My 2010 could not have ended any better than it did! My sister gave birth to my sweet nephew, Nicholas, yesterday morning and it was just a complete shock to me. He was a week early and her babies are always late so I wasn't really expecting his arrival to come when it did. I'm thrilled for them... Even though I secretly hate her for her super quick and easy births. Lol. I have only gotten to love on Mr. Nicholas once but I'm sure that there are many more days where we can do that:-) It's always a joy to add another life into the family. We now have children on my side of the family that are 4, 3, 2, 1, 4 months, and then there's Nicholas. Soon we'll add Bailey and things will really get crazy!
I would have to say that my most lofty achievement in 2010 was that I truly learned to become more content at home. I love staying home with the girls but I was under the impression that days where we didn't go anywhere or do anything "fun" were dull. However, I have really worked on learning to not only stay home much more but to enjoy it. I am SUCH a people person so the process of learning to stay in and be happy about it was actually something I had to work at. I'm not saying that I'm where I need to be but improvement has definitely been made!
I'm not really into making resolutions per say but I'm very excited for 2011 because with the start of each new year, there is the potential to make it my best yet! I'm excited for March where we will be completing our family with the addition of Bailey. It should be a busy year but filled with lots of love and happiness.
Happy New Year, everyone! I hope that you all can make 2011 your best yet:-)
Friday, December 31, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Operation Christmas Clean Up
Oh my word, I'm going insane! I had the house in ship shape before Christmas and the girls' toys were organized so we knew where everything was. Then... We all received tons and tons and tons of gifts and now nothing has a place. I love Christmas but this is so overwhelming!
We have shelves in our toy room that help keep things off of the floor. Our initial plan was to put a lot of their new stuff on the top shelf and just pull it down as they requested. Yeah.. That didn't last long. I think we now have two things unopened. Lol. Luckily we purged ourselves of some old toys yesterday and filled a huge trash bag but it's still overwhelming to look at all their toys. Keeping the toy room clean seems impossible, too.
The lack of organization travels into just about every area of my house right now, to add to the stress. I'm in the midst of taking down the Christmas decorations so there are bins everywhere. It's hard to accomplish all that I want to in one day because I don't like to neglect the girls for the sake of the house. I also got some new kitchen items that I haven't found places for so that is also on my to-do list. Even the bathroom has been hit... I have been given some awesome new towels. I feel bad throwing away the old ones (even though they really did need replacing) so now even my linen closet is suffering the after math of Christmas.
I've never been so excited for trash and recycling days in all my life! Tomorrow the recycling will go out and I will be able to finally say goodbye to the many, many boxes that have been crowding our bin. The trash comes on Friday and I'm thinking of calling ahead and telling them to just bring a separate truck for our house. Lol.
My plan was to get our house back in the condition that I like it today but it seems like there was a new mess at every turn just from the girls playing. I'm really trying not to stress about it or let it get to me because it's just part of it. It's not as big of deal as I like to think it is and it WILL get done.
We have shelves in our toy room that help keep things off of the floor. Our initial plan was to put a lot of their new stuff on the top shelf and just pull it down as they requested. Yeah.. That didn't last long. I think we now have two things unopened. Lol. Luckily we purged ourselves of some old toys yesterday and filled a huge trash bag but it's still overwhelming to look at all their toys. Keeping the toy room clean seems impossible, too.
The lack of organization travels into just about every area of my house right now, to add to the stress. I'm in the midst of taking down the Christmas decorations so there are bins everywhere. It's hard to accomplish all that I want to in one day because I don't like to neglect the girls for the sake of the house. I also got some new kitchen items that I haven't found places for so that is also on my to-do list. Even the bathroom has been hit... I have been given some awesome new towels. I feel bad throwing away the old ones (even though they really did need replacing) so now even my linen closet is suffering the after math of Christmas.
I've never been so excited for trash and recycling days in all my life! Tomorrow the recycling will go out and I will be able to finally say goodbye to the many, many boxes that have been crowding our bin. The trash comes on Friday and I'm thinking of calling ahead and telling them to just bring a separate truck for our house. Lol.
