Still No Baby...

So, I thought this little one would be here by now. It's big sister showed up 4 days early, and at most this one will be 3 days early... Now I am just praying it shows up on its own! I am 4 cm dialated (3cm two weeks ago, 3.5 last week). But, as somewhat expected, this one hasn't dropped (AJU5 never did - hence the c-section). My doctor was a little surprised to see me today though - she thought I might have had the baby already too. I did find out one good thing today though - my OB will be at the hospital tomorrow (day), Friday (day), and Saturday (night). So, if I go into labor during any of these 12 hour shifts, she will still get to deliver this little one. So, now that is what I am praying for!

Mayeb I Am Glad the Baby Hasn't Come...

It has been a "fun" 24 hours. Really, it hasn't been bad, but it hasn't all been good. Yesterday morning was normal. We got up, AJU5 watched two shows while I made breakfast, put Tom in the fridge, and got some other random things done (and AJU1 slept a little and then reviewed Sunday School material). Breakfast was normal, and then AJU5 took a nap (and I showered and napped as well). Sunday School was normal - AJU5 had a few toddler moments of wanting to be a handful and not participate, but once the glue sticks came out she was perfectly fine. Church service went fine too - she snuggled for half and then played for half. After church we ran to REI to get ski tickets for February (big discount - going with friends to share child-watching). AJU5 started to doze the last few minutes before we parked. But, we kept her awake.

When we got home, we thought she would crash, but no. She laid down for about 20 minutes, but that was it. We watched the NASCAR race, and at the end she was asking to go to bed. Unfortunately, it was too late for nap but too early for bed. So, we let her watch two of her shows before heading to church. She did normal at church - and then melted down at the very end. We got everything ready as my husband went over some details for the next few weeks with Pastor (he will be out of town). AJU5 CRASHED in my arms within minutes. She stayed out even when we got home, so we just took off her skort and let her go to slep in her tights and shirt.

Now for the real fun - Midnight. AJU5 started screaming. I gave her a few minutes, but soon I realized she was not going to go back to sleep. So, I got up and went to see what the problem was. I got her out of bed and tried to explain it was still sleepy time since she wanted to go downstairs. I went and got her cup out of bed, and then I saw it - puke. It was just milk (which is what was in her cup), we I decided we would get juice downstairs, change her, and put her back to bed. She did request cheese while we were downstairs, but other than that things went as planned. She laid down, coughed a few times, and puked again. So, I got her up again (since she was crying) and changed her pillow (exchanging it for one on the guest bed) since the two in her room both had wet spots now.

So, we went downstairs and watched an episode of Curious George and gave her some medicine - Benadryl, Robitussin, and Mortin mixed together. She refused it at first from her little cup. Then she coughed again and puked again. I got the syringe medicine thing and gave her the rest of the medicine. Once George was over, she slept until her normal time. She seems perfectly normal this morning. So, I am hoping it was just the allergies that led to a cough that led to the puking. But, I want to be sure before I call over a babysitter to head to the hospital to have this little one. So, I am happy there has been no action on Junior on that front.

And. I am thankful I wasn't having to handle two kids with one sick! I would be exhausted today if that was the case. Instead, I only had to snuggle AJU5 while she watched her show. So, now I am praying this baby just comes on its own sometime in the next 7 days. If not, I will be about to go into the OR...

Product Review Friday - Overnight Diapers (Revisted)

So a month or two ago I bought the Pampers nighttime diapers instead of the Huggies because they were cheaper. Conclusion - they don't work as well! Based on weight alone, they don't hold as much as the Huggies. So, we are sticking to the Huggies brand. I did buy AJU5 a package of Pull-Ups from Costco that contains some nighttime pull-ups. Those seem to work about as well as the Huggies Overnights, although we have only used them once. We will wait until she is a little more willing to sit on a toilet before using the Pull-Ups since they are more expensive.

But, my friend put AJU5 in a standard Pampers yesterday (thanks for changing her while she was at your house), and they seem to hold more than standard Huggies or Kirtland diapers. I wish there was consistency in brands! But, then again during the day you don't need them to hold as much normally. So, the others work just fine.

Okay, enough on diapers... Now to pray that in the next 9 months AJU5 will sit on a toilet and be willing to start using one! I don't want to have two kids in diapers forever!

"Wordless" Wednesday - Painting

Busy, But Not...

I have gotten a good bit of stuff done lately, but then I don't think I have actually done that much. It started last Tuesday when I cleaned out our downstairs closet and shoe drawers. Then, Wednesday I cleaned out 6 kitchen cabinets and sanitized all of the baby bottle stuff I found in the process. Thursday was normal story time at the library and doctor's appointment, so no housework was done. Friday we rearranged AJU5's room to make way for bunk beds (when we purchase them - which might not be for a while), and I cleaned out the inside freezer (attached tot he fridge). I also went and got my hair cut (just 4 inches off the bottom - straight cut) and then went back with AJU5 to get her hair cut (making it almost one layer plus bangs instead of the mess she had). Saturday I emptied out the outside freezer (and stuffed all of that stuff into the inside freezer) and turned it off so it could defrost and did the normal laundry. I also organized AJU5's toys during the week (as I found them) so they are easier to pick up now.

On the to-do list still are cleaning the bathrooms, vacuuming and mopping all appropriate floors, and organizing the pantry and "junk" drawer. Hopefully I can tackle on bathroom a day (minus the shower in ours because I can't get down to clean it well enough these days) and then the organizing pantry and drawer before Saturday. Saturday will be the big floor day, as I need AJU1 to distract AJU5 while I mop (i.e. to avoid toddler in the bucket issues). Then the house will be clean and organized for the in-laws!

But, then I think of how the in-laws house looks most of the time we go there. We end up cleaning and organizing half of the time because there is going to be a big gathering and it needs to be done. So, part of me wonders why I am spending so much time getting everything neat and organized for them. But, that is just how I am. I hate having people over when the house isn't clean!

And T minus 2 weeks until the baby is hear (if not before)! I think I am ready...

Not Superwoman...

With AJU5 I had no real pregnancy issues the last trimester. Yes, I had to get up and pee in the middle of the night and it was a little harder to get up and down, but I was definitely not complaining about any of that. I don't think physics and anatomy would allow those issues to not exist! this time around - not the case!

First, my fingers started to swell a few weeks ago. They still don't look huge thanks to my large knuckles, but I can't feel things as well and I always wake up with them asleep/tingly. I know I am definitely better off than some women in this category - but still!

Second, getting up and down is not so fun anymore. I can still do it, but don't ask me to do it too much! If I am on the floor, expect me to stay there for at least 15-20 minutes. My joints just can't take lifting this much weight over and over and over again! The same goes for getting out of low chairs. I raised my office chair one inch today, and it made the biggest difference in how my knee muscles felt. I wish I had thought of that earlier...

Third, I get other pelvic pain I never had with AJU5. This little one is punching and head-butting things AJU5 never did. Luckily, they aren't constant or even very often. But still...

One plu sto all of this - I think some of it is because this little one is sitting lower. AJU5 never dropped, so this is giving me a little hope that the VBAC will be possible. And I am definitely praying for a VBAC. AJU5 won't be able to visit me in the hospital due to the silly flu and all. So, I want to be able to come home within 48 hours if at all possible! The girl is just not used to not having mommy around... And since she won't be able to come, AJU1 will have to stay home with her once the baby is delivered so she doesn't totally lose it!

Okay, enough moaning and groaning for one morning :)

Product Review Friday - DVRs

Okay, so this post isn't about specific DVRs - it is more about how much I love being able to record TV. We actually use a program called SageTV which runs via computer to record shows. We had to pay for some hardware and a one-time purchase of software, but that is it. I know other options have monthly service charges, but I am not all researched-up on those...

So, here are the big benefits of a DVR:

• Commercial skipping. Most DVRs will mark commercials and automatically skip them. They skipping isn't always perfect, but you do get to "miss' most of the annoying commercials with no work!
• Favorites! Most DVRs allow you to record all airings of a favorite show. You may also have options as to which episodes of a favorite are recorded (like channel, time, or first-run restrictions). This means you don't have to think about when your show is on.
• Library of Shows. This is a big plus for toddlers. We record all of the Curious Georges and Word Worlds that are on our PBS station. Then, we can cycle through the list and watch them when she wants TV. Once we have watched all available episodes once, we can go through the list again. It is like having a DVD with all of the episodes on it for free1

Do you have a DVR? Do you like it?

R Bs

So, AJU5 is really liking her R Bs these days. Now, I know you may be asking what R Bs are. Well, don't you know those are letters and numbers to an almost 23 month old? Really, I don't know why she calls them that, but she is sticking with that distinction even with our reminding her they are letters and numbers.

Her second favorite show is Word World. I know the "skills" taught in the show are a little advanced for her, but she loves the animals. So, while we were at Wally World last week, I bought her a package of bathtub foam letters and numbers. They have been a hit. She will sit on the floor and rearrange them for some time. She will also bring them to us one or two at a time. And, since they come in 6 colors, we are also working identifying the colors with them as well (I think she knows some of the colors, but the concept of "color" confuses her).

Then just this week, she has taken to coming up to me and asking to sit in my lap while I am at the computer. She will hand me a crayon and tell me "R Bs" and point to the paper. I figured out she wants me to write words for her. So, There has been a lot of basic word writing going on on my part this week! Yesterday I got smart and started writing words that corresponded to items nearby. I required her to point to the item before I would write another word just to save myself some thinking! Of course, I am telling her what the words say and reading off the letters as I go - I do not expect her to read just yet!

But, on that note, she can identify PIE, DUCK, SHEEP, HAT, and BALL on Word World before they are made into their items. I know some of it is just repetition and recognition (they are in the intro/ending each time), but I think she is also doing a tiny but of sight reading. This makes me happy because reading is not a strong suit for me! I want to home school, but the whole language arts part scares me slightly because I had such a hard time with it growing up (most likely I am dyslexic although I was never tested). Now I like to read, but that didn't start until about 9 years ago!

Crafts

So, I think AJU5 is ready to start doing some more crafts around the house. She loves when their are crafts at things we go to, although there is only a 50% chance I get to take them home in one piece... So, we might be hitting Hobby Lobby today in hopes of buying some things to keep us occupied for the next few weeks. I am thinking fun foam sticker projects, glues stick projects, and possibly a paper mache project if I am ambitious...

Two weeks ago she got to make a leaf/glue stick picture at story time. Then, at home she wanted to do more but we didn't have any normal glue 9just the expensive photo glue). Luckily, I remembered that I had some clear contact paper and a bunch of small scraps from scrapbooking. She spent a good amount of time putting the pieces on the contact paper (and pealing them off and putting them back on...).

Have you tried any crafts with toddlers? Any suggestions?

T Minus 1 Month

In a month, we will be officially a family of four. That is hard to believe...
I am due in 4 weeks. The c-section is scheduled for 30 days from today...
And it doesn't feel like September was that long ago...

