updates!

over the weekend we celebrated both of the little boy's birthdays! The boys both enjoyed it I think.

Last night parker fell and (over nothing, and just walking!) eye landed on book. I took him to ER because I was quite concerned about his eye and the cut on the bottom. (the lower pict, you can really see the u shaped cut well). Long story short, P is tough. It took 3 of us to hold him down just to examine his eye. I wont tell you about getting the rectal temp! whoa. Doc said he technically should get a stich or glue in that lower lid cut (eye ball is fine) but to do that w.out sedation would be impossible. I agreed. And to sedate for this wsant worth it. I agreed. Unfortunatly, by not doing a stich the scar will probably be bigger and take longer to heal. But it was the right decision.

Brady in Bobcat

I dont have time, it is spring, but I have to share a few pictures! It was my parent's business's 30th anniversary party this weekend.

mommy's coffee!

So cute! last night a commercial came on for dunkin dounuts coffee (which btw, is FABULOUS coffee), catchy commercial too. Brady pointed a the tv and yelled- Mommy's coffee! lol.

new cousin for my boys!

The boy's Aunt RoRo, and formerly Uncle RoRo, now Uncle cal had thier baby boy monday! He is so cute. Our family is so happy for them! These two have had quite the journey to get here. (Ro is Chris's sister, they are our closest family and they are extremely close with our boys. Esp. Auntie RoRo and B.)

At just 2 years old, Brady got to help name the baby Hudson! They liked Hudson and Harper. Brady could clearly (and cutely) say Hudson, but Harper sounded like Parker. Pretty cool that he got to help in the the final decision, sort of shows just how much he means to them! When we met hudson, Brady knew his name immediately. First called him My Hudson (parker is "My pah kah", then RoRo's hudson. Very sweet!

Seeing her brought back memories of B being born. Hudson is a lot like him- frantic when it comes to the groceries! She is hanging in there trying to nurse. Hopefully things get better when her milk comes in. Oh, those days with Brayden were so hard! I am fortunate to have had a baby like Parker the second time around!

working on sentances

We have been making it a point to encourage B's sentances. He is really improving! Yesterday I had the truck, and had to pick up the boys from daycare. Not normal. When B saw the truck, he said Daddy Truck. So I said, daddy is fixing mommys car, it is broken. B said back to me "daddy fix mom-mom car, mom-mom naughty" yeah it is choppy, but I understood what he was saying. I tried teaching him to say accident, and what that means. Accident is hard to say. In the end, Mommy was still naughty, and daddy fix car. As B and I say, we break it, daddy fixes it!

I am quite lucky that he can fix my car rather then taking it it.... well, he and a co-worker. Dont think it cost us anything. They fabricated a part. Something was missing (of course dad thinks I hit something) in the exhaust line.... ask Chris if you want details. He showed it to me.

Oh... speaking of cars and brady..... you know you are going too fast when you hear "WEEEE!" from the back seat. LOL. He is quite the kid!

sleeping babies

Here's a little dialog of what I think my boys thought as babes.

Brayden:
"ahh, love to be held"
"you know if yoy put me down I will scream!!"
"dont fall asleep, dont fall asleep, I know she will put me down, I cant fall asleep"
"AHHH!!!! she put me down!" ~screaming~ "come get me, come get me now!" ~more crying and louder~
"ahh, I love to be held"
(repeat multiple times thru the night and day)

Parker:
"hmm. Mom put me in this crib and turned the lights off. hmmm. I cant see anything. At least I got this nuk in my mouth"
"hmm. must have doozed off and l lost my nuk. Oh, but here is my thumb. nice!"
(repeat thru the night an unknown amount of times because mom is sleeping and Parker is just barely grunting occassionally)
"wow, I feel good!" (8-10 hours later)

Brady melts my heart when he says:

Thank You MomMom. He is SO polite. in the middle of the night he try to get into bed with us and i will help he- then he says thank you mommom. I cant help but smile.

