Little JB continues to amaze me. Every day I think he will 'come out of' his sleepy newborn state, but he continues to nap anywhere from 3-5 hours throughout the day and night. (If I can get him to stay awake for 30 minutes after eating, that is a huge accomplishment.) He is eating very well although I don't have him on any kind of schedule because I hate the thought of waking a sleeping baby. His umbilical cord has come off, so it will be time for the ceremonial 'first shower' with dad in the next day or so. (They are too slippery when wet for me to handle). Hopefully JB will come to love showers as much as his brothers. Every night they happily hop in the shower, sit under the water and play with their toys until the 'hot' runs out.
Kindergarten will start next week for B so we will soon be gearing up for the new school schedule. Can't believe he will be in school. I think it will be a great change of pace for him and fill that big social need that he has.
Thursday my mom leaves so the real test will begin! No more sitting around while someone else does all the work!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Settling In
We are settling in. JB (Joseph Bailey) sleeps and sleeps. He usually goes a 4 hour stretch, be it day or night. So that means that I am only getting up once in the middle of the night. I like this! The only time I have ever heard him cry is when he is dirty or hungry. It is amazing how he already knows my voice and it instantly calms him in the middle of the night. He is just a calm, relaxed little kiddo that is very alert, when he opens his eyes. The boys are doing well with him. J loves to give him lots of kisses and hold him and B has already given him a bottle.
I am feeling pretty good. Usually by the end of the day I am ready for bed but certainly getting up and around well.
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I am feeling pretty good. Usually by the end of the day I am ready for bed but certainly getting up and around well.
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Monday, August 10, 2009
More Changes
The first night home went well. Got more sleep here than I had been getting at the hospital, although JR did not. He was up retrieving JB for me, etc. Was noticing today that both of the other boys had dark, really long eye lashes and little JB does not have any eyelashes or eye brows. He might tend towards the red head characteristics of Momma. His hair is a light brown, but we will see as he grows.
I went through the pictures JR took after the birth and found one that was too cute, from when they were giving him his first bath. According to JR, he loved the bath.
On a totally different note, another big change. After lots of prayer, JR has decided to leave his electrical apprenticeship and go to work for a property management company in the area. He was offered the same job a few months ago but did not feel it was right at the time. We tried waiting out the economy and things just are not picking up as quickly as we had hoped. This job offer was almost equivalent to his other job but guaranteed work. So, he begins on Wednesday. He has given a 2 year commitment so he could always pick up the apprenticeship later down the road when the construction industry stabilizes. We are just thankful that God brought the job offer back around to us and made it very clear through some circumstances that this was right.
I went through the pictures JR took after the birth and found one that was too cute, from when they were giving him his first bath. According to JR, he loved the bath.
On a totally different note, another big change. After lots of prayer, JR has decided to leave his electrical apprenticeship and go to work for a property management company in the area. He was offered the same job a few months ago but did not feel it was right at the time. We tried waiting out the economy and things just are not picking up as quickly as we had hoped. This job offer was almost equivalent to his other job but guaranteed work. So, he begins on Wednesday. He has given a 2 year commitment so he could always pick up the apprenticeship later down the road when the construction industry stabilizes. We are just thankful that God brought the job offer back around to us and made it very clear through some circumstances that this was right.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Home from the hospital
We arrived home Sunday afternoon. 24 hours earlier than anyone thought, but I was feeling good, up and moving and the baby was doing great. I was not getting much sleep (despite the baby going for 4 plus hour stretches of sleep) so looking forward to some good sleep tonight. We did not decide on a name until just before leaving the hospital. (Despite what you have heard, you can leave the hospital without a name, you just have to have one within 10 days). So, we decided on Joseph Bailey (JB going forward on the blog...So we have a JR, B, J and now JB.)
The boys have been great. Always wanting to hold him, soothe him, etc. When I got home today, forgot how painful it can be to laugh. B and J had put up streamers and decorated the house. B had put a streamer across the front door and told me I had to break it. So, I reached out with my hand and broke it, to which I got "Mom, you were suppose to break it with your stomach." Needless to say, I started laughing, was soon doubled over crying and supporting myself with the wall. B looks at me very seriously and says "mom, you really do not look good!". I was glad when I finally got to a chair to sit for a while.
Nothing planned this week but laying around and adjusting to life with a little one. More pictures hopefully later this week.
The boys have been great. Always wanting to hold him, soothe him, etc. When I got home today, forgot how painful it can be to laugh. B and J had put up streamers and decorated the house. B had put a streamer across the front door and told me I had to break it. So, I reached out with my hand and broke it, to which I got "Mom, you were suppose to break it with your stomach." Needless to say, I started laughing, was soon doubled over crying and supporting myself with the wall. B looks at me very seriously and says "mom, you really do not look good!". I was glad when I finally got to a chair to sit for a while.
Nothing planned this week but laying around and adjusting to life with a little one. More pictures hopefully later this week.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Baby News!
