Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate. For some reason, I am needing some sweetness in my life, so I have decided to do some baking. Plus - Emma and I are providing Halloween cupcakes to her daycare party tomorrow, so that is attributing to the madness. Today I have made Halloween cupcakes, a double batch of chocolate pudding and when I am done posting this I will be making roll-out chocolate cookies. YUM! Like I said before, apparently I am needing some chocolate - but hey, it is not like they give away chocolate on the streets. Oh wait - tomorrow they are :-)
This week has been good. Evan slept in his crib for the whole night yesterday - that is progress. He seems to like swaddling now. Yes, I have tried it before, but he seemed to not like it. As of yesterday, he likes it. It calms him right down now. Before he would get pretty pissed off. SO - he is starting to sleep better. -big sigh of relief! For the most part he is still napping in his carseat, but I have learned to deal with it. Plus, for the past few days we have been out running errands around 10ish or so, so he is already in his car seat. Then, he takes about a 2-4 hour nap. LOVES IT!
Emma is super excited for Halloween and I don't blame her - we have quite the day tomorrow. She has her daycare party tomorrow then tomorrow afternoon & evening, we are having a party here with her cousins. Both my sisters and children will be here, along with an aunt and cousin from Milwaukee. Oh - and Nana! So, we are having a Halloween train. Last year, we took the girls out in Tim's trailer behind the lawnmower. This year however, there is not enough room, so we borrowed a trailer from another neighbor to hook up also. So - we have one lawnmower and two trailers! It should be a lot of fun! Even Kristen and I are getting into it and are dressing up. I will be a witch - and no, I don't need the jokes :-) Thankfully it is supposed to be nice out so the girls don't have to be so bundled.
This past weekend we were up at the cabin for 3 days. A small vacation! Friday we hung out as it was pretty rainy up there and I watched the Sex and the City movie again (LOVE IT!) and finally did some some scrapbooking. I have been in the mood for that lately and have completed two pages and have many more swirling around in my head. Saturday I took the kids to visit a friend in Duluth. That was great! They have a little girl that is almost 2 - Lilly- and her and Emma had a great time running around.
Not much else is going on. I have a bunch of cute pictures, but for some reason, Photoshop is not working at the moment. Or yesterday either for that matter. HMMM.. weird.
Have a great Halloween everyone! Be safe and eat LOTS of candy!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
A question to my readers
I have a question for my readers - I am needing to download songs to my MP3 player. What are the youngsters using to do that now days? I know about Napster - but is there any other site which I can legally purchase MP3's? I need good playlists for working out :-) yup, still motivated! Feel free to email or comment. THANKS!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Out of the mouth of Babes
As said by my little girl while we were outside playing at the farm:
Emma in an excited voice pointing at the cow yard: "Mama - there'a a polar bear down there!!"
My Mother trying to hide the laugh: "No Emma, that's a cow. It just doesn't have many black spots."
Emma: "Oh."
Emma in an excited voice pointing at the cow yard: "Mama - there'a a polar bear down there!!"
My Mother trying to hide the laugh: "No Emma, that's a cow. It just doesn't have many black spots."
Emma: "Oh."
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Live from the farm
Hello everyone - this post is coming to you live at the farm. We just got back from my Uncle Warren's auction and I have two sleeping children, which is very nice. Many will say that I should sleep also, but I actually got sleep last night, so I am not too tired. Evan has his good nights and his bad nights. Fortunately last night was a good one - he only got up twice to eat. He slept with me for most of it and even though he is so tiny, he tends to be a bed hog. He is a cuddle bug, which I like, but when I end up sleeping on the edge of the bed because he keeps inching closer and closer, it makes for some interesting sleep.
Tim is in South Dakota on his yearly pheasant hunting trip, so for my sanity, we came down to my parents so they can help out. Poor little Evan is still a tad on the fussy side, so it is nice to have some help with the older sister while I try to keep the little one happy.
Emma is still adjusting to the whole situation. Hopefully the adjustment period is done soon - some days are very hard. Last Tuesday night she had a TOTAL BREAKDOWN in Borders. Not sure what brought it on as we were there to buy her a book for going potty and when I tried to pick out my next selection for book club, she had the meltdown. Yup, my kid was the one screaming and kicking in the aisles. Lovely. Then I tried to pick her up, which led to more arms and legs flailing about. Needless to say I was totally MORTIFIED. So, I left all the books there (which really pissed her off) and carried her and pushed Evan out to the car. Thankfully the little guy was sleeping for most of it. Once to the car, she absolutely refused to sit in her car seat. After about 5-10 minutes of her screaming and crying, I call my husband as I was unsure of what to do. (with Emma screaming in the background "DON'T CALL MY DADDY!!!) In the end, I had to physically force her down so I could buckle her in. Needless to say while this was going on, I was pretty sure one of the other customers of Borders was going to accuse me of child abuse and call the cops. Seriously - I was worried about that! In this day, you never know. Thankfully child services has not been to our house.
Later that night, Tim got her to apologize to me and when I told her that I loved her, she looked at me with her big blue eyes and said, "you do, Mama?" Which almost made me cry. I hope she never doubted that, but to be honest, I was pretty frustrated with her throughout the whole ordeal. Terrible Two's....
After that, the rest of the week went well. I brought Evan to work on Wednesday to meet my group, which went really well. He cried a bit and I got the news that I have a new boss, new responsibilities, and my best friend at work was let go as she works in Duluth and all responsibilities will be in Minnetonka. What a shock! I told my boss he could have given me some warning first as I thought this was just a feel-good visit and not a "Kelly, sit down, we need to chat" visit.
We got to the farm on Friday after my 6 week post-partum. That went well. I got the okay to start working out... So - Jess, Eric, and John L. - time to start training for that triathlon, because I am ready! Hopefully the 4 of us will be doing the Lifetime Triathlon next year. The 3 people previously mentioned all said they would sign up if I did and I am ready :-) Now, If I can only find the time to work out...
The Farm trip is good. We went for 4 wheeler riders in the forest as Emma called it and visited the neighbor's gold fish. Tomorrow Emma is hoping for a combine ride and I think we are going to visit some other family members tonight. Tim is coming home tomorrow night, so it will be good to see him too. I told him he is going to be on baby duty after that, so he can try to get the little guy to sleep after having 3 nights away.
I should run, I am just babbling. I want to try and upload some pictures on Mom's computer.
Tim is in South Dakota on his yearly pheasant hunting trip, so for my sanity, we came down to my parents so they can help out. Poor little Evan is still a tad on the fussy side, so it is nice to have some help with the older sister while I try to keep the little one happy.
Emma is still adjusting to the whole situation. Hopefully the adjustment period is done soon - some days are very hard. Last Tuesday night she had a TOTAL BREAKDOWN in Borders. Not sure what brought it on as we were there to buy her a book for going potty and when I tried to pick out my next selection for book club, she had the meltdown. Yup, my kid was the one screaming and kicking in the aisles. Lovely. Then I tried to pick her up, which led to more arms and legs flailing about. Needless to say I was totally MORTIFIED. So, I left all the books there (which really pissed her off) and carried her and pushed Evan out to the car. Thankfully the little guy was sleeping for most of it. Once to the car, she absolutely refused to sit in her car seat. After about 5-10 minutes of her screaming and crying, I call my husband as I was unsure of what to do. (with Emma screaming in the background "DON'T CALL MY DADDY!!!) In the end, I had to physically force her down so I could buckle her in. Needless to say while this was going on, I was pretty sure one of the other customers of Borders was going to accuse me of child abuse and call the cops. Seriously - I was worried about that! In this day, you never know. Thankfully child services has not been to our house.
Later that night, Tim got her to apologize to me and when I told her that I loved her, she looked at me with her big blue eyes and said, "you do, Mama?" Which almost made me cry. I hope she never doubted that, but to be honest, I was pretty frustrated with her throughout the whole ordeal. Terrible Two's....
After that, the rest of the week went well. I brought Evan to work on Wednesday to meet my group, which went really well. He cried a bit and I got the news that I have a new boss, new responsibilities, and my best friend at work was let go as she works in Duluth and all responsibilities will be in Minnetonka. What a shock! I told my boss he could have given me some warning first as I thought this was just a feel-good visit and not a "Kelly, sit down, we need to chat" visit.
We got to the farm on Friday after my 6 week post-partum. That went well. I got the okay to start working out... So - Jess, Eric, and John L. - time to start training for that triathlon, because I am ready! Hopefully the 4 of us will be doing the Lifetime Triathlon next year. The 3 people previously mentioned all said they would sign up if I did and I am ready :-) Now, If I can only find the time to work out...
The Farm trip is good. We went for 4 wheeler riders in the forest as Emma called it and visited the neighbor's gold fish. Tomorrow Emma is hoping for a combine ride and I think we are going to visit some other family members tonight. Tim is coming home tomorrow night, so it will be good to see him too. I told him he is going to be on baby duty after that, so he can try to get the little guy to sleep after having 3 nights away.
I should run, I am just babbling. I want to try and upload some pictures on Mom's computer.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
My little man sleeps!
Finally - Praise the Lord - my little Evan sleeps! He only woke up twice last night! Plus, I fell asleep at 8:30 so I got some sleep. He is now sleeping in his crib (which he is doing better also!) so I am drinking my coffee, catching up on Lipstick Jungle, and hoping to do some digital scrapbooking! What a great morning so far - and it is only 8:00am!
I know I say this almost every post - but I love Fall! We had a great weekend enjoying the beautiful weather. Saturday we went to an Apple Orchard around here so Emma could pick some apples. She loves climbing around the little train that was there and seeing the animals, but most of all, she loved helping her Daddy pick some apples. She was so proud of herself and ate an entire apple on her own while we were out there. Normally I am not sure how fond she is of apples, she loved it there. Evan skipped out on the experience and slep for a total of 5 hours in his carseat. (yeah, why can't he do that in his crib? We are working on it...) We got back home and went for a nice walk, picked a whole bunch of raspberries, and then relaxed.
Sunday was Tim's graduation day, which was really nice! I am so proud of him - hopefully I will be the next one to get my MBA. Although, I know that is a few years away. Tim's family came in for the ceremony and then we went out to eat - all the while my Mom and neighbors watched the kids - it was really nice.
Damn - perfect morning interrupted with baby crying. Oh well, I got about a half an hour! I won't complain about that :-)
Pictures later when I have time.
I know I say this almost every post - but I love Fall! We had a great weekend enjoying the beautiful weather. Saturday we went to an Apple Orchard around here so Emma could pick some apples. She loves climbing around the little train that was there and seeing the animals, but most of all, she loved helping her Daddy pick some apples. She was so proud of herself and ate an entire apple on her own while we were out there. Normally I am not sure how fond she is of apples, she loved it there. Evan skipped out on the experience and slep for a total of 5 hours in his carseat. (yeah, why can't he do that in his crib? We are working on it...) We got back home and went for a nice walk, picked a whole bunch of raspberries, and then relaxed.
Sunday was Tim's graduation day, which was really nice! I am so proud of him - hopefully I will be the next one to get my MBA. Although, I know that is a few years away. Tim's family came in for the ceremony and then we went out to eat - all the while my Mom and neighbors watched the kids - it was really nice.
Damn - perfect morning interrupted with baby crying. Oh well, I got about a half an hour! I won't complain about that :-)
Pictures later when I have time.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Carrot-top? Seriously??
Can you believe that my baby boy is a MONTH OLD? (as of Tuesday that is) I cannot - the time has gone by so fast :-) Here is a look at what my little guy is all about at a month old:
1) Sleeping - not so good at this yet! I got a new book at the library about infant sleep patterns to see if I can figure anything out. I need something - this sleep deprivation isn't good for either of us.
2) Eating - pretty good eater, at least during the day. At night he falls asleep too fast to get a full belly (which I think is contributing to the sleep issues)
3) Playing - not so active yet and hasn't managed to dodge any of the toys that his big sister so thoughtfully throws at him :-)
4) Strength - he can hold his head up for awhile on his own and does pretty good for tummy time. He has started to rock back and forth like he wants to roll over, but hasn't quite managed that yet.
5) Smiling - has started smiling and it is ADORABLE!
6) Cooing - does this also and does a cute humming thing after he sneezes. It is hard to explain. You just have to see it!
That is about it - that sums up my Evan. We were at the grocery store yesterday and someone called him carrot-top. Okay, so his hair has some red in it, I would no where near describe it as carrot-top. But she was an elderly lady and I didn't have the heart to argue!
