About to Pop

So, here I am 5 days away from delivering baby Sophie, and I feel like I am about to pop. I don't know if I can even last 5 more days. Sheesh!! It is so funny. This entire pregnancy I have had cramps and contractions and all sorts of preterm labor garbage, but about 3 weeks ago that all completely stopped. I haven't even had so much as a cramp! right now I am thinking, please please please contractions come on...you can do it...just START! But no, no contractions, nothing at all. this baby girl is going to be cooking in the oven until friday that is for sure. And I am sure once those contractions REALLY start I will be more than anxious for them to go away. I am getting pretty nervous about the whole labor and delivery, I know can do it and I will do it, but I am also sure that I really have no idea just how painful it is actually going to be. Wish me luck on that one. I am going to try and keep myself plenty busy this week. Cleaning house, taking kids wherever, doing whatever I can so I am not just sitting around waiting for baby to come. And then hopefully friday will come before I know it.

Oh, I wanted to post what Harrison said in his prayer the other night. It was so cute! It went like this "please bless to play football, play soccer, play baseball, play basketball, play bowling, and a a a mickey mouse". I thought it was so cute. He always needs help starting out his prayers, but then he just starts saying whatever and it is so darling.

Oh and one more stroy. So last week while James and I were bothing laying in bed sick we just sat there talking for several hours. It was so fun and those are always my favorite moments as a mom. Just talking to my kids. Anyways, he started showing me all the letters in sign language and there was one he couldn't remember and I didn't know it. So I told him that when he went back to school he should ask his teacher and she could show him. I then said, "James, do you know who else knows sign language really well?" he asked who, and I told him that his Aunt Jenny knew sign laanguage. to which James responded, "Aunt Jenny goes to preschool!?!" I laughed pretty hard at that one.

The Worst Shopping Trip

Okay, so the past couple weeks I have been pretty sick, and then this week my kids got sick too. Last night James woke up crying because his ear hurt so bad and then spent the rest of the morning laying on the couch holding his ear, crying. He was very sad. Plus he was burning up. I had given him tylenol and then later Ibuprofen, but he was still on fire. So I called the Dr and made an appointment for him. We get there, and what a shock, ear infection for both James and Harrison, and sinus infections for both. So they called in the prescription for me and I thought I would get some shopping done while we waited for the meds to be filled. I felt bad for the kids for being so darn sick, so I got them some kids meals and it was off to the store.

As soon as we get to the store Harrison starts throwing a tantrum about wanting his frosty, so I got out the spoon and it was mostly melted, so I figured I had better help him with it. No, he didn't want help. He ripped it out of my hand and threw, yes threw, the frosty at me. I was wearing a nice white shirt and was now in a brown and white shirt. He then flipped around in the cart grabbed his kids meal and threw it out of the basket. As you can imagine I was beyond not happy at this point. If you have ever seen Father of the Bride 2, I was very much reminded of the part where they are driving down the street just after they found out they are having another baby, and George Banks sees the kids throw his meal at his dad and runs off screaming....yeah that was Harrison and I today. I gathered up the spilled food, and of course he wanted it back. Yeah right kid. No I did not give it back to him, so he screamed the entire shopping trip. I checked on the meds, another 20 min at least. So, I thought I had better go get some quick easy meals, frozen pizzas and such to have for when baby comes (one week!!!).

As I was going up and down isles looking for things Harrison kept grabbing and kicking at me and screaming, and then James started crying because his ear once again was causing him pain. I actually felt bad for him, there was no sympathy for Harrison though. I can't imagine what I looked like going through that store today, with frosty all over my shirt and it is a little hard to hide with this huge-about-to-pop belly, one little kid screaming "No!!! I want IT!!!!" and the other just sobbing in the cart with big tears dropping off his chin. Yeah, I got lots of stares. I finally got what I needed and head back to the pharmacy.....oh lovely, a very long line for us to wait in. Of course.

