Our New Arrival

Yesterday my hubby & I welcomed our son's baby sister into the world & our growing family. Both mommy & baby are recovering well. We are absolutely thrilled & our son is so excited to be a big brother. She weighs 8 pounds, 12 ounces and is 20 inches long. She excels at eating and sleeping and enjoys long walks on the beach. More photos will be posted here soon. Visitors are more than welcome.

We'll post more about how it all happened soon as we try our best to keep you informed of our changing world as we ourselves adjust.

How I'm doing

Today we saw the doctor because I was cramping & having painful irregular contractions while I was laying down (which is when they usually stop). Our son went happily over to a neighbor's until Grandma picked him up. Meanwhile I was monitored & checked. The baby is doing fine & healthy as ever, recent health issues have appeared to have cleared up. Then I was told I was 2 cm dilated (after a week still!) & 60% effaced. So we still have a way to go & the baby is taking it's own sweet time. (LOL) Good news is that the baby is -2 stage (+5 is crowning) with it's head down & sideways ready anytime. Hopefully tomorrow will be my lucky day!


Now at 39 weeks, my hubby says my belly has grown significantly during the past week alone! Now I currently look like I'm carrying an 8 lb bowling ball. I want this to be over but it's bittersweet as well because it's the last time I'll ever feel our child growing, moving & kicking in my belly. It's tough but I know it's a blessing. Now it's time to meet this blessing!

What's your Name Say?

What does your name say about you using numerology? Ever wonder? If not, just try it for kicks. Give it shot & see what YOU are all about! Click here to start - it only takes 30 seconds with instance response & no spam.

Sneaky Boy!

Proof that he's handy with his toes like his Mama & mischievous like his father!

Dancing in circles

Our son had a blast at a relatives wedding last month dancing to the music. He loved running in circles. You can see myself in the left background actually dancing at 9 months pregnant... not much, but still dancing!

The reading trio

During an impromptu play date this afternoon with our neighbor, all three kids sat so nicely together reading a book after making play dough together. Let me tell you, this was the first time, they've all sat down looking the same way so we couldn't pass this opportunity up (even if it meant using the camera phone)!

Get a little closer! Ok... that's too close!

Time to play it safe!

With team effort over the weekend, my hubby & mom got the trampoline enclosure on with no problem!

Now our son can jump around to his heart's content (especially with Daddy).

Our son gets a closer look at t ladybug taking a rest on the trampoline.

He just loves to kick his ball around in there since he can't kick it in the house!

Growing up so fast!

The force is strong in this one... every father wishes!

My nephew at 13 months who's growing up so quickly!

Here he is happy as ever!

Fill me to the top!

Our local retention pond was still full to the top as you can see two days after all the rain!

Some flood waters still threatened to overtake the roads!

Some streams & rivers remained only inches from flooding some low local bridges.

Chillin' like a villian

A rare moment when our son is not running around like a nut!

Warnings are gone!

Today is the first day since our severe storms last Thursday that we do not have any flood warnings! Finally the waters flooding yards, rivers, retention ponds & lakes are starting to recede. People are still left to clean-up their homes & businesses that did flood though. We were one of the lucky ones. I can't even imagine...

New poll!

New baby poll on the right! Go ahead & vote!

A little overboard

Last Friday I was overwhelmed to 'nest' again. I discovered I desperately needed to clean our shower door. Well regular cleaning spray wouldn't work on the soap build-up & hard water residue so I used a Mister Clean Eraser & an electric toothbrush with cleaning solution. Afterwards I labeled & organized all my son's boxes of old clothes on our basement shelves. Then I got my hubby to store the boxes of clothing that have been waiting in our hallways for MONTHS! It was a very productive evening!


This afternoon we finally finished decorating the nursery. The wallpaper border is up & looks great. Then while Daddy (who started feeling sick today) was napping, my son helped me finish the baby's room as we put on the matching Sesame Street wall stickers on. Next he & I picked up some flat sheets from freecycle for his future fort. As we went through the drive-through to order dinner, my son started giving me his order in such a way it made me laugh. This is how the conversation went.


Drive-through person: May I take your order?

