Big Girl

Lucy is 3 years old.

It is blowing my mind. She is such a big girl. Although, she is just a baby in my heart...the young lady that she is becoming is keeping me on my toes!

She likes clothes, shoes, bows, nail polish, makeup, lip stick, jewelry, sparkles, coats, scarves, fixing hair, and above all the color pink! She is a girly girl to the core.

Yes. She is still a kid though and plays in the dirt, in her cavatini, and lays on the floor.

But, she is looking at her Highlights magazine! She also looks through our mail, clothing catalogs, and my gossip magazines. Oh, and forgive my uncleaned floors...

She tries to stay little, like her sister. But, the poor thing is just getting too big. She is thinning out too; her little baby fat is disappearing...

She is playing with "big girl" toys too. She has a ton of Barbies and accessories now! I have even let her play with the Barbie shoes and small purses. 

Now, instead of the continuous moping around about my first baby growing into a little girl. Let's celebrate her achievements.

Lucy Milestones:

• She is using the potty all the time now.
• She is even waking up in the middle of the night to have us take her potty, with no wet morning pull-ups.
• She ate her entire soft taco the other night! Yes. This is worth celebrating. The only thing that she really goes to town on is canned Spaghettios. Yuck.
• She can and will paint your toenails. Just ask Heath.
• She has memorized two prayers.
• And, she has become the best big sister ever! She is always helping Olive and trying soothe her when she is upset. I have never seen such love! My heart melts. Related post to come later.
• She does the Goof-bot (the robot dance Goofy does on Mickey Mouse club house). 
• She can spell 'Lucy' and 'Mickey Mouse.' 
• She can even write her name, if she is looking at an example.

I just don't know what I'll do when she starts preschool next fall. Bah!  

33 & 34 Week Update

Whoa, whoa, whoa. Where did the time go? Here I am again, still pregnant, still large.

How far along?
35 weeks and 2 days. I am late posting again. I have 34 days left and only 13 days until she is full-term.

Baby is the size of...
a cantaloupe! I type the exclamation point, because, Nikki, I actually have a cantaloupe in the fridge at this very moment. Remind me to take a photo with it!!!!

At our third trimester ultrasound (I'll explain later), she measured approximately 5 lbs and 12 oz. That was a week and a half ago (uh-oh!). The tech said that the measurement could be off, give or take a pound. Take? Okay...Give? Um, that is even scarier. But, honestly, if the baby is supposed to gain a 1/2 pound a week, then it would put her right around 8 lbs, 12 oz. That is only 3 oz more than Lucy. It could be pretty accurate!

BabyCenter.com says that she should be approximately 18 inches long and 5 lbs.

Symptoms:
I am pretty tired. My lower back has started hurting on and off too. I think it is Olive pushing on me, or her position; because, it literally comes and goes, with no specific activity. I have also had a few headaches again. Perhaps I am not drinking enough water...

I have been able to avoid swelling for the most part. It hasn't been too bad; but, I am noticing that it is getting worse. I anticipate only getting more and more swollen as my due date approaches. Yay for puffy face!

Oh, and Braxton-Hicks. Yuck. All the time!

Anything New?
Well, at my last doctor's appointment my doctor asked me if I would be up for another ultrasound. She wanted to check my amniotic fluid level. She wasn't too concerned; but, thought that I looked big and wanted to make sure. When we asked more about the possibility of a high level of amniotic fluid, she brought up some scary possibilities - like Olive not being able to swallow, which indicates developmental issues, or when my water broke the possibility of the umbilical cord going into the birth canal first, which could cause it to become pinched. She tried to make it seem like no big deal though, not yet anyway. We were "just checking it out" for now.

By the way, don't Google high levels of amniotic fluid. It's scary.

So, we had the ultrasound over a week ago (33 weeks). The good news was that Olive had fluid in her bladder and kidneys! It indicated that she could and was swallowing! Whew!

That was a relief. Now, I just worried about the measurements. I had Googled and saw that if the four areas between my uterus and the baby were over 25 cm total, that I was high. So, I told Heath to keep an eye on the measurements. We both tried. I saw one measurement of 18 and one of 15....not so good. Heath claimed he thought he saw a 13 cm! Hopefully we were really off and didn't know what we were looking at.

