So Itchy and I got a new cell phone plan. I think I talked about this before.
I had to buy a new phone sine my crappy pay as you go phone wasn't compatible with the new plan.
I bought a phone at the T-Mobile store. I was told that I'd get a rebate on this expensive new phone. Today I found out that I was denied the rebate because of an "Invalid channel of purchase for offer". What the hell does that mean? I bought it at a freaking T-MOBILE store for crying out loud. I didn't get it off of Craigslist or Ebay. I was physically in the damn store.
They have received an angry email. I'm annoyed.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Saturday, December 24, 2011
ONP Day 3
I'm ready to call this one. Stowa has given up her paci.
She made it through today without it. We even went in the car today and she told me she didn't need it. She didn't ask for it at bed time. She fell asleep pretty quickly too.
I'm going to print out a picture of the baby that we gave her paci to. Just so she can see it whenever she wants to. I've found out that without a paci, she talks ALL DAY LONG. She talked a lot before, but apparently she was holding back. My ears hurt from all the listening.
You know, for all the things we did "wrong" with her, she's turning out to be a pretty cool person.
She made it through today without it. We even went in the car today and she told me she didn't need it. She didn't ask for it at bed time. She fell asleep pretty quickly too.
I'm going to print out a picture of the baby that we gave her paci to. Just so she can see it whenever she wants to. I've found out that without a paci, she talks ALL DAY LONG. She talked a lot before, but apparently she was holding back. My ears hurt from all the listening.
You know, for all the things we did "wrong" with her, she's turning out to be a pretty cool person.
Friday, December 23, 2011
ONP day 2 update
Stowa went to bed with no problem! She didn't even ask for a paci.
I think it's gone for good!
Thursday, December 22, 2011
ONP Day 2
We survived Day 1!
She asked for her paci a lot. We talked about the baby that got her paci and how happy he is now. He cried all the time before and now he doesn't. We looked at the picture of the baby boy that got her paci.
She did really well. Itchy made me feel like crap about the plan. I told him what she said that morning and what we did and he said that he doubted it would last. I told him that if we could stay strong and just go cold turkey, she'd be done with it in like two days. He then gave me the guilt trip that I'm making her grow up too quick. Let her give it up when she's ready. I told him that maybe wanting to mail her paci to a baby boy who needed it was her way of telling us she IS ready. I still felt bad. I don't want to make her grow up. I've never been one to push her to do things. I didn't care about milestones. She'd roll over/walk/talk/etc when she's ready. But here was Itchy telling me that *I* was forcing her to do this. Way to make me feel like crap!
Anyway, she did great all day. She seemed to get it. Then came bedtime. Since she's a two-pacis-to-go-to-bed kind of girl, I figured this was going to be hard. Sure enough when Itchy was carrying her to bed, she asked for two pacis. Itchy just looked at me. I reminded Stowa that we mailed them to Baby Patrick (totally made up the name, we don't know a Baby Patrick). I told her she was a big girl and she didn't need a paci. It'll be ok.
Dear Baby Jesus, I about cried when I saw the look on her sweet little face. She was so sad. I could have just as well told her that I ripped the head off of her baby doll and hung it just out of her reach so she'd always have to look at it but never be able to fix it. Yes people it was THAT sad. But I followed her lead. She didn't ask again. She wanted me to carry her to bed (usually that's daddy's job). She needed extra snuggles to fall asleep but she did fall asleep. And she stayed asleep. All night.
She woke up at her normal time and she wanted to come snuggle with me in bed. After about 20 minutes she was ready to get up. She gave Little Dude his paci and we got up.
She hasn't asked for her paci at all today. In fact, she hasn't even mentioned it.
Clearly this is harder on me then it is on her. It's so weird to be excited that your little one is growing up and be so sad at the same time. This is just one more thing that makes her more grown up.
She asked for her paci a lot. We talked about the baby that got her paci and how happy he is now. He cried all the time before and now he doesn't. We looked at the picture of the baby boy that got her paci.
She did really well. Itchy made me feel like crap about the plan. I told him what she said that morning and what we did and he said that he doubted it would last. I told him that if we could stay strong and just go cold turkey, she'd be done with it in like two days. He then gave me the guilt trip that I'm making her grow up too quick. Let her give it up when she's ready. I told him that maybe wanting to mail her paci to a baby boy who needed it was her way of telling us she IS ready. I still felt bad. I don't want to make her grow up. I've never been one to push her to do things. I didn't care about milestones. She'd roll over/walk/talk/etc when she's ready. But here was Itchy telling me that *I* was forcing her to do this. Way to make me feel like crap!
Anyway, she did great all day. She seemed to get it. Then came bedtime. Since she's a two-pacis-to-go-to-bed kind of girl, I figured this was going to be hard. Sure enough when Itchy was carrying her to bed, she asked for two pacis. Itchy just looked at me. I reminded Stowa that we mailed them to Baby Patrick (totally made up the name, we don't know a Baby Patrick). I told her she was a big girl and she didn't need a paci. It'll be ok.
Dear Baby Jesus, I about cried when I saw the look on her sweet little face. She was so sad. I could have just as well told her that I ripped the head off of her baby doll and hung it just out of her reach so she'd always have to look at it but never be able to fix it. Yes people it was THAT sad. But I followed her lead. She didn't ask again. She wanted me to carry her to bed (usually that's daddy's job). She needed extra snuggles to fall asleep but she did fall asleep. And she stayed asleep. All night.
She woke up at her normal time and she wanted to come snuggle with me in bed. After about 20 minutes she was ready to get up. She gave Little Dude his paci and we got up.
She hasn't asked for her paci at all today. In fact, she hasn't even mentioned it.
Clearly this is harder on me then it is on her. It's so weird to be excited that your little one is growing up and be so sad at the same time. This is just one more thing that makes her more grown up.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Could this really be the end?
All good things must come to an end. It sure has been fun but I think it's time.
No, you're not that lucky. The blog isn't going anywhere. But I think Stowa's pacifier might be on the way out the door!
Today she was watching Sesame Street. Quick recap is that Elmo was helping someone (I think it was Telly) give up his paci. They had this little cartoon that showed a little baby using a paci, then the little girl grew and she no longer needed a paci. So this little girl decides to put her pacifier in an envelope and mail them to a baby that needed it.
WITHOUT any prompting from me, Stowa decides that she wants to do this too. I asked if she was sure. She insisted she was. I told her if we mailed her pacifiers, then she wouldn't have any. She was ok with this. So we put her pacifiers in an envelope and mailed them to a baby boy (she insisted it was a baby boy) who needed them.
Itchy and I have both told her how proud we are that she is such a nice girl. She must be very kind to give something she loves to another person. That baby is very lucky and he must be so happy to finally have a paci. Etc. We made it a big deal. I've promised a really awesome present if she can make it without it.
So we begin Day one of Operation No Paci. I can stay strong but I'm not sure Itchy can. I think come bedtime, he's going to cave. Stowa is use to having 2 pacis when she goes to bed. One to hold, one to use. Bedtime is going to be tough. But I think cold turkey is the way to go.
It's nap time right now and she fell asleep without it. She asked a bunch of times but I reminded her that we mailed them to a baby boy who needed it.
Wish us luck!
No, you're not that lucky. The blog isn't going anywhere. But I think Stowa's pacifier might be on the way out the door!
Today she was watching Sesame Street. Quick recap is that Elmo was helping someone (I think it was Telly) give up his paci. They had this little cartoon that showed a little baby using a paci, then the little girl grew and she no longer needed a paci. So this little girl decides to put her pacifier in an envelope and mail them to a baby that needed it.
WITHOUT any prompting from me, Stowa decides that she wants to do this too. I asked if she was sure. She insisted she was. I told her if we mailed her pacifiers, then she wouldn't have any. She was ok with this. So we put her pacifiers in an envelope and mailed them to a baby boy (she insisted it was a baby boy) who needed them.
Itchy and I have both told her how proud we are that she is such a nice girl. She must be very kind to give something she loves to another person. That baby is very lucky and he must be so happy to finally have a paci. Etc. We made it a big deal. I've promised a really awesome present if she can make it without it.
So we begin Day one of Operation No Paci. I can stay strong but I'm not sure Itchy can. I think come bedtime, he's going to cave. Stowa is use to having 2 pacis when she goes to bed. One to hold, one to use. Bedtime is going to be tough. But I think cold turkey is the way to go.
It's nap time right now and she fell asleep without it. She asked a bunch of times but I reminded her that we mailed them to a baby boy who needed it.
Wish us luck!
Friday, December 16, 2011
Token
If you've ever watched South Park, you'll know that there is a kid on there named Token. He's a black kid. The only black kid. He's the token black kid.
There are lots of older movies that have one black person. Lots of older tv shows did the same thing. In a horror movie, the black guy was usually killed off first.
It dawned on me last night that the "token" black guy has been replaced with a "token" Indian* guy.
There are a bunch of shows on tv right now with a token Indian guy. Just to name a few: Big Bang Theory, Whitney, Community, How I Met Your Mother, one of the CSI's, Rules of Engagement, Parks and Rec, and The Office (although, their token is a woman).
It's the new trend! All the cool shows are doing it.
And since Itchy is the only Indian guy here in our little town, he gets to be the town's token Indian guy! I kind of want to get him a shirt that just says Token on it. However, I don't think he thinks it's as funny as I do.
*Dot, not feather/Computers, not casinos
There are lots of older movies that have one black person. Lots of older tv shows did the same thing. In a horror movie, the black guy was usually killed off first.
It dawned on me last night that the "token" black guy has been replaced with a "token" Indian* guy.
There are a bunch of shows on tv right now with a token Indian guy. Just to name a few: Big Bang Theory, Whitney, Community, How I Met Your Mother, one of the CSI's, Rules of Engagement, Parks and Rec, and The Office (although, their token is a woman).
It's the new trend! All the cool shows are doing it.
And since Itchy is the only Indian guy here in our little town, he gets to be the town's token Indian guy! I kind of want to get him a shirt that just says Token on it. However, I don't think he thinks it's as funny as I do.
*Dot, not feather/Computers, not casinos
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Tree
The tree is up!
I didn't put all our decorations on it. They can't break if they aren't on the tree!
Sorry guys, I don't know how to rotate the image when I post from my phone.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Christmas Tree
When Itchy asked me where I planned to put the Christmas tree I nearly fell over. He brought it up. I hadn't told him that I wanted a tree this year. He didn't even say anything about not having a tree, he just wanted to know where I was going to put one.
Of course, that was because we don't have space for one. I think he was trying to tell me that we weren't going to get one. But since he was being subtle I told him I'd find a spot. Ha ha dude. You are the grinch that tries to ruin my fun, you can't turn this around and make me be the one that ruins this. Not happening.
Now, of course, that the tree has been purchased Itchy is being an ass about it. He doesn't want anything to do with it. He didn't want a tree. He doesn't want to celebrate Christmas. He doesn't understand why I want to. He doesn't want the kids to celebrate. GRINCH. He's trying to ruin it. Seriously he is just an old grouch. I hope he's happy in the retirement home I'm sending him to.
Of course, that was because we don't have space for one. I think he was trying to tell me that we weren't going to get one. But since he was being subtle I told him I'd find a spot. Ha ha dude. You are the grinch that tries to ruin my fun, you can't turn this around and make me be the one that ruins this. Not happening.
Now, of course, that the tree has been purchased Itchy is being an ass about it. He doesn't want anything to do with it. He didn't want a tree. He doesn't want to celebrate Christmas. He doesn't understand why I want to. He doesn't want the kids to celebrate. GRINCH. He's trying to ruin it. Seriously he is just an old grouch. I hope he's happy in the retirement home I'm sending him to.
Finally
Both kids are napping AT THE SAME TIME! Hell has frozen over. Not only at the napping at the same time, but I am not holding either one while they nap. It's like a baby Jesus miracle around here!
Because of this I finally had to suck it up and make phone calls. I hate making calls. I'd rather take care of stuff on the internet. But banks and insurance companies want to hear my voice and ask me questions about my zip code four houses ago. Sorry I can barely remember which city we were in 4 houses ago. I do not remember the zip code.
I swear I need to make a list and timeline of where we've lived. I can't remember all this stuff. We've moved a lot.
Because of this I finally had to suck it up and make phone calls. I hate making calls. I'd rather take care of stuff on the internet. But banks and insurance companies want to hear my voice and ask me questions about my zip code four houses ago. Sorry I can barely remember which city we were in 4 houses ago. I do not remember the zip code.
I swear I need to make a list and timeline of where we've lived. I can't remember all this stuff. We've moved a lot.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Smat
I am so smart. I am so smart. S m a t. Wait I mean s m a r t.
Guess who learned how to post from their new phone?
Yeah I figured it out. Took a while though. I didn't know I had two Google accounts.
I feel like I finally joined the real world. I have a phone that does more then just make calls and I have Facebook. Although I'm pretty sure I'm not using either one to their full capacity.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
2 year olds are funny
After lunch today, Stowa went to play in her room. She likes to play in there. She was putting Baby down for a nap. She made her nice and cozy. She came out to the living room to tell me all about it.
Stowa ran back into her room. I was feeding Little Dude. After about 10 minutes I couldn't hear her talking to Baby. I went to check on her. She had made herself nice and cozy in her bed and had fallen asleep!
She just woke up, came up to me and said "Oops! I felled to sleep in my bed."
Oops indeed.
Stowa ran back into her room. I was feeding Little Dude. After about 10 minutes I couldn't hear her talking to Baby. I went to check on her. She had made herself nice and cozy in her bed and had fallen asleep!
She just woke up, came up to me and said "Oops! I felled to sleep in my bed."
Oops indeed.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday Stowa!
I can't believe that we are already celebrating your 2nd birthday. You've learned so much this year! You amaze me everyday! You started the year only being able to say a few words. Now you are speaking in complete sentences. Last year you were still a little wobbly on your feet, today you are running! You've even become a big sister this year! You've changed so much.
Some things have stayed the same though. You still love to play with dolls. Baby comes everywhere with us! Yogurt is still your favorite food. Although these days you prefer purple yogurt to peach. You are still the best snuggle bug!
Love,
Mommy
I can't believe that we are already celebrating your 2nd birthday. You've learned so much this year! You amaze me everyday! You started the year only being able to say a few words. Now you are speaking in complete sentences. Last year you were still a little wobbly on your feet, today you are running! You've even become a big sister this year! You've changed so much.
