Just a general mommy/baby update today.
But with a twist at the end!
Everyone has been so sweet with their kind words and comments regarding our newest arrival and my appearance!
I wanted to assure everyone that I am truly handling the boy news OK. Not that I doubt y'all, but just in case a random reader thinks I am ungrateful! :) I am very happy to be having a boy. Just sad not to be having a girl. I am OK with those feelings because I believe they can co-exist. For awhile at least. I know the latter feelings will fade over time. The bottom line is my children-current and coming-are all a blessing to me!
I feel bigger than I would like to be in the belly, but I totally know that it is OK. I think I am OK with my weight right now. I don't ask when weighing at the doctor, but the numbers seem appropriate each month.
Right around Christmas, I finally broke down and pulled on an official pair of maternity pants. I was making due with my low-waist jeans and trusty rubber bands! Now, I am totally with maternity pants/jeans or elastic lounge pants. It makes breathing easier! I am not big on wearing clothing that is too big on me because I always feel that I look much bigger. I have some really cute maternity shirts waiting for me around Spring time, but for now I am sticking to double shirts that fit closer.
Eating has gone OK. I think I am being pretty good. Although this past week was about splurging on birthday cake from my daughter's birthday dinner! A chocolate chip cookie finds its way into my mouth from time to time as well! My cravings have been more about crunchy, salty, spicy, fruity. The last two weeks I loved eating avocados and cottage cheese. Fruit shakes are another way to satisfy my sweet craving and get lots of good things packed in!
Sleeping is not my favorite. I am so very tired of sleeping on my left side. Even with pillows strategically placed, I have had enough of it. I mean the wrinkle under my left eye is enough to have me sleeping in the recliner from now on! I have actually enjoyed a few nights in the recliner for that very reason.
I promised myself that I would not even think about what I need for the baby, any changes we need to make around the house, or baby names until January. I wanted to get through the holidays, as well as concentrate on only one gender of names!
Our needs are not great. I have several things from the other two-Moses basket, swing, pack and play, travel swing (love 'em!), toys. Boy clothes, shoes, blankets, bedding are abundant and ready since both boys are summer babies. I am sure I will sneak a few new cute things into the closet just because I don't want him to be a total hand-me-down kid!
I am sad that I got rid of the crib and changing table. Both were used and given to me and I had painted them to match the room. At the time, we had little storage room and another baby was much undecided so it made sense. It actually is OK because this house is much different in terms of space and storage is even more limited. The baby will house with us for at least 4-5 months anyway since both kids' rooms are upstairs. The boys will eventually room together, but I am not trusting the bigger one for night duty just yet! I am sad that he won't get his own special and carefully decorated room like the other two, but we will make due for now and make up for it later!
My only big needs right now are an infant car seat and a stroller. My sister has a bassinet that I think will work, but if not I am sure I can find one at a consignment sale. She also has the pump, but we are still figuring if our timing will work for that one. I have simple sling, but want to get another one or two good ones. I was never a sling person before but think it will be a perfect fit this time. I am not planning on wearing my baby all the time because I am big on lots of floor time from early on. But I bet slings will come in very handy since I will busy around the house and with activities for the two big kids! I am also looking into the variety of diapers, wipes, and bottles that are better for the baby. We are a disposable diaper and wipes family, but I would really like to try a few of the new cloth diapers and safer or homemade wipes around the house. I also want to make sure we have the safest bottles available this time for when Daddy or others are feeding him.
Storage is my other biggest issue at this point. I am going to have to come up with some creative storage since he will share our room downstairs for awhile. We are also going to need to work on the boy closet upstairs to make it work better for two!
Names are also in the works. I have a list posted on the fridge that I am adding to as I find ones I like. A few are left from the last time, but are still getting vetoed by the other half!
If you made it through this rambling post, this is where I am soliciting your help!! Yes, I am welcoming your advice!
I would love to know what baby products and brands you loved to use with your little ones. I have not had a baby in 5 years, so I know there is a lot of new stuff out there! Leave me a comment with one or several items! Or do you have a creative storage suggestion?!
And just for fun, do you have a boy name you like that you would be willing to donate to my list?