God has blessed us with a 7 lb 8 oz baby boy!!! Benjamin and Jacob are thrilled to have a baby brother! Shannon and baby are doing very well....Jose says he has a possible quarterback! No other details as to name etc. Pictures and more information posted tonight hopefully! Benjamin, Jacob and I are on our way to the hospital.....I am so proud and thankful for this beautiful family! Granny
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Hangin In....
No other words at this point. Just hanging in and looks like I might make it until Friday.....
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
New Date
I am officially on the schedule (for C-section) for Friday, August 7th at 8:30am. Yeah, my 'regular' Doctor will be doing it!!! As for now, this kid is tucked up so tightly in a ball, the ultrasound tech could not get a shot of a profile, a hand, nothing but a little foot...
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Getting out
After 3 days of being still and quiet, decided we all needed some fresh air.
Headed out to the river with the boys.
I was just finding a cozy spot on the ground when I turned and saw, about 8 inches away....
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I may be 37 weeks pregnant but this momma proved I can still get up and move if I need to
It was good to see B up and moving again. Not really talking much, but at least being active.
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The end result when we left, given J had fallen in several times
Maybe it is just my imagination, but B's voice seems to not be as 'nasally' as it has been and it is weird to see him with his mouth closed. He has always had his mouth open, since he was a mouth breather but I do believe he has much better airflow through his nose now.
As for me, I guess the Doc is wanting to keep a little closer tabs on the baby. She called Friday afternoon and wanted me to come in 2 times next week for a non-stress test and biophysical ultrasound. Basically, two tools they use to make sure the baby is not under any stress while in the womb. The ultrasound is pretty cool because the first thing they check for is the moving diaphram. Babies don't breathe in the womb, but 'practice' breathing and the tech said if the 'environment' in the womb starts going or the baby gets stressed, the practice breathing is usually the first to go. So far everything has appeared fine but I guess the doc is taking the conservative approach. All of this 'extra' testing got started because I mentioned that the baby does not seem to be moving a whole lot, but then again, I never felt the other two as much as would be normal either. Oh well, either way, only 2 more weeks, at best of the waiting game (yes, the envelope is still sealed!)
Headed out to the river with the boys.
I was just finding a cozy spot on the ground when I turned and saw, about 8 inches away....
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I may be 37 weeks pregnant but this momma proved I can still get up and move if I need to
It was good to see B up and moving again. Not really talking much, but at least being active.
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The end result when we left, given J had fallen in several times
Maybe it is just my imagination, but B's voice seems to not be as 'nasally' as it has been and it is weird to see him with his mouth closed. He has always had his mouth open, since he was a mouth breather but I do believe he has much better airflow through his nose now.
As for me, I guess the Doc is wanting to keep a little closer tabs on the baby. She called Friday afternoon and wanted me to come in 2 times next week for a non-stress test and biophysical ultrasound. Basically, two tools they use to make sure the baby is not under any stress while in the womb. The ultrasound is pretty cool because the first thing they check for is the moving diaphram. Babies don't breathe in the womb, but 'practice' breathing and the tech said if the 'environment' in the womb starts going or the baby gets stressed, the practice breathing is usually the first to go. So far everything has appeared fine but I guess the doc is taking the conservative approach. All of this 'extra' testing got started because I mentioned that the baby does not seem to be moving a whole lot, but then again, I never felt the other two as much as would be normal either. Oh well, either way, only 2 more weeks, at best of the waiting game (yes, the envelope is still sealed!)
Thursday, July 23, 2009
too much 'hospital' time
Yesterday B had his tonsils/adenoids out. I was up at the hospital with him for about 4 hours, start to finish. He did really well. He was very exhausted going in to it, so a little emotional. When I walked to the OR doors with him, the nurse said "this is where we part, B you want to give your mom a hug?" I thought, not good, it would have been better for me to quietly slip out. He started crying, hugged me and would not let go. Two nurses had to finally pry him off of me. I joined up with him in recovery about 40 minutes later. He came home with quite the appetite, eating mac n cheese, apple sauce, milk shake, strawberries, popsicles and chicken nuggets. He has not taken any of his pain meds and he thankfully slept all night last night. Still feeling a little puny and his voice is raspy. I sure hope he does not get use to all these fun foods and just laying around. (We do have the tonsils in a jar if anyone is interested). The doc did say that the adenoids were pretty large, which we knew the adenoids were more the problem and not the tonsils. Maybe now he will breathe easier and hopefully be able to smell too.
Then today I had my appt. The doctor ended up running a few extra tests to check things out with the baby. So my appt lasted over 3 hours. Everything checked out just fine and both the doc and the ultrasound tech said the baby was in a tight little ball, so the gender was not 'visible', had I wanted to know.