Brady at 2

Brayden is 31lbs and 34.5" tall. He absolutely loves trains.His "choo-choo" with the arm motions is adorable. Brady's vocabulary seems to be growing daily. He is picking up on so much. He is still fiesty and sleep isnt his favorite thing.

brady's second birthday party!

Pictures will come later, I used my mom's camera mostly, so gotta wait for her to share them my way.

Of course, Train theme! He said choo choo lots all day. It was great to have a special day just for Brady after losing so much attention when his brother came home. He did great and was a good boy all day!

SNOW!

wow, we got lots of snow last night and blizzard warnings till tomorrow morning I think. We're talking about 8" and it is still coming down. It was so beautiful, being the first snowfall, everything was evenly covered and there were no tracks or snowhills in it. Now there is dog pee and snow hills. Still pretty, but that calmness this a.m. was awesome!

Brady was so excited about the snow! "What's that!?" running with his stool between windows. The little bugger ran outside while I was nursing parker! He ran around the side of that garage and made it at least 20 feet into the snow, he was laughing and screaming (delightful screams). Me, the bad mom, couldnt help but laugh with him when I scooped him up to haul him back inside. Thank goodness he already had his shoes on and a sweat shirt! Brady went to daycare today (family, in home daycare, not a center). I am sure they will go outside today, hope so anyway, he is so excited and if he stayed home w/ me he wouldnt get to go outside.

getting on the same page

life has been a bit chaotic in the last month. I think it started when Chris went hunting for a week when I was 38 wks, he disagrees. Funny thing is, here I am 2 weeks past surgery and I feel better physically then I did at 38-40 weeks.

So starting about then, I got pretty slack with Brady. I was too tired, and things just hurt. If he was doing something he shouldnt have done, I didnt bother with it unless it was something dangerous. (dad was barely around those 2 weeks to do anything too). I'd fall asleep in his bed, or he would fall asleep in mine. I'm telling you, I was worn down!

So Chris and I set the ground rules this weekend. Nothing new, but just that we gotta work on B's attitude and behavior for the sanity of the house. We did see some improvement over the weekend, there were some major tantrums too. but I think in a week or so he should be shaped up.

parker

i hope to get that birth story written brfore i forget! bottom pict is when b first met his little brother and got to see mommy for the first time in 5 days!

BRADY'S MILESTONES FROM BABIESONLINE

My Milestones
Pulled Myself Up Alone - Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Crawled For The First Time - Saturday, July 19, 2008

Or Type Your Own - Thursday, May 01, 2008
At 4month appointment, Brayden weighed 16lbs, 14 oz and was 25" long. 95th percentile for both!

Rolled Front to Back - Thursday, April 17, 2008

Doctor Appointment - Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Braydens 2 month appointment, he weighs 13 lbs 1 oz, and is 22.5" long.

Discovered Hands - Sunday, February 17, 2008
This is so cute! Brayden just stares at his left first forever. Then he will open his fist, and his eyes will get really big! I dont quite think he has ficgured out that is what he likes to suck on though.

Lost umbilicord cord stump! Finally! - Thursday, January 24, 2008
and got his first real bath!

Baptism - Sunday, January 20, 2008

Came Home From Hospital - Tuesday, December 25, 2007
A very Merry Christmas for us!

I Was Born! - Friday, December 21, 2007
8:58 pm, 7lb 8 oz, 19" long. IT'S A BOY!

Baby dropped! - Monday, October 22, 2007
Woke up this morning with the rib pain gone, and feeling pressure in my hip region. Dr. confirmed that the baby did in fact drop.

Heard Heartbeat! - Wednesday, September 05, 2007
HB was approximately 140bpm.

Heard Heartbeat! - Tuesday, August 28, 2007
The HB was approximatly 132bpm. The nurse listened for a few minutes and it ranged from 120bpm to 170bpm as the baby rested and moved around. (she said this is completely normal!)

Saw the baby kick! - Monday, August 20, 2007

Heard Heartbeat! - Thursday, August 09, 2007
HB was 152 bpm at 22 weeks.