Me: Yes, I'll have a.... (uh oh - brain melt!)

Son whispers: A hot dog Mommy.

Me: (chuckle): I'll have a kid's hot dog meal &...

Son whispers: French fries Mommy.

Me (still laughing): ... with french fries.

Drive-through person: What would you like to drink with that?

Son: I'll have milk Mommy.

Me (still laughing): Milk please.

Drive-through person: Will that be all?

Son whispers while gesturing 'no more' with his hands: That's all Mommy.


Now tell me... who can resist that!!! (LOL)

The answer is...

For those who voted or were curious... at 37 weeks, my waist measured 13 pieces of toilet paper!

A break in the clouds

This was a beautiful sunset between the major storms we received this week. We thought the storms were past when we saw this until we were hit again with three more sudden & major storms. At last, it appears the system has passed & we're not expecting any more in the immediate future.

Local Flooding

This past week our area was hit by 5-6 major sudden storms in one evening which caused localized flooding everywhere. Two neighboring towns by us have declared a state of emergency, bridges & over two dozen roads were closed & local festivals cancelled. 500-600 residents of the evacuated from near-by towns. Above is a picture of our DEEP retention pond which was full completely to the top & about 50 feet from som of the houses located next to the retention pond. If we didn't have that retention pond, we'd probably be under water ourselves!

One of the bridges in a nearby town located in downtown was on the verge of being flooded over as you can see above. The water was literally inches from the bottom of the bridge!

A local college was flooded in many parts where classes had to be cancelled & no one could come in or out from certain areas. If you look closely in the back of the photo, you can see a car in the was halfway underwater!

Local schools were affected as well when football fields (as you see in the background) were flooded as well. Homecoming games scheduled for the weekend had to be cancelled or re-scheduled. The water level was only 50 feet from the apartment complex you see in the background. Many places were still without power at the beginning of the weekend.

Unexpected disappointments & rendezvous

Today has been an interesting day to say the least. This morning after my in-laws picked up our son (to spend the day together again), we went to my long-awaited doctor's appointment now that I'm almost 38.5 weeks. We were hoping to hear if the doctor would induce but alas he was called away for a C-section at the hospital. So we rescheduled for an hour later only to find out the doctor wasn't back yet. Again, we rescheduled for this afternoon only to be stopped by mother nature. About ten minutes before we were going to leave for the doctor's, a tornado had been spotted in out town & sirens were going off. So there we were in the basement under a tornado warning (as well as the doctor's office). Once again, we had to reschedule again although this time for another day. I'm past the point where rescheduling is a big deal. I just want to know WHAT is going to happen when! I only hope we'll have better luck another day.

Her new favorite place for 'cat naps'

Sleep well, my furry one.

What happens when you're almost 38 & 1/2 weeks

This is me at 38 weeks & 2 days. One of the rare moments when I'm smiling & not contracting because I'm simply standing. (LOL) Believe me when I say I am ready to be done!!! The pressure on my tailbone & low back gets worse every day. I've had a few massages which do temporarily ease the pressure. Also the sleep medication (& pain medication when I have to take it which isn't too often) have really helped stabilize my moods & my ability to handle the current stress levels my body insists on putting me under right now.

Hopefully something will happen soon. As the saying goes, the sooner the better (now that the baby is in the safe zone).

Happy Greetings

Yesterday our son spent the day at a local water park with his grandparents where he had a blast playing on the water slide. Later when he came home, he ran up to me & gave me a huge monster hug! Then he said, "I missed you Mommy!" It's at those times my heart & soul are just flooded with love for this little man of mine.

Home improvements

Today we did some shopping for some long-awaited home improvements. Although it'll be a while before they're all in place, now we know it's going to be done sometime in the near future.

Good karma

Today I was shown again that karma comes back to you however you treat people. Something great happened to us that gives us relax more. We are so lucky to have the family & friends that we do. We'll never forget that.... ever.


Take this as a lesson... karma exists so treat people how you want to be treated because it will always come back to you. It's a lesson too many people in the world could learn. Then the world could be such a better place.

Spending time with Daddy at the Mall

Daddy had fun over the weekend taking our son to the mall play area. They loved having 'guy time'!