Then today I had my appt. The doctor ended up running a few extra tests to check things out with the baby. So my appt lasted over 3 hours. Everything checked out just fine and both the doc and the ultrasound tech said the baby was in a tight little ball, so the gender was not 'visible', had I wanted to know.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Been a busy last 10 days. B enjoyed the sports camp and then VBS this week. I started out strong on the projects around the house but finished really strong in the nap department with J. Oh well. This week B is having his tonsils out on Wed so hoping that the first 24-48 hours he will catch up on some much needed rest. I go back in Thursday for another appt and ultrasound. 3 weeks from tomorrow is the scheduled day. Although we have been in the mid 90's the last few days, not too uncomfortable for me. It is usually 80 as we go to sleep and wake up with it close to high 55s. It is this time of year that I wish A/C was the norm. But fortunately our place stays pretty cool on its own.
Recent pics of the boys (yes, J needs a haircut but can't stand the way he looks 2-3 weeks after a cut...) We found this cow a little odd out behind the house. Seems that the cows have figured out this summer how to get through the fences and it is a normal occurence to have the police out trying to round up one or two as they make it down the road or into yards.
Recent pics of the boys (yes, J needs a haircut but can't stand the way he looks 2-3 weeks after a cut...) We found this cow a little odd out behind the house. Seems that the cows have figured out this summer how to get through the fences and it is a normal occurence to have the police out trying to round up one or two as they make it down the road or into yards.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
We have a date, sort of
Headed to the Doc today. She has 'tenatively' scheduled the c-section for Monday, August 10th. However, she does not think I will make it that long. My track record has been 2 weeks early, which would be around the 4th. In two weeks I will have another ultrasound and she will keep watching things. She is the type of doc that would schedule a last minute ultrasound if she felt it was needed. The upside to the baby coming early is that my Doc, who I love, will be on vacation starting the
10th but is on call most of the week prior.
10th but is on call most of the week prior.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Summer Camp
Yesterday I dropped B off at his week long day camp with the Y. As I drove away he was circling the group with his arms crossed checking it out. Today when I dropped him off, within seconds he was off and playing with another kid. This has been a fun, new experience for him. He gets to take his lunch, have snacks, etc. If camp is any indication, he is going to love Kindergarten in August.
I have been wiping down top of fridge, finishing up 6 year sewing projects, organizing kitchen cabinets, washing baby clothes, a whole list of miscellaneous projects. Hopefully JR will have some more time off later this week to take J out for a couple of hours!
Today J decided he wanted to take his table outside and color. I was quite impressed to see him carry the table and 2 chairs and coloring stuff outside all by himself. The question remains to be seen if he will carry it all back in....
I have been wiping down top of fridge, finishing up 6 year sewing projects, organizing kitchen cabinets, washing baby clothes, a whole list of miscellaneous projects. Hopefully JR will have some more time off later this week to take J out for a couple of hours!
Today J decided he wanted to take his table outside and color. I was quite impressed to see him carry the table and 2 chairs and coloring stuff outside all by himself. The question remains to be seen if he will carry it all back in....
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Summer is slipping away
I keep thinking I will get some photos downloaded either from Colorado or B's 5th birthday. Being pregnant at 40 and keeping up with the two boys is taking it's toll. I often find myself napping most afternoons with J. Thankfully B is very independent and has no problem entertaining or taking care of himself. I find I can stay on top of the day to day, but if I slip up one day, I have a very hard time catching up the next day. I have even come to the point of putting most of their clothes and shoes away because I cannot get them to keep it picked up and I am just tired of doing it! (I think the smart mom is the one who took all the clothes out of the bedroom and kept everything in the laundry room....no more hauling clothes back and forth. Of course she has a huge laundry room and tons of kids, but what a great idea!)
The allergy season is in full bloom and it seems like every 2 weeks in early July it just knocks me out. B was the first one up this morning and I sent him downstairs and told him to watch PBS and get a cupcake for breakfast (yes, this afforded me more sleep time)!! Good thing that is not a way of life for us!
We are about 6 1/2 weeks away from baby number 3. The envelope is still sealed. Some days I am convinced it is a boy and other days I am sure it is a girl. So, it will definitely be a surprise.
We celebrated B's 5th birthday over the weekend. How fun to watch him grow up but boy the attitude we are starting to deal with! As a friend commented yesterday, he is just so smart and strong willed! I love all the 'adult' conversations we have though. It seems like nothing gets by him, everything gets stored somewhere in that little brain of his until he feels it is time for it to surface and ask questions/make conversation.
J continues with therapy. It appears that motor planning is a predominant issue with him. For example, instead of saying "come" he pronounces it as "kim". When corrected he will say come, but it always comes out as 'kim'. Fork is another word. It is always 'fort' and 9 times out of 10, even with correction, he still says 'fort'. Daddy is another word...it consistently comes out as 'diya'. From what I can understand, it is just a matter of training the brain to pull out the correct sounds, sort of like one would learn to read with dyslexia. His vocabulary is continuing to grow and when 'coached' will put whole sentences together.
B goes to a week long sports camp next week, so starting my to-do list. J plays so well alone, when big brother is not here to stir the pot, so hoping to get most everything done. Then all I have to do is enjoy the last 4 weeks or so!
Will try for pictures later in the week.
