Today is our six-year wedding anniversary. Kids seemed so far off six years ago! Now we're a few weeks away from having two... I remember thinking/wondering when we got married how the whole children thing would play out. What would we have first? What combination would we end up with when we were finished? Girls? Boys? Two of one and one of the other? What would their names be? I now know the answer to 2/3 of that puzzle... and I couldn't be happier with how things have turned out.
Even better? Turns out I married a man who is an AMAZING father... :) (he's an amazing husband too, but seeing as this is Ben's blog... I figured I'd stick to the daddy thing) ;)
We're dropping Benjamin off with my inlaws tonight so we can go out to dinner and celebrate. The rest of the day, the three of us have spent together playing and hanging out. Seemed the right thing to do this year... low-key and quiet... maybe we'll actually go away alone together next year? :) At that point I will have left Benjamin overnight at least once, so maybe I'll be okay with it... ;)
If you've never watched our little wedding video, here's a link. I think it captures us pretty well. ;)
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Friday, March 30, 2007
Three-Year Doctor Visit...
Pretty uneventful three-year visit...
29-1/2 pounds and 35-3/4 inches tall. (25th and 10th percentile -- once a peanut, always a peanut)
No shots. One healthy kiddo. Everything's on track. :) Left with a prescription for Zyrtec for his seasonal allergies which is why he has been so tired and spacey lately.
Tired mommy. Zzz...
29-1/2 pounds and 35-3/4 inches tall. (25th and 10th percentile -- once a peanut, always a peanut)
No shots. One healthy kiddo. Everything's on track. :) Left with a prescription for Zyrtec for his seasonal allergies which is why he has been so tired and spacey lately.
Tired mommy. Zzz...
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Ah HA...
Though in a better mood today, Ben is still not himself.
His Gymboree teacher came out during class to ask me what was up with him... she said he was like a deer in the headlights. He really was... he's been quiet and kinda out of it ALL day. So we came home after and I went upstairs to get his froggie and binkie. He immediately fell into my arms and rested his head on my shoulder. (aww!!)
I laid down on the couch with him and he was out within ten minutes. It's been an hour and he's still sleeping. Poor little guy. I know he was overtired. He was up late the night before last and didn't sleep well last night, so I guess it just caught up with him. I'm relieved he finally passed out... I'm hoping the nap will bring cheerful, energetic Benjamin back!
His Gymboree teacher came out during class to ask me what was up with him... she said he was like a deer in the headlights. He really was... he's been quiet and kinda out of it ALL day. So we came home after and I went upstairs to get his froggie and binkie. He immediately fell into my arms and rested his head on my shoulder. (aww!!)
I laid down on the couch with him and he was out within ten minutes. It's been an hour and he's still sleeping. Poor little guy. I know he was overtired. He was up late the night before last and didn't sleep well last night, so I guess it just caught up with him. I'm relieved he finally passed out... I'm hoping the nap will bring cheerful, energetic Benjamin back!
Pod-Person Kinda Day...
Ben was just not himself yesterday... he woke up in a bad mood. He had some kind of crying fit almost immediately over something I can't even remember. But eventually he asked to lay down on the couch with his froggie, so I'm thinking he was tired.
The rest of the day went kind of like that. He really should have taken a nap, but I don't even SUGGEST that anymore unless he does. Good grief.
He even wet his pants yesterday, which he hasn't done since we first started potty training.
Then, to top it off, he was playing outside yesterday afternoon and he actually ASKED to go inside. Needless to say, he was in bed and asleep by 7:30 last night. I sure hope he's nice and reset today! Poor little guy! He does have a cough, but I'm chalking it up to allergies because we've had all the windows open for the last few days and he doesn't seem sick otherwise. He has his 3-year physical on Friday, so we'll see... I'm sure there is another season of Zyrtec on the horizon. ;)
The rest of the day went kind of like that. He really should have taken a nap, but I don't even SUGGEST that anymore unless he does. Good grief.
He even wet his pants yesterday, which he hasn't done since we first started potty training.
Then, to top it off, he was playing outside yesterday afternoon and he actually ASKED to go inside. Needless to say, he was in bed and asleep by 7:30 last night. I sure hope he's nice and reset today! Poor little guy! He does have a cough, but I'm chalking it up to allergies because we've had all the windows open for the last few days and he doesn't seem sick otherwise. He has his 3-year physical on Friday, so we'll see... I'm sure there is another season of Zyrtec on the horizon. ;)
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Not Much to Blog About...
So I'll leave with this photo which I have titled: "Trouble" ;)
I tried to cut his bangs the other day and he was less than cooperative... hence the crooked look. It's all the rage, don't you know?
Here's another one where he was trying to hold up three fingers. Though he tried really hard, it apparently requires a certain dexterity he doesn't yet have.
I tried to cut his bangs the other day and he was less than cooperative... hence the crooked look. It's all the rage, don't you know?
Here's another one where he was trying to hold up three fingers. Though he tried really hard, it apparently requires a certain dexterity he doesn't yet have.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Freeloaders...
So I'm a big fan of Freecycle. It has helped me purge many of the annoying contents of my storage closets. I'm grateful that there are people out there who want my junk. But here's the thing...
IT'S FREE.
Given this fact, you would NOT believe some of the emails I get when I post offers on Freecycle. For example...
*People who want me to CALL them ("don't reply via email, I can't check it after 4:30") Um NO. Part of the beauty of Freecycle is that I don't have to talk to the freaky freeloaders. I email, they email, I put stuff on the porch, they come take it. Anyone who asks me to call them automatically does not get a response.
*People who want to just "come see" the item. Again, no. I want it gone and I want it gone now. That's why I'm giving it away. You may not come SHOPPING at my house, thank you very much. DELETE.
* People who want to pick and choose when I'm giving away multiple of something. For instance, yesterday, I posted that I was giving away a box of "random miscellaenous cd's". I purposely didn't itemize them (I did list what genres might be in the box) because I just wanted someone to come take the whole box. Of course, I got people actually asking for specific cd's/artists... and people who only wanted to come and take specific categories of music. NO... all or nothing. DELETE.
