It's high time I stopped abandoning this blog. Especially when there are some majorly exciting things happening in our house these days! The first is that I now am the proud mother of a 2 year old! When did that happen?!?! Oh yeah, last Saturday. But seriously, the past two years have just flown by. My little boy has gone from a snuggly, cuddly newborn to a rip roaring, sports obsessed toddler. And I'm loving every minute of it.
The second bit of exciting news I have to share is that...
We are having another baby due in November!!!
Yes, it's another miracle. A surprise miracle actually. But a miracle nonetheless. We were shocked, but couldn't be happier. It took me awhile to share the news as with our past infertility issues, I wasn't sure it was going to be really. But, I'm almost twenty weeks along, everything is looking great and we found out we are having another little boy! I'm over the moon. Such blessings.
I'll add some creepy ultrasound photos later- blogger isn't letting me upload anything for some reason. More to come!!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Mother's Day
This is my second one I've experienced as a mother and I find it a very humbling day. I'm so grateful to be Jude's mommy every day.. but it's days that pay homage to the blood, sweat and tears that goes along with being a mother that make today especially poignant. I'm loving the little boy Jude is becoming. I wish I could take responsibility for it, but there are so many beautiful people in his little life that help to shape him into the smart and hysterical little monster that he is. I find myself most happy today to have such a wonderful husband and father that Jude has for a role model. The patience and love that eminates from Phil is beyond words. This Mother's Day, I'm so grateful for the love of my little family. A love that knows no bounderies. I find it hard to believe that life gets much better than this. But the next day somehow proves me wrong.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
9 Weeks
Far Along: 9 weeks 3 days
How Big is The Baby: The size of a green olive
Total Weight Gain: 0
Maternity Clothes: None yet
Sleep: Gee, I can't get enough of it. On the weekends, I've been known to nap when Jude naps. I usually fall asleep around 10 pm but that's after dozing off and on since 8 pm. :) I'm hoping this extreme fatigue ends soon.
Gender: Unknown (I have a strong suspicion we are having another boy, though)
Movement: None that I can feel yet!
Food Cravings: Salads
What I Miss: Having energy!
What I'm looking forward to: Finding out if Bug is a he or a she! Ending the general morning sickness crap
Milestones: Getting closer to the end of the first trimester! Maybe then I'll think about publishing these pregnancy posts and coming out of the closet. ;)
Symptoms: Extreme fatigue, nausea, MAJOR food aversions
How Big is The Baby: The size of a green olive
Total Weight Gain: 0
Maternity Clothes: None yet
Sleep: Gee, I can't get enough of it. On the weekends, I've been known to nap when Jude naps. I usually fall asleep around 10 pm but that's after dozing off and on since 8 pm. :) I'm hoping this extreme fatigue ends soon.
Gender: Unknown (I have a strong suspicion we are having another boy, though)
Movement: None that I can feel yet!
Food Cravings: Salads
What I Miss: Having energy!
What I'm looking forward to: Finding out if Bug is a he or a she! Ending the general morning sickness crap
Milestones: Getting closer to the end of the first trimester! Maybe then I'll think about publishing these pregnancy posts and coming out of the closet. ;)
Symptoms: Extreme fatigue, nausea, MAJOR food aversions
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
"Guyyez!"
I have to blog about this. I'm sure my toddler isn't the only one to do this, but it cracks me up. Jude has come up with an all-encompassing word that pretty much means anything and everything. Let me share with you.
"Fix this" - "Guyyez".
"Help" - "Guyyez".
"Get that for me" - "Guyyez".
"I'd like some more of that." - "Guyyez".
"Let's go over there." - "Guyyez".
"Look at that." - "Guyyez".
"Open this." - "Guyyez".
Yes, the word "Guyyez" is his favorite right now. Perhaps it's because of how effectively it works when he points to something, says it, and we do what he wants. Is it Eskimos that have like 4,000 words for the word "snow"? Well, my son has one word for about 4,000 phrases.
