Christmas came early this year!





Since we're heading out in a couple days to go back to visit Wisconsin, I decided to have the guys do Christmas early!!  :)   Since Rob's "Man Cave" is going to be turned into the nursery when we get back (yay!) I got him stuff so he could put his "Man Cave" in the garage and did a mini-scavenger hunt through the house.  It ended with me having his stuff in the garage and he got a rug, industrial shelf, and hooks (to hang his treestand) and there was a chair set up with the cooler next to it and in the cooler was a 12-pack!  Oh and the best part of the garage is -- by far -- the Christmas lights which I strung up around the ceiling.  I'm actually pretty jealous!



The guys openeing their presents



Christopher got a kitchen center so he can cook with mommy!  The instructions in the darn thing were totally useless and I ended up taking the entire thing apart FIVE TIMES to get the screws in the right place.  It was a major pain.  But at 3:38 a.m.  (I took a little break to catch a couple hours of sleep) it was finally completed!  Now little man can wake up to his Christmas present! 

This was by far the best Christmas ever so far.  My favorite thing to do all year is shop for my family.  Not to mention we already got the best Christmas present...our new little boy!  <3 

IT'S A......

Meet our beautiful little baby BOY!!  I was so shocked yesterday!!  But he's beautiful and wonderful and amazing and so adorable already that I just can't wait to hold my little prince charming!  = )  My husband is so excited that he can add another boy to the household --- leaving me the only girl!  hehe    I like boys.  It doesn't matter so much if they get a little dirt on 'em.  From what we could see he looks like a big boy already, just like his brother!  I'm measuring at 22 / nearly 23 weeks.  He is so sweet already.  He was playing with his umbilical cord and he's flexing for you in this picture!  

Sidenote:  Got checked out in Labor & Delivery and they said that while the bleeding isn't normal, it's ok because it stopped and I'm not having any contractions.  My cervix just got agitated!  Yay for good news and a healthy baby! 

Heading to L & D

After waking up this morning to discover that I'm still bleeding / spotting --- I decided it was probably a good idea to call the OB nurse.  She thinks everything will be just fine and that the bleeding was just caused by overactivity or an inflamed cervix...but she wants me to make sure and be better safe than sorry.  It's a good thing I already have an ultrasound appointment today!  I'm not going to lie...I'm a little nervous.  It makes me think of the miscarriage ---which I know was earlier in my other pregnancy and I'm 21 weeks now and that's a big difference.  I know they're always over-cautious and everything and that I just have to trust that it's ok.  But I'm still kind of freaking out and trying not to think about it.  Ok. WHEW!  Feels better to get it all out.  Well I'm off to go get ready and pack a diaper bag for my little man.  On a positive note --- I get to find out if it's a boy or girl later today!!! And I couldn't be more happy about that.  It better be a girl...I may or may not have done a little shopping  ... hehe

Spotting

I'm bleeding / spotting a bit.  I've been having some light cramping the past couple of days; but nothing that rest and a heating pad won't cure.  I'm not too concerned because I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow and it's not a heavy flow.  Probably just caused by activity.  Keeping my feet up for the rest of the night!  Maybe do a little bit of wrapping presents.  (Went shopping today!!!)  I love Christmas! 

Ups ...and Downs

I can hardly believe how quickly the last week went.  I look at my 14 week baby bump picture and feel like I just took it a few days ago.  Hard to believe it was already 7 weeks....7 weeks from now I will be 28 weeks pregnant!  I started looking at all of my baby pictures of Christopher.  It's making me appreciate everything so much more.  Time is precious.  I never understood that until now; and I'm sure the understanding I have of it now, will be just a scrape compared with the knowledge I will have in 10 years...or 20. 

Christopher --- 6 weeks

I was feeling rather blah the last week with all of the stress: worrying about deployment, financially having another little one to feed, college funds, toddler beds, pottytraining and hormones.  It added up.  I've been handling the hormones pretty well this pregnancy (which is why I think it's a girl!!); but I had a slight breakdown.  I cried.  Then I laughed that I was crying.  It was probably a comical sight!  FYI: My nose swells up to a completely unattractive size when I cry.  Oh it's all part of pregnancy and life = )  There are ups and inevitable downs.  (Although more often than not, my ups outweigh the downs!)  It helps me to remember that other moms and people have been through what I'm going through: my child refusing to wear a diaper / pants or escaping out the porch and running outside...sometimes both at the same time.  Flexibility and a good sense of humor go a long way when you're a mom!



from http://www.babycenter.com/


The past week completely escaped me!  But here are some of my pregnancy joys at 21 weeks pregnant
: I can see the baby moving!  :)  Kicks my belly out on places
: Leg cramps / round ligament stretching
: Hot flashes
: Moooodiness and just a general feeling of "blah" for a couple days.  No fun! 

This week baby is 10 1/2 inches and weighs approximately 3/4 of a a pound to 1 lb!

Reminiscing!

