P had her first sleepover at Grammie and Papa's house. I was worried about her, but I knew they would take good care of her. I called as soon as I got up this morning to check on her and she was just fine. I heard her in the background talking and eating her breakfast. It was funny to listen to my mom and dad try to figure out what she was saying. She is expanding her vocabulary and many of the new words are not easy to comprehend, but once you get them you are like "oh, yeah, duh - that IS what she is saying!"
Today is my mom's birthday. I think she kind of wants P with her for the day. They are enjoying her company and I am fine with it. I actually can take this time to get stuff done that is hard to do when I have her. I am picking and choosing my errands and chores for the day - all the ones get done that I can't do with her. At least at this point it is harder and harder to get around and even doing things by myself takes more time than usual. Kind of funny, actually!
Hubby and I went to the movies last night to celebrate our "freedom" for a night. We saw "Charlie Wilson's War." Great movie. I would recommend it. I got to eat movie popcorn - something I truly love, and drink soda. They didn't have juju bees....:(
I am really hoping to go into labor today...can I just share that? They asked if I wanted to be induced next week and I said no. They asked if I wanted to strip the membranes and I said no. Today I kind of wish I had said yes to one of those things...even though I really don't. Just feeling quite pregnant at the moment.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Friday, January 11, 2008
My hubby
My hubby is such a cool guy. Today he had a lunch meeting with his vendors to check out a hosting company downtown. I guess this facility hosts his company's server so he needed to be sure they were qualified and I think the company itself wanted to impress him with their new space. Anyhow, he comes home to give me a box of chocolates from one our city's gourmet chocolatiers. How did he know I was combing the house for chocolate after the baby went down for a nap? :) I guess being almost 39 weeks pregnant gives it all away....?
So, I have been talking with a cousin on hubby's side about family stuff. I am a little shocked but not surprised at some of the things she shared. How can three brothers be so different? I kind of understand why hubby never went home after college and doesn't really want to go back except on occasion. And for me that is totally fine. Now, I really miss some of his family members and have become pretty close to a couple of his cousins, but as long as we keep in touch it is all good. It makes me feel kind of bad not wanting to deal with some of the drama, but I have a family of my own and am very close to my brother and his family and my mom and dad, cousins, aunts, etc. Plus, I know my family will always be honest with me - honesty is HUGE in my book. We have such a great foundation of friends and family here - I really don't want to give that up to move where I would feel uncomfortable.
So, my friend emails me today and told me she saw my quote in Parenting Magazine! I thought that was so cool! I didn't really tell anyone I was called by the journalist to comment on something I had written a while back - I am a little modest that way. So modest that I am currently posting this on my blog. Shameless. :)
So, I have been talking with a cousin on hubby's side about family stuff. I am a little shocked but not surprised at some of the things she shared. How can three brothers be so different? I kind of understand why hubby never went home after college and doesn't really want to go back except on occasion. And for me that is totally fine. Now, I really miss some of his family members and have become pretty close to a couple of his cousins, but as long as we keep in touch it is all good. It makes me feel kind of bad not wanting to deal with some of the drama, but I have a family of my own and am very close to my brother and his family and my mom and dad, cousins, aunts, etc. Plus, I know my family will always be honest with me - honesty is HUGE in my book. We have such a great foundation of friends and family here - I really don't want to give that up to move where I would feel uncomfortable.
So, my friend emails me today and told me she saw my quote in Parenting Magazine! I thought that was so cool! I didn't really tell anyone I was called by the journalist to comment on something I had written a while back - I am a little modest that way. So modest that I am currently posting this on my blog. Shameless. :)
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Surprise!
I belong to a mommies group that meets up every Wednesday in the afternoon. We have been meeting for about a year now and have all become friends. It is really great. I just love the girls and their little ones. All the children are around Peyton's age with some smaller ones in the mix. It is a nice mix with boys and girls so the kids learn how to play with both genders and learn how to begin friendships and lasting bonds (hopefully!). It is so nice to have a group of women who I feel connected to on all different levels and have tons to talk about and share. We get to have "adult" time and the kids get to play. As soon as all the pregos are finished I am going to start bringing wine to each event. haha!
Well, yesterday those darlings threw me a surprise baby shower! Beth (blog link: http://jasonbethandfamily.blogspot.com/) hosted and all the girls and the babes where there. She had an awesome spread and they had flowers and gifts for me and the soon-to-be baby Marks. I was so suprised. It was such a special gift and I will never forget it.
Beth had emailed that she had a surprise to share with all of us. I was totally thinking that Jason got a job in Seattle and they were moving. I didn't want to hear that, so I was hoping it was something else, and it was. I even asked hubby if he had heard anything from Jason about it and he said no. Now I am just laughing, and relieved that my friend isn't moving at this point in time!
Funny thing....on another note. I woke up early this morning feeling anxious and nervous. I just needed to get out of bed. I took a shower and decided to come down and check my email and post for the day. I get two emails. One I was expecting from another friend of mine on a question I had about second labors and the other was a surprise. My friend from Australia wrote that I was on her mind and she was worried about me. She was hoping everything was okay. I find it really interesting because I think what she must be feeling is the false labor pains I have been having all week. All week long I have been in a fair amount of pain with these false alarms. The contractions have been very painful, but definitely false because they are all lower abdomen. Anyhow, I am pretty sure she has been picking up on that. Pretty cool...especially having a connection like that across the ocean!
Well, yesterday those darlings threw me a surprise baby shower! Beth (blog link: http://jasonbethandfamily.blogspot.com/) hosted and all the girls and the babes where there. She had an awesome spread and they had flowers and gifts for me and the soon-to-be baby Marks. I was so suprised. It was such a special gift and I will never forget it.
Beth had emailed that she had a surprise to share with all of us. I was totally thinking that Jason got a job in Seattle and they were moving. I didn't want to hear that, so I was hoping it was something else, and it was. I even asked hubby if he had heard anything from Jason about it and he said no. Now I am just laughing, and relieved that my friend isn't moving at this point in time!
Funny thing....on another note. I woke up early this morning feeling anxious and nervous. I just needed to get out of bed. I took a shower and decided to come down and check my email and post for the day. I get two emails. One I was expecting from another friend of mine on a question I had about second labors and the other was a surprise. My friend from Australia wrote that I was on her mind and she was worried about me. She was hoping everything was okay. I find it really interesting because I think what she must be feeling is the false labor pains I have been having all week. All week long I have been in a fair amount of pain with these false alarms. The contractions have been very painful, but definitely false because they are all lower abdomen. Anyhow, I am pretty sure she has been picking up on that. Pretty cool...especially having a connection like that across the ocean!
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Unassisted Birth
I can't keep my comments to myself on this one: unassisted births. First of all, WTF? I mean, seriously, I know women have been having babies since time began, and in many countries that is the way it still is, but in America we have people who have worked hard to educate themselves on how to not only deliver a child but make sure the baby is okay once it is born. GMA had a segment on about unassisted births. They interviewed this woman who said that she felt her home was a much safter environment than the hospital for delivering her baby. Now, I know some hospitals can have bad reps - so go to a hospital that has a great rep and check it out! Make sure you see how sterile they are, how attentive the nurses are and how many babies are born there every day/week or year. Do your homework.
I am hopeful she did her homework on how to deliver her child at home. She had a birthing tub set up. Now, this rubber or plastic tub sitting in her bedroom looked kind of scary. I certainly hope there wasn't a puncture hole or something that would have caused it to deflate during labor, or God forbid contain some sort of contaminate that could harm a newborn. (As many of you know, the chemicals they use in furniture or carpeting to keep it stain resistant can be deadly for some children and also the flame retardent chemicals they put on childrens' clothing - so you need to be very careful with that type of thin much less delivering a child into a plastic pool). Then to top it off, she was unassisted - meaning just her and her husband. No midwife, no doula, no NP, no doc on call.....
Are these women truly facing the fact that they could potentially cause the death of their child? Are they willing to accept their child's fate if there are complications?
And, what does the law say about this? I mean, if they are trying to make abortion illegal how can they say it is okay to have an unassisted birth? It makes NO sense to me.
My friend shared this with me - she and I agree on the subject, so I wanted to post her response:
That is completely insane, I mean seriously. People think it is this natural spiritual thing. I think that God gave us the intelligence to become doctors and discover cures, and to keep our babies safe during child birth! He is probably up there saying, dumbass what are you doing???
There is a joke that says that goes something like this. There was a man that was hanging on a cliff and he was praying to God, "God please come down and save me!" A goat herder came and said here grab my hand, I will help you, and the man said, I am not afraid, God will save me. Then a helicopter came and dropped a ladder to rescue him and he said, I am not afraid God will save me, and then a boat came under him and said we will help you and he said the same thing, and he eventually let go and dropped to his death. When he got to heaven he said God where were you? and God said, I sent a goat herder, a helicopter AND a boat, what more do you want???
I am hopeful she did her homework on how to deliver her child at home. She had a birthing tub set up. Now, this rubber or plastic tub sitting in her bedroom looked kind of scary. I certainly hope there wasn't a puncture hole or something that would have caused it to deflate during labor, or God forbid contain some sort of contaminate that could harm a newborn. (As many of you know, the chemicals they use in furniture or carpeting to keep it stain resistant can be deadly for some children and also the flame retardent chemicals they put on childrens' clothing - so you need to be very careful with that type of thin much less delivering a child into a plastic pool). Then to top it off, she was unassisted - meaning just her and her husband. No midwife, no doula, no NP, no doc on call.....
Are these women truly facing the fact that they could potentially cause the death of their child? Are they willing to accept their child's fate if there are complications?
And, what does the law say about this? I mean, if they are trying to make abortion illegal how can they say it is okay to have an unassisted birth? It makes NO sense to me.
My friend shared this with me - she and I agree on the subject, so I wanted to post her response:
That is completely insane, I mean seriously. People think it is this natural spiritual thing. I think that God gave us the intelligence to become doctors and discover cures, and to keep our babies safe during child birth! He is probably up there saying, dumbass what are you doing???
There is a joke that says that goes something like this. There was a man that was hanging on a cliff and he was praying to God, "God please come down and save me!" A goat herder came and said here grab my hand, I will help you, and the man said, I am not afraid, God will save me. Then a helicopter came and dropped a ladder to rescue him and he said, I am not afraid God will save me, and then a boat came under him and said we will help you and he said the same thing, and he eventually let go and dropped to his death. When he got to heaven he said God where were you? and God said, I sent a goat herder, a helicopter AND a boat, what more do you want???
Tires can be so much fun....not.
Yesterday I went to my cousin's to drop off some baby stuff she let us borrow. We ended up buying a bigger car seat and my friend sent us this awesome new swing for the baby, so we didn't need to horde those two things from Candyce any longer. She has a prego friend who could probably use them in the next couple of months.
Anyhow, I am driving back home thinking of all the things I wanted to get done that afternoon. P and I had been to the gym so I was feeling a little like labor was coming on from riding the bike and walking; luckily, it wasn't. A nice guy stopped me at a light to tell me my back right tire was flat. I was so thankful he told me because I could tell the car wasn't riding well. So, I stop at a gas station to fill the tire up and it wouldn't hold the air. Being 9 and 1/2 months pregnant and having a 1 and 1/2 year old in the back seat kind of made me not think clearly. I should have just changed or had the tire changed right there, but NO I decided (like the truly intelligent person I am) to drive to try to get to a tire store to get it fixed. Well, that was like 10 minutes of driving on a flat tire...not exactly safe. :) But, we made it. Good Year had time to fix it and the tire in stock - we were so lucky!
Well, the whole time I am sitting there I thought for sure I was going into labor. Those guys were so nice getting me in right away and the last thing I wanted to do is spring a pregnant moment on them. hahaha! The thought is really amusing to me.
Anyhow, I am driving back home thinking of all the things I wanted to get done that afternoon. P and I had been to the gym so I was feeling a little like labor was coming on from riding the bike and walking; luckily, it wasn't. A nice guy stopped me at a light to tell me my back right tire was flat. I was so thankful he told me because I could tell the car wasn't riding well. So, I stop at a gas station to fill the tire up and it wouldn't hold the air. Being 9 and 1/2 months pregnant and having a 1 and 1/2 year old in the back seat kind of made me not think clearly. I should have just changed or had the tire changed right there, but NO I decided (like the truly intelligent person I am) to drive to try to get to a tire store to get it fixed. Well, that was like 10 minutes of driving on a flat tire...not exactly safe. :) But, we made it. Good Year had time to fix it and the tire in stock - we were so lucky!
Well, the whole time I am sitting there I thought for sure I was going into labor. Those guys were so nice getting me in right away and the last thing I wanted to do is spring a pregnant moment on them. hahaha! The thought is really amusing to me.
Monday, January 07, 2008
Arrival of Baby Boy
I am feeling ready for this baby to pop out. I have gotten many things taken care of, for instance the library books are all returned, my car is cleaned out (just have to install the new car seat we bought), the co-sleeper is swept and has clean sheets, I am washing the swaddling blankets and some of P's newborn sleepers. I have some things already washed and ready for him, but I wanted to have a plethora to choose from when he gets here. You never know if it will be 65 degrees on the day he is born or 25 around here lately.
I still need to: return a book to Waldens, get P some things together to play with at the hospital, go grocery shopping, get the house swept and dusted, finish the laundry, get his new car seat installed with the snuggly, and get the bottles and pacis boiled. Hopefully, he won't take to a paci but it is okay if he does. P never did so I never had to worry about taking it away from her. And, hopefully I won't have to use any bottles until I am ready to give him one. My friend waited 3 weeks to start pumping and I think I'll do the same. I pumped from the very beginning with P and I believe that is what messed up my ability to pump. My LC told me to pump after every feeding for 5 minutes to get my milk supply up. Well, I did that and at first I got a good amount of milk but then I couldn't pump at all. P ended up not even needing pumped milk because she stopped taking a bottle all together at 3 months anyhow. I don't want that to happen this time around. I really want to be able to offer a bottle when I need to.
My friend had so much milk it was crazy. She had a boy and it seemed like she bfed him constantly. I wonder if the gender will make a big difference this time around - I am sure it will. All babies are so different...even from the same mama.
