Week 23

I can't believe I'm already 23 weeks pregnant! I'll tell you this, the more kids you have, the faster the pregnancy goes. I remember when I was pregnant with Hunter time seemed to go so slowly, and with Tate I remember it going a little faster, but this one is flying by. My baby website says the baby is over a pound and almost a foot long. I feel like I'm really popping out. Some of my formerly baggy maternity shirts aren't as baggy anymore. I was hoping to get a few maternity sweaters since I don't have any, but I am totally lucking out in the Jr department at Kohl's. I was there the other day, and I got a sweater that I'm sure I'll be able to wear the rest of the pregnancy, and it wasn't even maternity. I do not know why an unpregnant person would wear some of today's "trends". I'm liking it though, the sweater cost me only $10, as opposed to the $30 I would have had to spend on a maternity one. I have been having some hardcore cravings. I could kill for some mozzarella sticks. And some pecan bars. And Debbie's salsa. I really want those mozzarella sticks! Last night I was craving and craving them, but it was after 8, (which is oddly the time I crave things) and I knew I could not have them. It is probably good for our finances that we don't live in a bigger town, b/c I sure would have gone out and gotten some last night. I saw a recipe for dipping cheese ravioli in breadcrumbs, frying them in oil and then dipping them in marinara sauce, all the ingredients I have, so if I get the energy that might work. I've been noticing the baby responding to loud noises,(read: my boys) which is fun. I remember the boys would always wake me up kicking at 5 in the morning, and this one waits until 7, so that is good.

The boys and I have been reading tons of books today. Our library has kits that have books and activities and puppets all together with some sort of theme, so we got one last week and I brought it out today. Hunter used the ladybug puppet while I read them "the grouchy ladybug" by Eric Carle. Both the boys can(and did) sit for quite a while as I read to them. I kind of like that, I want them to enjoy reading as much as I do. I was vacuuming and Hunter brought out his toy vacuum and followed me around(he always does this) and I could tell Tate wanted to help too, so he found the saw in their workbench, and he followed Hunter around raking the saw on the floor. They are good helpers. We are teaching Tate now how to throw away his diapers after changing and to pick up after himself, like putting his cup on the table when he's done, and putting books or toys away before he does other things. He's pretty stubborn, but he has been doing well at it. Today Hunter had a little blue bear he was carrying around calling it baby Miah(my friend Erin has a baby named Miah) and talking to it and feeding it. He put it under his shirt and said it was ready to come out. I will have to tell him sometime that he lucked out and won't actually have to give birth :)

This morning as I got up to all the demands kids make, while feeling nauseous and tired, I had a mini pity party for myself.(I think those pregnancy hormones are to blame for my emotional state lately) I felt frustrated b/c I want someone to take care of ME, to do stuff for ME and all that. As I was in the shower I was praying(as I usually do in the shower, its alone time!) that God would help my attitude, and the thought struck me that God helps me every second of every day. I AM cared for, loved, spoiled even by God's love and grace. It really got me out of my funk and made me motivated to be more giving to others, b/c I have such a good example through Christ. I thought I better write that down for a reminder the next time I'm tempted to feel that way.

Things I'm thankful for:
-my boys health
-God's word to help me
-music
-a nice warm house
-tonight is my last lesson to teach at youth group
-date nights(we have one next week!)
-Mercer Mayer books

What a difference a day makes

I am feeling not so crabby anymore. Last week was just one of those weeks I guess. I feel a lot more rested and happy this week. I decided that I'd write a few things I'm thankful for at the end of each blog from now until Thanksgiving. I sure can't wait to start decorating for Christmas!!!

I got rid of my headache. All in all it lasted five days, and I layed on the hot water bottle numerous times. Yesterday I even called the nurse hot line to make sure it was ok for me to take a Tylenol, and for the first time in all of my pregnancies I took a Tylenol. It was that bad. My chiropractor was out of the office on Friday, so I called first thing this morning and got in, and wow was my neck out. It was out in three places that he said would definitely make my head hurt. Already my head feels better, I just love chiropractors!

