Big Boy, Big Girl

~BIG BOY~

Back in January, Billy and I started working on getting Will's bedroom ready for his transition. We wanted him to love it so much, and not feel slighted when little sister's crib took the place of his in our room. Fortunately, he already loved his "playroom" so very much, that he, in fact, would leave us in the living room most days to go play in there alone. It took a few days to get paint on the walls, the ceiling fan, pictures, decals and curtains hung...but I'd say what took the longest was Mommy being okay little man leaving our room (he never skipped a beat so I'm good now) :) Here's the pics of the finished product.

~BIG GIRL~

We had an ultrasound today with the maternal fetal specialist. They wanted to check Emma's growth, and the midwife had noticed a few months back that my placenta seemed to be a little low-lying. This could be dangerous, potentially causing something called "placenta accreta" where the placenta can actually attach itself to the scar tissue of a former uterine surgery (my c-section), and result in hemmorage and/or hysterectomy if not diagnosed in time. So it was important for us to have a good report today, in order to continue with our plan to birth safely at home. We were so pleased when the ultrasound was over, the specialist came in with a big grin, announcing that our girl looked healthy and beautiful. She's weighing in around 5lb 6oz (only 6 oz. less than Will AT BIRTH) which is considered a little above average for 35 wks g.a.. Whew! Then she said the placenta had completely come up to my mid-belly region, moving completely out of the way of my scar or cervix. Whew again! We had a feeling, based on the past 3 visits, and good fetoscope findings with the midwife, that it had moved up. But it never hurts to see proof!

The only downside to the ultrasound today was Miss Emma is already so embedded in my pelvis, and looking down, that we never saw her little face! I guess she will have to surprise us when she arrives!

Update on~Bags!

UPDATE: I found my perfect bag! I was browsing Dillards one day with mom, and came across a Fossil utitlity tote. At the time, I thought it was the wrong size, but after much searching in several stores and online, I came back to it. Billy said he knew I loved it when I was showing it to him for the first time, and I looked like a kid in a candy store, face beaming and all.

Its's waterproofed inside, with just the right amount of pockets and zippers...plus a great big area on the outside for changing pad, diapers, nursing cover, etc. I bought a second smaller toiletry bag that fits comfortably inside, that I'm going to use for Will when we drop him off at the nursery, or he goes out on his own with family. It's perfect! Holds his sippy cup, snacks, bibs, diapers, wipes, etc. Just what we needed, and I can keep my brain organized with their things separated for times when she's with me, and he's out having fun with someone else. LOVE IT.

My goodness, who would have thought finding a good diaper bag would be so hard! I'm less than 7 weeks out from being an official parent of 2, and I really wanted to get a bigger, better bag to carry my kiddos things in.
I guess I'm pickier than I originally thought. It's got to be big, but not heavy; I want it to have a washable/waterproof liner, but don't like the "laminated look"; I like the outside pockets, but don't want it to look like a gardeners tote :)  I would love for it to be stylish, but not just a pocket-less bag that becomes a big black hole....My, oh my, this is hard!
I've SEARCHED THE ENTIRE WEB and have yet to find "the one" where I hear angels singing their ahhhs in the background :0 Okay, so perhaps I'm overthinking it.

So far, this is the one I'm leaning towards... http://www.etsy.com/listing/61573709/morning-glory-emma-large-hot-mama?ref=mt

We've only just begun...

This afternoon, Will wandered into Billy's office where he had brought a brand new can of Kilz oil-based primer in to read the directions (we're re-painting Emma's armoire). Needless to say, Will found that brand new can of Kilz, knocked it onto the floor, and managed to get the lid off....when my mom and Billy found him, he was swimming in it, covered from head to toe! By the time I was called into the bathroom, I found Billy scrubbing him vigorously in the sink, and all you could see were those baby blues shining out from a very white painted face! He was talking up a storm, seemingly not even phased by what happened. If anything, I think he had fun splashing around in the quart of thick goo on the carpet!

Thankfully after speaking with Poison Control, we were relieved he must not have ingested much at all,if any (smart boy!). Otherwise, he would have immediately had coughing and vomiting fits (none of which he had) and most likely, he was going to be just fine :) We were able to clean him up with Canola oil and baby wash...and his mouth came clean with peanut butter! I just spent the last hour scrubbing all the clothing my husband and son have most likely turned into "painting clothes" (Billy's fave jeans, and a brand new outfit on Will from Nana and Pops!) Tomorrow, it will be on to scrubbing the carpet...then again, maybe we'll call someone professional in for that one.

