So Big

Jayden is Growing and Growing and Growing.  We had our 2 month checkup today and he is 16 pounds, 25 inches long that's the 90-95 percentile for both height and weight.  He is in good proportion for his size.  He is a little bit bigger in head circumfrence and the doctor wants to keep an eye on that but otherwise he is growing really well.  He is definitely our biggest kid at this age!

Happy Father's Day!!!

 Happy Father's Day to my Loving Husband and the Father of my Kiddos!  We love you!

Medical Mayhem and Mishaps

I hate trying to figure out all the stuff with medical claims. 

We have bills because of Jayden's birth and we have planned for them by setting up a FSA account through Dan's work.  So now I am working on paying them and getting reimbursed for them...but you can't get reimbursed without receipts and getting a receipt is a challenge when your dealing with the mail!

UGGGGHHH...

We had great experiences with our doctors and the hospital but now the billing side is much much harder...hoping this gets easier!

My odd Summer

This summer is different than most summers. 

I love summer!  It's my favorite season, my favorite time of year and my favorite part of the school year.  I love getting to be off work and recharging my batteries.  I enjoy using the time to get my house back in order and get things organized.  I love hanging out with my kids, going swimming, reading books like they are going out of style, trying new things.  I love wearing shorts and tanktops and getting nice and tan!

This summer is different.  Why?  Well, I have been off work since the end of February.  I am not sure when I am going back to work and will have to job hunt again.  So this means I don't really need to recharge my batteries on the work front...they are recharged but I am not well rested. Now I am tired from feeding a newborn and being up a lot at night.    Second, I spend most of my time on the couch with a little boy who likes to eat...and eat...and eat...  I get very little done the way I want to.  I have many things on my to-do list and honestly if I get 2-3 done in a day I feel like I have accomplished great things and they are not big things its stuff like dishes, dinner, and laundry...today I cleaned up the living room and vacummed...WOW!!!

In a typical summer I don't make the kids go to summer school.  This summer they are both going.  Jaron for 6 weeks, Janea for 3 weeks.  I think it's important that they have something to do since I am not as active this summer due to the limitations with Baby Jayden.  I have forgotten how much time is spent at home with a baby...we go places but I have to think it out more...I know once he is bigger it won't be so limiting but since he's so young it's better to be home more. 
I'm hoping the big kids won't resent me in the long term for a different kind of summer.  We still have stuff to do...VBS at church, summer school and once the new pool opens we will go once or twice...or maybe even more than that...still haven't decided...have to see how things go...All in all this new baby has made life different...good but different.

Janea's Birthday!

My Baby isn't a baby anymore...actually she hasn't been a baby for many years. 

She turned 11 this month..Boy does she make me feel old!  I can't believe she is a tween already! 

We had a small get together with cake at Grandma's house.  

For her birthday she also got to go and see a movie with Dad and brother and we will be updating the decor in her room and making it a little bit cooler! 

All in all a great day!

  

 

11 years old...Janea is

ambitious,

brilliant,

 a little mother to her baby brother,

 creative,

interesting,

opinionated,

 dramatic,

Lover of Jesus,

praise singer,

awesome kid!

Two Month Pics...

Better late than never I always say!  Jayden turned 2 months old on Friday and while I got his pics taken I didn't get them posted...Saturday we went to pick up the kiddos from camping with my parents and spent a lovely day outside by the stream enjoying the wonderful beauty of God's Creation and cool weather! Sunday was jampacked and I have been fighting heartburn recently so that is my excuse for that...so here he is at 2 month's old.

Click here for his one month old pictures

Last Day of School

Finally!  Summer Vacation is Here!  Here's a Comparison of the Kids on the First and Last Days of Second and Fifth Grade!  I can't believe the school year is over!





Jaron at the Start of 2nd Grade

Jaron on the Last Day of 2nd Grade

Looking forward to 5th Grade!












Miss Attitude at the end of 5th grade



So much for good intentions

I started May with the intent to be a good blogger and for the beginning of the month I was.

However, life got more hectic and I kept putting it off and here we are the last day of May and I haven't blogged in over a week.

