And then he called me a rainbow trout...

Just a few reasons I love my husband-

*He lets me come up with crazy ideas in my head- things that I want to have done, and then tell him he can figure out a way to make it happen.  And he does!  We've been trying to come up with a way to get a bedside table for the guest room (short of actually buying one, of course) and after I decided Jason could make one, he did it!  In about 45 minutes!  You have to love that.

 The kids didn't love the noise of it, though.

*We were talking during date night about the reasons why the baby sister hasn't come yet.  Nevermind (again) that I'm not due until the 4th, there must be some extra reason why she isn't here yet.  After listening to my theological, physical, and emotional reasons ideas of why I still need to be pregnant, he told me all about the physical changes that a rainbow trout goes through before the physiological triggers are switched to give it the gills and guts it needs to swim upstream.  Or something like that.  Then he related that to me- perhaps I just needed to gain some more weight before my body would trigger labor. 

So, basically, my husband told my 9.75 month pregnant self that I should try to gain more than the 50 some pounds that I've already gained in the last year?  He is supporting the late night bowls of ice cream?  And encouraging more?  Um, yes please, I think I'll keep him around.

*And just because it was too cute to forget, Jason bought the kids giant bouncy balls today- something he says he's always wanted to do, and something that earned him a huge smile and a huge hug from each of the kids.  And he helped Leah set up a pizza parlor for dinner, complete with Monopoly money and pizza samples on toothpicks.  Adorable.

*And even though this was a few weeks ago, this picture reminded me that Jason spent a good hour filling up water balloons for our 4th of July BBQ, only to have them enjoyed and destroyed in about 45 seconds.  And it made him happy.  Just another reason I love him.

Sisterly Love

I never want to forget- or let my kids forget- how much they love the baby sister, even before she's made her actual arrival.  Leah prays every night to "bless the baby sister to be healthy and safe in Mommy's tummy."  For Family Home Evening, Leah insists that she AND the baby sister will pick what song to sing.

Adam loves her more than I thought his barely-two-year-old mind or heart could conceive.  He is always asking about her, pointing to her, giving her hugs.  He likes to pretend he has the baby sister in HIS tummy, and always includes her when he is listing off the members of our family.  In his little toddler way, he asks how she is doing and is always concerned about her safety and welfare.  He likes to measure her with his toy tape measure.

Tonight I asked the kids- "What do you think my tummy will look like once the baby sister's not in there anymore?"

Leah responded first- "Not fat".

Well, let's hope she's right.

We went to the sibling class at the hospital today.  The kids were far more interested in climbing the couches and pushing the bed buttons than they were in listening to the nurse tell them about baby safety.  Not that I blame them- the class was geared toward older siblings and it focused a lot on how much they wouldn't like their new baby at first for all the attention they require.

I asked Leah if she remembers what life was like when it was just Mommy, Daddy, and Leah.  She said, "Yep- it was kind of boring to not have a brother around."

Our kids love each other.  There are plenty of hard moments during every day (like when Leah kicks at Adam because he won't give her a turn with the dustbuster or when he thunks her on the head with a train) but they really love each other in a way that just makes me so happy.

Moments like this video are why I will never regret giving my kids siblings.  Adam wrote Leah a love note.

39 Weeks

Did you ever hear someone tell you a story about themselves during which you smile and nod but think, "That would NEVER happen to me" or "I would NEVER do that" and then later you do the exact same thing and have to go back and tell that person that you are sorry for judging them and that yes, the exact same thing has, indeed happened to you?

No? Just me?

The same friend that I had to apologize to years ago for judging how quickly she got married- which I think was just around the same timeline that I followed just months later- gave me so great advice today on how to get through these last days of pregnancy after recently giving birth to her third.  Because I NEVER thought I would still be pregnant today.  And it's been killing me.  And no, I'm not past due, or even due yet.  Never say never, right?  Either way, she said-

"Just keep busy and assume every day is NOT the day you're going into labor."  

That's my new mantra.

Sorry folks, but today is not the day.

Who Needs Sleep?

"Mom, I think there's poop on the stairs."

That's what I woke up to this morning.  I have been counting on one out of every three nights actually being restful lately, and last night was not an "on" night for me.  I was trying to stretch the rest out into the morning, but Leah was persistent.

"Mom, either Adam's diaper is leaking or he pooped on the stairs.  Adam, did you poop on the stairs?"

Now, under usual circumstances I wouldn't think twice about there NOT being any poop on the floor, but last night we had a bit of an unexpected swim diaper change/poo flinging incident.  Tell me I'm not the only one that has ever happened to?  It's okay, I'd been meaning to scrub that couch anyway.

