Latest Belly Photo

This one makes me laugh. It looks like my belly is going to swallow Grant! I just had to post his cute smile though, he is so handsome in his big boy polo shirt.:) This is me at about 36 weeks.

Update...Sort of

Went to the doctor yesterday...and that's about the extent of the update! Here's the deal, I waited over an hour to see him for a whopping 3 minutes (I counted). Not that I am high-maintenance and need to take up much time but, he didn't tell me anything and rushed out before I could ask him half the questions I had. I don't know if I am progressing, or if the baby is in good position (although I did hear the heartbeat).:) There is more but I don't want to be an old bitty complaining because the bottom line is everything is okay (I think) and maybe I expect too much? It makes me appreciate the great doctors I have in the past though, this has really been my only experience not being totally satisfied with my care so, 1 out of 3 isn't bad!!:) Thankfully I will go back again next week and be on a regular schedule until it's baby time. Aside from that things are wonderful! There are times when I get big bursts of energy and I just want to run aorund with the kids, clean, or make the most of it. Other time I totally wiped out but it always seems to be one extreme or the other.:) Over the weekend I ordered a few outfits to get me through the post-baby months when my weight will be fluxuating. This is my first time having a baby in shorts weather and goodness knows I won't be fitting into my old sizes right away! I bought a bunch of yoga pants, flowing shirts that cover the belly bulge, and anything with a drawstring waist.:) It's a shopping challenge to be comfotable, yet trendy and practical though...they just don't make many cute mommy-friendly clothes I tell ya! Although it's nice that the tunics are in and things that help camoflauge trouble spots.:)

My Three G's

Gabriel, Grant, and....Baby G #3, I can hardly believe it's almost time! I keep going back and forth between excitement and fear. Lol. Our family dynamic is going to change once again and I just hope everyone adjusts easily and things go well. The boys are each at a wonderful stage and it seems like the family has really settled into a good grove. Gabriel is the most fun, imaginative, witty, athletic, little boy and I can hardly keep up! Plus he has such a tender heart when it comes to the new baby and I can't wait to see him take charge of big brother duties once again. Grant is just a world unto himself!:) He is so smart and every day he surprises Jim and me with new phrases (today he said: "I'm going to work, you make supper".)!! Where does he get these things?! Lol. He is definitely a charmer too, he will be a heartbreaker someday! I just hope that even though we are adding another little addition, that I won't lose sight of their individuality. Both boys are so amazing and unique and I can only imagine what this next little boy will bring. I do feel bad for the boys right now though because my energy level is just shot. It makes me really appreciate being healthy because usually I am right along with them running, playing, and being competitive. All day I've had contractions though and I can't seem to shake them! Guess it's par for the course with my body "practicing". Still, it's been annoying because they have been quite strong at times. Tomorrow I will see my doctor (finally, yipee) so it will be nice to get the latest update.

The weekend was wonderful too, yesterday my mom threw a "Prayer Shower" for us and it was so beautiful! It's basically like a regular baby shower with food, games, etc. except people wrote little prayers for the baby and our family and brought some really meaningful gifts. I was hoping to write longer but here comes another contraction and this typing position isn't working for me.:) I'll be back tomorrow with the latest!!

Hello Neighbor

You always know summer is coming when you start to see the neighborhood come alive again.:) Everyone who was hibernating all winter is out grilling, mowing, walking, and riding bikes. Since we moved in around Christmas, this is the first chance to actually mingle with everyone and meet the neighbors. So far so good! Lol.:) It might sound odd but I am naturally very shy and really dread new situations where I have to make small talk and meet someone. I have just always been an introvert and very private. Thankfully my neighbors are much more social and it's been fun to get to know the different families on our little street. I'm especially happy for Gabe and Grant, hopefully they can make some new buddies on the block! Well, just a short entry today. All is well with my big belly and waiting on baby. Although I have about 3 weeks left it couldn't come soon enough! I am really having a hard time getting around these days. I have been analyzing every little cramp and twinge and wondering if the baby could be coming soon? You'd think by now I would learn some patience, but I'm just excited to meet our little boy! :)

3 More Weeks!

Yes I am still here, wobbling around and trying to get comfortable.:) Yesterday I decided to go in to Labor/Delivery to find out what was going on with the intense pressure. My doctor is on vacation and his office suggested I just go to the hospital but I wasn't sure if I wanted too. I knew I wasn't in labor so I felt it might be a waste of time....boy was I wrong! So many people have said "trust your instincts, if you feel like something isn't right, GO IN". Anyway, turns out I had a pretty bad UTI (sorry, too much information) but I've never had one before so it's no wonder I missed the symptoms. Anyway, the baby looks great and things are moving ahead like they should ( I would elaborate but I already passed my too-many-details quota for today).:) Thanksfully I had a great night's sleep last night but today I am back to some of the same old discomforts! Thankfully the weather has been perfectly beautiful and we are still staying busy with tons of outside play. Water balloons, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, you name it! We have also been going to the park every day to play T-ball and Jim is having a blast teaching the boys and watching them improve.
By the way, I ran across something about dad's (although I think any parent can relate in general). It's so moving and powerful. I will post the link if you want to check it out: http://wfhm.salemwebnetwork.com//subpage.asp?StationId=WFHM-FM&PageNo=243