Daddy felt the baby move for the first time! - Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Ultrasound - Wednesday, July 11, 2007
The baby was VERY VERY busy weighing in at just 9 ounces! He/she measured 4 days earlier then the currant due date (but Dr. is keeping EDD as 12/14 for now). The beautiful heartbeat was 156 bpm.

Felt Baby Move For The Tirst Time - Sunday, July 08, 2007
I am about 17.5 weeks today.

Heard Heartbeat! - Friday, June 15, 2007
I am 14 weeks and the heartbeat was 156 beats/minute. Still wonderful to hear!

Heard Heartbeat! - Tuesday, May 15, 2007
I am about 10 weeks and heard the heartbeat at my first appointment, it was wonderful! Approx. 170bpm

Blood Test Confirmed Pregnancy - Wednesday, April 04, 2007

Positive Home Pregnancy Test - Wednesday, April 04, 2007
My Journal
Thursday, March 13, 2008
We are at the end of week 2 of Brayden going to daycare. He is doing really well it seems. He has fallen nicely into thier routine, and it has created a nice routine at home too. He is growing so fast! Hopefully this weekend we can have a photo shoot and post some more picts! We love all the smiles he has, and we "chat" with him often. Brayden is still sleeping the way he was in the post below. Makes mommy so happy.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Brayden had his 2 month check up today. He is doing great still! Everything looks and sounds good to the doctor. He weighs 13lbs, 1oz and is 22.5" long. 75 percentile for weight and 55th percentile for length. I had lots of questions, but was reassured that we are doing well! He has turned the corner on his eating and sleeping habits too. (mom is so happy!) Up until he was about 8 weeks he continued to eat every 2 hours, day and night. 5 nights ago he started sleeping for a 5-7 hour stretch, then up to eat, and a 2-4 hour stretch then up for the day smiling. During the day he has been feeding every 2-4 hours. He is such a smiling and happy baby! Dad and I are just delighted to see his smiles and hear his giggles each morning, such a wonderful thing to wake up to! I go back to work full time next week. We recently had a trial day at daycare while I went to work. The day went beautifully!
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Brady is 4 weeks old tomorrow! Wow! He is growing so fast and changing quickly too. He is much more alert and loves looking around. He still hasnt lost his cord stump, so we are still screaming thru sponge baths. Daddy likes to say that Brady is holding onto his mommy in every way that he can. First be not wanting to leave the womb, and now by not losing his cord stump. We can't wait to give him a real bath! We are all adjusting, Brady to life in this world and mom and dad to life with Brady.
Monday, January 07, 2008
Had our first dr. appointment today- Brayden weighs 8lbs 12oz, and 21" long! He is very healthy, and the dr. said he is doing good on breastmilk because he has grown so much!
Monday, December 31, 2007
We're slowly adjusting to life with Brady. We came home from hospital on x-mas day (because he was delivered via c-section). He is so handsome! Mom and dad love him to peices. We are breast feeding very well. He cluster feeds, he nurses (which takes an hour right now!), the sleeps for about an hour, then nurses for an hour, sleeps for an hour.- this cycle continues for 4-6 feedings- then he will sleep for 3-5 hours, and the cycle starts over again! very hard on mommy, but we should get out of this pattern soon. He hates bath time, we are learning to be fast! He loves the changibg table and getting his diaper changed. He makes lots of fuuny faces and noises too.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
We are being induced tomorrow! YAY! BAby should be here tomorrow or saturday. Sounds like it can be a long process tomorrow. Go in, they use a drug to ripen the cervix, that takes a few hours. Then they will start pitocin to start contractions, and/or break my water. Dr. guessed baby is 8.5-9 lbs. We're interested to see what the baby is. Dr. made me guess first, and I too said 8.5-9lbs. He said the mom's are usually right. We're so excited! and ready to meet our son or daughter really soon!
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Just had my 40 week appointment. Not much progress, the baby is being very patient and seems to like the home I have created. I could still going into labor at any moment, that's what I am hoping for. Our Dr. thinks the baby is over 8lbs. Induction is not an option yet- my cervix is not favorable, and because of that they won't consider induction till a week past my EDD. The days are really hard. My body hurts so much and the tylonol is no longer helping much. It hurts to lay down on my sides or even touch them, Dr. said that is because everything is so stretched. My last day at work is friday, my EDD.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
