Leaps and Bounds

Ava has grown SO much! She's already 11lbs 11ozs.... that's 4 lbs since her birthday 2 months ago! AMAZING! You would think with all the GERD issues she wouldn't be so big, but apparently with all the vomiting she has no issue.

My tween is getting very anxious for middle school. I've been prepping her and myself for all to come: peer pressure, boys, cliques, make up, etc... I'm sure she'll handle it better then I will, she is my first after all. This is the ultimate test of my parenting skills. I hope I get an "A."

So, I have discovered how to get my son to FINALLY eat! He has been picky for as long as I can remember, which contributes to his ultra-slim, 40-lb. frame. (He's 6, and barely in the 13% percentile.) I have created recipes from "cookbooks" from his favorite characters. I've made Stark Burgers (Iron Man), Avatar Chicken (Last Airbender), Sonic Spuds (Sonic the Hedgehog) and M.I.B. Beef (Men In Black). This was a brilliant suggestion from a friend of mine.  I have seen him eat things that he would NEVER EVER have touched before: bagels, sandwiches, potatoes, burgers, etc... It's amazing. I think this is something I must share in my blog, then e-newsletter and eventually the world!

Juggling Act

I must say, my baby is SO easygoing. She sleeps through the night, doesn't cry and smiles ALL day. But boy is it hard to juggle her needs and the needs of a tween and 6-year-old! She wants to swim in the deep end of the pool (ie 12 feet), while he needs to be in the 3.5 feet and Ava shouldn't even be outside! I make do.

So I went to the library with the kids. We were looking for summer reading books. Zo is reading at a 12th grade level, but is only 11. This causes lots of problems. Do I hold her back or let her read things way too mature? I take the side of caution.

I did let her choose a book on the 7/8 grade reading list suggested by our public library system. I came to find out it has sex and drug use in it and is labeled Young Adult! I don't know at what age it should be "ok" to let your kids read this sort of material, but I don't think 12 or even 13 is mature enough-- and DEFINITELY not an 11-year-old. Thanks MoCo for the suggestion....

If I got paid for all I do I would be a millionare

Motherhood is such a full-time, nonstop job.

My baby was sleeping mostly through the night, but reflux got the best of her.  We switched formulas...leading to many, many (MANY) trips to feed her last night. Luckily, she seems much more content. She is no longer wailing after eating and isn't throwing up everything I give her!

It's amazing to see how much she has changed within these last 7 weeks. She looks nothing like my profile photo....which I will update soon. She really has made our family so complete.

My son is so in love with her. He kisses her cheek constantly and consoles her when needed. He's like a mini-daddy in training. I always knew my oldest daughter would have a "mommy" inkling, but I never realized my son would be so fatherly. His love and compassion is so genuine and honest.

Tonight is "Mommy & Me" night with my eldest daughter. She's 11. She's entering middle school this fall, which I am somewhat apprehensive of. Their are SO many influences to come and I need to reinforce what's right and wrong. Hence our time together. I hope to steer her in the right direction. It's a new and challenging road that Zo and I face, but we're in it together.

1 month down...

My goodness how time flies! I can't even begin to explain how busy I've become...well I guess it's obvious since I have once again begin MIA from the cyber world. I will make more efforts, namely at the end of my long days.

Here's the quick rundown... Ava is already a month old! She is now 9lbs 8oz and growing by the second. She's still quite "boring" by the kids' standards, but she has settled into the family really well. She is actually quite amazing in my opinion. She sleeps for 5-6 hour stretches at night, only waking to eat and go back to sleep less then 15 minutes later for 5-6 more hours. Her temperament is great; calm, alert and curious. She's an absolute angel.

Ty is now 6!! He celebrated with a splash at the local indoor pool and had a fantastic time. He is SO in love with his new sister; kissing her on the forehead at every given chance. He's been super helpful and so sweet with her! I couldn't ask for anything more. :)

He has officially been diagnosed with ADHD which explains A LOT about his mannerisms and character traits. I always had a suspicion, but now I know for sure. The doc said to try behavior therapy for now, but she said he is going to be a prime candidate for medication in the future (just based on his overall actions and character). I am a bit hesitant to go in that direction, but we'll do what is right for him.

