This last weekend we were definitely blessed with some beautiful Iowa weather. A few sunny 72 degree days with absolutely no humidity. Definitely out of the ordinary but a completely happy surprise.
Mom made some chili Saturday, and at first I thought, who in the world would want chili in July? But it was just perfect--kind of like the first days of fall (our favorite season here in the Mangan household) with Cyclone football, tailgating with friends and family, and of course--chili and wings.
John and I took the kids to daycare Thursday as we were needing to do a lot of yard work. In the course of the four day weekend, we managed to pull out ALL of our many bushes and plants, plant nearly 40 different flowers, bushes, etc. and dig and dig and plant. It was totally exhausting. In the midst of our day Friday, Avery and the girls were outside with us. We have this totally cool old tree swing that our neighbor, Charlie Brown (sound familiar?) repaired for us and Avery loves to swing on it. I was holding Sophie so she could watch her sister swing while John pushed Avery higher and higher. All of a sudden, Sophie began cracking up. I mean, just cracking up. Whenever Avery would swing towards us, Sophie would just laugh so hard that she could barely stand it. I couldn't see her face because she was facing outwards, so at first, I thought: great, she's gonna have a major blow out. I better get ready to run. But after the initial sounds, when she began heeling over from laughing so hard, I was just so excited. To hear a baby laugh, especially when it's your own baby, is like a little piece of heaven. It lasted for a couple of minutes. Then she got bored and we moved on. From that moment to the present, her sister is the ONLY one that has gotten her to laugh like that. Grandma Nancy did a couple of times, but she thinks Avery is the funniest thing in the world and Avery just loves to make her sister smile.
Sometimes, having children, especially in those early months when you're just on automatic, you think--man, is this going to get easier, better, more fun for everyone? In that single moment when you hear your child laugh for the first time like Sophie did Friday, you sorta forget those times and realize every tough moment, every tear you've shed from pure exhaustion or pain is all totally worth it.
We definitely all felt like God gave us a wink and a smile this weekend by giving us such great weather for the tough job we had landscaping, giving Sophie the gift of laughter and letting us witness it for the first time, and blessing us with the gift of seeing our two beautiful, healthy girls enjoy each other like only sisters can.
I can't wait until I have some time to figure out how to add pictures to this! I tried last week, but when I posted them, it cut everyone's face in half! Not good. I'll try again soon. Love you all and sure hoping you were able to enjoy last weekend's beautiful weather, too.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Funny phraseology
Avery:
"Sophie, turn that frown upside down!" (Sophie had been crying for a while when Avery bent over and told her this in passing.)
Avery: Mom, does God make all this stuff? Like trees and grass and corn and stuff?
Mom: Yes, he has made it all for us.
Avery: Yeah, but does he even make the planet?
Mom: Yes, he even made the planets.
Avery: Man, he must be sweating all the time!
Avery: Dad, does a C look like an H?
Dad: No, a C doesn't look like an H.
Avery: No, I mean like does a real C look like an H?
Dad: No, I don't know what you mean. A C never looks like an H.
Avery: Oh, yeah. Okay. I just meant a real one.
I think this conversation fizzled out after this comment as I didn't hear any response from John. I don't think he probably knew what else to say.
"Mom, I love you to the moon and the stars and the planets".
Avery: What do doctors do?
Mom: You know that doctors help us to get better if we're feeling sick. They know all about how our bodies work and what to do to fix them if we're sick.
Avery: Do they even know what sick dogs look like?
Mom: (short pause) Um, not all doctors. Just doctors called Veterinarians who take care of animals and not people.
Avery: "Mom, I made this trampoline for dogs that are sick at day care. It's one sick trampoline."
Avery: Dad, you know what I call goose bumps?
Dad: No, what do you call them?
Avery: I call them goose pimps.
Avery: Mom, why do you have your ears appeared (pierced)?
Avery: Grandma, who was my mommy before, when she lived with you at your house?
Avery: Grandma, did you know I have this sister in Des Moines and I go to visit her sometimes?
To clear the air on this one...no, she doesn't have a sister in Des Moines. She sometimes talks about made-up friends or people. Don't know where she comes up with them, but it's sure interesting.
Avery: Mom, I didn't cut my hair. It actually flew from Grandma's house's garbage can into my can! I don't even know how it did that.
She finally told the truth after several strings of lies about flying hair. There was a giant piece of her hair laying in the garbage can. I had to take all of her scissors away as punishment. Too funny!
Avery: Mom, I am not even going to talk if you don't listen.
(I was in the car, in a hurry probably answering all of her questions with an "uh huh, uh huh, yep") Can't fool her.
