HAPPY NEW YEAR

We're having family over tonight for a little poker. Brian's all excited to play tournament style...I think I'm more excited to just relax once the kids are in bed, play cards and snack for hours on end *LOL* For some reason playing cards= eating for me! Hopefully all the kiddos will sleep all night since we'll be up so late and they'll get up so early. Hope everyone has an AWESOME New Years!

More kids = more sickies

Well Brandon was sick from Halloween through Thanksgiving and then the day after Christmas his nose was looking green again. Then I started getting sick the next day and last night Melanie and Brooklyn both woke up multiple times with a stuffy nose. I was hoping to ring in the new year healthy, but it's looking like we're all going to be sick. Hopefully Brian won't get it, but I'm sure he will too...it seems to just get passed around the family. By the time the last one is better the first one has something else to pass around...ARG! I'm thankful it's not the stomach flu though...I'll take colds anyday over that!

Random pics

We took the kids up to this park by our house where they have a train. At Christmas they decorate the train and park with lights and call it the Christmas train. It stops about half way and drops you off at Santa's workshop where you can take pics with Santa. Then when you arrive back at the station it's snowing (which is pretty exciting for us southern californians). Well, Brian's boss' brother (you follow that) owns and runs the train so we got free tickets and got to go through a special entrance which took us right to the front of the line...it was awesome because the tickes are usually $6 per person and the line was probably over an hour long. Anyways, here are a few pics that we got.

My sister ROCKS!

Yesterday she stopped by to pick up some maternity clothes and she brought me a smoothy. then she asked me if she could take the kids for a walk so that I could have a bit of a break. So I got to take a much needed shower without worrying the whole time about the wild ones killing each other! Then she called me last night and said that she made a bunch of mac'n'cheese (homemade...yummy!) and wanted to bring one over for us for dinner tonight. She is such a stud, I hope that I can be just as helpful when her little one arrives.

My week of organizing

Brooklyn's been sleeping in almost everymorning this week so I have had time to organize some things that have been on my to do list FOREVER. Yesterday I went through all my pre-pregnancy clothes as well as my current clothes and weeded out a ton of stuff (now I won't feel as bad buying some new clothes *LOL*). I found a bunch of maternity clothes that I had borrowed from a friend as well as a bunch of my maternity clothes that I gave to my sister.

The day before I realized that I wasn't going to have anymore laundry baskets if I didn't empty out the three in the kid's room that were filled with clean clothes. so I had them play upstairs and I put away all their clean clothes and took out all the clothes that don't fit them anymore. I forget about some of the cute outfits they have because they sit in the laundry basket for so long.

Today I need to hit up the goodwill to drop off all of the goodies that I'm getting rid of. I think I'll go through the kids sock drawers first...they seem to be filled with random socks that don't match or don't fit. I bought some new socks for them yesterday, so I should get rid of the ones that they don't wear anymore.

I think that's all I have on my list of things to do for the day...fun and exciting ;o) I'm hoping that today will be better then yesterday with the wild ones fighting...so far it hasn't been too bad, but it's only 8am!

As hard as it can be

I really do love staying at home with the kids. Brian went back to work this morning and I was a bit bummed. But I love that it's 8am and we're all still relaxin in our jammies. I don't really know of too many jobs where you can stay in your pajamas, eat a bowl of cheesy eggs and watch your kids play together. I'm sure I'll be ready to get out of the house once the fighting and whining start though...heehee! I guess I'll enjoy it while it lasts :o)

Feeling like a domestic goddess

I decided that I better not sit on my butt this morning since Brooklyn was napping and the other kiddos were so content watching Dora. So I mopped the kitchen floor...and I don't know about you, but when I mop it with my nifty swiffer it just doesn't so it sometimes. I can usually get in about 5-6 mops with the swiffer before I have to get the old bucket and sponge and really clean the floor. So I got down on all fours and scrubbed that floor. It feels so good to have a clean floor. Of course when I'm down there I notice that the kids booster seats are filthy. So I took them apart and cleaned them too. I also folded all the laundry, loaded up the dishwasher and started it...WOOHOO!

Well, like I said I was feeling like a domestic goddess, until I realized that my cabinets are filthy, the washer and dryer really need a good wipe down and the carpet really needs to be vacuumed. So I thought I would pour myself a cup of coffee and sit in front of the computer instead. I guess I'll go pick up the kids toys so that I can actually see the carpet before I vacuum it ;o) Only my friends in blogland will even know that I cleaned so much since nobody else will really notice or give me an atta girl *LOL*

