Abra Cadabra

As you can see I changed thing up here a bit. Was SUPER excited when I realized you can change the font of your blog. Let me know if the color/ font changes make it hard for you to read. I'd hate to lose any of my few readers because of it! Anyways, planning on doing some laundry this morning and watering the berry patch (that is if we don't get the rain that hopefully will be showing up here soon.)

Loving life right now. I am so excited to work on my daughters quilt. Maybe tomorrow. I am nervous about the actual "quilting" part of it. Before, I just placed yarn holders in the childish quilts I made. Hope this one turns out OK.

This Friday I hope to have my little sister and my nephew spend the night. Park, pizza, and a movie are the line-up. Saturday I am going to go to my Great grandmas and help sort through things. Excited to see family, but the task I am sure won't be that exciting. And Sunday is branding at my in-laws. I will get to see my nephew and nieces, and give cows shots. I love brandings.

Please let me know if the blog changes are hard for you to read.

Well goodnight all.

Cindy

Howdy

I bet I don't even have a sole reader out there anymore. Sorry I have taken a hiatus from blogging. Life and a slow Internet connection can do that to a girl.

So this is going to be very random and all over the place.

We are leaving for a trip to OR soon. Very excited for said trip. WE are driving there. Ryan and I and the kids. Happy about going there with them. Not so excited about the 3 days of traveling to get there. Plan on doing some rock climbing (beach climbing) if kids are able. Beach combing, sandcastle building and eating tons of seafood, and Marion berry anything. Also in our plans is to get wine and starfish that we couldn't bring back with us on our last trip. We plan on going to the Tillamook Cheese factory, and if I can get it arranged, the Portland Children's Museum, and maybe a zoo also. Have read online that both zoos I could find were not so great; so I am going to ask some locals for their opinion.

We LOVE Oregon.

Most likely we will scope out further info to build our dreams of moving there someday. This trip will prove if I can handle the mostly cloudy/rainy weather. The average high there is 45-50 degrees, and 40% chance of precip. Hopefully it will be relaxing, and memorable at least for Luke. He asks us everyday if "today we going to the ocean?"

Speaking of Luke, he is getting very tall. And very independent. And stubborn. Ha ha ha. He is full of life and is inquisitive about everything. Is all about the rules and order of things, unless it applies to him following such orders and rules.




Adalei is growing like a weed. She will soon weigh as much as her brother, and if Luke hadn't decided to sprout up in the last month, I think she would have been close to the same height. Adalei, is my happy, smiley, funny girl. Almost always has a smile for you and, offers lots of hugs and kisses. She is a snuggly girl. Loves her "baby," and "blanky." Talks up a storm. Everyday is a new word. We are introducing her to the potty. She seems interested, know what it is, but I am not sure if she understand the purpose, of except making funny faces while on it in which makes her mommy laugh hysterically.

Ryan is working hard on remodeling the upstairs bathroom. He just has the trim and fixtures to place.

Well, I don't think I have redeemed myself for me absence, but I am going to bring this post to a close. Have a beautiful day!

Randomness

Well, Adalei will be 1 in less than a month! Totally astounds me. Where has this time gone? She is a mover. Crawls everywhere, walks along all the furniture, and will stand briefly on her own. If she's not walking by her birthday, it wont be long!!!! She has four top and four bottom teeth. And is a biter. That girl! She is all smiles most of the time, but when her bro makes her mad or she is tired and hungry... Watch out! She wears size 18mo. clothes, but now that she is moving more she seems to fit into 12 months a little better again. I have to get her in for a well baby check up and shots... been kinda delaying those, she has had some though. She is just my sweet Adalei.

Got to get lots of pictures taken. I always wanted to be the take your kids to the pros to get pictures done. Never have done that yet, so.... Maybe I need to threaten my Hubby again. Because you know "that's why we bought the nice camera...." I can't hold down a 1 year old and then get the camera already... she'd move by then. I see Pros that take there kids pics with such ease. But they probably have the camera glued on them. I just don't want to waste these times and not be able to look back, because I didn't have the pictures to look upon.

Adalei's Birthday-- no real theme. Just purple, and stars probably. Worked on her invite today, only to have half of it erased. Grumble. Extended family for the big 1 party. It will most likely be an evening party so Papa and Aunt Tricia can make it. I'm deciding on whether to have the week before or two weekend after. The weekend before is my sweet niece Bella 2nd birthday, and the following weekend is busy.... I want to do something cute for her cake..... Maybe I will look at star shaped cake pans and make a layered star cake. Maybe a smaller version too for her?