I have been trying to teach Avery how to tie her shoes for months now. We don't seem to get anywhere. One day a few weeks ago, Avery said after day care, "Mom, watch this". She proceeded to tie her shoe in a matter of seconds, no mistakes. I was in awe and shock and asked her how she learned how to do this in one day. She said "Korrinn taught me". Korrinn is five. I wish I was there that day to see how it all happened. Amazing.
"Dad, are you going to transform yourself into a, a, a booger?"
She was dead serious on this one. I don't know if she meant to say something else and the word booger just came out, but it was sure funny.
Avery: "Mom, I want a cavity."
Mom: Remember what a cavity is?
Avery: Oh, man. I mean a vitamin!
"Sophie, turn that frown upside down!" (Sophie had been crying for a while when Avery bent over and told her this in passing.)
Avery: Mom, does God make all this stuff? Like trees and grass and corn and stuff?
Mom: Yes, he has made it all for us.
Avery: Yeah, but does he even make the planet?
Mom: Yes, he even made the planets.
Avery: Man, he must be sweating all the time!
Avery: Dad, does a C look like an H?
Dad: No, a C doesn't look like an H.
Avery: No, I mean like does a real C look like an H?
Dad: No, I don't know what you mean. A C never looks like an H.
Avery: Oh, yeah. Okay. I just meant a real one.
I think this conversation fizzled out after this comment as I didn't hear any response from John. I don't think he probably knew what else to say.
"Mom, I love you to the moon and the stars and the planets".
Avery: What do doctors do?
Mom: You know that doctors help us to get better if we're feeling sick. They know all about how our bodies work and what to do to fix them if we're sick.
Avery: Do they even know what sick dogs look like?
Mom: (short pause) Um, not all doctors. Just doctors called Veterinarians who take care of animals and not people.
Avery: "Mom, I made this trampoline for dogs that are sick at day care. It's one sick trampoline."
Avery: Dad, you know what I call goose bumps?
Dad: No, what do you call them?
Avery: I call them goose pimps.
Avery: Mom, why do you have your ears appeared (pierced)?
Avery: Grandma, who was my mommy before, when she lived with you at your house?
Avery: Grandma, did you know I have this sister in Des Moines and I go to visit her sometimes?
To clear the air on this one...no, she doesn't have a sister in Des Moines. She sometimes talks about made-up friends or people. Don't know where she comes up with them, but it's sure interesting.
Avery: Mom, I didn't cut my hair. It actually flew from Grandma's house's garbage can into my can! I don't even know how it did that.
She finally told the truth after several strings of lies about flying hair. There was a giant piece of her hair laying in the garbage can. I had to take all of her scissors away as punishment. Too funny!
Avery: Mom, I am not even going to talk if you don't listen.
(I was in the car, in a hurry probably answering all of her questions with an "uh huh, uh huh, yep") Can't fool her.
I have been trying to teach Avery how to tie her shoes for months now. We don't seem to get anywhere. One day a few weeks ago, Avery said after day care, "Mom, watch this". She proceeded to tie her shoe in a matter of seconds, no mistakes. I was in awe and shock and asked her how she learned how to do this in one day. She said "Korrinn taught me". Korrinn is five. I wish I was there that day to see how it all happened. Amazing.
"Dad, are you going to transform yourself into a, a, a booger?"
She was dead serious on this one. I don't know if she meant to say something else and the word booger just came out, but it was sure funny.
Avery: "Mom, I want a cavity."
Mom: Remember what a cavity is?
Avery: Oh, man. I mean a vitamin!
God's answer is sometimes "No".
I have to tell you about Fr. Don's homily this past week at church and how I was able to experience his message this morning. It was just a pivotal moment for me.
Fr. Don's message was about how we incorporate prayer in our life and how we have to understand that sometimes, the answer God gives us to what we ask for in prayer is going to be "no"...
Sophie was scheduled for a Doctor's appointment this morning at 9 and I decided to stay home with her until then rather then drop her off at the sitter's just to have to pick her up again just an hour later. She has been miserable lately and I was really struggling with finding ways to console her. I just prayed to God that He would give me the grace to get through the morning without losing my patience, that He would make it easier for me.
Well, after two hours of crying and many outfit changes later, we got ready to leave for the medical clinic. The moment I had grabbed my purse, put Sophie in the car seat, and grabbed the diaper bag, it started to pour. I mean pour! I ran outside and put Sophie in the car quickly and got in the car only to realize I'd forgotten my keys inside. So, I went inside and grabbed the keys. I started the car, pulled out of the drive, and turned the corner and there, not two blocks away, was a road block. At that very moment I looked up at the sky and smiled and thought--God, your answer to my prayers this morning was definitely a "no". And then, I thought, maybe, it's not all about me anyway!
I shouldn't have been praying for him to make it easier for me. What I should have been praying for was for Sophie's health; that He would help her to become healthy, well, happy. That He would make life a little easier for her.
