I never thought I'd think a tumbleweed was cute until I saw my daughter play with one in the same way a privileged child would play with a new puppy.Wednesday, January 28, 2009
A New Pet
I never thought I'd think a tumbleweed was cute until I saw my daughter play with one in the same way a privileged child would play with a new puppy.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Why we don't want to know...
When we were pregnant with our first child we had nothing in the way of baby things. We had lots to make and buy in preparation for that child, so we found out what gender it was. With our second there was a chance that it would turn out to be a different gender which would require more preparation, so we found out again. Now we have all the supplies we need for this one, so why find out???
Here is a general break-down of why we have chosen to wait until we see the child with our own eyes before finding out what gender it is:
We already passed the most difficult part when we had our ultrasound last Friday. The technician was an expert at keeping the private parts private so no matter how hard we tried to see something we still didn't see.
There is a catch though. My sister has all my old baby clothes so she's going to need to know what we're having so she can send us the right stuff. So the technician was nice enough to write it down and seal it in an envelope. The mystery envelope should be arriving at my sister's house any day now.
Do YOU want HER to tell you what we're having?? You have to meet these simple requirements to be able to know the news:
P.S. Pictures from the Ultrasound to come later (gotta get 'em on the computer somehow...)
Here is a general break-down of why we have chosen to wait until we see the child with our own eyes before finding out what gender it is:
- We already have blue stuff; we already have pink stuff. Essentially, we're already prepared.
- We found out with our other two, so now it's time for something new!
- We don't want to be tempted to purchase MORE baby stuff (since (aside from a few things we need) we already have enough to get by for the first few weeks/months)
- We have discovered how much FUN it is to make other people think we're crazy.
- We like playing the "name game" too much to only have to decide on one gender of names.
- We want to experience how it was in the 'olden days' when nobody ever found out what they were having.
- It's like a game... and we're WINNING!
We already passed the most difficult part when we had our ultrasound last Friday. The technician was an expert at keeping the private parts private so no matter how hard we tried to see something we still didn't see.
There is a catch though. My sister has all my old baby clothes so she's going to need to know what we're having so she can send us the right stuff. So the technician was nice enough to write it down and seal it in an envelope. The mystery envelope should be arriving at my sister's house any day now.
Do YOU want HER to tell you what we're having?? You have to meet these simple requirements to be able to know the news:
- You must not live within 200 miles of us
- You must not contact us via phone until the baby is born (unless you're Mom or Bekah.. I trust you)
- IF you email us you must have someone else proofread your emails BEFORE you send them to make sure you don't slip up.
- You cannot make any sort of mention of the gender ANYWHERE on the internet.
- You cannot tell anyone who does not meet these requirements
- You must somehow convince my sister to give up the information (she does accept bribes)
- You must be related to me in the motherly or sisterly sort of way.
P.S. Pictures from the Ultrasound to come later (gotta get 'em on the computer somehow...)
Message from the Lord
Ruth LOVES to sing in the car (almost as much as she likes to listen to audio books). Here is Ruth singing along with a veggie tales song titled "Message from the Lord"
(Sorry about the the bad video.. blame my phone, it's primary objective is not to capture video).
(Sorry about the the bad video.. blame my phone, it's primary objective is not to capture video).
Number One
Jones and I have officially begun reading our first book together for the year. (okay.. we're cheating!!! We're listening to an audio version of it!)
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaimon is the coolest book ever. Stay tuned for our full report when we finish it in the next couple days!
So what do YOU think? Is listening to an audio book the same as reading a book? Do you consider it cheating when you are supposed to be reading it? Please! I need some answers so I can know whether or not my guilt is justified!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Pregnancies.
I've been thinking a lot about my past pregnancies lately. I don't know why. Maybe it's because I'm going through it again and noticing how completely different they all have been. I'm trying to compare this time to the previous two in hopes that that will help me determine the gender of this baby but what I've come up with so far is that I'm having a half-boy-half-girl-half-alien. I thought it'd be good for journal reasons to write down and compare my different pregnancies. If you don't care or want to be spared the details then you have my permission to skip this one. It's mostly for me and my descendants to read anyway.