Luke is a ornery red headed little boy. Always looking for something. He had swimming lessons this week. Day One: Cried. Day Two: Scared but went in the big pool and kicked his legs. Day Three: Stood all by himself for 2 seconds in the shallow end of the big pool. Not that he loved it but he did it. The next two lessons are Mon. and Tues. of next week. I hope that he continues to progress. I'm thinking of seeing if the babysitter will watch Adalei for awhile next week so I can take Luke to the pool. We were swimming fools this week. My nephew was here and went swimming three days in a row with us. Luke loved it! I did too! I had forgotten how much I miss swimming. I think Luke learned just as much from our swimming fun as he did at his lessons. Bryce got him to blow bubbles, and hold his breath in the water (a little bit), and (in the baby pool) lower himself down in the water to his chin. All things he wouldn't do prior to Tuesday! Next year I may see if Ryan would go swimming and make it worthwhile to get a family pass. Otherwise I guess the kids are free still, I could get an individual pass. I feel healthier and more playful after this week. I think I really needed that! I would go swimming everyday if time allowed!

Well that should do it for now, more randomness later! :)

Secret party exposed....

Ryan's secret surprise 1 year cancer free party was revealed. By me. Well, on accident. I forgot to look through the mail that I had picked up while I was delivering some invitation. An invite got wedged in between a couple of bills and Ryan found it. I guess that takes some stress off me as to trying to keep it a secret, and figuring out how to get Ryan to the party. So now I have to get all the food preparations made, I actually need to finish mailing out a few invites.
Its this Friday. Any of you blog reader want to join us its at the Arnold Community Center at 700 pm. We will have a simple supper and visiting, and I think I will bring some games, like cards and poker chips, and maybe some board games. Everyone can come. Come join the fun!

Unless, things get hairy around here.... Yesterday at work I terrible back pain and contractions that ranged to about every 20-30minutes apart, I still had my positional contractions too. Those don't count. If they did it would have been more like every 10-15 minutes. I had some during the night also. Today. only a few and far between. I bet if I where to go for a walk that would stir things up. Luke's still asleep and it pouring down rain right now. So that won't happen yet.

We went swimming last night. It was SO much fun!!!! I was so happy to finally go swimming. Ryan held Luke most of the time so I was free to float around and feel virtually weightless. So great!

Oh at my doctors appointment on Thursday, he said the baby's great, come back in a week. He didn't check me or anything. I wonder if I will get checked this week? I have officially seen all the OB Dr's. now, and all of them know about my heart stuff, so I feel better about that. Now when Addie chooses to show up, everyone is in the know. Oh and my heart Dr. stopped me and talked to me at work yesterday. Just checking up on me. I thought that was very kind. My family doctor doesn't even recognize me, let alone ask how I am doing. Well that's about it. Have great day! I will let you all know when the "Splashdown" occurs. (someone asked me that, when the splashdown was going to happen. I thought that was funny term, so I am throwing it out there.)

CONTEST!!!

Well I am having fun getting guesses on when Adalei will be born, her weight, and height. So much fun I thought why not run this over to my blog!!! I am thinking I will even have a prize for the person who guesses the correct day. I decided I need you all to guess a time also, just in case I have more entries than I think I will, and need a tie breaker. If I get a good response I will even do a contest for the closest weight. We will see.

What will be the prize? I haven't quite got that all figured out, but I will do SOMETHING. A gift certificate, or maybe something more....

For those readers that do not have a blogger account just post as anonymous and in your comment leave a way to identify/reach you.

Oh and for a hint. Luke was 7.4 ounces at birth.

So send me your date/time, and even weight/height guess if you want!! I am excited to see what you all are thinking out there! :)


Happy guessing!!!!!!! The contest entry will end Friday July 24th. And the winner will be announced by Adalei..... In her own way. LOL :)

Sporting a new do, and a big belly.

I am super excited for tonight. I have a date with my super sweet hubby tonight. We are going to supper then a movie. Most likely we are going to see transformers or hangover. I think probably transformers.

I got my hair cut yesterday. Totally needed it. I am really loving it too. Lots of short layers and it curls really fun now with my old perm in it still. I can't wait to get all dolled up for my date! I will snap a picture, If I remember.

My stomach is getting big! Yesterday at my appointment they measured me at 37 weeks. I'm 35 weeks. Caught up a little in comparison to 35 @ 31 weeks like before, but still bigger than before. I weighed less this time (because I didn't chug a root beer float before I went this time.) ;^) Baby's heart rate was 130. He said her head is down. Hope she will stay there! He is still concerned about the heart stuff, but relieved its a normal sinus rhythm and not any funky beats. Dr. W says that at least we have a background check on it when/if I get a really high heart rate during labor.

