The countdown is really on now. With 3 weeks or so until my due date it feels like the baby could come anytime. I have an appointment on Friday and then they are weekly from that point forward. The summer weather has kicked in, finally, and the temps have been in the high 80's with 80% or more humidity. I can't complain it has been a mild summer up to this point. I guess it could be worse, too, it could be 90-100 but it is still hot. We have the air on and I keep inside as much as possible. The pool the other day was so warm that the kids were able to stay in an hour without needing to get out and warm up.
Joshua is jumping in from the side of the pool with no assistance into water deeper than his head and swimming to the edge. It is awesome to see him so comfortable in the water. He has really come a long way this summer.
Guess I'll have to continue this post later!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
VBS and more
Joshua had a blast this week at Vacation Bible School. He was so excited every night to go and came home happy with stories of the crafts, snacks, games and lessons that he had learned that evening. It ran from Sunday-Thursday. On Thursday, I went with him while Jason watched Mira and the kids sang the songs that they had learned, there was a slide show and then cookies afterwards. Joshua actually got up front and stood with the other children while they sang for 2 of the 7 songs. That is a first! He had a hard time sitting for the other parts but his picture did appear several times in the show, which was fun. He made a great friend whom he called, 'silly guy,' another preschooler, wild and crazy like Joshua.
I am truly looking forward to Joshua at preschool this year. He will be going 3 days a week. He has really come a long way this summer. When swimming he often goes without any flotation device and just paddles around the pool, he jumps in off the side now, doesn't mind getting his face and head under and stays in until we make him get out. He has been more outgoing with new people, too.
On Monday, we had some big behavior problems with Joshua. They seemed to be building up recently and Jason and I had to do a bit of parenting regrouping. That is for another post when I have more time to write.
Mira has added the words, 'yucky', 'hair' which comes out 'ah-yah', 'Staci', 'blankie' and I am sure other words that I am not thinking of now. She is all over the place, climbing and getting into things. She is really enjoying baby storytimes at the library and is doing great sleeping in her big twin bed sharing a room with Joshua.
Baby Tres has 'dropped' as of Tuesday or so this week. We have about 4 weeks left, give or take 2 weeks on either side if they got my due date right. Night time continues to be the busy, busy time of day but things are getting tighter in there and the baby is slowing down a little with activity. I am just happy to not have him stuck up under my ribs anymore. It only lasted a week or so but man did it hurt! Next OB appointment is Friday.
I am truly looking forward to Joshua at preschool this year. He will be going 3 days a week. He has really come a long way this summer. When swimming he often goes without any flotation device and just paddles around the pool, he jumps in off the side now, doesn't mind getting his face and head under and stays in until we make him get out. He has been more outgoing with new people, too.
On Monday, we had some big behavior problems with Joshua. They seemed to be building up recently and Jason and I had to do a bit of parenting regrouping. That is for another post when I have more time to write.
Mira has added the words, 'yucky', 'hair' which comes out 'ah-yah', 'Staci', 'blankie' and I am sure other words that I am not thinking of now. She is all over the place, climbing and getting into things. She is really enjoying baby storytimes at the library and is doing great sleeping in her big twin bed sharing a room with Joshua.
Baby Tres has 'dropped' as of Tuesday or so this week. We have about 4 weeks left, give or take 2 weeks on either side if they got my due date right. Night time continues to be the busy, busy time of day but things are getting tighter in there and the baby is slowing down a little with activity. I am just happy to not have him stuck up under my ribs anymore. It only lasted a week or so but man did it hurt! Next OB appointment is Friday.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
The BIG bed
What a day! We went to a baseball game with friends Katie, Rob, JR and Reagan this afternoon, out to dinner with them and then dropped Joshua off to his first day of Vacation Bible School.
I was thrilled to see his independence tonight. He was so excited about VBS and wanted to go in all by himself. This is an enormous change for him. He has always been so shy. He did hide a bit when we got into his classroom but I asked him to sit on the pew the other children were sitting on and he did. He gave me a kiss and I left. No tears or whining. It was awesome.