"That's Captain to you!"

"Hang on tight fella. It's gonna be a bumpy ride!"

"How I love my ice cream!"

Time to burn off that sugar rush on the merry-go-round!



And he's down for the count... what a fun afternoon!

Shiver me timbers!

While my hubby & I were eating lunch downstairs, he kept talking about how cold it was in the house (I keep it at 72 degree these days with ceiling fans on high). He even covered up with a blanket! Yet there I was on the verge of sweating! Ah how times have changed. LOL

Nesting instints

Today I was feeling better & got the impulse to 'clean' or what is called the nesting instinct. So I sat in our disaster of an office sorting papers & bags. After sorting through the bags, I put the items away in the approriate rooms & organized the papers. Next I organized the changing table for the baby. Now with the exception of moving some items into the basement (Daddy's job), the office is presentable (just ignore all the files to be put away on our desk) once more. I did one load of dishes (since our counter was getting overwhelmed as well), started some laundry & put away my son's clothes. Then I got some rest while I was getting some mild contractions.


Meanwhile Daddy picked up our son at my parents & they had a father-son playdate at the mall where our son found a new playmate. It was great how excited our son was to see us. He kept telling us how much he missed us & asked if he could see the baby. :-) "Soon..." we told him.

False starts

Friday night we met with my parents at a local children's entertainment center. There we were having fun when I started to get regular contractions. After continuing to walk around, the contractions continued to get longer, stronger & closer together (the sign of real labor) during dinner. After over an hour of being less than five minutes apart, my parents took our son for the night while we drove to the hospital. When we arrived at the hospital, the contractions were two minutes apart regularly. They got us settled into a hospital room & didn't find out until 4:30 am that it was only pre-labor. I managed to get some sleep while contractions stayed about 20 min apart & stayed only 2-3 cm dilated. At 6:45 am, the contractions started again. Finally it was apparent that the contractions stopped whenever I lay down & started immediately again whenever I stood or walked around. Around 11 am, we realized there was nothing we could do & the pattern would continue without any progress. I was a week too early for them to induce & pain medication (which should have either progressed or relaxed) was keeping things status quot.


We checked out of the hospital, grabbed some lunch & decided to see the movie Rush Hour 3. You see, it's tradition for us to see a movie while I have pregnancy contractions & we hadn't done that yet. So off we went to see the afternoon matinee showing. During the movie (which was absolutely awful), I started to have intense contractions two minutes apart regularly over half an hour. We left the movie early & as I walked the intense contractions continued 20-30 seconds apart. We went home where I lay down right away after taking some Tylenol with Codeine to take the edge off the pain. After I lay down, the contractions eased up again. Whenever I walk (even to the bathroom), I start getting close intense contractions. So... the same pattern started all over again!


The pattern is that when I stand up or walk I get intense & regular contractions. Then when I lay down, they stop (except for the occasional mild ones). So in order to get through the next week I have to rest until at such a time when they can induce me or real labor begins regardless of whether I'm laying down or not. This is a far from ideal situation especially with a toddler but it's what need to be done for the baby's safety & well-being. Soon enough we'll be holding our newborn in our arms & everything will be worth it.

Marching to his own beat!

Dangerous but beautiful

Natural disasters (especially in the United States) are too uncontrollable for my tastes... volcanoes, earthquakes, hurricanes, etc. Although some of these places may be beautiful to live in, they can also be very dangerous. Some locations for example:

• Alaska
• Hawaii
• Florida
• Iceland
• California
• Indonesia
• Australia

The new baby's room!

Nice & neat

Last night we found & unpacked the last of the baby items (crib mobile & light, rattles, crib dust ruffle, burp clothes & hooded bath towels) in the basement, washed them & arranged the baby furniture (with the exception of the removal of the TV once the baby is born). So now it's all set for the baby's arrival, whenever that will be. There's one load of baby laundry to fold & put away & some returns to do (bought duplicate items at different times). The nice thing is that with all the furniture in the room (changing table, crib, three dressers, one bookcase, nightstand, lamps, glider & ottoman) that we didn't spend more than $20 on all of it together. Most of it has been from neighbors or freecycle! How awesome is that!