Today was a pretty good day. We managed to make it to story time in Woodbury for Emma. She did very well for that! The sister and I made it out for a beer and some chips w/ queso after the kids were down in bed. That was REALLY needed. I miss my "me" time.
Have a great weekend everyone! We are staying around here again and celebrating Tim's graduation from St. Mary's with his MBA on Sunday. A great accomplishment!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Honesty is the best policy
Said by my darling daughter tonight as I was trying to draw Boots (from Dora the Explorer) in sidewalk chalk on the driveway.
Me: "Hey Emma - how does Boots look?"
Emma: "No Mama - that's not Boots. Doesn't even look like Boots. Not at all!"
Gee - thanks kid.
Me: "Hey Emma - how does Boots look?"
Emma: "No Mama - that's not Boots. Doesn't even look like Boots. Not at all!"
Gee - thanks kid.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
The Party in Emma's room
Yesterday evening I was in Evan's room changing a diaper or something like that when all of a sudden Emma rushes in and with her excited voice says, "Mama - you coming to my party?" My reply: "Well, Emma - where is the party?" "It's in my room- you comin'?" Me: "What are we going to do?" Emma: "Well, just sit and relax." I am thinking that this sounds exactly like the party I am in the mood for at the moment, so of course, I reply "Sure Emma - be right over!" Her face lights up and she says, "okay Mama, see you later!" She slams the door and is out.
I go downstairs to see if Tim is also attending, which he is, so we come up with Evan and knock on her door. She proudly opens the door and then sits down in her princess chair. "So, Emma, what should we do?" Emma: "Ummm - dance?!" So Tim, Evan, and I start dancing. She tells us that she cannot dance because it is her party, but laughs when we dance. And, that was pretty much the extent of her party, but I thought it was pretty cute. All in all - it lasted about 5 minutes, but it was a pretty fun party.
Everything is going okay here. Evan seems to be sleeping a little better at night now and I don't feel as tired during the day. He is having a hard day today, but is now asleep and has been for about an hour, so I am pretty happy! I put some clothes away and am about to vacuum before he wakes up. Emma is good - her normal crazy self. She was very happy the other day at Target as we bought her "ballet slippers." She got 10 stickers for going potty, so she got to pick out a little treat. She has been talking about dance class and getting ballet slippers for a long time now, so we decided to treat her to ballet slippers. They are shiny red and look like Dorothy's ruby slippers from the Wizard of Oz. That kid refuses to take them off and is constantly dancing and jumping, and spinning so her pretty dresses spin. She would love to be enrolled in dance class, but both Tim and I agree not yet. Her dancing at home is enough for now.
That's all for now. I hope to get a good picture of Emma and her ballet slippers soon.
I go downstairs to see if Tim is also attending, which he is, so we come up with Evan and knock on her door. She proudly opens the door and then sits down in her princess chair. "So, Emma, what should we do?" Emma: "Ummm - dance?!" So Tim, Evan, and I start dancing. She tells us that she cannot dance because it is her party, but laughs when we dance. And, that was pretty much the extent of her party, but I thought it was pretty cute. All in all - it lasted about 5 minutes, but it was a pretty fun party.
Everything is going okay here. Evan seems to be sleeping a little better at night now and I don't feel as tired during the day. He is having a hard day today, but is now asleep and has been for about an hour, so I am pretty happy! I put some clothes away and am about to vacuum before he wakes up. Emma is good - her normal crazy self. She was very happy the other day at Target as we bought her "ballet slippers." She got 10 stickers for going potty, so she got to pick out a little treat. She has been talking about dance class and getting ballet slippers for a long time now, so we decided to treat her to ballet slippers. They are shiny red and look like Dorothy's ruby slippers from the Wizard of Oz. That kid refuses to take them off and is constantly dancing and jumping, and spinning so her pretty dresses spin. She would love to be enrolled in dance class, but both Tim and I agree not yet. Her dancing at home is enough for now.
That's all for now. I hope to get a good picture of Emma and her ballet slippers soon.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
What's a Mom to do?
Happy Saturday everyone! We had a lovely day which included errands, putting up Fall/Halloween Decorations outside and a yummy supper of Hamburgers (or Handabears as Emma calls them), French Fries and a chocolate-ore0 malt. Which is, yes, my favorite meal.
I am in the house by myself at the moment with a crying Evan in his crib and a sleepy Emma in her bed. (I take that back, Emma just got out of her bed and I just heard her open up Evan's door. She is a very concerned big sister!) Okay, Trip #1 upstairs to comfort Evan and put his NUK back in his mouth. Emma came downstairs where I am typing this and tried to tell me that Evan woke her up - nice try kid, but I am not buying it!
Nothing too much is going on here, just thought I would post some new pictures of Evan that I took yesterday.
Evan just started crying AGAIN! I am really not sure what to do with that one. He just cannot sleep at night in his crib or bassinet and it is starting to drive me crazy - with lack of sleep that is! Now he is down with me and I am one-handed typing - so this post is now going to be short! Any advice, let me know.
I am in the house by myself at the moment with a crying Evan in his crib and a sleepy Emma in her bed. (I take that back, Emma just got out of her bed and I just heard her open up Evan's door. She is a very concerned big sister!) Okay, Trip #1 upstairs to comfort Evan and put his NUK back in his mouth. Emma came downstairs where I am typing this and tried to tell me that Evan woke her up - nice try kid, but I am not buying it!
Nothing too much is going on here, just thought I would post some new pictures of Evan that I took yesterday.
Evan just started crying AGAIN! I am really not sure what to do with that one. He just cannot sleep at night in his crib or bassinet and it is starting to drive me crazy - with lack of sleep that is! Now he is down with me and I am one-handed typing - so this post is now going to be short! Any advice, let me know.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Happy Birthday Tim!
Happy Birthday Tim! I just got done making a cake for him. A pretty hands on cake if I do say so myself. Now, maybe I was just hoping that when I asked him what kind of cake he wanted, he would say something simple like white with chocolate frosting. Or, even better than that - a cake from Cub. No such luck. He wanted a Pecan Praline cake- which involved making a carmel pecan sauce, a Devils Food cake and homemade whip cream. Yummy?? Definitely! Time consuming - you betcha! So, I got up while Evan was still asleep this morning (which I wished I would be also :-) to start the process. He was pretty good while I made the main part, only fussed for a little while. I was hoping I could find my sling so he could hang out while I made it, but I am not sure where that went too. Now, just the frosting has to be made and I will wait for Emma to come home from daycare to decorate it.
No big plans for the big day. Presents and cake - plus a nice steak dinner tonight after work. I am thinking Emma, Evan, and I will stop on the way home from daycare to pick up some decorations. Emma will love that!
Evan is currently sleeping in his crib - and has been for about 15 minutes. That means he should be waking up anytime now - ha! Emma is starting to get a cold- hopefully it will not be a bad one AND I or Evan will not get it.
After that, not much is new. I just wanted to send a shout out to my husband on his b-day!
No big plans for the big day. Presents and cake - plus a nice steak dinner tonight after work. I am thinking Emma, Evan, and I will stop on the way home from daycare to pick up some decorations. Emma will love that!
Evan is currently sleeping in his crib - and has been for about 15 minutes. That means he should be waking up anytime now - ha! Emma is starting to get a cold- hopefully it will not be a bad one AND I or Evan will not get it.
After that, not much is new. I just wanted to send a shout out to my husband on his b-day!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Click Clack Moo...
A conversation between Emma and Tim today on the way to Theresa's: (as told by Tim tonight at supper)
Tim: "Em - are you excited to go to Theresa's today?"
Emma: "Yup - one more Tesa Day. Then, Nana & Papa Day. Know what? Nana and Papa have Click Clack Moo. Click Clack Moo. Clickety Clack Moo. I had that book, but now it at the library. Next time I at the library, I get it back. I like Click Clack Moo."
I thought that was so cute! She LOVES the book. She loves the library too. The Woodbury and Lake Elmo libraries have story time on Thursdays and Fridays so I am going to start bringing her to that. She seems very excited about that too. The first one is this Thursday, but she decided we could go to Nana & Papa's that day instead of Story Time. But, she did have to think about it first. So - for the family back home - we will be in Durand this Thursday. Hopefully we can see everyone so Evan can meet the family down there!
We had Evan's hearing test yesterday and it went just fine and he passed with flying colors - Whew! He is doing great. Getting slightly crabbier in the evening and is having some difficulty sleeping in his crib. Not at night as much, but during the day. I lay him down and then 10 minutes later he is up again - sooner if he loses his NUK. Yup he loves the Nuk still. So, I have been working with him during the day to fall asleep in his crib. So far, not working. He had his first bottle tonight and took it without even flinching. Tim said he didn't even hesitate, just starting drinking. Yup, that's my big boy for you! We wanted to start him early with the bottle so we wouldn't have a situation like we had with Emma when she was starting daycare. She refused the bottle and it really stressed me out. Finally, she did take it, but it took a lot of coaxing on Tim's part. (picture from earlier today)
The weekend was good. We went to the cabin on Friday and Saturday. Saturday night was a girl's night at Axel's and that was fun! I came home to this:
Emma found some tulle from a package we got for Evan and was using it as her veil. She would play Cinderella and would whip that around on her head and dance and dance. Then she kept saying, "When I get older, I get married. I wear pretty shoes and pretty dress and eat Yummy cake! I marry Prince Charming." (yup, you can tell what Mommy thinks are the important parts to the wedding -shoes, dress, and cake!) Then, I ask who her Prince Charming is and she always says with a big smile, "My Daddy!"
Here are the two together. I was cooking supper tonight and Emma was playing with her ball. Then I hear her say, "I play hot potato with my baby brother." Which prompts me to leave the kitchen quickly to investigate. She cannot for him to be big enough to play. If her and I are coloring or playing play dough, she will run over to where he is sitting and tell him what we are doing so he is in the loop. She is a very good big sister - well, she has good intentions anyway. It's a good thing I caught her in time before she threw the ball to him tonight though...
Tim: "Em - are you excited to go to Theresa's today?"
Emma: "Yup - one more Tesa Day. Then, Nana & Papa Day. Know what? Nana and Papa have Click Clack Moo. Click Clack Moo. Clickety Clack Moo. I had that book, but now it at the library. Next time I at the library, I get it back. I like Click Clack Moo."
I thought that was so cute! She LOVES the book. She loves the library too. The Woodbury and Lake Elmo libraries have story time on Thursdays and Fridays so I am going to start bringing her to that. She seems very excited about that too. The first one is this Thursday, but she decided we could go to Nana & Papa's that day instead of Story Time. But, she did have to think about it first. So - for the family back home - we will be in Durand this Thursday. Hopefully we can see everyone so Evan can meet the family down there!
We had Evan's hearing test yesterday and it went just fine and he passed with flying colors - Whew! He is doing great. Getting slightly crabbier in the evening and is having some difficulty sleeping in his crib. Not at night as much, but during the day. I lay him down and then 10 minutes later he is up again - sooner if he loses his NUK. Yup he loves the Nuk still. So, I have been working with him during the day to fall asleep in his crib. So far, not working. He had his first bottle tonight and took it without even flinching. Tim said he didn't even hesitate, just starting drinking. Yup, that's my big boy for you! We wanted to start him early with the bottle so we wouldn't have a situation like we had with Emma when she was starting daycare. She refused the bottle and it really stressed me out. Finally, she did take it, but it took a lot of coaxing on Tim's part. (picture from earlier today)
The weekend was good. We went to the cabin on Friday and Saturday. Saturday night was a girl's night at Axel's and that was fun! I came home to this:
Emma found some tulle from a package we got for Evan and was using it as her veil. She would play Cinderella and would whip that around on her head and dance and dance. Then she kept saying, "When I get older, I get married. I wear pretty shoes and pretty dress and eat Yummy cake! I marry Prince Charming." (yup, you can tell what Mommy thinks are the important parts to the wedding -shoes, dress, and cake!) Then, I ask who her Prince Charming is and she always says with a big smile, "My Daddy!"Here are the two together. I was cooking supper tonight and Emma was playing with her ball. Then I hear her say, "I play hot potato with my baby brother." Which prompts me to leave the kitchen quickly to investigate. She cannot for him to be big enough to play. If her and I are coloring or playing play dough, she will run over to where he is sitting and tell him what we are doing so he is in the loop. She is a very good big sister - well, she has good intentions anyway. It's a good thing I caught her in time before she threw the ball to him tonight though...
