Up till 1:30 a.m.!

Nope, it wasn't because of the kids! I was up late working on this beauty! It is an altered altoid tin and mini accordian album to fit inside! Isn't it sooo pickin cute? I had to make this sample to take to my Relief Society enrichment planning meeting tonight to show as a possible project for our Super Saturday. This might be a bit more elaborate with all the embellishments, but I got a bit carried away. I can tone it down for a Super Saturday project if we decide to do it. Now I need to figure out what pictures to put in it. I kinda like it all by itself though. I just like to look at it over and over. I get so pleased with myself when I finish a project like this and see how cute it turned out. You can see more photos in my SCS gallery. I never would have imagined I could make something like this 5 years ago! I didn't even know how to make cards! Now look at how far I have come. I am even a Stampin' Up! demonstrator! It's amazing what you can accomplish if you just work at it. I don't ever like to hear people say they aren't crafty, because they can be if they try. Trust me...I know!

This brings me to another topic on craftiness. I grew up with a wonderful mom who could sew anything for us...from dance costumes, to Halloween costumes, to Christmas stockings, Easter baskets, Quiet books, church tote bags, blankets, etc. She tried so hard to teach me to sew, and she did help me make a dress, a skirt, and a few tied quilts for boys I was dating. I just couldn't ever catch the desire to really learn though. Fast forward to November 2006. Just 5 months ago, I all of a sudden had an intense desire to purchase a sewing machine and start making things. Baby things to be exact. Blankets and burp cloths to be exact. Those are pretty much straight lines. I also wanted to make a quiet book. A little more complex. I managed to make my first baby blanket and burp cloth for a gift for my friend Gigi who was due a week before me with a little girl.

While I know this was far from perfect, I was proud of myself for making it. It was such an accomplishment for me! I never did make one for my own baby, but I will.

So, the other day I get a package in the mail. Or rather Avery did. It was a baby gift from Gigi.

It is a darling rag quilt! Now I feel a bit embarrassed by my horendous sewing job, but nevertheless, I am inspired now to learn to make a rag quilt. I used to have the mind set that this was way too hard for me to do, but now I am thinking it can be done! Also, a while back I boxed up about a million old t-shirts from High School and college and other things that I coulodn't bear to throw away, but obviously don't wear anymore. I came up with the brilliant idea of turning them into a t-shirt quilt! Now how clever am I? Apparently not very, because someone else came up with the idea first. I just hadn't heard of one before. So, now that I am feeling like my domestic goddess has been unleashed, I want to make a t-shirt quilt as well. I found some info online with directions.

And, last but not least. My very next project I want to attempt is a baby sling. I had been looking at this website to possibly order one, but now feel inspired to make my own. We shall see!

Well, that's my crafting desire for the future anyhow. May the craftiness be with you!

Easter!

My sister sent Avery an Easter dress to match her little girl Brynn. Brynn is 3. She is just 4 months older than Logan. I wish we could have actually been together for Easter. I had my sister email me a picture of Brynn in her dress so I could post the matching cousins on my blog! They are so cute! Avery loves wearing dresses. She holds the skirt like she is a princess. I think she knows she is pretty in a dress. The only thing I have discovered about cute dresses on babies is that it makes them slippery. It's so hard to hold them!

We had a nice Easter. Tony's family didn't really celebrate Easter with the Easter bunny. Mine did. So it is hard to get Tony excited about that aspect of the holiday. It makes it hard for me to be the only one to prepare and impart the excitement to Logan. I know Easter is more about the Savior and the Atonement and Resurrection, but I think you can teach the true meaning of Easter, and still enjoy the secular aspect of it. We do it at Christmas, why not be able to seperate it now as well? I have made it a point for the Easter Bunny to include some church related items in the Easter baskets to help us remember. This year I received this book in my basket. We also got The Testaments DVD. Logan got The Scripture Scouts and the picture version of The Book of Mormon. We listened to The Scripture Scouts when we were little and we loved them! I hope he does too. Of course there were also plastic eggs full of candy and some other little toys for Logan. All in all, I think he was happy with his Easter.

For dinner I made the usual ham. I made it in the crockpot again,and I am totally sold on this method. It is soooo easy, and the ham is sooo yummy. It is really tender, and just falls apart. I had a 4 or 5 pound half ham with no bone. I just plopped it in the crockpot and turned it on low for 8-10 hours. You don't need to add anything else to it. Really, you should all try it. You will love it this way.

I also made red potatoes with a lemon dill butter, roasted asparagus, and glazed carrots. It was a pretty simple meal, but so good. I was happy. I will share the recipes for the carrots and asparagus.

Glazed Carrots

1 bag baby carrots

2 Tbls. butter

2 Tbls. brown sugar

2 Tbls. orange juice

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. ground ginger

1/8 tsp. cinnamon

In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, orange juice, salt, ginger, and cinnamon. Add the carrots; cover and cook for 20-25 minutes until tender, stirring occasionally.

Roasted Asparagus

1-2 ibs. asparagus, washed and ends trimmed

2 Tbls. olive oil

1-2 Tbls. soy sauce

salt and pepper to taste

Mix oil and soy sauce and pour onto baking sheet with edges. Roll asparagus in the oil mixture to coat. sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes.

* I actually have another recipe that is similar. Instead of soy sauce it uses balsamic vinegar. It also has 1 tsp. minced garlic. This one says to cook at 425 degrees for 10 minutes. I used the soy sauce for Easter dinner, but still included the garlic. It is sooo good, and I will always cook asparagus this way from now on.Yummy!

So, that was my yummy Easter dinner. Too bad Logan didn't eat any of it. He had a banana. Poor kid. he doesn't know what he is missing!

Here is a picture of Logan and Avery together Sunday afternoon. Avery was not in her dress anymore, and Logan wouldn't smile normal for the camera, so this is the best I could get of my two kids together on Easter.

I am on a mission

I have to collect all of these Happy Meal toys! My mom called me the other day all excited about them and told me I had to go get Avery a Happy Meal. She kept going on and on about how cute they are. And since I do live in Kansas, I just must have them. So far I have four of the 8. I have the lion, the tin man, the wicked witch of the west and the wicked witch of the east. I still need Dorothy, the scarecrow, Glinda the good witch, and someone named Daisy. Do you remember Daisy in the Wizard of Oz? Was she a munchkin? I have no clue, but I still need her! Anyway...I am terrified I won't get them all before they are gone. I learned that you can buy the Happy Meal toy for like $1 or something without having to get the actual happy meal. So, if anyone happens to get any of the ones I am missing, let me know! I might need you to go get extras for me! The good thing is there are McDonald's on like every corner where I live. But I was in Wal-Mart last night and the McD's inside said they were all sold out! Yikes!

I think we will be eating a lot of Happy Meals!

*** Update!!! I just got two more! I now have the scarecrow and Daisy Munchkin. I just need Dorothy and Glinda and I am good to go!

My Playlist

I have become addicted to this playlist thing! It is soooo much fun finding songs. My playlist is soooo random, but every song brings back a memory of a different time in my life. You will have to push play yourself to start it. I hope you all find a song that takes you back as well! Enjoy! And leave me a comment on any of the songs on here...I would love to know if we share any of the same memories!

Logan, oh Logan...you crack me up!

So, I unfortunately didn't get much out of General Conference today. Logan was possessed by the "scream at the top of your lungs" bug. Everything he needed to say required being said at top volume. It was insane. Besides that, he seemed really, really hyper. Between being annoyed with him for being so crazy, we also had to laugh at him because he was so pickin funny!

He decided to put on several performances while standing on the fireplace. "I am a Child of God" was one of the favorites. " Lead me guide me....Teach me all that ho must do " He also performed "Pabbacake, pabbacake, baker's man". That was funny. Pabbacake!

After he had stripped himself of his clothing,he informed me that he had a tummy button.

The other day, Tony had gone upstairs and Logan was not happy with that. He went running after him yelling"Daddy, come back! I want to play with you, cause you are my pet!"