Stacey
Monday, January 12, 2009
Friday, January 9, 2009
What I would rather be doing for a living!
Last weekend, I got the chance to bestow a fun little gift to my girlfriends! I have a few more in the works and a few I still need to deliver!
I love to be creative, crafty, decorate, and sew.
Sadly, I have not found the time to really do so as much as I would like over the last year. I was hoping my new hobby space would provide that opportunity more often. The problem is I haven't really spent the time needed putting it into full working order. I want to be able to zip in, work, and zip out without too much shuffling of stuff. I could probably get it ready in a day.
I just need to find that day!
I have been inspired by many of my other crafty bloggy friends, but I probably got the most inspiration for these from Christy! You should really spend some time checking out all her creations or ideas. I hope I made her proud with mine!
These were super easy and less than $5 a piece! You should give it a try! I am thinking about prepping some early for teacher gifts in case I am having a baby or too bleary-eyed by the time end of school comes around in May!
Stacey
I love to be creative, crafty, decorate, and sew.
Sadly, I have not found the time to really do so as much as I would like over the last year. I was hoping my new hobby space would provide that opportunity more often. The problem is I haven't really spent the time needed putting it into full working order. I want to be able to zip in, work, and zip out without too much shuffling of stuff. I could probably get it ready in a day.
I just need to find that day!
I have been inspired by many of my other crafty bloggy friends, but I probably got the most inspiration for these from Christy! You should really spend some time checking out all her creations or ideas. I hope I made her proud with mine!
These were super easy and less than $5 a piece! You should give it a try! I am thinking about prepping some early for teacher gifts in case I am having a baby or too bleary-eyed by the time end of school comes around in May!
Stacey
Thursday, January 8, 2009
She's a beautiful thing!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRINCESS!
I hope year number 7 brings many wonderful blessings for you!
Love,
Mommy
I hope year number 7 brings many wonderful blessings for you!
Love,
Mommy
Mother-Daughter Trip 2009
My girl and I had a great trip!
Before pulling away on Saturday morning, little man was pretty upset. I loved that he would miss me that much but hated to see him so upset. He recovered quickly as Daddy had lots of "boy" stuff for them to do!
Our first stop was Sam Moon where she quickly found the "perfect" purse. Despite my attempts at persuading her otherwise! She also got a cute little ring. I am trying one of those hard case wallets...we'll see how I like it.
Next we ate lunch at ChicFiLa (yum yum!!) before heading to James Avery. I get her a charm each year and hope to give her a charm bracelet when she gets older. She doesn't know about it. I did not end up buying charms because geez they have spiked their prices since last time I bought. I am now 3 years behind, but will catch up later!
We visited a dear friend and her kids before heading over to another friend's house. Our kids used to go to school together and it was fun to see them play together again.
Our biggest shopping adventure ended up being at Bed Bath & Beyond. I decided to return my 2nd Shark because I just wasn't pleased. We used the cash to get birthday presents for my daughter, me, and my MIL. We also got little man his very own Cars Snuggli! We hit the "as seen on TV" jackpot there! While there, it was fun to see and visit with a mom from our old school. Our daughters were in Kindergarten together. Her daughter wasn't with her but the mom took a hug back for her from my girl!
Our day ended at another friend's house where we got to visit, play, eat, and sleep for the night. My girl looks so big compared to the youngest twins, yet they have grown so much!
The next morning was wonderful as we had a chance to worship at our previous church and hug lots of necks! Thankfully, I managed not to shed any tears despite how much I miss that place and all our friends. We were invited to join some friends for lunch by one of their boys. So cute! It was cold, but here is the quick pic I snapped.
Next we spent some glorious time at Target where I picked up some maternity pants half-price and some new comfy shoes for preggo mommy feet.
I was so blessed to get to spend a few hours with my girlfriends. Just chatting and sipping at Starbucks. At the same time, my daughter got to enjoy a play date with another friend so the girls and I could have some grown-up time. (Thanks Nathan!)
Then it was HOTEL time! We were both excited but tired from our many activities. We checked in and then hit Grandy's before enjoying our hotel night.