Some things have stayed the same though. You still love to play with dolls. Baby comes everywhere with us! Yogurt is still your favorite food. Although these days you prefer purple yogurt to peach. You are still the best snuggle bug!
Love,
Mommy
Friday, November 11, 2011
Why
Why can't they nap at the same time? Even once?
Why doesn't Itchy understand that just because I say I'm tired, doesn't mean I'm trying to compete with him over who is the most tired?
Why can't Itchy help around here without me getting crabby at him first?
I'm feeling crabby today. I'm tired. I want a nap. I want Stowa to take a nap. Itchy KNEW that I needed his help last night to get the house clean and he did nothing to help. Reading books with Stowa doesn't count as helping to clean the house. Pick up a few toys, do some dishes, something. I may or may not want to smack him in the head right now.
Why doesn't Itchy understand that just because I say I'm tired, doesn't mean I'm trying to compete with him over who is the most tired?
Why can't Itchy help around here without me getting crabby at him first?
I'm feeling crabby today. I'm tired. I want a nap. I want Stowa to take a nap. Itchy KNEW that I needed his help last night to get the house clean and he did nothing to help. Reading books with Stowa doesn't count as helping to clean the house. Pick up a few toys, do some dishes, something. I may or may not want to smack him in the head right now.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Birthday
We've got a very important birthday coming up at our house. Stowa is turning 2! It's hard to believe that it's already been two years. It's been so much fun to watch her develop into this tiny little person.
Like most 2 year olds, she has some strong opinions on what she wants for her birthday.
Me: Stowa, what do you want for your birthday?
Stowa: CAKE!
Me: What kind of cake?
Stowa: Purple cake!
Me: Is there anything else you want?
Stowa: No. I want purple cake.
So there you have it, she wants purple cake.
Like most 2 year olds, she has some strong opinions on what she wants for her birthday.
Me: Stowa, what do you want for your birthday?
Stowa: CAKE!
Me: What kind of cake?
Stowa: Purple cake!
Me: Is there anything else you want?
Stowa: No. I want purple cake.
So there you have it, she wants purple cake.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Ung goon
After being bribed with a Kit Kat, Stowa dressed up like an ung goon! A raccoon for those who don't understand 2 yr old speak. Even though her costume didn't turn out like I wanted it to, she looked pretty cute.
Little Dude was the most adorable little football. He had no complaints or opinions on his costume.
Little Dude was the most adorable little football. He had no complaints or opinions on his costume.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Bliss
Not Miss Bliss. Just the mere bliss of 4 continuous hours of sleep. It was wonderful. I don't expect it to happen again for a while. It's as if both of my beautiful children are working against me in my quest for sleep.
My sweet baby boy smiled at me on Wednesday for the first time. Real smiles people. He's awesome. He also gave his big sister a smile this morning while she was holding him.
We went to the pumpkin patch on Wednesday. Stowa got to pet some goats. That was her favorite part. We went through the 9 acre corn maze. Stowa was riding in the stroller and was shaken (the path was really bumpy) into a nap. We picked out a pumpkin for each kid. We'll carve them this weekend.
My sweet baby boy smiled at me on Wednesday for the first time. Real smiles people. He's awesome. He also gave his big sister a smile this morning while she was holding him.
We went to the pumpkin patch on Wednesday. Stowa got to pet some goats. That was her favorite part. We went through the 9 acre corn maze. Stowa was riding in the stroller and was shaken (the path was really bumpy) into a nap. We picked out a pumpkin for each kid. We'll carve them this weekend.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Oh joy
Stowa learned how to do something new today.
She can now climb up on the kitchen table! Yay!
I dang near had a heart attack when I walked into the kitchen and saw her standing on the table. I could literally feel my hair turning gray.
In other news, Cuddles has finally accepted Little Dude into the family. He gave him kisses today.
Little Dude is growing well. He had a (slightly early) 2 week appointment today. He weighed in at 7lbs 14 oz. He's already past his birth weight.
She can now climb up on the kitchen table! Yay!
I dang near had a heart attack when I walked into the kitchen and saw her standing on the table. I could literally feel my hair turning gray.
In other news, Cuddles has finally accepted Little Dude into the family. He gave him kisses today.
Little Dude is growing well. He had a (slightly early) 2 week appointment today. He weighed in at 7lbs 14 oz. He's already past his birth weight.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
We're home
We left the hospital on Saturday. Itchy and Stowa both stayed at the hospital both nights. It was cool that the hospital let her stay. Itchy did take her home on Friday for the afternoon so she could run around and be a kid.
I was ready to get out of there. So much easier to amuse Stowa at home where she has all her stuff. Easier to sleep too. No nurses coming to check on us all the time either.
Things have been going well. Itchy is already back to work. He went back on Thursday. Though to be honest, he was at the clinic every single day.
Stowa is still in love with him. She gets worried when she can't see him. She asks to hold him all the time. She gives him kisses every morning and before she goes to bed. She really likes to beep his nose.
Little dude is doing great. He's pretty laid back and snuggly. He's pretty adorable too. Even if we can't really figure out who he looks like.
I was ready to get out of there. So much easier to amuse Stowa at home where she has all her stuff. Easier to sleep too. No nurses coming to check on us all the time either.
Things have been going well. Itchy is already back to work. He went back on Thursday. Though to be honest, he was at the clinic every single day.
Stowa is still in love with him. She gets worried when she can't see him. She asks to hold him all the time. She gives him kisses every morning and before she goes to bed. She really likes to beep his nose.
Little dude is doing great. He's pretty laid back and snuggly. He's pretty adorable too. Even if we can't really figure out who he looks like.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
It's a boy!
Little Dude is here!
He was born on Thursday October 6th at 7:40 am. He weighed in at 7 lbs 2 oz and was 18 inches long.
Everything went as planned. My sister in law came out here to watch Stowa on Thursday morning. Itchy and I headed up to the hospital and got checked in. They started IV fluids pretty much right away. It made me cold. Before long we were heading back to the O.R..
It went by really quick. It felt like I had just gotten back there and they were starting. Little Dude was still sitting up really high. Basically in my rib cage. The doc and his assistant had to push really hard to get him out. It was way more then the usual pulling and tugging then I was suppose to feel.
After he was out, Itchy went over and watched them do the APGAR tests. He did well (9 and 10). Itchy brought him over so I could see him and before I could see him, I got really nauseous. I threw up. Thankfully I felt better after that. It was really annoying to have Little Dude so close but not feel well enough to even look at him. I got to see him for a little bit and then I was off to recovery and he and Itchy went to the nursery.
About 20 minutes after I was in recovery, the nurses asked if I wanted the baby to join me in recovery. HELL YES! So they bought the baby in to me and I got to hold him. He started nursing right away. I had assumed that Itchy would be allowed to join us but because there was another patient in recovery, they couldn't let him come back. I felt bad about that but since Little Dude was nursing it was important that he stay with me.
By the time he was done nursing I was ready to leave recovery. Baby and I joined Itchy in our room. We got all settled in and then Itchy left to go get Stowa.
Stowa was doing just fine with her aunt and cousin. There were no tears, just a very quiet kid. And if there were tears, my SIL was smart/kind/awesome enough to just not tell me. No one wants to hear that their baby was sad and crying.
Itchy brought her up to the hospital so she could meet her brother. At first I think she was really confused about why I was laying in a strange bed with a weird hospital gown on. I think it freaked her out a little. But once she sat next to me in bed and saw her brother, everything was ok. She was madly in love with her baby brother. She wanted to hold him and give him a hug and a kiss. Just like we talked about.
We spent a few hours just snuggling both of our kids. Then we invited my SIL and nephew up to the hospital so they could meet the baby. Stowa did not want anyone else to hold him. She kept pointing to herself and saying "you hold". She loves him.
He was born on Thursday October 6th at 7:40 am. He weighed in at 7 lbs 2 oz and was 18 inches long.
Everything went as planned. My sister in law came out here to watch Stowa on Thursday morning. Itchy and I headed up to the hospital and got checked in. They started IV fluids pretty much right away. It made me cold. Before long we were heading back to the O.R..
It went by really quick. It felt like I had just gotten back there and they were starting. Little Dude was still sitting up really high. Basically in my rib cage. The doc and his assistant had to push really hard to get him out. It was way more then the usual pulling and tugging then I was suppose to feel.
After he was out, Itchy went over and watched them do the APGAR tests. He did well (9 and 10). Itchy brought him over so I could see him and before I could see him, I got really nauseous. I threw up. Thankfully I felt better after that. It was really annoying to have Little Dude so close but not feel well enough to even look at him. I got to see him for a little bit and then I was off to recovery and he and Itchy went to the nursery.
About 20 minutes after I was in recovery, the nurses asked if I wanted the baby to join me in recovery. HELL YES! So they bought the baby in to me and I got to hold him. He started nursing right away. I had assumed that Itchy would be allowed to join us but because there was another patient in recovery, they couldn't let him come back. I felt bad about that but since Little Dude was nursing it was important that he stay with me.
By the time he was done nursing I was ready to leave recovery. Baby and I joined Itchy in our room. We got all settled in and then Itchy left to go get Stowa.
Stowa was doing just fine with her aunt and cousin. There were no tears, just a very quiet kid. And if there were tears, my SIL was smart/kind/awesome enough to just not tell me. No one wants to hear that their baby was sad and crying.
Itchy brought her up to the hospital so she could meet her brother. At first I think she was really confused about why I was laying in a strange bed with a weird hospital gown on. I think it freaked her out a little. But once she sat next to me in bed and saw her brother, everything was ok. She was madly in love with her baby brother. She wanted to hold him and give him a hug and a kiss. Just like we talked about.
We spent a few hours just snuggling both of our kids. Then we invited my SIL and nephew up to the hospital so they could meet the baby. Stowa did not want anyone else to hold him. She kept pointing to herself and saying "you hold". She loves him.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Awake and ready
Stowa was kind enough to wake me up at 3:30 am today. She was just talking in her sleep, but my mommy ears heard her and got up. Since I had to get up at 4 am to start getting ready to go, I just stayed up.
Also, you know how you aren't suppose to eat before surgery? No big deal right. Because it's not like I ever get up and eat at 5 am anyway. It's more like 9 am. Today I woke up hungry. Awesome. My mind is playing tricks on me. My bigger problem is that I forgot to ask if I could take Tums. I mean they aren't food so they should be ok but I'll wait until I get there and ask a nurse. If the heartburn doesn't kill me first.
Oh yeah, we get to meet Little Dude today! Can't wait!
Also, you know how you aren't suppose to eat before surgery? No big deal right. Because it's not like I ever get up and eat at 5 am anyway. It's more like 9 am. Today I woke up hungry. Awesome. My mind is playing tricks on me. My bigger problem is that I forgot to ask if I could take Tums. I mean they aren't food so they should be ok but I'll wait until I get there and ask a nurse. If the heartburn doesn't kill me first.
Oh yeah, we get to meet Little Dude today! Can't wait!
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
The last pic
I remembered to take a belly pic today. It's the last whole day that I'll be pregnant with Little Dude. Yep, that's Patches sleeping on my bed in the background. Cuddles was right next to her. If you look closely, you can see his paws.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Funny
Have you guys seen the Venza commercial? With the lady talking about how old people are becoming antisocial so she pushed her parents to join Facebook?
It cracks me up.
Also, my new deodorant smells like bug spray. I don't like it.
It cracks me up.
Also, my new deodorant smells like bug spray. I don't like it.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
When do kids like dressing up?
For WEEKS I have heard my kid tell me she wants to be a raccoon for Halloween. If you mention Halloween or trick or treating, she replies "dress up, raccoon!". Now that her costume is nearly done, she will NOT try it on. She won't even think about it. She gets all excited when she sees it, but try to get her to put it on and she flips out. We played this game last year.
Now she insists that her baby should "dress up, raccoon!". Not her. Her baby. I'm going to humor her and make her doll a costume. Because seriously, someone in this house is dressing up like a raccoon.
Now she insists that her baby should "dress up, raccoon!". Not her. Her baby. I'm going to humor her and make her doll a costume. Because seriously, someone in this house is dressing up like a raccoon.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Yeah
Stowa and I were talking about Baby Brother today. Not that unusual. We talk about him a lot. I want her to feel prepared. So we talk about how he's in my tummy right now but when he comes out, she can hold him, give him hugs and kisses, etc. I think she sort of gets it. At the very least she repeats what I tell her. Today she told Itchy that he was going to come out of mommy, she was going to sit down and hold him (only for her it was more one word at a time "Baby out, sit down, hold).
Anyway, today when we were talking about Baby Brother, I told her that she'd get to hold him next week. And that's when it hit me. This little guy is going to be here NEXT WEEK. Cue the hyperventilating. Two kids. An almost 2 year old and a newborn. Next week people.
Anyway, today when we were talking about Baby Brother, I told her that she'd get to hold him next week. And that's when it hit me. This little guy is going to be here NEXT WEEK. Cue the hyperventilating. Two kids. An almost 2 year old and a newborn. Next week people.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Genuis update
I posted a couple of weeks ago about Stowa being a genius. I have more proof.
The kid can count to 10.
Little Dude has a full name now as well. His first name was decided on like 2 weeks ago and last night Itchy came up with a middle name. Little Dude should feel free to come at any time. We don't HAVE to wait until the scheduled c-section if he feels like he's ready now.
The kid can count to 10.
Little Dude has a full name now as well. His first name was decided on like 2 weeks ago and last night Itchy came up with a middle name. Little Dude should feel free to come at any time. We don't HAVE to wait until the scheduled c-section if he feels like he's ready now.
Friday, September 23, 2011
I guess it's good practice
So tired. It's going to be a rough day.
Stowa was up just before 4 this morning. She told me she was hungry. She wouldn't lay back down and go back to sleep. I knew she didn't eat much at dinner so odds were that she was indeed hungry. So we got up. She ate. Then she didn't want to go back to bed. We stayed up and played quietly. Around 6 she wanted to snuggle. At 6:30 she fell asleep. I carried her to bed and like magic she was up again. I talked her into laying down with daddy. By 7 am we were back asleep!
