Brent started his first "awake" laughs, not just the sleeping belly laughs anymore. It happened during this conference weekend.
Here's a video I was able to get of it a few days ago.
Journey: n. An experience or process that leaves you changed; trail of experience. From here to there.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Two teething boys!
Who'd have thought both Brent & Collin would be teething at the same time?? Brent started teething on Sept. 23rd, and Collin--just discovered it 2 days ago. We've been waiting for what feels like forever for when Collin would start to get his "grown up" teeth, especially since he had to have one of the top front teeth pulled a couple years ago. His new grown up tooth is coming in on the bottom(in the front) right behind his baby teeth. The tooth it's replacing hasn't come out yet, it's wiggly but Collin doesn't want to have anything to do with wiggling it.
I'll try to get pics up of both boys. Collin you can definitely see the tooth has pushed up, and on Brent's gum you can see the lines of where the tooth/teeth will be.
I'll try to get pics up of both boys. Collin you can definitely see the tooth has pushed up, and on Brent's gum you can see the lines of where the tooth/teeth will be.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Kids have been back in school for almost a month now. Thank goodness. So far, so good. Ivy's doing pretty well in her class, no surprise there but we're both feeling 'eh' about her teacher. The other day, they were supposed to get out early. Five minutes before that, the teacher always sends the kids out, 2-3 at a time to go get their stuff(backpack, lunchbox, jacket, etc.) from outside the class. Well, 10 minutes after they are supposed to be out comes & goes. Apparently 2 kids forgot 1 item each of theirs and the teacher held all 30 kids back. Thank goodness for the kids who ride the bus that the buses were still there--the rest of the school was already out, even the upper grades who get out later. Thank goodness that wasn't a therapy day for us. Why she didn't just have those 2 kids go last and everyone else go at the normal time, is beyond me.
Therapy--well, it's still going for Collin. He's having a language explosion, and starting to comment on everything, but he's getting stuck on certain phrases again & starting a rebellious streak. Hopefully it's just a phase. With him, you just never know.
Drew misses Ivy & Collin like crazy while they're at school, which is odd because he & Ivy had started up the "he's touching me," etc. sibling issues about a month ago. Calling tomorrow to get his speech evaluated by the school district. Regional center cut off speech therapy 18 months ago, but the school district never contacted us about him when he turned 3(when school district takes over).
Brent has put me on a dairy-free diet. It is sooo hard, and I've only been on it about a week. I'm trying to narrow down exactly what it is, so I feel like I can eat more than oatmeal, plain meat, and veggies. Looking like the offenders likely are whey--no protein bars or protein powder for me. Those were a big staple in my diet, especially on busy days :( --and cheese. Need to do more investigation to check on yogurt, cream cheese, sour cream, and plain milk.
Took him to the doctor's a week ago. I was on the verge of another major breakdown. He was eating at least 40 minutes or so for one feeding, and an hour or two(if I was lucky) would be hungry again. Two weeks before this, I had taken him in for his 2 month visit to see about pushing back feedings to every 3 hours since his weight was 90 percentile for 2 month old boys. When I took him last week, the lactation consultant in the office said only 20 minutes at 1 feeding and the 2.5-3 hrs between the end of a feeding & start of the next one. What else? He just outgrew his portable swing--too narrow for his 14-14.5 lb body. Today, I traded it in and got him a used cradle swing. Hopefully, that takes care of the last of the colic. Only kid of ours whose had it.
Have a 4 week goal to get this last little bit of weight off me. I'm just 1-2 pant sizes away from where I was pre-preggo with him.
Therapy--well, it's still going for Collin. He's having a language explosion, and starting to comment on everything, but he's getting stuck on certain phrases again & starting a rebellious streak. Hopefully it's just a phase. With him, you just never know.
Drew misses Ivy & Collin like crazy while they're at school, which is odd because he & Ivy had started up the "he's touching me," etc. sibling issues about a month ago. Calling tomorrow to get his speech evaluated by the school district. Regional center cut off speech therapy 18 months ago, but the school district never contacted us about him when he turned 3(when school district takes over).
Brent has put me on a dairy-free diet. It is sooo hard, and I've only been on it about a week. I'm trying to narrow down exactly what it is, so I feel like I can eat more than oatmeal, plain meat, and veggies. Looking like the offenders likely are whey--no protein bars or protein powder for me. Those were a big staple in my diet, especially on busy days :( --and cheese. Need to do more investigation to check on yogurt, cream cheese, sour cream, and plain milk.
Took him to the doctor's a week ago. I was on the verge of another major breakdown. He was eating at least 40 minutes or so for one feeding, and an hour or two(if I was lucky) would be hungry again. Two weeks before this, I had taken him in for his 2 month visit to see about pushing back feedings to every 3 hours since his weight was 90 percentile for 2 month old boys. When I took him last week, the lactation consultant in the office said only 20 minutes at 1 feeding and the 2.5-3 hrs between the end of a feeding & start of the next one. What else? He just outgrew his portable swing--too narrow for his 14-14.5 lb body. Today, I traded it in and got him a used cradle swing. Hopefully, that takes care of the last of the colic. Only kid of ours whose had it.
