Wow. It's been a long time. It's been a busy two months since I've last posted but it's been so much fun. The girls are both growing so fast and it seems like the days just fly by!
Ava is still such a sweet-spirited little thing. She loves to smile and giggle and she seems to just light up the room when she does. It's nearly impossible to catch those smiles on camera though b/c she is fascinated with cameras and she focuses on them so hard that she can't be distracted to smile. We've been able to catch a few but they never seem to capture the full effect. She's been sleeping great, which any new mom will tell you is a fabulous thing. I will confess that she is still sleeping a lot of the time in her swing next to our bed. Audrey did the same thing so I know it won't be permanent, but I know I need to really start making the effort to get her in a more traditional sleeping position :)
Ava is really starting to develop her neck strength now and has managed to roll over a few times. All in all though, she seems pretty content to sit and watch. She used to sit BACK...but now she strains and fights until she is sitting up (with some help of course...) so she can observe the world. Unlike her big sister, she doesn't seem to like chaos. A few times we've noticed that she has gotten really stressed out... she likes things calm and controlled...hard to do with Audrey around :)
Audrey is still our resident tornado. She flies all over the place knocking down everything in her path...except Ava. I'm still floored at how gentle she is with her. She'll be running at full speed and then stop, lean over and touch Ava's cheek and say "hey, beautiful girl" or "you're so cute, Ava" (I can't imagine where she gets these things!)
We had a pretty big Christmas at our house this year. In between the talks of shopping, gifts, santa, pictures and food we really tried to talk to Audrey about the real meaning of Christmas and how it's Jesus' birthday. She seemed to really understand and we sang Happy Birthday to Jesus many times. Honestly, it was a great reminder for me as well. That's certainly not to say she didn't get inundated with gifts though...my goodness. If we put up a sign, our house would probably qualify as a Toys R' Us outlet - the Dora section in particular. It looks like the Dora factory exploded over here....still amazes me that the one show that I said my child would never watch is now her "thing." Oh well...parents should never say never I suppose.
I think my favorite story from Christmas is what Audrey named her new doll. She only asked for a few things for Christmas when prompted...she wanted a farm and a bed for her doll. Well, she got both of those things of course and a new doll bed certainly has to come with a new doll... So, among many other things, my parents got her a new doll. As she opened it, we asked her what she was going to name her. She thought for a few minutes and then proudly said "Bossy!" We gently tried to lead her in other directions but it was a no go.
Audrey has most of my old books in her room, so we haven't even come close to reading them all yet. She picks 3 a night and a few weeks ago there was a book about not being bossy. We've also asked her a few times to stop being bossy since she likes to tell us (and anyone within earshot) what to do... but I guess she figured since she can't be bossy, her doll might as well be. :)
I guess I should go get a few things done while I have a few minutes. Family: I know I didn't send out Christmas cards...I just haven't figured out how these super moms get everything done. Trust me...pictures are coming soon!
Lots of love from our house to yours....
and let Audrey's birthday celebration begin!!
oh...and in case you're wondering about the title... Ryan, cringing as he spoke, uttered the words that I never expected to hear. He said "I think we're going to have to turn my 'man-room' into a playroom" ....and the walls came tumbling down. poor guy.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Friday, October 19, 2007
in the still of the night
Well, it's a rare moment at our house. It's quiet. Ryan is at the Homecoming football game, Audrey is in bed and Ava is asleep in her swing. I am enjoying some much needed downtime...but I can't wait for Ryan to come home! Now that the girls are asleep, I'm wishing that I could be at the game with him....maybe next year.
All in all, things are going great with us. Audrey is the best big sister we could have hoped for. She wants Ava around all the time and she really seems to dote on her. At dinner tonight Audrey kept saying things like, "mommy, Ava's so cute!" and "mommy, Ava's so sweet! and "can I take Ava to the zoo to see the animals?" We just weren't expecting this transition to be so great!
The other day my mom kept Ava for me so I could run out and get my hair cut. I dropped Audrey off at preschool on the way...normally Ava would be in the car with us and Audrey was just devastated that we left Ava at home and she wasn't riding in the car.
I did exactly what I did after Audrey was born...I cut my hair off. The less there is to dry, the less time it consumes and the more I have to give to the girls. I'm wondering if I'll ever have long hair again.... at some point in life, the majority of women seem to get the "mom" haircut and never go back.... is that what I did???? yikes.
Ava is continuing to be the sweetest little angel. She is a fabulous sleeper overall and I feel much more rested than I did when Audrey was a newborn...which is good since we need the energy to keep up with Audrey now!! On the downside, Ryan and I both had the stomach flu this weekend (AGAIN!!) and that was rough on the entire household. We are praying SO hard that the girls don't get it.
I am embarrassed to say that I have rediscovered afternoon tv. I normally don't watch daytime tv at all, but now that I'm feeding Ava quite a bit of the time, I find my mind searching for something to do. Granted...I DO spend quite a bit of my time just staring at my beautiful girl and talking to her....but while Audrey's napping, I have discovered the Food Network and a show called Take Home Chef on TLC. You know the sad thing??? I don't even cook and I watch cooking shows. Go figure.
Ava's doctor's appointment is coming up soon! I can't wait to see how much she's grown! This time Audrey will be in preschool so sitting in the waiting room won't be quite so chaotic since Ava doesn't want to run all over the place like her big sister does! My 6 week post-op is this upcoming week too! I can't believe it's almost been that long!
My thoughts are scattered as usual but I wanted to let everyone know that we're hanging in there. It's harder to keep up with family and friends but that will ease up soon. We are just trying to cherish and enjoy these moments with our girls because we know our family is complete. It's bittersweet each time we reach a milestone because we know it's our last time to experience it...
well, i'm off to go read or do something relaxing for a few minutes. I'm sure this quiet won't last long!
All in all, things are going great with us. Audrey is the best big sister we could have hoped for. She wants Ava around all the time and she really seems to dote on her. At dinner tonight Audrey kept saying things like, "mommy, Ava's so cute!" and "mommy, Ava's so sweet! and "can I take Ava to the zoo to see the animals?" We just weren't expecting this transition to be so great!
The other day my mom kept Ava for me so I could run out and get my hair cut. I dropped Audrey off at preschool on the way...normally Ava would be in the car with us and Audrey was just devastated that we left Ava at home and she wasn't riding in the car.
I did exactly what I did after Audrey was born...I cut my hair off. The less there is to dry, the less time it consumes and the more I have to give to the girls. I'm wondering if I'll ever have long hair again.... at some point in life, the majority of women seem to get the "mom" haircut and never go back.... is that what I did???? yikes.
Ava is continuing to be the sweetest little angel. She is a fabulous sleeper overall and I feel much more rested than I did when Audrey was a newborn...which is good since we need the energy to keep up with Audrey now!! On the downside, Ryan and I both had the stomach flu this weekend (AGAIN!!) and that was rough on the entire household. We are praying SO hard that the girls don't get it.
I am embarrassed to say that I have rediscovered afternoon tv. I normally don't watch daytime tv at all, but now that I'm feeding Ava quite a bit of the time, I find my mind searching for something to do. Granted...I DO spend quite a bit of my time just staring at my beautiful girl and talking to her....but while Audrey's napping, I have discovered the Food Network and a show called Take Home Chef on TLC. You know the sad thing??? I don't even cook and I watch cooking shows. Go figure.
Ava's doctor's appointment is coming up soon! I can't wait to see how much she's grown! This time Audrey will be in preschool so sitting in the waiting room won't be quite so chaotic since Ava doesn't want to run all over the place like her big sister does! My 6 week post-op is this upcoming week too! I can't believe it's almost been that long!
My thoughts are scattered as usual but I wanted to let everyone know that we're hanging in there. It's harder to keep up with family and friends but that will ease up soon. We are just trying to cherish and enjoy these moments with our girls because we know our family is complete. It's bittersweet each time we reach a milestone because we know it's our last time to experience it...
well, i'm off to go read or do something relaxing for a few minutes. I'm sure this quiet won't last long!
Monday, October 08, 2007
Sunday, September 23, 2007
One adventure at a time!
Most of the people who read this page probably already know this, but Ava Renee is here!! She arrived on September 17th at 11:22 am weighing 7 lbs 15.8 oz and 21 inches long...and screaming. The first thing I thought was... "well, she's not quite as loud as her sister!!" It was so exciting to hear that first cry...since it was a c-section and I was laying down, I had pools of tears in my ears!
The morning of surgery was a great one for me. I woke up with an incredible peace and excitement that I know could only come from God. I had been so anxious and emotional at times that it was just so exciting to wake up with such a sense of calmness. Ryan and I had a fun morning getting everything into the car and spending our last few moments with Audrey. We drove her to her sitter's house (which worked out perfectly as it was part of her normal routine) and then headed to the hospital with a stop at Target along the way (Ryan kept telling me that it figured that I'd need to go to Target when I was supposed to be at the hospital in 10 minutes....)
We had a truly great nurse when we checked in and the process got started. My mom, his mom and Clay were there for a few minutes before they had to do my epidural so I got to spend a few minutes with them and take some fun pictures of Ryan eating his breakfast....while I was STARVING! nice....