I was supposed to have a heart check up yesterday too, but they had to reschedule it. I was peeved. So the nurse practitioner looked at all my results and told me everything looked really pretty good. However, she still wanted me to visit with the doctor about everything. So I go in Wednesday, if they don't change on me again.

Last night I had 2 long episodes of tachycardia. The first was 45 minutes and the second 35 minutes. I was just standing/strolling. I have been documenting them so I can show the doc.

I will try to get some pics later.
Have a great day!

Parade and park fun

I took Luke to the Kids parade they had for NebraskaLand Days. Him and his aunt Brentney and cousin Gage dressed up like Rockin' Cowboys/cowgirl. They were very cute. I will post a pic if I get one, or when I figure out the video camera hook up to the net thing..... We then went and ate at a yummy Chinese restaurant, and then made our way to the par. Where we saw lots of baby animals, and played until we were really hot on the playground, then got some ice cream, which was enjoyed by everyone!! So much fun!!! I loved it, I believed Luke enjoyed it more, but it was a close tie.



The Cardiologist clinic reached me today. My appointment will be next wednesday. I am relieved. I have had three more episodes since my doctors appointment. I also found a disgusting familiarity with it all. I have been a sweating queen at work last few days. It is disgusting! I soaked my scrub top, and I really hadn't been very physical. Just passing meds and assessing patients. For which I feel terrible about, I am sure I stunk ALL day long. Arg!!



I am tired now. I was hoping to get some mowing done after we got home, because after all the fun we had I just knew Luke would want to pass out. Nope. not the case. So I am hanging out with little dude while he relaxes and watches a movie.

Getting things in line

I have quite a few things to get taken care of. Knowing my normal procrastination mode that I set myself in , I better make a list, so I am more apt to follow, and get things done.

1. Call food places in N.P.
2. Figure out a invitation list for event A
3. Figure out a invitation list for event B
4. Laundry
5. Wash bedding in both rooms
6. Play the game"where's that smell coming from" in my car? (and clean it up!)
7. Make a great supper.
8. Dishes
9. Snuggle both of my boys.

That's about it. Wondering about "event A and B," I am not sure if the person it involves reads this anymore and do not want to give it away. But you all will see and hear about it. Man I wish I could share. I am really excited about it. I am very nervous too. I just have a odd feeling that it will be a dud! If I get the plans together, maybe I'd feel better.

I had a terrible stomach early this morning. I was in the bathroom several times during the night. I feel better now, just trying to figure out the cause of my troubles being how It happened Saturday morning too.

I have determined that the heat plays a HUGE factor to my tachycardia. It was sweltering warm on the floor yesterday, and felt my heart start to race, I went a cooled off outside, and it went away pretty quickly. This makes me a little nervous being how I am going to be more so pregnant, in the HOT months of summer. So far it has been mild. I am nervous I will start to have these episodes more and more when the weather is warmer. Grumble...Grumble....

Well I suppose I have a long list of things to do. I would like to start on number 9 however. Lukey is so snuggly today! :)

Great Weekend and Note to My Friend

Hello,

I had a wonderful weekend. Ryan and I headed down to Omaha. It was a very nice get-away for me and my hubby. Totally relaxing and fun. We went to the casino and I lost some and Ryan lost a bunch--and then recovered it! :) Ate at some fun place. We got some FUN shopping done. The best part-- I got to see Sarah, and meet little Jackson!!!

After meeting Jackson and buying some fun baby clothes, I am starting to feel that nesting thing coming on strong. I want to get the room ready, but I don't have a room to move Luke too yet. so it will all have to wait. But I am getting really excited.

I decided to post some pics of my specific clothes I have bought new for the baby. I still have quite a few used girl items that were given to me, and of course all of Luke's things for a boy. But I needed a few extras. Hee hee. It made me feel better. I actually have a nice selection of things.

I have quite an assortment of little girls things, and almost everything that I have ever bought was on clearance/sale. My mom bought that cute shirt and blue skort. Way too cute!





It obvious that I have a thing for fruity flavored clothes!! Hee hee

This has the cherries on the front (see above this one) and on the little bottom. Too cute!



Some big girl clothes, most of which I paid 1 dollar or less for. I Love the polka-dot shirt!!

We do have some boy clothes also, just not as many new ones. I have boxes of clothes to go through if this is a boy! Note: the cute pumpkin hat that I picked up for 25 cents. Great buy, I also got the cute girls white hat for the same price. Steal!



The bottom on this one is also adorable. I purchased a similar outfit for Jackson at toys-r-us, and then realized its a carters outfit too. So when I was at carters store the next day and saw this number I had to get it. It was on sale too. They had great Memorial Day sales; we got over 10 things and spent 40 bucks! I would really like to saw that my hubby was the one that found the pricier items that we purchased ;) I love Carters. Most of the outfits are carters whether I brought directly from there store or from department stores. I would just dress my child in Carters clothes if they had a store nearby!!!