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Just call him Bruiser
Well, we had Evan's 2 week appointment today and let's just say I had nothing to worry about with the little guy's weight. He has gained almost a pound and a half! Yeah Evan! That makes me feel a lot better. Not that I was seriously concerned about the little guy, but it is always nice to know that he is doing okay. Better than okay actually! He is up to 9 lbs 7 oz (up from 8# 1oz at birth) and has grown a quarter of an inch. Both of those are at the 75% percentile. Not that I really care about that, but thought I would report. The appointment I am most concerned about is scheduled for next Monday. He failed the newborn hearing test at the hospital on his left ear, so we need to do a recheck. His pediatrician told me it is nothing to worry about as sometimes newborns have fluid in their ears from birth that can affect the test. Thanks for that, but I am still worried. Anyway, say a small prayer for me and Evan that everything is fine!
I am slowly getting into Jon & Kate Plus 8. Especially being home during the day now and that daytime TV is total crap- I have been watching their show and find it quite amusing. However, Tim did the unthinkable last night and cancelled my TIVO request to tape their new episode! Seriously?! I know!!! - isn't there a rule about that? He was up late canning spaghetti sauce last night ( I even thought to tape the 11pm airing so that it wouldn't disrupt our normal TV time) so was up later than usual and wanted to watch something else - UGH! It was an episode showing their history together and before the sextuplets and stuff, so I thought it would be pretty interesting. BUT, I guess it just wasn't meant to be. Still kind of ticked about it, because God forbid I delete one of his weird Alien shows or something like that. Anyway, I guess I am over it now.
What else? I have some fun girl time coming up! Friday my friend Jess and her daughter Keira are coming over for a playdate and to meet Evan. Then on Saturday night we are getting together with another friend Heidi for Mom's night out! YEAH! I need girl time AND time away from the kids and my husband. I wouldn't trade my maternity time off from work for anything, but that doesn't mean I don't need a time-out from the kids for awhile. On Saturday we are going out to eat in Woodbury, so it should be nice. Tim and I are talking about going to the cabin Friday night to Saturday, but we will see when he is done with work that day.
And, I will leave you all with the typical conversation between Emma and Evan.
--The Scene: Evan laying on a blanket in the living room and Emma is wedged as close as possible to the poor little defenseless baby.
Emma: (in an excited and louder than necessary voice) "Hey Little Guy! Hey Sweetie! I LOVE you! Hey Little Man!" (now kissing his cheeks and his little head repeatedly)
Evan: (clearly uncomfortable and wanting to get away, but does not have the ability to move yet) starts whimpering
Emma: (in a slightly louder and more excitable voice) "Hey Champ! hey Pal! LOVE YOU!" (she follows this up with yet more kisses and hugs)
Evan: (Still uncomfortable and how the whimpering has evolved into small cries)
ME: "Emma - use an indoor voice and give him some space! You are too close."
Emma: "But Mama - I LOVE my baby brother!" and now to Evan: "Hey Little Man! Love you!"
Evan: (now in a full blown cry)
Emma: (Very loud and now jumping up away from Evan) "MAMA! Evan wants you! Evan needs you! Evan needs his Mama!"
Now - this happens about 4-5 times every day at least. It is nice that Emma loves her brother and affectionately calls him all the nicknames we call him at one time. However, she just doesn't understand (after numerous attempts on Tim and my part) that her sometimes loud voice and constant touching isn't good for Evan and can make him uncomfortable.
With that, Good night!
I am slowly getting into Jon & Kate Plus 8. Especially being home during the day now and that daytime TV is total crap- I have been watching their show and find it quite amusing. However, Tim did the unthinkable last night and cancelled my TIVO request to tape their new episode! Seriously?! I know!!! - isn't there a rule about that? He was up late canning spaghetti sauce last night ( I even thought to tape the 11pm airing so that it wouldn't disrupt our normal TV time) so was up later than usual and wanted to watch something else - UGH! It was an episode showing their history together and before the sextuplets and stuff, so I thought it would be pretty interesting. BUT, I guess it just wasn't meant to be. Still kind of ticked about it, because God forbid I delete one of his weird Alien shows or something like that. Anyway, I guess I am over it now.
What else? I have some fun girl time coming up! Friday my friend Jess and her daughter Keira are coming over for a playdate and to meet Evan. Then on Saturday night we are getting together with another friend Heidi for Mom's night out! YEAH! I need girl time AND time away from the kids and my husband. I wouldn't trade my maternity time off from work for anything, but that doesn't mean I don't need a time-out from the kids for awhile. On Saturday we are going out to eat in Woodbury, so it should be nice. Tim and I are talking about going to the cabin Friday night to Saturday, but we will see when he is done with work that day.
And, I will leave you all with the typical conversation between Emma and Evan.
--The Scene: Evan laying on a blanket in the living room and Emma is wedged as close as possible to the poor little defenseless baby.
Emma: (in an excited and louder than necessary voice) "Hey Little Guy! Hey Sweetie! I LOVE you! Hey Little Man!" (now kissing his cheeks and his little head repeatedly)
Evan: (clearly uncomfortable and wanting to get away, but does not have the ability to move yet) starts whimpering
Emma: (in a slightly louder and more excitable voice) "Hey Champ! hey Pal! LOVE YOU!" (she follows this up with yet more kisses and hugs)
Evan: (Still uncomfortable and how the whimpering has evolved into small cries)
ME: "Emma - use an indoor voice and give him some space! You are too close."
Emma: "But Mama - I LOVE my baby brother!" and now to Evan: "Hey Little Man! Love you!"
Evan: (now in a full blown cry)
Emma: (Very loud and now jumping up away from Evan) "MAMA! Evan wants you! Evan needs you! Evan needs his Mama!"
Now - this happens about 4-5 times every day at least. It is nice that Emma loves her brother and affectionately calls him all the nicknames we call him at one time. However, she just doesn't understand (after numerous attempts on Tim and my part) that her sometimes loud voice and constant touching isn't good for Evan and can make him uncomfortable.
With that, Good night!
Monday, September 22, 2008
Finding the balance
Between Emma and Evan - sleep and no sleep - good vs. evil. Well, not really good vs. evil, but definitely with the first items. Life is good here. Emma still loves her baby brother and her attitude is starting to come around quite a bit. She is just a little nut lately, which has been a lot of fun - but still very stubborn. Yesterday she was insistent on going to pick raspberries right before supper. Tim and I didn't want too, they had just been picked and Evan was fussy - so she trotted down the stairs with her stuffed dog Tazzy and made her way all the way to the garden. She kept looking back to see if we were following, but no, just shaking our heads and laughing. She did turn back around, but she made her point :-) The little monkey unfortunately had a bad dream on Saturday evening, which caused trauma in the little ones life. The only thing Tim and I could get out of her was that it was raining really hard. Why that scared her, I don't know - but something freaked her out. She snuggled into our bed to try and make herself feel better. When I tried to tickle her because she was sucking her thumb, she just looked at me with her big blue eyes with tears coming down and said, "Mama, I just need to suck my thumb now." Enough said. I am trying to think of other Emma-isms as I know there are a lot. She has been saying some really funny stuff lately, but right now, I seem to be drawing a blank.
Last week with just her, Evan, and I went a lot better than I expected. She really has been acting a lot better about Evan being around. We went to Teddy Bear Park in Stillwater on Thursday, which she loves. I had Evan in the sling (yup, I forgot how much I LOVE the sling) and he slept the entire time we were there. Emma had a great time running around and playing on the trains. It was a lot of fun. I have really been trying to make things as they have always been in our lives. Trips to the park, playing outside, etc, even with me being exhausted and Evan demanding my time. I try to do that for Emma so she doesn't resent Evan and so her routine is the same. However, I always sneak in naps when Emma and Evan nap, which is how I keep going! Friday we just hung around the house and played Little People, played outside, but still had a great day. Emma still has to shower Evan with hugs and kisses which is nice. She was leaning over him one day and when I asked what she was doing I got a " I am going to pick him up Mama!" Which prompted me to immediately drop what I was doing and head on over there. I have been having talks with her about what is appropriate and what is not with Evan. However, that is a work in progress.
Here are Evan pictures which my sister took in her studio. I think they turned out great, even with Nuk's in some of the pictures. So tiny and very cute :-) He has been sleeping good -some nights for about 4 to 5 hours at time! However, last night was pretty rough. He was up about every 2 hours, went through 2 pairs of pajama's and refused to sleep in his cradle. Tim was wearing ear plugs as Evan is a very loud sleeper, so he slept through most of it. He did finally settle down around 8am, which allowed us both to get some nice sleep. However, I am getting pretty drowsy now. Anyway, here are the pic's. I will try to do better with updating more frequently, but honestly, I haven't even read other peoples blogs the past week - which for me is really odd!
Last week with just her, Evan, and I went a lot better than I expected. She really has been acting a lot better about Evan being around. We went to Teddy Bear Park in Stillwater on Thursday, which she loves. I had Evan in the sling (yup, I forgot how much I LOVE the sling) and he slept the entire time we were there. Emma had a great time running around and playing on the trains. It was a lot of fun. I have really been trying to make things as they have always been in our lives. Trips to the park, playing outside, etc, even with me being exhausted and Evan demanding my time. I try to do that for Emma so she doesn't resent Evan and so her routine is the same. However, I always sneak in naps when Emma and Evan nap, which is how I keep going! Friday we just hung around the house and played Little People, played outside, but still had a great day. Emma still has to shower Evan with hugs and kisses which is nice. She was leaning over him one day and when I asked what she was doing I got a " I am going to pick him up Mama!" Which prompted me to immediately drop what I was doing and head on over there. I have been having talks with her about what is appropriate and what is not with Evan. However, that is a work in progress.
Here are Evan pictures which my sister took in her studio. I think they turned out great, even with Nuk's in some of the pictures. So tiny and very cute :-) He has been sleeping good -some nights for about 4 to 5 hours at time! However, last night was pretty rough. He was up about every 2 hours, went through 2 pairs of pajama's and refused to sleep in his cradle. Tim was wearing ear plugs as Evan is a very loud sleeper, so he slept through most of it. He did finally settle down around 8am, which allowed us both to get some nice sleep. However, I am getting pretty drowsy now. Anyway, here are the pic's. I will try to do better with updating more frequently, but honestly, I haven't even read other peoples blogs the past week - which for me is really odd!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Settling in
Ahh - 12 weeks off! How nice to be able to spend that much time getting to know your new little baby and enjoying the time with your previous baby. With Emma still in daycare, I get time to bond with Evan PLUS time to catch up on stuff around the house. Slowly my house is getting back into shape and it is nice. Last week was too busy to really do anything and my house showed it! Piles of mail, toys, books, etc. So, I am trying to get small stuff done each day so I don't over due it, while trying to get caught up on sleep.
Evan is fabulous. His sleeping patterns haven't really been established yet - although I like how today is going so far! He slept pretty well at night and got up around 9:30. Went back down for a nap at noon and is still sleeping. I have been a bit worried as he is still really, really sleepy - but today he seems to be a bit more awake.
Emma is doing great also - although she is not really sure how she likes her little brother. She enjoys giving him kisses and always wants to look at him and hold him, however, when yesterday she had a fit when I had to feed him and is showing other signs of jealousy. I feel bad for the poor kid and am hoping this phase only lasts a short time. She has regressed in other areas, such as potty training, but I am told this is normal. Frustrating for Tim and I, but normal. Tim and I have been very good I think at keeping her involved and at spending one-on-one time with her, but I know some behavioral changes had to be expected. Part of it is that she doesn't understand the boundaries with Evan. It is nice she wants to share her toys, but she can't put them on his head. She can't be dancing right next to Evan, as she is not that steady yet. It is an uphill battle and I am hoping we are almost to the top!
Yesterday Kristen took some pictures of Evan in her studio - so I will hopefully have those to share soon. He did okay for them, although had to have his NUK for a lot of them. We would take a few with his NUK in and then quickly take it out and take pictures before he would get too upset. I am sure we got a few cute ones, because he is the cutest baby - well, tied with Emma when she was little :-)
I am doing pretty good - adjusting also. Adjusting to less sleep, the demands of a newborn and a stubborn & spirited two year old. I did a stupid thing yesterday and tried on my pre-maternity clothes. What the hell I was thinking, I don't know. Did I think all the weight I gained was lost yet?? Apparently I was hoping I did :-) So, I am now trying to focus on my diet and trying to get outside to start walking and working out slowly. It is nice that the weather has been beautiful so we can go out. Emma really enjoyed going for a walk yesterday in the double stroller with Evan in the back.