Depend-able

hahahaha...Wow.  Um...I just sneezed.  And I peed.  A bit more than usual...!!!!  OMG!

I can't stop laughing.  I know it's so disgusting.. but I'm friggin cracking up!!  I cannot believe I just peed my pajama pants! I need Depends!  hahaha  I'm definitely upping the Kegels tomorrow....

Pain in the...Rib?

Well it's back.  My rib pain in the right side is an all-too-familiar symptom of pregnancy for me.  Sadly one that's not as welcomed as the little kicks and ultrasound pictures! 

Dear Girl Who Punched Me in the Chest,
Thanks.  I really appreciate it.  Little did you know you caused the cartilage to separate from my ribs.  In big doctor terms "costochondral separation". It healed up at the time. (I was 11 I think. And she was an ogre-ish weirdo who just punched me for no reason...) However it acts up when I'm pregnant.  And of course I can't take the anti-inflammatory meds I need, or get adequate rest when I'm getting up every hour to pee and chasing my toddler around during the day.  So basically I'm screwed and in a ton of pain and can't take anything for it!  I would also like to say that if I ever see you, I would be sorely tempted to whack you a good one back.

Sincerely,

Sara

19 Weeks Pregnant



from http://www.babycenter.com/


Baby's Length: 6 to 6.5 inches
Baby's Weight: approx 8.5 to 10 ounces
The baby's brain is growing like crazy and all of his / her senses are being developed and getting fine-tuned.  The arms and legs are proportionate to the body now.

What's changing with me?  Round ligament pain due to my growing uterus and baby =)  They mention possible skin changes or reddening of hands but I don't have any of that.  Just alot of heartburn!  Thank you God for Tums.

Hi. I'm Pregnant.

I am pregnant.  It's really official.  I have to buy maternity pants.  Now when I go in the store I have people staring at my belly.  I'm feeling whale-ish today and not at all like those cute skinny pregnant chicks who never seem to gain weight anywhere else but their belly and who don't get pregnant arms and who lose the baby weight before they even leave the hospital.  Ugh.  I hate them.  Can we make it socially acceptable to wear pajama pants in public?  That's how I feel today.  Whining?  I think yes.

Christopher's Room Video: Before / After

Re-decorating ... It pays to be creative!

Cost: $5.00  (I already had 3 picture frames...otherwise it would've been $8.00)

-- I bought plain 8x10 picture frames from the DollarTree and painted them in dark brown, blue, and lime green.
-- Put puzzle pieces together from a collage puzzle that Christopher got for his birthday.
-- Attached colored construction paper to the puzzle animals

Framed them and VOILA!  New room decorations!  All of the baby-ish stuff is coming down and we're making room for his toddler bed which we will be getting in the next 2 weeks.  He's growing up too fast...seems like I was just decorating his nursery.

Maybe I will be bald by the end of the day

I love my child dearly...BUT SOME DAYS!!!.... RRRRRR!!!

He decided he was going to take his umbrella and whack our Christmas tree which shattered 2 ornaments.  So while I was cleaning those up I had to abandon the closet (which I'm organizing) and he pulled a bunch of stuff out and then sprayed foot powder all over.  There's another mess.  Somehow he then got into my craft basket that was on the table and dumped a baggie-ful of paper scraps in our back hall....putzy pain in the a$$ to clean up.  Now I'm flustered and he's thirsty / hungry after he just refused breakfast and a snack. So fine. I put him in the booster chair and give him his big boy cup (that's all he'll drink out of now) and some cut up apple bits.  I know it shouldn't bother me too much that he wanted to put his apples in his milk. Fine.  But then he friggin was trying to take a drink and the milk and apples went all over.  Needless to say he's playing in his childproof room where he can destroy away and mommy can have a time-out.  And guess what?  It's only 8:40 a.m.  He's only been awake for a little over an hour..........

Turkey Crafts



We traced our hands, then cut out feathers to glue onto the fingers, and lastly we wrote what we were thankful for on the back!  



Mommy's Turkey



Christopher's Turkey

Sunday Thoughts

I'm going to start making Sunday posts a weekly thing (hopefully as much as possible!)  I enjoy going to church and even if you don't believe there are still morals and lessons to be learned that are good to apply to your life =)  After listening to the sermon here's what I got from it:

* In life all things are transient.  Life has ups and downs.  Just when you think you have everything figured out, it's bound to turn upside down.  (So true...) only things of God are constant and when things get rough we need to lean on Him.

* Often Christians try to live separate lives.  They want to be a Christian and also continue to do things that they know are wrong.  It doesn't work!  You can't be a "cut flower".  A flower that is cut off from it's roots will be beautiful and then eventually die.  Stay true.  Be a flower and keep Jesus and God's Word as the roots.