Even though I barely heard a word of conference, I have felt an extreme amount of love and pride in my children. I have just been marveling at Logan's personality, and how he is developing. It's so fun to watch him grow, and learn, and see how he understands things. And Avery of course is growing like weed! She is already 8 weeks old! She is so sweet, and such a good baby. I love to just sit and talk to her, and hear her goo and coo and smile so big! I was doing this last night, and Logan decided to talk to her too. In the process, Avery started to drool a bit down her chin. Logan said "uh oh, mommy she's dripping."

Children are such a blessing. Even though there are times that don't seem like it, I know that my children have definitely brightened my life. I laugh every day because of them, and smile all the time. Who couldn't be happy when tiny arms wrap around your neck and little juicy kisses are planted on your cheek? And when you say " I love you" and you hear "I wuv you" back. It's so sweet!

I love my family, and I am grateful for them each and every day. It is such a comfort to me to know that families are forever, and we can be together with our loved ones for eternity. At this Easter time of year, it is nice to reflect on the Savior's Atonement, and the blessings it brings to our lives.

Look what I got today!

We took a walk in the stroller today to get the mail (the mailbox is half-way up the street) and look what we got! The cute hair bow from Kayli! I was so excited, I opened it and put it on her in the stroller right away. Then I took her picure, but she doesn't know how to look at me and say "cheese" yet. Anyway, thanks Kayli! It is really cute! We love it!







So, this is what I got to do this afternoon while the kids were napping. I made my cards for the card exchange, and played around with some others. I made the Birthday card for the card exchange. I wanted to use the bright colors, so I played around with this and came up with this card. It isn't my usual style, so I am not 100% pleased with it, but I do like it. It is bright and cheery. The other cards are more my style, so I like them better. It's more me. I want to make more in different colors. I am going to go crazy making all the same card in many different color combinations. It's been a while since I have been able to sit down and create. I had fun.

Well, it is storming once again, so we will see if I get any sleep tonight. I hope we are safe! I was talking to my neighbor the other day about tornados, and she told me that I should be more worried about lightning than tornados. She said that they rarely touch down in the cities...it has something to do with the electricity or something like that. I am willing to believe it if it helps me feel more safe and calm about tornados. So, I guess I won't stay outside in a lightning storm.

Avery's Blessing Day

What a week-end it has been! It started of Thursday evening with my parents and my grandma flying in. Friday afternoon, Tony's parents drove in. My parents slept in my stamp room, Tony's parents slept in Avery's room, and Grandma Avery slept in Logan's room. Logan and Avery slept in our room with Tony, and I slept on the couch! I actually slept much better there than I would if I had stayed in my bed. Not that I could because Logan commandeered my pillow, as well as my side of the bed, so it left me no other choice. We had actually gotten Logan his very own Lightning McQueen bed to sleep in, but he preferred our bed after a while.

Saturday, I ran some errands with my mom and left the baby home with Grandma Black, and Great Grandma Avery. Logan supervised my dad and FIL fixing the hole in our driveway. They broke up the broken concrete, and then filled in the hole with cement. I am lucky to have handy-men for fathers...and a husband as well! Saturday evening we all went out to dinner for some Kansas City Barbecue. It was Avery's first time going out to dinner! She was lucky to have many hands to hold her, and she was very good.

Sunday was a beautiful day, just like I was hoping for! It was 78 degrees! I think Avery knew it was her special day, because she was so happy and smiley all morning before church. I think she was excited to get dressed up all pretty in her beautiful white dress. She was so pretty. Tony did a good job giving her blessing. He said some very wonderful things. My grandma wrote some things down, but I am afraid I threw the paper away on accident. I am a bit worried now. I hope I can find it. He blessed her to develop normally, to be close to her mother, and be able to confide in her, and to develop a strong testimony of the gospel and especially of Joseph Smith. Avery was so good during the whole thing, and didn't even make a peep. I think she liked being held and getting all that attention. She is a social little thing already! The men in the blessing circle consisted of Tony, Grandpa Bowden(my dad), Grandpa Black (Tony's dad), Brother Drake (in the bishopric) and President Giles (Elder's Quorum president). After church, we all came home to have our pink dinner. I say pink, because my mom helped me decorate the table all in pink! We had a pink tablecloth and napkins, and pink tulle bows tied around the backs of the chairs. The napkins had pink flowers tied around them as napkin rings. The centerpiece was a vase of pink and white tulips and snapdragons. It was so pretty, and of course I didn't get a picture of it. My mom did though, so I hope she sends me a copy. We had ham, baked potatoes, layered salad, rolls, and Pavlova for dessert. It was yummy.

Monday we hung around and enjoyed the beautiful weather and each other before the grandparents had to leave. My dad and FIL moved the swingset out of the mud pit and onto the grass. I like it much better now. I never wanted to let Logan play on the swingset because of the dirt and mud. My dad also helped Logan catch butterflies in his new butterfly net that my mom got for him. He was sooo excited to actually catch one! My dad helped him, but then it flew away. We were surprised to even see one in the first place. Tony's parents left around 3:30, and then my parents flight left at 7. Grandma Avery left today, so we got to spend a little more time with her. It was nice. She and Logan both had red "kajmmies", so we had to get a picture of them in them. Grandma is little enought that she could sit by Logan on his little blue couch. So cute! We were so glad she could be here. She is a sweet grandma, and we love her very much.

Craziness!

Today my parents and my grandma are flying in. I have to go pick them up at the airport later today.So, as you can imagine, I have been trying to get some house cleaning done, to get ready for them. Tony's parents are coming tomorrow.

I hardly got any sleep last night. I had an enrichment board meeting and I didn't get home until 9. i then had to feed my starving baby and put her to bed. That took an hour. At 10 pm, I got online to send out some emails, and type up some notes from our meeting while it was fresh in my head. At 11, Logan woke up crying. Tony had already gone to bed, so I had to go put Logan back in bed. I was then up until 12 finishing my email stuff. My ear has been hurting for who knows why, so I couldn't fall asleep right away. I am not sure if I was ever asleep or not, but around 1:15, Logan woke up crying again. I put him back to bed again. Again, not sure if I had really slept, but around 3:30, Logan woke up crying again. This time I asked Tony if he could take care of him. Just when I thought I could snuggle back down in my covers, Avery decided to wake up. So, of course I had to feed her and put her back to bed. By this time it was 4:30 a.m. I managed to sleep this time, I am pretty sure because I remember dreaming. Tony got up to get ready for work, and while he was in the shower, Avery woke up again. This was a little after 7 a.m. I fed her, and put her back to sleep by around 7:45. No sooner had I layed her back down in her crib that I heard Logan waking up. He was a soggy bottom boy, and it had leaked out and wet the bed, so i had to change his clothes, and strip the bed. that was ok because I was going to have to do it anyway to get ready for my grandma to sleep there. I managed to convince Logan to come lay by me for a while. That lasted about 10 minutes. Then it was downstairs to have breakfast and watch Peter Pan. I was able to go back to bed for about an hour or so while Peter Pan was on. Then Cinderella was next.I couldn't sleep anymore this time, so I was finally up at around 9:40 a.m. I had just barely finished my cereal when Avery was awake again for her breakfast. No breaks for me!

I have managed to vacuum, clean my room and the kids rooms, do a load of laundry, tidy up the kitchen, do a load of dishes, put together the dinner for tonight so it is ready to pop in the oven later on, make a jello salad to set in the fridge for tonight, clean out a few items from the fridge, feed myself and the kids, and put them down for naps. Logan didn't sleep for long as he is sick and has been crying all afternoon. He is now watching Peter Pan again with his pillow and blankie. Avery is happy in her bouncy seat for the moment, so I have a break to blog about my crazy day.

I have an hour and a half to finish some odds and ends before I have to go to the airport. I am excited to have family coming. They can tend the kids and I can have some breaks. This week-end won't be long enough! I just hope that Logan feels better tomorrow, and that Avery won't get sick, and neither will anyone else. I am also crossing my fingers and hoping for a nice spring day on Sunday for Avery's blessing. The forecast isn't always acuurate, you know.

Boy am I tired!