Pregnancy #1: Ruth
Dates of pregnancy: August 2003 through April 2004 (approx. 9 months)
How I found out: I peed on a magic stick, it told me I was expecting. I wasn't surprised though...I was two weeks late.
How I felt emotionally: Embarrassed (it was un-planned after all...), Excited (I had planned my entire life to have children), Nervous (I have to push something the size of a watermelon out of where?!?!). No real changes in actual day-to-day emotions.
How I felt physically: the first 8 weeks were great! after that I was nauseated ALL the time and the smell that bothered me the most was the smell of my husband after a long day at work (sorry Jonesy, I still love you!). The nausea did not end until Ruth was born. Had heartburn so bad I felt it in my ears.
Cravings: none.
Aversions: Husband's sweat, the sight of a large family-size can of Wal-mart brand Ravioli (still makes me feel yucky--the small sized can didn't/doesn't have any effect on me), and many, many other things.
Felt First Movements: I was probably around 24 weeks when I first felt Ruth kick me.
Braxton Hicks Contractions (those are the contractions that aren't real contractions, just tightening of the belly): None. (that I felt)
General health: Didn't get sick a single time. Not even a cold.
Weight Gained: 20 pounds
Labor: At 39 weeks. Contractions started at 11:30 pm. Pushed the kid out at 7:20AM. epesiotmy (spelling?), stitches.
Result of Labor: baby girl, 6lb 6oz, 18.5 in. Rushed to NICU per breathing troubles. In NICU 5 days with pneumonia.
Post-Labor: got very nauseous. almost puked all over myself.
Pregnancy #2: Blighted Ovum.
Dates of Pregnancy: July 2005- September 2005
Details: Got pregnant, apparently the fetus aborted very early on (still microscopic sized). The placenta didn't get the memo and kept on growing-tricking my body into thinking it was still pregnant. Went in for first ultrasound and did not find a baby (was about 14 weeks along). Had surgery two days later.
Pregnancy #3: Gareth
Dates of Pregnancy: July 2006- March 2007 (approx. 9 months)
How I found out: Peed on another stick! (those sticks are pretty useful)
How I felt emotionally: Excited (we'd been trying for so long). Day-to-day emotions normal.
How I felt physically: Starting about week 9 I felt pretty nausiated. There were things that made me sick. I also had a ball of flem at the back of my throat constantly that would cause random puking. Week 16 my morning sickness went away completley and I felt stupendous! (the ball of flem stuck around though so I continued to have random puking parties).
Cravings: Oreo shakes with lots of oreos(they had to be big, soggy chunks), arby's roast beef sandwiches, Wendy's Jr Bacon Cheesburgers. (nothing healthy)
Aversions: Raw chicken, anything between the hours of 5 and 8pm, and a Deigo music CD that we had checked out from the library (still to this day when I hear songs from that disk I feel a bit sick)
Felt First Movements: Around 16 weeks
Braxton Hicks Contractions: started around 19 weeks. Felt them all the time. Very annoying and uncomfortable.
General Health: pretty healthy except for the time I got the flu (the fever, achy kind, not the puky kind).
Weight Gained: 3 pounds (no, that is not a typo)
Labor: at 39 weeks and 1 day. Contractions started at 12:30 AM and baby came out at 9:35AM (ish.. i can't remember exactly right now). No epesiotmy, no stitches (thanks Dr. Perrin!).
Result of Labor: baby boy. 6lbs 15oz. 19.5in. Healthy!
Post-Labor: didn't get nausious (the nurse had slipped me food and snacks during my labor :) I did have an ill-effect from my epidural...my right butt cheek was numb for two months!!!
Pregnancy #4: Penelope or Mortimer (no, those aren't the real names we're thinking of using)
Dates of Pregnancy: September 2008- June 2009 (I am 19 weeks right now, check the ticker on the side to keep track)
Due Date: June 8, 2009
How I found out: Peed on another stick! This time I was actually surprised.. wasn't expecting positive (except I had to have been thinking it was possible.. I don't just pee on sticks for no reason...)
How I feel emotionally: Surprised! Day-to-day emotions have been VERY rollercoaster-y. I cry a lot these days... for stupid reasons...don't make fun.
How I feel physically: Starting about week 6 feeling morning sickness (not as bad as the last ones) VERY tired. Still bad heartburn, pepsid ac helps. Got the flem again (thus inducing random puking episodes.) VERY tired.