"Fix this" - "Guyyez".
"Help" - "Guyyez".
"Get that for me" - "Guyyez".
"I'd like some more of that." - "Guyyez".
"Let's go over there." - "Guyyez".
"Look at that." - "Guyyez".
"Open this." - "Guyyez".
Yes, the word "Guyyez" is his favorite right now. Perhaps it's because of how effectively it works when he points to something, says it, and we do what he wants. Is it Eskimos that have like 4,000 words for the word "snow"? Well, my son has one word for about 4,000 phrases.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Hell Froze Over!
This is a follow up to my picky eating post below. I would just like to report what Jude happily ate for dinner last night:
Whole wheat pita squares with HUMMUS
Green beans
Fresh pineapple slices
Hummus? Really Jude? I was ecstatic (but I couldn't let him see that). After eating two squares of pita-hummus, he then told me he wanted peanut butter on his other two. Okay, I can live with that. Yay for improvements (maybe). He also just could've been really hungry from our long walk around the neighborhood before dinner. Regardless, it was very exciting. Fingers crossed we're over the hump.
Maybe he traded in the picky eating for sleep issues. The last few nights, he has woken up in the middle of the night and STAYED awake for an hour or two. He is such a stinker...and I'm a walking zombie.
Whole wheat pita squares with HUMMUS
Green beans
Fresh pineapple slices
Hummus? Really Jude? I was ecstatic (but I couldn't let him see that). After eating two squares of pita-hummus, he then told me he wanted peanut butter on his other two. Okay, I can live with that. Yay for improvements (maybe). He also just could've been really hungry from our long walk around the neighborhood before dinner. Regardless, it was very exciting. Fingers crossed we're over the hump.
Maybe he traded in the picky eating for sleep issues. The last few nights, he has woken up in the middle of the night and STAYED awake for an hour or two. He is such a stinker...and I'm a walking zombie.
Friday, April 1, 2011
6 Weeks Pregnant
How far along: 6 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: 0
Maternity clothes: No
Stretch marks: No
Sleep: Meh. I'm already having to pee a TON (damn uterus growing and blood volume doubling) so I get up 1-2 times in the middle of the night.
Best moment this week: Feeling RLP (round ligament pains). I know, it's silly, but it is a sign that everything is progressing so I'll take it!
Movement: None
Food cravings: I think it's more aversion-inspired than craving per se, but the last few nights only noodles with olive oil or mac-n-cheese sounded even slightly appetizing.
Gender: No clue - my instincts say boy.
Labor Signs: None
Belly Button in or out: In
What I miss: Energy
What I am looking forward to: First ultrasound is next Thursday, April 7!
Milestones: Heartbeat starts this week!!
Total weight gain/loss: 0
Maternity clothes: No
Stretch marks: No
Sleep: Meh. I'm already having to pee a TON (damn uterus growing and blood volume doubling) so I get up 1-2 times in the middle of the night.
Best moment this week: Feeling RLP (round ligament pains). I know, it's silly, but it is a sign that everything is progressing so I'll take it!
Movement: None
Food cravings: I think it's more aversion-inspired than craving per se, but the last few nights only noodles with olive oil or mac-n-cheese sounded even slightly appetizing.
Gender: No clue - my instincts say boy.
Labor Signs: None
Belly Button in or out: In
What I miss: Energy
What I am looking forward to: First ultrasound is next Thursday, April 7!
Milestones: Heartbeat starts this week!!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
It's arrived.
Well, it's here.
One of the beasts I've dreaded encountering the most.
The monster that books have been written on and talkshows have been dedicated to.
The legendary horror that I used to shake my head in sympathy at when I'd hear the myths and legends of encounters being whispered from other mothers' mouths.
It started emerging from the shadows every now and then, but its presence has been made known with a deafening roar and a sinister snarl.
Look at the way it carefully analyzes its food offering to determine the worthiness of the sustenance even touching its fingers.
