Kevin and Traci's Excellent Adventures

Prayers needed for this little boy

2009-05-06T14:43:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine from high school posted a link on her facebook page about a little boy named Noah. Noah was shaken on April 20 by his daycare provider and has been in a coma since then...the prognosis for this little guy is not good and my heart was breaking reading the pain that his parents are currently going through.

I would encourage all of you to visit www.noahsroad.com and read their story. This couple has an amazing faith and are learning from this experience, but it is painful and they need prayers for comfort and peace.

Tonight I would ask all of you to kiss and hug your children for they are a gift from God. I know that I have been a little more gentle in my words the last few days.

Oops, it's been a month?

2009-04-12T10:59:00.000-07:00

I logged on to my blog today and looked at the date of my last blog...March 7. Wow! Where did the month go? I can tell you where it went...it went into late nights at work, a busy schedule for Kevin and raising two very adventerous boys.

I promise to get on in a few days to upload some new pictures, but for now I have a crying baby and in-laws on their way...gotta run!

Alex at 7 months

2009-03-07T13:56:00.000-08:00

I was feeding Alex this morning and noticed he started doing something that I had never seen him do before. Check out the strange thing he keeps doing with his tounge.

What a strange little child I have. He is 7 months old now. Doing very well at his new daycare and is crawling all over the house like a little mad man! Matthew and I just got back to Del Rio to visit David and Laurie. It does my mood good to be in the nice, sunny weather for a few days in February. It was 95 degrees there! YAHOO!

Matthew got the chance to hang out in the cockpit for a few minutes before our flight from Seattle to Spokane. He really thought that was cool.

I am the mom

2009-03-05T18:12:00.000-08:00

I totally stole this from my friend Misty, she is right...it was a lot of fun!

I'm the Mom

You should do this, it's fun. Just ask you kids for their answers!

Matthew's answers:

1. What is something mom always says to you? I love you

2. What makes mom happy? My blanket

3. What makes mom sad? A sad movie

4. How does your mom make you laugh? Tickeling me

5. What was your mom like as a child? Playing on the computer

6. How old is your mom? 29

7. How tall is your mom? (holding up his hand to my head) this tall

8. What is her favorite thing to do? Watching TV with me

9. What does your mom do when you're not around? Work

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for? Dancing (hahahaha, yeah right!)

11. What is your mom really good at? Wii Fit

12. What is your mom not very good at? Tennis

13. What does your mom do for a job? Work at the hospital

14.What is your mom's favorite food? Spaghetti

15.What makes you proud of your mom? Cleaning up my room (his room)

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be? Minnie Mouse

17. What do you and your mom do together? Go on a date

18. How are you and your mom the same? Same eyes

19. How are you and your mom different? I am short and you are tall

20. How do you know your mom loves you? By giving me kisses and hugs

21. What does your mom like most about your dad? Going on a date with him

22. Where is your mom's favorite place to go? Dinner at Wingers

Alex at 6 months old

2009-02-18T05:57:00.000-08:00

The first 6 months are gone...where did the time go? The poor kiddo has been through so much in his short little life, but 6 months seems to be the magic number because all of a sudden he is a lot less spitty and doesn't puke up most everything he eats. Could it be because he is crawling and sitting up?

Alex continues to do very well. We recently had to switch care providers because Leighanna decided to go back to school, but it is working out well and Alex and Matthew both love the place we found for them. Alex is drooling like it is going out of style and loves to put everything in his mouth..hmmm..do I sense teeth in the near future?

And in true little brother style, he was crawling around the other night and found one of his brother's favorite toys...I can already hear the fights. I can only hope that his choice in toys is a little more improved...I am so sick of Star Wars!

First 5

2009-02-11T17:30:00.001-08:00

First 5

So I got this from a friend's blog, I think it's such a great idea and can't wait to do it.

{Lucky you!

The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice. For you.This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:
1- I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!
2- What I create will be just for you.
3- It'll be done this year.
4- You have no clue what it's going to be. It may be a story. It may be photography or an article on properly cleaning your face before a masque. I may sew or paint something. I may bake you something and mail it to you. Who knows? Not you, that's for sure!
5- I reserve the right to do something extremely strange.

The catch? Oh, the catch is that you must repost this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog. The first 5 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they did win a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me! Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it!}

Closer to a diagnosis

2009-01-16T05:13:00.000-08:00

This blog is going to be quick, as I am on my way to work. We think that we have a diagnosis for Alex. It is called gastroparesis and is the result of a really bad stomach bug that he caught in early December (when this whole thing started). The good news is that we are with one of the best pediatric gastroenterologists in the region, the not so great news is that it can take 3-12 months for this to go away and we have to continually watch his weight and keep him on the $200 per week formula. ARGH!

We go back to the doctor on the 22nd for a follow up and review of all of the tests. I will post more after that visit.

Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers. It has been a long road, but I can see the end of this journey.

Our collection of hospital bracelets

2009-01-11T10:04:00.000-08:00

We just increased our collection of hospital bracelets by 1 more last night. Kevin and I were watching a movie with our cousin Jenna. I was looking at Alex and noticed that his ears were VERY red and even red down the back of his neck. I thought maybe I had used too much detergent on his clothing, so I didn't give it much thought. Plus, he had been rolling around on the floor for about 15 minutes and is often red after that.

When I brought up on to couch to sit with me again I noticed that he had hives all over his face. I asked Kevin to come over and look and further examination showed that they were all over his trunk and into his diaper area. So, Jenna rushed me to the emergency room (again) while Kevin took Matthew up to Leighanna's house. We got right back to see the doctor. They gave him some benadryl right away and the doctor told us that we were dealing with...wait for it, wait for it...an allergy to his hypoallergenic formula! Can it get any worse?? This conclusion was made due to the fact that the redness started about 30 minutes after he ate his bottle.

Just add it to the list.

Alex Update

2009-01-08T11:38:00.000-08:00

Just when I thought it was safe to go back to feeding without a muumuu on. Dr. Abou-Harb took us off the EleCare formula and put us back on the Soy formula to see how Alex would do. Anyone wanna take a guess? Yesterday he was cramping so badly and spitting up so much that my babysitter finally called because she was getting worried. Everyone that has seen him in recent weeks have made the same comment "he just doesn't look like he is feeling well". We did a weight check yesterday and Alex has only gained 11 ounces in the past 3 weeks.

I am tired, I am frustrated and most of all, I am getting very worried. Alex is having more testing done on Monday and Tuesday and hopefully we will have some answers after that. He will be sedated for the test on Tuesday, which will involve staying at the hospital for a few hours after.

Please say prayers that we get some kind of a treatment plan in the near future. Kevin and I are still laughing, but we are both exaughsted and need to get this all figured out as soon as possible.

A Letter to Mr. Snow

2009-01-05T14:52:00.001-08:00

Dear Mr. Snow,

If we promise to miss you will you please go away?

Love,

The snow weary, wish-school-was-back-in-session, tired of the crappy driving conditions, had to wait three weeks for the garbage truck to make it up our street, worried that our roof might cave in, and did I mention all the ice, residents of Spokane, WA.

Happy New Year?

2008-12-30T16:55:00.000-08:00

I am ready for 2008 to be over with. I am taking a brief break from end of year financials (try not to be jealous) to share with you the major events that 2009 will be bringing, hopefully, to our family

* My first born, Matthew, will be turning 5 in a couple of weeks! It seems like I was just pregnant with him.

* I am turning the big 3-0...tears to follow.

* Kevin will be looking for a new job

* My last baby will turn 1.

* Hopefully my sister and her husband will announce an upcoming addition to their family.

* More good times with our friends and families...either in person or sharing through these blogs!

Thank you to each of you who are a part of our lives. Even if we don't see you or talk to you much, please know that we are greatful for all of our friends. Now, as for Alex - quick update...Upper G.I. scheduled on Tuesday, January 6. More information to follow after that!

Hospital Pics

2008-12-27T11:19:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures of the stay at the hospital. We went for several walks in the skybridges and around the hospital. Matthew had a great time holding his little brother in the red wagons provided for us on our walks. Enjoy!

.

Christmas Eve

2008-12-27T09:17:00.000-08:00

Well, we got to go home from the hospital last Monday and everything was going well...then Tuesday night the diarreha and vomitting started again. I seriously thought I was going to come undone. We called the pediatrician and got in on Wednesday morning. Since it was Christmas Eve, our pediatrician wasn't in, but the ANRP was. She said that Alex was doing well as far as his hydration was concerned, and there was nothing that we could do. I asked for a referral to the Peds G.I. doctor and she said that they would start working on it. About 30 minutes later I got a phone call from their office saying that the Peds G.I. doctor would review his file in a couple of weeks and decide if he was going to see Alex. At this point the tears started flowing uncontrolled. How long was this going to go on? Alex was so pale on Tuesday night I was afraid to put him down.

To make a long story short, I called my mom hysterically crying. She made a phone call to the VP of the Children's Hospital, who made a phone call to the Peds G.I. doctor on our behalf. At 12:00 that afternoon Alex was being seen by Dr. Abou-Harb. THANK GOD! Alex is scheduled for an upper G.I. next week sometime to review his anatomy and find out what is causing all of this stomach upset.

Christmas Eve only continued to get better. That same morning, dad's garage heater went out, later in the day they were out shopping for a new oven because their existing oven quit and my parents were hosting people for Christmas Eve dinner, then the prime rib caught on fire on the grill. We had a great time at dinner and playing our annual family game. At about 12:20, I heard Matthew crying in the basement and he wasn't stopping. Just as I was going downstairs Kevin opened the door and said "Matthew is throwing up". And so it went. Matthew was up every 2 hours vomitting and crying. It quit after exactly 12 hours.

Did I mention all of the snow??

Alex Update - Sunday

2008-12-21T10:29:00.001-08:00

We managed to make it through the night with just a little skiff of diarreha in the diaper. Alex was offered Nutramagin last night around 8pm...and promptly spit it back out at us. He is not too impressed with his new diet.