Cravings: Hot wings, chow mein noodles, corned beef, chocolate and licorice, and those gummy orange slices. Oh, and lots and lots of Dr. Pepper.
Aversions: Raw chicken, anything between the hours of 5 and 8pm, the smell of garlic.
Felt First Movements: Around 16 weeks.
Braxton Hicks Contractions: started around 18 weeks. annoying, but nice to know my uterus works and is practicing for the real thing!
General Health: I've had a couple colds. Got a bad sinus infection at around 6 weeks, antibiotics cleared it up.
Weight Gained so far: according to the scale at the dr's office, I have gained a total of one pound so far.
Side affects during ALL my pregnancies: The enamel on my teeth disappears. The dental hygienest was most distraught. Cure: swish with ACT Flouride mouthwash every day.
Pregnancy #1: Ruth
Dates of pregnancy: August 2003 through April 2004 (approx. 9 months)
How I found out: I peed on a magic stick, it told me I was expecting. I wasn't surprised though...I was two weeks late.
How I felt emotionally: Embarrassed (it was un-planned after all...), Excited (I had planned my entire life to have children), Nervous (I have to push something the size of a watermelon out of where?!?!). No real changes in actual day-to-day emotions.
How I felt physically: the first 8 weeks were great! after that I was nauseated ALL the time and the smell that bothered me the most was the smell of my husband after a long day at work (sorry Jonesy, I still love you!). The nausea did not end until Ruth was born. Had heartburn so bad I felt it in my ears.
Cravings: none.
Aversions: Husband's sweat, the sight of a large family-size can of Wal-mart brand Ravioli (still makes me feel yucky--the small sized can didn't/doesn't have any effect on me), and many, many other things.
Felt First Movements: I was probably around 24 weeks when I first felt Ruth kick me.
Braxton Hicks Contractions (those are the contractions that aren't real contractions, just tightening of the belly): None. (that I felt)
General health: Didn't get sick a single time. Not even a cold.
Weight Gained: 20 pounds
Labor: At 39 weeks. Contractions started at 11:30 pm. Pushed the kid out at 7:20AM. epesiotmy (spelling?), stitches.
Result of Labor: baby girl, 6lb 6oz, 18.5 in. Rushed to NICU per breathing troubles. In NICU 5 days with pneumonia.
Post-Labor: got very nauseous. almost puked all over myself.
Pregnancy #2: Blighted Ovum.
Dates of Pregnancy: July 2005- September 2005
Details: Got pregnant, apparently the fetus aborted very early on (still microscopic sized). The placenta didn't get the memo and kept on growing-tricking my body into thinking it was still pregnant. Went in for first ultrasound and did not find a baby (was about 14 weeks along). Had surgery two days later.
Pregnancy #3: Gareth
Dates of Pregnancy: July 2006- March 2007 (approx. 9 months)
How I found out: Peed on another stick! (those sticks are pretty useful)
How I felt emotionally: Excited (we'd been trying for so long). Day-to-day emotions normal.
How I felt physically: Starting about week 9 I felt pretty nausiated. There were things that made me sick. I also had a ball of flem at the back of my throat constantly that would cause random puking. Week 16 my morning sickness went away completley and I felt stupendous! (the ball of flem stuck around though so I continued to have random puking parties).
Cravings: Oreo shakes with lots of oreos(they had to be big, soggy chunks), arby's roast beef sandwiches, Wendy's Jr Bacon Cheesburgers. (nothing healthy)
Aversions: Raw chicken, anything between the hours of 5 and 8pm, and a Deigo music CD that we had checked out from the library (still to this day when I hear songs from that disk I feel a bit sick)
Felt First Movements: Around 16 weeks
Braxton Hicks Contractions: started around 19 weeks. Felt them all the time. Very annoying and uncomfortable.
General Health: pretty healthy except for the time I got the flu (the fever, achy kind, not the puky kind).
Weight Gained: 3 pounds (no, that is not a typo)
Labor: at 39 weeks and 1 day. Contractions started at 12:30 AM and baby came out at 9:35AM (ish.. i can't remember exactly right now). No epesiotmy, no stitches (thanks Dr. Perrin!).