Zo is very excited to have her baby sister in her life. She has been very helpful to me and I am so grateful that she can assist me, without losing herself-- she's not taking on the role of mom, nor losing her place as a kid... it's just right.

Zo's team (my girls!) have just gone on to finish their spring softball season on such a high note! They officially came out on top, winning the championships! I am SO incredibly proud of them! :) Zo has blossomed into a tremendous athlete and really grown. She played this past season on instinct and heart-- it was such a proud season for me. :) I can't wait for the fall!

Our dog, Lucky, on the other hand is not so keen on the new addition. She has been VERY jealous and reactive. She has taken actions to let us know she is not pleased-- eating socks, opening doors, leaving pools of water on the floor next to her water dish. Hopefully she'll come to love Ava someday soon before we run out of socks!

M.I.A.

So I've been M.I.A. since Mother's Day, but not without reason! I FINALLY had my baby!!!! She was born on Tuesday, May 11th at 10:53 p.m. at a HUGE 7lbs 11oz. This is the same child that was averaging 5lbs 11 oz less then 3 weeks ago! She gained 2 pounds in 3 weeks! Her name is Ava Analucia.

Being late with NO sign of impending labor, I decided to go ahead and get induced. Boy was that both a blessing and a mistake! I went into the hospital around 8 p.m. for a gel of some sorts to get everything "ready." I arrived to them telling me there was NONE in the entire hospital.. We decided to go with a slow drip of pictocin instead. 23 hours later she arrived.

I say this was a blessing because I was so anxious to meet her, to see her face and say her name. She's an absolute angel-- she doesn't cry, she doesn't complain, she's peaceful and absolutely beautiful (and I'm not just saying this because I'm her Mother).

It was a mistake because after 23 hours of IV fluids and Pitocin I feel like the "Stay Puft Marshmallow Mom." I have retained nearly 10 pounds of FLUIDS(!!) and am swollen from head-to-toe. I've never felt this much discomfort in my life! I went into the doctor today to find out if I'm ok. I may have postnatal pre-eclampsia. So weird. Never even heard of such a thing.

I go in for testing tomorrow, with my one-week-old baby in tow. Wish me luck!

Mother's Day

Today is the day I am SUPPOSED to have my baby. But she has decided so far that that is not an option. She is extremely stubborn already... kind of makes me worry! She is definitely a Taurus.

I'm glad she took her time in utero. She has finally gained weight and is mostly fitting into the standard norms of what a baby should weigh. SHe gained roughly 27 ounces in 3 weeks which is amazing. She should be approx. 7lbs 4ozs according to doctors now! Much better from her barely 6lb hopes before.

I am scheduled for an induction tomorrow night. Slightly nervous, but very excited. I can't wait to hold her. I've been an avid student of Hypnobirthing and this is counterintuitive to what I have practiced. I hold the hope in my heart that she just decides to arrive on her own before then. If not, I will be strong and at peace with what is happening.

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there! I hope you all have a day filled with peace-and-quiet and lots of love!

Word Editing

Why is it that people ALWAYS feel the urge to say whatever is on their mind to pregnant women? No matter how harsh or how insensitive, people have NO problem saying whatever they want. I've had it all said to me from... "Wow! You're nose has really spread!"  to  "Why are you still pregnant?! Aren't you going to give birth already?"  to "Boy you've gotten HUGE all the sudden!"

I just can't grasp why it is when women are emotionally vulnerable and creating a new life, others seem to attack them? Is pregnancy an open door for arrogance and meanness? Can somebody explain?!

And yes...I'm still pregnant. Guess she's just not ready! :)

Sassy Pants

My daughter was THE cutest thing as a baby and toddler. Her blonde ringlets bounced across her head and her smile was contagious. She was always so sweet and kind. Then she turned 9. I really don't know what happened at that point. Does anyone else out there feel like their daughter woke up on the wrong side of the bed from 9 on?