I just can't wait to have this baby at this point. I don't mean to be selfish, but I am really uncomfortable and have gained so much weight it is getting to be taxing to carry it all around. I am so bloated and in one week I gained 3 pounds! I am not even eating terribly or huge amounts - simply because I can't at this point in time. I feel so filled with water and excess fluids it is gross. Plus, I can't wait to meet him and give him a proper name...instead of just "baby boy" or "baby brother."
I still need to: return a book to Waldens, get P some things together to play with at the hospital, go grocery shopping, get the house swept and dusted, finish the laundry, get his new car seat installed with the snuggly, and get the bottles and pacis boiled. Hopefully, he won't take to a paci but it is okay if he does. P never did so I never had to worry about taking it away from her. And, hopefully I won't have to use any bottles until I am ready to give him one. My friend waited 3 weeks to start pumping and I think I'll do the same. I pumped from the very beginning with P and I believe that is what messed up my ability to pump. My LC told me to pump after every feeding for 5 minutes to get my milk supply up. Well, I did that and at first I got a good amount of milk but then I couldn't pump at all. P ended up not even needing pumped milk because she stopped taking a bottle all together at 3 months anyhow. I don't want that to happen this time around. I really want to be able to offer a bottle when I need to.
My friend had so much milk it was crazy. She had a boy and it seemed like she bfed him constantly. I wonder if the gender will make a big difference this time around - I am sure it will. All babies are so different...even from the same mama.
I just can't wait to have this baby at this point. I don't mean to be selfish, but I am really uncomfortable and have gained so much weight it is getting to be taxing to carry it all around. I am so bloated and in one week I gained 3 pounds! I am not even eating terribly or huge amounts - simply because I can't at this point in time. I feel so filled with water and excess fluids it is gross. Plus, I can't wait to meet him and give him a proper name...instead of just "baby boy" or "baby brother."
Saturday, January 05, 2008
Friday, January 04, 2008
No Mercy!
Hubby just taught P to say "No Mercy" and shake her fist. It is hilarious. When she plays with her toys and does something she shouts "No Mercy" when prompted. At first I thought it was obnoxious, but actually it is quite funny. He also taught her (a while back) to wiggle her fingers like she is doing magic and say "nummy, nummy, nummy" when you tell her to turn someone into a cupcake. Essentially, I am a small baked product with lots of icing a 1,000 times over. I have to get it on video at some point.
She also cracks me up playing with her new kitchen. Her dish of choice is duck soup. She puts her plastic toy ducks in a pot and then comes up to me with a spoon. I act like I am eating it and tell her what a good cook she is. She just laughs and then feeds "soup" to all of her stuffed animals. We have been coloring a lot and reading, and I have been letting her watch too much TV. She loves PBS kids in the morning and then Sesame Street. So, I choose one or the other depending on how I am feeling that day. I am just so tired most of the time, but only two weeks left then I suspect the baby will keep us both busy.
I am so ready to pop. I have gotten really swollen with this one, too. I don't remember feeling this way with P. I am so big and lethargic. It takes so much time and energy to do anything. For instance, I took the dogs to the groomers today. It was a small olympic feat just to get P and the dogs out of the car and into the groomers. I almost slipped and it scared the crap out of me. Pregos aren't supposed to fall this late in pregnancy or they have to go to the hospital. That is all I need right now. I know having the baby around will make it even a bit more challenging to get out, but at least I won't have a bit more protection for him if I do fall. We just bought the Graco Safe Seat for him and that thing is a beast. I love it. He will be able to fit in it for a long time, and it is super padded so I am hoping he will be more comfortable than P was in her seat. I still feel bad putting her in that hard seat.
She also cracks me up playing with her new kitchen. Her dish of choice is duck soup. She puts her plastic toy ducks in a pot and then comes up to me with a spoon. I act like I am eating it and tell her what a good cook she is. She just laughs and then feeds "soup" to all of her stuffed animals. We have been coloring a lot and reading, and I have been letting her watch too much TV. She loves PBS kids in the morning and then Sesame Street. So, I choose one or the other depending on how I am feeling that day. I am just so tired most of the time, but only two weeks left then I suspect the baby will keep us both busy.
I am so ready to pop. I have gotten really swollen with this one, too. I don't remember feeling this way with P. I am so big and lethargic. It takes so much time and energy to do anything. For instance, I took the dogs to the groomers today. It was a small olympic feat just to get P and the dogs out of the car and into the groomers. I almost slipped and it scared the crap out of me. Pregos aren't supposed to fall this late in pregnancy or they have to go to the hospital. That is all I need right now. I know having the baby around will make it even a bit more challenging to get out, but at least I won't have a bit more protection for him if I do fall. We just bought the Graco Safe Seat for him and that thing is a beast. I love it. He will be able to fit in it for a long time, and it is super padded so I am hoping he will be more comfortable than P was in her seat. I still feel bad putting her in that hard seat.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Happy New Year 2008
Instead of writing down my resolutions I am going to write my reflections of 2008. I was driving the other day and just thinking back on all of the wonderful things that happened and then all the sad things that happened. That is life - we have to take the good with the bad. And, if we didn't have the bad how would we know how good we really have it? Anyhow, let me begin...
The first of the year looked kind of grim as far as hubby's mom was concerned. We spent most of January in Florida, Boston and Rhode Island with her hoping that her health would turn around, but unfortunately she passed on Feb. 6. She had battled ovarian cancer for 6 years, which is amazing after being diagnosed at stage 3. We miss her terribly and have had a hard holiday season without her. Hubby has been pretty depressed all year. I can't even imagine.
Through all of that I had P keeping me busy. It is amazing how children change your life. I couldn't imagine my life without that little girl. She is the center of my universe and the the love of my life. To think I created something so perfect and beautiful is beyond me. Hubby and I question how we did it everyday. We are both so smitten with her. During 2007 she began talking, coloring with purpose, learning tons of new things, walking, feeding herself, running, playing complex games (like hide and seek), knowing some of the alphabet and singing...among many other things. Stuff we take for granted knowing as adults is quite amazing when you see a child learning them for the first time and being excited by them. It is really cool to watch and know that I have helped.
We celebrated her 1st birthday in May. It was a great time and I was pretty excited that so many people showed up to celebrate with us.
In May we also found out we were expecting baby #2. This time around it is a boy. I am due on Jan. 22 and couldn't be more ready at this point in time. I was very sick all summer and felt that it passed without me getting to really enjoy it and take advantage of more things with and for P.
Hubby's brother and his family visited in late July. That was a nice time and the kids loved playing with P. It was cute to see them get excited to hear her tell them what noises each animal made. Unfortunately, shortly after they returned by to RI we got some shocking news about his brother and some of the things he had been up to. Things that I don't care to write about because it is kind of embarressing and not really my business. But, I can write that the family suffered because of his actions. He is seeking help, so that is a good thing and we are all hoping he steps up for his family - meaning his wife and kids, which is where he is needed. Hubby has been a very understanding and forgiving brother and is really trying to understand and get passed his brother's behavoir. We shall see what this year brings.
My dad has been doing well with his heart problems. The doctor says his heart won't get better and that he will have to continue eating well and taking his medication. He seems okay with it, but he struggles with knowing his pacemaker could go off at anytime. It scares him. Sometimes I hate that he does so much. He just cannot sit still. Mom is doing well. She is caught up in her crafts and looking forward to retiring. Her knees still bug her but she won't talk to the doctor about it. I think she likes having something to complain about.
Hubby is okay. He has been depressed and sick a lot in 2007. I think most of it stems from the emotional stress of losing his mom, dealing with his brother and gearing up for another baby. He is our soul provider and I think that wears on him, too. Hopefully things will get better in 2008. I have a lot of anxiety about his health and his life choices. He doesn't eat really well and he never exercises, but is thin so it looks like he is the picture of health. It worries me.
My schoolwork is going well. I almost have my 4. back for my masters classes. I recieved ONE A- and that totally screwed it up. I am back to a 3.96. I am really hoping my next class will bump it up even more. I am taking two independent study classes right now that I need to get finished up by May. I really anticipated getting more done over the summer and fall, but as sick as I was I napped with the baby napped. I have to just force myself to stay up at night and work on it.
This year there are so many great things to look forward to. The baby is due in just 2 weeks, one of my best friends is getting married and we are planning a couple of trips with JUST US. No family. Hopefully a trip to the beach or someplace that will make it easy to trot the kids around. I am looking forward to planning our trip to Europe in the next few years. I want to be sure both kids are walking, potty-trained and eat well at the table before going. haha! We'll see.
Happy New Year! Have MORE FUN!!
The first of the year looked kind of grim as far as hubby's mom was concerned. We spent most of January in Florida, Boston and Rhode Island with her hoping that her health would turn around, but unfortunately she passed on Feb. 6. She had battled ovarian cancer for 6 years, which is amazing after being diagnosed at stage 3. We miss her terribly and have had a hard holiday season without her. Hubby has been pretty depressed all year. I can't even imagine.
Through all of that I had P keeping me busy. It is amazing how children change your life. I couldn't imagine my life without that little girl. She is the center of my universe and the the love of my life. To think I created something so perfect and beautiful is beyond me. Hubby and I question how we did it everyday. We are both so smitten with her. During 2007 she began talking, coloring with purpose, learning tons of new things, walking, feeding herself, running, playing complex games (like hide and seek), knowing some of the alphabet and singing...among many other things. Stuff we take for granted knowing as adults is quite amazing when you see a child learning them for the first time and being excited by them. It is really cool to watch and know that I have helped.
We celebrated her 1st birthday in May. It was a great time and I was pretty excited that so many people showed up to celebrate with us.
In May we also found out we were expecting baby #2. This time around it is a boy. I am due on Jan. 22 and couldn't be more ready at this point in time. I was very sick all summer and felt that it passed without me getting to really enjoy it and take advantage of more things with and for P.
Hubby's brother and his family visited in late July. That was a nice time and the kids loved playing with P. It was cute to see them get excited to hear her tell them what noises each animal made. Unfortunately, shortly after they returned by to RI we got some shocking news about his brother and some of the things he had been up to. Things that I don't care to write about because it is kind of embarressing and not really my business. But, I can write that the family suffered because of his actions. He is seeking help, so that is a good thing and we are all hoping he steps up for his family - meaning his wife and kids, which is where he is needed. Hubby has been a very understanding and forgiving brother and is really trying to understand and get passed his brother's behavoir. We shall see what this year brings.
My dad has been doing well with his heart problems. The doctor says his heart won't get better and that he will have to continue eating well and taking his medication. He seems okay with it, but he struggles with knowing his pacemaker could go off at anytime. It scares him. Sometimes I hate that he does so much. He just cannot sit still. Mom is doing well. She is caught up in her crafts and looking forward to retiring. Her knees still bug her but she won't talk to the doctor about it. I think she likes having something to complain about.
Hubby is okay. He has been depressed and sick a lot in 2007. I think most of it stems from the emotional stress of losing his mom, dealing with his brother and gearing up for another baby. He is our soul provider and I think that wears on him, too. Hopefully things will get better in 2008. I have a lot of anxiety about his health and his life choices. He doesn't eat really well and he never exercises, but is thin so it looks like he is the picture of health. It worries me.
My schoolwork is going well. I almost have my 4. back for my masters classes. I recieved ONE A- and that totally screwed it up. I am back to a 3.96. I am really hoping my next class will bump it up even more. I am taking two independent study classes right now that I need to get finished up by May. I really anticipated getting more done over the summer and fall, but as sick as I was I napped with the baby napped. I have to just force myself to stay up at night and work on it.
This year there are so many great things to look forward to. The baby is due in just 2 weeks, one of my best friends is getting married and we are planning a couple of trips with JUST US. No family. Hopefully a trip to the beach or someplace that will make it easy to trot the kids around. I am looking forward to planning our trip to Europe in the next few years. I want to be sure both kids are walking, potty-trained and eat well at the table before going. haha! We'll see.
Happy New Year! Have MORE FUN!!
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Christmas Prego Pics
Christmas 2005 I was pregnant with P, my first child. At the time I was about 5 and 1/2 months pregnant, maybe a little more...
Christmas 2007 I was (am) pregnant with my second child. I am almost at 9 months. This time around it is a boy. Now I will have one of each and am finished with the prego thing!
(That is my lovely hubby on the right, not my 3rd child)
Christmas 2007 I was (am) pregnant with my second child. I am almost at 9 months. This time around it is a boy. Now I will have one of each and am finished with the prego thing!
(That is my lovely hubby on the right, not my 3rd child)
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Too cute for Christmas
P was so cute at Christmas. It all started when we put up the tree. She was enamored with putting ornaments on the tree and then taking them off the tree - over and over again. Then she had to take the ornaments she liked to bed with her. Of course, we could only let that happen a few times because ornaments aren't the sturdiest things...hence, keep out of reach of children tags, which we ignored. She kept saying "hang on tee, hang on tee" and would point to the tree. She also thought her stuffed animals looked good on the tree, so we essentially has a P's toy tree going on for a while.
We have been collecting plush ornaments so that she can play with them and we don't have to worry about them breaking. The last thing I would want is my child getting a piece of that thin glass from a Christmas bulb stuck in her eye. yuck. This year I found some adorable soft ornaments at a few craft shows and World Market. It'll be nice to see them next year for I will surely forget what I purchased by then and am so used to seeing the same ornaments year after year that it'll be a nice surprise to open the Christmas storage bins.
She also learned quickly about presents. She wasn't that interested on her first birthday back in May, but now she LOVED getting a new present to open. I think the present we just got from her friends Amaya and Myka was the cutest to watch her open. I got the excitement on her face in the picture below. Way too cute. Our friends sent us a video of A-n-M opening their presents from us and I wanted to be sure to take pics of P opening their presents to send to them because I thought it was so cute seeing their little reactions to what we got them. Of course, prego brain of mine put the tags on the wrongs presents so the older girl was opening a "baby" gift and the baby openend the game "Cooties." hahah! Oh well....I had to mix something up because I had been doing so darn good.
I just remember when P was baking I sent my nephew's birthday card and gift to my friend and a congratulations on your baby to my little nephew. They were both pretty confused and I laughed like I meant to do it.....
I had P sign her thank you notes to everyone who gave her presents. By "sign" I mean her scribbles that represent her name...again, too cute.
Anyhow - just look at P's little expression in this picture - it makes my heart just melt.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Butt and thigh blowout
I have searched all over the place to read about anyone having the same experience I am in their ninth month of pregnancy, but I can't find a thing! I am almost 37 weeks and literally, my butt and thighs have blown up overnight. Could it be because Christmas was just here and I ate more than I thought or is it merely the whole pregnancy thing?
