Baby Rittmann

Smile With the Risin' Sun...

2011-06-13T18:51:00.000-07:00

Whelp! Because I Have No Where Else To Post This...

2011-05-24T17:37:00.000-07:00

A minute and a half squib of me singing, posted to demonstrate for a friend that The PooPoo Song is not the only jam in my repertoire :) No laughing and please never mind the video itself. AND I fudged up the first high note. Sheeesh...

Simply Beautiful

2011-03-11T15:40:00.000-08:00

One Family Tradition

2011-03-04T18:07:00.000-08:00

From the Payne side of the family...

Quite possibly thee most irritating song ever. Ever.
Especially when sung at 6am by an overly caffeinated parent.
To get you out of bed for school.
When it's 7 degrees outside.
But I digress...

This sweetheart makes it bearable.

Hello All

2011-02-01T09:59:00.000-08:00

(New Year's Eve with A Three Year Old)

I know that some of you have been waiting ages for updates and, for that, I apologize. I haven't had the desire or the time to do it. I still post photographs on my Facebook page, but there is a situation that has been keeping me away from Blogspot. It has been difficult for me to muster the energy to do this, as I promised him he would not see my children again. But, at the same time, I know the rest of you want me to continue my posts here. This very entry has been sitting for almost two weeks ~ today is February 13th ~ in my edit box, as I (even now) am unsure whether I want to post it.

So, what's new? Lots! Maddie has been growing like a bean stalk and will be the first to let you know that she is three, she is a big kid now. She is ever the joker, ever the sweetheart, and ever the sass machine. Who knew someone so small could be so full of spunk?? She is as strong willed as her mama and she isn't afraid to let you know. Like today, I caught her sneaking her third cup of yogurt and, when I told her no, she grit her teeth, shouted, "Hiiii~YAAAA!" and karate chopped my arm. Do I laugh or stick her in time out? Sometimes I am not sure of the appropriate response, as my first inclination is to laugh. She is just so dang funny! Last week, I was eating cooked spinach with mushrooms and she peeked into my bowl and said, "I don't like mushrooms, I fink I'm allergic. But I'll sure take some of dat sea weed, mommy!" Hilarity, in it's purest, most raw form. She really is a sweetheart, though. She has been a changed little lady since I took her on our mommy-Maddie trip. She is loving me again, and I cherish it. She gives kisses again, hugs, cuddles...she even shares her chocolate with me. If you know her, you know that she is a chocoholic. And, of course, she is as brilliant as ever. She enjoys drawing, painting, sculpting with play-Doh. She is crazy about all things frog related still. She is getting really good at puzzles and can do more complex ones in minutes. Like 15 piece picture puzzles. Watching her is amazing. I can't believe how much of a big girl she has become. And she is a wonderful big sister; she is madly in love with her brother. Well, unless he has happened to take one of her toys...

Calum is simply a doll. He is charming, relaxed, curious, and strong. He has started to give kisses to mommy and sissy, which I adore! He has six teeth (four up top, two in the bottom) and he's acting like there are more imminent; tugging his ear and such. He loves to climb, love to stand, and has started cruising the furniture. He sometimes gets brave and lets go, only to fall ~ which makes him frustrated. Sometimes, I will hold my hand out for him to get some leverage and he'll reach out to hold it, but then changes his mind and looks at me as if to say, "I can do it all by myself." He loves for me to cuddle him and loves for me to sing him to sleep. Both of my babies love for me to sing to them and they each have their own song. He is just a happy little guy and sweet as can be. He watches sissy like a hawk and seems to think she is the funniest thing there is. Whatever she is doing, he wants to do it too. What ever she is playing with, he wants to check it out. I love the two of them together. I hope they are always this good to each other.

Anyway, there is a quick update for you folks. I will try to be better about posting, but I hope you understand my trepidation. If there is one thing that I am, it is strong and I will get over all that is happening. But some days are harder than others. I suspect those will become fewer and fewer. I can only do as much as my heart allows for now, so please be patient with me.

Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town!

2010-12-15T11:45:00.000-08:00

(Click photo for a bigger view)

Yes, I realize I haven't updated in a month. It is coming, folks, I promise.

Halloween and Other Goodies

2010-11-17T08:58:00.000-08:00

Not a creature is stirring...except for mommy, who remembered that I haven't updated this here blog in a few weeks. I suppose I should be utilizing nap time (yes, they are actually napping at the same time! Will wonders never cease) to do laundry or something, you know, productive...but this is much more fun.

Halloween Witchy-Poo!

Maddie picked out my birthday gift on her own, which got me all teary-eyed when I opened it. My favorite? The tattoo bracelet. I thought it was neat that she chose it for me. And her favorite was the stickers, which she helped herself to :o)

Ready to go!

Enjoying her first piece of hard earned candy. Sorry, these few shots aren't in order.

Cutest li'l witchy I ever did see!

Asking if she could have a candy.

I can't remember which house it was, but she was on a mission to get candy. So, she said her "Twick-er-Tweet", the lady opened the door, and Maddie walked right in, looking for goodies.

This is the first house she went to. So excited!

Then she was HOOKED!

Brave little munchkin. She was scared, but she wanted that candy! And she kept asking to come back to this house.

Loot!

Later that week, we went to get Santa hats.

And this hat doubles as a Cowgirl hat! She made her very own pony with a bucket and step stool, towel for a saddle, and mommy's socks made wonderful cowgirl boots.

"Take a picture of meeeeee!" That's her favorite thing to say. And she'll even look at the camera on occasion.

Little Man Plumber?

Early morning, cuddling Calum back to sleep.

Swingin'! It's finally starting to cool off a bit here, so we get to go to the park again.

I know these are small and hard to see (and one is turned sideways...), but they're cute!

So, other things going on around this zoo...

Calum finally has teeth, not just bulging white gums that look like teeth (and tricked mommy). He drools enough to fill a swimming pool and constantly chews his fist. His favorite activity is bouncing, especially if it's on that tender hollow spot on mom's abdomen just below the ribs. Good times there, buddy. He has his 6-month check up next week, but I'm gonna guess he's close to 20lbs now. He's still calm and relaxed, unless grampa is watching him. Time is going by so much faster than it did with Maddie...it sure doesn't feel like six months have gone by. And, no, I don't have baby fever.

Maddie is her rascally old self! She is totally enamored with her baby brother and has started saying, "Who's a good boy??" as if talking to a dog. It is the funniest thing ever! She also karate chopped him square in the head, asks almost daily if he can play Hide and Go Seek yet, and can't get enough of playing with him. She isn't big on sharing her things with him, but I expected that. She is also very ready for Christmas! She helped me decorate the tree and has a list a mile long. We've been watching Nickelodeon lately and every toy commercial is something she wants. My favorite is when she says, "I want THAT, mommy. What is it?" She is so smart and so funny and so incredibly strong willed. Every day she does something that amazes me.

Testing...Is This Thing On??

2010-11-07T18:58:00.000-08:00

have not forgotten about you, my fair audience. It seems, strangely, that two children under the age of three makes it a bit more challenging to do things that don't include: bottles, poopy diapers, retrieving toys from 'neath the sofa, etc...

I will update this old blog soon.

Soon-ish, anyway...

Mad Dash For the Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-26T11:32:00.000-07:00

5 Months!!!

2010-10-23T12:05:00.000-07:00

Michigan Trip

2010-10-21T08:48:00.000-07:00

Checking out the giant pumpkin with Grumpy at Yate's Cider Mill.

Heading in to get some yummy donuts and cider!

Pretty view.

Finding a spot without yellow jackets trying to get on your food.

Feeding the goats! She told this baby goat, "I love you, baby goat!" and asked if we could get one.

Sleepy man on the way back to Gramma Michigan's house.

See-food. She's such a lady.

Entertaining the baby while mommy was busy doing something or other.

Awesome rocking chairs.

Sweet babies!

Exploring the garden, smelling flowers and finding bugs.

Snack time outside.

Yate's trip, part two. Daddy helping to feed the animals.

Pretty views!

Exploring.

Pony ride on 'Oreo'. And, yes, there was a tantrum when the ride was over.

Playing outside, looking for something to do...

...like throwing rocks, for instance.

The hostess with the mostest. Love you guys and thank you for everything!

Mr. Man at 19 Weeks

2010-09-29T19:16:00.000-07:00

Ready to Roll...

2010-09-28T07:49:00.000-07:00

Watch out, Michigan. Watch out, Kentucky.

We're COMING!!!

All 'Dem Babies!

2010-09-23T08:42:00.000-07:00

FOUR MONTHS OLD!!!

My sweet little baby. And his Jingle Monkey.

She'll be THREE YEARS OLD in a little over NINETY DAYS!!!

My sweet big-girl baby.

Babies around the house.

These are Maddie's new favorite toys. She sleeps with a bed-full of them, we have to kiss them good night, they "watch" TV with us, and she yelled at me this morning when I went to sit on the couch, "Mommy! Don't sit on the baaaaby!" She feeds them with her play bottles and burps them, too. She is a good little mama.

Week 17

2010-09-15T16:42:00.000-07:00

Eight Days Shy of Being Four Months Old...

2010-09-11T20:06:00.000-07:00

...Calum cut his first tooth today and another is sitting right under the gums next to it. My widdle man is growing up too fast!

Her Own Mani/Pedi

2010-09-11T19:07:00.000-07:00

So, daddy and I were busy discussing what to have for dinner this evening, when I started smelling the familiar stink of nail polish. It also dawned on me suddenly that Maddie had been awfully quiet in her room. You know where I'm going with this...

