Five of Spaids

Goodbye, forever

2010-08-05T16:09:00.002-06:00

I'm done posting here.

You can check out my new blog:

www.fiveofspaids.com

Disclaimer:

2010-07-24T11:48:00.002-06:00

The Road to El Dorado is not a good movie.

At all.

I was actually shocked at some of the stuff.

We put the kids to bed before it was over.

It's Friday Night...

2010-07-23T19:12:00.002-06:00

We are getting ready to watch The Road to El Dorado with the kids.

Hopefully it's a cute show.

Some snapshots of our day:

Hanging out on my lap. I'm enjoying this age so much.

Swimming in the backyard. Notice our dead grass.

Yeah.

Anyway.

Ben's been running a fever all day.

I know I've said it before, but that kid gets hot when he has a fever.

It was 103.7.

He seems fine now?

Guess I should have went to medical school before I had children.

Oops.

(I had a bunch of other stuff I was going to say...but now I don't feel like it. Off to cuddle.)

Thursdays are for Cuties

2010-07-22T09:22:00.014-06:00

Ramblings....

2010-07-21T08:23:00.002-06:00

The youngest in our family has reached another milestone.

I'm sorry for not telling you yesterday.

She is so close to rolling over it's ridiculous.

She is just starting to fit into 3-6 month clothes.

(Which I think is perfect; I love when sizes and ages match up.)

For the most part, she is a very content baby.

She's a very, very fast eater. Nothing like Ben was.

She seems bigger everyday to me.

She still loves her swing.
(And I am grateful, otherwise I wouldn't get anything done!)

She is the most social baby I have ever been around.

I'm not exaggerating.

She will talk and talk and talk.

The minute anyone gives her attention she is all smiles.

It's wonderful.

She is a beauty.

(In my humble opinion.)

She has the most perfect skin. Not a flaw to be found.

I formerly had the flawless skin.

Then she was born.

I must have given it to her or something.

Someone told me once that for each baby you have you lose/change something.

When I had Charlotte it was my ears.

Now when I go in a plane or up in the mountains, I'm the one chewing gum and swallowing trying to get my ears to pop.

I can't pinpoint one specific thing that changed when I had Ben,

but my recovery after having him was horrible.

I'm sure that counts.

And now, Elizabeth Sue.

And my used-to-be-perfect-skin.

I could almost cry.

She's more than worth it, though.

I am still holding out for it to clear up when I'm finished nursing.

If not, it's on to more drastic measures...

---

Libby is three months old and:

*I haven't gotten her pictures taken. This literally breaks my heart.

*I haven't sewed any onesies for her.

*I haven't gotten into a routine that keeps the house picked up/laundry put away/dishes done.

*I haven't lost my "baby weight". I'm not sure I can even call it that anymore.

*I haven't written like 5 or 6 thank you notes that are rudely overdue.

ohmyword

2010-07-19T20:40:00.003-06:00

Charlotte, Kylie and I got henna tattoos in Estes Park.

---

I have so much to tell you, dear blog.

However, I have family in town.

Which really cuts into blogging time.

But I can't complain.

I'd much rather be with family.

---

Also, this morning when I could have been blogging (hello! Charlotte slept in until 9:45 - unbelievable!)

I had to deal with ants.

In my living/dining room.

It's a carpeted room.

I vacuumed.

And vacuumed.

And bleached.

And vacuumed.

And washed high chairs.

And vacuumed.

I hate ants.

I had a very firm "no little people eat in the dining room" rule.

Then we had Libby.

And when we have people over we all can't fit at the kitchen table.

So, their high chairs (and Charlie's booster) have been on the carpet off and on since she's been born.

Gag.

Another reason to hate this carpet.

But that's a whole 'nother post.

---

Appliance-love

2010-07-16T11:09:00.002-06:00

A glass of water.

From our fridge.

Hallelujah.

Summertime Blues

2010-07-14T20:25:00.002-06:00

This is the only decent shot I got of them in their matching watermelon shirts.

Libby had a blowout all over her outfit.

And her carseat.

And my shirt.

I inexplicably feel very down.

I am at a loss as to what to do about it.

My life is about as perfect as life can get.

I think maybe I just need more sleep.

Twelve Weeks Old

2010-07-13T23:55:00.005-06:00

Video

2010-07-12T11:07:00.004-06:00

I finally figured out how to take video with our camera. It's ridiculously easy. I've done a few, we just did this one for fun. She can spell a few other things, but was feeling silly with the camera on her. When she watched this she said, "I'm so funny!" Listen to Libby "talking" in the background:)

I just wanted to tell you...

2010-07-06T23:11:00.002-06:00

...Elizabeth Sue is 11 weeks old today.

Believe it.

I have no pictures.

My camera has been confiscated for V.B.S.

And she has a cold in her eye anyway.

...Will sprained his ankle today.

He had to go the E.R.

After V.B.S.

After I made him wait in the car at Wal-mart for 20 minutes so I could go in and buy half our month's budget worth of diapers.

Just kidding.

Kind of.

But they are expensive.

Anyway, Will thought he was fine...

but his boss said he couldn't come to work with crutches without papers saying he needed them.

Or something.

So I came home and put the kids to bed.

And he drove himself to the hospital.

With his left foot.

I'm trying to find some way to put a positive spin on this.

It's not working.

At least it's not broken?

Help!

2010-07-05T08:31:00.003-06:00

Two nights in a row now Libby has gone nine hours between feedings....

she slept about seven of that....

both nights she ate just after 9:00...

stayed awake until 11:00ish and then didn't eat again until 6:00...

should I be concerned? I am nursing her.

She did have two very exhausting days those two days.

I try to feed her "on demand" for the most part, but I don't want her to starve herself.

She has also been "cluster feeding" in the evenings.

I think six or seven hours is fine...but nine?

Normally I'd be heading off to the nursing clinic...

but I don't have time this week!

Give me some advice please! :)

A Dose of Saturday Random:

2010-07-03T22:27:00.002-06:00

~Ben talks SO much these days - and, he's really trying to pronounce words correctly. It's so cute to see him think about it. He's started doing simple sentences too. In the car the other day: "Bibby, doan ty!" (Libby, don't cry!)

~Charlie is Ms. Bossy...but mostly in an endearing way. For instance: She plays pretend with Ben and takes him "places" and has him put his shoes on, sit here, pick that up, etc.

~Libby has grown up so much! It's hard to believe she's not even 11 weeks yet. She looks so big to me. She talks and coos and smiles a lot. She also cries like she's dying for the slightest reason. I think it's adorable...I guess you can tell I'm her mom.

~VBS starts Monday. I'm not ready.

Name that Movie

2010-07-02T23:36:00.005-06:00

(The view out the front door where we stay in Iowa)

"But then I come down here and...this fits, too."

---

I have so much going on.

My blog isn't the only thing suffering.

Goodnight.

Thursdays are for Cuties

2010-06-24T22:22:00.001-06:00

P.S. Is it bad that I sometimes make Libby wait a few minutes to eat because the sight/sound of her sucking her fist is so adorable?

Hello. Goodbye.

2010-06-23T22:29:00.003-06:00

Hello

Part of a VBS directors job...

(Or anyone who has a job...or a house...or anyone.)

...is to make a few phone calls.

About stuff.

Today I did that.

I already know my voice is borderline annoying/sounds like a 12-year-old.

I try to sound somewhat intelligent/educated.

And say "um" less than 1,000 times.

Which leads to long pauses.

Which I think makes me sound...unprepared? uninformed? lame? like I'm trying to read something else? I don't know.

I hope when I enter the professional world I have a job that requires no phone talking.

Is that possible?

Even Will gets irritated talking to me on the phone.

I irritate myself.

Goodbye.

(Every time I hang up after a conversation Charlie says, "Who was it? What did they say?" I don't know where she gets that...:))

If wishes were dishes...

2010-06-22T22:14:00.001-06:00

...then we'd all have a feast!

Libby at two months.

I wanted to applique 12 onsies for Elizabeth.

One for each month...and then take her picture in them...

for fun, for cuteness.

I haven't done any.

She's two months old.

Since she's was born I've probably read...20 books? That's a conservative estimate.

I need to delegate my "free-time" better.

Although, nursing really only lends itself to reading.

And I spend at least 2.6 hours nursing a day.

Not that I read all that time, but you get the picture.

I read this on someone else's blog and I had to laugh, this is exactly me:

"I always wanted to be a bread making, green living, coupon using, organic eating, skirt wearing, quiet tempered, well organized, person. Instead I am a donut buying, plastic cup using, online shopping, pizza eating, sweat pants wearing, loud mess!"

Warning: This is Looong

2010-06-21T15:32:00.005-06:00

Ohmyword.

It's been quite the day already...and it's not even 4:00.

Nothing bad...just busy.

---

Elizabeth had her two month check-up today.

I had to take all four kids - and they all behaved beautifully.

She is 24inches long which is the 96th percentile.

She weighs 10.8 lbs (not to be confused with 10lbs 8oz...that is different) which is the 48th percentile.

She's gained almost two pounds in a month...

which is about an ounce a day...

which is perfect. :)

She still has thrush (I am too frustrated to even blog about this). I'll be going to pick up her third prescription later.

The Dr. kept going on and on about how beautiful she is and how social and how alert.

She may say that to everyone.

It doesn't matter.

It's so nice when people say good things about your children.

Especially when they have M.D. after their name.

---

I have a pretty good job.

Just wanted to throw that out there.

