Fruits of my Motivation

Little Seedlings!

Cosmos and Lavender

So Amazing!


My finished De-Cluttering project.
I had taken a before picture (3 months or more ago...) and now I can't find it!
I have the school stuff all in appropriate totes, and files for each days "school work" and accompanying theme related books set up too.

Luke is so super excited about school and the garden. I am "Mrs. Mommy" and today was our first day with our lesson. It lasted a whopping 35 minutes. But the kids enjoyed it. I hope they learn something too! We are learning about Cows this week. I am hoping this week I can ask Holly and Ed if the kids can see one of their new calves (if the mama agrees).

In other news, I am down 39 pounds. I have been fighting the scale all week to get to 40. I WILL get there! We dropped to 3rd on the pound plunge. Ryan made up a table of our and the top 6 teams progress and average percentage weight loss and our goals we need to try to meet to get to 1st. It is going to be TOUGH! Speaking of which, I better get off of the computer and get to exercising.

Hope you enjoyed our little flower pictures as much as Luke and I do enjoy seeing them grow daily! Soon we will be in the garden!

Happy Spring!

Cindy

Motivation

I am so full of motivation for several things it amazes me. The Spring fever bug bit me good!

We are planning a garden this spring. We have the area tilled slightly. Thanks to Holly and Ed for the use of the tiller and Ryan for operating that scary beast for me!! Whoa Mama that thing is precarious looking. My little Luke got me started on the gardening business this year. With fun requests to grow pickles and bouncy ball trees. Pickles I can definitely do (well try at least.) The Bouncy Ball Tree sounds amazing, but don't think I could pull it off! :) We decided to grow peas, tomatoes, cucumbers (pickles), beans carrots and onions. Luke wasn't to excited about onions but we use them in EVERYTHING! I Love onions. So that is out plan. With the gorgeous weather we have been having I felt excited about getting going on the garden and Luke was too. So

I bought a seed starting tray and we planted some flowers to plant in the flower beds in the front of the house, given that I am not sure how well it will go there until the gutters get installed. We might find another home for our starter flowers if the gutters are not in when they are ready to be transplanted. Luke was super excited about sunflowers when we looked at seeds the other day. So I picked some of those up too, along with lavender and cosmos for the seed starters.

I am really hoping to give them a learning experience with this too. So we all planted the starters and I really hope they turn out because that was a little chaotic. Adalei poked and over seeded most of hers and my little gardener Luke was meticulous on his. Such a proud mama! I really wanted to label them also, but the chaos overran, and I'm mot sure whats where. I am going to try to photograph our seed growths to for Luke and Adalei to learn more. and make a diagram, and a "what a plant needs booklet" I saw on Pinterest.

I have been interested in home supplement schooling both of them. I don't know if I could home school my kids, but I am willing to at least start a scheduled time of day to work with both kids on developing their little minds. Trying to get lots of ideas on how to do this and how much I dig into it. I envision 2 little desks and shelves of school supplies and a little calendar and weather board. But, my home isn't prepared to have such a room right now. Maybe when Adalei's room is done upstairs? Or the guest room we could use too! Uww the gears a rolling.

I have been also very ambitiously cleaning my house. I am a FlyBaby! Check out www.FlyLady.net Last week I had off and I CLEANED! House looks great and now I am concentration my efforts on certain areas in the house like the web page guides you to do. I love it! Baby steps are great for the messiest areas!

I am also very motivation to continue to lose weight. I am down 37 pounds since January! I keep finding delicious healthy meals to make. My hubby is enjoying them and we are both dropping the pounds. I will say though, I would love to eat sweets everyday, but I feel so much better, and from this post you can tell I feel very ambitious and energized. Ryan has lost over 50, and is looking HOT! (If I do say so myself!) :) We are still doing the Pound Plunge and currently 2ND place!!!!!! Woo HOO! 2 more weeks until the final weigh in. We are excited and exercising fools right now getting as much as we can done to prepare for it! I am actually thinking of trying to do a 5K run as a long term goal with my weight loss. They have lots of neat apps on the smart phones and there are several Couch to 5 K apps to help you prepare. Finished day 2 today. The runs are 3 x per week. Really enjoyed running today! I found out from my very first run this year that I have exercise induced asthma, and talked to a Dr about it. So I started using an inhaler just prior to running and today I could SO tell a difference! I didn't think I was dying after wards (or even 5 hours afterwards, like I had the first run).

