Week 35 Day 1

The nursery is really coming along; we no longer have enough open wall space to avoid getting furniture in the picture.  

My grandmother passed away this past weekend and will be laid to rest later this week.  She was 88 and baby would have been her third great-grandchild.  We'll see if her prediction holds true!

Keith and I took a few extra days off after the Memorial Day holiday this week to spend with the boys before we become a family of five.

Sadly, I've been fighting a cold so far this week, but it hasn't stopped us!

We're hoping to go to the zoo, and we spent today in Amish Country.  We toured Heini's and saw how they make cheese; we ate at Chalet in the Valley; we visited Hershberger's to see all the animals, and we went mini-golfing at Putt N Stuff too.  

We had our maternity photos taken this past weekend too.  I can't wait to hang some in the nursery!

Baby shower number two is this weekend too!

Last Day of Preschool - 2012

 

 First we had a few serious photos.

They've grown so compared to their first day of preschool!

 

Then of course we had to be silly!

 

Daddy had to join the fun too!

** The boys pick out their own clothes for school, and have started occasionally dressing a like!  I find it adorable.  And these pictures, fantastic! **

Week 34 Day 2

This last week, I've been feeling much larger.  I haven't weighed myself recently, so I'm not sure if it's showing on the scale or not too, but I certainly feel larger.  Every once in awhile I go to do something and realize I've got to change what I'm doing or do it a different way because things just don't move the same way or as flexibly as they used to.  

All is well on the kidney stone front so far.  I was too tired and feeling sluggish last week to get a regular weekly update in.  

I'm starting to get excited for our next baby shower the first weekend in June.  Although it's not a traditional shower, I think it'll be even better with our families and friends and kids joining the backyard bbq fun!

I'm also getting anxious we don't have a lot ready for baby.  If baby came now, it has no car seat and no where to sleep!  We also have no window treatments in the nursery, which I consider important to block some light too!

Keith and I took a few days off next week to spend with the boys and relax, but we'll have to get lots of work done too.  We do want to focus on fun for the Caden and Caleb too so they get some fun with mom and dad before new baby arrives!

Baby Movements

Caleb felt baby move for the first time tonight! 

Usually he's not patient enough to wait for it to happen as baby doesn't move on command.  But he was sitting with me on the floor last night and when baby started moving, it was visible through my shirt.  I pointed him out to it and he watched while I put his hand on my belly to feel baby move. 

He smiled and quickly went back to what he was doing, but he felt it. 

He told Daddy about it to when he came back upstairs. 

Caden wasn't interested at all.  Hopefully he'll change his mind before baby arrives!

Knock Knock Jokes

Today while we were out running errands, I shared a knock, knock joke with the boys.

Knock, knock.

Who's there?

Kenya.

Kenya who?

Kenya guess?

They laughed!  I smiled.  I do love a good, clean joke!

Once I tell a joke, the boys are always ready with their made up jokes.  Most of which I struggle to make the connections with the joke and the punch line, but they are happy, so I'm happy, and I laugh away. 

Today, Caden had a great one. 

Knock, knock.

Who's there?

Why's Daddy always walk around in girls underwear?

And queue the rolling laughter!  (For the record, Keith does not wear girls underwear!)

Caden's response: "I made mommy laugh!"

Oh was it funny.

An Infection and Kidney Stones

It's been an eventful weekend, and one I hope to not repeat anytime soon ever.

Granted, the baby shower was wonderful, but I would say I would have enjoyed it a bit more had I felt a bit better.  Luckily none of my guests noticed. 

I should have known my weekend would be a trial when I took the dog to the vet Friday night and left covered in dog pee.  Belle has started peeing on the floor when we take her to to the vet, and this time she rubbed her bottom and tail in it before we could get it cleaned up and then shook it all over me. We came home for showers all around after that one. 

Saturday morning we had planned to go shopping for a new refrigerator before I picked up my mom to head to the baby shower, but my body had other plans.  I woke up with a urinary tract infection. I called the dr. on call and ended up at Express Care Saturday morning to be tested, get started on antibiotics and head back home.

Needless to say, I used the bathroom about 321684321 time during the shower.  (That may be a slight exaggeration, but it was a LOT!)  Luckily the pain had mostly subsided by that point, so it was just a frequency issue.  Until it was time to go home anyway. 

I live just over an hour from where the shower was, and I had my mom with me.  I was supposed to drop her off on my way, but 15 minutes into the car ride, we were stopping to use the restroom again.  At that point I called Keith and asked if he'd take my mom home if I came straight home.  While we only live 25 minutes apart, the path home is in different directions.  Luckily my mom agreed and we headed out again, very quickly. 