Yes, sometimes they are late to get her...either scheduled late or just running late...sometimes she irritates me...

...but for the most part she is a VERY good girl.

She's very smart.

She's really cute, and she gets bathed regularly (a must for me!).

She was sick last week and so I only watched her a couple hours one morning (she was supposed to come back that afternoon but got sick!) and then one day.

I still got paid for three days.

I tried to give back the money for the day I had off, but her mom wouldn't take it.

Then they had plans and her grandparents were supposed to watch her on Saturday...but they canceled...so I said I could keep her...it was seriously like four hours and two of it she was sleeping...and they paid me for another day.

(I realize this is becoming all about $, but that is WHY I work and I am so grateful!)

They gave me a raise after I had Libby. Just because.

Every Monday (or the first day I watch her) her mom brings me my pay for the week.

I've never had to say a word about it.

Well, I say, "Thank you!"

---

Will's gone this week.

He's supposed to get back Friday.

The kids and I are leaving Friday at noon for Iowa.

My nephew turns one.

Will might get back early and then we'll get to see him...

...otherwise it will be nearly two weeks apart.

It's sad.

Anyway, we both made a goal to lose 10lbs. while we're apart.

It is so not happening on my end.

I quit the 30-Day Shred.

I'm okay with being exhausted/sore muscles...but it was killing my knees.

I even made Will watch me to make sure I was doing the exercises right.

I can't be getting old, can I?

I've been walking almost everyday though...since I quit...not since Will left...that was like two days ago:)

Sigh.

---

I made pasta with pesto sauce.

It came in box...on clearance at Target...for 1.97...it fed us all...

the kids loved it, both had 2nds, Ben had 3rds.

---

VBS starts two weeks from today.

It's nearly all planned...

...just going to be a lot of work putting those plans into action.

I'm excited to see it all come together.

I told you this was long.

Lots of love.

xoxo

8 Silly Reasons I'm Glad I'm Married

2010-06-19T10:06:00.006-06:00

If I wasn't married...

1. I would have to hire someone to do yardwork...or hire someone to watch my kids while I did it

2. Date nights would be lonely

3. When I'm in the middle of cooking something and am missing an ingredient...who would go to the store?

4. I would have to get a "real job"

5. I would never be in any pictures

6. I wouldn't have anyone's clothes to borrow/steal

7. I would decrease my texting by...50%

8. I would have to be "The Bug Killer/Relocater" - I hate hate hate spiders (I had to kill one this morning...mere hours after Will left)

---

Will's out of town for work.

Yikes:)

Thursdays are for Cuties

2010-06-17T22:37:00.001-06:00

This is what Libby's hair looks like after it's been in a pony.

She can totally pull off a mohawk.

Messing Around

2010-06-16T09:15:00.002-06:00

Just some pictures I played around with on Picnik.

I do it for fun.

I'm not delusional enough to think I have any skill.

---

I don't know what to blog about.

I'm feeling decidedly more negative than positive.

I don't really want to spread the negativity around.

I had yesterday off.

I read a book, let the kids play outside, took them to the park, cooked dinner and cleaned the kitchen.

I did not: do laundry, work on VBS, get my house cleaned, sew gifts for my cousins babies or a whole bunch of other things I wanted to do.

I'm just frustrated.

I have soo many good ideas.

And no follow through.

Dear Monday,

2010-06-14T12:45:00.002-06:00

I don't love you.

I don't know if it's real or my mind messing with me: but you are a hard day to get through.

Especially when Charlie was up in the night throwing up.

And Ben didn't want to sleep in...even a little.

And someone crashed my van and we might have to pay for it.

And our freezer is wonky.

And our kitchen light won't work.

And I'm the only one in the house who knows how to do dishes.

Or empty ones that have milk in them.

Seriously?

What did I ever do to you?

Husband Bragging

2010-06-12T22:48:00.003-06:00

Smiles.

Will and I love, love, love to read.

I hope our kids do, too.

---

Today is Will's birthday.

He is the ripe old age of...twenty-four.

Gasp!

Did you know he was six months younger than me?

Now you do.

Since it's his birthday, I wanted to take the opportunity to brag about him a bit.

Because I think he's fabulous.

First of all...he married me. :) He puts up with all my "junk."

He moved me and our baby girl out here after living in the same town his entire life.

He joined the USAF. He went through boot camp. He went through tech school.

He was away from us for five months.

All to give us a better life.

He looks pretty good in uniform, too. I'm not going to lie.

He listens to all of my crazy ideas. He supports a lot of them.

Almost a year ago...he bought us this house.

A huge accomplishment for any just-turned-23-year-old. Especially with a wife and two kids.

And now we have three kids.

And he's great with all of them.

He's sweet and funny...sometimes crazy silly. He can almost always make me laugh. He's good at math and spelling. He always compliments my cooking. He likes to drive and listen to music. He takes out the trash and vacuums. He rides his bike to work. He always volunteers to change a dirty diaper when he's home. He deals with my compulsive texting. He even replies when he can.

He encourages all my endeavors.

Most importantly, he shares my faith.

He is my best friend and my biggest fan.

And I am his.

Truth in Advertising

2010-06-11T11:33:00.002-06:00

Have you seen those Pampers commercials?

Claiming to "sag less" than Huggies?

I didn't buy it.

But I did buy the diapers. I had a coupon. They were on sale.

Never again.

This is after his morning diaper change. Maybe an hour or so?

I just prefer Huggies. They seem better all around.

I had to bribe him with mini M&M's to get him to let me take these pictures.

"Yeah, all my clothes are in the wash..."

Date Night

2010-06-10T22:28:00.004-06:00

On Tuesday Charlotte and I went on a date to the movies.

Both the babies stayed home with Will.

We saw Marmaduke.

I thought it was very cute.

She was very excited. Almost too excited to eat dinner. She kept saying, "But I thought we were taking Libby?" Which...made me sad.

Taken with my phone. I'm (past)due for a new phone. I should look for one with a better camera.

We were two of four people in the theater.

We sat in a little "loveseat" type seat.

With our popcorn between us some of the time, cuddling and holding hands the rest.

It was a wonderful date.

---

I don't know what it is with me about leaving my babies.

I just feel like they can't possible survive without me.

I know it's ridiculous.

I can't remember how old Charlie was when I first left her somewhere.

Probably around a month. I remember why: we were going to see a play with my in-laws.

Ben...was about six weeks. I let my mom take him home from Light in the Night while I finished up. Gosh, I took him everywhere. Granted: 90% of the time I had Charlie with me too.

I've already left Libby with Will three times. She's seven weeks old.

Twice I left her to take Ben to the Dr.

And now this time to take Charlie to the movies.

She hasn't died.

Actually, I'm pretty sure she slept through the first two times and fussed just a little while we were at the movies.

How is it possible that this makes me feel like a bad mom?

I don't know. For sure.

Anyway.

The point is. When I had Ben I didn't need to leave him because Charlie was 2.5 and still getting plenty of one-on-one time. Just like Ben is now.

I just felt/feel like it's so important for me to take some specific time to just be with Charlotte.

Not holding a baby.

Not worrying about what Ben's getting into.

I don't know if I'm expressing this accurately, but it really just seems so imperative.

You know? Before she grows up and I can't.

---

I was reading tonight about some people who don't tell people they know IRL (in real life) about their blog.

While I love sharing. And I actually wish more people (like extended family) would check in here once and awhile.

I totally get that.

A place to just vent and be and vent (did I already say that?) without worrying about what people would think or say would be...

nice.

I'm already pretty bold around these here parts though, which if you're reading this I guess you know.

xoxo

Craft & Thrift

2010-06-08T21:51:00.002-06:00

The little girl I watch turned two over Memorial Day weekend.

She had her birthday party Sunday and we were invited.

I appliqued a little tank top for her with Curious George fabric. He is her favorite.

I also made her this little dress. It turned out so sweet. I hope her mom puts it on her so I can see her wear it. I want to make one for my girls. Maybe for myself, too. :)

The back has this buttonloop. It was the first time I'd done it, I was pretty proud.

Some blankets and burp cloths I made for the baby shower...I'm not sure how well it went over...

Sweet stuff. I got the pan FREE at a garage sale Saturday. It actually fits in my tiny oven. I'm collecting the white dishes with green flowers (to match my kitchen). I got the idea from my mom who has enough dishes for ANYTHING...but she has my grandma Mary to look at thrift stores/garage sales for her...so my collection is growing much slower. I was really excited to find a gravy boat though:) I'm also forming an eclectic green glass collection.

---

Libby is seven weeks old today.

The laundry situation around here is out of control.

Will's game was down today. It was nice.

Life is good.

True Story

2010-06-07T22:18:00.005-06:00

Once upon a time...

A girl was having a crazy busy Sunday.

She stayed up super late the day before and got up ridiculously early.

She almost made it to church on time.

She went out to lunch at Qdoba with her mom and kids. Her mom paid. :)

She "ran" into ARC (thrift store) to look for dishes/picture frames (more on that to come!).

She went home. Prepared for a birthday party/baby shower.

She went to birthday party. Sweated like crazy. Felt a little odd.

She dropped her husband and son back home.

She went to a baby shower.

She left the baby shower. Called her husband. Asked what he wanted for dinner.

She decided to pick up Long John Silver's. She almost never goes there. It's out of the way of her house, pretty expensive as far as fast food goes and, let's face it, kind of like a heart-attack-in-a-box.

She pulled over in the parking lot to quiet her crying baby. Baby wouldn't be quieted.