We enjoyed last week with Tim being off and went to the cabin on Friday and Saturday. Since most of Tim's family is up there on the weekends, we thought it would be a great way for everyone to meet little Evan.
Here is Evan really enjoying the cabin! He did go down to the dock for some fishing with his daddy and big sister. Unfortunately it was a pretty wet weekend up there so we really didn't get a lot of pictures of his first trip there. But that is okay, we have plenty of time for cabin pictures. Now whenever I get the camera out to take pictures of Evan, Emma jumps right in front of the camera with a smile and a big cheese! 
We gave Evan his first bath the other night. Needless to say, he didn't like it. Here he is relaxing and thanking God that it is over.
Tim rocking his two little ones. Emma insisted that she rock with both Daddy and Evan.
That's it - will try to update the pictures from Kristen soon - maybe tonight I can go over there and put them on my computer!
Evan is fabulous. His sleeping patterns haven't really been established yet - although I like how today is going so far! He slept pretty well at night and got up around 9:30. Went back down for a nap at noon and is still sleeping. I have been a bit worried as he is still really, really sleepy - but today he seems to be a bit more awake.
Emma is doing great also - although she is not really sure how she likes her little brother. She enjoys giving him kisses and always wants to look at him and hold him, however, when yesterday she had a fit when I had to feed him and is showing other signs of jealousy. I feel bad for the poor kid and am hoping this phase only lasts a short time. She has regressed in other areas, such as potty training, but I am told this is normal. Frustrating for Tim and I, but normal. Tim and I have been very good I think at keeping her involved and at spending one-on-one time with her, but I know some behavioral changes had to be expected. Part of it is that she doesn't understand the boundaries with Evan. It is nice she wants to share her toys, but she can't put them on his head. She can't be dancing right next to Evan, as she is not that steady yet. It is an uphill battle and I am hoping we are almost to the top!
Yesterday Kristen took some pictures of Evan in her studio - so I will hopefully have those to share soon. He did okay for them, although had to have his NUK for a lot of them. We would take a few with his NUK in and then quickly take it out and take pictures before he would get too upset. I am sure we got a few cute ones, because he is the cutest baby - well, tied with Emma when she was little :-)
I am doing pretty good - adjusting also. Adjusting to less sleep, the demands of a newborn and a stubborn & spirited two year old. I did a stupid thing yesterday and tried on my pre-maternity clothes. What the hell I was thinking, I don't know. Did I think all the weight I gained was lost yet?? Apparently I was hoping I did :-) So, I am now trying to focus on my diet and trying to get outside to start walking and working out slowly. It is nice that the weather has been beautiful so we can go out. Emma really enjoyed going for a walk yesterday in the double stroller with Evan in the back.
We enjoyed last week with Tim being off and went to the cabin on Friday and Saturday. Since most of Tim's family is up there on the weekends, we thought it would be a great way for everyone to meet little Evan.
Here is Evan really enjoying the cabin! He did go down to the dock for some fishing with his daddy and big sister. Unfortunately it was a pretty wet weekend up there so we really didn't get a lot of pictures of his first trip there. But that is okay, we have plenty of time for cabin pictures. Now whenever I get the camera out to take pictures of Evan, Emma jumps right in front of the camera with a smile and a big cheese! 
We gave Evan his first bath the other night. Needless to say, he didn't like it. Here he is relaxing and thanking God that it is over.
Tim rocking his two little ones. Emma insisted that she rock with both Daddy and Evan.
That's it - will try to update the pictures from Kristen soon - maybe tonight I can go over there and put them on my computer!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Pictures
Evan Michael Heuer
Evan and Mom
The proud big sister
The new family
Grandpa Brunner (also where Evan got his middle name from)
Evan and Mom
The proud big sister
The new family
Grandpa Brunner (also where Evan got his middle name from)
The birth story...
Finally, I have a few minutes to update things. Sorry it has taken me so long, but I think you all understand that it has been crazy around here! I will put the birth story here - and for all of you that are not the least bit interested in that, pictures on another post!
So - where should I pick up? Probably right after the weird kidney thing on Friday. I was really uncomfortable and really hoping the baby would come this past weekend. Mom & Dad decided to come up and help with Emma on Saturday - which was very welcome as walking, well, pretty much doing anything hurt. So, Emma spent a lot of the day on Saturday with Nana, Papa and the neighbors so I could lay on the couch and watch movies or try to get some sleep. (I saw The Waitress with Keri Russell and really enjoyed it!) They went to the little local parade and got some candy and an American Flag which she LOVES waving around!
That night around 5 pm, it was just Tim and I at the house as the rest of the family was playing in the neighbors backyard when my water broke. YEAH! I was so happy that the little guy was on his way to the world. After calling the hospital and being told to come in about an hour from now, we went to the neighbors to have a quick supper then made it to the Women's Center at the hospital. They got me strapped up to the contraction and baby heart monitor and did some checks. Well, much to my dismay, my water had NOT broken. Apparently (and I will not go into much detail on this!) there are others things that can happen which can make it seem like the water has broke, but it doesn't. Crap! This news pretty much made me start crying as I was so ready for the little guy to arrive. However, the nurse arrived with some good news. After my pleading and begging, the doctor agreed that I could come back the next morning for an induction if things didn't happen on their own - THANK GOD! The contraction monitor was picking up even contractions - although not very strong -so everyone was hoping that things would progress this evening. I was still only 2 cm dilated, but now about 50% effaced. I was given morphine for the kidney pain and something else to help me relax and sleep through the night to get me ready for the big day tomorrow.
I got home around 9pm and was already feeling pretty woozy from the drugs and went to bed. Around 10pm (and still not asleep, damn drugs!) I started to feel contractions. Once again - THANK GOODNESS! The contractions kept on getting stronger and stronger and finally around 4am they were around 3-4 minutes apart so we called the hospital and headed in. It was nice that my parents were staying with us, as Tim and I just woke them up to put the monitor in their room and headed to the hospital.
At the hospital, I got hooked up to everything AGAIN (the third time in 3 days) and it was determined that I was 7 to 8 cm dilated and 100% effaced - so almost ready to go. The contractions were getting really strong, but I was planning on doing everything naturally so I was breathing through them okay. The doctor broke my water and everyone assumed the baby would be born within an hour or two, which would be by 8:30 - I was incredibly excited!
Well, by around 8:30, my body was not progressing and the contractions had slowed to 5 minutes apart. I decided at that point since I was so exhausted to have an intrathecal or something like that - which was something like an epidural - but was a shot that would last 2-3 hours at most. Plus, with that mixture, they gave me an IV with some Pitocin to start my contractions back up again. Finally, I was able to rest a bit and the contractions once again picked up to where they should have been.
Finally around 10am, my body had finally progressed to where I could start pushing. The drugs were AMAZING! Really weird but amazing. I was able to rest for the final hour, which is definitely the hardest for contractions, and couldn't feel a thing. It was really weird! I don't regret that decision at all. It only took about 3 pushes for the little one to arrive and then such joy. There is nothing like it in the world. He was very loud right away, but then settled down and started looking around at the new world he was in. The doctor and nurses gave us about an hour alone with Evan and with each other to enjoy the moment. It was perfect.
Stats: Evan Michael Heuer - born at 10:35 am - 8 pounds 1 ounce and 21 inches long. Reddish/blond hair and perfect in every way!
(yeah, not really proofreading either. Both kids are sleeping and I am hoping to join them soon!)
So - where should I pick up? Probably right after the weird kidney thing on Friday. I was really uncomfortable and really hoping the baby would come this past weekend. Mom & Dad decided to come up and help with Emma on Saturday - which was very welcome as walking, well, pretty much doing anything hurt. So, Emma spent a lot of the day on Saturday with Nana, Papa and the neighbors so I could lay on the couch and watch movies or try to get some sleep. (I saw The Waitress with Keri Russell and really enjoyed it!) They went to the little local parade and got some candy and an American Flag which she LOVES waving around!
That night around 5 pm, it was just Tim and I at the house as the rest of the family was playing in the neighbors backyard when my water broke. YEAH! I was so happy that the little guy was on his way to the world. After calling the hospital and being told to come in about an hour from now, we went to the neighbors to have a quick supper then made it to the Women's Center at the hospital. They got me strapped up to the contraction and baby heart monitor and did some checks. Well, much to my dismay, my water had NOT broken. Apparently (and I will not go into much detail on this!) there are others things that can happen which can make it seem like the water has broke, but it doesn't. Crap! This news pretty much made me start crying as I was so ready for the little guy to arrive. However, the nurse arrived with some good news. After my pleading and begging, the doctor agreed that I could come back the next morning for an induction if things didn't happen on their own - THANK GOD! The contraction monitor was picking up even contractions - although not very strong -so everyone was hoping that things would progress this evening. I was still only 2 cm dilated, but now about 50% effaced. I was given morphine for the kidney pain and something else to help me relax and sleep through the night to get me ready for the big day tomorrow.
I got home around 9pm and was already feeling pretty woozy from the drugs and went to bed. Around 10pm (and still not asleep, damn drugs!) I started to feel contractions. Once again - THANK GOODNESS! The contractions kept on getting stronger and stronger and finally around 4am they were around 3-4 minutes apart so we called the hospital and headed in. It was nice that my parents were staying with us, as Tim and I just woke them up to put the monitor in their room and headed to the hospital.
At the hospital, I got hooked up to everything AGAIN (the third time in 3 days) and it was determined that I was 7 to 8 cm dilated and 100% effaced - so almost ready to go. The contractions were getting really strong, but I was planning on doing everything naturally so I was breathing through them okay. The doctor broke my water and everyone assumed the baby would be born within an hour or two, which would be by 8:30 - I was incredibly excited!
Well, by around 8:30, my body was not progressing and the contractions had slowed to 5 minutes apart. I decided at that point since I was so exhausted to have an intrathecal or something like that - which was something like an epidural - but was a shot that would last 2-3 hours at most. Plus, with that mixture, they gave me an IV with some Pitocin to start my contractions back up again. Finally, I was able to rest a bit and the contractions once again picked up to where they should have been.
Finally around 10am, my body had finally progressed to where I could start pushing. The drugs were AMAZING! Really weird but amazing. I was able to rest for the final hour, which is definitely the hardest for contractions, and couldn't feel a thing. It was really weird! I don't regret that decision at all. It only took about 3 pushes for the little one to arrive and then such joy. There is nothing like it in the world. He was very loud right away, but then settled down and started looking around at the new world he was in. The doctor and nurses gave us about an hour alone with Evan and with each other to enjoy the moment. It was perfect.
Stats: Evan Michael Heuer - born at 10:35 am - 8 pounds 1 ounce and 21 inches long. Reddish/blond hair and perfect in every way!
(yeah, not really proofreading either. Both kids are sleeping and I am hoping to join them soon!)
My birthday!
Yeah! It is my birthday! Not much going on today really. Tim, Emma, and Evan surprised me with a nice digital picture frame this morning. Evan maybe gave me the best gift of all - sleep! He finally slept last night in his bassinet. He went to bed around 8pm, then woke up at midnight and 3am to feed. Plus, he slept inbetween, it was so nice! Emma also slept in until 7am, so it was very nice.
No real plans for today - I may try to sneak away sometime this weekend for some alone time and shopping :-) I think we are going to have a steak supper this evening. I am hoping to go grocery shopping to pick up a piece of cheese cake and maybe the ingredients for a cheesy garlicy artichoke dip -yum!
No real plans for today - I may try to sneak away sometime this weekend for some alone time and shopping :-) I think we are going to have a steak supper this evening. I am hoping to go grocery shopping to pick up a piece of cheese cake and maybe the ingredients for a cheesy garlicy artichoke dip -yum!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Welcome Evan Michael!
Finally! My little man has arrived! Thank you everyone for the sweet words and congratulations! It has been a whirlwind the past few days and while we are so glad to be back home, we are all a bit out of sorts due to lack of sleep and jealousy over the arrival of the new one (on Emma's part).
