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!