Things I am looking forward to:

• My hands returning to normal size. They aren't huge, but they tingle periodically and are definitely larger than before.
• Not having to pee so often.
• The end to nausea.
• The instant loss of at least 10 pounds.
• Holding an infant. I got to hold a 4 month old last Friday night, and it was so nice!

Things I wonder about:

• How AJU5 will take to being a big sister.
• How AJU5 will take to me not being home for a few days.
• How labor and delivery will go.
• How well this little one will sleep (I am praying for a good sleeper of course).
• When the baby will actually come!

Oh, and as most of you would guess - no NaBloPoMo for me this year! I would love to do it again, but the likelihood I would be successful is about 0. Especially if this little one arrives before Nov. 30...

Toddler Days...

AJU5 is having one of those days. Or let me put it this way - one of those 24 hours...

It started yesterday afternoon when she wanted to go outside. I was totally cool with this, but I insisted on shoes and a jacket (it was int he 40s here). I was "nice" and let her wear her fake crocs, but I drew the line at no jacket. I offered her three options downstairs,a nda ll were met with screams and fits. I even managed to get one on her and open the door and take her diaper out, but she stayed on the floor screaming and trying to remove the jacket. Before too long, she asked for night-night, so I put her in bed but didn't shut her door (it was 4:00). I did some laundry and around 4:30 went in to put some baby things away (nesting has minimally started). She was out!

So, I continued to put away things and at almost 5 I woke her up. AJU1 walked in within minutes, so I passed her off to him so I could make dinner. She waled until eventually he got her to calm down with Curious George on the TV (and it took about 2-3 minutes into the show for her to calm down). We decided not to force the dinner issue and ate ourselves while she finished her show. Eventually, she did eat some cheese and tortilla, so she didn't go to bed hungry at all. The rest of the evening was uneventful, and she even laid down without a peep for diaper/pajama change!

This morning started off normal. Y^es, she was unhappy when her shows were over, but she took it just fine. She relaxed in bad while I took a bath and then I gave her a bath (since she had decided not to nap like she said she wanted to). After bath, she took a nap (her request accompanied by yawns and rubbings of the eyes). So, we ended up missing storytime today.

After the nap, she played for a little bit happily, I tried to get socks on her, but she refused in a cute manner. I thought she was just playing. It is now 2 hours later -and we are still sockless... Once she went and got a pair of socks happily - they were brown. She is wearing red and black today. So, I took her back to her room, pulled out her drawer, set it ont he floor, and let her pick out a pair of socks that wouldnt' clash with her outfit. This did not work! She wanted the brown socks. So, I let her play for a little bit and tried another pair or two of socks. Eventually, I was willing to give into brown socks. But, at this point socks were completely being refused (i.e she pulls them off when I put them on). In the mix of all of this, there were also arguments about emptying the drawer in the bathroom. I let her have one item out of the drawer, but apparently that was not enough. She ended up in her bed a few times until she calmed down (she was screaming and nothing would make her happy other than letting her destroy the bathroom).

Now she is downstairs eating a banana and watching Word World. Hopefully, at the end of the show she will be willing to put on socks, shoes, and a jacket so we can run an errand! I might just have to force the issue, but I hate going to a store with a screaming toddler... But I have to go in the next few hours one way or the other...

LIttle Helper

AJU5 has become a good little helper when she wants to be. She is now taking an interest in helping make food, which is a mixed blessing. Last week she helped make breakfast burritos. She got to crack one egg and wanted to open it. Luckily I was able to catch the insides and put them in the pan before making a huge mess. Then she got to add some cheese to the pan before I served the food. Yesterday she helped make mac n' cheese. She poured the noodles and cheese powder and then got to do a couple of stirs for the final product. I thinking baking with her will be fun, but we don't bake much. It isn't that we don't like sweets. It is that if there are sweets in the house they are normally eaten at a not-so-healthy rate that we just avoid them most of the time.

She also helped outside on Saturday. First, she picked up roof shingles that AJU1 had thrown down (broken ones he had replaced). I was very grateful for this because I didn't have to bend down! Then, she helped move the big trashcan over to where AJU1 was trimming a bush and helped clean up the debris from that as well (and helped returnt he trash can to its "home").

So, I am hopeful that once Junior arrives she will continue to be a help! AJU1 will have a week off for paternity leave (and possibly more for vacation), so she should get attention. Plus, my MIL will be here for 2 weeks (and FIL for one of those weeks), so more attention for her! But, I know she will have her jealous moments. Luckily, she is already good at playing by herself!

Does your little one(s) help with chores?

Hmmm...

So, I know I had a post on my mind yesterday. But, it is gone. I blame it on being woken at 4:30 this morning by a certain toddler. And, since AJU1 is traveling for work again (left yesterday afternoon), I had to get up and watch George for an hour with her before we went back to bed. I think she was just stuffed up and needed to be upright. She napped for 2 hours, so I think we may or may not have an afternoon nap....

Oh yeah, church yesterday... Well, her friends have a case of flu in the house, so her class did not exist for Sunday School. But, she stayed in the big kid room (with me) the whole time and only asked to leave once or twice! I guess a supply of colors, PlayDoh, and a few toys was magic. Then, during service (which has been a HUGE fight the past few weeks because she wants to go up to the sound room where Daddy is or go home), she fell asleep in the pew! I could tell she was tired, but I didn't expect her to go from sitting up to laying down and asleep during one song. She did wake near the end of the sermon, but she was happy to go play in the nursery by herself until church was over. She didn't nap at all at home, so by evening service she was tired again. But, she was fairly well behaved there too! She went back and forth from the playroom a few times, but each time she was quiet about it. And, she only required me to go back there once (the VCR needed to be restarted - her music was off). So, it was a very nice day because I could actually listen at church!

Now to just make it through today and the next five weeks. Junior is doing a number on my stomach these days, so I relaly need the morning rests to prevent throwing up - which is no fun!

Mini Houdini

No, AJU5 cannot escape her crib. She doesn't even try - thank goodness! But, her left arm is very Houdini these days! She has figured out how to get it out of shirts without much effort. My question is why does she do it... And it is almost always the left arm (right arm occasionally will follow the left though).

Last night she did it with her pajamas - the footed, one-piece type that zip up and have a snap at the top. I didn't realize it until she was in bed with us for about 15 minutes and not going to sleep. Then, when I went to get her out of bed and put her back in hers, I discovered what may have been causing all the fuss! She did it again today with one of her shirts...

We can't go smaller on the shirts because many of them barely fit over her head. So, I just have to watch for naked arms periodically...

Three in the Bed...

So, AJU5 either has a cold or allergies. She is stuffed up for sure, but that is the only symptom really (other than toddler moodiness and a refusal to sleep like normal). Her temp was just slightly above normal yesterday (99.5), and she feels cool today, so I am hoping it is just allergies. But, we are staying in today for sure just to be safe!

Yesterday she napped for maybe an hour. She took about 30 minutes in the morning and then snuggled with me while watching Toy Story in the afternoon (and dozed). She asked for night-night multiple other times, but she never stayed in bed for more than 20 minutes (i.e. no napping). So, I was hoping she would be exhausted enough to sleep through the night. But no. She went down at 6;30ish and was up just before 8. We watched another episode of Curious George (I think she thought it was morning already) and she went back down before 8:30. But then she was up before 10. AJU1 was still up (had gotten home less than 30 mintues earlier from his trip), so he got her and eventually brought her to me in bed. Within minutes she was OUT - enough for me to move her over to the middle without waking her. I didn't want to move her back to bed because I had a feeling I would be up an hour later if I did. All was good until about 1:30. She had woken up some, but she just snuggled in more and would crash. At 1:30 she wanted her juice (which was in her crib), so we went and got it and returned to bed. After chugging that down, she decided it was poke mommy in the face time. After about 30 minutes of this, I hauled her to her bed! I was tired and didn't want to deal with her any more. I was prepared for some cries, but she settled right down and didn't get up until 6:30ish this morning.

The funny thing is my husband had no clue she was up for 30 minutes attacking me! He slept through the whole thing. I think he has decided the king bed was definitely worth it after last night!

Settling In

I have less than 6 weeks left of this pregnancy. And I think my body is settling into this fact. My hands a slightly swollen this time around, and the wedding ring has taken a place on the necklace until Junior arrives. I can still get it on and off, but it is snug and not always comfortable. So, I thought I would be safe and not risk ever getting it stuck.

Other than that, the only annoyances I am having are periodic nausea and waking every 2-3 hours at night to roll over. I guess I am lucky that I don't have other issues like many pregnant women do. But, yeah, I didn't think Iw ould still have to take Zofran occasionally during the 3rd trimester.

AJU5 seems to be realizing something is up too. First, she still prefers me for most things, but she wants to be with Daddy if she knows he is around (i.e. not at work). Half of the time, I am required to be in the room as well for her antics. The only time this is a problem is church on Sunday mornings. AJU1 teaches the adult Sunday school class, so I would prefer she stayed in her class instead of playing in the room where Daddy teaches. Then, during service, he runs the AV equipment. She is not allowed up there for obvious reasons, and this can be a big fight. Some days I can distract her in the nursery (although I can't leave without a long period of screams); other days I have to take her outside and try to explain that (a) we can't go home yet, and (b) Daddy is working. Unfortunately, I don't think she is listening :)

But, she is definitely seeking out my lap more often these days. She wants to snuggle up and sit with me if I am watching the TV. She wants to play "night night" and rest her head on mine at least once a day. And, starting yesterday, she is seeking out kisses. I think she had associated kisses with bedtime/naptime and therefore didn't want them when she was awake. But, now she wants them throughout the day. It is funny that some times she just leans in a asks for a kiss. Other times she tries to make the kissy lips. Either way, I am happy to oblige.

Product Review Friday - Bed!

So, we have had our new king sized bed for over a week now. Sleep still isn't perfect for either of us, but we feel that we are sleeping better than we did on the old one. Of course, being very pregnant doesn't help me sleep in the least! And AJU1 is learning to sleep on his side more than his stomach, so that is resulting in him waking more at night we think. But, all in all, it was a good purchase.

Now for the details. We looked at a lot of beds. We had test runs on Sleep Number beds and Denver Mattress beds. We laid on a few other beds at Sears. Then we looked at the numbers. A good Denver Mattress bed was more than half the price of a lower-end Sleep Number bed. The other brands really ranged in price between these two mostly. Online reviews for beds area ll over the place, so you can't get answers there (some people love the beds, others hate them). So, in the end price was the deciding factor.

We went with the Denver Mattress Doctor's Choice bed. We can buy two of these for the price of many other king beds, and the life span is supposed to be about the same. We already have one Denver Mattress bed (guest bed that used to be ours), and it wasn't bad. It was a lower end one, and we slept okay on it for about 3-4 years. And, it is still in good shape (hence why it is the guest bed - we didn't stop sleeping on it until we moved tot he master bedroom in this house and decided not to move it because we knew we wanted a king bed soon). We considered spending a little more for the one with the individually wrapped springs, but we decided against it. We don't wake too much because the other is moving (unless we get hit), so we didn't think it would be worth it.