* People who want me to DELIVER the item? Are you freakin' kidding me?
Yes... the Freecycle bunch, they are a unique brand of people. But again, I can't criticize them too much because they always come through for me when I want to clean out my laundry room.
IT'S FREE.
Given this fact, you would NOT believe some of the emails I get when I post offers on Freecycle. For example...
*People who want me to CALL them ("don't reply via email, I can't check it after 4:30") Um NO. Part of the beauty of Freecycle is that I don't have to talk to the freaky freeloaders. I email, they email, I put stuff on the porch, they come take it. Anyone who asks me to call them automatically does not get a response.
*People who want to just "come see" the item. Again, no. I want it gone and I want it gone now. That's why I'm giving it away. You may not come SHOPPING at my house, thank you very much. DELETE.
* People who want to pick and choose when I'm giving away multiple of something. For instance, yesterday, I posted that I was giving away a box of "random miscellaenous cd's". I purposely didn't itemize them (I did list what genres might be in the box) because I just wanted someone to come take the whole box. Of course, I got people actually asking for specific cd's/artists... and people who only wanted to come and take specific categories of music. NO... all or nothing. DELETE.
* People who want me to DELIVER the item? Are you freakin' kidding me?
Yes... the Freecycle bunch, they are a unique brand of people. But again, I can't criticize them too much because they always come through for me when I want to clean out my laundry room.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Anti-social Day...
As per usual after a busy weekend like this last one was, I am spending today in social hibernation. (all you extraverts are reading this and are like, "Huh?!") Ben is just quietly playing and I've been doing laundry, Freecycling junk out of my laundry room and just generally laying low. It's 1:30 and both of us are still in our pj's. ;)
Also getting some things done on the nesting front... I got out the bassinet and am washing the bedding. I also put the mattress pad and sheet in Too's crib. I'm trying to space out what I have left to do so I leave something for those last few really annoying weeks. I still have to get the infant seat out of the attic and install it and dig out some of the other baby things out of there too... floor playmat, swing, bouncy seat... yada yada. My attic is going to seem spacious again for awhile!
Also getting some things done on the nesting front... I got out the bassinet and am washing the bedding. I also put the mattress pad and sheet in Too's crib. I'm trying to space out what I have left to do so I leave something for those last few really annoying weeks. I still have to get the infant seat out of the attic and install it and dig out some of the other baby things out of there too... floor playmat, swing, bouncy seat... yada yada. My attic is going to seem spacious again for awhile!
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Birthday Bonanza Finale!
Benjamin's party at Port Discovery was this afternoon... I think the kids all had fun, but frankly, Port Discovery's birthday services leave much to be desired. But... doesn't matter now. Just heed that warning if you are thinking of doing a party there.
The Yoda cake (it sustained some damage during transport... and during the party) ;)
Blowing out the big 3
Trey was a cake fan!
Hannah and Luke
Crawling through the maze with daddy
Fingerpainting
Ben, John and Elise listening intently to the fingerpainting lesson (haha)
Conner wants to know when the fingerpainting is actually going to start... good question! It's taking forever!
Ryan has a green hand!
Six kids under four sitting quietly in a circle... look fast!
Five minutes into the ride home...
The Yoda cake (it sustained some damage during transport... and during the party) ;)
Blowing out the big 3
Trey was a cake fan!
Hannah and Luke
Crawling through the maze with daddy
Fingerpainting
Ben, John and Elise listening intently to the fingerpainting lesson (haha)
Conner wants to know when the fingerpainting is actually going to start... good question! It's taking forever!
Ryan has a green hand!
Six kids under four sitting quietly in a circle... look fast!
Five minutes into the ride home...
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Birthday, Day 2...
First we visited Grandmom, Poppy, Aunt Debbie and Uncle Brandon... Aunt Debbie gave him a Darth Vader costume. In case you didn't assume, it was a HUGE hit. He looks like midget Vader....
Then... back at home, we gave him OUR present...
It's a new bike! :)
He's about a half inch from actually being able to pedal... d'oh!
That's okay... daddy can push! :)
Then... back at home, we gave him OUR present...
It's a new bike! :)
He's about a half inch from actually being able to pedal... d'oh!
That's okay... daddy can push! :)
Happy 3rd Birthday!
Happy 3rd birthday to my baby big boy! (cry!!!)
Pictures and details coming later. Last night we had dinner and cupcakes at Nanny and Pap's, today, we're going to pick out his bike (figures it's going to rain all day!) and tomorrow is his big party! :)
Pictures and details coming later. Last night we had dinner and cupcakes at Nanny and Pap's, today, we're going to pick out his bike (figures it's going to rain all day!) and tomorrow is his big party! :)
Friday, March 23, 2007
Obi Benjamin Kenobi... Jedi Knight.
My parents gave Benjamin a Star Wars Jedi robe for his birthday... he hasn't taken it off since he opened it...
The Fun Continues!
** update **
Okay okay I called the doctor. SHEESH. (I was being harassed on all sides to do so). She wasn't in yet, but I got her nurse. Though she offered quite a bit of sympathy, topped off with a nice helping of words like "sweetie" and "awwww!", she said the only thing I really can do is take Tylenol for the pain and give it time to heal. She did say I could call back at 1 when the doctor is in. I'm not optimistic she'll have anything more interesting to tell me. And by the way, have I mentioned that Tylenol is SUCH the joke of pregnancy? It's practically worthless... though better than nothing, I suppose. I'm just grateful I'm not 37 weeks pregnant and due to PUSH anytime soon.
Also, yeah, I'll be getting the helmet for the tricycle. ;) Good points... good points...
---------------------
So it appears (though this has not yet been medically confirmed) that I didn't throw my back out, I cracked a rib. Truly, it just keeps getting better!
It was feeling okay yesterday, hurt like crazy in certain positions that I quickly learned to avoid, but for the most part I was able to go about life. Then, sometime last night while sleeping, I made it worse... from about 3a.m. - 7:30 a.m. I couldn't take a deep breath. Then I got out of bed and realized that walking in my normal pregnancy walk with my stomach way out and my back arched makes it feel better. Yeah, amusing, huh? So I'll be doing a lot of waddling today...
