There will be no picture for this; you'll just have to use your imagination.
After eating Noodle Soup for lunch (my boys' name for Top Ramen), Ethan was stripped down to his diaper for nap time. Nick was having a difficult time settling down for nap, as he has been lately. For over an hour, he and Ethan played around intead of sleeping. Finally, they settled down and it was quiet for awhile.
I went upstairs to check on them, waking them up in the process. Since it was after 4pm, I was okay with them waking up; I do want them to get to bed at a decent hour. As I walked further into the room, I noticed Ethan curled around a great big wet spot.....completely naked! Yes, he had stripped his diaper off and slept in the buff. This was the first time he has ever done that.
I had Nick come upstairs to observe his son, and then take him downstairs to get him changed while I changed the sheet. What a goofy boy!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Oldies But Goodies
The kids and I have been looking at old baby pictures of each of them and I was reminded of some of my favorites. I thought I would share a few.
It all started the other day when Joey asked me what the bump next to his left ear was. This, of course, is what is left of his skin tag he had at birth. It has been so long ago, sometimes I forget that it was ever bigger than the little bump he has. Last night, when I brought up Joey's question to my husband, Nick asked Joey why he wanted to know.
Joey said, "Cameron (a boy in his class) touched it and wanted to know if I wanted him to pop it."
Oh, my goodness. I laughed so hard. I never thought that there was a reason other than curiosity that made him ask.
So here are a few of my favorite pictures of the boys' early days.
There is no better day in my life than the day each of my boys was born. This is one of my favorite pictures of Joey right after he was born. I don't think I had even held him yet, but I love how scrunched up his face is. He is saying, "I'm cold and I want my Mommy!"
This is probably my most favorite picture of Joey when he was really little. He is so peaceful and soft looking. It is also the one picture I think of when I want to see, or show, how big his skin tag was before we had it removed.
Here is a picture of Nick when he came "home" from the hospital. I put quotations around home because we were staying at Mom's at the time while we were in transition to Alaska. I love how tiny Nick looks, and he was compared to Joey, but he was not a tiny baby by any means. I love how the clothes look like they are about to fall right off.
This one of Nick is probably my all time favorite of Nick. It cracks me up each time I look at it. I love the expression on his face.
And here is a darling picture of Ethan when he was born. I love his cheeks, and though he has grown into them a little, they are still one of my favorite features on him today.
If I were totally honest, I would say that I have hundreds of favorite pictures of my boys, because I love looking at them and remembering all those days with them. They are my favorite people in the world, even if I don't remember that every day. But since I can't put hundreds of pictures on a blog post (and nobody is as interested in looking at all of them as I am) I will limit myself to these few. Maybe I will post some more at a later date. Spread the wealth a bit.
It all started the other day when Joey asked me what the bump next to his left ear was. This, of course, is what is left of his skin tag he had at birth. It has been so long ago, sometimes I forget that it was ever bigger than the little bump he has. Last night, when I brought up Joey's question to my husband, Nick asked Joey why he wanted to know.
Joey said, "Cameron (a boy in his class) touched it and wanted to know if I wanted him to pop it."
Oh, my goodness. I laughed so hard. I never thought that there was a reason other than curiosity that made him ask.
So here are a few of my favorite pictures of the boys' early days.
There is no better day in my life than the day each of my boys was born. This is one of my favorite pictures of Joey right after he was born. I don't think I had even held him yet, but I love how scrunched up his face is. He is saying, "I'm cold and I want my Mommy!"
This is probably my most favorite picture of Joey when he was really little. He is so peaceful and soft looking. It is also the one picture I think of when I want to see, or show, how big his skin tag was before we had it removed.
Here is a picture of Nick when he came "home" from the hospital. I put quotations around home because we were staying at Mom's at the time while we were in transition to Alaska. I love how tiny Nick looks, and he was compared to Joey, but he was not a tiny baby by any means. I love how the clothes look like they are about to fall right off.
This one of Nick is probably my all time favorite of Nick. It cracks me up each time I look at it. I love the expression on his face.
And here is a darling picture of Ethan when he was born. I love his cheeks, and though he has grown into them a little, they are still one of my favorite features on him today.
If I were totally honest, I would say that I have hundreds of favorite pictures of my boys, because I love looking at them and remembering all those days with them. They are my favorite people in the world, even if I don't remember that every day. But since I can't put hundreds of pictures on a blog post (and nobody is as interested in looking at all of them as I am) I will limit myself to these few. Maybe I will post some more at a later date. Spread the wealth a bit.
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
Baby Update
I have officially completed my fourth month of pregnancy and start my fifth month today. Remember, we are talking a ten-month (28 day month) system here. Here is what is happening with baby at this stage:
Baby's crown to rump length is 11 or 12 cm or 5 inches. Baby weighs about 100-150 grams or 3.5-5.3 ounces. Baby's eyes and ears are in their proper place now. Baby's circulatory system is completely functional. Baby's sweat glands are developing.
Pretty exciting, huh?! My next appointment is a week from tomorrow. I always look forward to hearing the heart beat. The other exciting thing about this appointment, is that I get to schedule my ultrasound! It's coming up fast. The less exciting thing about this appointment is that I will probably have blood work done. I don't detest having blood drawn, but it isn't my favorite thing.
Baby's crown to rump length is 11 or 12 cm or 5 inches. Baby weighs about 100-150 grams or 3.5-5.3 ounces. Baby's eyes and ears are in their proper place now. Baby's circulatory system is completely functional. Baby's sweat glands are developing.
Pretty exciting, huh?! My next appointment is a week from tomorrow. I always look forward to hearing the heart beat. The other exciting thing about this appointment, is that I get to schedule my ultrasound! It's coming up fast. The less exciting thing about this appointment is that I will probably have blood work done. I don't detest having blood drawn, but it isn't my favorite thing.