I used to wonder if I somehow "screwed up" being that I was young and inexperienced, but I am starting to believe that it's really not me! I was talking to a woman (a stranger) and she mentioned she had two daughters; one 9, one 6. She went on to tell me how she was so confused by the sassiness she received on a daily basis from her 9-year-old. I laughed, of course. She told me of the 45-minute showers and the never-ending battles over EVERYTHING and nothing all at the same time. It's like a switch goes off in their head around that time-- it tells them to be as confrontational, mean and nasty as possible and do EXACTLY the opposite of whatever you tell her (your daughter).

We shared stories and laughed together for sometime. It was such a relief to meet her and know I wasn't alone!

Peanut

Just back from the sono/ biophysical profile.  Dj is now 5lbs 11 ozs! She has FINALLY grown. Sadly that keeps her in the 19th percentile. At least she's not under 5 anymore.

Countdown is on... 9 more days. The doctor advised that I don't go past that date since she's not a vigorous grower. We'll have to wait and see. I was 1cm on Monday, with many crampy episodes since then so I'm sure I've progressed nicely.

Ty is SO excited! He talks to her all the time; makes my hormonally challenged self cry every time. lol. He is going to be SUCH a big help. Speaking of help.. Ty is doing SO well in school. His teacher (whom I adore!) moved him to his own desk, rather then the round kindergarten tables they usually acquire at 5.  He has finally been able to focus and do his work! It really helps the ADHD child and the ADHD child's mom keep their sanity. He's a good kid, just scatterbrained and flighty.

Off to run errands before dinner.

You win some, you lose some

My daughter's fastpitch softball team (which I still coach at 9 months preggers) had their first game yesterday. Unfortunately, we lost :/

I hate when "my girls" lose-- they get so down on themselves! They did play to the best of their abilities which is what matters most since they are in a recreational league, but try telling them that! I definitely need to find a way to get them pumped for the game and keep it up-- especially on days where they have to be at the field at 8:20 in the morning (which means leaving the house on a Saturday morning before 7:45).

I am still so proud of them, but being at that tween age I don't know if they really "know" that! We'll get 'em next time!

Belly Bound

15 days to go and I am so excited. I have that "I must clean everything in sight" feeling again so I'm going with it... just wish my energy level would stay up (how long does it take for all these supplements to work?!)

I've started to contemplate belly binding post baby. Has anyone tried it? Any suggestions? I'll stick with my yoga and pilates post baby. But I don't want to strain my muscles! I think it'll help keep my back and core strong... besides, I do have a wedding  to be in (Matron of Honor) on June 19th!

Downhill

This pregnancy has been SO easy, I sometimes "forget" that I am pregnant... well not really since there IS an extra 20 pound basketball shoved in my shirt! I have gained very little. I'm carrying "well."
I haven't suffered any side-effects... it's been smooth sailing, for the most part...

So how is it that suddenly I am plummeting downhill? It's like my body just said "That's it! I give up!" I went to the doctor a few weeks ago to find out why I am beyond exhausted (this puts first trimester fatigue to shame). After some serious poking and prodding and a full CBC, I have found out that I have anemia, my Vitamin D levels are extremely low, my t4 numbers are low (hypothyroidism here I come?), and my liver is starting to act up! To top it off I am showing signs of pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes.... I mean seriously, what in the world is going on? I only have a few weeks to go.

I hope everything balances back out...and SOON!

Surrender

It is now imminent... I NEED a van and I need one now! With just about 26 days left to go before we meet DJ I have decided to bite the bullet and surrender to the almighty minivan. I have been going back and forth with this dilemma for months and I can't see any way around it. It seems that I must be getting old when "coolness" is being sacrificed for convenience.

Oh well...

Any suggestions?

M.I.A.

I've been M.I.A. for about two weeks; been getting ready for baby and dealing with all of life's curveballs. I am officially 9 months pregnant and boy do I feel like it--- fatigue, exhaustion, leg cramps. I feel and look like I swallowed a basketball!