My plan was to get our house back in the condition that I like it today but it seems like there was a new mess at every turn just from the girls playing. I'm really trying not to stress about it or let it get to me because it's just part of it. It's not as big of deal as I like to think it is and it WILL get done.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Housebound
I had some errands to run today and after getting home, I decided that I'm going to chose to be housebound for much of the winter. Holy cow! It was snowing and the wind chill factor was below zero. It's not a problem when it's me but when it requires putting 2 little girls into car seats and taking coats on and off in the freezing weather, it's just not worth it. Perhaps I'll just save all of my errands for John's days off when I have help.
Looking back, last year was a lot easier to deal with the winter because Adrienne was still in her infant seat. Sure, that thing is heavy but you just take it in and out of the car and she had a Bundle Me that was like her coat. It's also more difficult this year because Adrienne is more independent and wants to walk and get down in the snow. It's amazing to me how the girls don't seem nearly as bothered by the weather as I do.
New York has gorgeous seasons but man oh man, winter is TOUGH. I don't know how we endure it year after year and come through alive. It's just awful. As I always say though, it sure does make you appreciate the beautiful Spring weather when it finally gets here.. In sometimes April or even May.
I'm sure glad the girls got so many new activities for Christmas because we are going to be home a lot over the next couple of months. I've had it with the cold weather. I'm on strike.. Not that it helps! Lol
Looking back, last year was a lot easier to deal with the winter because Adrienne was still in her infant seat. Sure, that thing is heavy but you just take it in and out of the car and she had a Bundle Me that was like her coat. It's also more difficult this year because Adrienne is more independent and wants to walk and get down in the snow. It's amazing to me how the girls don't seem nearly as bothered by the weather as I do.
New York has gorgeous seasons but man oh man, winter is TOUGH. I don't know how we endure it year after year and come through alive. It's just awful. As I always say though, it sure does make you appreciate the beautiful Spring weather when it finally gets here.. In sometimes April or even May.
I'm sure glad the girls got so many new activities for Christmas because we are going to be home a lot over the next couple of months. I've had it with the cold weather. I'm on strike.. Not that it helps! Lol
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Merry Christmas!!!!
Merry Christmas, everyone! I am currently sitting in my living room and blogging from my new Dell Net Book. This is amazing! It has opened a whole new world of convenience for me and now that I can have a computer downstairs with me, I think that I'll be blogging much more! Thank you, Mom and Dad!!
Our day could not have gone better. John and I decided to just get each other small stockings and not to waste money on lots of gifts. He was absolutely precious... He knew I had wanted the Charlie Brown piano music so he went online and found it for me. It was one of the most thoughtful gifts that I have received! I never specifically said "get me that" but he was obviously listening to me to know how much I wanted it! Also, he got me my favorite candies and gum and a gift card. It was actually really fun doing no gifts because it just pointed the focus more on the girls instead of ourselves. They were so precious and very gracious about all the gifts they received. It was hilarious because they got lots of little things but their BIG present was a play kitchen. Brooke had been asking for one for ages so we assembled it late last night and hid it under a blanket it in their toy room and shut the door. After all the presents were unwrapped Brooke said, "I didn't get my kitchen but I'm still thankful!" Lol. Then we cued her in and showed her the kitchen and she was floored. Ah, I just love watching Christmas through my children's eyes!
Our day has been really busy... After a quiet morning at home we went to John's grandma's house to exchange gifts with our extended family, then we went to my parents' house and did gifts there and had a wonderful lunch of ham and all the fixings. Last, but not least, we ended up at John's parents' house and had a whole other round of gifts and fun there.
Both girls are in bed and my house is kind of in disarray from the many, many, MANY gifts we got today. John is toying around with his new Play Station 3 that his family got him while I sit right next to him on the computer. We are so technologically savvy now. Lol. I'm sad to see the Christmas season come to a close but I seriously could not have asked for a more perfect day than today. And the best part?? John took tonight off:-) We're so lucky!