Face Plant
Ethan is very good doing face plants. He will be getting himself up off the floor when his arms will give out and he will land his face right there on the floor. Most of the time he is fine, it doesn't even phase him. Other times it is absolutely hysterical! Like the other night, Nick and I were both laughing so hard I had tears streaming down my face.
Picture a toddler getting to a standing position: They plant their hands and their feet on the ground, then push off with their hands until they are in a full standing position. This is not exactly what Ethan did the other night. He got his hands and feet on the ground, but instead of pushing off with his hands, he jumped up using his feet, causing his arms to buckle, and....well, I'm sure you can imagine. He wasn't hurt; in fact, I don't think he even noticed, which gave Nick and I license to laugh.
Then there are the times when he hits something that causes him to get hurt. Yesterday was such a time. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Ethan do a face plant. So when he came up screaming, I didn't at first understand why. I pulled him onto my lap to comfort him. He sat up with me, facing away, for several minutes. Then he decided he was ready to get down. He sat down on the floor, this time facing me, and I saw for the first time the huge goose egg that had surfaced on the bridge of his nose, between his eyes. I don't know if I have ever seen a bigger one.
He seemed to be acting normal, maybe a little calmer, but nothing to make me worry that something worse than a bump had occured.
I took a couple pictures for proof. By the time Nick got home from work, the swelling had gone down by half, but was still quite significant. This morning, the swelling was all gone, but he has a nasty bruise that I know will get worse before it gets better.
Picture a toddler getting to a standing position: They plant their hands and their feet on the ground, then push off with their hands until they are in a full standing position. This is not exactly what Ethan did the other night. He got his hands and feet on the ground, but instead of pushing off with his hands, he jumped up using his feet, causing his arms to buckle, and....well, I'm sure you can imagine. He wasn't hurt; in fact, I don't think he even noticed, which gave Nick and I license to laugh.
Then there are the times when he hits something that causes him to get hurt. Yesterday was such a time. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Ethan do a face plant. So when he came up screaming, I didn't at first understand why. I pulled him onto my lap to comfort him. He sat up with me, facing away, for several minutes. Then he decided he was ready to get down. He sat down on the floor, this time facing me, and I saw for the first time the huge goose egg that had surfaced on the bridge of his nose, between his eyes. I don't know if I have ever seen a bigger one.
He seemed to be acting normal, maybe a little calmer, but nothing to make me worry that something worse than a bump had occured.
I took a couple pictures for proof. By the time Nick got home from work, the swelling had gone down by half, but was still quite significant. This morning, the swelling was all gone, but he has a nasty bruise that I know will get worse before it gets better.
Easter Sunday
Easter was a really nice day. The sun was shinning, as was the Son. It was a bit cool, and when the breeze blew, it was down right chilly.
The boys and I had a nice time at church. It is not always easy to get up and get us all ready to leave by 8:30am, but it sure is nice to be home by 10:45 and have the rest of the day ahead of you. I was able to get Easter dinner cooking early so I had time for it all.
We had a honey glazed spiral ham, scalloped potatoes, salad, and rolls. It turned out delicious and we ate too much. Then, of course, we found we had room later for a small slice of caramel apple pie. No, I didn't make it...we got it from Freddy's.
Joey and Nick cooperated for a picture, although Joey was being goofy. (The other picture I got was of Joey making a funny face.) It's too bad we can't use the same threat that our parents used....."If you ruin the film, you buy it!" At least with a digital camera, you can erase any picture that doesn't turn out.
Ethan didn't want to take a picture with the other boys. He was interested in getting a snack first. Finally, a dog started barking next door, distracting him long enough to get a couple pictures. I can't believe how big he is getting. I had to get the 2T clothes out for him to find him something to wear for Easter. I don't know if the pants will fit him quite yet, but he fits very well in the next size shirt.
After nap time, we took the boys out to ride their bikes. Nick got on his trike and just took off. He is really getting the hang of pedaling. He enjoys pretending he's going to work and coming back home. I love watching his imagination and creativity blossom. He really is talking very well now, considering he has only been talking for a little over a year.
Joey likes riding his bike, but it takes great concentration. He still has to remember that he has to keep pedaling to keep the bike moving. He tends to get frustrated pretty easily if something doesn't come easy to him immediately. Can't imagine where he gets that!
Ethan just loved running around, getting in everybody's way and trying to climb on the big boys' bikes. He loves being outside, even if it is cold. I love watching him copy his brothers. He seems to have no concept that he is anything but a five year old.
Well, I should go for now. The boys are being good, but I have been away from them long enough. I will have more to post later.
The boys and I had a nice time at church. It is not always easy to get up and get us all ready to leave by 8:30am, but it sure is nice to be home by 10:45 and have the rest of the day ahead of you. I was able to get Easter dinner cooking early so I had time for it all.
We had a honey glazed spiral ham, scalloped potatoes, salad, and rolls. It turned out delicious and we ate too much. Then, of course, we found we had room later for a small slice of caramel apple pie. No, I didn't make it...we got it from Freddy's.
Joey and Nick cooperated for a picture, although Joey was being goofy. (The other picture I got was of Joey making a funny face.) It's too bad we can't use the same threat that our parents used....."If you ruin the film, you buy it!" At least with a digital camera, you can erase any picture that doesn't turn out.
Ethan didn't want to take a picture with the other boys. He was interested in getting a snack first. Finally, a dog started barking next door, distracting him long enough to get a couple pictures. I can't believe how big he is getting. I had to get the 2T clothes out for him to find him something to wear for Easter. I don't know if the pants will fit him quite yet, but he fits very well in the next size shirt.
After nap time, we took the boys out to ride their bikes. Nick got on his trike and just took off. He is really getting the hang of pedaling. He enjoys pretending he's going to work and coming back home. I love watching his imagination and creativity blossom. He really is talking very well now, considering he has only been talking for a little over a year.
Joey likes riding his bike, but it takes great concentration. He still has to remember that he has to keep pedaling to keep the bike moving. He tends to get frustrated pretty easily if something doesn't come easy to him immediately. Can't imagine where he gets that!