Some of life's little things this month

Jayden turned 1 month old, found out he's growing great was 12.6 pounds at his one month checkup which was actually when he was 5 weeks old.  He got his first shot...poor thing and he's starting to smile and be more awake for us.

Janea is finishing up 5th grade.  I got to go with her on a field trip fishing with her class, such a pretty day for that.  She has been privileged to have lots of field trips this quarter and has 2 this week...the last week of school.  She also was in the school talent show and did a good job in a magic act with a friend.  On a side note, she is learning to knit and does a great job.

Jaron is finishing 2nd grade.  He's reading at an advanced level for his grade and we are very proud of him.  He needs to work on his spelling but for the most part is doing well.  He can be really squirrelly  but that is part of being a boy I think... He's looking forward to summer vacation but will be going to Summer School to help mom out and make some friends since he will be switching schools in the district next year.

So that's a little bit of what's going on with us...hope life is treating you well and i hope to do better for the month of JUNE!

Life with a Newborn

I forgot the tiredness of having a newborn.

Here's a rundown of my day and I am exhausted...

wake up---change and feed baby

put Dan's lunch together in the lunchbox

get big kids ready for school...strap in crying baby and drive Jaron to school.

Get home...feed baby.

Nap with Baby....

Change and feed baby again

Attempt to get laundry and chores done...baby is fussy so you carry baby and try to keep baby calm...chores don't really get done

Change and feed baby again

Go and pick up Jaron from school

Try to keep baby happy...give up and strap him in Moby and have him sleep...start praying he still sleeps tonight.

Cook dinner...then eat dinner while feeding baby

Attempt to hang with kids and husband...all while trying to keep baby happy...maybe bathe baby.

Fall asleep exhausted to wake up ever 2-3 hours to feed baby and pray that he will sleep alone.

I know that I am tired from lack of sleep and feedings...may not have had enough calories today...but man a newborn is tiring...looking forward to him sleeping more!

Wordless Wednesday

You Know Your a Mom when...

* you have to relearn Math in order to help with Homework.

* you try to decide if you should take a nap or make the Big kids do chores.

* your life revolves around laundry...and the hugeness of it all.

* your newborn spits up on you and you simply use a wipe to clean it up.

* you shower at weird times because the baby is sleeping and you need to feel human again.

* your refrigerator is full of foods your kids like.

* hugs and kisses make you feel like queen of the universe.

* the little things your husband does for you make you feel super special!

One Month Old

Hard to believe it but Jayden is a month old today!  He's getting bigger and growing.  The plan is to take his picture on his monthly birthday with this Teddy Bear that we got as a shower gift from Dan's coworker.  This way we can see how he grows from month to month...only bad thing is we didn't get a newborn shot with it...oh well...we will see how he changes from 1 month on! 

Happy Birthday Dan!

I love you and appreciate all you do for me and the family.  I pray you are blessed with many more years and many years of good health!  The kids and I appreciate you!  Hope you have a wonderful birthday!

Finding the Balance

We are working on making sure that the big kids stay active in their lives even with the baby being here.  We don't want to shut down and have them become resentful of their brother simply because he is a baby and we are trying to be careful with him.

Yesterday Janea had tryouts for the Talent Show at school and we let her tryout...even though it meant picking her up later...fortunately for me that meant Daddy could go and get her.

Today was Muffins with Mom at Jaron's school...so Jaron, Jayden and I headed to his school and Jayden slept while Jaron and I enjoyed eating Doughnuts(no muffins at this event) together before his school day.

The babies schedule is now thrown off some and I may pay for it later but it's important for me to spend time with Jaron too

It's all about finding the balance of it all.

Sleep

I miss the sleep I used to have before I got pregnant and the baby was born.  I could sleep for hours without interruptions from kids, husband, or anything.  I could sleep on my stomach or side easily and comfortably and sleep for 6-9 hours at a time.

While pregnant, I had to deal with the belly and not being able to get comfortable.  I learned to sleep with a little person inside me who kicked and moved and caused me discomfort, and I got up to pee a lot but I did get stretches of up to 4 hours at time towards the end and it was good.

