemade saratoga chips, salad and cake balls. It was such a surprise. The only thing missing was Andrew. He got pulled in 500 directions at work today (we knew he would be in advance) and was unable to make it tonight. The kids were with me as I opened up our gifts.

We were blessed with some more diapers, wipes, outfits and bath items. We even got a gift card so that we could purchase something that we needed. We are so blessed!! What a beautiful surprise for our family. I can't wait for our little "surprise" to meet all these wonderful people.

6 Weeks To Go

2011-08-11T16:59:00.000-05:00

Weight +3 lbs (ack): but still puts me 8 lbs total and doc is still happy so that is ok with me.
BP: 128/82 still perfect
HB: 130-140

I knew this was going to be my last "quick" appt. The kids had their leapster an the i touch so it was a quiet appointment. I told the doctor about all the pain I had been having and she said the chiropractor would probably not help. It was all the hormones that lax all of your "parts" to prepare you for the grand exit. I was do disheartened as I was really hoping there was something else I could do. Trying to prepare myself for another 6 weeks of this pain is really more than I can handle at the moment. I can barely walk...which stinks because I really need to keep this weight off.

For some reason she mentioned possibly another sugar test at 38 weeks but at that time what is the point? My sugars were dead on for all three tests. Anyway, my next appointment is in two weeks and I will have my cervix checked as well as my group b strep test. I had this with Tatum but not with Beckett...so there is always that possibility. I can really do without the dilation checks though...

I think I am going to get ready to set up a fun thing my friend Debbie did and make a new little guessing game for the baby! That was so fun and since no one knows the gender...

Vacation Over

2011-08-05T08:31:00.000-05:00

Last week I was on vacation with the kids. I had tried to plan all this fun stuff out with them, but it ended up being a complete flop. It was so ungodly hot outside I just couldn't be outside for too long:(

I had my 32 week appointment on Wednesday so afterwards, we went to lunch with my sister, her kids, and my mom. Afterwards, we headed to a local park and let them play for a little...but gracious we didn't last long. My sis took her kids her kids home and we headed back over to spend a little time with my mom. It amazes me every summer how little time I get to spend with my mom and sister in the summer since they are both teachers, so I try to treasure how much time I have with them. The kids played with the toys and I had some time to just talk to my mom.

Thursday, I knew I was headed to the pool (it was 96 degrees outside). I made sure I sat in the pool more than the lawn chair though. We were meeting a friend there along with her kids and I was excited to get a chance to talk to them. We were there until about 4 and the kids were wiped out! It was a quick dinner for the kids as Andrew and I took them on a tour of the hospital where Baby #3 would be born. I did this with Tatum and it worked out rather well. Beckett loved looking at the babies in the nursery and playing with the elevator. I was more worried about Tatum as she was the one who said she didn't want me to be "hurt" or go to the hospital. I wanted her to see that I would be safe, someone would always be with me and that daddy would be sure to spend the night with her and not me:) This worked out very well with Tatum as Andrew could go home and get some real sleep and I can sleep during the day in the hospital while he tends to Baby #3. Last time we only spent a day there. I am hoping we can do that this time around too!

Friday, I took them to see Mr. Poppers Penquins. It was a cute movie and the only one that we could all agree too.There were several choices (Winnie the Pooh, Cars2, etc) but no one was interested. I even tried the dollar theater route and that was a bust. We got out of the movie and headed out to H & M kids. My friend, Ellen, and I have been talking about this store forever, and I decided to finally make a break for it and just go in. I loved the store. They had very cute stuff, it appeared to be very durable and everything was very reasonably priced. Tatum got her first day of school outfit and I got it for $16.00! We came home and since they were very good I let them make ice cream sundaes--this was a fun activity and they enjoyed it.

Saturday, I went on a little trip to a little known store, IKEA, with my friend and blog land buddy, Kelli! She got a group of her friends together and we all met there and enjoyed the food and shopping together. I didn't get a whole lot of stuff (which is OK) b/c lord knows I have enough "stuff". I did however, get some new cleaning rags, a new salad spinner for Andrew since he makes our lunch everyday, and some new bowls and cups for the kids. I felt they had outgrown the plates so I only bought one pack of those. I also got a new laudry hanging thing so I can hang the bathing suites outside to dry since you aren't suppose to really dry those. We got home a little earlier than I anticipated....and Andrew had been working on the nursery. It is nearly done! We still dont' have a dresser ( long story) and I would like to get a lamp (should have picked that one up at IKEA), but the room is painted, the bedding is on and soon, I hope to get the tree painted on the wall. I am lolly gagging on that last point!

I also stopped by Old Navy since they were having their stock up sale and got Tatum two new swimsuites for $3.99 a piece! Love bargains!

Sunday, we took the kids to the Ohio State Fair. Goodness it was HOT! We got there around 2. Andrew had a wresting show we wanted to attend so I took the kids and explored the fair with them. Beckett got stuck on the model train exhibit at the beginning of the fair and wouldn't stop about it. Tatum was hooked on the rides and sad when I told her we were only doing a few rides each! We walked around for a little, sat down, walked around for a little more, sat down...you get the picture. We did a few exhibit buildings, and the kids did a gingerbread house for a craft. We saw the chocolate pigs (which I would have gladly taken home to eat)! We went to the agriculture building and the kids peddled around on some tractors, visited the chickens, sheep, bunnies and we couldn't miss the petting zoo where the kids could feed them some carrots.

After all that we watched the pig races and met back up with Andrew to ride a few more rides. We were all tired and HOT and I was starting to get some contractions so I knew I needed to get out of the heat. I do need to say, we drank a TON of water and lemonade! After the rides, we were headed back to the trains one last time and Beckett got a sever bloody nose...the thing just wouldn't stop. We had to head to the nurses station (back out of our way) and we were there for another 1/2 hour but it finally stopped--thank God. He gets them so often anymore. After heading home we decided to stop to get mommy and daddy something to eat (kids wanted at hotdog from the fair) and we got the kids some ice cream at Bob Evans while daddy and I partook in a salad. I was still just reeling from the heat so nothing heavy sounded good to me:)

It was a busy week but not so busy. I wouldn't change it for anything.

Happy Birthday, My Love

2011-07-28T11:00:00.000-05:00

This past weekend, Andrew celebrated his 36th birthday. We usually try to go out and spend some time together and we generally have a sitter. This year, we chose to break free from the normal, as well as the kids and spend a whole weekend together.

We left the kids with Andrew's parents. We drove up to Chatfield on Saturday morning and spend the afternoon with his family. They had a little birthday luncheon for him with a yummy Jimmy Carter dessert to end with. You can find the recipe here. It was very good. Even the kids wanted more. Who doesn't love chocolate and peanut butter?

We left around 3pm and on our way home, kidless, we tried to figure out where to go for dinner. I kept laughing and said this would be a good time to have a smart phone. LOL. Anyway, we opted to go home to take the dogs out and decide where to go. Andrew loves the House of Japan and we haven't been there in quite some time, so we decided to head over there. Our dinner was amazing and so good. The fried rice was delicious. Not that it is about me...but I could just go to eat that rice and sprouts! It is one of the few places Andrew can have a steak and the smell doesn't bother me! After dinner we headed over to Rave and watched Captain America, which I thought was a great movie! They were having problems with that theater and it started a little late so we missed he credits and the Avengers Movie preview, but oh well! Really, if you like comics and -we do- you should check it out! The rest of the night was a stormy mess...it rained and stormed FOR HOURS!

Sunday started out slow which is OK. We headed out to our favorite prekid place for lunch, THURMANS. We get here about once a year now. We wish we could do it more, but lets face it, 2 hour waits are just not KID friendly. We don't mind waiting b/c we know what we are getting. It is so fascinating to me to watch people come in and try to put their names in and hear the 2 hour wait time. So many people huff off:( A lot of them stay though--and it makes it cool to people watch. We got in after about 40 minutes as we are a party of two. See, they have several two seated high top tables which you can get if you have a party of two. We lucked out that day and we were the first party of two that showed up so we got in as soon as the first people who opened up the restaurant left:) We very much enjoyed out lunch and stayed to just enjoy each others company for a bit. The best thing about Thurman's other than the delicious food is the ambiance. This place is a jacked up hole in the wall. The seating sucks, the booths are uncomfortable...up until a few years ago, there was only one bathroom but the food and memories are priceless. It makes us happy and that is why we love it:)

Afterwards, we headed to our movie, back at Rave. We finally got to see Transformers. It was long, maybe a little overdone and the storeyline was a little too much a times. I think they tried to concentrate a little too much on the relationship and job loss and the mass destruction at the end was was a lot. But, I loved the special effects, and it was the END of the series, so I had to have some emotional attachment to it. After the movie, we headed to Target to get curtains and a rod for babies room! Finally, something is taking place. I can't wait to get it done.

We headed home and chilled out a bit and then decided to try to hit up another one of our favorite places, The Melting Pot, for dinner. Now normally, we have to make reservations awhile in advance, so when I hit up the online reservation website , The Open Table, and they had seating for us at 7:00. I jumped on it! We had a great dinner, skipped the "main meal" and enjoyed our dessert. It was a great!

It was a great weekend! I am glad we got to hang out and do somethings together. We had some good conversation and it was nice to be able to hold his hand crossing the street and not one of the kids'.

Much love to you my love. I hope you enjoyed your birthday weekend as much as I did:)

32 Week Appointment

2011-07-27T16:04:00.000-05:00

All I can say is MIRACLE!

My kids, my pregnancy, my health, my growing baby...all MIRACLES.

I went in today feeling a little skeptical because lets face it, the last few weeks I have eaten terribly. I had my girls weekend away in Newark and we at out for lunch and dinner and everything in between. Andrew's birthday followed with the exact same schedule. I have managed to fit in a few workouts but they seem to be getting fewer and farther between.

Today my stats were as followed:

Weight gain +1 (total 5 lbs)
BP 118/78 (perfect and normal for me)
Heart Beat 151-154

I am telling you, this baby has blessings surrounding it. I cannot wait to meet him/her. Baby moves constantly--flips and flops every which direction. Babe is never in the same place long. Movement is pretty regular too--usually around 630 am, 900 am, 1130 and then really active around 2pm--very mellow until about 630 or so and then again starts moving around 1130. I haven't really lost sleep (YET) with movement..but man...my hips hurt. Seems to be the way baby is laying or I am misaligned. I don't know.

Kids did not enjoy this appointment though. They kept us waiting for 35 minutes which is way longer than normal. I only had one Leapster as the DS was in hubs car. They were up and moving around and touching everything. Once doc came in though they were very quiet to hear baby. Beckett still refers to the doppler as the thing that hurts his ears and sounds like a train (baby heartbeat).

After the appointment, we got together with my mom and my sister and ate lunch at Chick-Fil-A and then headed to a local park to play for a little. It was hot so we didn't stay long but it was nice for my kids to see their cousins--it doesn't happen too often:( After the park though, we went to grannys to play inside for a bit before heading back home. The kids love it there and I like having some time to talk to my mom.

Only 55 days to go! Can you believe it? I still have sooo much stuff to do though. The nursery isn't even close to being done. Andrew and I got the curtains and rod. I still have to take a sample for the lady that is going to paint the tree in the nursery. I am heading to IKEA this weekend with some girlfriends to shop. I LOVE IKEA. I got a lot there when I bought my first apartment and I've been shopping there since. I hope to find some goodies for the nursery.

More baby updates in two weeks. I go twice through the month of August and then once a week until the baby arrives. :)

I GIVE UP...I give up

2011-07-26T13:35:00.000-05:00

Today has literally been a day of hell...seriously, I mean it could be worse, so I guess I shouldn't say that, but my patience for my second born has all but went out the window.

This morning started out ok..he came to wake me up--normal. Then no sooner did breakfast end, and we all got dressed did he do the unthinkable. He pooped his pants. Nope...not the normal that I am used to, I mean flat out pooped his pants. So, after thinking he cleaned himself up, he threw them down the laundry shoot!

I made him go get them so I could appropriately clean them. Not that I wasn't doing a few hundred loads of laundry anyway. I couldn't help it...just let him cry...and cry he did for like an hour. I couldn't console him because I was so frustrated. Have you ever read one of those articles in the baby magazines where sometimes you need to put yourself in time out? Well, that is what I had to do. I had to put myself in time out. Once I calmed down and he calmed down--things seemed to progress better.