While we had two hours of just Mira time and she was in bed, Jason installed the new microwave. I put Mira to bed in the 2nd twin bed in Joshua's room, now Josh and Mira's room. What a gigantic milestone! She was agreeable to it and just kind of looked at me a little confused but drifted off to sleep without a problem. When Joshua did come home he really wanted to sleep with her in THAT bed. I said not tonight. But he was quiet enough that she stayed asleep. I am looking forward to this week to establish a new routine and habits. I am hoping that this might help Josh with his getting out of bed problem. Good job Joshie and Mira. I love my children so much!!
I was thrilled to see his independence tonight. He was so excited about VBS and wanted to go in all by himself. This is an enormous change for him. He has always been so shy. He did hide a bit when we got into his classroom but I asked him to sit on the pew the other children were sitting on and he did. He gave me a kiss and I left. No tears or whining. It was awesome.
While we had two hours of just Mira time and she was in bed, Jason installed the new microwave. I put Mira to bed in the 2nd twin bed in Joshua's room, now Josh and Mira's room. What a gigantic milestone! She was agreeable to it and just kind of looked at me a little confused but drifted off to sleep without a problem. When Joshua did come home he really wanted to sleep with her in THAT bed. I said not tonight. But he was quiet enough that she stayed asleep. I am looking forward to this week to establish a new routine and habits. I am hoping that this might help Josh with his getting out of bed problem. Good job Joshie and Mira. I love my children so much!!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
planning
I put a small list up on our gift registry site for Baby Tres. There isn't much that we need but there are a couple of things. You can see it here:
http://www.thethingsiwant.com/nettieann/list/baby%20tres%20upcoming%20arrival/
Joshua had a bad day today. Recently his behavior has been escalating again. He has been spitting, hitting, kicking and just plain not listening. We are trying to apply 'Love and Logic' which we have found to be effective in the past. So today after a particularly bad morning (a good lunch though!) and an awful ride home from running errands we used the tactic from the book and said, 'Uh oh, Joshua, I see you don't want to stop spitting, that's ok. I wouldn't worry about it. Mommy and Daddy will think about this and decide on something fair.' So this has been a fun summer and Joshua has been jumping from activity to activity and missed nothing. We have not wanted to miss out either creating a problem. So today, Joshua missed a big party at our neighbor's house. There was swimming and all the big kids were there. We took turns going over with Mira and Joshua stayed home. His reaction was ugly, he was really sad to miss out. But, once he calmed down I actually had some very nice play time with him. He was so thoughtful and calm. I wonder if he just needs a little more one on one time with mommy and/or daddy. We'll try it and see.
Mira in spite of only having 2 5 min naps today was a star at the party. She swam and danced and socialized 'til bed time. Tomorrow, we are going to a baseball game and then Joshua will have his first evening of Bible School starting at 6. It is going to be a busy day for the kids but I think we will survive. This week will be a good week for us to really practice in the new room with sleeping because Joshua will be at VBS when we are putting Mira to bed each night.
http://www.thethingsiwant.com/nettieann/list/baby%20tres%20upcoming%20arrival/
Joshua had a bad day today. Recently his behavior has been escalating again. He has been spitting, hitting, kicking and just plain not listening. We are trying to apply 'Love and Logic' which we have found to be effective in the past. So today after a particularly bad morning (a good lunch though!) and an awful ride home from running errands we used the tactic from the book and said, 'Uh oh, Joshua, I see you don't want to stop spitting, that's ok. I wouldn't worry about it. Mommy and Daddy will think about this and decide on something fair.' So this has been a fun summer and Joshua has been jumping from activity to activity and missed nothing. We have not wanted to miss out either creating a problem. So today, Joshua missed a big party at our neighbor's house. There was swimming and all the big kids were there. We took turns going over with Mira and Joshua stayed home. His reaction was ugly, he was really sad to miss out. But, once he calmed down I actually had some very nice play time with him. He was so thoughtful and calm. I wonder if he just needs a little more one on one time with mommy and/or daddy. We'll try it and see.