The past few days have really given me a taste of what being a Mother is all about. Tony has been out of commission, so I have had to take care of Logan, Avery and Tony all at once! I haven't even been able to do much for myself until now. The other night I didn't even get a chance to eat dinner until almost 10 p.m.! If it wasn't one person, it was another! And then of course, both kids woke up at the same time at 4:40 in the morning, so I had to take care of them both by myself. Now, I know this may not sound unusual for a mother of 2, but when Tony was unable to get out of bed to help in any way, it was a lot harder! Today was the 4th day of this and I am exhausted! Tony is feeling better, and able to help a bit more, but still not much. I don't know how single mothers do it, but I am soooo grateful that I don't have to deal with this all on my own on a regular basis.

We didn't go to church today because I didn't think I could handle 3 hours of church on my own with the kids. I knew I could sit by someone who would be willing to occupy Logan in case I needed to step out with the baby, but the thought of juggling the diaper bag, car seat, 2 yearold and baby was making me tired. Plus, Logan has had a stuffy nose for a while and I thought I better keep him home from nursery just in case he is sick. I did toy with the idea of just dropping Logan off for nursery and then going back to pick him up after church. Ok, I know that wasn't wise, but still very tempting.

Logan is still funny with Avery. Some times he is very good and sweet with her, and other times he is so mean! He insists on screaming "da bee doh" really loud in her ear when she is sleeping. That is deserving of time out. He has been there a few times now because of it. he also tells me " I want to eat her and drink her and kiss her". Today we were laying on the floor on each side of Avery, just talking to her and being cute. I was distracted for a second only to realize that he had poked her in the face and made her cry, and once I calmed her down from that, he had her hand in his mouth and bit her. She didn't really cry that time, so he must not have bit her too hard, but she did make a sad face. Mean brother! But he does try to pick her up and bundle her in her blanket when she is crying. So helpful....

And now for my song choice for the day. I chose "Adiemus" because it reminds me of my BYU Folk Dance days. I will always think of watching fireworks each night after our performance at the Folk Dance Festival in Drummondville, Canada. That will be my first memory when I hear this song. I love it for the memories as well as the song itself.

Happy Happy Joy Joy!

So, Logan has been saying this lately. I had no idea where he learned it, so I asked him. He told me daddy sang it to him on his horn. What???? Where does he come up with these things? So, I asked Tony later if he sang that to Logan, and Tony said he didn't even know what it was. Well, we were watching tv later on, and there is a commercial that sings that Happy Happy Joy Joy song. So, we determined that he must have heard it from the tv, but there is nothing about daddy and a horn.

Anyway...this is how I am feeling these days anyway. The weather was soooo nice again today. 80 degrees! We met some friends at the park this morning to get out and enjoy it. We came home briefly for lunch, and then I dropped Logan off at a friends house and I went to my doctor appoinment for my 6 week check-up. I can't believe that it has already been 6 weeks! Time sure flies! I now have the green light to exercise, so I am whipping out my new Pilates DVD so I can get my biscuit in shape! (I just read in a magazine at the doctor's office that when asked how Jennifer Garner lost the baby weight, she replied by saying she got her biscuit on the treadmill like everybody else. I thought that was funny, so I am going to adopt that word now.)

It's amazing what a beautiful spring day can do for your sanity. Growing up in San Diego, beautiful spring days were the norm, so I guess I took them for granted. Now after having lived through 5 Utah winters, 5 Indiana winters, and now 1 Kansas winter, you better believe I am anxiously waiting for these beautiful spring days just like everyone else! my nurse today had bright pink nail polish on, and it made me want to go buy some fun new color to paint my toes!

Well, I better get dinner ready while the kidlets are napping!

My song for the day is "Forever and Always" by Shania Twain. This song makes me happy, and makes me think of sunny, breezy, happy days with my family (Tony, Logan, and Avery).

I am boring, but happy!

I really am I think. I did discover how to add a counter to my blog, and a song as well! I wanted something pretty and relaxing, but I chose this instead. This was seriously my favorite song in High School at one point. I went on a trip to Disneyland with some friends and made them listen to it over and over almost the whole way. I am surprised they didn't throw me out of the car!

Anyway...there is No Rain today, and I am loving the Spring weather! Yesterday Logan told me the Spring was looking at me. Hmmm...maybe it is impacting me? For the good I must say! Bring it on! I am feeling good. My baby sleeps all night, so I am getting plenty of rest. My parents, Tony's parents, Tony's sister and daughter, and my grandma are all coming next week-end for Avery's blessing. I am happy for company! I bought a bright cheery rug for the front door, and I am getting really excited about buying a hanging flower basket for the front door as well.

While I do have a sink full of dirty dishes, I am feeling rather chipper today and I love it. I might stamp, or something! Actually, I need to write thank you cards instead. I better not put it off any longer!

Happy Spring! Let's hope it is here to stay!

What Did You Do All Day?

I love this! I have read this before, but came across it again today. I had to post it on my blog because I think it is hilarious.

What Did You Do All Day?

A man came home from work and found his three children outside, still In their pajamas, playing in the mud, with empty food boxes and wrappers strewn all around the front yard.

The door of his wife's car was open, as was the front door to the house and there was no sign of the dog. Proceeding into the entry, he found an even bigger mess. A lamp had been knocked over, and the throw rug was wadded against one wall.

In the front room the TV was loudly blaring a cartoon channel, and the family room was strewn with toys and various items of clothing.

In the kitchen, dishes filled the sink, breakfast food was spilled on the counter, the fridge door was open wide, dog food was spilled on the floor, a broken glass lay under the table, and a small pile of sand was spread by the back door.

He quickly headed up the stairs, stepping over toys and more piles of clothes, looking for his wife. He was worried she might be ill, or that something serious had happened.

He was met with a small trickle of water as it made its way out the bathroom door. As he peered inside he found wet towels, scummy soap and more toys strewn over the floor. Miles of toilet paper lay in a heap and toothpaste had been smeared over the mirror and walls.

As he rushed to the bedroom, he found his wife still curled up in the bed in her pajamas, reading a novel. She looked up at him, smiled, and asked how his day went. He looked at her bewildered and asked, "What happened here today?"

She again smiled and answered, "You know every day when you come home from work and you ask me what in the world I do all day?"

"Yes," was his incredulous reply.

She answered, "Well, today I didn't do it."

Service, phones, baby girl and dinner

Wow! This week has started off very interesting. We will see how it ends!

I spent Monday and Tuesday getting all the last minute things ready for my very first Enrichment meeting as the enrichment leader. Tuesday night we had our meeting to celebrate the Relief Society Birthday and had a service auction. We were able to get an auctioneer to volunteer to do it for us, and it was a big hit. The women really had a good time, and they all want to do it again next year. It was a really good turn-out, and we ended up having about 58 services donated, so everyone was able to get something.I ended up donating 4 items. A card tote with about 10 birthday cards, a covered notebook and matching pen, a time to come stamp and make cards with me, and a lunch date with me. Now I have to start planning the rest of the activities and meetings for the year. It's fun though. I really enjoy planning events. Tonight I have a meeting with two other enrichment leaders to brainstorm ideas for a Super Saturday activity in July. Feel free to leave me any ideas in my comments...by tonight!

(Here's the card tote I donated for the service auction.)

So...Tuesday morning I went to make some phone calls about enrichment, and lo and behold my phone didn't work! The neighbors are having sprinklers installed, so they did something to our line. The phone company didn't come until yesterday morning to fix it. Our line had been cut in several places apparently.Our phone does work now, but I had to go 24 hours without it! And I was without internet as well for that long! Yikes! I guess it was a good thing though, because then I didn't spend my time online instead of getting ready for my activity!

Last night I fed Avery at 9 p.m. and she didn't wake up to eat in the night! I woke up at 6 and woke her up because I was a bit sore. What a great night's sleep we all got! I love it! What a good baby! I love her! She will be 5 weeks old tomorrow. She seems so much bigger than that already. We are blessing her on March 25th, and expect to have quite a few family here for it. I didn't expect it at all, but it seems we might have a houseful. Both my parents and Tony's parents are coming for sure, and we just got a call from Tony's sister last night saying that she is coming with her little girl. My sister and her little girl might come, and my grandma Avery might come. That will be nice to have Avery's Great-Grandma Avery be here...after all, she is her namesake. So...now I need to think about how to accomodate all our company, and what to feed that many people! Yikes! But I am excited to have all that company. You all know how sad I am to be away from family, so I am really excited to have them all come. I ordered her blessing dress the other day. I did like some others that were a little fancier, but I couldn't justify spending any more money. She will be so pretty!