We are ready to meet our son or daughter! Any day now it could happen. Obviously, we are hoping for sooner rather then later. But we know the baby will come when he/she is ready. Everything at home is ready, and the bags are packed. I am finding that we are keeping the house tidier, and the laundry is constantly being done. Just so we dont have to worry about coming home to a messy house when baby does decide to come into the world. My dr. appointments are uneventful. BP great, weight gain great. Appears to be a very healthy pregnancy. I'm still uncomfortable, and the days are getting longer. Nights are difficult too, as I am not sleeping much at all.
Monday, November 05, 2007
The last 2 weekends were our baby showers. They were both so wonderful and it seemed like everyone had a good time. This baby has so much stuff now, and I cant believe how different our house is going to be! Thank you everyone for all the fabulous gifts! We are greatful to have such wonderful family and friends. I love that I got to see some people that I dont get to see very often anymore. Our sisters and moms did a fabulous job planning the showers. Chris is bow hunting in Southern Ill. this week. I think he is a little worried about me because he is calling me so much. I am happy to see a concerned daddy. My mom spent the weekend with me, and we got the house even more ready for baby. My sister will be spending this weekend with me and we will do some shopping. Sorry mom, you got put to work and Emily gets to do the shopping! Just how it worked out!
Monday, October 15, 2007
We had our ultra sound today to see the size of the baby. Baby measured 1 week big. So the estimated due date will stay the same. At the Dr. appointment I was still measuring about 3 weeks big... so now we know what is exactly going on in there! It sounds like the Dr. will just keep an eye on my measurements and we may induce early if the baby stays on the big side. We got some really cute 3D/4D images of our chubby cheeked baby. I hope to scan them soon so all can view. Daddy and I are arguing over who's nose the baby has.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
I had another Dr. appointment today. Now I start going every 2 weeks. I am measuring 3 weeks ahead. Previously I had been measuring 1-1.5 weeks ahead. So my Dr. set up an ultra sound at my next appointment to see if there is a big baby in there, or what exactly is going on.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Time is flying. Less then 3 months until the baby will be in our arms. Chris is working hard on the new office/craft room. We both agreed that the nursery would be painted and the crib set up by the end of October. Before opening weekend of rifle deer hunting we plan to have the clothes washed, diapers ready and bottles washed and ready too. Oh, the bags packed too! I think the next 2 months will fly. I am starting to get achey more often. I am out of my nesting stage too. I have had a.m. nausea for over a week now, and praying morning sickness does not return. The kicks are getting so strong and waking me at night too. Baby is a little confused on night at day. We have some names! The girl names were easy. We fell in love with one long time ago. We have a couple back-up names too. As for boy names, we finally have one we love. Hope to have at least one more before we head to the hospital.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Daddy got his first good kick! I think it startled him it was so strong. Go baby! Go baby! We were watching TV one evening last week, and Chris rested his arm on my belly and out of the blue the baby gave him a good kick. He was all smiles and thought that was pretty neat. Over the weekend daddy figured out how to get the baby to kick him more he just has to rub my belly really fast for a few seconds and it makes the baby go crazy kicking him. Daddy thought that was a blast, but mommy did not like that when he did it at her bedtime and the baby kicked her for 30 minutes!
Monday, August 20, 2007
I saw the baby kick! The kicks were strong, so I decided to watch to see if I could see them; sure enough! It was kind of weird actually, but neat. The baby was doing arobics for about 30 minutes tonight, so I just sat on the couch and enjoyed feeling the movements and watching them pop my belly up. Chris hasnt felt the baby move too much. As soon as he comes by and puts his hand on my belly the baby stops moving. Must be relaxed from dads hands! Chris said he is excited to feel his first good kick.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