Last night before dinner I got some more irregular contractions which were more intense but stopped again. My hubby made an awesome dinner that went great with the zucchini-pineapple bread I had made earlier. After arranging the baby's room, he put our resisting son to bed while I managed to fold some laundry (in case the baby came overnight). Then I took my sleeping pill & we both hit the sack.

About 4 am, I woke up with excruciating pain & pressure on my low back & tailbone. I was in tears because it was so bad. Finally I took the Tylenol with Codeine (prescribed by my Dr) & that helped manage it a little better; at least enough to let me sleep as our son cuddled up to me (which is highly unusual).

This morning the pain & pressure on the tailbone & low back was a bit better but not much. Still pretty unbearable. So I got through breakfast, took some pain medication again & called the doctor. They said although I was 'very uncomfortable' that there wasn't much that could be done (like I figured) until they saw me next week again. I started to cry when my son came over & said "Uh-oh." Then he went off to call Daddy for help until I told my son I was ok. He came, sat on my lap, took my face in his hands & said, "Don't cry Mommy. It's okay. You miss Daddy?" I couldn't help but cry more. Then he said, "Stop crying. Stop crying Mommy." I got myself under control & said "Mommy's ok." Then he said, "Want to go on the jumper with ____ (our neighbor's daughter)?" I chuckled & said "No. Mommy can't move much now. Mommy's ok now. Thank you." He gave me a hug & then went off to play.

Then the local hospital because they had a cancellation & were able to get my massage appointment in during lunchtime versus this weekend. The massage really helped my back & tailbone pain. I also found out that the doctor can order a massage for you after giving birth. That sounds wonderful!

I rested & could move around if necessary with a dull pain (thanks to the pain medication). I should just accept the fact that maybe I need it to get through this. It bothers me though that I can get through the contractions (so far) without pain medication but cannot seem to handle this constantly increasing pressure on the tailbone, low back & pelvis as this baby pushes further & further into the birth canal. As my hubby & the nurse says, I have no choice but to get through this. Unfortunately if I want to do what's safe & best for the baby, that is what I have to do... get through this no matter what. I only have 16 days until my official due date, if I go that long.

Now the last of burp cloths & hooded bath towels are folded & the mobile toys & cloth rattles put away. Everything will be set so I'm finally calm enough to have this baby anytime. If we get to decorating the baby's room this weekend, great. If not, I'm okay with that because we have everything ready the baby to survive & manage with.

In the meantime, our son is getting very excited about having the baby. He asks me multiple times during the day, "Going to the doctor & have the baby? Can I come too?" He's so sweet that I can't help but feel more excited each moment myself.

How can these be 'parents'?

It's when you read about parents like this that makes you wonder how anybody can be so cruel, especially to their own children? Parents are supposed to be there to love, teach & guide their children. Nobody becomes a parent to 'teach a child a lesson' about how cruel the world is! That's just twisted!


After the infamous bridge collapse in Minniapolis, I wrote about a couple who survived the horrible accident on the way to see their child who had suffered a horrible injury. Now it seems that there's more to the story. The father may have very well abused the child causing the multiple serious injuries to his own child who may not even survive.


When such awful things truly happen, it's awful when others use the very system that is designed to protect children & make false accusations against the innocent. That is what makes it so difficult to know the truth is for victims on either side. It makes everyone question whether it is real abuse, a false accusation or just misreading actions or 'evidence'? I've known people who have suffered on both sides & neither is pleasant; regardless it haunts you for the rest of your life.

Traveling in Illinois?

If you have traveled in or through Illinois since Fall 2006 & missed paying a toll, you are likely to get a visit from the past! The Illinois State Toll Highway Authority is going after anyone who missed or skipped on tolls since that time period. Read more details here!

Common passwords

Did you ever wonder what the most common passwords are? Watch this video to find out!

Need a pick me up?

I know I could use a pick me up today. This video of a laughing baby was perfect. Check out the laugh!


Here's another one! Hope this brings a smile to your face like I needed it.