I better go and try to be productive today. By the way...I have to mention again how much I am loving the menus4moms website! It takes the dinner stress away completely! I love it! Yesterday I cooked a ham in the crockpot! Who knew? It was so tender and yummy! I never would have thought of making ham for dinner on an ordinary day. I always think of ham for easter, or New Year's or Christmas or something. Not just dinner on a Wednesday. I love it! If planning and making dinner is a stress for any of you, you have got to try this site! It's the best!

Pet Peeves

I have two pet peeves that I can instantly think of. The first is about milk. I cannot stand milk being left out for longer than it takes to pour it in your glass, cereal bowl, or measuring cup. I don't know why I am so uptight about it, but I am. I cannot stand the thought of warm milk! It is sick and wrong. Like people who put the milk jug on the table and leave it there during the meal. I can't take it! Even if I am not the one drinking it, I cannot let milk sit out. Maybe it stems back to my childhood days of visiting my grandparents on my mom's side (Grandma and Grandpa Avery) who had milk cows. I remember the barn and the certain smell it had of milk straight from the cow. I also have very vivid memories of watching my grandpa eat his cereal using milk that he just brought in from the barn. I recall tasting it too, and being repulsed. That must be an acquired taste, and one that I do not wish to have. Maybe this is why I am not a huge milk drinker.

Well, just a while ago, Logan came in the room drinking out of a sippy cup.I didn't think anything of it until he brought it to me saying he wanted more milk. I looked at this cup and was very confused about where he had gotten it since I know I hadn't given him any milk today. Well, I then realized it was his milk from dinner last night! He had taken it in the other room and we never noticed! Gross! Sick! Nasty! He better not get sick from it. Oh disgusting...I might puke myself.

The other pet peeve I have is when perfect strangers call me "hun", "sweetie", or any other term of endearment. Excuse me, but do I know you? It drives me nuts.We went out to dinner to Texas Roadhouse before Avery was born, and the waitress kept calling Tony"hun". Ummm...hello? He is with his pregnant wife and child! Don't you be calling him "hun"!

Anyway...there you have it. Let's hear yours!

There's no place like home!

And it's not Kansas I am referring to! I HATE tornado weather! It scares me to pieces! I have serious anxiety, panic, heart, and whatever other kind of attacks you can have. I used to love thunder storms. I remember watching the lightning with my dad from our living room window when I was young. I also remember how much I loved the thunder storms in Utah when I was at BYU. For some reason, my favorite was listening to the soundtrack from "Last of the Mohicans" during a thunderstorm in Provo. Loved it! I would even open the windows sometimes to listen to the rain. My innocent thunderstorm loving days are over!

Ever since we lived in Indiana, and now Kansas, I cannot enjoy a thunderstorm without an intense fear that there will be a tornado. I am constantly terrified! I can't sleep at all during a storm now. It is 11:40 p.m. currently, and everyone else in my house is asleep except for me. It is hailing right now...big hail too!
It is so loud! It sounds like someone is dumping huge bags of marbles on my house.I hate it! Wow! It's soooo loud! I just went upstairs to check on the kids, and Logan was wide awake. I took him in my room and put him in bed with Tony for now. I think the sever storms are supposed to be over soon, but it will be raining with thinder and lightning all night. Just no more hail, and no tornados...so they say. It's just so darn loud! I am not going to get any sleep tonight.

The crazy thing is that this afternoon was sooo beautiful...it was 71 degrees! We totally went for a walk and played outside. And now this. I think it is supposed to be 38 degrees tomorrow. Crazy. Give me my warm, sunny San Diego any day! There's no place like that home!

Ramblings on my week so far

Just a few thoughts about my week....

My baby girl is awesome! She consistently goes about 6-7 hours between feedings at night. It makes such a difference to be able to be a bit more rested. Last night I fed her at 9:30, and she didn't wake up until almost 5 a.m.! I have gotten into the habit of waking up around 4-ish, and it almost makes me worried when she has't woken up yet. This time around I am not as paranoid as I was with Logan, and I just enjoy my sleep while I can! She is a big girl, and I know she isn't starving, so it doesn't worry me that she sleeps so well at night at this early of an age. She will be 1 month (4 weeks) old on Friday. I can't believe how fast time flies!

I have started using a website called menus4moms. I have already made 3 meals this week from it, and it has been great! The meals are good, and easy to make. They are also usually something that I will eat too...nothing weird or strange sounding. I love that it has the grocery list, and all the menus as well. I feel like this could be a huge time-saver for me. I love to look through recipes, but I have a really hard time narrowing it down, and choosing side dishes as well. I am hoping this will help me save money at the store, and help me prepare more well-rounded meals as well.

So, the other day Logan went to mutual with Tony. They went to the mall for a mall scavenger hunt. I had an enrichment board meeting, so I took Avery with me to that. One of the boys gave Logan a little red plastic duck. Well, Logan has named his duck Chuppy. I have no idea where he came up with that name, but it is funny. So, last night at dinner, Tony was holding Avery to keep her from fussing. He was talking to her and asking her if she was chubby, and if she had chubby cheeks. Tony asked Logan if Avery was chubby. Apparently Logan had a different idea. He said, "Chuppy? Is she a duck?" It was hilarious. Of course we all laughed about that one.He is a funny kid these days. His latest thing has been to throw things down the basement stairs,usually via the cat door, but sometimes he opens the door to throw things down. The past few days he has taken off one sock to throw down the stairs. Only one sock...not both. I have no idea...whatever floats his boat I guess.Who knows what goes on in the mind of a 2 1/2 year old?

We have Avery's blessing planned for the 25th of March. Both my parents and Tony's parents are planning on coming. My sister wants to come as well, so we will see if she is able to. It will be nice to have company again. I love to have people around to talk to. It gets a bit lonely during the day with just me and the kids, and no family to visit with. Again, I have to comment on how much I don't enjoy being so far from family.

I guess that's all for now!

First Day at Church

Today was Avery's first day at church! It was so fun to dress her all cute in her little dress, and her cute headband. She had tights on too...but they were so baggy, it was cute! Of course I had to take her picture in her church clothes. She is just too cute! It is fun to have a girl to dress up! We love her!

Poll: Strollers

So, I really need to get a double stroller. With Spring right around the corner, I am getting the itch to go for walks. Of course I will have to do this with 2 kids, so I really need to get myself some kid transportation. I am in a bind because I am not sure the best route to go in the double stroller department. I am hoping to get some input from moms of several kids, and even anyone else who has an opinion!

#1. option. The standard front/ back type double stroller. My thoughts on this are that it is narrow enough to maneuver in the stores, and both seats recline, for napping purposes.

#2. option.The sit and stand stroller. We have tried it out in the store and Logan really enjoyed sitting on the platform. The only drawbacks, are that the normal stroller seat doesn't recline except like an inch, and if Logan gets tired, he can't lay down to nap. But I have heard great reviews for this version.

#3 option. The side by side. I am not leaning towards this one at all, but would still like input. I just know it can be difficult to maneuver in the mall stores, and I don't know if I want Logan to be able to easily access the baby that way.

I would love everyone's advice, since I am having a really hard time making a decision!
* Just a note to add that the links I provided aren't necessarily the brands I am leaning towards. Just examples!

I miss my mom

This picture is of Grandma, Logan, and Avery. I think it is cute that it looks like Avery is smiling! I wonder who she is looking at?

So, today was the first official day without my mom here to help me. Since it is Sunday, I was going to stay home from church again, and let Tony take Logan so I could have a few hours alone with just the baby. Well, that plan backfired when Logan threw up this morning. So, we all stayed home. I was able to have a nap this morning, and then this afternoon, Tony, Logan and Avery all took naps and I just enjoyed the quiet. Logan felt better after he puked, so I am glad it wasn't anything more serious. But I sure am glad that it happened today when Tony was home to help take care of him and clean him up! Tomorrow will be the real test.