*Sometimes being a Christian means being a "wimp".  Or what's perceived as a wimp by the rest of the world.  (With the whole 'turn your cheek' thing...)  Other people might ask -- why don't you do something?  Why don't you stand up for yourself?  Worldly weakness is also oftentimes being strong in what you believe.  Jesus turned his cheek to the soldiers and they spit on him and put the crown of thorns on.  He could've said a command and a million angels would've been at his side.  He could've ran away; but, thankfully for us, He didn't.

*Be a light wherever you are.  You don't need to sign up for mission trips (not that they're a bad thing!) or go door to door with Bibles.  Hold the door open for a stranger.  Say a kind word.  We don't even need to leave our town and travel to different countries when there are people right here in the U.S. ... maybe even our families...who don't believe.

* Being a Christian isn't something that comes automatically.  You have to train.  You don't pick up a pair of running shoes and expect to run a 15 mile marathon, do you?  Same principle.  You don't just pick up a Bible and expect that you'll do everything perfectly or that it will mean everything's going to be rainbows and unicorns from there on out.  No way.  But training pays off =)

* Isn't it disturbingly ironic how we have all of this freedom: freedom of speech, worship, to marry whomever we want?  And yet churches in the United States are closing down.  Congregations are losing numbers.  But Africa and China -- where Christians are tortured, oppressed, and killed for their faith -- have the highest conversion rates?  4,000 to 5,000 a day....Wow...

18 Weeks Pregnant



This image is taken from http://www.babycenter.com/

 Baby's Length: 5 1/2 inches
Baby's Weight:  7-8 ounces

Increased appetite and energy are common at this time.  Good to know...now I can have that extra slice of pizza and the extra energy to work it off!  WIN-WIN!  Pizza...mmm...I think that's my pregnancy weakness is homemade pizza.  No matter what it always sounds appetizing.  I've gained weight this week!  Now instead of being stabilized it's a pound heavier.  Oh well!  That'll happen when you're pregnant!  Nothing to worry about because I know I'm being healthy.  I will have plenty of time to exercise after baby gets here with Rob being gone.  I'm feeling the baby move during the night and it woke me up last night!  It's the cutest thing ever.  He/She must be turning over because different parts of my belly stick up when I'm laying on my back.  awwwww....

Shakeology

I'm so proud of myself!  (Almost) 18 weeks pregnant and working out 3-5 times a week!  Woohoo me! 

Monday: Shakeology w/ 5 lb weights
Tuesday: Shakeology w/ no weights
Wednesday: Shakeology w/ 8 lb weights
Thursday: Shakeology w/ no weights
Friday: Shakeology w/ 5 or 8 lb weights (I alternate depending on the exercise)
Saturday & Sunday: OFF!  Cardio by taking Christopher for walks etc.

I workout in the morning after a *light* breakfast to burn more flub.  I'm feeling so healthy.  I love it.

Time is precious

Cherish.  Every.  Moment. 

Sad news.  At the moment -- incomprehensible.  It can't be real.  It feels like my stomach is dropping into a black hole and pulling the back of my throat with it.  Did I swallow a rock?  ...or just terrible news.  I'm going to be alone.  He's going to be leaving.  I'm going to be alone.  I'm moving.  I'm going to be alone.  I will hardly get to talk to him.  He's going to miss so much.  My eyes are steaming.  *Deep breath*  It's going to be ok.

Fall Colors

Christopher and I got a bit of the fresh, Kansas air today!  Grabbed my camera, the stroller, and some blankets and headed over to a Wildlife area by us. 

17 Weeks Pregnant



This picture is from BabyCenter.com



Baby's length: 5 inches

Baby's weight: 5 ounces

Baby's cartilage is turning to bone and he / she is swallowing the amniotic fluid to develop taste buds.

Pregnancy Joys: As belly increases, balance decreases due to a change in the center of gravity.  (Ahhhh....that explains the recent clumsiness!)

Unfortunately at the ultrasound on wednesday we were unable to see whether Baby 2 is a boy or a girl.  He/she is SUPER active and the cord is wrapped around the thigh and between the legs.  Our next ultrasound is dec. 13th so we will hopefully be able to find out then!  The heartbeat was 160 and 152, though :)    Right now I am mostly feeling the baby move at night and in the morning when I first wake up.  I am feeling more and more pregnant every day!

Happy Veteran's Day

For some it was just yesterday,

for some it's been faded years.

But their sacrifice is not forgotten

as Veteran's Day appears.

 

Thank you for giving your time

a little piece of your life,

to keep us safe and happy

and keep our lives free from strife.

 

I know I'll never know

the extent of what you endured.

The many sleepless nights,

the heart that's never cured.

 

Just know that I appreciate

the things that you have done.

Freedom does not come free;

the price has to be won.

 

~~ This poem has a special dedication to my Grandpa Jack and my husband. Both wonderful guys who served our country and who I love dearly! ~~

Who Am I?