So, another 20 min or so, and we finally get up there. It still isn't quite ready, but will be in just a min. BAH!!! However, it was only another 10 min, and they got it to us. I headed straight for the checkout, we got our stuff and it was to the car, crying kids and all. We made it home. I drugged both boys up with their new meds and tylenol and they both went straight to bed. I wasn't surprised when both of them were sound asleep within minutes and slept for 3 hours. Ah, it was nice to have a break. So then I cleaned myself up, cleaned up the very messy house, and then made rolls and homemade tomato soup. James had asked me if I would make him his favorite soup, and who can turn down their sick little boy's request huh? And when he woke up, he was very happy to see that I had made rolls and soup for him. Harrison liked it too, and I am glad to say that he was much happier when he woke up. Now they are once again both in bed, the house is clean, I am tired, and ready to relax for the evening. A week from today I am being induced, so we will finally have our little baby girl here. Then I get to take 3 kids shopping with me. HA! :)

Mother James

So, being about 9 months pregnant ( I only have 2 weeks to go!!!) I have been REALLY tired and as all other women who have had babies know, you don't sleep the last month of your pregnancy. I mean first off, I can't breathe when I lay on my back or on my right side. But when I sleep on my left side my entire leg goes completely numb, or starts to hurt so bad I want to scream (yes she is sitting on a nerve and sometimes my legs just go crazy...it is weird) But then to add on top of that you have a ginormous belly and tossing and turning is not as easy as it once was. Plus you are peeing every whatever minutes, and then you start cramping and having back pains and blah blah blah blah blah...I LOVE being 9 mos preg and trying to get a full nights sleep...........yeah.

So, back to the start, I have been really tired. So, when I DO fall asleep I am very very very deep asleep and so I do not hear my little children sneak out of their beds. This is where the Mother James comes in. James has taken it upon himself to be Harrison's little mom. First thing in the morning James will take Harrison to the potty, and then put his elmo underwears on him. Then he takes Harrison downstairs and gets him breakfast. He is pretty good at getting the cereal and can actually pour the milk without spilling it. Now before you think I am terrible for sleeping in so late that my kids are up taking care of themselves I should let you know that this usually happens before 6:30 or so, often in the 5 am category. So here are a few funny/sweet stories of James taking care of Harrison lately.

So the other morning, okay it wasn't even morning, it was still dark outside. I hear Harrison downstairs playing. I got up went downstairs to find him playing with the DVD's. I told him he needed to go back to bed and I was picking him up to carry him back upstairs when I heard a couhg come from under a blanket across the room. Poor James was sound asleep under the blanket. I then noticed the bowl of cereal James had gotten Harrison. James then poked his head out and said "mom, I got Harrison breakfast" the poor kid was so tired. I felt so bad. I put both boys back in bed, and when we actually did get up in the morning I explained to James that he did NOT need to get up with Harrison, that he could come get me or dad and we would take care of him. But James is extremely independent and still gets up with Harrison.

The other morning I woke up to a knocking sound...coming from the garage/kitchen door. I shook Ben awake and told him to go check what the world was going on (I would have jumped out of bed and rushed down, but I am not so fast these days...big belly) Ben went down, Harrison was sitting in front of the door, it was locked and James was in the garage knocking on the door.....yeah. This is what had happened. The boys got up, wanted a snack, but didn't want cereal. James remembered that we had had granola bars in the diaper bag that was still in the car. (yes I have an entire pantry and storage room full of food and about 20 boxes of granola bars, but I guess going out to the car is more fun) Anyways, he went out to the car, and while he was out there Harrison shut and locked the door. nice brother. So James was knocking on the door.

Yes yes yes I know you are thinking, what the world? why don't you put locks on their door or something so they don't get out. There are two locks on their door and trust me, that does NOT stop James. he can figure out just about any lock or door. He has been able to since he was able to walk. And they are so sneaky quiet!!! I don't even hear them get up. After the garage incident we had a long discussion about how we never open any of the outside doors without mom or dad being up first. Crazy kids. I think I am going to put a clock in their room and set serious rules about being able to get out of their beds before the clock says a certain time or something.