Mira in spite of only having 2 5 min naps today was a star at the party. She swam and danced and socialized 'til bed time. Tomorrow, we are going to a baseball game and then Joshua will have his first evening of Bible School starting at 6. It is going to be a busy day for the kids but I think we will survive. This week will be a good week for us to really practice in the new room with sleeping because Joshua will be at VBS when we are putting Mira to bed each night.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Growing Up
As the arrival of Baby Tres approaches we have been working on the necessary preparations including a little switching around of rooms. We put together a bed and dresser and now Joshua has room for Mira in his room. His bed is actually a bunk bed so whenever the kids are old enough we will bunk his and Mira's beds and whichever gender we end up having two of will room together. I've been preparing the nursery with clothes washing and closet emptying and all that jazz.
Mira is getting to move into Joshua's room a little earlier than expected and we are taking strides each evening to get her used to her soon to be 'new' bed. The first night we just got dressed in that room, then we added stories, next was a little snuggle time, and tonight she actually rested in her bed while Joshua had his story in his bed. We moved her before she fell asleep because she was upset when I got up to leave and let her drift off. She is so tiny in that big twin bed!! I have a couple of 'your new bed' types of books but I think she is still too young for the concept to sink in. The first night (at least!) that she is in there all night I think Jason or I will sleep in the room with her just in case she decides to get up or is startled by her new surroundings. I think it is less of a question of if she is ready than are we?
Mira is getting to move into Joshua's room a little earlier than expected and we are taking strides each evening to get her used to her soon to be 'new' bed. The first night we just got dressed in that room, then we added stories, next was a little snuggle time, and tonight she actually rested in her bed while Joshua had his story in his bed. We moved her before she fell asleep because she was upset when I got up to leave and let her drift off. She is so tiny in that big twin bed!! I have a couple of 'your new bed' types of books but I think she is still too young for the concept to sink in. The first night (at least!) that she is in there all night I think Jason or I will sleep in the room with her just in case she decides to get up or is startled by her new surroundings. I think it is less of a question of if she is ready than are we?
Monday, July 13, 2009
Anatomy
Joshua has taken a new found interest in anatomy. This anatomy thing goes in spurts. He has always been interested in how things work, now more than ever before. That interest seems to grow as his age progresses. He understands now that there are boys and there are girls and is trying to figure out what exactly the differences are. So on that theme he has been asking lately where my penis is. And when I explain that since I am a girl I don't have one. He then moves on to, 'But how does your pee-pee come out?' I am sure if given the chance he would truly appreciate a visual on just how my pee-pee comes out but since that is not going to happen I am left with explaining in words. Oh joy. If I don't answer fast enough he starts asking questions, which if we were not talking about such a sensitive area, would be interesting and appropriate to post here on the blog. But, let's just leave it at they are thorough questions, well thought out and show a good sense of deductive reasoning.
This leads us to another similar topic, the day that Joshua discovered his testicles. He was so interested and came running with his hand in his pants saying, 'Feel what I have here in my penis!' I asked that he just show me what he was talking about and when I saw it was clear. He was rubbing one of his testicles between his fingers. And of course, this conversation couldn't happen on a weekend or in the evening when Daddy is home to rescue me. It had to happen on a work day at breakfast or lunch (I can't remember). 'What is inside there Mommy?' he asks again. I told him those were his testicles. 'Do you have teticles?' was the next logical question, of course, and the rest of the conversation we will leave out but let's just say I've been doing a lot of explaining recently.
This leads us to another similar topic, the day that Joshua discovered his testicles. He was so interested and came running with his hand in his pants saying, 'Feel what I have here in my penis!' I asked that he just show me what he was talking about and when I saw it was clear. He was rubbing one of his testicles between his fingers. And of course, this conversation couldn't happen on a weekend or in the evening when Daddy is home to rescue me. It had to happen on a work day at breakfast or lunch (I can't remember). 'What is inside there Mommy?' he asks again. I told him those were his testicles. 'Do you have teticles?' was the next logical question, of course, and the rest of the conversation we will leave out but let's just say I've been doing a lot of explaining recently.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
15 mos checkup and beyond
I think I forgot to post Mira's measurements at her 15 mos. check up. She weighed 20 lb 4 oz, was 30" long and head 47 cm. The Dr. wants to see her gain more by the time the new baby comes or she will be doing tests to see why her growth has dropped off. She is thriving in every other way and eats well so I hope she gains and we don't have to go through any tests.