I know that sometimes, as a parent and as a human, I ask God to help me get through moments that really don't have much to do about me. Out of selfishness, I prayed for those things this morning and His answer was "no".
But, to the greater issue--Sophie's health--His answer was always "yes". I never even had to ask. He's watching over his precious child and caring for her without selfishness in his heart and teaching me to do the same thing.
Sophie is just fine, now. She's feeling much better and I think I learned a great life lesson today as a Christian, as a parent, and as a human being.
Fr. Don's message was about how we incorporate prayer in our life and how we have to understand that sometimes, the answer God gives us to what we ask for in prayer is going to be "no"...
Sophie was scheduled for a Doctor's appointment this morning at 9 and I decided to stay home with her until then rather then drop her off at the sitter's just to have to pick her up again just an hour later. She has been miserable lately and I was really struggling with finding ways to console her. I just prayed to God that He would give me the grace to get through the morning without losing my patience, that He would make it easier for me.
Well, after two hours of crying and many outfit changes later, we got ready to leave for the medical clinic. The moment I had grabbed my purse, put Sophie in the car seat, and grabbed the diaper bag, it started to pour. I mean pour! I ran outside and put Sophie in the car quickly and got in the car only to realize I'd forgotten my keys inside. So, I went inside and grabbed the keys. I started the car, pulled out of the drive, and turned the corner and there, not two blocks away, was a road block. At that very moment I looked up at the sky and smiled and thought--God, your answer to my prayers this morning was definitely a "no". And then, I thought, maybe, it's not all about me anyway!
I shouldn't have been praying for him to make it easier for me. What I should have been praying for was for Sophie's health; that He would help her to become healthy, well, happy. That He would make life a little easier for her.
I know that sometimes, as a parent and as a human, I ask God to help me get through moments that really don't have much to do about me. Out of selfishness, I prayed for those things this morning and His answer was "no".
But, to the greater issue--Sophie's health--His answer was always "yes". I never even had to ask. He's watching over his precious child and caring for her without selfishness in his heart and teaching me to do the same thing.
Sophie is just fine, now. She's feeling much better and I think I learned a great life lesson today as a Christian, as a parent, and as a human being.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Father Time
"Father Time is a personification of time. He is usually depicted as an elderly bearded man, dressed in a robe, carrying a scythe and an hourglass or other timekeeping device (representing time's constant movement)."
When I think about the time, look at the clock, check my watch, etc., it's usually while I'm in the moment, and generally when it's moving by pretty slowly. But then after the moment's over, I think to myself "time is just passing me by so quickly". I seem to forget about Father Time's hourglass representing "time's constant movement". This brings me to my last posting nearly five months ago.
The last entry posted said I had 41 days until our baby girl was born. Here we are and Sophie is now nearly 4 months old, Avery nearly five, and both John and I another year older. And life at the Mangan household is pretty routine these days. Though I wasn't sure if we'd ever feel that way.
The first couple weeks after the surgery were rough. I was pretty sore, very tired, and everyone was trying to adjust to, really, what was the beginning of a new chapter in our lives as each of our roles in this family had changed, once again, with the addition of new little Sophia Rose.
I forgot how painful it is to wake up from a deep sleep and nurse for 40 minutes and then go back to sleep to be woken up yet again to start the process over. I remember thinking one night: "why didn't God give this parenting task to the dad?" But, I really started to enjoy nursing after a while and when I returned to work this last month, I was disappointed when I wasn't able to pump as often as I wished. But, blessings can come in many disguises and we've just learned that Sophie has gastroesophageal reflux disease (or acid reflux) and may have a lactose intolerance. So, this explains why the projectile vomiting was occurring. I'm telling you, I've never seen any thing like it. I won't go into details. We've had to resort to a lactose-free formula and we're hoping this helps her as she's been pretty miserable lately and is only happy when she's in her momma's arms. I heard Avery say to her yesterday after several minutes of crying, "Sophie, turn that frown upside down!" So cute.
Avery's love for her sister has been truly unconditional. As soon as my belly started growing, she couldn't wait for her sissy to arrive in the real world. She constantly hugged and kissed my belly and loved it when the baby got the hiccups inside my belly. The day I was scheduled for surgery, she had to go to daycare and was able to finally see the baby that evening. She was so anxious to see the baby and when she walked into my room, she said in the tiniest of voices, "Oh mom, look at her tiny ears! She is sooo cute!"
Never once in the last two months has she shown the slightest bit of jealousy or envy towards her sister. Oh, maybe once after the girls at work threw a luncheon/shower for me and I brought home all the gifts. She did say, "Mom, the baby is getting all this stuff like a new crib, blanklets (this is how she still says it even after weeks of trying to correct it), bibs, and stuff, and alls I have is this old dresser!" (we had just gotten a bed set from a friend of ours and yes, it was fairly old, but in my mind, just perfect for Avery--it obviously wasn't up to her standards for her first set of furniture). But, other than that, she's been sweet, kind, loving and the best big sister Sophie could hope for. I'm amazed at the amount of patience she has and I certainly attribute that to her daddy.