I truly know I overate for a few days over Christmas, just like anyone I indulged in sweets and had more than 2 helpings of things that tasted good, but c'mon, not enough to make my pants THIS tight! I went to the doctor three days ago and only gained 4 and 1/2 pounds in a month, so I thought I was doing pretty good. I have gained a total of 28 pounds so far, but it really feels like 50 at this point in time. I am hoping to do the 30/35 pound thing (which is more than what I gained with P, but I read that women who are expecting boys tend to eat more while pregnant and nursing than do those women who have girls....go figure).
It was quite shocking to look at myself this morning and see a swollen, double-chinned hippo staring back at me. I seriously look bigger today than I did yesterday! I am so ashamed. I went shopping for the boy so he had some things to wear when he is born and literally was embarressed to be in public. I have had people, literally two weeks ago, ask if I was pregnant. NO - I just have a big belly, boobs and always look this swollen, tired and irritable...thanks for asking. Am I not only with child but crazy, too? I think I look pretty pregnant when I look at pictures of me!
Thursday, December 27, 2007
All I want for Christmas is an ear infection...
All in all, we had a very nice Christmas. On Saturday we went to my parents to celebrate the holiday. My brother and his family were in town so that was our time to exchange with them. They drove down from Michigan for a couple of days to spend with us and then my sis-in-law's family. Watching the gifts change as the kids grow is quite interesting. My niece who was once into baby dolls or games was now into make-up and cool clothes, the boys are still into games just "older" ones, and the baby girls were just too cute opening their books, babies and blocks. We usually do random appetizers and finger foods for our Christmas Eve with them. We try to have things that my Grandma Williams used to make, but have strayed from that menu quite a bit. I was surprised that P ate this cheese dip mom made, but she shoveled it in like it was ice cream. At least she ate more than pretzles and cookies like she did at Thanksgiving.
The actual day of Christmas Eve my parents came over here for a sit down dinner. It was very nice. We ate and then watched a movie. Christmas Day it was adorable watching P open her prezies. She loved her play kitchen and her Sesame Street car wash. She got things from hubby's aunts, Papa Bill and her Uncle Garret and Aunt Jeanne. It was so nice that so many people were so giving this year, but it was still pretty depressing to not have any gifts under the tree from Sheilah. I know hubby was feeling pretty sad knowing he couldn't call his mom to wish her a Merry Christmas. Bill called from Florida and that was really really special to Shane. Later in the day some of our friends came over for a potluck and games. It was a really good time and was so nice to spend Christmas that way. Typically, we go to my Aunt's, but I am trying to stay away from "cat" houses until I deliver. I have been getting dreadfully sick with my cat allergies during this pregnancy - and frankly am tired of not being able to breath for days for just an hour or two of fun.
On the down side, hubby and P have been really sick. P since the weekend and hubby since Christmas night. All he has done is lay in bed. I had to take P to the pediatrician and I am glad I did because she has an ear infection...hopefully not the beginning of three like last year. Well, since we are stuck inside once the boy is born she will probably stay pretty healthy, but we shall see! I am just hoping to bypass all bugs - I can't afford to be sick with a one and half year old running around and being pregnant.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Dad and I
My dad and I have had issues in our past and our present. He can be difficult to get along with at times and he thinks I am difficult, so we butt heads or I just get mad and don't say anything. Well, we had a really long conversation about a ton of things - me, hubby, my brother and his family and my mom. It was nice to see where we were both coming from and giving each other the space to understand each other.
He said something enlightening to me that I generally am very aware of, or at least try to be. But, it is understanding what others are going through and their feelings. We get so caught up in our daily lives and getting upset at how someone else is driving or how someone didn't call us back or how someone didn't hold the door when our hands were obviously full. We have become a very self-centered society and expect others to help us out or don't expect others to help us out. The thing is, we are all here living together, sharing this earth, this neighborhood, this house or this road. Why can 't we all take a little extra time when we are out and about to do something nice for someone. Let them over in your lane even if they have to turn in front of you, hold the door for someone - or smile for crying out loud! These are all trivial things that we all deal with (pretty much) on a daily basis. There are more deep-rooted issues and feelings going on within my family, and much of it is left unsaid and people harbor bad feelings. I was doing that for a while and decided I couldn't take it anymore, and that is why I had to have "a" talk with my dad.
I have to say it was great to air everything out - very scary at the same time because we didn't want to hurt each others feelings with our honesty. But, honesty is the best. And now I feel like I have even more of an understanding with my dad and can give him more flexibility to be himself and he can give me the same respect. I only hope others can do it, too, but that is not for me to make happen. People need to face their problems themselves and in their own time.
Well - on that note....I am going to call my dad and yell at him about something. haha!
He said something enlightening to me that I generally am very aware of, or at least try to be. But, it is understanding what others are going through and their feelings. We get so caught up in our daily lives and getting upset at how someone else is driving or how someone didn't call us back or how someone didn't hold the door when our hands were obviously full. We have become a very self-centered society and expect others to help us out or don't expect others to help us out. The thing is, we are all here living together, sharing this earth, this neighborhood, this house or this road. Why can 't we all take a little extra time when we are out and about to do something nice for someone. Let them over in your lane even if they have to turn in front of you, hold the door for someone - or smile for crying out loud! These are all trivial things that we all deal with (pretty much) on a daily basis. There are more deep-rooted issues and feelings going on within my family, and much of it is left unsaid and people harbor bad feelings. I was doing that for a while and decided I couldn't take it anymore, and that is why I had to have "a" talk with my dad.
I have to say it was great to air everything out - very scary at the same time because we didn't want to hurt each others feelings with our honesty. But, honesty is the best. And now I feel like I have even more of an understanding with my dad and can give him more flexibility to be himself and he can give me the same respect. I only hope others can do it, too, but that is not for me to make happen. People need to face their problems themselves and in their own time.
Well - on that note....I am going to call my dad and yell at him about something. haha!
Friday, December 21, 2007
Music Class
As I have mentioned before, it is amazing how quickly children grow from babies to toddlers; from knowing just to survive to knowing how to play and enjoy certain games and toys; and to be picky eaters! My latest shout out to amazement is music class.
We travel the same way to music class as we do to the library. Well, we were meeting our mommies group at the library and P lit up and kept saying "moosic cass? moosic cass?" Now how did that little thing gather we were going to music class? I never said anything except that we were meeting her friends and she was going to get to play and look at books. The only thing I can think of is that she recognized where I was driving and assumed we were going to see Mrs. Andrea at moosic cass. She wasn't disappointed, though, she loves all of her friends...especially when she just gets to play and look at books at her discretion.
P has also started grabbing her toys that play music or her instruments and coming up to me saying "pay moosic!" She plays her little instruments and sings. I have to get it on video. It is so darn cute. I have a regular Tori Amos in the house.
We travel the same way to music class as we do to the library. Well, we were meeting our mommies group at the library and P lit up and kept saying "moosic cass? moosic cass?" Now how did that little thing gather we were going to music class? I never said anything except that we were meeting her friends and she was going to get to play and look at books. The only thing I can think of is that she recognized where I was driving and assumed we were going to see Mrs. Andrea at moosic cass. She wasn't disappointed, though, she loves all of her friends...especially when she just gets to play and look at books at her discretion.
P has also started grabbing her toys that play music or her instruments and coming up to me saying "pay moosic!" She plays her little instruments and sings. I have to get it on video. It is so darn cute. I have a regular Tori Amos in the house.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Car Seat
I want to get a new infant car seat for the baby boy because the one we used for P wasn't that cushiony. I think the fact that it was so hard was why she cried so much whenever we went anywhere. I am talking every place we went she cried in the car. The reason I am pretty sure it was the car seat is because when I got a new one she literally stopped crying the first time she sat in it. Granted, it is top of the line Britax so it is probably like a recliner in a car, but I don't care. I wanted her to have good experiences rather than being uncomfortable all the time. It makes me feel so bad that I had her in that hard seat for so long - I just didn't know any better.
So, hubby and I are looking at car seats. Well, we both kind of freaked when I suggested this option - a duo stroller travel system. OMG! is right. We have to get a duo stroller...I mean we will have a toddler and a baby! It would really be a smart decision - and almost a necessary decision.
I have looked at used systems, but I just don't know what the history is behind them and would rather borrow someone's or just buy new. I figure if I get the Graco duo system I can use the click-n-go in my single stroller as well. That way I am set if I go somewhere with just the boy or with both kids.
It is crazy to think we are going to have two kids in a little over a month. I was having false pains last night and we decided that we need to get the bag packed and get ready for baby. We have had several friends tell us they went early with the second, but then there are a ton who went on time with the second...never late, though.
So, hubby and I are looking at car seats. Well, we both kind of freaked when I suggested this option - a duo stroller travel system. OMG! is right. We have to get a duo stroller...I mean we will have a toddler and a baby! It would really be a smart decision - and almost a necessary decision.
I have looked at used systems, but I just don't know what the history is behind them and would rather borrow someone's or just buy new. I figure if I get the Graco duo system I can use the click-n-go in my single stroller as well. That way I am set if I go somewhere with just the boy or with both kids.
It is crazy to think we are going to have two kids in a little over a month. I was having false pains last night and we decided that we need to get the bag packed and get ready for baby. We have had several friends tell us they went early with the second, but then there are a ton who went on time with the second...never late, though.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Playing mommy?
Darling P was playing with a little shopping cart we have for the kitchen. She was pushing it around putting puzzle pieces in it, her little stuffed animals and blocks or whatever was small enough to fit. Hubby was watching her so I was just laughing at the glimpses I was catching of her playing.
Well, I was cracking up so hard when I looked out of the corner of my eye, and low and behold there was P on her fake cell phone having a conversation while shopping for various "items." I wasn't quick enough to get a photo...bummer!! Hubby asked if that is what I do when I am at the store and I just said that I guessed so. haha! It is amazing what they pick up...for instance...
P was transporting some toys from the kitchen to the living room and dropped them. She proceeded to say what hubby said sounded like "Oh SH$T." Well...the only person who could be guilty of that would be me. I am the one with the sewar mouth in the family, but I have to admit that I have gotten SO much better with having a child around me 24/7.
Well, I was cracking up so hard when I looked out of the corner of my eye, and low and behold there was P on her fake cell phone having a conversation while shopping for various "items." I wasn't quick enough to get a photo...bummer!! Hubby asked if that is what I do when I am at the store and I just said that I guessed so. haha! It is amazing what they pick up...for instance...
P was transporting some toys from the kitchen to the living room and dropped them. She proceeded to say what hubby said sounded like "Oh SH$T." Well...the only person who could be guilty of that would be me. I am the one with the sewar mouth in the family, but I have to admit that I have gotten SO much better with having a child around me 24/7.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Update on dog incident
My friend's little boy who got bit by the dog is doing just fine. His final stitch fell out two days ago and his face looks like it will have minimal scarring. While she was at my house I kept my two dogs locked up downstairs. Little W didn't seem afraid of them at all. My friend explained that the incident doesn't stop him from being friendly with dogs, but definitely stops her from trusting anyone's dog. Can you blame her?
Seeing his little bruises and marks where the stitches were just broke my heart. But, seeing that he was okay made me feel okay for him.
The dog was a one-year-old Westie. From what I gather, Little W leaned back and the dog was behind him. The movement of W leaning back freaked the dog out and it just bit him in the face and clawed him a couple of times and then ran off. Luckily, noone had to pry the dog off of him. I have heard of dogs attacking children and just not stopping until the child goes limp. awful to think of....
The best thing I think I can do as a parent is keep educating my kid about dogs everytime she is around them. It is kind of hard when you have dogs of your own that your child wants to love on. I work on P being respectful to her dogs and knowing her limits with them. I really don't even trust my two dogs. You just never know, and no matter how much you love the little furballs they are still animals.
Seeing his little bruises and marks where the stitches were just broke my heart. But, seeing that he was okay made me feel okay for him.
The dog was a one-year-old Westie. From what I gather, Little W leaned back and the dog was behind him. The movement of W leaning back freaked the dog out and it just bit him in the face and clawed him a couple of times and then ran off. Luckily, noone had to pry the dog off of him. I have heard of dogs attacking children and just not stopping until the child goes limp. awful to think of....
The best thing I think I can do as a parent is keep educating my kid about dogs everytime she is around them. It is kind of hard when you have dogs of your own that your child wants to love on. I work on P being respectful to her dogs and knowing her limits with them. I really don't even trust my two dogs. You just never know, and no matter how much you love the little furballs they are still animals.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Figured it out
So, I think I have it figured out. I have been having this intense fear of something happening to my darling P. Literally scared off my rocker that someone will come in my house and snatch her from me. Or that we'll be shopping and I'll turn for a second to read a label and man in a long coat will come and take her right out of the cart. It has been overwhelming. So overwhelming that I called hubby at work yesterday and was in such tears I couldn't even breath. I think part of it is it because of the hormones working in my body as the baby grows, but I think mainly it is because conciously and subconciously I know my relationship with P is going to change in just a few short weeks. I am looking forward to the new baby but am not looking forward to having to give up some of my time with P. We are so close and understand each other so well.
It breaks my heart to know I will have to give up some of P and I's precious time together, that it won't just be her and I on a daily basis and that she could possibly hurt from having to share me. I know this new baby is such a blessing and I will love it dearly, but it is also hard to think of it being 3 instead of 2, rocking another baby to sleep, bathing another baby, talking to another baby, feeding another baby...all of those things other than P.
I am positive P will love having a sibling. She loves babies and people. I know she'll just adore having the chance to play with another child and loving it. She'll be a terrific sister. Will I be just as great of a mother to the new little one, will I still be focused and loving towards P? Yes, but my heart just hurts thinking of sharing P and also of having to rob her of her fun little classes we've been going to all winter. What am I going to do when I have to go back to work and drop the kids off at a daycare? Jeez...I will be a total basketcase.
It breaks my heart to know I will have to give up some of P and I's precious time together, that it won't just be her and I on a daily basis and that she could possibly hurt from having to share me. I know this new baby is such a blessing and I will love it dearly, but it is also hard to think of it being 3 instead of 2, rocking another baby to sleep, bathing another baby, talking to another baby, feeding another baby...all of those things other than P.