The best news was that I loved my anesthetist and apparently he was incredibly skilled at his job! My epidural worked like a dream and his personality was exactly what I needed. I was anticipating that the epidural would hurt...I've had one before but I was in labor and begging for it... so I was told that this one might be more "memorable" but I didn't think it hurt at all. Soon I was wheeling down the hall and into the OR. I could see the clock on the wall and we entered the room at exactly 11:00am and they were wheeling me out right as the clock rolled over to 12:00.
The surgery itself was uncomfortable at times b/c of the pressure (felt like they dropped an elephant on my ribcage) but it was so much better than my previous one because I was so awake! With Audrey they had to give me additional drugs because my epidural wasn't working 100% so I was pretty groggy. Not this time!! Ryan was fabulous through the entire morning. He kept me laughing and even took pictures of all the gory stuff that he knew I'd like to see later (the epidural needles, the c-section incision, etc.)
What an amazing moment it was when Ava was born. It was such a blessing to be fully awake and aware! I was able listen to Ryan as he watched her being born. I could hear the emotion in his voice and I just burst into tears as I heard her cry! Our biggest surprise of the day was when ryan said "Jenny!! She has brown hair!" They got her cleaned up and Ryan brought her over to me and I got to meet her face to face for the first time. She looked so much like Audrey...but yet like her own little person.
We spent 3 nights in the hospital and have been happy to be home since. Recovery certainly hasn't been a breeze, but it hasn't been too terribly bad either. Audrey has been incredible!! She is so excited about her sister and exclaims to anyone she sees, "That's my SISTER!!" She loves to touch her hair and her toes and is learning how to "assist" with diaper changes.
I'm starting to feel a little overwhelmed as I wonder how in the world I'm going to manage being a mom to 2. We have had SO much help so far that all I've had to do is feed Ava and heal. My mom and Ryan's mom each spent one night here and we've had plenty of help in between.
I'm still not able to drive but have managed to get out the door a few times. We went to the doctors office once, on a walk around the neighborhood, down to see Aunt Nicole in the hospital (she had baby Walker exactly one week after Ava was born!!!!) and a fun trip to Target.
All these outings have been an adventure. It is complicated getting out of the house...mostly because of Ava's feeding schedule. She is breastfeeding incredibly well...almost too well at times. She is a slow, lazy feeder and wants to feed for an hour (sometimes hours...) at a time. We're working out the timing though...and the benefit of being 2nd time parents is that we know that the sleepless nights and the stress is only temporary.
Well, I feel like this is getting more and more scattered so I'm going to go ahead and post it...and then hunt for the pictures that I want to add!!
Monday, September 17, 2007
Ava's Birthday
I can't believe it, but I slept so incredibly great. I was so anxious yesterday that I didn't even know what to think or how to pray but somebody must have been praying for me to have peace...and I woke up feeling excited and peaceful. Praise the Lord!!
Who knows when the next time I'll get on here will be...hopefully sooner than later. Hopefully Ryan can update it with pictures for me :)
Please pray for Ava's safe arrival and for a safe surgery & recovery for me as well.
At first I was surprised to make it this far in my pregnancy since I am now 39 weeks and 2 days and Audrey was born at 38 weeks on her own....but I've been predicting that Ava will be my more calm, patient child so maybe I shouldn't be surprised. We'll see :)
Who knows when the next time I'll get on here will be...hopefully sooner than later. Hopefully Ryan can update it with pictures for me :)
Please pray for Ava's safe arrival and for a safe surgery & recovery for me as well.
At first I was surprised to make it this far in my pregnancy since I am now 39 weeks and 2 days and Audrey was born at 38 weeks on her own....but I've been predicting that Ava will be my more calm, patient child so maybe I shouldn't be surprised. We'll see :)
Saturday, September 15, 2007
48 hours!
I am very excited to meet Ava on Monday, but I'm bummed that it looks like I'm going to make it until then. Oh well....the good news is that I *should* have everything lined up and in order and we won't be worried about throwing things in the car b/c we're rushing out the door.
Audrey is spending the morning with grandmommy and Grandpa Clay, Ryan is at a volleyball tournament and I'm at home doing some last minute laundry and general preparation.
Tomorrow we're going to try to have a special day with Audrey....I'd really like to take her somewhere special if I feel up to it. Hopefully we'll be able to do that. I just can't imagine what it's going to be like trying to sleep the night before my surgery.
Here is a picture of Audrey showing off her new necklace that her Daddy bought her on their "super-date" last week and a picture of her this morning before they left for the fair. She was playing with the band-aids which is a favorite past-time of hers.
Audrey is spending the morning with grandmommy and Grandpa Clay, Ryan is at a volleyball tournament and I'm at home doing some last minute laundry and general preparation.
Tomorrow we're going to try to have a special day with Audrey....I'd really like to take her somewhere special if I feel up to it. Hopefully we'll be able to do that. I just can't imagine what it's going to be like trying to sleep the night before my surgery.
Here is a picture of Audrey showing off her new necklace that her Daddy bought her on their "super-date" last week and a picture of her this morning before they left for the fair. She was playing with the band-aids which is a favorite past-time of hers.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
(insert Jeopardy theme song here)
Well... I'm still here and still pregnant. We are down to 5 nights of sleep left without a newborn in the house :)
There is a sign in our neighborhood that says our water is going to be shut off from 10pm until 6am on September 13th. We are assuming they mean "starting" on September 13th because it's a little unclear....either way.... we have been joking that I'll most likely go into labor right in the middle of that when neither one of us will be able to take a shower which is the first thing I wanted to do when I went into labor with Audrey. figures. :) of course if I do, I'll be thrilled (except for the pain part...)
I'm trying to think of what else we have going on...this baby-waiting thing has kind of taken over... Audrey is as cute as ever. She makes us laugh so much.
Yesterday she was so excited when she woke up from her nap because "the rain was turned on" outside.
Let's see....she has a new found obsession with Dora the Explorer which goes against every grain in my body.... and everything I said I would and wouldn't do when she was born. It's funny how desperate times call for desperate measures..... When I'm exhausted and having contractions and she says "mommy...can I watch Dora again?" it is really hard to say "No honey...let's play play-doh instead" Dora has become a much closer friend than I ever anticipated.
She seems to grow more and more aware of Ava every day. She talks about how mommy and daddy are going to bring her home from the hospital and that she's going to cry a lot and that Audrey is going to "rock-a-bye baby her" and play toys with her. She's also fascinated by Ava's bed situation...from the crib in Ava's room to the pack n' plays set up both in our bedroom and downstairs.... We'll see how this transition goes...
Oh...and my favorite story of the week. She was demonstrating to Ryan how she was going to help change Ava's diaper. She slung one of her dolls up on the changing table, grabbed a diaper and proceeded to attempt to climb up the side. Ryan stopped her and suggested that wasn't such a good idea...so she pulled the doll back down and grabbed a wipe and started rubbing at her nose. She then said, "I'll get her gold" (which is what we call Audrey's boogers so she'll let us clean them...)
Oh...and the other morning she woke up and told me that she had an elephant in her ear and she wanted me to clean it out....and last night my stomach was growling so loudly that it scared her and she kept asking if it was going to "get her."
OK.... off to watch the Braves....
There is a sign in our neighborhood that says our water is going to be shut off from 10pm until 6am on September 13th. We are assuming they mean "starting" on September 13th because it's a little unclear....either way.... we have been joking that I'll most likely go into labor right in the middle of that when neither one of us will be able to take a shower which is the first thing I wanted to do when I went into labor with Audrey. figures. :) of course if I do, I'll be thrilled (except for the pain part...)
I'm trying to think of what else we have going on...this baby-waiting thing has kind of taken over... Audrey is as cute as ever. She makes us laugh so much.
Yesterday she was so excited when she woke up from her nap because "the rain was turned on" outside.
Let's see....she has a new found obsession with Dora the Explorer which goes against every grain in my body.... and everything I said I would and wouldn't do when she was born. It's funny how desperate times call for desperate measures..... When I'm exhausted and having contractions and she says "mommy...can I watch Dora again?" it is really hard to say "No honey...let's play play-doh instead" Dora has become a much closer friend than I ever anticipated.
She seems to grow more and more aware of Ava every day. She talks about how mommy and daddy are going to bring her home from the hospital and that she's going to cry a lot and that Audrey is going to "rock-a-bye baby her" and play toys with her. She's also fascinated by Ava's bed situation...from the crib in Ava's room to the pack n' plays set up both in our bedroom and downstairs.... We'll see how this transition goes...
Oh...and my favorite story of the week. She was demonstrating to Ryan how she was going to help change Ava's diaper. She slung one of her dolls up on the changing table, grabbed a diaper and proceeded to attempt to climb up the side. Ryan stopped her and suggested that wasn't such a good idea...so she pulled the doll back down and grabbed a wipe and started rubbing at her nose. She then said, "I'll get her gold" (which is what we call Audrey's boogers so she'll let us clean them...)
Oh...and the other morning she woke up and told me that she had an elephant in her ear and she wanted me to clean it out....and last night my stomach was growling so loudly that it scared her and she kept asking if it was going to "get her."