I am a:
-- mother (See also chaffeur, cook, maid, entertainer, magician, laundry service, singer, activities coordinator, teacher)
-- wife
-- student
-- Christian
-- 21-year old
-- individual
-- woman
-- daughter (See also niece, grand-daughter, great grand-daughter, sister, step-sister, cousin,)

Sometime's it's so easy to forget who I am; especially on days that demand so much of my attention!  I remember the days when homework was just homework.  When being a student meant that all I had to focus my attention on was my schoolwork (and what alcoholic beverage I was going to be consuming on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday night).  When my biggest decision about dinner was whether or not to make Ramen, Mac-n-Cheese, or order a pizza.  Now, I'm doing homework while running the dishwasher, making sure the laundry is being switched out, feeding Christopher, and checking to see that the ingredients for dinner are thawing. 

 When Christopher lays down for a nap it could be my time to rest---or I could get the much-needed vacuuming done. 
              But, while I'm vacuuming, I'm thinking about the homework I have to do. 
When I'm doing homework, I think about how I should be out taking a walk. 
               When I'm out taking a walk, I'm thinking about how I should be at home spending time with Rob. 
 It's never ending!  I need to take time out of my day just to remember who I am.  I am Sara.  I am NOT going to get everything on my to-do list done every day.  And that's ok. 

Fruitsnack Jackpot

Sadly I had already eaten 3 of the fruit snacks from this magical bag before realizing that they were all GREEN! 

What are the odds?!??  ....I have no idea.  Trust me -- I looked.  But, I think I should probably buy a lottery ticket today.

NAILPOLISH MESS

NOTE TO SELF:

DROPPING A BOTTLE OF NAILPOLISH ON THE FLOOR MAKES A HUGE MESS.

Cleanup time     : 48 minutes
Cleanup supplies : 27 cottonballs
            : 6 paper towels
            : 1/2 bottle of nail polish remover

My little cutie monster



My beautiful little boy -- such a ham
Nov. 2010 : 19 months

He escaped his crib in favor of mommy and daddy's bed....

TOO CUTE =)





Flashing Lights / Loss of Vision 11.8.2010

About 9:30, while doing my makeup, I got these really funny lights.  Started in my peripheral vision as a white, silvery jagged line and I couldn't see anything.  Then my eyes started flitting around and I couldn't focus and then I totally couldn't see anything for about 4 minutes.  Everything felt like it was in slow motion or something and I felt like I was shaking up and down.  Called the OB and the nurse is calling me back.  I'm kind of freaking out.  It's gone now, but my head feels like it weighs 100 lbs and I just threw up.  I can't find anything on what could be causing it. 

16 Weeks Pregnant

How do I feel about being 16 weeks pregnant? 
:Crazy
:Nervous
:Chunky
:Excited
:Happy
:Intimidated... all rolled into one! 

 I'm getting a baby belly and buttoning pants is becoming much more challenging that before.  Although I can still button all of my jeans ;)  I just feel like a stuffed sausage afterwards.  The baby is flipping around like crazy in there.  Can't wait until the hubster will be able to feel it from the outside.  I have most of my energy back and am not feeling like I need to take the 3 hour afternoon nap anymore.  Baby is roughly 5 inches long and weighs approximately 3 ounces!  I can't believe how much it's grown already and how much more is to come in the weeks / months to follow.  I can't believe that in 5 months I'm going to be holding a baby.  A an adorable, pooping, crying, tiny little bundle of joy!  It's weird how only 9 months can change so much!!  Ahhh I can't wait until Wednesday to find out if we'll be picking out blue or pink.  Looked at names yesterday.  I really like the name Evander (Evan for short)...sadly Rob hates it.  Oh well -- I'm hoping it's a girl because at least we agree on that name!  I'm not telling what it is yet though....AHHH THE SUSPENSE!

10 Things I've Learned about Pregnancy and Motherhood

1.) No matter how much sleep I get...I'm still going to be tired.  Might as well embrace insomnia and do something productive!
2.) I need a stroller that can hold up to our "off-roading" adventures.  Cheaper strollers are cheaper for a reason.
3.) Dressy maternity tops were a waste of money.  I felt old and didn't really like them anyways!  Casual, comfy, and cute is the way to go this time.
4.) Breastfeeding ( . )  ( . )  is great;  but I shouldn't feel pressured about it.  I'm going to breastfeed / pump and use formula at night to keep (more of) my sanity.
5.) Stressing about having the crib up and ready right away was pretty pointless.  Besides (short) naps Christopher slept in the bassinet or pack n play for the first couple months anyways!
6.) S - t - r - e - t -  c- h     m - a - r - k - s    f - a - d - e
7.) Exercise is important.  Had it not been for my daily walks; I would've probably had gestational diabetes!
8.) 300 extra calories...nonsense. Eat when I'm hungry and stop when I'm full.  I shouldn't worry about eating a certain number of calories / day.  My body will tell me what it needs
9.) Look at outlet stores for awesome deals. DollarGeneral?  Surprisingly has an adorable baby selection of (cheap) baby clothes.  When they outgrow them that fast -- who cares where they're from!
10.) Sit back and enjoy everything because it's not going to last forever!