Then at 8 am the neighbor guy was POUNDING on our door. Itchy was in the shower. I had to get up to get the door. I was pissed. It's not nice to wake up a pregnant person. Nothing was on fire but the neighbor had the roof guys there and they needed me to move the car. Seems really urgent. Or not. How about telling me yesterday that the roof guys were coming? Then I could have parked elsewhere. Jerk ass.
To top it off, all the pounding woke up Stowa. Nap time is not going to be here soon enough.
I guess it's good practice for when Little Dude gets here and I officially get no sleep.
Stowa was up just before 4 this morning. She told me she was hungry. She wouldn't lay back down and go back to sleep. I knew she didn't eat much at dinner so odds were that she was indeed hungry. So we got up. She ate. Then she didn't want to go back to bed. We stayed up and played quietly. Around 6 she wanted to snuggle. At 6:30 she fell asleep. I carried her to bed and like magic she was up again. I talked her into laying down with daddy. By 7 am we were back asleep!
Then at 8 am the neighbor guy was POUNDING on our door. Itchy was in the shower. I had to get up to get the door. I was pissed. It's not nice to wake up a pregnant person. Nothing was on fire but the neighbor had the roof guys there and they needed me to move the car. Seems really urgent. Or not. How about telling me yesterday that the roof guys were coming? Then I could have parked elsewhere. Jerk ass.
To top it off, all the pounding woke up Stowa. Nap time is not going to be here soon enough.
I guess it's good practice for when Little Dude gets here and I officially get no sleep.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Why?
Is anyone familiar with the book "Llama Llama Red Pajama"? It was written by Anna Dewdney. It's a story meant for the preschool aged crowd.
Anyway, Stowa and I saw a llama the last time we were at the zoo. She has a picture of it. When she sees the picture she wants me to read this book to her. The only problem is that the book makes her cry.
Not like tears rolling down her face crying, but the bottom lip comes out and you can see that she's just trying to hold it together.
The book has been put away for a while. She's just not ready for the llama.
ETA: It's been DAYS since we've read this book. Stowa is STILL talking about the llama. Llama sad. Where llama mama?
Anyway, Stowa and I saw a llama the last time we were at the zoo. She has a picture of it. When she sees the picture she wants me to read this book to her. The only problem is that the book makes her cry.
Not like tears rolling down her face crying, but the bottom lip comes out and you can see that she's just trying to hold it together.
The book has been put away for a while. She's just not ready for the llama.
ETA: It's been DAYS since we've read this book. Stowa is STILL talking about the llama. Llama sad. Where llama mama?
Manners? We're working on it
I'm trying to do some of those "good" mom things. Like teaching my kid manners. We started with thank you. She says "thanks". Close enough. Now we're working on please. Now if only I could get her to stop running through the grocery store...
Saturday, September 17, 2011
36 weeks
Only 3 weeks left. I've been told to enjoy what little time we have left as a family of 3. Stowa seems to have some sort of sense that things are about to change. So do the cats. Everyone has been extra needy lately. Add in the fact that I am not sleeping much anymore and the results aren't so happy.
My plan this week is to get stuff made for the clinic and finish Little Dude's Halloween costume. Neither one is a complicated sewing project but Stowa is refusing naps (not fair!) and wants nothing to do with Itchy. Except when he's not here, then all she wants is dada. Not sure why the cup of water I get for her is any better than the water Itchy gets, but she wants me to act as her personal slave. I get the playing thing. I spend more time with her so I make a better play mate since Itchy just doesn't get the "game".
So yeah, I'm also trying to get some food frozen so we can all eat even after the baby is born. I think we're going to head to the store today to get some supplies.
Here's the belly shot. Yes I finally fixed the date. It seems to have worked this time. I didn't do anything different then the other 7348909 times I've tried to fix the date but for some reason, it stuck this time. Ignore the fact that I'm still in my pajamas. When you are 36 weeks pregnant you can get dressed right away in the morning, but I'll stay in my comfy pjs until noon thankyouverymuch. By next week I may not get dressed unless I have to leave the house.
My plan this week is to get stuff made for the clinic and finish Little Dude's Halloween costume. Neither one is a complicated sewing project but Stowa is refusing naps (not fair!) and wants nothing to do with Itchy. Except when he's not here, then all she wants is dada. Not sure why the cup of water I get for her is any better than the water Itchy gets, but she wants me to act as her personal slave. I get the playing thing. I spend more time with her so I make a better play mate since Itchy just doesn't get the "game".
So yeah, I'm also trying to get some food frozen so we can all eat even after the baby is born. I think we're going to head to the store today to get some supplies.
Here's the belly shot. Yes I finally fixed the date. It seems to have worked this time. I didn't do anything different then the other 7348909 times I've tried to fix the date but for some reason, it stuck this time. Ignore the fact that I'm still in my pajamas. When you are 36 weeks pregnant you can get dressed right away in the morning, but I'll stay in my comfy pjs until noon thankyouverymuch. By next week I may not get dressed unless I have to leave the house.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
11.5
You know how some women's feet grow during pregnancy? Yeah, it happened. Again. With Stowa I went from a 10.5 to 11. My feet didn't go back to their normal size after I had her. But it is only half a size. Finding a size 11 shoe isn't the easiest, but I can usually find something.
I hadn't worn my tennis shoes in a while. It's summer, I've been wearing sandals. Today Stowa and I went to the fabric store (because I'm nuts and have added more projects to my list!) and it was a little cooler out. Umm, they were tight. I suppose some of it could have been due to swelling. But the fact that my toes were feeling crowded, probably not swelling.
I'm not buying new shoes.
I hadn't worn my tennis shoes in a while. It's summer, I've been wearing sandals. Today Stowa and I went to the fabric store (because I'm nuts and have added more projects to my list!) and it was a little cooler out. Umm, they were tight. I suppose some of it could have been due to swelling. But the fact that my toes were feeling crowded, probably not swelling.
I'm not buying new shoes.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Directionally challenged
Little Dude is still breech. I know it doesn't matter. Position doesn't matter when you have a c-section. But he seems to be getting up higher in my ribs. It's uncomfortable. The heartburn is getting BAD.
Otherwise, things here are ok. Stowa has once again proven to be a genius. She can read! None of that stupid flash card crap either. She can read a book. Ok, not really. But she has this book about a dog. On one of the pages it says something about the dog being on a leash for his walk. Yesterday Stowa was "reading" the book and when she got to that page she said "dog, leash, walk". Which really just means she even smarter because she skipped regular reading and went straight to speed reading!
What can I say, I'm easily impressed by my kid! And we read a lot.
Also, I *think* Little Dude has a name. Itchy and I talked about names over the weekend and I think we have a winner. No middle name yet. We won't be sharing it until Little Dude is here though. Don't bother asking.
Otherwise, things here are ok. Stowa has once again proven to be a genius. She can read! None of that stupid flash card crap either. She can read a book. Ok, not really. But she has this book about a dog. On one of the pages it says something about the dog being on a leash for his walk. Yesterday Stowa was "reading" the book and when she got to that page she said "dog, leash, walk". Which really just means she even smarter because she skipped regular reading and went straight to speed reading!
What can I say, I'm easily impressed by my kid! And we read a lot.
Also, I *think* Little Dude has a name. Itchy and I talked about names over the weekend and I think we have a winner. No middle name yet. We won't be sharing it until Little Dude is here though. Don't bother asking.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
I really love Target
You all know I love Target. I don't agree with everything that they do, in fact some of it just pisses me off.
The reason why I love them today though is because I registered with them. Yep, it's my 2nd kid and I set up a baby registry. How tacky of me. Except I only did it to get the 10% coupon. It's not like I set the link out to everyone and their mother. I wanted the coupon and I knew that I'd get it just in time for their Labor Day weekend baby sale (they have a baby sale every year at the same time).
Well, I got my 10% coupon code. Today is the last day of the baby sale. All sounds pretty great right? It gets better.
Target has recently updated their website. They changed their checkout system. There were apparently a lot of problems with the registries because of the updates. I didn't really know there were problems since it wasn't like I was stalking my registry. No one knew it existed so no one was going to use it to buy us stuff. However, a lot of people complained. Target tried to fix the situation by sending out a 20% coupon code and an apology.
Yeah, they allowed people to use both the 10% and 20% codes at the same time. Not to mention that extra 5% discount for using a Target card.
I just scored some cheap diapers, wipes, and nursing tanks. All of which had free shipping.
The reason why I love them today though is because I registered with them. Yep, it's my 2nd kid and I set up a baby registry. How tacky of me. Except I only did it to get the 10% coupon. It's not like I set the link out to everyone and their mother. I wanted the coupon and I knew that I'd get it just in time for their Labor Day weekend baby sale (they have a baby sale every year at the same time).
Well, I got my 10% coupon code. Today is the last day of the baby sale. All sounds pretty great right? It gets better.
Target has recently updated their website. They changed their checkout system. There were apparently a lot of problems with the registries because of the updates. I didn't really know there were problems since it wasn't like I was stalking my registry. No one knew it existed so no one was going to use it to buy us stuff. However, a lot of people complained. Target tried to fix the situation by sending out a 20% coupon code and an apology.
Yeah, they allowed people to use both the 10% and 20% codes at the same time. Not to mention that extra 5% discount for using a Target card.
I just scored some cheap diapers, wipes, and nursing tanks. All of which had free shipping.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Random stuff
When Stowa is held upside down, her hair is totally the hair of a troll doll. Remember troll dolls?
Stowa now has pants that fit. Well, she has pants that aren't too small.
I found a shirt for Little Dude that says Little Dude on it.
I added a couple more things to my to do list. Halloween costumes! If they aren't finished before Little Dude is born, they probably won't get done at all. Stowa is going to be a raccoon (or Ung-goon as she likes to call it). Little Dude is going to be a football. I was thinking he should be a frog, deer, or some other animal. But when I showed Itchy a baby football costume, Itchy declared that Little Dude WILL be a football. I bought the fabric today. No patterns around here folks, you know how I do things.
Stowa now has pants that fit. Well, she has pants that aren't too small.
I found a shirt for Little Dude that says Little Dude on it.
I added a couple more things to my to do list. Halloween costumes! If they aren't finished before Little Dude is born, they probably won't get done at all. Stowa is going to be a raccoon (or Ung-goon as she likes to call it). Little Dude is going to be a football. I was thinking he should be a frog, deer, or some other animal. But when I showed Itchy a baby football costume, Itchy declared that Little Dude WILL be a football. I bought the fabric today. No patterns around here folks, you know how I do things.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
This made me laugh
I was checking a message board today and came across this. The message board is primarily used by pregnant ladies that are due Sept-Nov. So right now there are a lot of people bitching about the aches and pains that are part of being hugely pregnant.
One of the ladies made a comment that Eve (of the Adam and Eve fame) is to blame for the aches and pains. God is punishing women because Eve ate the damn apple.
Someone replied to that comment that if Eve was willing to bring doom to the entire human race for an apple, what would she have done for a Klondike bar?
That should totally be their next commercial.
One of the ladies made a comment that Eve (of the Adam and Eve fame) is to blame for the aches and pains. God is punishing women because Eve ate the damn apple.
Someone replied to that comment that if Eve was willing to bring doom to the entire human race for an apple, what would she have done for a Klondike bar?
That should totally be their next commercial.
Stealing
Stowa and I went shopping today. We needed a few things. Like food. It was exhausting. Stowa didn't want to walk or ride in the cart. I ended up carrying her. It's a good thing she's tiny.
One of the things I bought was a couple of headbands for Stowa. Her hair is getting long and it's constantly in her eyes. She keeps clippies in for about 2 seconds. People keep telling me to cut her hair but guess what folks, it isn't happening. I don't know how to deal with bangs. I had them when I was little and always felt like they didn't look right. I grew them out and haven't looked back. Anyway, I bought her some headbands. She can put them on all by herself. They make her look much older than 2. I know she's mine and I'm biased but she is freaking adorable.
So what did we steal? I mean, I titled this stealing so we must have stolen something right? Not exactly. I just look like I am trying to steal a basketball. Little Dude is sitting a little lower than usual today and he is trying out a head down position. Those two things have made my belly look like a basketball. It's weird.
One of the things I bought was a couple of headbands for Stowa. Her hair is getting long and it's constantly in her eyes. She keeps clippies in for about 2 seconds. People keep telling me to cut her hair but guess what folks, it isn't happening. I don't know how to deal with bangs. I had them when I was little and always felt like they didn't look right. I grew them out and haven't looked back. Anyway, I bought her some headbands. She can put them on all by herself. They make her look much older than 2. I know she's mine and I'm biased but she is freaking adorable.
So what did we steal? I mean, I titled this stealing so we must have stolen something right? Not exactly. I just look like I am trying to steal a basketball. Little Dude is sitting a little lower than usual today and he is trying out a head down position. Those two things have made my belly look like a basketball. It's weird.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
35
Thirty five days. That's it. Just 35 days until we meet this Little Dude.
The to do list isn't long. The best part of having a second kid close in age to your first kid is that you're almost ready from the very beginning.
The to do list isn't long. The best part of having a second kid close in age to your first kid is that you're almost ready from the very beginning.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Holy Hell
I was just looking at some old pictures and found the picture of me 32 weeks pregnant with Stowa.
I look so much bigger this time. Huge. And I'm only going to get bigger. Yikes.
I look so much bigger this time. Huge. And I'm only going to get bigger. Yikes.
32 weeks
Thirty two weeks. I've been pregnant for thirty two weeks. I've known I was pregnant for 29 weeks. That's right, I KNEW I was pregnant before there were two lines on the test. I just knew it.
With Stowa I didn't know I was pregnant until I was like 10 or so weeks.
Now pregnancy is roughly 40 weeks long. But since I didn't know about Stowa for 10 weeks and she came at 41 weeks, it's like I was only pregnant for 31 weeks. If Little Dude comes when he is scheduled to, it will be like I was pregnant for 36 weeks. That's an extra 5 weeks people. Did I tell you all that we have a scheduled date? We do. October 6th is his official eviction date. He could leave early I suppose.
Here's the belly pic. I figure we have two more of these to go. 36 weeks and D-day. If I remember to take the pic on D-day. I didn't with Stowa. Oops.
According to Itchy I'm ready to pop. At least that is what he told his staff.
Ignore the date again.
With Stowa I didn't know I was pregnant until I was like 10 or so weeks.