This little number is the coming home/hospital picture outfit for my little girl. I have had this outfit since before Luke was born, in case he was a little girl. I absolutely adore it! It is two separate pieces but I had to have a sweater over it, because Luke was to be born in the early spring, and so yeah. The sweater. They are adorable pieces alone, or together. I took the liberty to show it off a little.


I love the purple in it. Way too cute!



Here is the same dress with little truck tracks on it. Big Brothers! I don't have a coming home outfit for if its a boy yet. Because I haven't found the perfect one yet. But trust me you will see it one way or another!


Daddy picked out this cute little vibrating chick for the baby. It is too adorable. It chirps too. I have been holding on my belly. The baby squirms after I play it. :)

Maybe I should include this next long bit into a post of its own, but oh well, they correlate, and you can take a break if your eyes are bugging out.

I was given the privilege to meet Jackson, one of my bestest friends ever, Sarah's new little guy. I meet him Saturday. Just slightly over 12 hours after he was born. Jackson is such a cutie pie. He was six weeks early and my is he a cutie. I was actually with Sarah when she held Jackson for the very first time. Sigh... I knew I was going to need my Kleenexes to write this all out. I can't stop crying. It was beautiful. (I know that holding Luke for the first time was beyond awesome.) I just felt this bond between Sarah and Jackson emit from them. It was magnetizing.

Being a nurse and studying about all aspects of life/medical/emotional needs. I thought I had the basics covered for what a NICU mother/baby bond would be like. I even knew what it was like to have a baby myself. However, nothing could prepare me for the whole tornado of emotions I went through just watching Sarah and Jackson. Not even brushing on the tip of the iceberg what Sarah must have been feeling.

Sarah had pre-eclampsia and needed to deliver him early. The emergency of taking Jackson to make sure he was well, would have been heart-wrenching. Seeing your baby for a few moments and not being able to see him for hours after would have been horrible. I can't imagine it. Not knowing what he is going through. Not being able to take that time to count each toe and finger, and see all the faces of your loved ones as he is shown to everyone. That would have been hard. Sarah was strong though, and knowing that your little one needs that extra care right then, would have been enough to allow him to leave your side. My heart leaps out for Sarah with that thought. I don't think I would have been that strong.

It was great to see Sarah, she was a glowing Mama. However, she was very tired too. I remember the day of and after Luke was born, not wanting to sleep for fear of missing something, and desperately needing rest. Then I was able to go with her and her Mama and sister to see Jackson.

I stood quietly outside Jackson's room, as the nurse and Sarah discussed the care and needs of little Jackson prior to Sarah finally holding him. I thought to myself, If I was in Sarah's shoes I would be blanking out by now. Wanting to have the nurse be done so I could hold my baby, but coming back to realize that this is necessary information on how I can help my little one the best.

Just knowing the all too fragile state Jackson was in/could potentially be in, scared me. I was afraid he would bust if we whispered too loud. But, you could obviously see how strong and healthy he was. This little dude did not require any oxygen needs. That rocks! He was still closely monitored by numerous cords and electrodes, and was receiving IV fluids. All the cords are so cumbersome. I deal with cords and tubes on the babes I care for on my floor, but this seemed so much more vital too me on Jackson. I stared in awe at the numbers and the little heart rhythm scrolling across the screen. I thought so many questions to myself. I can't even imagine all the questions Sarah would have had.

Sarah, had magnesium still infusing, and although I have never experienced it, I do know that many of its side effects are not fun at all. Sarah must have been feeling all this exhaustion from labor and lack of sleep, and overwhelming excitement that all mothers have. However, on top of that too-- weariness, pain and excessive heat brought on by the mag. She sat holding Jackson, in that wonderful soothing bliss all mothers know. Taking all of her little one in, as if she were breathing his spirit in. Familiarizing herself with every grasp, wiggle, and grunt he made. Seeing her soothe him when he was fussing was endearing. When Sarah leaned forward to kiss her little one, it was very surreal. She barely brushed him with her lips. I think that is when it really hit me the most. He is so little, and fragile. I couldn't know what Sarah was thinking then, but I know when Luke was born, it took me 2 weeks before I really felt comfortable to kiss him.

Was it the whole theory that nurses don't kiss babies/patients? I think that was part of it. There was part of me that also felt that he wasn't truly mine, I did not have the right to kiss him. He would be taken away from me, so I better not do too much or get too close. This also plays into the part of, what if I lose him? What if he were to die/or get really sick? I don't want to hurt him, or be too attached. Really odd thoughts, but that's how I felt with Luke, so maybe this is how Sarah felt kind of.