Craving

First official craving: Fruit Snacks.  I honestly could not stop eating them.  My mouth was watering for them.  5 bags in 10 minutes... Thank God they're only 60 calories each and packed with vitamin C. 

Middle of the night insomnia.  Too bad the rest of the world isn't up and ready to start the day!  Because I am!

Infection somewhere...

Had a urinalysis done today before my OB appt.  Met with an OB specialist: found out I have a very high number of "leukocyte esterase" in my urine which is not normal.  More likely than not it means I have a kidney / bladder infection or UTI; but in rare cases means an infection in the amniotic fluid.  (I know they are obligated to tell me the worst case scenario...but I wish they wouldn't).  Also had a type of bacteria in my  cervical mucus (which could be caused by the infection...I'm waiting on the results of the culture) and they think I have either a kidney or bladder infection.  If it is indeed a kidney infection this could be the source of my back pain.  Right now they gave me the diagnosis of sciatica (he doesn't think it's a herniated disc, and even if it is there's no way to test for it right now because he won't do an X-Ray or MRI while I'm pregnant.  Totally understandable.)  Found the baby's heartbeat after about 3 min of searching and it was a strong 151 bpm.  Baby is laying directly on my spine at this point...also a contributing factor to back pain!  Found out that I did, indeed, have a shoulder dystocia while delivering Christopher and am strongly urged to have a C-Section for this baby.  They think it's going to be another large baby because my fundal height is measuring 1 week and 2 days larger than how far along I am.  Same as with Christopher!  As of right now I'm munching on fruit snacks...

OB Appt

I celebrated a bit too early I guess...by 8 am the pain was back.  Not as bad as yesterday, but I still couldn't put any weight on my left leg. I called the OB and they want me to be seen today.  So I have a urinalysis test at noon (I guess to make sure the pain isn't being caused by a kidney or bladder infection) and then I go to see the midwife. More than likely it's sciatica.  I'm just hoping there isn't some other underlying issue.  UGH! Pregnancy does not agree with me.  This only sucks so bad because Rob can't get out of work and I have no support system of family or friends around here that could help me out with Christopher.   

Strange...

So last night, I went to bed and my back was really hurting.  At that point I couldn't even stand on my left leg; due to the pain in my lower back, and literally crawled up the stairs.  I had a hard time getting comfortable before falling asleep.  Was woken up in the middle of the night and the pain was 1748x worse.  When I even put the tiniest amount of pressure on my leg I thought I was going to shoot through the roof.  (Unfortunately, due to my tiny bladder these days, I had to hobble to the bathroom anyways for the middle-of-the-night pee). Then I laid down and it hurt so bad my eyes were tearing up.  Finally I found a comfortable position on my left side (odd...since that's the side that hurt) and then I felt an air-bubble sensation going through me.  It felt as if a gigantic air bubble left my lower back and then lodged straight behind my right lung.  So I sat up in bed and kind of hit myself on the back / chest and let out a gigantic burp.  Strangely enough --- my back is 100% better.  It's 5 in the morning and I was able to get up without any pain at all and it's as if it never happened.  CRAZY!  But I'm grateful.  =)  I'd just like to say a big Thank You God! I don't know what I would've done....

Owwie

I'm not sure if this is Sciatica or what...I definitely need to go in and have this checked out: I can't stand for longer than 30 minutes without getting a shooting pain down my lower back and I can't sit or lay down without it hurting.  It starts at the left indent in my lower back and goes down the left side of my leg.  Thinking back to when I first noticed it, it was after I sneezed.  I felt a pinching in my lower back and what starts as a dull ache turns into a shooting pain if I step or sit incorrectly.  This is a huge problem because, as of right now, I can't lift Christopher up and I'm having a hard time going upstairs and getting the housework done.  I tried vacuuming, but gave that up after 2 minutes.  Rob's out training in the field right now, so I had to lower Christopher's crib so he could climb into it himself! Hopefully they can get me in soon.  My next appointment is November 10th for my 16 week...but I don't think I'll make it that long!  Ugh!  Pregnancy annoyances!   On a happy note:  I can feel baby moving around right now and that makes me smile =)

15 Weeks Pregnant

I am feeling H-U-G-E today.  I think I'm definitely giong to have a belly from here on out.  I wonder if I'm going to get an outie this time?  I hope not.  Not with my bellybutton thing...that would geek me out.  (Ever since I was little my Grandma told me if I played with my bellybutton my intestines would pop out.  Annnd ever since then I've had this "thing" about my bellybutton.  Nobody can touch it and just thinking of having an outie makes me a little light-headed...it's weird.  I know.)  Bye-bye "good" days  =)  That's ok!  At least that answers the question "Is she pregnant?  Or is she just getting fat in the middle?"  PREGNANT!!!  hehe.  I officially have one pair of jeans that are awesome and fitting great.  I have a feeling I might be washing them every 2 days until I break down and buy maternity pants!  Maternity pants aren't so bad though.  They're so darn comfy!  Perfect for the holidays.  I really want to find a super cute pair of maternity jeans this time around...