We had a bit of a scare yesterday with baby Tres. For some reason, unknown to me or the Dr.s at the Women's Pavilion I had some spotting yesterday. Everything looked normal, the baby was fine and they didn't register any contractions while I was there. They couldn't even find the source of the spotting. Very weird. So anyway we came home but missed Ellie's birthday party. The kids got to go, our neighbors were kind enough to take them and watch them until we got home. We are so grateful!
The kids and I have been busy with summertime activities. We went to storytime for Mira on Tuesday. She loved it! Her behavior was so different from the friday storytime we usually attend. She stood up next to the librarian and really listened to the stories. She participated in the songs and music and loved the playtime with other little ones her size afterwards. We definitely need to make that a habit for her. We went blueberry and peach picking on Wednesday then made blueberry jam on Thursday. I would also like to make peach jam and freeze some peaches. They were so easy to pick. We actually just drove our van right up to the tree! I didn't even get the kids out for the peaches. Thursday, Joshua had a birthday party for a preschool friend at a bounce place. He had a blast and really stuck by his friend during cake and presents time. It was fun to see him play. Friday, the kids were a bit under the weather so we didn't do storytime but we did run a couple of errands.
Jason has been working on house projects and got the gate installed at the top of the stairs so now we can try putting Mira in a big bed. He also worked in the playroom. He says we will get it done but with scares like Saturday I worry that it is true!
This week I am enlisting the help of the girls up the street to try and get more baby stuff done: clothes washed, carseat cleaned and installed, etc. Just 5 more weeks left to go!
We had a bit of a scare yesterday with baby Tres. For some reason, unknown to me or the Dr.s at the Women's Pavilion I had some spotting yesterday. Everything looked normal, the baby was fine and they didn't register any contractions while I was there. They couldn't even find the source of the spotting. Very weird. So anyway we came home but missed Ellie's birthday party. The kids got to go, our neighbors were kind enough to take them and watch them until we got home. We are so grateful!
The kids and I have been busy with summertime activities. We went to storytime for Mira on Tuesday. She loved it! Her behavior was so different from the friday storytime we usually attend. She stood up next to the librarian and really listened to the stories. She participated in the songs and music and loved the playtime with other little ones her size afterwards. We definitely need to make that a habit for her. We went blueberry and peach picking on Wednesday then made blueberry jam on Thursday. I would also like to make peach jam and freeze some peaches. They were so easy to pick. We actually just drove our van right up to the tree! I didn't even get the kids out for the peaches. Thursday, Joshua had a birthday party for a preschool friend at a bounce place. He had a blast and really stuck by his friend during cake and presents time. It was fun to see him play. Friday, the kids were a bit under the weather so we didn't do storytime but we did run a couple of errands.
Jason has been working on house projects and got the gate installed at the top of the stairs so now we can try putting Mira in a big bed. He also worked in the playroom. He says we will get it done but with scares like Saturday I worry that it is true!
This week I am enlisting the help of the girls up the street to try and get more baby stuff done: clothes washed, carseat cleaned and installed, etc. Just 5 more weeks left to go!
Friday, July 03, 2009
Another Week
Saturday the kids and I met Amy's Gang, Aunt Jo & Nanny Grandma for lunch in the 'burg. Joshua enjoyed his favorite: shrimp and so did little Stephanie. It is nice to see him gobble up some foods! Afterwards went to a birthday party for JR, the son of one of my friends from high school. He turned 5 and had a fantastic party at his grandparents with a moon bounce, pool and delicious ice cream cupcakes. Joshua had a blast and when swimming even jumped off the side of the pool unassisted! A first!
Sunday, Dylan arrived for the beginning of his week stay at our house. We went to Lowes to get some much needed house shopping done and then out to McD's for dinner.
Monday started our big adventure week. Dylan, Stephanie, Staci & Alex joined the kids and myself for my OB appt, this was a stepping stone to bigger fun. The Dr. said everything looks good. I am measuring 33 weeks (spot on) and although my blood pressure was high I think that was circumstantial. The dr. also said that if I were to go into labor with the contractions that I have been having, at 34 weeks he wouldn't do anything to stop it. That news shocked Jason a little, I don't think he quite realized how close we were to baby tres' arrival!