I was joking with my 5-year-old the other day...I said I think I really swallowed a basketball instead of have a baby in there. The next morning he comes up to me and asks, "What if it really is a basketball?"  After I smiled I said he'd have a brand new toy!

Coaching sports has become a challenge. I can't stand in one place for any length of time without my leg hurting SO bad because of said basketball weighing down on me, but this is something I promised to do for both my son and daughter! I just have to remind myself that I'm doing it for them and suck it up!

I'm on spring break with the kids, so let me go figure out what to do for today. I think we should hit the library :)

41 days to go & how nesting is controlling my life!

My journey through pregnancy is almost over! It seems like just yesterday I found out that I was expecting DJ-- now I'm about 41 days from finally meeting her.

I had a dream about her name last night... I was sitting with Ben (my hubby) and he kept insisting on the name Abigail, Abby for short. I was so sad; I like the name, but not for my daughter. I kept pleading with him but I just settled. Then I woke up...

FYI. Her name is definitely NOT going to be Abby. I better come up with something soon or she really is going to be DJ for life!


NESTING
I nested with both my other children, it was just before they were born. I cleaned frantically until I was exhausted.

This time around I have been in nesting (panic) mode. I cleaned my house like never before. I've scrubbed and emptied the freezer, cleaned EVERY cabinet and drawer in the kitchen. Took apart, cleaned and rearranged the bathroom vanities, scrubbed the showers, changed the shower curtains, moved the furniture around (I was careful), organized both my kids' closets and I just can't stop! I've thrown out over 12 bags of "trash" and I still feel like I'm not done.... NOW, I should mention that my house is always clean. I have a (slight) case of OCD. My husband loves it.

Is this normal? Am I really going to go through this for 6 more weeks!?

Hostage

My blog was being held hostage by  a third-party spammer! My co-worker was so kind as to let me know that I was now endorsing a site for "cheap pharmaceuticals."  I luckily am somewhat computer savvy and rescued my words from said spammer.

For those that were baffled by my sudden "urge" to announce the latest supply of Vicodin, it really wasn't me!


So on to other things....
I went in to see DJ on Monday at my regular sonogram (33 week) and was promptly told by the sonographer that she was looking "small." When I asked what that meant she told me to wait for the doctor. I instantly went into panic mode.

The doctor came in and immediately fired away..."Were your other children small?"  "How much did they weigh at birth?"  "Do you have any headaches?"  "How about swelling?" And so on... I would've cried if my kids weren't there.

Do they get paid to make me freak out? I seriously wonder sometimes! DJ is approx. 3lbs. 6oz. Which places her in the 35th percentile. My OB said that she's not worried (too) much. We have another appointment on the 1st to make sure she's still growing. If she stays steady, she'll be about 6lbs! Teeny tiny! (aw) I may just name her peanut at this rate!

Survival of the Fittest

So my daughter is now officially 11-years-old, which means I can't tell people I'm 22 anymore. *sigh* We had a great time at Earth Treks in Rockville. We had never been there before; my daughter saw it in the Source Book and HAD to go. Her friends had such a great time and her fearless 5-year-old brother raced past most of the girls straight up the 40-foot wall!

He's the coolest:

Why is it that people at the gym are scared of pregnant women? I go to my local gym 6 or 7 times a week and get many stares in awe while I am working out. Is it a crime to try and stay in shape and have a easy recovery? My doctor doesn't think so!

OMGoodness-- 53 days to go!!!

Is it spring yet?

Yesterday I received one of those dreaded text alerts-- from "411911". (fyi...It's a free text service through Montgomery County that alerts residents in the event of an emergency or impending bad weather) Everytime I get one of these texts a couple feet of snow gets dumped in our area. I was excited to see just a hint of grass when driving around town Tuesday. My yard on the other hand still has 15 inches of snow-- no... I am not exagerrating! I have a yard stick stuck into the white abyss-- I am really hoping for little or no snow tomorrow!