Powered by AOL Video

Big people in little places

Monday evening before we ran errands, my son wanted to surprise me. How he loves to do that these days!

Then it was time for father & son to surprise me with Daddy also sitting inside our son's log cabin. That's quite a feat for Daddy to accomplish since he's so tall!

Before we left, my son was very anxious to help Daddy bring in the garbage cans. He loves being helpful most the the time.

Last night we was having some bug bites graham cracker snacks & neatly lined them up next to him so he could eat them in order!

I also ventured out on my own last night to run a few quick errands. It was then that I saw this skyline with the sunset peaking through the clouds.

Today my son was playing horsey with the bead necklaces & our mobile kitchen island. He also had his first 'accident' while sitting down in the kitchen eating his afternoon snack. You see, he's wearing big boy underwear today & has been using the potty regularly all morning. When we started to took off the wet underwear, he said "Uh oh... lots of pee-pee!" We'll see how he does the remainder of the day.

Just a few...

BABY UPDATE:


Until this morning, I've only had one or two contractions since late Sunday night. Then today while I was making zucchini-pineapple bread, I started getting mild & somewhat regular contractions (about 7-11 min apart). After two hours, they stopped although my abdominal muscles remained tense. I'm seriously contemplating a walk this afternoon to see how that affects things if this baby is ready to venture out.

Sleepy & painful

Last night I was an utter sobbing mess because I didn't think I could handle the pain anymore. This morning at the doctor wasn't much better but I'm doing better this afternoon. It;s so much better when I don't move (although the pressure & movement still hurts then too).


I found out today I'm almost 2 cm dilated at 37 weeks. They gave me a prescription for bladder infection (which is causing the great discomfort), pain (which I plan not to use unless the pain is out of control & wracking my body), sleeping (which I definitely could use) & weekly massages to help me relax & ease my back pain (I'd be nuts not to do that). My mom & hubby thinks it's a girl but I really don't know. A girl would be a nice surprise so we'd have one of each. I'm so ready to be done in the meantime but I don't want to rush things along if the baby is not ready yet. It kills me to say that considering how I feel but it's the truth. This pregnancy has been a lot harder (especially now) than with my son. We're very excited about the names we have picked out.


Meanwhile our son is talking so much these days. He's very clear & precise about what his opinions are about well... everything! My hubby has so much more patience than I do these days but then he's not over nine months pregnant. Still he takes good care of me.

No news for now

Each day we're getting closer to have this baby. I've only had a few Braxton Hicks contractions since yesterday morning. On the other side, pressure on my pelvis, back & tailbone are increasing all the time. My stomach is constantly tense which is truly exhausting & painful. I would almost prefer it if they were irregular contractions with breaks in between.

More Mattel Recalls

The toy company Mattel have recalled even more toys now. Here is a list in addition to this link which helps you determine if it affects any of your toys or ones that somebody you know owns. Hope this helps pass the message on.

A big what???

This morning after we finished our shower, my son was sitting on the floor wrapped in a towel. As I turned around to get a towel for myself, my son saw my 9 month figure & said, "Woah... Big butt!" I couldn't help but laugh out loud for several minutes which made it even funnier for him & he had to say it again. When Daddy heard what he said, he also burst out laughing & then added, "Son, you never say that to a woman." (LOL)

Progress is being made

Last night we had a slight scare. The baby hadn't moved during the afternoon & I already had experienced three 'episodes' of minor Braxton Hicks contractions. Suddenly I got an incredibly severe contraction enough to make me cry immediately. It lasted for several minutes & felt like the real thing. It was like my body was doing a jumpstart! Luckily the baby started moving then so we knew the baby was ok. The contractions continued for the next three hours very irregular & all over the place. After three hours, they stopped although I was still uncomfortable if I moved around at all. then of course the baby started to move A LOT! I'm not sure if it was because of the position it was in or the fact that the baby's running out of room, but it felt like my insides were going through a boxing match against our unborn child. It's never hurt so much when the baby moved either. Thankfully it's better today.


Then this morning I lost my mucus plug & notified my doctor. So sometimes in the next two weeks, our second child should be coming into this world. Thankfully all else has been quiet today. The office did tell me that I'm far enough along that if labor should actually start now that they would let it go. So there's the current baby scoop!