Now, I don't sleep enough.  I'm fortunate if I can get 2 hours uninterrupted and alone.  Jayden loves to be held at night and so I do co-sleep some just to get rest...last night he made it about 2 hours in the bassinet at 2 different times so I got more sleep.  Then during his morning nap I try to get some extra sleep...I was a wreck yesterday due to the lack of sleep.

We will be working on Jayden's sleep schedule as he gets older and I do try to make sure he is up during the day so that I can sleep at night.  Life with a newborn is a challenge and we're all relearning how to deal with a baby in the house.

If wishes came true

I would have a baby who sleeps longer at night without needing to be held.

I would have removeable breasts so I could have some one else nurse for me...breastfeeding is tiring.

I would have a Dr. Pepper IV that kept me full of caffiene but wouldn't effect the baby.

I would have a maid OR

The kids would have self cleaning rooms and my house would clean itself at the touch of a button.

My hair would be more manageable.

Clothes would come with automatic washing...no laundry involved.

But since they don't I guess I will just have to continue on...feeling tired today and wishing that things were easier and I didn't feel so down about it all

Thanks I Needed That

Woke up this morning feeling hot and sweaty and yucky! 

Crying baby while making hubby's lunch is tiring...and frustrating.

Gathering Garbage for Garbage day is not my favorite job.

Looking at the clock wondering if I can get stuff done before kiddos go to school.

Janea offers to watch the baby so I can take a shower.

20 minutes later I emerge refreshed, feeling more human than before, ready to tackle the day ahead.

Thanks Janea, I needed that!  You rock!

A Nap, A Pizza and Target

Today was better than yesterday on the baby front.

Jayden was very fussy yesterday and he wore me out.  Sleep was a slight struggle so I was tired this morning. and after taking Jaron to school this morning  both the baby and I took naps...for over an hour and let me tell you it was one of the best rests I have had in the last 22 days!

I took a trip to Target and was able to get what we needed for only a little bit out of pocket and I got a 5 dollar gift card to spend next time.  Plus I picked up a pizza for the kiddos and we had a Digiorno for Dan and I so it was pizza night for dinner. 

All in all it was a much better day and we are looking forward to tomorrow.

Thanking MOBY

Oh my word we had a fussy baby today.  Finally I couldn't take it anymore and I put Jayden in the Moby Wrap I got from a friend.  And he calmed down and went to sleep!  Thank you MOBY!

Sunday

It's Sunday!  May 1st...feels like April just sped by...but having a new baby will do that for you!  Jayden is 3 weeks old today...and we made it to both church and Sunday School this morning.

Jayden will definately be heading to the nursery soon...he's a little noisy during church and we were very distracted and leaving and returning and I feel that is intrusive to others so I know that there are people in the nursery to watch babies and I will feel comfortable sitting in church and learning and letting someone else watch the baby for a short time...he'll probably still go with us to Sunday School...trying to minimize the germs...

We are also getting used to not going out for lunch after church.  It's really not in the budget now that I am not working and since the baby needs to eat soon after church it's a good idea to head home.  Today for lunch we enjoyed homemade hamburgers, french fries baked in the oven and each other's company.

Now on to laundry and naps  and hopefully we will be ready to start the week ahead!

My Sweet Boy

My sister came to visit this weekend for Easter.  The kiddos and I went over to Grandma's house a couple of times this weekend and we took pictures of the baby...such a sweet boy!

Trying to Deal

I'm trying to deal with my feelings toward my family.

I'm tired and yet I don't get to nap...others' nap but not me...so I am trying to be encouraging towards the ones sleeping and not be bitter.

I get hungry but I am the only one who really makes food for people...unless other's bring a home cooked meal I have to suck it up and cook something if I want to eat!  It isn't fair but it is life and I am grateful to have food to prepare and eat.

I'm trying to be understanding and kind but I want to be selfish and make others take care of me...and I can't force them to do that and so I am trying to deal with it all...this too shall pass and life will get easier again.  I do feel better than I did even a few days ago and I will continue to feel better so this too shall pass and I will learn how to deal with it all.