Before flinging it across the room in utter contempt, horrified that one would even allow the foul thing in his presence. Even if the beast screamed "MORE! MORE! MORE" for the very same food only the day before.
And to make his point all the more clear- EVERYTHING the offending piece of food touched must be BANISHED from its presence!
Don't even think of trying to trick the Picky Eater by telling it a.) enjoyed eating the same food only yesterday b.) the food tastes just like the thing it ate minutes before- the Picky Eater knows better than this c.) something it will truly love if it would PLEASE just take one bite. The Picky Eater scoffs and roars at the word "please". It's for the weak.
One of the beasts I've dreaded encountering the most.
The monster that books have been written on and talkshows have been dedicated to.
The legendary horror that I used to shake my head in sympathy at when I'd hear the myths and legends of encounters being whispered from other mothers' mouths.
It started emerging from the shadows every now and then, but its presence has been made known with a deafening roar and a sinister snarl.
The Picky Eater.
Look at the way it carefully analyzes its food offering to determine the worthiness of the sustenance even touching its fingers.
Before flinging it across the room in utter contempt, horrified that one would even allow the foul thing in his presence. Even if the beast screamed "MORE! MORE! MORE" for the very same food only the day before.
And to make his point all the more clear- EVERYTHING the offending piece of food touched must be BANISHED from its presence!
Don't even think of trying to trick the Picky Eater by telling it a.) enjoyed eating the same food only yesterday b.) the food tastes just like the thing it ate minutes before- the Picky Eater knows better than this c.) something it will truly love if it would PLEASE just take one bite. The Picky Eater scoffs and roars at the word "please". It's for the weak.
And lastly, the great and terrible Picky Eater can smell desperation like a shark can smell blood. All attempts at bribe and trickery will consistently be met with a look of disdain and utter refusal.
However, the Picky Eater will happily accept cupcakes in any flavor.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Expecting the Unexpected
I can't believe I'm writing this.
I am pregnant.
Again!
I'm terrified, elated, nervous, excited, grateful, hopeful, pessimistic, and humbled.
I am due November 26, 2011.
Here we go...
I am pregnant.
Again!
I'm terrified, elated, nervous, excited, grateful, hopeful, pessimistic, and humbled.
I am due November 26, 2011.
Here we go...
Thoughts
I was talking with a good friend the other day who is 20 weeks pregnant with her second little girl. She was saying that this baby is her chance to do a lot of things differently. Her comment made me start thinking about Jude. Would I do anything different in regards to raising him? Is there anything I’ve learned these past 21 months that stopped and made me think “Hmm, mental note, if we have a second child don’t do this.” I’ve been trying to come up with anything I feel that I would differently with another baby… and I really can’t think of anything. We’ve just gone with our instincts and what feels natural when it comes to Jude, while still providing boundaries and discipline. He’s happy, well-adjusted, social, and respectful. Of course he has his occasional toddler moments of “NO! MINE!” or back-arching spaz attack when he doesn’t get his way, but not so often that I would call them anything other than being an ordinary toddler. With daylight savings time, there was a night this week that was a little rough and brought me back to the first year when every little creak or crack would wake him up, pretty much hourly. As I was rocking my almost two year old back to sleep, I was transported back to one of the many similar moments over a year ago and couldn’t help but smile. I kissed his sweet blond head and snuggled him a little tighter. I thought of all the “advice” I got during that time period about letting him cry it out because he was “manipulating” me. If ‘manipulating’ meant he needed his mommy to hold him in the dark because he was tired, scared, hungry and couldn’t get back to sleep on his own, so be it. Those moments felt like an eternity when I was in them, but now they feel like a million years ago. And I miss them. I suppose only time will tell if there are certain things I would change. But when I look at Jude right now – with his wild shock of white hair, infectious laugh, million watt smile, and his sheer enthusiasm for EVERYTHING- no, I wouldn’t have done anything differently.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
19 months
Yesterday, I realized that Jude is less than six months away from turning two. 2! I'm going to be the mother of a two-year-old! I don't know why this floors me way more than the anticipation of him turning 1. I guess because to me, 2 truly is no longer a baby. He's going to be a little boy. I'm not ready yet. The chubby little guy with the wispy ducktail sprout of hair on the back of his head who loved to nurse and snuggle is now a busy little toddler with so much to do and so little time for things like lingering cuddles. Busy-busy-busy. He's my sweet little monster with an agenda that takes up every second of his day- and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Likes:
-Playing a game called Boom Boom Puppy. You take blocks and build a tower as tall as you possibly can waaaay over your head. Then you carefully place a plastic puppy at the top of the tower. You turn a flash a mischievous smile at your playmate- whoever they maybe. Then you battle ram yourself into the tower- knocking it all the way down. Puppy goes Boom-Boom.