This mommy stuff sure is messy

Today we went to the park (which seems to be like a laxative for my kids) and Melanie had an accident as soon as we got there. I should have taken her to the bathroom before letting her play, but she said she didn't have to go so I slacked! Of course I only had an extra pair of Brandon's sweatpants, but they worked for the moment. Then on our way out to the car I realized that Brandon had a poopy diaper. after changing him I still smelled something poopy and realized it was Melanie. When I asked her if she pooped she said, "yes mommy, but it's down there!" Since she only had on sweatpants with no panties the poop had gone right down her leg...GROSS! So after cleaning up two poopy kiddos we headed home for bathes! After Brandon woke up from his nap he walked up to me pointing at his leg and it had poop on it. Not sure if I need new diapers or what but I sure am tired of cleaning up poop! I hope that we can get through the rest of the day without anymore poop laying around ;o)

Things to do

Melanie took a late nap yesterday (5-8pm) so while she was asleep I got so much cleaning done! I swept and mopped the downstairs tile and even vacuumed! Then I got all the laundry done and folded and the dishes loaded into the dishwasher. It was so nice to wake up this morning and not have those chores hanging over my head. So today I need to:

Put breakfast dishes in the washer
Put clean clothes away
Run to Staples for a few calendars for Brian
Hit costco for a TON of grocery shopping

Well I guess I should get the kiddos dressed before we can do anything! Brandon is sitting here next to me with his hand up my shirt pinching my stomach...what you'll endure for some computer time *LOL*

!@*$ computers

We have a laptop and computer that are both fairly new...and yet there always seems to be problems with things...ARG! I spent hours making this cool DVD slideshow for Brian for Christmas and spent even more hours trying to burn it. I finally gave up and ordered a DVD through shutterfly. Now I'm just trying to burn some photos from the computer onto a CD and I got one disc burned and I can't get the rest to burn onto another CD. I know it works, but it's being so tempramental for some reason. Sometimes I really HATE computers!!!

Christmas craziness

It seems so hard to find any time for the computer these days...which is such a bummer because it is so relaxing for me. But all three kids are actually napping (I think God knew that this Momma really needed that) so I actually have a minute to unwind! I can't believe it's almost Christmas already. It's so magical because Melanie and Brandon are so excited this year. I'm trying to remember to keep Christ at the center of things, but Melanie is definitely most excited for Santa and getting presents. It seems that there is always one more thing to do these days, and I can't ever really finish my to do list. But I keep telling myself that I'll have many years ahead where my house will stay clean and the laundry will be less then it is now...and that helps me not to go nuts with the chaos :o) I need to wrap a few more things and get some gifts together, so I'm outta here.

Kiddos

I really love watching our kids interact...especially when they're NOT fighting. Brandon is such a lover and constantly wants to be next to Brooklun holding her hand, foot or whatever she'll hold still enough for him to grab. Poor girl doesn't get much time to herself because sister is often right in her face too. These are the times I cherish as a parent...I think God gives us these moments to make up for the rest!

Things I need to do today

Because if I don't write them down I may not do them *LOL*

Finish folding laundry that I started yesterday
Put clothes away
Unload dishwasher/reload with breakfast dishes
Get storage bins to organize all kids craft stuff in closet
Vaccuum out car

I know that there's so much more to clean, but I know I won't be able to get it done, so why add it to my list. Who knows if target with all three kids is even realistic at this point. We're going to a play area with a friend around 10am...maybe I can hit up target then and do my other chores when we get home. I'm sure some of the kids will nap on the way home so I can organize in peace *LOL* I guess it would be easier without my little nursling who eats so often too ;o) My house would be so clean and tidy with no kiddos, but until then I can handle the mess and enjoy the hugs and kisses.

Why is it that...

the kids are constantly on each other all day and around me but when Daddy gets home they still want to crawl all over me? I couldn't even eat dinner last night because all three were in my lap. I'm coming back in my next life as a daddy...heehee ;0)

Life with three

Has it really been this long since I've updated my blog?? I guess having a baby will do that to you. Things are going well at our house. Melanie has done great adjusting to another sibling and Brandon hasn't been too bad. He has had more tantrums, been more whiney and been up more at night...but I guess it could be worse. I feel like I've really enjoyed the infant stage more then I did with my first two. We've finally got nursing down, and I just love interacting with Brooklyn when she's awake!

I think that this is definitely the most overwhelming that my life has been. I never knew how hard raising kiddos would be. I feel like I spend most days trying...with no luck...to control my kids. I know that they're both at hard ages, but I don't think I ever realized how trying it would be for me. Overall I think that God is showing me just how selfish I am, because it is definitely not about me at this point in my life. I remember the days of doing things for myself and can't remember the last time I did anything for me. The day starts with taking care of the kids' needs and doesn't seem to end. It truly is a 24-hour job!

I can't wait to be able to actually spend some time with my husband where we can have a full conversation and eat a meal from start to finish.

I can't wait to go to a store and shop for anything by myself.

I can't wait to actually get chores done and completed around the house.

I can't wait to sleep an entire night with no little people waking me up.