But I do have to say, that James is really just trying to be helpful, and that I think he is so super sweet to take care of his younger brother like he does. we have been potty training harrison and I swear James takes him to the bathroom more than I do. James is a very sweet boy and takes his oldest child role very seriously. He is the one that got Harrison to say his first prayer, Harrison would never do it for Ben or I, but when James helped him he would say it. Harrison looks up to James for everything. He copies everything James does. I am so glad to have my two little boys, they love each other so much, and I know they were just the best of friends before they came here, as they are best buddies now.

Baby Showers!

First off, here is a picture of Sophie's room. I got the curtains today and immediately hung them up, okay Ben put up the curtain rod while I ironed the curtains, but  anyways here it is. I love it! You can't tell from the picture, but I put pink ribbon around the edge of the lamp, I think it is cute.

Okay, So I know some really nice people, because not only did I get one baby shower, but I got 2! My sisters and mom threw one for me, and then my neighbors threw one for me as well.  they were both a lot of fun and I got tons of great stuff! Both were great, and I know that a lot of work, effort, and time went into throwing the showers for me, so thank you thank you thank you. Especially my sisters Amy, Becca, Rosanne, and My mom. And then my Neighbors Jules, and Audrey. You guys are so great! I am so grateful and blessed to have so many good people as friends and neighbors and family. Seriously, it is such a great blessing to be surrounded by so many good people. It means so much to me that you would do this for me. Thank you all. Enjoy the Pictures!!!

Here is the shower at Jules' house. And this is everyone that came! Thank you all for coming and for bringing such cute fun things. It was so fun to just visit and enjoy each other's company. What a fun night.

Since Jules is married to a photographer, there were many many pictures, but I am only posting a few. There was a picture of just about every gift I opened, but this one turned out the best, so here it is.  And yes, it is a very cute little pink dress..she will be adorable in it.

This was at the start of the party, Here I am with Amanda, Marcie, Alicia, Audrey and Latitia.

How artistic is this? Jules, you are so talented!!! Everything was perfect. And I think I ate half the banana chocolate bread....it was amazing.

Once again, Jules.....gorgeous. I actually copied you and did this for my family on Valentine's day. They loved it. The kids REALLY liked licking the sugar off the edges.

Okay here are the pictures from the Shower my sisters threw for me. I actually only have a few. My sister also loves taking pictures and took about 100, but I only have a few. When I get more from her I will post them.

Okay I wish you could see this quilt better, it is absolutely amazing. My sister made it for me and I was seriously crying when I got it. The entire thing is pieced and appliqued.  And it is 100% gorgeous. And she did it in one week. yeah. She is amazing. I can't believe she made it for me. Thank you thank you thank you Amy!!!

Oh, another quilt I must mention. My mom pieced a quilt together the night before the shower for us to tie at the shower. She did it in one night!!! And I am sad not to have a picture of it because it is really really cute! When I get it here, I will take a picture and post it. Thank you Mom.

All right,  can you see this doll? Is it not the cutest doll ever? I love it so much. My sister in-law Johanna made it for me, and I love it!!! I want more of them. I seriously want a collection of them.  She is also extremely artistic and talented...obviously. Thank you Jo!

Okay, this picture does not do the decorating and food table justice.  I mean, it IS cute in the picture, but the entire room was decorated with little pink and brown flowers and it was adorable!!! Plus, the food was very very delicious..I am wanting some watermelon and strawberries right now just from looking at the picture. Anyways, Once again Thank you everyone for all you did for me. You are so great. I am so grateful to have so many good friends. Thank You!!!

Belly Pics!

All right, so here are some pictures of me and my belly! Enjoy. I will post some pictures of her room as soon as I get the curtains....they are being shipped currently, that is the only thing I am waiting on though.