OK.... off to watch the Braves....
Friday, September 07, 2007
The final countdown!
10 days (or less) until delivery!! Tomorrow I will be 38 weeks pregnant which is exactly when Audrey was born. It feels like a milestone of sorts. We can't wait to meet Ava and I'm SO incredibly curious as to what she's going to look like. I had a doctors appointment this week and a quick ultrasound and everything looks ready to go. I have one more doctor's appointment next week, then a pre-op appointment and delivery the next Monday!
In the meantime, I'm trying to be a good mommy to Audrey. This is such an emotional time for me with her....I feel like things are going to change so much. Ultimately, I wouldn't have it any other way but I feel like I'm saying "good-bye" to things as they are.... I really wanted to cherish this time and enjoy it since I will soon be sleep deprived and exhausted from a new baby....the problem is....I'm currently sleep deprived and cranky from being pregnant. I'm trying to do my best...I guess that's all I can do. Bedtime with Audrey tonight was a special time. She was so incredibly sweet and we read lots of books...she kept asking for "one more" and normally I cut her off but I just didn't want to say "no" tonight. If you know me, you know how much I love to read. It used to break my heart that she used books more for destruction than anything else. Now that she is wanting to read to us, I LOVE it! She makes up all kinds of stories to go with the pictures and i love her creativity. Finally, I told her it was time to crawl in bed and when I asked her if she was ready to say her prayers, she said..."no...it's your turn" so we prayed for our family and that Ava would be healthy. (Ryan called during bedtime from the football game to say goodnight to her....she could hear noises in the background and she asked him if all his friends were there :)
She told me today that she is ready for her date with Daddy. They usually go on some type of one-on-one date on Saturdays. Today she said that she wanted to go on a "super-date to the movie store." I don't know where she got the term "super-date" but it sounded so funny.... and I think it's hilarious that she thinks a trip to Blockbuster is such a great date! She'll make a good girlfriend one day I suppose :) Anyway, Ryan has grad school tomorrow so i guess they will have to take their "super-date" in the evening!
Here are a few pictures of Audrey's first day of preschool ! A few people have asked why she's standing in the corner for a lot of these....but that is the only possible way to keep my child even remotely still. I have to trap her somewhere :)
In the meantime, I'm trying to be a good mommy to Audrey. This is such an emotional time for me with her....I feel like things are going to change so much. Ultimately, I wouldn't have it any other way but I feel like I'm saying "good-bye" to things as they are.... I really wanted to cherish this time and enjoy it since I will soon be sleep deprived and exhausted from a new baby....the problem is....I'm currently sleep deprived and cranky from being pregnant. I'm trying to do my best...I guess that's all I can do. Bedtime with Audrey tonight was a special time. She was so incredibly sweet and we read lots of books...she kept asking for "one more" and normally I cut her off but I just didn't want to say "no" tonight. If you know me, you know how much I love to read. It used to break my heart that she used books more for destruction than anything else. Now that she is wanting to read to us, I LOVE it! She makes up all kinds of stories to go with the pictures and i love her creativity. Finally, I told her it was time to crawl in bed and when I asked her if she was ready to say her prayers, she said..."no...it's your turn" so we prayed for our family and that Ava would be healthy. (Ryan called during bedtime from the football game to say goodnight to her....she could hear noises in the background and she asked him if all his friends were there :)
She told me today that she is ready for her date with Daddy. They usually go on some type of one-on-one date on Saturdays. Today she said that she wanted to go on a "super-date to the movie store." I don't know where she got the term "super-date" but it sounded so funny.... and I think it's hilarious that she thinks a trip to Blockbuster is such a great date! She'll make a good girlfriend one day I suppose :) Anyway, Ryan has grad school tomorrow so i guess they will have to take their "super-date" in the evening!
Here are a few pictures of Audrey's first day of preschool ! A few people have asked why she's standing in the corner for a lot of these....but that is the only possible way to keep my child even remotely still. I have to trap her somewhere :)
Monday, September 03, 2007
Labor Day....my foot....
Well, I am honestly bummed that I didn't live up to the name of the day and go into labor today! I was really hoping to...if for no other reason but the cheesiness of it all. I will say that I was pretty close though :)
We took Audrey up to spend the day with Ryan's mom (grandmommy) and grandpa clay. She was so excited to be there and I was excited to have a day with Ryan since those will be a little hard to come by for a while after Ava gets here. We went to breakfast at Chick-fil-A and then headed to the mall to shop for some pants for Ryan (and I was hoping the walking would send me into labor..)
Sure enough, just as we found some great deals on some pants...my contractions started picking up speed and intensity. This kept up for a while and they were close enough together that I didn't really even feel the need to time them. They were getting very uncomfortable and I was excited about it!! I called my mom just to make sure that she was in the general vicinity of the hospital "just in case" and just kept on walking hoping to encourage the process along. Then....we stopped to make a few other phone calls about something unrelated and my feet were tired so I sat down....and the STUPID contractions stopped. I was SO frustrated....but I know that if any change of pace affects the contractions then they just aren't real...so I got cranky and irritable. (poor Ryan) We decided to go to a movie and I had a few contractions but they were the basic Braxton Hicks variety...nothing out of the ordinary. They have picked up a few other times today but here it is....almost 11:00pm on labor day...and no labor. oh well.... there's always tomorrow!!
While we were shopping, Audrey had a blast! She played in her pool in their backyard and got to slide on the new slide they bought her. I'm so glad she was able to run around and get some of that energy out! I just don't have the energy to keep up with her these days and I'm not willing to sit in the heat like a beached whale at this point.... They must have really worn her out because she marched up to her grandmommy and asked to go down for her nap. (lately it hasn't been quite that easy since she now knows that playing is more fun than sleeping!!) She slept for over 3 hours and woke up in a great mood. We packed up and headed back to our neck of the woods to go out to eat with Ryan's dad (grandpa ted) and Nin and the rest of the family for Ted's birthday. We had a great time and Audrey entertained us all (as usual)
Tomorrow is her 1st day back to preschool and she's SO excited!! Hopefully the morning will be a smooth one for us and we'll get out the door without too many issues and a few cute pictures!!
Ryan just told me that he doesn't want to go to work tomorrow so he requested that I have the baby tonight....but to let him get a few hours of sleep first! ha ha! If only it were that easy!
We took Audrey up to spend the day with Ryan's mom (grandmommy) and grandpa clay. She was so excited to be there and I was excited to have a day with Ryan since those will be a little hard to come by for a while after Ava gets here. We went to breakfast at Chick-fil-A and then headed to the mall to shop for some pants for Ryan (and I was hoping the walking would send me into labor..)
Sure enough, just as we found some great deals on some pants...my contractions started picking up speed and intensity. This kept up for a while and they were close enough together that I didn't really even feel the need to time them. They were getting very uncomfortable and I was excited about it!! I called my mom just to make sure that she was in the general vicinity of the hospital "just in case" and just kept on walking hoping to encourage the process along. Then....we stopped to make a few other phone calls about something unrelated and my feet were tired so I sat down....and the STUPID contractions stopped. I was SO frustrated....but I know that if any change of pace affects the contractions then they just aren't real...so I got cranky and irritable. (poor Ryan) We decided to go to a movie and I had a few contractions but they were the basic Braxton Hicks variety...nothing out of the ordinary. They have picked up a few other times today but here it is....almost 11:00pm on labor day...and no labor. oh well.... there's always tomorrow!!
While we were shopping, Audrey had a blast! She played in her pool in their backyard and got to slide on the new slide they bought her. I'm so glad she was able to run around and get some of that energy out! I just don't have the energy to keep up with her these days and I'm not willing to sit in the heat like a beached whale at this point.... They must have really worn her out because she marched up to her grandmommy and asked to go down for her nap. (lately it hasn't been quite that easy since she now knows that playing is more fun than sleeping!!) She slept for over 3 hours and woke up in a great mood. We packed up and headed back to our neck of the woods to go out to eat with Ryan's dad (grandpa ted) and Nin and the rest of the family for Ted's birthday. We had a great time and Audrey entertained us all (as usual)
Tomorrow is her 1st day back to preschool and she's SO excited!! Hopefully the morning will be a smooth one for us and we'll get out the door without too many issues and a few cute pictures!!
Ryan just told me that he doesn't want to go to work tomorrow so he requested that I have the baby tonight....but to let him get a few hours of sleep first! ha ha! If only it were that easy!
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Pictures as promised...
Ava's room is starting to come together. We don't have anything hung on the walls...things are still pretty rough around the edges but we're getting there!
Audrey and I were being silly while I was learning how to use my new camera! What a goofball!
...and my Fiona feet have returned.... ah, the joys of pregnancy. It doesn't get any better than this....
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
the calm before the storm....
Well, it's approximately 20 days from delivery if I don't go into labor before then. I can't believe that the time is finally here to meet little Ava Renee! It certainly has been an interesting journey so far. I thought we were going to meet her a little over a week ago. I woke up at 1:30ish (early on Aug 17th) with some uncomfortable contractions but it didn't seem major. I got up for a few minutes and then tried to go back to sleep. As soon as I got back into bed, I realized that I was going to be too uncomfortable....I stayed up through the night just timing and monitoring my contractions and wondering "is this it???"