I am positive P will love having a sibling. She loves babies and people. I know she'll just adore having the chance to play with another child and loving it. She'll be a terrific sister. Will I be just as great of a mother to the new little one, will I still be focused and loving towards P? Yes, but my heart just hurts thinking of sharing P and also of having to rob her of her fun little classes we've been going to all winter. What am I going to do when I have to go back to work and drop the kids off at a daycare? Jeez...I will be a total basketcase.
Friday, December 07, 2007
Santa Claus
My Granpda and my uncle are both Shriners and we were invited to go to the Shriner Christmas Party for kids. Santa was there and they had food, gifts and music for the kids. Those Shriners really love kids...and they try to make things really special for them. The party was totally free for family members of Shriners.
My cousins were there and my aunt and uncle. There was also a special surprise - an old friend of mine's family. I got to see her mom, grandma and brother and his family. It was so nice to see them after so many years. Come to find out, too, my friend's dad was one of the Santas! So, we got to go to the side where he was and I thought if P saw that I had a special "connection" with Santa that she would be a little less apprehensive about seeing Santa. Oh no! Hubby and I BOTH had to sit on Santa's lap and she still cried her little eyes out. She was scared to death of Santa. I wish I had a full on shot of her crying, but we just got a side shot. Santa's helper took the picture so I am just grateful we got what we got. ha!
Well, I get home and look through the pictures I took and realized I was auditioning for Playboy Santa or something. Here I am big prego woman sticking my chest out. Why on earth would I do that! Now I forever have a picture of me with my boob in Santa's beard. lovely. And, it is my friend's dad...even more lovely. Gotta just laugh....
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Let it snow!
Snow poured on us all morning and into the early afternoon. I think we accumulated about 4 or 5 inches all together. It was really pretty and I couldn't wait to take P out to play in it. Hubby reminded me to be careful because if I fall while I am pregnant I have to go in to the hospital to get checked out. Luckily, the baby is due Jan. 22 and after that I can fall all over the place if I want to. haha!
I dressed P in a warm fleece and realized I had no boots for her. I took a pair of her Baby Legs and pulled them down over her higher top tennis shoes to keep the snow from getting in her shoes. Her snowsuit protected her pretty well, though. It is funny how they make mittens for babies. They have no thumbs and this makes it hard for them to pick up any snow, which I guess is a good thing, but she wanted to pick up other things and was a getting a little frustrated. However, her little mitten fell off and she promptly got my attention to put it back on. She realized she did not want to be cold. It was such a cute moment. Against my hubby's wishes I shoveled the driveway. P was playing in the snow and kept pointing to the house and saying "in there." I think she wanted to go inside to get warm and dry, but she remained patient with me as I finished up getting the snow cleaned up. Guess she wasn't too much of a fan of being cold and wet. Can you blame her? But, she had a great time - it was adorable to see her play, fall in the snow and try to get up.
Report: 35 percent of toys contain lead
By JEFF KAROUB, AP Business WriterWed Dec 5, 12:04 AM ET
Tests on more than 1,200 children's products, most of them still on store shelves, found that 35 percent contain lead — many with levels far above the federal recall standard used for lead paint.
A Hannah Montana card game case, a Go Diego Go! backpack and Circo brand shoes (here is the link I found to the shoes which were tested and have lead: http://www.besafenet.com/pvc/documents/lead_in_target_toys.htm If anyone finds another more helpful site, please post it in my comment section) were among the items with excessive lead levels in the tests performed by a coalition of environmental health groups across the country.
Only 20 percent of the toys and other products had no trace of lead or harmful chemicals, according to the results being released Wednesday by the Michigan-based Ecology Center along with the national Center for Health, Environment and Justice and groups in eight other states.
Of the 1,268 items tested, 23 were among millions of toys recalled this year.
Mattel Inc. recalled more than 21 million Chinese-made toys on fears they were tainted with lead paint and tiny magnets that children could accidentally swallow. Mattel's own tests on the toys found that they had lead levels up to 200 times the accepted limit.
The Consumer Action Guide to Toxic Chemicals in Toys, which is available to the public at http://www.healthytoys.org, shows how the commonly purchased children's products rank in terms of containing lead, cadmium, arsenic and other harmful chemicals. It comes in time for holiday shopping — and amid the slew of recalls.
"This is not about alarming parents," said Tracey Easthope, director of the Ecology Center's Environmental Health Project. "We're just trying to give people information because they haven't had very much except these recall lists."
Easthope said 17 percent of the children's products tested had levels of lead above the 600 parts per million federal standard that would trigger a recall of lead paint. Jewelry products were the most likely to contain the high levels of lead, the center said, with 33.5 percent containing levels above 600 ppm. Among the toys that tested above that limit was a Hannah Montana Pop Star Card Game, whose case tested at 3,056 ppm.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a level of 40 ppm of lead as the maximum that should be allowed in children's products. Lead poisoning can cause irreversible learning disabilities and behavioral problems and, at very high levels, seizures, coma, and even death.
A spokeswoman for New York-based Cardinal Industries Inc., which sells the Hannah Montana game, said Tuesday that Cardinal was unaware of the environmental groups' tests or procedures but the product has passed internal tests.
"We test every (product) before it ships numerous times," Bonnie Canner said. "We have not tested this product high for lead."
Easthope said the product is manufactured in China. Canner declined further comment until she had more information.
The center and its testing partners found The First Years brand First Keys, Fisher-Price's Rock-a-Stack and B.R. Bruin's Stacking Cups were among the 20 percent that contained none of the nine chemicals.
"There's a lot of doom and gloom about lead in the products — people only hear about the recalls," said Jeff Gearhart, the Ecology Center's campaign director. "Companies can make clean products. Our sampling shows that there's no reason to put lead in a product."
Gearhart and Easthope said the products, while not necessarily representative of everything on the market, were considered among those commonly bought and used. Testers purchased most at major retailers such as Wal-Mart, Toys "R" Us and Babies "R" Us.
The testing began in 2006 but most of the items were checked in the past six months, Gearhart said.
Calls to a Mattel spokeswoman were not immediately returned Tuesday. A Wal-Mart Stores Inc. spokeswoman declined to comment because the company had not seen the report.
Toys "R" Us Inc. spokeswoman Kathleen Waugh also declined to comment because she needed to fully review the report's findings, referring questions to the Toy Industry Association.
Joan Lawrence, the association's vice president of standards and safety, said the group and its members support limiting accessible lead in children's products. But she said the industry and standard-setting bodies are struggling with how to measure exposure, accessibility and what limits to set.
She said she hasn't seen all of the Ecology Center's findings but called them misleading because the testers did not appear to follow recognized test procedures for lead and other substances. The two most common ways are to use solutions to simulate saliva and digestion, and another to attempt to dissolve the surface coating.
The center and its testing partners performed what they describe as a "screening" of chemicals using a handheld X-ray fluorescence device that detects surface chemical elements.
"The mere presence of any substance alone is only half of the answer — you need to know if it's accessible to the child," Lawrence said. "We can't tell that from what I know of the tests that have been done by this group."
Easthope said her group's tests aren't meant to replace those tests, and that's noted on the Web site. She said it's important for people to know what's in these products since nobody else is providing this data.
"We're not saying that ... all of it will come out into a child," she said. "We're saying it's a concern that so much of these products have these chemicals of concern in them.
"We shouldn't have lead in kids' products. We can make products without lead in them."
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission spokesman Scott Wolfson said he also hasn't seen the Ecology Center's tests but said the federal agency would seek to verify its findings and initiate recalls if warranted.
He said the commission has been meeting with ASTM International, which spearheads voluntary safety standards for toys, to discuss crafting standards specific to lead in plastics. He said there also is movement on Capitol Hill to revise laws on lead in children's products.
Wolfson said the commission launched 40 toy recalls in fiscal year 2006, three involving lead-paint violations. In 2007, there were 61 recalls, 19 involving lead-paint violations.
"What we would like to consumers to know is more recalls are on the way," he said.
___
On the Net:
The Consumer Action Guide to Toxic Chemicals in Toys: http://www.healthytoys.org
Toy Industry Association: http://www.toyassociation.org
List of recalled toys available at the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: http://www.cpsc.gov
Tests on more than 1,200 children's products, most of them still on store shelves, found that 35 percent contain lead — many with levels far above the federal recall standard used for lead paint.
A Hannah Montana card game case, a Go Diego Go! backpack and Circo brand shoes (here is the link I found to the shoes which were tested and have lead: http://www.besafenet.com/pvc/documents/lead_in_target_toys.htm If anyone finds another more helpful site, please post it in my comment section) were among the items with excessive lead levels in the tests performed by a coalition of environmental health groups across the country.
Only 20 percent of the toys and other products had no trace of lead or harmful chemicals, according to the results being released Wednesday by the Michigan-based Ecology Center along with the national Center for Health, Environment and Justice and groups in eight other states.
Of the 1,268 items tested, 23 were among millions of toys recalled this year.
Mattel Inc. recalled more than 21 million Chinese-made toys on fears they were tainted with lead paint and tiny magnets that children could accidentally swallow. Mattel's own tests on the toys found that they had lead levels up to 200 times the accepted limit.
The Consumer Action Guide to Toxic Chemicals in Toys, which is available to the public at http://www.healthytoys.org, shows how the commonly purchased children's products rank in terms of containing lead, cadmium, arsenic and other harmful chemicals. It comes in time for holiday shopping — and amid the slew of recalls.
"This is not about alarming parents," said Tracey Easthope, director of the Ecology Center's Environmental Health Project. "We're just trying to give people information because they haven't had very much except these recall lists."
Easthope said 17 percent of the children's products tested had levels of lead above the 600 parts per million federal standard that would trigger a recall of lead paint. Jewelry products were the most likely to contain the high levels of lead, the center said, with 33.5 percent containing levels above 600 ppm. Among the toys that tested above that limit was a Hannah Montana Pop Star Card Game, whose case tested at 3,056 ppm.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a level of 40 ppm of lead as the maximum that should be allowed in children's products. Lead poisoning can cause irreversible learning disabilities and behavioral problems and, at very high levels, seizures, coma, and even death.
A spokeswoman for New York-based Cardinal Industries Inc., which sells the Hannah Montana game, said Tuesday that Cardinal was unaware of the environmental groups' tests or procedures but the product has passed internal tests.
"We test every (product) before it ships numerous times," Bonnie Canner said. "We have not tested this product high for lead."
Easthope said the product is manufactured in China. Canner declined further comment until she had more information.
The center and its testing partners found The First Years brand First Keys, Fisher-Price's Rock-a-Stack and B.R. Bruin's Stacking Cups were among the 20 percent that contained none of the nine chemicals.
"There's a lot of doom and gloom about lead in the products — people only hear about the recalls," said Jeff Gearhart, the Ecology Center's campaign director. "Companies can make clean products. Our sampling shows that there's no reason to put lead in a product."
Gearhart and Easthope said the products, while not necessarily representative of everything on the market, were considered among those commonly bought and used. Testers purchased most at major retailers such as Wal-Mart, Toys "R" Us and Babies "R" Us.
The testing began in 2006 but most of the items were checked in the past six months, Gearhart said.
Calls to a Mattel spokeswoman were not immediately returned Tuesday. A Wal-Mart Stores Inc. spokeswoman declined to comment because the company had not seen the report.
Toys "R" Us Inc. spokeswoman Kathleen Waugh also declined to comment because she needed to fully review the report's findings, referring questions to the Toy Industry Association.
Joan Lawrence, the association's vice president of standards and safety, said the group and its members support limiting accessible lead in children's products. But she said the industry and standard-setting bodies are struggling with how to measure exposure, accessibility and what limits to set.
She said she hasn't seen all of the Ecology Center's findings but called them misleading because the testers did not appear to follow recognized test procedures for lead and other substances. The two most common ways are to use solutions to simulate saliva and digestion, and another to attempt to dissolve the surface coating.
The center and its testing partners performed what they describe as a "screening" of chemicals using a handheld X-ray fluorescence device that detects surface chemical elements.
"The mere presence of any substance alone is only half of the answer — you need to know if it's accessible to the child," Lawrence said. "We can't tell that from what I know of the tests that have been done by this group."
Easthope said her group's tests aren't meant to replace those tests, and that's noted on the Web site. She said it's important for people to know what's in these products since nobody else is providing this data.
"We're not saying that ... all of it will come out into a child," she said. "We're saying it's a concern that so much of these products have these chemicals of concern in them.
"We shouldn't have lead in kids' products. We can make products without lead in them."
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission spokesman Scott Wolfson said he also hasn't seen the Ecology Center's tests but said the federal agency would seek to verify its findings and initiate recalls if warranted.
He said the commission has been meeting with ASTM International, which spearheads voluntary safety standards for toys, to discuss crafting standards specific to lead in plastics. He said there also is movement on Capitol Hill to revise laws on lead in children's products.
Wolfson said the commission launched 40 toy recalls in fiscal year 2006, three involving lead-paint violations. In 2007, there were 61 recalls, 19 involving lead-paint violations.
"What we would like to consumers to know is more recalls are on the way," he said.
___
On the Net:
The Consumer Action Guide to Toxic Chemicals in Toys: http://www.healthytoys.org
Toy Industry Association: http://www.toyassociation.org
List of recalled toys available at the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: http://www.cpsc.gov
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Is it really all about Nemo
No wonder the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting on watching TV for children until they are 2...they get addicted easily and obsessed. My husband popped Nemo in one day for Miss P while I was out having some mommy-time and she now can't get enough of it. She asks to watch it all the time. I indulge sometimes, but that is only when I need to get things done - laundry, cooking, cleaning -otherwise I have no time to get those things done because she is constantly into something or demanding my attention.
She is watching it right now because I am a sucker. My mom and I took her with us to a craft/art show and lunch yesterday. She was so patient as we browsed jewelry, artwork and knit-wear. When we went to lunch she sat like a champ and colored while we waiting far too long for a soup and salad. Then she went back to my mom's house with us and kept herself busy while I helped mom set up Christmas stuff. I was so proud of her...despite the few little tantrums and refusals to get her diaper changed. So, today when she asked to watch Nemo I let her. I know I should probably turn the TV off and let her color or something, but I need to get some laundry done, clean the kitchen and get the dogs settled with breakfast - and all those little things take too much time if I am chasing her around or having to carry her on my hip. Plus with #2 due in just 7 weeks I am feeling physically tired and just plain big - I get in the way of myself. haha!