I promise I will type up more tomorrow. Both Tim and I are doing some one-on-one times with Emma tomorrow so hopefully I should have time to type out the whole ordeal when it is just Evan and I here. Evan is actually sleeping now, in his cradle, so I really need to get to bed and try to catch up. But for now, all is good, all are tired - but I wouldn't ask for anything to be different. What blessings I have! Plus - tomorrow is my birthday :-)
I promise I will type up more tomorrow. Both Tim and I are doing some one-on-one times with Emma tomorrow so hopefully I should have time to type out the whole ordeal when it is just Evan and I here. Evan is actually sleeping now, in his cradle, so I really need to get to bed and try to catch up. But for now, all is good, all are tired - but I wouldn't ask for anything to be different. What blessings I have! Plus - tomorrow is my birthday :-)
Friday, September 5, 2008
A trip to the hospital and a sock pocket.
I thought (and hoped) that I was having contractions this afternoon. Actually, I was having weird side pain that at times was really painful, but I felt tightness in my belly, so I was hoping they were contractions. So, I called up Tim at his golf outing, called the neighbors and was hoping to have some good news. I made an appointment at the hospital to check it out and, well, 4.5 hours later, came back home.
Turns out, after a non-stress test for the baby (where they monitor contractions and the baby's heartbeat), blood tests and other tests for me, internal exams, an ultrasound, AND 4.5 hours later (have I mentioned that?!) I have an inflamed or irritated part of a kidney that is causing the pain. I guess it can happen late in pregnancy when the uterus gets bigger and really the only thing that will stop it is delivering the baby. They said I should drink lots of water, take tylenol, and take baths if I want, but really, the only thing that will cure it is the delivery. Great -even more incentive for us to meet the baby sooner rather than later :-)
The ultrasound was really neat. They ordered it to check out my kidneys, placenta, and amniotic fluid, but the tech was really nice and showed us a lot of the baby also. Yup, it IS a boy! But he was moving around so much, it was really cool. The tech made the comment that she had never seen a baby that was this far along move that much. His little tongue was constantly out to suck his thumb or lick his hands, it was really neat. You could see him kick around in there and shift to move, it was really cool. We didn't get any good pictures as he was always on the go, but I figure we will meet him soon anyway.
So, I did NOT get to spend time with my aunt and cousins that came up which was a bummer, but am glad I went to rule out any infections or anything like that. I am feeling a bit better now, but have taken some tylenol and have been drinking water since we got home.
A huge thanks to my family across the street and the visitors for watching our little one. I got a good report! Funny thing though, as we are coming down our stairs for her to read stories, she reaches down for her socks and pulls out a sugar packet! I (obviously) am a bit confused and ask her where she got that. "Uncle Craig put it there - in my little sock pocket :-)" So, thank you Craig! I made sure to check her other "sock pocket" for any other hidden goodies!
Turns out, after a non-stress test for the baby (where they monitor contractions and the baby's heartbeat), blood tests and other tests for me, internal exams, an ultrasound, AND 4.5 hours later (have I mentioned that?!) I have an inflamed or irritated part of a kidney that is causing the pain. I guess it can happen late in pregnancy when the uterus gets bigger and really the only thing that will stop it is delivering the baby. They said I should drink lots of water, take tylenol, and take baths if I want, but really, the only thing that will cure it is the delivery. Great -even more incentive for us to meet the baby sooner rather than later :-)
The ultrasound was really neat. They ordered it to check out my kidneys, placenta, and amniotic fluid, but the tech was really nice and showed us a lot of the baby also. Yup, it IS a boy! But he was moving around so much, it was really cool. The tech made the comment that she had never seen a baby that was this far along move that much. His little tongue was constantly out to suck his thumb or lick his hands, it was really neat. You could see him kick around in there and shift to move, it was really cool. We didn't get any good pictures as he was always on the go, but I figure we will meet him soon anyway.
So, I did NOT get to spend time with my aunt and cousins that came up which was a bummer, but am glad I went to rule out any infections or anything like that. I am feeling a bit better now, but have taken some tylenol and have been drinking water since we got home.
A huge thanks to my family across the street and the visitors for watching our little one. I got a good report! Funny thing though, as we are coming down our stairs for her to read stories, she reaches down for her socks and pulls out a sugar packet! I (obviously) am a bit confused and ask her where she got that. "Uncle Craig put it there - in my little sock pocket :-)" So, thank you Craig! I made sure to check her other "sock pocket" for any other hidden goodies!
Still waiting...
Nothing yet - although I am still very optimistic that baby will be here before I have to go to work on Monday. My midwife's appointment went well. My body is still progressing, so I opted out of any "help" from Tallison as I would still like the little one to come naturally if possible. BUT, with that being said, next week I believe I will change my mind!
How about this weather lately? Haven't we had gorgeous fall days?! I absolutely love it. Our windows are open and Emma and I have been outside enjoying it as much as we can.
Speaking of the little one - she is good. Every day she asks about her baby brother and when he will be here. I wish I had a definite answer for her, but of course, I do not. She seems pretty excited to meet him and loves playing with his toys. Although - she looks very sheepish when I catch her doing that :-) I have told her many times that they are for the baby, but I am sure it is hard for a 2 year old to resist. Her latest thing? "Just kidding Mama!" She will be singing a song or playing and will say something very random. Then, she will look at me and say "Just kidding Mama!" and laugh and laugh! Pretty cute.
Family is coming up this evening to play with the girls and go out for dinner (without the girls!) so I am looking forward to that. I am thinking something with some spice so maybe the little one will come out. Hell, I am hoping anything I do will help the little one come out :-)
So - how about the Republican National Convention? Pretty good I thought. I did not watch a lot of the speeches, just Palin and McCain, and I was very impressed by Palin. Still not sure if she is right for the job, but that feeling stands for Obama also. Neither of them have a lot of experience, but I do like that Palin grew up in a down-to-earth home. She isn't from a family of politicians or from a family with a lot of money, so I feel I can relate to her a bit more than some of the others. It will be a very interesting race and hopefully the right person is elected. I plan on doing a lot of research to see who I think will be best. But, I have to admit, I did love the camera shot of Palin's little girl licking her hand and combing her brother's hair. That tugged at the 'ole heart strings a bit.
Have a great weekend everyone!
How about this weather lately? Haven't we had gorgeous fall days?! I absolutely love it. Our windows are open and Emma and I have been outside enjoying it as much as we can.
Speaking of the little one - she is good. Every day she asks about her baby brother and when he will be here. I wish I had a definite answer for her, but of course, I do not. She seems pretty excited to meet him and loves playing with his toys. Although - she looks very sheepish when I catch her doing that :-) I have told her many times that they are for the baby, but I am sure it is hard for a 2 year old to resist. Her latest thing? "Just kidding Mama!" She will be singing a song or playing and will say something very random. Then, she will look at me and say "Just kidding Mama!" and laugh and laugh! Pretty cute.
Family is coming up this evening to play with the girls and go out for dinner (without the girls!) so I am looking forward to that. I am thinking something with some spice so maybe the little one will come out. Hell, I am hoping anything I do will help the little one come out :-)
So - how about the Republican National Convention? Pretty good I thought. I did not watch a lot of the speeches, just Palin and McCain, and I was very impressed by Palin. Still not sure if she is right for the job, but that feeling stands for Obama also. Neither of them have a lot of experience, but I do like that Palin grew up in a down-to-earth home. She isn't from a family of politicians or from a family with a lot of money, so I feel I can relate to her a bit more than some of the others. It will be a very interesting race and hopefully the right person is elected. I plan on doing a lot of research to see who I think will be best. But, I have to admit, I did love the camera shot of Palin's little girl licking her hand and combing her brother's hair. That tugged at the 'ole heart strings a bit.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Early vibes - I need the early vibes!
4 more days to go people - only 4 more days! I need everyone to start thinking "Early baby Heuer - come early!" I have my next doctor's appointment tomorrow morning so we will see if anything more has progressed. I know this is me being a dork, but I plan on doing some exercises tonight that Tallison (the new midwife) told me to do that could help. There is definitely more discomfort with each day, so please - think EARLY! Plus, I am getting sick of work - haha!
We are finally getting healthier in our house. Tim had to pick Emma up from daycare yesterday, basically right after he dropped her off, as she had a fever. The ever only occurred during the day yesterday, but she definitely wasn't acting herself. Today she is feeling better, but is still not quite herself. Same with Me too - I am feeling a lot better and am getting caught up on sleep, but my nose is still draining a bit. YUCK.
Not much new to update on. We have no plans for the weekend as I am hoping I will be in the hospital! Tim has a golf outing on Friday that he would really like to attend, but I am once again hoping that he will not be able too. Looking forward to season opener - GO PACK!
We are finally getting healthier in our house. Tim had to pick Emma up from daycare yesterday, basically right after he dropped her off, as she had a fever. The ever only occurred during the day yesterday, but she definitely wasn't acting herself. Today she is feeling better, but is still not quite herself. Same with Me too - I am feeling a lot better and am getting caught up on sleep, but my nose is still draining a bit. YUCK.
Not much new to update on. We have no plans for the weekend as I am hoping I will be in the hospital! Tim has a golf outing on Friday that he would really like to attend, but I am once again hoping that he will not be able too. Looking forward to season opener - GO PACK!
Monday, September 1, 2008
When life hands you lemons...
you complain on your blog! Haha.
Well - 6 days to go until baby - or earlier or later, I guess, depending on what the little one wants. If you would have asked me yesterday morning, I would say "Anytime baby, anytime baby." Now, ask me today and my response is much different. "Give me a few more days to recover."
Yup - although I am uncomfortable from the pregnancy I am now dealing with a cold - a pretty bad cold at that and I know that it would be hard to be ready emotionally and physically to deliver the baby - at least without the comforts of medication (or so I have been told)! We were at the cabin for a short time this weekend and Emma developed a cold. so, one night she didn't sleep that well, which means Tim and I didn't sleep well. Now, I have a cold. I was up a lot last night with a runny nose and sneezing. No good - I am far behind on my sleep. So, I am hoping the baby gives me a few days to get some sleep and let the cold run its course so I can be ready for the delivery.
Today we are laying low. Well, I am. Emma is still suffering a bit from the cold and is whiny. I want to be whiny, but know that Tim won't listen :-) Tim, lucky dog, has nothing. I am jealous. It always seems like I am the one that catches stuff from the little one in daycare.
Anyway, I have Emma set up on the couch watching Dora and I may lay down as well. I hope everyone had a great Labor Day weekend!
Well - 6 days to go until baby - or earlier or later, I guess, depending on what the little one wants. If you would have asked me yesterday morning, I would say "Anytime baby, anytime baby." Now, ask me today and my response is much different. "Give me a few more days to recover."
Yup - although I am uncomfortable from the pregnancy I am now dealing with a cold - a pretty bad cold at that and I know that it would be hard to be ready emotionally and physically to deliver the baby - at least without the comforts of medication (or so I have been told)! We were at the cabin for a short time this weekend and Emma developed a cold. so, one night she didn't sleep that well, which means Tim and I didn't sleep well. Now, I have a cold. I was up a lot last night with a runny nose and sneezing. No good - I am far behind on my sleep. So, I am hoping the baby gives me a few days to get some sleep and let the cold run its course so I can be ready for the delivery.
Today we are laying low. Well, I am. Emma is still suffering a bit from the cold and is whiny. I want to be whiny, but know that Tim won't listen :-) Tim, lucky dog, has nothing. I am jealous. It always seems like I am the one that catches stuff from the little one in daycare.
Anyway, I have Emma set up on the couch watching Dora and I may lay down as well. I hope everyone had a great Labor Day weekend!
Friday, August 29, 2008
more computer problems
Well, it has been 2 weeks of computer problems - HOPEFULLY they are all fixed! This week we discovered that our modem was not working, so we had to have it replaced. We got the new one yesterday, initialized it today and here we go again. So contrary to some people's hopes - the lack of posts was not due to the birth of my boy. I wish it was :-) But not yet.
I did have a doctor appointment yesterday and finally things are starting to get ready for the baby. YEAH! So all the uncomfortable cramps and braxton hicks are starting to do something! Fern should be back from vacatin this weekend, so hopefully she will be the one to deliver the baby.
We are heading to the cabin for this afternoon and tomorrow, then will enjoy two days at home before the next work week - if I go back that is!
Think early baby thoughts and good wishes - hopefully soon we will be posting pics of our new addition!
Have a great Holiday weekend!