When I left that night, Sarah was back to her room and Jackson was in his own room all snuggly warm and ever so handsome. I thought to myself, I have been a witness to such a momentous thing here, and have thought about hardly anything else since then. I feel truly blessed to be a part of that moment.

Sarah, thank you. I hope this post means as much to you as the experience you gave me. I just wanted to give you a glimpse in to how thankful for that moment I was. I feel totally undeserving to have been a part of it. I will cherish it with all of my heart! I am so proud of you for dealing with all you did in your pregnancy, and doing all you could to allow Jackson more time to grow. You are an amazing Mama! Jackson is a lucky little Graham cracker! I can't wait to see him when he is a big strong boy, in which, I will be showering him with kisses!! Sorry Jackson, Auntie Cindy will be after you!

I will say that though Jackson is the cutest little bug around, and I am getting ants in my pants for my little bug to show up. I think I will be okay if he/she bakes for a few more months first!!

Oh and I think you all deserve a pic of my little man too... Thanks for joining me with this LONG post. :)

Happy Memorial Day!

Daddy's Little Baby

Well Ryan felt the baby move a week or so ago, but last night was fun too. I have been seeing my belly jump with the baby's movement and have been trying to get Ryan to notice them. He is way too impatient to watch for long. Luckily the baby gave him a big kick/move right before he gave up. He looked at me and said "that was you hiccuping wasn't it?" Um, no honey that was the baby. "Really, that was huge! I swore that was you!" He then proceeded to get really close to my belly so he could see me and and talking to my belly. It was cute.

I am stealing my dear friend Sarah's idea about thing to post about the baby and such.


How Far Along: 26 weeks and 1 day.

How much weight have you gained: About 10 pounds. More than I should be. I have 3 months of rapid baby growth, so most of the weight is just me. Argh. I am trying to limit it to 15 pounds. I did decent with Luke, I ended up gaining 22 all together. We'll see how this one goes.

How big is Baby: The baby sites say about 1.6 pounds, and is 14 inches long.

Cravings: Anything ice cream related, cheese, pickles, fresh fruit ( glad about that one, because I have not been eating too healthy lately), peanut butter. None of this all together mind you. I did however try a peanut butter cheese sandwich, which was disgusting.

Labor signs: Not as frequent lately. Thank goodness. I am starting to have more inner thigh aches??? I still get a few contractions here and there, no biggie though. :)

Maternity Clothes: I got this really cute pink and white striped hooded shirt from Shopko that I adore. It hugs the good and smooths out the bad. I look REALLY pregnant, but it's a good thing!

Sleep: Now that's a topic I could rant on and on about. My hips and shoulder hurt so much anymore, I turn on one side and once that side hurts, I switch. The problem is my opposite side hasn't recovered yet by the time I turn back on it. Frequent trips to the bathroom, and the muscle/ligaments in the lower pelvic region just give me the sharpest pain ever when I go to get out of bed. Which makes a bathroom trips more aggravating than just the fact of doing so multiple times. I have to do this ugly awkward roll out of bed. Not a pretty sight I am sure! :)

Milestone: Ryan seeing and feeling the baby move. Too precious.


I am still fretting the Breastfeeding issue. I know there is nothing I can do about it, yet. I have been looking up multiple breast pumps, The Medela is my choice even if it is $$$, we got to have a good one. the great thing is, at the home care equipment here in town I get a discount for being an employee. Awesome, and first I probably will just rent, to make sure this all goes well, and then, if I get a new one, they deduct the amount that that I paid for renting one price off the new one from the amount. Awesome huh!?

I am not sure who all reads my blog but I have something fun planned and am not allowed to share all the details here, due to that fact. However, I would really like to share with you whats up my sleeve. I will be happy to inform most of you, if you ask. But please refrain from asking other members of my family, because they might be the person I am trying to keep it secret from. * Wink wink*

Anyways.... Have a great day!!!!

Love
Cindy

Easter Fun

Luke and I are going out to Mi-Mi and Pa-pa's house and we are going to dye some eggs and make a pinata for our Easter celebration. Bryce and Bella are staying with them this weekend, so we will get to hang out with them too. It will be fun! I look forward to today's festivities.

The camera is not in the house right now or I would load up the 1st sledding adventure for you. We had a blast. I took pictures, until the last go around were Luke, Daddy and I attempted to sled down together... We didn't even make it 10 feet, my rear slid off the sled and I was laying there holding Luke in the snow. It was funny. We got cold pretty quickly but it was a blast! I will try to post pics later if I remember....

