My friend Christa brought me a present on loan! She has a full up fetal heartbeat doppler she brought over complete with ultrasound gel! Each night at bedtime I've been able to listen to baby thump, thump, thump away. Hello in there!
So cool!
Saturday night it was beating 176bpm. Tonight it was 166bpm.
There has been very sad baby/pregnancy news within our squadron and other fellow AF friends. I do not want to take one day for granted. This little one is already a member of this family and our hearts are forever changed. One precious beat at a time.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Commissary Trip
The last time I went to the commissary, I was in a major rush that day. I came home and put all the cold stuff away and left the rest. I had bags on the floor and counter tops, but I had to get back out the door to take Brad to speech.
I should have known that my compulsive eater of a dog Mickey would get into something. He ate FOUR chocolate power bars. Blah. Just thinking of eating that much make my stomach want to explode. Sure enough, he was in so much pain it required an emergency trip to the ER. Two hours later I was out $65 and four power bars.
Interesting enough, I went to the commissary again today - on a speech day. This time I bought 8 power bars and they are sitting on my counter. I feel like I've outsmarted the smartie! I should probably start putting groceries away before I have to pick up Brad again. However, I'm nauseous from all the iron pills and being around food makes me want to vomit. Must.Fight.Through.
I should have known that my compulsive eater of a dog Mickey would get into something. He ate FOUR chocolate power bars. Blah. Just thinking of eating that much make my stomach want to explode. Sure enough, he was in so much pain it required an emergency trip to the ER. Two hours later I was out $65 and four power bars.
Interesting enough, I went to the commissary again today - on a speech day. This time I bought 8 power bars and they are sitting on my counter. I feel like I've outsmarted the smartie! I should probably start putting groceries away before I have to pick up Brad again. However, I'm nauseous from all the iron pills and being around food makes me want to vomit. Must.Fight.Through.
Could have been better
Brad was very hesitant to participate. In fact, he didn't till the very end when the coach said to run to the tree and back for a cookie! Brad ran faster than all of them and came in first place (only crazyvmommy was keeping score). Coach Steve was very patient with him. Maybe it will just take some warming up to the team.
He was worried they would all be mean to him like at school. Am I crazy for wanting to pull him out towards the end of Feburary? Back up there again tomorrow to talk to Ms. Pat.
Coles practice was canceled and thank goodness. Keith was the one to actually go stand with his team. We'll see how this goes!
He was worried they would all be mean to him like at school. Am I crazy for wanting to pull him out towards the end of Feburary? Back up there again tomorrow to talk to Ms. Pat.
Coles practice was canceled and thank goodness. Keith was the one to actually go stand with his team. We'll see how this goes!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Soccer Practice
Let the games begin. Cole and Brad both have practice today. At the same time. At two different fields across town. Fun.
I'm lucky that today Keith will be able to get home in time to divide and conquer. This will not always be the case and I will have to start missing things. I'm not happy about this at all. This is just the beginning of the chaos.
Cole is on a new team, The Benders. We might have scouted them out as the best team we played against. We might have called a few people to get the coaches name and cell phone number. We might have put in a transfer without paying the extra fee. Whatever "we" did, was worth it. He's on the team and the first practice went great. I was so excited afterward. It was then I realized I had a problem. A crazy minivan driving soccer mom problem. I don't mind. I think when you admit it, it makes you a little less crazy. Keith is taking Cole tonight. I would love to be there to watch.
I will be taking Brad to his first practice. I'm both excited and nervous for Brad. I'm torn and heartbroken. I can imagine this going well, and I can imagine this being a disaster. After wanting to join a team, now he wants to quit again. I don't know what it's rooted in - self confidence? just being fickle and strong willed? He told me yesterday that the kids at school called him a loser and laughed at him. Dear God, please give me the right words to help Brad in positive ways. Please don't let others steal his individuality or make him doubt himself. Mama Bear is on full alert.
To get Brad excited he got to pick out his new soccer shoes and I'm taking him to get a new ball that's all his own after school. I asked the coach for the team name and colors to help get Brad excited and get this.... his team name is The GOATS! Coach Crazy tried to tell me it's an acronym for The Greatest of All Time. Fabulous. Because 4 year olds know how to spell and get the understanding of an acronym. Well, if anyone can rock on The Goats, it will be Brad. This actually might be a match made in Heaven.
So, tonight will be a crazy start to Spring Soccer Season 2011. Let's go Benders and Goats!
I'm lucky that today Keith will be able to get home in time to divide and conquer. This will not always be the case and I will have to start missing things. I'm not happy about this at all. This is just the beginning of the chaos.