Week 16

2010-09-08T17:58:00.000-07:00

Ha Ha Ha Ha!!!

Boys and Their Toys (And A Helpful Sissy, Too...)

2010-09-07T17:08:00.000-07:00

Not too sure if he likes it...

Then...
Oh, he likes it alright!

Sissy showing him how to work all the gadgets...

He is a great listener...

Mommy thinks this was money well spent!

New news:

~ We're cutting a tooth. Or teeth, to be more accurate. Two of them are just beneath his gums on the bottom.

~ Hands are delicious, but feets are even tastier! And they taste like chicken, of course.

~ He is sleeping from 10pm to 9am, which makes for a very happy mommy.

~ He has no interest in rolling over. Zip. Zero. Zilch. And that's ok.

~ He really loves his big sister. She is totally enamoured with him. And I love them together.

~ He is definitely a mama's boy. I'm loving that, too.

Chatting With My Boy

2010-08-31T13:59:00.000-07:00

Sweet Babies!

2010-08-26T09:55:00.000-07:00

Maddie's Faces

2010-08-19T08:17:00.001-07:00

Mad Face with Hair

I think it looks like he has a mohawk.

Sad Face

Long Face with Hair and Legs

Face with Hair

Happy Face

Happy Face with Legs
This one reminds me of a Dr. Seuss character.

Three Months!

2010-08-19T07:57:00.000-07:00

New skill this week: pushing up off the floor!

Sweet baby boy

This is what "Tummy Time" usually looks like :)

More new skills

As of yesterday, Maddie can draw faces! I bought her a notebook last night and she's been drawing happy and mad faces, some with beards, eyebrows, hair, and legs! She even drew one that is me and one that daddy. She scribbled over mine, though. Perhaps I gave her one too many time-outs?

These are the ones from yesterday and I'll take some pictures of her new-and-improved drawings from today. It's really neat and she is so proud of them! I'm pretty proud of her, too.

Weeks 11 & 12

2010-08-13T19:51:00.000-07:00

Blogger won't let me move this picture down to where I want it (under Maddie and her easel). These are her beautiful circles that she is trying to master! Fabuloso!

Ok. Lots of pictures here, folks. Lucky for you, they're cute!

Calum LOVES his play mat. He's even tolerating tummy time on it. He can push himself up a little, especially if sissy is playing next to him; he loves to watch her and just smiles away. I have a picture of it somewhere...I don't think I've uploaded it yet.

Super-silly sissy always has a big, "Cheeeeese!" for mommy's camera.

Total baby genius. The Leapster2 is a hand-held game for ages 4-8. She has mastered pretty much all of it. She wants a SpongeBob game, but I'm saving that for the airplane trip to Michigan. And for the road trip to/from Kentucky. For all of which, by the way, we are extra excited!

First time playing with his rattle. I think he may have been trying to taste it, but couldn't quite get it up there. Today, he grabbed a toy from my hands and almost got it into his mouth.

Lovin' on his mommy. He is such a widdle sweetheart.

My favorite guys!

She loves to hold him.

Me and my LittleMan! It took several attempts to get one where he wasn't all blurry. He still has the bobblehead after all.

The Artiste.

Week TWELVE. It's flying by and he's getting so big already.

He couldn't have asked for a better big sister. She is so good to him.

Cutie-patooties.

Almost bedtime, getting ready to cozy up with his mama.

Looking cute and extra-snugglicious!

Aaaaand...still lookin' cute!

Oh, so much is going on with these little ones. Never a dull moment around this place. I was determined to get Maddie somewhat potty trained this week, but it didn't happen. The first day, she did awesome. The next day, she said she did NOT want to use the potty like a big girl and proceeded to pee pee five times on the floor (once right next to her potty) to get her point across. The good news for me is that she can't possibly be in diapers forever. Right? Pleeease tell me I'm right. I figure she'll let me know when she's ready. But for now, she wants to be both baby and big girl. She wants her binky again ~ just like brother. She asks for bottles and for me to rock her. And, just when she'd begun sleeping the whole night in her own bed, she now wants to sleep in out room. Just like brother. It's been hard for her, but I try to spend as much time as possible showering her with attention. Poor Calum even has a little bald spot on the back of his head from me putting him down constantly. Thankfully, he stays pretty content. Maddie's latest thing is playing the games on PlayhouseDisney.com. We are always on the computer lassoing Goofy's shoes or catching fish with Donald. She is a huge Mickey Mouse fan.

Maddie is also learning to count. Not just saying numbers anymore, but really counting. The other day, she had gotten 3 pairs of shoes out of the closet plus one whose mate is heaven knows where. She said, "Mommy, there's seven shoes." She is crazy smart.

Calum is growing big. And bigger. And bigger. My back is a huge tangle of knots by the end of the day. He's 16lbs according to my scale and is already wearing his 3-6month clothes. He's really starting to vocalize and loves to watch people's mouths when they talk to him. He has stopped getting up in the middle of the night to eat most of the time and is sleeping from 10pm to 6am. A big, fat HOORAY for me! He loves to snuggle and be cuddled, but is just fine to be in his swing or in his crib. He really digs his mobile and fusses when the song stops. That's another thing about him, is that he really doesn't cry very much but makes noises that sound like he's complaining. It's really neat getting to know his little personality. It feels like he's always been here and I can't decide if I should say that I can't believe that he's only three months old or that I can't believe he's already three months old.

It's beautiful and hectic and fun and exhausting. I never thought I was cut out to be a mom to one child, let alone two. But I was made for this. And I'm getting the slightest hint of baby fever...

The Slacker

2010-08-13T15:30:00.001-07:00

I promise, I WILL post some new photos soon!

These little rascals are keeping me pretty busy around here.

Eleven Weeks

2010-08-06T08:49:00.000-07:00

11 weeks and SO happy. He is a smiley little guy.

Play date. Or "Watch-the-Funny-TV" date.

We've gotten into a pretty good routine around here, which makes for a happy household. Calum is such a sweetie pie and is really starting to have some personality. He smiles endlessly, "talks" as soon as you look at him, and is totally taken with his mama.

Maddie started really potty training yesterday and is doing really well so far. We've had a few accidents, but that's to be expected. I'll keep you updated!

The "Poo-Poo Song" Makes A Comeback...

2010-08-02T16:41:00.000-07:00

Ok. So, I'm sure my lovely audience remembers my once-famous poo-poo song, written exclusively for one fussy little girl who would go forever without pooping. It had a 95% success rate (says me) and she always loved when I'd sing it for her. Apparently it relaxes the bowels, ridding the child of troublesome tummy aches (again, says me). Snake oil, anyone?

Anyway, Calum has had the opportunity to hear this beloved classic and has fallen in love with it as well. And, all kidding aside, it really does work.

Handsome Little Fellow

2010-07-28T19:37:00.000-07:00

Karate Kid

2010-07-22T14:05:00.000-07:00

What's a mom to do when she needs to exercise and hang out with the kids???

Two Months

2010-07-19T17:18:00.000-07:00

Kisses for Brother! He looks like he thinks she might be carrying a case of sister cooties.

I'm TWO months old, guys!

And I'm SO excited about it!

Alright, so maybe not that excited. Whatever.

Calum had his two month check up today and weighed in at a whopping 14lbs 6oz and "stands" 23 3/4" tall! Dr. M laughed and said that he's almost as big as her six month old. He smiled and cooed at her, my little flirty man. He's met all his milestones and looks great. He also got his first round of vaccines and, I am pleased to say, he didn't cry a bit.

He is such a smiley little guy, especially fond of, well, mommy! I don't mind a bit. He (obviously) eats well, he sleeps ok at night but is a terrible napper ~ unless I'm holding him, and loves to check out the world around him. And it sounds silly, but he LOVES the paintings I made for him. As soon as I lay him on his changer, he looks up at them and smiles. He smiles at them the whole time I'm changing him...it's the oddest, sweetest thing.

The Girly-Girl and the Eight-Weeker

2010-07-16T16:13:00.000-07:00

Here A Yawn, There A Yawn

2010-07-15T08:43:00.001-07:00

So Long, Wubbzy...

2010-07-15T08:20:00.000-07:00

Hello, SpongeBob!

Trip to Build-A-Bear

2010-07-13T15:47:00.000-07:00

Last week was her first trip to Chuck E. Cheese. This week: Build-A-Bear. We got some yummy lunch, rode the kiddie rides in the food court, and made this awesome, rollerskating puppy! She named her "Candy Cane" and has been rolling her all over the house. We ended our mall outing with some frozen yogurt and a pretzel, which she loved. Can't wait until our next "date"!

"Can I Hold Brother?"

2010-07-13T09:17:00.000-07:00

Weekends Are for Daddy

2010-07-11T08:11:00.000-07:00

Talking to daddy. Just a wild guess, but I think he's asking for his binky...

Apples to Apples, pt. 2

2010-07-10T12:33:00.000-07:00

Maddie

Calum

Why You Don't Leave Your Young'un Alone...

2010-07-08T20:43:00.000-07:00

Sorting laundry. Loading said laundry. Pulling the clean stuff from the dryer. When I walked back to get my hangers, someone ~ who will remain nameless ~ had gotten into my make up drawer:

Week Seven. Already.

2010-07-08T14:16:00.001-07:00

Sleepy big sissy, begging to play her new Leapster2. It's for ages 4-8 and she can already complete the matching games and do the puzzles!

Sweet little boy, already seven weeks old. He'll be asking to borrow the car keys before long!

And, no, I did not intentionally dress him to match his changing pad. Blends right in, don't he?!