The Little Things

I'm finding little things matter more when you have a newborn.  Here are some little things that have made my week...

1.  Meals prepared by church friends...not having to cook is a blessing.

2.  SHOWERS...make one tired mama feel somewhat human again.

3.  Cute baby stuff...makes the tiredness kinda melt away.

4.  Big kids who help...entertaining the baby is easier with 2 helpers!

5.  5-10 minutes getting to recharge my batteries reading a book or something...refreshes the spirit!

6.  Daddy babysitting...Dan watched the baby on Tuesday so that the big kids and I could go to Culver's night for Jaron's school...they survived, we had fun...a win win situation!

The Bilirubin Diaries

Bilirubin (formerly referred to as hematoidin) is the yellow breakdown product of normal heme catabolism. Heme is found in hemoglobin, a principal component of red blood cells. Bilirubin is excreted in bile and urine, and elevated levels may indicate certain diseases. It is responsible for the yellow color of bruises, urine (via its reduced breakdown product, urobilin), and the yellow discoloration in jaundice.


Bilirubin...the stuff that causes Jaundice has been rampant in our little newborn.

Tuesday April 12...Jayden has a bilirubin level of 9.6 as we leave the hospital this is considered borderline but it is relatively low so I wasn't really worried.  Our hospital pediatrician recommends that he be seen by our family doctor by Friday.

Thursday April 14th..Jayden is looking a little orange and my mom comments that I might want to get that checked out...I agree and schedule an appointment for the next morning...

Friday April 15th...Jayden is looking mighty orange.  My mom and I take him to the doctor and he recommends a bilirubin test so after heading to the hospital lab we get done and take him home.  The doctor's office calls and tells me that his number is now double...18.2  and he is concerned and thinks we need to be seen at Children's Mercy for a second opinion.  I'm a little panicked at this point...and between my mom and I and Dan we get him to Children's Mercy.  They decide to admit him to have some intense photo therapy...so that began one of the longest nights that I have experienced in my kids lives.

At 7:00 Dan and I left to grab dinner...Jayden started out in the isolette unit and was doing well so we felt comfortable leaving and I was STARVING and I could not stomach the thought of hospital food...we returned by 8:00 where the nurse let us know that Jayden was hungry and fussy...so I nursed him and we got him back in to the isolette as he was only able to come out for half hour periods every 2 hours...I am exhausted at this point and Dan has me lay down on the bed in the room and he takes a shift....Jayden really isn't liking the light box at this point and is squirming, crying and kicking...so either Dan or I had to take turns holding in a binky and rubbing his back, head or feet to help him remain calm...we go through 2 hours of this and feed him again...then the nurse comes to do a bilirubin level on him.  His level is now 16.5  down almost a full 2 points in 3 hours.

The doctor comes in a little later and we were basically told that we had over reacted and that Jayden would be fine and that it's normal and no big deal...well we were simply following the advise of medical professionals and we would not have done the hospital if it hadn't been recommended...well, she tells us we can go home if we want or stay...it's up to us...we decide to head home and around 12:30 we finally get home.

Saturday April 16th...Dan rigs up some plant lights and we sit under them for the entire day...keeping Jayden in the "sunshine"  by the end of the day his skin is looking much better...and we are encouraged by his progress.

Sunday April 17th...We don't go to church and spend the morning sitting under lights...the afternoon is spent cleaning house, mowing the lawn and other such projects.

Monday April 18th...first day for mom to be in charge of car duty...Baby has appointment with doctor at 11.  Doctor is encouraged by the way his skin looks and has us do another bilirubin test at the lab...and Praise God his level is now 13.5 and dropping!  So it looks like the saga of the bilirubin will soon be over!

We are thankful for modern medicine and that our baby will be okay!

Things I Had Forgotten

Since we have not had an infant in the house since Jaron was a baby I had forgotten what life with a newborn is like.

I forgot what it feels like to be so tired.  We've been home only 2 nights and already I feel like I will not really sleep again.  I forgot what it feels like to get up with someone in the middle of the night.

I forgot how tiring a newborn can be...they don't really do anything but they are exhausting...I think it's from the nursing and trying to establish a pattern.