The allergy season is in full bloom and it seems like every 2 weeks in early July it just knocks me out. B was the first one up this morning and I sent him downstairs and told him to watch PBS and get a cupcake for breakfast (yes, this afforded me more sleep time)!! Good thing that is not a way of life for us!
We are about 6 1/2 weeks away from baby number 3. The envelope is still sealed. Some days I am convinced it is a boy and other days I am sure it is a girl. So, it will definitely be a surprise.
We celebrated B's 5th birthday over the weekend. How fun to watch him grow up but boy the attitude we are starting to deal with! As a friend commented yesterday, he is just so smart and strong willed! I love all the 'adult' conversations we have though. It seems like nothing gets by him, everything gets stored somewhere in that little brain of his until he feels it is time for it to surface and ask questions/make conversation.
J continues with therapy. It appears that motor planning is a predominant issue with him. For example, instead of saying "come" he pronounces it as "kim". When corrected he will say come, but it always comes out as 'kim'. Fork is another word. It is always 'fort' and 9 times out of 10, even with correction, he still says 'fort'. Daddy is another word...it consistently comes out as 'diya'. From what I can understand, it is just a matter of training the brain to pull out the correct sounds, sort of like one would learn to read with dyslexia. His vocabulary is continuing to grow and when 'coached' will put whole sentences together.
B goes to a week long sports camp next week, so starting my to-do list. J plays so well alone, when big brother is not here to stir the pot, so hoping to get most everything done. Then all I have to do is enjoy the last 4 weeks or so!
Will try for pictures later in the week.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Colorado Pictures
Really nice weather!! Just a lot of hanging out and watching all the cousins play!!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Colorado here we come
The last week has been busy. We are heading out today for 10 days in Colorado. Really looking forward to getting away!
We bought a mini van last weekend, so really looking forward to having a nicer, newer, bigger vehicle to travel in!
Won't be online but will try to update with photos towards the end of June.
Had my 30 week appointment. Everything is looking really, really good! Hopefully by the end of June, early July we will have 'picked' the birthdate!
We bought a mini van last weekend, so really looking forward to having a nicer, newer, bigger vehicle to travel in!
Won't be online but will try to update with photos towards the end of June.
Had my 30 week appointment. Everything is looking really, really good! Hopefully by the end of June, early July we will have 'picked' the birthdate!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
camping
The first camping trip this summer. JR decided last minute to take the boys out. So, I enjoyed a quiet evening, working on projects (I think I could have a whole week and still not get everything done!) They had a great time and took bikes, balls, etc. (Pictures below).
J continues to make great strides in his speech. Still not where he should be but putting 3 and 4 words together. As I leave his room as night he says "No Ma, Lay Me" (lay down with me). One of his biggest words right now is "nice" and depending on the context, he is either saying "be nice" or "not nice".
B on the other hand...This was a recent conversation. We were working a jigsaw puzzle. He was trying to put two pieces together that did not go together.
"B, those don't go together."
"Yes they do Mom"
"No they don't"
"Yes they do" and then a slight pause "Are you arguing with me?"
"No, B I am not"
"Yes you are mom"
"No, I am not, just stating the fact"
"Are you lying to me mom?"
Oh, the hard concept of authority and I am the parent, you are the child!
Some pictures of the recent camping outing, plus a few of JR's recent adventures.
J continues to make great strides in his speech. Still not where he should be but putting 3 and 4 words together. As I leave his room as night he says "No Ma, Lay Me" (lay down with me). One of his biggest words right now is "nice" and depending on the context, he is either saying "be nice" or "not nice".
B on the other hand...This was a recent conversation. We were working a jigsaw puzzle. He was trying to put two pieces together that did not go together.
"B, those don't go together."
"Yes they do Mom"
"No they don't"
"Yes they do" and then a slight pause "Are you arguing with me?"
"No, B I am not"
"Yes you are mom"
"No, I am not, just stating the fact"
"Are you lying to me mom?"
Oh, the hard concept of authority and I am the parent, you are the child!
Some pictures of the recent camping outing, plus a few of JR's recent adventures.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Summer is "officially" here!
The Kindergarten Graduation and Field Day went well. The kids sure had fun! The weather was beautiful!!!! Here is a picture of B 'graduating' and one of his teacher, Miss Tina.
We went fishing over the weekend and J loved it...He would not put the pole down and if you ask him about it, all he does is say "fish" and move his arm in the casting motion.
Another one of the boys...
The other day we were driving in the car and B said "I want to go to the store where Grandmas and Grandpas go to die". Stumped I inquired further..."Miss Tina was telling us about a store or place where Grandmas and Grandpas go to die and they are buried or something". They must have been reading a book at school that talked about cemeteries. I guess later this week we will go visit our local cemetery.