Either way, it was time to get up and check out the stairs.

Okay, I'm awake now.  There was definitely something on the stairs.  Upon closer inspection-

Ack!  It was a frog!  I think I would have preferred the poop!

Where is Uncle Bubba when you need him?  I gathered up a bowl, a dish towel, the camera, the broom and a book.  One of those things would have to successfully get him down the final 13 stairs and out the front door.

The kids were no help, they just cowered at the top of the stairs.  "Mom- are you scared?"  Scared?  Ticked off was more like it- doesn't anyone care that this pregnant lady needs some sleep?!  Frogs- blech!

The bowl and book just made him hide in the corner of the stair.  The dish towel sent him leaping-and sticking- onto the walls.  The broom did the trick.  Leah finished the job. 

Adam looked on remorsefully.  "I think we could have had something great, little green buddy."

Tough luck boys.  No frogs allowed in this house.

Obviously, the day had begun.  No more shut eye here-all I needed after that was a hot shower!

The Man of the Hour

I've been spending a lot of time taking care of/worrying about/complaining about ME lately, but there's not a whole lot I could be doing if it weren't for Jason.  After a hot, busy day of doing this- 

He comes home and gets a lot of love, like this- 

 "Daddy- teddy bear"

Then spends some time after the kids have gone to bed doing things like this- 

Of course, those are his own filthy footprints that he's mopping up there.  The farm isn't exactly a clean place to spend your days, but we're all so proud of him and grateful for him anyway.  After a visit to the farm the other day, Leah said "Dad looks so cool- he looks like a movie star with his hat and those glasses." 

 Huh. 

But she's right- he is pretty cool.  I love him so much I can almost forgive him for giving me a COLD in the middle of JULY... like there's not enough going on in this body these days as it is.  I still think he's pretty great.

Another To-Do List

No pressure on you, Mom.  We're just so excited to have you here!

Now if we could just convince the baby sister that she's ready to come...

Adam-isms

He talks so much, I forget to write it all down.  

***

At his birthday dinner with his glass held high- 

"Cheers!  Everyone- cheers!"

***

"Rapunzel! Rapunzel! Let your hair down!"

***

In response to my exaggerated tears while chopping an onion- 

"Baby sister kicking Mommy?"

***

The over-used but melts my heart phrase of the week- 

"I can't do it!  I can't do it!"

***

A few less than desirable phrases- "Geeet off!"  "Move!" 

We're working on manners, and his "Excuuuuuse me" is just adorable.

Psych

A few months ago I tricked myself into believing that because Leah was one week early and Adam was two weeks early, the baby sister was going to come early as well.  Maybe not three weeks early, but early enough that when I heard that things were progressing at my last doctor's appointment, I took that as a sign that she would be here no later than July 22nd- 13 days early.  I have no idea why I thought that.  While I'm still only 38 weeks pregnant, not a week overdue, in my mind I am past due.  I have completed the ever-looming to-do list, I've scrubbed my house to within an inch of it's life, I've packed and repacked our bags, and now I'm done. 

I'm done trying to keep my house clean 24 hours a day for fear that I'll have to leave for the hospital with a dish in the sink (gasp!).  I'm done wondering if every twinge is a contraction.  I'm done propping myself up in the night with a bed full of pillows and still waking up in the morning with numb hips.

I'm also done answering the question, "How are you feeling?" but at the same time, I'm so grateful to be surrounded by people that actually do care how I am feeling.  These are just the days that you forget about when you sign up for another baby, and I'm looking forward to forgetting them again.  She's worth it, absolutely, but that doesn't make it any easier.  So instead of worrying when? when? when? I'm just going to sit back and try to relax while I can.  Of course, it's 100 degrees outside and I can't get around much without waddling, so the the sitting back part comes pretty easily.  Any guesses on how much longer it will be?  I need some entertainment.

The only picture with me in it for now- enjoying an indoor picnic in our glorious central air-conditioned house.

38 Weeks

This is more of the picture that I had in mind last week.  This dress is my standard uniform these days- it is so comfortable and modest- a real trick with maternity clothes!  Why is that?  The heels, on the other hand, made their once-in-a-trimester and then went right back into the closet. 

Some final thoughts on pregnancy- hopefully.  Most people are really nice to pregnant ladies.  Women commiserate with you, offer to take your children, and kindly ask how many days are left.  If you ask for a brownie recipe, it's delivered to your door, along with a plateful of said brownies!  If you mention wanting a new nursing cover to a friend, she makes one for you!  Men offer to lift heavy groceries into your car and give you kind looks that say, "I'm so sorry that it was one of my gender that did this to you.  We are truly thankful."