Hunter and Tate have been getting along nicely lately. Today they were wrestling around together for a really long time, and they read books together and played play dough together, so that is fun to see. The other morning when I went downstairs after hearing them up, I went into their room and found Hunter in Tate's crib and both of them completely naked(Hunter had his shirt on b/c he doesn't know how to take that off) and Hunter told me they were taking a bath in the crib. Their pj's and diapers were in a pile on the floor. I had to go to the bathroom before I put them all back together, so I ran in the bathroom quick and they followed me in, and Tate peed all over the bathtub mat, but that is better than the carpet, and I washed the rug right away. I was sure surprised to see them naked though! We played outside this morning b/c its so nice out, and I put the bubble thing in Hunter's lawn mower. He loved it, he went around the yard giggling and saying, "Look out, its the bubble man." Tate just walked behind him stepping on the bubbles. He also tried to eat some chalk, but that doesn't surprise me. I am sure happy its so nice out, though. This morning as we were on the way to the chiropractor, this truck pulled right out in front of me and I had to put on the brakes, and (even though I NORMALLY hold my tongue) I said, "What a jerk!" and Hunter piped in from the backseat, "OHHH! Mom, you aren't supposed to say THAT word!" So I was busted. I know I need to watch what I say, and perhaps get over my road rage.

Well, I better go, here are some things I'm thankful for:
-my family and friends
-the walk we got to go on last night
-chiropractors and health
-my house and that it is clean for now
-my Beth Moore study
-playing Old Maid with Brent last night, even though I lost most of the games
-chocolate and the cupcakes I'm about to make

I am crabby!

I should give a disclaimer, this won't be a very positive read. I am tired, crabby, emotional and VERY TIRED. Some days it is really hard to have the energy to be a parent. This would be one day where if I had the option I would have called in sick. I have made it mostly though the day, praise God, and we only have an hour till bedtime. I started getting a massive sinus headache yesterday, which I can't really do anything about since I'm pregnant, and I'm pretty sure its sinus infection. I had a sinus infection while pregnant with Tate, and the medicine my doctor gave me made my stomach burn really bad and I threw up with it, so I didn't take it more than a couple times, so I don't really want to go to the doctor. Then theres the small matter of the amount of sleep I've had. Since Brent's been working day and night I haven't been sleeping well. (I know I shouldn't be feeling sorry for myself b/c HE'S the one out there not getting any sleep, but I can't help it) Last night he left about 10:30 and didn't get home until about 6 this morning. He thought he'd be home around 3 or 4, so I was tossing and turning from 3 on(after not being able to sleep until 11:30 and Tate was up crying every hour) and finally at 5 I looked out the window and there was snow, so I got worried and called his cell. I still didn't sleep after I heard from him, and the kids were up at 7, so I basically slept from 11:30-3. That is NOT enough sleep for a pregnant woman and I have been a basket case today. I can't do anything without crying, and I am so short and impatient. I plan on going straight to bed once the kids are asleep. To make matters worse Hunter, who is only POTTY trained, not poopy trained, has had diaraha today and while at my friends house this morning(had to get out to save my sanity) pooped in his pants the worst ever and got it all over their bathroom rug and it was a nightmare to clean up. Then after nap time he had to pee, so I took him, but Tate was still asleep and I put his underwear in the hamper in their room without thinking, so he had to not wear underwear until Tate woke up, and I thought since he probably wouldn't be pooping again today he would be ok going commando for a little while. BAD IDEA. I was going to put undies on as soon as Tate woke up, but alas, as I was sitting on the couch in the playroom being with Hunter, he got in the closet and pooped out his pants onto the floor. Luckily Brent was here and cleaned up the floor, and I cleaned up the pants and surrounding areas. Hunter is in a pull up now, as I cannot handle another bout of that today. Sorry, for the negativity, some days are hard. I better go, Tate is playing with scissors. One more hour...

sharks and playdough

That was the theme of our day, sharks and play dough. I thought it might be fun for us to make some play dough this morning because our old play dough is just that, OLD. It was getting really dried out, so I found a recipe for koolade play dough and I decided we'd make it today. Hunter wore around his shark mask he got for his birthday from Alex and Laci all over the house this morning, sneaking up on Tate and I and "attacking" us, and when it came time to go to the grocery store to get the koolade packets, he wanted to wear his mask there. So I said fine(it was only Carl's which is usually quiet while I'm there) and he wore it in the store. I kind of thought he'd take it off when we got there, but he wore it the whole time, and sometimes he growled. Now I'm not sure if sharks growl, but Hunter thinks they do :) He also made up a new song that he sang while we were there(kind of loudly), called chocolate pudding. He just sang chocolate pudding over and over. There were some older ladies there getting groceries that gave me some strange looks, but I tried to just look straight ahead. I let him pick out the packet of koolade, since they come in all different colors and he chose pink of course, his favorite color. It was watermelon cherry, which actually smells pretty good as play dough, I'm not sure what the inventor of that recipe was thinking, kids already want to eat the stuff, I don't think they need it smelling good to tempt them further. The play dough actually turned out, and both the boys played with it for about an hour. Tate repeatedly tried eating it, but that is expected.