Last week I took B to an ENT to get him checked out. He has problems breathing at night and what I would call sleep apnea. I think some of it is related to his allergies and the foods that he eats. After a neck x-ray and a night of sleeping hooked up to a pulse oxymeter, the ENT has found his adnoids are pretty large and he does have mild sleep apnea. So, we currently have him scheduled for late July to get both tonsils and adenoids removed. I am not totally sold on it yet, but at least have it scheduled. Seems like some think these surgeries help and others have had different experiences. It is an out patient, couple hour thing and they cauterize (sp) them with a laser. Amazing what they can do these days. What I don't understand, and will have to ask the doctor is if it is so minimally invasive, why do they warn of a 1-2 week recovery period.
Other than speech therapy for J and weekly bible study for me, nothing else on the weekly summer schedule. We do have a trip planned to Colorado in June and B will participate in a one week sports camp through the Y and other than anticipating baby, nothing else planned. Looking forward to a summer spent outdoors doing whatever we feel like doing. The boys are already getting a 'tan' and everybody's hair is getting lighter. Of course JR looks like he has spent weeks at the beach.
We went fishing over the weekend and J loved it...He would not put the pole down and if you ask him about it, all he does is say "fish" and move his arm in the casting motion.
Another one of the boys...
The other day we were driving in the car and B said "I want to go to the store where Grandmas and Grandpas go to die". Stumped I inquired further..."Miss Tina was telling us about a store or place where Grandmas and Grandpas go to die and they are buried or something". They must have been reading a book at school that talked about cemeteries. I guess later this week we will go visit our local cemetery.
Last week I took B to an ENT to get him checked out. He has problems breathing at night and what I would call sleep apnea. I think some of it is related to his allergies and the foods that he eats. After a neck x-ray and a night of sleeping hooked up to a pulse oxymeter, the ENT has found his adnoids are pretty large and he does have mild sleep apnea. So, we currently have him scheduled for late July to get both tonsils and adenoids removed. I am not totally sold on it yet, but at least have it scheduled. Seems like some think these surgeries help and others have had different experiences. It is an out patient, couple hour thing and they cauterize (sp) them with a laser. Amazing what they can do these days. What I don't understand, and will have to ask the doctor is if it is so minimally invasive, why do they warn of a 1-2 week recovery period.
Other than speech therapy for J and weekly bible study for me, nothing else on the weekly summer schedule. We do have a trip planned to Colorado in June and B will participate in a one week sports camp through the Y and other than anticipating baby, nothing else planned. Looking forward to a summer spent outdoors doing whatever we feel like doing. The boys are already getting a 'tan' and everybody's hair is getting lighter. Of course JR looks like he has spent weeks at the beach.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Kindergarten here we come
We had B's preschool spring program tonight. Hard to believe the year is gone. Tomorrow is his last day, a 'field' day. Will try to upload some pictures in the next couple of days.
Had my 28 week appt today. Everything appears fine. Everyone seems to think it is a girl. The envelope is still sealed!
The cows have come back to the back pasture behind our house. They appear every summer for 2-4 weeks. Don't really know where they get their water source so the neighbors and JR have started turning the water hose on them. The boys are quite excited about this and I am thinking it will become a nightly tradition!
Not much else happening, just enjoying the beautiful summer here!
Had my 28 week appt today. Everything appears fine. Everyone seems to think it is a girl. The envelope is still sealed!
The cows have come back to the back pasture behind our house. They appear every summer for 2-4 weeks. Don't really know where they get their water source so the neighbors and JR have started turning the water hose on them. The boys are quite excited about this and I am thinking it will become a nightly tradition!
Not much else happening, just enjoying the beautiful summer here!
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Memorial Day
Looks like a beautiful weekend, with no snow in the forecast for the first time in several years. No special plans. JR took the boys out fishing this morning, so I got some things done around the house.
This past week we have been watching the tree outside our house. For about 10 days it gets beautiful flowers (I have no idea what kind of tree). There have been probably around 100 bees buzzing in the tree. Fortunately they don't bother us since we literally walk 1 foot from the tree.
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Here is a picture of the fish he caught today....
This past week we have been watching the tree outside our house. For about 10 days it gets beautiful flowers (I have no idea what kind of tree). There have been probably around 100 bees buzzing in the tree. Fortunately they don't bother us since we literally walk 1 foot from the tree.
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Here is a picture of the fish he caught today....
Sunday, May 17, 2009
My Favorite so far
I think the only way I can get them both to look at the camera and smile at the same time is when they are wrestling....
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
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Saturday, May 9, 2009
Can you tell the days are getting nicer! We are out and about more! Yeah. Everyday I thank God for what a blessing the boys are. Just so much fun and so neat to see each of their personalities emerging. B is down to his last 3 weeks of preschool! Once that is done, we will have no weekly commitments for the summer, except J's therapy. He is making good progress and one of my friends commented just this past week how much more he is 'talking'. (He has even started 'praying' before meals and at bedtime....when it is his turn, we just hear lots of babbling and then an amen, but hey, I know God understands....) He is being evaluated on Thursday by a Physical Therapist to see if there are any balance/control issues. Both of the boys had their yearly check-ups this past week. B got his 5 year shots, 3 of them, and did not even flinch. He was sitting in my lap and I could not believe how well he did. J did not get any shots. They both got good bill of health and the doctor was very impressed with both of them.