Besides, I am SO excited for tomorrow. I get to see baby "DJ" again in my final 3D/4D sono! I'm heading back to Stork Vision in the Kentlands for my sneak peek. Chelsea, the owner of Stork Vision, told me that this sono would be something spectacular. I was pretty blown away by the first one though. She said I can truly see at this point what she is going to look like.

Maybe now I can pick a name!? Wish me luck :)

"The Talk"

So I just received a letter from Zoë's school asking if I would let her participate in the "Family Life" unit at her school. I knew this was coming, but I'm still not ready for it! Why does my 10, but soon-to-be, 11-year-old need the talk already? She doesn't even like boys! "Family Life" is sex ed. for those of you that don't know.

Ben insists that I sit her down beforehand and explain things, but I'm a bit nervous! Can't the school just do it and I answer questions afterwards????? I don't remember having a "talk" with my own mother, so am I really obligated to do this? Ugh. I turned out all right!

What's making this extremely difficult is the simple fact that I am expecting a baby at the same time as the class. I don't want those weird, grossed out looks that I fear are coming.

Oh... what to do!?

The Polls Are OPEN....

Ok. Here is yet ANOTHER edition of the "What should I name my peanut, besides peanut?" poll. I love suggestions, comments and critiques, so please feel free to do so!

Ready... set.... VOTE !


And no, Aunt Katie, she won't be named Katherine ;)

The BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies... Hands Down

Why is it that the snow makes me feel like baking (and baking and baking...)? Yesterday it was fantastic knot rolls (unseeded) from cooking light. Today, THE BEST chocolate chip cookies. (I add BOTH white and semi-sweet chips and use pecans instead of walnuts.)

If it doesn't stop snowing soon, I may gain 20 pounds! I know I'm pregnant, but that'd be a bit much for one week. ;)

I've made my appointment at Stork Vision's for my next (and final) 3D/4D sonogram. I can't wait to see my little peanut again. I'm hoping that seeing her will help me decide on a name. No... I still haven't picked one. My mom asked me "what was wrong with me?" She couldn't figure out why I was having so much trouble. I'm not sure what gives either. :/  My daughter's name was easy (Zoe Camille)... I knew I wanted a Zoe. My son's name I dreamt up (Tyler Joseph)... he literally came up to me in a dream and told me his name.  This time I am lost! Stay tuned for another survey...

Here we go again....

What do you get when you dump 3 feet of snow on my town, then add 2 more feet...? No school for one week. My kids are jumping out of the skin with excitement. I'm okay with it as long as the power stays on!

I went to the grocery store yesterday to find NO PRODUCE, 2 gallons of milk and no eggs. The manager said they were having problems getting people to deliver food. I grabbed what I could to get ready-- luckily there was no fighting involved to get one of those gallons!

Being stir crazy and realizing that my kids and I are going to be stuck in the house for SIX more days, I ran into town to go walk around Target. I didn't really need anything, except sanity, which I found on aisle 9. Fifty dollars later I went into TJ Maxx to "look around". I found the CUTEST baby outfit, which I had to buy. Standing in line, I met a really nice woman that oohed and ahhed with me over the cuteness of this pink and white dress. She told me that she had been trying for over a year to conceive with her husband, with no luck. Just one miscarriage. :/  I told her that her baby would come soon enough when the time was right.

I almost cried when she shared that with me. It was such an intimate and private thing. Part of me felt guilty for having 3 wonderful kids and part of me felt her pain and loss. Maybe a blizzard miracle will happen for them. My fingers are crossed!

SNOWMAGEDDON...

DC has officially SHUT DOWN. The forecast of 30" of snow is bringing great panic. The snow is pouring down and boy is it beautiful! Glad to be snowed in... minus the fact that my 5-year-old has strep and my 10-year-old has an attitude. We'll make this work.

Poor Ty woke up this morning telling me he was choking on his own spit and it HURT. (insert tears) He's not like most children; most kids, from what I've seen, tell you as they begin to get sick (my ear hurts a bit mom... my throat feels funny...etc...) Not Ty. He never says anything until it is a FULL BLOWN case of (Fill in the blank).. i.e. strep, ear infection, pneumonia. We got him a Z-pack, probiotics and homemade chicken noodle soup. Should be recovered in no time!

