Brotherly Love

So, I'm totally thinking that Reg has been great with his baby brother.  He's so gentle...etc.  Then I download these pictures to my computer, and judging by the look on Christopher's face, I'm not so sure anymore. 

 Um, are you really going to let him get this close, mom?

 He's laughing, this is not good.

 Seriously, mom? 

 Now he's pushing me with all his tubby toddler weight.  Do you not see this?

 Dude, I dare you to try and pick me up.  I'm like 12 pounds now - and it's all baby fat.

 You see, it's like this, Christopher...you just do s*** when she's not looking, keep real quiet - she'll leave you alone for a little bit, then by the time she sees what's going on, it's too late. 

Pics For Grandma 

Christopher is Here!

I will not be posting a long story about baby's birth.  Mainly because he pretty much flew out. Luckily, he didn't slip out until the midwife made it into the room to check where I was at.  I couldn't ask for an easier delivery and recovery, and seeing a how I've barely been able to walk these last few weeks - I'll be selfish and say I earned it.  ;-) 

He's beautiful and precious, and Reggie is fascinated with him, it's like having a large hyperactive dog though, we kind of have to keep the two of them separate for now.  Looking forward to watching the boys grow up together. 

When the S*** Hits the Fan

Sometimes all you can do is find your comfort in humor. 

I will spare my blog the details, as it's public - but the fan has been hit with some serious shit this last week.  I'm about to pop and have this baby, so I'm choosing to find my happy place when I can. 

Thanks Pinterest, you are a total time suck - and I love you. 

 Yep.

It's true.

This HERE is hilarious.  Photo bombing animals.  Does it get any better?

The Proposal

I think many girls dream about this moment from the time they have their first real crush.  I remember sitting in English class in the 8th grade.....wandering off into daydream land and replaying the moment over and over again in my mind.  Of course the starring role changed a few times, back then - I can't even remember who I was stalking my crush was at that exact time, but waiting 32 years for those few pivotal seconds, (where your heart skips a beat, and the tears start to well up) and for those four words to be asked of you....by someone you love with all your heart and soul.  It's a feeling I can't really even put into words. 

So, I will try not to be too whimsical and long winded, because I'm timing braxton hicks contractions right now - which are driving me nuts, because they're like consistently 8 minutes apart for almost an hour now, and I seriously hate this stage of the pregnancy, and I need a happy distraction.

First of all, Chris is really really super yummy.  I mean, he's hot.  (Sorry Rachel)  he's your cousin, I know.  He got home from work, all manly and kind of smelly, took a shower, shaved, came out looking all nice and smelling amazing as always.  He was in a great mood.  He's always in a good mood on Fridays, but this particular Friday, he was being super sweet and more awesome than his usual.  He was cleaning, cooking, taking care of the baby, like always...but overly happy about it.  ;-)

So, I'm on the computer, listening to Pandora, and looking up websites so we could place an order for a jail cell baby gates to keep Reggie from destroying our apartment hurting himself.

He begins with reminding me that it's been 4 years since that weekend that he drove down from Oregon to California...over 800 miles, for a short 3-day weekend with his family, and it's the weekend that we met in person, after corresponding over the summer.  Then he asked me how I felt about spending all of my Labor Day Weekends with him.  Now, normally at this moment....most women would totally be aware of what was happening.  I am not most women.  I just laughed and said, something about it being okay if he wanted to take off one of those weekends and go solo fishing or whatever, it's cool. 

Then he smiles, gets out of his chair, and then I start to get it - my mombrain fog lifts a little as I watch him walk towards me, and I'm thinking....he's probably going to just keep walking - this isn't really happening.  But then he does that thing, you know the whole bended knee thing.  Then I start crying, which I never do.  I didn't even cry when my babies were born.  I know that makes me a horrible person, but I didn't.  I think because I was just so relieved for labor to be over.  But anyways, I started crying - like a girl. 