Cole is on a new team, The Benders. We might have scouted them out as the best team we played against. We might have called a few people to get the coaches name and cell phone number. We might have put in a transfer without paying the extra fee. Whatever "we" did, was worth it. He's on the team and the first practice went great. I was so excited afterward. It was then I realized I had a problem. A crazy minivan driving soccer mom problem. I don't mind. I think when you admit it, it makes you a little less crazy. Keith is taking Cole tonight. I would love to be there to watch.
I will be taking Brad to his first practice. I'm both excited and nervous for Brad. I'm torn and heartbroken. I can imagine this going well, and I can imagine this being a disaster. After wanting to join a team, now he wants to quit again. I don't know what it's rooted in - self confidence? just being fickle and strong willed? He told me yesterday that the kids at school called him a loser and laughed at him. Dear God, please give me the right words to help Brad in positive ways. Please don't let others steal his individuality or make him doubt himself. Mama Bear is on full alert.
To get Brad excited he got to pick out his new soccer shoes and I'm taking him to get a new ball that's all his own after school. I asked the coach for the team name and colors to help get Brad excited and get this.... his team name is The GOATS! Coach Crazy tried to tell me it's an acronym for The Greatest of All Time. Fabulous. Because 4 year olds know how to spell and get the understanding of an acronym. Well, if anyone can rock on The Goats, it will be Brad. This actually might be a match made in Heaven.
So, tonight will be a crazy start to Spring Soccer Season 2011. Let's go Benders and Goats!
Friday, February 11, 2011
Goo-uls
Brad has been in speech for a few months now. He's made leaps and bounds of improvements, but we're still working on our "r"'s. So when he says girl, it sounds more like a spooky Halloween "goooul".
We've had some snow days and the boys were starting to experience a little cabin fever. I am very blessed in the fact that they get along 99.9% of the time. Yesterday was the .09%.
I am getting dressed when I hear Cole start screaming in pain. I run into the livingroom and see him balled up on the couch, just rolling around crying. I asked him what happened and he couldn't talk. Then I look at Brad.
Brad has this mean pout on his face standing there with his arms crossed over his chest. I asked him what happened and he spouts off:
"Cole said I like gooouls, and I do not like goouls so I punched him"
Turns out he balled up his little fist and punch Cole right in the ..... balls.
Poor Cole. I told him the first time he brings a "gooul" over here he should get a free shot. Right, Brad?
We've had some snow days and the boys were starting to experience a little cabin fever. I am very blessed in the fact that they get along 99.9% of the time. Yesterday was the .09%.
I am getting dressed when I hear Cole start screaming in pain. I run into the livingroom and see him balled up on the couch, just rolling around crying. I asked him what happened and he couldn't talk. Then I look at Brad.
Brad has this mean pout on his face standing there with his arms crossed over his chest. I asked him what happened and he spouts off:
"Cole said I like gooouls, and I do not like goouls so I punched him"
Turns out he balled up his little fist and punch Cole right in the ..... balls.
Poor Cole. I told him the first time he brings a "gooul" over here he should get a free shot. Right, Brad?
Night Owl
I'm a night owl at heart. I could sleep till noon and stay up till 2 if it wasn't for this thing called kids, or school, or responsibilities. I get the most energy around 9 pm - I use that term "energy" loosely these days. I can get more done. I'm not saying that because my children are asleep in bed, but that might play a small factor. It's just when I feel the need to start laundry, clean, and organize.
Let me tell you what else I love about our nighttime routine:
Marty Cat. I don't know what it is, but she becomes a loud, vocal, well known presence as soon as you start turning lights off. She will meow REPETITIVELY walking around the house as if wondering where we all went. My house would not be the same without her weird meowing concert every night.
Mickey and Merlin. They pass out rather early in the living room or wherever I might be. But when it's time to go to bed, they quickly sit up with their hair half matted to the side of their face and their tongues sticking out. It's like I woke them to get out of a fire, they are that startled and dazed.
My favorite - Cole and Brad. We've learned our trick into getting off the pull ups at night and staying dry. We wake them up around 11:30 or midnight and take them to the bathroom. Once they go, they can make it all the way to morning without accidents. I haven't had to limit their water or change up anything else. Since I'm usually awake, it isn't a big deal. Keith usually helps me with this, in fact he says it's his favorite time of the day.
We grab a kid and carry them into the bathroom. This always shocks me because Cole is almost the entire length of me. He's getting so heavy. Sometimes I just have enough support under his arms, sometimes I cradle him like a goat... whatever works. He's so big. They are total dead weight and are out to the world. We stand them up in front of the toilet, but it's a drunk stance, you have to hold their backs because they would hit the floor if they could!
We pull their pants down and nudge them to the rim. The entire time their eyes are closed with their heads bobbing and nodding forward and back like they are standing in a canoe. Then it happens, like old men, they start scratching and rubbing their bellies, their hair, their legs. They can hardly concentrate over all the itching they feel is necessary.