Glad my kids understand that this snow is for looking at, not touching! My daughter especially, since her poor cheeks and face get rosy for days from being in the cold. Hopefully Ty will be well by Superbowl Sunday so they can go out... for 5 minutes!

Snowpocalypse... Take II

TP?... Check! Food?... Check! Movies??... Check! Books?... Check! I don't know about you, but I am WELL prepared for this one! The weathermen aren't going to fool me with their "1-2 inches of snow." I just got the alert text; 16-24" of snow expected, again! Since when did I move to Alaska?

The grocery store was fine this morning. I went after I dropped off the kids to avoid the panic.  My poor mother-in-law headed out to her Giant in Bethesda, getting stranded in a line nearly 10 person deep line! It was only 10 a.m. Don't people work? I can't imagine going to the store tonight! Granted we do have a 4x4 truck so if need be we could get out (to the store or wherever... but I digress. It's going to be MADNESS! I can see it now; 1 gallon of milk and 6 panicked faces. 

Also rented several movies for the kids and my husband and I. I'm actually looking forward to snuggling with the kids and resting for once! 

So, Sue Palka... bring it on!

Baby, baby

Here's another edition of "What should we name our baby?!" Click here to vote on your favorite baby (girl) name. Comments are welcome!

This is the first poll for girl's names. Stay tuned for more....

(MOM)ME Time!

I started taking yoga the first week of January; once per week. I've officially decided it should become the official pastime for ALL moms! It has really given me such a sense of inner peace. I know... some of you probably think that sounds frou-frou, but practicing yoga makes me not want to tear out my hair when #1 & #2 begin to "debate" (ie argue, fuss, fight, you get my drift).

I am now practicing 4 times per week. It's the first time, in a long time, that I have made time for ME and only me. Usually "me" time includes folding laundry (alone), 2-minute showers or sleep. (you all know what I'm talking about).

Why is it that moms don't usually allow this "me" time? I usually feel SO guilty if I'm not constantly cleaning or taking care of someone else's needs!

Racing the Clock

I went to my daughter's middle school orientation last night and all I can say is "WOW!" First off, am I really old enough to have a middle school student?! I know... I was there for her birth, but where did the time go? I am just getting used to the idea that she is less then a month from being 11! Secondly, is a 6th grader REALLY ready for middle school? It's a lot of pressure on them and they are surrounded by all these strange new peer influences. Maybe 6th should still be a part of elementary school or are they trying to force our children to "grow up." One of my best friends is a police officer in the county, and the horror stories he shares make me very apprehensive! Zoe is a great kid, but I don't want her being offered "Strawberry Quick" or pressured to have a "BOYFRIEND!" She seems like the only kid who doesn't have one.

On the other end of my spectrum, Little "DJ" is coming along beautifully. She will be here in t-minus 12 weeks! I am SO very excited... well.... except I don't have a name set yet! :/ I'm still creating a list and I am always open to suggestions (comment here). I will post a poll later this week. Hopefully she won't be born "Baby Girl."

BTW...Here she is:

Isn't she precious?! I love her smile already!!

A Sneak Peek

7:30 p.m. couldn't come quickly enough. After an excruciatingly LONG day, I finally went to my sonogram appointment last night.

I chose Stork Vision in the Kentlands to see my baby bean. What an amazing experience! This is my third child, but my first time doing this and I am SO glad I did. My husband hasn't felt any strong connection to the baby yet (since DJ is in my tummy), but now he is thrilled. It was such a beautiful and peaceful experience.

So, you're wondering boy or girl, I'm sure. Well.... drum roll please.......it's a .......GIRL! My daughter is thrilled. She's been waiting nearly 11 years for a sister. My son, on the other hand, wasn't so happy. He said "I already HAVE a sister!"  I reassured him that he would be my special little prince. I'm sure he'll love her just the same.

Seeing the World Through 3D Glasses

I CAN NOT WAIT!!!! Tonight we find out if we are having a boy or a girl! The anticipation is killing me!