When Sophie was crying in the car (which is the worst!) and I was starting to panic a little, Avery just said matter-of-factly, "Mommy, she is probably just crying cause she's hungry." Funny thing though, a few days later, she said she was feeling sick and said "Mom, I know why I'm sick. It's because Sophie cries a lot and my body doesn't like all that crying." I just laughed.
I've quickly noticed how big and grown up Avery is getting by having a new baby at home and I know that these two sisters will grow to love each other as only sisters can. Avery watches over her and cares for her as if she was a second mother to her. I'm so proud of her and can't wait to see their bond strengthen over time.
When we first came home with Sophie, I was definitely sad about the time I had to spend away from Avery. It was something that was really hard for me and I had a lot of guilt knowing I couldn't hold Avery or play with her much. But she was so understanding and after a few weeks with the baby, I felt a lot better about it. Now, I'm able to balance the needs of the baby and play time with Avery. In fact, I took both of the girls swimming last week and it was great! One thing that I've really enjoyed is that having two children really requires you to do a lot of things together. It's awesome when we're all able to go for a walk and play at the park together, Sophie catching a lift in the stroller and Avery riding (and crashing a lot) on her bike. Just doing more together as a family has really made me recognize how important it is to treasure every moment, to get fulfillment from home and family. Sophia has given me such a wonderful gift in that way.
And, by the way, Sophie is just so precious and adorable. She is nearly twelve pounds already and is just starting to smile! She loves to be held and rocked and I sing to her a lot, which she seems to like, too. The swing we have for her has been a life saver during urgent mommy moments like when I have to use the bathroom, take a shower, brush my teeth, etc!
We do tummy time a lot and I set her on my chest and she lifts her little head and looks straight at me. She began turning from tummy to back at six weeks so I can't put her on the bed or couch to rest any longer. She's also been drooling quite a bit and I remember Avery getting her first two teeth at four months, so maybe we'll see some teeth here in the next couple of months. She is beginning to look like her mommy quite a bit, I think, while Avery continues to look more and more like her daddy as she gets older each year.
It's been an extremely fast 15 weeks and after I picked up Sophie from the sitter's, I started to think about time and how quickly these precious moments pass us by. Although some days are definitely chaotic and very challenging, I sat at dinner today and said to John, "we have a great life, you know." And then I prayed that Father Time would let these precious times in our crazy life last a little longer.
When I think about the time, look at the clock, check my watch, etc., it's usually while I'm in the moment, and generally when it's moving by pretty slowly. But then after the moment's over, I think to myself "time is just passing me by so quickly". I seem to forget about Father Time's hourglass representing "time's constant movement". This brings me to my last posting nearly five months ago.
The last entry posted said I had 41 days until our baby girl was born. Here we are and Sophie is now nearly 4 months old, Avery nearly five, and both John and I another year older. And life at the Mangan household is pretty routine these days. Though I wasn't sure if we'd ever feel that way.
The first couple weeks after the surgery were rough. I was pretty sore, very tired, and everyone was trying to adjust to, really, what was the beginning of a new chapter in our lives as each of our roles in this family had changed, once again, with the addition of new little Sophia Rose.
I forgot how painful it is to wake up from a deep sleep and nurse for 40 minutes and then go back to sleep to be woken up yet again to start the process over. I remember thinking one night: "why didn't God give this parenting task to the dad?" But, I really started to enjoy nursing after a while and when I returned to work this last month, I was disappointed when I wasn't able to pump as often as I wished. But, blessings can come in many disguises and we've just learned that Sophie has gastroesophageal reflux disease (or acid reflux) and may have a lactose intolerance. So, this explains why the projectile vomiting was occurring. I'm telling you, I've never seen any thing like it. I won't go into details. We've had to resort to a lactose-free formula and we're hoping this helps her as she's been pretty miserable lately and is only happy when she's in her momma's arms. I heard Avery say to her yesterday after several minutes of crying, "Sophie, turn that frown upside down!" So cute.
Avery's love for her sister has been truly unconditional. As soon as my belly started growing, she couldn't wait for her sissy to arrive in the real world. She constantly hugged and kissed my belly and loved it when the baby got the hiccups inside my belly. The day I was scheduled for surgery, she had to go to daycare and was able to finally see the baby that evening. She was so anxious to see the baby and when she walked into my room, she said in the tiniest of voices, "Oh mom, look at her tiny ears! She is sooo cute!"