What brand bed do you sleep on? Is it comfortable? Would you recommend it or not?

Wordless Wednesday - Random

Wordless Wednesday - Labor Day Weekend Trip

Asleep on a hotel bed

Playing with "cousins"

Playing with a big "cousin" before Great-Grandma's Memorial Service

Playing with a bunch of "cousins" after the service

Finances

So, a lot of you who comment on my blog have talked about finances lately - okay, maybe it is only two of you, but still... There are only 3-4 of you who comment regularly :)

AJU1 and I were talking on our way home from a meeting with a mortgage broker to refinance our home. We currently are at 6.15%, so when we were able to lock at 4.875% we jumped. Then the question became whether we wanted to pay the closing costs or roll them into the loan. This is where the conversation was interesting. We are not normal people. We freak out when our savings accounts are less than $1000 each (we have two of them). Right now we are building them back up after all of the home remodeling. Our closing costs will be about $5000, and we were willing to pay that up front so we aren't paying for that until we sell this house. It took us a little bit to realize that we aren't normal. Most people don't have that much in savings. Most people don't have that option.

Then, on our way to church yesterday, AJU1 mentioned the number of SUVs on the road. We have been looking at cars a little bit as mine is in need of replacement (1997 economy car). We want something bigger so we aren't trying to find space to stuff everything when we travel to visit family. So, SUVs are on the list (as are crossovers and a few station wagon-type vehicles). The price of some of them is shocking. He was wondering how people afford them. Then I reminded him that most people are up to their ears in debt. They pay the minimum on their cars and houses and credit cards. They are the ones that can't afford to refinance because they don't even have $1000 in savings needed to close most of the time.

This is why I make my students do an amortization schedule in my liberal arts math class. They actually make quite a few of them - 6 for a car and 6 for a house. They look at the effects of interest rates and paying extra. On cars, it isn't a huge deal. But on a house - wow! If you only pay $25 extra a month, you end up saving thousands over the life of the loan!

Okay, so I rambled a lot there... Hopefully it makes some sense... Feel free to share any thoughts on home finances if you would like...

MIsh Mash

• AJU5 is back on schedule and sleeping well. Well, today she refused a morning nap, but one big nap instead shouldn't be an issue. She has been down for almost 3 hours, but she was disturbed at least twice (one was the doorbell ringing). So, I think it will be a wash today!
• I had my 32 week check-up yesterday. All is good. I am gaining weight like crazy, but I can handle that. I have had a huge sweet tooth lately, so I know that is to blame! This little one might be smaller than AJU5, or so my doctor thinks. AJU5 was 8lbs 3.4oz at birth, so a little smaller isn't bad. But, my shirts don't fit well from her pregnancy and other people say I look bigger... Who knows... As my doctor said - we will see before too long :)
• The new bed is working fine. I like the extra room - I don't worry about waking AJU1 when I roll over at night! AJU5 has also determined that all three of us can lay in the bed comfortably. Luckily, she has not demanded to sleep with us yet (just play night-night). As for quality of sleep, it seems a little better. I seem a little more well rested in the morning, but I don't know for sure. There are so many things that make me at night these days...
• Story time has been funny the last two days. Yesterday, AJU5 stayed with the group most of the time, but she wasn't about to join in the walking in a circle. Instead, she sat at the corner and was a constant obstacle for other kids and parents to avoid. I tried moving her to the middle of the circle, but she just moved back to her corner! She did have to periodically get up and get a new book off of the bookshelf, but other than that she stayed and listened. Today I could tell she was tired (but had refused a nap twice in the morning). She laid down for some of it, but after 4-5 attempts at running out of the room, we gave up. Another mom/toddler pair had given up a few minutes earlier and another pair gave up shortly after we did. Something must have been in the air...
• I have been terrible at commenting on other blogs. Then I realize I have 10 or so posts open and start commenting. But, I often don't get back to the first ones I have opened. It is bad... I have things to say, but putting words down isn't always easy (i.e. brain not working)... So, if I am not commenting on your posts - that is why. I have 6 open right now...
  

Weekend Round Up

Our weekend started on Friday because AJU1 actually* got it off! We spent the day being lazy until about 3. Then we headed out for some "window" bed shopping and to grab a pizza. AJU5 of course charmed the sales people...

Saturday we got up SUPER early to attend a big event in town. Our goal was to leave at 5, and we were out of the garage by 5:15. We got to the exit we thought would be best (three entrances to the event) at 5:30. At 7, we still hadn't made it a mile to the light/turn. And, everything was about to get started. AJU5 needless to say was DONE being in the car, especially since she had downed all of her juice already while we waited. So we gave up and went home. Result: Two wasted hours and a toddler totally off her schedule! We spent the rest of the morning just hanging out. Then, after nap time we headed out for more "window" shopping. We went to two bed places and a car dealership before heading home for a relaxing evening. The only issue was that AJU5 refused to go to bed until 9pm (we tried to put her down once at 7)...

Sunday started off a little later than normal because AJU5 slept until after 6. That meant she didn't nap before church. Result: Toddler who melts down repeatedly during Sunday School and service because she needs a nap but won't fall asleep in my arms. So, needless to say she crashed in the car on the way home and had a good nap (2+ hours) when we got home. The afternoon was spent eating, catching up on reading for a class we are taking, and watching the NASCAR race. Then, AJU1 asks how much it costs to rent a UHaul to carry a king bed. Shortly there after we purchased a king bed which is to be delivered tomorrow. Hopefully we will sleep better on it than on our queen "taco" bed... Then it was off to church, etc. AJU5 did go down at her normal hour and is back on schedule LUCKILY!

*AJU1 works a 9-80 schedule, so he should have every other Friday off. But, he has been working half days many Fridays (overtime) because he is so busy there.

Story Time!

Last year, we went to story time on Thursdays at the local library (about 1 mile away). This year, we are also going to another story time at a different library in town (about 10 minutes away) on Wednesdays. Thursday story time is fairly quiet and calm. There are ten or less kids normally, and it is a mixture of books, felt stories, and songs, all geared to 0-36 month olds. Wednesday story time is not calm! There are at least 20 kids each week, if not more. The actually story time is more theme oriented with songs and books. The last 5-10 minutes the kids get to play with noise makers while music is playing.

AJU5 is not sure about the Wednesday story time! It is in the kids section of the library, but not in a separate room. Instead of joining the group, she goes to the back and reads books at one of the tables or in one of the chairs. She is always keeping an eye on things in the group, and occasionally, we will join for an activity. But, normally she is only willing to stay with the group during the noise maker part. That part she is all about participating in! She gets a couple of noise makers, uses them, and then trades them in for more! If it wasn't for her love of that part and my desire for her to be around more kids, we would probably stop going...

Thursdays are hit and miss with her cooperation. Today she did great. She stayed near me and listened most of the time. The other kids did distract her some, but that is to be expected! Other days she doesn't want anything to do with being there. I think half of it has to do with how the morning has gone and the amount of energy she has. Normally I can get her to stay with me even if she wants to go run by "bribing" her with those activities AFTER story time.

Now to see how Sunday School goes this week... Two weeks ago was a complete FAIL because her friend was having none of it. Because her friend wanted to bolt (and wouldn't stop crying), AJU5 started to cry as well. Eventually it got to the point that neither of them would calm down, so their teacher brought them over to the adult class (where they sat with us nicely). Last week she was the only one in her class (the other two were sick), so the combined the two classes. She was fine for about the first 15 minutes, but then she realized I was gone and she didn't know some of the kids (missionary kids visiting). So, she started to ask for Mommy (and her teacher brought her over). She did play nicely during our class and during service, so I didn't complain too much. This week her friend's mom is going to stay with them (since the friend is refusing to stay with any of her class-type activities lately). Hopefully that will mean both of them will stay happily in class!

How are your kids in a class/group setting? Have you had issues getting them to adjust to groups?

Change?

We think AJU5 is starting to realize things are about to change. She is becoming very attached to me these days. AJU1 got her up from a nap yesterday (I was napping on the couch at that point), and she just cried "Mommy" until she saw me. That one we are blaming partly on an unhappy belly (she went back down shortly there after to drink and rest before she was happy), but she is definitely wanting Mommy a lot more often! Luckily AJU1 is good at taking her away when I ask or he realizes I am busy. But, I wonder how she will do when I am in the hospital... She has never been away from me for more than 8-9 hours. I don't think she has ever gotten up in the morning and not seen me. I have been gone at bed time before, and that hasn't been a problem. Actually, normally AJU1 is the one that puts her in bed. I get her changed, but he puts her down and prays with her.

She will be going to a friend's house during my doctor's appointments from now on, so hopefully that might help with the Mommy needs. The going to a friend's house isn't by choice just yet though! It is mandated by the doctor's office. They aren't allowing kids during flu season... I had planned on taking her until the "longer" appointments near the end. I understand that they want to keep their patients healthy, but I also wonder if they are banning other guests as well. I know kids get a bad rap for causing the spread of germs, but I know many adults who are probably just as bad! I guess I will just have to wait and see who is in the waiting room at my next few appointments (although at some there aren't any guests as it is!).

Product Review Friday - Shopping Carts

This week we have been to three stores - Target, WalMart, and Costco. Each of these stores has shopping carts for at least two.

Target (and Lowe's) have the ones with chairs facing each other in a separate compartment. The view from said chairs is not good, and I don't really know how well they would work with two kids because the area is just so small.

WalMart has ones that face away from you, but again they are separate from the cart. These seem to work a lot better! First, they still allow for a smaller child in the cart seat (unlike the Target ones). Second, the kids have a view! Finally, they aren't fighting for space really. They are sitting next to each other, but there is ample leg room, etc.

Costco has more traditional carts, but they are wider so the seat is big enough for two. The big advantage here is that it is easier to drive/steer! You don't have an extra long cart with an extra set of wheels to try and maneuver around the store. The kids still have a view, but are facing you with these carts.

So, which do I prefer? WalMart and Costco are pretty even. If you have three smaller kids, the WalMart ones are probably best. But, they are harder to maneuver, especially when you are looking at clothes (aisles aren't too bad).

Have you tried these shopping carts? Which ones do you like?

Working Schedule?

So, last week, we might have found a schedule that works for AJU5. A schedule that means she sleeps through the night (or at least doesn't include me getting her). And, it is a schedule I can work with, although I don't think it is a typical toddler schedule! So, here it is:

Wake up between 5:30 and 6:00
Watch an episode of Curious George
Eat breakfast and watch another episode of TV (Curious George or Word World).
Play for a while
Nap (down before 8am)
Between nap and dinner time - lunch, play, run errands, etc. Some times there is an additional nap as well depending on the length of the first nap and the previous night's bed time.
Eat dinner between 4:30 and 6:30 (depending on when AJU1 gets home, etc).
Bed time sometime between 6:30 and 8:30. After dinner activities are up to her. Some times there is a bath. Some times there is another show. Some times we just play. We let her pick what she wants to do most night (i.e. when we don't have church or something else).