I had another appointment today with my Doctor. The baby was yet again active, and the heartrate was 152bpm. Weight gain is still right where I should be (even though it frightens me to watch those numbers climb on the scale!). We are still measuring 1 week early (consistant with the U/S 4 weeks ago), but due date remains the same. Between the u/s and measurement I am 23 weeks- but Dr. is sticking with 22 weeks. I am having lots of braxton hicks contractions lately, and the Dr. said because of my physical job outdoors that I really need to drink more water. I am drinking a ton already, but I will up it! Also I need to empty my bladder before it is full, because that can irritate the uterus and cause contractions. Gosh, I already go to the bathroom a ton.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Surprises are in store! Of course you all know that we are not finding out the sex of the baby before the baby arrives- so we all have that surprise! The other surprise will be the babies name. Chris and I decided not to share the names we have picked with our family and friends until the baby is here. We do intend to go into delivery with at least 2 girl names and 2 boys names ready.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Chris felt the baby more for the first time tonight! I drank a glass of Orange Juice, which always makes the baby move around. He patiently waited with his hands on my belly, and in just a few minutes later he felt it! He said it felt like a ripple, maybe the baby rolling over. Two days from today is our 4th anniversary! Wow, 4 years already~ seems like yesterday.... Chris has been busy working on the house. We have 3 bedrooms, currently one is our bedroom, one a spare bedroom, and the other an office. We are building an office/craft room in the basement so the nursery will be in the old office on the main level. I am excited for both rooms to be done, and lucky to have such a handy husband!
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
I have come to a realization that what is ~normal~ or what I perceive as ~normal~ will never be ~normal~ again. Abnormal is my new normal. Pre-pregnancy normal was, feeling rested and 100% good. And that was the vast majority of my days. This is something I have not experienced since easter! (and if I was tired or not feeling 100% pre-pg, I would drink a pot of coffee and take a concoction of meds in my cabinet and go on with my day)As this pregnancy has progressed, each day has been a new day with new feelings and emotions. First trimester was days on end of feeling not so great, and I longed for just one day of feeling ~normal~. I was exhausted! And longed to feel not tired again. These days I have my energy back, but there is just no such thing as ~normal~ anymore. I am always feeling a bit different... I have not slept a whole night thru in months! Something always aches too. Yet, I am doing just fine and smiling thru my day (most days anyway!). When this baby does arrive, I definatly dont think my ~normal~ will return! So feeling normal and having an ab-normal day is my new normal, and I am ok with that. (BTW- we are 20 weeks this week! HALFWAY point! woohoo!)
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
We had our ultra sound today. Chris was right there by my side for the whole thing. We were both beaming the whole time. The baby was very active (thanks to the sugar mommy ate before the ultra sound maybe?) doing flips, flops, kicks, and punches. The baby measured 4 days bigger (EDD 12/11) however the Dr. is leaving our EDD as 12/14 for now. The baby weighs just 9 ounces today, so he/she has lots of growing to do in the next few months! The heart was beating perfectly, and all the organs looked great. The placenta is where it should be, baby is head down, and the fluid sac is perfect as well. Chris thinks he saw a boy body part, but I dont think he knew what he was looking at. So we gotta wait and see! After our U/S we saw the doctor. Chris and I heard the heartbeat- 156 bpm. She had a hard time keeping the heartbeat under the dopler because the baby was so busy. I am enjoying the pregnancy right now. Morning sickness disapeared at 16 weeks, and most days I have a good amount of energy.
Sunday, July 08, 2007
I felt baby move for the first time! I wasnt sure at first, but after feeling it again a couple more times for the next few days I am sure now. The best way to describe it was a flutter. I cant wait to feel it more!
Friday, June 15, 2007
Had my 2nd doctor's appointment today. Heard the hb again, that was approximately 156 beats/minute- nice and strong. Set up appointment for ultra sound, July 11. Chris will come with too! Cant wait for him to hear the hb!
Monday, June 11, 2007
