A Night in the Life

Last night was insane around here. I wonder why I am tired in the morning. Yesterday was kind of a rough day. I felt really tired and being trapped inside didn't really help. Needless to say I felt relieved when the kids bedtime rolled around and I had a little time to relax. In a perfect world, maybe. This is how it went down:

8:30: Bed time for the girls
8:35: Tea is crying in her crib and I can't understand what she is saying.
8:36: Go in Teas' room and determine that she is upset because she didn't kiss Chiggie good
night.
8:38: Bring Chiggie into Teas' room to kiss her goodnight. This doesn't work as apparently it is
too late.
8:40: Shut the door, and bid them all ado.
8:45: Chiggie comes downstairs claiming to be starving. I give her an apple and send her on her
merry way.
9:00: Spend some time blogging and surfing the web.
10:00: Watch a little t.v. there is nothing on.
11:00: Give up on t.v., the King and I retire for bed.
11:30: Chiggie comes into my room complaining of a headache.
11:45: Motrin, a drink, and a quick bathroom break, and back to bed.
1:00: Chiggie is back, crying, headache is not better, I can't tell if she is sleepwalking or awake.
I put her in our bed.
2:00: Tea is crying again. I go up to check. She is obviously exhausted, I cover her back up,
check her space heater, and tell her if she is good and goes back night night then she can
go with us to Chiggies' dance class. She complies.
5:00: I hear the King's alarm going off. He shuts it off, turns the heat on, and gets back in bed.
5:15: I have tried to go back to sleep, but I have to pee really bad. I go, and come back to bed.
It's so cold I am shaking.
8:00: Alright, alright I am up. Another day, and I have a lot to do today.

The little engine that Could

The weather is making very strange things happen around here. I drug in some of the outdoor ride on toys and the girls have been riding them inside. They have one that is a small electric 4 wheeler that really is about the right size for Midge. The older girls spent the day cruising around the house on it. Tea was the driver while Chiggie hung on to the back. Around noon I called them for lunch and I could hear the little engine revving. By 12:15 I saw them rounding the corner from the sitting room into the kitchen. By 12:30 they were through the kitchen and coming into the dining room. They hopped off and got up to the table. It's amazing really, they have no patience when it comes to waiting for lunch but they can spend 30 minutes on a little motorized cart getting to the table.

Weekend at a Glance

Mundane as it may have been we really had a pretty good weekend. We got more snow and the temperatures were below freezing for the most part so indoors we remained. We made the wise decision not to go "window shopping" as we have a little bit of money that is burning a hole in our pockets and things were so boring we would've bought something just for the sake of it. Instead I got a lot of backed up laundry done and folded and put away. Now that is an accomplishment. The King cleaned up the yard and deck and we can now open the curtains on the back window again.

The girls played with their V-Smile, floam, and we played a few board games. I know they are starting to go a little stir crazy and the temperatures this week aren't predicted to get any higher than the 30's. We have some fun things coming up in the next few weeks though, so hopefully they will stay entertained and we will all keep our sanity.

Rub a Dub Dub

Sometimes when you look like this.....

You need this!

Good News

Yesterday morning I went and had an ultrasound done on my upper abdomen. I got great news back. While there is some "sludge" in my gallbladder I do not have any stones and all of my other organs look great. Seems that it's just another pregnancy related condition and this too shall pass. I am relieved that I won't be facing surgery during or after pregnancy. The past few days I really have been feeling better and I think it is definitely possible that I am moving on to a new phase of the pregnancy.

We've been staying busy around here with doctors appointments, dance classes, and getting the girls rooms organized. I finally went through and got rid of some of their old toys and made room for the new ones that they got for Christmas. Chiggie came in after I had done her room and said " wow, you really hooked up my space." I guess she likes it.

The dog never showed back up. The kids have moved on and in their minds that was so two days ago. I finally just told them the truth. That I had seen a limo pull up with a boy beagle in it, he exchanged some words with Beasley and she hopped in. I am assuming they ran off and got married, Vegas maybe? Chiggie is satisfied with this explanation and really so am I. I just wish they would swing back by after their honeymoon and clean up the mess she made in my yard.

Hair Cuts

Yesterday Tea got her first haircut. Chiggie was do for a trim and Teas' has just gotten long enough to need some evening out. She looks adorable and so much older. I feel like everything is changing all at once.

Have you Seen this Dog?