She did wake twice last night though. The first I think was a bad dream because she was very upset but crashed within second of me putting her on the futon. She crashed so fast I didn't even have to lay down! Then, three hours or so later I find her crawling into bed with us (no cries or anthing before that). I snuggled her for a few minutes until she was out and then moved her back to her crib where she slept for 4.5 more hours. I bet if she was in her crib, the second waking wouldn't have happened (although there may have been a few short cries instead - which means I would have been awaken either way).

The other tricks to our success:

• Leaving her door cracked when we put her down. This gives her a little more light in her room, as we keep the laundry room light on over night.
• Only giving her water to drink at night. She will sip the water when she is thirsty, but she doesn't finish the cup - ever! If we give her milk or watered down juice, she will go through up to 3 cups a night!

I do miss sleeping until 7ish in the morning, but it does mean I get a lot more done in the mornings! And, we aren't struggling so hard to get things done during the day because the nap occurs so early. So, in the long run, I think I like this schedule. The only problem is when we have to leave early in the morning for things and she doesn't get a good nap. Trying to get her to tak ea short afternoon nap is hit or miss. I can normally get her down, but when Daddy is home, she fights it a lot more! But, that just means an earlier bed time normally :)

Product Review Friday - Winter Clothes

Yesterday AJU5 and I went to Ross and Burlington Coat Factory to try and finish up her fall/winter wardrobe. We have hand-me-downs already as well as a few leftovers from last year that still fit and some jeans I bought already. But, making outfits was proving to be a challenge because the tops and bottoms didn't necessarily go together. So, I though Ross or BCF might have some inexpensive separates (I did buy one shirt at Target earlier this week too).

End Result - One long sleeve shirt, one jacket, and one package of 24 month Carter onsies (that I had looked for since early summer). I was definitely hoping for more success!

My big issue is that so much is sold as outfits! AJU5 wears a 24 month top and an 18 month bottom. So, outfits just don't work (unless I buy the shirts small and her belly shows or the pants so big her feet are completely covered). Well, Carter 18M outifts barely fit on top right now, and I am not going to spend money on something she will outgrow by December for sure. So I am stuck!

I wish there were more options! I might head back to Target next week and see if I can find any more Circo tops that go with the pants she has. I might also hit JcPenney because Okie Dokie brand items are normally separates too. But, those are the only brands I have found so far that sell the majority of their items as separates!

So, how is Fall clothes shopping going for you? Have you faced any of these challenges?

Move Ahead...

AJU1 and I decided last night to sell the futon and get AJU5 her bunk beds. We think she might be ready for the big girl bed... My original plan was to get the beds for her for her birthday, but a little thing called a possible c-section made me have second thoughts! I won't be able to lift her, so I wouldn't be able to be home alone in the morning, at nap time, or in the evening. That basically means there is no way for me to be home alone at any scheduled time because nap time can come anytime between 10:30 and 3.

Plus, she sleeps just fine on the futon with me. She does move over to snuggle with me sometimes, but other times she just stays on her side and sleeps until morning. So, I know she will be fine in a big girl bed. The biggest thing will be getting her to want to sleep on the big girl bed alone and not in her crib. We have offered the futon to her some times because she will crawl up on it and lay down at nap or bed time. But, she won't fall asleep on her own there. She just uses the futon as a delay tactic at this moment we think...

Any suggestions on how to transition her?

Oh, and as for the c-section, it is all scheduled. November 30th is the latest Junior #3 will arrive. We have to be at the hospital at 5:30 that morning if he/she has not shown up yet.

The Last 24 Hours

Yesterday, AJU5 got to go to Sunday School at our church for the first time. Supposedly she did fairly well. She wanted Mommy a few times, but her teacher was able to redirect her and get her to color like her friend fairly easily. Having her in Sunday School seems to be a HUGE blessing. Not only did I get to listen to AJU1 teach Sunday School without an almost constant interruption, I also got to listen to more of the sermon! AJU5 and her friend played in the nursery most of service happily because they had not played themselves out during Sunday School. I did have to sit int he ahll near the door to the nursery (so she could see me), but I could listen!

After church was family nap time. We each found our own place and CRASHED. It took a little bit to convince AJU5 she needed to crash, but once she was in her bed, she was out. I think it is because we had to keep her awake the last mile or so on the way home and it wound her up!. Of course AJU5 naps longer than we do, so we also got some quiet time to read, etc until she was done with her nap.

The rest of the afternoon was spent just hanging out and eating. Then, we headed to church. AJU5's friends weren't there, so she was a little silly. She carried out a few toys to the main room where we are until her daddy stopped her. We aren't talking little toys here. We are talking the Little Tikes play area toys that are almost as big as her! After church, we headed home and tried to get her to sleep. We put her down around 7:30, but at 8:15 she was still awake and calling for us. So, we let her out and watched an episode of Mythbusters as a family. Then it was definitely bedtime for all!

At 2:15 she cried, but she went back to sleep on her own. At 3:15, she cried again and didn't give up. So, I slept ont he futon with her. Around 5 AJU1 got up. By 5:30, AJU5 had heard her daddy and was up for the morning. So, we went downstairs (just after AJU1 left for work) and watched an episode of Curious George and an episode of Word World. I dozed during these because we had seen each one at least two times in the last two days! Then I turned off the TV and gave AJU5 the choices of eating, playing, or sleeping. Since she refused the eating and playing, it was to bed! She did nap though (just woke up - so she napped for about 1.5 hours). And she needed it. I did the math, and she probably slept for about 8.5 hours. Where did her 12 hour nights go? It is just now fair! Luckily, during her nap I was able to get my work done! Now I just have my homework to do today (read 6 chapters of Exodus). So, we might make it out of the house :)

How was your last 24 hours?

Watch Out!

AJU5 is a climber. And boy is she a climber! Her waist is only to office chair height, but she still manages to climb up. And today - she climbed up on the shelf around our stairs... Problem with said shelf - non-stair side is about 5 feet off the ground! And the very edge of the ground below is tile - and a step at that! Luckily, I think she was only trying to copy me. I had stepped up there to dust the railing while she made her way down. She had picked up the clothe and just made it up when I turned around...

Her other adventure - the car! She now likes to play in the car. I let her stay in if I have to get things out of the trunk. Today, I brought the bags in and put the few things in the fridge. By the time I got back to the garage (about two minutes later), she was in the driver seat and pushing the button to open the garage! I had also gathered a bag of garbage, so I had to take that out of the garage to the trash can. But, i was afraid she would "lock" me out! Luckily, I realized I still had my keys to the house, etc in my back pocket! She luckily did not press it once I was at the garbage can and was willing to give it over to me when I got back. But, the adventures are beginning for sure!

Why - Oh Why?

AJU5 isn't sleeping great at night AGAIN. The worst part - she only wants mommy! Two nights this week AJU1 has gotten up to see if he can calm her down. Both times she has come running to our bed to find me. She wants to snuggle - and that is really all she wants/needs. So, I have been sleeping with her a lot. Putting her back in bed isn't an option - she wakes within 30 minutes and cries again. So, it has been futon for us... Wednesday night she did stay in bed the whole night, so I thought we might be over it. But, no... last night I had to sleep with her again. At least is was over 2 hours later than Monday and Tuesday night... She has been napping just fine on her own. She goes down just fine on her own. So, I don't know what we can do to get her through this other than just to let time tell. We have let her cry for about 15 minutes, but it just gets louder (it starts as periodic cries and goes to a constant cry that we can only take about 2-3 minutes of). We may see if she will sleep with Daddy some tonight, but I don't know.

Saving grace - she takes good naps! I have been napping each afternoon as well, so I am not dead! But, mornings can be a little slow around her. She is getting a little more TV time than normal as a result too. I just don't have the energy to distract her before about 8:30 :)

So, here is praying that she will start sleeping through the nights again ASAP!

Survived!

We survived the trip fairly easily. Yes, take off and landing were a pain, but the rest went fairly smoothly. AJU5 was really well behaved this weekend. She had her moments where she didn't want to be where we were (like dinner), but that is to be expected!

So, here are a few highlights:

• AJU5 got to play with my cousin's daughter Z Saturday night. We were at my aunt and uncle's for dinner (mom's side), and they had a lot of fun. There were the normal toddler issues of sharing the sand toys and trikes, but they got along well.
• Sunday at 5:15 local time, AJU5 crawled off the bed. I heard her sit up, and I said "Hi AJU5." Then I heard her crawl to the other side of the bed and I told her to be careful. Then I heard a thunk followed by cries. Luckily, it was just a little bump on the head and she was perfectly fine! I think she was still mostly asleep. She may have been trying to find Daddy, as she crawled to his side of the bed...
• Sunday morning was the service. There were laughs and tears, but I think it was just perfect. AJU5 did well during it - playing with the other kids or just hanging out in her stroller. After the service we went to brunch at an extend family member's house. It was a great time together as family! AJU5 had fun playing with more cousins as well as exploring the yard with any adult!
• Sunday evening we went to dinner with my aunt and uncle and their family (dad's side). We were all staying at the same hotel, so it was natural :) AJU5 of course hated all of the waiting! And there was a lot of it when you have a table for 15! Luckily the restaurant was in a mall, and we were able to go walk around while we waited. At the end, she had had enough though - which isn't surprising because it was past her bed time...
• Monday most of the family left. One sister, her son, one cousin, and her family were all that remained. The cousin and her family flew out at about the same time as AJU5 and I (5:00ish), and my sister didn't leave until early this morning. So, we all headed back to the mall. It is a big mall! We spent about 3 hours there just walking around and checking out a few stores. We could have spent all day there if we wanted to (although none of us a huge shoppers, so we didn't). There are rides in this mall, but 95% of them have height requirements that AJU5 doesn't meet. She was not happy about this at all! But, she survived :)
• AJU1 met us at the airport. AJU5 kind of shunned him... I think she was mad that he left us at the airport on Saturday! But, this morning she didn't shun him. She got in the habit of waking at 5am our time for some reason. So, she was up for about 45 minutes while Daddy got ready for work. Then she slept for another 1.5-2 hours. And she is already down for a nap. This is good because she is behind on sleep a little bit! And I have time to get things done!

Okay, that is a long enough post :) I hope everyone had a great Labor Day weekend!

Ready or Not...

AJU5 and I will be leaving on a jet plane early tomorrow morning to attend my grandmother's memorial service. If you remember, she died back in February, but the family decided to wait until now to do the service because there was no rush (cremated) and more of us could attend this way. We will be gone for just over 48 hours, so it shouldn't kill me too much :) The only time I am really "worried" about is the plane ride. Our flight time is just under 3 hours, and I don't have anyone to tag team with this time... Luckily, it is a non-stop flight so half of our battles will be gone! There won't be so many times she can't play with the tray table. There won't be so much time she had to sit on my lap (vs. stand up). But, it will probably still be a challenge! Luckily, our flight tomorrow is during her "calm" time of day. Mornings are normally when we run errands and she watches tv (about 30-45 minutes most mornings). So, I should be able to contain her hopefully...