This morning we had more blood work drawn to see how his bi-carb level was...and it is still only at 18, so still considered to be low. We need to get him at 20 and sustain it there before they will consider allowing us to go home. It will help if we can get him to eat some more formula. The hospitalist was just in to see us and said that if he continues to refuse the Netramagin she will write for a formula that is a little more vanilla flavored...and is covered by our insurance! :)

Until tomorrow...

Alex Update

2008-12-20T16:15:00.001-08:00

So I was wrong about it being a C-Diff. That came back negative, surprisingly. The only other thing that the doctor can figure out is that we are dealing with a milk protein allergy. They drew more blood this afternoon to try and determine if an allergy is possible. We are at Sacred Heart until the diarreha stops and he can tolerate solid foods (i.e. formula). They are going to back us off of a formula with soy and put us on a special formula (that insurance will cover, thankfully, with a prescription).

On Monday the Peds G.I. doctor will be in to talk to us about a possible scope of his digestive system if nothing has improved significantly. At this point, Kevin and I are hoping that we are discharged in time for Christmas.

More to come....

Elbows deep in...part 2

2008-12-20T09:42:00.001-08:00

Well, I am typing this from my office at Sacred Heart while taking a break from our hospital room. Alex was hospitalized last night for the same stuff we have been dealing with now for almost 2 weeks. We are waiting for the lab results to come back on a C-Diff or Rotovirus, but at this point they are leaning towards a C-Diff. We are likely "in" for one more night. Alex is doing mostly well. He doesn't like the IV in his hand and is not too impressed with his current diet...pedialite.

More when I have some news.

An Annual Family Event

2008-12-14T19:37:00.000-08:00

My mom has this thing about Christmas...she goes nuts. At her house there are 3 (yes, t-h-r-e-e) Christmas trees, an obnoxious looking train attached to her balcony and the lights on the front of the house as well. The only reason that there are lights on our house this year is that she convinced Matthew that Santa Claus won't be able to find our house unless the lights are up and on. It took me 15 minutes to calm him down the other night after they were turned off at 10:00pm.

Another family tradition is our trip to sit on Santa's lap. We usually end up downtown since the tree is so much prettier and the Santa doesn't look like the anorexic one at the Valley Mall (seriously, for those of you living in Spokane go check him out...he looks like Santa after a year of Weight Watchers). Of course we have to get the picture. So, for your viewing pleasure, here is the Couture-Buck-Wilson family Christmas picture.

Elbows deep in....

2008-12-14T09:21:00.001-08:00

So, Alex had his first official illness...the stomach flu. Better known as Gastrointeritis. It started out all innocent with a few soft poopies, but quickly manifested into a full on diaper changing event. Just to give you an idea...Kevin changed 5 diapers between 2am and 8am, all nasty. Then the vomitting started. After 5 days of Poopie Madness 2008 and then 2 days of vomitting, we decided to call the pediatrician. No luck getting him in there. So, we considered urgent care...then I realized that we would most likely be sent to Sacred Heart anyway for rehydration. Kevin and I ended up just bringing him to the ED so that we weren't waiting for 2 hours at urgent care, and waiting again at the ED for an IV.

Alex took his IV like a champ. They were able to rehydrate him and he acted like a whole new baby...but it was sad to see the IV sticking out of his poor little baby hand. And what kind of parents would we be if we didn't take at least one picture? It is on Kevin's phone, so I will get it off and add to this post soon.

I think that the baby has had more than his fair share of trips to the doctor recently, so I am hoping that the poop and vomit fairy won't be visiting him again for a LONG TIME!

Alex at 4 months

2008-12-06T08:16:00.001-08:00

Month 4 finds us introducing fresh fruits (yes, I am making my own) and Alex rolling over in his crib. We had a minor emergency on Thanksgiving when Matthew accidentally tripped over Alex and landed on him with his knee straight to the sternum. Matthew was so upset and we were all crying (me because Kevin scared the crap out of me when he started screaming my name). Thankfully, no one is seriously hurt, just bruised a little bit. Alex is currently 16 lbs 12 oz and 25 inches long. He is in the 75th percentile for both height and weight and was not too impressed with Dr. McManus' feeble attempts to make him smile or laugh. He just wanted to go home! For your viewing pleasure, here are some pictures and an attempt at a video of the little guy.

Update on dad

2008-11-24T10:29:00.000-08:00

Dad went to the neurosurgeon last week. Apparently the spot that they found only showed up on one of the MRI films, so the doctor was not overly concerned that this is something serious and certainly is not life-threatening. All I can say is thank you for all of your prayers.

Dad is going to have another MRI in January to make sure that the spot hasn't grown at all. If it has, the doctor is going to do a needle biopsy to see if it is a cancerous tumor, but said that even if it is, the tumor is growing in a very treatable area.

Prayers needed please

2008-11-16T20:36:00.000-08:00

Tonight at family dinner we got some news that was a little disheartening. My dad went to the doctor a couple of weeks ago because of some headaches that he had been having. The doctor ordered an MRI and they found a small spot on his frontal lobe. No one is quite sure what to make of it. It could be anything from an infection, to the early stages of M.S. to a tumor. My mom and dad are going to the neurosurgeon Thursday of this week.

Please pray for my dad and our family that this is nothing serious. The good news is that his doctor feels that whatever he has is very treatable and nothing to be overly concerned about, but that doesn't make me any less worried.

Gratitude - As Stolen from Misty

2008-11-15T15:01:00.000-08:00

My friend Misty started blogging once a day about things that she is greatful for. Since I know that I will never be able to keep up with her "one thing a day" pace, I decided to combine it all into one post.

So, I am thankful for the following things:

My family - we are all very close and talk all the time. In fact, we start to think that something is wrong if we haven't heard from each other all day. I am especially thankful for my husband, Kevin, for giving me a wonderful home and two beautiful boys. Matthew and Alex are what I am most thankful for in my life.

My friends - You know that old poem about friends that you talk to everyday, friends that you talk to once a month and friends that you talk to once a year? I have friends that span the whole spectrum. Luckily, they all understand and are just as busy as I am. I am thankful everyday that I have such a great group of friends that I can turn to at any time.

My job - I LOVE MY JOB!! 'Nuff said!

My health - I am so fortunate that I can provide health insurance for myself and my family, that I never have to worry about my boys getting in to see a doctor because I can't afford it and that God continually pushes me to stay in shape for the sake of my family.

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you all get a chance to take some time and give thanks for what you have all been blessed with.

Some pictures of some of my favorite people

2008-11-06T17:21:00.000-08:00

I had the opportunity to take a week off a few weeks ago and go south to Del Rio, TX. Thanks to my good friend Laurie for getting the ticket and picking me up in San Antonio. Del Rio was very HOT! I was thinking that it was too hot for October and had to laugh at all of the weenies who were whining the night it got down to 50 degrees. Just to give you some perspective...our high temperature today was 42 degrees, maybe.

Back in January a member of Kevin's family accused me of having an affair with David (wow, that was original...like I hadn't heard that one before). Anyway, the joke was that I was taking Alex to meet his real daddy, but as you will see from the pictures, Alex looks nothing like David so I guess that he must really be Kevin's. Too bad, Laurie would be an excellent step mommy to Alex. HAHAHAHA.

Here is me with Allen...I just love this kid. He can make you smile at any time!

Hm...I don't see a family resemblance...guess my secret is safe!

The Hanline Family

Aunt Laurie and Alex

Adult Halloween

2008-11-02T15:21:00.000-08:00

We went to a party last night that one of the CRNA's from the hospital threw at a covered barn. WE HAD A BLAST!!! It was so nice to have an evening of adult activities rather than spending the evening with our mouthy 4 year old (not that I don't enjoy time with them, but both Kevin and I needed a break). I went as Marilyn Monroe this year. Kevin got some playboy pj pants and went as Hugh Hefner. A great time was had by all!

"Marilyn and Hef"

He dipped me and my wig came off.

Alex Baptism

2008-10-28T16:04:00.001-07:00

We baptized Alex on Saturday, October 4. It was a bittersweet weekend...as it was 5 years ago that my Grandma Millie passed away. We miss her so much and I just know she would have loved my boys.

We are blessed to have wonderful Godparents for Alex. Thank you to Kristin, Phil, Eric and Jenna for being willing to guide Alex in his spiritual life. You are all very special to us and we love you very much.

Thanks, especially, to my wonderful friend Misty for taking such great pictures of all of us. If you want to see them click here.

Texas in October

2008-10-28T15:32:00.000-07:00

I just got back last night from a wonderful visit with my good friend, Laurie, and her family. I took Alex with me and we began our adventure last Tuesday morning at 6AM with a flight from Spokane to Denver, a short stop and on to San Antonio. Now, allow me to brag. Alex didn't cry once, not even a whimper. I think people naturally get very nervous when they see an infant get on a flight...but Alex impressed everyone with his ability to just sit there and be quiet. What a good baby! The drive from San Antonio to Del Rio was another story...have I mentioned that my baby HATES his car seat?

David and Laurie are moving to another home in Del Rio this week, so most of the week was spent packing up and taking small loads to their new house. Then, David gets the bright idea (on Friday night mind you) to have a yard sale on Saturday morning. This story will take an entirely separate blog. Let's just say that David wasn't as organized as he could have been and there were random people wandering into the room that I was sleeping in to look at the tv that was in the room. Ever been woken up by strange people looking at you speaking a foreign language?

Can you believe it?

2008-10-17T19:59:00.000-07:00

Here are the pictures of Alex at 2 months old. Right now he is not as happy as he looks in these pictures, so my post will be rather short. Gotta go rescue my little man from his mean old daddy (since this baby never wants him...just mommy!)!

Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-12T10:32:00.000-07:00

Last week my sister asked me if I wanted to take the boys to the Pumpkin Patch. I had never actually been to a "pumpkin patch" before, so I was totally game. We decided that we would go on Saturday afternoon. Matthew had a total ball. We left Alex at home with daddy because it was VERY cold here and VERY windy at Green Bluff. We picked out a pumpkin and then went into the play area for about 45 minutes so that Matthew could jump on all of the inflatable toys. He even met a nice older boy who helped him through one of the inflatable toys that required a little bit of climbing.