In other news, today is Benjamin's last day as a two-year-old! We're going to Mommy and Me this morning for awhile and then out to lunch at Red Robin with my mom to celebrate. :) At some point in there, I have to stop at Target to pick up his birthday present. I'd love to give it to him today since we'll probably be outside this afternoon and he could use it... but Tom would be disappointed he didn't get to see him open it. So tomorrow it is. ;) Here's a question for you.... do you get a kid a bike helmet for a tricycle? I'm leaning toward no... but then again, he'd probably love it and imagine it to be some cool Star Wars thing...
Okay okay I called the doctor. SHEESH. (I was being harassed on all sides to do so). She wasn't in yet, but I got her nurse. Though she offered quite a bit of sympathy, topped off with a nice helping of words like "sweetie" and "awwww!", she said the only thing I really can do is take Tylenol for the pain and give it time to heal. She did say I could call back at 1 when the doctor is in. I'm not optimistic she'll have anything more interesting to tell me. And by the way, have I mentioned that Tylenol is SUCH the joke of pregnancy? It's practically worthless... though better than nothing, I suppose. I'm just grateful I'm not 37 weeks pregnant and due to PUSH anytime soon.
Also, yeah, I'll be getting the helmet for the tricycle. ;) Good points... good points...
---------------------
So it appears (though this has not yet been medically confirmed) that I didn't throw my back out, I cracked a rib. Truly, it just keeps getting better!
It was feeling okay yesterday, hurt like crazy in certain positions that I quickly learned to avoid, but for the most part I was able to go about life. Then, sometime last night while sleeping, I made it worse... from about 3a.m. - 7:30 a.m. I couldn't take a deep breath. Then I got out of bed and realized that walking in my normal pregnancy walk with my stomach way out and my back arched makes it feel better. Yeah, amusing, huh? So I'll be doing a lot of waddling today...
In other news, today is Benjamin's last day as a two-year-old! We're going to Mommy and Me this morning for awhile and then out to lunch at Red Robin with my mom to celebrate. :) At some point in there, I have to stop at Target to pick up his birthday present. I'd love to give it to him today since we'll probably be outside this afternoon and he could use it... but Tom would be disappointed he didn't get to see him open it. So tomorrow it is. ;) Here's a question for you.... do you get a kid a bike helmet for a tricycle? I'm leaning toward no... but then again, he'd probably love it and imagine it to be some cool Star Wars thing...
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Pregnancy Kicks My Butt...
Threw my back out puking about an hour or two ago. (the usual pregnancy nonsense, not a stomach virus). Can you believe this? Because I can't. I'm currently laying very still on the sofa with the heating pad, my laptop and the phone. Ben is content watching Star Wars and playing on the floor with his action figures. Thankfully, he was recently fed, watered and pottied. Sent an S.O.S. email to the husband... hope he can leave soon! I am able to get up (very slowly and painfully) when I absolutely need to, so Ben isn't completely left to his own devices.
This is another one of those days where I am thinking maybe two pregnancies is quite enough, thanks.
This is another one of those days where I am thinking maybe two pregnancies is quite enough, thanks.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Birthday Weekend Bonanza...
What a crazy, busy weekend!
Friday, Benjamin's Aunt Debbie came over to play while my mom took me out to lunch. We went to this cool little place and had high tea. It was really yummy and fun! :) They brought me cake in a teacup that I got to keep!
Saturday afternoon I had my 3D ultrasound. Benjamin was SO cute during it... he even talked to the baby. "Hi baby!! What are you doing in there?" Adorable!
Saturday NIGHT, Ben hung out with my inlaws and Tom took me out for birthday dinner at The Melting Pot. Gah. I love that place. It's dangerous. I just want to jump into the pot of cheese and/or chocolate and swim around. I managed to control myself though and eat just enough that I enjoyed it, but not so much that I lost it to the pregnancy sqished-stomach pukies later. ;) I also got my birthday present, which was a really cool stereo/cd player/IPod dock for the living room. Tom also did a lot of work on the bathroom, trying to install the new faucet. It's ALMOST in. ;) Maybe tonight!
Yesterday, we went out to our friends Jen and Josh's new house for Luke's 2nd birthday! It was boys boys boys galore and Benjamin had a blast. Luke was adorable... he's obsessed with "Cars" right now, so everything was a Cars theme. I told Jenn (who is pregnant and due the first week of July) I hope he jumps onto Star Wars because the boys can have light saber battles this summer at my aunt's pool while we busy ourselves taking care of the new babies!
Last night, we went to my inlaws' house for a combination St. Patty's day dinner one day late and my birthday. Ben had a blast playing with his uncles and my mother in law made YUMMY chocolate pudding for dessert in my honor. I ate mine AND most of Ben's. Yeah. I regretted that later (paid for it with puking and subsequent all night heartburn) but it was SO SO SO good going down. ;)
So yeah, that's why there has been no blogging this weekend. Tres busy! Today I'm hoping to spend catching up around the house and trying to take a nap. I caught a little cold from Benjamin plus I was up almost all night... so it's going to be a LONG day. Wish me luck!
Next weekend is BEN'S birthday bonanza!
Friday, Benjamin's Aunt Debbie came over to play while my mom took me out to lunch. We went to this cool little place and had high tea. It was really yummy and fun! :) They brought me cake in a teacup that I got to keep!
Saturday afternoon I had my 3D ultrasound. Benjamin was SO cute during it... he even talked to the baby. "Hi baby!! What are you doing in there?" Adorable!
Saturday NIGHT, Ben hung out with my inlaws and Tom took me out for birthday dinner at The Melting Pot. Gah. I love that place. It's dangerous. I just want to jump into the pot of cheese and/or chocolate and swim around. I managed to control myself though and eat just enough that I enjoyed it, but not so much that I lost it to the pregnancy sqished-stomach pukies later. ;) I also got my birthday present, which was a really cool stereo/cd player/IPod dock for the living room. Tom also did a lot of work on the bathroom, trying to install the new faucet. It's ALMOST in. ;) Maybe tonight!