He takes out this box, and he says those four words...in the form of a question!  (I will spare you the interruption from our children) but that was all just white noise at that moment anyhow.  I just remember looking into his eyes and feeling like I could just float through the ceiling.  Yes, even being 8 1/2 months pregnant...I felt weightless.  Nothing could have made me more happy, and made me feel more complete, than hearing the man that I love with all my heart and soul, ask me to spend the rest of my life with him.  We always knew that we were forever anyhow, and our children sealed the deal, long before the proposal - but just having those few minutes just for us, was one of life's perfect moments.

And yes, he asked my dad for my hand in marriage.  How lucky am I? 

I Said Yes! Of Course....

I've never been so surprised in my life.  I will dedicate a whole blog to how this all transpired very soon, when I don't have a toddler at my heels, and an entire day to tackle.  I'm the luckiest girl....((Sigh))

Baby Christopher ~ 33 Weeks

Is there anything more amazing than growing a little life inside of you?  I love being a mommy. 

What Did You Do This Summer?

I will spare you the B.S.

 I am not having the most spectacular summer.  It's  a bit boring by most standards.  There were no vacations to exotic locations, no trips to the zoo, or even any romps in the new city that I've come to call my new home.  There are much more important things in life to attend to right now, like every day stuff.

Not that life isn't good, and I don't have a million things to be thankful for, because it is, and I do.  I am just so pregnant, and it feels like I've been pregnant for 2 years, (back to back) and I'm so ready for the next step.  I am ready to meet my little Christopher - of course, when it's time.  I am just ready to not be so physically limited.  Having a very active toddler/baby boy, and being with child (very with child) at the same time can be a little overwhelming. 

Last year, I was teaching preschool, and wrangling tots all day long - almost right up to the end, so that was exhausting too, but that job ended at 4:30pm.  Reggie is full time, and I'm always on call - and I just love my little monkey, so I'm happy to have the best job in the world, and not have to clock in and out.

Also, my daughter has been gone for the majority of the summer, which has been difficult for both Chris and I.  It's just not the same around these parts.  She's coming home next week, and we are super excited to pick her up from the airport!

In the meantime, Reggie has been very busy.  We have had a lot of firsts this summer.

Baby's First Birthday!

Baby's First Cold/Pink eye/Ear infection

This was the morning after our all nighter in the ER.  105 was a little scary high, so we rushed him in.

Climbing, need I say more...



Tantrums

Not Reggie, but yeah - you get the idea.

First Carousel ride!

First swim!

First self induced vomiting episode, we're still trying to nip this in the bud.  So far, I have sprayed down the car seat twice, treated the carpet, deep cleaned the crib.  Can't wait for this phase to pass.  Apparently some babies and toddlers do this, and Reggie is one of them.  He will actually stick his fingers in his mouth and gag himself, for S**** and giggles.  Literally, he will giggle, and once he even pooped afterwards too. So....

All said and done, all us mommies know how exhausting these first couple of years are.  I'm a lil' sleep deprived, strung out on cheerios, milk, Blue's Clues, sippy cups, sciatica, and  ready for a glass of wine, or two.  And SO ready to welcome baby Christopher into the world come this October....19th - ish.

And to complete our big and crazy happy family. 



So, what have you been up to this summer?  How much vomit did you clean up?   

Humor Runs in the Family

I see these pictures all over Pinterest, and on Instagram....then my daughter emails me this yesterday.  She's down in CA visiting her dad, and she enlisted the help of  bribed her step-brother to get in on this series of pictures.  He's the "Chick of the Week." 

I have always warned her of the dangers from drawing on herself with ink marker, but to no avail.  She will do anything for a laugh.  A few weeks ago, she drew a mustache and a face around her belly button.  I think the abs are genious in this one.

10 Things I Love, Wish I’d Known, and Find Amusing….



About Moving From CA to OR

10. Native Oregonians are few and far between. In fact, the majority of people I’ve met over the last 7 months are actually from CA. Any native will agree with this statement, then roll their eyes, and make a comment about invasion or something.






9. Don’t ever forget that you are in Oregon, and try to get out of your car to pump gas. Like ever. Also, when you live in Portland, remember that Washington is just a blink away, and you will need to pump your own gas. Don’t sit in your car waiting. Like an ass.