I tried to get some information from the Tech. She wouldn't give me any...which kind of bothered me. It made me think that I do have too much fluid. So, I have a doctor's appointment TODAY, when I can talk over the results with my doctor. I am anxious.

New with Heath?
He finished classes!!! Yay! Everyone should hop over to his Facebook page and congratulate him. He worked so hard. Now he is present again in our house, physically and emotionally (and mentally)!  He finished just in time to celebrate our anniversary. :) He also finished just in time to assist me with my "Things to Do Before Olive Arrives" list. He has been really great about helping me nest. :)

New with Lucy?
She went on the potty at DayCare! Then, that night, she went on the potty at home! Both were without bribe or fights! I hope this means that our path is promising and she is finally coming around to the idea.

Otherwise, she is growing like a weed and saying "the darndest things." She has been playing a lot with her baby dolls and understanding the relationship between babies and Olive. :)

Anything else?
Not really. I have been thinking a lot about that ultrasound and the results. I will be happy when I can talk to Dr. B about it. I will be sure to let you know how it goes!

Dear...

Dear Hyundai...I sincerely apologize for the stains you have acquired in the last three years. I would blame it on Lucy, but even the driver's seat has some marks. That is what you get for having tan interior. What were you thinking?

Dear Chico...you are a lazy bum and I envy you in the worst way.

Dear Blue Sippy Cup...I am sorry that we had to part ways. You should know every time we poured milk into you, that you took a risk of being tossed. Perhaps you could have laid under the bed forever, with your sour contents. Unfortunately, I found you and after a mutual, family decision, we opted for the trash can. It's nothing personal; we have weak stomachs.

Dear Organizing Blogs...I've come to realize that it isn't simply putting items into baskets that make things look spiffy (although it helps). You must have matching bins/baskets and name tags to really look great. You make me feel mediocre...damn you.

Dear Heath...although I think Lucy's new freckles (10 or so, on her cheeks) are absolutely adorable, it isn't quite fair that she looks so much like you. :[  This is a picture of Heath, not Lucy, for anyone who needed the clarification.

Dear Chilis Restaurants...I think our city could totally support a Chilis. What do you say? Yay or nay? I think so.

Dear Olive...if you haven't heard by now, you look kind of like your sister, or so it seems. This means that we will have to explain your grumpy disposition all of the time. However, don't take it personal. You come by it honestly. :) I mean, look at your sister...

Dear Scale...if you could just keep that first number as a '1,' I would really appreciate that. I don't intend to see a '2' during this pregnancy, but I am getting pretty worried as of late. Help a pregnant girl out!

Dear Lucy...you can lie to us and say that you didn't poop your pull-up; but, you not sitting on your butt is a clear indicator something is up...literally.

Dear Motherhood Maternity Store...thank you for the adorable olive-colored dress that I purchased this weekend; however, I hated that I had to give you an arm for it. On another note: please consider giving the weirdo who helped me a different job, preferably in the back room where she can't be heard. Well, now that I think about it, you could also send the 90 lb, 20 year old wearing tightss back there too.

Dear Husband...I know you think I have an obsession with going to Sonic for slushes. But, I crave those strawberry slushes and Lucy loves getting one too.

Dear Olive...since we have confirmed that you are a girl, you are officially stuck with that name. :) I hope you like it.

Have a great day everyone! Any, "Dear..." letters you would like to send?

Week 24 Update

I barely got in a Week 24 update! I have been too busy with Memorial Day Weekend, and the recuperation. Plus, work has been pretty stressful lately, or at least it is causing me to have a lot on my mind. Either way, here it is...

No makeup. I'm big. My arm looks really big. Okay, that is all...

How far along?
I am 24 weeks and 6 days. Looks like this update won't be much different than next week's, since they are so close together. :{ I have 106 days left, although I have a very strong feeling that she will be at least  a few days early.


Baby is the size of...
or, rather, the length of an ear of corn. She is approximately a foot long and anywhere from 1.5 to 2.5 lbs. Again, I think she is closer to the latter. She feels big, which probably means that she is teeny tiny considering my motherly intuition and how awful it is. haha.