We found a pleasant looking place (Stork Vision ) not too far from my house for the 3D/4D event. My OB actually knew Chelsea  (the owner) and said she is really fantastic. I created a baby poll for those that want to take one.... Guess my baby's gender. Click here for the poll.

I have my list of names narrowed down for both gender's since we really have NO idea!

Wish me luck!!!!!

The Surreal Life

Is it just me or is time moving really, REALLY quickly! It's nearing the end of January already, but I just decorated for Christmas "yesterday." Ok... maybe not yesterday.

I'm somewhat nervous I won't have "DJ's" space ready in time! It just seems like every time I blink I've lost a few days. We also need to getting the $$ together to finish the basement, so we can finish the playroom, move the kids' toys downstairs, switch Zo & Tys rooms and set up. *aye caramba*

It actually doesn't seem real to me sometimes.. is this sweet little bundle really arriving in 3 months?

DJ needs a name!

Boy or girl? That's the most popular question right now. We still don't know, but we have our appointment at Stork Vision next Tuesday!

I strongly believe it's a boy (hopefully my gut isn't wrong!). Click here for a quick baby boy name poll. I'll be posting these polls randomly throughout the rest of my pregnancy. My favorites (and yours) will make it to the FINAL ROUND in April!

Thanks for your help!

To sleep or not to sleep(over)

My daughter is turning 11 in about 46 days, but she is WELL on her way to tween-hood. She came home today asking if she could go hang out this weekend at her "good" friend's house and of course I obliged.

But now she wants to sleepover. 

I've never met this kid's parents and only just talked on the phone with her mom once. I don't know the slightest about them: Is it the mom and dad or just the mom? Are there siblings? How old are they? What is their household like? Are they clean-freaks like me?  She REALLY wants to go and the mom seems nice, but, call me old-fashioned, I don't think it's the best idea. Luckily Zo's dad and I are on the same page.

I don't know what to say about this one... stay tuned.

Art Attack

One thing I never thought I would say in MY ENTIRE LIFE is that I LOVE Mondays! Shocking...I know. Every Monday, I head down to my son's class to volunteer for 4 hours. His teacher, Ms. Hobbs, is so great with them and I adore watching all the 5- and 6-year-olds interacting with each other. Their conversations crack me up!

Monday is also art day for his class. I get to be there while they paint and create their masterpieces! There's nothing like kid-art! I will start posting some of their beautiful work in the future!

I am going ahead and doing the 3D/4D sonogram! I found a nice sounding place called Stork Vision  right in the Kentlands. I don't know if I should be nervous about it, but I think it'll be fine. I REALLY want to know if it's a boy or girl. I had a dream it was a boy-- my fingers are crossed!

The Big 20 (10)!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Time really seems to be flying by. It was only 10 years ago when everyone was freaking out about the imminent Y2K disaster. Now, here we are, 20-10, with that as a distant memory. Now I get to worry about "real" things-- what to make my son for lunch that he will ACTUALLY eat, ADHD, tics, stretch marks and other fun stuff.

Pregnancy can be a pain in the butt-- literally! My sciatic nerve is getting scrunched, poked and prodded by "DJ" making it difficult to sit, stand and walk. (Doesn't leave me many options, does it?!) My doctor says this is "normal" :/  I love how it's "normal" but it never happened with either of my other pregnancies! I know... I know... every pregnancy is different. This is REALLY beginning to put a damper on my lifestyle. I usually move around at a very fast pace, place-to-place, and get lots done. Nowadays I can barely walk from my house to my car! The round ligament pain is really starting to hurt, too... I hope this doesn't last the remaining 15 weeks!

I took Ty to his pediatrician today. I noticed he has been mumbling under his breathe at the end of his sentences. For example he'll say "I want to play." Then immediately follow it with a mumbled "want to play." It's strange. Does anyone else's child have this?  His doc thinks it has to do with OCD and his ADHD (which isn't fully diagnosed until 7 in most children; he's only 5 so we're waiting it out). I'll keep an eye on it. Hopefully this isn't something worse :/