Now pregnancy is roughly 40 weeks long. But since I didn't know about Stowa for 10 weeks and she came at 41 weeks, it's like I was only pregnant for 31 weeks. If Little Dude comes when he is scheduled to, it will be like I was pregnant for 36 weeks. That's an extra 5 weeks people. Did I tell you all that we have a scheduled date? We do. October 6th is his official eviction date. He could leave early I suppose.
Here's the belly pic. I figure we have two more of these to go. 36 weeks and D-day. If I remember to take the pic on D-day. I didn't with Stowa. Oops.
According to Itchy I'm ready to pop. At least that is what he told his staff.
Ignore the date again.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Crafty
I had the craft bug the last few days. Stowa has been taking decent naps so I've had time to work on a few things. Once I get started I can get things done pretty quick. Again, the dates are all screwy. I've reset the date a thousand times and it just keeps going back to whatever it wants.
Here are two of the things I've made over for the baby.
His quilt:
I made something very similar for Stowa. The back of it is super soft fleece. The satin trim is a pain in the butt though. I don't have the right sewing equipment to make it easier and since I rarely work with it, I have no interest in getting it.
This is a car seat cover. You know to keep out the cold. It has elastic around the bottom so the wind won't blow it off.
Baby is clearly not harnessed properly here but since she isn't in the car it doesn't matter. I think the cover turned out pretty well considering the fact that I had no pattern to work with. I winged it.
Still working on the cross stitching. Goodness is that time consuming. One day. I would still like to make the fleece blankets for each of the kids, but I may save them for Christmas gifts.
Here are two of the things I've made over for the baby.
His quilt:
I made something very similar for Stowa. The back of it is super soft fleece. The satin trim is a pain in the butt though. I don't have the right sewing equipment to make it easier and since I rarely work with it, I have no interest in getting it.
This is a car seat cover. You know to keep out the cold. It has elastic around the bottom so the wind won't blow it off.
Baby is clearly not harnessed properly here but since she isn't in the car it doesn't matter. I think the cover turned out pretty well considering the fact that I had no pattern to work with. I winged it.
Still working on the cross stitching. Goodness is that time consuming. One day. I would still like to make the fleece blankets for each of the kids, but I may save them for Christmas gifts.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Freak
Most women have to worry about high blood pressure during pregnancy. I must be some special brand of freak. I have low blood pressure. Today it was 82/50. Since I'm not having any issues, like dizziness, my doctor isn't too concerned. If anything changes, I am suppose to call.
I apparently haven't gained enough weight either. Measuring right on track though, so the baby is growing just fine. I don't understand it. I feel like a freaking walrus. I LOOK like a freaking walrus. But I haven't gained enough. Whatever. The baby is the one that needs to gain weight. I have plenty to spare. I could probably LOSE weight during this pregnancy and still have a giant baby.
Little Dude is growing as he should be. He is still breech, but since he's going to arrive via c-section, it doesn't really matter. It's just uncomfortable for me to have his head in my rib cage and his feet kicking my bladder.
Stowa and I went to check out the hospital today. I wanted to see what the labor and delivery department looked like. I got to meet the lactation consultant. She was really excited that I plan to breastfeed Little Dude. She was even more excited that Stowa nursed until just a few months ago. She showed us around. It's a really new hospital so everything is really nice.
After the tour we were standing by the nurse's desk. One of the nurses was feeding an adorable little baby. The nurse giving the tour pushed Stowa over there to see the baby (Stowa was riding nicely in her stroller). The other nurse brought the baby over to her and was letting her touch the baby. Then the nurse asked if Stowa wanted to hold the baby. OMG. I said no. There was no way she was holding a stranger's baby! I'd be pissed if I sent my baby to the nursery only to find that they let a stranger's almost 2 yr old hold my baby.
It was really weird. Thank goodness they encourage rooming in.
I apparently haven't gained enough weight either. Measuring right on track though, so the baby is growing just fine. I don't understand it. I feel like a freaking walrus. I LOOK like a freaking walrus. But I haven't gained enough. Whatever. The baby is the one that needs to gain weight. I have plenty to spare. I could probably LOSE weight during this pregnancy and still have a giant baby.
Little Dude is growing as he should be. He is still breech, but since he's going to arrive via c-section, it doesn't really matter. It's just uncomfortable for me to have his head in my rib cage and his feet kicking my bladder.
Stowa and I went to check out the hospital today. I wanted to see what the labor and delivery department looked like. I got to meet the lactation consultant. She was really excited that I plan to breastfeed Little Dude. She was even more excited that Stowa nursed until just a few months ago. She showed us around. It's a really new hospital so everything is really nice.
After the tour we were standing by the nurse's desk. One of the nurses was feeding an adorable little baby. The nurse giving the tour pushed Stowa over there to see the baby (Stowa was riding nicely in her stroller). The other nurse brought the baby over to her and was letting her touch the baby. Then the nurse asked if Stowa wanted to hold the baby. OMG. I said no. There was no way she was holding a stranger's baby! I'd be pissed if I sent my baby to the nursery only to find that they let a stranger's almost 2 yr old hold my baby.
It was really weird. Thank goodness they encourage rooming in.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Genius
Marketing genius. Yep, the folks who are in charge of marketing Sesame Street are freaking geniuses.
Stowa has seen Sesame Street a handful of times. She doesn't really even watch it. But I'll be damned if she doesn't know who Elmo is.
We went to Target today. This kid has hit a growth spurt and her shoes no longer fit. After we found a pair of shoes that fit, we looked at clothes. She spotted an Elmo shirt from across the section. She was yelling Elmo, Elmo, Elmo.
She is the proud new owner of an Elmo shirt.
Way to go PBS. You've hooked another one.
Stowa has seen Sesame Street a handful of times. She doesn't really even watch it. But I'll be damned if she doesn't know who Elmo is.
We went to Target today. This kid has hit a growth spurt and her shoes no longer fit. After we found a pair of shoes that fit, we looked at clothes. She spotted an Elmo shirt from across the section. She was yelling Elmo, Elmo, Elmo.
She is the proud new owner of an Elmo shirt.
Way to go PBS. You've hooked another one.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Smoke Signals
Remember when Itchy and I bought our grill? It was sometime this summer. Well, when we bought the grill there was an option to get a smoker attachment. We're suckers for crap like that so we bought the smoker too.
We've used the grill quite a bit this summer. I like it. It doesn't look as cool as our football grill, but it's a heck of a lot easier to grill with.
I decided that we needed to use the smoker this weekend. I researched the crap out of ribs to find out what kind of ribs were the best. I read about what to look for in a good brisket. Stowa and I went to the store armed with all sorts of info. The grocery store didn't have exactly what we wanted but we figured we would make it all work.
I spent all freaking day tending to the smoker. Low and slow. Really freaking slow. That's the motto. Wood chips only produce smoke for about 15 minutes. You want smoke for at least 3 hours. Do the math. Then you have to maintain the temp for at least 3 more hours. In my case it was almost 5 more hours. It's not like I was doing hard manual labor but this was a lot of work.
The results: It was worth it! I didn't eat the ribs since I can't eat pork, but Itchy and Stowa loved them. Itchy called them "perfect". The brisket? Delicious. Even though it could have been out there a little longer. It was still really good. We all ate the brisket. I'm practically in a meat coma right now. Stowa couldn't resist it. She loved it. She kept asking for more. Kid was sad when it was gone.
We've used the grill quite a bit this summer. I like it. It doesn't look as cool as our football grill, but it's a heck of a lot easier to grill with.
I decided that we needed to use the smoker this weekend. I researched the crap out of ribs to find out what kind of ribs were the best. I read about what to look for in a good brisket. Stowa and I went to the store armed with all sorts of info. The grocery store didn't have exactly what we wanted but we figured we would make it all work.
I spent all freaking day tending to the smoker. Low and slow. Really freaking slow. That's the motto. Wood chips only produce smoke for about 15 minutes. You want smoke for at least 3 hours. Do the math. Then you have to maintain the temp for at least 3 more hours. In my case it was almost 5 more hours. It's not like I was doing hard manual labor but this was a lot of work.
The results: It was worth it! I didn't eat the ribs since I can't eat pork, but Itchy and Stowa loved them. Itchy called them "perfect". The brisket? Delicious. Even though it could have been out there a little longer. It was still really good. We all ate the brisket. I'm practically in a meat coma right now. Stowa couldn't resist it. She loved it. She kept asking for more. Kid was sad when it was gone.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Getting old?
Yep, it's another blurb about my kid and the cute things she does.
We've been playing with a few of the stuffed animals that are in her room. One of them is a raccoon. She calls it a unggoon. LOL.
It's cool that she can talk and all. She has plenty of words that she pronounces correctly. But the mispronunciations are funny to me.
We've been playing with a few of the stuffed animals that are in her room. One of them is a raccoon. She calls it a unggoon. LOL.
It's cool that she can talk and all. She has plenty of words that she pronounces correctly. But the mispronunciations are funny to me.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Funny and cute
So Itchy and I tend to call the cats hobos. You know like the penniless vagabonds that they are. Apparently Stowa has caught on to this. She now calls Patches "hobo". Last night she put a hand on each side of Patches' face and nearly yelled "hobo" in her face. I freaking love it.
Itchy is worried that people will think she's saying homo. I suppose that would be very un-PC of her. She better watch it.
Itchy is worried that people will think she's saying homo. I suppose that would be very un-PC of her. She better watch it.
It's done
The kids' room is done. More or less. There are a few little details that need to be finished and a few things that will change a little, but it's done. Again, ignore the dates. I'm pretty sure it's not Halloween yet.
Starting from the door:
I'm well aware that you aren't suppose to use a crib bumper. Also, the crib skirt is not on the crib yet.
Notice the non-basketball themed light.
Stowa's big girl bed. The little things above the head of her bed are fireflies. They glow in the dark. So do the fire flies on her pillows and quilt.
See, here is a close up of the fire flies. I love them.
This is Stowa's dresser.
I have a really cute picture frame that I want to hang in the room but I don't think it's going to work. It's pretty big and I just don't have a good place to hang it. It will probably go on the wall right outside the room.
Starting from the door:
I'm well aware that you aren't suppose to use a crib bumper. Also, the crib skirt is not on the crib yet.
Notice the non-basketball themed light.
Stowa's big girl bed. The little things above the head of her bed are fireflies. They glow in the dark. So do the fire flies on her pillows and quilt.
See, here is a close up of the fire flies. I love them.
This is Stowa's dresser.
These are the closets. Fascinating right? Not really but I took the picture, so you have to look at it. The frame in the middle is the birth announcement I made for Stowa when she was born. I'm making the same thing for Little Dude, but making it more boyish. When it gets done, I'll hang it right below Stowa's.
I have a really cute picture frame that I want to hang in the room but I don't think it's going to work. It's pretty big and I just don't have a good place to hang it. It will probably go on the wall right outside the room.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Funny toddler things
No. It's a complete sentence and I hear it a lot these days. I knew it was coming. Stowa has totally embraced it and says it ALL THE TIME.
The big girl bed is going well. Except for the set back we seem to be going through. We spent one night at FIL's house and Stowa had to sleep with me and now she's fighting the notion of sleeping in her bed. I'm hoping this passes quickly.
Getting rid of the pacifier is going to lead to drinking. She gets so damn whiny when she wants it but can't have it. The idea is that she can have it when she's sleeping (nap or nighttime). During the day it disappears. The whining, oh my god the whining. I'm hoping that this too will pass quickly.
Cute stuff? She's full of it. For example when we were at FIL's house, we were playing with the landscaping rocks in the backyard. They were in the sun so they were warm to the touch. Stowa would pick one up declare that it was hot and then blow on it. It was silly and cute.
Another example: Today Stowa and I had errands to run. She insisted on wearing her winter hat everywhere we went. In the 80 degree weather. Totally cute.
Yet another: Stowa has become quite attached to her baby. She's always been drawn to dolls. At three months old she got a tiny little baby that she loved. It quickly became a favorite toy. Over the last couple of months though, her baby has become very important to her. Baby comes outside with us, she comes on trips, she goes with to run errands, etc. Basically where ever Stowa is, baby is right there too. Stowa fell asleep with baby clutched in her arms.
One more for good measure: Her sweet little voice. Kills us. Even when all she is saying is no, it's cute. Right now she's adding an "a" to most words. Like upa for up. She sounds like a tiny little Greek kid.
Did I mention how cute it is when she "beeps" noses? Because it's adorable when she wants to beep my nose, Itchy's nose, and then both of the cats' noses. The cats disagree, but what do they know?
The big girl bed is going well. Except for the set back we seem to be going through. We spent one night at FIL's house and Stowa had to sleep with me and now she's fighting the notion of sleeping in her bed. I'm hoping this passes quickly.
Getting rid of the pacifier is going to lead to drinking. She gets so damn whiny when she wants it but can't have it. The idea is that she can have it when she's sleeping (nap or nighttime). During the day it disappears. The whining, oh my god the whining. I'm hoping that this too will pass quickly.
Cute stuff? She's full of it. For example when we were at FIL's house, we were playing with the landscaping rocks in the backyard. They were in the sun so they were warm to the touch. Stowa would pick one up declare that it was hot and then blow on it. It was silly and cute.
Another example: Today Stowa and I had errands to run. She insisted on wearing her winter hat everywhere we went. In the 80 degree weather. Totally cute.
Yet another: Stowa has become quite attached to her baby. She's always been drawn to dolls. At three months old she got a tiny little baby that she loved. It quickly became a favorite toy. Over the last couple of months though, her baby has become very important to her. Baby comes outside with us, she comes on trips, she goes with to run errands, etc. Basically where ever Stowa is, baby is right there too. Stowa fell asleep with baby clutched in her arms.
One more for good measure: Her sweet little voice. Kills us. Even when all she is saying is no, it's cute. Right now she's adding an "a" to most words. Like upa for up. She sounds like a tiny little Greek kid.
Did I mention how cute it is when she "beeps" noses? Because it's adorable when she wants to beep my nose, Itchy's nose, and then both of the cats' noses. The cats disagree, but what do they know?
Friday, July 22, 2011
28 weeks
Officially 28 weeks today. 12 weeks until the baby is here. Except since I'll have a planned c-section so it's more like 11 weeks. He still has no name. We don't even have a list of names we like.