Finally, Ryan's alarm clock went off around 5:20 or so and I told him I thought I was in labor. I called the doctor and my mom at 6:00...the doctor sent me to the hospital since the contractions were so close together and I was only 35 weeks at the time and mom headed to the house to be there when Audrey woke up.
They hooked me up to all the monitors and sure enough...contractions were ranging from 3-5 minutes apart and lasting 30-45 seconds each. I was definitely uncomfortable but I still didn't feel like I did when I went into labor with Audrey. The doctor came in and checked me....I was dilated 1 cm and 50% effaced. They told me that because I was past 34 weeks they didn't want to give me drugs to stop labor but they didn't want to encourage labor either...so it was a waiting game. It was definitely preferable for Ava to bake a few more weeks so her lungs would be healthy and strong.....They gave me fluids which didn't stop the contractions, and then they gave me some pain medicine which allowed me to rest but still didn't stop them either. They finally let me eat around mid-afternoon and for whatever reason...the contractions began gradually slowing down and then almost completely stopped. Maybe Ava was hungry :) I know I sure was!
Anyway... they finally let us go home after a long day. In the meantime, my nana and mom were at the house entertaining Audrey and "keeping themselves busy" as they say.... They hung curtains and did some general cleaning and did WAY too much...but it certainly was appreciated :) Mom took Audrey to her house to spend the night that night in case the contractions started up again, but thankfully we were able to get a good night's rest!
Now I'm a little farther along and getting anxious. I really want my body to go into labor on its own b/c I really enjoyed that with Audrey. There was a lot of excitement in that for me....making those phone calls saying "I'm in labor!" and going through the process that I had learned so much about even though i ultimately had to have a c-section anyway. Although i have a scheduled c-section down the road, I would love to avoid the surgery this time. I think if she comes early I **might** be able to deliver her if the doctor feels it's safe to do so. Because of some situations from my prior surgery, I can't put my body under any stress like a truly difficult labor or an induction...but if my body attempts it naturally then maybe it can be done! So...now that you know what I'm praying for...let's all pray together!!
Today we got a lot done in the baby's room. Mom came over and we put together Ava's changing table and organized some things while Audrey was attemping to take a nap. I finally feel like this house is ready to bring a baby home to....
My new camera should be here very soon! I'm hoping tomorrow. The first order of business is to post some new pictures of Audrey and some of Ava's nursery. I can't wait!
I wonder if Ava will be born on any of the upcoming holidays and family birthdays? We just passed my dad & brother's birthday...both on the 27th, my great-grandmother's birthday, our anniversary is the 30th, and both Ryan's dad and brother's birthdays are in the early part of September in addition to Labor day and a few other birthdays as well. Good grief! SO....time will tell I guess!
More to follow soon! I promise. I feel back in the groove finally.... for whatever reason I'm starting to get my energy back. I think it's this "nesting" thing that hits before the new baby. I call it the calm before the storm ....
Finally, Ryan's alarm clock went off around 5:20 or so and I told him I thought I was in labor. I called the doctor and my mom at 6:00...the doctor sent me to the hospital since the contractions were so close together and I was only 35 weeks at the time and mom headed to the house to be there when Audrey woke up.
They hooked me up to all the monitors and sure enough...contractions were ranging from 3-5 minutes apart and lasting 30-45 seconds each. I was definitely uncomfortable but I still didn't feel like I did when I went into labor with Audrey. The doctor came in and checked me....I was dilated 1 cm and 50% effaced. They told me that because I was past 34 weeks they didn't want to give me drugs to stop labor but they didn't want to encourage labor either...so it was a waiting game. It was definitely preferable for Ava to bake a few more weeks so her lungs would be healthy and strong.....They gave me fluids which didn't stop the contractions, and then they gave me some pain medicine which allowed me to rest but still didn't stop them either. They finally let me eat around mid-afternoon and for whatever reason...the contractions began gradually slowing down and then almost completely stopped. Maybe Ava was hungry :) I know I sure was!
Anyway... they finally let us go home after a long day. In the meantime, my nana and mom were at the house entertaining Audrey and "keeping themselves busy" as they say.... They hung curtains and did some general cleaning and did WAY too much...but it certainly was appreciated :) Mom took Audrey to her house to spend the night that night in case the contractions started up again, but thankfully we were able to get a good night's rest!
Now I'm a little farther along and getting anxious. I really want my body to go into labor on its own b/c I really enjoyed that with Audrey. There was a lot of excitement in that for me....making those phone calls saying "I'm in labor!" and going through the process that I had learned so much about even though i ultimately had to have a c-section anyway. Although i have a scheduled c-section down the road, I would love to avoid the surgery this time. I think if she comes early I **might** be able to deliver her if the doctor feels it's safe to do so. Because of some situations from my prior surgery, I can't put my body under any stress like a truly difficult labor or an induction...but if my body attempts it naturally then maybe it can be done! So...now that you know what I'm praying for...let's all pray together!!
Today we got a lot done in the baby's room. Mom came over and we put together Ava's changing table and organized some things while Audrey was attemping to take a nap. I finally feel like this house is ready to bring a baby home to....
My new camera should be here very soon! I'm hoping tomorrow. The first order of business is to post some new pictures of Audrey and some of Ava's nursery. I can't wait!
I wonder if Ava will be born on any of the upcoming holidays and family birthdays? We just passed my dad & brother's birthday...both on the 27th, my great-grandmother's birthday, our anniversary is the 30th, and both Ryan's dad and brother's birthdays are in the early part of September in addition to Labor day and a few other birthdays as well. Good grief! SO....time will tell I guess!
More to follow soon! I promise. I feel back in the groove finally.... for whatever reason I'm starting to get my energy back. I think it's this "nesting" thing that hits before the new baby. I call it the calm before the storm ....
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Ticking time bomb!
Well.... I have a new date to share! Unless I go into labor prior to this, Ava will be joining the family in a more tangible way on September 17th! Which means....44 days to go! 6 weeks from Monday! I am SO excited...(and yet terrified at the same time) for a multitude of reasons!
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
The Zoo and Other Things New
Once again, Ryan filling in for Jenny. I have to give her a break, she is pregnant and likes to sleep in her new recliner.
The Zoo - Aunt Stacy had 4 free tickets to the zoo a few weekends ago for a company party. Turns out Audrey got in free so Jenny, Stacy, Chris and I took Audrey for her first trip to the zoo. She was very well-behaved and loved looking at all of the animals. She talked about the zoo and the elephant, the "rhisnosrus" and all of the other animals that she saw at the zoo. She also road the Merry-go-round for the first time. Of course, she couldn't sit still, so she started in my lap and we ended up moving next to "mommy" halfway through the ride. We also rode the train and ate free lunch (who ever said there is no such thing as a free lunch?). After we left the zoo, we went back to Grandpa Ted's house and put her down for a nap and then celebrated Father's Day a week early with Ted's World Famous Chicken Wings.
The "New Recliner" listed above - With Jenny being pregnant, I caught her at a very vulnerable time. She was not very comfortable on our old couches so I took her to Rooms to Go and found a sectional sofa on sale. It really works out good b/c it has a sleeper sofa and two recliners. With Ava on the way in September, our "guest room" (aka, the storage unit) is going to be occupied by a munchkin soon, so if we ever want to have company stay over, we have an uncomfortable queen pull-out. So, as I type, Jenny sleeps, and she sleeps, AND she sleeps.
The Pool - Audrey has gone to the pool 3 times in the past month. She LOVES the water. Her grammommy lives in a neighborhood with two different pools with many kid friendly options. The one they have gone to the last two times has a water slide and Audrey absolutely loves it. When we went with her the other day, before she could even hit the water at the bottom of the slide, she was saying "Mommy, go down slide again, again mommy!" At this point she has little to no fear of the water, so we need to keep an eye on her at all times (not that we wouldn't, she just has NO fear).
Volleyball - Jenny and Audrey brought me lunch at the end of volleyball camp a couple of weeks ago. Audrey walked in and saw Daddy playing volleyball with all of the Varsity girls after camp was over. So Jenny was trying to teach her "Bump, Set, Spike". So Jenny would say, "Bump, Set, ..." and the Audrey would scream "Go!" (like Ready, Set, Go). We broke her ove that and then even got her swinging her arm like she was spiking (which will obviously never happen with our vertically challenged genes)
Random -
- I went to basketball camp last weekend and have been going non-stop with b-ball and volleyball this summer as well as staff development.
- Jenny, if you havn't heard, was having some complications with the pregnancy, but they have since corrected themselves (she still cannot travel so we have had to cancel three vacations, no fun).
- Audrey can now sing "Take me out to the ball game". Daddy doesn't know all of these fancy kid's songs, so I give what I have. We were driving down the road, and that was the only amo I had for a whining kid.
- Audrey is not "shooting" the basketball into the 3' goal in the living room. I know, that is an indictment in and of itself that I have a basketball goal in my living room, but what do you expect. We also have a bat, 6 balls and a tee floating around as well.