Speaking of ailments, my sinus infection is nearing its death. The chest cold is finally lifting. I also had nerve numbness/pain with a headache too and the nerves are still not great, but the headaches are better. I do have some left arm weakness though. So if after my steroid regimen is done with this week, and if I still have that crazy numb/nerve stuff I am going to talk with the Dr. again. The idea that maybe an MRI is needed was thrown out there, so if you could say quick prayer that this silly nerve stuff would resolve on its own that would be greatly appreciated.

Okay well now that your eyes are bleeding, I will let you get back to your regularly scheduled lives! Thanks for taking time to read my blog.

God Bless
Cindy

No pain, no Gain.... Or Loss

Luke working on a puzzle!

Its a 100 piece puzzle he got for Christmas. He was SO happy to get it all put together. It entertained him for hours.

I hurt yesterday, so I didn't give it my all yesterday.... Which also meant only 3 ounces lost yesterday... Sigh. So I must work harder today. Counting calories SUCK. I have read so many different calorie limits I should try to stay under, and I am positively lost. So I'm going to try one for this week. If it doesn't work, I'll shoot for the other one. It that one doesn't work I will go somewhere in between.

Ryan and I both are doing the pound plunge. We have a lot to lose to win but we are working hard... Both of us have lost.



In other news Adalei is potty trained except nap/bedtime. I'm so proud of my big girl!

Have a great day.

Cindy

The Christmas Letter-like Post.

Well life is speeding along and and I'm just trying to enjoy the ride. A quick update on my family members.


Me: Still loving my job. Have a great "family" I work with. So happy I changed hospitals! God has blessed me numerous times over with this change, and I am forever grateful.
I am starting a New Year's Resolution. Like most I am going to try to lose some weight. I really want to do good at this. I hope I am not setting myself up for failure. I am joining 2 weight loss "programs." The pound plunge, and Healthy Lifestyles Nebraska. Both which do weekly weigh ins, and awards prizes for losses. We also have purchased a elliptical workout machine, which, once it arrives will be a giant eye sore and uncomfortable piece of furniture in out living room. So if you are coming over for a visit, I apologize now, I promise not to make you sit on it though! ;) Currently I have a little cold/throat bug bothering me but that will soon subside with the nice meds I was given to day!


Ryan: He is still working a Weathercraft. He got a new company truck. Its white, so now all the vehicles in front of our home are white. Ryan's, been working on the siding and upstairs bedroom in his free time, which is a rarity with our little ones running around. Cancer stuff is still int eh clear. Hopefully in the next 18 months he will be completely done with it all! PTL!

Luke: My little school boy. He learns new fun things all the time, and (I'm a little biased) he remembers things SO well. He can still tell me what each of his and Adalei's birthdays were (minus his first), what he/she got, what he/she ate for their birthday and who was there. I will say that there are pictures there that might have triggered these memories, but none browsed through in a LONG time. I hope he keeps that capacity to remember things! Its all about letters and number for him right now. Some were a struggle, and in the process of working with Luke Adalei has picked up on a lot of it and actually can count better than her big brother.
Adalei: Speaking of Adalei, my little sweetie is getting so big, she and Luke wear the same size!!! She is just 2 inches shorter than Luke too. My little talker. Right now her brain is moving faster than her mouth can catch up and she has started to stutter a little, but what from what I have researched, she should grow out of it before she is 4, and not to worry about it until then. Adalei's biggest accomplishment is the potty! She is almost completely day potty trained for Mommy (won't go at all for Daddy), and stays dry 1/2 teh time during naps. She wants to be a big girl and "do it self." Adalei has her yearly heart check up right around the corner. I don't foresee any complications arising either. Adalei is a growing weed and her heart seems to beat strong with her!

I hope all my friends and family had a lovely holiday and I will try to share more frequently.