We went downstairs and cleaned up a bit. Tatum and I sorted out the "newborn" clothes--a few of each sex and all the gender neutral clothes to be washed. I opened up the dryer to put a load in and had standing water. I am not sure why--I think we may need a new cover for the outside vent--or maybe it might need to be cleaned. I hate think that there could be anything worse going on there.

Once we were finished we opted to go to the grocery store. Afterwards, we came home, ate lunch and while I was finishing my lunch, Tatum comes barreling up the stairs--screaming her head off. I didn't hear any arguing from the basement playroom, so I thought maybe she stepped on something or saw a bug or spider. Nope..what happened was, she was playing petshop (darn little pieces) and Beckett wanted the piece she was playing with. So she being the genius she is, put it in her mouth. Beckett hit her, it startled her, and it flew down her throat. Right now, we are trying to figure out if it is trapped in her throat (she thinks it is) or is trying to work its way down to her stomach. It was plastic, so I suppose we only wait for it to pass. She panicked though, so I had to calm her down.

Meantime, Beckett is sitting in time out. As soon as T calmed down I told Beckett he was going to bed. I got him upstairs went to put a diaper on him. Took of his pants and he had on no underwear. I asked him where they were and sure enough, he started crying. I immediately know what this meant. He pooped in his pants again. This time was the normal--an by normal, I mean he "caught" himself and tried to make it to the bathroom and didn't succeed. He knew he was busted again. I put him to bed and shut the door. If you know this boy, you know that the door to his room is never shut (it makes him sad) and he did NOT fight me. Which only tells me that he knows he is doing the wrong thing..yay! He knows right from wrong. So riddle me this? Why wont he just use the bathroom?

Thus far, I have heard no movement so I must have made my point. Next up, more laundry and a trip outside for the slip and slide. I feel like I need another time out. Hopefully, a trip to the gym will calm me tonight:)

Till then!

Tatum's "Business Trip"

2011-07-16T08:14:00.003-05:00

On Thursday, we were trying to surprise Tatum with a trip to Kings Island. We got up as normal as I told her the night before she would probably be hanging with me and I had to get a lot of things done. When she got up and finished breakfast we broke the news that daddy needed some help on his trip and we decided she could go.

She was clueless.

Andrew packed a backpack of lunch, sunscreen, water,etc and off they went. He was so nice to keep me updated via pictures and phone calls so that I didn't feel like I was missing anything. Being 7 months pregnant, it just wasn't feasible for me spend the extra 40.00-50.00 to just "walk around", so I swallowed my motherly pride of wanting to be there for all of their "firsts" and had Andrew take her by himself. I got several updates throughout the day as well as pics. As soon as I can figure out how to get them from my cellphone to the computer, I will post them. I know there is that option, I just have to figure it out!

When she got home, I did ask her all about it, but she was so tired...she just went upstairs. The following morning, she woke me up and said with all smiles, "guess what? I went to Kings Island". She was very excited to tell me all about it.

I am so happy that she got to experience that this summer. Since we didn't do a vacation, we have been trying to figure out a good way to get them out and about this summer. Such a good memory she will have with her daddy:)

The Many Faces

2011-07-09T10:00:00.000-05:00

29 Week Appointment

2011-07-08T10:00:00.000-05:00

BP: 128/78
Weight +3 lbs
HB: 150

I had to have my 3rd glucose test today. I am hoping it is my last one. I have been really working at staying healthy and keeping active. Every few weeks, I get into a slump, mostly because I get soo busy doing things with the kids and being taxi driver, and helping people out, etc, etc...that I don't feel like doing anything more when I get home.

The appointment was again, very uneventful. Both kids went with me and were very good. Doc was very gracious about my weight gain. She wasn't upset or anything. Thank goodness. I am guessing 30 weeks and only four pounds gained is a good thing for me which is why she isn't upset. I still have 10 weeks go to..so even if I gain 1 lbs a week I am still much lower weight gain wise than with my other two. I just have to say that I am soo happy! I have worked so hard and it is such a blessed payoff.

Another amazing thing? I measured exactly to the week. This has never happened to me in any of my pregnancies. EVER. I was shocked. I had to call Andrew right away to tell him:) She then got the doppler out to take a listen and I was excited as both kids were there to listen. The baby had a strong heart beat and was moving like crazy. The doc had a hard time getting baby to stay in one place enough to get the heartbeat count. We finally got it, and suffice to say doc had no problem believing me that baby was a mover and a shaker!

Hopefully the glucose comes back ok! I'll keep you updated!

A Heavy Heart...

2011-07-07T12:48:00.000-05:00

Late last week, a member of New Life Church Gahanna, had a brain aneurysm while on a mission trip to Costa Rica. While Andrew and I don't know him personally, we do know of him. He was very present within our large church. He was a greeter and you saw him and his family every Sunday! I don't pretend to know him or his wife, although she is very active in the children's ministry (where Andrew and I serve) and was Beckett's Sunday School Teacher. They have 4 very small children (the youngest is 6 months old).

As I write this, Pastor Brian and Dean are headed back home. Dean quietly passed on Sunday morning (we were told during service). Sabrina, his wife, was able to fly to Costa Rica to be with him. God graciously spared her from making those very difficult decisions she probably prayed about on the flight to him. They are expected to arrive home tonight around 9pm.

When I found out he had fallen ill, I prayed and I prayed hard. I talked to a few friends of mine about him and to my sister. All people that I know pray. I had to ask them because the entire time I kept thinking "what if". On Sunday, we used the time in service to pray. Pastor Claude asked us to hold hands and pray with each other for Dean and Sabrina, their families, and all the families that have recently suffered. I was heartbroken, emotional and hormonal. I was sobbing...as was most of the church. What I found out was that I can't pray like that. I was too busy being emotional to have any words...which made me think to myself, why?

See, I am a silent prayer! As a "new" Christian, I didn't feel like I knew how to pray out loud. I had feelings that people would judge me for what I said or didn't say. Some people have that gift. They are eloquent in it. I stumble over thoughts and over words..and I just can't get them out.

That day in Church, I knew something had to change. I realized I was doing Sabrina and her family an injustice for praying silently. I know the devil can't read my thoughts but I can't banish him either, IF I don't pray outloud. I reached out. I wasn't sure I was ready to reach out to a pastor yet, so I reached out to someone I felt comfortable and had a very good conversation with her. She wrote me out a sample prayer, which I can tweak to my liking, and I have been praying it OUT-LOUD! I was also given some book titles to look over--which I rented from the library!

I am sure I have a long way to go. I am sure I wont be writing down my prayers and speaking them forever, but for now, this is what is working.

Today, I am cooking a meal for the Stoecklin family. Today, I will pray out loud over their food for them before I deliver it. Today is going to be hard! I will pray for our God to deliver them the nourishment to keep their bodies strong and their hearts meek. To provide them every comfort and meet their every need. To speak to them of His plan and calm them of their fears. Our God has a purpose--he has a plan. We just need to trust in Him! I know I do--even if I don't understand.

This Saturday, Dean will be laid to rest, and his service will be grand--as it should. He is with the Almighty One.

Blessings to all of you!

A Different Feeling

2011-07-03T22:00:00.001-05:00

I've been trying to explain to people how different I feel during this pregnancy. There are a lot of the same feelings but weirdly a lot of different ones.

1. I am not as tired...weird, I know. But, I am not exhausted...yet. There are times that I am, don't get me wrong, but they are not frequent.

2. Weight--I haven't gained a lot of it, but I am still on track to be similarly as heavy at the ending of my last pregnancies. So far only 1 lb, but I am now at the point where this only gets worse. I had a friend at church tell me that I looked great and I am thankful for that. I didn't gain a lot (thus far) but I didn't lose all my previous baby weight so I still feel like I look the same.

3. Hiccups...Since I haven't gained a lot of weight, I can feel hiccups this time around. It is so bizarre to me. I love it. I am carrying my weight differently so I feel a lot more movement.

4. Movement...same as above. But since I am carrying differently, I can SEE the baby move. I can see him/her move from one side or the other and can watch my stomach just shift. It is so cool. Again, not something that I have experienced.

5. Being active... I have managed to stay active throughout (thus far) my entire pregnancy. I am not running right now but I am walking, swimming, elliptical and biking. I can't go as fast or as long, but at least I keep going. It is this time that I am so thankful that Andrew supported my request to get a membership to the Y!

6. Experiencing it with the kids-- while Andrew may not be so "hands on" this time around the kids are. Tatum talks to the baby every day, rubs my belly, etc. Beckett gives my belly kisses and always tells me that I can't hold him on my lap because he doesn't want to "squish the baby". It melts my heart every time.

7. No real aches and pains...By this time, I was soooo done with my pregnancies..DONE. But while I feel HUGE, I don't feel ready to be done being pregnant. I am, however, done with all the crazy tests (glucose) that you have to take.

8. Panicking...I panicked over every single thing, ie...nursery, names, things I needed, etc. I am not panicked right now. I am NOT in control by any means, but I am not worried about things that are out of my control. I have everything that the baby and I will need to be comfortable. I don't have the newest, or the most fanciest, but I'm good.

I am so happy to be experiencing all these things that a lot of women experience. I also happy that I am NOT experiencing a lot of things. I hope things continue to go as smoothly as they have been. I am happy that I am taking better care of myself. I have my 29 week appt this week and yet, another glucose test, but I am happy to do it--I just hope I pass it.

On another note, love and squeeze your kids and husbands as much as you can. Life is short and sweet and precious. Every minute of it. Love it and live it like it is. I know I did today!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-22T09:00:00.001-05:00

Penn

2011-06-19T15:33:00.000-05:00

Last week we took a trip out to PA to see Andrews nephew graduate high school. Graduation is a Friday night. Last year, we left early on Thursday and our intent was to stay halfway but the kids fell asleep so we opted to keep on going. We stopped for dinner and booked a hotel nearby and they gave us a smoking room. We had to argue with them tooth and nail for two hours before they would refund our money...which left us no choice at this time to keep on going to Reading.

After that ordeal, we decided this time we would book a non smoking hotel (slight up-charge) and stay exactly half way and then finish the other part of the drive on Friday. This left me in the car less time and gave me time to stretch my legs. Our drive up was uneventful thank goodness, as being pregnant I can't take my regular dose of traveling pills. We stopped at our fabulous hotel (Fairfield Inn and Suites) ,and after my thorough check for bedbugs we got unpacked and headed for the pool. It was so nice to jump in and my stress just floated away. Wish I could get into the hot tub, but alas, I just watched my husband enjoy. The pool was nice and we had it all to ourselves. We swam for about and hour or so and headed upstairs to change for dinner. We were all kinda hungry. We ate at Hoss's which is pretty much like a Ponderosa and headed out to CVS to find Bubba some Tylenol as he was running quite a nasty fever. If your kids order a hotdog, they make a big deal about it, and "burn" their name in it.

AFterwards, we headed back to the hotel for baths and calming down for the evening. We got the suite so the kids could fall asleep and we could watch TV in the other room....problem is...they weren't having any part of that. So we all went to sleep around 930. haha.

The hotel as a very nice breakfast included in the cost. They have fresh fruit, juices, coffee, waffles, pastries, biscuits, etc. We ate very nicely and for free...guessing it would have cost us about $30.00 or so at a restaurant. After breakfast we packed up for the remainder of our drive. My brother in law suggested a cute little "creekside" restaurant for lunch and ice cream around lunch time. The kids only had ice cream for lunch (imagine that). The ice cream was rather good. There is no place to sit inside so all you have are all these picnic tables that line the creek bed. We sat under some trees and enjoyed our lunch.

We passed a Peperidge Farm plant and decided to go check it out but they were only open to the public on Saturday/Sunday. So much for cheap goldfish. Afterwards, we turned the van toward Reading and found our new hotel. This hotel was much smaller--I couldn't even bathe the kids without shutting the door to the bathroom--but the beds were comfy. We checked in and headed right down to the pool to get some swim time in. The pool wasn't as nice as the previous nights hotel, but it did the job and the kids had fun swimming with Uncle Doug. We decided to get out and head to an early dinner at TGI Fridays. The kids did very well considering they were probably exhausted. AFter a quick bite, we went back to the hotel to get Andrew and Tatum ready for the graduation. Bubba and I were staying at the hotel since there is NO way he was going to sit through a graduation ceremony after being in the car half the day. We got them out the door and put on our jammies and just when I thought we were done for the rest of the night, I realize, DUH...I forgot that we didn't have any water or drinks in the room and the vending machine was a cash only machine. So....off to the gas station we went to get some water but then we decided we were hungry as well so we drove back to TGI Friday's to get some smoothies. It wasn't too long after we got back to the hotel that bubba kept saying he was tired. He laid down on the other bed and to sleep he fell! I was reading my book, but since I decided to turn off the lights so he could sleep I was watching "Say Yes to the Dress' and Facebooking the rest of the time. Andrew and Tatum didn't get back till around 1115 or so. I was conked by 1030. I had to have Andrew text me to so I could let him in.