Ethan just loved running around, getting in everybody's way and trying to climb on the big boys' bikes. He loves being outside, even if it is cold. I love watching him copy his brothers. He seems to have no concept that he is anything but a five year old.
Well, I should go for now. The boys are being good, but I have been away from them long enough. I will have more to post later.
Friday, April 02, 2010
God Listened
God read my blog, heard my despair, and my comment to Megan that snow in April was "of the devil." So He sent the rain to wash it away. After the rain, He sent the sunshine and clear blue skies.
YEAH!!!
YEAH!!!
A "Thank You" To My Mom
The boys had peanut butter and honey sandwiches for lunch today. Not something I give them often, but every once in awhile.
As I was making the sandwiches, Joey asked me if I would squirt the honey in thier mouths. I said no.
Joey, "But that's what Nanny does!"
Mom, "That's because she's Nanny and not Mommy."
Joey, "And Mommy doesn't do things we like."
So, thank you mom for being a very special Nanny to my kids.
As I was making the sandwiches, Joey asked me if I would squirt the honey in thier mouths. I said no.
Joey, "But that's what Nanny does!"
Mom, "That's because she's Nanny and not Mommy."
Joey, "And Mommy doesn't do things we like."
So, thank you mom for being a very special Nanny to my kids.
"You Want To Hear Something Depressing?"
These are the opening words to my husband's first phone call of the day. Of course, the first thing I want to hear in the morning is something depressing. His next words brought a chill to my heart.....
"It's snowing!"
WHAT?! How can it be snowing in April. I left Alaska for this very reason. Am I doomed to live in snow-infested lands for the rest of my life?
At first it was snow/rain mix, then mostly rain, and now it is mostly snow. We could get a couple inches, Nick said. They are thinking to get 1-3 feet in the mountains! This is completely unacceptable. Even if it doesn't stick around for long, I don't want to see that icky white stuff around me. I survived the winter because it was relatively short and mild comparatively. My Spring should not get ruined.
Okay, I'm done venting.
On the upside...I'm only a few days away from starting my fifth month of pregnancy (counting on a ten month schedule). Which means, of course, that I'm only four weeks away from being half way through.
I have some very whiny kids...mostly just one. He is driving me up the wall and its not even morning snack time! I better go.
"It's snowing!"
WHAT?! How can it be snowing in April. I left Alaska for this very reason. Am I doomed to live in snow-infested lands for the rest of my life?
At first it was snow/rain mix, then mostly rain, and now it is mostly snow. We could get a couple inches, Nick said. They are thinking to get 1-3 feet in the mountains! This is completely unacceptable. Even if it doesn't stick around for long, I don't want to see that icky white stuff around me. I survived the winter because it was relatively short and mild comparatively. My Spring should not get ruined.
Okay, I'm done venting.
On the upside...I'm only a few days away from starting my fifth month of pregnancy (counting on a ten month schedule). Which means, of course, that I'm only four weeks away from being half way through.
I have some very whiny kids...mostly just one. He is driving me up the wall and its not even morning snack time! I better go.
Thursday, April 01, 2010
No, Seriously
I will try to blog again. It's not that I don't want to, or don't have anything to say, or that the kids don't provide enough material, I just can't seem to get motivated.
First of all, I am feeling better. The doctor gave me anti-nausea pills that helped, but I haven't had to take any for a few weeks. I still feel "off" in the evenings, right when I'm supposed to be getting dinner (not very motivating), but other than that I'm doing well. It may be my imagination, but I think I have felt the baby move a couple times....just tiny movements. Last appointment I finally heard the heart beat, and I can't wait until next time. Only a few more weeks until I can find out what the gender of the baby is.
The kids are doing well. The other day, the boys were playing upstairs while I "rested" in bed before getting up. Nick and Ethan were rubbing each other the wrong way, Ethan ended up hitting Nick, and I called out to him from the bedroom to "not hit". Ethan jabbered something unintelligible at me, and Nick said, "Ethan said you were a bully, Mom!" I had to hide my face in the pillow to laugh. Nick has started "translating" Ethan's language and putting his own opinions in. It was so funny.
Well, I have a kitchen that needs cleaning, and if I don't get to it now, I will keep putting it off until it doesn't get done at all.
Hope this April is a blessed month for everyone. I may not get on every day, but I will do my best to post a blog every few days to keep you posted about the happenings in this household.
First of all, I am feeling better. The doctor gave me anti-nausea pills that helped, but I haven't had to take any for a few weeks. I still feel "off" in the evenings, right when I'm supposed to be getting dinner (not very motivating), but other than that I'm doing well. It may be my imagination, but I think I have felt the baby move a couple times....just tiny movements. Last appointment I finally heard the heart beat, and I can't wait until next time. Only a few more weeks until I can find out what the gender of the baby is.
The kids are doing well. The other day, the boys were playing upstairs while I "rested" in bed before getting up. Nick and Ethan were rubbing each other the wrong way, Ethan ended up hitting Nick, and I called out to him from the bedroom to "not hit". Ethan jabbered something unintelligible at me, and Nick said, "Ethan said you were a bully, Mom!" I had to hide my face in the pillow to laugh. Nick has started "translating" Ethan's language and putting his own opinions in. It was so funny.
Well, I have a kitchen that needs cleaning, and if I don't get to it now, I will keep putting it off until it doesn't get done at all.
Hope this April is a blessed month for everyone. I may not get on every day, but I will do my best to post a blog every few days to keep you posted about the happenings in this household.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Alone At Night
I'm all alone tonight. Well, except the kids....but that wasn't exactly what I was talking about.
Nick is doing a sleep study tonight. Right now he is hooked up to all sorts of sensors, and if he isn't asleep yet, he probably is watching TV or reading. Of course, if he is reading, then he will be asleep by the time I'm finished with this sentence. Yes, he has the amazing ability to fall asleep in minutes. He just doesn't wake up refreshed, and with is rather loud snoring, he may have sleep apnea. So tonight he will be observed and diagnosed. Hopefully, they will be able to find some way to help.