They each go and as we get them situated, we make them walk back to the bed. They are hitting the walls and often roam into various parts of the house with no clear direction in mind. Keith and I guide them to the bed where they fall over. Sometimes with legs still on the floor, Cole is perfectly content spending the rest of the evening there. Sometimes they babble crazy, undecipherable things as my little zombies crawl up to their pillows. We cover them back up and just laugh at how funny and small they still are.
My days of carrying them are numbered. And my time of midnight roundup will be over before I know it. I will miss them at this time and all the belly scratching, bed head, dried drooled cheeks. Sweet dreams my boys.
Let me tell you what else I love about our nighttime routine:
Marty Cat. I don't know what it is, but she becomes a loud, vocal, well known presence as soon as you start turning lights off. She will meow REPETITIVELY walking around the house as if wondering where we all went. My house would not be the same without her weird meowing concert every night.
Mickey and Merlin. They pass out rather early in the living room or wherever I might be. But when it's time to go to bed, they quickly sit up with their hair half matted to the side of their face and their tongues sticking out. It's like I woke them to get out of a fire, they are that startled and dazed.
My favorite - Cole and Brad. We've learned our trick into getting off the pull ups at night and staying dry. We wake them up around 11:30 or midnight and take them to the bathroom. Once they go, they can make it all the way to morning without accidents. I haven't had to limit their water or change up anything else. Since I'm usually awake, it isn't a big deal. Keith usually helps me with this, in fact he says it's his favorite time of the day.
We grab a kid and carry them into the bathroom. This always shocks me because Cole is almost the entire length of me. He's getting so heavy. Sometimes I just have enough support under his arms, sometimes I cradle him like a goat... whatever works. He's so big. They are total dead weight and are out to the world. We stand them up in front of the toilet, but it's a drunk stance, you have to hold their backs because they would hit the floor if they could!
We pull their pants down and nudge them to the rim. The entire time their eyes are closed with their heads bobbing and nodding forward and back like they are standing in a canoe. Then it happens, like old men, they start scratching and rubbing their bellies, their hair, their legs. They can hardly concentrate over all the itching they feel is necessary.
They each go and as we get them situated, we make them walk back to the bed. They are hitting the walls and often roam into various parts of the house with no clear direction in mind. Keith and I guide them to the bed where they fall over. Sometimes with legs still on the floor, Cole is perfectly content spending the rest of the evening there. Sometimes they babble crazy, undecipherable things as my little zombies crawl up to their pillows. We cover them back up and just laugh at how funny and small they still are.
My days of carrying them are numbered. And my time of midnight roundup will be over before I know it. I will miss them at this time and all the belly scratching, bed head, dried drooled cheeks. Sweet dreams my boys.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Thanks D!
I stole my friend's baby ticker - cool huh? Thanks D and big Congrats to you too!!! I just showed the boys and told them that's what the baby looks like in my tummy. Brad just said "whoa", kinda like Boner did on Growing Pains - or was that the Dude on Blossom? I'm so embarrassed my mind is slacking in useless tv knowledge. He's funny. Today we went to lunch and I guess my belly was right in Cole's face. He put his hands up on it and said "Hi Baby!"
I think they're excited. Me too.
I've had some mixed feelings this past week. I keep having moments of panic. I teeter between wondering what I was thinking, and then imaging how life will never be the same again (in a good way) I wonder if the boys will remember life before baby. ?? I'm sure they will, but I also don't want them to imagine their life without #3.
Speaking of, I really have to find a name for "it". I don't like it, or #3. Erin came up with puffin for Ashley. I still can't think of Brooke without wanting to say "sweet puffin". I need a name, gender neutral. So get to thinking Erin ;-)
Another friend was telling me that this baby will be like my dessert. With the space in ages, I'll be able to savor every last morsel without (as much) chaos. Maybe I need a dessert name. I did have a serious craving for Gobstopper Jawbreakers this week. If it is a girl she might grow up with a complex if I called her Gobstopper.
I found out today that this baby is already sucking the life out of me, literally. I'm severely anemic and need to start taking iron supplements twice a day in addition to the prenatal vitamins. Do you know how bad I am at taking medicines? Now 5 pills a day! My boys might start shoving them down my mouth if it meant I had the energy to cook them dinner.... Spaghettos again boys? Great idea!
I think they're excited. Me too.
I've had some mixed feelings this past week. I keep having moments of panic. I teeter between wondering what I was thinking, and then imaging how life will never be the same again (in a good way) I wonder if the boys will remember life before baby. ?? I'm sure they will, but I also don't want them to imagine their life without #3.
Speaking of, I really have to find a name for "it". I don't like it, or #3. Erin came up with puffin for Ashley. I still can't think of Brooke without wanting to say "sweet puffin". I need a name, gender neutral. So get to thinking Erin ;-)
Another friend was telling me that this baby will be like my dessert. With the space in ages, I'll be able to savor every last morsel without (as much) chaos. Maybe I need a dessert name. I did have a serious craving for Gobstopper Jawbreakers this week. If it is a girl she might grow up with a complex if I called her Gobstopper.