The potty training slowly continues. We are still not really on top of it like we should be for it to all come together but he is still doing good. I am trying to get the boys back into a morning and evening routine. I still have not found that one 'motivator' for B to get him to clean up, etc. He sure is great at trying to pass off any 'chores' to his brother!
Tomorrow we are headed on a short road trip. Just really wanting to get out of town for the day and go eat at one of my favorite restaurants for Mother's Day. The best chicken fried steak I have found in these parts.
JR finished his first week back at work this week. Yeah, after 10 weeks off, we were all ready for the change. He is still at 32 hours but hopefully it will pick back up to 40 hours in the next month or so.
Went out hiking with the boys today. Their first hike of the season. It was all uphill and B made it the whole 3 miles up! That was further than mom made it - I was not 100% today. J did fairly well and walked the first 30 minutes and then opted for the backpack. Really hoping to get some hikes in every week. Really hoping both boys take to hiking without too much grumbling. They seem to both be motivated by the Gatorade!
Happy Mother's Day to all you moms!!!
The potty training slowly continues. We are still not really on top of it like we should be for it to all come together but he is still doing good. I am trying to get the boys back into a morning and evening routine. I still have not found that one 'motivator' for B to get him to clean up, etc. He sure is great at trying to pass off any 'chores' to his brother!
Tomorrow we are headed on a short road trip. Just really wanting to get out of town for the day and go eat at one of my favorite restaurants for Mother's Day. The best chicken fried steak I have found in these parts.
JR finished his first week back at work this week. Yeah, after 10 weeks off, we were all ready for the change. He is still at 32 hours but hopefully it will pick back up to 40 hours in the next month or so.
Went out hiking with the boys today. Their first hike of the season. It was all uphill and B made it the whole 3 miles up! That was further than mom made it - I was not 100% today. J did fairly well and walked the first 30 minutes and then opted for the backpack. Really hoping to get some hikes in every week. Really hoping both boys take to hiking without too much grumbling. They seem to both be motivated by the Gatorade!
Happy Mother's Day to all you moms!!!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
we plod along
It appears that after being out of work for 9 weeks that JR is finally getting called back into the 'field'. We assumed that once things started thawing work would pick up. It has been a very long 9 weeks but we have survived. I know that we are all very ready to get back into a normal routine - whatever normal is.
I registered B for kindergarten yesterday. Hard to believe. He is so social, I know he will love it. The School Board just recently decided to go from half day, everyday to full day every other day. He will start about 2 weeks after the baby is born, perfecting timing in my mind. (If you are wondering, we have not looked at the piece of paper that has the gender on it....it is still a surprise).
J continues with speech. He is slowly adding sounds and closing out his words, although he is still having problems with his motor planning. He repeated after me today as I counted to 20. The words by themselves were unintelligable, but he did fairly well 'copying' my sounds. We will probably get him evaluated by a PT in the next week or so, at the advice of his speech therapist. His (mild) balance/control issues don't seem to be going away, so just want to get it checked out. The 'program' he is in works with kids up until 3, so I am really pushing for all we can get him into at this point. It certainly can't hurt.
Wednesday it was close to 60 and then Thursday night we got about 4 inches of very heavy, wet snow. Great for the yards. This time of year snow is always welcome because you know it won't last for more than a day! Hoping to get out tomorrow with the boys and take them to an annual local 'horse drive'. Yes, they run probably close to 1-2 hundred horses down main street as they move them from winter pasture to summer pasture. Maybe we can get some great pictures.
The boys got a set of hand rings (rings that hang from the ceiling that they can swing on) from their Granny for Easter (she hand delivered them!!) So, their playroom is starting to really take shape and hoping to add a few more things over the next couple of months (climbing wall, rope ladder, swing). It sure is interesting to see how cautious B is and how uncautious J is. JR would of course love it if either of his boys became a Navy Seal, etc. I have had to inform him that B does not have it in him, but quite possibly J. Just a little firecracker. Our Texas Tornado as JR refers to him.
B on the other hand has really gotten into drawing, coloring, working puzzles, etc. He can now put together 100 piece puzzles all by himself! He is beginning to get the whole reading, or should I say sounding out letters, concept. They both really enjoy books which I am thankful for. They also really enjoy these days walking in the field behind our house, filling up the gopher holes, finding ants and kicking the ball. The sandbox has thawed, so they will also spend a lot of time out there. My whole goal for the summer is to get them outside with lots of sun and fresh air. I have gotten rid of every 'commitment', except one, so looking forward to just enjoying the summer and being with them with no schedule!
Enough rambling....
I registered B for kindergarten yesterday. Hard to believe. He is so social, I know he will love it. The School Board just recently decided to go from half day, everyday to full day every other day. He will start about 2 weeks after the baby is born, perfecting timing in my mind. (If you are wondering, we have not looked at the piece of paper that has the gender on it....it is still a surprise).