She doesn't just sit and watch Nemo the whole time, but she does watch the majority of it. She likes to have it on while she goes through books or plays "feed the animals" with her stuffed toys. I do set limits - like since she watched TV today she won't get to watch it again for a few days. Then I'll let her see Elmo's World on Sesame Street or a part of Nemo while I cook dinner. I just don't like for her to watch too much TV. I refuse to have an inactive child with weight problems because she is a couch potato. Let's save the self-indulgence for when she is a teenager, and by then hopefully she'll be too busy to tune into Nemo.
She is watching it right now because I am a sucker. My mom and I took her with us to a craft/art show and lunch yesterday. She was so patient as we browsed jewelry, artwork and knit-wear. When we went to lunch she sat like a champ and colored while we waiting far too long for a soup and salad. Then she went back to my mom's house with us and kept herself busy while I helped mom set up Christmas stuff. I was so proud of her...despite the few little tantrums and refusals to get her diaper changed. So, today when she asked to watch Nemo I let her. I know I should probably turn the TV off and let her color or something, but I need to get some laundry done, clean the kitchen and get the dogs settled with breakfast - and all those little things take too much time if I am chasing her around or having to carry her on my hip. Plus with #2 due in just 7 weeks I am feeling physically tired and just plain big - I get in the way of myself. haha!
She doesn't just sit and watch Nemo the whole time, but she does watch the majority of it. She likes to have it on while she goes through books or plays "feed the animals" with her stuffed toys. I do set limits - like since she watched TV today she won't get to watch it again for a few days. Then I'll let her see Elmo's World on Sesame Street or a part of Nemo while I cook dinner. I just don't like for her to watch too much TV. I refuse to have an inactive child with weight problems because she is a couch potato. Let's save the self-indulgence for when she is a teenager, and by then hopefully she'll be too busy to tune into Nemo.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Dogs and Kids
I have to post this. I am so sad for my friend whose little boy was bitten by a family dog. It is so scary because I have tons of friends with dogs and we have two ourselves. I am constantly on the watch, but am afraid that isn't going to be enough one day (being a mother makes you worry about everything...pretty much).
I want people to be aware that dogs are still animals, no matter how much you train them or how loving they seem to be. Unfortunately, dogs are like babies to many people but we all have to be smart when we have our kids around dogs - you just never know. My friend's little guy was attacked so quickly and was doing nothing to provoke the dog. He ended up in the Children's Hospital ER Thanksgiving Day having surgery. Truly awful.
Here is what happened:
"On Thanksgiving we were at some family members and W was playing nearby he leaned back or something and brushed their dog. The dog grabbed his face and bit through his bottom right eyelid. He had to have 10 stitches on his face, 5 on his cheek and 5 in and on his bottom eyelid. He's doing remarkably and once the huge and nasty scab falls off his eye it may look similarly close to what it did. He had the cheek stitches removed on Monday since if you leave them in too long they'll create a railroad track appearance. His cheeks are obviously scarred and still not entirely healed but they told me to put vitamin e on them 3-4 times a day for 3 months to fade the scars. It was absolutely awful and I'm thankful he's okay. We spend the last part of Thanksgiving evening in Childrens ER with Will getting surgery on his face."
Here is her blog: http://jasonbethandfamily.blogspot.com/
You need to scroll down to see pics of her little boy.
I want people to be aware that dogs are still animals, no matter how much you train them or how loving they seem to be. Unfortunately, dogs are like babies to many people but we all have to be smart when we have our kids around dogs - you just never know. My friend's little guy was attacked so quickly and was doing nothing to provoke the dog. He ended up in the Children's Hospital ER Thanksgiving Day having surgery. Truly awful.
Here is what happened:
"On Thanksgiving we were at some family members and W was playing nearby he leaned back or something and brushed their dog. The dog grabbed his face and bit through his bottom right eyelid. He had to have 10 stitches on his face, 5 on his cheek and 5 in and on his bottom eyelid. He's doing remarkably and once the huge and nasty scab falls off his eye it may look similarly close to what it did. He had the cheek stitches removed on Monday since if you leave them in too long they'll create a railroad track appearance. His cheeks are obviously scarred and still not entirely healed but they told me to put vitamin e on them 3-4 times a day for 3 months to fade the scars. It was absolutely awful and I'm thankful he's okay. We spend the last part of Thanksgiving evening in Childrens ER with Will getting surgery on his face."
Here is her blog: http://jasonbethandfamily.blogspot.com/
You need to scroll down to see pics of her little boy.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
The War on "No"
I read this article on the Daily Babble the other day: http://www.babble.com/CS/blogs/strollerderby/archive/tags/The+War+on+No/default.aspx
This article highlights how important it is to actually "parent" your child and not just befriend them. From what was written, many kids in today's society are having a hard time fitting in...mainly because they haven't learned from being disciplined consistently or have been given pretty much anything they want or overly praised. The author highlights that parents are more concerned with being accepted by their children and winning their approval rather than being the "bad" guy and taking things away from them or just simply saying "no."
Now, I know that I have issues with this already with my 1 and 1/2 year old. I find I want her to be happy so I will do things to redirect her instead of reprimanding her. I have read through a few things and talked to my pediatrician and basically was told it is okay to say no and not just redirect her. I can reprimand her in small ways and not feel guilty about it. But, that is so hard for me because sometimes I almost feel like she won't love me anymore if I reprimand her, which is entirely untrue. I am actually doing her a disservice by not disciplining her. As she grows up she'll actually have social problems if I don't say "no" when it is warranted.
Now, when I write the word "warranted" that is exactly what I mean. They have to do something bad not just do something you don't agree with - like brush their teeth differently than you showed them or throw a sippy cup...they have to be hitting the dog or ruining a toy or coloring on the wall.
I guess what I am trying to say is that I don't agree with parents who let their kids get by with whatever they want. If I ask Peyton to help me clean up toys, eventually I expect her to help me clean up the toys. If I ask her to settle down so I can get her dressed, eventually I expect her to settle down and let me get her shoes on her. Maybe I sound harsh, but eventually she will be in school and have to do those things without me around...and I want to be proud of my little muchkin not embarressed because I didn't do my job as a parent.
This article highlights how important it is to actually "parent" your child and not just befriend them. From what was written, many kids in today's society are having a hard time fitting in...mainly because they haven't learned from being disciplined consistently or have been given pretty much anything they want or overly praised. The author highlights that parents are more concerned with being accepted by their children and winning their approval rather than being the "bad" guy and taking things away from them or just simply saying "no."
Now, I know that I have issues with this already with my 1 and 1/2 year old. I find I want her to be happy so I will do things to redirect her instead of reprimanding her. I have read through a few things and talked to my pediatrician and basically was told it is okay to say no and not just redirect her. I can reprimand her in small ways and not feel guilty about it. But, that is so hard for me because sometimes I almost feel like she won't love me anymore if I reprimand her, which is entirely untrue. I am actually doing her a disservice by not disciplining her. As she grows up she'll actually have social problems if I don't say "no" when it is warranted.
Now, when I write the word "warranted" that is exactly what I mean. They have to do something bad not just do something you don't agree with - like brush their teeth differently than you showed them or throw a sippy cup...they have to be hitting the dog or ruining a toy or coloring on the wall.
I guess what I am trying to say is that I don't agree with parents who let their kids get by with whatever they want. If I ask Peyton to help me clean up toys, eventually I expect her to help me clean up the toys. If I ask her to settle down so I can get her dressed, eventually I expect her to settle down and let me get her shoes on her. Maybe I sound harsh, but eventually she will be in school and have to do those things without me around...and I want to be proud of my little muchkin not embarressed because I didn't do my job as a parent.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving
Miss P says "Gobble Gobble!"
We are having dinner at my aunt's house. My mom and dad, Carol and Rick, Candyce's family and Great Grandpa will all be there. Hubby is making his traditional meat stuffing. The recipe is straight from his family in Ireland. It is delicious and absolutely HORRIBLE for you. I am sure I should probably get my arteries flushed after eating it, but hey, TG comes only once a year. I made a cranberry salad that is really delicious and uses whole fresh cranberries. No canned stuff this year (even though I do like the canned stuff, too).
We already have two Christmas party invites and many of our neighbors have their Christmas lights up. One of our local radio stations started playing Christmas music last weekend. I have to admit, I almost have all of my Christmas shopping finished up, but I am not listening to Christmas music as I do it....yet.
Well - the Macy's Day Parade is starting. Gotta run!
We are having dinner at my aunt's house. My mom and dad, Carol and Rick, Candyce's family and Great Grandpa will all be there. Hubby is making his traditional meat stuffing. The recipe is straight from his family in Ireland. It is delicious and absolutely HORRIBLE for you. I am sure I should probably get my arteries flushed after eating it, but hey, TG comes only once a year. I made a cranberry salad that is really delicious and uses whole fresh cranberries. No canned stuff this year (even though I do like the canned stuff, too).
We already have two Christmas party invites and many of our neighbors have their Christmas lights up. One of our local radio stations started playing Christmas music last weekend. I have to admit, I almost have all of my Christmas shopping finished up, but I am not listening to Christmas music as I do it....yet.
Well - the Macy's Day Parade is starting. Gotta run!
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
M&Ms are the devil
My aunt got me a bag of M&Ms for breast cancer survivor month for my birthday. They were light pink and pink, and I believe proceeds of the sale went to breast cancer research. I thought it was a cool gift considering she doesn't have the money to make a donation, but can do something small - and that counts, too...and is very thoughtful. She knows how I try to do what I can for cancer research...and would love to do more.
Anyhow, I ate the whole bag in three days. I wasn't feeling so well from doing that. I have been trying to cut down on sugar and I think eating that much in such a short time was a really bad idea. But, today I feel fine and am trying to stay away from junk - especially since Thanksgiving is tomorrow. I am trying not to gain too much more weight. I have gained 24 pounds already and have 2 months to go! They say the normal amount is 25 - 35 and I really want to stay in that range.
Speaking of cancer...last night in my education class my class friend shared a story with me that really tore me apart...and frankly, I can't really stop thinking about it. Her friend is 18 weeks pregnant and everything was going fine. The two friends even went shopping on Sunday and hung out all day. On Monday the pregnant friend started bleeding, and for those women who have kids understand that bleeding is common and you can still have a perfectly fine pregnancy. Well, she called her doctor and her doctor asked her to come in "right away." He brought her in and gave her an ultrasound.
Now, I bled the first time around and my doctor just said to keep an eye on it for a few days to see what happened. Just because it can be so common they can't just bring in every woman for bleeding, but for some reason her doctor did. And thank God. It truly was God working.
During the ultrasound the doctor noticed her left ovary had dropped and had a mass on it. By looking at the mass he knew he had to get that ovary out of her. He scheduled surgery for the next DAY! She went in and they cut her open from her pubic area all the way to above her bellybutton. They discussed having to take the uterus because when they opened her up the doctor could tell the mass was cancerous. He removed the ovary and a lot of the surrounding tissue to be safe. And this is the clincher - they just moved the uterus over with the baby inside and saved the baby!! He told her she would have a normal pregnancy and they would just monitor her closely for the rest of her pregnancy.
He also thinks he got all the bad cells, so hopefully she won't have to deal with chemo. As far as a complete hysterectomy the doctor said he wanted to wait until after the baby was born to determine what to do. I just think this is an unbelievable story.
Anyhow, I ate the whole bag in three days. I wasn't feeling so well from doing that. I have been trying to cut down on sugar and I think eating that much in such a short time was a really bad idea. But, today I feel fine and am trying to stay away from junk - especially since Thanksgiving is tomorrow. I am trying not to gain too much more weight. I have gained 24 pounds already and have 2 months to go! They say the normal amount is 25 - 35 and I really want to stay in that range.
Speaking of cancer...last night in my education class my class friend shared a story with me that really tore me apart...and frankly, I can't really stop thinking about it. Her friend is 18 weeks pregnant and everything was going fine. The two friends even went shopping on Sunday and hung out all day. On Monday the pregnant friend started bleeding, and for those women who have kids understand that bleeding is common and you can still have a perfectly fine pregnancy. Well, she called her doctor and her doctor asked her to come in "right away." He brought her in and gave her an ultrasound.
Now, I bled the first time around and my doctor just said to keep an eye on it for a few days to see what happened. Just because it can be so common they can't just bring in every woman for bleeding, but for some reason her doctor did. And thank God. It truly was God working.
During the ultrasound the doctor noticed her left ovary had dropped and had a mass on it. By looking at the mass he knew he had to get that ovary out of her. He scheduled surgery for the next DAY! She went in and they cut her open from her pubic area all the way to above her bellybutton. They discussed having to take the uterus because when they opened her up the doctor could tell the mass was cancerous. He removed the ovary and a lot of the surrounding tissue to be safe. And this is the clincher - they just moved the uterus over with the baby inside and saved the baby!! He told her she would have a normal pregnancy and they would just monitor her closely for the rest of her pregnancy.
He also thinks he got all the bad cells, so hopefully she won't have to deal with chemo. As far as a complete hysterectomy the doctor said he wanted to wait until after the baby was born to determine what to do. I just think this is an unbelievable story.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
8 months pregnant
I am almost 8 months pregnant - a week shy. I cannot believe I am in the single digit countdown! To think this summer I thought it would never be over and was so miserable, now I am enjoying the holidays and feeling great. The baby moves all the time. He was all over the place all night last night, but really didn't keep me up...yet. I am sure when he arrives I'll get the joy of hearing him cry and nursing him during the hours I normally sleep. But, that is such a short time in the scheme of things. Besides, I love having a tiny baby around. They are so cute and are pretty easy to take care of, once you get the breastfeeding part down.
I am really enjoying the time I have left with JUST P. She is so darn cute. I got a Canon PowerShot for my birthday and have shot tons of photos of her already. I love looking at her and hearing her little baby girl voice.
Nice...just as I am giving her all these compliments she just colored on my white tile floor and pooped out the side of her diaper....gotta love it. :)
I am really enjoying the time I have left with JUST P. She is so darn cute. I got a Canon PowerShot for my birthday and have shot tons of photos of her already. I love looking at her and hearing her little baby girl voice.