We are now into 2nd trimester! Woohoo! I still have the morning sickness gripes, I am beyond ready to be done with that! My next Dr. appointment is friday, cant wait to hear the heartbeat again. Chris's little sister got married this last weekend, we were both fortunate to be in the bridal party; however the long weekend wore me out! Up until now Chris has said he has wanted a boy, now he says he wants a girl. I cant decide if I want a boy or a girl. We already love our baby, we will be happy with a boy or a girl!
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
These days I am feeling so much better. Starting about a week ago the morning sickness started to ease- but I thought for sure it would return. However! Each day I am feeling better. My energy is also returning. Prior to becoming pg I thought "if I am tired, I will just sleep more and go to bed early". That doesnt work. Early pregnancy take so much out of your body- pure exhaustion! About 3 more weeks until our next appointment, I cant wait to hear that beautiful heartbeat again! Just 2 more weeks till 2nd trimester starts, time is flying.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
I had my first doctors appointment today. It was very long. Lots of questions, and blood/urine samples. She also listened for the heartbeat and I was fully prepared to hear nothing. I am around 10 weeks, she said 50% of the time they dont hear it at 10 weeks. As soon as she put the dopler to my belly we heard it! It was heaven. Kind of makes all this crappy morning sickness worth it. The hb was about 170 bpm, which is she said is very strong and sounded great. My m/s seems to be easing up a bit too. :-) I dont feel so awful ALL the time, just once in awhile.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Calling it "Morning" Sickness is an understatement. Did a man come up with that? It started around week 5, and has gradually gotten worse. Currently I am just shy of 8 weeks and have nausea pretty much 24/7 (some smells, sites, and even thoughts make me gag). I am hoping this is the worst, but so far I am getting worse each day rather then better. I cant wait to start feeling better. I have not gained a pound yet (or lost either!). Most food is repulsive, I eat because I have to. And actually eating light every couple hours helps ease the queeze. Chris is great. He is preparing all our dinners. I need my protien, but cant stand the site of it raw. He has really picked up all my slack here at home too. I am incredibly tired, and require a ton of sleep. Working 60 hours a week is taking its toll on me too. And on a postive note- I have my glow! Supposedly by now my body has increased blood supply by 50%.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
I cant deny it any longer. Morning sickness started about 3 days ago. I feel queezy all the time, esp. when I wake up. So I put some crackers by my bed and I eat them before I get up. I am trying to keep my tummy full, because shortly after I feel hungry I feel the worst. I can deal with feeling queezy, but feeling like I could vomit all day long really isnt fun.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
I have the scent of a dog! It is driving me crazy. Everything smells so strong. Chris thinks it is comical that I am always saying "that stinks!". Unfortunatly I am noticing the bad smells more then the good smells.
Friday, April 06, 2007
Wow, we are so excited! We are starting to spread the news. Originally we agreed to wait to tell everyone for a little while, Chris got a little excited and started sharing at work and before he knew it pretty much everyone knew. So, we are telling everyone now! We plan to tell my family easter sunday when they are all together for breakfast. We will probably tell Chris's family sooner as they wont be together easter sunday. It is so exciting sharing our news and seeing the big smiles we are receiving. I Love that Chris is so excited and ready for this too. I knew he was, but this really confirms it all. By the way, please sign our guestbook!
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
After 7 months of TTC, we did it! We are expecting #1. I sort of had a suspision that I was pregnant before testing, but when I saw a second faint pink line on the test I was still a bit doubtful. So, at 5 in the morning, I went to the store and bought more tests. I also got a small easter basket and bib that says "our little tiger" and has a tiger on it. This test was digital, and said PREGNANT. I had no doubt any more.I placed the digital test and the bib in the basket. Put it in Chris's bathroom and waited for him to wake up. For those that know Chris, I would not dare pounce on him screaming "I'm Pregnant!" or I would be reporting a black eye too. He isnt a morning person. So, 5 minutes before he walked out the door he woke and saw it. He was so happy.

