"This to shall pass"

I promise to update about Addison and her arrival as soon as I send my Christmas cards out... but, until then....

Tonight we were saying prayers and as we were kneeling a member of my family... um... passed gas?!?!?!?!

Julia immediately said "POOPY" (except in a very long, drawn out hilarious toddler voice.)

We just kept praying through the laughs. I'm sure the big guy understands.

Dan: "I hope this baby comes tonight"
Me: "Why?"
Dan: "I'm just ready for her to come. I don't know. I'm just anxious for her to get here."
Me: "Yeah. Me too... but, that's because I huge and I can't sleep. Why are you so anxious".
Dan: "I don't know."

As of 10:03 pm tonight, I will be more pregnant then I ever was with Julia. At 10:03pm, I will officially be a sleep -- to avoid noticing if it bothers me or not.

*Next appointment - Tuesday. I'll update later.

Minute To Win It

Two of Dan's amazingly talented and beautiful cousins will be on Minute To Win It on December 7th! We are so excited. Watch it -- they are the one's wearing plaid (and yes, that little girl shaking her bum, is Gracie -- on of their overly cute children!)

The List....

Everything on the list is done.
Checked off.
Completed (as of Saturday Night).
.... except packing a bag.

To bad my house doesn't stay clean for longer than a couple days.

So, packing a bag and picking a name and then this baby is welcome to come into our family. Starting today we a full-term. After Wednesday, I'll have all the assignments completed for this semester that I possibly can minus on quiz and one final.

I'd say we are ready. We need to buy newborn diapers but, the coupon we are using isn't valid until 11/27. It's a good one $7 off.

We are having a hard time wrapping our minds around the idea of having two kids. We are both excited but, I don't think it is going to seem real until we see her and hold her.

Things People Don't Tell You About Being Pregnant....

If you get a cold when you are 37 weeks pregnant -- you will pee your pants.

Oh, I almost forgot.....

Make two freezer meals...

When Julia was born we stocked up on Tombstone frozen pizza. It worked... but, I think a few freezer meals would be better. However, my dad (yeah, you read that right.... we are fighting stereotypes in our house) is coming to help us during finals and he is an awesome cook. I don't think we'll have to much to worry about.

One Final To-Do List

I made my "final" to-do list (I think) a few nights ago. I really only make a list so I can mark things off of it. It's short and I'm overly excited to complete it this weekend.

Clean our Bathroom
Clean the computer desk
Clean the car
Find a place for Bottles in the kitchen
Clean/Organize the Pantry
Organize the Book Shelve
Pack a Bag
Finish work for this semester

Today, I hope to have all except the work for the semester completed. I have one more "experiance for children" on Wednesday so, this kid can't come before then... however, it's fair game after Thanksgiving.

For those interested....

50% effaced and only 8cm to go.... :)

36 (ish Weeks)

During our Ultrasound on Friday we learned that...

1) This baby really is a girl
2) She's about 5lbs 14oz (That's how much Julia weighed when we brought her home)
3) She's not measuring big.... I am.

... and yes, I cropped my face out because 1) I didn't have any make-up on and 2)I don't like looking at all my chins. :)

A few weeks ago...

I said I would explain more later. It's later (much later) and I should explain before I forget.

I don't doubt that I'm a good mom, even a great mom. There are a lot of things I have major insecurities about in life but parenting is what I was born to do. I'm fun, I'm patient and I seriously love being "Julia's mom".

However, I'm tired and even though I am a good mom, I know I could be a better mom. Julia's smart -- so she hasn't really suffered, but on days where Dan and I spend at school and Julia spends inside, it breaks my heart. Seriously, it makes me want to drop out of school and spend all day everyday playing with the funniest kid I know.

I had my advising for next semester around the time I posted my last post. My advisor knows me, and knows me well. She knows that if I don't graduate with a 4.0, I will feel like I, "just finished school". She said, "that baby right there (pointing to my stomach and the two walking around the halls (Dan and Julia) are more important than any "A" you will ever make. I know that, but I can't wrap my mind around the idea of making a B.