Before we fell back asleep I was instructed that we would be meeting the family at Shady Maple for breakfast at 830. Oh my.

Shady Maple--let me just say. If you love breakfast and you love Amish food...this place is amazing. It has over 200 feet of food. There are the HUGE Amish doughnuts, make your own waffles, pancakes and omelets. Every breakfast food (including cereal) you could ever want. Juice, pop, milk, icees--you name it and it is there. I had an omelet this time, but the waffles are swwweeetttt! They have a gift shop at the bottom of the stairs so I let the kids pick out one thing to take in the car and then we headed back to Marcia's. We had hotel reservations that night so we didn't have to leave right away. We stayed until about 4ish. Which was kinda silly b/c although the kids played...Andrew and I slept. We barely talked to anyone.

On our way back to the hotel we hit some nasty, nasty rain. You could hardly see the road and since we were on the turnpike and it was so level...there was no where for the water to go so people hydroplaned like crazy. It was kinda scary. We made it to our location and stopped at Pizza Hut to get some food since none of us had eaten since breakfast. We headed back to the hotel and got our pajamas on and watched some movie on the Disney Channel and fell quickly asleep. We finished up the rest of our drive on Sunday. We made good time, but we were so done being in the car.

I am glad the trip is over and we don't have to do it again for about three more years. I hate driving the mountains and hills and two lane highways. Glad the kids got to see their cousins, but wonder if the trip was really worth all that work. Wooh!

25 Week Appointment

2011-06-09T20:44:00.001-05:00

Weight: +1 lbs (ack)
BP: 122/78
HB: 160

Wow...this little one has been playing aerobic instructor inside me for the last couple of days. Doc asked how the baby was moving and that is exactly what I told her.

She was unconcerned with my weight gain but just cautioned to not let it get out of control. I am to again stay away from "white" foods or simple carbs and eat lots of fresh fruit and veggies. Balance out the protein and carbs. All that stuff I got from my first appointment. Other than that, she measured me and again, I measured wo weeks over at 27 weeks. Again, this is no surprise as I measured big last month as well as with my previous pregnancies. If she isn't worried..I wont be!

Baby cooperated well and gave us a good reading on the heartbeat. We have no idea the sex of the baby and really I have no "feelings" about it either way.

Next time, I have yet another glucose test. Fun times. I got the fruit punch flavor this time~

Till then:)

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-08T12:52:00.004-05:00

Renaming the Blog

2011-06-06T09:00:00.001-05:00

Taking suggestions! Since Ebby 3 will be gracing us with his/her presence in about a 107 days or so...figure I better get to changing my blog name. I can't leave out one of my kiddo's--and since this is all about them...I better get something figured out:)

Leave me a comment!

Divine Snack?

2011-06-05T14:12:00.000-05:00

Do these not look awesome? I think so which is why I plan to make them sometime when we get back from the dreaded trip to PA. I found them on my friend Ashley's blog and you can find the recipe HERE! Happy Baking! BTW, I was searching for some new recipes while looking for this recipe and Picky Palate has some amazing recipes. I absolutely cannot wait to try some!

Pool Day Take 1

2011-06-04T14:23:00.000-05:00

FAIL.

I wanted to try out today to be a test day for doing some pool time on the weekends. It started off very well and then B&J showed up and my afternoon went to hell. Literally.

Tatum and Bubba and I were having a lot of fun. We met a new person and her son, Michael. He was a baby and the kids were so good around him. We had some small talk and then just kind of let the kids play together. Andrew has some kind of pulled muscle or pinched nerve or something so he was doing the hot tub and then getting in the pool. The kids and I had fun the first hour and then "they" show up. We exchanged some hello's. Amazing.

Anyway, so after the kid break (15 minutes to the hour) Andrew took the kids in the pool so that I could get a little sun on my white legs. (remember, I don't wear shorts)...After about 15 minutes, I couldn't handle the heat so I got back into the pool. Only Tatum was playing with Mr. J and Mrs. B and their son. I couldn't get her over to me to save my life. My feelings were hurt. I wont lie. I thought it was inappropriate as a parent for her to be hanging over Mr. J so I called her over and told her that was enough. She could play with their son but not be all over him (please let me reiterate NOTHING BAD was going on here) I just thought she should play more with their son. She got very fussy with me and then went back over to play. I let her be and started playing with Beckett. About 5 minutes later, she came swimming back over to me and told me that Mrs B said I should come play over here. What? I don't know the specifics and I am sure they weren't to be hurtful but WTH? Did she think I was having her babysit my child? She was in arms length (yes that close) and I was facing her the whole time. Finally, I told her that we were going to have a chat after this pool period was over she started crying. We had to explain to her that while it is fun to play with your friends, when we come to the pool as a family, we want to spend time together, as a family. That is probably why Mrs B told her to come back over to play with us so that she quit interrupting their family time. UGH.

So after that whole diabolical we decided we would leave at the next rest period and Andrew then lost a contact in the pool. Really, could this day have gotten any worse? I really wanted it to be a fun time and a good test run. Now, I really either A) Need to find a new Y to go to for swimming or B) try to make nice. I am all for A--just wish I didn't have to drive so far.

Should I?

2011-06-03T16:26:00.000-05:00

As I sit here and decide what to write about, I wonder *IF* I should be writing.

I am stressed. I am stressed beyond comprehension. I am stressed about so many different things. So I thought I might as well write them down and then maybe I can discuss them one at a time in my head. Help me work it out so to speak.

A. How/when do I break it to Annette that I will not be watching Erica next school year?
--My job is in LIMBO. I have written about this several times already but I am "scheduled" to lose my job in the middle of my maternity leave. October 16th to be exact. Since Ebby #3 is due to arrive during the beginning of the school year we (yes, Andrew and I) decided it probably not best to have any additional children here while we were ALL acclimating to to Ebby #3 and Ebby #3 to us. Last week I was also told that I will probably NOT be losing my job but there is NO guarantee and there is also no guarantee where in the company I will have that job. Now, I am in a call center so there aren't to many options, but there are certain departments that after trying them out you couldn't pay me to be in--so with that being said....what are we going to do? I am only part time so I don't bring home a ton of money but I do try to help....I like helping my husband. I feel that is what I can do as a wife to help bless him--so he doesn't have that burden all on his own. And please let this be known...OMG...can you believe it? I LIKE TO WORK! I like having that satisfaction of EARNING something! I have a really good balance with my family--and I have the much needed adult interaction (although truth be told--I sometimes wonder about some of the people that are in my office). So, the question remains then, why would I NOT babysit Erica next year and anyone else ( I am pretty sure that my other neighbor keeps hinting at me watching his girls) when there is that possibility that I may not have a job? Frankly, I just don't enjoy it. Tatum and Erica sometimes play very well together. And sometimes, they do not. I really don't want that drama anymore. Secondly, the kids are getting more involved in stuff. Tatum has soccer two times a week during the fall and spring season. I have to leave at 530 to get her to practices and games. Beckett also starts soccer this upcoming season and that will add another wrench into the equation. This year, Andrew and I had to split up pick up responsibilities and we ate out more on the road this season than ever! Throw into that us both working 45 minutes to an hour away from where we live and play, it just plain ole sucks!

B. Small Group?
---Now I know some members of my small group read my blog so I am not saying anything that hasn't been on my heart for some time now and addressed with my leader. So with that being said, we took 10 weeks off of group in the spring due to soccer and it was the best thing for our kids. Andrew and I missed it and we went whenever a game was canceled. We plan on returning for the summer only to have Ebby #3 arrive early fall. We have talked about what we will be doing then...probably again taking a few weeks off. BUT...then comes again, the arrival of soccer and then the lateness of group. Group is suppose to be out by 9 and by gosh, we all try, we really do...but lately we have not been getting home until 945 10:00 and that is too late for my kids , especially during the school year. I can't even imagine that time throwing an infant into the mix. I have been struggling trying to find solutions to this and I really can't think of any...my only one is that instead of prayer time at the end of group (which is where we tend to get help up) we should move it to the beginning and then dive into the discussion of the sermon. We have dinner together now, and I have thought about cutting that out, but I don't see how that will benefit anyone since we will all be struggling to get everyone fed and to group by 7. Then I have looked at weekend groups and 1. We don't want to leave our group and 2. Selfishly, we don't want to give up our family time on the weekend. We do soooo much together on the weekend. What oh what do we do?

C. Summer camp?
---Andrew and I have been talking to each other about getting Tatum in a soccer camp for the summer. Well, at least a week in the summer. But with both of us working we will need to depend on family even more to get her to and from camp. I have talked to my BIL about doing this and he seemed OK with the idea a few months ago but not sure if that may have changed. My mom and dad also expressed some interest in keeping her for a week so that she can go to Vacation Bible School. A week? Wow..but at least she will only be 20 minutes away. We probably will not be vacationing this summer due to my huge, ever growing belly...but we would like to do somethings around Ohio.

D. This trip to PA?
--I have to go..there is no other way around it...but I cannot stand to drive. I am a horrid state of affairs when it comes to driving. I am OK when I am driving but I am directionally challenged. I do not like having that control over the vehicle. Why I know that is completely out of my hands, I can't help but think the very worst and I brace myself. Oh boy do I do that. I completely piss my husband off! I don't do it intentionally. And then there is the fact that I can no longer be on any drugs that help me with this! So prayer warriors, please pray for me on this trip, because it is going to be a doosy!

One of the Best Day's Ever

2011-06-01T20:29:00.001-05:00

Today, I spent one of the best day's ever with this little lady! She had her first walk-a-thon at her school today. The weather was perfect (83) and the humidity that started out the day quickly went away. I took the day off work and was able to volunteer in her classroom today. I am glad too, because originally I was told I would have to work in another classroom that didn't have many volunteers since hers already had 4. I got to school early and they went ahead and put me in her classroom.

Can you see the two bottom teeth missing? She lost the other one just on Sunday:)

They were outside all day long. This was right before getting to jump in the bouncy house. The PTO got them water bottles so they were able to stay hydrated all day long. They had water stations throughout school and on the grounds. Volunteers were at each water station to help out with the smaller kids. And, this is the first I had heard of it..but it was the first time Kindergarteners were part of the Field Day activities, but since this is the first year of the walk-a-thon, they allowed them to participate. I am so happy because they had so much fun!

Off to start the walk...they were asked to go one mile. Here she is on lap one! Off to a strong start.

Here she is by lap 6. Officially a mile. But, she went on to do 1.5 miles. She was so proud and I was too. They really did have a ton of fun..a few of the kids said it was the best day ever! After the walk they got to walk over to the big shade tree and each kid got a Popsicle. That may be why it was the best day ever...haha.

Back in the air conditioning. They went back inside before heading out for the day. After school let out and I took Tatum on a surprise visit to the pool for some one on one time. After the pool we got some ice cream and we went to get our geek on at the library. I signed both of us for the summer reading program. So glad my kiddo loves to read. It will make this summer so much more enjoyable. We got a new series called the Tiara Club. It looks like a lot of fun to read and she is really into chapter books. It makes it challenging for her and easy for me to read to her if she gets in a bind.

We came back home and she quickly wanted to start reading. I told her to pop a squat on the couch and she could read there. I heard for for a bit and then didn't...so I assumed she started playing with toys instead. I went in to check on her and found her like this:

She must have really been tired! I let her sleep until dinner. Afterwards we went on a 1.5 mile walk and bike ride. This seemed to bring the exhaustion level back.

Overall, I wouldn't change this day or give it back for anything. It was truly one of the best days I have ever had! Nothing like having that one on one time with your kids....to smile, to laugh and to hear stories. Such a blessing.

Crazy Weekend

2011-05-30T21:29:00.000-05:00

The sun came out this weekend. Did you experience it? We were out ALL weekend long! On Saturday, I watched my friends kids while Andrew helped her move into her new home. The kids were excited to have a play date. We played in the house for a bit, then I took them out for pizza and we came home and played in the water for the rest of the day! Saturday night, we met Andrew out at Dave and Busters for dinner, and then while we was out with Brian for the UFC fight, my neighbor Annette and I took the kids out to this new place in town called Spoon Me! They sell frozen yogurt with about 50 different toppings and it was pretty good:)

Sunday, we all slept in and then headed to Polaris to get Tatum some much needed shorts, Andrew some much needed shorts and me some much needed shorts. I am not sure how I thought I would not need shorts to get through this pregnancy. I broke down and had to buy some. Ouch. Painful to the wallet. Lets hope that I don't need anything more other than some nursing bra's. Afterwards, we came home, and played in the new slip and slide we got the kids. We had been planning to have our annual crab legs bake that night but we had a very late lunch, so we ate a very late dinner. We enjoyed it though. Andrew cooked everything on the new grill...corn on the cob, baked potatoes and of course, crab legs.