Yesterday, we went out to our friends Jen and Josh's new house for Luke's 2nd birthday! It was boys boys boys galore and Benjamin had a blast. Luke was adorable... he's obsessed with "Cars" right now, so everything was a Cars theme. I told Jenn (who is pregnant and due the first week of July) I hope he jumps onto Star Wars because the boys can have light saber battles this summer at my aunt's pool while we busy ourselves taking care of the new babies!
Last night, we went to my inlaws' house for a combination St. Patty's day dinner one day late and my birthday. Ben had a blast playing with his uncles and my mother in law made YUMMY chocolate pudding for dessert in my honor. I ate mine AND most of Ben's. Yeah. I regretted that later (paid for it with puking and subsequent all night heartburn) but it was SO SO SO good going down. ;)
So yeah, that's why there has been no blogging this weekend. Tres busy! Today I'm hoping to spend catching up around the house and trying to take a nap. I caught a little cold from Benjamin plus I was up almost all night... so it's going to be a LONG day. Wish me luck!
Next weekend is BEN'S birthday bonanza!
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Friday, March 16, 2007
Good Stuff to Pass Along!
I found this on another blog I read! Sounds like a great deal for those of us purchasing diapers and various other baby items on a regular basis. (the deal doesn't currently include formula... but that's okay because Amazon's formula prices are not exactly competitive, in fact, they stink)
Go check it out!
Go check it out!
Ah... The Pitter Patter of Raindrops on Drywall at 7:30a.m....
Or: "My Husband (and his father) Said, "The Roof Isn't Leaking! You're Crazy, Woman!"
(and I said, "But hey, there this big water stain on the ceiling that could only have come from the attic!)
(and he said (paraphrased), "I dunno! Must just be a thing. Let's going ahead and paint over it!")
It's raining today. A lot. I'm sitting in bed and suddenly it dawns on me that the rhythmic cracking/banging sound I'm hearing I initially thought was Ben banging on something or the pipes/walls making the noise they do when hot water runs through them is ACTUALLY drops of rain falling from the roof and hitting my hallway ceiling and the beams in the attic. The very same hallway ceiling I JUST PAID TO HAVE PAINTED. I open the attic door and am immediately greeted by two drops of rain on my face. I say to myself, "Self, that rain should definitely be OUTside, NOT INside!"
And I haven't even had any coffee to make me this alert or logical!
Crapola.
Oh well, at least I got to call my husband at work and play a little "I Told You So!" That's always fun. ;)
And for my birthday present ... (oh yeah, it's my 30th birthday today, had to slip that in there somewhere you know!) ;) he's going to finally call a roofer! Woohoo! I hear there is another present coming too, but frankly, the roofer would have been enough for me... a YEAR AGO WHEN I FIRST BROUGHT IT UP!
Stay tuned for our next episode entitled:
"There's Not Water Coming Through the Dining Room Window. It's Just Your Imagination!"
...followed by other fun installments such as:
"There's No Reason the Fuse in the Kitchen Blows Twice a Day. Let's Ignore It!"
"That Lump Under the Living Room Carpet Isn't Warped Subfloor! It's Just Your Eyes Playing Tricks on You!"
"Our Windows are FINE. It's Just Freezing in Here Because It's so Cold OUTSIDE!"
"We Don't Need to Replace the Gross Tile Around Bathtub. The Water Won't Ever Leak into the Living Room Again!"
(and I said, "But hey, there this big water stain on the ceiling that could only have come from the attic!)
(and he said (paraphrased), "I dunno! Must just be a thing. Let's going ahead and paint over it!")
It's raining today. A lot. I'm sitting in bed and suddenly it dawns on me that the rhythmic cracking/banging sound I'm hearing I initially thought was Ben banging on something or the pipes/walls making the noise they do when hot water runs through them is ACTUALLY drops of rain falling from the roof and hitting my hallway ceiling and the beams in the attic. The very same hallway ceiling I JUST PAID TO HAVE PAINTED. I open the attic door and am immediately greeted by two drops of rain on my face. I say to myself, "Self, that rain should definitely be OUTside, NOT INside!"
And I haven't even had any coffee to make me this alert or logical!
Crapola.
Oh well, at least I got to call my husband at work and play a little "I Told You So!" That's always fun. ;)
And for my birthday present ... (oh yeah, it's my 30th birthday today, had to slip that in there somewhere you know!) ;) he's going to finally call a roofer! Woohoo! I hear there is another present coming too, but frankly, the roofer would have been enough for me... a YEAR AGO WHEN I FIRST BROUGHT IT UP!
Stay tuned for our next episode entitled:
"There's Not Water Coming Through the Dining Room Window. It's Just Your Imagination!"
...followed by other fun installments such as:
"There's No Reason the Fuse in the Kitchen Blows Twice a Day. Let's Ignore It!"
"That Lump Under the Living Room Carpet Isn't Warped Subfloor! It's Just Your Eyes Playing Tricks on You!"
"Our Windows are FINE. It's Just Freezing in Here Because It's so Cold OUTSIDE!"
"We Don't Need to Replace the Gross Tile Around Bathtub. The Water Won't Ever Leak into the Living Room Again!"
Thursday, March 15, 2007
One Question...
Uh... where did the warm go? We came home from Gymboree, Ben in shorts and a tshirt and me in light pants and a tshirt. I opened the door to grab a package and almost got wisked away (okay, not so much, it would take quite a gust to "wisk" me away these days) and it was freezing?! Now I see "wintry mix" in the forecast for tomorrow? This does not please me. No siree.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Bathroom Project Update...
We now have switchplates, the blind is hung and so is the valance, and I also put the new cabinet hardware on. We have hit a snag, however, with the faucet. The old hardware under the sink holding the original faucet in place is so cheap/old/rusted/tight (take your pick) that we haven't been able to remove it yet. Tom got one side off but stripped the nut on the other side so now we are a bit of a loss as to how to get it off. Arrrrrrrrgh.