Brent has been working days and nights this week. I don't like it, but I am glad he has work. God has really blessed him with work.

I have been still having those crampy feelings, and I am glad I am going in for my appointment next week, just to ease my mind. I do remember though, having them with the other two. I try not to lift heavy stuff, but kids are heavy! I'm hoping to get another ultrasound, just to make more sure its a girl, but I'll have to see how busy the doctor is.

I had the phone in my hand today to call Sears for an appointment, when I realized that Tate's head was still bruised from his latest fall, so I will call late next week. While I was showering this morning I heard him start to cry so I went out as fast as I could and found him laying on his back with the kitchen set on top of him, and now he has a cut on his nose from that, so I might just have to put makeup on him if I EVER want to get their pictures taken. The poor kid is always falling down.

Hunter was pretty cute after youth group tonight. He runs around with the kids(teenage kids) of the family that used to watch him while I worked. They were chasing the boys around and making Hunter dizzy. They have some microphones set up for CR and Hunter sat on a stool and sang songs into the mic for everyone. He sang the ABC's, twinkle twinkle little star, hey diddle diddle, and of course, his poop song.

the first snow

We had the first snow yesterday(5th of Nov) and so now that's over with. I was hoping it would wait until November at least, and it did so that is great. I was excited to see it only b/c it gets me in the Christmas mood, which I can't fully enjoy until after Thanksgiving. But...I did get out my favorite Christmas CD by City on a Hill recording and started listening to that. I am pulling out the boys winter coats and washing them tomorrow.

I've officially decided that being pregnant in the winter is the best way to go. I never minded (too much) being pregnant in the summer, but now that I can see what its like in the winter, it is great! I'm more relaxed about it and not so hot and HOT and I'm not missing any fun activities outside b/c there aren't any fun activities outside. I am looking forward to next spring being able to be outside and run around with the boys and BEND OVER easily. I remember that being the most frustrating thing about summer pregnancy, bending over to play with Hunter outside and having a hard time with it. Plus, I'll be able to shed those baby pounds right away in the spring outside instead of all winter indoors. So, it is definitely cool to be pregnant in the winter. I've had some crampy feelings the last few days, which I remember also having with the boys at five months. I'm not sure why, I think they say the ligaments are stretching, but it isn't any fun, sometimes I get woozy and nauseous from them. It is a relief that I've had them before and been fine, though. I've also started the "charlie horse" phase of the pregnancy. I have to be careful not to stretch too hard when I wake up, or the charlie horses come on pretty good. The baby is moving more strongly now, which is fun. It tends to happen the strongest when I am rocking Hunter to sleep at nap time. I think the baby is kicking for more room. I haven't figured out a solution to the nap time rocking problem for when I get really big and have no lap. Now that the guest room is downstairs, though, I at least don't have to carry him up the stairs, so that is nice.

We have been trying to keep the baby's name a secret this time, which has proven to be tricky, b/c some people we've told and I still want it to be hush hush, but Hunter the other day was saying we should name the baby Alaina, and I told him, no, we were going to name it ***** and so he started telling all his friends the baby's name, so I'm pretty sure the cat is almost fully out of the bag. Brent says we'll just keep the weight a secret and I think that's dumb :) We've yet to determine a middle name, so maybe we'll keep THAT a secret.

We had a good weekend with my parents. Laci surprised us and came along, so it was good to see her, too. We took some family pictures(I will post one at the end) down below the dam here in town. They turned out pretty well. Speaking of pictures, I think I might call Sears tomorrow and set up the appointment for Friday, the kids are fairly over their colds. Tate is still drooling from the teething. I figure if I put a sweatshirt over the shirt he will wear, and then a bib(maybe two) he just might be shirt slobber free by the time we get there:)

We have been staying in the last couple of days. This morning I watched my friend's little girl, Ella, who was born two days after Tate. She is really easy to watch, and I think I might just be able to handle three kids. The kids are really enjoying the playroom. Hunter just said to me tonight that he really really likes it still. I was feeling kind of queasy this morning so I just sat on the couch in there and read them about fifty books.