Here's the belly shot. Ignore the date on the picture. For some reason my camera is possessed and the date keeps changing. It was taken this morning.
Here's a picture of Patches. After the haircut. It was also taken this morning.
Here she is like two years ago. It was the only picture I could find.
Here's the belly shot. Ignore the date on the picture. For some reason my camera is possessed and the date keeps changing. It was taken this morning.
Here's a picture of Patches. After the haircut. It was also taken this morning.
Here she is like two years ago. It was the only picture I could find.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
It's too hot
Stowa and I have been stuck in the house. It's too hot to be outside. We're both going stir crazy.
I had an appointment yesterday. Had to take the gestational diabetes test. I was sure that I was going to fail. Thankfully I was wrong. I am slightly anemic though. I get to take iron supplements now. I should be walking down to the pharmacy to pick them up but it's too damn hot. I'll go tomorrow.
Little dude seems to be growing as expected. He was playing dodge the doppler though. My doc could not get a good heart rate from him. We heard the heartbeat but every time we'd hear it LD would move. It was like a game.
I had an appointment yesterday. Had to take the gestational diabetes test. I was sure that I was going to fail. Thankfully I was wrong. I am slightly anemic though. I get to take iron supplements now. I should be walking down to the pharmacy to pick them up but it's too damn hot. I'll go tomorrow.
Little dude seems to be growing as expected. He was playing dodge the doppler though. My doc could not get a good heart rate from him. We heard the heartbeat but every time we'd hear it LD would move. It was like a game.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Random thoughts
- I'm tired. I really want Stowa to go take a nap so I can go take a nap.
- My dad and his wife came to visit. They gave us an air conditioner. Yay!
- I nearly passed out at the grocery store today. Sorry if I was blocking you from getting your precious Captain Crunch.
- Patches got a haircut yesterday. It was suppose to be a trim. Just the fur by her butt. Then I was just going to get the mats off her belly. Then the ones on her back. Poor girl is nearly bald right now. It was either an all over trim or lots of bald spots. Either way she'd look ridiculous. I'll get a pic later.
- Seeing Patches reminded me of our Island neighbors. They use to shave their cats once a month. We teased them about it.
- Itchy joined the local gym. He plans to go for a couple of hours three days a week. When I told him that he'd be solely in charge of Stowa for a couple of hours on the weekend so I could have some kid free time, he threw a fit. Suck it dude. It's not even like I'm planning on leaving the house. I'd be downstairs working on some crafty projects.
- I think I may have signed up for Facebook (or it's equivalent) by accident.
- I'm already starting to think about Christmas presents.
- I have to do the glucose test next week. I'm convinced that I'm going to fail.
- I need to find something to wear to a wedding I have to go to in two weeks. I feel like I should be shopping at the tent store.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Bounce house update
Friday night was a win! When Stowa was ready to crash, we went and laid down on her bed. She laid down and was quiet. She did not fall asleep there, but remember I set the bar really low. Just getting her to stop jumping on the damn thing was a win.
Saturday was a bust. Kid was in a rotten mood and nothing was making her happy. She ended up staying up until almost 2. I was just about asleep on the couch so we just went to bed.
Right now, she is napping in her bed. It's been an hour and a half. Yay!
So far so good.
Saturday was a bust. Kid was in a rotten mood and nothing was making her happy. She ended up staying up until almost 2. I was just about asleep on the couch so we just went to bed.
Right now, she is napping in her bed. It's been an hour and a half. Yay!
So far so good.
Uh oh
We had a small incident today. It involved the police (sort of).
Stowa and I went shopping today. We needed a few things from Target so we headed south to the closest one. Nothing exciting there. Well, I did find Stowa a pair of cute shoes for $4.
After Target I took Stowa to the mall. They have a cool little play area and I needed to look for something to wear to a wedding. We shopped first and then went to play.
The play area is usually stressful. My kid is tiny. There are usually big kids there with no one watching them. Guess who gets knocked over? Today though, was different. When we got there it was like some magical toddler land. I think the oldest kid was only 2. Still quite a few kids but it was all toddlers and babies. Well behaved ones too. There was no fighting, biting, running, pushing, etc. The kids all played nicely together. I got to sit down. Usually I have to hover over my kid to make sure she isn't pushed around too much. Stowa really clicked with one little girl in particular. They walked around holding hands and sharing their toys (Stowa's baby and P's kitty). It was cute. P and her mom left. Stowa was still happy and busy playing. This is when it started to go downhill. Fast.
A mom and her 4 brats showed up. The youngest boy was probably 2. Then there was a 6 year old boy, a 7ish year old girl, and a 10ish year old boy. The little girl was not allowed to play. She was repeatedly told to sit down on the bench and be quiet. The 2 year old sat under the little bridge thing and did not interact at all with anyone. The other two? Yeah. They were jerks. Running all over the place, knocking the little kids over, hitting each other, etc. Rotten.
Stowa was staying pretty close to me. I was watching her like a hawk. She and another little girl (only about 13 months old) walked over to the slide. They went up the stairs together. No one else was anywhere near the slide. The girls were sitting at the top of the slide. All of a sudden the bratty 6 year old ran up the slide part and pushed the girls off the top of the slide, down the stairs. Asshole.
Stowa rolled down the stairs and face planted into the carpet. The baby flew from the top of the slide to the ground without hitting a single step.
I ran over to Stowa and made sure she was ok. Just a little carpet burn on her face. Not the end of the world. The other little girl (A) was SCREAMING. Not a big surprise. I turned to say something to the little asshole that had just shoved my kid (open palm to the chest) but instead I turned only to see A's mom with Jerkface in a death grip, yelling at him about never ever doing anything like that again and then screaming for security and an ambulance. Jerkface's mom then came running over yelling at A's mom for grabbing her kid's arm.
It didn't take long before security showed up. Three of them. They had to take our statements. When they asked Jerkface why he did it, he said it was because he didn't want them to use the slide. Jerkface's mom wanted A's mom arrested because she left marks on his arm. A's mom wanted to sue Jerkface for hurting her kid. It was all very dramatic. There was a lot of yelling. By the way, A seemed to be fine. Once her mom finally picked her up she stopped crying. There didn't appear to be any injuries. Stowa didn't even cry. She has a tiny red mark on her face. She was off playing before security even got there.
But holy crap. The whole thing was just a mess. It went from being fun to awful in no time. I get where A's mom was coming from. I too wanted to kill the little bastard. Our reactions were just very different.
Stowa and I went shopping today. We needed a few things from Target so we headed south to the closest one. Nothing exciting there. Well, I did find Stowa a pair of cute shoes for $4.
After Target I took Stowa to the mall. They have a cool little play area and I needed to look for something to wear to a wedding. We shopped first and then went to play.
The play area is usually stressful. My kid is tiny. There are usually big kids there with no one watching them. Guess who gets knocked over? Today though, was different. When we got there it was like some magical toddler land. I think the oldest kid was only 2. Still quite a few kids but it was all toddlers and babies. Well behaved ones too. There was no fighting, biting, running, pushing, etc. The kids all played nicely together. I got to sit down. Usually I have to hover over my kid to make sure she isn't pushed around too much. Stowa really clicked with one little girl in particular. They walked around holding hands and sharing their toys (Stowa's baby and P's kitty). It was cute. P and her mom left. Stowa was still happy and busy playing. This is when it started to go downhill. Fast.
A mom and her 4 brats showed up. The youngest boy was probably 2. Then there was a 6 year old boy, a 7ish year old girl, and a 10ish year old boy. The little girl was not allowed to play. She was repeatedly told to sit down on the bench and be quiet. The 2 year old sat under the little bridge thing and did not interact at all with anyone. The other two? Yeah. They were jerks. Running all over the place, knocking the little kids over, hitting each other, etc. Rotten.
Stowa was staying pretty close to me. I was watching her like a hawk. She and another little girl (only about 13 months old) walked over to the slide. They went up the stairs together. No one else was anywhere near the slide. The girls were sitting at the top of the slide. All of a sudden the bratty 6 year old ran up the slide part and pushed the girls off the top of the slide, down the stairs. Asshole.
Stowa rolled down the stairs and face planted into the carpet. The baby flew from the top of the slide to the ground without hitting a single step.
I ran over to Stowa and made sure she was ok. Just a little carpet burn on her face. Not the end of the world. The other little girl (A) was SCREAMING. Not a big surprise. I turned to say something to the little asshole that had just shoved my kid (open palm to the chest) but instead I turned only to see A's mom with Jerkface in a death grip, yelling at him about never ever doing anything like that again and then screaming for security and an ambulance. Jerkface's mom then came running over yelling at A's mom for grabbing her kid's arm.
It didn't take long before security showed up. Three of them. They had to take our statements. When they asked Jerkface why he did it, he said it was because he didn't want them to use the slide. Jerkface's mom wanted A's mom arrested because she left marks on his arm. A's mom wanted to sue Jerkface for hurting her kid. It was all very dramatic. There was a lot of yelling. By the way, A seemed to be fine. Once her mom finally picked her up she stopped crying. There didn't appear to be any injuries. Stowa didn't even cry. She has a tiny red mark on her face. She was off playing before security even got there.
But holy crap. The whole thing was just a mess. It went from being fun to awful in no time. I get where A's mom was coming from. I too wanted to kill the little bastard. Our reactions were just very different.
Friday, July 8, 2011
The bounce house has arrived
Oops, I mean bed. Stowa's new bed is here. She just likes to bounce on it.
This is sure to be an interesting transition. I'm setting my expectations REALLY low. If I can get her to lay down on it and be quiet, tonight will be a win.
The green room, as we like to call it around here, felt small before. It's not a big room by anyone's standards. If it were for one kid, it would be plenty of space. Two kids? Well it's a little cramped. I made Itchy move things around and around to see how the different options would look. He played along only to have me decide that the first option was the only decent option.
Now that Stowa's bed is here and the furniture is where it's going to be, I can finish the room up. I had cute plans for the shelves I wanted to put up but there isn't a good place to put the shelves. Now the only shelves will be the practical ones above the changing table. Once everything is done, I will take pictures.
This is sure to be an interesting transition. I'm setting my expectations REALLY low. If I can get her to lay down on it and be quiet, tonight will be a win.
The green room, as we like to call it around here, felt small before. It's not a big room by anyone's standards. If it were for one kid, it would be plenty of space. Two kids? Well it's a little cramped. I made Itchy move things around and around to see how the different options would look. He played along only to have me decide that the first option was the only decent option.
Now that Stowa's bed is here and the furniture is where it's going to be, I can finish the room up. I had cute plans for the shelves I wanted to put up but there isn't a good place to put the shelves. Now the only shelves will be the practical ones above the changing table. Once everything is done, I will take pictures.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Busy day
On Wednesday, Stowa and I drove up north to meet up with my darling niece, my sister, and my brother in law. We met up at the zoo. It was really fun to hang out with my niece. I don't get to see any of my nieces often enough, so when I do get to see them, it's always really fun for me.
Stowa wasn't feeling the zoo. She woke up crabby. She remained crabby. She finally perked up when we were just about done at the zoo. The peacock was totally her favorite animal this time.
We also went on a tour of a mansion. It was cool but my kid didn't think so. Being in a place where she had to be quiet and not touch anything isn't fun for her. I was hoping she'd fall asleep. No such luck. Whatever. It was still interesting.
After that we went to a lighthouse. We got to watch a freight ship come into port. But we were not at the lighthouse that we had intended to be at. A 25 minute drive further north got us to the right lighthouse only to find that because of the state shutdown, the state park that the lighthouse is located in, was closed. It thought it was funny. The rest of the group did not.
Stowa wasn't feeling the zoo. She woke up crabby. She remained crabby. She finally perked up when we were just about done at the zoo. The peacock was totally her favorite animal this time.
We also went on a tour of a mansion. It was cool but my kid didn't think so. Being in a place where she had to be quiet and not touch anything isn't fun for her. I was hoping she'd fall asleep. No such luck. Whatever. It was still interesting.
After that we went to a lighthouse. We got to watch a freight ship come into port. But we were not at the lighthouse that we had intended to be at. A 25 minute drive further north got us to the right lighthouse only to find that because of the state shutdown, the state park that the lighthouse is located in, was closed. It thought it was funny. The rest of the group did not.
What better way to celebrate the country...
We had a fantastic 4th of July weekend! We were lucky enough to have two of our best friends from The Island visit. Stara and CW! Yay! CW brought along her husband (whom is also cool and fun to hang out with) and their freaking adorable baby Little Ladyfingers (LL).
They came up here on Saturday. Stowa ran up to Stara and wanted to be picked up. She never ever does this. Then I saw LL. Oh my gosh. She is cute. And I'm not just saying that because her mama is reading this. She is seriously a beautiful baby. I had seen pictures and they were cute but in person, even more adorable. And she's really tiny and snuggly. And she has that tiny baby smell.
Anyway, Itchy was able to get a boat for the weekend so we boated over to a local restaurant for dinner. It was probably not a great choice, since it was really busy. My kid was rotten during the wait for food, which was way too long. There were people smoking near us. Gag. LL was just a tiny bit over stimulated by the noise. We should have gone elsewhere.
After we got out of there we tried to do a little fishing. CW's husband was the only one that caught anything and it wasn't much.
Sunday we gave them the tour of the clinic. Itchy got to show off his fun toys. They have both been offered jobs at the clinic. The offer itself isn't that great but I think they should seriously consider it.
We went out on the boat that afternoon. No fish were caught. But it was still fun. Everything was going well until the boat died. Yep it just died. Being on a lake in WI, it didn't take long before someone came by to help. A retired Navy SEAL and his friends towed us back to the resort. I think we were moving faster being towed than we did when the boat was running on it's own.
We grilled some food that night, had a fire in the yard, and were eaten alive by mosquitoes. It doesn't sound like much fun, but it was. CW and Stara are now to blame for any weight that I gain this summer. Pregnant or not. They made me eat a cookie S'more. That's right. A toasted marshmallow in between pieces of a chocolate chip cookie. I'm giving my doctor their numbers. They can explain it to him. I don't know if I can go back to regular S'mores.
Sadly they had to leave early on Monday. They had a long drive back. I really wish they lived closer. Hanging out with them is the thing I miss most about the The Island. If they would just take the jobs they have been offered we could hang out all the time!