Never once in the last two months has she shown the slightest bit of jealousy or envy towards her sister. Oh, maybe once after the girls at work threw a luncheon/shower for me and I brought home all the gifts. She did say, "Mom, the baby is getting all this stuff like a new crib, blanklets (this is how she still says it even after weeks of trying to correct it), bibs, and stuff, and alls I have is this old dresser!" (we had just gotten a bed set from a friend of ours and yes, it was fairly old, but in my mind, just perfect for Avery--it obviously wasn't up to her standards for her first set of furniture). But, other than that, she's been sweet, kind, loving and the best big sister Sophie could hope for. I'm amazed at the amount of patience she has and I certainly attribute that to her daddy.
When Sophie was crying in the car (which is the worst!) and I was starting to panic a little, Avery just said matter-of-factly, "Mommy, she is probably just crying cause she's hungry." Funny thing though, a few days later, she said she was feeling sick and said "Mom, I know why I'm sick. It's because Sophie cries a lot and my body doesn't like all that crying." I just laughed.
I've quickly noticed how big and grown up Avery is getting by having a new baby at home and I know that these two sisters will grow to love each other as only sisters can. Avery watches over her and cares for her as if she was a second mother to her. I'm so proud of her and can't wait to see their bond strengthen over time.
When we first came home with Sophie, I was definitely sad about the time I had to spend away from Avery. It was something that was really hard for me and I had a lot of guilt knowing I couldn't hold Avery or play with her much. But she was so understanding and after a few weeks with the baby, I felt a lot better about it. Now, I'm able to balance the needs of the baby and play time with Avery. In fact, I took both of the girls swimming last week and it was great! One thing that I've really enjoyed is that having two children really requires you to do a lot of things together. It's awesome when we're all able to go for a walk and play at the park together, Sophie catching a lift in the stroller and Avery riding (and crashing a lot) on her bike. Just doing more together as a family has really made me recognize how important it is to treasure every moment, to get fulfillment from home and family. Sophia has given me such a wonderful gift in that way.
And, by the way, Sophie is just so precious and adorable. She is nearly twelve pounds already and is just starting to smile! She loves to be held and rocked and I sing to her a lot, which she seems to like, too. The swing we have for her has been a life saver during urgent mommy moments like when I have to use the bathroom, take a shower, brush my teeth, etc!
We do tummy time a lot and I set her on my chest and she lifts her little head and looks straight at me. She began turning from tummy to back at six weeks so I can't put her on the bed or couch to rest any longer. She's also been drooling quite a bit and I remember Avery getting her first two teeth at four months, so maybe we'll see some teeth here in the next couple of months. She is beginning to look like her mommy quite a bit, I think, while Avery continues to look more and more like her daddy as she gets older each year.
It's been an extremely fast 15 weeks and after I picked up Sophie from the sitter's, I started to think about time and how quickly these precious moments pass us by. Although some days are definitely chaotic and very challenging, I sat at dinner today and said to John, "we have a great life, you know." And then I prayed that Father Time would let these precious times in our crazy life last a little longer.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
We're on the homestretch!
Well, now...According to my calendar, we've got just 41 days until little girl #2 arrives! If all goes as planned she will be born March 24th, 2009 at approximately 7:45 AM. Certainly you're wondering how we could possibly know this. And let me tell you, becoming pregnant has definitely not given me any extra special talents stemming from the brain, like for instance, psychic powers--in fact, it's exactly the opposite. I took Avery to the Doctor just the other day and I had to really think hard about what her birth date was--luckily she knew and told the Doctor. I either looked like an awful mother who forgets when her children were born or a good mother with a smart kid! Let's hope it's the latter! Anyway, the reason we know when she'll be born is because I will be having a cesarean section, or C-section. It was recommended by my Doctor in Ames that we do so just to be extra safe. When we found out this was the case, I tried to be positive about it and am still trying. But I think I'm just feeling like it's so against nature. It's not what I would've preferred, I suppose. Okay, so all you women who've gone through natural child birth are probably thinking "Lady, you're crazy"! Now, if I really remembered what natural labor felt like and it was fresh in my mind, maybe I'd be thinking the same thing. I do remember, but then again, it has been five years already! I think most of all, I really thought the whole birthing process was amazing. Let me explain: I remember the excitement of heading to the hospital knowing what was about to happen and also knowing I had some hard, painful hours ahead of me. However, being there in the delivery room with my husband, both of us anticipating what was to come, working together through the pain, meeting true exhaustion together...and then hearing "she's coming, just one more big push..." and then hearing her precious little cry and seeing her tiny perfect fingers, nose, ears, toes...the whole experience is something I can not put into words. So many emotions crashing together at once...I suppose I can only say it's something you probably don't experience and can't relate to until you yourself go through it. And not just the women, it's the guys, too. After all of this, being told you're having the baby "on Tuesday, March 24th at 7:30 AM" seems totally strange to me. I actually watched a C-section on tape. Yeah, shouldn't have done that. It was so fast and awkward--the big curtain's up so you can't see what's happening and you can't feel it as they make the incision because you're completely numb, but you're awake and can feel some pressure as they grab the tiny little babe and pull her out. And then within 10 minutes, she's here. They take her away while you're stitched up for the next hour and then you have to go through a much more extensive recovery than what natural birth requires. And I had heard you at least get to pick the day if you have to have a scheduled labor, but I sure didn't. If I got to pick, I sure wouldn't have said I wanted to go in for pre-op at 6 AM on a Tuesday. I couldn't tell you what I would've decided. But I think I would have chosen to maybe come in a bit later in the day! Even, 8 or 9 is better than 6 AM. But, I guess I went in to the hospital at 2 AM last time, so what am I complaining about, right? In my heart, I know everything will be just fine and seeing our little girl for the first time will bring us just as much joy this time around as it did last time, even if it has to happen via a very different method.