Monday, after sleeping in again, (pattern), we took the kids to an early showing of Kung Fu Panda 2. We all enjoyed it. We came home, had lunch, and then headed back outside to play on the slip in slide. The heat must have worn the kids out because Beckett asked to sleep and I obliged him, as well as myself with a 2 hour nap. Tatum got called down to the neighbors house to play so Andrew was able to get a few hours in with his new Wii game. When we got up, Andrew said his brothers called and wanted to see the kids, so they asked if they could bring over some ice cream. The kids love seeing and catchup with with their uncles. We are so blessed to have family that love our children:) After uncle Mark and Doug left, Andrew decided he should probably mow so I took the kids on a mile walk and let them burn off the sugar of the ice cream. We got home, got baths and retired for the evening.

What a great, relaxing , long weekend. The only thing I am sad about is spending so much money. Other than that, it was fabulous! I hope your weekend was as blessed as mine.

Sunday Lush

2011-05-22T17:24:00.000-05:00

Oh yes, I am pregnant...and I wont be partaking...BUT if I weren't pregnant...and I wanted something today this would be it....courtesy of the Tipsy Hostess. She has amazing idea's you should check her out~! Also, today would have been an awesome day for these. It was HOT and the sun was shining.

Pineapple Mojito Jello Shots!

If it's possible to make jello shots classy, this recipe pulls it off. Now if only I had served them in cordial glasses instead of plastic cups...

What you need:

10-12 plastic shot glasses

1 can of pineapple tidbits

12 fresh mint leaves

3 tablespoons pineapple juice

3 tablespoons fresh squeezed lime juice

1 package of pineapple jello

1 package of lime jello

1 teaspoon of sugar

1 cup of boiling water

1/4 cup of light rum ( You know I used more than that! You can add up to 1/2 cup - 1 cup)

Line up your shot glasses and place 2-4 pineapple tidbits in the bottom of each glass. Bruise the mint leaves in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Add the lime juice, pineapple juice and shake the 2 together. In a medium bowl combine the lime and pineapple gelatins, and the sugar. Stir in the boiling water and whisk until the sugar dissolves. Stir in the rum and pour into the plastic shot glasses. Refrigerate until set, about 3 hours. Enjoy!

This super fun, tasty and adorable recipe was found on Food Network's website. Courtesy of Ingrid Hoffman.

Little and Littlest Ebby: Little and Littlest Ebby: Little and Littlest Ebby: Costs associated with a High Dedcuctible Pregnancy

2011-05-16T09:00:00.000-05:00

Little and Littlest Ebby: Little and Littlest Ebby: Little and Littlest Ebby: Costs associated with a High Dedcuctible Pregnancy

Adding the installment and the doctor that viewed our ultrasound for us.

841.32

+300.00 3rd monthly installment

+90.58 for the doctor that viewed our ultrasound (we haven't got the cost for the ultrasound yet)

_________

$1231.90 out of pocket (ouch)

The Greatest Show on Earth

2011-05-15T18:12:00.000-05:00

This past week and weekend were full for sure!

This week, Tatum had a full week of soccer and by the end of it she was tired. She had a game on Wed, practice on Thursday, camp on Friday and another game on Saturday. She is improving in her game tremendously and we are very proud of her. Lord knows that we try not to push our kids into anything, but we do want them to excel. So, we just tell her, when your heart just isn't in it any longer, let us know and we will find something else for you to do. We do have to remind her that in order to be good at something you do have to work for it--and this year, she has worked hard, very hard. It is a hard reminder and something that we, ourselves, need to remember too.

We were surprised as well by Andrews work with some Circus tickets. Andrew and I knew about them, but we tend to have a better outcome with the kids when we tell them we are going somewhere and it is a surprise. We went last year and sat in the company box. The kids enjoyed it but we were very high up and it was hard to see a lot of the action. This year, we were on the floor, in the "reserved" section. When we got there, we weren't quite sure what that meant until this clown came by and handed us all VIP passes. Wooh...I am not sure we have been VIP for anything...but hey, we'll take it. So, we asked what that meant and he advised that we got to go onto the floor and be "part of the circus". Well, alrighty then!

Around the last part of the 1st half of the show, they invited us down to come "sit" on the floor underneath and right by all the action. You could feel the heat of the flames from the fire juggler, the crunch of the "glass" of the guy that walks on glass and you could hear the weight when dropped of the "strongest guy ever" as he juggled steel balls...yes, I said steel balls. :)

While we were down there, we also saw the high-wire artists and of course, some clowns. The kids thought it was fun to be part of the show.

What circus wouldn't be complete without animals. They had a tiger show and an elephant show with some alpaca's and miniature horses, etc. This was by far Beckett's favorite part. He is still talking about it today.

Tatum didn't really say what part of the show she liked best. She keeps talking about the mermaid on the train. So, maybe it didn't have a big impact on her. At any rate, it was good, quality family time.

21 Week Appointment

2011-05-12T12:35:00.000-05:00

Weight: 0 lbs gained :)
BP: 122/84
Fetal Heart Rate: 135-140

I had my oh so yummy glucose test this morning. I didn't think anything was out of the norm until I realized I am suppose to have this test around the 24-28 week. I should get those test results back tomorrow and the nurse said I will have another glucose screening around that time. I didn't feel any adverse affects from it, so hopefully this is a good sign:)

Appointment was uneventful. She measured me and I measured big (around 22/23) weeks. This is far from surprising since both of my others measured big and the ultrasound last week measured me at 21 weeks when I was 20 and my initial ultrasound at 9 weeks measured me at 10. I was 99% sure of my conception time frame but anything can be happen. She saw no reason to be concerned as the ultrasound last week came back good although baby was measuring at the 60-70% percentile of where baby should be meaning baby is big. I am trying not to be concerned as she didn't seem to be.

Bubba went with me and was very well behaved. I promised him a doughnut and I was able to deliver:)

Soccer, Muddy Soccer

2011-05-07T13:06:00.000-05:00

20 Week Ultrasound

2011-05-05T16:13:00.001-05:00

Andrew and I headed off this morning to Riverside's Maternal Fetal Health division for a look at baby #3. I was nervous all week because my previous ultrasounds were held at the doctor's office with my OB doing the scan. My doctor never mentioned that something was wrong or that something could be wrong, but I knew they did scans there so why weren't they doing mine? Why was my OB NOT doing mine? My mind couldn't help but go in the wrong direction.

We checked in and waited oh, I say 5 minutes or so. Our ultrasound tech, Mary, came out to greet us and welcomed us nicely. She must have sensed my apprehension because she just came right out and asked me why I was here. When I told her we weren't exactly sure, she told us that she has the ability to see and tell us if there is anything that we she be concerned about. This immediately put my mind at ease. I was able to take a deep breath and try to enjoy seeing my baby right in front of me on a big screen. Please let me just say that Mary was AWESOME!! She told me EXACTLY what she was seeing, what she was measuring, what she was looking for, and what she was avoiding (hello, sex identifiers). If she had to go back and measure something else, she told us why. If she was measuring stuff that we otherwise wouldn't have noticed, she told us why. She again, must have either seen the tears go down my cheeks or had that sixth sense again, because she reassured us after some small talk that she loved her job and smiled so big that she could have lit that room on fire.

Overall, baby #3 is doing just great. We didn't find out the sex just like we were planning. And we got some really cool pictures and video of Baby #3. The one above is his/her profile. Believe, me, it took a long time to get that picture as this baby is a mover and a shaker. Remember my post about that first ultrasound with Baby #3. Same thing on this one. Baby wouldn't sit still. Baby was rocking and rolling like I have never seen before. He/she turned upside down at one point just perfect for us to get a picture of their spine. Literally, the baby gave us so much trouble! Baby had his/hers arms hands by their face the entire time. We were able to count 10 fingers and 10 toes. We got a "high five" shot and a video of baby "talking" and sucking their hand. Overall, it was the best experience for us and baby is completely healthy and on track. I may even be a week ahead of schedule, thus possibly moving my due date up to Sept 12th.

Now that my mind has been put at ease, it is time to move on and be confident that I am doing all I can to grow this little monkey! I will leave you here with a shot and a video of babe! Hope you all enjoy it has much as I have. Thank you Mary! You were a blessing beyond blessings for me today.

High Five!

Sketch

2011-05-01T21:34:00.001-05:00

ACK!!!

I am soooo excited. I stumbled upon a woman on etsy that is trying to get her shop off the ground. She is offering an introductory price for her bedding that included a skirt, a bumper a blanket and sheet for $140.00. Since Andrew and I were pretty sure we didn't want to have a bumper this go around and she advised she does custom ordering---so, I PM'd her to see if she could help us out.

I sent her a picture of my inspiration (see previous post) and she sent me back this: a sketch our bedding.

Andrew was sitting right here so I showed it to him since he has been in this from the get-go...and he said to go for it. ACK!!! I am so excited:) It is within our budget and it is perfect for our little bundle of joy. Now, I just need to get a fabric sample so I can start shopping for paint:)

Nursery Inspiration...Gender Neutral...Idea board.

2011-05-01T20:32:00.003-05:00

Love the orange birds

I LOVE THIS...BUT HAVE NO IDEA HOW TO RECREATE THIS OR WHERE TO FIND IT.

IN orange...maybe? Still seems a little crazy to have orange curtains? Maybe I will rethink the colors. I found some pottery barn ones that seemed perfect but of course they don't make them anymore.
Kinda like the colored birds in this:)

Pregnancy Nightmares

2011-05-01T07:16:00.000-05:00

Some women, during their pregnancy, have very vivid dreams. I vaguely remembering having these during my last two pregnancies as well. So, when I started having this time around, I was not surprised. What I do get surprised at is the sheer realness of them and the fact that I am near positive that it is the same dream night after night after night and the same dream that haunted me night after night in my previous two pregnancies. The only thing that differs is that hubs and I will be in the very same clothes or pajama's that we are currently in.

I keep hearing that I should not take these dreams to heart or that they will in any way predict any real world events. I would tend to agree since Andrew is the father of this baby AND he is still married to me. But if you were in my dream you would have heard the heart to heart conversation of how he didn't really want this baby and he was sorry that we even got pregnant and he didn't think he could handle it. You would see the tears rolling down my face and the sopping wet pillow I woke to this morning. You would see that my eyes have HUGE bags under them from me crying and tossing and turning all night long.

Every single time I woke up to pee or wipe my eyes, I would come back to bed and fall back asleep and seem to pick up exactly where I woke up before in my NIGHTMARE.

This time around, in dreamland, Andrew actually packed up his clothes and belongings and said he was moving in temporarily with our neighbor. He would continue to see the kids but has no interest in seeing me or the new baby when he/she comes along .He said he was tired of the stupid fights we have been having which is so real because this weekend we have had some really stupid fights (*side note--we don't really fight too often*). He mentioned he felt trapped into needless and frivolous spending for this baby (which scares me since we bought a crib and I am working on baby bedding with a lady from etsy). He said I was going to put him into the poor house because I was spending too much money--all of this while he was packing and I was just lying there in bed...stunned. After all, he got home late--and didn't say I love you.

So I will try not to take to heart all the terrible things that happened in my dream. I am lucky that bubba crawled into bed this morning and woke me up just, as in dreamland, Andrew was walking out the door. The dream finished out, I HOPE. I may be husband-less and pregnant in dreamland--as I am pretty sure mine is still upstairs in sweet snoring slumber and that he still loves me.

To Stay or not to Stay...home...that is...

2011-04-28T12:35:00.000-05:00

This question has been weighing heavily on my mind...mainly because things will have to drastically change around here..even more so than adding another baby!

I keep thinking, and while I know most people that stay at home give up so much there are some that I know that don't give up anything at all. I am not sure that my salary covered much -insurance, most of the grocery budget, gas for my car, most medical bills and the very low budget for diapers and kids clothes. I have been on a very tight budget for since I went part time. BUT, I have always had my husband's income to fall back on.