Okay now don't jump to conclusions. I know my recent post on my "pet peeve" may seem just a tiny bit incriminating, but please believe me. I came home from the doctor and the dog was gone. The kids are a mess and that stifles any joy I may have felt. I have no idea how she got out. There is no digging around the fence and the only thing I can think of is that someone lifted her over the short section of our fence. Sounds a little far fetched I know but stranger things have happened. Because we love the kids, the King is out whistling and calling for her, I hope she comes home I'll worry too much if she doesn't.

I got some good and some not so good news at the doctors office. Turns out I am about 16 weeks along. A whole month further than I thought! Because he was easily able to get a hearbeat (152bpm) and feel the fundus, no ultrasound today. I do have one scheduled for Wednesday morning though. That's the bad news though, it's not to check the baby. The Doctor seems to think the pain and nausea and vomitting that I have been having is coming from a bum gallbladder. If this is the case, out she will come. They said if everything goes smoothly on Wednesday we'll take a peek at the baby. I just want everything to be okay and I am starting to feel a little better so we shall see.

Looks Like we Made it!

Well, I finally made it. Today is my first OB appointment. I am half expecting to show up and have the doctor be out delivering a baby! Not sure what all I will find out today, but wish me luck. I will be back tonight for sure with an update.

Puppy Love

I have never claimed to be a fast learner. I often do make the same mistake twice, with good intentions of course. But when it comes to family pets, I am a slow learner. A repeat offender if you will. When we first moved into our house we decided we should get a dog. We had a fenced back yard and it just seemed right. We had a dog when we lived in our apartment in Florida, briefly. Amazingly I remember very little about this experience. I do remember that it didn't end well. I went to work one night on the notion that it was either me or the dog. I came home that night and she was gone. I promised I would not ever get myself into a mess like that again.

Back to getting the house and deciding we needed a dog to achieve the "American Dream." I reasoned with myself. Just because one situation was bad doesn't mean we shouldn't try again. I mean, back then we lived in a small apartment and worked a lot. Now we're home more, and the dog would have lots of room to run. Yeah, we could definitely do this. The King knew someone at work that bred Border Collie's and soon Dakota became a part of our family. In all fairness she was a good dog. She lived outside with the exception of coming in to sleep, and she rarely barked. But she tore up the yard. She dug up flowers, trampled the grass, knocked out the lattice on the deck. We put up with all of that even though it drove me absolutely insane. Then before we had the chance to get her fixed, I know we should've done this right away, hearts ran wild and she became "with pups."

Now we had 6 dogs. 1 border collie, 5 mutts. Thankfully we found homes for all of them. ALL of them. We were again dogless. I could breathe again. We replanted the grass, planted some new flowers, and the kids ran barefoot through the grass with no fear. Time passed. Summer faded to fall and one boring Saturday the King was flipping through the paper when he saw an add for Beagle puppies. Beagles are cute, they can be crate trained, we could keep it inside to protect the yard..... Yeah, we bought one.

The cute little puppy got big. I wouldn't let her live indoors full time for anything. She has that "houndy" odor. The one I read about in a book about Beagles the day after we bought one. She chews up everything and I am sure we will be doing some replanting in the spring. What is wrong with me? I do it for the kids, but really I should've got them a digi pet.

Too Little Time......

There is so much that I want to write about but my mind lately feels like a cluttered counter. Some of its trash, some stuff needs to be saved for later, and some things need to be dealt with right now. I am still suffering from nausea and vomiting. The medicine is helping, but it's depressing to feel so bad for what seems like so long. I don't write about it a lot because it's a real downer, but mind over matter isn't getting me anywhere.

Despite the fact that I spend a great deal of time holding the couch in place, the girls seem to be thriving. Midge successfully made the transition to her crib in her own room, really a lot of hype for nothing. She fusses a little but then falls asleep and stays that way to the tune of about 12 hours. She is also an official wienie. I would've continued to nurse her through her first birthday but the medication I have been taken dried up my milk. She now drinks wonderfully from a cup and I am amazed at how resilient she really is.

I made the decision to take Chiggie out of the preschool she was in. Because the year is already half over we decided not to place her in another program. She was fine with the whole thing and is looking forward to Kindergarten Round-Up in the spring. She seems much more relaxed. I know she is getting more sleep and I have no doubts that she will be very successful in school next year.

Tea is exploding in so many areas. Potty training, speech, motor skills.... She really is morphing from a baby into a child. She is becoming much more of a playmate to Chiggie and is very nurturing towards Midge. We have told her that another baby is going to be joining our family and she seems excited. We'll see what happens when reality hits.