Here are some pictures. I know that I have derilect in getting pictures of Alex up, and I will do that, but I have most of the pictures at 2 months on my mom's camera. We are going for family dinner tonight, so I will blog a little bit from there. I can't believe how big he is getting and how much he is changing every day. Alex and I are headed to Del Rio to visit my friend Laurie in a couple of weeks, so his three month pictures will be taken there.

Looking at the pumpkins:

Let's see what's over there:

So many pumpkins, so little time:

I found one...better sit on it so no one else gets it:

Pumpkin picking makes me laugh:

Gee, I don't look like my mommy and Aunt do I?

The nice boy who helped me in the bouncer:

Alex - 2 Month Update

2008-09-30T15:54:00.001-07:00

Alex is getting bigger and bigger every day...I swear it! He had his first shots yesterday which were anything but fun. We spent the evening dealing with a very fussy little baby. He has also caught his first cold, so it was almost a double whammy for him.

Here are his "stats": he is currently 13 pounds, 10 oz. and 23 inches long. He started smiling at us about 2 weeks ago, which about the only thing that keeps me going when he is awake at 3am and refusing to go back to sleep.

I will get some new pictures posted tonight...I promise!

Matthewisms

2008-09-15T08:24:00.000-07:00

For those of you who are not Lutheran, I need to share with you the exchange that occurs at the beginning of each service so that you have a better appreciation of Matthew's exchange with his preschool teacher on Friday:

Pastor: May The Lord Be With You
Congregation: And Also With You

I go to pick Matthew up on Friday from school, which happens to be a part of our church. I am on my cell phone with Kevin (not driving) in the car having already buckled Matthew in. All of a sudden I hear this exchange:

Matthew: Goodbye Mrs. Nyholm
Mrs. Nyholm: Goodbye Matthew
Matthew: May the Force Be With You

Sunday we got up and went to service for the first time in 7 weeks. Matthew always goes to the nursery for the majority of the service, but we bring him out for communion and prayers at the end. Sunday he was particularly talkative

Matthew ("whispering"): Daddy, is it time to go?
Kevin: No, Matthew.
Matthew ("whispering"): Why?
Kevin: Because the service isn't over
Me: Matthew, be quiet
Matthew (in an even louder "whisper"): When are they serving the food and juice?

And, by far the funniest thing he said on our way out of the parking lot in the car on Sunday:

"See ya later suckers"

Back to School

2008-09-09T16:13:00.001-07:00

Matthew started school yesterday with orientation at St. Mark's Preschool. I think he is going to do very well with Mrs. Nyholm. She has been teaching preschool for 27 years at St. Mark's and seems to really know her stuff. Matthew was pretty comfortable in the room because it is the same room they use for nursery during church service. There are 4 other little boys in his class, so I am really hoping he will make some friends.

As usual, I was the only mommy who works. I don't know why that bothers me so much, but it just does. I guess I sometimes feel like they are all looking down on me because I don't spend every waking moment of my day with my kids. Thankfully, I have a great boss who will let me take some time away for things like field trips and special programs.

Matthew's class is the "Teddy Bear" class:

Here is Matthew sitting in "circle time" with his classmates:

Matthew helping to open a special new gift for his classroom with Mrs. Nyholm and the other boys:

Running - Take 2

2008-09-09T07:56:00.000-07:00

So, Misty and I took a couple of weeks off running because my knee ended up bruised with a huge amount of fluid floating around under the knee cap. On doctors orders I had to quit running until my knee didn't hurt when I walked. I reached that point (finally) this week...so we are back to running again. It actually felt pretty good. Even though we were following the Couch-to-5K program, my doctor didn't feel that I was ready for that yet since my body is not toned at this point.

Exercise is exercise, though, and we both deserve kudos for getting out of bed in the first place that early in the morning!

Alex's first photo shoot

2008-09-07T20:49:00.001-07:00

My friend Misty is the world's greatest photographer...I swear it! Anyway, she was kind enough to do pictures of my boys so that I can send some to the great grandmas and decorate their room with black and white pictures of them. Alex was in a pretty agreeable mood that day and poor Matthew...all he wanted to do was play with Nathan and Aria.

Click here to see the pictures!

More pictures with grandma and grandpa

2008-09-01T18:09:00.000-07:00

No weekend would be complete without a trip (or two) out to my parents house. I am so fortunate to live in the same town as my parents...it is so nice to have them be able to see my kids whenever they want...and they are fabulous grandparents to boot.

I think I am raising a future engineer of America!

2008-09-01T16:14:00.000-07:00

Matthew loves Hastings. Last night he went with Kevin while I hung out with my cousin Jenna and they found a "project" book. Kevin didn't want to buy it for him last night, but Matthew was so insistent about getting it that Kevin went to buy it for him today, along with a few supplies. They are at the table right now trying to get a "project" done. Of course, I had to take some pictures to share with all of you.

Every scientist must wear his safety goggles:

His "mentor"--daddy:

Getting ready to get to work:

One month already??

2008-08-31T16:44:00.000-07:00

Alex is officially through his first month of life. Overall, he is a very good baby. We had some issues with milk intolerance, so we now give him soy formula as a supplement and I have cut dairy out of my diet...for the most part (I sometimes slip and eat a slice or two of pizza). Matthew just adores being a big brother and is so cute with him. Our "baby" starts preschool on September 8. I feel like he is still so small and not old enough yet, and I fully expect to be emotional when I take him to meet his teacher.

Alex is also a pretty good sleeper at night. Kevin stays up with him until about 11:00and then puts him in his bed in our room where he sleeps until about 3:00. I get up to feed him and we are back in bed around 3:45, and he sleeps until about 7:00This has made getting back to work a lot easier for me, and for him, because he has the opportunity to nurse before I go in. Last week I started back 1/2 time and Alex struggled for the first couple of days, but he got better towards the end.

Thank you to all of you who continue to be a support for us. We are so blessed to have wonderful friends and family in our lives.

Running- Week 3 Day 2

2008-08-21T08:04:00.001-07:00

Please see Misty's blog. 'Nuff said. Happy Thursday...and if anyone knows how to make my knees feel better, please leave a comment, unless it is "stop running" because that is not an option.

Running - Week 3, day 1

2008-08-18T10:47:00.000-07:00

My knee hurts. I am pretty sure I look like a freaking moron when I run these days because it usually takes about 10 minutes for my knee to loosen up enough to run with a normal looking stride. So, any of you out there with any suggestions...lay them on me.

Today was difficult, but I think that is just because it is Monday. However, it could be the smell of the fresh cut grass that was bugging me too. Who knows...maybe I am just making up excuses too. Today involved an equal amount of running and walking, so you would think that it would have been a little easier, but for some reason it just wasn't.

Until Wednesday...

Running- Week 2--Complete

2008-08-16T07:46:00.001-07:00

Well, we made it through week 2. This morning started off with me noticing that my left knee is a little stiff and sore...wonder why? So, I am going to try and stretch out my knees a little better after running.

On another note, please write this down and commit it to memory...SPANDEX ARE A PRIVLEGE, NOT A RIGHT. I thought that this only applied to women until I saw a guy this morning at the track wearing shiny silver spandex...thank goodness for sunglasses! It's not that he was grossly obese or anything, it was the simple fact that men look funny in spandex and should not be allowed out of the house wearing them. I am guessing that this man is not married or his wife was sleeping as he was leaving the house because there is no way I would let Kevin out of the house in those.

Until Monday...wish us luck!

Running- Week 2 Day 2

2008-08-14T07:56:00.000-07:00

Check...done...I did it.

Thanks to a baby who didn't feel that sleep was necessary between 3 and 6 AM on Wednesday, Misty and I had to move to Thursday. Sorry to throw off the schedule Mist.

I also got on the scale on Tuesday and guess how much I lost?! NOT ONE POUND!! I was about to pack in the running thing and go back to eating my Hagen Daas Ice Cream on the couch while complaining about how large I am (not really, but it just gives you a visual of how disappointed I am) until I decided that Rome was not built in a day, and weight loss is something that is going to take me a few weeks. I am just anxious to get to my 6 week appointment having something to show for it other than a baby :-)

So...until Saturday!

Wii Fit Invades Our House

2008-08-11T20:14:00.000-07:00

Wii Fit is pretty cool. My sister and brother-in-law bought one that they decided they didn't want, so we bought it from them. Matthew loves it, and Kevin is using it to keep track of how much weight he is losing (he is down 1.8 pounds since last week). I haven't really gotten around to using it yet, but I know that I am doing something right because I was able to get back into a pair of pre-pregnancy pants this weekend (they were tight, but I could get them on, over my behind and even zipped without having to suck in!)

Here are some pictures of Matthew doing the ski jump...he was bummed because daddy filled up all of the "place holders" on the game, but I was pretty impressed with his skills.

My new slave...er, helper

2008-08-11T19:55:00.000-07:00

Matthew has really surprised me. He has been great with his little brother, a huge help to us and is doing much better than I expected him to do. Case in point, today I was washing up some of the bottles, nipples and parts to my pump when Matthew came in and asked if he could help. I told him sure, got him a bottle brush and proceeded to show him how to wash the bottles. Thankfully I had the camera handy.

Washing a bottle with his bottle brush:

When he starts complaining to me about how he has to do the dishes, I am going to show him this picture:

The happy worker and his mommy at the end of dish duty:

Running - Week 2 Day 1

2008-08-11T12:22:00.000-07:00

This morning was a little bit harder for me. Not sure if it is because it is Monday, or if it is because we had to run a little further this time with less walking. Just ask Misty, I was a little more whiny than usual! She did have to remind me that I wasn't walking long enough though!

I came home and took a 3 hour nap (thanks to my wonderful husband!). Alex slept better last night, but then the house cooled off to about 68 degrees and he wasn't content sleeping on his own anymore. I hate this house for this very reason...it gets either too hot or too cold...never just right.