Once you have a baby, though, things change.  People judge you for bringing another child into the world that you may or may not feel competent enough to raise,  judge your every parenting move (no matter how sleep-deprived you may be when making such moves), and wonder how hard it really is to put on real pants and a little make-up.  (I've been there before and I know- some days it really is that hard.)

On the up side, you have a baby in your arms, instead of in your ribs.  You don't have to wonder and worry anymore about how and when she will get here, because she's here.  You don't wonder if she'll have dark or light hair, be healthy or be able to nurse- you'll finally be getting answers!  You'll look forward to spending a good long life together.

But pregnancy is a finite 9 months.  So in spite of my temporary discomforts and endless wondering if today is The Day, I am remembering that these days are numbered.  I'm trying to enjoy them while I can. Because before I know it, I'll be back to the regular craziness that is everyday motherhood.  And I couldn't be happier about it.

Hibernation

The sun, it did shine. 

It was too hot to play.

So we sat in the house 

on that hot, Hot HOT day.

We enjoyed TWO surprise packages, made button jewelry, and ate "water-lemon" and "presto sandwiches" for dinner.  And thanked the good Lord for central air conditioning. 

Date Day

Leah and I went on a Mommy-Daughter date yesterday.  Her request was to buy make-up and get ice cream, so that's what we did!  It has been nearly 100 degrees every day this week, so an indoor date was a perfect choice.  It was so fun to be together, just the girls.  I loved hearing Leah's thoughts and having simple conversation with just her.  We talked a bit about being a big sister, getting ready for preschool and having visitors come in the next month, but mostly we just chatted about the construction equipment that was moving dirt across the street from the ice cream shop, the different flavors of ice cream we chose, and the pictures on the walls.

Instead of being the Big Sister Example that we usually hold her to, Leah just got to be my sweet little tiny for an hour or two.  It was very refreshing for both of us.  Last month Leah and Jason went to see Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs at the dollar theater, and she still talks about it.  One-on-one dates are a tradition that we definitely want to keep up!

Shower Shock

This weekend was the BIG housecleaning party.  I don't think of it as nesting so much as cleaning now in hopes that I won't have to do it again for a long, long time.  Things might have gotten out of control around the time that I started sanding down furniture, pulled half of Jason's Father's Day flowers out of the flower bed while weeding, and attempted to steam clean the carpets and couches- all in the same hour.  I even got the kids in on the work.

In the middle of the work, I was supposed to go the church to clean out the Relief Society closet.  I was on a roll, so I stopped ever so briefly to change out of my grungy cleaning clothes into something decent, packed the kids in the car (Jason is in the middle of the busiest time of year in his fields), and headed to the church. 

I can hardly express my complete surprise when I walked into a room full of friends shouting, "Surprise!"  I had NO idea that Jason and my sweet friend Julia had been planning a surprise shower for me!  I was so excited to see everyone and get a chance to sit and visit and eat tasty fruit parfaits and coffee cake instead of doing more cleaning.

I have been acutely aware lately of how far away my family really is.  Bringing a new baby home is definitely a time that having family near would be ideal.  But with fantastic friends like mine, I know that I'm not really alone at all- even out here in the middle of Indiana.

And it was a diaper shower!  Now I feel completely set for this baby girl to come whenever she is ready.

Blondie

I've gotten lots of comments lately on how blonde Adam's hair is getting.  I hadn't thought much of it until I came across this picture-

Maybe his hair has changed a bit in the last six months, after all.

Two Parties- Because He's Two!

We had a wonderful time celebrating Adam's birthday on Sunday- lots of presents, cake, balloons and "birthday M & M's".  And lots of asking this question-

That's a tricky switch to make in just one day!  

The birthday theme this year was "All Things Adam Loves" -dirt, volcanoes, dinosaurs, and Buzzy and Woody.  I loved making his cake- one of the easiest I've ever done, and still one of the most impressive!

The cake was filled with "hot lava" and topped off with sparklers.  Don't be fooled by the face- he loved it!  He kept saying, "I eat hot lava!"

And the presents!  What a fun day to be a boy.

Oh Mr. Man- how could I have ever known that I would love a little guy so very much?  Adam brings so much joy into our home- he has a fantastic sense of humor, is brave, loyal, and so tender-hearted.  I can always count on the sweet company of my little man, and if that's not enough, we share a deep passion for M&M's. 

Of course, he's Daddy's little buddy, too.  They love to pal around, play catch, and fix things together.  