So, next semester, I'm only taking 2 classes. I'll graduate around the time Dan does (do I really want to graduate before him anyway? He might expect me to get a job.... (kidding).

Anyhow, that's my rant on motherhood. I love it. I'm excited to see this other child tomorrow. Hopefully, she'll have a name sooner or later.

5 More weeks! :)

This week...

I needed to see this video.



I need to get hugs from this baby.


I needed to laugh at my wonderful husband.


I'll post more later and explain (Ana). :)

This week...

Atlanta, GA

We went to Stone Mountain. We slept in a tent.

Tomorrow....

This.



Will go back to this.... (+1)



And I will stay like this...




HUGE!

I am really excited. Jenna (Dan's sister) is having a baby tomorrow. Our first nephew (and the only one for a while). It's fun. Julia and Claire (the youngest) are only about 4 months apart. Polka-dot and our baby will only be about 6 weeks apart... and Dan and Audrey (that's Jenna's oldest) act like they are about the same age. :) (Totally kidding) Needless to say, we love spending time with their family and can't wait to see this little guy!

And... there was color.

The neat thing about me being a parent... (besides the previous post) is that I'm pretty smart when it comes to kids and how they learn. The neat thing about being Julia's parent... is that she takes us up on every opportunity we give her to explore her world.

This is how she colors.... every time.

We didn't even have to mapquest directions....

I love cooking. Dan and I set a goal a while ago that said we would have someone over to dinner at least one Sunday a month (not including the missionaries). Last night, was the first night that this was going to happen in.... FOREVER!

Our friends coming over are amazing. We both really enjoy their company and Julia and their little girl (Eve) are pretty close in age. I was excited. I woke up and made spaghetti sauce and sat bread out to raise. We went to church, I came home made manicotti and a gooey toffee butter cake! Everything smelled amazing.

Shortly before our friends we going to arrive I went the pull the bread out of the oven.... so did Julia. Both hands, on the oven door. I have never heard my child cry so long and so hard. I was heart broken (but, I'll post about that later.)

Our friends were on their way (one of the is a P.A.) so, we were happy to have her advice while we waited to hear back from the Dr. Basically, what they said was take her to the ER so they could get a better look at it and we are glad we did. 2 hours of straight screaming was hard on everyone.

Another trip to the ER for our family. Sad part is, we didn't even have to mapquest directions... (Which is a big deal for Dan and I getting to a place in downtown Charlotte... but, I'll continue). At the ER they gave her a cream (Silvadene) and some pain medication (Lortab), wrapped up her had that had the most damage and sent us home.

Wanna know the ironic part? We sent dinner home with our friends and they had a very yummy smelling fresh baked dinner and our family grabbed McDonald's. (That's right, the worst of the worst).

But, Julia slept in our bed last night (a treat for her... and long night for everyone else) and did well. We kept her medicated and she slept from 11:00 until 8:30 am. Today, she is acting a lot better and it doesn't seem like her hands are bothering her to much.

I'm Mormon but... not like that.

So, I sent the facebook "Breast Cancer Awareness" forward to some of my friends. I like it, it makes me laugh and better yet -- I don't think it really matters "where you like it"....

...but, then again, I have been married for 3 years, am pregnant with my second child and am obviously not to uptight to laugh when there is sexual innuendo in the mist...

So... just so you know. I like it in the bedroom. (Really, in the diaper bag...)

A New Layout... A fresh start...

Some of my friends have posted about not being able to post about what they "want" to post. Some of my friends, I guess are just like I am in that regard. I have a blog, to vent to the world -- about the good and the bad...and then I post with a coat of sugar on everything.

My blog, finally has a new layout. I promise it will have more post about stuff that I REALLY care about. I promise that as you read it -- you will get a glimpse into how my day/week/life is going. No sugar, no sweet stuff, just the honest to goodness, ups and downs and being a wife, mother and student.

I wont post for comments. I'll post for me. Honestly, I'm not writing a newspaper and waiting on the next big story, my blog is my life.... it is one big story.. and I LOVE where it is going.