Jumping Bean

The baby must be really excited that I'm getting lots of homework done, because he / she is moving all around in there!  I'm loving it   =)  Maybe it will be more of a daily occurrence from here on out?

Pumpkin Fun

Today my little man and I are going to pick out our pumpkins and then turn them into jack-o-lanterns!  So excited to see how he does with it!  Last year he HATED carving pumpkins.  The pumpkin guts grossed him out so much!  He kept making the most disgusting faces!  The cutest picture from last year was of him sitting on his pumpkin.  I'm hoping we can do a Halloween photo-shoot this year, too  =) 

Our futue child?!???

This is sooo creepy yet fun at the same time!  I used the website www.morphthing.com to morph mine and Rob's faces together.  Apparently this is what our baby will look like!

Migraines

I've been having terrible problems with migraines.  They start as a dull ache and tightening in the back of my neck / head and usually around afternoon (often around 3 pm) the pain moves to the top of my head and it feels like my eyes are going to pop out.  When I move, my head throbs.  The only thing that gets rid of them are 1.) Icy hot on my neck / temples 2.) Bandana wrapped tightly around my eyes and head 3.) Rice sock 4.) Sleeping in a dark room away from noise and light  5.) Few sips to 1 can of Mt. Dew.  I think the caffeine in the Mt. Dew is what makes it work.  Usually (when I'm not pregnant) I take an excedrin and that makes the migraine go right away.  I've also been craving chocolate this week -- which is weird for me -- and having bad mood swings.  Maybe they go hand in hand with migraines?!   Other than migraines, the pregnancy is going well =)  When I lay on my back I get the cute little pregnancy bump and I can feel the baby move sometimes.  Can't wait until it's everyday!!!

Grandpa Scott & Grandma Mary coming to visit!

Today my dad and his fiance are coming to visit!  Yay =)  It's about a 10 1/2 hour drive without stopping.  But as soon as you turn off the interstate to make a bathroom break or fill up the tank it honestly adds 20 to 30 minutes every time.  So, essentially, it can take up to 14 hours if you're stopping alot and have a 1 1/2 year old!  They left at 8 a.m. so I'm assuming they'll be here around 7:30 pm.  My dad -- being the prankster he is -- texted me super early this morning saying "Iowa Sucks"... (Iowa is about the halfway point...  then I got another text from him at 8:55 a.m. saying "The day has come..."  (he's been texting me the countdown til he gets here for the past month) and then 10 seconds later the doorbell rings.  So natrually i'm assuming it's him at the door and he wasn't kidding about Iowa.  PSYCH!  It was a woman coming to pick up some of Christopher's old stuff, not dad.  I about had a heartattack because I want the house to be very clean when they get here and I still ahve to run to the store etc.  Anyways -- that's about it!  I'm going to tackle the nail polish stain in the carpet that my wonderful son left last night!  And then I'm going to try and remove the blue crayon from his bedroom walls with some goo gone.  That's about the only thing I haven't tried on it yet so I'm really hoping it will work!  We live in a pre-fab house and they have really cheap paint so everything else took the 1/2 inch layer of paint right off the walls. 

Movement!

I was laying on my back a little bit ago and I know I know  I KNOW I felt the baby move!  AHHHH!! It was crazy!  It's not like strong kicking or anything like that because the little guy / girl is only 3   1/2 inches long and tiny; it feels like something is doing the wave.  Kind of like when you go over a hill really fast in the car?  It's so hard to describe but unmistakable.  EXCITING!!!  Maybe that means I will be feeling it more and more now!  Definitely earlier than when I felt Christopher move (I think I was 18 1/2 weeks..and I also didn't know what it felt like).  But that happens with the 2nd baby!  =) 

BBQ and Baked Apples=Fall

MMMMmmmm I LOVE FALL!  WAHOOOOO!!  I wake up to the house at a brisk 56 degrees and I looove it.  There's nothing better than being able to snuggle up in the blankets and then be able to put slippers and a sweatshirt on.  It's awesome!  My hubby doesn't like it so much...but I can use the pregnancy as an excuse to get my way...right?  hahaha.  I made homemade BBQ sauce today and put it in the crockpot with a beef roast.  We're having some guys from Rob's company over for dinner (and they all like to eat...a lot) so, I figured we'd need A LOT of food!  Pulled BBQ beef sandwiches sound delicious!  In addition to all of the food they're going to be grilling!  I really don't like grilled food so much when I'm pregnant.  It was the same thing when I was pregnant with Christopher.  It makes me a tad bit nauseous!  So yeah.  And I'm baking some apples with butter and cinnamon (nummmmy).  Yesterday Christopher cracked me up -- once again!  He hid rocks from my zen garden and I absolutely couldn't find them anywhere.  Guess where his ingenious hiding spot was???? HIS DIAPER!!! Ohhh he cracks me up.  The kid took a nap with rocks in his diaper.  What a goofball.  I'm feeling more preggers!  My belly is firming up.  It's cute.  I am much more at ease with it this time than when I was pregnant with Christopher.  I know that as long as I exercise and walk and don't pig out on useless calories that I'm going to be just fine.  I'm doing much better with "embracing" the whole pregnancy thing.  I'm enjoying it very much!  Getting so excited to start feeling baby2 kick regularly.  Although that's going to mean problems getting comfortable and sleeping.  Oh well! 