He enjoyed cousin Isaac's play mat so much that he got his own! He'll lay under it long enough for me to load the laundry in the wash, fold & hang the clean clothes, make a little lunch for Maddie...then, just as I try to take a potty break, he demands to be removed at once.

Of course, flipping him over for a change of scenery buys me a few extra minutes! And he only hates tummy time a little...

Cheese, Please!

2010-07-07T16:34:00.000-07:00

After many requests to go, I finally took Maddie to the germ-infested fun house known as Chuck E. Cheese! She could hardly wait to go and did the two-year olds version of "Are we there yet?" the whole way up the freeway. It's been a long time since I've seen her so excited for something.

A "sketch" that she is very proud of. She says, "That's me and you, mommy!"

Kind of enjoying a ride ~ which got stuck half way up.

On the Barney ride, which was a little too baby-ish for her liking.

Ahhh, the Teletubbies. A.K.A. the characters from hell. If there is one rule in my home, it is that these little creatures are NOT allowed to grace our TV. Ever. And their ride stunk.

Now THIS is more like it! With her hands on the wheel and my foot on the gas pedal, she drove Patrick (from SpongeBob) into 9 walls, 1 ocean, and 2 barricades. She loved this game.

Smiling in the big car ride. Before it started. She wanted out as soon as it began to move.

The fire truck...always a blast!

The myth. The mouse. It was thee Chuck E. Cheese, in the fur! She waved at him for darn near forever, showed him her lemonade, and tried to talk to him. She's been complaining all day today that Mr. Cheese couldn't hear her. Animatronic robotics and their lack of communication skills are not easy concepts to grasp.

First Smiles...

2010-07-06T07:54:00.000-07:00

Six Weeks (Makin' Faces)

2010-06-30T16:35:00.000-07:00

First time in the swing not screaming! Of course, it lasted for just a few minutes. I'm hoping he grows to love it.

Smiling at big sissy. They really dig each other.

Almost smiling for mommy!

Looking at sissy.

Maddie makes him happy.

My cutie patootie. Even if he does have cradle cap...in his eyebrows.

Cameo!

I had to get a photo of the two of them.

My little helper!

Everything is going alright. The nurse practitioner at his pediatrician's office had me switch his formula to one with rice starch in it because of some nasty reflux (google Sandifer's Syndrome). Now, he's constipated and I'm having to give him prune juice every day as well as the occasional suppository (oh, he's gonna LOVE reading this when he's older!). He screams most of the day unless he has a dirty diaper, so we'll most likely have to switch him back to the other formula and just deal with the reflux.

Other than that, all is well. He still sleeps through the night and takes one good nap in the day. He was 12lbs at his visit last week and his newborn clothes are too tight already. His next check up is on the 19th.

Maddie is doing ok with all the changes. She has lost interest in the potty and constantly wants her binky (she had pared down to only using it at nap time and at night). She has also started wanting to come sleep in our room ~ I assume because Calum's bassinet is in there. I have noticed a difference in her behavior now that I can pick her up and play with her a little more (now that we have an hour or two just to ourselves when brother sleeps). She's still got the crazy Terrible Two thing happening...we are all ready for that phase to end. ASAP.

All in all, we are adjusting well enough. It is a little hectic here, but we'll get on a good schedule before long. I know my posts and photos are lacking, but it will pick up as Calum gets a little bigger and is able to not be hanging out in the crook of my arm all day. :)

A Game of Hide(?) and Seek

2010-06-28T20:48:00.000-07:00

Hmmmm...I wonder where Maddie is hiding?

Week Five

2010-06-25T17:06:00.000-07:00

Play time with...me! She is SO happy that I can pick her up again. She says, "Mommy, you can pick meeee! Yeessss!" I've really missed being able to play with her.

Maddie & Calum

Just a few quick photos to share (I'm trying to stand here and type whilst holding a baby). Maddie and Calum had a play date in her room! Of course, they didn't actually play with each other, but both were content just the same. Maddie keeps talking about how they will be able to play at the park when he gets bigger,all the things they will do. She really loves him and I love watching her love him.

Four Weeks

2010-06-18T21:19:00.001-07:00

First "tummy-time". He was lifting his head up, but wore himself out by the time I came back with the camera.

Sissy loving on brother.

Cozy after bath time!

While I was photographing brother and getting him dressed, before I had the chance to empty his tub, sissy was keeping herself busy:

Sorry I'm taking a while to post new photos, but these little rascals are keeping me WAAAY busy. They're hungry at the same time, they're cranky at the same time, they poo at the same time...it's a regular circus around here!

Twenty-Five Days

2010-06-13T19:48:00.000-07:00

Poor daddy never gets his own photo, so I thought I'd share. You're welcome, sweetie :) Momo and grampa came over to watch the kids so Gramma Michigan could take daddy and I out to dinner. Tres Leches, here I come!

Gramma Michigan!

Momo

Grampa and Calum.

Sweet baby boy! He's so chubby already!

His new cozy chair that I had to get him since he hates his swing.

I can't believe that he's almost four weeks old already!

Just Madd

2010-06-12T18:34:00.000-07:00

Maddie and I went on a quick mommy-Maddie date this afternoon to pick out some glasses. While I was giving my prescription to the sales girl, Maddie was busy trying out the merchandise. It was extra-nice to get out of the house, just she and I.

This Week In Rittmannland

2010-06-08T18:34:00.000-07:00

Madelyn 'graduated' from the spring semester at The Little Gym! Big thank you to daddy for taking her. At least I got to see pictures!

Showing off some skills on the uneven bars.

Her instructor, Ms. J, and the director handing out her certificate.

Look at dem biceps!

Jingle bells signal the beginning of class.

Hopefully I will be able to start taking her to class again soon. I'm still on restrictions for a few weeks.

The kids, hanging out with mommy. Who is already donning Christmas PJ's in June.

Maddie has been begging to get Brother, so ~ now that her nose isn't running like crazy ~ I let her love on him a bit. She really digs him.

Cousins

2010-06-04T10:42:00.000-07:00

Picture-perfect cousins, just a few days apart! Congrats to my little brother and sister-in-law!!!

Baby Isaac rockin' the skull & crossbones, and Baby Calum sportin' cars, dogs, & dog bones. Ladies men, the two of 'em.

Two Weeks Old...

2010-06-03T18:50:00.000-07:00

He must have been sucking his thumb a lot in utero, because he does it like a pro!

Tonight, looking mighty handsome in his giraffe & camo outfit.

Sweet baby in her sweet 'I (heart) Chocolate' shirt.

Our babies!

Cute little monkey PJ's on my cute little man.

Watching Fox News???

Little Hammy heading to meet cousin Isaac!

3am? 4am? Who's counting...

Precious little Calum.

Amazing how time flies. Today was Calum's two-week well check and he's already 9lbs 4oz, so he regained his birth weight and then some! He looks healthy and his little eye seems to be getting better (he had a clogged duct). He also had his tongue-tie corrected on Tuesday.

In two weeks, I have learned so much about both of my children. Maddie is so much more gentle than I could have ever imagined. She tells Calum, "Good night, Brother", and pets his head (she loves to pet him). She tickles his tiny feet and giggles when he looks at her. She helps him get his binky when he cries, rocks him while he's in his car seat, and likes to get her step stool to "help" when I change him. She wants to know what his 'Umbanana Cord' (umbilical cord) is for.

Calum is a such a good baby. He sleeps through the night, only getting up for an hour to eat around 3:30am. He does not like to stay swaddled and grunts and pushes his little arms out of the top of his blanket, then will fall right back to sleep. He has stork bites, just like Maddie's, on his eye lid, nostril, and at the nape of his neck (she has them in all the same spots). It's crazy how they look so much alike, yet so different at the same time. Anyhow, he's very calm and relaxed and really only cries when he's hungry or wet.

Speaking of hungry, it's time to go warm up a bottle!

Days Four, Five, & Six...

2010-05-25T16:47:00.000-07:00

Helping Brother get his Binky.

I LOVE this one, even though it is a little blurry.

Eating Mickey Mouse gummies after a tough morning of...playing outside.

I wanna eat that widdle chin! NUMnumnumnum...

My guys checking each other out.

Mommy-eye view. Delicious.

Grampa, Calum, and Maddie's hair.

Again, I say: NUMnumnumnum...

Momma's boy!

Full tummy and getting ready for bed.

Everything is going pretty good so far. He's a good eater, a very good pooper ~ the diaper pail is already full, and he doesn't fuss much except when he's wet or hungry. And sleep??? He naps well through the day and ~~~ sleeps from about 2am until 7:30 or 8am! It. Is. Amazing. He is such a great baby and Maddie has been a wonderful big sister. I am very proud of her. It's hard having to deal with a new baby and a new house, all while dealing with the woes of being 2 1/2. And, while I've been kicked, hit, bitten, and head butted, she's so gentle with him. When he started crying at the hospital, she yelled for us to "Get him his Binky!". She pets his head and tickles his feet. She's getting over a cold so I'm hesitant to let her hold him just yet (no coughs or sneezes on the newborn, please), but I'm excited for her to be able to hold him ~ and for me to get photos of it.

So, we are doing pretty good so far. I'm hoping that the next few weeks of healing go by quickly so that I can pick up and cuddle my Maddie again. I'm even looking forward to doing housework, if that makes any sense. Maybe this vicodin is making me loopy?

Hope you all are doing well. Time for me to get back to my little family. :)

xoxo

Welcome To the World, Little Man...

2010-05-23T12:16:00.000-07:00

Calum Patrick is here!!!