Nice...just as I am giving her all these compliments she just colored on my white tile floor and pooped out the side of her diaper....gotta love it. :)
Friday, November 16, 2007
18 Month Dr.'s Visit
P had her 18 month visit to the pediatrician today. She broke my heart. She was fine when we walked in to the office and played with some of the toys. As soon as the nurse called her she started wimpering. When we got into the room she full out cried. She was scared because she remembered that she doesn't like what happens in that room.
She kept saying "wanna go bye-bye." I was almost in tears when the doctor was checking her out and she was getting her shots because she was crying so hard. As soon as I picked her up she was fine, though.
All in all it was a good visit. I learned a lot about discipline, got the name of a good author that gives advice on raising a toddler and got my questions answered about when to switch her into a toddler bed, how to deal with her eating habits and what to expect over the next couple of months.
As far as discipline, the doc said to not even try a negative reaction to her tantrums (like time-out) until she is at least 2 years old. He said right now she doesn't comprehend certain punishments and that the biggest punishment I can give her is to take myself away from her. For instance, if she is throwing a temper tantrum about a cookie, let her cry and scream but don't give her the cookie and tell her that you will wait until she is done. You walk away and don't talk to her or interact with her until she is calm. That is going to be hard. I hate to see her cry...but, I know I have to be the parent and "parent" her. That is my job...as much as I want to be the big sister, the friend, the playmate, I primarily need to be her mom and her parent. That is hard for me because I just want to let her do whatever she wants so she is happy - but I know raising her like that would not make her happy when she older and has to face the consequences or the judgements of a relentless society.
She kept saying "wanna go bye-bye." I was almost in tears when the doctor was checking her out and she was getting her shots because she was crying so hard. As soon as I picked her up she was fine, though.
All in all it was a good visit. I learned a lot about discipline, got the name of a good author that gives advice on raising a toddler and got my questions answered about when to switch her into a toddler bed, how to deal with her eating habits and what to expect over the next couple of months.
As far as discipline, the doc said to not even try a negative reaction to her tantrums (like time-out) until she is at least 2 years old. He said right now she doesn't comprehend certain punishments and that the biggest punishment I can give her is to take myself away from her. For instance, if she is throwing a temper tantrum about a cookie, let her cry and scream but don't give her the cookie and tell her that you will wait until she is done. You walk away and don't talk to her or interact with her until she is calm. That is going to be hard. I hate to see her cry...but, I know I have to be the parent and "parent" her. That is my job...as much as I want to be the big sister, the friend, the playmate, I primarily need to be her mom and her parent. That is hard for me because I just want to let her do whatever she wants so she is happy - but I know raising her like that would not make her happy when she older and has to face the consequences or the judgements of a relentless society.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
1st Haircut
P got her first real haircut today! I wanted to get it cut for her Christmas pictures and knew there was no way I could do it. After all, I already butchered it once or twice and regretted how silly she looked. So, I decided to leave it up to the professionals.
We went to this little kids salon and she got right in. I did the "1st Haircut Special," which included a picture, a lock of hair and a little certificate stating how it was her first haircut. She sat, well stood, in a little black car and there was a Little Einstein video playing to keep her busy. She wasn't very happy about the whole thing but she did really, really well. The woman that cut her hair was great and knew how to keep her occupied as she trimmed and evened out the mess I had made a while back. It was a really great experience and I will definitely go back to them.
I can't even write how cute it was to see P in that little pink smock getting her cut. The woman even put mousse in and sprayed it so it looked cute for her 1st picture. Oh my, I was such "that" beaming mom. Then the best part - P got a sucker and a balloon. We left the balloon because that just ends up laying in my car for two weeks, but the sucker ended up being a real winner. I think knowing she'll get a Dum Dum after a haircut will make it easier next time around.
Also, I know where to get my bows for her hair. They carry Wee Ones, and a ton of them. I picked up a Christmas bow for the Christmas parties we are invited to and one for her pictures. I am so excited! Oh the little things.
We went to this little kids salon and she got right in. I did the "1st Haircut Special," which included a picture, a lock of hair and a little certificate stating how it was her first haircut. She sat, well stood, in a little black car and there was a Little Einstein video playing to keep her busy. She wasn't very happy about the whole thing but she did really, really well. The woman that cut her hair was great and knew how to keep her occupied as she trimmed and evened out the mess I had made a while back. It was a really great experience and I will definitely go back to them.
I can't even write how cute it was to see P in that little pink smock getting her cut. The woman even put mousse in and sprayed it so it looked cute for her 1st picture. Oh my, I was such "that" beaming mom. Then the best part - P got a sucker and a balloon. We left the balloon because that just ends up laying in my car for two weeks, but the sucker ended up being a real winner. I think knowing she'll get a Dum Dum after a haircut will make it easier next time around.
Also, I know where to get my bows for her hair. They carry Wee Ones, and a ton of them. I picked up a Christmas bow for the Christmas parties we are invited to and one for her pictures. I am so excited! Oh the little things.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Mother's Nightmare
P and I had her play class at the rec center this morning. It is an hour long class where the kids 18 months and older get to run around and play with toys, do a craft and sing and dance. The toys they have are the big toys you wouldn't neccessarily have in your home. They also have balls and mats everywhere so kids can roll around and run and kick/throw the balls. It is a ton of fun for them. P gets a little overwhelmed and needs mommy's reassurance to keep playing. It is rather cute...even though I would love for her to just run and play the whole time to get some energy out! haha!
Today we made little turkey puppets for Thanksgiving. They were basically just little turkeys with two holes in the bottom for your fingers. The kids got to color them and put feathers on them. Well, mommy more or less colored it and pasted the feathers on while P just played with the crayons and made a few little scribbles here and there. :) I just love watching her color and "help" me with the craft.
All the parents and kids pretty much leave at the same time. Some moms mill around the rec center and let the kids look at the kids in swim lessons or the pictures they have on the walls. I try to pay attention to moms and kids so I know who is with who just in case I need to grab a mom. Well, thank goodness I do pay attention. Today when we were walking into the parking one of the little boys from P's class was running out in to the road crying. He was maybe 2 years old. I looked back because I know his mom is always running to catch him (he's a busy boy!) and I didn't see her. I immediately went over to him and told him it was okay and that we'd find his mommy. He was saying mommy, mommy. Luckily with P in my arms he took my hand and I didn't need to catch him and calm him down. Poor little guy. I reassured him we'd find mommy and we started walking back to the rec center. I can't EVEN imagine what was going through his mom's head when she couldn't find him. Well, it was pretty much written all over her face when I saw her - the looks of alarm and fear all wrapped in one. She was walking fearfully to the exit looking to see if he was in the parking lot. She immediately saw me holding his hand bringing him to her and let out a huge sigh. Poor thing - she just held him and he cried and cried. I told her where I saw him and she thanked me. Other people were just letting him run right by them...that really broke my heart and I thank(ed) God I was there and that little boy didn't hit by a car or was hard to sway to get him to come with P and I to get his mommy. I am sure he recognized us from class, too.
It is not a joke when other moms tell you that you need to keep constant watch on little ones. In a split second they can run off and you won't be able to find them - I experienced that first hand today. Even though they are pint sized, they are fast!!
Today we made little turkey puppets for Thanksgiving. They were basically just little turkeys with two holes in the bottom for your fingers. The kids got to color them and put feathers on them. Well, mommy more or less colored it and pasted the feathers on while P just played with the crayons and made a few little scribbles here and there. :) I just love watching her color and "help" me with the craft.
All the parents and kids pretty much leave at the same time. Some moms mill around the rec center and let the kids look at the kids in swim lessons or the pictures they have on the walls. I try to pay attention to moms and kids so I know who is with who just in case I need to grab a mom. Well, thank goodness I do pay attention. Today when we were walking into the parking one of the little boys from P's class was running out in to the road crying. He was maybe 2 years old. I looked back because I know his mom is always running to catch him (he's a busy boy!) and I didn't see her. I immediately went over to him and told him it was okay and that we'd find his mommy. He was saying mommy, mommy. Luckily with P in my arms he took my hand and I didn't need to catch him and calm him down. Poor little guy. I reassured him we'd find mommy and we started walking back to the rec center. I can't EVEN imagine what was going through his mom's head when she couldn't find him. Well, it was pretty much written all over her face when I saw her - the looks of alarm and fear all wrapped in one. She was walking fearfully to the exit looking to see if he was in the parking lot. She immediately saw me holding his hand bringing him to her and let out a huge sigh. Poor thing - she just held him and he cried and cried. I told her where I saw him and she thanked me. Other people were just letting him run right by them...that really broke my heart and I thank(ed) God I was there and that little boy didn't hit by a car or was hard to sway to get him to come with P and I to get his mommy. I am sure he recognized us from class, too.
It is not a joke when other moms tell you that you need to keep constant watch on little ones. In a split second they can run off and you won't be able to find them - I experienced that first hand today. Even though they are pint sized, they are fast!!
Thursday, November 08, 2007
All Good
I received my test results yesterday from my glucose screening. My results were normal! So, I am not going to have to change my diet and freak out over if the baby is okay - even though I know GD is totally manageable and babies are fine. My mind just always jumps ahead to the "what ifs" and I worry when it is not neccessary.
I am happy I won't have to be under pressure to not eat sugar and carbs during the holidays. Like many others, holiday goodies are my favorite. It is just going to be a matter of keeping control of my eating. I already changed my eating habits when I thought I had GD and I plan to keep that up. I was kind of out of control and was justifying it by saying I was pregnant with a boy and boys eat a lot. Yeah, who was I kidding...certainly not the fat accumulating on my butt.
Another thing in my favor is that I am in my third trimester. It is hard to eat a lot when you have no room in your stomach to put the food since the baby is taking up all the space. Plus, I am too tired to cook all the time. The muffins and cookies I usually make just seem like too much work, and I don't typically buy pre-made cookies (mainly because I'll eat them all in like 3 days). I have a serious sugar addiction and it can get out of control unless I am strict with myself.
Another thing that is all good is P's ability to be fine at the sitter's all day. I dropped P off for the first time to an all day babysitter. It was much more difficult on me than her, that's for sure. When I left she just waved bye-bye and turned to the sitter as if to say "I am ready to play!" I cried for like 15 minutes and then got over it. Women have to do it everyday and they are just fine, and so are their children. When I picked her up the sitter went on and on about what a good girl she was and how she was really smart. I guess P was enamoring her with her extensive vocabulary and ability to tell adults exactly what she wants and how she follows directions really well for being 18 months. haah! Wonder where she got that from...hmmm....perplexing.
I am happy I won't have to be under pressure to not eat sugar and carbs during the holidays. Like many others, holiday goodies are my favorite. It is just going to be a matter of keeping control of my eating. I already changed my eating habits when I thought I had GD and I plan to keep that up. I was kind of out of control and was justifying it by saying I was pregnant with a boy and boys eat a lot. Yeah, who was I kidding...certainly not the fat accumulating on my butt.
Another thing in my favor is that I am in my third trimester. It is hard to eat a lot when you have no room in your stomach to put the food since the baby is taking up all the space. Plus, I am too tired to cook all the time. The muffins and cookies I usually make just seem like too much work, and I don't typically buy pre-made cookies (mainly because I'll eat them all in like 3 days). I have a serious sugar addiction and it can get out of control unless I am strict with myself.
Another thing that is all good is P's ability to be fine at the sitter's all day. I dropped P off for the first time to an all day babysitter. It was much more difficult on me than her, that's for sure. When I left she just waved bye-bye and turned to the sitter as if to say "I am ready to play!" I cried for like 15 minutes and then got over it. Women have to do it everyday and they are just fine, and so are their children. When I picked her up the sitter went on and on about what a good girl she was and how she was really smart. I guess P was enamoring her with her extensive vocabulary and ability to tell adults exactly what she wants and how she follows directions really well for being 18 months. haah! Wonder where she got that from...hmmm....perplexing.
Monday, November 05, 2007
Talking
P cracks me up. She is getting so good at telling me what she wants in an understandable way. She is already putting sentences together. She tells me:
"want applesauce"
"I want to see Piper"
"are you sleepy"
"until I say so" which is from a book and she likes the words
"I want more apple" "I want a cookie" "I want a bowl"
"pile of leaves"
It is crazy to think that last year at this time she was just sitting on the floor with the boppy for support. Now she is kicking a ball, talking, climbing the stairs, pretend playing, petting the dogs "nice."
Oh - yesterday she put her bears in a row and grabbed a play spoon and hollow blocks from her toybox. She pretended she was feeding the bears with the noises of eating, the hollow blocks as bowls and feeding them with the spoon. I just sat and watched her. I was laughing inside but I was also amazed at her ability to do that. She seems so little to be doing such things.
Today at her See Me Run class we made a tamborine and she was pulling stickers off the sheet and putting them on her little plate. I couldn't believe it - that seems like a thing an older child should be doing. But, I guess like everyone says...they grow up fast. She played a lot in class, but I think she was a bit overwhelmed by all the big toys and the other kids. It was obviously fun for her and I expect next week she will tear into everything.
"want applesauce"
"I want to see Piper"
"are you sleepy"
"until I say so" which is from a book and she likes the words
"I want more apple" "I want a cookie" "I want a bowl"
"pile of leaves"
It is crazy to think that last year at this time she was just sitting on the floor with the boppy for support. Now she is kicking a ball, talking, climbing the stairs, pretend playing, petting the dogs "nice."
Oh - yesterday she put her bears in a row and grabbed a play spoon and hollow blocks from her toybox. She pretended she was feeding the bears with the noises of eating, the hollow blocks as bowls and feeding them with the spoon. I just sat and watched her. I was laughing inside but I was also amazed at her ability to do that. She seems so little to be doing such things.
Today at her See Me Run class we made a tamborine and she was pulling stickers off the sheet and putting them on her little plate. I couldn't believe it - that seems like a thing an older child should be doing. But, I guess like everyone says...they grow up fast. She played a lot in class, but I think she was a bit overwhelmed by all the big toys and the other kids. It was obviously fun for her and I expect next week she will tear into everything.
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Second glucose screening test
I took my second glucose screening test yesterday. It seemed to go okay while I was there, but that is not an indication of whether or not I have gestational diabetes. I asked the nurse and he said that I just need to wait for the results from my doctor to see if I am in the clear or not. I'll find out on Monday what is going on.