I don't usually speed, but I made an exception Saturday as I cursed drivers for being slow and in my way.  I just wanted to be home.  When my mom commented on my speed, I believe my comment went something like, "if they want to give a woman this pregnant with a urinary tract infection a ticket then they can go right ahead, but they better write it f****** fast!"

She didn't say much more after that.

By the next pit stop on the way home my kidney had started to hurt.  Which made me a bit anxious knowing I had kidney stones. 

We got home, I ran into the house and before too long we were on our way to the emergency room while my mom stayed with the boys.  My back (kidney) was seriously painful and the constant pain from the urinary tract infection put me over the edge.  I'm not one to frequent the doctor or ever want to go to the emergency room, but this time, I didn't put up much of a fight when Keith brought it up.  He's ready to go to the ER at the slightest bit of anything!  We balance each other out well that way. 

We stopped again on the way to the ER to use the restroom at an Arby's.  And for the second time that day I used someone's restroom without purchasing a thing.   I have a general rule that if we're going to use your restroom, we at least purchase something from you.  Saturday, I didn't care.  (Although we did eat at that Arby's Sunday, so I think that counts even if it was a day later!)

After tearfully waiting for them to finish with the patient in front of me in the ER, the second they found out I was pregnant they send me straight to labor and delivery, without a question asked why I was there. 

Keith and I didn't think we'd be in a labor and delivery room for awhile yet.  So it was a bit uncomfortable of a feeling, but I also think that it worked in our favor as we were able to go home much sooner!  They monitored baby for awhile, who was doing just great!  The nurse said there were some contractions showing, but that it was a common occurrence with an UTI and they should stop with treatment of the infection.  They checked to make sure they weren't productive contractions, and my cervix was still closed.   Fortunately by this point, the worst of the pain had subsided, I was no longer in tears, and while it still hasn't comfortable, it was certainly more manageable!

With kidney stones, there is nothing they can do about them so I just have to hope nothing changes again and all is well.  They just have to pass on their own, which they advised me was very difficult during pregnancy due to the expanding size of my uterus leaving little room for the stones to pass. 

So about an hour later we were on our way back home with instructions to keep taking my antibiotics, drink LOTS of water and if there were more problems to contact my urologist first.

At home we fed and bathed the kids and sent them home with my mom on the fear that we might have to head back to the hospital later, which we didn't, fortunately.   I spent a fair amount of time in a warm shower that evening to relax and keep my mind off the uncomfortableness of it all.  It was hard to sleep and get comfortable.  Standing felt better than sitting. 

After a short nap on the couch earlier in the evening, I finally got to sleep around midnight and slept well until 9:30 that morning, which never would have been possible without the kids being at my mom's.  We canceled our maternity photo session we were supposed to have Sunday and are trying to reschedule.  I just wasn't feeling up to it.  I stayed home from work on Monday, and am still feeling sluggish, but much better overall.

I'm praying the kidney stones cause no more issues until after the baby is born and that these antibiotics clear up this infection quickly so we can glide through the rest of the pregnancy.  The birth, well, this back and kidney pain experience has me anxious, because that was tough!  I have no idea how that compares to childbirth; but thinking about that makes me nervous!

Baby Shower

My in-laws hosted my first baby shower this past weekend.  Keith's mom, with the help of his two sisters and a sister-in-law put together a baby shower for me Saturday.

They did a wonderful job with a barnyard and cow theme.  

There were about 13 of us there, plus Trent (a 13-ish year old nephew).  We dinned on sloppy joes and fruit, potato salad and beans.  And it wouldn't be a shower without cake and chips and punch! 

We played some games to give away some door prizes; one of which I won!  It was a fun basket full of cupcake making and frosting goodies, which is right up my alley!

We received some wonderful gifts to get us started with baby and our nursery!

Happy 6th Birthday!

A week ago, at the last minute, I took the day off for you birthday.  Caleb specifically requested it, and I made it happen!

Although you both ended up being more excited about spending the day running the garage sale with your Daddy and Uncle Brent, I did get to steal a few moments with both of you.  Caleb and I went to the park for a very short time.  Caden and I went to the outlet mall to buy new shoes and pick up a few groceries from the store.  I loved being able to spend some one on one time with each of you on your birthday while the other of you was in preschool.  

We celebrated that evening with ice cream cake as requested!

You were even so lucky to have a surprise guest as Grandma came to see how things were going with the garage sale from Papa's things and was able to stick around for supper and cake with you!