May 19th, 2010 at 11:32am

8lbs 8oz, 21 inches

Silly Girl

2010-05-18T16:55:00.000-07:00

So, daddy's boss' wife had a wonderful idea to get Maddie a gift 'from Calum'. I mentioned to Maddie today that Calum would be bringing her a present. Our conversation went a little something like this:

Me: "Maddie, I think baby Calum might be bringing a present for you tomorrow! What do you think it could be?"

Maddie: "Some fish ~ in a pretend fish tank! And a box that has food in it. A surprise for Maddie!"

Me: "Wow! What else do you think it could be??"

Maddie: "A turtle! Or a box that has some food in it!"

Nerves

2010-05-18T12:09:00.000-07:00

Dr. Le's surgery scheduler called this morning to let me know that my c-section has been moved to 11am instead of 12:30pm tomorrow. We have to check into L&D by 9am. It's different than having a scheduled induction in that, a. I won't have to mess with all that labor garbage and, b. I know what to expect during surgery. The only part that's throwing me off is that I am well aware of how the post-op will be, the pain I will be in for the next few weeks, how totally useless I will be to everyone...I won't be able to drive or pick up anything heavier than Calum for the next 4-6 weeks and I am NOT looking forward to having to tell Maddie that I just can't pick her up. But I'm trying not to think about it that way.

Also, Maddie and I did not get to go to splash in the water yesterday because she is running a fever. She's actually had a low-grade fever for about two weeks, but no one can find anything wrong. They do think that something is going on, but can't do anything about it until they know what it is. The only symptoms that she has had for the last few days (aside from the temperatures) are runny nose and is extremely irritable. And I DO mean irritable! She refuses to listen, to do what she's asked to do, she cries at the drop of a hat, she is mean...it's like a totally different personality has come over her. It breaks my heart because I know she feels bad, but I can't fix it. And now I'm going to be gone for a few days and won't be able to comfort her. I'm having a tough time being too excited for tomorrow, as my mind and heart are worrying for her. Is there ever a time when being a mommy is easy??? Someone, please give me hope!

Anyway, keep us in your thoughts and prayers ~ that Maddie feels better, that the doctor has done this surgery once or twice before, that Calum is healthy...

The next time I post a blog, it will be to show off our LittleMan. I wish you all lived closer so that you can see him and hold him and love him. Good LORD, I am emotional right now! I love you guys. Wish us lots of luck!

Thoughts

2010-05-17T13:34:00.000-07:00

One day.
Eighteen hours.
Twenty-five minutes.

That's how much time left until I have to be admitted to Labor & Delivery. Crazy, exciting, scary, and a little sad. Maddie is acting up and I can't tell if she's stressed or if it's this upper respiratory thing the two of us have. I cried the other night while I sang her to sleep, wondering how she'll react to having to share mommy and daddy. Daddy reminded me that poor Calum will never have the joy of being the only child, that he will always have to share. Still, my heart hurts a little. And this will be the first time that I'll be away from Maddie for more than an hour or two. And, yes, Momo and Grampa, I am busy making my 'Babysitter Instructions' for you. Since everyone knows I am a little OCD, I didn't want to disappoint by not making a list to help you better care for my sweetest little baby.

For now, we're off to splash in the water for a bit. We've been stuck indoors trying to tidy up all week. Time to get our swimsuits on (ok, so no swimsuit for me, thank you very much!) and go play. Maybe stop and get some ice cream after, then to the flower shop. I am running out of energy, but it'll be nice to get her out and about for a bit.

Most Beautiful

2010-05-15T19:27:00.000-07:00

What I've Been Up To...

2010-05-13T18:07:00.000-07:00

Nesting. And I have an entire apartment to nest in. Cleaning, dusting, unpacking (and repacking junk that can stay in the garage)...finding a place for everything. The kitchen, dining area, and master bedroom are still under construction, but I will post photos soon.

Main living area.

The kid's bathroom, better known as The Frog Potty.

Better photos of the nursery. It's amazing what good, natural light will do for your pictures!

Maddie's Palace

2010-05-13T11:02:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, in rare form: there are NO toys on the floor. Yet. She loves it ~ almost as much as playing in Brother's room. The good news is that she is almost [but-not-quite] cooperative enough to pick up after herself (after I tell her 20+ times to put her toys away). She'll get there.

Today's doctor visit (obviously) didn't end up with me prepping for a C-section. Of course, had I not showered and shaved, had daddy not come with me, had I not remembered to bring something for Maddie to do just in case, I'm sure I'd be in the hospital. Murphy's Law. Only 5 days and 23 hours left at the most. Dr. Le said I'm between 1.5 - 2cm dilated and that Calum is head down, that I may not make it until Wednesday. I'm not getting my hopes up, though. Soon enough, I guess. I am feeling really bad for all the women who go to 41 or 42 weeks...how frustrating that must be! Anyway, that was my last visit for this pregnancy (!). Wednesday morning, I have to be at the hospital by 10 to get me all IV'd up and ready to go. It is insane to imagine that, at this time next week, our son will be almost exactly a day old. I can't wait to meet him!

Nursery...Again

2010-05-12T21:08:00.000-07:00

Big Sister helping mommy get things situated at our new place! And looking fabulous, dahhling!!

Bad phone photos (I can't find my camera cord). Changing area and rocker.

The closet is HUGE, but you can't tell from the photo.

Crib and toys. Lots and lots of toys. And I'm noticing a letter "C" that apparently needs to be lowered :/ Funny that it looks right in person.

Tomorrow is my last regular visit before Calum is born.

I'm torn between hoping that Dr. Le will send me to L&D again for delivery tomorrow and waiting until next Wednesday. There is still so much I need to get done, but my entire body hurts. I just feel done, you know? Every ounce of me screams when I move; it hurts to sleep and eat, to sit and stand. And I can hardly wait to be able to have cold deli meats! Holy cow, I have been dreaming about a giant, deli roast beef sandwich! Because you can only tolerate so much microwaved salami...

But, back to baby stuff (I could write a whole blog on food!). Daddy is coming with me tomorrow just in case they do send me over, but I'm not expecting it'll happen. Or am I? Oh, the suspense!

Quick Stuff...

2010-05-10T19:16:00.000-07:00

Oreos and milk...with a bottle! She puts a few drops on them.

Waiting [sort of] patiently to be seen at mommy's doctor.

Getting sent to the hospital, only to get sent home again.

Today, taking a minute to snap my 37 week 4 day photo. I keep forgetting to take them! And you have a sneak-peak at Maddie's new room (never mind the clothes waiting to be hung). She loves it and has slept through the night every night (except once, but I'll take it!)

I can hardly believe that we're going to have another baby NEXT WEEK! Prepare yourselves for double the photos!!!

The Process

2010-05-08T12:05:00.000-07:00

With Maddie, I didn't get to experience much of anything in the way of the natural process of labor. So, as you can imagine, every little thing I'm experiencing now is exciting and scary and exhilarating.

Dr. Le told me on Thursday that I am dilated to 1.5cm and sent me to Labor & Delivery for monitoring my contractions. He said that he would go ahead and deliver Calum if it looked like I might be having regular contractions. Panic! Excitement! And my sweet Maddie, who is having a hard time with all the new changes, having a tantrum the whole way to the hospital (a BIG thank you to MoMo for coming to watch her!). I guess my body wasn't doing anything too impressive, so they sent me home. I have contractions every day; some get pretty regular, but then they space out. I've got cramps, nausea, vomiting, the works! And I lost part of my plug this morning. I realize that most of y'all don't want to know some of the gross stuff, but this is my blog and I'll post TMI if I want to :)

I have also been nesting like a mad woman! I have Maddie's room and the nursery almost complete ~ and it took less than two days total. The master bedroom is almost finished, as is the main living area. Pictures are hung, curtains are up...I've mopped and vacuumed more in the last three days than I have in the entire two years living at the old house. When I get everything a little more put together (and normal Internet service), I'll post some pictures.

I am also feeling very edgy. I am impatient, antsy, and what I call "Mama Bear-ish". I don't really have great words to explain it, but it is how I imagine most animals feel with the impending birth of their babies. Definitely strange and not the most pleasant thing (for myself AND for those around me, as well). Sorry, my love.

So, now I'm just waiting. The hard part is that I'm not sure what normal, non-pitocin contractions are supposed to feel like. I never got to experience true, early labor so I am completely in the dark about what is happening and what to expect. It makes me nervous, but it is exciting. And I am thinking that little Calum is not going to wait until the 19th. We will see!!!

Untitled

2010-05-04T16:46:00.001-07:00

Sorry there haven't been any new posts. We're in the middle of moving and cleaning and unpacking and...a million other things! We haven't even moved the computer over to the new place yet (I had to come by to let the dog out, so I thought I'd write a quick one).

Things are going ok. Maddie is having some behavior issues with all the changes, but is ultimately a sweetie. I have been nauseous for a week and spent last night vomiting ~ LOTS of fun when I'm trying to do so much. Poor daddy has been working really long, hard days trying to get the house cleaned up and ready to show, AND still has to work his regular job, of course.

Calum is taking it easy, relaxing, even stretching out now and again...poor kid has it rough.

Only two weeks left until he's here; then the circus really begins!

Anyhow, I'll check in soon. Hope y'all are doing well!

The Dentist

2010-04-26T11:03:00.000-07:00

Well, Maddie had her first dental check up this morning. I am pleased to report that SHE DID AWESOME!!! She whined a little when Dr. Ben checked her teeth, but 100% cooperated with the hygienist. I was super proud of her for being so brave. No cavities, a little plaque, and the good doctor scraped a little calcium deposit off of a tooth. So begins our biannual dental exams!