But in 2009 we got into a huge car accident and our car was nearly totaled and we made some serious decisions. We opted to get out of debt and try NOT to use the credit card. Since then, we have been trying to make some conscious decisions about money.

We then decided to try for another baby and now that is happening. We did have no car payment, but now we have a very small one. We continue to talk about me staying home. While this thrilled me at first, as time keeps moving forward (rapidly), I am starting to get very apprehensive--not in a bad way necessarily...just nervous. We are used to a certain way of life. We live frugally and plan decisions and budget for high cost items like babies and braces. And while we still have cable and a nice home, we try to keep things like eating out and outings to a minimum. We plan and budget our vacations that Andrew, me and the kids both love to do, but will we still be able to do these things?

Beckett has walking pneumonia and I stayed home with him today. And while I didn't do much, I did take Beckett to the doctor (60.00) and then to the pharmacy (15.00) and while I was at Target, I also needed some much needed toilet paper, peanut butter, gallon storage bags and a lunch able for Tatum. I always try to go shopping with a list and stick to it. I try to leave those unnecessary things alone..but then I found a pair of shorts (1.25) and t shirt (1.12) on clearance for Beckett--which I couldn't pass up. Really, I should have as Tatum is the one that needs new clothes. Beckett has a lot of hand me downs..and really is covered for them for the next few years. I got home and while he was perfectly content laying down and resting ( no problem there) I cleaned up the house a little and finished up he laundry.

As I was taking a break I realized that if I am to stay home, I MUST HAVE A PLAN! If I have to take the kids to the doctor and then to the pharmacy, there will be no room for extra's. I clean the first floor on Thursday's now and the second floor on Friday. I sometimes do lunch and a playmate on Friday with a friend of mine...will that still be an option? I do dinner once a month with my girlfriends from my mom's group--what about that? What if the kids need shoes and by need I do mean need...or I need some new running shoes (YES, I plan on going right back to running after having this baby)? Will we still be able to go to the Y ( this is a big thing for me--it has seriously been one of he best decisions we have ever made and I still go 4-5 days a week after 5 months)?

Losing my job has been hard enough and the possibility of staying home is absolutely thrilling! Don't get me wrong. I just don't want to miss out on some of the things that helped me become the person and the mom that I have become and have worked so hard to get to.

So there are typically 5 steps that you need to look at before becoming a stay at home mom (or dad). For more info look here.

1. Prepare a Working Budget

The first thing you will need to do is prepare a working budget with life as it is today. Then, subtract her salary to see if you can continue your current lifestyle on your salary alone. If you are like most couples, you won’t be able to. However, don’t despair. Once you know how much your negative shortfall is, you will also know exactly what you need to do to make it on one salary. Here are some tips:

2. Make A List of Expenses

List expenses you be able to avoid if she stays home. Some possibilities are child care, clothing for work, travel to work, lunches out, and car payment. You also need to list additional expenses you may incur if she stops working, such as company provided health insurance.

-This is something that I think we need to go through and do again!

3. Revise the Budget

If your proposed single income budget is close, try living on the new budget for a few months before the baby comes so you can prove to yourselves that you can do it.

4. Other Possibilities

If the numbers still don’t add up, consider some work she could do from home. What is she passionate about? Crafts? Accounting? Tutoring? Piano or art lessons? Try the home business, but make sure it is profitable before she quits her full time job.

-Not that I am not passionate about things..but I am not crafty, I can't give lessons at all and I have tried the watching kids thing after school and it is just so NOT for me.

5. It Isn’t Over Yet

If the deficit is still too great, don’t give up. Could you afford this change if you had little or no debt? You could take on a second job (temporarily) and use all the additional income toward debt reduction.

-If I had the time and my commute wasn't over an hour each way I would...but who wants to hire a very pregnant woman?

If you stay home, how do you do it? What are you suggestions?

-Kim

Easter 2011

2011-04-25T14:24:00.000-05:00

Ahhh.. Easter...it was a great weekend....that ended on a poor note!
Yesterday, as I came home and crashed on the couch..I admitted that I no longer wish to travel. Ha..this will never happen but after this weekend, I am ready.

This past week has been CRAZY! Tuesday, I went to our church and peeled, cored and chopped about 50 apples for the Seder meal we were hosting at our church. Yes, you heard me correctly, a Passover meal at our church. My friend Katie, explains it so much better on her post. You can find that here. I was so intrigued by it and so interested. Our small group held our on Seder that night and it was amazing! I hope it is something we can celebrate every year.

Wednesday, T's soccer game got cancelled so we just spend the night at home. It has been raining like CRAZY here. Everything is underwater. We opted to put the kids to bed early and have catch up on some laundry. I know..fun, right?

Thursday, T has soccer practice, which went well, but was COLD. I kept Beckett in the car as he fell asleep and Andrew chilled out in there with him. We went to our small group afterwards to participate in the Seder. As I mentioned before, I was very excited to do this. I was taking it very seriously--as well as I should. I came home and watched some TV before retiring for the evening. T didn't have school the following day, so I prayed that the kids would sleep in. Andrew and I had big plans to them on Friday.

Awe...Easter weekend. It begins. Friday! The kids slept in...prayer answered. Andrew and I were able to sleep in until 8. Miracles of miracles, since I have been sick for 5 weeks. I finally went to the doctor and got on another antibiotic so that I could get some relief. That drug finally kicked in! Andrew and I planned to take the kids to see Rio. We wanted it to be a surprise so I lured them in the car by saying we were going to see the Easter bunny. Ack! Stupid me. Rio was fun! Easter bunny afterwards, not so much! We spent an hour in line AFTER watching Rio and the kids were not so thrilled to be standing there. They did not want to leave however-of course! Not the best picture..as it is from my cellphone.

After the bunny visit, we came home and put the kids to bed. Grandpa Clarence (my grandpa), was in town and instead of having him spend his first night here alone ( mom and dad were celebrating their 35th wedding anniversary) we said we would love to have Grandpa Clarence come over and have dinner with us. What we didn't plan on was that both kids would have tummy aches (due to eating entirely too much popcorn) and not wanting to eat dinner. Beckett was also coming down with a cold (or so we thought). After about 3 hours of chatting while the kids slept we got the kids up and headed to Logan's for dinner. Beckett was less than stellar behaviorally and T did not eat one thing. After dinner we opted to come back here so Andrew could get the kids in bed. Instead, both kids perked up and played with Grandpa Clarence.

I drove grandpa home around 10:00. I knew we would be seeing him again tomorrow.

Saturday, was just as busy! We took the kids to the Y so Andrew and I could get a workout in and then a swim. They had been wanting to go for so long and it is just so hard to get everyone dressed and in the pool and then undressed to get out of the pool. After the pool, Beckett desperately needed a haircut so we headed there. We went to mom and dad's house for dinner and to hang out with Sam and Mila. The kids all had fun. The weather cooperated and so we were able to have an Easter egg hunt outside. Afterwards, we headed back in and celebrated my mom and dad's 35th wedding anniversary! We stayed for a bit longer but knew we had another long day on Sunday so left around 5ish.

Sunday was something else. After opening Easter baskets we got ready for church. We were headed to 1st service because we were leaving right after church to head up to Chatfield. We were planning on sitting with our friend Kelli. We generally don't sit right up front so this was kinda new. We also have a prayer period during service where we pray over our fellow brothers and sisters. This is completely voluntary of course. I have never been good and have been very open about not praying out loud. I get very tongue-tied. Someone near us needed prayer and I was kinda put on the spot--but I did it. I prayed. I did pray silently and while my tongue didn't move an inch, my words did and I was moved to tears being able to pray for a fellow Christ follower.

After service, we stopped at home quickly to allow the kids to use the bathroom and I started up the crock pot. We hit the road and ended up in Chatfield for a nice lunch, some egg coloring, some Easter egg hunting and chocolate eating fun. Beckett loves to go up there as there is a train near their backyard he can see easily. T loves to play their piano! We stayed until about 5pm as we knew there was laundry to be done and kids to get ready for school. Little did we know Beckett was going to take a turn for the worse and was coughing and breathing hard all day. We gave him a breathing treatment and some Benedryl. He slept fine until about 330am when I could hear him for the next hour gagging and coughing and trying to get his breath! I had him sit in the bathroom while Andrew took a shower hoping the steam would help. Afterwards, he came downstairs for some breakfast and after about 20 minutes, he started coughing violently and then ended up throwing up several times.

I decided to take him to the doctor this morning. He was diagnosed with walking pneumonia and illness induced asthma. We were instructed to give him a breathing treatment every 4/6 hours and as needed as well as put him on a heavy duty antibiotic. The doc was concerned but said he should start feeling better by tomorrow. Thank goodness.

Easter seems to be pretty traditional in every sense...as we spent last Easter in Children's with bubba for an acute asthma attack.

I hope you all had a fantastic Easter filled with many memories. Thank goodness I write these down, or I might choose to forget some of these things:)

Coloring Eggs

2011-04-17T19:33:00.000-05:00

Oh the drama

2011-04-17T09:00:00.001-05:00

So the drama continues....

It is no secret that B/J and I are no longer friends. However, I think something has been weighing on me to extend a little grace. I think it has been on Andrew as well...as we have been through the same situations recently.

Shortly after our finding out they were instructed by pastors to defriend us on Facebook we decided that was probably for the best. We all still attend the same church and we have some mutual friends. We are BOUND to run into each other. And we do...but here is what happens...

We see each other in crossing -at church-taking out kids to Awana. I smile and try to make eye contact...NO one makes any movement. It was like they had taken massive doses of Botox to keep their expressions the exact same way.

A few weeks later, Andrew goes to a UFC fight (he used to attend with J) and again, no words were exchanged but a nod was had. Progress.

A few weeks following, Andrew takes the kids to the park on the most beautiful spring day after church. Tatum is playing with their son at the park. J and Andrew exchange a few words with Bri is looking down at the ground. No words or glances to be exchanged...not even with T. I asked her later on if Ms B was mean to her and she replied no. I was glad to hear that and glad she played with their son with no issues either. Kids need not be subject to such adult DRAMA.

A few days after that I pick Tatum up at Awana and nearly run into them. I smiled, waved and say "hey guys". Again, she sticks her nose up in the air and she and J walk away.

What am I learning from this??? Absolutely nothing, except that for some reason beyond my wanting to, I keep extending a voice or a smile or a nod, which must mean that God is playing some pertinent role in all this. Do I expect we will be friends again? I don't think so...but do I think God is trying to have us make amends and FORGIVE? I think that is it. Problem is...

I think I did give it up to Him and He is trying to move some really HUGE mountains!

Well.....we did it....crying internally

2011-04-16T19:40:00.001-05:00

So it is NO secret that my dream car for the last 7 years is this:

and today, we just closed on a loan to purchase this:

Not quite my dream car. But, it was a great deal and will do us well. My sister did actually just buy my dream car..but that is another story for another day.

Little and Littlest Ebby: Little and Littlest Ebby: Costs associated with a High Dedcuctible Pregnancy

2011-04-14T19:00:00.000-05:00

Little and Littlest Ebby: Little and Littlest Ebby: Costs associated with a High Dedcuctible Pregnancy

Just to add on to the bill

541.32

+300.00 (second installment of maternity fee)

________

841.32 out of pocket 5 months in.

17 Week Appointment

2011-04-14T11:54:00.000-05:00

I was excited today as Andrew was able to come with me and of course, we brought Beckett. This was a small visit so there wasn't much to it. Here are the stats..

Weight: +-0. (I drank two huge glasses of water before hand so I could give a urine sample and they weighed me BEFORE peeing). I peed three times afterwards and stepped back on the scale and lost the two pounds that I had put on initially. So it was +2 and then it was 0. So I am sticking with the 0.

BP: 120/0 Perfect
Heartbeat: 150

As we were listing to the heartbeat, Beckett blurts out.. "Is that a choo choo"? We were all laughing. The heart beat sounds healthy and she saw no reason to be concerned otherwise.

She did schedule my ultrasound for May 5th. We will be getting that done at Riverside. I wasn't sure why she wanted to do this last time but she explained that this is kinda what they are doing now and you are able to see things better. I am still guessing this is due to my current weight but I will try not to make to big of a deal about it until its time.

Andrew and I declined the quad screen and cystic fibrosis test-just as we did with the other two.

After the ultrasound, it will be time for my next visit and my next glucose test. Fun orange liquid stuff:) Ugh.

11 days

2011-04-13T10:33:00.000-05:00

11 days:
That is how long I have until I can enjoy something sweet.