Result of Labor: baby boy. 6lbs 15oz. 19.5in. Healthy!
Post-Labor: didn't get nausious (the nurse had slipped me food and snacks during my labor :) I did have an ill-effect from my epidural...my right butt cheek was numb for two months!!!
Pregnancy #4: Penelope or Mortimer (no, those aren't the real names we're thinking of using)
Dates of Pregnancy: September 2008- June 2009 (I am 19 weeks right now, check the ticker on the side to keep track)
Due Date: June 8, 2009
How I found out: Peed on another stick! This time I was actually surprised.. wasn't expecting positive (except I had to have been thinking it was possible.. I don't just pee on sticks for no reason...)
How I feel emotionally: Surprised! Day-to-day emotions have been VERY rollercoaster-y. I cry a lot these days... for stupid reasons...don't make fun.
How I feel physically: Starting about week 6 feeling morning sickness (not as bad as the last ones) VERY tired. Still bad heartburn, pepsid ac helps. Got the flem again (thus inducing random puking episodes.) VERY tired.
Cravings: Hot wings, chow mein noodles, corned beef, chocolate and licorice, and those gummy orange slices. Oh, and lots and lots of Dr. Pepper.
Aversions: Raw chicken, anything between the hours of 5 and 8pm, the smell of garlic.
Felt First Movements: Around 16 weeks.
Braxton Hicks Contractions: started around 18 weeks. annoying, but nice to know my uterus works and is practicing for the real thing!
General Health: I've had a couple colds. Got a bad sinus infection at around 6 weeks, antibiotics cleared it up.
Weight Gained so far: according to the scale at the dr's office, I have gained a total of one pound so far.
Side affects during ALL my pregnancies: The enamel on my teeth disappears. The dental hygienest was most distraught. Cure: swish with ACT Flouride mouthwash every day.
Terrible
I have heard about "Terrible Two's" for years but I never believed they existed until a couple months ago. The "Terrible Two" stage is when a toddler goes through a stage of throwing tantrums and crying a lot (hence the "terrible"). Professionals say that this is mostly caused by a child becoming more independent but still not being able to properly communicate. I think it's true! Ruth didn't have a "Terrible Two" stage. I'm not exaggerating at all. She didn't have her first tantrum until after Gareth was born (and I believe that was caused more by sibling rivalry than lack of communication). Ruth had a vocabulary of over 200 words when she was 18 months old (I have proof if you don't believe me) so she had no trouble communicating. So now we have Gareth who is only now beginning to be able to put sentences together. We love him dearly and are thankful to him for giving us the challenges and learning experiences associated with "Terrible Two's".
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Just for Fun
I wasn't going to do this but I tried it and got some pretty funny results:
Instructions:Go to Google (or whichever search engine you prefer) and type in your first name and the phrase. Copy and paste the first sentence/phrase you get that makes sense. You can get some pretty wacky stuff. Tag as many people as you like.
Q: Type in "[your name] needs" in the Google search
A: Havilah needs substantial funding.
Q: Type in "[your name] looks like" in Google search
A: Havilah looks like a gentile got drunk at a bar mitzvah and wrote the dance down in a drunken mess
Q: Type in "[your name] says" in Google search.
A: Havilah says that the 200 metre long “fat ore zone” drilled so far could be one of a number along some 1700 metres continuous strike of the Mutooroo ...
Q: Type in "[your name] wants" in Google search
A: Havilah wants to offer you an opportunity to make a difference in the world
Q: Type in "[your name] does" in Google search
A: Havilah does much more than collect on outstanding accounts
Q: Type in "[your name] hates" in Google search
A: Havilah hates bugs.
Q: Type in "[your name] asks" in Google search
A: Havilah asks her students to raise their hands if they are Colts fans
Q: Type in "[your name] goes" in Google search
A: Havilah goes the whole day (even nap time) in panties and stays dry!!!!
Q: Type in "[your name] likes " in Google search.
A: Havilah likes to go away on weekend trips.
Q: Type in "[your name] eats " in Google search
A: Havilah eats a well nourishing meal
Q: Type in "[your name] wears " in Google search
A: Havilah wears Barack Obama shirts often.
Q: Type in "[your name] was arrested for" in Google Search
A: Havilah was arrested for throwing toddler from car.