Monday we will be flying back in the afternoon. I hope to wear her out so she isn't so active on that flight. But, evenings are her bad-attitude times of day. It is when she is most likely to get mad and cry. It is when she really wants her way. Hopefully, with all the attention she will get over the two days she will be too tired to fight me though...

I will give you a report when we get back!

Wordless Wednesday: Pictures from Latest Trip

Hair Cut

So, I cut AJU5's hair tonight. There are no pictures of the cut in progress. unfortunately. First, the camera was upstairs (and the hair cut took place outside/downstairs). Second, it took lots of work on the part of my husband and I to get her to stay still long enough to make a snip!

As for the results, I need to fix the bangs a little still. The rest doesn't look any worse than it did before for sure! It might even look better. All in all, it was a pretty good first hair cut.

Now, do I like the cut? Well, I am not a fan of bangs, but her hair was BAD in the front. The back grew out a lot earlier and faster (she was born with male pattern baldness we say). The front section was just at the annoying length - in her eyes all the time, etc. It was getting to be a pain to keep clips in (she pulls them out), so I went with a really thin layer of bangs that one day I will just let grow out. They did end up slightly shorter than I wanted, but they aren't bad at all. As for the rest, I was dealing with about 4-5 different lengths (visible). So, I got it down to 2-3. That means that even if it all isn't the same length, it looks more kept!

Pictures to come at some point of the post-cut look...

Numbers Game

Here are a few numbers for you:
3: Number of months before /junior arrives (at the latest).
7: Years I have been married
46: Years my parents have been married
56: Number of students enrolled in my classes this term (which starts today)
89: Days until my due date...

Pregnancy Update (and Possibly Other Things)

Yesterday I had another regular OB appointment. It was just one of the short, basic ones (pee in cup, weight, blood pressure, baby heart rate, fundal measurement, and questions). I also got my paperwork for my gestational diabetes test (1 hour) that I need to do next week (planning on Friday when AJU1 can watch AJU5). We also talked about when to schedule the c-section. My doctor doesn't want to go past 41 weeks because they are less than 2 years apart. So, we will most likely go with November 30th. If I go into labor before then, we will try a VBAC unless the baby isn't positioned right (breech, etc). Also, I get to start the 2 week visits now. I was guessing I would have another 4 week period first, but I was wrong!

Oh, as for weight, I am up to 173 pounds. I was about 150 pounds when I got pregnant, so, I want to not gain more than 12 more (35 pounds total). With AJU5, I was about 160 when I got pregnant and weighed 193 the day before she was born. But, I only weighed 172 pounds at 25 weeks with her... And I am at 27 weeks almost now...

I was just reading over the emails I sent to my family during the pregnancy and after. Boy was that hard... The pregnancy ones weren't of course, but the first few after she was born were. Having to leave her at the hospital for 4 nights was miserable. I hope I never have to go through that again! Then there was the whole oxygen and RSV scare. It was just a very trying week for sure. But, looking at her now you would never guess she spent a week in the NICU and another almost 2 weeks on oxygen! Actually, at a month old she was perfectly normal and "disgustingly healthy" as the home health care nurse told me. So, I am just praying we can avoid all of that this time around...

Now to go read or nap... last night was not a good night for sleep (due to AJU5 mostly and then Junior not letting me fall back asleep)... and AJU5 is napping now...

Product Review Friday - Airlines

AJU5 has been on four trips involving planes and has one more next weekend before a (probable) long break because, well, she will be 2 and no longer flying free!

I didn't fly much growing up. I think there was one or two trips before high school and then one then. My senior year of college I flew a lot because of varsity sports (we didn't fly any my junior year though). Then I flew a bunch visiting AJU1 while we lived in different states. Since we have been married, we have flown some too, but driving is more common for us.

Through all of this, I have flown a large number of airlines - Southwest, American, Continental, United, Delta, Northwest, Frontier, and British Airways (at least those are the ones I remember). With AJU5 we have flown Southwest only, but next weekend we are flying Delta/Northwest because AJU1 had enough points for a free ticket with them (due to his work travel).

So, which do I prefer? Well, I don't think it matters too much. Each airline has its quirks. And each airport throws in another set of quirks totally independent of the airline. I like that Southwest doesn't charge for bags - that is a HUGE plus in my book! But, if it wasn't for my husband flying Southwest for work so much, we might not fly them. They aren't always the cheapest without free tickets even if you add the bag charge in...

I don't mind Southwest's seating policy either. We almost always get A boarding because we check in 24 hours in advance. And, when traveling with an infant in arms, it is easier to get a seat for them this way (although not always available). The time I didn't get A boarding when I traveled with AJU5 alone, I was still able to get a good seat (rows still empty) during family boarding.

So, what don't I like about some airlines?

• When they overbook a flight. This happened once when I flew Northwest for work two years ago. I checked in about two hours early at the airport (nothing better to do - was already out of my hotel room, etc). But, I didn't have a seat assignment because they were over-full and waiting to see who showed up. It was very annoying especially since I was 19 weeks pregnant and less than one week post kidney infection (and still not feeling 100%).
• When they are notoriously late. Luckily we don't live or fly to busy places like the northeast. But, I am impatient! All of the airlines we have flown from here have been close to on time unless weather caused the delay. But, I have flown Continental through Houston before - and I am never doing that again! There are regular delays out of there for sure!
• Uncomfortable planes. United tends to have very little leg room, so my husband avoids them at all cost. Some of the "puddle" jumpers are also bad. But, the others are all about the same...

SO, which airline do you fly most? Which do you like the best?

Back Again Part 2

Last night, I started the recap of our recent trip to the in-laws. Hopefully I can finish it now without writing a book :)

I forgot to mention that AJU5 refused to nap Wednesday morning/midday. So, she was exhausted by the time we got to the airport. She fell asleep in her stroller while we walked from security to the gate but woke up when we had to get her out to get on the plane. She didn't nap on the plane at all! So, we thought she would be out in seconds on the drive home - Nope! It took lots of work to get her to sleep in the car, and then she woke when we got to the house. We got the car unpacked and said hi to everyone. It was about midnight out time at this point, and everyone was dead tired! Only problem - AJU5 refused to go to bed. It took to tries of just letting her cry (with a stroller ride in between) to get her to sleep for 3 hours. Then we wailed again and got to sleep in bed with us for the rest of the night (you know, about 4 more hours). Needless to say we were a little tired on Thursday...

Luckily, we had nothing planned for Thursday. The parents-in-law had work, so it was just us and AJU4 at home. AJU2 came over in the morning (he lives in the same town), and the guys spent time fixing a loader (for hay). AJU5 and I went out to watch and sit in the "chairs" - tractor seats! She loved to sit there and play with all of the controls. And, since they have 3 tractors, she had lots of play with. Eventually it looked like she was ready to crash, so I brought her in and tried to get her to nap - FAIL! She did sit in her crib and drink her beverages for a while though so I could make sandwiches for everyone's lunch. She did eventually nap, but it wasn't her normal 2 hours. And, she wasn't willing to go down at her normal 7pm either. Luckily, she did eventually go down on her own without too much crying and slept the whole night - but only 9-10 hours instead of her normal 12...

Friday we went to a touristy lake about 2 hours away. We left around her normal nap time, so she did get about 45 minutes of nap in the car. Once we got there, we had our picnic lunch and hung out on the "beach" for a while. AJU5 loved it! She got to play int he water, throw rocks and small pieces of wood, and work as an earth mover (moving dirt/sand back and forth between the beach and water). Once the adults had had enough sun (about an hour) we went to see what else we wanted to do (and get cleaned up). We ended up going for a little hike and then getting ice cream before heading home. AJU5 was in no mood to walk though. So, I carried her first. Then, she sat on Daddy's shoulders. Then, she got a ride on AJU4's shoulders. During this last part, she actually fell asleep! Unfortunately, she woke before we got in the car... And of course, she stayed up late but slept through the night.

Saturday the guys had to deliver two loads of hay. Both times I took AJU5 out to watch them load the trailer some and just walk around outside. Luckily during the first set of deliveries, she took a 2 hour nap! It was great! And needed! She woke shortly before the guys got back and we had a mid-afternoon meal (the big meal of the day due to the delivery schedule). During the afternoon loading, AJU5 got to ride the loader with Grandpa. She wasn't 100% sure about going with him, but I think she liked the ride! I tired to get her down at the normal hour that night, but the dogs kept barking. Then it got close to when the guys should be back. So, it was another late night for her, but again she slept well!

Sunday was Grandpa's 60th birthday! So, we did the normal morning routine of breakfast, Sunday School, and church. Then we headed to a park for lunch. Grandpa thought it was just going to be the family (meeting AJU2 and his wife there since they go to a different church in the area). But, we surprised him with a big party! We were all shocked that it actually worked. AJU5 had napped for about 30 minutes in my arms at church, but was strong until the end of the party when she crashed in Daddy's arms. She did wake while we were loading the vehicles, but it was still at least 30 minutes of nap. And again, she went down late... although I napped that evening while Grandma played with her :)

Monday was another day of just relaxing at the house. Again the parents-in-law had work, but Grandma came home early to play. AJU3 was also around some, but AJU2 didn't stop by (he had work to do). AJU5 did take a good nap while everyone was gone, and we just enjoyed playing inside and outside for the rest of the day. Sleep wasn't great though. She went down a little earlier than she had been, but she woke around 2:15 and slept with us for about an hour. Then I moved her back to bed. But she woke quickly. Luckily, all she needed was her juice! And Grandma got her up in the morning so we got a little extra sleep.

Yesterday, we had to leave by 8am local time. So, the morning was busy! AJU5 was definitely not sure about us packing everything up again. But, because Grandma and Grandpa were taking us to the airport, she wasn't too worried. We stopped and saw Great-Grandma (who is one month shy of 98). Then we hit the road and headed to lunch and the airport. AJU5 was not a fan of saying bye to her car seat. She was a little sad on the way out, but coming back was even worse! Then we had to go through security. Both ways this was a challenge. AJU5 did not like having her duck, juice cups, and stroller out of reach. Luckily, it doesn't take too long to get through the lines :) She had napped for about 45 minutes on the way to the airport and then napped at the end of the first flight. I sort of wished she hadn't fallen asleep then so I could have passed her to Daddy... There was lots of turbulence on the way down and I almost lost everything in my stomach. But, we survived. The second flight was uneventful other than her behavior issues (throwing things, etc). Our pastor picked us up from the airport, and we got home close to AJU5's normal bedtime. There was lots of crying when we got her. She wanted to go bye. I think she wanted her grandparents and uncle (AJU4) back. It was hard to get her to realize that was not an option... But, eventually she did calm down. And, she actually went down by 8pm and didn't need me at all until 7am! There was only one problem though - I forgot to change her diaper before bed... So she was soaked this morning- ewe! But, I will take a good nights sleep for sure over a wet toddler in the morning!

So, that was the trip. Pictures will come at some point... First I have to find the camera. Then I have to get AJU1 to take them off the camera. This may take a few days...