They missed the lame ass parade that went by our house. Itchy and I must be jaded or something because everyone around us (and there were a lot of people around us) seemed to be enjoying it. We both agreed that we would skip it next year. It was stupid and lame. I do not understand why people had chairs set up (in my yard) the night before the parade.
After being bored to tears at the parade, we all took a 3 hour nap. We were all tired.
We took Stowa out on the boat that night for a little fishing and fireworks. The fishing wasn't great but the fireworks were cool. Stowa kept asking for "mor". Drastic change from last year.
They came up here on Saturday. Stowa ran up to Stara and wanted to be picked up. She never ever does this. Then I saw LL. Oh my gosh. She is cute. And I'm not just saying that because her mama is reading this. She is seriously a beautiful baby. I had seen pictures and they were cute but in person, even more adorable. And she's really tiny and snuggly. And she has that tiny baby smell.
Anyway, Itchy was able to get a boat for the weekend so we boated over to a local restaurant for dinner. It was probably not a great choice, since it was really busy. My kid was rotten during the wait for food, which was way too long. There were people smoking near us. Gag. LL was just a tiny bit over stimulated by the noise. We should have gone elsewhere.
After we got out of there we tried to do a little fishing. CW's husband was the only one that caught anything and it wasn't much.
Sunday we gave them the tour of the clinic. Itchy got to show off his fun toys. They have both been offered jobs at the clinic. The offer itself isn't that great but I think they should seriously consider it.
We went out on the boat that afternoon. No fish were caught. But it was still fun. Everything was going well until the boat died. Yep it just died. Being on a lake in WI, it didn't take long before someone came by to help. A retired Navy SEAL and his friends towed us back to the resort. I think we were moving faster being towed than we did when the boat was running on it's own.
We grilled some food that night, had a fire in the yard, and were eaten alive by mosquitoes. It doesn't sound like much fun, but it was. CW and Stara are now to blame for any weight that I gain this summer. Pregnant or not. They made me eat a cookie S'more. That's right. A toasted marshmallow in between pieces of a chocolate chip cookie. I'm giving my doctor their numbers. They can explain it to him. I don't know if I can go back to regular S'mores.
Sadly they had to leave early on Monday. They had a long drive back. I really wish they lived closer. Hanging out with them is the thing I miss most about the The Island. If they would just take the jobs they have been offered we could hang out all the time!
They missed the lame ass parade that went by our house. Itchy and I must be jaded or something because everyone around us (and there were a lot of people around us) seemed to be enjoying it. We both agreed that we would skip it next year. It was stupid and lame. I do not understand why people had chairs set up (in my yard) the night before the parade.
After being bored to tears at the parade, we all took a 3 hour nap. We were all tired.
We took Stowa out on the boat that night for a little fishing and fireworks. The fishing wasn't great but the fireworks were cool. Stowa kept asking for "mor". Drastic change from last year.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Vocabulary explosion
Stowa is in the middle of an explosion. She's been a lady of few words. She's always been within the normal range for kids her age, but more towards the lower end of normal. I really haven't been worried about it. I knew that she was fine since she was saying *something* and she could clearly understand most of what I said to her.
Over the last two weeks or so her vocabulary has exploded. Yesterday we got some bracelets/anklets in the mail. My niece made them for Stowa and I. Stowa and I were checking them out and Stowa loves them. She was busy sorting them out and I asked which ones she liked. She then pointed to each and every one saying "like". I told her that her cousin "A" made them for her and then Stowa said her name! It's the first name she's said (other than Mama, Dada, and the cat's names). She's trying to repeat most of what I say to her now. It's exciting.
Last night while she was in the bath she said "I love you". Awww. I was mostly a puddle on the floor at that point.
Over the last two weeks or so her vocabulary has exploded. Yesterday we got some bracelets/anklets in the mail. My niece made them for Stowa and I. Stowa and I were checking them out and Stowa loves them. She was busy sorting them out and I asked which ones she liked. She then pointed to each and every one saying "like". I told her that her cousin "A" made them for her and then Stowa said her name! It's the first name she's said (other than Mama, Dada, and the cat's names). She's trying to repeat most of what I say to her now. It's exciting.
Last night while she was in the bath she said "I love you". Awww. I was mostly a puddle on the floor at that point.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
At first I was annoyed
I ordered Stowa's bed the other day. Our local stores are tiny and have limited stock. I ended up finding a better deal on the internet. Like usual. So I ordered it. They sent me the standard "we've received your order" email. Within that email they mentioned that they would call to confirm the order and arrange for pick-up (delivery was too expensive, I'm cheap). Weird but whatever.
They called the next day to tell me that they had my order. Guy was very polite and then told me that they expected it to be ready for pick-up on July 5th. I thanked him and then became ticked off. July 5th! What the hell? That's a long time to have to wait for this bed. I was hoping to get it much sooner then that.
And then I realized that July 5th was less than 2 weeks away. I was really glad I didn't let the poor guy know that I was ticked off. I felt stupid.
Where the heck did June go?
They called the next day to tell me that they had my order. Guy was very polite and then told me that they expected it to be ready for pick-up on July 5th. I thanked him and then became ticked off. July 5th! What the hell? That's a long time to have to wait for this bed. I was hoping to get it much sooner then that.
And then I realized that July 5th was less than 2 weeks away. I was really glad I didn't let the poor guy know that I was ticked off. I felt stupid.
Where the heck did June go?
Friday, June 24, 2011
24 weeks
There's the 24 week belly shot. Ignore the mess behind me. Someone likes to dig stuff out of the drawers. Someone else is too lazy to put things away. As long as we're ignoring things, let's go ahead and ignore how swollen my hands are. K thanks.Let's pay attention to the important things. Like the wall color. It is no longer pink. And the fact that there is no stair climber behind me. Things are moving along. I'm really just waiting on Stowa's big girl bed. I ordered it yesterday. Once that's in there I can figure out where things are going and then finish decorating.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Fridays with FIL
Itchy, Stowa and I spent the weekend with FIL. He was just as annoying as we expected him to be.
I really wanted to stop at a fabric store so that I could get started on some stuff for Little Dude. I made a bunch of stuff for Stowa and I want to make stuff for Little Dude too. So that was our first stop. I got some really cute stuff. Itchy even helped pick some of it out. Stowa did too. I thought about taking pics but haven't gotten around to it.
Then we went to dinner for a belated birthday dinner for Itchy. Crab is delicious.
After dinner we stopped at Target. It felt like we were there forever but we did get a lot done. We picked up a bunch of stuff that we needed/wanted. Including a grill. Yay!
Then we headed over to FIL's house. He startled Stowa when we came in and she was hysterical. If he had just chilled, she would have been ok. But instead he has to speak very loudly and clap a lot. Oh and banging on the table. Because you know, when she was 6 months old she thought clapping was really fun. And when she was 9 months old banging on the table was hilarious. Friday night? Yeah it was just freaking her out.
Saturday morning FIL HAD to go play racquetball. He plays a lot. It's his thing. I'm glad he has a hobby. However, when you bitch and whine about never seeing Stowa maybe, just maybe, you could skip one morning of racquetball. He left early and said he'd be home by noon. We sat around waiting for him until 12:30 and when he still wasn't home or answering his phone, we left to go get some stuff done. He called at like 1 and was pissed. Whatever. Toddlers and waiting around do not mix. We had stuff to do and he knew that.
Anyway, we meet up with him Saturday afternoon. He wanted to go shopping. This is all he ever wants to do. Great. It's fun to go into a store and get pretty much whatever you want and not worry about the price. So we went shopping for baby clothes. Little Dude has some blue stuff in addition to a lot of yellow and green. Stowa got a couple pairs of pants for the fall. The ride to the mall was much more interesting. FIL was suggesting baby names. All three of his kids have names that end in "an". He thinks this baby should rhyme with their names. When Itchy shot down the first 3 rhyming names, FIL moved on to biblical names. Only he wanted them pronounced the way he pronounces them. My personal favorite: Denise. Yep he suggested a woman's name. It was good stuff.
Next we went to lunch. Itchy was trying out a new rule with FIL. No restaurants with wait staff. FIL is awkward around waitresses and waiters. It worked out pretty well.
FIL bitched the entire time we were shopping and eating because he played racquetball and his knee hurts after playing. Which meant that he really couldn't do anything. Walking around was out of the question. He made us drive to the other side of the mall so he could go buy underwear and white t-shirts. Since Stowa can "wander" off I didn't have to help him. She was very interested in some socks. FIL did ask Itchy to help him though. Because every 30 yr old guy likes to help his dad pick out underwear. Totally made me laugh.
After that we ditched FIL because he was exhausted and hurt from his busy morning. We hung out with some friends. Good times.
Sunday morning FIL was annoyed that Stowa wanted to play outside in the back yard and not sit around doing nothing. He wouldn't come off the deck to play, he just wanted her to go sit up there. There were flowers to pick and rocks to sort. She wasn't going to go sit anywhere.
Since FIL had to go to work, we spent the afternoon at the zoo. It was pretty fun. We went to the much smaller zoo in town. Stowa was a little grumpy but she made it through.
We met with FIL for dinner before we left. He chose the restaurant so we had to break the rule. He behaved pretty well. Other then complaining about where we were sitting, where we parked, where he parked, and he was trying to get Stowa to misbehave.
I really wanted to stop at a fabric store so that I could get started on some stuff for Little Dude. I made a bunch of stuff for Stowa and I want to make stuff for Little Dude too. So that was our first stop. I got some really cute stuff. Itchy even helped pick some of it out. Stowa did too. I thought about taking pics but haven't gotten around to it.
Then we went to dinner for a belated birthday dinner for Itchy. Crab is delicious.
After dinner we stopped at Target. It felt like we were there forever but we did get a lot done. We picked up a bunch of stuff that we needed/wanted. Including a grill. Yay!
Then we headed over to FIL's house. He startled Stowa when we came in and she was hysterical. If he had just chilled, she would have been ok. But instead he has to speak very loudly and clap a lot. Oh and banging on the table. Because you know, when she was 6 months old she thought clapping was really fun. And when she was 9 months old banging on the table was hilarious. Friday night? Yeah it was just freaking her out.
Saturday morning FIL HAD to go play racquetball. He plays a lot. It's his thing. I'm glad he has a hobby. However, when you bitch and whine about never seeing Stowa maybe, just maybe, you could skip one morning of racquetball. He left early and said he'd be home by noon. We sat around waiting for him until 12:30 and when he still wasn't home or answering his phone, we left to go get some stuff done. He called at like 1 and was pissed. Whatever. Toddlers and waiting around do not mix. We had stuff to do and he knew that.
Anyway, we meet up with him Saturday afternoon. He wanted to go shopping. This is all he ever wants to do. Great. It's fun to go into a store and get pretty much whatever you want and not worry about the price. So we went shopping for baby clothes. Little Dude has some blue stuff in addition to a lot of yellow and green. Stowa got a couple pairs of pants for the fall. The ride to the mall was much more interesting. FIL was suggesting baby names. All three of his kids have names that end in "an". He thinks this baby should rhyme with their names. When Itchy shot down the first 3 rhyming names, FIL moved on to biblical names. Only he wanted them pronounced the way he pronounces them. My personal favorite: Denise. Yep he suggested a woman's name. It was good stuff.
Next we went to lunch. Itchy was trying out a new rule with FIL. No restaurants with wait staff. FIL is awkward around waitresses and waiters. It worked out pretty well.
FIL bitched the entire time we were shopping and eating because he played racquetball and his knee hurts after playing. Which meant that he really couldn't do anything. Walking around was out of the question. He made us drive to the other side of the mall so he could go buy underwear and white t-shirts. Since Stowa can "wander" off I didn't have to help him. She was very interested in some socks. FIL did ask Itchy to help him though. Because every 30 yr old guy likes to help his dad pick out underwear. Totally made me laugh.
After that we ditched FIL because he was exhausted and hurt from his busy morning. We hung out with some friends. Good times.
Sunday morning FIL was annoyed that Stowa wanted to play outside in the back yard and not sit around doing nothing. He wouldn't come off the deck to play, he just wanted her to go sit up there. There were flowers to pick and rocks to sort. She wasn't going to go sit anywhere.
Since FIL had to go to work, we spent the afternoon at the zoo. It was pretty fun. We went to the much smaller zoo in town. Stowa was a little grumpy but she made it through.
We met with FIL for dinner before we left. He chose the restaurant so we had to break the rule. He behaved pretty well. Other then complaining about where we were sitting, where we parked, where he parked, and he was trying to get Stowa to misbehave.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
The kids' room pictures
Here's the room before we really moved in.
Notice basketball hoop light. Totally goes with a HOT PINK room. That door leaning up against the wall there. Yeah it's for our bedroom but it has no hinges and it's cracked. It lives downstairs now. The stickers on the door to this room are Tinkerbell stickers. I left them there.
Here's a "during" the makeover picture. It was taken today. The painting is done. I really don't care that the ceiling has green on it. It's covering up the HOT PINK that the previous renter got on the ceiling. The floor has a good amount of paint on it as well. Both from the paint I spilled and the pain that Itchy had on his sock (that he didn't know about) while he was painting. Whatever. There's HOT PINK, magenta, and white paint splatter too. Oh that's right, I said magenta. Someone decided to paint the trim and the doors magenta at some point. Our bathroom door is still magenta. Anyway, here's a picture.
Stowa's dresser and her big girl bedding on the floor.
Here's the bargain dresser ($35), the crib, the arm of the Stair Climber, and a frame that will hang somewhere in that room.
Do you see what's missing? Yep, Stowa's big girl bed. And by bed I mean mattress on the floor. We don't have it yet and I haven't even started looking for it. All in good time. Also I realize that nothing matches. It's irritating but at the same time, I can't justify spending more money just so it's all the same. The crib bedding doesn't really match the big girl bedding either. Therefore the wall color isn't an exact match for either one. We didn't set out to have a "room in a bag" room so it works for us.
I hope to post pictures of the final product soon, but we'll see how it goes.
Notice basketball hoop light. Totally goes with a HOT PINK room. That door leaning up against the wall there. Yeah it's for our bedroom but it has no hinges and it's cracked. It lives downstairs now. The stickers on the door to this room are Tinkerbell stickers. I left them there.