I forgot how much your body changes and how hard it works to get a baby out...I forgot that it takes weeks to get your strength completely back.

I forgot how happy a little one can make you.  The sweetness of a baby and just the wonder that you helped to bring this little one into the world.  I forgot how the world seems to stop just because you have had a baby.

I've forgotten a lot but I am remembering and enjoying this new little person.  I'm really tired and very thankful for the fact that my parents have been able to help us out!  Dan's already back to work so I am home with the baby by myself but I am not as overwhelmed as I was when Janea and Jaron were little.  So it's a good thing...Jayden is doing well and we are learning how to be a family of 5!

Wordless Wednesday

The Waiting Game

We are playing the waiting game right now.

Baby could come at anytime.  Or Baby could wait until later...and since we don't know what day it will be it's challenging right now to wait.

I'm having contractions daily...some are really big and painful and regular but then they stop.  I don't want to be a wimp and go to the doctor to early but I am getting frustrated at the same time.

When I was pregnant with Janea I didn't know what to expect and my water broke first.

With Jaron I went into labor earlier than planned and while surprised I had a feeling he was coming.

This baby...I'm clueless...I think he's coming and then I am like nope...I don't know...and since the big kids were early at 37 (Jaron) weeks and 38 (Janea) weeks I have never gone to my due date so I am like..okay here I am same time as the other two...you can come!  He isn't listening very well so far.   I tell him it's okay to come, Daddy has told him, Jaron has told him, Janea won't talk to my stomach but she has even said it outloud...we are ready for him to come.

So we wait...and wait...and wait...

I HATE WAITING!

Showers of Blessings

Note: pictures will be added later...the camera is packed in the hospital bag and I am not unpacking it and forgetting it if I go into labor!

My church was so generous and had a lovely baby shower for me last Thursday night. We had given away or gotten rid of most if not all of our baby stuff in the past 4-5 years as we had thought that we were done with having babies. Well, surprise surprise...here we are pregnant with basically nothing left. I had a few odds and ends but nothing substantial. The church normally only has showers for first babies but since I was starting over they had one for me. The ladies of my church are such an encouragement. Now baby has towels, sheets, blankets, bowls, spoons and quite a few cute little outfits. We were also blessed with gift cards and such and that has been a blessing with getting a crib mattress and other odds and ends that you don't think about registering for!

Dan's work also had a shower for him! He called me Friday on his way home from work and said that they had a shower for him! We received lots of diapers and wipes...I'm well stocked up on newborn size and size 1! Some cute clothes and two cute teddy bears. They also gave us a few gift cards and all the extra help has been a blessing.

We are feeling loved and supported by friends and coworkers and are ready to meet this little person. I'm hoping he comes this week...I'm much more uncomfortable and so ready to meet our little guy! Thank you to everyone who help to make us feel so loved and we are totally blown away by your generosity!

Pictures from Our Life - Kitchen Stuff

Dan asked Janea to get him a cup of tea an put 2 bags of Lemon Zinger in a cup with water...she did so and emptied the bags into the water....Oops...here's the cup of tea that daddy didn't drink! Later...that evening Janea then tried to help out by melting some cheese for us to dip some yummy chips in~! She microwaved it for too long creating a cheese donut...it tasted good just wasn't good for dipping!

Dan discovered a bag of Red potatoes that had Sprouted in the pantry...they looked so cool we had to take a picture!

Wordless Wednesday

Getting Shorter

Our checklist before baby is getting shorter! Yesterday morning I got all registered at the hospital and had my 36 week check up. So far baby seems content to stay where he is for a little while longer. We have all the essential gear items: carseat crib pack and play bouncy seat swing changing table Baby room is about half done and decorated...hopefully will finish that this weekend. Baby clothes are washed and put away but the changing table needs to be a little bit more organized. By the end of the week I should have more done and I'm being blessed with a baby shower by my friends at church. 23 days or less to go!