Woah Nelly

That's the best title I can come up with today! Lol!... What does that phrase really mean anyway? I guess it sums up how I've been feeling today. VERY uncomfortable and feeling like I'm about to go into labor! Wishful thinking maybe....although at 36.5 weeks even I have to admit it's way too early for that. Baby "G" has dropped lower though and I've been feeling some major pressure and I cannot get comfortable. Every time I stand up, bend over, walk, or move I feel like I have to run to the bathroom! I can't catch a break, it's pretty intense pressure and it worries me a bit. If it's going to stay like this for 4 more weeks than that stinks, but I'm also not ready to go into labor yet either! Hopefully it will subside and maybe he's just in a funny position right now? He also did this on Friday for a few hours but it went away. Today though it's back and seems worse and it hasn't gone away. I wish I could ask my doctor but he'll be on vacation for another week so I'm just going to stick it out unless something major happens. Anyway, it's kind of been an eye opener that I have to tie up loose ends before he gets here (whenever that is). We still haven't bought ANY diapers and my suitcase is still packed away in the basement. Okay, Jim and I are off to take the boys outside so we can play and hopefully get distracted!

Happy Easter

Here are my handsome Easter boys! I love BLUE Gabe's eyes look and Grant looks like such a big boy! It's enough to make a mommy's heart melt.:)


Family picture time! This might be the last photo with just the 4 of us, next time there will be a little bundle added to the bunch!!

Busy is Good

Hard to believe I just hit 36 weeks! Officially 9 months....wow. I keep jumping ahead in my mind and wondering if I'll be holding our new little bundle in my arms next month at this time (let's hope so, unless I'm overdue). I'm surprised that I have such mixed feelings about the end of this pregnancy. With both boys I remember thinking at 36 weeks that I was DONE with the preggo journey, uncomfortable, and totally ready to move on. This time though, a part of me is actually not ready to let go. It makes me so sad to think that Grant will no longer be the "baby" of the house and he'll suddenly take on the big brother role. I remember feeling that way about Gabe too though, especially since he was our first-born. So I think I figured out the key to enjoying the last few weeks is to stay busy!! It has just been non-stop lately and that's been a GOOD thing! It's not the overwhelmed, stressed-out kind of busy though...instead it's a really full, fun, happy kind of busy (if that makes sense)? :) It's a nice distraction though because otherwise I am totally off in baby-land daydreaming and counting the minutes which just makes it seem longer.
We are excited about Easter weekend! Saturday we'll be in Akron for the big Eggstravaganza (30,000+ eggs...wohoo)! This will also be the first Easter that we will be able to spend with family and I am just over the moon about it. I can't wait to post photos of the boys in their Easter suits, stay tuned and HAPPY EASTER!!!

Sunshine on My Shoulders

I love a warm day..ahhhh bring on the sunburn! The boys are napping and I am up lounging outside and it feels so good! The past few days have been so beautiful, that's why I haven't updated in a while. We are spending every free minute outside playing, walking, going to the park, taking picnic's, etc. Jim was able to get a rare weekend off and it felt fantastic to all eat breakfast as a family and spend two full days together! We went to Dick's Sporting Good's and loaded up on T-Ball gear for the boys (and Jim) and it's been baseball love ever since! It's really neat to see the boys at this stage because they are old enough to run the bases and hit the ball now, it's just so cute! I love the outdoors so it's been a good distraction from my uncomfortable state to get out and just breathe some fresh air and get exercise.:)
Friday I had a doctor's appointment and everything went well EXCEPT one big thing. I have been upset about it for days now: Thursday I'll hit the 36wk mark and should be going in for checkups every week until the big day. Well, my doctor is going on vacation and said to just hang in there and he'll see me in 3 weeks. AHHHHH....3 WEEKS?! I'm supposed to be going in every week now...what gives?! There isn't even a substitute I can see, he said if I have a problem or go into labor, I need to go to the ER. Maybe I am over reacting but I feel abandoned, especially considering how much we pay for medical insurance, and I'm not even getting proper care?! I'm sure it will be fine but I've been stressing big time. The good news is that the baby looks great (Dr. said he is probably over 5 lbs now)! I gained only 1 pound but my belly is jutting out so far now it's funny! I keep spilling things on my bump.:) Oh yeah, today on the show we talked about "Things You Should Never Say to a Pregnant Lady". The list is pretty cute, I will post it soon, it might be a good public service!:)

Hard Working Men!