I was especially amused, because I had taken a picture of him earlier this morning after he pulled himself into my generously sized bathtub, fully clothed. I thought that was a big deal, and then this happened! I have a feeling life with a toddler on a mission to get into everything has only JUST BEGUN. Yippie.

4 Preggo's

My friend Claire (18 weeks pregnant) and I thought it was high time she was introduced to the store called Babies R Us :) It just so happened to work out that sisters Lin and Rachel were free so they got to come too (and don't forget Grammy May, Will and Lu!) We all piled in the Durango (good ole' Bess) and had a grand time together. We had people stopping us in the store, trying to get the whole scoop on our group. Claire and Rachel mainly browsed for future ideas, but Lin was on a mission, buzzing around scanning registry items diligently.

At one point, I was wishing I'd had my camera when we all stopped to enjoy a rest in the comfy rocking chairs...so there we were, 2 kids in strollers sleeping, 1 grandma watching over them diligently, and 4 tired pregnant girls with their feet up, eating a protein snack. What a day. I'm pooped!

2 and Under!

Last week, we heard the great news that our SIL Winnie, in Boston, is due to have their first baby in August :) We were so happy to know Will and Emma would get to share a B.cousin now!
Last night, we were informed that our sister Rachel is joining Lindsey and myself on our Round #2 of baby making! (We always teased them their 5 year plan was gonna' change, and they would join us on Round #2...)
We are thrilled and amazed that this year will make 3 grandbabies for Billy's parents, and 5 grandbabies for my parents that are all 2 years old and under!! Of course, just like our wedding year, we had to be on this journey at the same time, and we didn't even plan it, lol.
How blessed to be a apart of a beautiful, growing family :)

Kickoff to Christmas

 

A few weeks ago, Billy's company flew us out for their annual Christmas party. We had a wonderful time with the company, and the best part was we were at....DISNEYLAND! There was a great party on Friday night with delicious food and great company...then we had breakfast together the next morning and it was off to an entire day of Disney!

 

We took Will with us (of COURSE!) and weren't quite sure how he'd handle all the big characters, rides, crowds and noise. Turns out, he's as much a fan as his parents :) 

He'd never taken a pic with Santa, so we thought the Disney Santa was the perfect one to break him in with. He was beautiful! Perfect rosy-red cheeks, handsome and heavy courderoy clothing, and a soft and gentle voice. We were fully prepared for a fight on our hands (as most 20 month olds might give), but NOPE, Will LOVED him. Santa was as surprised as we were, I think. He whispered to us parents that we could "go ahead and leave now", and then he patted Will's leg and said "Son, you can have whatever you want for Christmas". It was adorable.

Nana and Pops were able to join us for an early Christmas time together. They had fun seeing the glee on Will's face...about every 5 minutes, when he experienced something new!



It was the PERFECT day to be in the park. We happened to be there for the lighting of the giant Christmas tree. A large group of carolers sang Christian carols down the streets with candlelight, they put on a big production telling the birth of Jesus, It's a Small world was completely decked out in lights, and it was the holiday version of the ride....so cool. Plus, when the park had it's normal fireworks display at the end of the night, they had a Christmas accompaniment, and then made it snow! What a way to start the Christmas season!



All that Sparkles

On Monday morning, I woke up to check my email and found a sale ad in my inbox with the heading "All that sparkles is Oshkosh". It was an ad for their new "Sparkle Shop", and I found it's timing to be impeccable. Later that afternoon, we found out we're having an Emma!

We saw a MFS and found that Emma's heart and other organs look great! As far as the doc was concerned, we are as low risk as anyone else this time, which is a big sigh of relief! The high-def anatomy ultrasound found her to be a very active little girl too! She was so cute, posing for us...hand on chin, hand on forehead, hand on cheek, hand in mouth... :) Billy said "she already looks like she's gonna' be a talkity box" :) I can just hear her imaginative fairy tale princess stories now.....lol.

I've been feeling her kicks for several weeks now, alot earlier than last time, which is very comforting. As far as the rest of our baby news goes...we're planning for an HBAC (homebirth after caesarean) and will be meeting our potential widwife on Wednesday. She has a wonderful reputation, and alot of VBAC experience in our area. We're considering using a doula as well, and have already spoken to a wonderful choice, who comes very highly recommended. It will depend on finances whether we end up having her apart of our team or not, but I would really love to let Billy do less work this time :) With Will's labor, I was bruised (literally) after the 26 hours I put him through rubbing my back, and HE was requesting an epidural since I wouldn't have one, hehe.