The boys went down relatively easy, considering that their Daddy is gone. I wonder how soon it will be before Nick comes into my room. Joey has been doing really well, lately, staying in his bed all night long. Even if he gets up, he is easily put back to bed as long as I lay down with him for a few minutes. Nick, on the other hand, usually joins us between midnight and two am. He is not so easily put back to bed, and because he shares a room with Ethan, I prefer not to make a big fuss over it, or I would have two children up in the middle of the night. There are times when I am able to lay Nick down with Joey, but half the time, he just comes back anyway.
Ethan is my best sleeper by far, but I suppose that will change over the course of the next year....if he follows the patterns of his brothers.
I'm a super hero! Did you know that? The other day, Nick was playing on the floor, when he jumped up and climbed in my lab claiming he saw a spider. I looked all over and didn't see anything. He pointed to the slate border of the fireplace, where any bug would be able to camoflauge itself. I still didn't see anything. Finally, the bug made its way onto the white wall and Nick pointed it out to me. It was a tiny flying insect, not a spider, thank goodness for that. So I took my slipper, squished the bug, and disposed of it outside. Nick shouts, "You're a super hero, Mom!" It was the sweetest thing. I beamed for the next few hours.
I'm reaching the point in my pregnancy where I started getting really sick with Ethan. I'm kind of frightened. I don't know how I will handle myslef if I get that sick again. Right now I feel a lot of "constant." I feel "constantly" full, yet "constantly" like I could eat. I "constantly" have no appetite; nothing sounds good, tastes good, or feels good, yet I "constantly" have to have something in my tummy or I feel a bit ill. I have a "constant" feeling of vague ickiness, and occasionally the ickiness is less vague. It's unpleasant, but totally manageable if it would only stay this way. And then I have the "constant" fear that fear will make me feel worse....that because I'm afraid of feeling sick, I'm going to be sick. Like it's all in my head, if that makes sense.
I'm doing much better about taking my pre-natal vitamins, though. That's just because I finally got the chewable Flintstone kind...actually, the generic kind. I never even knew that was an option until after I had Ethan. I don't swallow pills well, and the horse pills they call pre-natals are the worse. They make me gag. And when you already don't feel good, gagging is not the best thing, because once you start, it's hard to stop. Then I read that a Flintsone vitamin has just the same things, and as long as you get 400 mcg of Folic Acid, you're good to go. So that is a pleasant change.
I have yet to find a doctor. I hate just picking a doctor from a list and not knowing anything about them or having a recommendation from anybody who knows them. This is my fourth pregnancy and my fifth doctor! I guess I will just have to pick one and get it over with. I should get an appointment scheduled sooner rather than later since it can take several weeks before anybody is available. Maybe I'll do that tomorrow.
Well, since I have the bed to myself for who knows how long, I should go take advantage of it! Have a great week.
Nick is doing a sleep study tonight. Right now he is hooked up to all sorts of sensors, and if he isn't asleep yet, he probably is watching TV or reading. Of course, if he is reading, then he will be asleep by the time I'm finished with this sentence. Yes, he has the amazing ability to fall asleep in minutes. He just doesn't wake up refreshed, and with is rather loud snoring, he may have sleep apnea. So tonight he will be observed and diagnosed. Hopefully, they will be able to find some way to help.
The boys went down relatively easy, considering that their Daddy is gone. I wonder how soon it will be before Nick comes into my room. Joey has been doing really well, lately, staying in his bed all night long. Even if he gets up, he is easily put back to bed as long as I lay down with him for a few minutes. Nick, on the other hand, usually joins us between midnight and two am. He is not so easily put back to bed, and because he shares a room with Ethan, I prefer not to make a big fuss over it, or I would have two children up in the middle of the night. There are times when I am able to lay Nick down with Joey, but half the time, he just comes back anyway.
Ethan is my best sleeper by far, but I suppose that will change over the course of the next year....if he follows the patterns of his brothers.
I'm a super hero! Did you know that? The other day, Nick was playing on the floor, when he jumped up and climbed in my lab claiming he saw a spider. I looked all over and didn't see anything. He pointed to the slate border of the fireplace, where any bug would be able to camoflauge itself. I still didn't see anything. Finally, the bug made its way onto the white wall and Nick pointed it out to me. It was a tiny flying insect, not a spider, thank goodness for that. So I took my slipper, squished the bug, and disposed of it outside. Nick shouts, "You're a super hero, Mom!" It was the sweetest thing. I beamed for the next few hours.
I'm reaching the point in my pregnancy where I started getting really sick with Ethan. I'm kind of frightened. I don't know how I will handle myslef if I get that sick again. Right now I feel a lot of "constant." I feel "constantly" full, yet "constantly" like I could eat. I "constantly" have no appetite; nothing sounds good, tastes good, or feels good, yet I "constantly" have to have something in my tummy or I feel a bit ill. I have a "constant" feeling of vague ickiness, and occasionally the ickiness is less vague. It's unpleasant, but totally manageable if it would only stay this way. And then I have the "constant" fear that fear will make me feel worse....that because I'm afraid of feeling sick, I'm going to be sick. Like it's all in my head, if that makes sense.
I'm doing much better about taking my pre-natal vitamins, though. That's just because I finally got the chewable Flintstone kind...actually, the generic kind. I never even knew that was an option until after I had Ethan. I don't swallow pills well, and the horse pills they call pre-natals are the worse. They make me gag. And when you already don't feel good, gagging is not the best thing, because once you start, it's hard to stop. Then I read that a Flintsone vitamin has just the same things, and as long as you get 400 mcg of Folic Acid, you're good to go. So that is a pleasant change.
I have yet to find a doctor. I hate just picking a doctor from a list and not knowing anything about them or having a recommendation from anybody who knows them. This is my fourth pregnancy and my fifth doctor! I guess I will just have to pick one and get it over with. I should get an appointment scheduled sooner rather than later since it can take several weeks before anybody is available. Maybe I'll do that tomorrow.