It doesn't help that there is hardly any room to maneuver under there. My idea was to heat it up with my little candle lighting torch thingy. But we decided that since it's such a small space and we don't know what under there is flammable and what isn't, that might not be such a hot idea. (or it might be a VERY hot idea... heh.. get it?) ;)
I also tried yelling loudly at the faucet, glaring at it, shaking it and pulling on it really hard, but it is a very stubborn fixture.
I'm sure we'll be calling in Tom's dad for assistance at some point soon... we can never seem to finish any house project without help from him!
It doesn't help that there is hardly any room to maneuver under there. My idea was to heat it up with my little candle lighting torch thingy. But we decided that since it's such a small space and we don't know what under there is flammable and what isn't, that might not be such a hot idea. (or it might be a VERY hot idea... heh.. get it?) ;)
I also tried yelling loudly at the faucet, glaring at it, shaking it and pulling on it really hard, but it is a very stubborn fixture.
I'm sure we'll be calling in Tom's dad for assistance at some point soon... we can never seem to finish any house project without help from him!
Free! Free as a Bird!
It was SO pretty out yesterday (and it is again today). We spent a lot of time playing outside. Ben was so incredibly excited to NOT be in the house that every time one of his friends came out to join him, he'd run up to them and give them a hug. I have rarely seen the child so happy. He did the same thing to my mom yesterday and kept saying, "I LOVE you!!!" Too funny. ;)
We'll have to take come pictures today while we're out. The weather is gorgeous... 70's. Short-sleeved shirts! Bikes! Bubbles! Green grass! (well sorta). I think spring is finally here!
We'll have to take come pictures today while we're out. The weather is gorgeous... 70's. Short-sleeved shirts! Bikes! Bubbles! Green grass! (well sorta). I think spring is finally here!
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Cute Big Brother...
I'm sitting here quietly this morning trying not to hurl... Ben is curled up next to me and we're just browsing various peoples' blogs. I went to my sister-in-law's blog and pulled up an ultrasound picture of cousin Sprout. Ben said, "That's baby brother or sister!" I replied, "No... that's baby cousin... Uncle Marc and Aunt Krystyna's baby." "Ohhhh," he said, looking closely at the picture... "Okay, I want to see MY baby. Where is MY baby?" So I had to go pull up one of Too's pictures for him to look at. ;) How cute is that?
Pics!
Way before...
How it has looked since last August... (pink primer! WRONG!!)
Finally red!
Still unfinished though. We have to install the new faucet, medicine cabinet, drawer pulls, blinds, valance, towel bar and toilet paper thingie. But this was the biggest hurdle. Hopefully in the next couple weeks we'll find time to wrap it up and actually make it a usable bathroom again!
How it has looked since last August... (pink primer! WRONG!!)
Finally red!
Still unfinished though. We have to install the new faucet, medicine cabinet, drawer pulls, blinds, valance, towel bar and toilet paper thingie. But this was the biggest hurdle. Hopefully in the next couple weeks we'll find time to wrap it up and actually make it a usable bathroom again!
Monday, March 12, 2007
Painters Still Painting...
... and now they are singing too. Fun! ;)
I haven't seen my bathroom yet because I can't get up the stairs. They are also painting our stairwell, upstaiars hallway and ceiling in the upstairs hallway, so everything is blocked by giant ladders. I'm getting kind of panicky because my Tums and Zantac are up there and it's almost time for Zantac dose #2. Ack.
I haven't seen my bathroom yet because I can't get up the stairs. They are also painting our stairwell, upstaiars hallway and ceiling in the upstairs hallway, so everything is blocked by giant ladders. I'm getting kind of panicky because my Tums and Zantac are up there and it's almost time for Zantac dose #2. Ack.
Potty Training Update...
(warning, there will probably be a lot of blogging today since I'm mostly trapped in my living room)
This whole mostly-potty-trained-child thing is way cooler than I initially gave it credit for. Ben is officially #1 trained and always tells us when he has to go now. We use one diaper a day (for overnights). Do you have any idea how much my wallet is thanking me? ;)
I *think* he's #2 trained too, but seeing as that's like an every other day thing lately, it's hard to say for sure. I'll make that declaration next week sometime. I know he's still a little weirded out by that, but he'll do it for a Star Wars figure... for us at least. I have yet to test the waters with preschool or grandparents with that one. (I put him in a Pullup for preschool "just in case" and it doesn't fall during his usual uh... #2 time so I just don't know what he'll do)
Anyway, it's great. No diapers to change. No bottoms to wipe. I just wash teeny tiny underwear!! Woohoo!
I'm not sure why I'm so excited. In 60-some days I'm going to be right back to changing 8-10 diapers a day... but I'll enjoy my time off in the meantime. ;)
This whole mostly-potty-trained-child thing is way cooler than I initially gave it credit for. Ben is officially #1 trained and always tells us when he has to go now. We use one diaper a day (for overnights). Do you have any idea how much my wallet is thanking me? ;)
I *think* he's #2 trained too, but seeing as that's like an every other day thing lately, it's hard to say for sure. I'll make that declaration next week sometime. I know he's still a little weirded out by that, but he'll do it for a Star Wars figure... for us at least. I have yet to test the waters with preschool or grandparents with that one. (I put him in a Pullup for preschool "just in case" and it doesn't fall during his usual uh... #2 time so I just don't know what he'll do)
Anyway, it's great. No diapers to change. No bottoms to wipe. I just wash teeny tiny underwear!! Woohoo!
I'm not sure why I'm so excited. In 60-some days I'm going to be right back to changing 8-10 diapers a day... but I'll enjoy my time off in the meantime. ;)
My House...
... has been invaded by painters... three of them. This situation always makes me very uncomfortable. Do I offer them drinks? Do I leave them alone?