Anywho, I will stop rambling and enjoy a little quiet time before retreating to bed.

This Old House

Every once in a while I will catch myself complaining. The tile in the downstairs bathroom is falling off, the dining room flooring needs replaced, the back deck could use some work, and don't even get me started on the kitchen. We have lived in this house for 2 1/2 years. That is a record for our 7 1/2 year marriage. It is the first house either of us has ever owned. Our road to home ownership was not an easy one. Luckily we ended up with a realtor who really put our needs in front of his and with a few other miracles here and there we found this place.

Cliche as it is, it was love at first sight. Coming from a two bedroom apartment it seemed like a mansion at the time. Much to our delight the backyard was fenced, there were three fireplaces, and a sidewalk out front. We didn't even have to think it over, we were sold. There were a few more bumps, but three months after our first walk through we moved in.

We've made some improvements. Every room has been painted and we have definitely put our own touch on things. It's easy to get comfortable and to forget how lucky we are to have what we do. I can't promise we'll live here forever, the future just isn't that predictable. But I can say that we will be here for a long time barbecuing on the deck, playing games in the family room, and watching out for the pizza guy on the comfy front porch window seat.

Too Much of a Good Thing

On the weekends I am very lucky to say, the King makes the girls breakfast. This morning they had french toast and apple juice. Teas' cup was no where to be found, so the King just poured the juice into a large water bottle. She drug the bottle out to the family room to show me all the while saying over and over "berry hebby appa joose, appa joose too hebby." She sat on the couch and happily sipped away until the juice was gone.

Now for those that aren't already aware, she is in the process of potty training. During about a 30 minute period she ran to the potty 3 times. The last time she looked up at me and groaned "ooohhh, too much appa joose." So there's proof in its purest two year old form. You really can have too much of a good thing.

Freezing

Our forecast around here pretty much shows snow, snow, and possibly more snow. We built this snow-kid today and she and the girls made friends fast. So much so that Tea had to go out and tell her goodnight before bed. I guess when the sun eventually comes out we will have to explain that unfortunately all good things must come to an end...........

Cozy Friday

Snow falling outside.......check
Fire in the stove.....check
Disney Channel Movie Premiering tonight.....check
Popcorn and candy......check

Really, what more could you want?

Step Right Up

Midge has taken her first steps! Amidst cheering siblings she made her wobbly way across the family room floor last night. Just as she was almost to the other side of the room her upper body charged forward leaving her legs behind and with a plop she was giggling on the floor. Congrats baby girl, you are officially on the move!

Cabin Fever

For some reason, or combination of reasons, this has always been my least favorite time of year. The holidays are over, yet it's still winter time and everything just seems kind of gray and dismal. I love the spring and I know it will be here before we even know it, but still.......I get cabin fever so easily. We're expecting another storm this weekend and we've already had enough snow to satisfy me for a whole season. I need to put myself to use and start planning a 1st birthday bash for Midge!

Splashin' Around

After a couple of really hectic weeks, it was so nice just to relax and enjoy ourselves today. We slept in, took our time getting ready, and then spent the day at a natural hot springs pool. This particular pool is very kid oriented and has a whole section where even babies can sit in the water and splash in the fountains. At one point Tea forgot she couldn't swim and stepped into the deeper end. Luckily both the King and I were very close by and grabbed her up quick. Everyone is tired tonight so bedtime should be a breeze. I know I won't have any trouble sleeping.

Good Housekeeping

Not feeling really creative tonight, so I'll be a little more practical. Here are a few household products I couldn't live without in no particular order:

1. Dawn dishwashing liquid. This is all I will use. I've tried others but they just didn't do it for me.
2. Cheer laundry soap. For a brief period I used another kind, it rhymed with "fun". I quit when people started mistaking my whites for tans.
3. Bounce fabric softeners. The stuff dreams are made of. People these are not only dryer sheets, they can be placed under the kitchen sink or in a trash can for a random burst of freshness. Can you really ask for more?
4. Febreeze. Okay this stuff completes me.
5. Ajax. Crayon on the wall? Kool-Aid on the counter? No match for this stuff.

What's your favorite household product?

More Snow

Snow accumulations of up to an inch? Better re-think that Mr. Weatherman who is wrong so often that we actually just expect the opposite of what he says!