After the appointment we drove to Rocks State Park to float around in the creek and have a picnic. All the kids loved it. Joshua hung out with the big kids and even floated on his back in his life jacket. He had to come out when he was shivering too hard to speak! The best thing I heard was, 'Can we come back again this summer!!!' I love it! After home and naps, the teens came back over to make pizza from scratch. That was also a fun adventure. Alex said, 'This is like physics or something.' Yes, Alex, it is like chemistry :-) It was a challenge for them reading the recipe, doubling the ingredients and working together but afterwards we also heard, 'This is the best pizza I've ever had!'
Tuesday, Mira had her 15 mos checkup first thing in the morning. She is finally up to 20 lb, 4 oz. The dr. was pleased with her potty training and all her words but unimpressed with her weight gain. So she will be going back when we take the newborn in. We all went to the library after returning from the dr's to sign the older ones up for the summer reading program. Then again after naps and lunch we went swimming. We had to wait for the storms to pass. But, we packed snacks and picnic dinner and stayed at the pool from 4-7:30. The kids are loving swimming now. They are both happy splashing, paddling, and jumping in.
Wednesday, we had Sam, another kid on the block, join us and we went to Broom's Bloom Dairy for an early lunch. The teens cracked me up. All but Dylan ordered PB&J in spite of LOTS of yummy sandwich and food options. Most of us had ice cream afterward. Next we headed over to a put put golf place for a round of golf and video games after. I thought that Joshua would enjoy putting the ball around but he lost interest quickly. Mira, too. So, I kept score, chased the kids and kept an eye out for the teens while we went through. It was a hot day and I was pooped at the end. We had naps at home and Dylan went to play with his friends while I got dinner ready and got ready for work.
Thursday was Jason's day. He had the day off for the long holiday weekend and took everyone to go ice skating. I stayed back with Mira. Joshua was getting more and more difficult to handle each day that passed. We knew he was excited with all the activities and time with Dylan and the other kids. After naps I had lots of errands to run so unfortunately we didn't have play time in the afternoon but we did get together with the neighbors for dinner. Howard set up games on the projector on the side of the house and Jason stayed out with Dylan playing 'til late. Mira went home early with me and Joshua was next.
Friday, I had to work but was home in time to jump in the car with the gang and go to the movies. We saw 'UP'. Joshua sat well through the show. Mira did great for an hour and 20 min. The movie was an hour and a half and if we had skipped the previews we would have made it but as it was she and I spent about 30-40 min running around the lobby waiting for the show to end. Amy arrived for dinner and we had a meal with them before Dylan took off. It was so nice having him for the week.
Joshua loved waking up each morning and playing with Dylan. They built lots of lego creations over the span of the week. Mira, too, enjoyed having someone to play with. It will be nice to get back to routine but maybe we can steal him away again soon.
For the 4th of July we did a little house work in the morning and then went over to yet another neighbor's house for a party around 3:30 after the kids and JASON were done with their naps. I think Josh was pretty much in the pool from the time that we arrived until he left close to 8pm. He met a new friend, a little boy about 5 yr old, and played all afternoon with him in the water. Some of the time he had a life jacket on and the rest he just paddled around unassisted. It is such a big change for him from last year and every time he gets in the water his swimming improves. I love to watch him. Mira swam, too, she likes to 'jump' in off the side and play on the steps. While we were out eating dinner though she tripped and hit her head on a low wooden step. She really hit hard and had a goose egg for the evening. She scraped both feet and her hand up as well. It was quite a fall. We iced her head while she screamed at the top of her lungs for us to put her down. She and I left at 7:30 to rest/sleep. I wanted to watch her for other signs that her head injury was minor. She was ok and slept through the night without incident. She is eating cheerios next to me while I type.
Now we have 1 day to recover before it is back to work and our regular routine. We'll be blueberry picking this week and I have a dr. appointment at least.
Sunday, Dylan arrived for the beginning of his week stay at our house. We went to Lowes to get some much needed house shopping done and then out to McD's for dinner.