Well, since I have the bed to myself for who knows how long, I should go take advantage of it! Have a great week.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Exciting News
Well, the exciting news has been shared. We are pregnant. We are due in September. How do I feel? Excited! I can't wait. I have had the "baby bug" since Ethan was born, and if I had had my way, Ethan and our next would only be 18-20 months apart. In other words, I would only be a month or so from giving birth. I know that most people would find me crazy for that, but that's how I felt. So now that a baby is finally on the way I am thrilled.
Everybody's biggest question (besides 'how does Nick feel?') is if I will be okay if we have another boy. The answer is two-fold. Ultimately, yes, I will be okay if we have another boy. We have a name picked out, which always helps me "personalize" the baby inside. So even if it turns out we are having a fourth son, I will be able to call him by name, and start to love him as I know him before he is born.
Does my heart still yearn for a daughter? Yes! With everything in me, I yearn for a daughter. She has been in my heart since I was 13 years old; that's eighteen years! So, yes, I'm hoping I finally get to hold her in my arms, and not just in my heart.
When it comes time to find out whether we are going to bring Breanna Rose or Andrew Kyle home, I will be on pins and needles. If it's a girl, I will jump for joy, perhaps even cry with joy. If it's a boy, it may take me a few moments to recover. Not that I won't be happy for another son, but my heart will grieve for the loss of a daughter I have loved so long. So there will be conflicting emotions, but I will, nonetheless be "okay".
How am I feeling? I've just barely begun to feel pregnant, so it is hard to answer that. I suppose there is a psychological effect, in that knowing I'm pregnant makes me feel as if I might become nauseated. But so far, I have been okay. I still remember how awful I felt for the first five months with Ethan, and I'm praying that I will not feel even half as bad as that. There are times, usually in the afternoon, that I feel a hint that I might become ill, but again, that could be all in my head. I do feel a little ill when I need to eat, and then again after I've eaten. But it passes quickly. Since we are just at the very beginning of this ride, who can say at this point what it will be like.
Telling the boys was interesting. Joey was in the middle of pouting over not getting two cookies for dessert, so he wasn't as enthusiastic as I thought he might be. He has been saying for a long time that he wants a baby sister. It was funny, though, that when we told them they would soon have another baby brother or sister, both Joey and Nick chimed up "SISTER." They have already decided the baby is a girl. Since we have talked about it before, I asked them to remember who decides if it is a boy or a girl. Again, they both said, "I do. It's a girl."
Tonight as I was putting Joey back to bed (after he had gotten up to tell me that he made his bed all by himself) I asked Joey if he was excited for another baby, if he was going to love his new baby. He said yes and seemed very excited. Then he asked me if Ethan was going to bite the baby. I told him that Ethan would be two years old before the baby was born and that he would know by then that he can't bite the baby. I reminded him that Nick turned two just a few days before Ethan was born, and that Nick loved Ethan and wanted to hold him, not bite him. Then Joey said, "When our new brother Andrew is born, Breanna will be two." Did you catch what he said? He is counting on us having a fifth child, still determined that this one will be a girl!
Just now, Nick is awake and sitting on my lap. He wanted to know what I was typing "all those letters" for and I told him that I was writing about the baby in my tummy. I asked him if he was excited for a new baby, and he smiled real big and said yes. Then he asked me "Will the baby come out of your belly button?" "No, God made a special way for the baby to come out." "How?" "That is something we will discuss when you're older!" Oh, the joys of talking "baby" with a pre-schooler! As cute as he is, I sure wish he would get back in bed! It's ten to one in the morning for crying out loud!
Speaking of the late hour, I should retire myself. The boys get up early enough, without my making it worse by keeping late hours.
Blessed weekend everybody.
Everybody's biggest question (besides 'how does Nick feel?') is if I will be okay if we have another boy. The answer is two-fold. Ultimately, yes, I will be okay if we have another boy. We have a name picked out, which always helps me "personalize" the baby inside. So even if it turns out we are having a fourth son, I will be able to call him by name, and start to love him as I know him before he is born.
Does my heart still yearn for a daughter? Yes! With everything in me, I yearn for a daughter. She has been in my heart since I was 13 years old; that's eighteen years! So, yes, I'm hoping I finally get to hold her in my arms, and not just in my heart.
When it comes time to find out whether we are going to bring Breanna Rose or Andrew Kyle home, I will be on pins and needles. If it's a girl, I will jump for joy, perhaps even cry with joy. If it's a boy, it may take me a few moments to recover. Not that I won't be happy for another son, but my heart will grieve for the loss of a daughter I have loved so long. So there will be conflicting emotions, but I will, nonetheless be "okay".
How am I feeling? I've just barely begun to feel pregnant, so it is hard to answer that. I suppose there is a psychological effect, in that knowing I'm pregnant makes me feel as if I might become nauseated. But so far, I have been okay. I still remember how awful I felt for the first five months with Ethan, and I'm praying that I will not feel even half as bad as that. There are times, usually in the afternoon, that I feel a hint that I might become ill, but again, that could be all in my head. I do feel a little ill when I need to eat, and then again after I've eaten. But it passes quickly. Since we are just at the very beginning of this ride, who can say at this point what it will be like.
Telling the boys was interesting. Joey was in the middle of pouting over not getting two cookies for dessert, so he wasn't as enthusiastic as I thought he might be. He has been saying for a long time that he wants a baby sister. It was funny, though, that when we told them they would soon have another baby brother or sister, both Joey and Nick chimed up "SISTER." They have already decided the baby is a girl. Since we have talked about it before, I asked them to remember who decides if it is a boy or a girl. Again, they both said, "I do. It's a girl."