Moving Right Along

It is embarassing to admit, but I just today finally got the house back in order from the holiday chaos. It was insane let me tell you. I feel so relieved just to have it done. The King has to work on Saturday because he had Monday off, but on Sunday we are going to take the girls to an indoor hot springs pool. We have never been to this particular one and have been wanting to try it out since we moved here. I am sure they will have a blast and it will be a wonderful way to relax after a hectic week. It's also something I think all three of them will enjoy equally which is a rare find these days.

In other news my OB office called yesterday and my first appointment was bumped back three weeks. I haven't even been seen at all! I don't even know how far along I am, my ticker is just a best guess. It's frustrating because the same thing happened with Midge and by the time I had my first appointment it was time to schedule my 20 week ultrasound. I guess it's no big deal I was just excited to be getting in. I am actually starting to feel a little better on my own which indicates to me that I am possibly starting the second trimester. One down, two to go!

Bad Hair Day

Preschool Woes

As a parent you are pretty much guaranteed at one point or another to second guess yourself on a particular decision. Especially as your children grow and their individuals needs expand. I truly believe that different things work and are appropriate for different children. I battled back and forth last year as to whether or not to enroll Chiggie in a preschool program. I weighed the pros and cons but ultimately I think I was persuaded by society and "professionals" that it was definitely the way to go.

Now, I really don't know. Sometimes it seems as though most of what she has picked up on is negative. I guess theoretically by keeping her home I would have been delaying the inevitable. I mean I am sure all of that would've come with Kindergarten as well.....or would it have. I also would have to question the particular school she attends. It is also a daycare facility and many of the children in her class have attended since birth. Because of this there are believe it or not cliques within the classroom. I never even really considered that possibility.

I am not concerned with what she is learning. I know that will come with time and formal education was never my intent. On the other hand I don't think a little structure would hurt. On top of that some of the facility's social ideas are a little odd. I agree that you can't tolerate children being mean and hurtful to others but it's just the cold hard truth that everybody is not your friend. I don't think there is anything wrong with children trusting their gut on this one. In the past the children that Chiggie has avoided all on her own have usually been too aggressive or rough for her liking.

Overall I would have to say that it is probably best to just go with your gut. If you are influenced by too many people with differing opinions you may just end up disappointed.

Fashion Diva

Chiggie is an absolute fashion freak! This is not reflective of the King or myself so I have no idea where it comes from. Take this conversation for example:

Me: So did you have a good time at dance tonight?

Chiggie: Yeah, there was a new girl and she was wearing the cutest boots I have ever seen.

Me: Did you learn a new song?

Chiggie: They were brown with fur around the top. If I had a pair like that I would sleep in them.

Me: They sound nice. Did you guys learn new music?

Chiggie: They were off the chain! Not like snow boots, but not fancy either. I would definitely need a new skirt to go with them.


What is "off the chain," and what am I gonna do with this kid?

Read the Book don't Watch the Movie

Pretty much since I learned to read I have preferred reading to television or movies. I have a vivid imagination and most of the time the real thing turns out to be a let down. For example when I got my first dispatching job I was living in a new city in a new county in a brand new state. I didn't know where anything was and had to rely on maps for everything. Fortunately I became very good at map reading and picked up on my geography very quickly. But I had still never "seen" most of what I was dealing with. I was shocked and disappointed to later find out that just because a subdivision is called Palm Sunset, doesn't mean it's nice and Whispering Sands apartment complex is actually a dump.

Anyway I guess what I am saying is that with a book you get to at least imagine the whole story where as with a movie all the work is done for you. I think life is really the same way. You can either carve your own unique imaginative details and get involved or you can just sit back and let the camera roll. I would rather write a book than have someone else make my movie.

Happy New Year

I have spent a lot of the day reminiscing on 2006 and fantasizing about 2007. I don't do resolutions for the new year, mostly because I am always changing my mind. A lot will happen in this next year, that I know for sure. I am already looking forward to the spring and summer. In a way it's nice to be through the holidays so that we can now focus on just life in general. It's gonna take me just a bit to get caught up and fall back into a normal routine.

Tomorrow Chiggie starts back up in the song and dance program that has been on hiatus for the holidays. Then next month both older girls will be doing gymnastics for a 6 week session which they are very much looking forward too.

One of things that I want to focus on in this next year is our house. We have done quite a bit since we moved in about 2 1/2 years ago, but there is still a lot to be done. This winter I want to paint the kitchen, the trim in the kids rooms, and maybe put in some new flooring. In the spring we hope to move things outside. We need to gravel the swing set area, fix and paint the deck, plant some new flowers, and paint the fence. A lot of hard work but it's exciting. So here's to another year and I hope it is full of many delightful surprises!