Back Again

We spent the last few days at the in-laws. We flew out on Wednesday afternoon and returned home this evening. AJU5 did okay flying, but it was a lot of work! She is very strong willed and demanding for sure! Unfortunately, the plane isn't an easy place to just say no because you don't want to have a screaming kid on your hands! But, we are about to embark on some training and discipline for sure!

We were met at the airport (2.5 hours from the in-laws) by my mother-in-law and her parents. They had driven up just to meet us (and then spend the night at their son's on the way back). So, we stopped at a restaurant and ate a little and chatted before heading home. AJU5 had a lot of fun playing with water - aka making a mess! Luckily it was just water...

(I will write more tomorrow - bed time)

Wordless Wednesday - VBS Pictures!

Craft Time!

Corn Dog Lunch!

Asleep in the Pew After Music

Closing - In Her "Chair"

More Randomness...

So, I am back to the random posts...

• AJU5's body didn't seem to like lunch last week at VBS. I guess this is a good thing - I mean it keeps her eating healthier things and all instead of chicken nuggets, corn dogs, etc. But, those are great quick/easy meals! Luckily I am 9.9% sure it was just the food because the icky diapers started on Tuesday and ended Saturday morning. There were some okay ones in there too, after the pizza, etc. Luckily for her, she didn't seem to mind really. She was still happy and all!
• This whole nausea thing is getting old. Last week I was fine. But, this morning at the park I started to feel bad. I felt okay by the time we got home, but when I bent down a little bit ago to get something for AJU5, stuff came up... This just isn't fair! Luckily, Zofran works when I need it. But, I wish I didn't need it!
• Night time sleeping is back to normal for AJU5. She did wake at 9pm last night, but she went down quickly (on our bed). We think it was just a nightmare. She actually fell asleep without her pacifier in our bed too!Now, as soon as I put her back in her crib she found her pacifier, but I don't think she is as addicted to them as I thought...
• Man vs. Food - have you seen it? I guess it is a Travel Channel show, but we are watching it on NetFlicks streaming. It has made me crave barbecue... so maybe AJU5 and I will get some of that tomorrow for lunch...

I think that is it... Who knows... Pregnancy brain is at an all time high today I think...

Week Wrap-Up

VBS was a blast this year, which is good because the theme was Beach Blast! Now, juggling a toddler and games wasn't always fun, but I managed with the help of the teens. Well, the last rotation I was normally dead by, but that was the oldest group and they had all been to our VBS for the past two years! So, they were old hats at this.

AJU5 did well too. She didn't participate in games, but she did participate in lesson and craft when she wasn't napping mostly. And, when she didn't want to participate in lesson, she was content doing the craft she missed! So, I think she will do well in Sunday School in the fall. Her and her buddy are moving from the nursery to class together, joining the buddy's brother in the preschool class (yeah, our church is that small). I am looking forward to being able to pay attention during class until Junior makes his/her arrival!

We also went swimming yesterday. This was the first time I had taken AJU5 to a city pool. She had swam 4 times in a hotel pool, but that is it. I grew up with a pool in the back yard, so city pools are somewhat foreign to me. Well, that is a lie - I lifeguarded at a few for three years. But, I learned they can be crowded and not too much fun. Luckily, the pool we went to wasn't crowded at all. We went with the other moms that helped with VBS as well as some of the teens, so I thought even if it was crowded we would have fun with friends. We spent an hour and a half in the baby pool - longer than I expected she would last with only a 30 minute nap! Only problem - I didn't put sunscreen on myself of AJU5's back. I am in pain now... It is mostly my back/neck/shoulders that don't get sun. AJU5's back is a little red still, but it isn't as bad as mine... Lesson Learned!

Oh, and a follow-up on the last post. AJU5 and I leave teh house daily. At the very minimum we go outside n the backyard and play. We often walk around the neighborhood as well. Other days we go shopping or head to the park. I was just referring to scheduled things that I might want to avoid. As Sarah said, it will be harder with two, so I don't want to get her too used to having something every day :)

Busy, Busy, Busy

Last week as busy. This week is busy. Luckily, they are good busies!

This week is our church's VBS. I am in charge of games, although I have some young teen helpers for when AJU5 leads me away or I get tired. AJU5 has actually stayed with her group at least 1/2 of the time. Her group is actually all older than her (mainly 4-6 year olds), but her buddy E is in there with her. She doesn't like the games so much (because they are geared to older kids) and she normally gets tired of the lesson near the end, but other than that she has stayed with them for the 3 hours!

Last week we did a few fun things because most of the summer activities close around here at the end of this week (and we are busy this week). So, we made two trips to the spray park! We also did some shopping and got her pictures taken at JcPenney. She even had a play date one day while I went to an appointment. All of this was on top of my last week of class (teaching)!

There are times I want to keep up the somewhat busy schedule and other times I just want to have nothing to do. I think she does best when we get out at least some. Luckily, story time starts again at the beginning of September. I am thinking of taking her to two different ones (two libraries) now that she is older and can really participate in the second one. So, that takes care of two days. But, I don't know if I want to add anything more to our plate. I don't want to be running everywhere and be all crazy. Plus, we still have the zoo and aquarium to go to. Once it cools down, I would like to go to one at least every other week... So, maybe I will leave it at that... we will see...

How busy are your weeks? Do you run lots of places with your kids or just hang out around the house?

Not So Lucky

So, the last three nights, sleep hasn't come so easily in the U household. Wednesday AJU5 and Daddy stayed home from church because it was obvious AJU5 was not going to make it to 7. She went down without a fuss at 6:30, but was awake at 11:15. She was loud enough to wake Daddy quickly, so he brought her to bed (I normally wait a little longer to see if she goes back down). After 30 minutes, I bring her back to her room and we lay on the futon. After about 10 minutes it was obvious she was tired but not going to fall asleep with me there, so I put her in bed and she slept for about 30 minutes. Then the crying began again. This time I realized her juice cup was empty. So, I went and refilled it. During this, AJU5 walked to our room and staked her claim on my side of the bed. So I curled up on the floor with the body pillow and a blanket. Before too long, she got down off the bed and led me back to her crib, where she stayed for the rest of the night.

Thursday night she again went down fine - only an hour early! Then she woke up two hours later. It was still light out, so she probably thought she had just taken a nap. She was up until 9 (our bed time), and then she went down without much fuss. But, there was fussing between 3 and 4am. It would be a little cry and then silence for about 10 minutes. A few times I got up, but she was completely quiet before I even got out of bed! Finally at almost 4 she was crying for real. So, I went and got her. Her juice was empty, her diaper had leaked, her nose was running, and she was a little warm. So, diaper and clothes change, new glass of juice, and a little hugging and she was good for a few more hours.

Friday night she agreed to go down at around 6:30. But, she didn't go to sleep. She did dirty her diaper though, so that is probably why. So, we let her watch an episode of the A-Team with us, and then she was good to go! No night crying at all luckily!

Hopefully tonight will be better. At least there was a reason for some of her issues, but the waking up at night is no fun when you do it already a few times because the baby is moving!

Lucky

So, I think we are very lucky when ti comes to bed time with AJU5. She doesn't complain about it one bit! We have gotten her on a 7-7:30pm bedtime schedule lately, and everything is working well. Starting around 6:30 we will ask if she is ready for night-night. She can say no until 7:30 - some times she says yes before then though. All she needs is her pacifiers, blanket, juice, and normally a stuffed animal (although not always). Then she says night-night to us and leaves. She will even play night-night with us. Last night I was laying on the floor watching her play in our bedroom. She told me night-night and gave me a kiss (like we give her). Then I asked for my blanket and she brought the one we use for naps. Then I asked for a teddy. She wasn't successful with that though... she went to Daddy because they were in her crib so he could help her get them. Well, he thought she wanted night-night! So, he put her in bed (everything was already there) and she went down! I just hope we are as lucky with the next one!

Waffles

AJU5 is a huge fan of Eggo waffles these days - it is her breakfast of choice at least half of the time. And when it isn't breakfast, she normally requests it for lunch...

So here is the process of "making" waffles this morning. After she had her requested cookie (two itty-bitty pieces of peanut butter cookie that she requested from the moment I got her out of bed) and some of my juice (I was thirsty when I got up), she asked for "waf-wo" and went to the freezer. I opened it for her and she got them out. Normally she hands the bag to me, but today she determined that she could take the wafffle out of the bag herself. Then she gave the the bag and asked to be "up." So I picked her up and brought her over to the toaster. She put her waffle in and went to pusht he lever down. I rushed to get mine out of the bag and in before she got impatient. Then, I helped her push the lever down - she was happy! Then I went and got our plates. I handed hers to her and she put it on the counter next to the toaster. Then she asked for "poon" - so I got the forks out (spoon = any piece of silverware). I handed her her fork and she attempted to put it with her plate (but isn't tall enough just yet). Then she asked to be "up" again. So I lifted her up and let her watch the toaster. When it "popped" she jumped a little and said "waf-wo" again, very happy that it was done. Then she made sure I got both out and on our plates. She proceeded to eat all but two small bites of hers, dipping it in a little syrup along the way.

She definitely has breakfast figured out! She also knows where cheese and chips are in the house (although we are alomost out of chips and I don't plan on buying more). It makes it hard to give her "good" food sometimes when she can request the okay things! Luckily, unless she didn't have a waffle for lunch, she is up for almost anything then. Last week is was veggies and mac-n-cheese for a few days. I am thinking veggies and lunch meat today for her...

Product Review Friday - Huggies Overnights

AJU5 was having a problem with her diapers leaking at night. She ended up with a wet pajama pants every morning for a week. So, I bought some Huggies Overnights to try last week. After 8 days of use, we have yet to have a wet pair of pajama pants in the morning! The diapers are just as heavy as they were before, but these ones seem to hold the moisture a lot better! So, we are sticking with them.

Now, the only downside of these is that they are more expensive than standard diapers. At diapers.com, they cost $0.39 each versus $0.27 for the Huggies Snug n' Dry (note: I don't buy from diapers.com, but it was an easy place to look up the price!). But, being able to wear a pair of pajamas two nights in a row and not having to decide if the bed needs to be changed makes it worth it! If we ever go on long car rides again, I will be using these as well. AJU5 did leak some on our trip to the in-laws last time... But, we don't plan on driving anywhere for a while!

Have you used these diapers or similar ones? What do you think about them?

Another Random Post

So, yeah, I don't think I can write one post about one thing - just not happening these days. Well, I might be able to get the Product Review post done, but that is about it :) So, now for the "laundry list" of topics:

1. I had my regular OB appointment today. I have gained 17 pounds so far - about 10 in the last four weeks! I definitely need to lay off the sweets and snacks. But, it is something I can do. Plus, AJU5 is letting me take her for walks again (even asking to go), so that should help me keep my weight in check!
2. Also on the OB front, I have decided to try the VBAC. My doctor told me that they will watch me like a hawk during labor and push the epidural. I am okay with that (although I have no problem trying to go natural either). They just want to be able to rush me to the OR if necessary. The main reason for my decision - stairs! You aren't supposed to do up and down stairs much at all for at least two weeks after a c-section. With the bedrooms upstairs and the living areas downstairs, I see that as being a big challenge for me! Yes, I can sleep in the recliners, on the couch, or even pull out the hide-a-bed if necessary. But, I will want a shower pretty much every day, and all of my clothes are upstairs... Yeah, not having to avoid stairs would be nice!
3. AJU5 is eating a little better. We have moved her chair to the table and stopped using the tray. We had offered this to her before, but she wanted her tray back. Now she is happy to eat at the table with us. So, hopefully that was a lot of her issue! We are also working on getting to one noon or later nap. Yesterday was a success - today is a little more challenging because I think she is about ready to go down, and it is an hour too early...