Climbing into the 'Hot Seat'. What you don't see is the flat screen TV attached to the dentist's light that is playing "Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs". And a bunch of toys. How cool is that?

Demonstrating how to brush the dinosaur teeth.

A balloon, a sticker, and a new kid-sized toothbrush sealed the deal. She officially liked going to the dentist!

35 Weeks

2010-04-22T19:19:00.000-07:00

This morning, riding the pony at Toys 'R Us after being afraid of it for the longest time. She rode it twice!

Getting the "Seven" from Maddie (something she does, kind of like the "Talk to the hand" thing). Did you notice that she is wearing panties? Did you notice that she put them on on the outside of her britches? The best part is that I'd told her that we had to go pick up some groceries and she went to 'get ready'. She came running to the front door, with her underwear on the wrong side and said, "I'm ready to go to the store!" Not so fast, WonderWoman...

Our bi-weekly indulgence: pancake breakfast after my doctor visit. She was thoroughly enjoying her hot chocolate! We sometimes go to Cracker Barrel (yum!), but found out that Denny's has a value menu so we can split 2 pancakes, eggs, hash browns, and some biscuits and gravy for $9, including her hot chocolate and my almost-two-dollar coffee. I'm drooling on my keyboard!

With her very first, very own sticker book! She loves it...and I no longer have to scrape Elmo stickers from the TV screen. So, if anyone ever wonders what to get her, stickers are a great idea!

Looking ragged at 35 weeks.

Oh, how I'd love to sleep. Between Maddie and being ridiculously pregnant, sleep has become a luxury.

***
Maddie has been awful to try to get to bed lately and, once we finally get her settled in, she wakes a few hours later screaming for me. In a normal person's world, it wouldn't be too big of a deal. In our crazy world, however...I could probably count on my hands the number of times she's slept through the night by herself since she was born. I could count the number of times she's slept soundly without fussing at least 10 times through the night on one hand. I try to be firm, but my resolve is only so strong while she's in there, crying her little eyes out just wanting for mommy to come get her. And she's become so accustomed to me coming to the rescue, that when I finally go in, she's sitting all alone crying in her tiny bed, clutching her froggie, just waiting for me. So now when she's in there calling, "Mommy!" and crying, I just imagine how it is to be 2 1/2 and scared of the dark, clutching my froggie and waiting for mommy...but she never comes. Oh, it breaks my heart. Then there's the worry wart in me that has to go check on her to make sure she doesn't need to be changed or to feel her little head to make sure she isn't running a fever. In my mind, I imagine her getting a UTI from sitting in a poopy diaper. Or having a febrile seizure because I didn't go check to see if she was too warm. I know it doesn't make sense to most of you. I think a lot of it is guilt I carry still from when she was little and had that infection. The mom in me says I should have known. Maybe a part of me did, but I assumed that the doctors knew what they were talking about when they said it was colic. My tiny baby suffered for those months and I should have known. There are photos and videos of her looking so miserable that I can't bear to look at now. They make my stomach ache. I'm a crying mess as I write this. So, yeah, there's much behind why I do the things I do when it comes to her.

***

Anyhow, once she's in bed with me and I finally get her settled down and sleeping ~ I have to get up to pee. Then when I lay down, I can't get comfortable. Then my hip starts to ache, my leg starts to fall asleep, so I roll over. Then, I have to get up and pee all over again from moving around so much! Once I can finally relax and think to myself, 'Ok, I think I might be able to get some rest now', Calum wakes up and I lay there and feel him move. And I pat my tummy, forgetting about sleep. I run my fingers over where he's busy playing and feel so much love that sleep ceases to matter. Then I stroke Maddie's soft little cheek and whisper to her in her sleep that I love her infinitely, eternally. Morning comes and Maddie wakes me with a kiss and curls up to cuddle. And asks to go downstairs for hot chocolate. Our voices wake Calum, so it's the three of us being silly together. As exhausted as I am, I try so hard to keep a good attitude about it because these babies won't be babies forever. God help me, I even miss her on those rare occasions that she doesn't sleep with me, waking me with cuddles and kisses. Soon enough she'll be a big kid and sleep in her own bed. And Calum will sleep through the night before I know it. I remember when I was pregnant with Maddie, everyone told me that she'd be up to feed all the time and I'd be so tired. And I was. But it goes by so fast. Those first few months where you're running on nothing but instinct and love (and coffee), they just speed by. And then they're gone forever...

***

All that stuff aside, I feel good. My check up with Dr. Le was this morning and I'm measuring perfect, Calum's heart rate was perfect, and I'm fat. Dr. Le noticed that I'm starting to swell, but I'm counting the days until I can diet and exercise. He mashed around my belly and said that he thinks our Little Man is at least 7lbs right now. He instructed me to have my last Aspirin dose the Sunday before surgery, but with the Braxton-Hicks I've been having, he wouldn't be surprised if I go into labor sooner. I wish he would check me, but he didn't. He just said that if I do go into labor at this point they wouldn't try to stop it, they'd just do my c-section at that time. Boy, am I ready. Still about 3 1/2 weeks to go! Or is it Only about 3 1/2 weeks to go?

Daddy's Girl...and Mama's Girl, Too

2010-04-15T13:21:00.000-07:00

Out for pizza with Mama!

Getting into my purse and putting on [a lot] of lipstick.

Then she asked, "How I look, mommy?"

On the carousel at the zoo (the ride stopped moving, for those of you who may have thought I'd let a two-year old hang on by herself!). This was moments before having a super-tantrum that the ride was over.

Smiling for the camera and trying to learn how to pee pee in the potty!

Rock and Roll with daddy!

A concert for mama! Ukulele, Mickey Mouse drum, and a tambourine!!

Watch out, Jonas Brothers!

Climbing the "Big Kid" ladder at the park just before daddy made a surprise visit!

Daddy washing those "Stinky Feets".

Baby can SING!!!
Mommy can "Waaa-Hooooo!"

I need to find some other mini-videos that I have been saving. Blogger hasn't been letting me upload them until today. YAY!

FYI

2010-04-13T15:57:00.001-07:00

Just a little FYI:

I'm turning my comment thingy back on, so feel free to to leave comments again. Well, feel semi-free; if you comment as "Anonymous", please leave your name. It creeps me out not knowing who's leaving messages on my posts seeing that this blog is about my children.

Thanks!

Quick Post

2010-04-10T20:29:00.000-07:00

I took Maddie to the zoo Friday morning and wanted to share this photo really quick before I go to bed. We were looking at the bird exhibits when we came across this giant ostrich-like bird that was easily almost as tall as me. Maddie climbed up on the fencing to get a better look and says, "Whoa! Look at that big chicken!" It's so good to be a mommy.

Crafty Lady...

2010-04-08T14:40:00.000-07:00

So, I've been brainstorming ~ and storming the web ~ for ideas on how to start a little girls boutique and what unique items I could make at home. Some really neat ideas I came across were two different types of bow/hair clip/ barrette organizers. So, I built upon what I saw and tried to make my own interpretation of such cute crafts. I wouldn't call them 'prototypes', but the following photos show a quick version of what I have in mind. And, as long as you don't turn them over to their reverse side (which is a complete mess!), I am semi-pleased at how they came out. With both projects, you simply clip your barrettes onto the ribbons. No more mess, no more misplacing matching pairs, and you can display them in a fun way!

11x13" Holder

40" Holder

The ballerina-style holder is one I LOVE! It was a lot of fun to make (albeit tedious since I'm still pretty clueless when it comes to operating my sewing machine...everything is hand-sewn). I am currently working on another, smaller version in black-and-white zebra print with hot pink accents. I'm trying to figure out the best, most attractive way to construct it so it is taking much (much!) longer to put it together.

Anyhow, just wanted to share!

Busy Bee

2010-04-06T13:44:00.000-07:00

Whew...

42 days until C-section day!

28 days until we move into our new apartment!

Trying to pack, trying to clean, all while trying to NOT overdo it. I am glad I did quite a bit of packing up last month, because my energy is already starting to go down hill. We're going to sell/donate/throw away most of our belongings since most of what we own just sits around in boxes and/or collects dust. I even have most of mine and Calum's hospital bag packed! I did it for two reasons: 1. You never know when you're going to need it, as fetuses (I had to look up the plural form of 'fetus') don't adhere to schedules very well and 2. I would have ended up accidentally packing away the things we need to bring to the hospital and then have to go digging through a zillion boxes to find them.

Anyhow, I'm excited! I'm ready to move, ready to meet Calum (ready to have his feet out of my lungs!), ready to introduce Maddie to big-sisterhood...ready for change! Ready for chaos and more sleep deprivation (?). Mad was so cute yesterday, asking to feel my tummy when she saw it moving. She put her hand on me and I told her that Brother had hiccups. She said, "Baby Calum has hiccups? That's my baby brother!" I'm trying to get her ready for a few things, mainly to get her used to the idea that babies cry. A lot. She knows what building the hospital is (which she calls, " The Hobstible") and that the doctors will help Calum get out of mommy's tummy. I think she's gaining a better understanding that we will be bringing a new baby into the house and I'm trying to get her super-excited about how she will always get to be the big sister. She seems to dig it for now. I just hope she likes Brother just as much once he gets here...

Easter Morning

2010-04-04T10:46:00.000-07:00

Following the clues that the Bunny left behind...

Checking each 'clue' for chocolates...

We got a live one!

SCORE!!!

Happy Easter, y'all!

Egg Hunt, 2010

2010-04-03T14:18:00.001-07:00

Yellow Monkeys In the Park

2010-04-02T15:27:00.001-07:00

She makes this look gooooood...