She decided to drive home (maybe 10 minutes?) and deal with the baby there.

She stopped at a stoplight on the way.

SOMEONE DROVE STRAIGHT INTO HER VAN. Not on the side. Not a little bit. DEAD ON.

She wasn't even looking...which is okay...remember, she was stopped?

She checked that her older daughter was okay...she was.

She got out and took the baby out of her car seat - baby is crying, crying, crying.

The man next to her at the stoplight pulls his car to the side of the road and calls 911.

She can't find her phone anywhere (it went flying...).

Finally finds it. Calls her husband.

He stops what he's doing. Puts on shoes (no socks! ew! but sweet:)). Puts their son into a backpack carrier. Hops on his bike. Rides down to the accident. Marriage is so many things - but having someone drop everything and come running (riding...kind of like a knight:)) is a wonderful thing.

She gives her baby to her husband and the baby stops crying...finally.

The end. (Not really...but I'm done.)

---

There are nice people left in the world. A lot of them.

A woman drove up right after the accident and saw me holding a screaming Libby and trying to deal with the police, an EMT and a firefighter, find my insurance, talk to Charlie, and breathe. She pulled her car over. Came over and took Libby. I know you all are thinking - is Stacia insane? I'm not. I know she was a Christian. I could feel her praying for me when she put her hand on my arm. She wrapped Libby in her blanket and spent the next five minutes talking to her, singing to her, loving on her. Libby screamed the whole time. I took Libby back and she hugged me before she left. So, so, so nice.

Another woman...who lived at the house we wrecked in front of...came home just after the accident and was asking if we needed drinks. She's like, "I have cokes, water..." I thought that was so nice.

The man who called 911. He stayed for the whole thing. He wrote all of his information down and gave it to me. He picked up Will's bike after Will got there and threw it down.

---

As I said...I don't really know what happened. The girl driving just misjudged I guess. She had a learner's permit. She's 21. She was NOT drunk or anything like that. They were very apologetic. She kept saying, "Baby, okay? Baby, okay?" because Libby was crying. They have insurance. Someone is coming to look at the van Wednesday. It held up remarkably well. I really couldn't believe it...the car the other people were in was really smashed up and had to be towed. It really was just an accident. And everyone is okay. And the police officer didn't write us a ticket for not having the current proof of insurance card.

P.S. This is my 100th post.

Lazy Days

2010-06-04T22:22:00.003-06:00

Thursdays are for Cuties

2010-06-03T22:58:00.006-06:00

Warning: A whole buncha pictures follow...

---

I've decided that:

~I know next to nothing about photography/photo editing

~I know even less about the "blog world"

~I jumped into all this with both feet and am going to keep going...I love it...even just for me

~It would be awesome if blogging could be my job...I don't know how people get so many followers...I guess I need to write a book or something...

~Working out is ridiculous. Even more so when combined with housework, cooking meals, running errands, picking up 30 lb. toddlers, etc.

~I will never give up my love affair with Mt. Dew. I just can't do it.

~Libby sucking her thumb today is one of the sweetest things I've ever seen

~This week is going by too fast...I want to capture life with a 6, an 88 and a 215 week old and remember it forever...yes, I really did the math...yes, I'm a dork...even more so for using the word "dork"

~I wish I really had handwriting like the font on the pictures; wouldn't that be awesome?

Reality Check

2010-06-02T09:54:00.003-06:00

Last night I finally finished Elizabeth's dress...

I started knitting it when she was just over a week old.

It's the type of thing that I would have finished in a couple days before she was born.

Now it will probably only fit her for a few more weeks.

It was a big wake up call.

Most days I'm just getting done what absolutely has to be done.

Which is okay for now.

Other things in my life feel a little overwhelming.

I try not to think about them.

Then weird things happen.

I had a dream about vacation Bible school last night.

I wouldn't call it a nightmare...

but a very stressful dream.

You know? When you wake up and your jaw is all tight and you have a million thoughts running through your head?

I just need to get through one day at a time I guess.

Speaking of days...and reality...I just finished day two of the 30 Day Shred.

Whew. It's quite the workout.

I've heard it gets "better" around day five or six.

Here's to hoping.

June

2010-06-01T09:16:00.003-06:00

Wow, this year is flying by so quickly. :)

So just a quick recap of the weekend...my grandparents arrived Saturday morning (before I had time to fold/put away laundry mountain!). They were able to park their huge, amazing motor home across the street at the middle school. We just hung out at home until Will got off work. They brought each of the kids bags full of new clothes! They are so generous. I showed them around the house (not laundry mountain). We ate some lunch. I talked to my grandma about some patterns I bought. After Will came home we headed off to Ft. Collins and the girls + Ben went to a quilt shop and the boys - Ben went to a shooting range. It was only the 2nd or 3rd time I'd ever been in a "real" quilt shop, so I really enjoyed it....the kids behaved so-so. After we reunited we went to dinner and then came home and went to bed! Sunday morning my grandpa came over to look at some things around the house with Will. We had brunch. Will and my grandpa fixed three major problems around the house; our leaking faucet, our leaking shower (basement), and our leaking windows. It is so nice to have those things done! He also showed Will how to hang things on these plaster walls. Yay! It was so great to see them, we were really sad they had to go home so soon. And now Will wants a shih tzu like Bandit. (This is really detailed...more for my information later...sorry.)

One of Libby's gifts (the hat) from a friend of my grandparents. She works in a really fancy kids' clothing store (like Clothes Pony here) and has given all three of my children beautiful gifts.

Hello, my name is Elizabeth. I am six weeks old today. I enjoy hanging out in my swing, laying on my belly, holding my head up for extended periods of time, and long walks on the beach. I have been consistently sleeping six hours at night for almost a week, though my mom wishes it was 12 to 6 instead of 10 to 4. I am pretty easy-going, but I have been tending to have a fussy time in the evening. I have started cooing and talking and smiling. My siblings adore me and I'm really starting to notice when they are around me. My mom really needs to get her act together and get my picture taken with them before I get any bigger!

---

June is going to be a busy month for us.

We have lots going on and VBS is literally right around the corner.

I also have some pretty hefty resolutions this month:

*Lose baby weight. I'm not going into numbers, because I know skinny people read this. Will says sustainable weight loss is 2-3 lbs. a week...so that is my goal.

*Have at least one 'date' with Charlotte

*Have at least one date with Will

*Six days of the week I want to have at least one activity planned just for the kids. It might be something as simple as taking them to the park a few blocks from here or getting the play-doh out, but I want less TV and more other stuff.

*One day of the week I want to do something just for me...take a bath (alone!), get a pedicure, work in my craft room uninterrupted....something.

*Try at least one "Yes" day

We'll see how it goes!

A Holiday Weekend

2010-05-31T21:59:00.003-06:00

My grandparents came for a visit this past weekend.

It was wonderful to see them.

Ben modeling one of his new outfits.

Libby in one of her new outfits. Charlie just modeling;)

Bandit...he was very protective of Libby and very patient with the older two.

A group picture. This is the first time in a long time I've said, "Let's take your picture!" and Ben has cooperated. It was amazing.

This morning Ben woke up before Charlie and somehow got her door open. He crawled up in bed with her and was "reading" while she slept. He loves his sister.

I was going to tell you about our weekend...but it's time for Libby to eat...so I'll save that for tomorrow!

?

2010-05-27T23:26:00.004-06:00

Nobody likes me.

Everybody hates me.

I guess I'll go eat worms.

---

Something my grandma says when someone is whining or feeling sorry for themselves.

Something to think about.

MLB

2010-05-26T23:20:00.003-06:00

My parents bought us some tickets to go see the Rockies tonight.

We got rained on for a few minutes...

...but we had so much fun!

Libby's outfit. The skirt is borrowed from a friend - it's so cute I can't even stand it.

My dad gave him a drink...and he got so many sunflower seed floaties in it that he got to keep it. Thankfully it was almost gone:)

Always a lady.

Twenty years and still in love.

Will taking a picture of himself.

How cute am I?

Milkshake!

Yum...

2010-05-25T23:23:00.002-06:00

We had a Biggest Loser finale party.

I made a cake with the final four contestant colors.

Here it is all melted and demolished.

Finales are so exciting.

Once Upon a Saturday

2010-05-24T22:47:00.005-06:00

As you all know,

Will went back to work last week.

So after a couple days of 'staying in,'

we were more than ready for an outing.

Saturday morning we headed to Colorado Mills.

It was (exhausting) a blast.

It's definitely my new favorite place to shop.

We were there all afternoon and only made it in like six stores.

Before we left Libby got her first ponytail. :)

Libby hanging out in the wrap.

Riding the carousel in the food court. They have an area for kids, with little tables and chairs. My kids loved it.

Ben did not love the carousel. It also made my mom sick.

On the way home. Charlie fell asleep eating dinner. Ben's laughing in the background. (And riding in Bella's pink carseat. We haven't put his back in from when we had company.)

Since I love my husband, I bought him and his co-workers some cinnamon rolls at the mall and dropped them off on our way home. Doesn't he look so handsome? And a little intimidating with that big gun? Charlie had to use the restroom so he took her and Ben into his work somewhere to go...I wanted to say, "Be careful!" so much...

It was a great day.

I (and all three kids, obviously) totally overslept Sunday morning.

Who me?

2010-05-21T22:23:00.002-06:00

After sending Charlie in the kitchen to look for Ben, she came back saying*, "It looks like our baby boy is lost." So I came to check on him and found this.

"What's the big deal, Mom?"