I could go on and on, but I wouldn't change a thing about my precious children and I feel so blessed to be able to stay at home with them and watch them grow. I know they will be grown and gone in no time and I really want to cherish these years...hard as they may be. I know that once they're in school I'll be sad to not have them constantly at my side...even if they are tugging on my legs and whining ;o)

Sore bottom lip

You know that it's been a trying moment when you realize that your bottom lip is actually sore from biting it out of frustration! Had a great morning at MOPS and got a few hours with no kids hanging off of me...or each other for that matter. Brandon didn't cry in childcare, but did cling to one teacher the entire time! I'm so thankful that he's staying in there and giving this momma a bit of a break. I love having time to talk to other mommies and just relax. After MOPS all the kids were playing together and when it came time to leave my friend's house it was a nightmare. I never knew how physically challenging a 3 year old could be, but when she's kicking and screaming it definitely adds a bit of frustration to the situation. I just wanted to get both kids strapped into their car seats and head home as fast as I could. I hate having moments like these where I feel so helpless to control the situation and feel like I'm losing it. Then I think about the fact that we're adding a third child to this already crazy family and I get a little nervous. It's crazy that these little people that I LOVE so much can cause me so much strife at the same time. Well I could probably keep rambling, but I feel much better and will leave it at that. I know that everyone else has had moments like this too :)

My week...boring and crazy?

Well I think that this week is going to be a bit slow...even though I feel like I have so much to do. I have a non-stress test and fluid check tuesday and I think that I'll bring Melanie with me so that she can see the baby in my tummy and hear her heartbeat. I think she'll get a kick out of it, although it won't be "kid-free" time so we'll see if I change my mind.

Wednesday I have MOPS in the morning and then a few girls at my table are getting together for lunch afterwards. Brandon actually stayed in childcare the entire time last time, so I'm hoping to make it there again this week so that he can get used to it even more. They said he cried off and on the entire time...which breaks my heart...but I know it's good for him. Plus, it was nice to actually have a few hours by myself! I know that will be a thing of the past since the new baby will be here soon.

Thursday night Brian is going to a baseball game, so I'm hoping to get my stamp stuff out and make some cards to stock up my collection...yet another thing that I know will not happen for a while once the baby is here *LOL*

Friday I have a doctor's appointment and then head off to labor and delivery to get information on the induction...not sure what they need to tell me since this is my third induction, but I'm going anyway. Then we're supposed to head down to San Diego...I'm really nervous about going in to labor while we're down there, but I'm going to look up where the hospital is just in case. If this baby can wait until sunday evening to arrive I would be so happy!!

My inlaws are taking the kids while we're in the hospital and if all goes as planned we should be back at home on wednesday with a new baby! I'm still in shock and just can't believe that we are having another baby...It's so unreal to me!!

Boring day

Woke up and had a pretty productive morning this morning :) I changed the sheets and put away the clean laundry from the weekend and then we headed down stairs to have some breakfast. While the kids were eating I started a load of laundry, loaded the dishwasher and cleaned up the kitchen a bit. Got the kids all dressed and we headed out to run some errands. I wanted to get some sheets for the pack'n'play since the baby will be sleeping in it the first few months, so we were headed to babies'r'us. When we got there it wasn't even open yet...guess I was a bit too quick to get out of the house this morning. So we headed down the street and got some groceries first. I usually dread the grocery store, but the kids were so good the entire trip! By the time we were done we went back to BRU and got the sheets and headed home. The kids snacked and watched a movie while I went through some toys and folded the laundry. Then we drove up to the goodwill to drop some stuff and headed home again. Brandon fell asleep on the way home, so Melanie and I set-up the pack'n'play and organized some of the stuff that I got over the weekend for the baby. She got such a kick out of setting stuff up and kept putting stuff in the pack'n'play for baby "Bwookwin" to play with. I'm really excited to see my kids with their new baby sister.

I think that I'm ready for the baby to come...well I should say that I'm prepared for her to come, but would love it if she held out until October. I have some baby clothes washed and put away, bag packed for myself and the baby's hospital stay (Brian's on his own this time *LOL*), infant carseat all clean and in the car, teeny diapers ready, pack'n'play set-up, etc. Now mentally I don't know if I'm ready for another baby, but who really is ;) I have an ultrasound tomorrow and I'm excited to see how the baby is growing!

Special time with my boy

My MIL really wanted to spend some time one-on-one with Melanie so she came and picked her up at 9am this morning. although Brandon was sad that he didn't get to go, we had a nice morning together. I took him in to get his 2 year pictures and we walked around the mall together. I didn't really think about it, but he's always so rushed because I'm chasing after Melanie. It was so nice to doddle along with him. We looked in the Disney store, stopped and threw pennies in the fountain and then we went to Penney's to get his pics taken. He was such a little trooper while we waited...but once we went in the picture room he didn't want to be in there. We did manage one shot of him smiling, but it's not the best. I ordered a package of pics anyway because I think at this age he probably just won't like his picture to be taken at the studio. Plus, I didn't want to have a 2 yr pic for Melanie and not him.