Tonight as I was putting Joey back to bed (after he had gotten up to tell me that he made his bed all by himself) I asked Joey if he was excited for another baby, if he was going to love his new baby. He said yes and seemed very excited. Then he asked me if Ethan was going to bite the baby. I told him that Ethan would be two years old before the baby was born and that he would know by then that he can't bite the baby. I reminded him that Nick turned two just a few days before Ethan was born, and that Nick loved Ethan and wanted to hold him, not bite him. Then Joey said, "When our new brother Andrew is born, Breanna will be two." Did you catch what he said? He is counting on us having a fifth child, still determined that this one will be a girl!
Just now, Nick is awake and sitting on my lap. He wanted to know what I was typing "all those letters" for and I told him that I was writing about the baby in my tummy. I asked him if he was excited for a new baby, and he smiled real big and said yes. Then he asked me "Will the baby come out of your belly button?" "No, God made a special way for the baby to come out." "How?" "That is something we will discuss when you're older!" Oh, the joys of talking "baby" with a pre-schooler! As cute as he is, I sure wish he would get back in bed! It's ten to one in the morning for crying out loud!
Speaking of the late hour, I should retire myself. The boys get up early enough, without my making it worse by keeping late hours.
Blessed weekend everybody.
Saturday, January 09, 2010
Favorite Christmas Toys
This is such an adorable picture of Ethan. What a sweetheart!
Don't my boys look the heroes?! They love to dress up. Actually, they love to play with the handcuffs and put Mom in "jail". Thanks a lot Grandma Mary. (No, I'm serious; thank you. They love it.)
Joey loves his Dollar Tree slinky that his brother Nick gave him. Ethan loves it too, and if he decides he wants it at the same time someone else has it....everyone knows about it! He can be quite the screamer!
Ethan's other favorite, perhaps his most favorite is his Ride-On Dump Truck. He loves scooting that thing around the floor, blowing the horn. This is another toy that the boys are wise to stay away from. Otherwise, the whole neighborhood will hear of Ethan's displeasure.
And one of my personal favorites are the Hulk Boxing Gloves. These things are huge and squishy, so not likely to hurt. They also make sound effects which the boys love. They were given to Joey and Nick since they love to "duke up" but Ethan, once again, has discovered the joy of duking up since getting these gloves. I love how they go all the way up to his elbows, and if he raises his arms over his head, he is hard pressed to be able to bring them back down without falling backwards! He is too cute.
I have noticed over the last couple weeks, that Ethan has absolutely no concept of being a little boy. He, in his own mind, is no smaller than Joey. It's not that he does things that are unusual for a child his age, it is the attitude the way he carries himself when he does them, that shows he is a BIG boy. You'd have to see him to understand completely, but I can't stop laughing at him sometimes. It is clear, crystal clear, that he has two bigger brothers.
Speaking
Ethan has really started picking up words, or at least cadences. I have finally made a list of all that he is saying, and the intentional sounds he makes (not just babble). I can't tell you which one was his first word, or on what day he said it. I know....shameful. I just haven't been paying as much attention as I did when I only had one kid to listen to.
Here are the things that Ethan can say:
mama
dada
Bubba
smash
go
ball
all done
nigh-nigh
Nanny
cheese
juice
stairs
shoes
school
love you
bear
cracker
And the intentional sounds he makes:
ah-choo
woohoo
ta da
ho ho ho (when asked what Santa says)
Nick has also really taken off in his vocalizing, as well. I still have to translate, and there are many times that I can't quite catch what he is saying. But he is getting better. He has much to say, and he is very intentional about what he is saying. When you can figure out which sounds he is substituting for which, you can fare better at understanding him.
He also has the most wonderful giggle and fun sense of humor. He loves the "old classics" like Tom and Jerry, and the early Winnie the Pooh. To watch him watch some of these (and the new favorites like Wall-E and Up) is more entertaining than watching the show. He is such a joy.
Joey is back in school and loving it. He is taking to reading very well. I love watching him sound out words off a box or book. He loves to read road signs as we pass them, and is very logical in guessing what some signs mean. I'm very proud of him.
Nick has been on call this weekend; the first time in many months. He is not enjoying it. I can't say that I am either. He works so hard and long during the week, I like to be selfish on the weekends. Hopefully he will have a slow day tomorrow and won't have to go out at all.
All of us have been sick since before the beginning of the year, except Joey. I think we are all doing better, finally. I just can't kick this sore throat. I may go in to see a doctor next week if it doesn't go away. I hope that we are well enough to go to church tomorrow, as we were all too sick last week.
Here are the things that Ethan can say:
mama
dada
Bubba
smash
go
ball
all done
nigh-nigh
Nanny
cheese
juice
stairs
shoes
school
love you
bear
cracker
And the intentional sounds he makes:
ah-choo
woohoo
ta da
ho ho ho (when asked what Santa says)
Nick has also really taken off in his vocalizing, as well. I still have to translate, and there are many times that I can't quite catch what he is saying. But he is getting better. He has much to say, and he is very intentional about what he is saying. When you can figure out which sounds he is substituting for which, you can fare better at understanding him.
He also has the most wonderful giggle and fun sense of humor. He loves the "old classics" like Tom and Jerry, and the early Winnie the Pooh. To watch him watch some of these (and the new favorites like Wall-E and Up) is more entertaining than watching the show. He is such a joy.
Joey is back in school and loving it. He is taking to reading very well. I love watching him sound out words off a box or book. He loves to read road signs as we pass them, and is very logical in guessing what some signs mean. I'm very proud of him.
Nick has been on call this weekend; the first time in many months. He is not enjoying it. I can't say that I am either. He works so hard and long during the week, I like to be selfish on the weekends. Hopefully he will have a slow day tomorrow and won't have to go out at all.