Have a 4 week goal to get this last little bit of weight off me. I'm just 1-2 pant sizes away from where I was pre-preggo with him.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
A Dare & A Goal
Thanks to my friend Michelle for the new header image for the blog. She had dared people to leave comments on her blog, just to make sure people were reading it, and this was the prize(of course, nobody knew what the prize was at the time).
When the older kids(Ivy & Collin) go back to school, starting next week, I need to put Photoshop Elements on Tom's laptop--the main computer kicked the bucket back in March/April--and also the instruction manual for our digital camera (to learn more features on it).
When the older kids(Ivy & Collin) go back to school, starting next week, I need to put Photoshop Elements on Tom's laptop--the main computer kicked the bucket back in March/April--and also the instruction manual for our digital camera (to learn more features on it).
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Family Pics
We got family pictures taken July 31st over at El Dorado Nature Center. These are the first we've had with everyone since Brent's been born. We got a cd with almot 200 pictures on it. Not going to post all the pics, but here are my favorites. The rest can be seen here(click on the word 'here').
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Normal?
I went to the doctor's office yesterday for my 6 week post-partum checkup. She had said I'm "back to normal." Granted, she was talking about about my body & all the internal changes during & after the pregnancy, but it's been making me think. Which, I suppose isn't such a bad thing.
What is normal? Is there such a thing after kids? Is it "normal" that I can think of at least 3 friends, probably more, who over the moon about their kids and yet, I don't feel like that about Brent yet. Just over the moon that he's been born and not inside me anymore. Maybe I just need more time. He really isn't a super colicky baby and the reflux issues aren't as bad, it's just me. I just wondered how we ended up with him the way I am right now?
I was stuck on the name "Brent" for so long during the pregnancy and was determined that was going to be his name. I finally understand why. The name literally means "steep hill", and yes, it's been quite a journey. The construction, the pregnancy, the nursing fiasco the whole first week & a half, the flare up in behaviors from Collin, a little from Drew too(mostly his is displacement from being the baby). Some days are getting better. Other days, I just want to go hide under the covers on my bed hoping nobody finds me or that it all goes away. It did take over a year till I finally had a handle on 3 kids, and I'm sure this will take just as long.
I did get a portable swing, that's low to the floor. It's hit & miss. He still sleeps a lot during the morning, which by the way, was a HUGE help during Ivy's swim lessons especially when I had to take Collin along.
Anyone have any ideas on how to keep Brent up longer during the daytime(specifically morning, he's already up a good portion of the afternoon & night)? Even though, I'm not sure I can follow thru with anything right now. I try baths, but he goes back to sleep after eating. I hold out on feedings(ie. splitting them up so he's not eating for over 40 minutes in one sitting, only to decide he's hungry again less than an hour later) so he's got more "quiet awake" time.
What is normal? Is there such a thing after kids? Is it "normal" that I can think of at least 3 friends, probably more, who over the moon about their kids and yet, I don't feel like that about Brent yet. Just over the moon that he's been born and not inside me anymore. Maybe I just need more time. He really isn't a super colicky baby and the reflux issues aren't as bad, it's just me. I just wondered how we ended up with him the way I am right now?
I was stuck on the name "Brent" for so long during the pregnancy and was determined that was going to be his name. I finally understand why. The name literally means "steep hill", and yes, it's been quite a journey. The construction, the pregnancy, the nursing fiasco the whole first week & a half, the flare up in behaviors from Collin, a little from Drew too(mostly his is displacement from being the baby). Some days are getting better. Other days, I just want to go hide under the covers on my bed hoping nobody finds me or that it all goes away. It did take over a year till I finally had a handle on 3 kids, and I'm sure this will take just as long.
I did get a portable swing, that's low to the floor. It's hit & miss. He still sleeps a lot during the morning, which by the way, was a HUGE help during Ivy's swim lessons especially when I had to take Collin along.
Anyone have any ideas on how to keep Brent up longer during the daytime(specifically morning, he's already up a good portion of the afternoon & night)? Even though, I'm not sure I can follow thru with anything right now. I try baths, but he goes back to sleep after eating. I hold out on feedings(ie. splitting them up so he's not eating for over 40 minutes in one sitting, only to decide he's hungry again less than an hour later) so he's got more "quiet awake" time.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Update..5 weeks old on Tuesday
I think I have officially gone crazy. The not more than 2 hours of sleep at a time is finally taking its toll. I won't lie, the kids have 1 very cranky mommy these past few days. Part of it is frustration at having to deal with both a special needs kid and a newborn. Another part is feeling of isolation--besides the few times of conversation at church, that's pretty much all I get for the week--and even a feeling of slight abandonment. RS brought in maybe 3 meals for the 1st week--granted, half the ward was out of state for a stake youth confence trek but still. Before the baby was born, Tom had talked about how he could take up to 2 weeks off, so I kept asking when so I could brace myself for the impact. I found out like a day or two before he went back to work that it was going to be a week, including that 1st weekend! A lot of friends have moved out of the ward the past few years. I don't really have anyone to hang out with(not that our afternoon schedules would allow it much thanks to Collin's therapy). My parents were going to come out, about this time but circumstances changed so now I will be waiting till Ivy's birthday(a week before Christmas) for that to happen.