Merry Christmas! In the midst of it, I am MOST thankful for the Savior who came into this world has a tiny baby to deliver us all. Happy Birthday, Jesus!
Our day could not have gone better. John and I decided to just get each other small stockings and not to waste money on lots of gifts. He was absolutely precious... He knew I had wanted the Charlie Brown piano music so he went online and found it for me. It was one of the most thoughtful gifts that I have received! I never specifically said "get me that" but he was obviously listening to me to know how much I wanted it! Also, he got me my favorite candies and gum and a gift card. It was actually really fun doing no gifts because it just pointed the focus more on the girls instead of ourselves. They were so precious and very gracious about all the gifts they received. It was hilarious because they got lots of little things but their BIG present was a play kitchen. Brooke had been asking for one for ages so we assembled it late last night and hid it under a blanket it in their toy room and shut the door. After all the presents were unwrapped Brooke said, "I didn't get my kitchen but I'm still thankful!" Lol. Then we cued her in and showed her the kitchen and she was floored. Ah, I just love watching Christmas through my children's eyes!
Our day has been really busy... After a quiet morning at home we went to John's grandma's house to exchange gifts with our extended family, then we went to my parents' house and did gifts there and had a wonderful lunch of ham and all the fixings. Last, but not least, we ended up at John's parents' house and had a whole other round of gifts and fun there.
Both girls are in bed and my house is kind of in disarray from the many, many, MANY gifts we got today. John is toying around with his new Play Station 3 that his family got him while I sit right next to him on the computer. We are so technologically savvy now. Lol. I'm sad to see the Christmas season come to a close but I seriously could not have asked for a more perfect day than today. And the best part?? John took tonight off:-) We're so lucky!
Merry Christmas! In the midst of it, I am MOST thankful for the Savior who came into this world has a tiny baby to deliver us all. Happy Birthday, Jesus!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Adjustments
I know it's silly and I still have three months until the baby is born but I am so anxious about how Adrienne will adjust. It actually consumes my mind. Brooke will do great because she will be helpful and involved in the baby but I guess I'm just worried about Adrienne getting lost in the shuffle.
Adrienne is the most laid back and content human being I have ever met. She doesn't really lose her cool and she's very, very quiet. She's pretty happy to share and even if someone takes something from her she gets over it very quickly and finds something new to play with. She's not really a "squeaky wheel" but trust me, we give her plenty of "grease." Because of her temperament, I often worry that her easy going nature will make it challenging to engage her when the baby gets here. It's hard to explain... If she was a more of a needy child I wouldn't worry about her letting her voice be heard. I think I will actually have to work harder to make special time for just her because isn't the kind of kid who really engages you... It's the other way around completely. Don't get me wrong, she's hilarious and precious and she does some of the craziest things but she's not an "in your face" kind of person.
I've said it before... I always feel bad for my quiet, laid back girls (more Adrienne than Brooke) because I am NOT like that. When I'm quiet, there's usually something wrong and I think I assume the same thing about them. Silly, I know. I definitely need to get used to the fact that not everybody has to be outgoing and bubbly all the time. Lol.
Another stupid thing that I worry about is "middle child syndrome." I don't know.. I've just heard a lot of people talk about that and I don't want to ever think of Adrienne being caught in that rut of being too small to be my big girl and too big to my baby. She's special for who she is and not what order she falls in our family. I'm sure she'll know that.
So yeah, these are the irrational thoughts that have been floating around in my mind. I'm like this, though... I get worked up over things that never come to pass. I'm sure that when Bailey arrives we'll figure out all these kinks. We always do!
Adrienne is the most laid back and content human being I have ever met. She doesn't really lose her cool and she's very, very quiet. She's pretty happy to share and even if someone takes something from her she gets over it very quickly and finds something new to play with. She's not really a "squeaky wheel" but trust me, we give her plenty of "grease." Because of her temperament, I often worry that her easy going nature will make it challenging to engage her when the baby gets here. It's hard to explain... If she was a more of a needy child I wouldn't worry about her letting her voice be heard. I think I will actually have to work harder to make special time for just her because isn't the kind of kid who really engages you... It's the other way around completely. Don't get me wrong, she's hilarious and precious and she does some of the craziest things but she's not an "in your face" kind of person.