Once we got back in the car he fell asleep :o) Since I still had some time before my doctor's appointment, I got some gas and went through Drive-thru for a little lunch. It was nice driving in a quiet car and listening to my own music for an hour. Then I dropped Brandon off at my MILs and headed to my appointment. After I picked him and Melanie up she fell asleep for a nap...so now I've had even more time with just my little man. What a difference it is just having him by himself...I've really enjoyed this special time today!

Insomnia

I had forgotten how hard it was to sleep in the last weeks of pregnancy. I'm not sure if it's a mental thing or what, but I just can't seem to settle down to sleep the last few weeks. I know I'm tired because Brandon has been keeping me up the last few nights. But when I lay down to go to sleep I just don't feel like I can fall asleep. Tonight I have a pounding headache for some reason so that hasn't helped either. I wonder if there is anything that I can take that would help...I'll have to ask my doc when I go in on friday! So here I sit at 10:30pm...just took some Tylenol for the headache and washed it down with some tums for the heartburn. Although I can't complain because other then that I'm really enjoying this pregnancy right to the end :)

What happened to ME?

Well I typed an entire entry and lost it somehow...gotta love it when that happens. But it's so therapeutic typing it all out that I'm going to do it again ;)

Lately I have only felt like a live-in housekeeper/nanny. I take care of the things around the house and make sure that the kids are taken care of and at the end of the day that seems to be about it. I think that with all the busyness of life Brian and I have forgotten that we are husband and wife. I was thinking about when we were dating (staying up ALL night with a fussy Brandon will give you that extra time for your mind to wonder) and it was so much fun. I felt so loved and wanted. Lately I wonder where my identity has gone. I obviously had one for the last 25 years before having kids. But now I seem to just be a mommy and homemaker.

I wrote out a letter to Brian last night because I feel like we never get a chance to talk. By the time the kids are fed and in bed...so is my tired husband. It was nice to get everything sorted out in my head and know that he would hear all of it even if it wasn't in conversation form. I realized that since I am so occupied with stuff around here he might feel the same way as me so I made sure I took the time to focus on how much I appreciate and respect him as well. I think that it made him actually think a bit since he came up after reading it and snuggled with me for a few minutes before heading off to work. I hope that if we both put in more effort that we can get things on track with our relationship again. I think it's so important for our kids to see that we love eachother! I know it's a tough season too with having such young kids so I have to remember that things will get better.

On a good note...since I seem to only complain in my blog lately...I got out of bed before the kids did this morning and had a chance to shower all by myself and get some chores started. It feels so good when the kids get out of bed and I've already loaded/started the dishwasher, sorted/started the laundry for the day and had a chance to pick up the family room. Now I don't feel so bad for just sitting here right now ;)

Poop everywhere

I decided to take a walk with the kids down to the shopping center by our house. They have a healthfood store that has a yummy snack that the kids love (veggie booty) and I thought we would hit up the playplace at McDonalds for some lunch afterwards...quite the combo I know ;) It was such a nice walk down there because it was all downhill and there was a cool breeze. The kids were GREAT and they even had some whale fossils on display that Melanie enjoyed seeing! I was really surprised at what a fun day it had been...then it started to take a turn for the worse. While taking our tray of food outside I knocked over my Diet Coke and spilled on my shirt. Not a big deal except for the fact that it spilled a perfectly round spot right over my boob!! It looked as if I was lactating diet coke *LOL* and the pregnant belly only made it seem like that's what it was! I decided that I was a mom and could get away with having a stained shirt.

Then after the kiddos ate and played, Brandon came up to me and I realized that he had poop ALL over the place. He had been playing in the stroller and it was also all over that as well. I didn't even know where to start...of course we walked so I was about a 20 minute walk away from our house. There was the nicest mom there who went and got my diaper bag from across the play place and helped me get out wipes and stuff. She also helped me get into the restrooms since I was pushing the double stroller and trying to coral Brandon and Melanie in there at the same time. I was so embarassed that I had to walk through a food place with a stroller and toddler covered in poop...but what else could I have done??

Of course I had about three wipes left in my diaper bag so it was interesting cleaning things up. but I did have an extra pair of pants for Brandon and an extra shirt of Melanie's so he left looking a little frilly but clean! I put him in the cleanest side of the stroller and walked to the drug store to buy some trash bags. I put a trash bag over the poopy side and plopped Melanie in it and then we headed up the hill for home. Luckily Brandon fell asleep and Melanie is watching a movie so I had a chance to hose down the stroller. I really hope that I can get it cleaned up because it's my favorite stroller and cost me more then I'de like to admit!!

Brian is going to a baseball game after work so I'm hoping I can get the kids in bed early and then shower and go to bed!! I must say that I never pictured things like this happening when I dreamed of being a mommy...definitely a humbling job. But with all the chaos I was so thankful that God placed that other momma there and that the kids behaved so well.