Quoting Apostles

Today during church someone quote President Eyring. My mind started to wonder about my "favorite" apostle. I LOVE Jeffrey R. Holland.... and I leaned over to Dan and asked, "Do you like the name Holland for a girl"?

Surprisingly, and I was really surprised he said, "Yes, I think so."

So, does anyone else like it? Or does it just sound stupid? Let me know, honestly. We aren't sold on it. There are still others we aren't sure if we like. I'm just wondering.

Utah --- Baby Haven (or not) but, either way they do gender check Ultrasounds for $45. A lot less then we were spending out gender neutral stuff... so, while we were out west for Dan's family reunion we gave in - spent the $45 - and found out what we were having!

Another Little Girl!

We are both pretty excited, with the exception that Dan is set on a name and I don't really love it... So, any girl name suggestions that you are willing to share are freely welcomed.

Here is a list of likes and dislikes:

I love the name Jane -- Dan hates it.
I like the name Emma - Dan likes the name Emma (but, it is horribly popular and we don't like that.
I am not sold on the name Lyla - Dan refers to the baby as Lyla Grace. (Basically, I am so against name stealing that naming a child Lyla goes against everything I fight for...)

We go through list and cant find anything we like. I'm lost for a name for the baby.. and we only have 15 weeks to get our act together.

What Dan says...

Here is a glimpse of what I live with.... I love Dan. He makes me laugh.


Julia was yelling in the car and he turned around, looked at her (with a serious face) and said, "No wonder Tigers eat their young".

After Julia climbed in the dryer, To me: "Aren't you going to turn it on?"
Me: "No. That's not safe".
Dan: "I would if she was older... like two."
Me: "What?"
Dan: " Wouldn't you do it to Audrey (our 4 year old niece)? Jenna (His sister) would laugh".
Me: "Um... No, kids in dryers aren't funny."

Random Thoughts.... Of Julia

Julia is talking a lot. She tries to say everything but currently LOVES talking on the phone and saying, "HA" (You know, like a true southerner)

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I love how Julia gives kisses. She says, "MWAHHH"

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I love how Julia spins in circles until she falls down

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I love how Julia walks around on her tips toes like a dancer

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I love how Julia laughs at everything when she is tired

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I love being Julia's mom. I feel so lucky to have her in our family and forever. She's the perfect combination of spunk and sweet. She's smart and funny. Her nose is just about the cutest thing I have EVER seen. Basically, I love Julia.

I love Craigslist...

So... since we don't know what this baby is we've started to go neutral. We are selling everything on Craigslist that is pink and replacing it with other colors (not blue, not pink).

So, here is an e-mail I got today. I laughed and then shared it with Dan. He laughed too.

"hello do you still have the pink boppy chair? If so I can be reached @ 704-###-####. Thank you Unique ( that's my name) "

Now, I've heard of names a lot "worse" then Unique... but, I still felt bad that her parents did that to her. What if every time you signed your name you'd have to clarify (That's my name).... Crazy people.

Dear Ana,

Remember when you said, "Really.... Really.... IDIOT!"

What if I want to yell that at people too (except, I'm related to them!)?

It's time for bed.

Julia reminds me of this.....

Is that normal?

"That really still happens...."

Yes, it really does STILL happen.

After much deliberation and seeing the distress not knowing what we were having would have on Dan I gave in and during our ultrasound I told the technician that we wanted to know what "it" was.

She measured all the important stuff -- heart, brain, head, stomach... It all looks great. Now, for the "fun" and "exciting" part... (at least, I think it is the fun and exciting part)the sex of our baby and the pictures of it's cute little face.

She went looking for the gender -- NO LUCK! Seriously, legs so tight together that you probably wouldn't be able to slide a playing card between "it's knees".... We poked and pushed but, no luck... The baby just kicked back (probably something that has been very useful since we have a Julia that climbs and jumps on me).

Then, the very nice lady switched from 2D to 3D to get a good picture of "it's" face. Well -- "It'" likes to lay face down in the placenta allowing very little fluid to be around "it's" face there for not allowing for a very pretty picture...