In other news, we had a nice time visiting with all my hubby's relatives this weekend. We even got some video! Shocker! (LOL) Our son absolutely loves the water.

More towards the back

The past few nights I've started having 3-5 regular 'episodes' of braxton hicks each afternoon & evening. Last night I actually got some minor but painful back contractions. Although they were irregular, they were the real thing & lasted for about 10-15 minutes. These were not Braxtons & unexpected as of yet. Following that was another Braxton Hicks 'episode'. Finally they calmed down & I was able to sleep for a few hours.


Later my son woke up with a bad dream & joined us in bed. From there on, I couldn't get comfortable & 'slept' in 15 minute intervals. So at 4 am, I finally got up & gave up sleeping. (sigh) Not sure what too do now...

Just like Daddy!

Both my hubby & son got their haircut at lunch time today. Our son was so proud to be sitting in the chair next to Daddy getting his haircut at the same time. He behaved so well & was such a little man.


He was very excited about seeing Grandma & Grandpa today. He kept asking, 'Grandma Granda miss me?' He's also starting to use full sentences. I forget what it was exactly but tonight he said something to the effect of "I like the _____." Then when we were driving he told us he had to go potty & held it for 20 minutes until we got the restroom. His diaper was completely dry & he held it the entire time. We were so proud of him!!!

Practicing with babies

My son being sill & holding his baby so carefully.

Make sure the pacifier is in for the night.

Time to kiss baby good night gently.

Even cats need a place to relax, even if it is the 'baby's' bed.

Today our son got very interested in learning how to hold his own baby as if it were the real one coming home soon. So he practiced holding, swaddling & rocking his baby all day. It was so cute! He was very concerned about his baby & wanted to take good care of him. At naptime & bedtime, his baby went to bed with him with the pacifier in place & all!


During the afternoon, we saw the baby doctor who confirmed things are starting to get close with no real change yet (which is good considering I'm not considered full-term until next week). We did discuss skipping the labor medication (since I went pretty far until I needed it with my son & didn't last more than an hour) & go straight for an epidural. It's an idea that I would like to try for this next & last birth.

Last Minute Shopping

Last night we did some shopping for the last minute baby supplies. It's amazing that we got in & out of the baby's store within an hour! Of course it helped that we already decided on a double stroller to purchase in the future. Now it's just a matter of getting everything settled before the baby arrives.

Dancing baby

This morning the baby was dancing side to side to the beat of the kids music! It could have been a fluke but it was so cool. It lasted several minutes which was also amazing.

Yoda does it again

Birthdays, beds & bags!

Our son loved surprising Grandpa for his birthday. Can't you tell? (LOL)

The staff singing to the birthday man himself!

Smiling & breathing through one of my 'painless' Braxton Hicks contractions.

Last Friday night we celebrated my Dad’s birthday with my parents & my youngest sister with her boyfriend. It was a nice evening even if our son had ten times more energy than he usually does. Afterwards my parents watched our son overnight while my hubby & I went on our first date night in a very long time & probably last in a while with the second baby coming. We really wanted to just go home & go to bed but knew we needed the time alone together. So we saw the movie ‘I Now Pronounce You - Chuck & Larry’ which had some good laughs but a good plot too.

The next morning we got up early & went to our local hospital for a Lamaze refreshed class. It was very helpful just brushing up on breathing techniques, labor positions & other information that we didn’t remember the exact details of.

Then my youngest sister & her boyfriend met us to pick up our king mattress to accommodate our growing family & lack of bed space. This way no one will get kicked out of bed! (LOL) Once we got home, they helped us take down & store the old bed. They moved the furniture around while I cleaned up from the old bed. Then we took them to dinner as a thank-you for everything, got home & hubby set-up the bed while I put our son to bed. That night we had so much room in bed even with all my pillows! Even when our son crawled into bed with us (we had to show him how the night before) the next morning, we still didn’t run out of room. That’s the first time in years (since our son started walking)!