Here's a "during" the makeover picture. It was taken today. The painting is done. I really don't care that the ceiling has green on it. It's covering up the HOT PINK that the previous renter got on the ceiling. The floor has a good amount of paint on it as well. Both from the paint I spilled and the pain that Itchy had on his sock (that he didn't know about) while he was painting. Whatever. There's HOT PINK, magenta, and white paint splatter too. Oh that's right, I said magenta. Someone decided to paint the trim and the doors magenta at some point. Our bathroom door is still magenta. Anyway, here's a picture.
Stowa's dresser and her big girl bedding on the floor.
Here's the bargain dresser ($35), the crib, the arm of the Stair Climber, and a frame that will hang somewhere in that room.
Do you see what's missing? Yep, Stowa's big girl bed. And by bed I mean mattress on the floor. We don't have it yet and I haven't even started looking for it. All in good time. Also I realize that nothing matches. It's irritating but at the same time, I can't justify spending more money just so it's all the same. The crib bedding doesn't really match the big girl bedding either. Therefore the wall color isn't an exact match for either one. We didn't set out to have a "room in a bag" room so it works for us.
I hope to post pictures of the final product soon, but we'll see how it goes.
Done!
Done is one of Stowa's favorite words. She shouts "done" a lot. Basically whenever something is done. Which as you can imagine is quite often.
Today she got to yell done because the painting is done and I got the bargain dresser put together!
Now if we could just get the Stair Climber out of there...
I'll have pictures later. I'm going to try to get the crib set up in there today too. The rug needs to be set up too so that it has time to flatten out.
Today she got to yell done because the painting is done and I got the bargain dresser put together!
Now if we could just get the Stair Climber out of there...
I'll have pictures later. I'm going to try to get the crib set up in there today too. The rug needs to be set up too so that it has time to flatten out.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Now what?
Stowa has recently started telling me when she pees. I think. Or she's telling me that she has to pee. I can't tell which it really is. Anyway, she's telling me something. Well, I got the great idea that we'd try the potty chair out.
It's been sitting there in the bathroom for months. She'd sit on it fully clothed and think it was funny. If you dared to try to get her undressed to sit on the potty there was hell to pay. She was not having it. Clearly she wasn't ready to potty train. I knew it was REALLY early anyway so it's not like we were even trying.
So yesterday we tried sitting on the potty again. Without a diaper on. She was fine with it. Thought it was funny. We did this multiple times throughout the day. Every time she told me she had peed/needed to pee we went to the bathroom. Last night before we put pajamas on she actually peed in the potty!
I still don't think she's ready but this has to be a step in the right direction. I think.
It's been sitting there in the bathroom for months. She'd sit on it fully clothed and think it was funny. If you dared to try to get her undressed to sit on the potty there was hell to pay. She was not having it. Clearly she wasn't ready to potty train. I knew it was REALLY early anyway so it's not like we were even trying.
So yesterday we tried sitting on the potty again. Without a diaper on. She was fine with it. Thought it was funny. We did this multiple times throughout the day. Every time she told me she had peed/needed to pee we went to the bathroom. Last night before we put pajamas on she actually peed in the potty!
I still don't think she's ready but this has to be a step in the right direction. I think.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Stowa's Baby Brother
Now that we know it's Baby Brother, Stowa and I have been talking more about him. When I ask her where Baby Brother is, she lifts her shirt and pats her tummy. I tell her how silly she is and remind her that he is in my tummy. Then she comes over and pats my tummy.
She has also felt him kicking. I don't think she gets what she is feeling, but she has felt it.
The whole Baby Brother thing is kind of over her head I think. She knows what babies are but I don't think she really gets that we're having one. And it will live with us.
She has also felt him kicking. I don't think she gets what she is feeling, but she has felt it.
The whole Baby Brother thing is kind of over her head I think. She knows what babies are but I don't think she really gets that we're having one. And it will live with us.
The problem
The problem with starting a bunch of projects at the same time is that they never, ever seem to be finished. Maybe we just have no follow through. I don't know. But the backyard project was started and given up on. The HOT PINK room was painted but the trim still needs to be done. And we still need to get the stair climber out of there.
Want to know about one project that WILL get done? Getting a couple of air conditioners for the bedrooms! It is going to happen. Last night was awful. Stowa couldn't sleep. Itchy couldn't sleep. I sure as hell couldn't sleep. I actually started to feel really crappy last night because it was so hot in here. And while Itchy doesn't want to spend the money and keeps saying that we can get one "if you really think we need it", I know damn well he wants one.
Want to know about one project that WILL get done? Getting a couple of air conditioners for the bedrooms! It is going to happen. Last night was awful. Stowa couldn't sleep. Itchy couldn't sleep. I sure as hell couldn't sleep. I actually started to feel really crappy last night because it was so hot in here. And while Itchy doesn't want to spend the money and keeps saying that we can get one "if you really think we need it", I know damn well he wants one.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
I'm calling it done
The backyard is as done as it's going to get. I wanted to plant some flowers and make it pretty, but seriously, I'm over it. The 95 degree weather may have something to do with it. The fact that I'd have to plant them myself and then do all the maintenance has something to do with it. The cost of the flowers I want definitely has something to do with it.
Whatever. We have the sand box, sand and water table, pool, and patio furniture set up. It's as good as it's going to get. Unless I can find a really, really good deal on a grill.
Whatever. We have the sand box, sand and water table, pool, and patio furniture set up. It's as good as it's going to get. Unless I can find a really, really good deal on a grill.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
I can cross that off the list
I do not want to be a painter when I grow up. I do not enjoy painting.
We started painting the HOT PINK room today. Itchy took Stowa outside and I was going to work on painting around the trim/doors/ceiling. All was going well until the paint spilled. I had put the lid back on but I didn't hammer it on. Apparently falling from 3 inches off was enough to knock it loose. Lots of spilled paint. Lots.
It took forever to get that mess cleaned up.
Then I had to wait until Stowa took a nap to finish what I started. It went much better but I still didn't like it. Itchy just got done painting the walls. We'll probably start the second coat later tonight. It's pretty hot in there so the paint is drying quickly.
We started painting the HOT PINK room today. Itchy took Stowa outside and I was going to work on painting around the trim/doors/ceiling. All was going well until the paint spilled. I had put the lid back on but I didn't hammer it on. Apparently falling from 3 inches off was enough to knock it loose. Lots of spilled paint. Lots.
It took forever to get that mess cleaned up.
Then I had to wait until Stowa took a nap to finish what I started. It went much better but I still didn't like it. Itchy just got done painting the walls. We'll probably start the second coat later tonight. It's pretty hot in there so the paint is drying quickly.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Picture of Little Dude
So here is the ultrasound picture. It's a profile pic. I blacked out the personal details.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Whiny whining
Oh for Pete's sake. It's been quite the evening around here.
First, I was going to run downstairs really quick to grab something for Stowa. As I turned on the lights in the stairway I see something move. At first I thought it was a cockroach. Gross. But then it climbed out from behind the shoes and it was obviously a rodent. I'm 99% sure it was a vole.
Rodents are gross. I don't want them in my house. They belong outside. I opened the door and encouraged the little fucker to leave. It wouldn't. I made Itchy come deal with it since I needed to get Stowa a snack. He got it outside.
However, now my ears are extra sensitive and I keep hearing stuff. Obviously it's voles invading the house. They are probably going to crawl all over us while we sleep. *Shudder*
A little while later, Stowa was freaking out in the hallway. Absolutely freaking out. I got up to find out what her deal was. I walk over to see her with her back to the wall and Patches sitting in front of her. My first thought was that Patches hissed at her. Wrong. Totally wrong. Patches had swatted down a yellow jacket. Have I mentioned that Stowa is insanely afraid of bees/flying buzzing insects? She is. Just like her daddy.
So she's standing there freaking out because she sees the yellow jacket. Patches is standing there all proud of her "kill". I went to grab a baby wipe (it was closer to grab that than a paper towel) to throw over it before I tried to pick it up to dispose of it. Only problem is that it wasn't dead. Just alive enough to sting me as I picked it up. Holy freaking cow does that hurt. My thumb hurts and is swollen. Good news is that it doesn't appear to have stung Stowa or Patches. I beat the crap out of it with a book after that.
Now Itchy is worried that they live in the attic since it was on the floor right below the attic door. I'm calling an exterminator if I see even one more.
So dear wildlife, stay the hell OUT of my house. You come in, you die.
First, I was going to run downstairs really quick to grab something for Stowa. As I turned on the lights in the stairway I see something move. At first I thought it was a cockroach. Gross. But then it climbed out from behind the shoes and it was obviously a rodent. I'm 99% sure it was a vole.
Rodents are gross. I don't want them in my house. They belong outside. I opened the door and encouraged the little fucker to leave. It wouldn't. I made Itchy come deal with it since I needed to get Stowa a snack. He got it outside.
However, now my ears are extra sensitive and I keep hearing stuff. Obviously it's voles invading the house. They are probably going to crawl all over us while we sleep. *Shudder*
A little while later, Stowa was freaking out in the hallway. Absolutely freaking out. I got up to find out what her deal was. I walk over to see her with her back to the wall and Patches sitting in front of her. My first thought was that Patches hissed at her. Wrong. Totally wrong. Patches had swatted down a yellow jacket. Have I mentioned that Stowa is insanely afraid of bees/flying buzzing insects? She is. Just like her daddy.
So she's standing there freaking out because she sees the yellow jacket. Patches is standing there all proud of her "kill". I went to grab a baby wipe (it was closer to grab that than a paper towel) to throw over it before I tried to pick it up to dispose of it. Only problem is that it wasn't dead. Just alive enough to sting me as I picked it up. Holy freaking cow does that hurt. My thumb hurts and is swollen. Good news is that it doesn't appear to have stung Stowa or Patches. I beat the crap out of it with a book after that.
Now Itchy is worried that they live in the attic since it was on the floor right below the attic door. I'm calling an exterminator if I see even one more.
So dear wildlife, stay the hell OUT of my house. You come in, you die.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Today is the big day
The ultrasound is this afternoon! Itchy thinks I cursed us because I made a comment about the baby keeping it's legs crossed and us not being able to find out.
I tallied the votes (not just the comments because more people emailed their votes in) and boy is winning 9 to 4.
I'll update tonight.
Update:
It's a boy! Stowa is going to have a brother.
I tallied the votes (not just the comments because more people emailed their votes in) and boy is winning 9 to 4.
I'll update tonight.
Update:
It's a boy! Stowa is going to have a brother.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Told ya so
Itchy bought Stowa a tee ball set. She caught on pretty quick. Now she can't hit very far but she does like to try. Even though it's an outside toy, the two of them having been playing inside. Whatever.
The other day it was so nice out that we took it outside to play. Itchy was doing most of the hitting. He kept hitting the ball at the house. I asked him not to. Didn't want to deal with broken windows and all that. Itchy swore that the plastic ball hit with a plastic bat wouldn't break the window.
Yesterday after guilting Itchy into playing with us outside (apparently he'd rather watch college baseball on tv than paly with his kid) he was hitting the ball around.
Guess who has a broken window now?
The other day it was so nice out that we took it outside to play. Itchy was doing most of the hitting. He kept hitting the ball at the house. I asked him not to. Didn't want to deal with broken windows and all that. Itchy swore that the plastic ball hit with a plastic bat wouldn't break the window.
Yesterday after guilting Itchy into playing with us outside (apparently he'd rather watch college baseball on tv than paly with his kid) he was hitting the ball around.
Guess who has a broken window now?
Dizzy
I think Stowa is working toward a new nickname. Dizzy. Spinning in circles until she falls over is her new favorite game. She does this over and over. It's hilarious. And a little nerve wracking. Watching her spin and fall is funny until she falls a little too close to the tv stand. Or until she falls and the thud from her head hitting the hardwood floor echoes through the room.
Friday, May 27, 2011
20 weeks
I felt like a damn fool taking belly pics when I was pregnant with Stowa but it's kind of fun to look back at them now. I really wish I had taken one last picture on the day I went into labor. Oh well. I decided to take pics again this time around. Here's the belly at 20 weeks.
Notice the lovely pink wall behind me. It makes my eyes hurt. Hopefully by the next time I take a belly picture (in 4 weeks) those walls will be a different color. It all depends on how quickly Itchy gets the room cleaned out.
Notice the lovely pink wall behind me. It makes my eyes hurt. Hopefully by the next time I take a belly picture (in 4 weeks) those walls will be a different color. It all depends on how quickly Itchy gets the room cleaned out.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Waving at strangers
For the last two weeks the city has been tearing up the street in front of our house. My kid has enjoyed watching this.
She figured out pretty quickly that if she stands on the couch and waves, eventually one of the guys out there working will glance towards our house and see her. Most of them will wave back to her. Which makes her entire day. Once one of them waves at her, nearly all of the guys will wave at her.
Today they are busy repaving the street. Stowa has been standing on a stool next to the window watching them. It smell gross so we've haven't been outside much. Guess who was POUNDING on the glass to get their attention? Yep. That would be my kid. Awesome. But it worked and they all waved at her.
She figured out pretty quickly that if she stands on the couch and waves, eventually one of the guys out there working will glance towards our house and see her. Most of them will wave back to her. Which makes her entire day. Once one of them waves at her, nearly all of the guys will wave at her.
Today they are busy repaving the street. Stowa has been standing on a stool next to the window watching them. It smell gross so we've haven't been outside much. Guess who was POUNDING on the glass to get their attention? Yep. That would be my kid. Awesome. But it worked and they all waved at her.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
A during picture
The backyard improvement project is going to take some time but we've gotten a few things done. Grass has been cut, patio furniture is outside, and the sand and water table is ready to go.
I'd like to add some flowers to add some color but I think Stowa would just pick them. I may try to do it anyway. We have a few tiki torch things to help with bug control but I'm not sure where they should go.
We'll add a pool when it gets a little warmer out. The turtle sandbox is sitting in the garage until I decide where I want it to go.
It's not a huge change but I think it looks better though!
I'd like to add some flowers to add some color but I think Stowa would just pick them. I may try to do it anyway. We have a few tiki torch things to help with bug control but I'm not sure where they should go.We'll add a pool when it gets a little warmer out. The turtle sandbox is sitting in the garage until I decide where I want it to go.
It's not a huge change but I think it looks better though!