I've said it before... I always feel bad for my quiet, laid back girls (more Adrienne than Brooke) because I am NOT like that. When I'm quiet, there's usually something wrong and I think I assume the same thing about them. Silly, I know. I definitely need to get used to the fact that not everybody has to be outgoing and bubbly all the time. Lol.
Another stupid thing that I worry about is "middle child syndrome." I don't know.. I've just heard a lot of people talk about that and I don't want to ever think of Adrienne being caught in that rut of being too small to be my big girl and too big to my baby. She's special for who she is and not what order she falls in our family. I'm sure she'll know that.
So yeah, these are the irrational thoughts that have been floating around in my mind. I'm like this, though... I get worked up over things that never come to pass. I'm sure that when Bailey arrives we'll figure out all these kinks. We always do!
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Bookie's First Play!
We had our church Christmas program tonight and Brookie stood up with the kids to sing. Talk about precious! She had been practicing and practicing the songs and knew them all by heart so I was really proud of her. She and her cousin, Nathan, sang louder than all the big kids put together. I sat there watching the 2 of them and had to choke back the tears because I couldn't even believe how big they had gotten. Here are some pictures of our night...
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
One of Those Days
Today has been a challenging day to be a mommy. Brooke woke up on the wrong side of the bed and Adrienne is battling a cold so I had some fussy girls on my hands. We had just planned to stay in all day (which we do quite a bit) and somehow that made it worse. I love being home with them but when they're grumpy it's almost better to be out because you have other things to distract you from it all.
About lunchtime I was fried. The girls weren't terrors or anything... They just required a lot of extra parenting and reminders to behave. I made lunch and Adrienne got mad at me so she took her hands that were completely covered in refried beans and sour cream and rubbed them into her freshly washed hair. Then she threw her lunch off of her tray. I was almost to the point of tears at that point and it was one of those moments where I just had to walk away before getting too angry. The mess all over my tan carpets and clean baby didn't really help.
Once lunch was cleaned up (and the carpet.. and Adrienne's hair), I put both girls in their beds for nap time. I think Miss Brooke came downstairs about 3 times to say that she wasn't tired or that she needed something but I kept sending her back to bed. I dozed off for about 10 minutes and then heard both girls crying on and off and laughing upstairs. I was SO angry because Brooke must have gone in Adrienne's room and woken her up or something. I'm not really sure but the end result was an abbreviated nap time and an afternoon with grumpy, non-rested girls.
We had church tonight but I came home and put them right to bed. Believe me, we were all ready. Now that the house has been quiet and I've had some time to clear my head, I can hardly remember what was so bad about today and somehow am ready to start it all over again in the morning! Isn't it funny how motherhood is like this addiction... No matter how hard it gets or exhausted you are, it's that wonderful that you just keeping coming for more, despite getting very little appreciation. I surely hope that tomorrow is better but that's what it's all about- The ups and the downs.
About lunchtime I was fried. The girls weren't terrors or anything... They just required a lot of extra parenting and reminders to behave. I made lunch and Adrienne got mad at me so she took her hands that were completely covered in refried beans and sour cream and rubbed them into her freshly washed hair. Then she threw her lunch off of her tray. I was almost to the point of tears at that point and it was one of those moments where I just had to walk away before getting too angry. The mess all over my tan carpets and clean baby didn't really help.
Once lunch was cleaned up (and the carpet.. and Adrienne's hair), I put both girls in their beds for nap time. I think Miss Brooke came downstairs about 3 times to say that she wasn't tired or that she needed something but I kept sending her back to bed. I dozed off for about 10 minutes and then heard both girls crying on and off and laughing upstairs. I was SO angry because Brooke must have gone in Adrienne's room and woken her up or something. I'm not really sure but the end result was an abbreviated nap time and an afternoon with grumpy, non-rested girls.