Sunday morning we actually woke up before our son did. Even after we undressed him, it still took him a few minutes in the shower with Daddy to wake-up. Then it was off to have breakfast with our friends (J&B) where we all got caught up & shared some laughs. It’s hard to see friends these days but really nice when we can.

Back home, Daddy had to work while my son & I visited with our neighbors. Unfortunately he had a little accident where he scraped up both knees good again. It happened when he was following his friend riding her bike 1 few houses down. Now imagine our son standing there crying while I’m 9 months pregnant & trying to run to get to him. What a site that was!!! (LOL) Later we had dinner & visited with my in-laws while my hubby worked on his mama’s computer.

Yesterday I finally packed my hospital bag (last time I had it ready 3 months before I had our son). We also have arrangements made for our son when the second one decides it wants out. During the afternoon thunderstorm, my son & I sat on the front porch with chips & water watching the wind & rain. Then he played in basement & helped me get some last minute baby items out of storage. For dinner, Daddy made a yummy steak dinner while our son refused to eat anything but his apples & cheese with ketchup. At least he’s eating!!!

36 weeks

I'm officially 9 months (36 weeks), feeling huge & hanging in there. The Braxton Hick contractions have really kicked into high gear making several appearances each day. I was sure that a male doctor made the discovery of Braxton Hicks because you cannot call them painless twinges! If you look here, you'll see I'm right!


I'm so huge right now... I can't bend over & this morning I actually got stuck laying down in our new bed! This is an interesting ride for sure!

Another year around!

Happy birthday to my father!!! Remember that you're only as old as you feel.

You want more kids???

I always wondered how my parents handled so many kids & then I read about this woman who had her 17th kids & their still talking about more!!! Here is their webpage (which may be having some issues).


I also found this great article about IVF & how common it's become. Here it gives great information about what exactly is involved in the IVF process (at least until you become pregnant). Then of course, they talk about the risks involved.

Netflix, mosquitoes & big baby!

Last night we went grocery shopping & Daddy went on a game night with his friends. As my son & I were driving home, I called a well-known radio show. They asked if they could put me on a call-back & I said sure. Tonight the host called & we chatted about kids movies. Then she said she was giving me a 6 month subscription to Netflix! How cool is that??? Just for being a nice person. I won't complain about that. :-)

My son was bitten alive by mosquitoes the other night & is covered with four to six on each limb & then two on his face! I also got my own share but now we're trying to teach him to not scratch. That makes life interesting.

This morning we visited & dropped off some local info for our new neighbors again while our driveway was being sealed. The two boys ran everywhere! (LOL) Our son was in awe of our 'new' driveway & is learning not to step on it because it's like paint. We have to wait for it to dry.

This afternoon we went to the baby doctor where I got my 35 week ultrasound done. There they informed us the baby was 'very healthy' & weighed about 6 lb & 14 oz! The normal about now is 5 & 3/4 lbs so I was startled by that. They estimate the baby will be about 9 lbs then if I go to full-term. Wow! Anyhow since I woke up, I've been getting some nasty Braxton Hicks contractions so they told me to take it easy & rest. Then this afternoon they increased tenfold & became much more frequent. At one point, my hubby had to come help me out because they were so debilitating. Meanwhile my son's been very good though listening, helping me out & being very concerned about Mommy.

Overall, today has been a good day. Life is good & only about a month til the baby is due! It's flying by!!!

Keeping hope alive

I recently saw on tv how mythbusters revealed it only took being submerged inside a car under two feet underwater with the windows closed to trap a personinside the car unless you had special equipment to break the glass & get out. Now we've been hearing about the bridge collapse in Minneapolis. It make my heart break to know how others & their families must be suffering during this tragedy. Send you thoughts to all those families there, left wondering the unknown.

This is one couple's story who survived it all following a horrible accident that morning!

Time to move in!

Early this morning my hubby put together the log cabin playhouse for my son which he loved. He immediately moved his chairs into it & starting playing in it. I brought out a set of plates & cups along with a play phone for him to use out there. ‘People’ immediately started calling so we spent the next 15 minutes ‘on the phone’. We talked to Grandma, Grandpa, Cookie Monster, Elmo & of course my son! (LOL) I can see many hours spent playing here!