8. No sales tax!






7. Driving around with CA plates in a large metro area in any state, but especially the big O, is like having a huge “Kick Me” sign taped to your back. Or “Please Flip Me Off, Tailgate, and Cut Me Off, I Deserve it, and These Plates Automatically Make Me a Jackass Taking Up Space on Your Roadways!”






6. Green! No, not that kind of green. But hey, if that’s your thing. I hear there’s a butt load up here, and apparently it’s top notch. Seriously though, lush green trees, rivers, streams….This comes with the price of lots of rain. I just pretend I’m fancy and I live in London and like to drink tea and eat scones. It makes it a little more bearable. On most clear days I can see Mt. Hood and St. Helens in the distance too. The scenery is breathtaking.






5. Hippies. Scary hippies. Not your happy and thoughtful, organic loving, skirt wearing, flowery, frolicking through the streets of SF hippie. Friggin’ strung out, things nesting in my hair, dead eye hippies. Zombie hippies.






4. Good people (Not the zombie hippies). There are rude people everywhere. However, I must say - most people up here are incredibly friendly and engaging. Even in the city. Sometimes I forget I’m not in a small town anymore.






3. Portland, OR has the largest amount of strip clubs per capita of any large city in the U.S. That being said, they’re everywhere. It’s not just right here in Portland. There are also peep show places, adult shops, bikini coffee shops (that must be a PacNW thing), all over the place. When I ask any native about this, I get mixed answers. Maybe it’s because OR is one of the only states that allows full nudity. Or, it’s because back in the day, this state was overrun with lots of lonely loggers. ;-)






2. OMG, I don’t have to register my car for another 2 years. Also, my license doesn’t expire for another 6! Like like like.






1. There is no In ‘N’ Out.

Mothers of Teens Know Why Animals Eat Their Young...

Usually, I post things about parenting that involve diapering, and proud moments, and smiles, and accomplishments.  I am not one to just blog away and overshare things that are deeply personal, but I will say this.  I am pregnant right now, with my third child.  I don't think anything is more difficult than being the parent of a teen, along with young children. The emotional turmoil, along with the physical exhaustion is almost unbearable at times.  There are so many contrasting issues that all need your attention.  Teens need their parents more than ever, but it is so easy for us to just let so much go that we shouldn't, out of complete frustration and aggravation. As I am in the midst of all this homonal turmoil, I feel like I am  possibly in the biggest battle of my mommyhood life, and that it will continue for quite some time.....however, I'm not giving up.  I may even laugh a little bit along the way.  Feel free to add to these hilarious, yet all too true quotations about parenting young adults.....

Mothers of teens know why animals eat their young.



There's nothing wrong with teenagers that reasoning with them won't aggravate.


Raising teens is like nailing jello to a wall.


Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys.


A baby-sitter is a teenager acting like an adult while the adults are out acting like teenagers.


Never in the fields of teenage hormones, was so much utter crap spouted by so many and regretted by so few.


Few things are more satisfying than seeing your children have teenagers of their own.  That one's for you, mom.  ;-)

Baby Steps!

He's got a ways to go, but I just love this stage!  :-)

Top 10 Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me....
(About Pregnancy)

You would think I'm a pro at this point.  After all, this is my third trip down pregnancy lane.  I should be sipping tea and feeling oh so zen, as I knit baby booties, listening to Pandora, all the while preparing a homemade meal from scratch for the family.  All this as my perfect children occupy themselves with interactive and educational activities, so I can get something done!  Yes, Reginald is in his playpen thumbing through his Baby Sign Language books right now...practicing, he's most definitely NOT banging on the sliding glass door with greased up banana hands while pooping in his generic brand disposable diaper.  Also, Naomi is at her desk doing her homework and preparing for finals.  She's not on You Tube, or texting 500 words per minute to 5 different friends simultaneously.  She is pretty perfect though, she is great at multi-tasking.

So, to put it plainly.  I know a lot DON'T know everything when it comes to being a preggie, or a mother for that matter. Every pregnancy is different, every child comes with their own natural disposition.  I am a student of life, and learning a lot as I go - just like everyone else.  I may have obsessed for several years over childhood development, and although it has made parenting so much easier for me, this just makes me kind of a weirdo, honestly.  Singing nursery rhymes, (knowing all of them by heart) and getting excited about picture books and story time, sensory tables, and different recipes for playdough and flubber is not normal for most adults.   