Baby has been SO much more active! I am thrilled!!!! I love all the little jumps and pops I feel. I love love love it!!! 2 weeks until the next US!! Little baby obey Mommy and show us your stuff!

Have a great day!
Cindy

Day off. Day of fun.

Tidying up the house as I go today. Try to keep everything orderly, since I work again for two more days. I hate the one day off scam. Just give me my days straight up and then I can relax longer. Oh well. I have from a 4 day weekend coming up.

So far I have gotten laundry done, cleaned out the dishwasher, fed the fam breakfast. Tidied up the bedroom and bathroom. Next is bath for Luke and play-doh time. First play-doh time ever so we will see how this goes. I am not sure where my camera is. I might have to snap some pic with my phone cam. Which are not very good quality. This afternoon we are going to take Luke out and do some sledding if the weather permits doing so. Its rather windy here this morning so I don't want my buddy to get too cold.

I am going to make some Spilt Pea Soup for supper I think. Ryan made Finnish Coffee Bread yesterday so that will be a nice extra with our meal.

The baby is moving so much more now. I could actually feel him/her on the outside! I was pretty excited. I tried to get Ryan to feel the same, but all he could feel was his own pulse in his hand.... The baby even kicked pretty good after Daddy was talking to him/her! Drat! maybe next time!
Anyways I had better get little guy cleaned up.

Stay Warm!
Cindy

Cindy vs. Ucky Bugs

Wow. I wish I were done with the germs. I am officially on day 8 of this cold/sinus infection thing. I think I am going to break down and see if I should start up an Antibiotic. I hate doing so, but the boogies are no longer a good color. Yuck! Sorry TMI. I am officially done with the stomach flu now! Yippey! I had that Monday and Tuesday. Missed work on Tuesday, but I feel great today. I just have tons of sinus pressure and I am even thinking I feel a little chest heaviness-- please not in the lungs! Argg! Anyway, enough whining.

We are possible going to Kearney today. I have a few plans on my purchases today. I would love a browse through Hobby Lobby. I haven't gotten much there for a while now. I also Have a few books I am planning to purchase. The girls at work have STRONGLY recommended the Twilight series. I think I might delve into them myself. I am not a vampire fan, but I have heard so much good stuff, I might check it out.

Last few nights I have actually felt the baby's body; like the lump was on one side of my abdomen than the other. Way neat! Ryan and I are narrowing down the names. We have 4 for girls and 6 full names pick out for boys! Huge improvement! I feel much better!

I don't really have much else to share right now. Have a great day! Stay warm!!!

Cindy

Thank God for Kids

I really could post a lot. I am lazy. So so lazy. I will try to get as much blogging in as I can before my little guy hollers at me.

So went to the doctor yesterday. Just a heartbeat check. 140bpm and a few kicks heard. Totally neat. The appointment lasted oh... 19 minutes, from the time I arrived to the time I got back to my car! Wow! Dr. T said that they prefer to do the 20 week US exactly at 20 weeks. I was so excited, I go back on the 26th!!!! 20 days from now, maybe I will find out this little ones gender!!!! Woohoo! I will definitely be counting down the days!

We are planning a trip to Lincoln or Omaha after that, and it just so happens that they have a Carters store in Gretna. They have TONS of cute cute cute baby clothes! If I find out this is a little girl, Ryan watch out, that cart is going to be full! If its a boy... I still plan on getting a few new outfits for my new addition, but we have an attic full of little boy clothes.

I am getting so excited!

My body. Man the clothes are pushing the limit. I have practically 1/2 the amount of pregnancy tops that actually fit anymore. I am s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g. It is not the greatest feeling. Definitely different than with Luke. I had it checked out last week so I could be sure the baby was OK. Yep! I am having round ligament pain. Well that's fantastic! But really, I am relieved that nothing is really wrong, I can so deal with this knowing that little one is okay in there. I am getting a lot bigger, a lot sooner. I have gained 5 pounds total so far. Also, the appetite has returned with a vengeance-- stay out of my way at the buffet line! "Prego gal coming through!!" Not really, I just have a constant urge to munch all the time! Must... stop.... now........

We went to an Oak Ridge Boys concert last night. It was a lot of fun! Man they are so good! Not to mention their ages either, like 60's?

Luke has had the flu, last two day he has been sick. Poor guy. I hope he feels better today. Speaking of which he is hollering for his Momma. So I better wrap this up.

We are all doing great here, getting excited for the little one, and just enjoying life. Hope you are too!!!

God Bless
Cindy

Randomness

I wanted to post this last week, but now have other things to share.