36 week update

Went to get another ultrasound today and everything looked good. Since the baby is still so small they said that I need to start coming in every 2-3 days for non-stress testing and fluid checks. I'm really thankful that we're close to family and friends right now because I have to get sitters so much for the month of September! I think I have 2-3 different appointments every week until October 1st! I'm wondering if they will just induce early...it almost seems like it would be more convenient then having all these appointments. And the NST is only a 20 minute procedure, so I'm driving to drop kids off, then to the doc, then back to pick them up...all for a 20 minute appointment!! I am glad that all my docs are keeping such a close eye on things though because a healthy baby is what is the most important thing. If anything maybe God is giving me some free time before I have this baby...even if it is going to be spent at the doctor's office!

How do you chill out

Well it's just about 5:30pm at my house which seems to be a universal meltdown time. I've had a cranky almost 2 year old all day long and a three year old who seems to be constantly pushing the limits today. I feel like if one isn't getting into something the other one is...which is our own fault for having children who would be at this terrible toddler stage at the same time! I get so down because I don't like the way that I handle things. I hate it when I yell at them, but I just can't seem to be calm when they are pushing ALL my buttons. I know I need to pray more throughout my day so that I would experience more of God's power to get by, but even that hasn't seemed to help today! So here I sit with a screaming child at my feet typing...if I don't take a time-out I know that I'll just explode! I'm thankful that Melanie is sitting quietly playing atleast!

Where does the time go?

I can't believe that my last entry is from the 22nd and now it's already the 29th of August! I haven't had too much going on, just haven't been able to get on the computer these last few days! We had a relaxing but crazy weekend that's for sure.

On friday I had a wonderful birthday lunch with my friend and then we walked around the mall for a bit. She always manages to make my day special :) After that I took the kids to my inlaws house because they offered to watch them overnight! What a blessing to have family close by...the kids LOVE going over there and I really enoyed having a few hours to myself before Brian got home. I finished knitting a blanket that I've been working on FOREVER and then took a nice looooong shower. When Brian got home we decided to head out for dinner and movie. We used to go to the movies all the time before we had kids! When we got there all of the power in the shopping center was out...kind of creepy! So we headed to a different restaurant and then just went home to relax.

It was nice waking up Saturday morning on my own and not having to tend to the kids. Brian and I just spent the morning doing random things around the house and then we went to get some donuts and pick up the kids. When we got there Brandon was asleep for a nap, so Brian took me and dropped me off for my spa day with my sisters and momma! It was so nice hanging out with my family and getting pampered. We went in the jacuzzi (just my feet since I didn't want Brooklyn to get too toasty) and then it was off for my massage. It was wonderful, but a bit pricey so I'm not sure I'll be doing it again too soon. After that I sat in a quiet room with my younger sis and we put cucumbers on our eyes. It was funny because both of us couldn't get them to stay on and kept laughing. Then I showered and we ate lunch there. It was such a fun time and great memory too! Then it was back to reality *LOL*

Sunday was a bit hectic because we decided to go out and look at houses about an hour from our place. Brian really wants to get out of our condo. I think that he feels like he works so hard and can't get into a house here and it drives him nuts. I really love living where we are now because there are so many kids in the neighborhood and I'm close to family and friends. We both grew up here and don't really know any different. But it breaks my heart to see him struggle so much with work and not have a house to show for it. We found a bunch of beautiful houses that are actually selling for the same price as our condo. We both talked and decided we need to pray about it a ton this week, but it looks like we may be headed out of here sooner rather then later.

I'm feeling excited, but a bit sad at the same time because I grew up in this area and all our family/friends are here. If we move away then we won't get to see family as much and will also lose many of our babysitters. With having three little ones at home, I don't know if I'm putting myself in a bad position or not. I know I will meet new friends and won't be that far from family and close friends that I have now...but it's just such a HUGE life change for me I guess! We would have to find a new church, new doctors, etc. I just feel so torn this morning!

Didn't think I had SO much to blab about this morning...must be a monday thing :)

I never knew I would be so excited

Haven't updated in a while because things have just seemed so boring around here lately. Same old same old at home chasing after two toddlers and just trying to make it through the day! On friday I was feeling my usualy guilty feeling about not having Melanie potty-trained yet...I usually have these guilt trip once every couple months, try the whole potty thing and then decide that she's just not ready and I might have 3 in diapers! So I put some "big-girl panties" on my stubborn girl because we were stuck at home all day and I thought I should give it another try. After about an hour I took her in and she went pee-pee in the potty. She has done this before, but usually it was more of luck then actually going on cue. I was thrilled, but tried to hold my excitement until she actually went again. I figured I would be cleaning up wet carpets and couches within hours. But we went outside to play and she didn't have one single accident! She has been in panties ALL weekend long and hasn't wet in them once. She hasn't started telling me that she has to go, but she will go everytime I take her in there. She stayed dry through her nap yesterday too, but I'm still keeping her in diapers at night for now. I just can't believe how excited and proud that I feel over something as simple as peeing in the potty :)