Running - Day 3

2008-08-09T08:01:00.001-07:00

I am with Misty, blogging about this keeps me honest. I'll have you all know that it is Saturday, and I was at the track this morning at 7:05 AM, ready to run. Misty commented that if it weren't for the fact that I was going to be there, she would have just bagged it this morning and slept in...I agree with her! Good thing we have each other. I did have to go out and buy some new running shoes last night, which really made my foot feel better. I also found a nursing athletic bra at Motherhood Maternity.

The highlight of the morning was the unwrapped (couldn't tell if it was used, nor do I want to know) condom that was laying on the ground as we made our way down to the track. GROSS! I can already hear that conversation:

Guy: Honey, I know that this is our first time, and I have the perfect place.
Girl: Where?
Guy: Well, you know the big grassy area by the high school track
Girl: Oh baby, that is perfect! It will be the most romantic night of my life.

WRONG, WRONG, WRONG!!!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Running--Day 2

2008-08-07T09:22:00.000-07:00

Today was our second day on the Couch to 5K program. Even though Mr. Alex decided that 3:00 was a GREAT time to wake up this morning and refused to go back to sleep, I met Misty at the track at 7:01 AM (I was running a minute late on account of I couldn't get my lazy butt off the couch). I could feel that my muscles were a little angry with me for thinking that I needed to run again today, but overall it was pretty good...and I feel better knowing that I am working towards my 20 pound challenge.

So, I have done 30 minutes of exercise twice this week and Kevin has yet to make it to the gym...hope this head start doesn't mean that I will ultimately lose. When Kevin and I did weight watchers together he would lose 5-6 pounds per week while I would be lucky to get 5-6 ounces some weeks. HOW FRUSTRATING!! I am a terrible wife in that I am not being overly enthusiastic about getting him to the gym...but I am still trying to be supportive of his goals, mainly because his snoring has gotten a lot worse in the past few months and it is even starting to wake Matthew up at night.

I will weigh in again next week, just to see if there is any progress on the scale after a week of being good.

The 20 Pound Challenge

2008-08-05T15:30:00.000-07:00

I started running today with my good friend Misty. She had a baby a few months ago and we are both dying to get back into "pre-baby" shape. She told me about this Couch to 5K program and we started this morning...it wasn't TOO bad...but I am reminded that I am not a runner in any way, shape or form.

I stepped on the scale this morning too, just to see where I was sitting. To my surprise, I was 22 pounds lighter than I was the day I gave birth...which had me totally stoked! So, now that I am exercising 3 times a week again, I decided to challenge my husband to a little competition. 5 weeks from tomorrow we are going to weigh in again. Whoever has lost the most weight gets $150 towards something that they want. For me, it is going to be a sassy new outfit to go back to work in, for Kevin it is going to be towards a new bike.

Wish me luck...I totally want to kick his behind in this competition! :)

A day at Grandma and Grandpa's House

2008-08-02T21:38:00.000-07:00

Kevin helped my dad build an extension on to my parents deck today, so I took the boys, went shopping with mom and then we had a family birthday dinner for Kevin. Of course, we also had to take the time for pictures with grandma and grandpa...and I just had to share them.

Alex managed to open his eyes, which made his aunt Kristin very happy. He is doing really well. We are still working on getting the whole nursing thing down, but every day it gets a little better for us both. Matthew is a wonderful big brother and a huge help with Alex. Until next time...

Introducing Alex

2008-07-26T21:25:00.000-07:00

Here he is...the long awaited arrival of Alex is here...and we couldn't be happier. He is sleeping, so I am posting these and going down for a nap :)

Stay tuned...more will be coming in the next few days!

St. Gerard Prayers must have worked!

2008-07-26T16:04:00.000-07:00

Alexander Quentin Buck was born on 7.25.08 at 1:35pm at Sacred Heart Medical Center. He was 8lbs 3oz and 20.5 inches long. We just got home from the hospital, I am feeling great and will post some pictures very soon. I went into labor on Thursday night around 8:30, but didn't go into the hospital until 4:30 am on Friday...mainly because I knew that if I went to early they would just send me home to continue laboring. Dr. Barrong was able to deliver him and everything has been going really well.

So, thank you for all of you that joined me in the St. Gerard prayer...it must have worked!

Okay everyone...start praying

2008-07-24T12:28:00.000-07:00

I am not Catholic, I am Lutheran. We don't pray to saints, we pray directly to God. But, the benefit of working for a Catholic hospital is that we have Catholic sisters all around who can answer questions about praying to saints. Sister Rosalie is awesome...I love her to death and while I am not Catholic I am desperate...so I am asking you all to join with me in praying to St. Gerard, the patron saint of expectant mothers. I don't care if you are Catholic or not, the power of prayer is still one of the most amazing things there is in the world.

Here is the prayer:
O almighty and everlasting God, through the Holy Spirit, You prepared the body and soul of the glorious Virgin Mary to be a worthy dwelling place of Your Divine Son. Through the name of the Holy Spirit, You sanctified St. John the Baptist, while still in his mother's womb. Hear the prayers of your humble servant who implores You, through the intercession of St. Gerard, to protect me from the dangers of childbearing and to watch over the child with which You blessed me. May this child be cleansed by the saving water of baptism and, after a Christian life on earth, may we, both mother and child, attain everlasting bliss in heaven. Amen.

I had an ultrasound yesterday, he is big. Dr. Barrong checked me today, I am at a 4 and 85% effaced. What does this mean, you might ask. NOT A DARN THING! He doesn't think I will make it through the weekend, I told him I would see him on Monday at my OB appointment. I will remind you that I went in to be induced with Matthew at a 5, so I am not holding out any hopes for having this kid this weekend.

Does this make anyone else mad?

2008-07-22T14:57:00.000-07:00

Another summer day, another story about a "parent" leaving their toddler in the hot car. Everytime I read or hear about these, I get sick to my stomach. For example, a woman's young child died on her wedding day because she left the child in the car while she was getting her nails done. Apparently no charges were filed because she claims that she didn't know that her child was in the backseat. REALLY?? You mean to tell me that a toddler didn't make one single noise during the ENTIRE drive to the salon? Lady, what is your secret? I can't get Matthew to be quiet for 5 minutes.

Another story out of Salt Lake. Some jerk left his child in the car while he was inside a nice, airconditioned theatre watching the new Batman movie. After 2 hours, someone else coming into the theatre parking lot called 911. The theatre stopped the movie and the man was arrested, while fellow movie goers threw popcorn and pop at him...personally, lock him in there with the audience for 5 mintues and let them go to town on him. GET A BABYSITTER.

Being a parent is not about doing what is best for YOU, but what is best for your child. Why is it that people don't get this? Has our society become so selfish that innocent children suffer at the hands of parental stupidity? Why is it that you need a license to drive, to fish, to hunt...yet no one needs a license to have kids and then those children are treated in a way that would make any prisoner scream "cruel and unusual punishment". Sad thing is, the prisoner would probably win a court case...but these tiny little kids can't speak for themselves. It is time for people to start being more responsible and stop focusing on themselves. No wonder we are starting to see children who don't trust anyone and have no respect for authority...they were probably taught at a very early age that they can't depend on anyone but themselves.

36 Week Update

2008-07-16T08:45:00.000-07:00

I am now going weekly to the doctor. I have an ultrasound scheduled on the 21st (Monday) to determine the size, or anticipated size, of this little man. Dr. B said that we will be having more "discussions" on the 24th (my next appointment) as to the direction that we will be headed with bringing Alex into the world. I am currently sitting at a 3+ and 80% effaced. He was able to bring on some contractions yesterday after my exam, so that is good. While I am still have sporadic contractions, they have been lasting longer (i.e. every 10 minutes for 2 hours) before they stop. I just have a feeling that Alex is going to to hold out until the bitter end...just like his brother. In my heart I know that is best for him, but I am going off very little sleep at this point, and starting to go a little nuts!

I am starting to work shorter days due to swelling. It isn't really practical to put my feet up anywhere in my office and still work, and poor ankles get so swollen after about 4 hours of sitting. The good news is that Dr. B thinks it just water weight since my blood pressure is really good still and I am not spilling any proteins in my urine. Really, I couldn't be asking for things to go any better.

We have the stuff...now all we need is the baby

2008-07-10T18:30:00.000-07:00

I am sure that those of you who have been pregnant before can sympathize with this statement...I AM TIRED OF BEING PREGNANT. I am ready to meet Alex and to have a normal sized body again. Case in point, I could only work for about 6 hours today because my ankels became kankels about 2:00, and my toes went numb. Shoes are uncomfortable for sure! Alex has started slowing down in his movements...so I am hoping that means he is getting ready to join the world. Only time will tell, but my doctor told our babysitter that he predicts I will go on July 18 and she will go on August 18. THAT IS NEXT WEEKEND!!! YIKES!

My sister, Kristin, threw me a baby shower in June and a lot of my friends and co-workers were able to make it! A great time was had by all and we got a lot of really great stuff. Kevin and Matthew set up the bassinette last weekend and I have started washing all of his stuff (i.e. sheets, car seat cover, blankets)...so I am ready to go...now all I need is the baby!

Warm Weather brings Water Fun

2008-07-10T18:22:00.001-07:00

A couple of weekends ago it was HOT! 90 + degrees in Spokane, and I felt like it was about a million degrees in Spokane! My objective: stay in the basement with my feet up and some ice water. Finally by Saturday night I was going a little stir crazy, so I took Matthew out and bought him some squirt guns. It didn't take him long to figure out how to work those and we had a nice time cooling off with a squirt gun fight in our back yard. He got me pretty good too!

No, this wasn't a "pose for the camera" moment...he was actually shooting at me.

Even though I was soaked at the end, a good time was had by all...and I was much, much cooler!

4th of July goes to the dogs...literally

2008-07-05T08:41:00.000-07:00

We had a great 4th of July! I went into work for a few hours, then came home, took a nap, got up and went to my mom's house where we joined my family and our cousins for a nice relaxing evening of food and fun! My mom always outdoes herself! After dinner we left for the roof of the employee parking garage at Sacred Heart to watch the fireworks...best seat in town, especially because you don't have to fight downtown traffic trying to get home. Our friends Misty and Dave and Paul and Naomi and their kids all joined us!