Other than that, just sheer overwhelmness has swallowed me whole. Ivy's swim lessons & having to take Collin on the Fridays and all this upcoming week, Tom's a little frustrated at Drew not being potty trained--he can pee in the potty fine, no #2 yet and he pretty much can't tell you he has to go till it's already coming out. I'm just thinking, when in the world am I going to fit that in?? Construction workers are out of our hair/house, but still have to prime/paint, tile the floor, get carpet installed, get curtains, and then move all the stuff back in the room addition that's been moved to the garage this whole time, not to mention all the trash cleanup in the backyard--that was our trade-off for getting the heater added into the room(the draftsman forgot to put into the final plans, even though I had asked about it).
I guess the good news is feedings have finally moved to every 2-ish hours instead of every hour. Brent hit the 10 lb mark on Thursday, and I think that's made a difference. He spits up A LOT though. Kind of picky about how he's held when he's awake--he only prefers upright, looking over mine or Tom's shoulder.
We got some family pics taken yesterday in El Dorado Park's Nature Center as part of some fundraiser. Hopefully, we got some good ones. We get them back mid-next week.
Other than that, just sheer overwhelmness has swallowed me whole. Ivy's swim lessons & having to take Collin on the Fridays and all this upcoming week, Tom's a little frustrated at Drew not being potty trained--he can pee in the potty fine, no #2 yet and he pretty much can't tell you he has to go till it's already coming out. I'm just thinking, when in the world am I going to fit that in?? Construction workers are out of our hair/house, but still have to prime/paint, tile the floor, get carpet installed, get curtains, and then move all the stuff back in the room addition that's been moved to the garage this whole time, not to mention all the trash cleanup in the backyard--that was our trade-off for getting the heater added into the room(the draftsman forgot to put into the final plans, even though I had asked about it).
I guess the good news is feedings have finally moved to every 2-ish hours instead of every hour. Brent hit the 10 lb mark on Thursday, and I think that's made a difference. He spits up A LOT though. Kind of picky about how he's held when he's awake--he only prefers upright, looking over mine or Tom's shoulder.
We got some family pics taken yesterday in El Dorado Park's Nature Center as part of some fundraiser. Hopefully, we got some good ones. We get them back mid-next week.
Monday, July 26, 2010
10 years
The 8th of July marked Tom's & my 10 year anniversary. It sure doesn't seem like it's been that long. Lots of blurs. It's funny how we remember some same experiences but remember different parts, or that there's some things I just plain don't remember anymore!
Anyway, to celebrate, it was VERY low-key, since Brent was a week and a half old when we went out and came with us, while the older kids were watched. We had thought we'd be about 7 pm-10 pm for the babysitter. First, we stopped at a Chinese restaurant around the corner for some dinner, even though neither of us was particularly hungry. It was nice to have quiet time to be able to talk. Brent, amazingly, slept the whole time. Then we stopped over at Home Depot to check out outdoor lighting for the room addition(something the city asked for). We ended up coming home around 9, after the kids were supposed to be in bed and *hopefully* asleep, since we were both so hammered from lack of sleep.
We may go celebrate on another day, once Brent's a little bigger and we can come up with more of a date idea.
I got Tom a present, which I wasn't sure how well it'd go over. I bought him a Starry Night tie back in April from some place in Florida, and kept it in the package it came in the mail in until a few days before. Good thing I had opened it before Tom because something happened with that batch of ties, where it was supposed to be yellow on a blue background was LIME GREEN! Anyway, got that all resolved and the replacement just came today(same design, just had the owner make sure we wouldn't have the same problem again). Tom's ties are all 10+ years old (and showing it), and I know he hasn't bought one actually probably since we started dating. First time ever buying him a tie, that's why I wasn't sure how he'd respond, but since we both like Starry Night it was a hit.
Here's a pic online:
http://www.tieguys.com/Detailed/4055z.html
Anyway, to celebrate, it was VERY low-key, since Brent was a week and a half old when we went out and came with us, while the older kids were watched. We had thought we'd be about 7 pm-10 pm for the babysitter. First, we stopped at a Chinese restaurant around the corner for some dinner, even though neither of us was particularly hungry. It was nice to have quiet time to be able to talk. Brent, amazingly, slept the whole time. Then we stopped over at Home Depot to check out outdoor lighting for the room addition(something the city asked for). We ended up coming home around 9, after the kids were supposed to be in bed and *hopefully* asleep, since we were both so hammered from lack of sleep.