I think that is it... But it probably isn't... I will probably remember something when I am busy and then forget it by the time I am at the computer... Silly pregnancy brain!

Pregnancy Brain

I can't remember what all has happened in the last few days! I know we did things and I have thought of blog topics, but I can't remember them. So here are a few things I do remember!

1. AJU5 is on an eating strike I think. She will eat a good breakfast (half a waffle or more), but then she won't eat anything but snacks for the rest of the day. Today we tried to not let her have snacks, and it didn't help! She did eventually eat some peas at dinner and then some cheese later luckily. I guess she just isn't hungry - but it is a big change from how she used to eat!

2. I am definitely going to look into swimming lessons for AJU5 next year. Today in the bath tub she floated on her back while holding my hands. And she did it over and over and over again (much to my dislike because it isn't that comfortable). She will also float with a hand under her head or on my shoulder. I think I will take her to the pool later this week so she can play! I don't like Mommy-and-Me swim lessons because they don't learn much. I used to teach them, and I thought the parents were wasting their money because they could do those things on their own! So, hopefully we will be able to convince them to let AJU5 in the a preschool class next summer even though she will only be 2.5! I learned to swin the summer I turned three, so I guess it is in her blood :)

3. AJU5 can be a lot of fun if she is in a good mood. Tonight, we played hide and seek (Daddy hid and AJU5 found him while I just laid on the bed laughing). Then I found them laying on the bean bags with blankets acting like they were going night-night. We have also been working on pentomino puzzles as a family - although she isn't much help! It is just fun to watch her learn to use her imagination and grow!

Now I think it is bed time... I am tired and I even got an afternoon nap. Junior is just sucking the life out of me!

Home Improvement Saturday - Exterior Doors

So, a few weeks ago I posted about replacing interior doors. Exterior doors aren't too much different. The big difference is that exterior doors have a threshold. This is usual a piece of metal at the bottom of the door used to keep the weather out of the house. If you look at the exterior doors in your house, you should see it when you open the door! It is what you step over/on to get in. If you purchase a pre-hung exterior door (i.e. with frame), the threshold will be there already.

So, how does this make installation different? It just adds a few steps so you can make the door weather-tight. Once you remove the old door and frame (same process as interior doors - you may need a prybar to get the old threshold up though), then you need to clean the bottom area well. You want it to be smooth as well, so scrape off any old caulk, etc with a metal scraper. Then, if the base is wood, apply some weather sealing tape. It is a rubber material that keeps the water out of the wood. It comes in rolls and is easy to apply. Just follow the directions on the package! Then, you will be ready to caulk the bottom to create a seal between the base and the threshold. Follow the directions on the door as to how much and where to apply it. From there, it is very similar to installing an interior door. Normally you use screws instead of nails (so it is more secure), but that is the big difference. Once the door is installed, make sure to insulate any gaps or cracks. We like the spray foam in a can. It works really well and gets in and around the screws, etc. Just spray the stuff in and let it expand and dry. Once it is dry, you can cut the excess away with any knife.

That is it! So, if you have a tired, worn out front or back door - replace it! You can even change a sliding glass door into a french door fairly simply (hardest part - removing the glass doors without breaking them!).

(I couldn't find a picture of the front and garage doors. The three posted were all sliding doors originally. Only the office still has a sliding door.)

Product Review Friday - Riding Toys

Okay, so I mentioned a while ago I bought AJU5 the Leap Frog Firetruck ride-on toy. Overall, it is a great toy. But, what makes it great isn't the Leap Frog part - it is the ride on part. I think any similar style ride-on would be just as much a hit!

When AJU5's cousins were here a few weeks ago, the two boys (2.5 and 4.5) played with it a lot! So, it is a toy that fits large age groups. We actually have friends with similar ones that their almost 6 year old can still play with (she is almost too big though). For $20-$40, I think it is worth it for sure!

Now, what I don't like - the lack of volume control on these things! AJU5 likes pushing the buttons and all. I don't mind that she likes that part - they are almost all educational (shapes, numbers, colors, etc). But, it is very loud! It is louder than our TV most of the time (i.e. when we aren't watching action-packed shows/movies). Why can't they put a volume control on them? The "standard" volume could be the loudest, but then parents could turn it down some to. Another thing I would have liked is an on/off switch. Yes, you can take the batteries out, but that involves a screwdriver. So, it isn't practical for turning it off for a short period of time.

If I had it to do again, I would try to find a basic one without sounds, etc and save that for another (separate) toy. But, they are harder to find it seems (all of the ones I have seen in stores lately have had sound). So, I will deal with what we have and enjoy the fact that it can keep her entertained for a while. She even likes to give her stuffed animals and baby doll rides!

Do you have a ride on toy for your kids? Do you like it?

Birthday in Review

Well, today is my birthday. It didn't start of great, but at least it was DEFINITELY better than the last time I was pregnant and had a birthday! AJU5 cried at 2ish this morning. She put herself back down, but I woke up anyways. I didn't sleep great from then on. She did "agree" to stay in bed until after 7 though, so that was nice (i.e. she didn't cry or yell before then although I did hear her a few times talking). Shortly after getting her up, I felt nauseous. Yeah, morning sickness is still there! Luckily Zofran did the trick again. After it kicked in, it was like a normal day. I did take a bath while AJU5 napped this morning instead of my normal shower. Then we went to Target. We didn't get much, but we did look around for quite a while. I treated us to a pretzel and soda when we were done. I was going to go to the grocery store and get a cheese cake or other dessert, but I heard her making a mess in the back seat. I made the mistake of allowing her to have the soda on the way. She had opened it and was playing with the fruit punch. Obviously I didn't want to take her into a store covered in fruit punch (mainly because I didn't want to get covered as well). So, we just went home.

I had AJU1 grill some meat tonight - chicken sausage. So, all I had to prepare was the starch (heated up tortillas) and vegetable (microwaved some peas). AJU1 tried to keep AJU5 entertained for me as well, but that didn't always work. At least she normally just wanted me in the same room as her - laying on the couch was fine with her while she danced around! After a little pestering, AJU1 showed me what he has ordered for me - a sewing machine. It hasn't shipped yet (to our knowledge), but I think we might go look at stores to get ideas of what to make first :) I am not a great sewer, but I can do some of the basics and like to play around.

Now that AJU5 is in bed, AJU1 has been instructed to get me a bowl of ice cream (in 25 minutes - time determined before putting AJU5 down) and then I am going to relax. We might watch a movie or just TV - we will see.

So, another year older. I definitely don't feel older. It doesn't seem like high school and college were that long ago until I see how young of them look now! Hopefully I won't feel a lot older next year with two little ones adding grey hairs to my head!

Daddy

AJU5 hasn't had too much daddy time lately. He has had to travel the past two weeks for work and has had to work a little later than normal too (preparing for the trips). So, she wasn't sure about him being home on Saturday after his trip. She clung to me for a little bit. But, eventually he won her over again. We joked that she was mad at him for leaving her with her grandparents while he enjoyed the quiet!

The two of them had to cracking up twice this weekend. First, AJU5 insisted that Daddy dance with her to the music on the exersaucer. It was hilarious watching him mimic her moves! I told him I should get some video fo them dancing, and he threatened to kill me. Hmph!

The second time was when she wanted to pull him around. We have a plastic wash container thing that Daddy pulls AJU5 around in sometimes (ribbon attached through the hole in the handle). AJU5 has pulled her teddies and dolls around in it too (and requested we do the same). Well, Sunday she got the idea that she should pull Daddy! Obviously she is not strong enough, so Daddy had to help. He put one knee in the container and then scooted along behind her. She was so happy! Again, I wanted video but AJU1 threatened to hurt me.

It is so fun to watch the two of them play! AJU1 grew up with only brothers. On his mom's side of the family, there is only one girl cousin and she lives far away (he has never been close to the cousins on his dad's side because they are all older). So, he obviously wanted boys only - no girls. But, he is great with girls! He is great with our niece. I don't know what he would do if AJU5 turned all girlie, but as long as she is middle of the road or a tomboy, he will be great!

What is your favorite thing to watch daddy and toddler do?

Parents

My parents were in town the past few days. They got here Wednesday afternoon and left early this morning. Having them around is a mixed blessing. My dad is great. My mom can get annoying...

Wednesday night they watched AJU5 while AJU1 and I went to church. Mom forgot that I told her AJU5 gets a cup in bed, but other than that, there were no issues. I ended up having to snuggle with AJU5 in the middle of the night, but eventually she went back down and they got her up in the morning so I got another hour of sleep. Thursday we went to the splash park for about 45 minutes. AJU5 had a blast other than freezing. She definitely is starting to get the hang of going through the water now! Thursday afternoon I had my ultrasound (I just told my parents it was a doctor's appointment - easier!) and then Dad made steak for dinner.

Thursday night went by with no issues. Friday morning again Dad got AJU5 up when she whimpered about an hour earlier than normal (I thought she had gone back to bed). After a morning nap for AJU5, we went to the mall on the other side of town that had Build-a-Bear. AJU5 got a kitty, although she was not sure of the whole ordeal! She did fall in love with a lunch box thing and carried it for most of our remaining time at the mall. After Build-a-Bear, we had lunch and then explored the mall. It had a playground area, so we let her play for a good amount of time (holding on to her lunch box of course). Then we checked out Children's Place for clothes - but found nothing! Then we went to JcPenney. I had to get AJU1 some shirts and we looked again for something for AJU5 (with no luck). By this point, AJU5 was done. Bad news - I forgot her pacifier and it was a long ride home witha screaming little girl. She crashed about 2 miles from our house and went down for a nap as soon as I got her out of the car. I got a nap too, so I was happy!

For dinner, we went to a Teppan Yaki place. It has become and annual tradition. My parents come up in July near my birthday because they have a time share in a neighboring state (we are about 2/3 of the way there from their home). So, the last three years we have gone to this restaurant for my birthday dinner. The first time I threw up at the restaurant (in the bathroom luckily) because of the kidney infection AJU5 "caused" in utero (I didn't know it was a kidney infection for another 4 days though). So, last year I wanted to go again to "redeem" what I missed the first time. This year it was just the best option. There is only one restaurant I like more in town, but it isn't pregnancy friendly. It is an all-you-can-eat Brazilian grill! I love the food, but I knew if I had that I would feel bad for a while! AJU5 loved the fire and liked eating with sticks (I skewered her food for her with chopsticks).