Symptoms:
The lack of sleep is coming back. My sleep quality is awful. I don't know what it is. I can't get comfortable, I pee too often, and I seriously do have a lot on my mind lately. Then, the house is a mess, which only causes me to feel stressed out. I am hoping that it isn't just the third trimester starting and that it won't continue! :{

My back and butt hurt when I sit for a long time in an uncomfy chair. I have officially deemed "uncomfy" as anything besides a recliner. haha. But, I have been sitting more lately, since my feet have officially started swelling. Fun times!

And, well, I'm big and getting bigger. Her are some maternity photos that I thought looked somewhat similar. They are all different black shirts; but, apparently, I wear black a lot...hmm...

She used to be right up under my breasts, which was giving me the worst indigestion! But, she seems to have just dropped and (knock on wood), I haven't had indigestion since. Although, I did get some "doctor-approved" medicine for it too. :)

Anything New?
There is probably a lot that is new and I just don't remember what I have told you or not. My sister and I went to What to Expect When Expecting, the movie. It was pretty good. I got a few laughs and tears. It was somewhat slow moving though. But, overall, it made me super excited to have a newborn again. I know that they are exhausting and you feel fat, and gross, and overwhelmed, and you are bleeding and leaking, and you kind of want to severely hurt your husband for not having to go through the same thing...or, is that just me? But, the feeling of holding the baby and seeing their face for the first time, makes me want to burst with love and excitement. I can't wait!


New with Heath?
He said the other day that he didn't think he was actually mentally prepared for Olive. "I just don't think I realize that there will be two. There will be two to take care of." Yep. Me neither Heath. I have always said though that nothing can prepare you for having a baby - nothing. And, well, I feel that way about two too. Nothing can prepare you for the transition to two children either. We will just have to learn, like we did with Lucy. We will make it. I am confident in Heath and our relationship. :)

New with Lucy?
The potty training is slow moving. But, we have some stickers on the fridge and she is working toward her Ken doll that is sitting on top of the fridge.

This weekend she got off of her sleeping schedule and we are having a very difficult time getting her back. We are all still tired. I try not to think that I am especially tired; but, sometimes I feel like I am...haha.

Oh, and Lucy hit me in the stomach the other night (not hard - don't panic). When I told her it was bad and that she couldn't because of the baby, she said, "Sorry, Olive." I couldn't remain mad anymore. :)

Anything else?
Some of my family members are convinced that  I may be having a boy. They joked that I will have to add an 'R' to the end of Olive's name. However, we will see about the boy. I don't think so; but, the tech could have been wrong...I will get a 3D ultrasound in July to confirm the sex. I can't wait!

Also, my grandpa thought that perhaps I was having twins. Nope. I'm just really, really big.

I am again looking forward to the weekend and hopefully the short week will make it get here faster. I am also looking forward to the cool weather! Yay! Have a good week too!

23 Week Update

I have decided that I did myself a major disservice by not including a picture last week. I think it makes this week a bit more shocking. :{ Prepare....here it comes.

I kept telling Heath that I would forget how big I was until I would see my reflection in the door or something. I am HUGE! The yellow probably doesn't help the case much either. As Heath's grandma told me this last weekend, I "have a long way to go!"


How far along?
I look and feel like I should be a LOT farther along. Even Olive's movement seems so advanced to me. It makes me wonder if she won't be here a little earlier. But, technically, I am 23 weeks and 5 days.

I sure do like watching that bar move across the screen! It just needs to move faster!

Baby is the size of...
a large mango. She is approximately a foot long and a little over a pound.

Symptoms:
Alright, I will just come out and say it - my digestive system is all sorts of jacked up. I'll leave it at that. Pregnancy, no gallbladder, and a cheese craving equals all around awfulness. :(

My hips hurt the other night, but then it rained. I think it is just something that comes with the weather. I certainly hope so! :) My hips hurt with Lucy during the winter; so, I'm staying optimistic that I will get out of the constant hip pain. Maybe... :)

Not really a symptom; but, this belly is getting more difficult to work around.

Yes - those are my feet down there.

Anything New?

I am big. I know that I've already covered this. But, it seems like this last week my face rounded out completely and well, the weight caught up with me. I know that it is my eating habits. I am just eating. I don't watch what I eat, eat any more or any less. I just let myself have whatever I want. Fault? Ehh...that is in the eye of the beholder. At my last appointment I had only gained 9 lbs so far. Not too shabby! :) I am supposed to be between 9 and 13 lbs. I just think that adding 9 lbs to the 12 that I was already carrying around after Lucy ended up badly...oh well. Here's hoping I don't see 200. That is my only weight goal. That, and to not have everyone make shocking comments about how big I am... :{. It's already happening!!