As we're heading down the homestretch, I truly am feeling some major anticipation for her arrival. Even more so this time I think, because we were trying to become pregnant and really wanted a sibling for Avery so when the test finally came back positive, it was wonderful news for all of us. And I can feel that she's getting ready for her own arrival too as her kicking is becoming very strong! And she's getting hiccups fairly often now. Avery had the hiccups all the time those last couple of months, too. It seemingly always occurs when I head to bed. Same with the kicking. It's like she's struggling to find a comfortable position in there--I can't even imagine what it must be like trying to do that in such a confined space (even though it looks to me like she's got more than enough room in that belly of mine!). We've been really busy preparing for her arrival. We just got through painting the downstairs bedroom and upstairs dining and living room this last weekend with mom and dad (thank you, again!). This weekend we've got to take all of Avery's furniture downstairs, as the bedroom we painted will be her bedroom now. This has been sort of a difficult move for all of us--especially Ava. She loves her room upstairs right by mom and dad's room and giving it up to her little sister who's not even here yet, is not exactly what she expected. She loves climbing in our bed with us in the morning and snuggling and "sleepovers" (this just means Friday night she gets Tang and popcorn, gets to pick out the activity for the night--usually a Disney video which she watches for maybe a full 30 minutes with mom and dad--and then gets to sleep in mom and dad's bed until we come to bed and take her in her own room) are her absolute favorite. But, I told her using the best choice of words, why the baby needed to be upstairs next to mom. She still wasn't exactly persuaded until I told her she could pick out some cool nightlights and walkie talkies and new stuff for her new room. And I told her mom could sleep with her in the trundle bed for a couple of nights. Then it was just great! We'll see what happens next week when she actually sleeps down there for the first time. It could be a long night for all of us. I'm hoping we read books, she falls asleep and begins snoring like any other normal night. And I'm hoping I can do the same as I know my days of sleeping through the night are numbered...41 left if all goes as planned!
Happy Valentine's day everyone! Happy Birthday, Dad! Love you all and we will write again soon (history repeats itself, so count on a month or so! I'll really try to get one up sooner)!
As we're heading down the homestretch, I truly am feeling some major anticipation for her arrival. Even more so this time I think, because we were trying to become pregnant and really wanted a sibling for Avery so when the test finally came back positive, it was wonderful news for all of us. And I can feel that she's getting ready for her own arrival too as her kicking is becoming very strong! And she's getting hiccups fairly often now. Avery had the hiccups all the time those last couple of months, too. It seemingly always occurs when I head to bed. Same with the kicking. It's like she's struggling to find a comfortable position in there--I can't even imagine what it must be like trying to do that in such a confined space (even though it looks to me like she's got more than enough room in that belly of mine!). We've been really busy preparing for her arrival. We just got through painting the downstairs bedroom and upstairs dining and living room this last weekend with mom and dad (thank you, again!). This weekend we've got to take all of Avery's furniture downstairs, as the bedroom we painted will be her bedroom now. This has been sort of a difficult move for all of us--especially Ava. She loves her room upstairs right by mom and dad's room and giving it up to her little sister who's not even here yet, is not exactly what she expected. She loves climbing in our bed with us in the morning and snuggling and "sleepovers" (this just means Friday night she gets Tang and popcorn, gets to pick out the activity for the night--usually a Disney video which she watches for maybe a full 30 minutes with mom and dad--and then gets to sleep in mom and dad's bed until we come to bed and take her in her own room) are her absolute favorite. But, I told her using the best choice of words, why the baby needed to be upstairs next to mom. She still wasn't exactly persuaded until I told her she could pick out some cool nightlights and walkie talkies and new stuff for her new room. And I told her mom could sleep with her in the trundle bed for a couple of nights. Then it was just great! We'll see what happens next week when she actually sleeps down there for the first time. It could be a long night for all of us. I'm hoping we read books, she falls asleep and begins snoring like any other normal night. And I'm hoping I can do the same as I know my days of sleeping through the night are numbered...41 left if all goes as planned!