We pull up to our house about 10:45 and notice a dog that is wandering around our yard. This poor dog is obviously lost and refused to leave our yard. Thankfully, the owners put a tag with their phone number on it. Just as Kevin was making the call about that dog, another dog came into our yard and refused to leave. Again, the owners had enough sense to put a tag on it, but there was one hitch...they didn't answer the phone! We called again about 20 minutes later...still no answer. Kevin calls Spokanimal (because the dog is licensed like they are supposed to be) and they tell us that WE need to keep the dog overnight until someone can come the next morning. So, I trek off to Safeway to get this poor dog some food and when I come back we notice how nervous the poor thing is. I tell Kevin that there is no way that we can just let him stay outside all night, banging up against our doors and crying, so he called Spokanimal again. Basically the response he got this time was "well, we'll let the authorities know that this dog may be wandering around". Um, okay...what is the purpose of licensing your animal (for it's protection, might I add) if the stupid people who run the shelter aren't going to come an pick it up.

At about 11:30 the owners called us and came to get dog #2. Apparently they had rescued him a few years ago and he gets very anxious. He was so happy to see his owners that he ran straight into our house and out the front door. What amazed Kevin and I the most was that both dogs that ended up in our yard had traveled a significant distance from their homes...couple that with the boom of the fireworks and we ended up with two very nervous animals...but two very happy owners.

The funniest part of all of this was Matthew..."so, what are we going to name our new dogs"?

Matthew Wayne Buck-Couture

2008-07-02T17:41:00.000-07:00

Matthew has been asking a lot of questions about Alex being born lately. So, tonight I found the CD of the pictures of him when he was born. He was totally amazed at how little he was. Funny thing is, he looks just about the same, especially when he is mad! :)

I went to the hospital on Friday, January 9, 2004 at 5:00 am for my induction. I was 39 weeks into a very long pregnancy and couldn't wait to hold my baby boy for the first time. The nurse started the pitocin at 6:00 am and Dr. Barrong came in and broke my water at 8:15 am. By 3:20 that afternoon (and after 2 hours of pushing and a baby who was stuck), Matthew Wayne Buck was born...9lbs 1oz, 20 inches long. I was so happy to have Kevin, my mom, Kristin and my dad all in the delivery room with me. And, for those of you who are wierded out by the fact that my dad was there, he spent the entire time in a rocking chair at my head.

Here are some pictures from the day our baby boy came into our lives.

Matthew and his grandma (you can see that their special bond began day 1):

Aunt Kristin and Matthew:

Probably one of my favorite pictures of Matthew and I:

Grandpa feeding Matthew one of his first bottles:

Matthew and the proud daddy:

Today's "Matthewism"

2008-07-01T12:57:00.000-07:00

I had a regular OB appointment this morning at 8:45, so we decided we would take Matthew with us. We were playing around and joking, but he got mad at me (over what I don't remember) and started tapping his foot at me.

Me: "Matthew, are you tapping your foot at me"
Matthew: "Sure sounds like it, doesn't it?"

Poor child, he comes by it honestly...but it is hard for me to deal with him when he gets like that!

Our Anniversary

2008-06-28T20:08:00.000-07:00

Kevin and I will be celebrating our 7th wedding anniversary in a couple of weeks (July 14). I was going through some old pictures tonight and found some that I just had to share with all of you from early on in our relationship. Happy anniversary, honey, I love you! We don't have anything too exciting planned since the 14th falls on a Monday and I will be about 37 weeks pregnant by then. Maybe a nice dinner or a nice lunch. Only time will tell!

For the first time, Mr and Mrs Buck

Me before the big moment with my girls

A few months before the wedding

On vacation in April 2001 with my family

I've Been Tagged

2008-06-27T09:09:00.000-07:00

Ihave been tagged by my friend April...so I decided to have a little fun on a Friday morning. Here is how it works..3 joys, 3 fears, 3 goals, 3 current obsessions/ collections, 3 surprise facts about you & then 3 people you want to tag!

JOYS: (do you feel like I'm yelling at you when I capitalize? because I AM!)

my son (and the one on the way)

my husband

my family/friends

FEARS:

Rollercoasters...I know it sounds crazy, but I am afraid I am going to fall out.

Losing people I love

The basement of my house...it is kind of dark and creepy down there! :)

GOALS:

Raise children who are productive members of society.

Get my house to a state of total declutterment (if that is a word!)

No more drama in my life.

CURRENT OBSESSIONS/COLLECTIONS

Getting ready for Alex's arrival

The Twighlight book series

Getting the budget done before I give birth

SURPRISE FACTS

My eyes are different colors

I cry when I get mad...even if it is over something stupid. I can't help myself!

I had LASIK surgery three years ago...best $ I ever spent.

I TAG

Misty

Jade

Barbara

Have fun ladies!

Dosen't It Just Figure

2008-06-26T14:28:00.000-07:00

Back in February, some of my friends in the OR scheduling office were going on and on about this book called Twilight by Stephanie Meyer and how I needed to read it. Well, I am always game for a good book and was looking for something to read...I finished it in 3 days. Then, I borrowed book 2and finished that in 4 days (only because I was reading it while I was in Texas visiting friends and felt obligated to socialize!). Now, I am not going to lie, book 3 sat around my house for a few months, but I finally decided I was ready to sit down and read it again...4 days later I finished that one too. Needless to say, I am hooked!

Book 4 is scheduled to come out on August 2. I already pre-ordered it through Amazon so that it will be at my house on August 2, but I am very nervous about this release date...given that it is only 3 days before my due date and there are already indications that I will go early. Thank goodness that my last official day at work is going to be August 1 with a planned induction date of August 5. That gives me 3 days to read book 4. If nothing else, I will just get the epidural early on in labor and read through my labor.

Pregnancy Amnesia...I don't think so

2008-06-23T21:10:00.000-07:00

I was complaining to my doctor that I didn't remember the last few weeks of pregnancy being this hard with Matthew. He said that is likely due to "pregnancy amnesia". It is the amnesia that women get about how lousy pregnancy can be so that they decide to have more kids later...forgetting until it is too late just how uncomfortable everything is.

Tonight as I sit here trying to find something to watch on tv, I realize that there is one thing I haven't forgotten about...the pain of giving birth. No "pregnancy amnesia" there. I remember exactly how uncomfortable Matthew's big head was. I just keep hoping that Alex has decided not to grow as big as his brother was (just a reminder, my "little man" was 9lbs 1oz). I have been working really hard at keeping my sugars under control so that Alex has no excuse to gain a lot of weight, but I am not getting my hopes up for a small baby either! I will be happy with 8lbs, I could even be happy with 8.5 lbs.

So, my friends, I ask for your prayers for a small head and small shoulders! I figure at this point, it can't hurt!

My pregnancy pictures

2008-06-21T08:25:00.000-07:00

I know I have said it before, but my good friend, Misty, is an amazing photographer. I just love to look at her work. Last weekend we went out and had some fun taking pregnancy pictures in an "urban" setting...and I have to admit...I don't look as bad as I had imagined I did! :)

If you want to see them, click here.

We started digging out all of the baby stuff last night. We tore apart the car seat so that I can wash all it all up and get ready to put it in our car. It is going to be kind of cramped having both kids in the backseat, but Matthew will just have to learn to deal! He is so anxious to get everything set up for Alex he can hardly stand himself! All week I have been bringing home baby gifts from people who couldn't make it to my shower today, and Matthew has had an absolute blast opening them all.

More pictures to come soon from the shower. Have a great weekend everyone.

Back to Work :)

2008-06-20T12:46:00.000-07:00

I saw the doctor today and he sent me back to work, no restrictions. Obviously if I start contracting again I need to go in, but I figure at this point I am just not going to worry about it! Alex is doing great and I didn't gain any weight in the last two weeks so I was happy :)

My baby shower is this weekend and I am very excited to see what Kristin has put together for me! She has worked really hard on everything, so I am sure that it will be a great time! Pictures to follow :)

Pregnancy Update

2008-06-16T14:25:00.000-07:00

Well, it was bound to happen. I knew that an "uneventful pregnancy" was too good to be true, especially after the problems I had while I was pregnant with Matthew. I had my first round of contractions yesterday that had to be stopped by medication. I forgot how much I hated terbutaline (the meds they used to stop them). It made me all shaky and crazy for about 30 minutes...Alex wasn't a fan either! So, here I sit at home...bored to tears...taking a break from some of the work projects I never seem to get to when I am in my office. Maybe a couple of days at home will be good for me!

Alex is doing really well. He was handling the contractions just fine yesterday, so at least we know there is no stress for him.

On a happier note...I had a great time with my friend Misty on Saturday. She is a wonderful photographer and we went out to do some pictures of me and my pregnant belly. I will share them as soon as she has time to get them proofed and sent to me. She really is very creative and I know that everything is going to look great!

Back to the grind. Another update soon!

Haircut Drama

2008-06-14T09:12:00.000-07:00

If there is one thing that Matthew hates more than anything in the world it is getting his hair cut. We literally have to prep him for about a week to get it done. We have tried taking him places here, but everywhere we have been requires that he sit on the chair by himself. I can tell you that isn't going to happen! So, a few months ago we bought our own set of clippers to start doing this at home. Last time I cut his ear, which freaked him out...this time I managed to poke him in the eye with the comb because he wouldn't hold still. Drama, drama, drama! You woud have thought that we were killing him.

Here is is after the incident...doesn't he look traumatized??

Matthew's New "Daycare"

2008-06-11T19:21:00.001-07:00

Imagine my surprise when I found out that Kindercare wanted about $1600 a month for both boys to go there full time. Why work? So, I started my search in March for a cheaper alternative and found something even better...somewhere that Matthew loves.