I was wrong about how the test is administered. When you go in they take your blood after fasting for twelve hours and then you drink 100mg of glucola instead of the 50mg from the initial test. Then they take your blood every three hours. I felt fine during the test and asked the nurse if that was a good sign. He said every person reacts differently and that I will need to wait for the results from my doctor. When I drove home, though, that was a different story.
I ate a cereal bar in my car, which was a horrible choice because it had sugar in it. It basically made me feel horrible. I started getting really sick on the way home and was hoping I wouldn't pass out while driving. When I reached the house I ate a few crackers and drank some milk. I waited for the horrible feeling to pass and then ate a real lunch. I put P down for a nap and took one as well. It wasn't until after my nap that I actually felt kind of normal.
I am wondering if that is a normal reaction to that test. I am having a horrible time finding anything about it online. Luckily I have some family and friends who went through the test that I can ask.
I changed my diet over the passed two days and feel much better. It is probably better that I changed it even if I don't have GD because I was eating way too much food or some days too much junk.
I was wrong about how the test is administered. When you go in they take your blood after fasting for twelve hours and then you drink 100mg of glucola instead of the 50mg from the initial test. Then they take your blood every three hours. I felt fine during the test and asked the nurse if that was a good sign. He said every person reacts differently and that I will need to wait for the results from my doctor. When I drove home, though, that was a different story.
I ate a cereal bar in my car, which was a horrible choice because it had sugar in it. It basically made me feel horrible. I started getting really sick on the way home and was hoping I wouldn't pass out while driving. When I reached the house I ate a few crackers and drank some milk. I waited for the horrible feeling to pass and then ate a real lunch. I put P down for a nap and took one as well. It wasn't until after my nap that I actually felt kind of normal.
I am wondering if that is a normal reaction to that test. I am having a horrible time finding anything about it online. Luckily I have some family and friends who went through the test that I can ask.
I changed my diet over the passed two days and feel much better. It is probably better that I changed it even if I don't have GD because I was eating way too much food or some days too much junk.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Trick-or-treat
Last night was the first time P went trick-or-treating. She had fun walking around and looking at all the costumes, but she did not like going up to a stranger and saying "trick or treat." She pretty much cried for me the whole time. I assume that is pretty overwhelming for a one and a half year old. We went to my cousin's house because she has a great neighborhood, had dinner and then the kids watched The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown.
There were kids crawling everywhere when we drove up. As a matter of fact, one kid just ran in front of my mom's car. Hubby said it was "their" night and adults were just candy suppliers. haha. The houses were all decorated and some people went all out. There was group of neighbors that decorated their garage and it was incredible...and incredibly scary. I couldn't even walk up there much less take P up there. I am still pretty afraid of people in scary masks - nope, still haven't grown out of that one.
We only went to a few houses so she could experience the whole thing. I didn't let her have any candy, though - I am such a meanie. She didn't ask for it, either. Today she got her little bucket out and played with her candy. I don't think she knows she can actually eat what is in the wrappers. Next year I am sure it will be a different story.
She was a little bug and carried her Miss Spider Halloween bucket her Nana got her before she was born. I was having more fun watching her in her little costume than anything. When we got back to my cousin's she just played and talked about "monster story," a book called The Big Green Monster she likes to read.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Gestational Diabetes - 2nd Screening
I received a call from my doc's office about my glucose test. Seems my levels are elevated and I have to go in for a second screening to determine if I have gestational diabetes. I guess it is standard procedure. I wish I knew the stats on how many women actually have gd from going in for a second screening but I can't find that information. Of course, I am a little apprehensive about the test since I may just have gd. But, it is totally manageable with a certain diet...and would explain how I have been feeling.
I have had a few almost passing out episodes. Three times at the gym and about two or three times just running errands. This was after eating, too, which struck me as odd. With P I almost passed out a couple of times but I hadn't eaten anything, which totally made sense. The last time it happened I had just rode the bike for 30 minutes - seriously nothing major. As soon as I got up and walked around a bit I knew I was about to pass out. I went downstairs and drank an OJ. I waited for about 20 minutes before I could even stand. I was so scared about getting P and driving home, just hoping I would be okay behind the wheel. That time it really scared me because it was worse than the few times before. Lately, too, I have just been feeling ill. Even if I don't have it I am going to change my diet. Whatever I am doing I am not doing justice to my body. I think that means cutting my sugar and carb intake down.
My cousin had gd. She said that the test is a little over three hours. You have to drink a heavier dosage of glucola after fasting for 12 hours, take a blood test an hour later, drink another glucola, take another blood test after an hour and then drink a ThIRD glucola and get blood drawn again. She said try not to throw up after the second because you'll have to retake the test another time. Ugh. Hubby took work off in the morning to watch P. I really need to make this a one shot deal. Just thinking about drinking that much of that orange crap churns my stomach. Oh well - thousands of women have done it and survived it.
I have had a few almost passing out episodes. Three times at the gym and about two or three times just running errands. This was after eating, too, which struck me as odd. With P I almost passed out a couple of times but I hadn't eaten anything, which totally made sense. The last time it happened I had just rode the bike for 30 minutes - seriously nothing major. As soon as I got up and walked around a bit I knew I was about to pass out. I went downstairs and drank an OJ. I waited for about 20 minutes before I could even stand. I was so scared about getting P and driving home, just hoping I would be okay behind the wheel. That time it really scared me because it was worse than the few times before. Lately, too, I have just been feeling ill. Even if I don't have it I am going to change my diet. Whatever I am doing I am not doing justice to my body. I think that means cutting my sugar and carb intake down.
My cousin had gd. She said that the test is a little over three hours. You have to drink a heavier dosage of glucola after fasting for 12 hours, take a blood test an hour later, drink another glucola, take another blood test after an hour and then drink a ThIRD glucola and get blood drawn again. She said try not to throw up after the second because you'll have to retake the test another time. Ugh. Hubby took work off in the morning to watch P. I really need to make this a one shot deal. Just thinking about drinking that much of that orange crap churns my stomach. Oh well - thousands of women have done it and survived it.
Sick
P is sick. It really bums me out because I had lots of plans for today. We are still going to our cousin's Halloween party tonight. I am keeping her in all day so that hopefully she'll enjoy it without sneezing and hacking the whole time. I have a really warm costume for her when she goes trick-or-treating for the first time. Hopefully I'll get some great pictures.
It is really difficult to get the pictures I want and watch my child. I am always the one who takes the pics because hubby won't step up. I even got him a camcorder and he won't use it because it isn't digital. It is brand spanking new. I think I'll just sell it and use the money for a spa day and a new coat. haha! I think I am going to ask for a smaller camera for Christmas so I can carry it around with me. The camera we have now is terrific, but it is heavy to carry around in my purse and I don't want to keep it in the car where it could get stolen.
I am a little photo obsessed. I have over 6,000 photos of P since she was born. I back everything up on DVD so I don't lose it, and I am behind in doing that. I just can't do everything I need to get done and watch P. I can't imagine how much harder it is going to be when I have two. I am guessing I won't get much done. My house will be messier than it is now. oh goody. It is probably time for a maid.
It is really difficult to get the pictures I want and watch my child. I am always the one who takes the pics because hubby won't step up. I even got him a camcorder and he won't use it because it isn't digital. It is brand spanking new. I think I'll just sell it and use the money for a spa day and a new coat. haha! I think I am going to ask for a smaller camera for Christmas so I can carry it around with me. The camera we have now is terrific, but it is heavy to carry around in my purse and I don't want to keep it in the car where it could get stolen.
I am a little photo obsessed. I have over 6,000 photos of P since she was born. I back everything up on DVD so I don't lose it, and I am behind in doing that. I just can't do everything I need to get done and watch P. I can't imagine how much harder it is going to be when I have two. I am guessing I won't get much done. My house will be messier than it is now. oh goody. It is probably time for a maid.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
New Baby Name?
I am having a terrible time even thinking of a boy's name for baby #2. Today I decided to get out a book I have that lists a ton of names, origins and meanings of the names.
As I was coming down the stairs I asked P what she wanted to name the new baby and she responded:
Baby Monster
I thought that was hysterical and had to document it.
As I was coming down the stairs I asked P what she wanted to name the new baby and she responded:
Baby Monster
I thought that was hysterical and had to document it.
Toddler bed vs. Twin mattress
My newest dilemma is how to go about switching P from her crib to a toddler bed or twin bed. I have read mixed reviews about one vs. the other and am trying to figure what I should do. I also need to figure out when to move her.
The new baby is due in January and experts say not to move a baby during or right before a "tramatic" event like a new baby or moving or something along those lines. I think it would be tough during the holidays, too, when there is much going on. She is fine in her crib for now. She doesn't try to climb out, she actually likes to play in it and still has plenty of room. That is part of the reason I am considering a toddler bed. If she has plenty of leg room then why buy a bigger bed that would be totally unfamiliar territory. Plus the window for moving is from 18 months to 3 years, so I think I have plenty of time. She will be just turning 18 months on November 1.
Toddler beds take crib mattresses, which I think she would fit on until she is a few years older. I also think a bed that has sides built in will help make the transition easier because it will still kind of feel like a crib - just lower to the ground and freedom to get out. And, that is another concern. Once they switch to a bed they have the freedom to roam around their room or house. I definitely will need to get a gate because I can't shut her door. It is a "thing" for me to shut the door. I wouldn't be able to hear her and it would freak me out. A monitor is fine, but nothing like being able to sneak in to take a peek at my sleeping baby. She sleeps with the door shut for naptime, but that is only because so many trains go by during the day and shutting the door helps kill the noise.
On another note, I had my first glucose test yesterday. I am not sure how long it will take to get results back - probably by the end of the week. I am pretty sure I am fine, but unlike P, I felt pretty sick after drinking the stuff. It put me in a really bad mood, too. I am sure that is just lack of sleep, but you never know. Part of it could be that my nurse had to poke me three times to draw blood. My vein kept moving and then when she did get it the blood just trickled out. My arms are pretty sore today, which never happens.
The new baby is due in January and experts say not to move a baby during or right before a "tramatic" event like a new baby or moving or something along those lines. I think it would be tough during the holidays, too, when there is much going on. She is fine in her crib for now. She doesn't try to climb out, she actually likes to play in it and still has plenty of room. That is part of the reason I am considering a toddler bed. If she has plenty of leg room then why buy a bigger bed that would be totally unfamiliar territory. Plus the window for moving is from 18 months to 3 years, so I think I have plenty of time. She will be just turning 18 months on November 1.
Toddler beds take crib mattresses, which I think she would fit on until she is a few years older. I also think a bed that has sides built in will help make the transition easier because it will still kind of feel like a crib - just lower to the ground and freedom to get out. And, that is another concern. Once they switch to a bed they have the freedom to roam around their room or house. I definitely will need to get a gate because I can't shut her door. It is a "thing" for me to shut the door. I wouldn't be able to hear her and it would freak me out. A monitor is fine, but nothing like being able to sneak in to take a peek at my sleeping baby. She sleeps with the door shut for naptime, but that is only because so many trains go by during the day and shutting the door helps kill the noise.
On another note, I had my first glucose test yesterday. I am not sure how long it will take to get results back - probably by the end of the week. I am pretty sure I am fine, but unlike P, I felt pretty sick after drinking the stuff. It put me in a really bad mood, too. I am sure that is just lack of sleep, but you never know. Part of it could be that my nurse had to poke me three times to draw blood. My vein kept moving and then when she did get it the blood just trickled out. My arms are pretty sore today, which never happens.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Staying home
Last night I was telling hubby about Miss P and I's day. He commented on the fact that he was so happy I was staying home with her because I got to really get to know her and be there to keep her feeling safe, loved and understood...basically. He said that there is no way he knows her as well as I do and that sometimes it makes him a little envious. I totally understand that and try to help him along when he needs it. For instance, what she wants. I can pretty much understand when she asks for something and what she wants. Hubby has no clue, generally, and luckily I can help him decode what she is saying.
I feel incredibly lucky to be able to stay home with my darling daughter and son-to-be. Actually, I couldn't imagine going to work and leaving her everyday. It would really rip me apart and I think I'd be an emotional wreck. Jeez, leaving her at the gym for an hour in the playroom breaks my heart - and she LOVES it. Seeing her okay makes me okay, though. I don't plan on staying home forever, and am glad I have a plan for a teaching career. I couldn't imagine going back to work in PR, unless it is just a freelance gig, but going to be a teacher is exciting...plus the hours will be great in regards to having kids.
I feel incredibly lucky to be able to stay home with my darling daughter and son-to-be. Actually, I couldn't imagine going to work and leaving her everyday. It would really rip me apart and I think I'd be an emotional wreck. Jeez, leaving her at the gym for an hour in the playroom breaks my heart - and she LOVES it. Seeing her okay makes me okay, though. I don't plan on staying home forever, and am glad I have a plan for a teaching career. I couldn't imagine going back to work in PR, unless it is just a freelance gig, but going to be a teacher is exciting...plus the hours will be great in regards to having kids.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Halloween Party
"Peyton" threw a Halloween party for all of her friends this passed Sunday. The weather was perfect and we were able to do everything outside, which was really nice. All of us agreed we need to take advantage of the days we have left before it gets dreadfully cold.
My mom helped me get ready for the party. Since she is a first grade teacher she helped create all the games, and they went over really well...even with the children two and under sans two girls. I read the book "Go Away Big Green Monster" and then we played pin the mouth on the monster. Mom and I bought posterboard and drew the monster without a mouth. Each kid then got their own mouth to put on the face - of course, the only child that got the mouth right was 4. The rest really didn't get the concept, but it was cute helping them out and seeing what they did with the mouth. Most of them put it in their own mouth. We also played toss the bean bag in the bucket, but only a couple of kids did it because the rest were more interested in sticks or food. Some of them made little pumpkin heads out of Foameez and some of them were only interested in playing.
My girl happened to love to take away her cousin's lollipop and proceed to finish it off. By the end she was covered in sugary goo and random grass and dirt particles.
I had the place decorated in a kid-friendly way...meaning nothing breakable or within reach that I didn't want destroyed, nothing too scary that would make the children upset and stayed away from things that were just crappy Halloween decorations for the heck of it (streamers, balloons, cheesy lights, etc.).