We may go celebrate on another day, once Brent's a little bigger and we can come up with more of a date idea.
I got Tom a present, which I wasn't sure how well it'd go over. I bought him a Starry Night tie back in April from some place in Florida, and kept it in the package it came in the mail in until a few days before. Good thing I had opened it before Tom because something happened with that batch of ties, where it was supposed to be yellow on a blue background was LIME GREEN! Anyway, got that all resolved and the replacement just came today(same design, just had the owner make sure we wouldn't have the same problem again). Tom's ties are all 10+ years old (and showing it), and I know he hasn't bought one actually probably since we started dating. First time ever buying him a tie, that's why I wasn't sure how he'd respond, but since we both like Starry Night it was a hit.
Here's a pic online:
http://www.tieguys.com/Detailed/4055z.html
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Welcome Baby Brent
This post is almost 3 weeks overdue.
Brent Owen was born on Tuesday, June 29th @ 12:45 pm. 8 lbs 9 oz, 21" long. Ended up going in that morning to be induced with Pitocin, but ended up not needing hardly any. I guess Brent took to heart the chat I had with him the night before, that he WAS going to be born on Tuesday. The doctor was going to come in to break the bag of waters, like she has needed to for all of our kids, but decided to come in on her lunch break. By 9 or 10, I was already at ~6cm and thinking it was odd that the doctor hadn't come yet since I was progressing so quickly. Around 11:30ish started getting really uncomfy(Brent kept moving lower & I was close to 8cm dilated) & started staring at the clock waiting for the doctor to come.
At noon, asked for my last dose of Stadol for pain. A few minutes later, I guess my nurse went on her lunch break. She didn't want to check how dilated I was since Brent was so close to the bag of water and we both feared/instinctively thought he'd come fast once it was broken. Around 12:20ish I cried over the intercom thing in my room that I felt like Brent was coming out--not so much out of pain, but mostly worried that it was after 12 noon, my doctor wasn't there yet and Brent apparently didn't want to wait.
Brent Owen was born on Tuesday, June 29th @ 12:45 pm. 8 lbs 9 oz, 21" long. Ended up going in that morning to be induced with Pitocin, but ended up not needing hardly any. I guess Brent took to heart the chat I had with him the night before, that he WAS going to be born on Tuesday. The doctor was going to come in to break the bag of waters, like she has needed to for all of our kids, but decided to come in on her lunch break. By 9 or 10, I was already at ~6cm and thinking it was odd that the doctor hadn't come yet since I was progressing so quickly. Around 11:30ish started getting really uncomfy(Brent kept moving lower & I was close to 8cm dilated) & started staring at the clock waiting for the doctor to come.
At noon, asked for my last dose of Stadol for pain. A few minutes later, I guess my nurse went on her lunch break. She didn't want to check how dilated I was since Brent was so close to the bag of water and we both feared/instinctively thought he'd come fast once it was broken. Around 12:20ish I cried over the intercom thing in my room that I felt like Brent was coming out--not so much out of pain, but mostly worried that it was after 12 noon, my doctor wasn't there yet and Brent apparently didn't want to wait.
At that point, 2 new nurses came in & tried to get everything ready. They, apparently, hadn't talked to my nurse about not checking me,and did--in the process breaking the bag of waters. My nurse & doctor came in like a minute afterwards and Brent was out in 1.5 pushes--the 1st time that's happened! Guess my doctor was right about that since he was #4, he'd likely come faster. Tom says Brent's head was all out in the first push, so he's got a fairly round head.
Eating schedule is soo screwed up right now. 1st week, he bit me a lot & I lost a layer of skin(thankfully grown back now). After we came home from the hospital, where he was eating every 2-3 hours, he decided he's mostly eating every hour(sometimes less than an hour).
He is finally almost back to his birth weight. I brought him to the pediatrician's office at 3 days old--the doctor wanted to see him then to see how jaundiced he would be since I opted to leave a day early from the hospital. Brent was down to 7 lbs 9 oz. I brought him in last week, at 2 weeks old, since a lot of people kept telling me that he still looked yellow(which is TOTALLY normal for babies not on formula, I had just forgotten since Drew is 3 1/2 now). His weight was only up 3 oz since day 3--which confuses me since my non-scientific measurement on our regular scale was saying he had gained 2 lbs--and they sent us for a billirubin level check at the lab right after, and to come back in 2 days to have him weighed again.
The level was a little elevated(16.something) and since that was our baseline, we had to come back the next day, Wednesday, to get it checked again. Poor little guy--both feet ended up having to be pricked since the foot that wasn't pricked on Tuesday wasn't working out so well for the lab assistant. Luckily, or unluckily, Drew had been sick in the morning & our neighbor watched him & Ivy so I could take Brent without having to worry about when or where Drew would be throwing up next. The office called later that day and said the level was down to 15.3 and that we didn't have to re-test. Then, Thursday, when we went back to the office, Brent was up to 8 lbs 4 oz(3 oz in 2 days). They said that was really good.