BEFORE:
Here is a photo of the boys working on the nursery. Guys and their tools... I tell ya! Gabe and Grant love helping daddy put stuff together so they were having a blast here.

AFTER:

All set!! We still have to hang the pictures and shelf on the wall but at least the furniture is up and ready! I like that we could fit the glider in the corner by the window. I can't wait to rock the baby and feel the summer breeze coming through!


5 weeks to go!!


I have another doctor's appointment tomorrow and then I'll start going weekly until the big day! My belly has really seemed to balloon in the past few days (much bigger than this photo shows) and I am running out of shirts that will cover it! Lol.:) Thankfully my back has been feeling better so that's a big relief. I'm still not sleeping at all but the gorgeous weather seems to be giving me extra energy so I hope it sticks around!:) Speaking of which, we are headed out to play!!:)

Too Cute

Today we talked to Sue Fabsich, the artist behind "Music 4 Mommes". She is so funny and her cd cracks me up! She has songs like "Wal-Mart Woman" and "The Kids are Finally Asleep" (my favorite is called "I'm Danny's Mom" and made me cry)! Anyway, for a little sneak peak you can check out her website at: www.mommymusic.com. What a great gig, she's made a career singing about her kids and family, I love it!!!

Oh My Aching Back

It's just after 5:30 and I am already in my pj's, curled up with the boys, watching a movie. It's no fun just laying around but, today I have no choice. My back pain has been getting worse and worse. It's finally come to a head and there is nothing I can do but literally lay here and not move! Some women carry their baby weight in the bottom, or sides, or out front. I happen to carry all mine on top and that creates a ton of pressure on my poor back! What makes matters worse is that I haven't been sleeping either and it the fatigue is making me more emotional (poor Jim).:) I keep reminding myself that I have just a little over 5 weeks to go and this is the home stretch, I can do it! Yet I also remember from experience that the last month can seem like the LONGEST of all. I don't know if I can do this until May (as if I have a choice?!):) I hate to have a pity party because up until this point it has been a dream. My pregnancy with Grant was very difficult and this time I've had it much easier so I'm trying to just keep that in mind and not get too down. Anyway, Friday I have another doctor's appointment so hopefully he can give me some suggestions about how to relieve my aching back. It's so easy to take our health for granted until something goes wrong, usually I lift and carry the boys, the vacum, and climb the stairs 500 times a day with the laundry basket etc.! Thank goodness for kids movies though, today we are hibernating and hoping for a better back day tomorrow! Oh yeah, and sleep would be nice too.

Get Your Ojon!

Thanks QVC! I made the second purchase of my life from TV over the weekend. It was late on Saturday, I couldn't sleep and QVC was running a full hour on Ojon hair products. I have wanted to try this brand for a long time but could never afford it (even on EBay it sells for a ton too, that must mean it really works, right)?! So needless to say, I was excited when they offered a big discount on a 5-piece product set. I can't wait to try it, I've heard so much about it. It won't be here until May but I am willing to wait!:) We had fun talking about informercial items on the show today, I guess I'm not the only one whose been convinced by one of those late-night deals! For more info, check out: www.ojonhaircare.com

No More People-Pleasing!

The other day we were at Babies R Us and I had an epiphany! Lol. First off, Grant was having a major meltdown because we bought a package of binkies for the new baby, and NOT him. He was knawing on the package, trying to rip it, and screaming at the top of his lungs for BINK-Y!!! Jim does not tolerate that, so usually he’ll take him out and wait until Grant (or Gabe) cools off. Either that, or we usually just leave.:) It’s nice when we are together because usually when I’m alone I just sit there looking mortified and giving apologetic looks at the other shoppers who are starting at us. This time though, Jim and I just laughed….I mean really cracked up and couldn’t stop. It sounds strange but it was actually a good bonding moment! We just shook our heads and pretty soon Grant stopped because he was trying to figure out WHAT was so funny?! As we were leaving; I saw a woman in a similar situation with a little girl who was red-faced and screaming. The mom looked so embarrassed, dropped her items, and left the store. So how do you handle those moments? What is the “right” thing to do? I’ve read so many different expert opinions and none of them have seemed to really cure or prevent the situation. The one thing I do know though is I am going to stop caring so much about what other people might think. I am a constant people-pleaser and it upsets me if someone would get the wrong impression, and I always end up feeling guilty and upset if one of the kids has a tantrum in public. Why should I care what other people think though? I mean really, 100 different people could have 100 different opinions of how I handled one situation and at the end of the day, all that matters is that I did what I felt was in the best interest of my child. So from now on I am choosing not to care if someone shakes their head at me after seeing my kid have a tantrum. Kids are KIDS and if people can’t accept that mine have mood swings every now and then; well…it’s not my problem. Anyway, I feel better to get that off my chest. :) Don’t forget to turn your clocks up an hour and spring ahead!!