Movies, Animals & Weddings... Oh my!!!

Friday night a nearby local town hosted a free movie (Over the Hedge) night complete with a concession stand (water bottles, root beer floats, candy bars, popcorn, & homemade cookies) that was by donation only. There were a lot of families there so our son had a ball playing with many different kids. Once the movie started, the parking lot was treated like a real theater. Our son looked like a little man sitting in his own child-sized folding chair. When the kids sitting next to us started talking, our son went over & said, “Quiet please.” It was a nice relaxing night for all of us.

Saturday we went to the zoo where my hubby’s sister & brother-in-law joined us.

We got to do things that we don’t normally see like the baby bear playing with his mommy…

And visit like the bird exhibit & water play area. He loved running through the water.

He even made friends with a gorilla! When we were leaving, he was so tired he beat his own record & fell asleep in Daddy’s arms before we even got to the parking lot!

On the way home during a beautiful sunset, we stopped by my sister’s boyfriend’s house. They helped take apart a neighbor’s old Little Tykes Log Cabin playhouse which was in good condition other than dirty from years of disuse. Afterwards we chatted & watched the best fireworks display we have ever seen! On the way home, we saw some firefighters at a nearby home where it appeared that some firework remains had landed, possibly causing a small fire.

Sunday we went to my hubby’s cousin’s wedding. My son was simply adorable in his suit & vest

The food was scrumptious!

We had fun visiting with relatives, dancing to the music (yes… even I danced at 8 months pregnant after taking off my 3” heels) & visiting the upstairs restaurant where the walls were covered with stuffed animals of all sorts.

Our son kept going back between dancing, visiting people playing outdoor activities & visiting the animal room.

When we got home, our son started trying on my dress shoes & loved walking around in them. His father was not happy about it but he was having so much fun, I didn’t see any harm. LOL

Monday I picked up a white fall coat from freecycle that is practically new! Hopefully I’ll be able to use after the baby comes this fall. In the evening, we went to look at king-size mattresses at a local warehouse where they were 40-70% discounted due to overstock. We found one that we liked for a good deal that we couldn’t pass up. Once it arrives, we will finally have a king-size bed with enough room for my pregnant self (& my 7 pillows), my hubby & our son when he crawls into bed with us in the mornings for a short bit. We also recently picked up a basic metal king-sized bed frame in preparation for this event. So we should be able to start using the bed this weekend hopefully! Whahoo! We are so looking forward to having room!

Afterwards we picked the Little Tykes Log Cabin house & blue buffet table in great shape for my sister-in-law. Then it was off to get some Chinese food with my youngest sister & her boyfriend. On the way home, we found another white shelf set which had never been used or even put together to use in the baby’s room.

Tuesday afternoon in the afternoon heat, I sprayed & cleaned off the log cabin house for my son while he played outside & discovered swinging (which he hasn’t been into until now). He loved going high! He heard the ice cream truck & so we all got ice cream (like we promised him after dinner last night). We chatted with our neighbor a bit & then it was time for my son’s afternoon nap. He was so tired that after he went potty, he crawled into my lap buck naked & started going to sleep right there! I got him upstairs in bed & then I started to bake some cookies for our new neighbors moving in across the street. When my son woke up, he wanted to bring a sucker to the little boy across the street. We went over & introduced ourselves bringing them chocolate chip cookies, suckers & sunflower seeds. We also gave them the number of a good pizza place (which is always good on moving day). Meanwhile, my hubby picked up a white dresser & king-size wooden bed frame (which may not work we found out due to the size difference between king & California King) which were both in good condition.

At bedtime, my son is getting more willing to brush his teeth. He does it by himself at the same time I do it & it’s much easier. Afterwards I do a quick second round for him. Then he picked out a book while I washed my face & got my pajamas on. When he saw I had my cloth headband on to keep the hair out of my face, he took one look & said smiling, “Pretty cool.” He asked to help me load the laundry, we read our books together & then it was off to bed. That’s when I got to relax, catch up on my blog here & read up on some fantastic genealogy research my mother got for me during her sisters’ weekend from my aunt.