Ben keeps trying to show them his Star Wars figures. Yeah, he's not shy. ;)
Ben keeps trying to show them his Star Wars figures. Yeah, he's not shy. ;)
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Quick Turnaround... and Getting Ready for Big Brotherdom
Holy schnikeys, the painters called and they are coming TOMORROW. Apparently, there was a cancellation. I'm excited for it to be DONE -- but not particularly excited for having a team of strange men prowling around my upstairs all day tomorrow. Oh well, we will make the best of it. They told me I can just give them a key and come and go all day... so I guess we'll make a trip to Target and Petsmart and various other places to keep ourselves busy and away from the fumes.
We've also picked out our hardwood floors for the first floor (hooray!!) and those guys are coming to measure on Tuesday. I'm hoping to get that done before Too gets here, but judging from how long Home Depot took to install our doors last year, I'm not holding my breath. House projects galore are finally coming to fruition! :)
In Benjamin news, he is starting to really get excited about the baby. He keeps asking when the baby is coming out and he has two books on the topic he's been really into lately:
Mercer Mayer: The New Baby
and
My Baby Brother is a Little Monster
No, neither one of those give anything away about the gender of Too. We're still keeping Ben in the dark along with the rest of the world... the first one is about a baby sister and the second one, a baby brother. :)
After we read the books, we talk about what he wants to teach and show the new baby. So far, most of it is Star Wars related. He especially wants to show the new baby his "Rebel Troopers". (sigh) Daddy was explaining to him today that he'll have to teach the new baby all kinds of things like how to build with blocks, how to color and how to ride a bike. He seemed excited about that, which was really cute. :) I hope he's not too disappointed during the baby's initial "lump" phase. ;)
We've also picked out our hardwood floors for the first floor (hooray!!) and those guys are coming to measure on Tuesday. I'm hoping to get that done before Too gets here, but judging from how long Home Depot took to install our doors last year, I'm not holding my breath. House projects galore are finally coming to fruition! :)
In Benjamin news, he is starting to really get excited about the baby. He keeps asking when the baby is coming out and he has two books on the topic he's been really into lately:
Mercer Mayer: The New Baby
and
My Baby Brother is a Little Monster
No, neither one of those give anything away about the gender of Too. We're still keeping Ben in the dark along with the rest of the world... the first one is about a baby sister and the second one, a baby brother. :)
After we read the books, we talk about what he wants to teach and show the new baby. So far, most of it is Star Wars related. He especially wants to show the new baby his "Rebel Troopers". (sigh) Daddy was explaining to him today that he'll have to teach the new baby all kinds of things like how to build with blocks, how to color and how to ride a bike. He seemed excited about that, which was really cute. :) I hope he's not too disappointed during the baby's initial "lump" phase. ;)
Friday, March 09, 2007
Seeing Red...
You may remember (or not) that I started a bathroom project over the summer. It wasn't going well and I was about to start all over (for the second time) when the whole thing came to a screeching halt with two lines on a pee stick.
I was trying to paint my teeny tiny master bathroom a really pretty shade of red. I knew from other peoples' stories that red was hard to paint with, but figured the room was small enough that it wouldn't be so bad. HAHAHAHAHA... yeah. Okay.
Well, now, I'm ten weeks out from having a baby and I'm tired of looking at my half-finished bathroom. So I called up these guys. The rep came today to take a look at the job and give me an estimate. When I opened the door to the bathroom, he LAUGHED. His exact words were...
"Oh, I LOVE when people try to paint with red because they ALWAYS realize they've gotten themselves in over their heads and call us."
So for the low, low price of... I won't even tell you... (it's not really that expensive, just more than a couple of cans of paint and a roller would be, so I know some of you will mock me. Just trust me that PAINTING WITH RED STINKS just that much)... they are going to sand down the walls, start from scratch and finish the job right.
And the best part? It will be done in the next couple of weeks, BEFORE Baby Too comes home. So I won't have to stare at the half-finished mess at the same time post-partum hormones are raging throughout my body. ;) Tom will tell you it's worth every penny just to not have to deal with that.
YAY! I'm so excited!
I was trying to paint my teeny tiny master bathroom a really pretty shade of red. I knew from other peoples' stories that red was hard to paint with, but figured the room was small enough that it wouldn't be so bad. HAHAHAHAHA... yeah. Okay.
Well, now, I'm ten weeks out from having a baby and I'm tired of looking at my half-finished bathroom. So I called up these guys. The rep came today to take a look at the job and give me an estimate. When I opened the door to the bathroom, he LAUGHED. His exact words were...
"Oh, I LOVE when people try to paint with red because they ALWAYS realize they've gotten themselves in over their heads and call us."
So for the low, low price of... I won't even tell you... (it's not really that expensive, just more than a couple of cans of paint and a roller would be, so I know some of you will mock me. Just trust me that PAINTING WITH RED STINKS just that much)... they are going to sand down the walls, start from scratch and finish the job right.
And the best part? It will be done in the next couple of weeks, BEFORE Baby Too comes home. So I won't have to stare at the half-finished mess at the same time post-partum hormones are raging throughout my body. ;) Tom will tell you it's worth every penny just to not have to deal with that.
YAY! I'm so excited!
Fish Love...
We have an aquarium in our basement. It's sorely overgrown and neglected, although the fish do get fed regularly. It's not really even an eyesore, since we have one of those fish that eats all the algae and whatnot. I just could use the space for other things. Other than the algae eater, there are/were three little tetras living in there too. I wanted to clean it all out, get rid of the big 20-gallon tank, put the four fish in one of those tiny little desk aquariums and put the whole thing in Benjamin's room.
Well, the tetras keep foiling my plan because they just KEEP BREEDING. Everytime I think it's safe to start ripping out the plantlife, I find baby fish. Usually only one or two of them per "batch" make it. But now we're up to SIX tetras where once there were three. I don't have the heart to kill off any pinhead sized baby fish, so when I find one, I always put the project off until they grow up. (and by then there is always another batch)
Apparently, by neglecting our fishtank, we have created the perfect freshwater breeding environment/fish love palace. Who knew?