So, there will probably be a series of these Top 10 Lists.  I'm starting from scratch.  I'm starting from the beginning.  Well, no.  Let's skip the VERY beginning.  I'm starting with pregnancy.  Top 10 Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me....About Pregnancy. 

10)  Hormones.  They start swinging before you even test positive.  No, it is not normal to ugly cry every time you see that Folger's commercial where the kid comes home from college, and his sister tells him how much she's missed him.....oh hell.  Make it stop.

9)  Hormones, again.  This one is for your spouse.  "No, I'm fine.  Nothing's wrong."  Translation...."Yes, everything is wrong, and it's pretty much everything you said and how you said it."  Insert ugly cry.

8)  Do not obsess about your weight, at least try not to.  Eat, and eat well.  You are nurturing a human life that is growing inside of you. Yes, it's true, you are not supposed to eat for two double your portion size, but if you are hungry, then eat for jeeper's sakes. Keep granola bars in your purse, or an apple - to help you out if you find yourself feeling a little sluggish and lightheaded while you are out and about.   Stop counting calories and somebody please pass the potatoes!  Most women are constantly obsessing about weight, and dress size.  Now is not that time.  Yes, eat healthy, and indulge just a little, but for God's sake.  Eat.  This does not include the first trimester, when I spent the majority of all my pregnancies hovering in a pergatory state of nausea while nibbling on saltine crackers.

7)  Pickles are not your friend.  I love salt.  If there were a platter of potato chips on one side of the counter, and chocolate cupcakes on the other....I would pick the greasy crunchy salted potato chips, any day.  Pregnant or not.  However, pregnant.  Not.  No.  Watch the salt, high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia is no joke.  Ditch it, and only meet up with it sparingly.  No bueno.  I had a hard time saying no to salt with my first pregnancy, and I had the edema to prove it.  Although, some of us get edema because we are pre-disposed.  Another fun side effect of carrying a baby in your uterus for 9 months.

6)  Boobs. Drop some serious coin on a good supporting bra or two.  Maybe take a mental picture, because they will change.  That's all I'm going to say about that.  ;-)

BEFORE

AFTER

AKA: Pie Boobs?

5) Skin.  It will stretch, weird things will probably appear.  Some will fade and disappear, others will take up residence and decide to stay.  It's nothing to be ashamed of, and don't let anyone tell you different.  However, take care of yourself and baby your skin with good lotions.  You deserve it.  I spent almost 30 dollars on a bottle of oily cocoa lotion for my expanding skin, and it was worth it, plus it made me smell good. 

Ha!  Yeah right.  Nobody looks like this pregnant, and you won't and it's okay.

4)  Sleep.  I don't think I really need to expand on this one. We all know what's coming, while you are waiting, sleep - and cherish it.

3)  Enlist Your Bulldog.  Unless you have an inner bulldog, and you can tell people no without hesitation.  This is not me.  I entrust these duties to my loving partner - who is happy to tell people no on my behalf.  When I am feeling just too pregnant, or tired to have visitors, or if I just cannot volunteer for one more thing.  He's my guy.  Also, when you're out in public and 10 months pregnant, let him answer all the endless and annoying questions from strangers about when your baby may or may not be coming, as you look on and smile.

2)  Castor Oil, Enemas, etc.  Just say no.  I'm so glad I did.  Your baby will come, trust your body, and your midwife or doctor. 

1)  Lighten Up.  This is a difficult one, because of the hormone thing.  However, in the grand scheme of things - people just can't help but dole out all sorts of wanted a$$vice when they see a growing belly or a newborn baby.  Some is actually sweet and helpful, and harmless, and some will make you want to scream.  Just smile and nod, and shrug it off if you can.  This is your time, and your baby.  In the end, you have the final say, and in the end this is the most miraculous and beautiful life changing thing that you will ever experience, enjoy it - and savor it.  It's only for a moment, and then it's gone.

Coming soon....Top 10 Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me About Moving Out of State.  (To Oregon, more specifically)