Christopher enjoying the fall weather and the outdoors

Disastrous Day

Today is officially one of "those days".  I couldnt' wke up for anythign this morning and, even though I'd sworn off caffeine (coffee), it was a NECESSITY to have a cup.  Wasn't even a question.  I'm fairly sure I would've been quite content laying face-down on the couch snoozing all day if I hadn't had that cup of coffee to perk me up this morning.  We went to Wal*Mart which is sure to never improve one's mood.  Got home and I took a nap as long as Christopher was napping.  Woke up in a good mood!  Started making lasagna (3 cheese bubbling lasagna with fresh chopped parsley etc...)  Let me tell you lasagna is not something that's really easy to quick whip up if it's from scratch and you're doing it a certain way.  You have to prep the noodles and the filling and chop stuff up and make the sauce (homemade...).  Not to mention Christopher was super-duper hungry so he kept walking around whining "I HUNGGY!!".  And I wasn' tabout to feed him snacks right before dinner...so finally the lasagna was finished.  Ohhh it was perfecto.  Golden cheese on top bubbling.  MMMmmmm...and then?  I took a bite.  The ricotta cheese must've been spoiled and I hadn't realized it when I was mixing it in with the mozzarella, parmesan, and eggs.  So then that threw me into a fit of barfing.  Christopher was still hungry.  So here I have this delicious looking lasagna which I spent an hour making and then an hour baking!  and it's spoiled and I couldn't even eat it.   So I grab a cup out of the dishwasher only to find that our P.O.S. dishwasher DIDN'T WASH THE DISHES.  Now I have to handwash them anyways after rinsing them all off....UGH.  We had mac-n-cheese for dinner.  Well -- Christopher did.  I had a yogurt.  Now I'm going to sit here with my hormones and sulk and listen to Daniel Powter.  Cliche?  I don't care.  I need this today. 

11 week update

11 weeks pregnant

Well all of baby's organs are formed and functioning, so the risk for birth defects significantly decreases after this weeks! woohoo! Baby is between 1 1/2 inches and 2 inches long (or about the length of a sugar packet) and weighs 1/3 of an ounce.  Awww...over the next 9 weeks the baby will increase in height and weight by 30 times...which means....I'm going to increase in weight.  Hopefully not by 30 times, though!  I'm actually excited to start having a baby belly.  Although there are lots of things I won't be able to do properly anymore.  Watch -- once I actually have a baby belly I am going to look back on this and say, "What the heck was I thinking?"  But that's ok.  That's why I have a blog =) 

Yesterday was not a good day.  I woke up at 6:30 with a headache and by 9 am it was a full-blown migraine.  I stayed up with Christopher until quarter to 10 and then had to go lay back down.  I even fell asleep with the dogs barking next door!  Shockingly!  Rob's such a sweetie.  He took Christopher shoe shopping and I woke up and freaked out because I hadn't heard them leave or anything!  Too cute. Anyways.  Then it was Christopher's naptime and I still had the mgiraine so I went back to bed, too.  I woke up and Rob had brought me a burrito (which I shared with Christopher) and some mt. dew for my migraine!  Since I can't take excedrin...and tylenol doesn't do much for me.  I think the caffeine in the dew really helps.  Anyways -- that's it for now!  Knock on wood allergies are actually starting to get a little better!  =)

Finally fall

Better late than never!  I love waking up to a nice, chilly house and actually being able to snuggle in my blankets before rolling out of bed.  Christopher and I are going to take a morning walk today in the beautiful sunshine weather.  I am definitely feeling more pregnant -- my "bloating" is starting to get pretty hard.  There's a discernible roundness to my belly -- maybe not visible to other people who don't know me well and may mistake it for some extra chub; but, I can tell!  Only 3 more days until our ultrasound!!!!  You can't tell that I'm excited or anything.  I absolutely can't wait to hear the heartbeat and see the cute little kiwi!  (It's the size of a kiwi, supposedly.)  2 inches long and 4.5 grams!  Awwww....