- When I was away at camp Jenny, Nicole and Teresa cleaned the house from top to bottom and cleaned out Ava's room so we are closer to being ready. I don't know if I should sing their praises or just go out of town again :)
- By the way, the Braves stink, and Brian McCann is getting run all over by the Dodgers right now (hey, its the random section and I am a guy, what did you expect, a tear jerker)
Alright, well the battery on the laptop is about to go, so I am going to cut this short. Please keep Jenny and Ava in your prayers.
By the way, another hit and run for the Dodgers, I have to go now!
The Zoo - Aunt Stacy had 4 free tickets to the zoo a few weekends ago for a company party. Turns out Audrey got in free so Jenny, Stacy, Chris and I took Audrey for her first trip to the zoo. She was very well-behaved and loved looking at all of the animals. She talked about the zoo and the elephant, the "rhisnosrus" and all of the other animals that she saw at the zoo. She also road the Merry-go-round for the first time. Of course, she couldn't sit still, so she started in my lap and we ended up moving next to "mommy" halfway through the ride. We also rode the train and ate free lunch (who ever said there is no such thing as a free lunch?). After we left the zoo, we went back to Grandpa Ted's house and put her down for a nap and then celebrated Father's Day a week early with Ted's World Famous Chicken Wings.
The "New Recliner" listed above - With Jenny being pregnant, I caught her at a very vulnerable time. She was not very comfortable on our old couches so I took her to Rooms to Go and found a sectional sofa on sale. It really works out good b/c it has a sleeper sofa and two recliners. With Ava on the way in September, our "guest room" (aka, the storage unit) is going to be occupied by a munchkin soon, so if we ever want to have company stay over, we have an uncomfortable queen pull-out. So, as I type, Jenny sleeps, and she sleeps, AND she sleeps.
The Pool - Audrey has gone to the pool 3 times in the past month. She LOVES the water. Her grammommy lives in a neighborhood with two different pools with many kid friendly options. The one they have gone to the last two times has a water slide and Audrey absolutely loves it. When we went with her the other day, before she could even hit the water at the bottom of the slide, she was saying "Mommy, go down slide again, again mommy!" At this point she has little to no fear of the water, so we need to keep an eye on her at all times (not that we wouldn't, she just has NO fear).
Volleyball - Jenny and Audrey brought me lunch at the end of volleyball camp a couple of weeks ago. Audrey walked in and saw Daddy playing volleyball with all of the Varsity girls after camp was over. So Jenny was trying to teach her "Bump, Set, Spike". So Jenny would say, "Bump, Set, ..." and the Audrey would scream "Go!" (like Ready, Set, Go). We broke her ove that and then even got her swinging her arm like she was spiking (which will obviously never happen with our vertically challenged genes)
Random -
- I went to basketball camp last weekend and have been going non-stop with b-ball and volleyball this summer as well as staff development.
- Jenny, if you havn't heard, was having some complications with the pregnancy, but they have since corrected themselves (she still cannot travel so we have had to cancel three vacations, no fun).
- Audrey can now sing "Take me out to the ball game". Daddy doesn't know all of these fancy kid's songs, so I give what I have. We were driving down the road, and that was the only amo I had for a whining kid.
- Audrey is not "shooting" the basketball into the 3' goal in the living room. I know, that is an indictment in and of itself that I have a basketball goal in my living room, but what do you expect. We also have a bat, 6 balls and a tee floating around as well.
- When I was away at camp Jenny, Nicole and Teresa cleaned the house from top to bottom and cleaned out Ava's room so we are closer to being ready. I don't know if I should sing their praises or just go out of town again :)
- By the way, the Braves stink, and Brian McCann is getting run all over by the Dodgers right now (hey, its the random section and I am a guy, what did you expect, a tear jerker)
Alright, well the battery on the laptop is about to go, so I am going to cut this short. Please keep Jenny and Ava in your prayers.
By the way, another hit and run for the Dodgers, I have to go now!
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Update
Everytime I think about updating this page I get so overwhelmed at how much has happened since the last time I posted that I just put it off...and then even MORE stuff happens... I'm just going to sit down and do this now.
We had our big ultrasound a few weeks ago and found out that Audrey is going to be having a little sister! I have another ultrasound in a few weeks so I'll be able to double-check and be sure...this little munchkin seems to be a little more shy than Audrey ever was so it took a little time to find out. If she truly is a little girl, we have decided on the name Ava Renee. I almost didn't go with the name Ava because it is so popular right now and I wanted to stay away from "trendy" or overly popular names but we just like it...and Audrey really likes it too. It's one of the only ones that she would repeat when we'd ask her to....
Let's see...what's new with Audrey? About a week before Easter while Ryan and I were at my friend Ashley's wedding, Audrey smashed her face on our entertainment center. Ryan got a call on his cell phone during the reception from our babysitter and her mother. It was such a bad bruise that the babysitter (one of our favorite and most trusted outside of family) called her mom who was just around the corner to double check it....When we got home we were expecting to see a typical bruise/cut but it looked a little rougher than we anticipated....
Her new favorite thing to do is pray. She started telling us who she wanted to pray for at bedtime and she was very specific. If we left out someone that she requested, then we would have to pray again. Then she started praying in the car...she thanks God for the trees and the birds and the big trucks. A few days ago I was sitting on the couch going through the mail and she was praying with her Disney Princess figurines. She picked up one and said "Dear Jesus, Thank God for Cinderella. Amen." then she prayed for each of the 8 princess individually...then she did one big prayer and listed them all out together ("Dear Jesus, Thank God for Cinderella, Ariel, Snow White, Pocahontas....) You get the idea.... I was just sitting there listening and loving every minute!! We have since taught her how to have "prayer hands" and that we close our eyes when we pray...it's just the cutest thing ever.
This morning when she dropped her muffin on the floor, she mumbled "OH gosh..." It sounded so funny coming out of her little mouth...I suggested that she say "oops" instead :)
Audrey scraped her knees the other day at her Grammie's house. She was fine at the moment, but they were in the car about 30 minutes later and she started asking Grammie to pull over and telling her to stop because she needed a hug because she had boo-boos on her knees. My mom told her that she was a drama queen and was full of "drama, drama, drama" which Audrey of course loved to repeat...so now she admits she's a drama queen :)
She has also started telling me that "I need 3 minutes mommy" at random times. Everything is now "I need..." for example, "Mommy, I need food" "I need to put on my candles" (sandals) "I need to go for a ride in the Green one" (daddy's car)
I'm so excited for her to have a sister but I wonder how she's going to do when her world gets flipped upside down this September. Whenever anyone (animals included) gets near Ryan or me, Audrey says (or yells) "NO....that's my mommy (or daddy). She doesn't like the idea of sharing us with anyone...she talks about Baby Ava but she is going to have a major shock I think.
What else....oh...I spent all day Thursday in the ER with what we think was another kidney stone. That makes my 3rd now. Fun times.... I actually made it through the worst part at home during the night on Wednesday and was trying to stay away from the hospital, but Thursday morning I thought I might go into my OB just to be sure the baby was OK. They wanted me to go to my regular doctor who then sent me to the ER. Long story short, the baby was fine and I'm doing fine now too. Since I'm pregnant, they can't do a CT Scan so we couldn't see any kidney stones....they did an ultrasound of my kidney but all stones don't show up that way. I really think I passed it Wednesday night during the night and was just experiencing soreness after that. The ER was SOOOO slow....it took forever to do every little thing. Thankfully we had a tv in the room we were in that had ESPN or Ryan would have gone insane...he almost did anyway.
I still need to post pictures of mom & dad's new house. It is starting to feel so normal that sometimes it doesn't seem new anymore.
Today Ryan worked in the yard and the garage for a few hours and Audrey and I did laundry. She loves to load and unload the washer and dryer so I was putting her to work. :) We cleaned out all the cold weather clothes from her drawers and most of her closet and put them in a storage container and organized her summer clothes...we are all set for a few months...
Ava is kicking me as we speak...this is probably my favorite thing about being pregnant :)
OK....back to watching the NFL draft..(I'm such a good wife...)
We had our big ultrasound a few weeks ago and found out that Audrey is going to be having a little sister! I have another ultrasound in a few weeks so I'll be able to double-check and be sure...this little munchkin seems to be a little more shy than Audrey ever was so it took a little time to find out. If she truly is a little girl, we have decided on the name Ava Renee. I almost didn't go with the name Ava because it is so popular right now and I wanted to stay away from "trendy" or overly popular names but we just like it...and Audrey really likes it too. It's one of the only ones that she would repeat when we'd ask her to....
Let's see...what's new with Audrey? About a week before Easter while Ryan and I were at my friend Ashley's wedding, Audrey smashed her face on our entertainment center. Ryan got a call on his cell phone during the reception from our babysitter and her mother. It was such a bad bruise that the babysitter (one of our favorite and most trusted outside of family) called her mom who was just around the corner to double check it....When we got home we were expecting to see a typical bruise/cut but it looked a little rougher than we anticipated....