My boss, Marilyn, had mentioned to me on a business trip that her daughter Leighanna was thinking about watching a few kids out of her home. I jumped right on that and called Leighanna up a few days later to ask her if she would be interested in watching Matthew and Alex. She said she would and my immediate thought was "score!" This couldn't be a better fit for all of us. Matthew LOVES it at Leighanna's house. They play outside (when it isn't snowing), bake cookies, play the Wii...and even better...he comes home totally exaughsted at night because she doesn't force him to take a nap! Do you know how nice it is not to have to fight with a 4 year old to get dressed in the morning? On the flip side...do you know how annoying it is trying to convince him to come home with us at the end of the day? :)

What is even better for me is that Leighanna treats him just like she would treat her kids. He is learning how to get along with her 2 year old son and tonight when Myles fell and bumped his nose, Matthew ran over to kiss it and make it better. So cute! Leighanna is due about 4 weeks after we have Alex (she is having a boy too), and I know she is going to have her hands full...but there is no one I trust more to be able to handle it and still keep her sanity.

We Graduated??!!

2008-06-06T07:57:00.001-07:00

Kevin and I have been in marriage counseling for about 6 months to deal with some issues that have been causing problems for us the past 7 years. Not to give out too many details, but we basically had to figure out a way to create our own family without having any interference from the outside. Kevin, I might add, has done a fabulous job of standing up for himself and for me and taking back control of his life. I am such a proud wife!

So there were were, in Monica's office yesterday for another session, when she looked at us and said "you guys don't really need me anymore". All of a sudden I felt like a child getting a security blanket or favorite stuffed animal taken away. Can we really get through this without Monica guiding us?? The answer is YES!!! We are much stronger than we have been at any point in our marriage and I am so pleased to know that the work that we have been doing over the past 6 months has been what has saved our marriage.

For those of you out there who had hoped that we wouldn't make it through and that Kevin would divorce me...SCREW YOU! For those of you out there who have been super supportive of everything that we have been working for and providing not only verbal support but quiet support...THANK YOU!!!

31 Week Update

2008-06-02T10:18:00.001-07:00

Wow! I can't believe that I am posting about being 31 weeks pregnant. Where has the time gone?? :) There are certain things that I had forgotten about being "very pregnant". The main thing was how uncomfortable I was towards the end. I am now swelling in my feet every day, moving hurts, rolling over in bed hurts...and let's not forget having to get up a couple of times at night to go to the bathroom. The question comes to mind...can I really go another 8 weeks. But, then I remember that it will be here before I know it!

Everything still seems to be going good. I have been trying to get out and walk each day, but that becomes more and more difficult with as tired as I have been. Thankfully I work at a very large hospital where I park about a million miles away from my desk and my employees are scattered throughout the building! :)

Matthew and I went and registered for items for Alex at Target a couple of weeks ago with my mom and sister. We had a great time! He picked out the bedding and blanket for Alex...mom and Kristin helped pick out a lot of other things. Thank goodness for my mom, she was thinking about a lot of things that I would have walked by or missed. Kristin is doing a great job planning my baby shower...I am totally excited for it! It is so nice to have the support of my family, especially because there have been a lot of outside stresses this pregnancy. I am guessing that the delivery will be a family affair again. Kristin has already announced that she will be the "counter" when it comes time to push. My mom made me verify with Dr. B that he doesn't care if she is in the room...I told her it wasn't him I was worried about being nervous, but my labor nurse when she realized that she was taking care of the COO's oldest daughter. I told her she would be allowed in the room on the condition that she didn't try to deliver Alex...she made no promises! My dad is bummed that he might be in Billings when Alex is born, but I told him that I will most likely end up with an induction again, so he can be there if he wants. He was there for Matthew and it was so amazing to share that with my family. I told Matthew how everyone was there to welcome him into the world...and what a special boy he is to have a grandma, grandpa and auntie who love him so much! Kevin and I agree that Matthew will not be at the hospital until after Alex is born. Our cousin Jenna is going to take care of Matthew that day for us. She is so wonderful!

Well, back to the grind! Hope you are all having a great Monday so far!

Kids say the darndest things...part II

2008-06-01T20:24:00.000-07:00

Today I was over at my friend Misty's house to celebrate her newborn daughter, Clara's, blessing at their church. I was talking to her sisters about Matthew's new saying and Rachel's husband Sean (sorry if I misspelled it guys) pulled Matthew aside. A few seconds later, Sean told Rachel to ask Matthew "do you want a piece of me"...this time Matthew responded with, "no, I want the whole thing".

So, for the rest of the day Matthew kept coming up to me wanting me to ask him if he wanted a piece of me so he could use his new response. He even did it with my parents tonight...and of course got a huge laugh as a response. At least it wasn't hours of knock knock jokes (which has been even more popular in recent weeks at our house)!

Kids Say the Darndest Things

2008-05-28T18:18:00.000-07:00

This morning Matthew woke up in an a less than stellar mood. We had a doctors appointment today for surgery follow up with Dr. Olds. Matthew graduated from the ENT doctor! :) Unless he ends up with a lot of ear infections again, he doesn't have to go back to Dr. Olds. YAY!

As we were sitting on the couch, I was telling Matthew that he needed to go get dressed so that we wouldn't be late. He looked at me and told me that he wanted to watch one of his shows (we were watching the Today Show), and that he wasn't going to go and get dressed. I looked at him in the eyes and told him that he wouldn't be watching his shows this morning and to go get dressed. With a deadpan face he looked back at me and said "mom, you want a piece of me?". I seriously couldn't stop laughing. I asked him where he came up with that saying and he informed me that he learned it from daycare.

In the words of Bill Cosby, kids say the darndest things!

GTT Update

2008-05-23T17:56:00.000-07:00

I had my appointment with Dr. B this morning to discuss the results of my GTT. Turns out, I didn't fail as badly as I was led to believe. I didn't pass either, but my diabetes is more of a "glucose intolerance". I tracked my sugars all week with my monitor and showed them to Dr. B today who agreed that I am managing this just fine with diet and exercise. WAHOOO!!! I am going to be very disciplined for the next 9 weeks to avoid a baby larger than Matthew (9lb 1oz) and will have one more ultrasound in 6 weeks to get an idea of what is happening with his size, position, etc.

I can't believe it is only 9 more weeks until we get to meet our little man. I am so excited to hold him for the first time and introduce him to his daddy and big brother.

Week 29 Update

2008-05-19T12:34:00.000-07:00

Here is a quick update on me at 29 weeks of pregnancy.

Alex is moving like a mad man. He loves to roll, stretch and slide up under my ribs to kick me. His new favorite activity is kicking me from 2:00 - 4:00 AM, then going back to sleep after he has made sure that I am awake. All of the activity leads me to believe that he is still pretty small, but who knows. I know he recently went through a little growth spurt because he wasn't moving as much and I was very tired.

The test results came back from my glucose tolerance test and I failed the three hour test, so that means back to the doctor with me on Friday and I will probably have to start having non-stress tests and at least one more ultrasound before he comes. I have been monitoring my blood sugars this whole pregnancy and going to the gym 4 times a week, so I am hoping that Dr. B will just let me do this by watching my diet and exercising instead of oral insulin. He will make the ultimate call...as long as I don't have another 9 pounder I will be happy! It was 90 degrees here this weekend and I blew up like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man...so, here's to hoping it doesn't get too warm in June and July!

Matthew is getting more used to the idea that Alex is coming. He told me the other day that Alex will be too little to play the Wii and that my job is to change all of the diapers and daddy's job is to play with Matthew. We'll see about that one! :) My biggest concern is how he is going to handle a little competition for attention from his grandma and grandpa. He is so used to being the only grandchild that I wonder how he will handle Alex getting some of the attention. My mom and I are already planning a trip to Billings to see my grandma when Alex is about 3 weeks old...Matthew is going to go with us, which will be fun for him. My mom is talking about taking a week off when Alex is born so that she can spend all the time with Matthew, which I just know he will love. He is so attached to her...it is so nice to see.

FINALLY!

2008-05-10T17:25:00.000-07:00

Kevin walked through graduation today. He will be done with his thesis by June 9, so by the beginning of the summer he will no longer be a college student! YEAH!!!

I will post some pictures later of Kevin in his cap and gown. We decided not to do any pictures today because Matthew wasn't with us. Tonight we are having a BBQ at my parents house and our cousins, Eric and Jenna, will be joining us with their kids. Small party...but it will be fun all around.

More to come....

My boys...angels when they sleep

2008-05-06T17:51:00.000-07:00

These past couple of weeks I have been at work quite early (6:00 - 6:30) because of meetings. It is nice because then I get to go home at 3:00, but it is also kind of lame because I am super tired these days and could probably use about 2 more hours of sleep in the morning.

Per my usual, I got showered, got dressed and did my hair and makeup. Even though he isn't usually awake, I always go into Matthew's room to kiss him on the forehead and look at my sleeping angel. Then, I head out to the couch (where Kevin has been sleeping recently due to an excessive amount of snoring!) and kiss my husband on the forehead and sneak out quietly. Well, this morning, I found this instead of a sleeping boy in his bed:

They were both on the couch sleeping. I woke Kevin up to find out if everything was okay, apparently Matthew had a pretty restless night. I left the house this morning with a big smile on my face, because I know that soon Kevin is going to have two little boys who want to sleep with him on the couch!

26 Weeks

2008-05-04T21:29:00.000-07:00

Okay, for your viewing pleasure...here are some updated pictures of me at 26 weeks pregnant.

I feel huge. But, I remember that I only have about 13 weeks left to go and I realize that it isn't so bad! I am much better off now than I was when I was pregnant with Matthew...so we really do have a lot to be thankful for. Now, I am just strategizing how I am going to get back into all of my cute work clothes in November!

It's a....

2008-05-02T10:29:00.001-07:00

Okay, most of you out there know what we are having...so this isn't going to be a shocking post for you. But, there have been a few people who have been "left out in the cold" so to speak on how this pregnancy is going (basically because I don't think they really care how I am doing)...so I decided to post a quick update on how things have been going thus far.