Thankfully, she decided to let me change her shoes into more 'playground-friendly' ones. Look at her climbing like such a big girl!

Swings! She tries so hard to pump her feet (she won't let me push her) and she actually does pretty good.

Cutie Pie.

On the way home:

Tiny piece of chocolate Easter candy = BIG mess! And she's just as happy as can be!

Photo Shoot

2010-04-02T07:38:00.000-07:00

Evenings With An Insomniac

2010-04-01T21:53:00.000-07:00

Oh, how I would have loved to go to bed, say, four hours ago! Poor daddy isn't feeling well and was asleep by 8. Maddie has been in bed since 8:30. I just. can't. sleep. Instead, going by some pretty vague internet instruction (of course, you have to pay for ones with good detail), I spent the evening teaching myself how to make toddler tutus. Before my model went to bed, I quickly measured her waist and a good length for the drop. My actual dressmaker's mannequin? My stock pot. You have to make due with whatcha got! Anyhow, this is a bad photo of how it turned out. You can barely see the lavender shade in the tulle (it's lavender and cream). Hopefully, it will fit Missy Prima Ballerina in the morning and I can take some pictures in better light with the good camera. Yes, I'm OCD. But only a little.

Littlest Gamer

2010-04-01T12:43:00.001-07:00

Learning to play Chutes and Ladders!

Of course, it was pretty primitive and she kept cheating, but fun nonetheless! I tried to get her Candyland as well, but I think the characters they have on the new box creeped her out a little and she did not want it anywhere near our cart. She liked the idea of the pawns getting to climb the ladders for doing good deeds, but it was even more fun to land on a chute and sliiiiide down for being naughty!

And, yes, that is a piece of cardboard hanging from her rear end. It is her "Kitty Tail".

31 Weeks 5 Days

2010-03-30T10:33:00.000-07:00

This photo is from Sunday (31wks 3days). As of today, only 49 more days until c-section day! I've been feeling pretty good; just all the normal discomforts with the added sleeplessness while Maddie is sick. I have had two episodes of awful cramping in my lower right leg at night. Hopefully eating some bananas will help, because it is incredibly painful. Otherwise, everything is the same. Little Calum is moving like crazy and seems to be really fond of kicking his big sister. When daddy tries to feel, baby boy stops moving. But when Maddie feels him or is snuggling on me, he kicks and shoves at her really hard! She's given him two kisses over the last few days. One was because I asked her if she wanted to kiss Brother and the other one she did after being super-sassy to me...I guess she figured that kissing Brother would get her out of trouble. She's one smart cookie, that girl!

Things to do when you're sick: Pamper your tootsies!

She's been asking me for a while to paint her toes, but she always fidgets and touches the paint while it's still wet. Then, I got some Insta-dry polish and it worked like a charm. She sat still for me to paint them and played with some Play-Doh at the table while they dried. She LOVES them! I finished her one little foot and she asked, "What about the other foot, mommy?"

Ahh, Mondays...

2010-03-29T10:05:00.001-07:00

Well, I'm trying to post some photos here and it's not working. Just one of those days.

Maddie is on illness #4 since January. She's been running fevers of about 102-degrees since Saturday. Yesterday, she began to have a frog in her throat and a runny nose. Today, her pediatrician found a nice infection brewing in her left ear. She doesn't want to eat and is drinking a little. She needs to keep her little kidney flushed, so I hate when she doesn't want to drink. It's the worst part about her getting sick; I know how hard it is to drink when your nose is stopped up and your ear hurts, but ~ at the same time ~ I can't let her get dehydrated. Dr. McDavitt said that 'tis the season for repeat viral infections and factor in her weekly class at The Little Gym. Thankfully (?), Maddie is feeling rotten enough that she actually wanted to go to the doctor so the visit was an easy one. She even brought her stuffed duck to show to "Dr. Davitt".

Anyhow, after two nights of no sleep and minimal naps, Little Miss Sickly is knocking on her bedroom door for me to come get her...guess that means no nap again today.

Argh...

Photos To Share..

2010-03-26T12:16:00.000-07:00

Maddie LOVESLOVESLOVES frogs, so the kids' bathroom theme in the new apartment will be ~ well, frogs!!! This is a soap pump, some towels, and the three little frogs-on-a-log are toothbrush holders.

A quick photo (with glasses and NO make-up) while getting Mad's bubble bath ready. She likes to feel his feet.

A cute one from the other day :)

YUMMY! Funny how much kids like the way Cocoa Pebbles (or any similar cereal) turns the milk chocolate-y!

A fuzzy photo of her new, favorite boots! She wants to wear them everywhere and puts them on first thing in the morning. I know it's hard to see, but they are bright banana-yellow with monkeys on the front. I'm sure I will have many more opportunities to photograph these...

MoMo bought some beautiful little hats to help support fundraising for a little girl who recently went home to Jesus after battling neuroblastoma. She was only a month older than Maddie. One day, when I no longer sob at my computer trying to do so, maybe I'll write about how this little angel changed my heart and many aspects of my life. One day...

This is our beauty, who managed to keep her hat on for a good hour or two.

Girls Best Friend...

2010-03-21T19:23:00.000-07:00

What is a two-year old little lady to read while on a long car trip?

A jewelry store flyer, of course!

Thankfully, she said that most of them were ugly (pronounced, "Ugg-oh-lee") and is

content with the cheapie plastic bead ones that I got for her the other day.

The Easter Bunny, 2010

2010-03-21T19:07:00.000-07:00

The Bunny is a hit! She liked him last year, but this year it was almost fanatical. She could hardly wait to get there. When we finally found the end of the mall where he was set up (which, by the way, was on the complete opposite end from where I parked ~ of course), she kept trying to cut in front of the other kids who were in line to get their photos taken with the giant fuzzball. She was waving and smiling at him from the gate and, once we were let in for our turn, she stood there, staring at him, just completely tickled. After getting a great shot, it was time to go. Cue: giant tantrum in the middle of the mall. She screamed theee whole way back to the car (remember that I parked a million miles away?) She did stop for a second when we started to pass Build-A-Bear, but cried even harder when I told her we couldn't get anything there. I can't afford a $50 teddy bear on a whim. She was so upset that she screamed, "NO!" when I asked her if she wanted to stop somewhere and get a cookie. It took a minute before she realized her mistake and sobbed that, yes, she wanted a cookie. So I resolved to get her a tiny Oreo ice cream at Baskin Robbins.

Re-Cap (A Nice Day)

2010-03-17T21:02:00.001-07:00

This blog is more for myself, so ~ if it is a little long ~ don't bother yourself to read it. My baby girl is growing up so quickly and there are so many memories that I want to write down before I can't remember them anymore...

What is a typical day with Maddie and I?

This morning started with a breakfast of bananas and Cocoa Krispies ~ because it's fun when the cereal turns the milk into chocolaty goodness. When I noticed Maddie wasn't eating, I bargained with her: new batteries for her (annoying) favorite barking puppy if she ate her breakfast. After eating almost all of it, she said, "Mommy, I followed the directions. So can I get new batteries now?" Irritating, yapping puppy batteries: check! Then, she asked to watch Disney's Wall-E. Again. For the third day in a row. Luckily, I agree that it's a fun movie, so I gladly watch it with her. It sure beats the new Mickey Mouse Clubhouse episodes anyhow!

After a light snack and a good nap, we ate a jelly sandwich-and-orange lunch (she picked out the oranges at the grocery store, along with a green bell pepper that she wouldn't even touch when I cut it up for us to share). She tells me that oranges are her favorite (but I know that blueberries are her true fruit loves). We packed up some lemonade and head to the park. But only to drive by it quickly, so I could see how muddy it was after yesterday's rain. It, unfortunately, looks pretty messy, so we headed over to Hobby Lobby. Because I promised her that I would paint little frogs on her step stool and I needed some craft paint. And because I remembered that they had all of their Easter things 50% off. Two bottles of craft acrylic and two stuffed baby chickens later (one for Mad, one for Calum), we head home. Only I notice on the way that the cows are out in the pasture near the church in our neighborhood, so we pull into the lot to check them out. There was a little baby cow (well, not really little, but smaller than the rest) and he never took his eyes off of Maddie. Maddie doted on his tiny horns and long, fuzzy fur. He really was a handsome little thing. Then, we took a detour over to the apartments that we'll be moving into in May. It is a gated "community", so I had to sneak in behind another car. Poor Madelyn, barely two and already a trespassing criminal. I wanted to see which building is ours, to see how much sun the porch gets so that I could maybe get the mini-roses I've been eyeing. Maddie wanted to go in. Not this trip, baby. In a little over a month, we'll be able to go in. I meant it when I said she's excited. Almost daily, she asks about her apartment.

Anyway, I had to take a quick potty break and drop off our Hobby Lobby goodies at the house, but then I thought to take her to the flower store (Houston Garden Center). She LOVED it! She liked all the different colors and shapes of the pots more than she liked the flowers, I believe. I told her the different names of different plants, we looked at some flowering trees, and I finally got to show her the new springtime leaves on trees after being bare all winter. She has had a vague idea that "the leaves fall off in the cold and grow back when it gets warm again", but it was good to have examples for her to see and feel.

We ended the evening meeting daddy at Cliff's (a hamburger diner) and enjoying a grilled cheese sandwich! And a small sugar cookie. I think that every lovely day should end with a cookie. After a bit of fussing, she is sleeping peacefully. For now. She'll be up in a couple of hours, screaming for me to come get her. I'll give in and stick her in bed next to me. And she'll wake me up in the morning by doing something silly, like sticking her Binky in my ear or kissing my cheek. I will miss those moments, to be honest. Nearly every morning begins with laughter and silliness and what she calls Binky Cuddles, which is where we get cozy in my big blanket and snuggle. Only a few weeks left until all of that changes. Forever.