"I'm just getting some gum."

*She actually said that. I couldn't make stuff like that up.

(Side note: Aren't Ben's 'big boy' basketball shorts too cute?!)

One Month

2010-05-20T22:30:00.002-06:00

Libby Sue is one month old today.

She had a check-up.

She was 8lbs. 15.4oz. - 42%

22in. - 83%

She was an absolute doll while we were there.

Very bright-eyed, cooing, making faces.

Then she had to get a shot, which was sad.

---

She fits in perfectly with our family.

She's only a month old, and I remember life before her...

...but at the same time it seems like she's always been a part of our lives.

I felt exactly the same way after Charlotte and Benjamin were born.

Maybe it's the anticipation leading up to their births.

I think it's more of a complete sense of...rightness...this is what I've always thought my life would be. Even though we have drama (or maybe because we do?) I couldn't be happier.

Drama-rama

2010-05-19T21:57:00.003-06:00

I love Wednesday night church.

The Bible study I go to now is one of the highlights of my weeks, every week.

I loved Caravans when I was a kid.

I loved Bible quizzing.

Tonight I got 3 kids + me ready to go.

Will stayed home: tonight he had just walked in the door from work.

Usually he works during actual church time. (how should I have phrased that?)

And there really isn't anyone his age/a class for him.

Not that church is all about social interaction.

Anyway.

We met my mom for dinner at Culver's.

We meet her pretty much every Wednesday at different places.

Today's Austin's birthday and he was able to take a break and eat with us.

Ben wouldn't eat.

The guy (a manager) made two mistakes with our frozen custard.

You get a free scoop if you get a kids meal.

(Speaking of: I just saw today that kids eat free at Quiznos...fyi)

We got to church.

I took Ben to the nursery and Charlie to her class.

It was time for Libby to eat.

She and I couldn't figure it out under the cover.

So we went off to the nursing room.

Class was half over when we returned.

Afterwards I went to get Charlie from class.

She threw a fit. My four year old.

I have long counted my blessings that she didn't behave like other children we see out and about.

She has turned into that child.

Sassy. Demanding. Dirty looks. Talking back.

It's worse than it sounds.

We made it to the van.

Charlie's crying. Ben's crying. Libby's screaming.

It's a long drive, almost 25 miles. More talking back. More dirty looks. More crying. (Libby sleeping.)

Honestly, what was the point?

I felt/feel like a failure as a mother. A person.

I want to go. I want to instill good habits in our children.

Tonight just felt like such a waste of everything.

Money. Time. Gas. Miles. Energy.

I might as well have just stayed home and done laundry. Or something. Anything.

---

I know I'm dramatic.

I'm sure I shouldn't have blogged about it.

In the grand scheme of things, these 'issues' are tiny.

I know.

I'm going to go have a chocolate muffin and some milk.

playing at the park

2010-05-19T14:39:00.000-06:00

Four Weeks

2010-05-18T23:11:00.000-06:00

Company - VIII

2010-05-17T22:33:00.004-06:00

On the last full day of having company...

...we were again going to go to a Rockies game

...but it was cold and rainy. Again.

We went bowling instead.

It was very late at night.

Ben loved bowling.

If we ever go again, he needs his own lane...he thought every turn should be his turn.

When he knocked pins down he said, "Uh oh!"

Charlie enjoyed it too.

She was a little self-conscious.

Once when it was her turn she said, "But every time I just lose!"

Melanie was the high scorer. :)

---

Greg and Dorothy made it back to VA safely.

Back to normal routines around the house and around the blog.

Will goes back to work Wednesday.

(Gasp!) It had to happen sometime.

Company - VII

2010-05-17T22:26:00.002-06:00

Thursday

I watched Bella.

We went to Chick-fil-a for lunch.

We let the kids play for awhile.

Walked around the outlets.

Will and I cooked dinner.

It was delicious.

Then we took fun pictures of Libby.

The end.

Company - VI

2010-05-13T21:38:00.002-06:00

I just liked this one. Those are my legs to the side, if you're worried about Libby.
I don't know?!

Ben just wanted to wear the jacket, he didn't know what to think of the whole experience.

---

We didn't do a thing all day.

We watched Avatar.

I liked it.

Company - V

2010-05-13T21:27:00.003-06:00

Libby was three weeks old Tuesday.

I didn't take any pictures of her Tuesday.

I'm sorry.

These are from tonight.

Packing on the pounds:)
This is to show you her hair is lighter. Can you tell? I think she'll go blonde. I really do.
Here's why: this is my baby picture (the blemish is on the ancient photo, not my face).
Don't we look alike?
And I went blonde.
Like white blonde.
And it's been getting darker ever since.

---

Libby facts:
She's been holding up her head and moving it around...quite a bit...probably for like a week.
She's been getting quite vocal...in happy and sad ways.
She is going through her three week old growth-spurt right on schedule.
I think she has thrush.
I'm calling the Dr. in the morning.
(Ben has hives? or something.)

---

As far as company goes - we didn't do anything Tuesday.
We went out to breakfast and dinner.
We were supposed to go to a Rockies game.
But it was frigid.

Company - IV

2010-05-11T13:51:00.003-06:00

Charlotte got a Chuck E. Cheese gift card for her birthday...

I was watching Bella...

and we wanted to do something to get the kids home in time for naps...

and so we went.

I think because it was a Monday early afternoon it was very empty - which made it a lot of fun.

This is all Elizabeth did the entire time. She's sweet like that.
Chasing Ben around

He loved all the "car" type things. We will definitely be going back.

My beautiful girl. She's so grown up.

He shoots!

We let him cheat (he wasn't strong enough to roll it up) and he still put every ball into the "no points" area. It was funny.

They loved it. Charlotte got a bracelet, a ring and a spider for her prizes. Crazy.

Company - III

2010-05-11T13:41:00.003-06:00

Mother's Day

We got up and got ready.

Greg took us out to Perkins for breakfast.

It was ridiculously packed and we had to sit at two different tables.

I had to feed Libby while we were there and lots of weird people came in the bathroom.

Then we went to Sam's to pick up her birth announcements.

Then we came home and I addressed them all. Still haven't mailed them. :(

We had a relaxing afternoon.

We went out to dinner at BWW with my parents.

Melanie took her parents out.

We all played games afterwards.

It was a lot of fun.

There aren't any pictures of me, so here's my mom and Libby.
Climbing on the back of the couch - he's not really supposed to...

"Take a picture of me too, Mom." - Okay :)

Company - II

2010-05-08T23:22:00.003-06:00

At Melanie's Graduation. Ben was not feeling well. Seems to be doing better.
The girl in front of me was reading. So was her mom. They brought books. Isn't that odd? And they were very grumpy about sitting by kids (us).

Aw.

We didn't stay for the whole thing...so we took pictures with her at the house. It has to be said. I'm sorry if you don't want to hear it. This is my blog though. I look like a blimp. I don't get it either. My pants are pre-pregnancy. They were tight, don't get me wrong. The shirt is a medium. I really hate making an effort as far as appearance goes and this being the result. I also hate that it matters so much to me...

I love this. :)

---

It was a good day. Everyone except the kids got sunburned. Ben and Libby were covered up, I'm not sure how Charlie avoided it. I certainly didn't think of sunscreen. We came home and grilled out and sat around and talked. The kids were really well-behaved. We all (me and the kids) took a really late nap. I think Libby might be going through her first growth spurt. She's been a little fussy and the only thing that seems to comfort her is nursing. Speaking of that: I took her to the clinic Friday and she's back to birth weight. It seems like it's taken forever - Ben was back to birth weight before I ever took him to the clinic. He was born hungry though. Libby would rather sleep than eat - I had the same problem with Charlie. This is a little rambley. I don't think that's a word. Good night.

Company - I

2010-05-08T23:05:00.002-06:00

In the morning before we got ready. Ben crying in the background. Libby making an "O" with her lips. She does it all the time. I wish I could get a better picture. It's adorable. You know you love my 4-H shirt. :)
Charlie is fake sleeping...but she did lay with Libby and kind of "babysit" while Will and I did some last-minute chores. It was sweet. All day long she says, "Mom, I washed my hands, can I hold Libby?"

Libby with Grandma Dot

And Grandpa Greg

Both the older kids were sleeping when they got here - actually took super long naps.

They got over their initial shyness in about five minutes.

Charlie loves having them here.

Ben is always putting on a show.

I'm really glad they get to visit and spend time with the kids.

(As I'm typing this Libby is lying next to me on the bed. She's kicked off a sock and keeps rubbing her bare foot on the edge of the laptop. She's asleep. :))

Making an effort...

2010-05-06T22:12:00.002-06:00

How does this happen?

We have a huge bed, too.

At least its all washed and folded...and now put away.

I haven't mated socks since before Christmas.

Don't believe me?

Check this out:

All socks. All the time. Awesome.

---

Company comes tomorrow!

Hope we're ready:)

I'm in love...

2010-05-05T22:47:00.000-06:00

...with my husband.

Two Weeks

2010-05-04T23:30:00.002-06:00

Her cord fell off, so she's had a couple "real baths." She looks so serious in all these bath pictures.
Sweet sleeping baby:)

---

Should I say it?
I can't believe it's been two weeks.
Really.
Anyway.
We (I) haven't done a thing to get ready for company.
I'm tired and emotional.
Tired of crying at the drop of a hat.
Blah.

---

The Biggest Loser tonight...
not my favorite makeovers...
and walking on a treadmill with your hands seems like torture.