Love,
Cindy

Spring. Happy that its made its way here. Temp is in the 50 and 60s. Unfortunately haven't been able to enjoy it. Bummer! Night shift work. I am off Thursday until Monday. Hoping to enjoy the sunshine. Luke's birthday went well. He had a blast. Can't believe he is 4! It was humorous the night before his actual birthday I was telling him what was happening 4 years ago that day. I got a little teary eyed. Luke looks up at me and says, "Mommy, why you got sad eyes?" "Cause I'm a man?" Ha ha. I stifled a half laugh/cry and hugged my little 'man.' I love him! I hope tomorrow I can try to update my blog, but no promises. Oh yeah, our trip to Oregon was fabulous. Cold, but good. We are already missing it, and threw the idea of another trip back there up just tonight! Could you please pray for some dear family friends of ours. They are experiencing some medical issues, and have had a hard past 9 months. Pray for the Great Healer to place His hands on this sweet family, and heal all of their ailments. Thank you. Thanks for stopping in. Have a great day!

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! :)

Holiday fun!

Daddy and Luke getting ready to cut or Christmas tree (we ended up not using it though. It was only half a tree adn looked pretty sparce. We bought a live one. Which was a first for us, but it was pretty and I liked ecorating it much better, not so smelly and pokey. :)


Eating candy canes in the country on our christmas tree hunt. Singing Christmas songs and drinkng hot chocolate!! So much fun!



Adalei talking to us by the christmas tree.

Christmas cuties!

Adalei loves the bath! She's so cute! I thought maybe some of you might want to see how well her incision is healing too.

Quick Pic

Aren't these two simply adorable! I just love my Addie-bug's smile to her BIG brother!


Love you all!
Cindy

Busy Time

Luke at the 4th of July parade.

Dorky smile, but a happy Mommy!

New hair do.

My hair actually had more body than this yesterday, I should have had Ryan wake up to take a better picture then... J/K!

We got a new entertainment stand for our living room. I am so excited! It was a great deal, originally 200 dollars. We got it for 80!!! Ryan put it all together yesterday and now I have to figure out how I want the room rearranged and he will set it in place tonight. Yippey!

Luke and I have official business to attend to this morning then its off to N.P. for appointments. Luke is going to hang out at my sisters house with "Timmy, Gage and Bit-ney" (as Luke calls them) while I go to my heart appointment and my OB appointment.

I will let you know that I feel that maybe Addelei has dropped. (Side note we are still figuring out how to spell her name. I think I am leaning with it spelled with the e in the middle not the a, less likely to take the name literally that way.) She is no longer riding up in my ribs, I can breathe easier, and I feel her in my pelvis much more. But maybe I am incorrect. I will ask the nurse practitioner that I am seeing today if she can tell. I can feel Addie's head in my pelvic region. I am also experiencing the "menstrual ache," for me it feels like its a heavy bloated ache in my pelvic region. Also my lower back is really aching off and on. So I will run these past her too. I have my strep swab today also. Oh joy. Well I need to get off of here so I can get my "business" done!

Have a Wonderful Day!

Water fun

Happy time in the water!

My what big tracks those are!

Bubble fun!

Baby bump!

I am home sick today. Had a stomach ache all throughout the night. Cramps, contractions, back ache, no sleep, nausea. I got 2 hours in. I would have been very unproductive at work today. Still feel queasy and have heartburn. But no more scary stomach cramps with contractions. Just going watch some t.v. with Luke and pray that he is ready for a nap early today. I need some sleep! Getting me ready for my sleepless nights I suppose? Wow.

I had to share the pictures with you though. They make me smile! Well, more later.

Baby Update and a little extra

Theses are pics we took of Luke last night; the Schwan's man always gives Luke a page of stickers and it's quite obvious what he proceeds to do with them. He is always precisely putting them on and then taking them back off and placing nicely on the paper they came from. Such a neat little guy I have!! ha ha.

We went the North Platte yesterday to see my sisters and nephew. We did some crafts and the boys got paint on them and their projects. I should have snapped a pic of Luke's puppy he painted. He was very detailed with everything.

I suppose its that time of the week again I better update you all on little Addi!

How far along: 30 weeks today! I am officially 3/4 the way done! Woohoo!

Mommy's weight gain: 17 pounds as of yesterday. Trying to be good. Once again, am loving fruit right now so it make it much easier.

Baby's size: The still say 3 pounds however, she is 15.5 inches long now. The reason for that is that they say the energy is being used to form the brain better right now. I have been feeling so much more movement this last week, its awesome!

Cravings: Fruit and red meat. Steaks and hamburgers sound so good!

Labor signs: Well I won't go into detail, but something feels different down under and when I go see the doc next week I am going to discuss it. I have been feeling pretty good for the most part. A little dizzy today, but over all no recurrent BH or anything.