Oh, and I don't have a negative blood type after all! :)  I called to ask more questions and especially about why I never had to get a RhoGAM shot with Lucy and I do now. I stumped the nurse. She was so confused, as was I. She rechecked my file and I have a positive blood type! That is why. My doctor said that when she brought it up to me, that she must have just looked at my file wrong and looked at antibodies or something. I wondered too; so, I busted out my blood card and there it was - positive. I need to pay more attention to what I put in my wallet...the good news is that if I would have gotten it, it wouldn't have hurt me or anything.

New with Heath?
He is being very sensitive to the fact that I tend to be a little more tired with this pregnancy. He is also really understanding about me not lugging Lucy around or picking her up and down all the time. I was doing it at the zoo and he stopped me, "You are going to wear yourself out quickly, doing that."

It's sweet. :) He even let me take a nap Friday night after work. I was worn out. I am glad that he is so understanding and considerate. He did make me laugh though. He told me that he and Lucy were outside playing in the driveway. A sports car, with blaring music drove by. It was a teenage girl and guy, laughing. He said he thought of "Friday nights" back then. Now, he was watching his two-year-old drive circles in the driveway, while his pregnant wife was inside napping. haha. He laughed and said it is just crazy how quickly life changes.

I promise, Heath; we will have Friday nights again - someday! :) And, as far as you letting me rest and taking care of Lucy, thank you. Seriously - thank you! I appreciate you and love you so much!

New with Lucy?
She is somehow becoming more and more dramatic. I think it is due to her daddy's spoiling. :) That is alright with me, as long as he also deals with the "I want my way" tantrums. She really isn't too bad, considering she is only two. She is still a baby, really!

But, she is getting better at the big girl potty! :) I made a new chart. It's cute. I will have to share it with you all sometime. She has two stickers on it! As I mentioned before, when we are home in the evening, we just strip her down naked. That way, she tells us when she has to go. If we do big girl undies, she pees them. She has to be naked. haha. So, it makes for some funny times.

Here she is playing in the living room, patting her daddy's shoulder, while they watch television. haha.

Anything else?
Not really. I think about everything that needs to be done before Olive gets here and it really isn't too much. But, we really need to get started! We need to buy new newborn pacifiers, new bottle nipples, a crib mattress, ideally a new video monitor, newborn diapers and wipes, and more that I can't think of right now. I just need to make a list again. Then, I need to go through Lucy's clothes and pull all of the newborn stuff and see what is the wrong season.

Right now Olive's nursery has become Heath's ironing station. That will have to change. We constantly battle the stupid ironing board! It needs to stay up; Heath uses it almost every day. I just don't know where to put it. :( Organization on the brain. :) Speaking of which, I need to make room in the cabinets for bottles again...ugh! I will be completely organized someday. It will make all of our lives easier. haha. :)

Have a great week! Zoo pictures to come! :)

22 Week Update

I forgot to take a picture! :{ I owe you one. I will take one tonight.

How far along?
I am 22 weeks and 5 days, 121 days to go!


Baby is the size of...
a spaghetti squash?  Or, in my book, a large squash.

My sister suggested that I take photos and give updates with the item compared to the baby. I really liked it; but, at this point in time, I have no idea where I would find a spaghetti squash. At the local farmer's market?

Symptoms:
I still feel about the same. The under-side of my tummy is feeling lots of pressure lately. I think that Olive is pushing down sometimes; but then, sometimes it just seems like my stomach muscles can't carry this big ole' uterus of mine! haha. I had to lie down for a while the other night, because it was so uncomfortable.

I asked my doctor about my veins popping out like crazy! She said that it was the increased blood flow and that the older I get, the more susceptible I am to it, since my vein walls get weaker. Good to know - I just hope to avoid spider veins or varicose veins. It is bad enough that I am one of the 50% of women who get stretch marks. :{

Anything New?
Well, I had a doctor's appointment last Friday. It was pretty basic. Olive's heartbeat was loud and clear! She kept kicking at the monitor again though. I tell you, this one is going to be feisty! I can't imagine her being more feisty than Lucy; but, I think it's going to happen!