May

2010-05-03T11:06:00.004-06:00

I cannot tell you how blessed and happy I feel.

I am so thankful I had Libby when I did.

We have company coming on Friday and I really wanted the time to recover and get into a routine.

This has easily been the best recovery I've had after having a baby.

Having Will home has been great.

All that being said...

We have a busy week.

We need to get our house cleaned.

I would like to get a few more things done off the "To Do" lists.

I start babysitting again on Thursday (having time off has been so wonderful! too bad I can't get paid not to work...)

I have approximately 18 things to knit...

...and 26 things to sew. :)

---

When you have a lot to do...

...do you ever find yourself doing things that you don't need to do?

Like wiping down the washer and dryer and organizing your laundry soaps?

You probably don't...I'm just weird.

My laundry helper.

He's the best.

He'll help carry clothes downstairs.

He takes clothes out of the dryer and hands them to me to fold.

He puts wet clothes from the washer to the dryer.

And he puts dirty clothes in the washer.

His favorite thing is to put the soap/softener in.

---

I have no resolutions for May...

...just take it easy and enjoy my babies.

One Week!

2010-04-27T21:52:00.004-06:00

Libby is one week old today.

It seems like it went by really fast.

Here she is waving :)
"Oh...I am so cute!"
Three!
Aren't they awesome?
I don't think I ever want to stop.
We could have our own reality show.
Nothing really goes with "Spaid" though.
(I'm kidding...kind of)

---

Notes about week one:

Libby is an excellent burper.
Her hair is awesome...but definitely looks dirty if not washed everyday.
Her ears are a little bit pointed at the top. It's beyond cute.
The nurse at the nursing clinic advised me to undress her before I feed her to help keep her awake. I have been, and it's really nice cuddle time.
One of the hardest things to deal with is not being able to pick up Ben. We both hate it.
He loves his baby sister and if anything is too enthusiastic about showing it. He loves to kiss her and hold her. We have to keep a close eye on him.
He seems to have gone from listening somewhat to not listening at all. I don't know if it's for attention or not, but I could go for less shouting around here.
He is HUGE. I can't believe how much he's changed in my eyes since I've had Libby. Where did my baby boy go?!
I have definitely had a short temper with Charlotte. I can even see it in myself, but I'm struggling to find a balance. It's hard to not expect too much.
She has watched entirely way too much tv this week.
She also loves Libby and loves to hold her. She starts off great...but somehow Libby's feet always end up higher than her head. :)
I am doing pretty well. Recovering fabulously. The dishes are done...the laundry is not. I take naps some days. I haven't sewn or knitted (?) anything since she's been born. I have taken a ridiculous amount of pictures and need to figure out some sort of system. I am really just enjoying this phase in our lives.

Tubs...

2010-04-26T15:08:00.003-06:00

So...our basement leaked again.

Thankfully...only in the storage room (where we did not put carpet.)

It was just one window.

Will had to clean it all up.

It leaked on some boxes of clothes...which was frustrating.

Who needs more laundry?

Oh well...it could have been so much worse.

And hopefully we'll figure this window out too.

When I first started packing away Charlotte's baby clothes I decided I would always put them all in tubs.

And I did...for awhile.

But...boxes are free.

I am going back to my all-tub ways though.

Hooray for hard plastic that snaps together and is water-proof! (And spider-proof! right!?)

---

Another tub in my life.

Libby and I went on our first adventure alone...to the nursing clinic.

She's doing great :)

A Surprise Visit

2010-04-24T22:07:00.002-06:00

Friday morning my mom texted me: "My mom is on her way here!"

She just hopped in the car and decided to make a one day (basically) trip out here.

She came straight here and had dinner with us.

Rotisserie chicken. Yum.

We went to Village Inn for dessert.

We were going to go to DQ for the $.25 blizzards...but it was packed.

Grandma with newest great-granddaughter.
We tried to take this picture. Ben and Libby were not having it.

She sat with Charlie and told her like 3 or 4 stories, and then read to her. Charlie was in heaven. Side note: Grandma is the only person who calls her "Sharlie."

And, of course, the obligatory four generation picture. They look pretty good for being a grandma and a great-grandma don't they?

---

A few fun facts:

We went to see The Last Song today.
I liked it. I missed some because I was in the restroom feeding Libby.
Libby's been out quite a bit for being four days old...my mom's...the Dr.'s office...Village Inn...a birthday party...and Metrolux.
I can't believe how great I feel.
Libby has (just today) really taken to nursing. I am so thankful.

Baby Burrito

2010-04-23T23:10:00.002-06:00

Things are going well at home.

These are days I want to be blogging about...

...but we haven't been doing anything.

Somehow, it feels like doing 'nothing' is a lot.

Charlotte is wonderful.

Benjamin is wonderful.

Elizabeth is wonderful.

Even with some frustrations, life is wonderful.

And then there were five...

2010-04-21T22:08:00.002-06:00

Elizabeth Sue

April 20th, 2010

4:25 am

7 lbs. 13.5 oz.

19.5 in.

Perfection.

Charlotte

2010-04-16T14:32:00.002-06:00

(15 min. bandanna dress)

(Pardon the red eyes)

We surprised her (miraculously) and got her a trampoline for her birthday.

She loves it.

She was jumping on it before breakfast this morning.

She loves these.

---

Charlie ~

I know I've said it a million times, but I really can't believe you are four. It seems like we were just waiting for you to arrive...and now it's been four years. You are a beautiful, smart, funny girl who is full of energy, opinions, and optimism. I love listening to the things you come up with and your sweet spirit. You are an amazing big sister; you are so gentle and generous with Ben and it warms my heart. I can't wait to experience life with you as a four year old. I love you more than words can say. xoxo

Four

2010-04-15T21:46:00.001-06:00

I have a lot to say...but for now...

Happy Birthday Charlotte!

You're incredible.

Paint, birthdays and general craziness

2010-04-14T22:36:00.002-06:00

Pardon the mess.

I honestly don't know what came over me.

We just got the purple furniture...remember?

And we still had a "red" wall. (I'm not sure it was red, Will says it couldn't be any other color.)

It looked awful together.

I found a gallon of charcoal paint on clearance at Wal-mart for $4.82.

I bought another gallon...it's supposed to be a light gray.

It has a blue-ish tinge.

I'm not happy about that.

Hopefully once everything gets put back in place it won't look that way.

My mom came over last night and we did one coat on everything (two on the red wall).

She's the bomb.

I don't think people say that anymore, but it's true.

Then today...all day it seemed...I put on a second coat.

So now it's done.

Charlie's party is tomorrow and we don't have a wall that clashes violently with our furniture.

Hooray.

I'll post better pictures someday (next year) when it's decorated.

---

Speaking of birthday parties. I didn't want to have one for Ben when he turned one. It seemed like so much work and I was still throwing up multiple times a day. I went ahead and planned one because...I knew I would feel like a horrible mom if I didn't. I didn't feel like having one for Charlotte this year. "The new baby" literally could be born at any time. I even asked her if it was okay if we just had cake/presents with our family. She said no. I don't know if it's just being pregnant...or if I'll always feel this way. Maybe it will be easier when they are older. I don't know. Charlie is ecstatic. Her birthday party has been all she's talked about for days. She doesn't even know what we're getting her...she's just excited to have friends over and plan the menu and plan what she's going to wear and what they are going to play...

I love her.

---

Another Dr. appointment today!

Are you shocked?

Charlie wanted to go with me.

We had to wait forever.

Which was really frustrating, because they had already had me reschedule to a more convenient time for them.

Anyway, everything is going great.

I would definitely say things are progressing much more than they did with the other two.

So that's exciting.

I'm starting to walk again on Friday.

I've had a few days off...due to painting/not wanting to go into labor on/near Charlie's birthday.

To Do:

2010-04-12T21:33:00.000-06:00

Sigh.

Think it can all get done?

Well Received

2010-04-11T23:55:00.004-06:00

I made "the new baby" some receiving blankets. Twelve to be exact.
I love them.
I wish I was a better photographer...or I felt like loading twelve separate pictures...you can't really appreciate them from these...but oh well...you get the idea.
They require pretty much no skill at all.
I think ironing the hems and sewing them took almost the same amount of time.
I did figure out how to make corners.
The first two I did I just made square corners (cutting out no fabric).
I thought I was going to break my machine.
So then I figured out how to make them diagonal...cutting out a few layers.
Duh.
Even after I figured it out...probably 1/3 of them have one corner messed up.
My brain is not all there.
I blame the pregnancy.
These were cheap too.
Cheaper than you can buy them, I think.
They are all one yard.
Some were $1...none were as much as $2.50.
And I think the prints are so much better than the ones at the store.
I can't wait to wrap her up in them!

---

*You might be wondering if I'm always going to post pictures of everything I make. Probably.

I wish everyone else would too.

I love looking at stuff people have made.

Dear Friday...

2010-04-09T13:38:00.006-06:00

In all honesty, I try not to complain too much about being pregnant.

Maybe it doesn't seem like it here, but it's true.

Will gets the most for sure.

Then my mom and a few friends.

I have been blessed with three uneventful, uncomplicated pregnancies.

I am the one who wanted another baby, after all!

However, I'm done this time.

Let me tell you my sleep schedule last night.

10:30-1:30 = asleep

1:30-4:30 = awake and going insane

4:30-6:00 = asleep

6:00 = Ben wakes up

6:30-8:00 = the most asleep you can be while being nearly 38 weeks and cuddling an 18 month old

That being said, I'd like to go into labor on a Friday. So today would be nice. Next Friday...okay. I can't really think past that. ;)

At my last check-up the Dr. estimated that she's approximately 7lbs. 4oz.