Maternity clothes: Wearing sleepy clothes most of the time and Ryan's T-shirts. I need to get out and buy a few more nursing bras, but I will have to wait until i know if that road will be a traveled one or not...

Sleep: My arms are starting to fall asleep at night. Its aggravating. However, the bathroom frequency has lightened a smidgen.

Milestone: I guess feeling the baby move so much. Other people are starting to be able to see the movements now too. Which is fun.

Luke and I are on the heavy bathroom patrol. He has gone twice really well. I hope he keeps it up. He had a meltdown once though. I hate those, it makes me feel like I am pushing him to do this before he is ready. Well I really need to get some things done around here. Have a great day everyone!

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!

Save it for another day.

Baby was in the wrong position. We were unable to see anything, and once again no pictures. I am bummed that he didn't take any for us. But, I suppose I should just be happy he agreed to do another ultrasound. He also told me that we might sneak in at my next appointment for another peek. Good. I wonder if I ask him about it if he would take a 4-D pic like he told me at my 20 week appt???
I mentioned the contractions, and of course, he said the tried and true response, "rest and drink lots of fluids, if it doesn't go away in 1 hour than call." I already knew that. He was nice and explained other possible pre-term labor symptoms and assured me me that if necessary, he would write a Dr. note for me to rest more at work when/if needed. I am happy to here that. So I suppose I have a new favorite OB Dr. However, Dr. J will remain awesome in my book. I just have to squeeze in the other 3 doctors now, because I am supposed to see all in the group in case one of them delivers me, they would have all interacted with the care of my pregnancy. However, with Dr. T "bribing" me with all these ultrasounds, I keep on setting up apportionment's with him. I can honestly say though, I am almost at peace with not knowing. It makes me even more excited for the delivery... many many weeks from now! At least we are at the milestone date, Woo Hoo!

Luke is growing good. Tall for his age, and growing just right. Made the doctor (and all of us)laugh, so that was fun to see. Dr said that she would babysit him anytime if we needed one! Hee hee. My big boy also got 3 shots today. Tolerating them well also.


Ryan will need surgery. He has 2 torn ligaments in his ankle, and a badly bruised bone. The PA there said that Ryan can wait to have surgery. So he is on physical therapy and has a brace in the meantime. Ryan will plan to have surgery when work slows down. In November (after deer season of course).

Loved my new eye doc. Very nice and thorough. New contacts in 2 weeks! Speaking of which, my eyes are very tired and I think I will take out my contacts and get some sleep!

Night all.

Sunday daze

We went to Kearney for a day trip that turned into a overnight trip. I knew I should have packed a overnight bag!! We bought Luke a mattress for a toddler bed we haven't purchased yet. Got all three of us swimming outfits so we could go swimming at the pool at the hotel. I am glad to have a better fitting swimsuit, but I am not so pleased at how I looked in it. Mind you, that most of me was before baby. Actually, I am growing ever so affectionately for my baby bump. It looks right now! Yippey! I will have to snap a few pics, now that I am feeling better about it. But, not with the swimsuit.... something with much more coverage! :)

I have been having a few contractions lately. They are mildly painful, they make my tummy really hard and achy from the top of the uterus to the lowest part possible; mostly painful in the the lower part, but they go away after a few minutes and are infrequent. Friday, at work, they were a little more consistent. I had a back ache to go along with it. I had been doing quite a bit of walking, and after I relaxed for longer than an hour, then went away completely. I will be sure to mention it to the Dr's this Thursday, just in case.

Sigh.... Thursday, what a busy, hopefully good, milestoned day it will be! 24 weeks on Thursday. We have made it to the clearing point. Not out of danger zone, but the baby is viable. and that means a lot to me. They will fight harder to keep my baby alive, if something were to happen. God I pray that nothing does happen. Thursday is when we have our next US!!! Show us what you got baby! Luke has his 2 year check up. Ryan is following up on his MRI of his ankle, to find out if he has ligament damage or what is causing him pain to his right ankle. And what is needed to fix it. Surgery or just PT. I am praying for the best outcome. I also have an eye appointment. Every person in the family will be checked-up on!!