I did have a doctor appointment yesterday and finally things are starting to get ready for the baby. YEAH! So all the uncomfortable cramps and braxton hicks are starting to do something! Fern should be back from vacatin this weekend, so hopefully she will be the one to deliver the baby.
We are heading to the cabin for this afternoon and tomorrow, then will enjoy two days at home before the next work week - if I go back that is!
Think early baby thoughts and good wishes - hopefully soon we will be posting pics of our new addition!
Have a great Holiday weekend!
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Finally - back online - THANK YOU!
First - a HUGE thank you to my brother in-law Craig for fixing our computer. We aquired a virus Wednesday night and I have been unable to really do anything on it since. I really appreciate the time and effort that you put in so I can look up Hollywood gossip, football info, and share crazy stories about my daugher online!
So, yes, back up and running! The first thing I do?? Check up on all the blogs that I read (man - I LOVE Google Reader!) Then I look at my work email to see what happened Thursday and Friday while I was out. I can't help it, I need to check to see what happened, if there were problems, if they were my fault, etc. My right hand lady was out all last week, leaving my trainee Darcy at the wheel on Thursday and Friday. I was very happy as I only had 90 emails for 2 days. I am pretty sure Tim thought I was crazy. However, when it is bad, I tend to get about 120 emails in a day. On good days only about 40-50. SO - to only have 90 for two days, that is pretty good! So, that made me happy.
We had a great Saturday and I wanted to update. Emma has been really good. Besides the fact that she wants to change outfits about 4 times a day (she will come down the stairs, after I think she is getting a toy, wearing a new outfit and proudly exclaiming "Look Mama - I so pretty!") AND has started to acquire a bit of an attitude sometimes "No - Mama - come here NOW!" she has been really good. She is getting much better at not needing to be carried all the time and is good at understanding when I need to sit for a few minutes so we read stories instead of dancing around.
Today we planted trees.
Tim had grown some maples in pots and we transplanted them this afternoon. What a lovely day to be outside! We opened up the house and enjoyed the weather. While, not so good for my allergies, wonderful for the coolness in the air. I love fall - I know we are not there quite yet, but soon! No more hot streaks HOPEFULLY! Kristen and I went for a walk tonight and we were wearing jeans and a long sleeved shirt! LOVE IT!
Anyway, I digress - we planted trees - 10 trees Tim had to inform me :-) Emma found her shovel, her watering can and was in her element outside helping Daddy.
She would help him carry rocks to the back and throw them in a pile, carry the trees, dig the dirt, and help him drive the lawnmower - or so she thought :-) 
I helped a bit, but mostly walked back and forth from the house to where they were working to get things... i.e. camera, then new batteries for my camera, then water bottle, use bathroom, etc.... so much fun being 9 months pregnant and a little one constantly kicking and making me uncomfortable. Anyway, both Tim and Emma enjoyed being outside and working together. 
While it usually takes about double the time to get something down when Emma helps, it is so much fun having her along and teaching her how to do things. Such a little sponge and always amazes me what she remembers. The next picture I think is hilarious because she looks as though she is so exhausted and was working so hard. Which, maybe she was, but she honestly, she dawdled a lot too. Most of the time she was watering everything BUT the trees,singing or humming to herself, pretending to drive the lawnmower, or just watching Dad. 
Last night Tim and I enjoyed a night to ourselves as we hired a babysitter so we could go out one more time before junior comes. We just went out to eat, but it was very nice to get out and have a nice relaxing meal. We went to Phil's in Stillwater, which is one of our favorite places, and enjoyed Gyro's, steaks, and NOT keeping Emma constantly busy with snacks, books, and colors. While I was getting ready for my date with her Daddy, Emma decided she had to get ready for her date with Jessie, the baby-sitter. This included, Yes, a new outfit and make-up, just like Mommy was doing. For her date, she picked out a purple flowered tank top, pink skirt with red hearts, purple polka-dot leggings (which are a staple now in her everyday wardrobe) and socks. Then, she helped me pick out an outfit (which as I assume you know, required a few changes by me) and helped me put on make-up. She is quite the helper.
Tomorrow Tim has a golf outing and I am heading to the parents to attend the church's Fall Festival. It should be fun for Emma to play some of the kiddie games and win prizes. She had a lot of fun last year picking up ducks and suckers for different token values and playing the fish pond where she just hangs on to a pole and they clip a toy to the end of it. It will be nice to get out of the house a little bit and watch Emma have fun.
No new progress with baby #2. I saw the midwife on Thursday and nothing had really changed - Ugh. But, like I told my sister tonight, I am not really feeling that the little guy will come early. I am thinking late - much to my chagrin. I even mentioned to Tim that depending on how I am feeling, maybe we should go to the cabin for a day next weekend. That way Emma can play in the lake once more time and we can enjoy maybe the last weekend of summer up there. But, we will see. I am having more cramps and Braxton hicks lately - but that doesn't really mean too much either. But, think good EARLY thoughts for me - haha!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Frustrations...
I knew that Emma would do some regressions with her potty training after the baby was born. Well, I heard she most likely would. The problem is that she is doing them about 2 weeks early! She was doing so good, now all of a sudden she is having accidents. But the kicker is that she is only doing them at home - not at Theresa's. She is doing fabulous at Theresa's - she is just being stubborn at home. So, she has had to sit in the naughty corner a few times. I know they say you are not supposed to discipline kids about potty training if they have accidents, but she knows what she is doing, so I figure why not? If we were at the store, or outside or something like that, I would maybe consider it an accident. BUT, when I am asking her all the time if she needs to go OR when she is playing in her room right by her bathroom, I don't think that it is an accident. I kind of blame myself as the past few days she has been wearing pull-up's and I don't think she watches it as much in those. But today, I decided to go back to the undies and what do I get? Messes. So, I know I need to be consistent. Anyway, it is driving me crazy. Not sure what to do, other than keep her in the undies and keep working on it.
Emma has taken on a new interest lately in soccer. There is a Dora the Explorer episode where Dora plays soccer with her cousin Daisy and shows off her super soccer kick. So now, Emma has to play soccer and be Dora, I am Daisy, and she does her super soccer kick. She actually isn't that bad at kicking it for a 2 year old. Tonight I taught her about passing and set up a little goal for her to kick it in. She had a lot of fun. When Tim came home, he was teaching her about how to be the goalie. Starting out a little young I know, but I LOVE that she is somewhat interested in sports. I am hoping she will be athletic and have an interest in playing something when she is older!
She has also taken a special interest in picking out her clothes. Tim called me at work one morning to tell me how Emma was (yes, he does this every morning :-) and had to tell me about her outfit. She had on a pink Dora shirt, blue shorts, purple polka dot leggings, blue socks and blue Ariel sandels. He said it was so cute, obviously not matching, but very cute. She was very proud of herself for picking it out. Well, this is what she picked out yesterday to wear AND put it on herself.
Doesn't she look proud? I couldn't resist taking a picture.
We had a great weekend! Saturday Tim, Emma, and I ran errands and just hung out at home. It was nice to relax here and not have an agenda for anything. We got ice cream in the afternoon and stopped by the neighbors to pick up the cradle for the little one whenever he decides to show up - which I hope is soon. 2.5 more weeks to go! I have all the people in the office commenting "Ah - are you still here?" "Man - you like tired." "Oh - I think the baby has dropped!" "I bet you are ready for that baby!" Yeah - get sick of the comments. There is something about pregnant woman that people can't resist making comments. I understand, but after awhile it gets old.
Sunday was the picnic at the park with my sisters, parents, nieces/nephew and aunt & uncle. Everyone had a great time! The weather was beautiful, the food was really good, and the kids had so much fun playing! I had a nice time swimming for awhile also while Emma wanted to hang out with Tim.
What a good looking group - don't you think. Plus, one more on the way soon.... in 19 days... or hopefully less :-)
Emma has taken on a new interest lately in soccer. There is a Dora the Explorer episode where Dora plays soccer with her cousin Daisy and shows off her super soccer kick. So now, Emma has to play soccer and be Dora, I am Daisy, and she does her super soccer kick. She actually isn't that bad at kicking it for a 2 year old. Tonight I taught her about passing and set up a little goal for her to kick it in. She had a lot of fun. When Tim came home, he was teaching her about how to be the goalie. Starting out a little young I know, but I LOVE that she is somewhat interested in sports. I am hoping she will be athletic and have an interest in playing something when she is older!
She has also taken a special interest in picking out her clothes. Tim called me at work one morning to tell me how Emma was (yes, he does this every morning :-) and had to tell me about her outfit. She had on a pink Dora shirt, blue shorts, purple polka dot leggings, blue socks and blue Ariel sandels. He said it was so cute, obviously not matching, but very cute. She was very proud of herself for picking it out. Well, this is what she picked out yesterday to wear AND put it on herself.
Doesn't she look proud? I couldn't resist taking a picture.We had a great weekend! Saturday Tim, Emma, and I ran errands and just hung out at home. It was nice to relax here and not have an agenda for anything. We got ice cream in the afternoon and stopped by the neighbors to pick up the cradle for the little one whenever he decides to show up - which I hope is soon. 2.5 more weeks to go! I have all the people in the office commenting "Ah - are you still here?" "Man - you like tired." "Oh - I think the baby has dropped!" "I bet you are ready for that baby!" Yeah - get sick of the comments. There is something about pregnant woman that people can't resist making comments. I understand, but after awhile it gets old.
Sunday was the picnic at the park with my sisters, parents, nieces/nephew and aunt & uncle. Everyone had a great time! The weather was beautiful, the food was really good, and the kids had so much fun playing! I had a nice time swimming for awhile also while Emma wanted to hang out with Tim.
What a good looking group - don't you think. Plus, one more on the way soon.... in 19 days... or hopefully less :-)
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Thank goodness for the drugs.
What a beautiful day outside! Actually, most of the days we have been having are beautiful. Great temps, nice and cool in the evening and lots of sun for doing stuff outside. Our family picnic has been postponed until tomorrow so Dad can join us as he is in the middle of haying right now. Tomorrow at the Park Reserve should be a lot of fun - playing in sand, splashing in water, and grilling cheddar brats! YUM!
However, along with the late summer/early fall beautiful weather comes my hayfever and it has decided to peak today. Thank goodness for having some allergy pills that finally work. As my family and some friends know, I am a fall allergy sufferer and even after trips to the allergist and 4+ years of allergy shots, I STILL have hayfever. It drives me crazy. Top that with being 9 months pregnant and chasing after a 2 year old, it is the perfect combination for some crabby days! When I was younger I remember taking pill after pill and hoping something would work. Maybe those shots paid off a little bit as I can now take Zyrtec (which is pregnancy approved) along with my nose spray and have relief.
This past week has been pretty good. Work, as I have mentioned before, has been slowing down for me. AND - we have hired my friend Natalie from my Land O' Lakes days to do a job share with me. That will help immensely when I return after maternity leave! so that is fabulous.
On Thursday Emma had a GREAT day as she got to meet her idol - Dora the Explorer. We went to the Mall of America and she did so well all day, it was so nice! She sat in her stoller well and didn't complain about wanting to get up. She was patient when waiting in line for Dora and sat and ate her pizza and breadstick very well in the food court; I was very proud of her. While we were waiting for Dora, we did some shopping. We bought her a Dora poster for her bedroom and some new Princess sunglasses. She was disappointed she couldn't go on any of the big rides at the MOA as she didn't have a chaperone (they do not allow pregnant woman to go on them). But, she settled for the little grocery store carousels that sit like 3 people and go around for about 30 seconds. She did that twice and seemed pretty content. (Notice she had to wear her pretty Dora dress for the big day.)
Finally, the time came to meet Dora. We were second in line for the "meet & greet" and Emma could barely contain herself waiting. "Mama - where Dora?" "Mommy - when will Dora come?" "Mama - how many more minutes?" Finally, she arrived,
but without Boots which I think Emma was a bit disappointed about. But, I pointed out, that who would be stopping Swiper in Dora's absence if Boots came along? That seemed to make some sense to the little one. She was a bit tentative at first, but did walk up to her right away and gave her a hug. Here are a few more pics from the big event. 
I am so glad that Emma and I did this. She still talks about meeting Dora and had to stay there and watch Dora for about 15 minutes after our turn was up. I really think she was just in awe of her. After that, she went back to the gift store and I let her pick out a toy for being such a good girl. She picked out little Mermaid Dora and Boots Beanie Babies. I brought along some of her birthday money for the occasion and she loves playing with those two. It was a very good trip.