First of all, we are having another little boy. His name will be Alexander (Alex)Quentin. Matthew picked out the first name...the middle name is in honor of my mom's dad who is no longer with us. I miss my grandpa everyday and wish that he was here to see my kids.

I am 25 weeks pregnant. Everything is going fine. I make it to the gym 3-4 days a week and there are no concerns. The doctor has told me to make sure and keep my stress at a minimum, so I have been working only 8 hours a day and really working at not stressing over things or people. It is very freeing when you quit caring about what people think or do, especially when past behaviors have indicated that they will never change. Kevin has been amazingly supportive of my feelings and has just let me go and do my thing. He is so wonderful! All of the stress that we have been under lately has only brought us closer together as a couple.

A Cruel Joke

2008-04-28T12:24:00.000-07:00

I want to preface this blog by saying that I love where I work. I love the people, the mission, the vision, the values...all of it fits right in with what I look for in an employer. The one thing I am taking issue with, these days, is a little clause in the dress code that states that women must wear nylons if they are going to wear skirts or capri pants. I am not taking issue with the fact that I understand the need to cover thet feet for infection control reason or the fact that a lack of nylons looks extremely unprofessional...I just believe that there should be certain exemptions, like pregnancy.

Allow me to explain for those of you who have never been pregnant. It is hard to bend over, bring my leg up to my knee or do anything that requires any kind of body contortion to get it done. This includes putting on nylons. Especially because the pregnancy nylons are compressed, making it even harder to get them on. So, there I was this morning, trying to get my nylons on, leaning back on the bed to get my leg up, breathing heavily as I attempted to force said nylons over my legs and up to my waist...keeping in mind that it was literally fighting an uphill battle because they didn't want to budge (thank you for the compression part of the nylon). When I finally got dressed I was exaughsted and ready for bed again. Keep in mind, it is only Monday...and I am only 25 weeks pregnant with plenty of time left for me to get bigger, and bigger, and bigger. By June I suspect that I will not be wearing nylons, but knee highs (which are just as uncomfortable because the band cuts into your leg).

I tried pleading my "case" to our Chief Operating Officer but got no where. She basically said "suck it up...you're a manager". Keep in mind, she may have been more sympathetic to anyone else complaining but I, being her daughter, am in a very unique position.

Guess I will just have to warn Kevin that if he hears a huge thud coming from our room one morning, he better come and check on me...chances are good that I will be on the floor with nylons around my knees!

Our little soccer star

2008-04-26T13:06:00.000-07:00

Kevin and I really wanted Matthew to get involved in some kind of a team sport this spring, but we were told that he didn't make the cut for age because he wasn't born before 12/31/03 (his birthday is 01/09/04). Thanks to my good friend Misty, who has awesome connections, we were able to get Matthew signed up for spring soccer through the Spokane Youth Sports Association. So, every Saturday for the past 3 weeks we have been going to soccer, 30 minutes for practice, 30 minutes for a game. It is really cute, and Matthew is learning some great skills!

Since it was so nice out today, Kevin brough the camera with him (while I was at the DMV getting my license renewed) and took some pictures before I got there. Just had to share them.

Doing push-ups before practice:

Baby must be growing

2008-04-25T09:51:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been incredibly tired and worn down, so I have decided that our little one must be growing. That, combined with the fact that sleep is constantly interrupted by the need to pee, has made me one tired mommy to be. I can tell that I am more tired because I am also more irritated...at just about everything. So, if I bite your head off in the next few weeks, please just bear with me! I don't mean it, I promise! :)

The Best Babysitter Ever

2008-04-19T22:16:00.001-07:00

Last fall I posted an ad on a local college website looking for a babysitter for Matthew once a week. We found our babysitter in Pullman this way and had great success with her, so I figured it would have to work again...and it did!

Tonight Kevin and I went on a date with my parents to see a movie. Earlier in the week, Matthew asked me when Jessica was going to come over and play with him again. He really loves it when she comes over because she enjoys his new favorite thing...Star Wars. As we walked in the door tonight I heard them playing in his room. Matthew came out to greet us as soon as he heard our voices and then Jessica came into the kitchen, lightsaber in hand and wearing one of his blankets over her head as a cape. It was the greatest thing I have ever seen. What was even better was that my dishes were done and the kitchen was cleaner than I left it. She is awesome! I just wish she wasn't graduating in a few weeks and moving away.

Matthew just loves her and was totally bummed when she had to leave tonight. He asked her if she would come back soon (she said she would) and then gave her a big hug. SUCCESS! Guess I will have to find something for Kevin and I to go do next week for a couple of hours so that he can have some more Jessica time.

Four is not my favorite age

2008-04-16T09:03:00.000-07:00

My friend Misty and I have discussed this quite a bit over the past few weeks, but I just want it known that 4 is not my favorite age. Whoever coined the phrase "terrible twos" obviously never had a 4 year old. Lately, Matthew has become extremely mouthy, demanding and forgetful of his manners on a fairly regular basis. Here is a typical conversation these days:

Me - "Matthew"
M - "What"? (sharp, irritated tone)
Me - "Could you come here please"
M - "No"
Me - "But I need to talk to you"
M - "But I don't need to talk to you"

My other personal favorite is the way the just break down, over nothing at all. For example, this morning I heard Matthew crying in his room so I went in there to see what was wrong. When I walked in, he looked at me and started crying even more because he wanted his daddy, not his mommy. So, then I had to waddle out to the couch to find Kevin (who was snoring, as usual, which is why he was on the couch) and wake him up to go and console our child.

I think if you survive the 4's once, you will be okay for future children...but I am certainly not looking forward to them again. Ah...only 9 more months until he turns 5! It gets better, right?

Things that I have learned

2008-04-10T18:09:00.000-07:00

2008 didn't start out to be the best year ever...but looking back on the first 90 days or so of the year I have learned a lot about myself, and more specifically, about the strength of my marriage. As many of you know, Kevin and I will be celebrating our 7th wedding anniversary this year (hard to believe, isn't it?) and I must say that during those 7 years we have endured a lot together as a couple. Everything from school to family issues...I am happy to say that we have emerged a much stronger couple.

So, here are some things that I have learned:

* It's okay to not always be right. I have learned that even though I am strongly opinionated, Kevin does have a valid point every now and again :)

* Our personalities are completely different. Those of you who know us know that I am, by far, the more pushy one of the two. Our personality differences were recently explained to us through a personalysis. It was so interesting to hear about my personality traits and Kevin's personality traits...because it is so dead on when you think back to certain situations and how we handled them. For example, one of my personality traits is that I can take something for so long and then another event will occur that will be a "deal breaker" and I will be completely done with the person/people involved and not willing to have any kind of relationship with them. It will also be very difficult for me to want to try and have any relationship again. Kevin, on the other hand, will always wonder where in the world this came from and why it "broke" at that particular moment without much warning. (this is so true, by the way, that it is scary!)

* It is okay to seek help. This has been, by far, the biggest revelation. For those of you who think that seeking help from a third party to help work through some issues is a sign of weakness in your relationships, I would challenge you to think again. Not only has this experience helped us learn to communicate better as a couple, but we have emerged much stronger and more committed to each other.

* Sometimes you have to cut people out to get back to the basics. When it comes down to it, all that matters is the relationship between Kevin, Matthew, this new baby and I. It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks, as long as we are on track with each other and doing the best thing for our family

* Those who claim to love you can try to tear you apart. I have shared with some of you the hurtful act of one individual that almost tore our marriage apart in January. Once we stepped back and realized how vindictive and manipulative this person is, we realized that we cannot allow this person to be a part of our lives in any capacity. I would challenge each of you to cut out the "toxic" people in your life...you will be thankful that you did.

* I have learned how to "pick my battles" which is something that my father has been trying to get me to do since we got married. I was amused today when I realized that it was me asking Kevin whether or not a particular battle was worth it...not the other way around.

And finally, always have a game plan. It doesn't have to be a real strategic plan, but make sure that you take time to sit down and talk about what would be best for each person involved. I have found that we often come to a happy compromise when we sit back and really listen to each other. And, I am happy to report that I have never been so content and secure with Kevin as I am right now!

We Hit a Wall

2008-04-05T15:58:00.000-07:00

Matthew is post surgery 8 days today and we have hit "the wall" that Dr. Olds warned us about. Poor thing keeps waking up in the middle of the night, hurting from the scabs that are starting to heal now, needing more pain medication...needless to say, he's got two very sleep deprived parents right now.

We have our follow up on April 10 with Dr. Olds and we don't anticipate any problems. I called the nurse on Friday since Matthew was almost out of his pain medication (they had us give it to him every 4 hours for the first 4 days) and she was very nice and called us in some more to help get through the wall! Today has been a pretty slow day at our house. He is going back to daycare on Monday, so we'll see how a full day of activity goes.

Again, a special thank you to our friends, Paul and Naomi, for letting Matthew come to their house on Monday and Wednesday and to my dad for watching Matthew for us on Friday. You are all wonderful!

Matthew Update

2008-03-30T21:23:00.000-07:00

For those of you who I haven't talked to yet this weekend, Matthew is doing very well. He still needs his pain medication every 4 hours, which requires one of us to get up in the middle of the night to get it, but once it all kicks in you wouldn't know at all that he just had surgery on Friday. We were told that day 3 and 4 would be the hardest, and that is tomorrow and Tuesday, so I guess we'll see what those days bring.

We took some pictures pre-op of him, just to make him a little less nervous, and I will be sending those out via email instead of posting them here. He was so cute in his little scrub pj's! :)

The only other challenge was who was going to take care of him this week for us since both Kevin and I had to work, my mom was out of town, my dad is out of town and Kristin has to work. I would like to extend a huge thank you to our friend, Naomi, who is going to take care of Matthew for us tomorrow. After that, my dad is back in town, so I am hoping he can help us (I doubt there will be much arm twisting there!).