Brent's been and still is quite an adjustment to our family. On average, I'm getting about 4 hours of sleep--mostly during 2 night feedings, and far from those 4 hours being in a row--if I'm lucky I get a whopping 2 hours in a row. Can't sleep during the day--construction going on(almost done, yay!) and Ivy's swimming class. Collin's back from summer school an hour after we're home and therapy(4x's per week) a couple hours after that, then time to make dinner, get kids ready for bed & do it all again. The kids love him, all want to hold him, hug him & touch him, not caring if it's time for him to sleep. Oh, and for now Tom's calling him by his middle name, Owen. That one's a long story, that lasted about 5 months.
Eating schedule is soo screwed up right now. 1st week, he bit me a lot & I lost a layer of skin(thankfully grown back now). After we came home from the hospital, where he was eating every 2-3 hours, he decided he's mostly eating every hour(sometimes less than an hour).
He is finally almost back to his birth weight. I brought him to the pediatrician's office at 3 days old--the doctor wanted to see him then to see how jaundiced he would be since I opted to leave a day early from the hospital. Brent was down to 7 lbs 9 oz. I brought him in last week, at 2 weeks old, since a lot of people kept telling me that he still looked yellow(which is TOTALLY normal for babies not on formula, I had just forgotten since Drew is 3 1/2 now). His weight was only up 3 oz since day 3--which confuses me since my non-scientific measurement on our regular scale was saying he had gained 2 lbs--and they sent us for a billirubin level check at the lab right after, and to come back in 2 days to have him weighed again.
The level was a little elevated(16.something) and since that was our baseline, we had to come back the next day, Wednesday, to get it checked again. Poor little guy--both feet ended up having to be pricked since the foot that wasn't pricked on Tuesday wasn't working out so well for the lab assistant. Luckily, or unluckily, Drew had been sick in the morning & our neighbor watched him & Ivy so I could take Brent without having to worry about when or where Drew would be throwing up next. The office called later that day and said the level was down to 15.3 and that we didn't have to re-test. Then, Thursday, when we went back to the office, Brent was up to 8 lbs 4 oz(3 oz in 2 days). They said that was really good.
Brent's been and still is quite an adjustment to our family. On average, I'm getting about 4 hours of sleep--mostly during 2 night feedings, and far from those 4 hours being in a row--if I'm lucky I get a whopping 2 hours in a row. Can't sleep during the day--construction going on(almost done, yay!) and Ivy's swimming class. Collin's back from summer school an hour after we're home and therapy(4x's per week) a couple hours after that, then time to make dinner, get kids ready for bed & do it all again. The kids love him, all want to hold him, hug him & touch him, not caring if it's time for him to sleep. Oh, and for now Tom's calling him by his middle name, Owen. That one's a long story, that lasted about 5 months.
This pic was taken 1-2 days before Brent was born. It's a reflection from outside one of the windows of the room addition. A total of 26 lbs, almost all belly.
Not sure what happened here. Maybe Tom took the pic before he thought? We were just in utter amazement at how fast Brent came out and that the doctor had barely made it in time. 
This one's at least somewhat better.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Belly pics
Sorry in advance, these pics are in reverse order: most recent to the very beginning of this pregnancy. The descriptions between pics are for the pic above the words.
32 weeks(last week)=19 lbs total
28 weeks=15 lbs total
23 weeks=7.6 lbs total
17 weeks=2.6 lbs total
0 weeks Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Baby Stuff
I"ll have to take a new/better pic in the morning, but here is the back of my 1st quilt. Bought a pre-sewn patchwork panel w/applique at JoAnne's, added batting inside and a muslin backing via pillowcase method, then did stitch in the ditch around the patches & appliques.
Will also start taking pics of & posting other baby things I've made these past couple months.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Update
Down to 3 baby names. Thanks to all who particpated in my name poll email. It may just come down to picking one of the names at the hospital. It will either be: Sean Mitchell/Michael, Brent Michael, or Douglas Scott. In the meantime, the running gag name is: Justin Case, as in "we saved all this baby stuff in the garage for Justin Case." The sad part is, I almost like that name.
Other news: can't remember if I've mentioned it or not, but we're going to rebuild the enclosed patio into a functional room, part of which will be where the baby will be sleeping. The city has just approved our plans, and now we need to start meeting w/contractors & try to get this thing rebuilt before the baby comes.
Finally coming up on the end of month 6 next week & hitting the 3rd trimester. This week is week 26. Weight gain is good, albeit slighly lower than of where I should be. I chalk it up to the morning sickness not completely ending till week 17-20(which is why I was sure we were having a girl before we found out), and having to keep up with 3 very busy-body kids. Baby is still growing/measuring on schedule though, I can't explain that one with the the weight gain being what it is. At my last appointment a couple weeks ago, I was told my belly was actually measuring 2 weeks ahead. I know it's wrong to think about now, but I'm already strategizing a plan to get all the weight off within a few months of the baby being born, nothing crazy or extreme.