On another note...last night Tony and I watched "The Illusionist". I thought it was a really good movie! It didn't need the love scene to be portrayed that way, but otherwise it was a very intriguing movie. I almost want to watch it again now that I have seen it once, but we had to return it already. Anyway...I think it was based on a book, or something, so it might be interesting to read.

I miss my mom already. She was great to have to help with the kids, and it was nice to have the company on a 24/7 basis. I don't know what I will miss the most...the help, or the conversation. Both I am sure, but it is hard to be all alone in the boonies of America. I wish I was closer to family. I hate being the only ones so far away.

To the doctor we go...

So, in the past two weeks since baby Avery was born, we have been to the doctor 4 times. The first time was last Wednesday when I had to take her to have her weight checked. Then, I made an appointment for Monday the 12th for Logan to see the doctor because he had been limping for the past two weeks and it seemed like it was getting worse. We had no idea why he was limping, and he never complained about anything hurting. So, Monday we went to the doctor for Logan, and she couldn't see anything obvious, so she sent us to get an x-ray. Logan was so good for the x-ray. He held so still, and didn't fuss at all. The bummer was that I told him he could see a picture of his bones, and then the lady wouldn't show them to him. She said she had already given them to the radiologist to look at, and couldn't get them back. So I was bummed for him. He didn't seem to care, so that was good. He got chicken, french fries and chocolate milk so he was happy. Well, the x-ray was normal, so that was a relief, but still no answers to why he was limping. I didn't notice him limping today, so maybe all is well. Weird.

So, yesterday I had to go to the doctor for my incision to be checked. And then today Avery had her two week appointment. Whew! I made her 2 month appointment, and I have my 6 week appointment scheduled, so hopefully we won't have any more doctor visits until then. Craziness! The good thing is that Avery now weighs 9 lbs. 6 oz. And they say she now is 22 inches long. I am not sure she has really grown 1 1/2 inches in two weeks. Is the way they measure really that accurate? I am not so sure.

I feel very lucky that Avery has been such a great sleeper! In fact, last night I fed her around 9:30 p.m., and I had to wake her up a little before 5 a.m. this morning to nurse again because I was about to explode! She didn't fall asleep until after midnight, but she still went that long between feedings! I told her doctor, and she said that was fine since she is eating so well, and gaining weight. As long as she doesn't go that long during the day, it is great. I am not complaining one bit about being able to get some sleep.It is fabulous! Anyway...she is growing great. She is in the 90% for her weight, 95% for length, and 75% for her head. Logan was this way too...he started off big, and grew quite fast, but then tapered off. He is almost 3, but 3T clothes are still too big for him, and he only wears a size 6 shoe. So...I am sure that will be the case with Avery too.

I have a lot to say about Logan, but that will be a blog for another day.

More pictures and updates

This was Avery's first outing. I know the picture is a bit blurry.We went to the doctor to get her weighed. She had lost a bit of weight in the hospital, so they wanted to check her weight a few days later to see if she was gaining some back. She was! She is a good eater! I love this little outfit she is wearing!




Grandma took this picture of Avery when she was laying on the table at the doctor's office. She just looked so cute and big in her cute little outfit. It's one of the only things she has to wear that isn't pink.


Grandma made a little curl on the top of her head after her first bath at home. She is just too cute for words!


We always have to take pictures of Avery when she is in her little bouncy seat. Here is just another one!

I have decided that it is way easier to take care of a newborn baby the second time around. The hard part this time is dealing with the 2 year old! He has his moments where he loves baby Avery and wants to hold her and kiss her. And then, he is trying to feed her weird things, and give her drinks of water, etc. He is also starting to act out in weird ways. For example...I was feeding the baby last night, and Logan came up to me and hit me right in the middle of the forehead. I was like..."what was that for?" He just looked at me and smiled really big, like he was just wanting a reaction from me. Good grief! I am very lucky that so far sweet little Avery has been such a good baby. I have also had my mom here to help, so I am in for it when she leaves. I don't want her to go!

I have also noticed how much faster I am recovering this time after the c-section. I have been feeling pretty good, and almost don't notice that I just had surgery. I haven't taken pain meds since Sunday, and my incision is healing really well. With Logan, my incision got infected, so this time it is nice to not have to worry about that. I think I was also able to be up and moving around a lot easier and faster this time than with Logan. Maybe it is because I knew what to expect? I don't know.

For Valentine's Day today, I hadn't obviously been able to get any little gifts for Logan. I had my 2 week appointment with my doctor to check my incision, and since I was at the hospital, I decided I would check out the hospital gift shop. I bought Logan a little stuffed puppy. When I brought it home for him and gave it to him, he was soooo happy! It was the cutest thing ever! He kept giving me hugs and saying that the new puppy made Logan happy. It made me happy too. I guess I did win points in the mom department for that. Logan also helped me make cookies. That was fun. Overall, I think he had a Happy Valentine's Day.

More pictures soon to come....

Sweet Baby

More pictures of my sweet baby. Just had to be a proud mom and show her off! I hope you don't get tired of seeing her little face on my blog! I love her! She will be 1 week old tomorrow! Time flies!

Today...

Well, my sweet little one who wasn't so little at birth, lost quite a bit of weight before we left the hospital. She went from 8 lbs. 15 oz. to 8 lbs. 2.8 oz. I had to take her to the doctor today just to have her weighed. Amazingly enough, she was back up to 8 lbs. 10 oz! She must be getting plenty of food these days. She gained over 7 ozs. in under 2 days. Good girl!

About our first outing. I definitely need to start getting ready about an hour before we need to leave the house...at least! I guess as long as I am ready, and Logan is ready, then it is o.k. if I have to spend extra time getting Avery fed, diapered, changed, etc. And another interesting observation. I can tell the big difference between the first baby and the second. With Logan I had the diaper bag packed with every possible item that might be needed. Today I left the house with nothing.It was my mom's insight to grab a few diapers and throw them in my purse, but no wipes, or extra clothes or anything. Hmmm...slight brain loss from the wonderful pain meds I am on? Or is it truly just a second, and subsequent child thing? Wow this is fun! I have two kids. I am a real mom now!

Avery Noelle Black has arrived!

I have no idea what will happen with these pictures. I am feeling a bit computer challenged right now.

Well, our sweet little baby girl has finally arrived. It sure was rough getting her here, but I suppose it is worth it in the end. We love her so much, and she is so cute and sweet.

Now for the story. I woke up at around 3:45 a.m. on Thursday February 1st (which was my actual due date) with contractions. This was new to me since my water broke first with Logan and I didn't really start having contractions until I was at the hospital. We dropped Logan off at my friend Hillary's house around 6:45 a.m. and headed to the hospital. My contractions were 5 minutes apart. When they checked me I was still only dilated to a 1, and only about 30% effaced. Very frustrating. At around 1 or so they broke my water and hooked me up to pitocin. By 3 p.m., I was dilated to a 3 and thinned out more. I was able to get an epidural at this time too. From there on I continued to progress about a cm an hour for several hours. I was very excited when I actually passed a 6! I got stuck at a 6 with Logan, so it was very exciting to venture into uncharted territory.Well, I reached an 8...and that was very exciting! However, things went downhill from there. I stayed at an 8 for about 4 hours, and the last time they checked me, at about 12:15, I had actually gone back to a 7. I cried when I realized I wasn't going to be able to have a VBAC, and that c-sections are my only option now. I was so hopeful! Things were going so well, and I knew I had so many people praying for me, and cheering me on. I just knew for sure I was going to be able to do it...especially after getting to an 8! I was so disappointed and let down. I am crying even now as I am typing this because I am still so disappointed. It's hard to know that for every other child we want to have, i have to go through this experience. It isn't pleasant, and it will take a lot of preparation to be ready to go through this again.