Charlotte and Benjamin were both 7lbs. 15oz. at birth.

I think it would be cool if she was too.

Using that logic...she should be about done, right?

---

On happier notes:

Ben adds words to his vocabulary everyday.

I want to get some video of him saying a few, they are so cute.

His most recent favorites; "yash" (yes), "shishsie" (sissy - for Charlie), "Lella" (Bella) and "squirrel," which remarkably sounds like squirrel.

He is becoming more attached to the pacifier. My fault 110%. I had a chance to take it away and I didn't.

He can jump with both feet off the ground. I'm not sure at what age they're "supposed" to, but it's pretty neat to watch.

---

Charlie is quite the entertainer these days.

She's been complaining that my lap is too small.

She's very excited for her sister to be here. "I just love babies," she says.

An exchange in the Wal-mart parking lot today:

C: Mom! Do you see that person in that silver van, I mean, car?

Me: Yeah

C: They just! They just rolled down their window and threw something out, NO!, threw out a smoker. That's disgusting.

Clearly we're doing something right, she doesn't like smoking or littering...and I thought it was hilarious she called it a "smoker."

All is well

2010-04-08T17:45:00.001-06:00

We're together again.

Food & Thoughts

2010-04-07T15:47:00.002-06:00

I'm not sure what you're supposed to do with the eggs you dye for Easter.

Maybe just eat them.

Anyway, I made some egg salad. I chopped up the eggs in my food processor.

Best.idea.ever.

Maybe everyone already did it that way, but it was my first time.

I felt like a genius.
Or something.

Delicious.

I can't describe it.

People who eat healthy are probably cringing.

---

I had another appointment today.

Everything is going great.

Austin watched the kids for me.

Normally, Will would have been home...but he's in Pueblo for two days...shooting "big guns." Whatever that means. :)

I ran around to the different Targets checking out their Easter clearance for Charlie's party.

Got some things for the goodie bags...so I can check that off my list.

I may or may not have let Ben eat half a bag of Life Savers Gummies while shopping...just so he would be quiet.

I may or may not have had six Snickers mini's...just because they tasted so good.

The little squares, not the rectangles.

Not that I couldn't eat six rectangle ones. Or six full size ones.

I just try not to do stuff like that. :)

If you want to look like Taylor Swift...

2010-04-05T14:07:00.004-06:00

Step 1: Take a shower

Step 2: Have your mom french braid your hair. Two braids work, we opted for four this time.
Step 3: (optional) Take creepy pictures that kind of look like rat tails...
Step 4: Go to bed
Step 5: Wake up & take braids out
Step 6: Be gorgeous!

*I know this is not how Taylor Swift does her hair...
Charlie's hair won't really hold curl from heat though, so braids and foam rollers are pretty much our options. I know there are other ways to go from wet to curly...I just don't know them. Do you?

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T21:52:00.001-06:00

Crown him with many crowns,

the Lamb upon his throne,

Hark! how the heavenly anthem drowns

all music but its own.

Awake, my soul, and sing

of him who died for thee,

and hail him as thy matchless King

through all eternity.

April

2010-04-03T15:21:00.003-06:00

We went to Easter Marketplace this morning.

Will joined us, even though he got home at 6:00 this morning. Charlie asked him to come. :)

Because who doesn't need a matching hat to go with their sweater?
I love this picture. It's exactly her, with the bracelet.

I think Ben was tired or thought it was too crowded, he didn't really get into anything. He just traded back and forth being held by mom and dad and watched his sister do everything.

---

My April resolutions:

1. Finish the February/March ones I haven't finished.

(Get the kids' rooms done (we've been doing a lot of 'home improving' everywhere) and get Ben to give up the paci (I've reached the point where I don't really care if he has it, I just don't want him to put the baby's in his mouth...and he will...))

2. Have a baby. Uneventfully.

Technically...they will let you go to 41 weeks if you don't want to be induced...which is May 2nd...but I just can't fathom that...so I'm planning on having her this month. :)

Magic Carpet

2010-03-31T21:56:00.002-06:00

BEFORE

What's up with my camera? Our furniture wasn't like this...
Seriously, this has been our floor (somewhat covered by rugs). It was nasty.
AFTER

Ta da! We picked a Berber (?) for the durability, price and built-in stain protection. I think it's funny that carpet that wears out faster...costs more. You also can't see footprints...which I like...but you can't see vacuum lines either...and those are like my favorite. :)

It's called "Wildflowers." Weird name for a carpet, huh?

A recap for those who don't remember:

We closed on the house/moved in the last day of July.

Before we had been here two weeks....the basement flooded.

The carpet was literally a year old.

It was sad.

Hopefully (!) we have fixed the leaking problem.

---

In other news...

I went to the Dr. again today.

Seems like that's all I do.

Everything is going well.

I'm 36 weeks 3 days.

---

Charlie is really excited for Easter.

I asked her if she knew why we celebrate Easter.

She said she didn't, so I was trying to prompt her and asked, "What did Jesus do for us?"

She said, "I don't know, brought us eggs and stuff?"

It was funny.

Then we talked about the real reason...I think she would be able to tell you why now...but I'm not sure that she really gets it.

---

Ben has started saying "No! No!" with his finger pointing at you and his brow furrowed. It's so cute and so naughty.

Would you let your son...

2010-03-30T17:41:00.003-06:00

...eat buttons off a calculator?
Ben does. He chews them like gum. Then comes and spits them out on my lap.
...sit in something that was clearly never intended to be sat in?

...go in the bathroom unattended...climb on the sink...get in the sink...turn the water on...get mad that he was getting soaking wet...and take a picture instead of get him out?

This is just proof of how fast a toddler can get into mischief. It took him less than two minutes to get into this situation.

On a different note: I think Ben can sense (maybe smell?) when I Windex anything. Every single time I clean the bathroom that is the day I find him on the counter kissing himself or licking the mirror or just...putting hand prints all over. It's uncanny.

Coming Soon! and feet

2010-03-29T19:31:00.002-06:00

I got this diaper in the mail Saturday. Isn't it tiny? I love it.
I got some shirts for the kids. Maybe not "cool enough" for some people, but I think they are adorable.

My handsome hubby. :) We got some new (to us) living room furniture. It's not the best style-wise, but shape and size-wise (and price-wise!) it was a good choice. I want to recover all the print material...but I don't see that happening before the baby's born.

Charlie and I got pedicures today. That is one of my most favorite things to do. They have a special at this place that if you go on Sundays it's only $20 bucks. I told Will...if I went every other week that would be like $10 bucks a week...totally worth it in my opinion.

And Ben's foot...just because it's cute.

I love my mom

2010-03-27T17:28:00.002-06:00

My mom came over and helped me finish one of my March resolutions today.

It was something like, "Get craft room done."

I couldn't be more thrilled.

This is a little closet just outside. It's housing most of my new (to me!) stamps. Seriously...have a project? Come over and use this stuff. It's awesome. In this picture you can see the tiling Will and Chris did...:)
Note to self: don't buy any yarn/fabric until you do something with all of this!
That's a joke. I actually need (want) some yarn.

The computer side. We put the fabric up on the walls today. Well, my mom did. I just held it if she needed help.

The sewing area/craft table/bulletin board.

That bulletin board was left here by the previous owners.

I got that lamp/desk chair/bookshelf free when my mom's office moved locations.

You have to see it in person, it looks so much better than these pictures.

My mom was awesome and very non-judgemental. The only comment she had about my amount of stuff was, "Maybe you shouldn't go down the office aisle for awhile."

Finally!

2010-03-26T17:45:00.003-06:00

My first article of clothing that's not a hat!

It took forever...although I willingly admit that it's mostly due to procrastination.

I did most of the first two/last two days.

I am mostly pleased.

The sides of the front opening curl a lot.

I'm not sure why the person who wrote the pattern would allow that.

Maybe they like it?

See what I mean? I might try to pick up the stitches and add some bulk to that area.

If I did, should I use the gray or a pink I have?
A close-up of the buttons. Charlie picked them out.
What the back looks like...

I just thought this one was sweet.

Playing Dress Up

2010-03-25T20:02:00.002-06:00

We were feeling a little silly today...

---

I had another Dr. appointment today.

She said full-term is 37 weeks.

I've never heard such a thing, have you?

I always thought it was 38.

Everything is going well...as it should be.

---

I got Charlie an Easter dress at Gymboree for $13.53.

It's beautiful.

Ben will probably wear something he already has/get something from Target.

I'm so tired of boys clothes.

There aren't any cute ones anywhere.

Even places that do have cute ones...don't clearance them out the same way they do girls' clothes.

You know how they have stores just for little girls clothes? (Justice, Limited 2)

Why don't they have anything like that for boys?

I'm thinking of opening one.

I guess the boys probably won't care...but moms want their sons dressed cute...or I do.

---

I wish Buffalo Wild Wings delivered.

Hope

2010-03-23T21:11:00.001-06:00

Gosh, I hope it's hormones.

I'm so tired of being so angry at every single little thing.

I feel like a failure at life.

It sucks.

Suits and Slides

2010-03-23T13:50:00.003-06:00

I think I could go everyday.

I know a couple kids who definitely would.

...

2010-03-22T09:10:00.002-06:00

Things I can't change:

other people

Things I can change:

myself

I'm so tired of hurt feelings, frustrations and disappointments. I wish that I could run away with Will and the kids and go somewhere where people are only nice or they have to leave.