Math Problems

We are having Math Problems here! Janea is in the STAR program at her school and that means that she is in the accelerated math program for 5th grade. Algebra is the new thing they are working on. Which means mom has to relearn how to do Algebra along with Janea. And it's really not going that well. I've forgotten alot of what I learned and when she doesn't fully pay attention in class it makes it that much harder for me. Math...it's full of problems!

The Home Stretch

We are under 30 days till baby!

Wow! This has been one of the longest periods of my life and yet its such a relatively short time.

I'm thankful that I'm almost done.

I'm ready to be alone in my body and to get to meet this little wiggly ball that has been sharing me since the summer.

I'm ready(I think) to be a mom of 3 kids and all the challenges that will bring!

I'm getting nervous about delivery and the pain that labor brings.

I'm there...I'm ready I think...now it's just a matter of time!

Wordless Wednesday

Deals and Stuff

I got two really cute maternity shirts today for $2.00! Wahoo! They will be good for Spring as they are both 3/4 sleeve length.

Got the baby some summer outfits today too...3 for $1.oo and 1 for $2.00...so all in all I spent $7.55 and got 6 items...love that!

Doctor's appointment this morning...all is well, weight gain is good, blood pressure is good, fetal heartrate good. Had my Strep B test and hoping its all good too. Next Monday I go and have my last sonagram and hopefully one of my last appointments. We are down to the final month...he can come at anytime...but I'm still hoping for April. Janea is saying 16 days and Jaron doesn't care! Baby has to wait until after next Monday when I have my pre-registration at the hospital...that way we will be good to go..!

New Things

Dan joined Gamefly this week with a trial offer of half price. Wii games can be very expensive and often when you are done playing them you don't want it anymore. Gamestop buys used games but don't give you a lot of credit for them so this is a friendly option to play new games without being committed to buying them. This one came in the mail today...and so far I am the only one in the family who hasn't played...Jaron was so happy when it came in the mail today!

Hooray's

Van started with no problems when I needed to run an errand today!

Baby closet is organized, carseat is unpacked, and more baby stuff is being put away!

Kitchen counters are clearer.

Coupons are organized by catergory.

Laundry is ready to be sorted and done tomorrow.

I accomplished something today! It feels good to have done something!

Needing To Accomplish

Yesterday I didn't really accomplish anything. I was tired, I was achy and so I gave in to my tiredness and achiness and laid down alot. Then when I was going to take the kids to the park the van wouldn't start...dead battery!

So we had to wait for Dan to get home from work so he could use our handy dandy machine to jumpstart it...the baby belly and I don't work on cars!

We then went to Lees Summit to get Janea a book she wanted only to find out it won't be released until APRIL 5th...wasted trip for that!

So today I am going to accomplish something, anything, I really don't care....just need to get it done.

I'll keep you posted!

AWANA GRAND PRIX

Every year our church holds a Grand Prix. Basically it means the kids make racers out of wood and the we have an evening when we race the cars. It's both a humongous pain and a lot of fun at the same time. When you don't have tools and the like it's a challenge to get the cars cut out. The kids often have a different design in their heads then what you can do and it can be a really big mess. The last few years our church has been having work days where you can go and cut out the cars and they provide saws, drills and such...so we have been in car building mode for the last 2 weeks. Jaron decided he want to make a half pipe and skate park for his car. Janea was initially going to make a skateboard, but it evolved into a phone when we needed to add clay to hers to give it more weight. Then we went through the hassle of trying to reduce the weight because it was too heavy! But we were proud of the finished products!

Janea's Cell Phone...complete with numbers!
Jaron's Skate Park Half Pipe

Jaron took 2nd place for design...we are good at design...not so good at speed!

Janea took 3rd place T&T for design...she was very happy...just what she had wanted!

I help out every year and this year I was the recordkeeper and so here I am in all my pregnant glory! People kept coming up to me asking when I was due and the announcer kept making jokes and implied I was having Triplets! Dan was in charge of picture taking this year and took so many that I will have to upload more of them later!

All in all I am satisfied, more than a little relieved to be done with another years race and pleased with all the results!

Spring Break

The kiddos are on Spring Break this week. So life is different...not bad just different!