Last night my family had a memorial service for my Uncle Warren who passed away last Monday. He fought a 6 year battle with cancer and died the way he wanted too- at home with friends and family around him. The memorial service was very nice, very low key like he would have wanted and really was a celebration of his life. It was so nice to hear stories about him (and my Mom!) that I have never heard and see some of my Mom's friends and people she grew up with. Of course whenever someone passes, you feel the guilt of "Why didn't I do more? Why didn't I call and visit more?" and those why questions that don't really get answered. I know they are pointless, but really hope to not take people for granted and my days for granted as one really does not know how long they have upon this earth. I am so thankful that I knew him and that he is in a better place. It was a long battle and I know that it was tiring and draining for everyone involved and his passing was a blessing. But still, it is very sad and always in the back of my mind.
I had a doctor's appointment yesterday also. Baby is still doing good, but not showing any signs of coming early or anything. Which, as much as I would love, is okay with me. Yes, I have been more cranky lately. Yes, I have been more tired and concerned about the tiny bit of swelling I am seeing, However, I know that the longer he stays in there the better - so I am fine with him taking his time. Fern did say that she could try to move things along at my next visit if I wanted, however, both Tim and I agreed with Emma and with this one that we will let nature take its course. If I am overdue, that is different, but for right now, he can take 3 more weeks to greet us and meet the family.
Today we are just hanging around the house, doing errands, and stuff like that. Kristen is taking some pregnancy pictures this afternoon - hopefully we will get some cute ones with Emma, but we will see if she cooperates. I plan on finishing the baby's quilt after I get done with this posting, and walking on the treadmill. I am going to make a good attempt at walking on the treadmill every night/day until junior comes. Tim, Em, and I have been good at walking outside, but now, it is a bit warm. So, I will do it in the comfort of my own home with the TV on and in better temps.
I think that is all for now. Everyone enjoy your weekend!
However, along with the late summer/early fall beautiful weather comes my hayfever and it has decided to peak today. Thank goodness for having some allergy pills that finally work. As my family and some friends know, I am a fall allergy sufferer and even after trips to the allergist and 4+ years of allergy shots, I STILL have hayfever. It drives me crazy. Top that with being 9 months pregnant and chasing after a 2 year old, it is the perfect combination for some crabby days! When I was younger I remember taking pill after pill and hoping something would work. Maybe those shots paid off a little bit as I can now take Zyrtec (which is pregnancy approved) along with my nose spray and have relief.
This past week has been pretty good. Work, as I have mentioned before, has been slowing down for me. AND - we have hired my friend Natalie from my Land O' Lakes days to do a job share with me. That will help immensely when I return after maternity leave! so that is fabulous.
On Thursday Emma had a GREAT day as she got to meet her idol - Dora the Explorer. We went to the Mall of America and she did so well all day, it was so nice! She sat in her stoller well and didn't complain about wanting to get up. She was patient when waiting in line for Dora and sat and ate her pizza and breadstick very well in the food court; I was very proud of her. While we were waiting for Dora, we did some shopping. We bought her a Dora poster for her bedroom and some new Princess sunglasses. She was disappointed she couldn't go on any of the big rides at the MOA as she didn't have a chaperone (they do not allow pregnant woman to go on them). But, she settled for the little grocery store carousels that sit like 3 people and go around for about 30 seconds. She did that twice and seemed pretty content. (Notice she had to wear her pretty Dora dress for the big day.)
Finally, the time came to meet Dora. We were second in line for the "meet & greet" and Emma could barely contain herself waiting. "Mama - where Dora?" "Mommy - when will Dora come?" "Mama - how many more minutes?" Finally, she arrived,
but without Boots which I think Emma was a bit disappointed about. But, I pointed out, that who would be stopping Swiper in Dora's absence if Boots came along? That seemed to make some sense to the little one. She was a bit tentative at first, but did walk up to her right away and gave her a hug. Here are a few more pics from the big event. 
I am so glad that Emma and I did this. She still talks about meeting Dora and had to stay there and watch Dora for about 15 minutes after our turn was up. I really think she was just in awe of her. After that, she went back to the gift store and I let her pick out a toy for being such a good girl. She picked out little Mermaid Dora and Boots Beanie Babies. I brought along some of her birthday money for the occasion and she loves playing with those two. It was a very good trip.
Last night my family had a memorial service for my Uncle Warren who passed away last Monday. He fought a 6 year battle with cancer and died the way he wanted too- at home with friends and family around him. The memorial service was very nice, very low key like he would have wanted and really was a celebration of his life. It was so nice to hear stories about him (and my Mom!) that I have never heard and see some of my Mom's friends and people she grew up with. Of course whenever someone passes, you feel the guilt of "Why didn't I do more? Why didn't I call and visit more?" and those why questions that don't really get answered. I know they are pointless, but really hope to not take people for granted and my days for granted as one really does not know how long they have upon this earth. I am so thankful that I knew him and that he is in a better place. It was a long battle and I know that it was tiring and draining for everyone involved and his passing was a blessing. But still, it is very sad and always in the back of my mind.
I had a doctor's appointment yesterday also. Baby is still doing good, but not showing any signs of coming early or anything. Which, as much as I would love, is okay with me. Yes, I have been more cranky lately. Yes, I have been more tired and concerned about the tiny bit of swelling I am seeing, However, I know that the longer he stays in there the better - so I am fine with him taking his time. Fern did say that she could try to move things along at my next visit if I wanted, however, both Tim and I agreed with Emma and with this one that we will let nature take its course. If I am overdue, that is different, but for right now, he can take 3 more weeks to greet us and meet the family.
Today we are just hanging around the house, doing errands, and stuff like that. Kristen is taking some pregnancy pictures this afternoon - hopefully we will get some cute ones with Emma, but we will see if she cooperates. I plan on finishing the baby's quilt after I get done with this posting, and walking on the treadmill. I am going to make a good attempt at walking on the treadmill every night/day until junior comes. Tim, Em, and I have been good at walking outside, but now, it is a bit warm. So, I will do it in the comfort of my own home with the TV on and in better temps.
I think that is all for now. Everyone enjoy your weekend!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Fun in the sun
Thank goodness tomorrow is Wednesday - or - my Friday! My last day of work for the week. Work has been really good actually. Very quiet - which is nice. It helps that we hired someone to help out while I am on maternity leave, as right now I don't have a lot to do. I LOVE IT! A nice way to calm down and de-stress before the new one arrives.
This past weekend was fabulous. Tim, Emma, and I went to the cabin to enjoy the last weekend there before the end of summer and before the new baby arrives. The next few weekends we will be staying closer to home - just in case! What is the baby count down too - like 26 days? Crazy!
We really just relaxed the whole time. Emma played really well in the water, went for jet-ski rides and even started driving the jet-ski. Scary I know.... I usually let her put her hands on the handlebars, but this past weekend, she decided she had graduated to driving it. I always go pretty slow with her on it, but this past weekend her thumb would slowly sneak on the throttle and off we went! Granted, I don't know if she actually knew what she was doing, but it was pretty funny. She loves steering the jet-ski also and loves looking for the "Big Waves!" She will turn the jet-ski one way, then the other way to find the waves and then laugh if we get splashed.
She also got a lot more involved with swimming, which I loved! I decided in 16 years her and I will do a triathlon! She started out the weekend by being on her little kick board and going back and forth from me to the beach. Then, I showed her how I swim and she wanted to try. I give her an A for effort, but I know that she is a bit too little for swimming. Then, I showed her how I plug my nose and dunk my head under the water, which she thought was hilarious! She said she wanted to try, and would plug her nose, count to three and then jump - but not go under water. I did have her under the water once, which I can't say she overly enjoyed, but she didn't cry either.
The weather was fabulous, we ate very well (which is why we call the cabin the fat house) and contemplated calling in sick to work on Monday :-) Although both Tim and I knew we couldn't do that either.
The one thing I thought was funny was when Tim told me about Emma in the bathtub Sunday night. She was teaching her water Cabbage Patch Kid doll Armani (or Ani was we call her) how to swim. She would stand her up and say "Okay Ani, plug nose. Now 1 -2 - 3!" and then dunk her under the water. So, obviously she got a lot out of our lessons!
It is so much fun, they are such big sponges right now! It is fun to teach them something new.
This past weekend was fabulous. Tim, Emma, and I went to the cabin to enjoy the last weekend there before the end of summer and before the new baby arrives. The next few weekends we will be staying closer to home - just in case! What is the baby count down too - like 26 days? Crazy!
We really just relaxed the whole time. Emma played really well in the water, went for jet-ski rides and even started driving the jet-ski. Scary I know.... I usually let her put her hands on the handlebars, but this past weekend, she decided she had graduated to driving it. I always go pretty slow with her on it, but this past weekend her thumb would slowly sneak on the throttle and off we went! Granted, I don't know if she actually knew what she was doing, but it was pretty funny. She loves steering the jet-ski also and loves looking for the "Big Waves!" She will turn the jet-ski one way, then the other way to find the waves and then laugh if we get splashed.
She also got a lot more involved with swimming, which I loved! I decided in 16 years her and I will do a triathlon! She started out the weekend by being on her little kick board and going back and forth from me to the beach. Then, I showed her how I swim and she wanted to try. I give her an A for effort, but I know that she is a bit too little for swimming. Then, I showed her how I plug my nose and dunk my head under the water, which she thought was hilarious! She said she wanted to try, and would plug her nose, count to three and then jump - but not go under water. I did have her under the water once, which I can't say she overly enjoyed, but she didn't cry either.
The weather was fabulous, we ate very well (which is why we call the cabin the fat house) and contemplated calling in sick to work on Monday :-) Although both Tim and I knew we couldn't do that either.
The one thing I thought was funny was when Tim told me about Emma in the bathtub Sunday night. She was teaching her water Cabbage Patch Kid doll Armani (or Ani was we call her) how to swim. She would stand her up and say "Okay Ani, plug nose. Now 1 -2 - 3!" and then dunk her under the water. So, obviously she got a lot out of our lessons!
It is so much fun, they are such big sponges right now! It is fun to teach them something new.
Friday, August 8, 2008
The levels we go....
I just scared my daughter into taking a nap in her big girl bed. Okay, maybe scared is a harsh word, but she did her little song & dance before nap. Which, is unusual, because she normally goes down for her nap with no problem. ANYWAY, she was at the top of the stairs, just laying there and not wanting a nap. So I go up there, ask her to go to her bed and she says no. So, fine, nap at the top of the stairs. Then a few minutes later I hear her go to her room and I am curious as to what she is doing. Well, when I check on her again, she is now covered up with her princess blanket. Enough is enough I think and tell her that she needs to go into her room so if I start vacuuming it won't scare her. (She HATES it when I vacuum.) She looks at me alarmed - "you are going to vacuum Mama?" "I might and if I do, it would be better if you were in your room. I know you don't like it when I vacuum." She promptly goes to her room, lays down and covers up. She asks me one more time about my intentions about vacuuming and I say, "Well, as long as you are in your room, you won't hear the vacuum and will stay asleep." Then rolls over and sucks her thumb. Now, mind you, I have no intentions of vacuuming. I actually intend on reading my book "The Jane Austen Book Club" and napping myself. I am so exhausted right now that I feel I could fall asleep typing. So, I will take a nap, then bake a cake. I should clean, but just am not up for it today. So there - the levels we go to get our little ones to sleep in their beds. Am I ashamed? No, not really. I COULD have vacuumed, but she doesn't need to know that!
I had my doctors appointment today and baby Heuer is doing great. Everything is progressing as it should and my body is starting to show a few signs that it is getting ready to go. Not yet - not in a few days, just where it should be for a woman who is now 36 weeks pregnant! So, that is good. We are heading up to the cabin tonight for the last time before Junior makes his appearance and I am really looking forward to that. I am bringing a book my digital scrapbooking stuff, and some yummy food - like cake! I figure Tim owes me a lot of watching Emma time, so I am hoping to get some scrapbook pages down this weekend. But, I rarely do when I am there - I just spend the time outside.
On a sidenote - one of my friends told me they are calling ole' #4 from the Packers "Jet Favre" I think that is kind of funny, sad but funny. Tim thinks this whole soap opera is hilarious and laughs when I cringe at seeing Brett Favre at the press conference with the Jets. Once again, it just doesn't seem real.
Have a great weekend everyone!