Week 32 Day 1

Weight: 162

Total Weight Gain: 22 pounds

I've been trying to think of what to write about this week, but things have been moving along just fine, which is wonderful!

Your big brothers turned 6 and we had a party for them over the weekend full of Scooby Doo fun!

They are excited to meet you and are going to learn about being big brothers at sibling class later this week at the hospital. 

You've been moving like crazy this past week or so, and it surprises your Daddy when he feels and sees your movements in the evenings when you're most active.  Although, I feel you in the afternoon at work and in the mornings and even when I wake up at night to use the restroom!  I'm wondering when you sleep!

8 more weeks to go!

Prenatal Appointment #7 - Week 32

Yesterday I went in for my 32 week appointment and everything was fine.  The baby's heartbeat was 150, which is consistent with what is has been all along.  Next appointment in 3.5 weeks!

A Scooby Doo Birthday Party

We had a small family birthday party full of Scooby Doo fun yesterday!

It was just the right amount of family, food and fun.  And cake too of course!

You love birthday parties and we're thrilled with most of your presents.  Although, for the first time I saw you start to turn your nose when you opened new clothes from your Uncle Brent and Aunt Kate.  Although, you were less disappointed when you discovered they were swim trunks!  I have a feeling we have many more years of, not clothes, comments for presents.  I think that is a part of growing up. 

Happy 6th Birthday Boys!

You are very loved.

Holding my Hand

I know a day will come when my children will no longer want to hold my hand.  As a mother, I'm not looking forward to the day, yet at the same time hope I can appreciate they are growing their confidence and independence in the world.  Let's face it, I'm not sure I'd want to walk around with my 17 year old still holding my hand walking through the grocery store and everywhere else.  There is a time limit on the hand holding.

I fear the day is near they won't want to hold my hand anymore.  It already happens now, but more often than not I'm surprised they still reach for my hand as we walk around places.  Sometimes it's difficult to find two hands for each of them to hold as we walk out of the store with our purchases, but I try my best to give them my hand or a couple fingers, because I know these days are numbered.  

Happy 6th Birthday!

Dear Boys,

Yesterday, you turned 6.  

SIX!

I remember the first birthday I celebrated with you.  You turned two.  I had come home from college to spend the weekend with your Daddy and be there for your birthday party at your grandma's house.  Your mom and dad had agreed to hold a party there.  I remember exactly what I got you for that birthday too, and we were sure you it got to go to your Daddy's house at the end of the party.  

It still sits in our toy room with a slew of other toys.  That is one toy, we'll never get rid of.  You two may have no memory of the significance of it, but for me, it's special.  Someday you'll understand.

A lot has changed in the past for years.  

For one, your toys have gotten bigger and more expensive!  I can't wait to see your excitement when you learn of your birthday present this weekend at your birthday party.  If you don't discover it sooner. 

And another thing, our family unit has shifted, and we've become a blended family of 4, soon to be 5!  I'm no longer a friend showing up to the party bearing gifts; I'm hosting a party for our families to celebrate you two, very special, not-so-little anymore, boys!

You look more and more grown up with each passing day.  

I can see you learning more and more about real world things each week too.  Your questions are more difficult to answer, not always because we don't the answer, which often happens, but because they are the tough questions.  This week, we tackled your questions about the devil and starting explaining hell to you as your curious minds asked question after question. 

You are becoming more and more independent, and although it is hard for me, I try to let you make as many of your own decisions as possible.  The micro-managing control freak in me is learning to let go. 

You still ask us to play with you, not often, but on occasion.  I need to make more time for that with you, because soon enough your father and I won't be cool enough for you anymore.  I hope that day is far away, but I know it's coming. 

You've started playing t-ball this year, and you'll start kindergarten in the fall.  You'll be big brothers again this summer.  I'm sure there are countless more things you'll be interested in and want to try.  I can't wait to watch as you develop your interests further and grow.   You can bet I'll be one proud mama standing on the sidelines or sitting in the stands watching whatever it is you choose to do.  

I can't wait to watch you both grow in the year of being six.  I love being your mommy, and love each of you beyond words.  

Here's to being six!

Love,

Mom

Week 31

Weight: 160

It was not my best day.  When Keith took the pictures, he even pointed out it seemed hard for me to smile.

My irritation level is increasing at what seems to be a steady base, which just fuels my frustration with myself.  My tolerance level for things below my expectations is still minimal. 

I've been getting tired more easily again.  It's certainly nothing like the first few months yet, but it is noticeable. 

This week's festivities include Caden and Caleb's 6th birthday!  Their birthday will mark 2 months until baby's due date!  Time is flying.  The boys are 6, and baby is coming soon!