Her new favorite thing to do is pray. She started telling us who she wanted to pray for at bedtime and she was very specific. If we left out someone that she requested, then we would have to pray again. Then she started praying in the car...she thanks God for the trees and the birds and the big trucks. A few days ago I was sitting on the couch going through the mail and she was praying with her Disney Princess figurines. She picked up one and said "Dear Jesus, Thank God for Cinderella. Amen." then she prayed for each of the 8 princess individually...then she did one big prayer and listed them all out together ("Dear Jesus, Thank God for Cinderella, Ariel, Snow White, Pocahontas....) You get the idea.... I was just sitting there listening and loving every minute!! We have since taught her how to have "prayer hands" and that we close our eyes when we pray...it's just the cutest thing ever.
This morning when she dropped her muffin on the floor, she mumbled "OH gosh..." It sounded so funny coming out of her little mouth...I suggested that she say "oops" instead :)
Audrey scraped her knees the other day at her Grammie's house. She was fine at the moment, but they were in the car about 30 minutes later and she started asking Grammie to pull over and telling her to stop because she needed a hug because she had boo-boos on her knees. My mom told her that she was a drama queen and was full of "drama, drama, drama" which Audrey of course loved to repeat...so now she admits she's a drama queen :)
She has also started telling me that "I need 3 minutes mommy" at random times. Everything is now "I need..." for example, "Mommy, I need food" "I need to put on my candles" (sandals) "I need to go for a ride in the Green one" (daddy's car)
I'm so excited for her to have a sister but I wonder how she's going to do when her world gets flipped upside down this September. Whenever anyone (animals included) gets near Ryan or me, Audrey says (or yells) "NO....that's my mommy (or daddy). She doesn't like the idea of sharing us with anyone...she talks about Baby Ava but she is going to have a major shock I think.
What else....oh...I spent all day Thursday in the ER with what we think was another kidney stone. That makes my 3rd now. Fun times.... I actually made it through the worst part at home during the night on Wednesday and was trying to stay away from the hospital, but Thursday morning I thought I might go into my OB just to be sure the baby was OK. They wanted me to go to my regular doctor who then sent me to the ER. Long story short, the baby was fine and I'm doing fine now too. Since I'm pregnant, they can't do a CT Scan so we couldn't see any kidney stones....they did an ultrasound of my kidney but all stones don't show up that way. I really think I passed it Wednesday night during the night and was just experiencing soreness after that. The ER was SOOOO slow....it took forever to do every little thing. Thankfully we had a tv in the room we were in that had ESPN or Ryan would have gone insane...he almost did anyway.
I still need to post pictures of mom & dad's new house. It is starting to feel so normal that sometimes it doesn't seem new anymore.
Today Ryan worked in the yard and the garage for a few hours and Audrey and I did laundry. She loves to load and unload the washer and dryer so I was putting her to work. :) We cleaned out all the cold weather clothes from her drawers and most of her closet and put them in a storage container and organized her summer clothes...we are all set for a few months...
Ava is kicking me as we speak...this is probably my favorite thing about being pregnant :)
OK....back to watching the NFL draft..(I'm such a good wife...)
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Old McDonald had a Game Ranch?
Well, it's Ryan filling in for Jenny! After a two hour nap this afternoon, I am "up and attem'" at 1:15. Jenny got home from her night out on the town with the girls last night and wanted to take the baby to the Yellow River Game Ranch (YRGR). Although I gave her a hard time (I have to, it is fun, you should see the girl react, hilarious), I thought it was a good idea, so off we went.
If you have never been to such a place, the YRGR is basically a huge petting zoo. Most of the animals are in cages (Bears, foxes, skunks, etc.) but a lot of them just roam around with the people. It was hilarious to watch Audrey react to all of the sights and sounds. She would be walking ahead of the two of us and an animal would go walking across the path in front of us and she would get this pitiful look on her face, whip her head around and run back to us. Then, she was walking up the the fence to see "water, ducks, ducks in water, quack, water, ducks" (it all runs together), anyway, as she was walking up the the fence one the ducks flapped its wings to get out of the water up onto a little wall and Audrey jumped about 2 feet backwards. All in all, it was a great trip and we had a fun experience. As always, pictures tell more of a story, so I will try to do this!
If you have never been to such a place, the YRGR is basically a huge petting zoo. Most of the animals are in cages (Bears, foxes, skunks, etc.) but a lot of them just roam around with the people. It was hilarious to watch Audrey react to all of the sights and sounds. She would be walking ahead of the two of us and an animal would go walking across the path in front of us and she would get this pitiful look on her face, whip her head around and run back to us. Then, she was walking up the the fence to see "water, ducks, ducks in water, quack, water, ducks" (it all runs together), anyway, as she was walking up the the fence one the ducks flapped its wings to get out of the water up onto a little wall and Audrey jumped about 2 feet backwards. All in all, it was a great trip and we had a fun experience. As always, pictures tell more of a story, so I will try to do this!
Monday, March 19, 2007
stomach flu, take two
Phew! I'm glad that's over...Having it in December was awful, but AGAIN??
It started with what we thought was a typical toddler bug...and ended with me losing a few pounds...the hard way. I just thought that "all day" sickness with pregnancy was bad....why not bring on the stomach flu to prove me wrong?? Poor Ryan... the good news is that he didn't get it this time. The bad news is that he had to take care of us both. He's golfing today and I'm glad - he deserves a break!!
Audrey and I are both home today b/c I thought we both needed one more day to recover and I wanted to give her one more day before she was around other kiddos.
The past few weeks I've been telling anyone and everyone who will listen just how sweet Audrey has been. She's always been very happy and personable, but in her "old age" she's slowing down a lot more to give hugs and kisses and share more of "herself" with us. Watching her and her personality makes me wonder about this baby we get to meet in September. I wonder what he or she will be like? Outgoing and fiesty like Audrey? Shy and quiet? I can't wait to find out!
I have a baby check-up tomorrow...this time I'm not nervous to get on the scales. (Thanks in part to the previously mentioned stomach flu...) In a few weeks I'm planning a gender ultrasound to see who's swimming around in there...I want to know if I'm going to be sorting through all my pink stuff or if I'm going to start over with blue! We really have no preference - I think there are exciting things to come either way!
I'm excited about the next few weeks! My college roommate, Ashley, is getting married and we have the bachelorette party, bridal luncheon, wedding, etc... to look forward to! It should be a good time with the girls! I'm a little concerned about looking like a squashed salami in the (non-maternity) bridesmaid dress, but I think it's going to fit (barely)!!
My parents should be closing on their house today - as long as everything goes smoothly - you know how that goes. It has been so much fun watching it come together...although I'm sure they're glad that the building part is over. I know mom's probably glad to be done with meetings... They hand-picked every single thing that went into that house. They found a floor plan they like and then went to town...I think they rearranged the whole entire kitchen. I can't wait to share pictures!
Well, while the munchkin is resting I'm going to try to get a few things done around here and get a little rest myself!
I'll update after the doctor appointment!
OH...and my SAD news of the week. Audrey's pediatrician is moving back to Minnesota!! Oh my goodness....I literally almost broke down in tears in the office. Sad, sad, sad... (I never would've understood this until I became a mom)
It started with what we thought was a typical toddler bug...and ended with me losing a few pounds...the hard way. I just thought that "all day" sickness with pregnancy was bad....why not bring on the stomach flu to prove me wrong?? Poor Ryan... the good news is that he didn't get it this time. The bad news is that he had to take care of us both. He's golfing today and I'm glad - he deserves a break!!
Audrey and I are both home today b/c I thought we both needed one more day to recover and I wanted to give her one more day before she was around other kiddos.
The past few weeks I've been telling anyone and everyone who will listen just how sweet Audrey has been. She's always been very happy and personable, but in her "old age" she's slowing down a lot more to give hugs and kisses and share more of "herself" with us. Watching her and her personality makes me wonder about this baby we get to meet in September. I wonder what he or she will be like? Outgoing and fiesty like Audrey? Shy and quiet? I can't wait to find out!
I have a baby check-up tomorrow...this time I'm not nervous to get on the scales. (Thanks in part to the previously mentioned stomach flu...) In a few weeks I'm planning a gender ultrasound to see who's swimming around in there...I want to know if I'm going to be sorting through all my pink stuff or if I'm going to start over with blue! We really have no preference - I think there are exciting things to come either way!
I'm excited about the next few weeks! My college roommate, Ashley, is getting married and we have the bachelorette party, bridal luncheon, wedding, etc... to look forward to! It should be a good time with the girls! I'm a little concerned about looking like a squashed salami in the (non-maternity) bridesmaid dress, but I think it's going to fit (barely)!!
My parents should be closing on their house today - as long as everything goes smoothly - you know how that goes. It has been so much fun watching it come together...although I'm sure they're glad that the building part is over. I know mom's probably glad to be done with meetings... They hand-picked every single thing that went into that house. They found a floor plan they like and then went to town...I think they rearranged the whole entire kitchen. I can't wait to share pictures!
Well, while the munchkin is resting I'm going to try to get a few things done around here and get a little rest myself!
I'll update after the doctor appointment!