A chair just her size!
She was quite taken with the bathroom!
Our Grandy's picnic!
One of the yummiest meals, according to her!
After a peppermint pedicure, including a tickly scrub and some yummy lotion, we both got new toes and fingernails! You can't tell, but her toes are actually pink and orange in an alternating pattern.
We ended the night by watching a movie before she crashed.
Excitement over the king-size bed and lots of pillows!
Our last stop after the doctor's visit. We had to see everyone at my old work and share our good news!
I highly recommend this version of a birthday party! It was good for both of us!
Stacey
Before pulling away on Saturday morning, little man was pretty upset. I loved that he would miss me that much but hated to see him so upset. He recovered quickly as Daddy had lots of "boy" stuff for them to do!
Our first stop was Sam Moon where she quickly found the "perfect" purse. Despite my attempts at persuading her otherwise! She also got a cute little ring. I am trying one of those hard case wallets...we'll see how I like it.
Next we ate lunch at ChicFiLa (yum yum!!) before heading to James Avery. I get her a charm each year and hope to give her a charm bracelet when she gets older. She doesn't know about it. I did not end up buying charms because geez they have spiked their prices since last time I bought. I am now 3 years behind, but will catch up later!
We visited a dear friend and her kids before heading over to another friend's house. Our kids used to go to school together and it was fun to see them play together again.
Our biggest shopping adventure ended up being at Bed Bath & Beyond. I decided to return my 2nd Shark because I just wasn't pleased. We used the cash to get birthday presents for my daughter, me, and my MIL. We also got little man his very own Cars Snuggli! We hit the "as seen on TV" jackpot there! While there, it was fun to see and visit with a mom from our old school. Our daughters were in Kindergarten together. Her daughter wasn't with her but the mom took a hug back for her from my girl!
Our day ended at another friend's house where we got to visit, play, eat, and sleep for the night. My girl looks so big compared to the youngest twins, yet they have grown so much!
The next morning was wonderful as we had a chance to worship at our previous church and hug lots of necks! Thankfully, I managed not to shed any tears despite how much I miss that place and all our friends. We were invited to join some friends for lunch by one of their boys. So cute! It was cold, but here is the quick pic I snapped.
Next we spent some glorious time at Target where I picked up some maternity pants half-price and some new comfy shoes for preggo mommy feet.
I was so blessed to get to spend a few hours with my girlfriends. Just chatting and sipping at Starbucks. At the same time, my daughter got to enjoy a play date with another friend so the girls and I could have some grown-up time. (Thanks Nathan!)
Then it was HOTEL time! We were both excited but tired from our many activities. We checked in and then hit Grandy's before enjoying our hotel night.
A chair just her size!
She was quite taken with the bathroom!
Our Grandy's picnic!
One of the yummiest meals, according to her!
After a peppermint pedicure, including a tickly scrub and some yummy lotion, we both got new toes and fingernails! You can't tell, but her toes are actually pink and orange in an alternating pattern.
We ended the night by watching a movie before she crashed.
Excitement over the king-size bed and lots of pillows!
Our last stop after the doctor's visit. We had to see everyone at my old work and share our good news!
I highly recommend this version of a birthday party! It was good for both of us!
Stacey
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Peek A Blue
We have a very healthy baby from head to toe.
Including all HIS parts in between!
I must be quite honest and admit that I was a little shocked at the revelation. Not sure whether it is the fact that God must have found it humorous to answer my prayer for patience and wisdom this way or that I will never another cute little girl to dress again!
It will take me a few days to mourn the last part. Likely it is just a hormone-overload thing. Probably sounds silly to some of you!
A friend let me know that if I had a calm boy the first time, then I would probably get the wild and crazy version this time around. Again, a God-humor thing! I can assure you that we have the wild and crazy version well taken care of so I must be due the other!
I was really glad to have my daughter there with me. She was so excited and so cute standing there beside me. As we started looking at the live picture, she stood there with double-crossed fingers waiting for the verdict. I saw it before she heard it, and I watched her head drop into her hands when we announced the verdict! She was a trooper though and rallied. She helped take some sonogram pics to take to school and reintroduced herself to the doctor that delivered her 7 years ago tomorrow. She had clothes on this time!!