Now #2 is a different story...she seems to be holding it because we haven't yet gone poop in the potty yet. We did go poop in our "big-girl panties" yesterday morning though. So today I'm off to get more underwear so we have plenty on hand for the next few weeks...if they're going to be messy ones!! I thought that this day would never come. And what's even better is that she has her 3 year well check tomorrow and I was dreading bringing her in in diapers because the nurse had a made a comment last time we were in about her still being in diapers...ARG! Now I can tell the nurse to kiss my butt *LOL*

Not too much other exciting stuff going on in my world right now. I'm counting down the days until friday when my inlaws are going to take the kids for the night so that we can go out to dinner for my birthday. Not even sure if we'll go out or just enjoy a quiet house. Then on saturday I'm going to go and get a massage with my sisters and my momma! I can't wait...although I am a bit nervous about bearing all while someone I don't know rubs my bod :)

Ready for a baby

I'm actually excited to have a newborn at our house. Not because I'm looking forward to the lack of of sleep or one more diaper to change, but because they won't be able to:

1. Throw tantrums
2. Talk back
3. Say "NO"
4. Push and hit
5. Constantly be getting into things they aren't supposed to
6. Whine (know infants cry a lot, but could it be as bad as whining?)

I guess I could go on, but those are the things that seem to be wearing on my patience today! Oh and newborn diapers don't seem to be quite as stinky as these two little ones ;)

No park for us today

Well after a pretty easy morning I starting having Braxton Hicks contractions. I've never had this with my other two pregnancies so I didn't know what the heck was going on. I've been drinking more water then usual and sitting on the couch all day and the past hour hasn't been too bad. I hope that this is a random thing though and doesn't continue for the rest of the pregnancy...I don't think the kids would survive being cooped up for the next 8 weeks ;) But they have really been so good today for being stuck in the house. I just feel bad because the TV has been on ALL day long! I did get my dishwasher unloaded before I started feeling yucky, but other then that I guess the rest will wait.

Today started out much better then some previous ones this week! We had a big day yesterday, so the kids both slept in this morning. It was so nice getting up on my own without hearing the kids at the crack of dawn. I got up and got ready and even checked a few emails before hearing Brandon at 8am. Then we came downstairs and had some breakfast together while we waited for Melanie to wake up. She just got up about 15 minutes ago...just in time to watch her favorite show DORA the EXPLORER! Brandon is such a snuggly little guy, he's just sitting here next to me, leaning on my shoulder and rubbing my arm. I just treasure my time with him...especially since Melanie isn't usually a snuggly girl!

Yesterday we met a friend of mine at costco and did some shopping. then we got the kids hot dogs and she invited us over to play at her house for a while. It's always a nice break being somewhere other then your own house. The kids did really good playing with each other too. Then my sister called and asked if we wanted to come up and swim at her pool. So I rounded up the kiddos and we headed home to get our swim stuff. Brandon fell asleep in the car which was nice because I knew it would be about an hour by the time I got all our stuff, got lunch for myself and got up to my sister's house. He slept the whole time...YAY! My sister has three bunnies at her house so the kids had fun playing with them while we all got ready to swim. She has the BEST pool in her apartment complex...there's a little kiddie pool and then the big pool has a ramp that goes down into it. The kids just wanted to run in and out of the water the entire time. After we got dried off we headed home and Melanie fell asleep for a nap. Brandon and I got cleaned up and had more time just to play together until she woke up around 5:30pm. Then I got her all showered off and we got ready to go to my nephew's birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese's. IT was nice because there was family there to chase after the kids so I got to sit down for a while and east dinner without two kiddos to deal with. After lots of playing we headed home and both kids went down pretty easily.

It's amazing how a good nights sleep....followed by sleeping in a bit can make you feel like a new person. I have a few things to do around the house today, but other then that we don't really have much planned. I'm trying to think of something fun to do with the kids later if it's not too hot. Maybe we'll go to the park by the beach and I can pack a lunch to eat there. My kids aren't really into the water yet (I think the waves still are a bit overwhelming to them) so it's nice just to play in the sand and hang out. Brian is off work tomorrow and I have a bridal shower to go to...I'm looking forward to a nice break from being a mommy for a few hours.

I need a vacation

There are some days when I don't have the words to describe how overwhelming it can be to be a mom and a wife!