I had my doctors appointment today and baby Heuer is doing great. Everything is progressing as it should and my body is starting to show a few signs that it is getting ready to go. Not yet - not in a few days, just where it should be for a woman who is now 36 weeks pregnant! So, that is good. We are heading up to the cabin tonight for the last time before Junior makes his appearance and I am really looking forward to that. I am bringing a book my digital scrapbooking stuff, and some yummy food - like cake! I figure Tim owes me a lot of watching Emma time, so I am hoping to get some scrapbook pages down this weekend. But, I rarely do when I am there - I just spend the time outside.
On a sidenote - one of my friends told me they are calling ole' #4 from the Packers "Jet Favre" I think that is kind of funny, sad but funny. Tim thinks this whole soap opera is hilarious and laughs when I cringe at seeing Brett Favre at the press conference with the Jets. Once again, it just doesn't seem real.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Pictures
FIRST - how about this whole Brett Favre thing? Brett as Jet? I don't think so. I don't like it one bit. Not that I was all that happy with his change of mind. Don't get me wrong, I think he is a fabulous player, but I think this whole retirement then not retirement thing is smearing his name. It will be hard to watch the Packers this year without him - especially with Aaron Rogers. Don't know how I feel about that guy yet.... anyway, I should move on to a happier topic.
PICTURES!
Here is Emma dancing around in her silk pajama's from China. Tim said they toured a silk factory in Shanghai and couldn't resist these for Emma. They are a bit big - but very nice and cute I think. She likes them. Although, we have them safely up now until they fit a little better.
Emma and happy Daddy. Both were very happy to see each other and I think Emma is still a bit worried that he is going away again. She will keep checking in with me about Daddy's whereabouts. I told her we were going to the cabin this weekend and she said, "Daddy come with?" and her asking if Daddy is at work, what Daddy doing, etc. She always has to make sure she knows where he is.
Emma and Kyra riding the Dizzy Dinosaur ride at the fair. She did really well on all the rides. I think she went on about 5 total. But she will tell you that the Ferris Wheel was her favorite.
The merry-go-round. I sat and ate ice cream with Kaylee while Kristen took Emma on the merry-go-round. That ride went on for quite a while, but they all seemed to enjoy it.
And finally....
Miss Stubborn
We were walking around the yard the other day and told Emma it was either time to go in for a bath or go for a quick lawnmower ride. Well, she didn't think so. She wanted to Ping (or Swing, as most people call it). We said, no and repeated the options again and she once again insisted on Pinging. So, Tim and I headed towards the house and were hoping she would follow. A minute or so later when she didn't follow, we turned around and looked back and couldn't find her. But, when we looked at the swing we saw this...
She was sitting there, sucking her thumb, and waiting for someone to push her. She probably sat there for about 10 minutes - sometimes calling for me or Tim, but basically just waiting for someone to come. I went in the house and Tim got the lawnmower and eventually pushed her. Yup, he caved.
That's all.
PICTURES!
Here is Emma dancing around in her silk pajama's from China. Tim said they toured a silk factory in Shanghai and couldn't resist these for Emma. They are a bit big - but very nice and cute I think. She likes them. Although, we have them safely up now until they fit a little better.
Emma and happy Daddy. Both were very happy to see each other and I think Emma is still a bit worried that he is going away again. She will keep checking in with me about Daddy's whereabouts. I told her we were going to the cabin this weekend and she said, "Daddy come with?" and her asking if Daddy is at work, what Daddy doing, etc. She always has to make sure she knows where he is.
Emma and Kyra riding the Dizzy Dinosaur ride at the fair. She did really well on all the rides. I think she went on about 5 total. But she will tell you that the Ferris Wheel was her favorite.
The merry-go-round. I sat and ate ice cream with Kaylee while Kristen took Emma on the merry-go-round. That ride went on for quite a while, but they all seemed to enjoy it.And finally....
Miss Stubborn
We were walking around the yard the other day and told Emma it was either time to go in for a bath or go for a quick lawnmower ride. Well, she didn't think so. She wanted to Ping (or Swing, as most people call it). We said, no and repeated the options again and she once again insisted on Pinging. So, Tim and I headed towards the house and were hoping she would follow. A minute or so later when she didn't follow, we turned around and looked back and couldn't find her. But, when we looked at the swing we saw this...
She was sitting there, sucking her thumb, and waiting for someone to push her. She probably sat there for about 10 minutes - sometimes calling for me or Tim, but basically just waiting for someone to come. I went in the house and Tim got the lawnmower and eventually pushed her. Yup, he caved.That's all.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Miscellaneous stuff
(First, let me apologize, I tried to upload pictures, but keep getting an error. So -I guess I will post pictures later)
It was so nice to have a night back to normal. Tim came home after work, we made supper, him and Em went to the garden and I did dishes - back to normal. I love it. Although, the start of the day didn't go so well. I AGAIN did not sleep. Which, Kristen told me that when she was pregnant with Kaylee, she had some insomnia. Man, I hope that is not me. So, I looked up insomnia and pregnancy and discover that 78% of woman suffer some insomnia during pregnancy. So, before bed tonight, I will take a nice hot shower, finish my book club book (Swimming to Antarctica)and wind down. Hopefully that helps.
Emma had a rough morning at daycare again! Apparently, she didn't want Tim to go and was a pretty sad and unhappy camper for Theresa for about an hour after he left. She did have fun eventually, but that was after she refused to eat breakfast, didn't want to watch Cinderella, and was just being sad all over. No good. I guess it will take her a few days to get used to things again. This is making me feel really good that Tim and I decided to continue Emma in daycare when I am on maternity leave. She really needs her schedule and I think it would be hard on everyone if she was off of it for 12 weeks. Hopefully she is better soon.
So, like I mentioned yesterday, Tim is back home! He had some fun stories to share and some fun gifts! Emma made out like a bandit. She got a little tea set, some silk pajama's, Princess stickers for her room, a purse, hair clips, and the thing she was very excited about?? Microwave popcorn. We sent some with Tim in his care package and he didn't eat it. She found it in his bag and was so excited about the popcorn! "Daddy brought popcorn! Yummy popcorn!" He got me a very pretty long strand of pearls, pearl earrings, a purse, some cute bracelets, and a little note pad. He did a pretty good job - I was impressed.
Emma loved going to the airport to pick him up. Unfortunately with all the increased security, we could not go in the airport - just the baggage area. But, we stopped at a spot right by the airport so she could see planes take off - she liked that a lot!
On Saturday we went to the Washington County Fair with the neighbors. They were very kind to take Emma on the rides as I couldn't because of the pregnancy. Or, as Emma says about everything now, "Mama can't because she too big!" Gee... thanks Emma... like I need a reminder from a 2 year old. She was been pretty funny lately. Her expressions and her language have really expanded lately (for good and bad) and Tim mentioned how much better she is talking. Better in some instances, not in others. I forget that she is constanly listening, even when I don't think she is. For instance, the other day I am sitting at a stop light behind someone, minding my business and probably humming along to a song. What does Emma say? "Go Guy! Why you not going? Go Guy!" So apparently, I was mad at some point with a guy in front of me who was not going fast enough through a light. And of course, Emma had to pick up on it. Tonight, Kristen dropped off some carseats for her girls as Emma and I are picking them up from daycare this week. The girls were in the wagon ready to go back home when Emma looks sad and says, "Hey - I have no friends to play with now." She got really upset this past week when 2 deer were in our garden eating the green beans. I was yelling out the window trying to scare them away and I hear her yell (while she is sitting on the potty) "Mama - what happening?" Then all of a sudden, she is running into my bedroom, bare buns at all to see what is going on. Then, she starts yelling out the window too. "Go deer - no eat Daddy's garden. Go Bambi - those Daddy's! Run deer - NO!" She yelled for about 3 minutes as the deer stared at us and cocked their heads to figure out what was going on. The list goes on and on. It is fun to watch her develop, but then not so fun as she insists on other things that can't happen at the moment, like getting a piece of gum, having a certain snack, or something like that. Sometimes, she will just not let it go. I do not give in, because I know that will only make it worse, but still, it is hard.
That's it for now - I need to start my winding down. Here's wishing that I sleep better tonight. Hopefully pictures soon! Stupid blogger - maybe these are the problems that led people to switch to a different site.
It was so nice to have a night back to normal. Tim came home after work, we made supper, him and Em went to the garden and I did dishes - back to normal. I love it. Although, the start of the day didn't go so well. I AGAIN did not sleep. Which, Kristen told me that when she was pregnant with Kaylee, she had some insomnia. Man, I hope that is not me. So, I looked up insomnia and pregnancy and discover that 78% of woman suffer some insomnia during pregnancy. So, before bed tonight, I will take a nice hot shower, finish my book club book (Swimming to Antarctica)and wind down. Hopefully that helps.
Emma had a rough morning at daycare again! Apparently, she didn't want Tim to go and was a pretty sad and unhappy camper for Theresa for about an hour after he left. She did have fun eventually, but that was after she refused to eat breakfast, didn't want to watch Cinderella, and was just being sad all over. No good. I guess it will take her a few days to get used to things again. This is making me feel really good that Tim and I decided to continue Emma in daycare when I am on maternity leave. She really needs her schedule and I think it would be hard on everyone if she was off of it for 12 weeks. Hopefully she is better soon.
So, like I mentioned yesterday, Tim is back home! He had some fun stories to share and some fun gifts! Emma made out like a bandit. She got a little tea set, some silk pajama's, Princess stickers for her room, a purse, hair clips, and the thing she was very excited about?? Microwave popcorn. We sent some with Tim in his care package and he didn't eat it. She found it in his bag and was so excited about the popcorn! "Daddy brought popcorn! Yummy popcorn!" He got me a very pretty long strand of pearls, pearl earrings, a purse, some cute bracelets, and a little note pad. He did a pretty good job - I was impressed.
Emma loved going to the airport to pick him up. Unfortunately with all the increased security, we could not go in the airport - just the baggage area. But, we stopped at a spot right by the airport so she could see planes take off - she liked that a lot!
On Saturday we went to the Washington County Fair with the neighbors. They were very kind to take Emma on the rides as I couldn't because of the pregnancy. Or, as Emma says about everything now, "Mama can't because she too big!" Gee... thanks Emma... like I need a reminder from a 2 year old. She was been pretty funny lately. Her expressions and her language have really expanded lately (for good and bad) and Tim mentioned how much better she is talking. Better in some instances, not in others. I forget that she is constanly listening, even when I don't think she is. For instance, the other day I am sitting at a stop light behind someone, minding my business and probably humming along to a song. What does Emma say? "Go Guy! Why you not going? Go Guy!" So apparently, I was mad at some point with a guy in front of me who was not going fast enough through a light. And of course, Emma had to pick up on it. Tonight, Kristen dropped off some carseats for her girls as Emma and I are picking them up from daycare this week. The girls were in the wagon ready to go back home when Emma looks sad and says, "Hey - I have no friends to play with now." She got really upset this past week when 2 deer were in our garden eating the green beans. I was yelling out the window trying to scare them away and I hear her yell (while she is sitting on the potty) "Mama - what happening?" Then all of a sudden, she is running into my bedroom, bare buns at all to see what is going on. Then, she starts yelling out the window too. "Go deer - no eat Daddy's garden. Go Bambi - those Daddy's! Run deer - NO!" She yelled for about 3 minutes as the deer stared at us and cocked their heads to figure out what was going on. The list goes on and on. It is fun to watch her develop, but then not so fun as she insists on other things that can't happen at the moment, like getting a piece of gum, having a certain snack, or something like that. Sometimes, she will just not let it go. I do not give in, because I know that will only make it worse, but still, it is hard.
That's it for now - I need to start my winding down. Here's wishing that I sleep better tonight. Hopefully pictures soon! Stupid blogger - maybe these are the problems that led people to switch to a different site.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Finally- back to normal
Yeah - my husband is home! Emma is basically jumping off the walls because her Daddy is home. His flight and travels were good and from the moment she saw him, she hasn't wanted him out of her sights. Even when she was sitting in the stroller and he was lagging behind with me, she kept asking "Hey - where my Daddy go?" So yes, she and I are very happy.
I have a bunch of pictures to post and more stories from our weekend, but I am exhausted. I have a cold and have not been getting much sleep.
Any way, I have to go. More tomorrow
I have a bunch of pictures to post and more stories from our weekend, but I am exhausted. I have a cold and have not been getting much sleep.
Any way, I have to go. More tomorrow
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