As far as big brother Will goes..he pointed to her first ultrasound (the 8 week one) and said "Emma"...my mom and I both heard him, but didn't know how he knew to call her that (we hadn't been coaching him)! Then, a few days ago, I was changing his diaper and he kicked off me to get up. I told him to be gentle because "mommy has a baby in her belly". He said "Emma?". I asked him, "did you just say Emma?" he answered, "Yeaaah" and smiled so proudly. He's been so cute signing "baby" every time we ask him about her now.

We don't forget the awesome God we serve, who has HIS hand on the baby and me. Thank you for your prayers as we continue this journey and continue to seek peace and pursue the right paths for our growing family concerning this labor and delivery!

Who knew?!

My son USED to eat anything I put in front of him...that is, until he discovered his passion for French fries and p.b.&j.'s :) He would scarf any fruit or veggie I placed on his tray...but GONE are those days sister! If you have one single veggie in a full bite of anything else, he finds it and it alone comes shooting out of his mouth like a beebee. Just last night, he refused to even try the butter and bacon-laden green beans from Lubys. Shameful.
So during that meal, my mother shared the most GENIUS idea with me. It's one my sis Lin has been trying on my niece Lu.
FROZEN peas. BRILLIANT! Will loved them! He kept asking for more! Then we moved to carrots...not so much. Green beans...perhaps. Blueberries...of course! But the peas, of all things, were his FAVORITE.
I think I just found my new secret weapon.

San Fran Zoo

Billy was in a friend's wedding in San Francisco, so we decided to make a family trip of it :) I have plenty of stories and pics to share in the near future, but for now, I'll leave you with my favorite shots of Will's first zoo-adventures. He was super sleepy with the time change, but he still managed to point, smile and growl at all his favorite animals...you know...giraffes, lions, tigers, and bears oh my!

The biggest lion was so lazy (cats!) napping out on the grass, but after several loud visitors banged on his window, he awoke and stood to greet us. The tiger, however, chose to forgo the big reception he would have been given, and just slept on through it (like I said, cats!).  

One of the giraffes was in the middle of feeding time, so Will enjoyed a nice little look at the very tall spotted thing in front of him.

It was actually pretty cool when one of the bears moseyed on over to the window, seemingly unafraid of us. Little man got so excited he was trying to jump out of the stroller to get him :)

Our little navigator led us to eat a p.b.&j and fries at the cafe (smart people know kids eat there) to finish up the day. I think the bears were his favorite...but I wish we could have captured his smiles more. It's hard when you're trying to get the animals in the back and his facial expressions in the front. He was adorable growling and doing the signs he knows for the animals though, and I think all in all he really enjoyed it. Gotta love it!

Worth every penny

This weekend, there was a large consignment sale at a local church. Everything that didn't sale yesterday, was half price today. My mom and I toted Will Riley along for a 5 hour ride yesterday. Fortunately  he was able to eat lunch, nap and spend some fun time making new friends on the bleachers while I shopped (*no worries, Grammy was with him) . I spent the majority of my time trying on a load of maternity clothing, and walked away with a big brown bag full of staples I can use for a number of pregnancies. I had also spotted a Pottery Barn crib in great shape, but wanted Billy to see it for himself before we made such  a big decision, and he wasn't off work in time to join us last night.

So...little man decided to wake up bright and early this morning *6:15 am to be exact* Lucky for us, it was a good excuse to get up because the sale was opening at 7am...and off we went! Billy liked what he saw, so we snatched up the crib for a STEAL of a deal! I couldn't believe it was still there on a half-off  everything day! My handyman husband brought all the right tools to break it down, and lucky for us he did, because we almost couldn't fit it in our car! After we dropped the bed off, we went out for some delicious eggs benedict, and I was telling Billy it felt like Black Friday. Those of you as crazy as my mom and I know what I'm talking about. There's just something really refreshing and energizing about waking up while it's still dark, to run out and save money while the rest of the world sleeps. One year, Aaron joined my mom and I for an post-Thanksgiving run, and after several hours of shopping, we stopped for a bite at Denny's. We were amazed at the crowded place! We actually had to wait for a while, and as we looked around, everyone had shopping bags at their feet. It was like we were all in a club or something :)

Tonight, while my son caught up on all the sleep he would normally have had in the morning, I decided to sit down and look up each item I purchased. I wanted to compare the retail prices, to the ones I paid. Although it was used, everything was in great shape, and I factored in the touch-up paint we're ordering from Pottery Barn so we can make the crib as good as new. All in all, between the crib and clothing, I ended up saving OVER $500!