Chores

I had such a productive morning so I'm going to post about it here just to make me feel better about having such an unproductive afternoon ;) This is an extremely boring blog entry though, so don't feel bad skipping it! I started the day with a shower which usually doesn't happen until the kids are in bed at night. I finished a bunch of laundry yesterday but hadn't put it away yet, so I did that while Melanie was in the bath and Brandon was still sleeping! After he woke up I put new sheets on our bed and took the old ones downstairs with the towels to wash. I unloaded the dishwasher and then put all the dirty dishes from the morning into it. When I went upstairs to get the kids clothes for the day I decided to weed through Brandon's closet for all the stuff that doesn't fit anymore. It actually took about 2 minutes so I don't know why I had been putting it off. Then I went out back to get something and realized that there was so much stuff (bubbles, buckets, toys, etc.) that needed to be reorganized and put away. Of course the kids wanted to join me in getting things out while I was trying to reorganize! After things were put away I filled up their little pool because even though it was only 10am it was already blazing HOT! They swam for a while and then we got in dry clothes and headed off to the grocery store. Brandon fell asleep on the way home so Melanie and I unloaded groceries and then made some cookies....yummy! But that was the end of my productiveness...as soon as Brandon woke up the kiddos had lunch and then played while I layed on the couch for an hour. I think I sank right in and got stuck, because I just didn't want to get up off of it. Finally they seemed a bit stir crazy so we went outside to walk around for a bit. It was nice because it really had cooled off a lot and wasn't too hot. Now we're back in the house, they've been fed and seem to be content playing again so I'm sitting in front of the computer. I'm doing hot dogs and baked beans for dinner, so I don't really have anything to prepare. I guess it's nice to slack off every now and then, and I did get a lot done this morning so I don't feel that guilty. Hmmmm...I wonder what tomorrow holds :)

Fun weekend

Well we started out the weekend by going to a baseball game on friday night. We didn't get there until the 4th inning, but we knew it was going to be a late night and didn't know if the kids would do good for all 9 innings and fireworks afterwards. The kids really seemed to have so much fun! Melanie was a bit nervous after they shot off a few fireworks and said she wanted to go. so we left during the 8th inning and watched the fireworks from the car...Melanie liked that much better.

Saturday was a bit crazy because that's when Melanie went to the circus, but she came back safely and had so much fun, so it was good in the end. Brandon took a 4 hour long nap and I actually got to nap with him for 2 of those hours. It was so wonderful to just relax and not do anything. Brian went into work late and came home earlier then usual so it was nice having some time together as a family.

Sunday we went to church and then had lunch at home with the kids. We had some family in town so we headed over to the ILs around 2pm. It really was a GREAT day. the kids ran around with their cousin and Brian played cards for a long time. The food was great and it was just such a relaxing day. I wish I could get Brandon to stay by himself in the nursery at church so that I could go in to the service, but he just cries and cries when we leave. I guess it's just a season and I'm hoping that within the next year he'll be more comfortable and have fun in there so I can actually attend church again with Brian!

My goal for the day is getting both kiddos to take a nap. With such a crazy weekend, Melanie is just messed up in the sleep department. She wouldn't go down until after 9pm last night and was up at 3am and then 6:30am. She really needs to have a nap or else she seems to be so hard to deal with at night. I think I'll let the kids play outside this morning and then we'll head to the store. Hopefully they'll fall asleep on the way home.

Safety first

OK I must warn you that this is mostly a vent to make me feel better...but that's what blogs are for right? I can't stand it when other people think that safety guidelines are just not important...especially when it comes to kids (mine in particular). When we first got pregnant with Melanie we got tricked into a sales thing that we thought was a safety convention on children's products. We did end up buying a GREAT crib and high chair because we liked how they were made. But my MIL laughed at us right away for spending extra money on the high chair and said that all her kids survived in their high chair even though it might not have been up to safety standards. This is the same person who tried feeding my kiddos anything and everything when I asked her to withold certain things and doesn't really use car seats as they should be used. I'm thinking that it's probably because when her kids were little they didn't have to ride in car seats and they didn't have as many guidelines about what babies should and shouldn't eat at certain ages. But my kids are my responsibility and it just bothers me that others don't apply to the same safety standards that I would like. The carseat issue is the HUGE one with me because car seats were invented for a reason and they have standards in how to use them for safety reasons as well. Wouldn't you want your grandchildren to be as safe as possible when they were in your care? Why put them in a car seat if you're not going to strap it right? I guess I could go on and on, but I'll stop now so you don't have to listen to me rant and rave forever ;)

Waiting and waiting and waiting

Oh man...I had two doctor's appointments today and although it was nice to get a break from the kids I was so sick of waiting! I got there at 8:45am for a 9am ultrasound and didn't have to wait long for that. Since I was done around 9:45am I had to wait 30 minutes for my 10:15am appt. with my OB. That wasn't too bad, but I didn't get called back to the office until around 11:15am! Then it was a different doc and nurse (my OB is out this week) and the nurse wasn't very friendly. I know she could have been having a bad day, but if I'm going to be pleasant after waiting over an hour then she could have at least been more cordial with me...ARG! Then I did my usualy pee in the cup and step on the scale and waited another 15 minutes for the doctor...who just came in and asked if I had any questions. I can't believe that I had to wait that long for such a short amount of time with the actual doctor. Oh well...baby looked good and I'm thankful for that! I guess I just needed to complain a little to make me feel better ;)