OH...and my SAD news of the week. Audrey's pediatrician is moving back to Minnesota!! Oh my goodness....I literally almost broke down in tears in the office. Sad, sad, sad... (I never would've understood this until I became a mom)
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
silly story for today
Audrey asked to play on starfall.com this morning because she wanted to see the "pumpkin" and do the "letters." We were going through the letters and when we got to the "Y," a polar bear pops on the screen and does this big "aawwwwwww" sound and the word is "yawn." I said "LOOK! Audrey! A polar bear!" And she said, "no mommy, it's a 'aawwwwww'"
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Ramblings...
I want to be the kind of pregnant person that just LOVES being pregnant and feels great....I'm just not that person. I'm sick. I'm tired. And I'm ready for the sick and tired part to stop. I keep telling myself "one day at a time" and so far, I'm surviving.
Audrey is still sleeping like a champ in her new bed. We haven't conquered naptime yet...we'll get there. When we ask her if she's ready to go to sleep in her bed, she says "Audrey goes to sleep on the squares." I think you can tell in the picture on the previous post, the sheet on her bed is a pink plaid and she loves that she gets to sleep on squares. This is apparently a big selling point. I wonder if she'll be just as excited about stripes and dots or if I'm going to have to keep using the "squares." Whatever works, right?
Tonight Ryan was in charge of a male beauty pageant at the high school that raises money for one of the student organizations that he's in charge of and for Relay for Life. The contestants are judged on casual wear, formal wear (tuxedos, suits etc), question and answer and a talent competition. Last year was the first one and this year's was even better. I'm just sitting here waiting for him to get home. Since we were both out tonight, Audrey is at her grandmommy's house (ryan's mom) having the time of her life probably. The house seems so quiet...even though she'd be asleep, the monitor isn't making noise in the background and I had nothing to check on when I got home. When she's not here, I always go in her room before I go to bed ... it just feels like her and smells like her. I miss her :)
She and her daddy went to the park today. She woke up talking about how she wanted her daddy to wake up and go to the slide. Daddy is always lots of fun, but now that mommy is sick and tired all the time...daddy is just that much better.
Ok...Ryan's home.
Audrey is still sleeping like a champ in her new bed. We haven't conquered naptime yet...we'll get there. When we ask her if she's ready to go to sleep in her bed, she says "Audrey goes to sleep on the squares." I think you can tell in the picture on the previous post, the sheet on her bed is a pink plaid and she loves that she gets to sleep on squares. This is apparently a big selling point. I wonder if she'll be just as excited about stripes and dots or if I'm going to have to keep using the "squares." Whatever works, right?
Tonight Ryan was in charge of a male beauty pageant at the high school that raises money for one of the student organizations that he's in charge of and for Relay for Life. The contestants are judged on casual wear, formal wear (tuxedos, suits etc), question and answer and a talent competition. Last year was the first one and this year's was even better. I'm just sitting here waiting for him to get home. Since we were both out tonight, Audrey is at her grandmommy's house (ryan's mom) having the time of her life probably. The house seems so quiet...even though she'd be asleep, the monitor isn't making noise in the background and I had nothing to check on when I got home. When she's not here, I always go in her room before I go to bed ... it just feels like her and smells like her. I miss her :)
She and her daddy went to the park today. She woke up talking about how she wanted her daddy to wake up and go to the slide. Daddy is always lots of fun, but now that mommy is sick and tired all the time...daddy is just that much better.
Ok...Ryan's home.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
when little girls grow up
I am in shock. She has slept in her big girl bed for 3 nights now! We tried this a while back when she first started trying to climb out of the crib and she just wasn't ready. We were expecting it to be easier this time around, but we were also expected some bumps in the road....
The last straw came the other day when I walked into her room and found her straddling the front of her crib and sliding back and forth like it was a banister. We've found her several other times standing with both feet on the end of the crib (which is MUCH higher since it's a sleigh style) looking like she was ready to take a flying leap off the edge...
Sunday afternoon Ryan took the crib apart and put her little bed in it's place. Ryan took her up to show it to her and to explain that she was now going to be sleeping in her "big girl bed." She immediately wanted to play on it and he wisely explained that her bed is for sleeping and not for playing. I'm glad he did that...I think it's important that she keep things separated for now. When bedtime rolled around, she just calmly climbed right in (no jumping on it like a trampoline which is what happened last time!) Ryan shut her door all the way so even if she wanted to get up and play with her toys, she wouldn't be able to see them. We know she's not afraid of the dark - she's always shutting herself into closets and bathrooms on purpose. We sat downstairs and listened on the monitor...she sang and mumbled for a few minutes and then...SILENCE! She fell asleep faster than when she was in her crib! Needless to say, we were in shock!!
I checked on her a million times of course, but she did great and she loves her "big girl bed!" Although...she refuses to take a nap in it....one thing at a time I suppose.
This is how cute she was the next morning...I promise we give the girl a blanket but it's behind her and underneath her so you can't see it.... She wiggles SO much!!
The last straw came the other day when I walked into her room and found her straddling the front of her crib and sliding back and forth like it was a banister. We've found her several other times standing with both feet on the end of the crib (which is MUCH higher since it's a sleigh style) looking like she was ready to take a flying leap off the edge...
Sunday afternoon Ryan took the crib apart and put her little bed in it's place. Ryan took her up to show it to her and to explain that she was now going to be sleeping in her "big girl bed." She immediately wanted to play on it and he wisely explained that her bed is for sleeping and not for playing. I'm glad he did that...I think it's important that she keep things separated for now. When bedtime rolled around, she just calmly climbed right in (no jumping on it like a trampoline which is what happened last time!) Ryan shut her door all the way so even if she wanted to get up and play with her toys, she wouldn't be able to see them. We know she's not afraid of the dark - she's always shutting herself into closets and bathrooms on purpose. We sat downstairs and listened on the monitor...she sang and mumbled for a few minutes and then...SILENCE! She fell asleep faster than when she was in her crib! Needless to say, we were in shock!!
I checked on her a million times of course, but she did great and she loves her "big girl bed!" Although...she refuses to take a nap in it....one thing at a time I suppose.
This is how cute she was the next morning...I promise we give the girl a blanket but it's behind her and underneath her so you can't see it.... She wiggles SO much!!
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Tuesday - 9 weeks 3 days and counting...
Today I went for a check-up on the new baby! Things are progressing really really well. In fact, they pulled out something I hadn't seen before - a handheld ultrasound. Now I'm sure these have been around a while, but they didn't use one when I was pregnant with Audrey. Anyway, I am currently 9 weeks and 3 days along. This means it's too early to try to hear the baby's heartbeat (from the outside)...so I was just expecting them to make me pee in a cup (which they did) and ask me a range of questions to see if I'm feeling sick (to which I quickly answered "yes") weigh me (torture) and send me on my merry way....and THEN she whips this thing out. SO cool.... It was about the size of a Speak and Spell like I had when I was a kid (did anyone else love theirs?? (http://www.99er.net/spkspell.html) It took her a minute to track down the heartbeat, but she said it was in the 150 range and everything looked great.
I'm definitely feeling more pregnant than I did the last go around, but things seem very very similar to my pregnancy with Audrey. Fortunately this time I don't have an aversion to lettuce an all things "green and leafy." Smells are difficult to tolerate and talking about food in general isn't much fun either. I've only gotten sick a few times thank goodness, but the nausea is pretty constant. It starts everyday around 11:00 am like clockwork. I praise the Lord that I feel good in the morning...I'd have a hard time getting out of bed at all if I didn't have that.
There are a few people that have made this pregnancy awesome! First my wonderful husband....he is always such a huge help, but he has been an incredible lifesaver. He's been doing EVERYTHING. I don't think I can emphasize that enough. He even took 1/2 the day off the day before Valentine's Day and come home and vacuumed, did laundry, cleaned in the kitchen, bathrooms, picked up toys, etc... and when I walked in from work he just said "happy valentine's day" I almost cried! (...he also got me a sparkly new ring!! :)
My boss (who also happens to be my daddy) has been great. He knows that I just don't feel good and has been incredibly understanding at work - of course the fact that I'm pregnant with his grandchild is a huge plus.... The other day he took me to "happy hour" at Sonic to get a grape slushie because I just wanted one...and he paid! ;) half price drinks??? who can turn that down?? It was like 70 cents.... so cool!
My two listening ears - my mom and Nicole. My mom has so much going on right now....they are selling their house, building a new one, selling her dad's house & all that's in it (my Papa Jim died on Thanksgiving day), finalizing his estate, taking care of my dad who had minor surgery...I could go on and on....but she always has time to listen and share great godly advice. Nicole - wow. She's just there. And she understands. She's pregnant too. Never underestimate the power of talking to someone who knows what you're going through and what you've been through. She lets me complain about feeling yucky and then helps me feel better by complaining right back.
My nana (and papa pat) for coming through in the clutch when I need some help entertaining Audrey b/c I'm so exhausted and for all the great food that you somehow manage to have despite your incredibly busy schedule and your knee problems. No matter how sick I'm feeling, she always has something that sounds good.
I have more.... but it's time to watch American Idol.
...to be continued.
I'm definitely feeling more pregnant than I did the last go around, but things seem very very similar to my pregnancy with Audrey. Fortunately this time I don't have an aversion to lettuce an all things "green and leafy." Smells are difficult to tolerate and talking about food in general isn't much fun either. I've only gotten sick a few times thank goodness, but the nausea is pretty constant. It starts everyday around 11:00 am like clockwork. I praise the Lord that I feel good in the morning...I'd have a hard time getting out of bed at all if I didn't have that.