I don't know about you, but that kind of savings was worth every ounce of missed sleep :)

A little sparkle

On the 4th of July, I shared a dream I had about my sis-in-law Rachel. In the dream, she was informing me that she had a "sparkle in her belly"...little did I know, I was carrying a little sparkle of my own :)

Looks like we've got ourselves a Mini "B" on the way! It's cool, we already had a name in mind, before we knew we were preggo. So, more on that later....like when we find out what we're having! For now, I will sip my Coke Icee, which seems to be one of the only things that makes my naseau go away (that and Jack in the Box tacos, oddly enough). I'm having a lot more sickness with this one than I did with Will, so I'll be glad when it subsides (hopefully it will subside!).

Here's a pic of the cutie pie~

We're due March 25th, right after Will turns 2...sounds like perfect timing to us. Oh, and although my dream hasn't come true yet, I'm sure both my sisters will be joining me sooner than later ;)

Go-go-gadgets

This kiddo loves phones/Ipods....I wonder if he'll be in software like his daddy one day :)

Funny boy

"Mom, do I have to brush my teeth?"

I heard him playing peekaboo in the back seat...all by himself!

Wow, the boy can put down some spaghetti! And although, the stains come off his face, I'm still trying to get them out of his highchair cover!

He sucked WHAT up his nose?

Look at him admiring it as if he meant to inhale it! It was a piece of pasta...and Grammy came to the rescue after 3 sneezes sent it sneaking out his nostrils. He was glad to get it out, and seemed almost proud of himself :)

And just for the record (since I'm HORRIBLE at keeping notes on my calendar of these little milestones...) while playing a drop-it-in-the-bucket game this afternoon, my mom offered Will 2 balls at a time (like normal)...this round asking, "blue or red?". Out of the mouth of my babe comes "baloo" as he grabs for the blue ball! Next round, "orange or red?"...once again, a tiny response "reeddd" as he reaches for the red ball! He said red again a few rounds later and reached for the red ball once again....when did my 15 month old learn his colors?!

In the grocery store parking lot, mom and I were sitting in the car with a friend of the family, and I was trying to get Will to show off for her. We asked him to say "Grammy"...which usually comes out "Ooomah" (which is, by the way, adorable). This time, he said "Gamba"...he's getting closer to saying it right! Ooomah's gonna be sad when she's just plain ole "Grammy" one day :) Reminds me of when cousin Jeremiah started calling his Grandma "Maggie" until he was able to say it correctly...and now she's all bummed she's just "Grandma" to him. Speaking of that cutie...

he and Will thought Aunt Mary was funny popping herself out from behind me :)

Michael Grimm

Remember that name. Singers are a dime a dozen, but this one is a gem for sure.
If you ask me, he will be picked up by a record lable whether he wins AGT or not.

All American Boy

I still have come catching you up to do....however, I figured, while I'm looking at this past weekends photo's, I might as well share them with the world :) I love this sweet boy.

Over Memorial Day weekend, Will was given his first kiddie pool (thanks B's). Billy decided to try it out with him, and it was hilarious to watch the neighbors drive by pointing and laughing (I wonder if they thought he wasn't wearing a swimsuit either? LOL)...it's really cute, with a slide and elephant that has a waterfall for a snout. Will loved it, although he didn't keep his eyes open much since the sun was beating down on him.

We enjoyed grilled burgers, corn on the cob and sweet potatoes...then I made a funfetti cake and between it's 3 layers was vanilla pudding and fresh strawberries :) YUM.

Nana and Pops were here to visit so they enjoyed time with their grandson. He showed off all his tricks...plenty of sign language, singing, raising up his arms and showing us "how big is Will", saying 1 with his finger when you ask,"how old is Will"...you know, all the usuals ;)

Will discovered the washer and dryer last night, and couldn't get enough of it! He would have stood there watching the spin cycle forever if I'd let him! This morning, he was trying to help me pull his clothes out of the dryer. It was adorable.

These two are MY FAVORITE!When we got home from the airport, Billy sat down with his boy and read a generator manual to him :) I guess when it comes to preparing for hurricane season, you can never start too early. He was enthralled!