I tag anyone who wants to do it! (trust me, it's fun)
Instructions:Go to Google (or whichever search engine you prefer) and type in your first name and the phrase. Copy and paste the first sentence/phrase you get that makes sense. You can get some pretty wacky stuff. Tag as many people as you like.
Q: Type in "[your name] needs" in the Google search
A: Havilah needs substantial funding.
Q: Type in "[your name] looks like" in Google search
A: Havilah looks like a gentile got drunk at a bar mitzvah and wrote the dance down in a drunken mess
Q: Type in "[your name] says" in Google search.
A: Havilah says that the 200 metre long “fat ore zone” drilled so far could be one of a number along some 1700 metres continuous strike of the Mutooroo ...
Q: Type in "[your name] wants" in Google search
A: Havilah wants to offer you an opportunity to make a difference in the world
Q: Type in "[your name] does" in Google search
A: Havilah does much more than collect on outstanding accounts
Q: Type in "[your name] hates" in Google search
A: Havilah hates bugs.
Q: Type in "[your name] asks" in Google search
A: Havilah asks her students to raise their hands if they are Colts fans
Q: Type in "[your name] goes" in Google search
A: Havilah goes the whole day (even nap time) in panties and stays dry!!!!
Q: Type in "[your name] likes " in Google search.
A: Havilah likes to go away on weekend trips.
Q: Type in "[your name] eats " in Google search
A: Havilah eats a well nourishing meal
Q: Type in "[your name] wears " in Google search
A: Havilah wears Barack Obama shirts often.
Q: Type in "[your name] was arrested for" in Google Search
A: Havilah was arrested for throwing toddler from car.
I tag anyone who wants to do it! (trust me, it's fun)
Sunday, January 4, 2009
A resolution...
I never make New Year's Resolutions. Mostly because I don't like to commit to things I know I'm not ready to commit to. But I think this year I'll be different! I figured if Ruth has a resolution, then maybe I should. And I want my resolution to be like hers. Since I already know how to read, it will just have to do with reading in general. And because I love my husband, I have lassoed him in to my resolution as well.
Background:
While Jonesy and I were dating, we spent a lot of time reading books together (out loud). We also used to enjoy listening to audio books on long car trips (this was before children came our way). Since we've been married we have only read one (and a half..I got impatient and read ahead) book together.
Resolution:
We are going to read a total of not less than 6 books together this year! This will require a lot of sacrifice on both our parts. Jonesy will have to play less xbox and I will have to watch less Gilmore Girls.
We Need Your Help:
So now we need some good suggestions of books that would be good/fun to read out loud together. Any genre will be acceptable (except maybe chick lit or bodice-ripping romance).
Thank You :)
Background:
While Jonesy and I were dating, we spent a lot of time reading books together (out loud). We also used to enjoy listening to audio books on long car trips (this was before children came our way). Since we've been married we have only read one (and a half..I got impatient and read ahead) book together.
Resolution:
We are going to read a total of not less than 6 books together this year! This will require a lot of sacrifice on both our parts. Jonesy will have to play less xbox and I will have to watch less Gilmore Girls.
We Need Your Help:
So now we need some good suggestions of books that would be good/fun to read out loud together. Any genre will be acceptable (except maybe chick lit or bodice-ripping romance).
Thank You :)
Friday, January 2, 2009
She Reads
I've been a bit hesitant about sitting down with Ruth to teach her how to read. Sometimes it seems she has a short attention span for doing things like that (for example: she rarely will sit down and color a picture..after about a minute she'll ask me to finish it for her). But as I noticed that she has somehow (without my help) learned all the sounds that each of the letters make I started thinking that maybe I should at least give it a try. THEN my mother sent Ruth all of my niece's old learn-to-read books for Christmas.
The other day Ruth and I sat down during Gareth's nap and gave it a try. I was shocked and amazed at how well she did! She understands the concept of putting the sounds of the letters together to make the word and she's very good at it. She was able to read the whole book in one sitting (it really wasn't that long, but I was amazed). This is an exciting breakthrough for us!
Ruth informed me today that her New Year's Resolution is to learn to read all by herself by the time she starts Kindergarten. We're excited to give it a try!
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