Anyway...back into familiar territory. I had the c-section (which is another story for another day) and baby Avery Noelle was delivered at 1:14 a.m. on Friday February 2. I missed her due date by just a few hours. The doctors and nurses all had to comment (and it sounded like surprise) about what a big girl she was! A whopping 8 pounds 15 oz.! She beat her big brother Logan by 3 ounces. He was 8 lbs. 12 oz. She was 20 1/2 inches long, and apparently had a head circumference of 15 cm. That's my birthing problem right there. A small pelvis, meets a big head equals no exit. She has light hair...more strawberry blond than anything, but definitely more like my hair color. She has a sweet little face, with delicate little features.

The whole day after she was born I was sick and nauseous again. I couldn't hardly move my eyes without the room spinning. It wasn't until about 5 in the evening that I started to feel pretty normal and could actually talk and not puke.

I stayed in the hospital until Monday morning, Feb.5th. I got home around 1 in the afternoon. My mom is here to help take care of all if us, so I am very grateful for that. Already my hormones have caused a few emotional breakdowns. I am having a hard time getting comfy...I need the hospital bed that I can push the buttons to move me up and down. That's the hardest part for me.

I will try and post more pictures later. For now...go to the hospital website to see her pictures. Here is the link:

http://www.growingfamily.com/webnursery/babypage_view.asp?URLID=3C4X4F5J1H

* We chose to name her Avery because it is my mom's maiden name. I picked Noelle for a middle name because I liked it and it sounded pretty with Avery. And most importantly, it felt like it was the right name for her!

Today is the day!

Well, I thought I would post one last post. It looks like I could very well have a due date baby. I have been having contractions for the past 2 hours, so I am guessing I will be heading for the hospital pretty soon. I need to go finish getting ready. I don't want to be having this baby at home! Wish me luck! And let's hope it does come today....

I am still here...anxiously waiting

I thought I would post so you all know I HAVEN"T had the baby yet. I am still just dinking around, waiting for something to happen. Yesterday, I didn't feel like doing anything. I took Logan over to a friend's house to play, and for me to get out of the house to socialize as well. You don't feel as guilty about not getting anything done if you aren't home. Today I felt like I better get a few more things done so I really feel ready for the baby when it is time.

I felt quite productive today. I folded a load of whites, and washed some colors, and two loads of towels. I am just waiting for the last load of towels to finish drying so I can put them away. I will need to wash a load of Logan's clothes, with a few more baby things thrown in. I have to wait for Logan to wake up first though. Once that is done, the laundry will all be up to date.

I also put the pack and play together, and got that ready. It is in our room, and will take the place of a bassinet since we don't have one. I umloaded the dishwasher, and got some dishes loaded. I made a batch of brownies (Marisa' recipe) because you know how much of a priority that is! I then layed by Logan until he fell asleep for his nap. I decided lately that Iwould rather get a bit of rest in myself by doing that than having to chase him and put him back in bed about 50 times over an hour or more. He fell asleep after about 30-40 minutes of me laying by him.

Since my laundry was done, Icould finally jump in the shower since I had some clean clothes. Nice that it was after 3 in the afternoon, but whatever. You do what you gotta do. And it snowed today, so I wasn't going anywhere anyway...why bother getting ready?

I cleaned my room, and I think that all those random things are done so Idon't have to worry about them if the baby were to come now. So I don't have any food, and I really should go to the store, but I don't want to go anywhere.

Instead of nesting, I have had the urge to bake. Hence the brownies today. Since Heather's post on her blog about homemade bread, I have been really wanting to give it a try. I have only made bread in the breadmaker. I need two more loaf pans however, and I am almost out of flour, so I need that too. I also am having this insane urge to make some freezer jam. I have never made this before either. I would get the huge bag of frozen strawberries from Sam's Club, and use that. But I also need some containers, and the pectin, etc. So, overall I am in a dilemma since I don't want to go to the store. Hmmm...what's a pregnant girlwith an urge to do?

My mom flies in tomorrow afternoon. So, acording to her I will go into labor after she gets here. Maybe I will have my hospital bag in the car, and then I can just go straight to the hospital after we get her from the airport. If only things like this could be planned so easily.

Again, I need prayers that I will go into labor on my own, and that I will be able to have a successful VBAC. That's all I ask for...and a healthy baby girl. I will keep you all updated! Maybe the next time I post, I will have a picture of a new baby to post as well!

3 days and counting

So, I have three days to go until my due date. I need everyone's prayers that I will go into labor on my own before next Monday. I have another scheduled dr. appointment next Monday, and it will be then if we decide to induce via pitocin, or schedule a c-section. I would rather not have to do either, so please pray for me!

The ideal situation would be for the baby to come after Thursday when my mom is here. That way, I won't have to stress about what to do with Logan. Tony will be able to have the week-end off from work, so he won't have to take off too much time, and my mom will be here to help! I do NOT want to be at church next Sunday.And my doctor is on call this week-end, so it would b perfect. That's my plan, anyway. We will see if the baby cooperates.

I don't have anything else to blog about today, so I will sign off for now.

It's just a little Crazy!

Ok. I know many of you who read my blog know this story, but I thought today would be a good day for me to formally document it. I hope those involved don't mind if I name names. I just have to avoid confusion.

This is a story of three Lafayette girls. Kerry, Gigi, and Jill. Back in 2003, we all discovered that we were expecting our first babies. And we all happened to be due around the same time. Jill and I were due on May 15th, and Gigi was due on May 22nd, 2004. We all found out that we were also having boys. So, needless to say we felt like we were in this together! We took our childbirth classes together, and Gigi and I both even took our 3 hour long glucose test together. Gigi and I also had the same name picked out for our babies. It was fun to share. Well, Gigi and Jill happened to both have their baby boy's on the same day...May 7th. I unfortunately was 5 days late, and had my Logan on May 20th. Nevertheless, we all had our boys, and it was fun to have that bond.

Fast forward to the spring of 2006. Jill had moved away to Washington, and was already expecting her second baby in the summer...July or August. Gigi and I had been walking at the park to try and get ourselves in shape. It was during this walking buiness, that Gigi discovered that she was expecting again. No more than a week later, I discovered the same thing. I was due February 1, 2007, and Gigi was due around the 28th of January. Only about 4 days apart this time. So imagine our excitement when we found out that we were both expecting girls! And Jill had a baby girl as well.

Jill, had a very interesting story about the birth of her little girl. I don't know all the details, but all I do know is that it happened very fast, and she had the baby at home. Crazy!

Fast forward to last night. I decided to email Gigi to see how things are going, seeing as our due dates are fast approaching. Well, she had been having some contractions, so I was anxious this morning to see if anything came of it. I called her around 9:30 her time to see if she was still home. She was, and was just getting ready to take a shower since her contractions were getting closer together.We chatted a few minutes, and then I let her go so she could get ready to go to the hospital. About 3 hours later I get a phone call from Gigi. Guess what she had to tell me? She had her baby girl...at home! Crazy! Only about 45 minutes to an hour after I talked to her! Crazy! So, Gigi and Jill once again had a similar birth experience. I guess I am glad i didn't have my baby the same day as them, or else I would be worried that i too would end up in their birth at home club. Yikes!

My guess is that I will have my baby 10 days apart from Gigi like last time, so I am guessing I will be 3 days late. Feb. 4th, Superbowl Sunday. We shall see!

Did I say crazy? I have been shaking my head all day and laughing, and saying to myself "that's crazy." Crazy.

His head is gone, and other random thoughts on my day

Well, I looked out the window and what did I see? The snowman's head is in a pile on the street. It is gone...and I didn't do it this time! It's melting! So now I don't feel quite so bad when I see the snowman and his ski-wonkus head. And hear the sweet little voice from the back of the van say " watch out for the snowman mommy".

I had a significantly better day today than I did yesterday. I am still sick, but we got out of the house today, and Logan and I both got some socializing in, and we all know how much better we all feel after that! It makes such a huge difference in Logan's attitude for the rest of the day if he gets to play with other kids. And it makes a huge difference in MY day if I get to socialize as well, so all around it is a very good thing. I even got Logan to take a nap today. I didn't nap, but I was able to get a few little things done with the peace and quiet, so I enjoyed that a lot.