Before pictures
Ok, here are a couple of before pictures of the back yard.
This is a picture of the "eyesore" my neighbor wants torn down. As you can see, the entire house and both garages are in tough shape. They need some TLC. But since we just rent this place, it's not really something we're interested in doing.
This is a picture of the "eyesore" my neighbor wants torn down. As you can see, the entire house and both garages are in tough shape. They need some TLC. But since we just rent this place, it's not really something we're interested in doing.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Backyard improvement project
I've decided that this summer is going to be fun. We can't quite afford to buy the boat we want so we're going to make do with what we can afford.
This is the first time we've had a backyard. You just don't get a yard when you live in an apartment. While Itchy isn't thrilled with the idea of yard work, he's just going to have to suck it up and help with it.
I took some before pictures. I'll add those in later. Since we've had so much rain it's been difficult to get everything done. Today we put together a table, chairs, and umbrella. Itchy also cut some grass. It started raining before he could start on the back yard.
This is the first time we've had a backyard. You just don't get a yard when you live in an apartment. While Itchy isn't thrilled with the idea of yard work, he's just going to have to suck it up and help with it.
I took some before pictures. I'll add those in later. Since we've had so much rain it's been difficult to get everything done. Today we put together a table, chairs, and umbrella. Itchy also cut some grass. It started raining before he could start on the back yard.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Is it a sister or brother?
We'll find out soon enough. The "big" ultrasound is coming up soon.
When I was about to find out with Stowa I did a post about my symptoms and stuff so people could guess. Here are the Old Wive's Tales that I found with Stowa. I'll go ahead and use the same ones this time so we have something to compare to. My answers for Stowa are in purple. My answers for New Kid are in green.
Here are some of the OWTs:
1. If the hair on your legs is not growing any faster during your pregnancy, it's a girl
My hair does seem to be growing faster (boy)
Hmm, my hair doesn't seem to be growing any faster (girl)
2. Boys are carried low, and girls are carried high
I'm carrying Stowaway in my uterus, is that high or low? (?)
Sorry, I still don't get this. I can't tell if I carry high or low. I just look fat. (?)
3. If your feet are colder than they were before pregnancy, you are having a boy
I'm hot all of the time (girl)
I'm cold (boy)
4. If you had morning sickness early in pregnancy you're having a girl
I had morning sickness (girl)
I had terrible morning sickness but it started late (boy)
5. If a needle on a thread held over you belly moves from side-to-side, it will be a girl -- if it moves in circles, a boy
The needle does not move. At all. (?)
I must be doing this wrong. It still doesn't move. (?)
6. If you are craving sweets, it is a girl -- craving salty, it's a boy
What does sour mean? (?)
I'd have to say that I lean towards salty right now (boy)
7. If your baby's heart rate is below 150 beats per minute, it's a boy -- above 150, it's a girl
156 bpm (I'd say this is pretty borderline, but we'll go with girl)
160 bpm (girl)
8. If you are having headaches during pregnancy, it's a boy
Headaches nearly everyday (boy)
Only the occasional headache, not sure it's a pregnancy thing (girl)
So the results for Stowa were 2 votes for boy, 3 for girl, and 3 undecided. Results for New Kid are 3 boy, 3 girl, and 2 undecided.
Itchy thinks it's a girl. He had a dream very early on and New Kid was just a miniature version of Stowa.
With Stowa I initially thought boy, but after a while I thought girl. I thought my intuition was broken. Deep down, I really believed she was a girl. Could just have been wishful thinking because we had girl name but no boy name.
As for me, I would guess girl. This pregnancy has been very similar to my pregnancy with Stowa.
My side of the family is hoping for a boy. We've got nothing but girls on my side. My parents had three girls. Both of my sisters have had girls. Stowa is a girl.
Itchy's side of the family hasn't voiced an opinion as far as I know. However, we don't talk to them much. Itchy's side is full of boys. His parents had three boys. Both of his brothers have a son (his oldest brother has two step daughters as well). I know FIL wants this to be a boy. In his opinion, boys are better. He was disappointed that our first born wasn't a boy.
So what do you think?
When I was about to find out with Stowa I did a post about my symptoms and stuff so people could guess. Here are the Old Wive's Tales that I found with Stowa. I'll go ahead and use the same ones this time so we have something to compare to. My answers for Stowa are in purple. My answers for New Kid are in green.
Here are some of the OWTs:
1. If the hair on your legs is not growing any faster during your pregnancy, it's a girl
My hair does seem to be growing faster (boy)
Hmm, my hair doesn't seem to be growing any faster (girl)
2. Boys are carried low, and girls are carried high
I'm carrying Stowaway in my uterus, is that high or low? (?)
Sorry, I still don't get this. I can't tell if I carry high or low. I just look fat. (?)
3. If your feet are colder than they were before pregnancy, you are having a boy
I'm hot all of the time (girl)
I'm cold (boy)
4. If you had morning sickness early in pregnancy you're having a girl
I had morning sickness (girl)
I had terrible morning sickness but it started late (boy)
5. If a needle on a thread held over you belly moves from side-to-side, it will be a girl -- if it moves in circles, a boy
The needle does not move. At all. (?)
I must be doing this wrong. It still doesn't move. (?)
6. If you are craving sweets, it is a girl -- craving salty, it's a boy
What does sour mean? (?)
I'd have to say that I lean towards salty right now (boy)
7. If your baby's heart rate is below 150 beats per minute, it's a boy -- above 150, it's a girl
156 bpm (I'd say this is pretty borderline, but we'll go with girl)
160 bpm (girl)
8. If you are having headaches during pregnancy, it's a boy
Headaches nearly everyday (boy)
Only the occasional headache, not sure it's a pregnancy thing (girl)
So the results for Stowa were 2 votes for boy, 3 for girl, and 3 undecided. Results for New Kid are 3 boy, 3 girl, and 2 undecided.
Itchy thinks it's a girl. He had a dream very early on and New Kid was just a miniature version of Stowa.
With Stowa I initially thought boy, but after a while I thought girl. I thought my intuition was broken. Deep down, I really believed she was a girl. Could just have been wishful thinking because we had girl name but no boy name.
As for me, I would guess girl. This pregnancy has been very similar to my pregnancy with Stowa.
My side of the family is hoping for a boy. We've got nothing but girls on my side. My parents had three girls. Both of my sisters have had girls. Stowa is a girl.
Itchy's side of the family hasn't voiced an opinion as far as I know. However, we don't talk to them much. Itchy's side is full of boys. His parents had three boys. Both of his brothers have a son (his oldest brother has two step daughters as well). I know FIL wants this to be a boy. In his opinion, boys are better. He was disappointed that our first born wasn't a boy.
So what do you think?
Friday, May 20, 2011
I'll just go ahead and apolgize now
Now that the cat is out of the bag and everyone knows about the baby, I'll probably be talking about the baby a lot. Sorry. I know it's kind of boring when it's not your kid.
On a funnier note, today is the first day of the summer that I dressed Stowa in shorts. She is not happy. She keeps trying to pull them down so they cover her entire leg. I don't think it's because she's cold. It's plenty warm here. I just keep laughing at her. Awesome parenting over here!
On a funnier note, today is the first day of the summer that I dressed Stowa in shorts. She is not happy. She keeps trying to pull them down so they cover her entire leg. I don't think it's because she's cold. It's plenty warm here. I just keep laughing at her. Awesome parenting over here!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
New Kid's nickname
Stowa and New Kid just doesn't sound right. As someone pointed out, Stowa #2 isn't right either. This baby needs a cool nickname.
Stowa's full nickname is Stowaway. We found out about her just before leaving The Island. She was a surprise. I jokingly announced that pregnancy by telling people that we had bought a Stowaway back with us. Easy.
This baby? We told our immediate families with a T-shirt. I sent pictures to my family and in that stack of pictures there was one picture of Stowa wearing a "I'm the big sister" shirt. We went to visit Itchy's family and had her wear the shirt when we had everyone together. My family got it right away. Itchy's brother read the shirt out loud and didn't get it. His dad didn't get it either. But his dad has this annoying habit of calling the cousins brother and sister. My sister-in-laws both got it right away though.
Unless I want to call the baby t-shirt I can't really use that announcement story for a nickname.
Give me some suggestions!
Stowa's full nickname is Stowaway. We found out about her just before leaving The Island. She was a surprise. I jokingly announced that pregnancy by telling people that we had bought a Stowaway back with us. Easy.
This baby? We told our immediate families with a T-shirt. I sent pictures to my family and in that stack of pictures there was one picture of Stowa wearing a "I'm the big sister" shirt. We went to visit Itchy's family and had her wear the shirt when we had everyone together. My family got it right away. Itchy's brother read the shirt out loud and didn't get it. His dad didn't get it either. But his dad has this annoying habit of calling the cousins brother and sister. My sister-in-laws both got it right away though.
Unless I want to call the baby t-shirt I can't really use that announcement story for a nickname.
Give me some suggestions!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Neighborhood gossip
I met my neighbor lady yesterday. She was full of neighborhood gossip and was happy to have someone to share it with.
There are only 5 houses on this block. One is the local fire warden's office with an upstairs apartment. Then there's our rental house. Crazy Dave rents the next house. There's the abandoned house. And Grandma Gossip's house.
Grandma Gossip's first words to me were "do you own this eyesore?". She was referring to the crap shack of a garage in our backyard. Apparently she has been harassing the city council to get it cleaned up. She'd like to see it torn down but if the owner won't do that, he could at least paint it and make it look presentable. I told her I'd take care of the weeds growing behind it. She seemed happy about that. She was also happy that someone was finally taking care of the yard. She's been watching us clean up and is happy with our progress. She reminded me that we needed to mow. Soon. She also offered up all the rhubarb that we could ever eat.
Then she told me about the abandoned house. The owners fell behind on the payments, packed up their clothes and took off for Vegas. They were apparently potheads and that's why they couldn't pay the bills. They had a couple of friends come over and take what they wanted. She suggested that I walk around their yard and see if there is anything I wanted. No thanks. She also told me that the day they moved into that house their kid was playing in the street and was hit by a car.
The fire warden causes no problems but the people upstairs are trouble. They come and go at all hours of the night.
Crazy Dave has something mentally wrong with him and she suggested that we stay away from him. He hasn't always been like this but now you just can't tell when he's going to flip out. The woman who owns the house had to move out because Crazy Dave is/was a drug dealer/user. She tried to evict him but he wouldn't leave so she is currently renting another house in town.
There are only 5 houses on this block. One is the local fire warden's office with an upstairs apartment. Then there's our rental house. Crazy Dave rents the next house. There's the abandoned house. And Grandma Gossip's house.
Grandma Gossip's first words to me were "do you own this eyesore?". She was referring to the crap shack of a garage in our backyard. Apparently she has been harassing the city council to get it cleaned up. She'd like to see it torn down but if the owner won't do that, he could at least paint it and make it look presentable. I told her I'd take care of the weeds growing behind it. She seemed happy about that. She was also happy that someone was finally taking care of the yard. She's been watching us clean up and is happy with our progress. She reminded me that we needed to mow. Soon. She also offered up all the rhubarb that we could ever eat.
Then she told me about the abandoned house. The owners fell behind on the payments, packed up their clothes and took off for Vegas. They were apparently potheads and that's why they couldn't pay the bills. They had a couple of friends come over and take what they wanted. She suggested that I walk around their yard and see if there is anything I wanted. No thanks. She also told me that the day they moved into that house their kid was playing in the street and was hit by a car.
The fire warden causes no problems but the people upstairs are trouble. They come and go at all hours of the night.
Crazy Dave has something mentally wrong with him and she suggested that we stay away from him. He hasn't always been like this but now you just can't tell when he's going to flip out. The woman who owns the house had to move out because Crazy Dave is/was a drug dealer/user. She tried to evict him but he wouldn't leave so she is currently renting another house in town.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Is it too early to think about Halloween?
Some people might think it's too soon but I've decided what Stowa is going to be for Halloween! I just need to find costumes for Itchy and I that will go with Stowa's.
Last year she was an adorable gray and white kitten. A friend of ours knit her a little hat with kitty ears and I made the rest of her costume. It was adorable. She didn't really want to cooperate but I managed to get a couple of cute pictures. All I can say is that she had better be more cooperative this year.
This year for Halloween Stowa is going to be a Big Sister!
Last year she was an adorable gray and white kitten. A friend of ours knit her a little hat with kitty ears and I made the rest of her costume. It was adorable. She didn't really want to cooperate but I managed to get a couple of cute pictures. All I can say is that she had better be more cooperative this year.
This year for Halloween Stowa is going to be a Big Sister!
Sunday, May 15, 2011
It worked!
I complained about all the rain and it went away! At least for a little while.
Friday night it was nice enough outside for us to have our first backyard fire. We discovered a fire pit in our backyard after the snow melted. After the storm we had last week that nearly knocked our tree over, our landlord came over to cut down part of a tree. This meant we had lots of firewood.
Stowa got to have her first S'more! She was pretty impressed.
And now today we have 60 degrees and sun. We've been outside a lot today!
Friday night it was nice enough outside for us to have our first backyard fire. We discovered a fire pit in our backyard after the snow melted. After the storm we had last week that nearly knocked our tree over, our landlord came over to cut down part of a tree. This meant we had lots of firewood.
Stowa got to have her first S'more! She was pretty impressed.
And now today we have 60 degrees and sun. We've been outside a lot today!
Friday, May 13, 2011
I need the sun to come back
We've had rain all week. I'm sick of it. Stowa wants to go outside. I want to go outside. We've been out as much as possible, but the rain keeps coming back.
We have big plans for the summer. We're going to need the sun in order for these plans to work. We're getting a pool (just a cheap plastic one). I got Stowa a lawn chair. Itchy and I have looked at patio furniture. We're going to build a patio at the clinic (since the addition we wanted to do is way to $$). Stowa and I are looking for a kick ass water table to play with.
We need sun to do these things and actually enjoy them.
We have big plans for the summer. We're going to need the sun in order for these plans to work. We're getting a pool (just a cheap plastic one). I got Stowa a lawn chair. Itchy and I have looked at patio furniture. We're going to build a patio at the clinic (since the addition we wanted to do is way to $$). Stowa and I are looking for a kick ass water table to play with.
We need sun to do these things and actually enjoy them.
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