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...