Starting to nest a little bit. Will be posting pics of the things I've made so far. Some went to a girlfriend who, hopefully, has had her 1st baby by now--her due date is in 5 days. Lots of people we know also expecting: St. Clairs, Holmstroms, Fischers, Hansens, a couple of old friends of mine, and one of my brothers & his wife.
Will also post some pics of my ever growing belly. People are saying I'm finally starting to show. I, on the other hand, feel like I started showing back at 8 weeks and am feeling rather front-heavy. Have had some Braxton Hicks contractions start around 20 weeks or so, mostly self-inflicted. I just get busy & dehydrated. I have to force myself to sit down & drink enough water. It's hard when I'm so busy.
Other news: can't remember if I've mentioned it or not, but we're going to rebuild the enclosed patio into a functional room, part of which will be where the baby will be sleeping. The city has just approved our plans, and now we need to start meeting w/contractors & try to get this thing rebuilt before the baby comes.
Finally coming up on the end of month 6 next week & hitting the 3rd trimester. This week is week 26. Weight gain is good, albeit slighly lower than of where I should be. I chalk it up to the morning sickness not completely ending till week 17-20(which is why I was sure we were having a girl before we found out), and having to keep up with 3 very busy-body kids. Baby is still growing/measuring on schedule though, I can't explain that one with the the weight gain being what it is. At my last appointment a couple weeks ago, I was told my belly was actually measuring 2 weeks ahead. I know it's wrong to think about now, but I'm already strategizing a plan to get all the weight off within a few months of the baby being born, nothing crazy or extreme.
Starting to nest a little bit. Will be posting pics of the things I've made so far. Some went to a girlfriend who, hopefully, has had her 1st baby by now--her due date is in 5 days. Lots of people we know also expecting: St. Clairs, Holmstroms, Fischers, Hansens, a couple of old friends of mine, and one of my brothers & his wife.
Will also post some pics of my ever growing belly. People are saying I'm finally starting to show. I, on the other hand, feel like I started showing back at 8 weeks and am feeling rather front-heavy. Have had some Braxton Hicks contractions start around 20 weeks or so, mostly self-inflicted. I just get busy & dehydrated. I have to force myself to sit down & drink enough water. It's hard when I'm so busy.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Happy belated birthday Drew!
Well, only belated in that I'm late in posting about it. Drew turned 3 this past Friday, Feb. 19th. The Saturday before, the 12th, one of Tom's sisters & his mom helped us throw a small birthday party for him. This was his first birthday party. Thanks to our friends the LeBarons, Kings & Weavers for coming.
The kids: made fruit loop necklaces, found buried treasure in some play sand, played a magnetic fishing game & musical chairs, had pizza & cake (our 1st ever, and probably last, store bought cake--can't believe how expensive it was!) & opened presents. We all had a good time.
Pics courtesy of Tom's sister.
Drew was also really happy to get sent a Spin & Fix Thomas from Grandma & Grandpa Lewis. He had been asking about it since before Christmas, and Target pulled it out of their stores to online only while we were on Christmas vacation.
The kids: made fruit loop necklaces, found buried treasure in some play sand, played a magnetic fishing game & musical chairs, had pizza & cake (our 1st ever, and probably last, store bought cake--can't believe how expensive it was!) & opened presents. We all had a good time.
Pics courtesy of Tom's sister.
Drew was also really happy to get sent a Spin & Fix Thomas from Grandma & Grandpa Lewis. He had been asking about it since before Christmas, and Target pulled it out of their stores to online only while we were on Christmas vacation.
Monday, February 22, 2010
The Power of the Internet!
I have been so stuck on figuring out names. I finally did an online search last night, while Tom was putting the kids to bed. I stumbled upon this site:
http://www.babynamegenie.com/baby-name-generator/
A lot of the names it's suggested so far, I don't care for, but it's getting me thinking more. The website also gives options of finding a first name if you have a middle name picked out or vice versa. Which, that's my dilemma: putting the first & middle names together.
I've finally figured out a few names I really like(Grant, Brent, Douglas, and a few others), but I don't think Tom's so crazy about them.
http://www.babynamegenie.com/baby-name-generator/
A lot of the names it's suggested so far, I don't care for, but it's getting me thinking more. The website also gives options of finding a first name if you have a middle name picked out or vice versa. Which, that's my dilemma: putting the first & middle names together.
I've finally figured out a few names I really like(Grant, Brent, Douglas, and a few others), but I don't think Tom's so crazy about them.
Monday, February 8, 2010
New Baby
Friday, February 5, 2010
Final answer:
It's a boy. Tom, Ivy and I are a little disappointed--really hoping for a girl. They tried to check for us last week, but it was really hard to tell. The baby was rolled up into a ball, and they had said maybe boy, but they weren't sure. Have to say, that's the only kid of ours who did that. Ivy, Collin & Andrew were much more cooperative. I'm taking some extra time just to spend with Ivy these next few days.