J continues with speech. He is slowly adding sounds and closing out his words, although he is still having problems with his motor planning. He repeated after me today as I counted to 20. The words by themselves were unintelligable, but he did fairly well 'copying' my sounds. We will probably get him evaluated by a PT in the next week or so, at the advice of his speech therapist. His (mild) balance/control issues don't seem to be going away, so just want to get it checked out. The 'program' he is in works with kids up until 3, so I am really pushing for all we can get him into at this point. It certainly can't hurt.
Wednesday it was close to 60 and then Thursday night we got about 4 inches of very heavy, wet snow. Great for the yards. This time of year snow is always welcome because you know it won't last for more than a day! Hoping to get out tomorrow with the boys and take them to an annual local 'horse drive'. Yes, they run probably close to 1-2 hundred horses down main street as they move them from winter pasture to summer pasture. Maybe we can get some great pictures.
The boys got a set of hand rings (rings that hang from the ceiling that they can swing on) from their Granny for Easter (she hand delivered them!!) So, their playroom is starting to really take shape and hoping to add a few more things over the next couple of months (climbing wall, rope ladder, swing). It sure is interesting to see how cautious B is and how uncautious J is. JR would of course love it if either of his boys became a Navy Seal, etc. I have had to inform him that B does not have it in him, but quite possibly J. Just a little firecracker. Our Texas Tornado as JR refers to him.
B on the other hand has really gotten into drawing, coloring, working puzzles, etc. He can now put together 100 piece puzzles all by himself! He is beginning to get the whole reading, or should I say sounding out letters, concept. They both really enjoy books which I am thankful for. They also really enjoy these days walking in the field behind our house, filling up the gopher holes, finding ants and kicking the ball. The sandbox has thawed, so they will also spend a lot of time out there. My whole goal for the summer is to get them outside with lots of sun and fresh air. I have gotten rid of every 'commitment', except one, so looking forward to just enjoying the summer and being with them with no schedule!
Enough rambling....
Saturday, April 18, 2009
J and his antics
I have witnessed three firsts with J this week.
I watched him get a chair and finally be able to climb up on top of the cabinet and stand up, making nothing off limits now.
He has now, proudly, mind you, figured out how to start the microwave with the quick cook button. Now he can put anything in there by himself and cook it for 30 seconds.
He has gotten out the front door twice this week unnoticed. Fortunately it was not for very long and he just stayed in the driveway, where he loves to play.
Oh, and we recently put a lock on the laundry room door. This is where we keep all the medicines and we found him one day on a step stool trying to open up the bottle of Tylenol.
None of these firsts make Mom real excited!
Needless to say, my ears are on high alert as I listen to him around the house, never leaving him out of sight for long!!!
This past week we had 3 days of beautiful weather, 3 days of snow and the next week or so is suppose to be in the 60s and 70s. The boys and dad camped out in the tent in the back yard several days this past week and loved it. JR said the boys did not even move or roll over. One morning they woke up to snow on the ground...they thought that made it all that much neater.
I watched him get a chair and finally be able to climb up on top of the cabinet and stand up, making nothing off limits now.
He has now, proudly, mind you, figured out how to start the microwave with the quick cook button. Now he can put anything in there by himself and cook it for 30 seconds.
He has gotten out the front door twice this week unnoticed. Fortunately it was not for very long and he just stayed in the driveway, where he loves to play.
Oh, and we recently put a lock on the laundry room door. This is where we keep all the medicines and we found him one day on a step stool trying to open up the bottle of Tylenol.
None of these firsts make Mom real excited!
Needless to say, my ears are on high alert as I listen to him around the house, never leaving him out of sight for long!!!
This past week we had 3 days of beautiful weather, 3 days of snow and the next week or so is suppose to be in the 60s and 70s. The boys and dad camped out in the tent in the back yard several days this past week and loved it. JR said the boys did not even move or roll over. One morning they woke up to snow on the ground...they thought that made it all that much neater.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Easter
The weather forecast called for chance of rain or snow but the whole Easter weekend was gorgeous!!!
Saturday there were lots of Egg Hunts to choose from. We went to one at a nearby park. There were lots of kids and I was trying to tell (coach) B on how he should run about half way out and start grabbing eggs versus staying back with the pack. Well, what does he do, runs all the way out to the other end of the field before he stops. J on the other hand must have picked out one egg in the distance and took off for that one egg until he got to it. Neither one of them did very well at the first hunt. At the second Egg Hunt, it was hosted by a local church and they held it this year at a golf course. In an area about the size of 3 football fields they had put down 40,000 eggs (yes, that is 40K). The kids 'hunted' in age groups - otherwise it would have been utter chaos. They had face painting, cookie decorating, bounce house, inflatable slide, Easter Bunny, etc. One of the 'activities' was an inflatable used by a branch of the military for promos. Kids are put in a harness and then tethered to a rope. They start running and at some point the tension in the rope pulls them back when they have hit their limit. B really enjoyed this one. There was an estimate of 3,500 people at this hunt. There were so many someone finally called the police to come direct traffic! The day was absolutely perfect, about 60 and not a cloud in the sky.