Needless to say, the ultrasound was mega disappointing and I was in tears.... We have great pictures of "it's" arms and legs but not much more.

I'm better today. I separated all of Julia's clothes into newborn girl, gender neutral and then 0-6 months and 6-12 months today. I pulled out our gender neutral bedding and packed up Julia's bedding since we'll be moving and a few weeks and she will be moving to a big girl bed. I bought a few boy outfits to add to the new born collection just in case and if not -- they will turn into gifts... and I am set and excited to let this baby be a surprise.

Everything about this child has been a surprise so far - it will be born right around Christmas (so, we can buy it more clothes then if we need too) and it will be a lot of fun finding out when it is born... RIGHT?

A friend....

From church invited Julia and I to a very amazing pool in her neighborhood today. We had a lot of fun and played for several hours. I made sure to sunscreen Julia up 3 or 4 times while we were there. I did my traditional on coat of SPF 8 (or 15) and left the house.....


.... to bad I forgot to have Dan put sunscreen on my back because now I have a nice tan with a lobster red back.

To Know... or Not to know....

That's my question.

Our ultrasound is scheduled for July 23rd (afternoon). I am slightly opposed to finding out.... Dan will always be opposed to NOT finding out.

2 Questions:

1) What do you think we are having?*

2) Should we find out?



*Dan and I go back and forth on this baby. I've had about 9 dreams it is a boy and 1 dream that it is a girl. The heartbeat has been 147 and 155. I'm craving Orange Juice, Spicy Food, Shrimp and Fruit. Most days, Dan and I say its a boy but, it often changes.

My Child The Beast

Today at church Julia was sharing snacks with her "friend" Koryn (who is almost 20 months old). Koryn had cheerios, Julia had goldfish. Their snack containers were the same, except different colors.

Julia was snacking on Koryns Cheerios when all of a sudden she stood up and darted down the hall with them. Koryn followed after her and was crying about 10 feet into the chase. Julia kept running, Koryn kept crying (and running). Julia showed no mercy -- it took the intervention of me and Koryn's mom to stop the chaos.

I love Julia. I love her dominate, go-get-it personality.... I'm just afraid we will have a lot more days like this.

The great thing is -- Julia loves big kids and every child under five now she points to and signs "baby"....

I wonder how old she thinks she is?

Checking Out....

Do you ever have days (err... or weeks) were you feel like you have checked out of life? I'm in that rut.

I'm not seeking pity, I'm just loathing in my own silly sorrows that sometimes overwhelm me.

Today at church, I wanted to leave because I thought -- "I really don't have any friends here...."

The other day, I thought about how much I didn't want to be pregnant because I am so tired of being fat.

Today, I'm just tired.

Saturday -- I didn't want to leave the house because I don't like riding in a car with no A/C when it is 90 degrees plus outside .... (but, I did).

I feel like I really have checked out of life and there is little that I want to do about it right now....

but there are things that I know.

I know -- I do have friends in Charlotte, I just don't have a best friend in Charlotte.

I know that it is better for me to be a great mom, then a skinny mom (and I KNOW I am a GREAT mom).

I know that for the year(ish) that Dan and I couldn't get pregnant, I would have given anything to have a baby... I remember those days and it makes the 280 days of vomiting and fatigue I endure well worth it.

When we are riding in the car and we pass a lady who is walking, pushing a stroller with a young child in it and a toddler sitting in the basket underneath -- I am grateful for our car (even without air conditioning).

Call it depression, call it just being worn out from taking a summer class, being pregnant, a mother of a "very active" 15 month old and trying to keep a clean house and plan my mother's 50th birthday party and figure out how to get ready for a move.... call it whatever you want...

but lately, I just want to stay inside and sleep......

I love RECIPES

I love when people share recipes (I think that is what they were made for).

Memorial Day weekend we tried a new recipe that was amazing. I'm sharing it.