Oh man, the hormones are hitting me hard lately. Mood swings and hot flashes like crazy! I am sweating while everyone else in bundled up!!! I also have been having this weird taste of pocket lint in my mouth lately, I believe it is just a weird variation of heartburn. (How do I know what pocket lint tastes like, you ask? As a kid didn't you ever place a candy in your pocket for later, and once you popped the candy in your mouth you tasted the lint from your pocket also....? No..... Well okay, I am just really weird then.)

Well that's enough musing for one day. Later everyone!!!
Cindy

I met the challenge.

Not that I thought it was going to be easy, but man is it tricky doing potty training! Luke is doing really well I think.
The first urination with the underwear on was a good indication to me that things were going to progress nicely today. He ran desperately hollering potty potty potty, trying to get to the bathroom, peeing most of the way there. He was pretty distraught over the situation at first. He didn't do anything in toilet said "ya aww dun" (you all done?) and was ready for his next pair of underwear Then he showed me where the mess was and help cleaned it up .
He helped mommy clean all the messes he made throughout the day, and would come and tell mommy when he had gone, started to go, or maybe needed to go. Most of our numerous trips to the potty were no goers, but 4, yes, count them 4, were actually positive pee-pee in the potty trips. He cried some times that we stopped activities or his veggie tales movie for the potty breaks, but the last time he went, he got business done and actually watched himself do such, and was happy!! Every time he went pee pee he got a sticker and candy! Totally great! He loved it. I could tell that he was getting the idea. No poo-poos yet. I imagine he will complete that now that he is back in his diaper for his nap. Hopefully he will try that sometime diaper less soon too.

I have to reward myself to, because it is rather stressful, trying to explain to your little one where they need to go and that they need to get there first. I tried not to be frustrated, especially when Luke was crying while on the potty. I thought maybe he is not ready for this, but then he went, and I was so proud and knew that I just needed to keep it up. So I felt much better after that. He had continuously dribbled up to that point (except the first potty accident, which was a puddle). So I had a lot of carpet to clean and thought this was a terrible idea. But you know I gotta keep focused, because ]
1) he needs to be potty trained
2) I don't want 2 little ones in diapers if I can help it!
3) the Lord held my hand as I coached and taught my son today. That much is for sure! So I treasure the closeness I received while Potty training.

I would love to continue with the potty training after Luke wakes from his nap but he is going to hang out with his Grandpa. I hate to put that pressure on Pa-Pa on Luke's first day at it. So diapers it is until Daddy comes and brings him home.
I am going to a Taste of Home cooking show. I am stoked! They give away great prizes and I learn lots of cool recipes, and am so eager to try them out afterwards!!!

Tomorrow Luke and I will try again and see how we do.

Later,
Cindy

Big Boy, Big Day

Okay, here we go.... We are going to attempt the big boy underwear and strictly trying to do potty training. I have been reading up on it, and asking friends tons of questions. I really just need to dedicate my time and focus on this today. What I am going to try to do is similar to what I read off of another blog. She had all of her children potty trained fairly easily. I know that Luke being at a babysitter will make this more difficult. But I am off for two days and thought maybe I can get the potty training idea sparked into his head If I stay focused on it. I am going to be watching that little boy like a hawk.

You can read MckMama's post about potty training to see where I am get my plan figured out. Big boy underwear and lots of fluids. With q 15 min. potty visits, and a huge potty dance/reward for going potty. That's my plan. We will see if it works. I really don't want 2 kids in diapers at the same time. Luke Shows some interest at times. So we will see if it follows through. I have been sitting him on the potty before bath time adn a few times throughout the day, no luck really yet so I pulling for this one. I hope he has an interest today, because otherwise it is pointless to try. But I have to make an effort on my part. and honestly I really haven't been very focused on it. But ite getting down to the wire. I also have tons to Easter candy that I get to use and reward candy..... so it works! I tried the big boy underwear on luke last night for about 15 minutes. He loved them, didn't do anything that whole time. However, he didn't go potty when we tried either. Oh, he looked so adorable too! I will have to take a picture of my big boy in his underwear!!! Wish me luck!

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

Happy Birthday Little Man

Today is my little Luke's 2nd Birthday. I will say however excited and happy I am about this, I am also tearful that my little guy is getting so big already! I decided to reminisce over the event with some baby pictures, now that my little guy is no longer a "baby." (He will always be my baby though!) So enjoy the past with me!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUKE!

Love Mommy, Daddy and baby.