Quit Touching Me

2008-03-30T21:03:00.000-07:00

Allow me to vent:

I don't understand what it is about complete strangers feeling that they can invade your personal space when you are pregnant. If I was heavy, would these same people feel the need to "reach out and touch" my stomach? Case in point, tonight I went to the store to get some ice cream and waffle cones. The cashier was asking me about whether or not I thought Angelina Jolie was having twins and when I said "they thought I was having twins at first" she reached out and touched my stomach and said..."when are you due?"

So, again, my personal space was violated. The sad thing is, this is not the first time. My advice, quit touching women you don't know. I don't mind it if I know you, but if you wouldn't be able to pick me out of a lineup of other pregnant women, DON'T TOUCH ME! Hands off, leave me alone.

On a happier note, we only have a couple of more weeks until we find out what we are having! I can't wait! I won't be posting it on my blog, however, so be watching your emails for the announcement.

Disney World

2008-03-26T15:27:00.001-07:00

The first official day was spent at Disney World. We had a great time, although we probably weren't the best parents in the world since the first ride we had Matthew go on was Pirates of the Carribean, followed by Big Thunder Railroad and then the Haunted Mansion. We tried to get him on Splash Mountain, but he wouldn't have it. At the end of the day we took him back to go swimming for awhile and decided that we would head back to the park to spend some time doing some more "age appropriate" rides, which included the Carousel, Snow White's Adventure and finally, driving with daddy on the International Speedway.

Here is us outside Main Street USA:

Matthew riding on Grandpa's shoulders down Main Street USA:

Grandpa and Matthew at Pirates:

Matthew and grandma and grandpa after the Haunted Mansion:

Matthew and us after the Haunted Mansion:

I never realized how much I looked like my dad:

Watching the parade at the end of the day on Grandpa's shoulders:

Matthew really enjoyed the day. Every time we asked him if he liked a ride he said "yes". Then we asked if he wanted to do them again and he said "no, I'm good".

It's a....

2008-03-25T09:29:00.000-07:00

Baby! I was expecting to be able to get my ultrasound this week, but there were problems with the authorization on the insurance and Dr. B's wonderful staff worked very hard for me last week to get everything authorized. So stay tuned...we have an appointment in April.

We're Back!

2008-03-23T10:25:00.001-07:00

Well, after a VERY long trip yesterday, we are home from Florida. Needless to say, vacation was just too short. So, I am going to be posting a few stories over the next week to give you all an update on our wonderful vacation to Florida. I would like to start by showing you pictures of Matthew with my parents...since they are the reason that we all could go! He had such a great time and it was so special for Kevin and I that he got to share all the magic of Disney with my parents. Mom and dad....we love you!

Here is Matthew on the deck of our condo with Grandma!

Here is Matthew with Grandpa getting ready to go to dinner on our first night there.

In DisneyWorld with Grandma...waiting to go in.

With Grandpa at Daytona...also known as Meca for my NASCAR fans!

Walking to the beach with grandma and grandpa

With Grandpa and Daddy at test track

He's grandma's boy!

I just love how well she treats him...just like he was her own!

Girl or Boy?

2008-03-14T14:43:00.000-07:00

We had our monthly appointment with Dr. B today. Matthew and Kevin came with me so that Matthew could hear the heartbeat, which I thought would help him understand that the baby is alive...just living inside mommy's tummy right now. His eyes got very big when he heard the heartbeat...it was so cute!

So, the heartbeat continues to be rapid at 157 bpm. So, my question to all of you blog readers out there...is it a boy or a girl? The answer will be coming in just two short weeks, as we received our order for an ultrasound today for the week of the 24th.

Stay tuned...I am off to pack our bags for Florida! I can't wait! :)

Let the Countdown Begin!

2008-03-09T20:52:00.000-07:00

Let's just start by saying that I have the most wonderful parents in the entire world! Back in November they surprised us (me, Kevin, Matthew, Kristin and Phil) with the news that we would all be going to Florida in March...airfare and condo courtsey of them! YAY!!! We leave on Saturday morning and I can't wait! My mom and I took Matthew shopping for clothes this weekend since my little sting bean didn't have any shorts that fit. He was so cute checking himself out in the mirror in his new clothes. He helped me pick out everything we bought...down to the swim suit! What a little character!

I am so excited to see his reactions to everything. I remember going to Disneyland for the first time and how exciting and magical it was...I think that this trip is going to be just as magical and exciting because I will be seeing it through his eyes this time. And the fact that he gets to share his first experience at Disneyworld with my parents makes it all that much better! I wouldn't have it any other way! He doesn't know yet, or really understand yet, that we are also making a day trip to Daytona to see the racetrack. My little NASCAR fan should get pretty excited when we get to take a ride on the track and visit Pit Road and Victory Lane.

I will post the pictures when we get back!

Ah, Texas in February

2008-02-29T17:27:00.000-08:00

I just got back this past week from a wonderful, warm trip to Del Rio, Texas where I visited some friends of ours, David and Laurie. It was so nice to see the sun and be in 80 degree weather...of course I promptly got sick upon my return, but it was all worth it.

This is their oldest, Allen. Isn't he a cutie?! When he heard me on Friday morning he bounced over on his bed to give me a hug...I just love this little guy!

This is Jacob, their youngest. As you can see, he wants to be just like his daddy when he grows up!

Of course, no trip would be complete without taking self pictures of you with your two good friends...if only David didn't look so tortured to be there with me...

Really, he does like me...I swear it. The day I get this guy to smile in a picture...I will make a million dollars.

Baby Buck - Week 15 update

2008-02-21T11:59:00.001-08:00

Kevin and I just got back from our appointment with Sara, Dr. B's nurse practitioner. We heard the baby's heart beat...a strong 146 bpm. She didn't even have to search for the heartbeat...which was different than with Matthew. So, I am still on the fence about what we are having, but I guess we'll find out in a few weeks at the end of March.

I will get an updated picture of my growing stomach...until then!

Our little NASCAR driver

2008-02-17T19:35:00.000-08:00

Today was officially "opening day" for the 2008 NASCAR season. The Daytona 500 was on, but on our street we had a little race of our own.

For Christmas my parents bought Matthew an official #8 race car that he can drive himself. Today it was actually nice enough for him to get out in the street and drive it. He was so cute racing up and down the street, with Kevin following behind making sure that he didn't get hit by any cars. When my mom and I came back from shopping this afternoon he wanted to race her as she was leaving. Since she is the best grandma in the world (Matthew's words, not mine), she raced him...and he won! So, here is to a great NASCAR season!

Go Red 2008

2008-02-16T09:40:00.000-08:00

I had an amazing opportunity this year to be part of the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women event. This event promotes heart health for women. Did you know that Cardiovascular disease is the #1 killer of women? As wives and mothers, we are often so consumed with taking care of our families and not taking care of ourselves. My challenge to each of you this year is to take more time for yourself, fit in 30 minutes of exercise each day and learn to say no. Personally, I know that I struggle with each of these three challenges, but my mom reminded me when she spoke at the lunch that my own grandmother died of cardiovascular disease. She was only 74 when she died and has missed out on so much these past 4 years. The birth of Matthew, Kristin's wedding and now the birth of our second child. Our theme this year was mothers and daughters. The catch phrase was "love your heart, she does". Sacred Heart was this year's sponsor. Below is our Sacred Heart committee member photo.

This is just so Matthew

2008-02-11T20:33:00.001-08:00

I went in tonight to pick up Matthew at Kindercare. I saw him, gave him a hug, got his coat and blanket and went to check his folder. This is what was waiting for me

This was the note that was on the back:

If you click on the pictures they get better. This is the best I can do with a scanner. I always thought his teachers were just kidding when they told me how entertaining Matthew can be at school, apparently I was wrong. I just look at this picture and have to laugh! I hope you did too.

Some pictures of the snow

2008-02-03T16:32:00.001-08:00

Here are some pictures of the snow...now that it was nice enough to get outside and take some pictures :)

Here are the icicles that formed off of our gutters. Kevin just got out there and knocked them down.

Here is how far the snow comes up on our mailbox.

Here is a tree in our front yard...the snow is just above the top of the trunk.

Here is the accumulation outside of our front door. Kevin had to plow a little path for us to walk.

The sun has come out...finally!

2008-02-03T11:55:00.000-08:00

Last week was the snow week from hell. It all started last Saturday, when it snowed for 24 hours straight. We got about 17 inches of snow in that first 24 hours. Then on Monday, the snow continued with a vengence. All in all, last week we accumulated almost three feet of snow in our front yard. I am afraid to see what all of the small trees in our yard are going to look like when all of this melts. The plows finally came through on Thursday to bail us out so that we could get off of our street.

Even though there was a lull in the snow, there was definately not anything boring at our house. Matthew woke up on Friday with a fever of over 103. He was crying, saying that he hurt, and was very tired. I have never seen him so tired in my life. Kevin and I took him to the pediatrician, only to find out that my baby has type A influenza, and a strain that was not covered in this year's flu vacine (which all of us made sure to get). So, now we just sit and wait and hope that Kevin and I don't get it. With me being pregnant, they are worried about a high fever. I have been washing my hands like a mad woman and trying not to get sick...although that is hard with a little man who only wants his mommy.

So, today the sun is out and it is putting me in a much better mood. We go to Florida with my family in about 6 weeks...yay for my parents who decided to pay for our plane tickets and condo for a week! They even bought Matthew the cutest luggage for his birthday. He is so spoiled by them!

Snow, snow and more snow

2008-01-27T18:58:00.000-08:00

This is INSANE!!! Last week it was down into the negative digits...yesterday we got snow...and snow...and snow...and more snow. It is crazy. We measured 17 inches on our deck, Kevin is outside shoveling it off right now.

Needless to say, I am so over this!

Matthew's big news!

2008-01-25T18:15:00.000-08:00

When I went to pick Matthew up tonight I was greeted by his teacher, Miss Erin, with some really great news. As of February 1, he will be moving up into the Pre-Kindergarten class at Kindercare! They feel that he is advanced enough in his knowledge of basic concepts in his current class that he is ready (and needing) to be with some older kids! We are so thrilled!

11 week picture

2008-01-22T16:49:00.000-08:00

As promised, here I am at 11 weeks pregnant.