Well, the tetras keep foiling my plan because they just KEEP BREEDING. Everytime I think it's safe to start ripping out the plantlife, I find baby fish. Usually only one or two of them per "batch" make it. But now we're up to SIX tetras where once there were three. I don't have the heart to kill off any pinhead sized baby fish, so when I find one, I always put the project off until they grow up. (and by then there is always another batch)
Apparently, by neglecting our fishtank, we have created the perfect freshwater breeding environment/fish love palace. Who knew?
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Truly, Life Has Been Boring...
Hence, nothing interesting to write about.
We went to Gymboree yesterday (regular class for a makeup, not preschool). I knew it'd be a small class since most people would be scared off the the snow. There were three little boys. It was blissful. Ben ran in circles for an entire hour, which made both of us happy.
His godmother came over later to play for a couple hours while my mom and I hit the mall. Of course I found a ton of cute NONmaternity clothes, but didn't have the heart to buy them only to have to stare at them for the next 3-4 months until they fit. No thanks. My mom, who CAN wear normal clothes, couldn't find anything to buy either. The trip was not a total bust, however, because I got a pina colada smoothie.
The snow was a big nonevent. I wish it would either NOT snow anymore or snow 20 inches so my husband can't get to work no matter how long he shovels.
OB appointment today... other than that? No excitement to speak of... (yawn)
We went to Gymboree yesterday (regular class for a makeup, not preschool). I knew it'd be a small class since most people would be scared off the the snow. There were three little boys. It was blissful. Ben ran in circles for an entire hour, which made both of us happy.
His godmother came over later to play for a couple hours while my mom and I hit the mall. Of course I found a ton of cute NONmaternity clothes, but didn't have the heart to buy them only to have to stare at them for the next 3-4 months until they fit. No thanks. My mom, who CAN wear normal clothes, couldn't find anything to buy either. The trip was not a total bust, however, because I got a pina colada smoothie.
The snow was a big nonevent. I wish it would either NOT snow anymore or snow 20 inches so my husband can't get to work no matter how long he shovels.
OB appointment today... other than that? No excitement to speak of... (yawn)
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Dear Target...
Putting the maternity department right next to the plus size department is bad enough. But to actually mix the racks together? Now that's just cruel.
Signed,
The Girl with the Belly
p.s. Your selection stinks! Do people actually BUY this stuff?!
Signed,
The Girl with the Belly
p.s. Your selection stinks! Do people actually BUY this stuff?!
The Busy Season...
Remind me not to procreate in the summertime anymore.
You should see my spring calendar pages! (and don't even get me started on April and May)
Take March ALONE. Basically, every day from the 16-31 has something on it, either birthday related for Ben or me, (plus, we have several friends with March birthdays) or for our anniversary.
April? Tom's bday, my brother's birthday and Easter.
May? Tom's brothers' birthdays and a little thing called a due date... SHEESH.
I really need to get started thinking about the details of Benjamin's party. It's booked and the invitations finally went out yesterday. But I haven't ordered a cake or food for the parents or given thought to anything else. I might nix goody bags. Can I do that? Or would that be lame? This is so not like me. I'm usually all over this stuff. In another time, the invites would have gone out two weeks ago! But that time? It has passed... ;) Pregnancy brain and non-napping child are slowly killing my organizational side.
You should see my spring calendar pages! (and don't even get me started on April and May)
Take March ALONE. Basically, every day from the 16-31 has something on it, either birthday related for Ben or me, (plus, we have several friends with March birthdays) or for our anniversary.
April? Tom's bday, my brother's birthday and Easter.
May? Tom's brothers' birthdays and a little thing called a due date... SHEESH.
I really need to get started thinking about the details of Benjamin's party. It's booked and the invitations finally went out yesterday. But I haven't ordered a cake or food for the parents or given thought to anything else. I might nix goody bags. Can I do that? Or would that be lame? This is so not like me. I'm usually all over this stuff. In another time, the invites would have gone out two weeks ago! But that time? It has passed... ;) Pregnancy brain and non-napping child are slowly killing my organizational side.
Monday, March 05, 2007
My Life Revolves Around Someone Else's Potty Habits...
Benjamin really is doing well with the potty training. He has only had the one accident in two weeks. I really wish he'd stop panicking when he has to poop though... he was doing great and then started going back to freaking out and saying he needs a diaper for that.
It's fine with me since I'm all about doing this on his timetable. The last thing I want is a kid who holds it in for weeks because I'm pressuring him too much. But when I'm driving and he starts with the poop-freak-out, it's not good. On the way to my inlaws' house last night, we actually had to pull over and put him in a Pullup because he was throwing such a fit. It's actually kind of sad because he does it so he won't pee in his underwear and the poor kid gets himself ALL kinds of worked up.
We ran errands all morning today and he did great. As long as there has been an instance of "#2" recently, I don't think twice about taking him out in underwear anymore. Kinda cool how that part just "clicked". :) I'm sure the other thing will follow soon. Not sure how to work the overnights and naps, but we'll cross that bridge, as we have everything else, when we come to it.
It's fine with me since I'm all about doing this on his timetable. The last thing I want is a kid who holds it in for weeks because I'm pressuring him too much. But when I'm driving and he starts with the poop-freak-out, it's not good. On the way to my inlaws' house last night, we actually had to pull over and put him in a Pullup because he was throwing such a fit. It's actually kind of sad because he does it so he won't pee in his underwear and the poor kid gets himself ALL kinds of worked up.
We ran errands all morning today and he did great. As long as there has been an instance of "#2" recently, I don't think twice about taking him out in underwear anymore. Kinda cool how that part just "clicked". :) I'm sure the other thing will follow soon. Not sure how to work the overnights and naps, but we'll cross that bridge, as we have everything else, when we come to it.
Sunday, March 04, 2007
No Longer Heathens...
I forgot to post about our recent Benjamin breakthrough. You may remember that we had to take a little hiatus from church after Ben started spazzing out in the Sunday school. I still don't know where that came from or what it was about, but six months later, we decided the time had come to brave it again. We had gotten a postcard in the mail a couple months ago that he had been moved up to the older 2's-3's room, so I thought the change of scenery might be just the thing we needed.