Now, lately I haven't had much of an appetite. I attributed it to the fact that my stomach has been squished, therefore no room for lots of food. Today on the other hand, I have been eating like a horse! I have been so proud that I haven't gained any weight the past 3 weeks, but I might have made up for it today. Is this any indication of being close to labor? I thought you were supposed to clean out your system before labor, not filling it up. Anyway...just an interesting observation.

My thought on American Idol: What is up with that chick who got so upset because she tried out knowing she can't sing, and that she is tone deaf, but honestly thinking she could be the next American Idol that CAN"T sing? Seriously can't get over the people on this show. Where do they come from? I wonder if they hire "actors" to be that wacky just to make the show more interesting to watch. What do you think? I am in awe of this show. I can't believe I have been missing out all these years. No more, my friend...no more. I am on the bandwagon for good.

My due date is in a week from tomorrow. I am really not anticipating that I will have the baby early, but considering I am in desperate need for new glasses, and I made an eye appointment for next Tuesday (the 30th) I will probably go into labor by then. We will see. I shouldn't have put this off, but it just kept falling to the bottom of my list, and getting forgotten. Yikes! I still haven't packed my hospital bag either. I better do that, and pack a bag for Logan in case he needs to go somewhere. A month ago I was feeling completely stressed and like I needed to hurry and get everything ready. Now with a week to go, I feel no rush. Good thing? Or not? I actually think that my brain has temporarily left the building. I hope it comes back soon.

On a sad note...my sister's husband made her delete her blog. He doesn't understand. Hopefully she will start one again soon.

Bad days must be contagious

So Heather...your bad day from yesterday must have been contagious, because I had an awful day today. I have had that song running through my head all night.

It didn't start off too terribly. I am still sick, so I wasn't feeling 100%, but I was functional. After a slightly slow morning, we went to the store to get a few items (one of them being a birthday gift for Tony) and by the time we got home it was lunchtime. I was sooooo tired by this point. I just wanted to go to bed. We had lunch, and then I tried to put Logan down for a nap. It was an awful battle again today, and it ended up with him not napping at all, and therefore neither did I. I was soooo upset at him that I didn't want to be around him. After making him stay in his room until 4 p.m. (I had to physically hold the doorknob so he couldn't open his door) I told him to go downstairs. He did, and I went in my stamp room to try to calm down and just cried. After a while I heard him playing downstairs and being so cute. But then he came back up and started getting into all my stuff, and making me more upset and aggravated again. And of course of all days, Tony was later getting home than usual. Iam not giving every detail of this awful afternoon, so you will just have to believe me when I say it was truly awful. The mean mommy came out, and my throat hurt after all the yelling I did. Which doesn't have any effect on the kid at all, so I should remember that next time. And the worst part is, when I put him in his bed and I am crying and telling him that mommy is sad because she is sick, and he gives me a kiss to make it better. How am I supposed to stay mad at that sweet little thing? The fact that he can have me yelling at him one second, and then he is so concerned about me that he gives me a kiss right after I have been yelling at him. He is just so sweet and forgiving, and it makes me feel so awful. But by golly, I was exhausted out of my mind, and sick on top of it, and 9 months prego on top of that...what's a girl to do? How on earth am I going to do this with two? Is it too late to change my mind at this point? No, I would never change my mind, but it is making me seriously wonder about my future sanity.

I am ready to hit the hay now. Just had to thank Heather for passing on the grief. I hope no one else catches it.

Happy Birthday Tony!

Today was Tony's 32nd birthday. I can't believe he's so old! I guess I will be turning 30 in a few months, so I am getting old too. Yikes!

I feel bad though, because all my intentions to make Tony have a good birthday fell through. I am still feeling crummy today so I wasn't even able to get him his birthday presents. After my doctor appointment this morning, Logan and I decided to go to Cookies by Design and get a Happy Birthday cookie on a stick with a balloon to take to Tony at work. We then met Tony at work to have lunch and Logan gave "Daddy" his Happy Birthday cookie. Logan was really wanting the balloon for himself. Tony didn't want anyone in his office to know it was his birthday, so he made us bring his cookie and balloon home instead of taking it back to his desk. What a party pooper.

When we got home, it was nap time. It did take Logan a little while to go to sleep, but he stayed in his bed this time and actually napped.That was good for me, but I had a hard time getting to sleep between not being able to breathe, and not being able to get comfortable. Overall, it was pretty miserable. Tony got home around 4:30, and I felt awful because I hadn't picked up the house, or wrapped the one present I did have for Tony. I was also going to make an apple pie, and put up a Happy Birthday sign. That didn't happen.Tony said he didn't care. He doesn't usually care about much hoopla for his birthday, but I do. I think birthdays are special, and I enjoy having a fuss made for me for mine, so I guess I want to do the same for him.

We did end up going out to dinner to Texas Roadhouse to celebrate. Logan had a blast eating peanuts...shells and all. We then came home and opened Tony's two gifts. One was from my mom, and the other was from me. He was pretty happy with just those. I think tomorrow will be Tony's birthday part 2. I will get a few other gifts I wanted to get for him, and make him his birthday pie. I just hope I feel well enough to carry out my plans. I just want him to have a good birthday.

But on a good note...I convinced my sister to start a blog! Yippee! I am getting people on the blog train! Check out her blog...her name is Kristy (see link under my links)! Leave her good comments on her fabulous first post. I am sure you will all enjoy it! Now it's time for this sick mama to go to bed!

I forgot to add that I am a snowman killer. Our neighbors built a snowman in the middle of the cul-de-sac yesterday. I backed out of my driveway this morning and ran into the snowman, beheading it. How awful am I? I got out of the car and did my best to put his head back on. It was o.k., but not quite the same. Logan was saying "Mommy, you ran into the snowman?" Yes I did. I am a horrible, awful person. I killed the snowman.

Sick and sleeping Sunday

Well, I felt totally awful today. I was up late last night for who knows why, and I didn't get out of bed this morning until almost 11 a.m. I ate some cereal, checked out a few things online, and then went back to bed at about noon. Tony and Logan got home from church around 2:30, so I got up to see them. I made myself an orange julius since I hadn't drank anything at all yet. I am not a big fan of drinking orange juice, so I have been making orange julius's instead. Yummy, and very refreshing. I drank two tall glasses of orange julius, and a few frozen waffles and went back to bed around 4 p.m. I left Tony in charge of Logan today obviously. He didn't put Logan down for a nap after church, thinking he would let him stay up and then put him to bed early. Tony dozed in the recliner while Logan as playing. I came down around 6:15 p.m. and Tony was watching t.v. and Logan was asleep on the floor. Here are some more pictures of my sleeping boy. I know some moms are used to their kids falling asleep anywhere, but Logan doesn't EVER do this. It has only been lately, so of course I think it is hilarious and have to take pictures and document it.

I just had to put all the pictures this time. I love that sleeping face close-up! The funniest part about this is that the light is on, and Tony is watching t.v., and now I am here typing, and Tony and I are talking, and he is still out! It is 6:45 now. We aren't sure what to do. I guess if we could manage it, we could put him to bed for the night. I don't want him to sleep in his church clothes though. He is so cute. He hasn't budged from this position.

I will share my orange julius recipe with all of you, so you too can enjoy orange juice my way.

Orange Julius

1/2 can frozen orange juice concentrate (or about 6 oz.)

1 cup milk

1 cup water

1/2 cup sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

15-20 ice cubes (start with 15, and add more to desired slushiness)

Put all ingredients in the blender and blend. Drink up!

Logan's napping place

So, the past few days I have had a struggle getting Logan to take a nap. He will get in his bed, and get all cuddly in his blankets, and close his eyes like he is ready to sleep, but then proceed to get up and come out of his room about 50 times. I keep making him get back in bed, and then pretty soon he is out again. Well, the other day after about 1 1/2 hours of this, I finally told him that he needed to at least stay in his room even he wasn't going to sleep. I took a nap, and when I woke up, it was awfully quiet in his room, so I went to check on him. He wasn't in his bed...and after looking around I saw him asleep in his rocking chair. He was sitting up, with his head down on his chest, fast asleep. I didn't get the camera that time unfortunately. Tony had just gotten home from work, so I had him come put Logan in his bed. It was pretty funny.