We'll be taking the kids to see a 3-d ultrasound in a few days, so next week I'll post some of those pics when we get them.
I notice that there's a lot more room in the garage now. Once I found out it was a boy, I pulled out all the girl clothes we had been holding onto since Ivy outgrew them and we'll be passing them off to a friend who could really use them.
We're also getting started on having our patio rebuilt, so it 1)won't have a leaky roof when it rains hard(the outside wall also warped after our week long rain a couple weeks ago) & 2)it'll be the new baby's room. We haven't really started too much on that yet, just thinking/talking with some friends about the process and drawing up some preliminary ideas.
I notice that there's a lot more room in the garage now. Once I found out it was a boy, I pulled out all the girl clothes we had been holding onto since Ivy outgrew them and we'll be passing them off to a friend who could really use them.
We're also getting started on having our patio rebuilt, so it 1)won't have a leaky roof when it rains hard(the outside wall also warped after our week long rain a couple weeks ago) & 2)it'll be the new baby's room. We haven't really started too much on that yet, just thinking/talking with some friends about the process and drawing up some preliminary ideas.
I guess I should start pulling out the baby name book we have. It takes forever for me to find first & middle names for boys that sound okay together. Much easier to tell on girl's name if it sounds good or not.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Sad truth
I like to dress up, and let's just say someone else will only if they have to. I don't let it bother me. It's been almost 10 years, I just accept it as that's how it will always be. It just seems odd that I like to dress up and I don't really have anything to dress up for, besides church.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Baby Poll
Any guesses on if we're having a boy or girl? Ivy desperately wants a sister. I already have my hunches, but nothing will be confirmed for 3 weeks from Thursday(next dr's appointment). I plan on taking Drew with me for that appointment, and taking Collin & Ivy to a 3-d ultrasound place the Monday after--they'll have the day off from school. I'd rather take them after I know, given Ivy's reaction to Drew being a boy.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Belated Christmas Letter, as written by Tom
Christmas 2009
Time marches on. It’s that time of year, again. A lot has changed in the past year. Let me explain. No, there is too much. Let me sum up.
Andrew entered his terrible twos. Along with the terrible, he has also demonstrated his ability to help. He is the most willing helper in the house. Andrew had therapy to correct his delayed speech, but with only minimal help, he was able to overcome some of the problem. He progressed so much by the time of his first evaluation that he no longer qualified for state sponsored services. He is still a little difficult to understand at times, but that is a big improvement over his previous limited vocabulary. He is now frequently using 5-6 (or more) word sentences! Now, when Collin’s therapist asks a question, Andrew will sometimes answer for Collin.
Collin graduated from his special education pre-school, and started Kindergarten in 2009. In the summer, he took Mommy & Me swimming lessons. His reaction to the swimming class was surprising, since he likes to play with water. His instructors gave him an award for being the most vocal swimming student. It was a well-earned award(he was quite the screamer). Collin learned to ride a bike without training wheels last summer. The amazing thing was that he required no instructions. I just pumped up the tires in his bike, and that allowed him to more easily build up his momentum. It only took a few times of him pushing with his feet while sitting on the bike before he decided to start pedaling. Collin taught himself to ride a bike about a week after Ivy learned to ride.
Ivy took 8 weeks of swimming lessons in the summer. She is making slow, but steady progress. She is now in the 3rd level of the swimming classes. Her biggest difficulty is coordinating her arms with her leg movements, while putting her head in the water. Ivy started 1st grade, this year. Her school day got longer, as a result, but Ivy has taken it in stride. She has no problem making friends. She has no problems with academics. Her favorite subject appears to be math, but she still finds time to make artwork to decorate Tom’s office. Ivy’s favorite recess activity is to traverse the monkey bars. Her blistered hands are testament to her zest for the monkey bars.
Mindy is the quiet warrior behind the scenes. It’s not a glorious job, but she deserves the credit for the supporting the success of all the other family members. She’s kind of like the rabbit in a 1-mile run. The pace setter (rabbit) is tasked with leading the way, and encouraging the others to run at a competitive pace. The pace setter only runs for a half mile, and just drops out early, receiving little recognition for helping the others to perform their best. Her job was harder for the first half of this year, being that she was basically a single parent. (Tom was away until July.) In her precious little spare time, Mindy found time to participate in a card stamping club, where she made greeting cards.
Mindy is carrying our 4th child. The gender won’t be known until February, and the due date is the end of June. This one will be our last. Mindy and Baby appear to be doing well, but an unintended consequence of the pregnancy is that Mindy lost weight. At the end of the first trimester, she weighs the same as she did before she was pregnant.