I will be going in for my gestational diabetes check next month. I don't think I have much to be concerned about; however, one of the indicators is having diabetes in the family, which I do. So, I always have to be prepared. If so, we can handle it. They also mentioned having a RhoGAM shot and/or screening. I wasn't too sure what that was and it was mentioned with such little importance that I didn't bother asking.

Well, I got a call from the doctor's office to set up an appointment and they mentioned getting a shot. I asked what the shot was for and the scheduler told me that it was better that I talk to a nurse about it. The nurse was busy and is supposed to call me back. Naturally, I googled it. It is a precaution, apparently because I have a negative blood type.

Basically, what I understood, is that when the mother is negative and the father is positive, the fetus can inherit the positive from the father. Problems can arise when the fetus's blood has the positive factor and the mother's blood does not. If our bloods were to ever mix somehow, which I guess is somewhat common, my body could start attacking the baby's blood, and essentially the baby, as a "foreign object."

Now, my first question is, "Well, why don't we take Heath's blood and see if it is positive and if we even need to worry." But, I am sure that they can't simply just take my word for it that Heath is the father. They have to take precaution because of the baby...which makes sense I guess.

Overall, my doctor made it seem like not a big deal at all. And, my co-worker who has three children said that she got the shot with her children and no big deal. So, I'm not going to fret quite yet. It is something that I literally can't control. I know my doctor will do what is best for Olive and me.

If you want to read more about this whole RhoGAM and blood type thing, go here: http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancycomplications/rhfactor.html. I admit. I am still a little fuzzy on it all.

I will definitely ask the nurse why I didn't have to do anything with Lucy, and now I do...hmmm...

New With Heath?
Well, he gave me the best Mother's Day weekend ever! :) He was so sweet and spoiled me like crazy! :)  I appreciate him so much as a husband and a daddy. I woke up Sunday morning to breakfast croissants! Yay! :) Soooo delicious! As you know, they got me in trouble with Lucy, weight wise. I had to give them up. :( But, an occasional one or two, here and there won't hurt...too bad. :)

Lucy and him also gave me an awesome present and picked up Chinese food for me, for supper. It was delicious. I think I ate all but one Crab Rangoon on my own. Oops! Mmm...I'm making myself hungry.

Anyway, he has been really good about taking the helm with Lucy. He gets up with her in the middle of the night for me. Granted, she does go to his side of the bed and I don't even wake up sometimes. And, he often ends up just putting her in bed with us. :[ But, I appreciate it, even if I wake up to her wheezing in my ear. He has informed me that our bed allows room for one more...which worries me and my future rest. Heath, Lucy, Olive, and me, in a queen-sized bed? Oh boy!

With Lucy?
It seems like in the past week, she has just grown up so much! She is getting so big, not only physically. She is talking so much and is so smart! I literally cried the other day because she just amazes me. Yes - I think this time it was the hormones. haha.

We are in the middle of week 2 of no binkie and I think I can officially say, without jinxing myself, it is gone (knock on wood, just in case). I don't think we will turn back now. :) Also, in Lucy news, she went potty on the big girl potty again!! :)

After changing her diaper, I just decided to leave it off. I thought if I let her run around the house naked (since it is hot out), that she will either pee on the floor or tell us when she has to go. Her telling us has been our biggest issue. To be honest, Heath and I didn't think that she would just pee on the floor. We were kind of right. She went pee a little in her booster seat and immediately panicked and told me that she needed a diaper. I took her to the potty and she didn't want to go. It was about 20 minutes later and she told Heath that she had to go and went! :) We were really proud. It looks like being naked in the evenings will become "a thing" until she starts telling us on her own.

The checklist is getting done! We have 18 more weeks!

Anything else?

How could there possible be? This is the longest post ever, right? Well, there is more!  My sister got Olive her first "official" gift.

 How cute is that?! The blacked-out area is our last name. I absolutely LOVE this onesie. I can't wait until she is here and can wear it. :)

By the way, how unbelievable tired do I look in this photo?