-Naps with his "Hass". "Hass" is the word he uses for his pacifier and lovey that he only gets when going to sleep. Rather than resisting sleep, he will sometimes ask to nap early by just whispering "Hass. Hass." When he wakes up in the middle of the night, he will call out to them: "Hass! Oh Hass!" like they are a faithful dog. Then I hear some contented little grunts after they apparently come running to him and he settles back down to dreamland.
- Brushing his teeth. But only if HE is in control of the brush. Once I take control, see Dislikes list.
-Helping load the dishwasher, getting the dish detergent, and turning the dial. He is mightily offended if you start the dishwasher without his supervision.
- Playing in his castle.
- Giraffes (AAAAFS). He can't get enough of 'em. Elephants are a close second, especially the dancing one on the GE commercial.
-Shoe shopping. The kid loves shoes. He gently takes them off the shelf and oohs and ahhs about how nice they are. Hysterical.
-Wrestling. If you're hanging out with Jude and you go from a sitting position to laying on your tummy or back, you're asking to get pounced in 0.2 seconds.
- "Reading" books by himself.
Dislikes:
- Being in a different room than mommy.
-Anyone brushing his teeth but him.
- Carseat. Always.
Likes:
-Playing a game called Boom Boom Puppy. You take blocks and build a tower as tall as you possibly can waaaay over your head. Then you carefully place a plastic puppy at the top of the tower. You turn a flash a mischievous smile at your playmate- whoever they maybe. Then you battle ram yourself into the tower- knocking it all the way down. Puppy goes Boom-Boom.
-Naps with his "Hass". "Hass" is the word he uses for his pacifier and lovey that he only gets when going to sleep. Rather than resisting sleep, he will sometimes ask to nap early by just whispering "Hass. Hass." When he wakes up in the middle of the night, he will call out to them: "Hass! Oh Hass!" like they are a faithful dog. Then I hear some contented little grunts after they apparently come running to him and he settles back down to dreamland.
- Brushing his teeth. But only if HE is in control of the brush. Once I take control, see Dislikes list.
-Helping load the dishwasher, getting the dish detergent, and turning the dial. He is mightily offended if you start the dishwasher without his supervision.
- Playing in his castle.
- Giraffes (AAAAFS). He can't get enough of 'em. Elephants are a close second, especially the dancing one on the GE commercial.
-Shoe shopping. The kid loves shoes. He gently takes them off the shelf and oohs and ahhs about how nice they are. Hysterical.
-Wrestling. If you're hanging out with Jude and you go from a sitting position to laying on your tummy or back, you're asking to get pounced in 0.2 seconds.
- "Reading" books by himself.
Dislikes:
- Being in a different room than mommy.
-Anyone brushing his teeth but him.
- Carseat. Always.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Some Photos
I've loved getting into a new hobby. Lately it's been photography. Luckily, I have one of my favorite subjects close at hand, who loves to be photographed (most of the time, that is). I have no aspirations to ever become good enough to become a professional, but I do have fun learning all of the things a camera and a trained eye can create when they are together. I've watermarked some photos that are my favorites only because there are some weirdos on the interwebs and I'd prefer these not be used for anything but to look at, smile, and remember that perfect moment in that perfect day.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)