This week is the AWANA Grand Prix...tomorrow night! We have been working on cars, working on painting, working on driving Momma insane!!!! I will be so glad to have this project finished!

I've been taking pictures...but I haven't uploaded them yet...will do that soon...sorry!

Today I worked and got half of the baby room better under control. I worked primarily on the closet...and it's looking pretty good if I do say so myself. Janea's also working on getting her room straightened up. Jaron's isnt' too bad since we just recently moved him downstairs to the basement.

So life is progressing...the baby belly is getting bigger...and another pair of pants doesn't fit...I'm so looking forward to getting dressed without feeling and looking like a contortionist!

The weather is also gorgeous and the kids can go outside to play! YEAH!!!! Looking forward to maybe seeing 70 tomorrow! WAHOO....Spring may be on it's way!

Winter

This winter I have been emotionally at war with the weather.

I have stressed, freaked out and gotten angry at the snow.

I have watched a blizzard hit, gotten excuse notes from my doctor so I don't have to drive in snow, and wondered how I would make it to work with the kids being off for snow days.

Well, it snowed last night and today I am fine with it. The kids are on Spring Break this week, I am done working and we can just be home. And it's been warm enough recently that the roads are merely wet...but I am not going anywhere so it's all good.

Spring is just around the corner! Guess I will enjoy the last hurrah of winter!

Learning Process

Couponing is a learning process.

I am learning how to get the best deal for the most savings. I'm not there yet but doing much better.

Today I saved over $25 at Walmart on our grocery shopping.

I spent a little more than I had budgeted for but with the savings it's not too bad. Plus I bought some things that will last longer than normal and with Dan taking his lunch as opposed to eating out while we may have spent a little bit more at the grocery store we will save more money in the long run.

I'm still learning and working on the whole process but I may just have turned a corner on this whole learning how to get the most bang for our buck!

Shirts and the Baby Belly

The baby belly is not liking momma's shirts.

They are not covering the way they used to...you are able to see more and more of the maternity pants.

They ride up when I sleep.

They just aren't long enough...I have like 3 that fit good...and I'm not going to buy more.

One would think Maternity designers would account for this...but oh well!

34 Weeks

Today I am 34 weeks pregnant. My new mantra is...I can make it to April! I can make it to April!

I have to remember to drink enough fluids during the day. I went out to run errands and I know that I hadn't drank enough water today since I started feeling dizzy and like I was going to faint. I think I also was overheated as the weather was warmer than I anticipated.

I'm so glad that I am not working right now and able to rest as I need too.

I'm also thankful to be able to order Papa Johns for dinner!

My goal is to sleep better tonight!

Ufff da

Uff da...Dan has been trying to get used to the time change happening over the weekend by getting up an hour earlier every morning.

Uff Da....I'm not sleeping much anymore and last night I didn't fall into a good sleep until after 2 in the morning...

Uff Da...Dan needed his work clothes and they were still in the basement...so he woke me up earlier than I wanted but fortunately and hour and a half after his alarm went off...and I had told him it was okay....just thought I would sleep more.

Uff da...got his clothes and then helped him make his lunch and saw him on his way...now I am getting the kiddos ready for school and then I am going to TAKE A NAP!!!!

Uff da...pregnancy and sleep just aren't happening for me!

10 pieces of Randomness

1. Early Mornings and Sleepless nights are NOT the best combination.

2. Well rested children can be Very Noisy when you are extra tired.

3. Elbows, knees and feet...that's gotta be all that this little one has...he has been wiggling up a storm!

4. Motivation is here...energy may be lacking.

5. Cranberry Limeades at Sonic are AWESOME!

6. Husband is feeling better...wife is feeling worse...isn't that always the way it goes!

7. Rainbow sherbert must be eaten in moderation...it can be a case of too much of a good thing!

8. Grateful for libraries and new books to read....especially when tired.

9. Grateful for school and the opportunity for quiet rest.

10. Grateful to only have 43 more days of being pregnant!

34 Today

I turned 34 today at exactly 5:15 CST since I was born at exactly 3:15 PST. I'm old!

I've had a most enjoyable birthday! I got to go to church this morning! I love my church and enjoy getting to worship with my church family! Dan and I did skip Sunday School and go to breakfast which was nice!