So, all in all it was a busy few days. AJU5 warmed up to my parents, but she still preferred me. She always wanted to know where I was. Luckily she napped during my ultrasound and didn't notice I was gone! I did get frustrated with my mom, but I held it in. She is quick to respond to things like other kids interferring with AJU5's play on the playground. Personally, as long as the kid isn't doing anything that could hurt AJU5, I don't care, AJU5 needs to learn to deal with the kids on her own, especially if they are just trying to play too. She also has a volume problem which can give me a headache and thinks she is right/knows a lot that she really doesn't. That is why there is a 2-3 day maximum around her. My siblings have the same rule. My dad understands our rule. It works great :)

Oh yeah, AJU1 planned things great this time (not on purpose though). He left EARLY Thursday morning for a work trip and doesn't get back until early this afternoon. So, he basically missed their whole visit. My brother-in-law was jealous when he heard about it last weekend!

Oh, and as for why I didn't tell my parents about the ultrasound - mom likes to know the gender. We like to be surprised. So, if I had told mom before the appointment she would have bugged me. Then it was just easier to say everything is fine than to explain.

Okay, that was a lot of rambling. But, two full days will do that!

Now to pick up around the house and get things back to normal!

MIxed Feelings

One of our friends from church gave birth to her son this week. She was due a week before with (with Junior #2). It is hard to believe that if I hadn't miscarried, I would have a baby in my arms within the next few weeks. I think being pregnant again is helping me not be sad over this. I can feel Junior #3 move around. I got to see him/her yesterday at my 20 week ultrasound (we are waiting until birth to find out the gender). I know this is the baby God wants me to raise, not the one we lost 7 months ago. But, I still feel weird about it - not sad per se, but, yeah, I don't know...

Then I found out last night someone I knew from grad school (he was an undergrad) died. From Facebook, I figured out he was sick, but that is all I know. The messages about him being sick are less than a week old, so I know it wasn't a long fight. He was a Christian. We were friends at a campus ministry. He was about four years younger than me an recently married. I guess it was a wake up call to me. Life as I know it can change in a second. We don't know when our life here on earth will end. So, we have to make the most of every minute we have.

Happier post to come next!
I will get back to the product review/home improvement things next week I bet.

Wordless Wednesday - MIssion Trip VBS

Hanging out in one of the hotel rooms

Playing in the dirt

Eating Ice Cream - No Hands!

Working on a Craft

20 Weeks (and a few days)...

So, 20 weeks has brought on new fun - morning sickness is now morning sickness and not afternoon sickness! Yeah, I almost threw up this morning. I have dry-heaved the past few days. So, I am back to taking a Zofran in the morning. Luckily, I got a new prescription from my doctor two weeks ago - 3 rounds of 20 pills. That should last me at least two months :) I definitely think it is worse this time around than with AJU5. By this point with her, I was feeling well most days. Around week 22, I had some bad days, but we were traveling and eating differently, which may have caused part of the problem. All I can say is ugh!

Thursday I have the "big" ultrasound. AJU1 won't be able to come because he leaves on a work trip that day. My parents will be here, but I think I will just tell them I have a doctor's appointment until I get back. We like to wait until delivery to find out the gender, but my mom likes to know! This way I won't have her pestering me :) They can watch AJU5 while I am gone anyways!

Oh, and I do have a little baby belly these days. It is a little flabbier than I would like, but if I wear certain shirts it does look like I am pregnant (vs. just being chubby). Unfortunately those tops are three-quarter sleeves and it is almost 100 here today. So, I am stuck with the t-shirts that just leave me looking a little chubby...

AJU5's Room

This is what her room looks like when it is clean. The futon will go when we get the bunk beds. We haven't decided for sure what wall gets the bunk beds and which wall gets the crib though (and eventually where the two beds go when they are taken apart). As you can see, it is a boring room right now - no real decoartions. I want to put at least two sets of pictures up (of hot air balloons) once we decide where the "empty" walls will be. I haven't decided if I am going to hang the "Jesus Loves Me" needle work (in the book shelf now) or not. It was my husband's when he was a little kid, and it is very nice. But, I just don't know where I would put it! Same thing goes for the Pooh rug thing on top of the dresser now - was my husband's and looks nice. But, I don't know where I would put it...

Returning to Normal

Ah,, life is back to normal for a few days. The last week was a blast, but boy was I behind on sleep this morning before a four hour nap!

Last Saturday we had friends over for the Fourth. They arrived around 5:30, we had dinner at 6, let the kids play until 7:30, put them down for the night, and played games until midnight. AJU5 woke up around 100:15 because there were constant fireworks going off in our neighborhood. Luckily, we were able to get her back down after the friends left (with only a few whimpers between then and 2 when the fireworks stopped). Sleep lost: 2-3 hours

Sunday we got up and went to church. Immediately following church, we left for the VBS trip. So, there was no sleeping in! We got to our destination around 4, hung out at the hotel, and then went to church there (6-7). After church there was a meeting with all the groups doing VBS that week and then headed to Carl's Jrs for dinner. After dinner, I planned on putting AJU5 down for the night (it was around 8:30), but she had other plans. She wanted to play with her friends! SO, we went to the late=night meeting and returned to the room around 9:30. She refused to sleep in her bed (pack-n-play), so it was a fitful night with her in bed with me! Sleep lost: about an hour

Monday AJU5 didn't nap well. We had the morning off and then went door-knocking to invite kids to VBS. I tired to get her to nap before lunch, but she refused. She did nap some in the van along the way though. That night we went to dinner around 6 and she fell asleep on the way back to the hotel and stayed down all night. Sleep lost: None (minus a possible afternoon nap)

Tuesday was the first day of VBS. We left around 8:45 in the morning and returned to the hotel around 1:30 each day. AJU5 always napped on the way back to the hotel, but she never slept more than an hour or so. As for bed, I was hoping to repeat Monday. We went to dinner earlier because the teens were going hiking that night, so I guess 6 was too early for bedtime. It wasn't until about 8:30/9:00 I got her to sleep in my bed (again, pack-n-play refused). So, another fitbul night of sleep for me sharing a bed with her! Sleep lost: About an hour

Naps for Wednesday were the same. But, we had church at night! We didn't get back to the hotel until 8ish. And again, she "required" my bed and body to sleep. She didn't drop off until after 9, and like almost every other day was up by 6:30. Sleep lost: About an hour

Thursday morning we packed up 90% of our things before VBS. We didn't leave VBS until later because we had to clean and take everything down. So, we didn't get back to the hotel until about 2:30. I finished loading our car and we hit the road. Luckily for me, she fell asleep about 30 minutes into the trip home. That was 30 minutes of crying, but she did crash. We got home around 5, and had 3 hours before my sister and her family arrived. AJU5 got a bath and then we hung out and watched TV for a little bit. I tired to get her to bed around 7:30, but she had none of it. Finally, around 9, she went down (after eating some more and playing with her cousins). The rest of us went to bed around 10:30. Sleep lost: about 1.5 hours

Friday we went ot he park and played and then hung out inside for the afternoon because it was quite warm outside. AJU5 napped some after breakfast, but then refused an afternoon nap, probably because her cousing was napping the in the same room and he had two of her stuffed animals! After dinner, she was more than willing to go down for bed. But, her cousins woke her up when they went to bed because they were not happy about it (crying). We tried to get her back down, btu she treated it like she had had a nap! Finally around 11, we sent the pack-n-play up in our closet and she crashed. We didn't go to bed until almost 1 because we were up playing Eurorails - a very long game which we just stopped because we were all exhausted! She woke up 3 hours later and came into bed with us. Sleep lost: about 4 hours

So, this morning I was dead tired! I laid ont he couch until my sister and her family left around 8. Then I went back to bed until almost noon! It wasn't 4 hours of constant sleep, but it was still 4hours of resting. I feel so much more awake (although I could still take a nap if I wanted to). Life will be fairly normal around her now. My prents come in this next week for a few days, but it shouldn't affect AJU5's sleep and hence mine much at all. We don't have any other trips planned until August. So, hopefully we can get back on schedule!

Okay, that was a very long post! Pictures to come sometime :)

Busy and Fun!

So, I am on a mini-mission trip right now. We are working a VBS for an unrepresented area (Native American chapter). We left Sunday after church, and AJU5 and I will return on Thursday (the rest of the grou is coming back on Friday).

Yesterday we went door knocking yesterday and did VBS today (three days this time because we thought we were going to be outside but ended up not). It is going fairly well. AJU5's friends from church are with us, so she is having a lot of fun playing with them. She actually spends about 2/3 of her hotel waking hours in their room playing!

THe only downside of this trip is that it has gotten her off schedule totally. Sunday night she didn't go to bed until 9:30 because we didn't get back to the hotel after church until 8:30 and then had a meeting (that she wanted to go to because her friends were going). Needless to say it wasn't a great night sleep (in bed with me). Then she didn't want to nap before the door-knocking. She did nap in the van (with her friends), but it wasn't the normal length! She crashed on the way home from dinner last night and slept the whole night in her bed! She did sleep after VBS this morning in the van again, and she is going strong so far. I bet she will crash in the van after dinner again!

So, off to dinner! I will blog about the fourth later :)

Hope everyone is having fun!

Product Review Friday - Delivery Service

Okay, UPS and FedEx have made changes to the way they deliver things that makes there service terrible! They no long walk to your door, ring the bell, wait for you, hand you the box, and then leave. Now, they walk to the door, put the package down, ring the door bell, and "run" back to their truck as fast as possible. They are no longer allowed to enter homes (safety issue supposedly). That means even if you are getting a big item they need a dolly for, they will just leave it on your doorstep! This isn't terrible if your husband is home or will be home later. But, if your husband is out of town (or you are elderly, etc), yeah- big problem!

Recently we purchased an entertainment center online. It came in two boxes - both of which were very heavy. Then, we had to request two pieces be replaced (no issues there) and got two more boxes, slightly less heavy but still big (side panels). All three times they just rang the door and left. Luckily, AJU1 was only out of town when the side panels arrived, and I was able to carry those into the house. I called and complained since one of the times they didn't even ring the bell, and I was told about not entering the house. And they would remind the guys to ring the bell...

It used to be just UPS that was terrible about leaving quickly with small items. But now it is both and even with large items. It is very frustrating!

Have you experienced this?

Another Good Appointment

I had my check-up today. Junior #3 is doing just fine. Heart rate was in the low 150s (I forget the actual number though). I have the anatomical ultrasound in 2 weeks and my next doctor's appointment in 4.

I gained 3 pounds in 4 week s- better than the 6 pounds in 5 weeks I did in May! Hopefully I am just gaining it all early :)

I did ask about when I have to decide about the VBAC/c-section thing. She said I have a long time (I am guessing September). The one thing she did say is that we would schedule a c-section either way - but if I decide I want to try a VBAC it will be after the due date (since they won't induce you if you have had a c-section). I am totally cool with that.

Oh, and I am glad I showed up early for the appointment - they got be back VERY quickly because the patient before me was late! I was out of there pretty close to my appointment time.