I decided that this year I would celebrate Lent and give up sweets. I have been very good. I had one incident that I didn't realize there was ice cream in my smoothie until I took a sip. I gave the rest to my son, who gladly snatched it up .

I did cheat once and asked for forgiveness. Andrew and I celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary and we went to one of our favorite places--The Melting Pot. We can never escape under $100.00 which makes this place one of our "once in a while" places. We decided to go here this year as a "tradition" so to speak. We have never been while I wasn't pregnant. LOL. We got the "Big Night Out" dinner which is their all inclusive meal--that includes your cheese fondue appetizer, your salad, your meal (lobster, shrimp, pork, chicken and beef) with veggies, and of course chocolate. As much as I would have loved to have forgone that chocolate, I just didn't. Notice I didn't say, couldn't. I said didn't. I prayed on it as Andrew asked me to and decided while we were there that I would go ahead an indulge. After all , I haven't had a sweet since Ash Wednesday.

It has worked out for me though as weirdly as it seems....I NO longer CRAVE the sweets. I don't keep them in the house, and if I do..it is NOT the first thing I go for any longer. It has been a blessing in disguise with the pregnancy as well:) I was able to eat it that night and NOT look back and believe it or not, I still didn't crave it after I had eaten it:)

I do have a plan for the Easter holiday though. I will eat one dessert (or serving) and be done. If it is not really something that I want (IE. Cake) then I will hold off. I plan on enjoying my scoop of Strawberry and Chip ice cream from Graeters on Easter week. I have been waiting all April and it is only here until June. But as Andrew and I have discussed...this might be something I can just keep up with. I haven't suffered any long term affects from it and the rewards have been amazing. So why quit? I know I have him to be my support and with him by my side...how can I go wrong.

So in 11 days, I will have my sweets and eat them too...just not too many!

Thrilling Thursday

2011-04-07T12:38:00.000-05:00

I will certain post a better picture but Tatum lost her first tooth today!!! I am so happy for her. I nearly cried in the dentist's office. Talk embarrassing! She is 6 years old and she has two very loose ones on the bottom that will likely come out soon! The first one came out today as the dentist was talking off her ramp on the bottom teeth. It wasn't because of the ramp as the tooth had literally NO roots to speak of! It was a natural progression that was happening inside the ramp. Needless to say, the tooth fairy will be making its first presence in my home tonight:)

Swimming Fool

2011-04-06T09:00:00.002-05:00

So I should be outside walking on my break but it is windy and COLD. So, I decided I needed to put a post up about Beckett and Tatum.

We joined the local YMCA this year. It was a gift to ourselves and so far it has been such a blessing (note to self to send thank you note to the Y). Tatum and Beckett both LOVE the indoor pool. It keeps them active during the winter months.

When we first joined Tatum was not tall enough to go down the indoor waterslide. She was 47" and had to be 48" or taller. We told her possibly at the end of summer. Yeah right...girl is now 48" tall and LOVES to go down that water slide. As soon as I remember, I will take my camera in there and swipe a photo. She is so cute going down and is so excited that she is now tall enough to go down the slide. Last week when I took her and she was measured, I left her at the pool (with supervision of course); to get in a workout. I went to pick her up and between all the smiles I got "This was the best day of my whole life." Really? Wow! I am glad she finally got to experience that slide.

Last night we went to the Y and because Andrew got a workout in at his lunch break he decided to take Beckett into the pool. Beckett was excited as usually he doesn't get to go. He gets to go in the toy room and play in there. Now his story is when we first joined the Y and went swimming that first day he was a little sceptical of the water. He would get in but wouldn't let you "try" anything with him...like wading or kicking or floating. He did very well over the summer at our local pool but the water is less than an two inches deep. I went to go meet him at the pool after my workout and low and behold I hear Andrew say, "swim to mommy"..and here goes my baby boy dog paddleing all the way over to me--from the middle of the pool!!!! I just squated at poolside and kept cheering him on. What an exciting day for him and ME! He did so well and then was showing me his "dancing" (twirling around in the water) and all his new moves. All learned and mastered in 45 minutes. Keep in mind this was all wading because he cannot touch in the 3'6" that is the shallowest part of their pool.

I am so excited that my kids are getting the benefit of the Y. I wondered if they would. I hated that I dropped them off to get my workout in but it seems that between the times they have been swimming and Beckett's gymnastics that we are getting that full family benefit. I am so thankful that we have been able to use this opportunity -all of us- to be healthy and accountable for our exercise and spend a little more time together as a family.

Ahhh...got to get those pictures up!!!!

Swagger Wagon

2011-04-01T12:31:00.001-05:00

Do you remember this commercial for the Toyota Sienna?

Andrew and I are about to embark on a serious new part of our lives. Buying a LARGER car. While I was so against buying a minivan for my own selfish personal reasons, it has been our experience that in our price range the best thing we can do for our family is buy a minivan. So, I had to do a little growing up over the last few weeks. I had to give up that dream of my Honda Pilot for a few more years--at least 7! LOL.

Nothing is set in stone but we are going to go test drive a van this week. We got our pre-approval for the financing in order. Now, we just need to test drive the car, and make the decision. The van is not top of the line or the bees knees for sure, but it is low mileage, the seating we are requiring and we have no doubt that it will serve our purpose, which is to get us from point A to point B safely.

So now, instead of the cool SUV mom that I had hoped I might be, I will now be the cool "swagger wagon" mom. (Maybe). But no worries, on the days, that I have no kids in tow...I will of course be driving my small SUV..just to give me back some sense of my SUV dream.

Puj Tub

2011-03-26T22:20:00.000-05:00

So now that all is out in the open...I have to admit...I have been searching for items that might make my life a little easier.

The one product that I would love to have is the Puj tub. I keep going back to that baby tub I had when we had Tatum and how bad my back would hurt...but this tub seems to take the hurt out this daily process. It has been featured on Ellen, and Rachel Ray and Regis and Kelli. I haven't looked at it in the store. Honestly...it is a want...not a need. And with this new little one on the way...I am going to have a lot of "needs" coming my way. But a girl can dream of pain free baby bath times right?

Name List

2011-03-26T21:04:00.003-05:00

I have decided to put all my baby names on paper so that as Andrew dislikes them, I can check them off, one by one!

Boys

Cullen ( 2nd in line for me)
Cohen
Jude
Sawyer
Cylar
Cannon
~~Seamus~~- Andrew HATES this name
Harrison
Westin
~~Spencer~~
Cane
Jasper (my personal fav)
~~Crew~~
~~Felix (Andrew hates this too:()~~
Ronan
Kade

Girls

Marin
~~Piper~~
Maura (my first pick--andrew not crazy about)
Rowan
Mira (meer-a)
~~Paisley~~
Hadley
Ashtyn (thinks he will always think of Ashton Kutcher)
Fallon
~~Wren~~
Neve
~~Amelia~~ (but fairly overused for our taste in names)
Finley

Ugh...

2011-03-25T10:59:00.000-05:00

Remember this post? Little and Littlest Ebby: Endings and Beginnings and this one http://littleandlittlestebby.blogspot.com/2011/01/spent.html?

So it is not a huge deal to me that some people I know are still friends with this person but I feel like I am being deceived. See, I was defriended on Facebook, which I thought was a HUGE slap in the face. Because even at at our relationships worst, we were still "friends" on Facebook. She could see into my life and I into hers...until she did that.....DEFRIENDED me. Now she could see everything I posted and I could not see hers. So, after much deliberation and prayer, I decided to just delete her as a friend. We obviously weren't friends any longer, so what does it matter.

Low and behold, it happened to another mutual friend, and then to another, and then another. And my information was that they did the same thing, they deleted her profile. Which means that they would not be able to see anything this person posted on anyones account. Came to find out that this is NOT the case. So something must have happened. I just wasn't told about it.

I know it sounds petty...and that is OK. I just needed to vent about it. They are all allowed to friends with *her*, but I just think what she did to me was despicable and I can't help but keep my decision of NOT being friends with her on Facebook or otherwise needs to be just that..a final decision. My rant on this? If you are back to being friends with her, just let me know, because while that doesn't change my relationship with you as my friend, it does change what I might say to you...to avoid any additional complications. I don't choose to speak evil of anyone , and I try very hard not to gossip..but sometimes, even on my best days, things come out and I need to vent. I am allowed to do that..because you are my friend...but not when I am not sure that what I say might go back to this other person.

I know as a Christian I am suppose to forgive. This is something I am working on. I have been let down so many times in my life, so have gotten used to the only person I can depend on is myself-mentality. I know have my husband, but that relationship is different. As a woman, you need your girlfriends. I am lucky, I have a few close friends, which would see me through thick and thin. But you know what I find is funny? The friends that I have had the most down and outs with? My Christian friends. Those that love Jesus as much as I do. Weird, huh?

Ugh..and why I am on my rants... We were invited to a Marriage Encounter. We were MOST excited as we had never been to one. We thought it would be good for us before the baby comes and it was a local one so it would be close enough for us to come home if needed. We were already planning babysitters, etc. Then we decided to check to see if *she* and her husband were involved as we know they went through it and really seemed to be called into this ministry. And sure enough..not only are they involved..they are MAJORLY involved. So there goes our excitable weekend--alone..to work on our marriage (not that it is bad) and concentrate on our marriage with Jesus. Its a shame things got this bad.

Is it wrong that sometimes I wish we could just move churches? I would never do that as we only joined a year ago...and Andrew would kill me and then we really would need marriage counseling. I am just beginning to think that I no longer belong. I am that lost sheep...my heart hurts and I need my Shepherd to bring me back home to reality!

Ugh.

Little and Littlest Ebby: Costs associated with a High Dedcuctible Pregnancy

2011-03-25T07:27:00.000-05:00

Remember my first post RE costs?Little and Littlest Ebby: Costs associated with a High Dedcuctible Pregnancy

I have some updates. I had some mild complications which required a few office visits and some lab work. So while these may not generally be factored in here is the breakdown:

Office visit insurance portion: $61.6

Lab work $12.23

Grand total thus far:

$241.32 + my first installment of my delivery charge $300.00

--------------

$541.32

CSN Product Review: Coming Soon

2011-03-24T15:30:00.000-05:00

Look what I just purchased for review with CSN Stores!

Spring showers

2011-03-23T15:58:00.000-05:00

Ugh...I am so happy that that the "cold" weather has finally subsided. I was beginning to get cabin fever--and so were the kids.

So the first day that it warmed up we headed outside for some much needed Vitamin D. The sun was bright and the wind was blowing. Beckett and I took a mile walk and he rode his bike. He did very well--didn't complain once. When we got back we got T off the bus so that she could ride her bike. I was wondering if she was going to need some retraining as it had been so long and she only learned toward the beginning of fall last year. She isn't too "great" on it yet...but I think that is because the bike might still be a little big for her. She did OK...and is still slightly unstable-especially around corners...but I think some experience will help with that AND our corners on the sidewalks are tight.

Bubba is perfectly content with riding his tricycle, although we do have a bike waiting for him. I will have Andrew put the training wheels on and see how he feels on that. I don't want to push him. He is finally starting to settle on a few things and concentrating on them. He is more comfortable on the swing this spring and LOVES to be pushed. I have been trying to teach him the "out and in" of pushing and he is testing that out quite nicely.

He has started gymnastics at the Y and is very much enjoying it. It is only a very basic class with the fundamentals. I was excited to get him in it since Tatum started gymnastics in preschool. She also did swim lessons which I will start with him when he starts preschool as I don't think they do that at Indigo House any longer. He has taken a huge liking to basketball. I can't help him with this but there is another fundamental type class at the Y that I will be looking into for Spring. I know this pleases Andrew to no end, although, he is pretty sure that no child of ours will be excelling in sports, let along Lion Basketball. Not that he doesn't have faith in that our children could be skilled... apparently, the height wont be there :)

Tatum just started doing soccer again. She has a new team called the Haze. I bet they will be a bit more productive this year. She had a good first practice. This excited me. She was running most of the time which I have no doubt will help with her endurance. I am hoping she will gain a bit more ball handling skills and I hope to be able to get into a camp this summer...but that will take some finagling with my brother in law to get her to and from camp. I have all these plans in my head...but to get them to come full circle is another thing.

Ugh...lets see what else I have up my sleeve. Andrew and I have been slowly looking at bigger cars. There is NO car on the market that will allow us to have three car seats in then and thanks to the new car seat recommendations, I don't think we ever will. I have been looking at SUV's and Andrew has been looking at minivan's. I have a personal abhor for minivans and really don't want to drive one. But, something MAY ( I use loosely) have fallen in our laps and it might be something we just have to jump on. So, ready or not, it may just be a minivan. And, ready or not, this thing that MAY have fallen into our laps, can jump out at a moments notice, so I am choosing not to get my hopes up .