Monday started our big adventure week. Dylan, Stephanie, Staci & Alex joined the kids and myself for my OB appt, this was a stepping stone to bigger fun. The Dr. said everything looks good. I am measuring 33 weeks (spot on) and although my blood pressure was high I think that was circumstantial. The dr. also said that if I were to go into labor with the contractions that I have been having, at 34 weeks he wouldn't do anything to stop it. That news shocked Jason a little, I don't think he quite realized how close we were to baby tres' arrival!
After the appointment we drove to Rocks State Park to float around in the creek and have a picnic. All the kids loved it. Joshua hung out with the big kids and even floated on his back in his life jacket. He had to come out when he was shivering too hard to speak! The best thing I heard was, 'Can we come back again this summer!!!' I love it! After home and naps, the teens came back over to make pizza from scratch. That was also a fun adventure. Alex said, 'This is like physics or something.' Yes, Alex, it is like chemistry :-) It was a challenge for them reading the recipe, doubling the ingredients and working together but afterwards we also heard, 'This is the best pizza I've ever had!'
Tuesday, Mira had her 15 mos checkup first thing in the morning. She is finally up to 20 lb, 4 oz. The dr. was pleased with her potty training and all her words but unimpressed with her weight gain. So she will be going back when we take the newborn in. We all went to the library after returning from the dr's to sign the older ones up for the summer reading program. Then again after naps and lunch we went swimming. We had to wait for the storms to pass. But, we packed snacks and picnic dinner and stayed at the pool from 4-7:30. The kids are loving swimming now. They are both happy splashing, paddling, and jumping in.
Wednesday, we had Sam, another kid on the block, join us and we went to Broom's Bloom Dairy for an early lunch. The teens cracked me up. All but Dylan ordered PB&J in spite of LOTS of yummy sandwich and food options. Most of us had ice cream afterward. Next we headed over to a put put golf place for a round of golf and video games after. I thought that Joshua would enjoy putting the ball around but he lost interest quickly. Mira, too. So, I kept score, chased the kids and kept an eye out for the teens while we went through. It was a hot day and I was pooped at the end. We had naps at home and Dylan went to play with his friends while I got dinner ready and got ready for work.
Thursday was Jason's day. He had the day off for the long holiday weekend and took everyone to go ice skating. I stayed back with Mira. Joshua was getting more and more difficult to handle each day that passed. We knew he was excited with all the activities and time with Dylan and the other kids. After naps I had lots of errands to run so unfortunately we didn't have play time in the afternoon but we did get together with the neighbors for dinner. Howard set up games on the projector on the side of the house and Jason stayed out with Dylan playing 'til late. Mira went home early with me and Joshua was next.
Friday, I had to work but was home in time to jump in the car with the gang and go to the movies. We saw 'UP'. Joshua sat well through the show. Mira did great for an hour and 20 min. The movie was an hour and a half and if we had skipped the previews we would have made it but as it was she and I spent about 30-40 min running around the lobby waiting for the show to end. Amy arrived for dinner and we had a meal with them before Dylan took off. It was so nice having him for the week.
Joshua loved waking up each morning and playing with Dylan. They built lots of lego creations over the span of the week. Mira, too, enjoyed having someone to play with. It will be nice to get back to routine but maybe we can steal him away again soon.
For the 4th of July we did a little house work in the morning and then went over to yet another neighbor's house for a party around 3:30 after the kids and JASON were done with their naps. I think Josh was pretty much in the pool from the time that we arrived until he left close to 8pm. He met a new friend, a little boy about 5 yr old, and played all afternoon with him in the water. Some of the time he had a life jacket on and the rest he just paddled around unassisted. It is such a big change for him from last year and every time he gets in the water his swimming improves. I love to watch him. Mira swam, too, she likes to 'jump' in off the side and play on the steps. While we were out eating dinner though she tripped and hit her head on a low wooden step. She really hit hard and had a goose egg for the evening. She scraped both feet and her hand up as well. It was quite a fall. We iced her head while she screamed at the top of her lungs for us to put her down. She and I left at 7:30 to rest/sleep. I wanted to watch her for other signs that her head injury was minor. She was ok and slept through the night without incident. She is eating cheerios next to me while I type.
Now we have 1 day to recover before it is back to work and our regular routine. We'll be blueberry picking this week and I have a dr. appointment at least.
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