Well, that is all for today. Have a good week. We will be going to the zoo next week; so, the days can't go fast enough for me. I'm so excited! :)

19 Week Update

How far along?
I am 19 weeks and 4 days (139 days to go); I am 49.3% through my pregnancy! Yay! Half way there!


Baby is the size of a...
large, heirloom tomato? She is 6 inches from head to rump and 8.5 oz (although at our appointment the ultrasound tech said she was 11 oz!). We could have a chubby baby on our hands again! :) Here is a picture of an heirloom tomato:

Symptoms:
Thank you for all of the concern about my hips. They haven't been bothering me as bad the last few nights (knock on wood). It must be an on-and-off thing for now. I hope it stays away! It is really painful! I feel really good otherwise. I had been sleeping pretty well too; however, last night wasn't very good. I dream like crazy! I just wish I could get some real rest. Also, I got up to go pee four times! No more water for me late in the evening.

I also made the mistake of eating some chocolate candy around 10 pm... :[ I knew that I shouldn't have. I had indigestion then for about an hour following. Blech.

I feel like I am getting to be way to big for only five months of pregnancy. I also feel like I waddle a bit. :{ Already.

Anything new?
There really isn't much, since I have been writing about the baby every post lately. :) The big thing was to find out that it was a girl! :) I am still very excited and love being able to imagine life four months from now. :) Is that enough smiley faces for you? I guess I'm happy and getting a little crazy with them...sorry. 

I wore my first pair of maternity pants last Friday. Ehh...I hate maternity pants. I really do. They are just so baggy looking around the crotch area, especially the khaki ones. I immediately went back to wearing my regular ones with belly bands. We will see how long I can do this. I think I was around 24 weeks with Lucy before I had to give in. Then again, my body was very different back then.

Oh, but I did get a few pairs of yoga capris from Motherhood. They are super comfy! :) 'A+' purchase!

New with Heath?
He has started calling the baby by name and telling people about the name. So, it looks like a name post may be sent out this week. :) I think we will be telling my blog readers, family, and friends; but, we will probably keep the name off of Facebook, for now at least. Many of my family members, who hate the name, don't think anyone would steal it. But, I don't want to chance it. (Paranoid!)

I think being able to call her by name makes it more real to Heath too. It is so nice being able to say, "when the girls get older," and phrases like that. When I say, "Girls," I immediately think of my mom. When she would yell at my sister and I as children, it was always that term.

"Girls! Get away from there!"
"Girls! Don't touch that!"
"Girls! Come inside!"

I try to think back to myself as a child and I never imagined having two girls, just like my family, growing up. :) Heath probably didn't imagine it either! haha. Last night, Lucy and I were laying in mine and Heath's bed. We were snuggling, along with her baby doll, Aurora, and her stuffed horse, Bonnie. He looked at us, smiled, and said, "What am I going to do with three girls?"

New with Lucy?
I wish that I could say that we were closer to achieving all of our goals before baby is born. 1) Get Lucy moved to her big girl room and have her stay in bed at night. 2) Get Lucy potty-trained. 3) Get rid of the binkie.

I think Lucy is getting used to her big girl room and doing a bit better at night. But, the binkie isn't going anywhere anytime soon. I know it needs to be gone at least a couple of months before the baby is using one in front of her. It is just tough. I don't think Heath and I are ready for that battle.  The potty-training was looking pretty promising there for a while. But, now she is lying to us about it. When we ask her if she has to go or if she did go, she says, "No."  It is totally obvious though! Still working on it...

We have her practice saying the baby's name. She is really good at pronouncing it. :) Ahh...I can't wait to see them interact. I hope it is a smooth and happy transition for Lucy - being the baby, to sharing the spotlight!

Anything else?
Not really...we are pretty boring these days. We continue to prep the house and financially prepare for the baby. But, it still seems like forever from now. I tell you though, once September hits, it'll be the first of the year before we know it! Maternity leave, football season, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, winter break...I cannot wait!


Have a great day!

Toilet Paper

I know it has been a long while - sorry!

I have been super busy and, to be honest, completely out of sync. The house is a mess, my workout schedule is off, I'm feeling tired lately, we have been running around every night, work is crazy, my to-do list is out of control, and my DVR events are all piling up! :( Debbie Downer...and, more to come on my bummer mood in future posts.
Hopefully the long weekend will snap me out of it! I hope to get the house cleaned and get organized (literally and in my mind!).