I am buying the crib this weekend for the babies room. I will delay a little more on the crib bedding, especially if we end up buying a car. I am trying to be as frugal as possible knowing what we know about my job and some decisions we may or may not make in the near future. I am today 14 weeks so nothing new to report. I started feeling movement with my other two at around 17 weeks--so I am really looking forward to that.

I was able to get back to the gym today after a week delay. The kids and I were all sick this weekend. It was a weird virus. More like a cold but with fevers that lasted longer. I want to think it was a small strain of the flu but no flu like symptoms. Weird..all I can say. I went scrap booking with my gals...and had so much fun. Sometimes you forget what it is like to go out and do something YOU enjoy on no ones time but your own. I stayed until 10 and headed home and passed out in my clothes. I was zonked for sure:) I can't wait to go out the summer crop in July. I already have the $$ saved back so it is already paid for. I will even have enough saved back to eat and enjoy myself without thinking I am spending too much $$.

Spring break is next week. My in-laws have graciously volunteered to come watch the kids so I do not have to take anymore vacation time ( I am trying to save it all up for maternity leave--but good lord, even that is up in the air). I think I might try taking them to Coco Key next Thursday or Friday and then to Magic Mountain the other day. I would love to do something FUN with them over their spring break. Isn't that what breaks are for?

Well...I hope I have caught everyone up. I hope you are enjoying your signs of spring and upcoming breaks.

13 Week Appointment

2011-03-17T09:25:00.000-05:00

Wow...what a whirlwind pregnancy this has already turned out to be. I will probably post on that later but wanted to get home to document my appointment. My friend Debbie did this and I liked it so I thought I might try to do something similar. I hope she doesn't care:)

Weight: -3 lbs (Thank you Jesus!)
BP: 120/70 Perfect (again...thank you Jesus)
Heartbeat: 150

The doctor had a heck of a time finding this little goober. She probably tried for like 10 minutes. I couldn't look at her face because I was afraid of what it might look like. Just when I got the courage to look she found baby and counted the heartbeat. God must have heard my worry and seen my panic. I don't remember ever having such a hard time in my previous pregnancies.

She also mentioned that next time around would be my AFP test (still trying to figure out if I am going to do this test). And in two months my ultrasound which she mentioned this time would be at the hospital. I am NOT sure why but I am guessing because I am just as heavy now as I was during the time I was getting my ultrasounds with the other two. But, you know Doctors...I can't ever read them. I am sure thought that if she had ANY reason to be concerned about anything she would have already said something:)

My blood sugar test that they took last month came back just fine. She continued to let me know to stay away from all things white (bread, pasta, rice)..which we generally do anyway so I will just continue on that route. I know all these things are for the baby and for me...and my due diligence has really paid off. I just hope that I can continue because I must admit...my cravings (guacamole and cheez-its) are really starting to come fast into fruition:)

Costs associated with a High Dedcuctible Pregnancy

2011-03-10T12:48:00.000-06:00

About 4 years ago my company switched to a high deductible plan for our insurance. This kinda sucked for us when it happened as I was due with Beckett at the beginning of the year. So I had to muster through 1200.00 in 2007 and in 2008 right away. Once Beckett joined the picture, my deductible went up to 2700.00.

So adding in the new baby I am advised the out of pocket for me will be $1500.00 (I believe this because not one person can go through the entire 2700.00). I tried to remember all the amounts I spent with my other two kids and I couldn't. I am sure the bills are around here somewhere...so I thought it might be fun document the cost associated with this pregnancy. LOL!

So far, it hasn't been to bad. BUT...I have had some mild (while terrifying) complications with this pregnancy so far and it is early.

My first visit I had the "normal" work up with a pap (covered by my insurance plan once a year). The office visit, and some blood work and diabetes testing (as I am starting out heavier than I was on my other two pregnancies). So with lab work and those costs the total thus far is:

$68.84 for the diabetes test (not covered by insurance as it is not a "normal" pregnancy cost)

$3.24 for a lab fee

$96.55 for the doctor visit

____

$167.63

So thus far...there we have it.

Nursery Quest

2011-03-05T12:58:00.000-06:00

What is the first thing you thought of when you discovered you were pregnant? The gender of your baby? The names? Well, mine is the nursery. It has been with each of my children so I had no reason to expect this one would be any different. Ever since I found out I was pregnant I have been searching for the perfect Nursery bedding. I can't afford to redo everything so I thought I might have to keep the wall colors (a light yellow) but thinking I may redo that as well.

I wont need a changing table (we never used ours anyway--I always found those to be useless with both my kids). The crib will be new as it will transform into a bigger bed anyway. I see that as savings down the road.

The nursery bedding...I didn't want my kids to have the same. I have been dreaming about this grey/yellow combo. See some examples here and here and HERE. I think my husband would have my head if I spent that amount of cash on baby bedding. So, if you know someone that sew's and would be willing to help me out...let me know. I've got 7 whole months to do something about it...like a payment plan?

Here is yet another example. I LOVE this...but I am so NOT this creative. I do love those poms and the shelves. I might try to do those. The tutorial can be found here. I will certainly try to do that one. I do think Tatum's room and Beckett's room turned out pretty well. We redid T's room when we moved as she got a new "big girl" room. We kept Beckett's room the same color and added a lot of navy and red and orange. We think it turned out very well and he can certainly "grow" with it.

And yet another example...I so love the growth chart and the fabrics (my love for elephants is not a secret) but I am so not a DYI'er (costs me too much $$ in errors).

I do have a rocking chair that will migrate to the babies room and I am going to see if my friend that redid it for me before will do it again. I am hoping I will be able to find a similar fabric or maybe just go all mustard or all grey..this way it will "pop" in the room. I also know I wont have enough room for a rug...but if I did it would so be this one from one of my favorite CSN Stores.

However, I am also looking at this turquoise/grey combo as well. Like this one. But..that's another post for another day!

Thrice as Nice!

2011-03-02T21:50:00.000-06:00

A few ~~days~~ weeks ago, Tatum came up to me and Andrew and asked if we were still praying for a baby girl. I said why yes, we are praying for a baby. She said this was a good thing because she and her Sunday School class have been praying for this as well. What? They ask if there is anything we want to pray about and I always tell them that I want a healthy baby sister. Ummm...WOW!

So we are pleased to inform that God has heard our the prayers of all those around us, including our precious little girl. We will jump from a family of 4 to a family of 5. We go from 2 kids to being outnumbered. Come September 20th we will welcome and newest and LAST bundle of joy to our family, and, we couldn't be happier.

This has been a long time in the waiting. We had talked about it and talked about it and talked about it. We finally agreed that the timing was right--TO TRY. God has the bigger plan. What an amazing God we have...one that takes that smallest prayer from the smallest person and makes into a huge blessing.

February 17th, we had our first prenatal appointment. Everything went very well. I was extremely nervous, that devil man...he sure knows how to get the best of me. But...in my previous pregnancies I went in to them a little less "heavy". I knew this was going to be an "issue"--and I was trying to prepare myself.

The ultrasound was AMAZING. One of the best ones we had ever had. The babies heartbeat was strong and he/she was moving around sooo much! We had never had one where they moved so much. It was so funny to see he/she twisting and turning and changing directions. I could see arms, and legs and a head and little "tail" and the umbilical cord. All things..that while I had "seen" at my previous 1st ultrasounds...I hadn't really "noticed" them. Maybe it is because it is my last...so I was trying to enjoy it more...maybe it was God giving me a glimpse of what my little one will be like for me in utero. I don't know..but I do know it was an awesome experience. You can see my precious little baby right below.

A little off subject, but a little more to the point...I went to breakfast with my mom this past weekend, at her church. They had a few women speak about worry and I was just drawn into their testimonies. I mean, for one, I hate to speak in public, but to speak about my utmost fear and how I let God handle those demons? Wow...these ladies spoke about how they had a prayer partner and how they gave their worries to God. So while I was sitting there, I decided I was going to give this worry to God. I HAD to do it this time. I had to have Him take this burden of mine and let it be HIS..because I just couldn't do it ...I had to much at stake and He knew it!

So while my doctor did mention that I was going in heavier she didn't give me grief about it like I thought she would. She simply reminded me to eat healthier, stay away from "white" foods, and walk every day...and gave me the permission to do my kick-boxing class that I have been enjoying so much! That is until I can no longer keep my balance. I am still allowed to run and should do it as long as my center of gravity doesn't give out. I need to keep my heart rate below 140...as to not overheat the baby..and continue to drink LOTS of water. See...this is something that I have struggled with in both of my previous pregnancies. I would start out OK and then slowly progress to being (gulp) LAZY. I hate to admit it...but I honestly believe that it is true. Life happened and got in the way...we ate poorly...we quit exercising and well...that was the beginning of the end.

So I have been praying and praying on this and gave this burden to Him. I need Him to help me make those all important choices about what I am feeding myself and my family. I need Him to help me to get to the Y every single day of the week and work hard. I need Him to help me and guide me to make the right decisions for our family...as lets face it...I am going to need that...because...we are also planning (OK..still probably in the early planning stages)...that I will become a (gasp) stay at home mom. See...while I do LOVE my job and still LOVE to work...I found out only a few short days after my positive test that I will be losing my job in mid October. We have not told many people...so I decided to use this as my "coming out" party. So yes, I will be having a baby and losing my job all with in 6 weeks of each other. I am scheduled to lose my job 4 weeks into my maternity leave. Since I am part time, I have NO idea, whether or not I will get any type of severance. I have NO idea if they will terminate me while on my maternity leave thus leaving me two weeks without that needed pay. All of these things have become part of my burden --cased aside to my King. I have more important things to worry about devil man...like growing the best and most healthy baby that my Lord has graciously blessed us with.

So to the friends that read this and believe in God..and pray...could you please pray with me that the Lord casts my burdens to His shoulders. They are stronger and more apt to handle them. Pray that I continue to make healthy and good choices and to keep my weight at 10 lbs as recommend my my Dr. Pray that I can keep working out at this pace and ENJOY it like I am now. Please pray that the pregnancy is smooth and easy going and we have a healthy and happy baby. And please pray that He provides, like we know he does, everything we need to make the best decision about me staying home. This is a HUGE decision that has to be made. We know it is not going to be easy and that some sacrifices will have to be made.

We are so excited!

Nasty week...that ended on a really good note

2011-02-27T18:56:00.000-06:00

This past week has been the week from hell. I have no problem saying that since that is what I feel like I have been through. It all started when my in-laws came over to watch the kids for me (so thankful for them!!) and during dinner she mentioned that my niece would be here in the summer to watch the kids???? Um...excuse me ...what???

So I emailed my sister in law and she advised me to talk to my niece. I talked to her and she said she was still up for it...which confused me all to hell because when she was here over Christmas she mentioned that she didn't think she could do it due to a missions trip over the 4th of July weekend and there would be no one to watch her sister who I believe is 10. Shortly after this conversation, I emailed my regular babysitter (LOVE HER!!!) and made sure she could take on the kids for the summer! She was very excited to take the kids for the summer and such a relief for me since T will be able to spend all summer with her BFF, Justin! Anyway..long story short...this is NOT what my niece wanted....she still wanted to come watch the kids. Unfortunately, I had to tell her no and that he had already hired my babysitter back and we couldn't switch again. I did say we did hope she could visit for a few days and that is where it stands. ACK. Let me just say it was torture...because I had disappointed her (even though it wasn't entirely my fault ), gave my babysitter a heart attack (she thought we were firing her) and Andrew and I fought all week long...and we hardly ever fight:) Lets just say I don't think anyone involved (yes...including me) thought things through clearly...especially that someone (and possibly two someones) would be staying with us for 10 weeks 24/7. Extra food, laundry, driving, and gym memberships and pool memberships...Nothing was thought through. This has been a tremendous learning experience for if I ever wanted to hire a nanny. Meaning....that nanny would have to go home and eat her own food and do her own laundry :)

Andrew and I were scheduled to go out on our weekend away this coming weekend. I wasn't sure we were going to make it AND enjoy it due to the issue above. We were kinda saving it for my birthday weekend (bday is 4 days and counting). We had everything all planned out and very cost effective too. Andrew won a gift card to Cambria Suites for a free night. The hotel was amazing. It was VERY clean and modern. It is new so I expected the cleanliness...but the room was awesome. It has two big screen TV's a HUGE shower and a choice between a king size bed or two full size beds. It is a business hotel so there is free WiFi and a business center and a desk in your room. If you need a nice place to stay, I highly recommend!!