Off to a busy week. Have a great Monday. :)

Eighteen Months

2010-03-20T22:13:00.004-06:00

Benjamin is eighteen months old today.

He is a happy guy. A joy to be around. He belly laughs everyday.
He loves Charlie's old sunglasses, so I thought it was time to get him a pair.
His hair is growing back...a lot thicker too...I think.
He is an active boy. He LOVES to climb.
He loves his paci. He calls it "bapi." I think he thinks he's saying "paci."
He points to my belly and says "baby," kisses it, and says "love you."
He sleeps through the night...comes in our bed about 5:30 or 6:00. I love the couple hours of cuddle time.
He takes about a two hour nap everyday.
He loves to go to the lazy susan and get food out...brings it to us and signs "please."
He loves to brush his teeth.
He is going through a phase where he doesn't want you to hold the fork/spoon/cup...he has to hold it. It's frustrating.
He has a pretty good vocabulary...although he's not very easily understood unless you're with him all the time. He mimics a lot. I would bet he says a new word everyday, even if he doesn't learn it. He's also very loud. He shouts/screams when things don't go his way. We're working on this.
He adores Charlie. He wants to do what she does and go where she goes.
He doesn't like to wear hats.
He helps with the laundry. Really. It's so cute.
He'll sit and listen to books. He's starting to sit and watch tv a little bit.
He loves the feeling of skin...when he's tired or wants comfort he will rub my face/neck/collarbone area.
Babyhood goes by so fast.

---

Sweater news:

Day Eight

Day Six/Seven
I only did like two rows one day...so I didn't take a separate picture.
It's coming along. Probably five or six inches to go...I was planning on finishing it today...but then we went to the mall instead. :)

"The New Baby"

2010-03-19T17:17:00.002-06:00

We've got to stop calling her that.

We've pretty much decided on a name...but I still don't like to use it...just in case.

Like, if the nurse's name is the name we've picked and she's really mean.

Or something.

I'll be 35 weeks on Sunday.

She could be born in a little more than 3 weeks.

That's nuts.

I've washed all her clothes.

Put half of them away.

She moves a ton.

Way more than Ben did...but he might have been bigger I guess.

I don't really remember Charlotte.

I still need to sew the binding on her blanket and curtains/bumper/skirt/whatever else I have fabric left to do.

She's making me extremely tired.

I don't know if it's "I'm pregnant with my 3rd baby" tired.

Or "I really should be more intentional about taking my iron" tired.

It doesn't help that I can't sleep.

I'm actually looking forward to waking up every two hours to feed her.

I think it will be better than the deal now.

Despite being behind on the nursery...nesting is taking hold.

Today during nap time I did like 18 chores...

I scour craigslist for furniture.

I just want things done.

Painting.

Tiling.

Yard work.

The list goes on...

I'm ridiculously excited.

I can't wait to meet her, hold her, smell her...

I can't wait to see Charlie with her.

Ben's going to be shocked I think.

Charlie was 29 months old when Ben was born.

Ben will be 19 months old when she's born.

It's a big difference.

Just some thoughts.

St. Patrick's Day

2010-03-17T22:21:00.002-06:00

On the mend...

2010-03-15T22:20:00.003-06:00

Took the kids to urgent care yesterday.

Charlie has an inner and outer ear infection.

Explains why she was up all night Saturday night crying.

It was sad.

Ben has infections in both ears.

The Dr. was like, "That's odd. Ear infections aren't contagious."

When I talked to the nurse about Ben's fevers...the advice she gave me was the exact opposite of what the other nurse told me the night before.

They both have been on antibiotics for over 24 hours...so hopefully the worst is over.

We have lots of company in town from Iowa for spring break.

I'm exhausted.

Saturday Night Randomness

2010-03-13T21:03:00.003-07:00

Maybe not a very creative title, but all I could come up with.

It's been a frustrating 24-ish hours.

Ben's fever has been up. He's been tired and clingy.

It's the last day of Will's work week and I'm so glad.

I thought the bottom picture was funny because last time I set them on this bench was when I was taking Valentine's Day pictures and I kept trying to get them to kiss...I guess that's what Ben thought of when they were both up there again.

A couple of things Charlie has said this week:

"For awesome real" - I have never said this phrase:) I thought it was pretty good.

"Awesome possum" - like 10,000 times

"Awesome" - like 1,000,000 times

"Let's name the new baby Godzilla." - courtesy of my mom

Me: "So a cop came and helped her?"

Charlie: "Mom. It was a police officer."

Ben has added "horse" to his vocabulary. I'm sure there are others...but that's all I can think of...

I (in my untrained opinion) think that Ben just doesn't handle fevers well. He just can't kick it...and they get really (to me) high.

I dislike it immensely.

Especially since he can't tell me if something else is bothering him.

He just lays there, miserable.

When (if) the ibuprofen kicks in he's pretty much normal.

I finally called the Dr.

Taking him to urgent care in the morning...they said he probably needs an anti-biotic.

The nurse I talked to was rude.

I wanted to say, "You should know more than me, you're a nurse!"

But I didn't.

I think that she doesn't have kids...just a hunch.

Sorry for complaining.

Ice, Ice, Baby

2010-03-11T20:05:00.008-07:00

I love crushed ice.

Especially when I'm pregnant.

This affinity has rubbed off on my kids.

I wish it wasn't hard on your teeth.

It's like the perfect snack.

No calories. Crunchy. Just awesome.

_________________________________________________________

Our new doorknobs:) Half installed. It's been a frustrating experience.
The simplest things go wrong.

Day Five
Does this look exactly the same?
It's not...
I've even finished a whole ball of yarn.
I need to get crackin'.
_________________________________________________________

I had a doctor's appointment today.
I'm 33 weeks and 4 days.
I scheduled the rest of my appointments - through 40 weeks!
It was exciting.
"New Baby's" head is down. Explains the feeling of tiny feet in my ribs.
She's measuring right on track.
I asked a lot of questions and got a lot of good answers.

It seems really close and really far away.
It seems like there aren't enough days to get everything done, but it seems like there are too many sleepless nights.

Ben has been up most of the past two nights.
I'm so tired.
So is he.
Sigh.

Silly Faces

2010-03-09T20:22:00.003-07:00

Charlotte: What color eyes do you think the new baby will have?

Me: I don't know.

C: We'll have to see after she gets born and gets all the blood off her.

Me: Oh?

C: Yeah, because pregnant people have blood in them and so babies have blood on them.

Kind of gross...but good logic.

Bzz...

2010-03-08T19:16:00.003-07:00

I have been busy.

Day Three
Day Four
Some Saturday morning sewing....almost done with one part of the nursery. Just fyi, when I say "nursery" I'm referring to Ben and "new baby's" room. Will's new schedule makes finding time to sew a challenge. I wish I would have thought of that before his schedule changed.

I know you thought that I've given up on monthly resolutions. I have not...one of the resolutions for March is getting rid of the paci. This picture is deceiving, because we've done really well with not letting him have it except when he's sleeping. I actually haven't even tried to put him to bed without it...it's a goal. He has fallen asleep without it before...so hopefully it won't be too rough of a transition.

This gorgeous girl is almost four. I cannot process how time has gone by so quickly. I know that soon I'll have a third baby, so I should be able to understand a four-year-old...but I can't. She is the reason I've been blogging more. I know so far it's been mostly about knitting...but I plan to be posting nearly everyday. It makes me sad that I can't remember day-to-day life with her at 6 months...18 months...30 months. Yes, I have pictures and I do have memories - but there is so much I don't remember.

And I want to.

Day Two

2010-03-05T16:35:00.002-07:00

Benjamin only took a one hour nap yesterday...so I didn't get as much done as I wanted.

He took a nap while we were running errands today...and my parents are coming over for dinner...so unless I work on it after the kids go to bed I won't get any done today.

It's coming along though, my next picture should actually look different. ;)

I love Easter candy. Just seeing it in the store makes it seem like spring.

Starburst jellybeans are the best.

Do you know what I love more than Easter candy? The reason we celebrate Easter.
Jesus is alive.
Let me restate.
JESUS IS ALIVE!
Just thought I'd share.

Day One

2010-03-04T09:47:00.002-07:00

When I start a new project...I like to do a lot the first day. It's still new and exciting and not tedious...yet.

Though it doesn't look like it, this represents several hours of work.

I'm still really excited about it...it will be my 'nap time thing' for the next however many days.

I've got lots of exciting things to tell you and show you...but this is it for now.

Spoon

2010-02-27T16:17:00.002-07:00

I finished this hat (for the 2nd time! the 1st time I made it way too small) this afternoon.

I absolutely am in love.

I want to make 100.

Which would be easy, because it only takes a couple hours.

I used the same Italian yarn (different color) I used for Ben's hat.

It's still delicious.

Some of the directions are wrong.

If I were to write a knitting book (and I don't think I ever will) I would make sure all the directions were right.

Question: if this were a masculine color, would you put this on a baby boy?

Everyone I know (so far!) is having boys.

If you wouldn't, tell me.

Seriously.

So.cute.I.could.eat.it.with.a.spoon.

In Black and White

2010-02-26T17:36:00.001-07:00

Exciting (to me) Things

2010-02-23T18:18:00.002-07:00

To say we've been slow about getting our house around the way we want it to be ... is an understatement.

There are, of course, a myriad of reasons (read: excuses).