Happy Valentine's day everyone! Happy Birthday, Dad! Love you all and we will write again soon (history repeats itself, so count on a month or so! I'll really try to get one up sooner)!
Friday, December 5, 2008
Weird Science
Happy Friday to all! I apologize for not writing sooner--Jer, I'm hearing your voice in my head right now. But, nothing much has changed since the last time we wrote! Well...I guess that's not true. You can't see me! I'm currently sitting an extra 10 inches away from the key board. Why? you ask. I believe in a matter of one week my belly has grown to the point of no return. Maybe it's the fact that the baby and I had a very bountiful Thanksgiving? I don't know. But, I feel as though my belly is now officially a member of the weird science club. And I certainly think my feet have joined, too (peer pressure stinks). Again, why? you ask. I simply can not see them. Thus, they have not been receiving the much needed (and I think, well-deserved) attention from my upper half like they used to. I'm pretty sure I need to recruit my wonderful, caring, kind and feet-loving (he hates feet) husband to help me out in that department. We don't generally give gifts to each other for Christmas, but I've insisted on changing those rules this year as I am in definite need of a pedicure! I'm sure at this point, you're envisioning green, hairy, and very smelly feet (and if you weren't before, now you are). I assure you, that's not the case. But, I can tell you this much. It's not pretty. I've also asked asked for a package of short socks, too. Am I greedy or what?! In my defense, though, I can not bend over to put my stinkin' (no pun intended) socks on! This weekend I may have to bite the bullet and get some for myself as John's not readily available until Tuesday to put my socks on for me. And really, cutting my toe nails and putting my socks on for me probably aren't activities that strengthen our bond as a married couple. Ya know what I mean? On that note...hope you all had a blessed Thanksgiving. I'll be writing soon!
P.S. I have to tell this quick Thanksgiving story:
Imagine 19 adults and seven children under the ages of 6 together for four days (and nights) in one home. Then imagine six of these children running a circle around the kitchen table where the adults are with the bellies of their shirts stuffed with miscellaneous items from the stuffed animal toy box. Okay, now picture one tiny hand up in the air, fist shaking in delight, while the other holding their various stuffed toys in their shirts, their mouths wide open, each of them yelling loudly, "I'm not pregnant, I'm not pregnant, I'm not pregnant" while constantly giggling at the same time! And the punch line is, Grandma Mary (God bless you, Mary) intervened after hearing this and the chaos stopped only momentarily while she spoke, "why don't we instead say, 'I'm so precious, I'm so precious, I'm so precious'. A few seconds later, we heard again, "I'm not pregnant, I'm not pregnant..." Oh, gosh. Forgive me, Mary, but I could not stop laughing for the life of me. All I can say is I wish we had a video camera. The kids won't remember it, but I know I will. Brightens my day just to think of it now!
P.S. I have to tell this quick Thanksgiving story:
Imagine 19 adults and seven children under the ages of 6 together for four days (and nights) in one home. Then imagine six of these children running a circle around the kitchen table where the adults are with the bellies of their shirts stuffed with miscellaneous items from the stuffed animal toy box. Okay, now picture one tiny hand up in the air, fist shaking in delight, while the other holding their various stuffed toys in their shirts, their mouths wide open, each of them yelling loudly, "I'm not pregnant, I'm not pregnant, I'm not pregnant" while constantly giggling at the same time! And the punch line is, Grandma Mary (God bless you, Mary) intervened after hearing this and the chaos stopped only momentarily while she spoke, "why don't we instead say, 'I'm so precious, I'm so precious, I'm so precious'. A few seconds later, we heard again, "I'm not pregnant, I'm not pregnant..." Oh, gosh. Forgive me, Mary, but I could not stop laughing for the life of me. All I can say is I wish we had a video camera. The kids won't remember it, but I know I will. Brightens my day just to think of it now!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Answered prayers
One little girl's prayers have been answered...
John and I were able to have an in-depth ultrasound yesterday in Des Moines. "Do you want to know the sex of the baby"? the woman helping us complete paper work asked. "Yes" we said. So, 45 minutes and lots of belly-jelly later, there it was.
People are always asking me "Do you have a feeling"? And I reply back with a simple "no idea". I suppose I'm just not one of those mom's who have that "thing". That internal motherly "thing" that gives them the littlest inkling of what's growing inside of them--a little boy blue or a sugary sweet little girl. Well...now that I think about it, maybe I did. No wonder I was always referring to the baby as one specific anatomy the whole time. And maybe there was a reason I was never able to come up with any other baby names? Maybe I did have an inkling, and via the ultrasound, that inkling was something I shouldn't ignore!