Did you know that deer do not make very good dogs? They just don't listen very well. I found this out at my last Bible study. One of the sweet gals that was hosting this weeks study had an adopted pet deer. Well, I am unsure of how the whole thing came about, but they are still bottle feeding the dear thing. Luke loved petting the deer. The deer was so friendly and loving until.. duh duh dunnnn..... Our departure. The darn thing kept putting it's front hooves on my shoulders.. At first I was stunned, but I was trying to shield Luke from the deer and was trying to make it through the bitter snowy cold, the deer wouldn't stop. I just couldn't get far. The hostess and her dog came to Luke and my rescue. Phew. I am sure it was quite comical, I was just nervous walking down a set of stairs with a deer on my back and a child stumbling down in front of me.

On to other things. Sigh.... I Love Scrapblog. I know you all have heard quite enough of that, but that is where this darling header came from. I wish I knew how to make thinner ones.. In time I will. I love seeing my Babies. Aww. Babies. I love that. My big boy and my sweet little peanut.

Who I am amazed at the time frame. 12 weeks. (Sarah you are right) time is zooming. Maybe it helps though keeping it a secret for 2 months. I don't know. One thing I am happy to share. The M/S is fading away. Yippee! I am afraid to post that as it may jinx me. :) On the downside. I lack that, "oh yeah I am so pregnant" feeling without it. I also feel like I was sporting a baby bump a lot sooner last time. Well I, the whole shift of fat after Luke might be what is hiding a beautiful baby tummy. I am having trouble sleeping, and as Dr. J has told me before, my uterus is tilted backwards-- thus back pain. Check got that. Thankfully, I don't have that horrible tail bone pain like I did with Luke. I would have to say this pregnancy is probably a lot easier so far. I got a call today, I have to bump my appointment back to the 3rd at 1100 due to some Dr. scheduling thing. So we will see how Tuesday goes!!

Luke and I played in the snow today. I will post pictures of the fun later, hopefully. Luke really liked tromping through it, however, when his hands got to it. It was "mess" "mess", trying to wipe his snow covered gloves off. Very cute.

We are working on packing up the upstairs and moving it down to the basement, or rather I pack, Ryan moves. We are going to start on that project soon. We have to get a new room ready for the big brother!!

This weekend we are going to continue to pack/move and the family is going sledding and Sunday we are having a Super Bowl party. I think I have a lot of great picture ops coming we will see if I actually get the camera out.

Enjoy the snow!!!
Cindy

Seeing is Believing

Believe.

You have to be very imaginative, but can't you just see where the little arm and legs are? I sure could! :) This was my 8 week appointment. Being my second, maybe they don't get very detailed, but I felt like the appointment left me feeling like it wasn't as magical as I expected it to be. I will say that when you see the little light flashing of the baby's heartbeat still made me tear up, but I just didn't get to see much, the NP didn't offer much information or "look here," or much of anything. I really do hope for better treatment from here on out. The NP was very nice, but not what I was expecting.

The weather is so beautiful! I really should be enjoying it more.

I spent most of the day hugging a toilet. Thank God not for that reason!! I was scrubbing Ryan's office toilet. Let me tell you pumice stones are WoNdErFul!!!! I will not go into further detail, but I was glad that job was done. I was sweetly pre-rewarded prior to my toilet date from Ryan and Luke the night before. I was working, just about done with my shift, and here comes my sweetie, and my little guy with a dozen beautiful pink roses, and some yummy granola bars for me and all my co-workers. What a guy!!! I love my Men!

Oh we got a new car.

Now we have a great family vehicle! Yah!

Healthy Family plan-- good/not great. We have been packing lunches and eating healthy until we are together and eat out. No no no! Exercise for Ryan is going Great. Me. I think I had better get outside and enjoy this nice weather. This plan consists of a non existing chart I need to get done, and placing stickers on the chart for every day we eat healthy and exercise. Every 10 stickers we award ourselves 20 dollars and put it in the massage/spa fund. Once we have what we need for a massage, we can schedule one! I LOVE hot stone therapy massage, but I probably will have to stick with the pregnancy massage or a manicure or something like that. Oh yeah each individual is awarded there own 20 dollars at the 10 day mark. just to clarify. If I ever get the chart done I will take a pic and post it!

Well I feel a little better now that I have had a chance to catch up. Off to make dinner and clean the house up! I love the fresh air coming in from my open windows! Awesome!

Well now that I am here I feel that I don't have as much juice to get a long blog going. I had all sorts of ideas and thoughts, now... not so much.

I work tomorrow. Work is changing. Change at work sometimes scares me. I am going to continue to pray its for the best, but I am nervous.