The afternoon was spent with my parents and kiddos. They treated the 4 of us to lunch at one of my favorite local Mexican restaurants where I got to eat one of my favorite dishes...and it was SOOO good! Dan is fighting off a virus or cold or something so after lunch we dropped him off at home so he could nap...and then we went to my mom and dad's to have cake! Yellow cake with chocolate icing! YUMMY!!!!!!!!!! My parents did make me blow out 34 candles...not an easy feat for someone who is 33 weeks pregnant! But I did it!

It was nice to just sit and chat with my mom! I love my mom and its a blessing to just share and talk and hang out...she's been very busy lately and its been nice to see her!

So I have leftovers for tomorrow...some extra cake to enjoy and the privilege of being 34...hope I'm older and Wiser!

Hiccups

This baby gets the hiccups at least 5 times a day.

It is honestly the weirdest and one of the most painful feelings.

I remember the other two having the hiccups but not like this!

This baby is also a major wiggler...he doesn't kick as much as just shifts his position constantly...it's starting to hurt too!

The next 48 days need to go quickly!

Grrr...Updated

I want Mexican food REALLY BAD!

It's not in the budget.

I don't want to cook dinner tonight...

Going out is not in the budget!

We have plenty of food in the house and most of it is not hard to make but I don't want to cook and I don't want to clean up the kitchen and I just want to be lazy.

But it not in the Budget!!!!

Budgeting stinks!

****THIS IS ALSO A BIT OF A PREGNANCY FRUSTRATION****

So I had a major pity party. I cried and then I cooked dinner. Dan was willing to take me out to make me feel better but I know that if I did that I wouldn't feel better it would be a Bandaid fix. So I made Basil Parmesean chicken with pasta...and it was good. Wasn't completely what I wanted but it was tasty, filling and so far hasn't given me heartburn.

Budgeting may stink but so does making huge mistakes with your money. I am thankful for the opportunity to grow through this whole thing and not let my hormones and other pregnancy related frustrations get the better of me!

Ready??? Or Not Ready???

I have roughly 7 weeks to go with this pregnancy.

People ask me if I am "ready". The answer is Yes and No.

I am ready to have my body back.
I am ready to not have a little boy jumping on my bladder and kicking and waking me up at night to use the bathroom what feels like a hundred times.
I am ready to sleep on my stomach again.
I am ready to not have to remind Jaron to not hug me so hard or to be careful while around me.
I am ready to be able to wear shoes with laces again.
I am ready to put my socks and underwear and clothing on without feeling like a contortionist.
I am ready to meet this little guy and get to know him.
I am ready to see how he will fit into the family dynamic.

I am NOT ready with the baby room. So far I have a changing table dresser, pack and play bassinet and that's about it. I still need a crib and mattress and to arrange and clean the room
I am NOT ready for labor...dreading the birthing process again.
I am NOT ready with enough clothing for baby to last a week. I really need to get on this.
I am NOT ready with meals and the like....gotta plan ahead with easy to fix stuff.
I am NOT ready to juggle a newborn with the needs of an 8 year old boy and 10 year old girl. I know the big kids will be a big help but I am concerned if I will be a good mom to all of them.

So I am working on getting ready. I am making lists and tackling small jobs as I have energy to do them. I am thinking through the whole process and investigating affordable furniture options for the babies room. I am feeling like I don't have what I need and not sure where the best deals can be found. I'm just not quite ready for baby. Thankful for a few more weeks to get ready.

Wordless Wednesday

Jaron gets a Haircut!

We Buzzed Jaron on Sunday Night! His hair was out of control and when I tried to trim it I made it worse and Dan couldn't take it anymore...So we got out the clippers and shaved him down! He looks much better now! I took a few pictures of the process of shaving his head!

Jaron half way through the job says..."Mom go get the camera...I look too funny!"
Once we were done Jaron grabbed his hair off the floor and was like...quick glue it back on!

He really isn't this upset...he was hamming it up for the camera...and then ran away before I could get a good picture of the finished product! Such a silly boy!