crib update and our duck-duck!

Its getting there! still lots of tedious work left, but it is getting closer.
Brady loved his duck-duck costume! (he call's ducks, duck duck, so that has become the name for duck ducks) He was such a precious duck too! He did great trick or treating. Luckily he was feel better so he could go. His ears/sinus infection seem to be much better. We only went to friends and family. It was fun for mom and dad too!

long 36 hours

The last 36 hours have been trying. Brady has an ear infection, sinus infection, and gigantic tonsils. He had one of those fevers that wasnt very high, but tylonol/advil wasnt bringing it down. So he was miserable.

It was quite hard on me, being MASSIVE and 36.5 weeks pregnant. He was clingy and wanted mom! More so, he didnt want to lay down- he wanted to be upright. The recliner doesnt work anymore, my belly is too big, and laying down is tough because he puts all sorts of pressure on my back trying to prop himself. He didnt really care, and bawled if I wasnt holding him in some way and upright. You could tell he was miserable. Yesterday morning, we somehow got a stretch of sleep from 6-10, and I neglected to call in before 8, so there were some worried people waiting to hear from me.

He wouldnt nap all day. He would go to sleep at night. He was a beast. At 12:30am I loaded us up in the truck, and took a drive till he fell alseep. Then made him a place to sleep on the recliner, tilted back just a little. He slept there for about 5 lovely hours.

Anyway... I get to complain a little. My back kills from all that 31 pounds on me for days. My belly is even a bit tender, I think from the extra weight on it of a kid trying to get comfortable. Hopefully, I can get rid of these aches and pains soon.

We spent lots of time trying to convience B that daddy was just as nice to hang on as mommy. Try explaining that to a sick 22mo old!

wedding weekend!

OK, finally some time. :) (lunch break at work)



So my little brother Craig married Sarah this last weekend (yes, she stole my maiden name!). Brady was ring bearer, and I was a highly pregnant bridesmaid. Brady was just adorable in his little tux btw!



So the highlights. Lets start w/ rehersal, there were 2 flower girls, one had a fever. (the area where the wedding was held is overwhelmed w/ h1n1). I couldnt believe that her parents brought her with a fever! She was miserable, it was obvious. We were so angry.



Wedding day... exhausting. B did not make it up the aisle. He ran around the side to the front and got to me that way. Little turkey. But he was still cute. He was craby at that point, so Chris took him to the truck to nap, he was sleeping in seconds.



The priest the couple had been working with was in the hospital, so the deacon from the church married them. It lost that personal touch because it was all so last minute and the deacon didnt know them. But still, the ceremony was nice.



Dinner was great! Dance, oh I wish I could have danced! (I was barely still standing at this point!) they had a great band, and the dance floor was overflowing. We called it a night around 9, and this is were the excitment really starts.



We took along w/ us my 2 neices who were tired. (we were staying at my parents place) Once I got in the truck I noticed some contractions, more like the real deal rather then BH. So, I just noticed the time and monitered it. We got back to the house, and B throws a royal fit while tring to take his tux off. He wanted to sleep!!! In the mean time, the 2 girls start crying because they want thier mom. B wanted me, not his dad to snuggle him back to sleep. Chris couldnt handle the cryng girls. So when I finally got B settled in, I went to the crying girls and tried laying down on the couch while talking sence into them. Some more contractions occur.... I just want to drink water and really lay down and calm them down! Now, one of the girls was crying so hard she was gagging! I fake called thier mom, and left a message. Asked the girls if they remembered how long it took us to drive home, that is at least how long mom had. Separated them (best thing I did was that!) and told them just to close thier eyes and wait. The gagging on fell asleep in a minute. The other was more work. but she gets to sleep, and I get off to bed.



Then, the phone rings.... I can hardly support myself, I miss it. But one of the girls woke up wondering if it was mom. grrr.... it wasnt mom, didnt recognize the number. Got her back to sleep, and me settled again. At that point I had 3 contractions in 1.5 hours.....