It was a good way to end our very fun-packed weekend!
Stacey
Friday, January 2, 2009
Leftovers
As in all the things left over in my brain from the last month!
* As a class ambassador, A got ride on her school's float during the city Christmas parade. She loved wearing her pj's for their Polar Express theme. Although you couldn't see all the kids' pj's cuz it was so stinkin' cold that they had to wear lots of outerwear. I only took one pic because my camera battery died. Lots of video though. If only I knew how to download it! Their school won the grand prize of $1000!
* Our extra fridge went kaput last week. It was our wonderful hand-me-down that lasted us 9.5 years and had recently found a home in our garage as our extra fridge. Although I didn't keep it packed, it was great for storing freezer foods and whatever few extras we had purchased. I will actually miss it, but at least that means a bit more storage area in our garage.
* Yes, I actually shopped a bit the day after Christmas. It was only semi-intentional! I knew I wanted our new ornaments and also needed to buy a few essentials at Wal-Mart. I did NOT need any Christmas decor stuff! I always buy our ornaments that represent the previous year at the end of the year. Does that make sense? I found perfect ones for 50% off. I probably could have waited for more off, but then my "perfect" ones would have been gone. I should have taken a pic, but I found a man watching football on a big TV with remote in hand, a pretty cheerleader, a sweet mother/daughter duo, and Indian Jones. The last one is for my son. He is taken with the older movies and "Dr. Jones" and I thought it was perfect. He did too! At Wal-Mart, my well intentions fizzled when I got s*cked into the aisles of stuff that could be kid gifts next year. At least I can say that I am finished with small kiddie gifts for mine and extended family & friends!!
* My husband has been on "vacation" since the 24th. He goes back tomorrow. Most of it has been taken up with studying for a professional certification test that he let expire. (He won't do that again!) He has been reading material for the past 4 months, but hit it hard this past week and half. That meant required isolation and quietness. Easy with two young kids around! After keeping the kids occupied and out of the house as much as I could, it is finally over! He passed! No worries, he has had some down time. He got to watch the Cowboys embarrass themselves again and relax a bit before I put him to work yesterday and today!
* We secured a last-minute appointment with Santa on the 23rd. We hit the road early and made it to the mall 45 minutes away so we could be first in line. We actually ended up 3rd in line, but anyhoo! Although I missed seeing the kids with the Santa we have known since my dtr was born, this one was really nice and the kids did great. We had already talked with the "real" Santa via email, but I am the gal that requires an annual pic!
(That pic was my first attempt at scanning. I am looking forward to playing with it some more and seeing if I can enlarge pics.)
(On a funny note, my dtr decided to cuff her pants all on her own. It cracked me up because I have a friend that wears her jeans like that all the time. I guess I have my own little fashion diva!)
* The kids and I managed a gingerbread house this year.
* We took the kids to see Madagascar 2 at the cheap movie theater. It was funny and I thoroughly enjoyed my tub of popcorn! Initially my husband bought a small cup of popcorn and one drink, which I quickly assured him that would NOT be enough for me and 2 kids! I found it interesting that there were several people there sans kids. Don't get me wrong, the movie was good, but I totally would have been seeing something else had I been without kids.
* My dtr has agreed to my idea about no birthday party this year. Her birthday is 2 weeks after Christmas which is always fun to plan! Instead, she and I are having a mother/daughter weekend in Dallas which will include shopping, visiting as many friends as we can fit in, and a night at a hotel where we will enjoy pedicures and a king-sized bed! She is very excited! The best part is that she will accompany me to my doctor's appointment on Monday for the big reveal!
* Yes, if little one cooperates, we should know by Monday morning what our future holds-boy or girl! Family bets have been placed, so we will see! Someone asked if I found out with the other two and I can emphatically say YES! I am a planner and need to have as much prepared this time around as possible. One part makes me sad though...it will mean letting go of one gender of clothing. Of course, I will keep several special things, but still makes a little sad.
* So be on the look out for my baby post in the next week! There might actually be two. I will reveal our gender news and I am going to be asking for product suggestions and name ideas. Won't that be fun?! Put on your thinking caps!