Tate is really starting to talk and respond. He nods yes or no when you ask him things, he tries repeating words you say, and has learned what sheep say and what gorillas say(he also pounds on his chest when he sees one, it is really cute)

Hunter has changed the words a little in his "poop song" so now it is "horsies poop" over and over again. I might be a little ready for the poop phase to be over, but his father seems to still be in it so that makes me nervous :) Today at nap I told him to go wait with his blanket by the stairs while I went to the bathroom and when I came out he was laying by the steps on his back with the blanket over him, and it was really funny to see. That is about all for now...

Boys

I am really excited to see my parents, they should be here in about 3 hours. I have been telling Hunter all week that they are coming, and he is excited to see them, too, and get a new book of course. We stayed home all day again today, so by tonight we were ready to get out, so we went out to eat with our friends, the Nornbergs. They have a daughter two weeks younger than Hunter and a seven month old son. When we went into the restaurant we got the usual(not that we usually ever go out to eat with the kids, but when we do...) "oh great, kids" look from everyone we walked by, but the kids were really good, and as we were leaving a couple next to us stopped us and said that our kids were the most well behaved kids they'd ever seen and went on about them being so good. As a parent that made me pretty proud, because I think my kids are pretty great and well mannered. So that was nice. Then we had the Nornbergs over to play some Wii and Hunter and Hannah played pretty nice. They had EVERY single toy in that playroom out and all over the place, the blankets off Hunter's bed, the blankets off the guest bed, the cushions off the chairs, they were busy. They are really cute together, though, and chase each other around. We were all downstairs bowling and Hannah came down and said to me, "I have to ask you a question, Hunter is upstairs making a huge mess in the toilet." So Brent went up and found Hunter in the bathroom with his diaper off(I had put on his pj's and he sleeps with a diaper on) his pants off and the brand new roll of toilet paper in the toilet. Hunter had to go potty and did it himself. He was proud of himself and told Brent, "I had to go so I just did it myself, that was ok, right?" I'm glad he's taking initiative:) Other than that, nothing worth mentioning happened today. Except for Hunter beating Tate ALL day. I am a referee. Tate now has a brand new bump on the side of his head from Hunter and so we'll have to push the pictures back a little longer. That poor kid has had more head injuries than most people have in their life I think. And as for me, I have all of a sudden developed an all sweets appetite. I cannot get enough. I liked sweets before, but it is an obsession now!

What a day!!

I think I have finally reached the "crazy pregnant energy" mark in the pregnancy. I have been going and going and going today. Over the last couple weeks we have been going through our closets and getting rid of some stuff and organizing. We also decided since sooner or later we'll have to move the guest room downstairs that we might as well do it now and turn the guest room into a playroom for the boys. So today I cleaned out Hunter and Tate's closet, went through ALL of their toys in the toybox(and under the couches) packed a box of books away, put the play food in a plastic tub, the train tracks in another, and the mini people and animals in another. Now they can actually PLAY with their toys becuase we'll know where they are. We had our friends over to help move the guest bed downstairs and the couch upstiars, and the desk and computer up upstairs. I can say for the first time maybe ever that my house is very organized. I am pleased with how the playroom is, it will be nice to have it all in one area, although I know that it won't stay in one area. The boys were pretty entertained by all the "new" stuff we found. I put batteries in the dead toys and taped all the ripped books back together, so we should be set for awhile.

Hunter watched a video today for the first time(a garage sale find) of "Elmocise" where Elmo is doing excercises, and so he had fun with that. He came and told me he was going to do his excercises, and it was funny to watch him. Since I found all of his tools to go with his workbench, he came out to the kitchen tonight while I was making supper and said that he was going to work. I asked him where he was working and he said in his room, so I asked him what he was going to work on, and he told me that he was going to build a giant backhoe loader. A little while later he came and got me(while holding his hammer and saw) and told me he was done, so we went in his room and he showed me his pretend backhoe loader. He's very talented :)

Tate just had fun playing with all the animals today. I think animals are to him and tractors are to Hunter. Maybe its his age, but he really likes animals. He's getting the sounds of a lot of them down. And he's added "ball" and "cup" to his vocabulary.

Here are some pics of my new living spaces:







The third picture is to show that there are now no toys around my front door. YAY!