All of us have been sick since before the beginning of the year, except Joey. I think we are all doing better, finally. I just can't kick this sore throat. I may go in to see a doctor next week if it doesn't go away. I hope that we are well enough to go to church tomorrow, as we were all too sick last week.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
The End of the Year
What a year it has been! I must admit I don't remember too much before May. It was then that we started planning for the possibility of a move down to the lower 48. Things didn't really kick into gear until June, leaving me one month to pack. This was no ordinary move; it was the most mentally strenuous move I have made to date. Having three kids and being away from family willing to help was a challange. Praise God for the awesome friends from Anchorage First AG who stepped in to assist. Gil and Rosi took all three of my kids to McDonald's Playland for a few hours one day. Jeanna Allen took them to lunch and a park on another occasion, giving me an opportunity to pack unhindered. Gil and Rosi also came over to help move our stuff into storage, along with a co-worker of Nick's.
The most challenging part was figuring out what could be packed in the van to be shipped two weeks before the move....things that would be absolutely necessary when we arrived, but that we could do without for the last two weeks. (Not exactly an easy task.) Then I had to figure on what we could pack in two suitcases and four carry-ons, cramming every available inch (keeping the suitcases under 50 pounds). Everything else, except what we took to Goodwill, gave to friends, sold, or junked, was to be packed into storage until we could get it three months after we moved.
But since we have made the move, we have been able to attend and participate with our families in Angie and Steve's wedding, family reunion camping, Nick's and Ethan's birthday parties, Lisa and Brian's wedding, Thanksgiving, and Christmas! How wonderful, how indescribably awesome that has been.
Joey started Kindergarten in September and we both love his school and his teacher. He is blossoming in knowledge and quickly learning how to read and spell. In fact, Nick and I have to watch what we spell in his hearing, because he may just sound it out.
I know I haven't posted anything about Christmas yet...but it has taken me so long to recover. We were blessed to be able to spend time with both sides of the family all weekend long, and while we never really felt rushed, it was a lot of activity and heightened emotions, particularly for the boys. We are all suffering from some stage of a cold, which is also wiping out our energy. So forgive me for the delay in posting about our most wonderful holiday. Although it is now only 11:15pm, I am beyond exhausted. We let the two older boys stay up late to celebrate New Year's, so they just got in bed 30 minutes ago. I will have to keep this short, promise pictures at a later date, and head to bed myself.
I pray everyone has a blessed New Year.
The most challenging part was figuring out what could be packed in the van to be shipped two weeks before the move....things that would be absolutely necessary when we arrived, but that we could do without for the last two weeks. (Not exactly an easy task.) Then I had to figure on what we could pack in two suitcases and four carry-ons, cramming every available inch (keeping the suitcases under 50 pounds). Everything else, except what we took to Goodwill, gave to friends, sold, or junked, was to be packed into storage until we could get it three months after we moved.
But since we have made the move, we have been able to attend and participate with our families in Angie and Steve's wedding, family reunion camping, Nick's and Ethan's birthday parties, Lisa and Brian's wedding, Thanksgiving, and Christmas! How wonderful, how indescribably awesome that has been.
Joey started Kindergarten in September and we both love his school and his teacher. He is blossoming in knowledge and quickly learning how to read and spell. In fact, Nick and I have to watch what we spell in his hearing, because he may just sound it out.
I know I haven't posted anything about Christmas yet...but it has taken me so long to recover. We were blessed to be able to spend time with both sides of the family all weekend long, and while we never really felt rushed, it was a lot of activity and heightened emotions, particularly for the boys. We are all suffering from some stage of a cold, which is also wiping out our energy. So forgive me for the delay in posting about our most wonderful holiday. Although it is now only 11:15pm, I am beyond exhausted. We let the two older boys stay up late to celebrate New Year's, so they just got in bed 30 minutes ago. I will have to keep this short, promise pictures at a later date, and head to bed myself.
I pray everyone has a blessed New Year.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Merry Christmas Eve
I'm sorry that it has been so long, again, but I have been crazy busy....without actually doing anything. The last couple weeks were plagued with fevers, Christmas progams and church and school, Christmas shopping, wrapping, and packing.
We head out in a couple hours to head home for Christmas for the first time in four years. To say that I am excited in a gross understatement. The kids are also excited. We have already written our note to Santa to remind him that we will be at Nanny and Papa Buddy's tonight. The kids' stockings are packed so they can be "hung" tonight.
We have a very busy weekend planned, but I wouldn't have it any other way. It won't be stressful (hopefully), just busy. Tonight we head straight for Mary and Chuck's. Chuck just lost his mom last week so it will be especially nice to spend time with him and his kids. We were unable to make it to the service on Monday, which is why Nick was able to get half of today off. We will stay for the afternoon and have dinner with them.
We were also invited to spend Christmas Eve with Paul. Since we won't be able to make it to dinner, we are hoping to make it for dessert on our way home. It will be really nice to see them.
Then we will head home to Mom and Dad's to put the kids to bed. Last year was almost impossible to get the boys to sleep. I'm hoping tonight will be a bit different. I hope that between the long drive to Portland and the running around we will do tonight, will exhaust the boys so much that they will go right to sleep. We have lots to unload to put under the tree tonight, and a couple of rather large gifts that have to be assembled. I also have a couple pumpkin cheesecakes to make. I haven't decided whether to bake them tonight or early tomorrow....but I'm leaning towards tonight so they can refrigerate over night.
On Christmas morning, we will have our personal family Christmas in the morning. The rest of the day will be spent out in Portland visiting Mary and Chuck again, as well as Grandmama and that side of the family.
We will celebrate Christmas with my side of the family on Saturday. I'm looking forward to watching all the cousins together. Then on Sunday, we will spend the morning in church before packing up and heading home.
It is nice having Joey home for Christmas vacation and I look forward to having another week with him before he has to return to the grindstone. He loves school, and I'm sure he will be ready to go back, but for now, he is enjoying being home.
Well....I've got to finish the packing so everything is ready when Nick gets home from work to load us up.
Have a very Merry Christmas!!
We head out in a couple hours to head home for Christmas for the first time in four years. To say that I am excited in a gross understatement. The kids are also excited. We have already written our note to Santa to remind him that we will be at Nanny and Papa Buddy's tonight. The kids' stockings are packed so they can be "hung" tonight.