Big girl, saying, "Cheese" for the camera.

Beach Photos!

2010-03-15T11:18:00.000-07:00

*** Well, I have another video that I can't upload. Blogger, you're really annoying sometimes!!!

Spring Is In the Air

2010-03-14T21:31:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful weekend! The weather was gorgeous and Maddie finally stopped running a fever, so we headed to Galveston for the afternoon. She's been sick (again) so she is acting out a bit (ok, a LOT), but it was nice for the three of us to get out of the house. We went to Olympia Grill for some yummy Greek food (oh, how I've missed them!) and spent a while on the beach, watching Maddie find sea shells. She was so excited to look for them! She could hardly wait to get there. The whole ride down, she kept saying that she was going to the beach to find sea shells. She even got to see several dogs, sea gulls, fishermen on the pier, and sand castles (she was extremely pleased with the castles). After collecting shells, she decided it would be fun to throw as much sand as possible on mommy & daddy. I thought it was hilarious; she was so serious, so intent on what she was doing. How fun it is to be so young! We ended the trip with a chocolate shake and a quick hop in the tub...she just about had more sand on her little butt than there was on the beach!

I love days like these.

And I'll upload my photos tomorrow...I'm starting to get to the insomnia part of pregnancy and I am excruciatingly tired.

Beauty Parlor

2010-03-08T15:29:00.000-08:00

It was inevitably that time. Because mullet hair isn't flattering on anyone. Even cute two-year olds. I made an appointment at Cool Cuts 4 Kids (which I highly recommend!), loaded us into the car, and took Maddie to get her first hair cut. The stylist started up a Wubbzy movie, popped Maddie into the firetruck salon chair, and put the cape over Mad's shoulders ~ which was right about the time that I reached for my camera and realized I had forgotten it at home! DOOHHH!!! Pregnant-Brain strikes again!! I managed not to cry (I am still irritated that I forgot it) and watched in amazement as my otherwise fidgety pumpkin sat still to let a complete stranger cut her hair. She even got mad when we had to leave. I am so proud of her and am in love with her new hair-do.

Mommy's Little Helper

2010-03-07T10:48:00.000-08:00

My helper, trying on mommy's shoes while I was packing up clothes.

Trying on a white pair. She said she found "The perfect shoes".

Not so perfect to walk in...

Helping to box up most of her millions of toys. And lookin' cute :)

We've got most of the house packed already. I figure that, even though we don't move until May, I'll be 37 weeks pregnant and huge by then so I may as well do as much as I can now!

"Moving" Right Along...

2010-03-04T11:32:00.000-08:00

28 weeks today! Only 75 days left until Calum is born (unless he makes mommy go into labor early). He is getting awfully rambunctious, kicking and squirming until it is excruciatingly painful. Bending over is nearly impossible now and I'm thinking of duct-taping my razor onto the end of a back scratcher because shaving my legs is getting really difficult. I've been getting leg cramps and am having trouble sleeping, but it's all part of this crazy ride. I haven't had any swelling (yet), so I am thankful that I haven't had to go buy any new shoes this time (did I just say that??). So, other than all the normal discomforts, all is well in preggoland.

Maddie also has news of her own: she pee-peed in her potty TWICE yesterday! She even asked to try on her potty. Of course, the rest of the day when I'd ask if she wanted to try she'd say, "No, Fank you." But I'm fine with that; at least she is showing some interest finally. She was so happy that she got to use her own toilet paper and flush! She's been doing well after a few weeks worth of being sick. She is starting to act like one of those moody two-year olds, however, and it is testing my patience. She even ripped her hand out of mine the other day and took off into a busy parking lot. Even the ladies that were parked next to me got out of their car to scold her. I have cried over it for the last two nights, terrified that it will happen again. She just does not want to listen. I know it's a normal phase, but I am ready for it to be over. Or at least for her to be old enough to understand that some behavior is dangerous. I can handle her talking back to me or rolling her eyes, but this other stuff drives me insane. And spanking her doesn't bother her a bit. She just laughs or growls and runs off. What's a mom to do?

On a fun note, WE ARE MOVING! No more power lines, no more stairs, no more mess everywhere, no more $400 electric bills all summer long, and no more scary things that seem to be hanging out in this awful house. We're moving into a big apartment for a year or so until we find a one-story home that we both love. I'm so excited to get out of here that I don't even care that our move-in date is two weeks before my c-section day! Our new place was even a huge hit with Maddie, who asks about going to our "New abarpment" a few times a day. She seemed to have picked out her own room, which just happens to be the larger of the two kids rooms. It really is a great place. It's on the first floor with a big patio for some outdoor toys, it's almost 1500 square feet, it has three bedrooms & two baths, soft carpet, tile in the foyer, and faux wood in the kitchen and bathrooms. It's a brand new building so all the cabinets and things are nice and modern. It has storage galore, so I can keep all of our cleaners and other hazardous things up out of the kids' reach. I can't wait to get in and take pictures! Of course, I don't know how much decorating I'll be able to do with a belly about ready to pop, but I'm not worried about it. I do have the fun job of packing but again, I am so happy that I'm not even complaining about that. After all, I have a helper. Or rather she starts off as a helper and ends up just doing her own thing. Here she is, caught red handed, unsorting clothes and rolling in them.

I'll keep you all updated on everything!

27 Weeks

2010-02-25T12:56:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to announce that I have officially reached trimester #3 today! I celebrated by having my doctor visit and drinking a nice, tall glass of...Glucola. After fasting, of course ~ even better. If you've never had the pleasure of Glucose Tolerance Testing, go get some cold club soda and mix it with straight corn syrup; about 1 part soda to two parts syrup. Drink two cups of this concoction on an empty stomach as quickly as you can. It was very yucky, but necessary. They'll check my blood for gestational diabetes and I'll know my results by next week. I also graduated from monthly check-ups to seeing Dr. Le every other week. I remember with Maddie that getting to the every-two-week phase made the time go a little faster. I don't want it to go by too fast, though. Like I told Auntie A: once baby arrives, all those little (and/or big, painful) kicks and movements will be missed. I absolutely love being pregnant. For every movement that daddy and Maddie get to feel, there are hundreds more that are just mine. Like hiccups that wake me in the middle of the night or a soft nuzzle against my hand when I touch my growing belly. It's like a wonderful, beautiful secret meant just for me.

Just the same, I am ready for May to be here. I can't wait to see Calum's sweet face and discover his little personality. I am excited (and, truth be told, nervous) for Maddie to meet her little brother. To watch daddy hold his son. I am ready to feel his little hand wrapped around my finger, to rock him and cuddle him. I am looking forward to having two of the greatest kids on the planet to love and cherish for a lifetime. I am also looking forward to, one day, getting back into my skinny jeans and being able to exercise. But that's a whole other blog...

Sweet Princess

2010-02-23T10:54:00.000-08:00

(Blogger won't let me move this picture down; it's supposed to be under the "pizza-eating" part)

Princess in the mirror!

What a fun week we've been having ~ and it's only Tuesday! Monday was HEB day, where we found sparkle headbands and got to try some yogurt-covered raisins (only slightly healthier than her beloved chocolate kind). Then, we made a trip to DSW, mommies favorite shoe store. After seeing lots of what Maddie's called, "Wacky Shoes", we found a pair that I love for a decent price. We noticed that our tummies were getting grumbly, so I introduced her to CiCi's pizza buffet. It was a hit; she especially enjoyed the brownies. We played in the arcade long enough for me to win her a golden bracelet and cried when it was time to leave. To divert her attention, I found two little dandelions that were seeded and ready to be blown into the wind! I wish I had a picture of that because she really thought it was neat to blow all the little fuzzies away. We made a quick stop at the baby store (pacifiers were on sale!) and had a super fun bath before going to sleep.

This morning, we woke up bright and early to get ready for The Little Gym! So, after taking forever to drink her milk and eat breakfast, after deciding that she wanted to play instead of get ready, after having to find new outfits for the two of us because the ones I washed didn't dry on time, we made it to class and were only 3 minutes late. We had lots of fun climbing and exploring, and we made a new friend! We'll call her "Girl" for privacy purposes ~ and because that's what Maddie calls her. Girl is really sweet, likes cats and everything Disney, and is only a few days older than Maddie. She even gave Maddie a hug and a kiss just because she felt like it. Talk about cute! The class is only once a week, but hopefully we can make some play dates. The two of them got along nicely and her mom and I have so much in common that we could be twins.

That's been our week so far and I had to share it with ya. Fun, friends, shoes, and pizza...after being sick and teething painful molars, it's nice to have a good time.

Time To Slow Down

2010-02-18T20:11:00.001-08:00

Another one of those crazy days, I tell you.