Christmas in September

Definitely listening to Christmas Classic Sing-Alongs for probably the 16th time.  It's Christopher's new favorite movie.  We're going to be especially ready when Christmastime comes because we'll have all of these songs memorized already!!  And when I say "classic" sing-alongs -- I'm talking about the old school Rudolph the Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman that were old when my parents were kids. haha =) 

10 weeks+1 Day

Ahhh....the time is flying by already!  Today I have a super bad pregnancy migraine (I know that's what it is because tylenol absolutely won't touch it).  And Christopher doesn't want to nap.  So it's a terrible afternoon.  Also I can't wait to get out of this neighborhood and KS in general.  It's not my thing.  I love being with my family and I really liked it at first because it was an adventure -- but the weather stays too humid and warm and the people here are slow and the medical facilities are way behind in technology. Well that was my rant.  I'm feeling the moodiness today. 

What is your problem?

Rob, Christopher, and I were sitting at the table eating dinner, and Christopher and Rob were being goofy, when all of a sudden Christopher blurts out, "What is your problem?" all at once.  Clear as a bell.  Both Rob and I heard it at the same time and were like -- "That sounded exactly like 'What is your problem!'"  It was hilarious.  Another new thing Christopher is doing: Whenever he's doing something naughty he covers his eyes --like I won't be able to see him anymore!  It's too cute.  He's my little stinker butt.

SSDD Syndrome

I don't know if the added hormones have anything to do with it; but, I am definitely suffering from SSDD -- same sh*t different day.  I feel like my entire life is comprised of waking up, making the bed, changing a diaper, getting a sippy cup full of milk for Christopher, making breakfast, cleaning up after breakfast, chasing Christopher around the house, re-making the bed because he tore the covers off, applying for jobs that I'll never get because I can only work certain hours because of daycare, making lunch, changing another diaper, putting him down for a nap, doing dishes, taking a nap myself because I'm so freaking exhausted all the time, waking up, making the bed (again), getting snacks, starting dinner (which usually sucks anyways because I'm too nauseous to cook), keeping Christopher occupied, eating dinner when Rob gets home, taking a walk, giving Christopher a bath, doing dinner dishes, putting stuff away.  OH YEAH AND SQUEEZE LAUNDRY IN THERE along with multiple other things and I feel like I accomplish everything and nothing at the same time.  Every day...same thing...same thing...same thing...DIFFERENT OUTFIT.  I have no idea. 

 Maybe I can blame the hormones but I feel like ... I don't know.  It's just getting to me.  I feel isolated.  I love being away from family because I get smothered...but on the flipside on days like this I would love to call up my brother and be like, "Hey...lets go fishing!" And I can't.  I'm bored. There's absolutely nothing I can do about it.  What am I going to do by myself with a 1 1/2 year old?  Sure I take him to the park...we go grocery shopping... I do the best I can, it's just getting to me.  I can't take him fishing by myself.  What am I going to do with 2 kids? I need a break.  I need a vacation from it all.  I'm stressed.  I can't find a job.  I'm worried about moving and what if I don't have enough money for the new baby?  I know things will work out...it'd just be nice to have some re-assurance.  I need a hug.  Or a pint of ice cream, box of kleenexes, and a chick flick.

The Scenery

Tonight Christopher and I went for a walk.  Here are a couple pictures I took on our excursion....

"What we see depends mainly on what we look for."

-- John Lubbock --

Potty Training Boot Camp: T - 1 day

it's OFFICIAL.

I've had it with diapers.

it's been 4 weeks of introducing the potty-chair

and......

it's time.

Tomorrow is Potty Training Boot Camp for Christopher. 

The Plan:
: Keep him downstairs
: Cover furniture and carpeting with old sheets
: Remove diaper and have him be naked from the waist down
: Lots of fluids -- gatorade, watermelon, popsicles, etc...
: Watch for signs to go to the bathroom
: Get him on potty chair ASAP

Rainy Day

Last night Rob and I got to go out on a date :)  For the first time in like 6 months!  Went to a place in Manhattan, KS called the "Purple Pig" (Purple is the color of K-State...).  We were the only people in there besides 2 drunk guys at the bar and the bartender!  It was fun, though.  I really enjoyed getting out.  But, it's been so long that I forgot what it's like NOT to be with Christopher!  Kind of weird.  I had to keep telling myself he was fine and to just enjoy the night out.  We had deep-fried pickles -- they were really good! 

Anywho.  Today is a blah day.  I woke up with a headache and it's raining still.  It was the first storm Christopher's ever been awake for, though.  Usually they're all at night and he never wakes up or hears them.  So at 5:15 this morning he wanted to watch the lightning!  hehe. It was cute.  Then he went back to sleep until 8 am.  I entered him in the Gerber PhotoSearch contest and we can start voting for his picture October 3rd!  I'm not actually expecting him to win but it would be SO neat if he did.  $25,000 college scholarship.  That would be nice considering tuition costs are just going to keep going up!

The photo I entered for the contest.

Lake Milford

Here are a couple of pictures from the other day when we took Christopher out ot the Lake.  He enjoys throwing rocks into the water and watching them splash! 

Can't believe it's still in the 90's down here..... being from WI I'm used to wearing long sleeved thermals, jeans & fleeces this time of year.  Not tank tops and capris...