There are a few people that have made this pregnancy awesome! First my wonderful husband....he is always such a huge help, but he has been an incredible lifesaver. He's been doing EVERYTHING. I don't think I can emphasize that enough. He even took 1/2 the day off the day before Valentine's Day and come home and vacuumed, did laundry, cleaned in the kitchen, bathrooms, picked up toys, etc... and when I walked in from work he just said "happy valentine's day" I almost cried! (...he also got me a sparkly new ring!! :)
My boss (who also happens to be my daddy) has been great. He knows that I just don't feel good and has been incredibly understanding at work - of course the fact that I'm pregnant with his grandchild is a huge plus.... The other day he took me to "happy hour" at Sonic to get a grape slushie because I just wanted one...and he paid! ;) half price drinks??? who can turn that down?? It was like 70 cents.... so cool!
My two listening ears - my mom and Nicole. My mom has so much going on right now....they are selling their house, building a new one, selling her dad's house & all that's in it (my Papa Jim died on Thanksgiving day), finalizing his estate, taking care of my dad who had minor surgery...I could go on and on....but she always has time to listen and share great godly advice. Nicole - wow. She's just there. And she understands. She's pregnant too. Never underestimate the power of talking to someone who knows what you're going through and what you've been through. She lets me complain about feeling yucky and then helps me feel better by complaining right back.
My nana (and papa pat) for coming through in the clutch when I need some help entertaining Audrey b/c I'm so exhausted and for all the great food that you somehow manage to have despite your incredibly busy schedule and your knee problems. No matter how sick I'm feeling, she always has something that sounds good.
I have more.... but it's time to watch American Idol.
...to be continued.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Royalty
Well, here's an Audrey story for the day.
On Super Bowl Sunday we were at a party at Ryan's mom's house. There was another couple there who had a little girl just a few months younger than Audrey. Audrey and Abby were getting along very well - jumping and laughing...and eating lots.
Well, Audrey is around other kids quite a bit - BUT she hasn't really been around other kids who are playing with *her* toys. Anyway, her grandmommy has a playroom full of toys that Audrey rightfully assumes are all hers. Anyway, Audrey started exhibiting some acts of possession. At one point she was dragging around 3 very large toys to prevent Abby from playing with them. As parents we know that a two year old can't fully grasp the concept of sharing - but that doesn't keep us from trying to encourage/teach that policy.
At one particular moment, they had been playing together very nicely with some toys. Audrey then reached over and pulled away the toy that Abby was holding. I attempted to return the toy to Abby while explaining to Audrey how there were SO many other toys to play with and that she could play with that toy in a minute....when Audrey just stomps her foot and shouts "AUDREY's a PRINCESS!!"
Needless to say, I was in shock. Who knows where they get these things?? Of course WE think Audrey is a princess, but I'm not thinking it's a good idea that SHE thinks so....
Everyone within earshot got a kick out of that little scene and proceeded to tell us just how much trouble we're in :)
On Super Bowl Sunday we were at a party at Ryan's mom's house. There was another couple there who had a little girl just a few months younger than Audrey. Audrey and Abby were getting along very well - jumping and laughing...and eating lots.
Well, Audrey is around other kids quite a bit - BUT she hasn't really been around other kids who are playing with *her* toys. Anyway, her grandmommy has a playroom full of toys that Audrey rightfully assumes are all hers. Anyway, Audrey started exhibiting some acts of possession. At one point she was dragging around 3 very large toys to prevent Abby from playing with them. As parents we know that a two year old can't fully grasp the concept of sharing - but that doesn't keep us from trying to encourage/teach that policy.
At one particular moment, they had been playing together very nicely with some toys. Audrey then reached over and pulled away the toy that Abby was holding. I attempted to return the toy to Abby while explaining to Audrey how there were SO many other toys to play with and that she could play with that toy in a minute....when Audrey just stomps her foot and shouts "AUDREY's a PRINCESS!!"
Needless to say, I was in shock. Who knows where they get these things?? Of course WE think Audrey is a princess, but I'm not thinking it's a good idea that SHE thinks so....
Everyone within earshot got a kick out of that little scene and proceeded to tell us just how much trouble we're in :)
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Sunday, January 21, 2007
It's TWINS!!
We've named them Michael and Michelle ! Thankfully, they are one of Audrey's birthday presents! I think I might actually keel over if a doctor ever told me we were going to have twins. Audrey is happy to push her twins all over the house though - she will occasionally feed them, but most of the time I'm afraid they go hungry. She IS pretty dedicated, however, to make sure her "my little pony" (which isn't all that little) named Violet gets her medicine. Can you believe it came with a spoon, a medicine bottle and a thermometer. She loves it....
I can't believe she's two! She certainly hasn't slowed down in her old age - if anything, she's picked up the pace. She is still a dancing machine and now points to the cd/player radio thing in our kitchen and begs to "dance." She loves to slow dance with her daddy which includes lots of spins and dips (and giggles!) Her latest addition is when she tries to slow dance alone. I wish I could describe this because it's hilarious. She stands in front of the oven (watching herself) and she's swiveling her hips around all over the place. All of this is to the tune of my Martina McBride love song cd that has been in the cd player for at LEAST 6 months.
She has thoroughly enjoyed all her Christmas presents and birthday presents. I'm so proud that she has played with everything. I figured she'd have her favorites, but she seems to spread her attention around pretty well. My parents gave her a new little table and chairs for her birthday and we have now banished the high chair to the upstairs!! Yay! She does pretty well sitting at her little table, but I wasn't even thinking about the fact that I would be eating most of my meals at a tiny table as well! I did know I'd want to sit at it, so I told my mom it might be best to find chairs without arms.... :) I'm sure glad now!
She has gotten back into a reading mood which makes me happy. Earlier tonight, she just sat in the middle of a pile of books and was perfectly content for 20 minutes. In "audrey time" that's the equivalent of a week.
Ryan and I were laughing while she was eating her snack tonight; her body was still, but her legs were just flailing around under the table. She just has so much energy.
Basketball season is coming to a close - It has gone by so fast this year. Audrey asks to go to the gym and play "basta-ball" and her daddy is more than happy to take her. We've tried to go to some of his games which is an adventure. The first time we went, she actually stood and watched most of the second half. Since then, she has wanted to run laps around the track at the top of the gym. Part of me wants to teach her to "be still" and part of me wants to let her run (she sleeps SO good!!) :)
My latest project is finding a color to paint my dining room. This is turning out to be more difficult than I thought. We'll see...
Oh....I'm also selling my dining room table and chairs. If you know anyone that might be interested, please let me know. It's got quite a few years under it's belt (at least 26) but it's in great shape.
My goal is to post more often. I keep procrastinating. I'm going to aim for shorter and more frequent. Sorry to the out of town family and long distance friends. I'll do better. Promise.
I can't believe she's two! She certainly hasn't slowed down in her old age - if anything, she's picked up the pace. She is still a dancing machine and now points to the cd/player radio thing in our kitchen and begs to "dance." She loves to slow dance with her daddy which includes lots of spins and dips (and giggles!) Her latest addition is when she tries to slow dance alone. I wish I could describe this because it's hilarious. She stands in front of the oven (watching herself) and she's swiveling her hips around all over the place. All of this is to the tune of my Martina McBride love song cd that has been in the cd player for at LEAST 6 months.
She has thoroughly enjoyed all her Christmas presents and birthday presents. I'm so proud that she has played with everything. I figured she'd have her favorites, but she seems to spread her attention around pretty well. My parents gave her a new little table and chairs for her birthday and we have now banished the high chair to the upstairs!! Yay! She does pretty well sitting at her little table, but I wasn't even thinking about the fact that I would be eating most of my meals at a tiny table as well! I did know I'd want to sit at it, so I told my mom it might be best to find chairs without arms.... :) I'm sure glad now!
She has gotten back into a reading mood which makes me happy. Earlier tonight, she just sat in the middle of a pile of books and was perfectly content for 20 minutes. In "audrey time" that's the equivalent of a week.
Ryan and I were laughing while she was eating her snack tonight; her body was still, but her legs were just flailing around under the table. She just has so much energy.
Basketball season is coming to a close - It has gone by so fast this year. Audrey asks to go to the gym and play "basta-ball" and her daddy is more than happy to take her. We've tried to go to some of his games which is an adventure. The first time we went, she actually stood and watched most of the second half. Since then, she has wanted to run laps around the track at the top of the gym. Part of me wants to teach her to "be still" and part of me wants to let her run (she sleeps SO good!!) :)
My latest project is finding a color to paint my dining room. This is turning out to be more difficult than I thought. We'll see...
Oh....I'm also selling my dining room table and chairs. If you know anyone that might be interested, please let me know. It's got quite a few years under it's belt (at least 26) but it's in great shape.
My goal is to post more often. I keep procrastinating. I'm going to aim for shorter and more frequent. Sorry to the out of town family and long distance friends. I'll do better. Promise.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)