Sunday morning we woke up and got a late start. B wanted to take a shower and I told him there were two options, either take a shower before church or hunt eggs. He chose the shower. After church we were busy getting lunch ready and then the boys played outside, J napped and by the time we got around to Easter baskets and egg hunt, it was 5:30 in the afternoon! Not the typical Easter, but great none the less. (I even got into the Masters and the excitement between Perry and Cabrera.)
Several pictures from the weekend!
Saturday there were lots of Egg Hunts to choose from. We went to one at a nearby park. There were lots of kids and I was trying to tell (coach) B on how he should run about half way out and start grabbing eggs versus staying back with the pack. Well, what does he do, runs all the way out to the other end of the field before he stops. J on the other hand must have picked out one egg in the distance and took off for that one egg until he got to it. Neither one of them did very well at the first hunt. At the second Egg Hunt, it was hosted by a local church and they held it this year at a golf course. In an area about the size of 3 football fields they had put down 40,000 eggs (yes, that is 40K). The kids 'hunted' in age groups - otherwise it would have been utter chaos. They had face painting, cookie decorating, bounce house, inflatable slide, Easter Bunny, etc. One of the 'activities' was an inflatable used by a branch of the military for promos. Kids are put in a harness and then tethered to a rope. They start running and at some point the tension in the rope pulls them back when they have hit their limit. B really enjoyed this one. There was an estimate of 3,500 people at this hunt. There were so many someone finally called the police to come direct traffic! The day was absolutely perfect, about 60 and not a cloud in the sky.
Sunday morning we woke up and got a late start. B wanted to take a shower and I told him there were two options, either take a shower before church or hunt eggs. He chose the shower. After church we were busy getting lunch ready and then the boys played outside, J napped and by the time we got around to Easter baskets and egg hunt, it was 5:30 in the afternoon! Not the typical Easter, but great none the less. (I even got into the Masters and the excitement between Perry and Cabrera.)
Several pictures from the weekend!
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Ultrasound
I had the big 21 week ultrasound yesterday. Everything looks great. We got a big thumbs up from the baby. So amazing what you can see in those images. Even saw some of the new 4D images....really alien looking!
Yes, they were able to determine the sex and the gender is currently on a piece of paper sealed in an envelope. Despite JR and the entire rest of my family, I have no desire to know the gender. I am having a scheduled c-section, so I want at least one surprise on the morning of the birth. Of course I could change my mind but at this point, I have the envelope in safe keeping. We will see if it stays there!!!
Yes, they were able to determine the sex and the gender is currently on a piece of paper sealed in an envelope. Despite JR and the entire rest of my family, I have no desire to know the gender. I am having a scheduled c-section, so I want at least one surprise on the morning of the birth. Of course I could change my mind but at this point, I have the envelope in safe keeping. We will see if it stays there!!!
Monday, April 6, 2009
I got sun
The last two days have been beautiful, almost putting on the shorts, but definately a little bit of color on the face!!! The boys have really enjoyed playing outside.
This past weekend I got away for a night as I attended the ladies retreat at our church. A good time. It is about 30 minutes south of where we live but the night we were up there we got 9 inches of snow and none at the house. Just so interesting how the weather patterns are around here.
The potty training has not really gone anywhere. Mostly because we have not been very diligent about it. All of the toys are staying in the 'playroom' although we still have not gotten them use to picking it up every night - atleast we can shut the door and not worry about tripping over toys in the middle of the night. JR even moved the playdoh and markers up to that room and so far, it is working out okay. Both of the boys are sleeping on the bottom bunk (feet to feet) and it seems to be working out great. The speech therapy is coming along. J is getting better at putting two words together at a time. I counted with him today going down the steps and he tried to mimic most of the numbers. The speech therapist is finally getting to where she is gathering enough information/sounds to determine his speech patterns.
Most of the snow in the backyard is melted and soon we will uncover the sandbox.
Hope to post some pictures later this week of B's Easter egg hunt at school.
This past weekend I got away for a night as I attended the ladies retreat at our church. A good time. It is about 30 minutes south of where we live but the night we were up there we got 9 inches of snow and none at the house. Just so interesting how the weather patterns are around here.
The potty training has not really gone anywhere. Mostly because we have not been very diligent about it. All of the toys are staying in the 'playroom' although we still have not gotten them use to picking it up every night - atleast we can shut the door and not worry about tripping over toys in the middle of the night. JR even moved the playdoh and markers up to that room and so far, it is working out okay. Both of the boys are sleeping on the bottom bunk (feet to feet) and it seems to be working out great. The speech therapy is coming along. J is getting better at putting two words together at a time. I counted with him today going down the steps and he tried to mimic most of the numbers. The speech therapist is finally getting to where she is gathering enough information/sounds to determine his speech patterns.
Most of the snow in the backyard is melted and soon we will uncover the sandbox.
Hope to post some pictures later this week of B's Easter egg hunt at school.
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