LIME CHICKEN AND SHRIMP KOBOBS

Ingredients

2/3 cup vegetable oil
3 limes, juiced
2 tablespoons vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 (16-ounce) can pineapple rings, drained, cut into 1-inch pieces
6 boneless, skinless, chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 pound large fresh shrimp, peeled and de-veined

Directions
Special Equipment: skewers

In a small bowl, whisk oil, lime juice, vinegar, sugar, and crushed red pepper.

In a shallow dish or re-sealable plastic bag, combine bell pepper, onion, pineapple, chicken, and shrimp. Pour lime mixture over chicken mixture; cover dish or seal bag, and place in the refrigerator to for 4 to 6 hours to marinate.

Heat grill to 350 to 400 degrees F.

Using tongs, remove chicken, vegetable pieces, pineapple and shrimp from marinade, discarding the marinade. Onto the skewers, thread 1 piece of chicken; 1 piece of pepper, 1 piece of onion, and 1 piece of pineapple, alternating to fill the skewer. Do the same thing with the shrimp alternating shrimp, pepper, onion, and pineapple to fill the skewer.

Place chicken kabobs on the grill, cover with grill lid, and cook for 15 minutes or until chicken is cooked throughout, with no pink center, turning occasionally.

Place shrimp kabobs on the grill, cover with grill lid over and cook for 6 to 8 minutes or until shrimp turn pink, and are cooked throughout, turning once.

Remove skewers from grill and serve immediately.

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SO EASY. SO YUMMY!

I've Been Thinking....

Several things have been on my mind lately... which include but are not limited to the following....


Julia

*This is not a good picture -- it just makes me smile.


Clomid



Blessings


Surprises



December 14th, 2010




.... adventually I will share this joyful information with my other "social networks" (facebook) but for now, I am still processing the information.

Dear John

I cried.

Camping

We went camping agian in Atlanta. We just love Stone Mountain! It has been a nice getaway for out family and we look forward to going back a few times this summer. Dan's mom, dad and brother meet up with us and we got to spend a day with them hiking and doing all the festivities that park has to offer. I even made my mother-in-law a birthday cake that made the 4 hour trip in the car. (Basically, I'm awesome). :)

Here are some pictures (because we all know that is the only thing we have time to look at sometimes when we catch up on our blogs).

Child and Family Development - UNCC

I am currently taking my #2 of 4 SPED classes I need before graduation in December (don't get to excited -- December of 2011.... Other things will happen this December though, I am sure).

We had a test today which means most of my time the last 48 hours has been devoted to note cards and textbooks but, I have realized a lot already. Besides the never-ending knowledge of public laws that I could rattle off to you I realize the difference between Special Education Majors (and the majority of others). SPED students really learn to "value" disabilities. We are taught and reminded that everyone is different and a disability is a difference.

I know that about myself. I have never been intimidated by a disability (not that I can remember). I love the teacher I have now because she reminds us always, "If we think it is amazing to see a typically developing kid take their first step or say their first word, you wait to see the excitement when a child with CP or MR does it."



I also love my degree from a religious stand point. I mean really, we know that these children are choice and promised exaltation.. What a blessing it will be to carry the knowledge I am gaining now throughout my life to be an advocate for children and families.

Almost 14 Months ago....

.... I last updated my blog.... No, that isn't right but, it has been way to long.

Almost 14 months ago I gave birth to a cute, funny, wonderful, smart, crazy baby girl.

Julia is a hoot and we just love (almost) every second with her. She is at that age where she is picking up on this so quickly and it amazes me how perfect she is.

Julia can now sign 1)Eat, 2)More, 3)Finished, 4)Water, 5)Milk and we are working on please and thank you.

Julia can walk, run, climb and drink out of a big girl cup..

Julia tried to throw a tantrum but her attention span is way to short that she gets distracted 10 seconds into and goes play with the toy that distracted her.

Here is a picture of Julia on March 19th, 2009




Here is a picture of Julia on May 10th, 2010





All-in-all we have been super busy in our house keeping up with Julia and finals but the school year is coming to an end and I am sure I will have a lot more time in the upcoming weeks.

It's been a while

I promise I will do better with updating my blog.......

..... next week. (Today, I just don't feel like it.)