I found out today that this baby is already sucking the life out of me, literally. I'm severely anemic and need to start taking iron supplements twice a day in addition to the prenatal vitamins. Do you know how bad I am at taking medicines? Now 5 pills a day! My boys might start shoving them down my mouth if it meant I had the energy to cook them dinner.... Spaghettos again boys? Great idea!
Monday, February 7, 2011
Really?
Tonight was our second and last PTA meeting of the year. Just two meetings a year to find out what's going on in your child's school. Only two meetings to give your input, ask questions, and hold up our end of the partnership in teaching our kids. It was also the night for nominations for next years board. Every position had to be filled because the incumbents have served their "term limits.".
Please guess how many parents were in attendance. Other than the board members and the vice principal, how many parents of students, grades K-6th, were present tonight?
One. Me. Uno. I had to take Cole and Brad with me, but I was the lone parent there to find out what I could do to help the people who see my child longer in the day than I do. It's almost comical if it didn't break my heart.
I really like to be there for all the school events, and have thought of serving. With new baby due just as school starts I figured I was going to sit out next year. Now I'm all kinds of fired up to step in and shake up some parents. Time to do some serious thinking and praying.
The focus on most of the topics tonight were focused on budget cuts that will take effect next year. This is terribly upsetting to hear the speculations of things that will be changing. Honestly. I'm sick to my stomach to think of the mockery of Jerry's World compared to firing two teachers per grade level. Adults willing to pay $800 a ticket but can't send in $1 for a Valentine's Day party. Class sizes of 30 will be the norm. Kindergarten will more than likely go to two teachers and half days. They will have am and pm. Personally, my eyes widened a bit for Brad's sake, but two teachers cramming a years worth of material into 88 children 3 hours a day?
Sigh. Where's our focus in this world?
Signing off, maybe possibly future PTA board member/volunteer
Please guess how many parents were in attendance. Other than the board members and the vice principal, how many parents of students, grades K-6th, were present tonight?
One. Me. Uno. I had to take Cole and Brad with me, but I was the lone parent there to find out what I could do to help the people who see my child longer in the day than I do. It's almost comical if it didn't break my heart.
I really like to be there for all the school events, and have thought of serving. With new baby due just as school starts I figured I was going to sit out next year. Now I'm all kinds of fired up to step in and shake up some parents. Time to do some serious thinking and praying.
The focus on most of the topics tonight were focused on budget cuts that will take effect next year. This is terribly upsetting to hear the speculations of things that will be changing. Honestly. I'm sick to my stomach to think of the mockery of Jerry's World compared to firing two teachers per grade level. Adults willing to pay $800 a ticket but can't send in $1 for a Valentine's Day party. Class sizes of 30 will be the norm. Kindergarten will more than likely go to two teachers and half days. They will have am and pm. Personally, my eyes widened a bit for Brad's sake, but two teachers cramming a years worth of material into 88 children 3 hours a day?
Sigh. Where's our focus in this world?
Signing off, maybe possibly future PTA board member/volunteer
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Open letter to my dogs
Mickey and Merlin,
You know I love you. If fact you know I'm the only person in this house that loves you. I am soley responsible for feeding you, giving you fresh water, and letting you out. I bathe you, trim your hair, and get someone else to cut your nails. I am the only person in the world on top of your health and shot upkeep. I share my bed with you, giving you a dang third of the king size bed. I wake up in the middle of the night to take you outside. If I didn't we would have to lock you in a crate at night.
My question is, WHY? Why do I do it? I don't like waking to take you out to immediately turn around and step in fresh poo. I don't enjoy cleaning fresh poo off my floors and feet at o dark thrity. If fact, it makes me want to lock you out for a very long time.
I know you are old and frail, but please consider this a warning. I'm tempted to start treating you like..... Like..... DOGS!
Love, your trained owner
You know I love you. If fact you know I'm the only person in this house that loves you. I am soley responsible for feeding you, giving you fresh water, and letting you out. I bathe you, trim your hair, and get someone else to cut your nails. I am the only person in the world on top of your health and shot upkeep. I share my bed with you, giving you a dang third of the king size bed. I wake up in the middle of the night to take you outside. If I didn't we would have to lock you in a crate at night.
My question is, WHY? Why do I do it? I don't like waking to take you out to immediately turn around and step in fresh poo. I don't enjoy cleaning fresh poo off my floors and feet at o dark thrity. If fact, it makes me want to lock you out for a very long time.
I know you are old and frail, but please consider this a warning. I'm tempted to start treating you like..... Like..... DOGS!
Love, your trained owner
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