Stacey
* As a class ambassador, A got ride on her school's float during the city Christmas parade. She loved wearing her pj's for their Polar Express theme. Although you couldn't see all the kids' pj's cuz it was so stinkin' cold that they had to wear lots of outerwear. I only took one pic because my camera battery died. Lots of video though. If only I knew how to download it! Their school won the grand prize of $1000!
* Our extra fridge went kaput last week. It was our wonderful hand-me-down that lasted us 9.5 years and had recently found a home in our garage as our extra fridge. Although I didn't keep it packed, it was great for storing freezer foods and whatever few extras we had purchased. I will actually miss it, but at least that means a bit more storage area in our garage.
* Yes, I actually shopped a bit the day after Christmas. It was only semi-intentional! I knew I wanted our new ornaments and also needed to buy a few essentials at Wal-Mart. I did NOT need any Christmas decor stuff! I always buy our ornaments that represent the previous year at the end of the year. Does that make sense? I found perfect ones for 50% off. I probably could have waited for more off, but then my "perfect" ones would have been gone. I should have taken a pic, but I found a man watching football on a big TV with remote in hand, a pretty cheerleader, a sweet mother/daughter duo, and Indian Jones. The last one is for my son. He is taken with the older movies and "Dr. Jones" and I thought it was perfect. He did too! At Wal-Mart, my well intentions fizzled when I got s*cked into the aisles of stuff that could be kid gifts next year. At least I can say that I am finished with small kiddie gifts for mine and extended family & friends!!
* My husband has been on "vacation" since the 24th. He goes back tomorrow. Most of it has been taken up with studying for a professional certification test that he let expire. (He won't do that again!) He has been reading material for the past 4 months, but hit it hard this past week and half. That meant required isolation and quietness. Easy with two young kids around! After keeping the kids occupied and out of the house as much as I could, it is finally over! He passed! No worries, he has had some down time. He got to watch the Cowboys embarrass themselves again and relax a bit before I put him to work yesterday and today!
* We secured a last-minute appointment with Santa on the 23rd. We hit the road early and made it to the mall 45 minutes away so we could be first in line. We actually ended up 3rd in line, but anyhoo! Although I missed seeing the kids with the Santa we have known since my dtr was born, this one was really nice and the kids did great. We had already talked with the "real" Santa via email, but I am the gal that requires an annual pic!
(That pic was my first attempt at scanning. I am looking forward to playing with it some more and seeing if I can enlarge pics.)
(On a funny note, my dtr decided to cuff her pants all on her own. It cracked me up because I have a friend that wears her jeans like that all the time. I guess I have my own little fashion diva!)
* The kids and I managed a gingerbread house this year.
* We took the kids to see Madagascar 2 at the cheap movie theater. It was funny and I thoroughly enjoyed my tub of popcorn! Initially my husband bought a small cup of popcorn and one drink, which I quickly assured him that would NOT be enough for me and 2 kids! I found it interesting that there were several people there sans kids. Don't get me wrong, the movie was good, but I totally would have been seeing something else had I been without kids.
* My dtr has agreed to my idea about no birthday party this year. Her birthday is 2 weeks after Christmas which is always fun to plan! Instead, she and I are having a mother/daughter weekend in Dallas which will include shopping, visiting as many friends as we can fit in, and a night at a hotel where we will enjoy pedicures and a king-sized bed! She is very excited! The best part is that she will accompany me to my doctor's appointment on Monday for the big reveal!
* Yes, if little one cooperates, we should know by Monday morning what our future holds-boy or girl! Family bets have been placed, so we will see! Someone asked if I found out with the other two and I can emphatically say YES! I am a planner and need to have as much prepared this time around as possible. One part makes me sad though...it will mean letting go of one gender of clothing. Of course, I will keep several special things, but still makes a little sad.
* So be on the look out for my baby post in the next week! There might actually be two. I will reveal our gender news and I am going to be asking for product suggestions and name ideas. Won't that be fun?! Put on your thinking caps!
Stacey
Thursday, January 1, 2009
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