And Leah loves her best friend so much- they look out for each other, pick on each other, and love each other- just as siblings should.

Happy Birthday, Adam!  We love you!

Latest Leah-isms

*After decorating her ice cream with every topping available, Leah announced, "Mom!  I just picked out the best accessories for my ice cream!"

*She rushed over to help Adam down the stairs- took his hand and declared, "Aren't I just the best sister ever?"

*Upon hearing cicadas screaming in the trees for the first time- "I don't know what that noise is.  What is that sound?  I don't like it."

And there's nothing like having your bad days memorialized by a budding artist-

At least I found a smiling face drawing a few days later.

37 Weeks

I keep waiting to have someone else take a fabulous picture of me, but that just isn't happening, so this picture will have to do.  You get what you get, right?

I am officially full-term- hooray!  I wear dresses or skirts every day because - shorts are just too tricky to put on.  I can only count on a good night's sleep every third day, so I have started doing yoga or a workout video early in the morning instead of at night.  I have an ongoing Tuesday morning date with my OB/GYN for the next few weeks.  He asks me at every visit if I'm having any contractions, and I say, "Uhhh.... no, I don't think so.  Remind what they might feel like again?" 

To which he replies, "Haven't you been here before?  Twice?"

Okay, he doesn't really say that, but I'm sure he's thinking it.  Contractions aren't exactly something I dream fondly of, nor am I very good at recognizing them.  I'm working on it.

We've got date night tonight, Adam's birthday celebration this weekend, a To-Do list that seems to be getting longer than shorter, and then we'll wait.  Hopefully not for too long- we are all so excited to meet the baby sister!

Tiny side note- apparently I love packing on the weight while I'm pregnant.  Seems I gain about the same amount every time, but thankfully lose it all- it's a lot to lose, but I won't be putting numbers up here.  I'll just say that in the picture above, I weigh 40 pounds LESS than I did when I was this pregnant with Leah, and 20 pounds less than when I was 37 weeks with Adam.  I know, right?  I'm officially converted to running as the best weight-loss program in the world. 

Birthday Celebration, Take One

Includes a new mini trampoline

Dirt cupcakes

Birthday boys

Messiest face contest.

 Part two, coming soon!

Mr. Pricklepants

With his birthday around the corner, Adam is getting the bulk of attention on the blog this week.  We went to the zoo earlier this week.  Afterward Adam was doing a great impression of Mr. Pricklepants- our local dancing porcupine.  He cracks us all up.

Nose Fun

Adam was walking around the house yesterday making this face-

Then I noticed that he had stuck a gold bead up his nose.  I didn't panic, just pinched it right out and told him that he couldn't stick things in his nose. 

A few minutes later he was still making the face and blowing out, so I asked him what was in his nose.  He said, "seashell", and sure enough, there was a seashell lodged up his nose.  This time I panicked.  I couldn't pinch it out, and he couldn't blow it out.  I got on the phone with the pediatrician to find out what to do while Leah coached Adam through blowing his nose again and again.  A minute later, it was out. 

Doesn't that just look painful?  I will never understand the desire kids have to stick stuff in the holes in their faces.  Last week the kids and Jason were setting off the last of our firecrackers, including poppers, and I found two poppers in Adam's ears.  Good thing they were so cheap that they didn't go off!

Either way, I'm realizing that we have to be more vigilant about keeping small things out of Adam's hands- a real trick with Leah's ever-growing collection of "treasures" (rocks, beads, shells, and jewels- all choke-ables, and nose-stickables!).

Transitioning

We moved Leah into Adam's room this weekend in preparation for the baby sister's arrival... not that she'll be sleeping in her own room any time soon, but it's one less thing I'll have to worry about later.  So far, the switch has been fine.  Leah seems less inclined to hop in and out of bed 27 times before finally settling down for the night, and Adam is thrilled to have someone to chat with- whether she's awake or not, he doesn't seem to care.

A few times now I have found them snuggled up in Leah's bed together- awake, but hoping I'll let them fall asleep that way.  Leah is taking on the good example big sister roll, and I even heard her give Adam a small speech tonight about how it was time to lay down and go to sleep.  So glad I've got someone else around to lay down the law!

We took the kids to the pool at the end of the day of the switch, and they loved it so much, I wonder why we haven't gone sooner.  We'll definitely be going again in the next week or two.  Leah was thrilled to show us all of her swim class moves.

Adam was skeptical at first, but decided the water was great once he started jumping into the pool.  At one point he came and found me and declared, "Mom!  I brave!"  Such a big boy.