But I'm going to enjoy the process, however long it might take.
Besides, I like not being able to afford everything at once. It makes it more meaningful when we can.

Head Shots

2010-02-17T10:39:00.003-07:00

Benjamin's new hat.

This yarn is so delicious. I love the colors. I love the texture. It's so soft. It's made in Italy. Doesn't he look chic? ;)
Benjamin's new haircut.

His hair was getting long...so I wanted to cut it. My mom has always done it with scissors, but I thought, "Hey, we have these clippers. I'll just pick a longer attachment and get about the same result." The result is not the same, or about the same. It's completely different. He looks so old now! I think it looks even shorter because it's so light and fine...but I could just be telling myself that.

Thankfully he can pull it off.

On a side note, I took 20 pictures of Ben this morning to get 4 semi-good ones. I cannot wait to get a new, faster camera.

Sometimes...

2010-02-13T13:47:00.002-07:00

Sometimes...things just don't work out.

I promised myself I wouldn't knit/make anything else until I finished these two hats I have for Ben. Well, I was having a "bad day" and the directions for the dress said that it took about 3 hours. I had all the materials left over from other projects, so I thought, I'll make this real quick. Yeah right. It took me a lot more than 3 hours...and it has be ripped apart. I don't even know if the bottom is salvagable. I blame myself, I should have made a hat.

On the plus side, I really learned a lot. I know exactly what I will do differently...because even though it didn't work out...I love this dress...and so does she. :)

Blanket Love

2010-02-05T09:51:00.004-07:00

I think I am an idiot. Every time I try to put pictures on this I struggle. Anyway.

This is the closest (size-wise) I could find to a newborn. Will said, "It's the perfect size for swaddling." Isn't he sweet? Complimenting me and talking about swaddling. The red/pink color of the border matches her strawberry hat. Now I really need booties.

I finished the blanket I've been working on. I took a long break because I messed it up.

See? This is where it's messed up - on the two sides.

This is what it's supposed to look like...and what it does look like on the top/bottom/hood.

Charlie modeling. It kind of looks like a shawl on her.

Ben modeling. You can't tell from the picture, but it hangs almost to his feet. So it's small, but functional.

I am so excited to go buy more yarn to start another one. (I mean, I'm so excited to finish Charlie's mittens and some hats for Ben so that I can justify going and buying more yarn.) Once you make something once (I think) you can make it so much better the next time. Obviously, I won't mess up the sides. I'm going to make it bigger for sure.

Even though it's messed up...I love it.

February

2010-02-01T11:05:00.003-07:00

Happy February! I love this short little month. I love Valentine's Day.

I love these two and I love that they love each other.

I have some wonderful news. My January resolution was a success. My house is organized and I can maintain it. I really have, too. It's been great. So continuing with my plan, I need a new resolution for February. I've tossed around a few ideas, but it's kind of been hard to decide. Time is getting short before my due date and I need to prioritize. :) That being said, I resolve to have Charlotte's and Benjamin/New Baby's rooms done this month. I mean, totally decorated the way I want. I'm excited!

I also have many, many knitting/sewing projects either already in the works or planned. I want to do so much, I feel like there isn't enough time.

When I was cleaning out/organizing my craft room I found this. It's a blanket I crocheted while I was pregnant with Charlotte. You can't tell from the picture, but it's huge and done in all very tiny stitches. I don't even remember how to crochet at all. That's not a joke. Will says I can't throw it away (it's not finished, obviously). Charlotte came down from her nap and said, "Mom! I love that blanket with all the different colors!" I feel like I should finish it for her to have to play with her dolls and things...but it's going to take forever. Too bad she isn't a little older and I can't just teach her to do it herself. :)

Insomnia

2010-01-31T05:51:00.003-07:00

For those of you who know me, know I love to sleep. I'm pretty good at it too. But something about being pregnant makes me a raging insomniac. I don't really remember it happening with Charlotte, but I definitely remember with Benjamin. And now this baby. I do pretty good from about 11:30-3:30. Then it's fair game. Sometimes I sleep. A lot of times I don't.

So...I've been up since 3:30. It's almost 6:00. Ben will be up in a little more than an hour. You get the picture. It makes for one tired mama. On Will's days off he is absolutely fabulous about letting me sleep in (after I fall back asleep) until whenever I need. But on days he works...I almost always have to take a nap...which seems to perpetuate the cycle.

When I was pregnant with Ben I used to go downstairs in our apartment and "do stuff"...but now Melanie is sleeping (well, living) in our downstairs...so my options are limited to reading/computer/watching tv on volume 1.

So tonight (this morning?) I've been online, reading people-I-don't know's blogs. Finding things I want to buy. Like this and this. I'm seriously considering buying both. Which is sad, because 9 times out of 10 I wouldn't even buy an actual dress for my daughter for $10. But I'm thinking about buying patterns to make a dress...

I keep seeing things online and wanting to make them. I saw this website and wanted to make Charlotte a tutu. So I did. And I have material for two more. Pictures will come soon.

I want to make Ben a cape too. Charlie and Bella (the little girl I watch) were playing dress-up and Ben definitely wanted to join in. It was so cute.

Irony of ironies. Ben sleeps through the night in his own crib now. For those of you who don't understand, this is a huge deal. Charlie was 2.5 when she finally got out of our bed...and she slept on our floor for months. Back to Ben. He did great while we were away in Iowa over Christmas...but when we came home he had a cold, etc. and the routine wore off. I decided about two weeks ago to try to train him to go to sleep in his crib (I wanted him to ideally have a firmly established routine when baby #3 comes). So, I put him in his crib...kissed him a million times...told him I loved him (I felt like I was abandoning him)...and told him, "nigh, night." Then I went to my room and set a timer for 5 minutes. He cried the whole time. I went back in his room, repeated the process. He fell asleep! Just like that. The crying only lasted for 3 nights! It's like a miracle. He does brilliantly at nap time, too.

Yep, and I'm awake.

A few reasons to be thankful to not be sleeping:
1. It's so much better than morning sickness
2. You learn to navigate the house in the dark
3. You get some quiet time
4. A baby! Coming soon:)

A New Year

2010-01-08T17:35:00.002-07:00

Well I've had this blog for a year...can you believe it? I don't keep up with it the way I want to, but I'm still glad to have made the effort. This past year has brought drastic changes to our lives (home ownership, anyone?) and this next year promises many more (another April baby!). I am so blessed with the life that I lead, and thankful to be able to share it (however randomly) here.

I've decided not to do any "New Year's Resolutions." I rarely stick with them (I did stop drinking pop for a year once...I should probably take that one back up) and who doesn't find failure discouraging? Instead, I've decided to go with "New Month Resolutions" - smaller (and hopefully more achievable) goals to work on each month. I'm excited about it. So, for January, my goal is to get my house organized in such a way that I can maintain it for the rest of the year (a.k.a. forever). I will let you know how it goes.

In an effort to begin (and stop small children from eating fake bark) I've finally cleaned out the planter in our front hall. This picture should have been rotated, sorry. The splotches on the stone are from me washing it, it doesn't normally look like that. I have no idea what to do with this space....well, I have ideas, just not very many kid-friendly ones.

Just for fun :)

All Done

2009-12-17T20:56:00.002-07:00

(P.S. To make your holiday season easier...don't ever buy this kind of card. I don't care how cute they are, if you got them 90% off at Target two years ago, if you think it's a great idea to slide things into other things...just don't do it.)

Success, Failure, and In Between

2009-12-05T14:29:00.006-07:00

Sigh. I just made this very long "update" post about our entire family and everything that's been going on. Then something happened and now it's gone. So you'll have to make do with captions on pictures that aren't even in the order I wanted them...

Kara taught me to knit. This is the 2nd hat I made, for Ben. He hates it and tries to rip it off at every opportunity. :)

This is the 4th hat I made. A complete failure. It looks as bad in real life as it does in the picture.

Still a climber. I think it won't be long before he figures out he can pull the drawers out to get up on the counter. Needless to say, we keep the kitchen closed off most of the time.

This is the 5th hat I made, for the new baby girl next winter. Well, she'll be born in the spring, but the hat is for the winter...did you get that? It's called the "Bedtime Stocking Cap" and I really like how it turned out...except for the part a little more than half way up where the yarn lined up perfectly next to the same colors. I'm not sure what I could have done to avoid that, but I like it so much I'll probably make another one with "real" stripes.

I love this hat. # 6. I finished it last night (early this morning, actually). It's newborn size so hopefully it'll fit her right away. I almost wish she was here so we could try it on...almost. I still have too much to do...and more hats to make. :) I'm actually surprised it turned out so well, because I changed the pattern quite a bit, but I just think it's too cute. I want to make her some booties to match.

This is the 1st hat I made for my first baby girl. Doesn't she look so grown up? Check out the outfit - her own creation. Yes, her necklace is a curtain tie-back.

Benjamin loves utensils. If he won't eat and I give him a fork, he'll usually take at least a few bites. I wonder if I gave him a fork to sleep with he'd stay in his crib all night?

So that's it for now. Yes, the 3rd hat I made is missing. It's in Iowa with my nephew Landon, maybe I'll get some pictures of it over the holidays. Sorry this is kind of random with a bunch of pictures of hats...

Light in the Night '09

2009-11-02T14:34:00.003-07:00

Thing One and Thing Two

Their costumes were very last minute and thrown together, but I think it turned out cute. Charlie actually picked it out when we were looking through ideas online. She wanted to have her face painted so bad...and Ben did not. I loved the blue hair on both of them, Charlie looks so different. :)