I don't have any running updates today. I tried to upload them to YouTube; it was being slow and I finally said "to heck with it." Hopefully I will get some more time...and patience...to do it later.

Have a good week. Hopefully you'll be hearing more from me soon!

Shout out to my cousin - he played awesome the other night in his first varsity football game. We were proud. Now, keep it up and I'm sure you will get some Ws! :)

Baby Boom!

Two of my best friends are pregnant.

Also, I know at least three other women who are pregnant.

Four of the five women I've mentioned are due in January! Can you believe that?

My first thought is: what happened in April that I missed? :) No one can say that it was the long, cold winter. :)

I am so excited for my friends. Being pregnant, while sometimes nauseating and scary and irritating, is so wonderful. Bringing babies into the world seriously might be the most touching and miraculous thing ever! :) I am so excited to take part in their journeys.

The big question now that two of my best friends are pregnant?

"Cori - when are you going to have another one?"

I'll be honest - I had baby fever as soon as Lucy turned one year old. However, Heath and I knew that it just wasn't right for our family. I had to think rationally. That would just be too much for Heath and me. We want Lucy to be out of diapers (crossing-fingers) and in a big girl bed before we have another one. Having two babies in diapers and/or cribs, just isn't for me.

Seriously, no offense to anyone who likes children that close. I get it.

But, as most of you know, Lucy isn't even close to potty training yet. She did sit on the potty chair the other night though...with a diaper on. Small steps! :) And, we still need to lower her crib one more setting, because she is starting to monkey-climb.

We have a while. And, does all of this make me want to have a baby more? Or sooner? No - not really. This is their time. I will just share in their happiness and Lucy will get a sibling soon enough.

In the mean time I get to buy baby stuff! :) Yay! It is so fun to buy; I can't wait. I hope that one is having a boy and the other is having a girl; then, I could buy some of both!

I'll be sure to let you know how it goes and if my baby fever raises at all. :)

What do you think is the perfect age difference in children?

The Winds are Changing

The Lucy household is in for some changes in the coming months. We are approaching the age of potty training and binkie removal. I cringe as I type those.

Potty training? I assume it is a lot harder than it seems. I, for one, have always been that person who would be shocked when older children weren't potty trained and would ask other people, "Shouldn't they be potty trained by now?"

Now, I just might have been putting my foot in my mouth all of that time.

I'm nervous.

What if Lucy has a hard time with it? What if it takes forever? She is in daycare, as you know, so the consistency will be a little difficult. And, to be honest, TMI, she has become a little inconsistent in the timing of messy diapers.

I've been told by several people:

"It isn't a big deal."
"Girls are easier than boys."
"I had mine potty trained before they were ___(insert unbelievably early age here)__."

It is a lot of pressure. I just don't want to start too early or start too late. Because according to my Granny, a cousin of mine was started too early, was potty trained for a while, and then reverted back to messing her pants. (haha - no, it wasn't Hannah.)

BabyCenter.com says that you shouldn't start until they are at least 18 months; but, people keep asking me when we are starting and why we haven't started yet. :{ I have to sadly say...I'm a "going by the book" kind of gal, for the most part. I was the youngest in my family, so I didn't really get to experience all of this stuff first hand. All I have are the answers from different mothers (which are always different), or references, like my doctor, BabyCenter.com, or What to Expect....

For Lucy's 18 month "birthday"? She is getting a big'ol potty chair. :) If for nothing else, then to sit on...naked. :)

We'll see how it goes. I'll be sure to let you know how hard or easy the transition is for Lucy and us. Watch - it will be really easy and then our next child will be super difficult (as my mom claimed it was with my sister and me).

As for binkie removal? Ugh...we really need to start weaning her. We've been trying. In fact, a couple of nights ago, I almost put her to bed without it! When I gave it to her, I realized that she hadn't had it the entire night! It was a small achievement. :) Perhaps it will be easier than we thought too...

My biggest worry with it? Is that we use it for this:

Is that awful? haha. Heath calls it "the plug."

Screaming in the grocery store? Oh, just get "the plug."

If you are interested in this particular pacifier, they sell it on Amazon.com for a decent price. :) I think it's great. haha.

The winds are changing...I just don't know if I want to put up my sail up yet or not. :{