Our prayers: Let us all be healthy and well throughout the pregnancy, especially that new life growing inside of me. And please, let's get this "morning sickness" (why do they call it that, anyway? I'm changing it to "you-just-never-know-when" sickness) thing over with already! As far as we were told and were able to see yesterday during the ultrasound, all is well. The baby is growing quickly now. Almost 7.2 oz--still smaller than a can of pop, but big for her age of 16 weeks, 6 days old. Yes, we were a little behind as I wrote last time that we were at 16 weeks. But, it looks like we are just now passing that point. So, we'll add another two weeks to the count down.
Avery's prayers: "Jesus, please, let me have a little sister because I don't want a boy". Now, I just laugh at this as it seems so simple of a request to her. She says "mom, it's not FUNNY"!--man, she's serious. And it looks as though her prayers have been answered...we're having a GIRL! I have to say it truly didn't matter to John and I, but I was extremely excited to hear this. I just picture bed time giggles and girl talk and am so grateful that Avery and her baby sister will have each other always. I have a very close friend who has a sister nearly 5 years younger and they couldn't be better friends. And they got to borrow (well, I suppose Linds would call it "steal") each other's clothes and talk about girl stuff and giggle together--they still do. I believe they talk to each other on the phone every day even though there are many miles between them. And, I have a wonderful sister, Codi, who I remember wanting to be just like growing up--she had the best hair, cutest boy friends, best make-up, was and is still a very genuine woman. She is the most amazing individual, mother, and wife I know. She sets a great example for us all and I still want to be like her in many, many ways. I so want this for my children. I know it's probably not time to think about all that now, but I must say, it's already in my prayers.
We told Avery the news last night. Boy, she was so happy she just didn't know what to say. We're all happy. And prayer time before dinner last night was peaceful for all (if we had to share the news that we were having a boy to Avery...well, let's just say, it probably wouldn't have been so peaceful at first).
Will be back soon,
Britt
John and I were able to have an in-depth ultrasound yesterday in Des Moines. "Do you want to know the sex of the baby"? the woman helping us complete paper work asked. "Yes" we said. So, 45 minutes and lots of belly-jelly later, there it was.
People are always asking me "Do you have a feeling"? And I reply back with a simple "no idea". I suppose I'm just not one of those mom's who have that "thing". That internal motherly "thing" that gives them the littlest inkling of what's growing inside of them--a little boy blue or a sugary sweet little girl. Well...now that I think about it, maybe I did. No wonder I was always referring to the baby as one specific anatomy the whole time. And maybe there was a reason I was never able to come up with any other baby names? Maybe I did have an inkling, and via the ultrasound, that inkling was something I shouldn't ignore!
Our prayers: Let us all be healthy and well throughout the pregnancy, especially that new life growing inside of me. And please, let's get this "morning sickness" (why do they call it that, anyway? I'm changing it to "you-just-never-know-when" sickness) thing over with already! As far as we were told and were able to see yesterday during the ultrasound, all is well. The baby is growing quickly now. Almost 7.2 oz--still smaller than a can of pop, but big for her age of 16 weeks, 6 days old. Yes, we were a little behind as I wrote last time that we were at 16 weeks. But, it looks like we are just now passing that point. So, we'll add another two weeks to the count down.
Avery's prayers: "Jesus, please, let me have a little sister because I don't want a boy". Now, I just laugh at this as it seems so simple of a request to her. She says "mom, it's not FUNNY"!--man, she's serious. And it looks as though her prayers have been answered...we're having a GIRL! I have to say it truly didn't matter to John and I, but I was extremely excited to hear this. I just picture bed time giggles and girl talk and am so grateful that Avery and her baby sister will have each other always. I have a very close friend who has a sister nearly 5 years younger and they couldn't be better friends. And they got to borrow (well, I suppose Linds would call it "steal") each other's clothes and talk about girl stuff and giggle together--they still do. I believe they talk to each other on the phone every day even though there are many miles between them. And, I have a wonderful sister, Codi, who I remember wanting to be just like growing up--she had the best hair, cutest boy friends, best make-up, was and is still a very genuine woman. She is the most amazing individual, mother, and wife I know. She sets a great example for us all and I still want to be like her in many, many ways. I so want this for my children. I know it's probably not time to think about all that now, but I must say, it's already in my prayers.
We told Avery the news last night. Boy, she was so happy she just didn't know what to say. We're all happy. And prayer time before dinner last night was peaceful for all (if we had to share the news that we were having a boy to Avery...well, let's just say, it probably wouldn't have been so peaceful at first).
Will be back soon,
Britt
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