So unmotivated

We had such a great weekend away, but it was just too short. I think it was a little taste of relaxation, but not enough to satisfy me! Ever since we've been back I just can't seem to get back into the swing of things. I did unpack and get some laundry done yesterday, but I just don't want to get off the couch this morning! I have plenty to do...including taking a much needed shower...but just lack the motivation. I was already annoyed by my wild and crazy kiddos when they woke up at 6:30am and I feel bad because they're just being kids. I know that I'm just being way too selfish right now, but some days I guess I'm just not feeling like being a mommy! Luckily my friend snapped me out of my funk yesterday when she invited me out for lunch with the kiddos. It ended up being a great day...followed by long naps from both kiddos. It's definitely my mommy friends that get me through the days sometimes :)

Thursday

Yesterday was such a great day, but it left me with lots of busy work for today. I enjoyed every moment of my pedicure and the girl who waxed my eyebrows did a good job and even massaged my face for a few minutes. I even got talked into a lip wax so I feel so well groomed...now if I could just see my bikini area *LOL* Went to the fair afterwards and had a blast with the kiddos. Today I really need to run around and get things ready for our short weekend trip to Washington. We leave friday afternoon and get back sunday morning...seems like a lot of work to do for just a few days away! Brian sure does get the good end of the deal...he just packs his own clothes and that's it. I've got to make sure that things are ready for the kids to be with sitters, the house is clean, there's food to eat, etc. I guess that's all part of my job description...I think I'm coming back as a Dad in my next life though ;) But I guess that the groceries won't buy themselves and the laundry isn't going to be walking down here to hop in the washing machine...so off I go to start my business for the day!!

Time for Mommy

I'm so excited to get out of the house and have a break from the kiddos this morning. My mom is going to watch them so that I can go and get a pedicure...and I'm even going to have them wax my eyebrows so I don't look like Ernie from Sesame street anymore. I haven't been to the nail place in FOREVER and I'm just excited to go and sit and do nothing. My friends coming too, so it doesn't get much better. I feel so blessed to live close to family!! I guess that I had better get the kids out of their jammies if I'm planning on bringing them to Nona's house in half an hour.

Good hair day

Do you ever wake up and actually like how your hair looks? I had to shower late last night and ended up going to bed with damp hair...but I must say that when I woke up this morning and looked in the mirror it wasn't as scary as usual. Yes, I still had dark circles under my eyes and not the best morning breath...but I actually like the way my hair looks. I'm sure once I brush it it will be back to it's normal blah self. But the messy look is in right so who says I need to brush my hair today *LOL*

I did lots of my domestic duties yesterday, so I've just been lounging on the couch this morning. But it's already 8:30am so I guess that I should get us all out of our jammies and get a game plan for the day. I do need to get the laundry put away from yesterday and start preparing for our babysitters this weekend...but I think we'll just relax today. We might hit up Chuck E. Cheese's for lunch with a friend and then I'm hoping for naps from atleast one of the kids. We'll see how the day ends up going :) Gotta go and finish my pretend chocolate bubble gum from Melanie...this girl cracks me up!

Boring Mondays

Well I enjoy reading other people's blogs so I thought I would start one as well. Seems like a nice way to blab about my day as well as vent! Hey, I guess if I like random details about other's days then maybe someone wants to hear the randomness of mine. Hopefully I won't bore you all or completely turn you away with my lack of good writing style.

Today was not too much different then most mondays...I didn't have any plans and it was so HOT that we stayed inside almost all day. Inspite of having two crazy toddlers, I did manage to get a bunch accomplished today.

I started and finished about 4 loads of laundry...which has yet to be put away!
Went to the grocery store and Costco
Deposited money at the bank
Swept and mopped the kitchen floor
Vacuumed the family room
Got some pics developed and actually put them into the photo album

Melanie and Brandon were both a bit cranky today. Brandon seems to be at a stage where he is constantly whiney. I'm sure that it's because he's not talking yet and has so much he wants to express, but can't. but sometimes I think it's just his way of throwing a tantrum. He's only been napping for about 20-30 minutes the last few days and he's driving me bananas! Melanie usually naps once or twice during the week...and today was the day that I really forced the nap. It was nice because I was able to get a lot done while she slept and there was no fighting!

Her new thing to do is take things and hide them so Brandon can't play with them. She's such a stinker lately with him! I hope that as they both pass these crazy ages they might actually play together better!

Well, I suppose I could just keep going and going, but that's enough for today. It's 5:45pm in my neck of the woods and I should probably get going with dinner...although I would much rather just continue to sit on the couch a be on the computer.