However, before we checked into this amazing place, we went to go see Just Go With It. The movie was very funny and held our interest! We both totally love Adam Sandler movies so I just knew this was the date movie for us this time around. We both needed to laugh and enjoy ourselves!

After the movie....and finally in a great mood, we went to dinner at the Cheesecake Factory with a gift card my brother in law gave us for Christmas. We had a 45 minute wait but dinner was fantastic. I had a walnut crusted catfish with mashed potatoes and succotash. I LOVE succotash and I was so excited to have it with a meal! I promised that I would try to make it for our small group the next time I was responsible for bringing veggies! Yes, I think it is THAT good! Andrew had a hibachi steak and while I absolutely despise red meat and all its bloody glory, he really enjoyed it so that is all that mattered! We shared a piece of our favorite cheesecake, Adams Peanut butter, and it was so good. I had been good all week and stayed away from all sweets so that I could literally enjoy every bite. I WISH I knew how to make that peanut butter cream cheese rosetts on top!

We went back to check into the hotel and found another movie to watch on the comedy channel and enjoyed the peace and quiet. I fell asleep on the sofa and manged to make it to bed. I think we woke up at 9. 9!!!!!!!! Not 5:45 and not 6. 9!!!!!! We got up and got ready to go. We had made breakfast plans at Mimi's Cafe because for my birthday they sent me a buy 1 get 1 free meal. We were so blessed to have these amazing resources. We both had a great time and haven't stopped smiling since:)

I do have to give kudos to my mom for watching the kids for us though. We seriously wouldn't have been able to go out without her! Thanks mom...I love you. And thanks to my amazing husband. We went from bad to good this week and ended in incredible! So blessed love...so blessed.

Stay tuned for more birthday updates!!

Preview for a sweet product review!

2011-02-11T15:45:00.000-06:00

When we started looking at houses, before we settled on our "home" , we had a list of things we wanted our house to have. We wanted a certain number of bed rooms, bathrooms and square footage. We wanted a large yard and a street full of kids. Our main concern for all this is that we were growing our family (was very pregnant with our little man) so we wanted plenty of room. Room for us to look at swing sets for the yard, landscaping for the front, room for our kids to sleep and to play and room for us to be a family.

Well, we found our perfect home and we have made several changes to it. We redid a lot of landscaping in the front, changed almost every single room in the house with paint and to make it more our own. We have a lot more to do.

CSN has graciously asked me back again to do another product review. Once I select the perfect item, don't forget to look back to see what it was!

Spent

2011-01-17T21:17:00.000-06:00

Have you ever made decisions you need to make peace with? Have you ever thought you have only to find out day in and day out that you haven't? Your heart says one thing, your head another?

I am a crossroads again with myself for the exact same things that I thought I made peace with a few weeks ago. So maybe I am changing my mind? Maybe this is a God thing...Him pushing me into this? I am not sure that this is the direction I want to go.

The thing is...this person is still friends with all the people I am friends with. The circle never ends. We will run into each other inevitably. We will be at social events, and service on weekends and parties. The feelings are awkward. We are still FB acquaintances. I so understand about forgiveness and forgetting...but I am still really struggling with this...why do I keep feeling this tug on my heartstrings? I've prayed and prayed and prayed on this ...until I am blue in the face. Did I miss the message? Was my discernment off? Did I do the wrong thing?

I was reading my friend Kelli's blog (see here) and she was describing the Love Dare that we have been doing at our church. She mentioned this little blip that her friend Tonya said " My friend Tonya had some good encouraging words...see them as Christ sees them, not how we see them. I need Jesus glasses! "

And then pop...my eyes went wide open..AGAIN. I think I need some guidance on this situation. I think it is beyond my seeing. Am I not seeing them how Jesus see's them? And what about my husband? Did he miss this too? Did we do the wrong thing?

I'm again praying for discernment on this...or for a more clear view on what it is we should do? Is this a woman thing? Why do we have this unwarranted way of thinking to want to please everyone and be liked by everyone? At what cost? My whole life I have tried to fit in and have people like me. I've tried keeping up with he Jones's only to get myself in trouble. Ive gone the happy hour route..only to find out I don't like these people any better drunk than sober. So what is it now that has my mind reeling and my heart writhing?

Crazy!!! I think this Love Dare is going straight to my head...heart...head....heart....

Love Dare-Day 7

2011-01-15T20:52:00.000-06:00

Make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. --Colossians 4:5-6 New International Version

Day 7: Initiate something. Take a small risk. Go out of your way to talk with someone you don't really know. Engage them in a conversation about something that interests them. Show genuine interest, learn what you can about them, and review it later in your mind.

Today I went out on a limb. I went out of my comfort zone. I initiated a meeting with a person I have never met. I have only spoken to her once and that was because I mistaken her for someone I thought I knew. Haha. She is friends with another of my friends. I figured why not? What do I have to lose? I have been wanting to surround myself with some different people. SO...I took the plunge. I am always interested in other people..or I wouldn't spend so much time writing and looking at blogs.

So I took the initiative today...Did you dare?

Love Dare-Day 6

2011-01-15T08:11:00.000-06:00

Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”: Luke 6:38

Spread some joy today: Do a random act of kindness for an unsuspecting person.

I must admit: mission FAILED!

I didn't do anything today as my son is a little under the weather so we stayed home. I took the family out for pizza (heck of a deal) and got them a movie (thank you Redbox) so we could all snuggle beneath a blanket on the couch. They didn't even get through the movie they were so tired and miserable. They have colds. Why are colds the least thing to worry about-yet when they get them...it makes kids miserable? I'll never quite understand.

I am excited about today's dare though. I have to initiate something and I will talk all about that later on today. Miss Kelli: shh....don't spill my secret.

Love Dare-Day 5

2011-01-13T22:03:00.000-06:00

If there is anything praiseworthy -- meditate on these things. (Philippians 4:8 NKJV)

Love dare day 5 proved to me to be the easiest thus far.

Write a note. Let someone know how much you value their friendship or appreciate their contribution by writing, texting, or emailing a note. Make the effort to communicate what is in your heart. Take some time and write more than a sentence or two.

It was easy for me today because my husband and I had an argument last night. I always try to find ways to tell him just how much I love him and how much he is appreciated. I sometimes do not have all the right words. AND...sometimes I think it is just a given..he should know how much I love and appreciate him.

This is why this dare today made me think. I knew I wanted to do something for my husband but my main reason was to atone for last night. I started thinking that this is something I need to be doing on a regular basis. So I started with today. Today, I emailed my husband a little note and attached a $25.00 gift card to a restaurant by our home so we could laugh. My husband makes me laugh and we laugh a lot when we are out together. I thought, what better way to "tell" my husband how much I love him than to enjoy our time together, hold hands, eat some dinner and laugh--and laugh together.

I love you hubs!

How did your dare go today?

For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love. (Philemon 7)

Love Dare-Day 4

2011-01-12T21:24:00.000-06:00

You have heard that it was said, "Love your neighbor and hate your enemy."
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:43-44).

God asks us to love.

We are to obey Him and follow His guidance to spread the Gospel to others.

Let me just tell you that I have really struggled with this one today. I know I am suppose to pray for my enemies...but what if you feel that you have exhausted that resource.

It is no secret that I have had some recent issues with a couple ..you can see here and here. Since we have cut our loses with them I have continued to pray for their success. Since we are no longer in their group we are no longer privy to any information--not that I would post here anyway, but since I can't pray specifically, I just pray generally. I don't mind "general" prayer but I do like to pray specifically. I just continue to pray that God continues to steer them on a path of righteousness. That they take the path that He lays out for them. That they continue to see Him as the light and the way. I pray that one day they will seek the help they so desperately need either from us or from someone else.

It is so hard to pray for your enemy. It is so HARD NOT TO JUDGE!! It is not easy to love one’s enemies and to do good unto them. But like I said in my previous posts, if you receive pastoral guidance, pray to Him about it specifically, and handle it in a loving, non judgmental way then you are doing what you are suppose to be doing.

What a good dare today. It certainly makes you see yourself in a different light. Just remember, that praying for your enemies does in no way mean that you condone what they did. It just means that you followed what the Lord has commanded that you do....LOVE!

Love Dare-Day 3

2011-01-11T20:51:00.000-06:00

Day 3

Love is not selfish

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love;
give preference to one another in honor. —Romans 12:10

Day 3: Give Something Away: Loving always involves giving. Bless someone by giving them something of value--some money, an item, some time, your attention. (It is always more blessed to give than to receive).

We live in a world all about "self". We focus on ourselves more than anything else. We strive to keep up with the "Jones" next door rather than putting all our energy into serving the only One that matters...God.

So why do we do this? The answer is rather simple...we are all selfish. There are obviously different levels of selfishness. There is that selfishness that you do to simply gather praise or reward and there is that selfishness that actions are for your own doing.

I honestly catch myself doing this quite often--being selfish. I am always ashamed but never do much about it. I of course, always wanted to keep up with the Jones, but after being in debt for so long before I got married, my ideal of the Jones changed. Now, my husband and I talk about purchases before they are made. Then there are those times where I say No to his Yes..or vice versa...just to smooth things over. I always to try make sure everyone has time for themselves. I do not think this is selfish. Everyone needs time to decompress.

So what did I do today that was unselfish? What did I give away and why?

Today, my friend Debbie, had her baby. Her perfect, new, little baby boy. I used some of my time and rounded up my girlfriends and helped to schedule some meals for her family for the next week so that she didn't have to cook. Did this cost me money? No... Did I give away one of my most precious treasures? No...But I did give it my attention and time today. I do have a big flaw, that that is I do like to have all my ducks in a row. I like to know when, why, how...While this didn't take a lot of my time today..I do know that Debbie and her family will be well fed next week and she can concentrate on that little bundle of joy she gets to bring home and introduce to the rest of her family. That is one less thing she has to worry about doing. One more thing she can check off her to do list--especially when you have a little one at home. Everything you knew about routine and planning goes out the window.

I am so pleased for my friend. I am also very happy that I could do this one thing to help her out...as small as it was. And now...I get to have some baby retail therapy to take along with her meal!

Did you follow your dare for the day?

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3).

Ebby Cubed

Beckett 4th Birthday

High Needs Baby

Finley FOUR months

Christmas DVR

Cinnamon Rolls

Christmas Hangups

Santa's Little Elf

Finley THREE months

Santa

Christmas Card from Shutterfly

Happy 7th Birthday, Tatum!

Beckett-isms

Finley-two months

Pumpkins and Apples

A Star in the Making

One Month Old

My Superstar

Costs associated with a High Dedcuctible Pregnancy

First Week Home

And Baby Makes 5

Wordless Wednesday

Welcome to the World...

He's Bringing Preschool Back....

38 Week Appointment

Updates

Its FOOTBALL SEASON!!!

37 Week Appointment

36 Week Appointment

First Day of School 2011

Sweet and Sassy

Sunday Sneak Peak

Nesting

SURPRISE

6 Weeks To Go

Vacation Over

Happy Birthday, My Love

32 Week Appointment

I GIVE UP...I give up

Tatum's "Business Trip"

**The Many Faces**

29 Week Appointment

A Heavy Heart...

A Different Feeling

Wordless Wednesday

Penn

25 Week Appointment

Wordless Wednesday

Renaming the Blog

Divine Snack?

Pool Day Take 1

Should I?

One of the Best Day's Ever

Crazy Weekend

Sunday Lush

Little and Littlest Ebby: Little and Littlest Ebby: Little and Littlest Ebby: Costs associated with a High Dedcuctible Pregnancy

The Greatest Show on Earth

21 Week Appointment

Soccer, Muddy Soccer

20 Week Ultrasound

Sketch

Nursery Inspiration...Gender Neutral...Idea board.

Pregnancy Nightmares

To Stay or not to Stay...home...that is...

1. Prepare a Working Budget

2. Make A List of Expenses

3. Revise the Budget

4. Other Possibilities

5. It Isn’t Over Yet

Easter 2011

Coloring Eggs

Oh the drama

Well.....we did it....*crying internally*

Little and Littlest Ebby: Little and Littlest Ebby: Costs associated with a High Dedcuctible Pregnancy

17 Week Appointment

11 days

Thrilling Thursday

Swimming Fool

Swagger Wagon

Puj Tub

The Many Faces

Well.....we did it....crying internally