I was a kitty cat and still scared P. She wouldn't come to me pretty much the whole party because the poorly painted on whiskers made her uncomfortable. I felt absolutely huge and really want to take advantage of all the candy that is left, but I know it will just go to the baby and my thighs, so I have to resist temptation.
Friday, October 12, 2007
My baby
I was at the gym today and almost started crying. I think I am just having an emotional day. The new song by Pink (can't remember the title) got me thinking about growing up and about how my mom stopped holding me years ago...and how I am not ready to give up carrying Miss P around or holding her and kissing her little face.
Thinking about having another baby that will interfere with the time I spend with Miss P is breaking my heart. I hear that you love the second one just as much as the first one, but at this point I can't see how that is possible. I just don't have the same feelings about having this baby as I did when I was pregnant with P. Everyone assures me it is normal and when he arrives I'll be just as in love with him as I was/am with P. Part of it is that it is a boy and I don't know how to connect with a boy since I have a girl. I have also heard that you end up expecting much more out of the oldest child since they will seem so much older to you. I can't imagine that to be true, either....I mean, P won't even be 2 years old!!
Hopefully this child will be a good baby and easily fit into our lives. I hope he doesn't end up taking a ton of time because of being a needy baby and P loses out. I also hope that hubby really steps up and doesn't do things with/for the baby or P just when I ask or just when he feels like it.
Thinking about having another baby that will interfere with the time I spend with Miss P is breaking my heart. I hear that you love the second one just as much as the first one, but at this point I can't see how that is possible. I just don't have the same feelings about having this baby as I did when I was pregnant with P. Everyone assures me it is normal and when he arrives I'll be just as in love with him as I was/am with P. Part of it is that it is a boy and I don't know how to connect with a boy since I have a girl. I have also heard that you end up expecting much more out of the oldest child since they will seem so much older to you. I can't imagine that to be true, either....I mean, P won't even be 2 years old!!
Hopefully this child will be a good baby and easily fit into our lives. I hope he doesn't end up taking a ton of time because of being a needy baby and P loses out. I also hope that hubby really steps up and doesn't do things with/for the baby or P just when I ask or just when he feels like it.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Update to Halloween Party
So, I think it is quite funny that not one of my family members is coming to P's Halloween party (and noone showed up to a cookout I had on Labor Day...but decided last minute to have all the family over to my aunt's house...hmmmm). My mom was supposed to help me at the party, but now she tells me that she and my dad have a Corvette thing to do...as usual. Luckily, I have a couple of friends and hubby will be here to help. I know that the kids' moms/dads will be here, but I really wanted to have help with structure and keeping things in line. I get so side-tracked, and really wanted to focus on P having a good time. Oh well - I am sure it will be fun and I am looking forward to it.
At least my mom babysits a lot for us - I should just be thankful for that.
At least my mom babysits a lot for us - I should just be thankful for that.
Naptime at my house
If, and that can be a big IF, P falls asleep when I rock her she sleeps for a couple of hours and all is peaceful. If, and this is another big IF, we are out and about and she falls asleep in the car I can get her into her crib and she'll sleep for a few hours. But, if she has a day when she doesn't want to nap...well, it can be an event.
Today was a non-napping day. She is currently in her nursery crying her little eyes out and it is breaking my heart. It all starts right before lunch:
12:15: Elmo's World
12:30: turn off Elmo and put into high chair, whines a bit because she still wants to see Elmo. obviously getting tired
1:15: finish lunch, clean up, P plays
1:30-1:45: mommy tells P we are going up for a nap. We play a little longer and she obviously is fighting going up for a nap. She now objects when I say "naptime" with a little whine and a face that says "no, please, not really now?!"
1:30ish - 1:50: go upstairs to rocker and read 3 - 4 books
Mommy says it is naptime
1:50: P plays with mommy's hair, earrings, teeth
Mommy says it is naptime
2:00: claps and yells for the dogs, throw arms in air like riding a rollercoaster and squeals. Mommy says it is naptime
2:10 - 2:15: lays head on mommy's shoulder - could this be the sleep rolling in?!!!!
2:15: laughs, lifts head, says hello to the pictures, claps for dogs
Mommy says it is naptime
2:20: mommy leaves the room and she cries and cries
2:23: mommy comes back in and says it is naptime, but gets sucked into rocking for a bit longer
2:30: mommy puts baby back in crib and just lets her cry
Mommy says nigh, nigh and it is naptime
3:00: still crying
Now, why do I keep listening? I don't know - it makes me eat chocolate...well, the baby craves the chocolate, but I emotionally eat, so hearing her cry and being stressed about all I have do lately makes me eat chocolate even when I am just cravng it.
Today was a non-napping day. She is currently in her nursery crying her little eyes out and it is breaking my heart. It all starts right before lunch:
12:15: Elmo's World
12:30: turn off Elmo and put into high chair, whines a bit because she still wants to see Elmo. obviously getting tired
1:15: finish lunch, clean up, P plays
1:30-1:45: mommy tells P we are going up for a nap. We play a little longer and she obviously is fighting going up for a nap. She now objects when I say "naptime" with a little whine and a face that says "no, please, not really now?!"
1:30ish - 1:50: go upstairs to rocker and read 3 - 4 books
Mommy says it is naptime
1:50: P plays with mommy's hair, earrings, teeth
Mommy says it is naptime
2:00: claps and yells for the dogs, throw arms in air like riding a rollercoaster and squeals. Mommy says it is naptime
2:10 - 2:15: lays head on mommy's shoulder - could this be the sleep rolling in?!!!!
2:15: laughs, lifts head, says hello to the pictures, claps for dogs
Mommy says it is naptime
2:20: mommy leaves the room and she cries and cries
2:23: mommy comes back in and says it is naptime, but gets sucked into rocking for a bit longer
2:30: mommy puts baby back in crib and just lets her cry
Mommy says nigh, nigh and it is naptime
3:00: still crying
Now, why do I keep listening? I don't know - it makes me eat chocolate...well, the baby craves the chocolate, but I emotionally eat, so hearing her cry and being stressed about all I have do lately makes me eat chocolate even when I am just cravng it.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Fall
Fall is so much fun. It is finally getting cooler here in the midwest. Those 90 degree October days were really getting on my nerves...mostly because I am so uncomfortable being really hot while being pregnant. I am not the type to wear shorts and tanks while I feel big and fat, and jeans aren't that cool. So, needless to write, I am super excited for some cooler air.
There is also so much to do. We can still play outside, go on walks and go to the variety of events around the city without sweating our butts off. We went to an apple orchard, my mommies group is going to a farm for a hayride and pumpkin picking, Boo at the Zoo is coming up and I volunteered to help tour guide a ghost walk. I am having a Halloween party for Peyton and her friends and family. It should be fun.
My mom is dressing up and really helping me out at the party. She is going to be telling stories and singing songs, helping with games and all that fun stuff. I am excited because I love Halloween and can't wait to get P dressed up. She is going to be so cute.
There is also so much to do. We can still play outside, go on walks and go to the variety of events around the city without sweating our butts off. We went to an apple orchard, my mommies group is going to a farm for a hayride and pumpkin picking, Boo at the Zoo is coming up and I volunteered to help tour guide a ghost walk. I am having a Halloween party for Peyton and her friends and family. It should be fun.
My mom is dressing up and really helping me out at the party. She is going to be telling stories and singing songs, helping with games and all that fun stuff. I am excited because I love Halloween and can't wait to get P dressed up. She is going to be so cute.
Monday, October 08, 2007
Big Lots
I can't believe it, but Big Lots has the best deals on things like baby toys, water, other types of mineral and fruit water, cleaning sponges, and nice decorations and wrapping paper for the holidays. Those are things I hate to pay huge amounts of money for, and since Big Lots is a closeout store the prices are low. They actually have some name brand items, too...and for a fraction of the cost you'd pay in the grocery or other places. I even got some Halloween candy there for SUPER cheap - and not the noname candy, but Hersheys, Tootsies, Double Bubble...
I would think if Miss P was off to college I could find some great things there for her dorm room. They have all these cheap kitchen appliances, furniture and back to school supplies during the later summer/fall.
My sis-in-law even mentioned she would shop there for Annie's toys. I mean seriously, why pay Toys R Us prices? Insane for toys the kids don't even really care about for more than two seconds.
This is a coupon for all of my buddies - 20% off for this week....ONLY!!
http://www.biglots.com/Coupon/BuzzclubCoupon.aspx
I would think if Miss P was off to college I could find some great things there for her dorm room. They have all these cheap kitchen appliances, furniture and back to school supplies during the later summer/fall.
My sis-in-law even mentioned she would shop there for Annie's toys. I mean seriously, why pay Toys R Us prices? Insane for toys the kids don't even really care about for more than two seconds.
This is a coupon for all of my buddies - 20% off for this week....ONLY!!
http://www.biglots.com/Coupon/BuzzclubCoupon.aspx
Sunday, October 07, 2007
My mom would kill me...
...if I didn't get this written down, and I would be very upset with myself years down the road. My Latin teacher always told us to write notes on pics because you won't remember the moment, and that is so true for me. I remember my trip to Italy. I thought I'd NEVER forget any picture I took, but even a year after the trip I had trouble remembering the where's and who's. Now so many years after that trip, I am so happy I did notate some of the pictures because I'd NEVER remember..especially after mommy brain took over.
Now, why I logged on. Miss P is doing so many wonderful things I don't even know where to begin. To see her grow and change by the minute is simply fascinating, and incredibly entertaining. My mother keeps asking me if I write "these things down" and I always assure I am, and I now I really am! :)
The current list at 17 months old and counting:
Now, why I logged on. Miss P is doing so many wonderful things I don't even know where to begin. To see her grow and change by the minute is simply fascinating, and incredibly entertaining. My mother keeps asking me if I write "these things down" and I always assure I am, and I now I really am! :)
The current list at 17 months old and counting:
- She is walking, even running at times.
- She climbs on things low enough that hoisting herself up by one leg won't make her fall.
- She talks constantly, and much of it I actually understand.
- She pulls the dogs hair and hits them and just laughs.
- She has a great memory. For instance, today I told her that the bear was all clean and in the dryer. We had stayed at my mom's house to watch the dogs, and I brought her dirty bear with me to get a nice soak. The next day I told her that the bear was waiting for her in the dryer and that we should go get it out. She led me straight into the laundry room and pointed to the dryer. This happens all the time - I tell her once and she remembers. I tend to quiz her and get all excited when she gets the answer correct.
- She loves to be rocked to sleep at night. She loves to just mess around at naptime and tends to be put to bed and cries for at least 15 minutes. That breaks my heart, especially since the things she is doing before naptime when I am trying to rock her are so cute. Then I make her cry.
- She eats pretty much everything. She is not the biggest fan of fruit and veges unless you feed them to her. She will rarely eat them in their own state - they have to be in her yogurt or put through the food mill. At least she eats them, though, so really I shouldn't complain...and for crying out loud, she isn't even a year and a half, yet.
- She loves peek-a-boo, playing with puzzles (the wooden ones), music class, and storytime at the library.
- She loves the water but isn't a huge fan of her swim class.
- She loves her shoes.
- She loves when mommy holds her but play alone quite nicely, too.
- She says "Hi" to everything and sometimes waves with it. It is cute when she is saying "Hi" to the bugs.
- Morning daddy
- boon (for spoon)
- Hi guys (when she sees the dogs)
- Asks to see Ohhwee and Piper (Loki and Piper)
- Asks to see Coco and Phi (Coco and Phoebe)
- Asks to see Papa and Ran ran (Grandma and Grandpa)
- Refers to all children as baby
- Talks about brushing her teeth, eating breakfast, Daddy taking a bath, mommy's teeth, playing the piano at Grandma's house, walking, and many other things.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Mother of the Year 2007
Some of my nominations have been pulled for the Mother of the Year 2007...and if anyone gets offended I'd like to apologize right up front. But, I hope you know it is just in good fun.
1st nomination: Denise
Why: She bought a leash for her one-year-old and lets her play with pencils and eat dirt.
2nd nomination: Mary
Why: She feeds her one-year-old chicken sausage everyday and lets him play with kids at school that are twice his age.
3rd nomination: Candyce
Why: from what I understand her children aren't as "disciplined" as they should be because mommy lets them explore. Explore for a child? For shame
4th nomination: Nedi
Why: she actually had the nerve to put her child in a wonderful daycare while she went back to work. Moms working? What the heck, aren't we all supposed to stay locked up in the house doing laundry and changing diapers?
5th nomination: Corinna
Why: she actually needs a walk when hubby gets home after spending all day with a 2 and 1/2 year old and a 5 month old. A mommy shouldn't have to need a break!
6th nomination: Susan
Why: she just watched as her one-year-old took a tumble because she lost footing. She didn't use her super powers to grab the baby before she hit the floor. What the heck? Babies are supposed to be in our arms at all times or watched 24/7 with an eagle eye.
7th nomination: me
Why: my child ate a WHOLE grape on a toothpick at Whole Foods and fell down the stairs twice in a month.
I guess Mommy of the Year 2007 will just have to go to someone I don't even know, because all of the mommies I know have blundered....at least once this year. shame on us.\
1st nomination: Denise
Why: She bought a leash for her one-year-old and lets her play with pencils and eat dirt.
2nd nomination: Mary
Why: She feeds her one-year-old chicken sausage everyday and lets him play with kids at school that are twice his age.
3rd nomination: Candyce
Why: from what I understand her children aren't as "disciplined" as they should be because mommy lets them explore. Explore for a child? For shame
4th nomination: Nedi
Why: she actually had the nerve to put her child in a wonderful daycare while she went back to work. Moms working? What the heck, aren't we all supposed to stay locked up in the house doing laundry and changing diapers?
5th nomination: Corinna
Why: she actually needs a walk when hubby gets home after spending all day with a 2 and 1/2 year old and a 5 month old. A mommy shouldn't have to need a break!
6th nomination: Susan
Why: she just watched as her one-year-old took a tumble because she lost footing. She didn't use her super powers to grab the baby before she hit the floor. What the heck? Babies are supposed to be in our arms at all times or watched 24/7 with an eagle eye.
7th nomination: me
Why: my child ate a WHOLE grape on a toothpick at Whole Foods and fell down the stairs twice in a month.
I guess Mommy of the Year 2007 will just have to go to someone I don't even know, because all of the mommies I know have blundered....at least once this year. shame on us.\
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