We have a very busy weekend planned, but I wouldn't have it any other way. It won't be stressful (hopefully), just busy. Tonight we head straight for Mary and Chuck's. Chuck just lost his mom last week so it will be especially nice to spend time with him and his kids. We were unable to make it to the service on Monday, which is why Nick was able to get half of today off. We will stay for the afternoon and have dinner with them.
We were also invited to spend Christmas Eve with Paul. Since we won't be able to make it to dinner, we are hoping to make it for dessert on our way home. It will be really nice to see them.
Then we will head home to Mom and Dad's to put the kids to bed. Last year was almost impossible to get the boys to sleep. I'm hoping tonight will be a bit different. I hope that between the long drive to Portland and the running around we will do tonight, will exhaust the boys so much that they will go right to sleep. We have lots to unload to put under the tree tonight, and a couple of rather large gifts that have to be assembled. I also have a couple pumpkin cheesecakes to make. I haven't decided whether to bake them tonight or early tomorrow....but I'm leaning towards tonight so they can refrigerate over night.
On Christmas morning, we will have our personal family Christmas in the morning. The rest of the day will be spent out in Portland visiting Mary and Chuck again, as well as Grandmama and that side of the family.
We will celebrate Christmas with my side of the family on Saturday. I'm looking forward to watching all the cousins together. Then on Sunday, we will spend the morning in church before packing up and heading home.
It is nice having Joey home for Christmas vacation and I look forward to having another week with him before he has to return to the grindstone. He loves school, and I'm sure he will be ready to go back, but for now, he is enjoying being home.
Well....I've got to finish the packing so everything is ready when Nick gets home from work to load us up.
Have a very Merry Christmas!!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Happy Birthday, Jesus!
Joey and Nick had their Christmas programs at church today. It was the cutest thing, and I'm amazed my heart didn't burst with all my pride.
The pre-schoolers sang two songs; the first was accompanied by the kids ringing bells. Nick rang his bell very well, but never opened his mouth! But he sure looked cute standing up on that stage. They sang for both services, but by the time it was time for Nick to sing again, he didn't want to stand. So he sat with his legs stretched out straight, leaning back with his elbow on the riser above him, and ringing his bells with the other hand. I couldn't stop laughing, and neither could the rest of the church. I saw kind-hearted pointing and smiling up at the big screen in the direction of my son. Rather than wanted to shrink through the floor, I wanted to stand up and shout that he was my son! But I didn't.
Joey did well in his program too, both services. I video taped it, but our camera is kind of acting up and I didn't have a great angle sitting on the floor near the front of the stage. The church will have DVDs available on Wednesday, so I will get a copy to share so that everyone can see. I'm hoping that they make a DVD out of the second service (and they probably will because there were many more kids than at the first service) because I want to see Nick lazin' about on stage.
After nap time, Joey was teaching Nick a portion of one of his songs. I was upstairs doing laundry and heard them downstairs and was cracking up. So I made a little clip of them. Nick, as you can see, has more energy than should be legal and won't quit bouncing, but if you listen close, you can hear him sing along. Actually, it's more of a one-word echo throughout the song! I know I say it a lot, but I just can't get over how incredibly adorable my kids are!
Saturday, December 12, 2009
This Is Joey
hi, my name is joey. i am in kindergarten. i can read and count. i like to build. i like my teacher. i will play with my friend damion.
love, joey
(Joey typed this message almost entirely on his own. I assisted with spelling very minimally, and only occasionally helped with letter location. I am so proud of my son.)
love, joey
(Joey typed this message almost entirely on his own. I assisted with spelling very minimally, and only occasionally helped with letter location. I am so proud of my son.)
More Hair
We are getting ready for Christmas programs this week. Today, Joey had a dress rehearsal for his program at church tomorrow. It will be so cute. While he was on stage singing, Ethan and Nick ran around the entire sanctuary, no matter how many times I told them to stay close. They really were very well behaved even if they did tend to wander. And cute as ever. All the other parents enjoyed watching them. I got lots of "you've got your hands full" comments. Each time I hear that, I think of Angie and how empty my hands are compared to hers, and how enjoyable it is to have my hands as full as they are.
On Thursday afternoon, Joey has a recital at school that I am looking forward to very much. He will perform with the other afternoon kinders, so it will be a smaller, more focused group. I will try to get some video of both performances, but it may be a bit difficult. Nick will be with me at church tomorrow, but he won't be able to come on Thursday, so I will have a busy time trying to keep the boys sat down long enough for me to get video. We'll see. Que sera.
Here are a couple pictures of my other handsome boys after their haircuts. Joey wanted a mohawk, so the lady styled his hair for him. I think it is very cute. (And I'm not a mohawk fan!) She also kept a lock of Ethan's hair and is going to send me a "First Haircut" Cerificate. How cute is that! I can't wait to get it.
On Thursday afternoon, Joey has a recital at school that I am looking forward to very much. He will perform with the other afternoon kinders, so it will be a smaller, more focused group. I will try to get some video of both performances, but it may be a bit difficult. Nick will be with me at church tomorrow, but he won't be able to come on Thursday, so I will have a busy time trying to keep the boys sat down long enough for me to get video. We'll see. Que sera.
Here are a couple pictures of my other handsome boys after their haircuts. Joey wanted a mohawk, so the lady styled his hair for him. I think it is very cute. (And I'm not a mohawk fan!) She also kept a lock of Ethan's hair and is going to send me a "First Haircut" Cerificate. How cute is that! I can't wait to get it.
First Haircut
I don't have any time, I am supposed to be headed out the door, but I wanted to get a few pictures up of Ethan's first haircut. The salon I went to was great! It was geared specifically for kids and the lady was so good. Ethan did a wonderful job, only reaching for me a couple times. Nick and Joey also got haircuts, and they look great, too. I will post more pictures later, but here are some of Ethan.
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