So, yesterday we go through the same ordeal. I am getting a cold, and I really needed some rest, so I again told Logan that even if he wasn't going to sleep, he needed to stay in his room for quiet time.Well, after the phone and doorbell kept disturbing my attempts at a nap, I decided to forget it. It was quiet again In Logan's room, so I peeked in again. The picture above is what I found. I did get the camera this time! And then I picked him up and put him in his bed for the rest of his nap. Maybe from now on I should just start him off napping in the chair instead of his bed. But then...we were going to move the chair out of his room for the baby, so I don't know what we will do then. Silly kid!

Picture catch up

The only pictures I could get of Logan on Christmas morning were these. He got this train table and train set from Santa, and once he saw it, he didn't leave it ALL day! Not to open other presents,eat, sleep, or anything! He loved it!

Here is Logan on Christmas Eve modeling his fine new Christmas outfit from Grandma Karen. Isn't he handsome? He loved checking himself out in the mirror in these duds. He couldn't wipe the grin off his face.

Here is Logan in his Christmas penguin "kajammies" trying out the "Dorothy" shoes. There's no place like home...there's no place like home!"

I wishI had more Christmas pictures. I was having so much fun watching Logan enjoy Christmas this year, that I kept forgetting to take pictures. We did have a really nice Christmas...even though it was just the three of us.

This baby can't come yet

I am in trouble. I am sick. This baby cannot come now, because I DO NOT want to have a new baby while being sick. No thank you! I am so mad! Why does this have to happen to me now I ask you? Because it isn't enough to be miserably 9 months pregnant, and having all the anticipation and worries that go along with that. It isn't enough to also have a 2 1/2 year old who all of a sudden has turned into Jekyll and Hyde in the last 3 days. Where one minute he is giving me hugs and kisses and telling me that I am his friend mommy, and the next minute he is crying because he wants a cookie (even though we don't have any) and watching himself cry in the reflection on the oven door. Not to mention that he woke up about 4 or 5 times last night so none of us got any sleep. Hello! We don't even have the baby here yet, and it seems like he is already regressing. I know it seems like all I do these days is vent my frustrations on my blog. It must be the hormones. I will blame it on the hormones. But somehow they are affecting Logan too. Hmmm...maybe it is something in the water?

So...any advice on how to knock a cold down before it gets any worse? I guess I can technically be sick until the 1st, because that is my due date, and that is when my mom is flying out, so according to her I can't have the baby before then anyway.

Good grief!

There is a first for everything

I am happy to report that I experienced a first for me today. I finally got to watch American Idol. I can now join the American Idol club. In all the years it has been around, we never had the channel it was on, so I couldn't watch it. I finally have the channel, so I was inaugurated into the "idol" world today. Man, have I been missing out! Are all those people really serious? I mean, come on! some of them are kidding, right? I can't believe that some of those people really and truly think they are good. And their breakdowns, and how they beg...do people really do that? Anyway...it was quite humorous, and I can't wait to watch the rest of the season!

2 1/2 weeks...yikes!

I am getting really anxious. I have 2 1/2 weeks to go until my due date. I am definitely ready for this pregnancy to be over. I am very ready to meet my sweet new baby girl! Although Tony likes to keep worrying me about what if it's a boy. I am 100% positive it is a girl, but I know mistakes have been made before. I have absolutely NO boy names picked out, so if it is a boy, it will be little boy Black I guess.

I am not feeling ready in other aspects however. I am feeling better about having baby supplies, but it is hard to think of everything. I think I am ready with the basics though. I need to wach the carseat cover, and install the carseat in the car, and then that's ready. I washed the baby clothes yesterday, so her little clothes are ready. I do need to buy some bleach and wash all the white onesies that are from Logan's baby days. I have only purchased one new package of white onesies, but Logan's are all stained. I will see what bleach will do, but I might need to go get some more.

I need to move the rocking chair from Logan's room into the baby's room still. I am sad to do that because I still like to rock Logan on occasion. Mostly when he is having a hard time going to bed, if I rock him for a few minutes he will calm down. Plus, he was my first baby. The chair is denim though, and it definitely doesn't match the baby's room. I am not sure what to do about that. I know it isn't that big of a deal, but I am pretty particular about things these days. Once the baby is here, I might not really care about it for a while.

I need to pack my hospital bag, and make arrangements for Logan for when I actually go into labor. If it happens after Feb. 1st, then my mom will be here. I hope it happens before then however. I would like my mom to be here when the baby is born, but I am willing to wait a few days if I have to. I am just nervous about dealing with a newborn AND a 2 1/2 year old without any help. Tony won't be able to take time off work too much to help. He could, but it would be without pay. I guess we will just cross that bridge when we come to it. I have had two friends here offer to take Logan for me, but in that case I hope the baby doesn't come too soon , because one family has been sick, and the other is sick right now. I do not want to get sick, or have Logan get sick anytime soon. I also don't know what's going to happen with the delivery, so if I am recovering from a c-section, I will for sure need help. I am really hoping I can have a VBAC this time.

That brings me to my last worry. I am worried that I will have to have another c-section, and that makes me sad, and unhappy about the recovery process. I have been feeling rather positive and hopeful about having a VBAC, so I hope those feelings are justified. But then I am nervous about that process as well, since I haven't experienced it yet. I am really not looking forward to labor either. It was so long for me last time. I am confident that things will happen the way they are supposed to, and that I will have a healthy baby,and it will all be over in just a few weeks. I am just not looking forward to the process.

Now that I have bored you all significantly with my worries, I will sign off now. I just needed a place to vent. Tony doesn't like to listen to me much. He is ready whenever...he doesn't think it is necessary to have all these things done before hand. I sometimes wish that men could catch a brief glimpse of what we women go through to have these babies. They would really appreciate us then!

Cows have hay

I have to relate some funny things that Logan has said lately.

This morning, at around 7:40 a.m. (the normal waking up time) Logan comes into my room and it goes something like this:

Logan: "Good morning, mommy, good morning!"
Mommy:" Good morning Logan"
Logan: (in a two year old having a fit sort of way) " No say good morning mommy! Logan say good morning, No!"
Mommy: " Hey! You don't say no to mommy, Logan."
Logan: " Mommy not say hey. Sheeps have hay, cows have hay."
Mommy: (cracking up)

Where did he get that? Hilarious!

He also refers to pajamas as kajammies. It's so cute.He really says and does the funniest things. It certainly brightens my day. He is a little narcissist as well. At dinner, we have some issues. He tends to turn himself sideways in his chair so he can see his reflection in the window. He then spends most of dinner talking to himself in the window, and doing and saying funny things, like making faces, etc. It's hilarious, but he doesn't get much eaten that way. We may have to change his seat.

Yesterday, I put his 3 Thomas the tank engine toys next to each other. He has a big one, a medium sized one, and a small one. He asked me: "What Thomas name is?" I said Thomas. He then told me, " and mommas, and sister Thomas" Haha! Mommy Thomas is the big one otherwise known as mommas. The medium one is the sister, and then Thomas. He loves calling things sister. I will hear him playing, and he will be playing with two of his sheep, or pigs from his Little People Farm, and I will hear him going: "Mine sister! Mine sister! Where's mine sister?"

Today he came up to me and asked:
"What Macy's name is?"
I said, "Macy"
He said "no...it's Macy Kerry Black"
Macy is our cat for those wondering. Nice to know she has my name for a middle name!

Anyway...I need to record all these funny things that he says while I remember. I almost forgot the "hay" comment until I yelled "Hey!" at him again later in the day, and then I remembered.

He was also playing with a little baby doll today. He would be running around with it, and then if he came near me he would say I was the mommy monster and run away. Nice.

That's all for now. I am sure I will blog about more later, as he is saying and doing funny things all the time these days. I love that kid! It's so fun to see him becoming a little person, and how smart he is getting. I love him! He is my little buddy!