Morning sickness-- no throw up but the constant nausea, is tiresome. I had a few days of it during our vacation. Not fun. Overall the trip to Branson was fun. I got some cute clothes and serving dishes and a new white jacket to wear with maternity shirts, because I am not buying a bunch of maternity tops... sigh.

I feel all sorts of melancholy today. I feel really excited for this little one, and I don't feel that it is a shared excitement. I talked about it, we are both in agreement that we are blessed that we are. I just am not focused on the work to prepare. I guess. That's all it ever is. I think that is how most are. I just want the all smiles jumping up and down excitement, not the worried/happy excitement. I am not thinking practical I suppose.

Ryan and I are starting a HEALTHY Family plan. I am trying to make up some name tags for my graph I am making. I am excited, to do this, today i just don't care about a lot.

I must say that I know there has been all clear signs for months now, I am still nervous about Ryan's Dr. Appointment today. What if now that we have little one on the way there is a positive tumor marker. Ahh.. Quit borrowing trouble Cindy.

On a positive note my little peanut is about the size of a medium shrimp!! Grow Baby Grow!

We have been starting the mental list of possible baby names. We have pretty much decided that we would like to go with biblical names. Although Luke Daniels name wasn't planned that way, it ended up that it is all biblical names, and thought maybe that theme was a good road to go down. We will see. I am on the fence about it. There are a few names I like that are not biblical.

Well I guess I had better get some things done. Good day everyone!

Cindy

5 Day Weekend

Oh man I am so excited that it is my weekend. I don't return to work until Wednesday! Woohoo! However, I am sick. Ugh! I have a terrible sinus congestion, ears hurting, sneezing, coughing, achy cold something. I went to bed at 930 last night, but I slept terrible. I am glad I didn't have to work, because I would have had to call in sick. So what are my plans for my lovely weekend. Well tonight is a Christmas party for Ryan's work. I hope I am feeling okay. I really don't want to get all dolled up to go to it... Sigh.

Saturday, Ryan is going to work on the bathroom cabinet. I am excited about that! Ready to get some of our bathroom organized a little better, and the plan Ryan has for the cabinet, is awesome. I think it will look great. What a man I have!!

Sunday is all about going to church. They cancelled church due to the weather last week, so I am really excited to to church this week! I love Singing Christmas songs. Afterwards, we probably will be working on the cabinet and cleaning the house.

Monday, clean the house. Clean the house. Maybe even go to Ryan's work and clean his office. I am hoping to shampoo the carpets here and there.

Tuesday. Bake, and cook. Bake and cook! All the yummy goodies for our Christmas dinners!!
I am making:

• truffles
• deviled eggs
• ramen noodle salad
• turtle cheese cake
• and probably something else I haven't thought of yet.

Well I hopefully will be on here again, Just thought I'd stop in for now, but If I don't, have a good weekend.

Cindy

10 Days

This is just a random post. Can you believe there are 10 days til Christmas?!

I still hate ham. Yuck!

I love Christmas.

I love my present this year! It's the best one ever.

This year. Wow, this year. I never want to repeat it. It makes this Christmas extra special.

My husband is the most wonderful, caring man alive.

P.S. I Love You is a great movie.

I am tired and emotional-- after watching this movie.

I still am wanting to cry.

I am excited for getting Christmas cards and treats delivered.

I posted different music for Christmas. These are my favorite ones.

Here are the Christmas tree hunt pictures. We had fun even though it was bitter yesterday.

Hot Chocolate and Candy canes are a must. Jamming out to Christmas tunes also a must.

Luke chillin' in his impressive snow suit.

Daddy enjoying his cup of minty cheer!

Yah! Our Christmas tree. It tried to escape twice and roll away from us. But we captured it!! hee hee.

Merry Christmas!

Cindy

PlayTime

The play went okay. Somewhere along the way we got totally mixed up... and skipped a lot and then retraced back. It was alright though... We had fun and the Theater was PACKED!!! Not even standing room left!!!
So that was neat. My father in law took pictures so I will post some whenever I get them.

Today is Christmas decorating day. I will see how helpful the little dude is. We are going to decorate all except the tree... because we don't have it yet. We have to wait for more snow to make the tree hunting process more fun. It's our tradition to go after a blizzard/big snowstorm, like RIGHT after it, the road are probably not meant to be on then but Ryan is too adventurous. Since Luke's arrival we have waited until the snowstorm was over and everything calmed. My blog ID picture was Luke's first Christmas experience. The one before Luke..... I was pregnant. And Emotional, and cried that we were taking the tree from its family. WOW! That was funny after I had Luke and realized how silly it was.
So, I look forward to getting hot chocolate for us and chocolate milk for Luke and candy canes and driving through the pastures to look for that perfect Christmas tree.

What traditions do you have during Christmas time?