It started out great ~ I even got one of those rare, of-her-own-volition, Maddie kisses first thing in the morning. Then, around 10am, I started getting some serious cramps. Then Braxton-Hick's contractions. Throw in some pelvic pressure and a back ache and you've got a full-on panic. So I call the doctor and, it figures, they are all in a meeting. They should be out in 10-15 minutes, but the answering service can take a message. After waiting 45 more excruciating minutes, I call again and am told to just come in. So we rush over, only to find out that Dr. Le had to run to the hospital to do a delivery. Two hours and one fussy child later, I am given good news but am still in pain. It took two nurses to get Calum's heart rate and, when I say two, I mean one had to literally hold him down in my belly to get him to stay still long enough for them to get a count. Maddie said, "Those doctor's are listening to baby Calum?" Ahh, my sweet little comic relief. Then, as Dr. Le checked me to make sure I wasn't dilating, she said, "Doctor make my mommy feel better." Only, I felt worse. As soon as I laid down, I guess our little Karate Kid kicked me straight in the spine. I know women can get broken ribs from their tiny, kicking passengers, but I never expected a wallop like that! I have spent the rest of the day hunched over, walking as slow as a turtle. Between the pain in my lower back and the intense pelvic pain I'm having, I can barely roll over let alone get up. It's just as well, because Dr. Le asked me to make sure I really take it easy from now on. No bed rest or anything, but not to lift things or do strenuous activity (does laundry count?). I don't know if Little Man is just laying in all the painful spots today and is being really feisty or what, but I do know that I cried in relief when the good doctor said everything looks normal. I think I shed a few tears, as well, for the fact that I could now take Maddie home and stop telling a bored two-year old to sit still...and quit touching stuff. It was funny that you could tell which of the patients in the waiting room were parents and which were not. The people with kids laughed and looked at me with understanding and sympathy (one mother of four even gave Maddie a bracelet for attempting to sit still). The non-parents gave me dirty looks. Anyhow, it all ended on a good note. I'm still having all the same discomfort ~ plus the joy of a bruised spine ~ but I'm hoping some good rest will help me feel better in the morning. I did take advantage of my sorry state and snuggled down with Maddie to watch Bambi. She actually watched most of the movie and really seemed to like it! She laughed at Thumper (I had totally forgotten how cute he was) and got a kick out of the old owl. It was fun, the two of us cuddled up on the floor in front of the TV.

That was my day. Please pray that the pain stops and that our tiny boy stays healthy and stays put for the next 89 days!

Taking a break in the waiting room to eat some cheese crackers. All that

running around makes ya hungry!

25 Weeks, 5 Days

2010-02-16T12:25:00.000-08:00

The Play Place...

2010-02-15T17:10:00.000-08:00

Her new Big Girl room? Nah. The huge playroom downstairs? No can do. Brother's room, however...now THAT'S FUN!

La chambre de bébé

2010-02-12T19:47:00.000-08:00

Walking into the nursery. Note that this was the last picture taken ~ one of the planes crash landed onto the chair after I was fidgeting with it to get a better photo angle.

The dresser-changer combo and rocker-recliner (a.k.a. the best chair ever made).

Animal lamp detail.

Crib and shelving. There's the blankie I was making...still unfinished.

I am in love with the old wooden cars! And the tiny choo-choo baseball cap is adorable!!

Wooden planes!

Awesome shoes from MoMo & Grampa.

Wall animals just for fun.

Teddy mobile, an eBay steal.

The "Coming Home" outfit. Of course, I'll pack ten (or more) alternates just in case it's too hot/cold/windy/rainy/snowy/etc outside.

Closet full of clothes, diapers, a whale tub, and two Boppies that I need covers for (they were Maddie's when she was a baby).

And that concludes this tour.

Unless I decide to add more stuff (which has been my M.O. all week).

Now, on to cleaning the rest of the house...

Gym Time!

2010-02-11T12:37:00.000-08:00

Today was Maddie's trial visit to The Little Gym and it was great! She woke up about two hours earlier than usual so she was overtired, but she had a lot of fun. She is officially signed up for a Tuesday morning class from now through June. Her ballet class was fun, but we're going to wait until she's old enough to enroll her in a nicer school closer to home. $80 in tutus down the drain (not to mention the $105 we paid for her to catch RSV ~ err, I mean paid for ballet tuition). Maybe I can sell them on eBay?

Anyhow, I wish I could take photos of her walking the balance beam or swinging like a monkey from the uneven bars, but it's a parent/child class. Looks like I will be getting some [much needed] exercise, too!

Smartie (PJ) Pants

2010-02-10T04:20:00.000-08:00

Genius??? Perhaps...

The cutest monkey PJ's ever made are also the coziest. And some Elmo apple juice? Perfecto. The only thing needed to top off the morning is some Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on the TV.

Daddy and Maddie time; I love-love this picture ~ and the people in it!

Beautiful Boy

2010-02-08T16:03:00.000-08:00

Sweet little man!

Yawning and so sleepy.

Playing with his fingers. There aren't too many things to play with in there.

Doing "Eensy Weensy Spider" for the camera!

Squished up in there with both hands and both feet in his face.

Getting sleepy and sucking on his wrist. How CUTE is that?!?!

Final picture before he turned over and snuggled into mommy's womb. He fell asleep and wouldn't turn back over.

Well, I keep trying to add a video clip, but Blogger keeps saying there's an error and won't upload it. Maybe I can stick it up on youtube later...let me try to figure it out and I'll post the link if I can get it situated.

24 Weeks, 1 Day

2010-02-05T13:37:00.000-08:00

Ok. Around this time, I am starting to wonder, "Is it really possible that I can get any bigger?" TUMS are my bedtime snack, even if I don't eat before I lay down. I am getting full much sooner, so I'm not eating very much to begin with. Brother is hanging out much higher than Maddie did and I have had several episodes where it is really difficult to breathe. Again, I don't know how I can possibly get any bigger...

***

Work on the nursery is in full-swing. It's mostly done, but I'm adding some finishing touches here and there. I bought little wooden letters for Brother's name and some tiny wooden toys to paint (well, when I say 'toys', I mean little trinkets that will sit on his shelf until he's big enough to play with them). I now have so many little clothes that I need to get some dividers to put up in the closet so I know what size is where. We still need some of the big stuff, but since I probably won't have a shower this time around, I'm assuming that we'll just end up sticking him in Maddie's old pink butterfly swing and pink bouncer. Boooo for that, but we just can't afford to go buy the ones that won't make him look like a sissy. Daddy said to just not take any pictures of him while he's in the girly stuff. Booo, I say. Boooo.

***

Other than that, I'm feeling ok. I'm starting to feel slow with things as I approach the 3rd trimester. It's starting to get difficult falling asleep and I'm waking up in the middle of the night, laying there for an hour or two at a time until I finally zonk out again. I can also feel myself beginning to waddle which is a sorry sight. All in all, I really can't complain (but I'm a pregnant lady, so I'm sure I will find stuff to whine about ~ just blame it on the hormones). My 3D scan is on Monday so I will post a new blog then, hopefully with some great photos!

***

By the way, I know that the "***" I've put in to separate paragraphs is kinda goofy, but Blogger never spaces them ~ just crams everything together (at least that's what shows up on my computer). It really bothers me when I go back and look at my blogs, so for my own OCD tendencies, I have placed the asterisks. It also gets on my nerves when it won't space my photographs equally apart, but I can't figure out a way to fix it. Is this just my computer, or do the rest of you see this as well??

Maddie Speak: Three Mini-Moments

2010-02-04T12:37:00.000-08:00

Maddie: "Mommy, can I play Maddie's piano?"
Me: "Of course! Go ahead and play, baby."
[Maddie falls down while playing]
Maddie: "I guess I can't play after all."
***
Me: "Maddie, you wanna feel Brother kicking?"
Maddie: [emphatic] "No!". She puts her hand on my belly anyway.
Brother: Big KICK!
Maddie: Cries and runs away.
***
Maddie: [while taking her temperature] "Mommy, that fermometer isn't in Maddie's butt."
Me: "No, baby, it's in your armpit."
[No fever, so it's my turn to take my temp. I lift my shirt up a bit and pop the thermometer under my arm.]
Maddie: [pinches my breast] "I really like your boobies, mommy!"
***
I wish I had a camera rolling all the time. I hope I never forget these little moments...

Morning Thinks

2010-02-03T08:20:00.001-08:00

Fifteen weeks from this moment, I will be preparing to have my c-section and to meet our little guy. Fifteen weeks from this day, I will be a mother of two children; we will grow into a family of four. Those are the thoughts I woke up with this morning and I think it is absolutely amazing.

Apples To Apples

2010-01-28T11:19:00.000-08:00

Just to quickly compare, this is today's scan of brother at 23wks...

...and this is Maddie's scan at roughly the same age.

Week No.23

2010-01-28T10:04:00.000-08:00

Brother's face is on the left side. Peek-A-Boo!! He's looking at you!!

Brother's profile, looking a lot like Maddie did with his hand up next to his head.

Very much a BOY! :)

Today was my 23-week exam and everything went great! Brother's heart rate was 151 and he kept scooting away from the doppler. I've only gained 3lbs this month, which is a whole pound less than what I should have gained so YAY! I let Dr. Le know that a. Dr. Gei's tech gave me really bad ultrasound photos so I am going to get a private scan done and, b. his own office staff never called me back to get my H1N1 vaccine, so I had to get it on my own and pay out-of-pocket for it. Those two minor complaints earned me an ultrasound (hence the above photos). Brother looks great and was on the move. It is hard to capture it on 2-dimensional photos, but his little cheeks are already chubby. I'm going on February 8th to get a 3D/4D scan done, so it will be clear to see. The 3D scan gives you 3-dimensional pictures and the 4D (or 'real-time') part is actually video of baby's movements. Anyhow, the session is on special for the month ~ it was $179 and is now $99 ~ so I'd like to have it done. Especially after the poo-poo pictures that I got at Dr. Gei's office. My next check up is on February 25th, when I get to endure my GTT. Glucola is disgusting, guys. It is especially nasty while fasting.

The best part of the visit is that I am scheduled for my c-section! I know when Brother's birthday will be! How crazy is that?? Unless, of course, he decides that he wants to come sooner. For now, his birth is scheduled for:

May 19th, 2010 at 12:30pm.