Then, someone comes into the house. Here my aunt and uncle, cousin and grandma got locked out of the grandma's house. (they had called too) Lucky for me, Chris could handle this, crying girls- no way! but this... so he went on the quest for a spare key (g-ma rents from my dad) and I stayed in bed.



Chris left me home with the 3 kids, g-ma who is over 90, Uncle, who is mid 70-s I think, and my aunt, who was in the best condition of all- aside from needing an anxiety pill when she got the news that I was having contractions on top of all this. I had no more contractions that night. :)



Finally, last bit of the story. Sunday was the traditional day after party, poprawiny, which is what we polish folks do.... It was nice, because I got to chat w/ family finally! But, my grandma argued with me about the weight I have gained during this pregnancy. Those that know this grandma, probably wont be surprised. But really... I already feel like a buffalo.... do I need to be told that I look like I have gained way more then 14 lbs????

sleep like a baby?

That line is a lie! It really is, I cringe when I hear it. Brayden has never slept like a baby. ever. I dont get it, we have tried everything. Night routines, routines in general, warm milk, comfy place to sleep. The best we can ask for that is extremely rare is an 8 hour night uninterupted. Usually, he only gets 6 hours of sleep total at night (uninterupted, or interupted) and a 1-2 hour nap during the day. He is a happy and functioning 22 month old.

We don't get it! How can this busy kid not require more sleep? Chris and I are finally not getting angry about it and trying to change him and work with him. I go to bed first, since I seem to have the highest sleep requirements lately. Chris stays up with B, eventually putting him to bed. I wake w/ him at night if and when he does wake. And I wake w/ him in the morning. This works out fine on week nights, but on the weekends it can be more difficult. There is something about weekends that make us both require more sleep then we really need.

picture time

Above, my massively scary huge belly at 33 weeks. Its just so big. That's all I have to say about it. Brady gets it, he rubs my belly and says Ouch.
Below, Brady w/ Curious George. He loves this money so much lately. Yes, George is wearing a Bum Genius. They dont fit my chunky monkey very well still, and getting Brady to get his diaper changed can be a fight. You see, a huge part of parenting is outsmarting your children. Now that George has a diaper too, all I have to do is ask Brady if George needs his diaper checked- and he goes running to his bedroom and lays down on his back. He checks George's diaper, and I change B's diaper w/out getting kicked. Once we start cloth diapering baby #2 we will have to take back the BG and come up with a new plan.

Wondering why he is sleeping upright on a chair? This kid prefers to go, go, go until he crashes. In his baby book there is a section called "I can sleep anywhere but in my crib".

My 31st birthday weekend

Brayden's bed is completed! This was one of my beds growing up. My parents bought it when I was about 2, it's a set of bunk beds. (not bunking them till Brady is much older!) We sanded them down and stained them. It's oak and they are SO sturdy! BTW, that is duck duck sleepting with Brady. He loves his duck duck!

Happy birthday to me! My boys took me out for dinner for my birthday. They also got me a pedicure and manicure, they were extra nice and sweet to me all weekend long too.

We went to Down on the Farm this morning while it was still gorgeous out. Brady loved the ducks, chickens, donkeys and horses. I could not get him to take his eyes off the animals to take a nice pictures. He got to feed the ducks and chickens too! He loved that! B thought the little gourds were pretty neat too. He was such an angel this weekend, a total delight.

Finally, we got our recalled crib returned to Shopko. It wasnt a pain, just time consuming. Soon Chris should be able to start building the new crib. I can just hear it, 15 years from now. Brady to sibling: "I had to sleep in a crib that was recalled because it was so unsafe! and dad built yours by hand!" LOL. We will make sure Brady gets something special built from his dad.

lesson learned

At the dinner table last night, B made this gagging noise and not thinking chris and I laughed. Of course B laughed too. Towards the end of dinner he tried doing it again and threw up his whole dinner! After the chaos was over and all was cleaned up, chris and I decided that we best be careful not to laugh at those inapproprite yet funny moments. Bad parents! However, lesson learned.