Tom spent half of this year in the desert. It was a meager, but safe existence. Most American servicemen in Kuwait are not allowed to leave their bases, except when on official duty. It didn’t take long to exhaust the local supply of movies, and there was little else to do for leisure time activities. This wasn’t entirely a bad thing, though. It was encouragement for Tom to work on his Coast Guard career, and also to keep in touch with the family. Thanks to modern technology, Tom was able to communicate, almost daily, by video conferencing. Tom got his first promotion while in Kuwait. Also while in Kuwait, Tom completed a number of steps to achieve his next promotion. The job that Tom performed is basically guard duty, but on the water. So, there was plenty of time to work on other activities, and to train. Tom completed most of his requirements for becoming a qualified boat driver.
Due to travel restrictions, and work requirements, church attendance was difficult. You had to really want to go in order to actually get there. This is not an experience that Tom wants to repeat, but it was in a way, a testimony building experience. It taught Tom not to take church for granted. There were usually never more than 30 people at church, so there were many opportunities to bare testimony and participate in church services, there. The highlight of all the church services was when Elder Gerald Causse and Elder Jeffrey R. Holland came to visit. It was an amazing experience to have two general authorities visit our little congregation of 65.
Thanks to our many friends & family who offered us support this year, whether on the phone or watching the kids for Mindy to get a break. Hope you all have a wonderful 2010!
Andrew entered his terrible twos. Along with the terrible, he has also demonstrated his ability to help. He is the most willing helper in the house. Andrew had therapy to correct his delayed speech, but with only minimal help, he was able to overcome some of the problem. He progressed so much by the time of his first evaluation that he no longer qualified for state sponsored services. He is still a little difficult to understand at times, but that is a big improvement over his previous limited vocabulary. He is now frequently using 5-6 (or more) word sentences! Now, when Collin’s therapist asks a question, Andrew will sometimes answer for Collin.
Collin graduated from his special education pre-school, and started Kindergarten in 2009. In the summer, he took Mommy & Me swimming lessons. His reaction to the swimming class was surprising, since he likes to play with water. His instructors gave him an award for being the most vocal swimming student. It was a well-earned award(he was quite the screamer). Collin learned to ride a bike without training wheels last summer. The amazing thing was that he required no instructions. I just pumped up the tires in his bike, and that allowed him to more easily build up his momentum. It only took a few times of him pushing with his feet while sitting on the bike before he decided to start pedaling. Collin taught himself to ride a bike about a week after Ivy learned to ride.
Ivy took 8 weeks of swimming lessons in the summer. She is making slow, but steady progress. She is now in the 3rd level of the swimming classes. Her biggest difficulty is coordinating her arms with her leg movements, while putting her head in the water. Ivy started 1st grade, this year. Her school day got longer, as a result, but Ivy has taken it in stride. She has no problem making friends. She has no problems with academics. Her favorite subject appears to be math, but she still finds time to make artwork to decorate Tom’s office. Ivy’s favorite recess activity is to traverse the monkey bars. Her blistered hands are testament to her zest for the monkey bars.
Mindy is the quiet warrior behind the scenes. It’s not a glorious job, but she deserves the credit for the supporting the success of all the other family members. She’s kind of like the rabbit in a 1-mile run. The pace setter (rabbit) is tasked with leading the way, and encouraging the others to run at a competitive pace. The pace setter only runs for a half mile, and just drops out early, receiving little recognition for helping the others to perform their best. Her job was harder for the first half of this year, being that she was basically a single parent. (Tom was away until July.) In her precious little spare time, Mindy found time to participate in a card stamping club, where she made greeting cards.
Mindy is carrying our 4th child. The gender won’t be known until February, and the due date is the end of June. This one will be our last. Mindy and Baby appear to be doing well, but an unintended consequence of the pregnancy is that Mindy lost weight. At the end of the first trimester, she weighs the same as she did before she was pregnant.
Tom spent half of this year in the desert. It was a meager, but safe existence. Most American servicemen in Kuwait are not allowed to leave their bases, except when on official duty. It didn’t take long to exhaust the local supply of movies, and there was little else to do for leisure time activities. This wasn’t entirely a bad thing, though. It was encouragement for Tom to work on his Coast Guard career, and also to keep in touch with the family. Thanks to modern technology, Tom was able to communicate, almost daily, by video conferencing. Tom got his first promotion while in Kuwait. Also while in Kuwait, Tom completed a number of steps to achieve his next promotion. The job that Tom performed is basically guard duty, but on the water. So, there was plenty of time to work on other activities, and to train. Tom completed most of his requirements for becoming a qualified boat driver.
Due to travel restrictions, and work requirements, church attendance was difficult. You had to really want to go in order to actually get there. This is not an experience that Tom wants to repeat, but it was in a way, a testimony building experience. It taught Tom not to take church for granted. There were usually never more than 30 people at church, so there were many opportunities to bare testimony and participate in church services, there. The highlight of all the church services was when Elder Gerald Causse and Elder Jeffrey R. Holland came to visit. It was an amazing experience to have two general authorities visit our little congregation of 65.
Thanks to our many friends & family who offered us support this year, whether on the phone or watching the kids for Mindy to get a break. Hope you all have a wonderful 2010!
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