Nesting...My Obsession

Wow, has it really been 2 months since I last posted anything? Sheesh! Slacker! Well, If you have been wondering what in the world ever happened to me, I have one answer. Nesting. Nesting gone super crazy! Seriously. I feel like an insane crazy person. In the past month or so I have felt like I need to have everything 100% absolutely perfect all the time. However, I have two wild indian boys and so my house is usually far from perfect. So then I just get really cranky and go on some crazy cleaning spree until things are the way I like them.  I also have been trying to get everything 100% organized, every closet, every room, every drawer. Mostly my efforts have only lasted a day or two, but I do have to say that the garage is much more organized and the storage room under the stairs now  has shelves in it (I put them in myself!) and has all of our food storage nicely put away.  I have been going crazy about getting everything ready for this baby girl to arrive. Since Harrison surprised us and came so early, we weren't even one bit ready for him. So it was driving back and forth from the NICU getting clothes cleaned, crib set up, bottles washed, shopping done...not an amazing thing.  But I am happy to say that if she were to come tomorrow, we would be ready for her. We have the car seat, diapers, burp cloths, clothes, more than enough clothes, her room is cute and ready to be used, and so now we just play the waiting game for the next month.  

Yeah, I have been crazy. I know i have been. I was reading a pregnancy book the other night and it had a section about nesting and it said that some women feel some urge to get everything clean and organized while others go crazy about it cleaning out every closet, washing all the walls, cleaning curtains...okay yes those are all things that I have done lately. HA! So actually this week I have been trying NOT to nest quite so much. I took the boys swimming...twice. I have been taking them walking with me at the track almost every day. I have been trying to pay more attention to them, and let the house go just a little bit.  We've had fun. 

As far as baby Sophie goes and when she will be arriving...well, come March 13th she will arrive no matter what. They will be inducing me that day for sure.  She is not a big mover, and so I have had to have NST's and have a DR's appt every Monday. So far she is doing well, and so they think I will go full term, but if she shows any signs of distress, then they will bring her here.   She freaks me out sometimes though.  The other day I hadn't felt her move all day and so I drank some juice and laid down...nothing...an hour goes by....still nothing...another 30 min...nothing. At this point my mind is going crazy, remembering how things were with Harrison.  I am sure if anyone took my blood pressure or heart rate at that point it would have been through the roof. Anyways, I was picking up the phone to call a neighbor to watch the kids while I went to the hospital and the baby suddenly started moving...a lot! I was glad. She moved well for the next hour or so.  

Anyways, I am getting really anxious and excited for her to get here safe and sound. Ben and I both are. James is too, he remembers her in every prayer. in fact tonight he said "bless baby sophie to get strong, and to be healthy and that when mom pushes her out it won't hurt" He is very sweet. I told him not to worry, that the Dr and Nurses will help me. But.... as we all know it WILL hurt, a lot as I am delivering this one naturally...yikes! When I start to think about that it freaks me out a little bit. But I can do it. So, now it is late, and I am tired and ready for bed.  I will post some belly pics tomorrow.

A Simple, but very Sweet Thing.

This last sunday was Fast Sunday, and obviously I am not fasting these days.  But back in the day when I was, Ben and I often discussed if there was something special we felt we needed to fast for or if it was just a personal thing.  So sometimes when Ben fasts these days I ask him what he is fasting for and since I AM pregnant he is usually fasting for the baby. So this last Sunday I asked him if he was once again fasting for the baby and he said "yep......and you" And it kind of surprised me. I mean, I know my health is 100% connected to the baby and so that makes sense but for some reason it just surprised me a little. And I was touched by it.  And so then I pried a little bit and said "like for my health, or do you have other worries as well?" he said "well yes, I want you to be safe too" and then he added somewhat jokingly but I also knew that there was truth behind it "And so you won't go crazy with the kids" We laughed, but it suddenly hit me.  And I was really really touched by it. That I am not doing this on my own. Even when I am home alone with the kids. That my husband realizes that being a stay at home mom is a challenge, that it is hard work and very stressful. And that he prays for me and fasts for me to be able to do what I need to.  And I know that I have been given extra strength and patience and I now know that it is not only because of my prayers, but because Ben is also praying for me. I am just so grateful for a husband who has a testimony and supports me and loves me and takes care of his family so well in every way.