So two weeks ago, we went... and we held our breath for every minutes of the
hour-long service. And ... he had a great time! They didn't have to page us and he didn't blink an eye when we left. This week, again, NO problems. He ran right in and then afterward, excitedly told us about all the things they did. I'm excited! It's nice to be able to go again, especially with Easter coming up and with Too's birth just around the corner. (I really wanted to be established somewhere by the time our second child was born... when Ben was born, we still hadn't found a church.)
I'll never know what set him off in the first place, but for now, things seem to be back to normal. Whew! :)
So two weeks ago, we went... and we held our breath for every minutes of the
hour-long service. And ... he had a great time! They didn't have to page us and he didn't blink an eye when we left. This week, again, NO problems. He ran right in and then afterward, excitedly told us about all the things they did. I'm excited! It's nice to be able to go again, especially with Easter coming up and with Too's birth just around the corner. (I really wanted to be established somewhere by the time our second child was born... when Ben was born, we still hadn't found a church.)
I'll never know what set him off in the first place, but for now, things seem to be back to normal. Whew! :)
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Clocked Out...
Tom is home and has taken over parental duties until bedtime and I have completely zoned out, clocked out, QUIT.
Today? Well, these are the days that try moms' souls...
Interestingly enough, it started out with me at Labcorp killing the glucose testing hour with this book. "Spirited child" is the new politically correct term for "difficult child". Heh. Yeah. After reading most of the book, I'm not convinced Ben is 100% "spirited", but he IS intense, VERY opinionated, VERY persistent and stubborn and he IS quite the challenge at times. At any rate, the book has good advice that parents of pretty much any type of child would find useful... Annnnyway...
Fast forward to Gymboree. He wanted to go in underwear, which I had no problem with because he has been completely accident-free for almost an entire week. He also reliably tells us when he needs to go now, so I had a certain amount of trust that he'd stay dry. A half-hour into the class, the teacher brought him out with wet pants. ?!? I changed his outfit and sent him back in. He was back out ten minutes later all in a panic because he had to poop and wanted a diaper. (which he has also not done in a week) So I had to put him in a diaper, wait for him to do his business and then put him back in underwear. Okay, whatever... potty training woes/setbacks are to be expected, especially when kids are having fun and are distracted. But then came the rest of the day...
Home. (no, there was no nap, please... naps are SO 2006!) He was contentedly playing in the living room so I took the opportunity to collapse onto the couch and check my email. A few minutes later, I realized it was too quiet, I looked up and he was emptying an ENTIRE SIPPY CUP OF ORANGE JUICE onto the white carpet. !?!?!? I blew my top. He got a timeout and a smack on the behind because really... WHAT WAS HE THINKING?!?!?
Then, shortly thereafter, he wandered into the kitchen and started smacking the crap out of the Leapfrog magnets on the fridge, sending them flying everywhere. I asked him to stop? He told me, "No." and knocked three more off. ?!?!? (he is normally a really good listener!) Another timeout.
Fast-forward to dinner. It turned into the battle of the century, all because he didn't want to eat a scrambled egg. (for no particular reason other than he was feeling contrary, I promise you) We ended up having to pull a Nanny 9-1-1 and start taking away toys. He lost his entire collection of Star Wars figures until tomorrow morning and we STILL only got two bites of egg into him. No, I don't force him to eat when he isn't hungry... but he kept requesting other things (noodles, chocolate, waffles), so I KNEW he was hungry. He just decided he was anti-egg tonight.
And the whining.. make it stop. Someone? Please? I think bedtime will be sooner than later tonight. And tomorrow? I hope it brings my regular, non-pod-child back. He's an energetic handful, but he's not usually THIS tiring...
Today? Well, these are the days that try moms' souls...
Interestingly enough, it started out with me at Labcorp killing the glucose testing hour with this book. "Spirited child" is the new politically correct term for "difficult child". Heh. Yeah. After reading most of the book, I'm not convinced Ben is 100% "spirited", but he IS intense, VERY opinionated, VERY persistent and stubborn and he IS quite the challenge at times. At any rate, the book has good advice that parents of pretty much any type of child would find useful... Annnnyway...
Fast forward to Gymboree. He wanted to go in underwear, which I had no problem with because he has been completely accident-free for almost an entire week. He also reliably tells us when he needs to go now, so I had a certain amount of trust that he'd stay dry. A half-hour into the class, the teacher brought him out with wet pants. ?!? I changed his outfit and sent him back in. He was back out ten minutes later all in a panic because he had to poop and wanted a diaper. (which he has also not done in a week) So I had to put him in a diaper, wait for him to do his business and then put him back in underwear. Okay, whatever... potty training woes/setbacks are to be expected, especially when kids are having fun and are distracted. But then came the rest of the day...
Home. (no, there was no nap, please... naps are SO 2006!) He was contentedly playing in the living room so I took the opportunity to collapse onto the couch and check my email. A few minutes later, I realized it was too quiet, I looked up and he was emptying an ENTIRE SIPPY CUP OF ORANGE JUICE onto the white carpet. !?!?!? I blew my top. He got a timeout and a smack on the behind because really... WHAT WAS HE THINKING?!?!?
Then, shortly thereafter, he wandered into the kitchen and started smacking the crap out of the Leapfrog magnets on the fridge, sending them flying everywhere. I asked him to stop? He told me, "No." and knocked three more off. ?!?!? (he is normally a really good listener!) Another timeout.
Fast-forward to dinner. It turned into the battle of the century, all because he didn't want to eat a scrambled egg. (for no particular reason other than he was feeling contrary, I promise you) We ended up having to pull a Nanny 9-1-1 and start taking away toys. He lost his entire collection of Star Wars figures until tomorrow morning and we STILL only got two bites of egg into him. No, I don't force him to eat when he isn't hungry... but he kept requesting other things (noodles, chocolate, waffles), so I KNEW he was hungry. He just decided he was anti-egg tonight.
And the whining.. make it stop. Someone? Please? I think bedtime will be sooner than later tonight. And tomorrow? I hope it brings my regular, non-pod-child back. He's an energetic handful, but he's not usually THIS tiring...