We had church tonight but I came home and put them right to bed. Believe me, we were all ready. Now that the house has been quiet and I've had some time to clear my head, I can hardly remember what was so bad about today and somehow am ready to start it all over again in the morning! Isn't it funny how motherhood is like this addiction... No matter how hard it gets or exhausted you are, it's that wonderful that you just keeping coming for more, despite getting very little appreciation. I surely hope that tomorrow is better but that's what it's all about- The ups and the downs.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Slight Change in Plans
I had my 24 week prenatal visit today and all went very well! The doctor found the baby's heartbeat right away and it's always a pleasure to hear that beautiful sound. I just love being pregnant!
My C-Section was scheduled for the 23rd of March but the doctor had to set it back a few days. The board at the hospital apparently won't let them schedule C-Section before 39 weeks anymore. I was only going to be shy of 39 weeks by one day but they still wouldn't let him do it so we'll have the baby on the 25th, which is a Friday. I'm really happy about it though for a couple of reasons... March 25th is the day that John asked me to be his girlfriend and then a year later, his wife, so it's a happy day! And also, I think it will be nice having it on a Friday because nobody from our family will have to miss work or anything to help us out with the girls over the weekend. It's also more convenient because we're scheduled for noon that day, as opposed to 8 on the 23rd, so we won't have to be there at 6. It will be great for Brooke and Adrienne to have a normal morning at home with us that day.
I'm getting really excited as the day approaches.. But mostly really nervous. I just keep focusing on meeting my new daughter and being able to see who she looks like. The miracle of life will never, ever get old to me!
My C-Section was scheduled for the 23rd of March but the doctor had to set it back a few days. The board at the hospital apparently won't let them schedule C-Section before 39 weeks anymore. I was only going to be shy of 39 weeks by one day but they still wouldn't let him do it so we'll have the baby on the 25th, which is a Friday. I'm really happy about it though for a couple of reasons... March 25th is the day that John asked me to be his girlfriend and then a year later, his wife, so it's a happy day! And also, I think it will be nice having it on a Friday because nobody from our family will have to miss work or anything to help us out with the girls over the weekend. It's also more convenient because we're scheduled for noon that day, as opposed to 8 on the 23rd, so we won't have to be there at 6. It will be great for Brooke and Adrienne to have a normal morning at home with us that day.
I'm getting really excited as the day approaches.. But mostly really nervous. I just keep focusing on meeting my new daughter and being able to see who she looks like. The miracle of life will never, ever get old to me!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
"It's Christmastime In The City"
We just got back from the city late last night. Despite it being FREEZING and snowing, we had a really great time! The only problem was that I wore high heels like the genius that I am so towards the end I was about to die. Other than that, it was a wonderful day.
We saw the tree at Rockafeller Plaza, FAO Schwartz, Times Square, Macy's, The Plaza Hotel, and the Trump Tower. I'm sure I'm leaving things out but we walked and walked and walked and saw lots and lots of things! I couldn't have asked for better girls, either.. They were so well behaved and cooperative the whole time.
Here are a few pictures of our day...
We saw the tree at Rockafeller Plaza, FAO Schwartz, Times Square, Macy's, The Plaza Hotel, and the Trump Tower. I'm sure I'm leaving things out but we walked and walked and walked and saw lots and lots of things! I couldn't have asked for better girls, either.. They were so well behaved and cooperative the whole time.
Here are a few pictures of our day...
Saturday, December 4, 2010
The Past Week
I definitely jinxed myself with the last post about how the girls were getting better. As soon as I did that, I got sick and then John got sick. Uck! It was awful but hopefully it's completely over with now that it's gone through our whole family. The only good thing that came out of it was that I got to stay in bed ALL day on Wednesday. I felt horrible and was throwing up but I seriously don't remember the last "break" I had to do nothing for an entire day. The things we call relaxing when we're moms. Lol
Thursday was my birthday and I was thankful because that was one of the few days this week that wasn't tainted by sickness. John made my morning very special with a beautiful card and some awesome presents... 4 maternity shirts, a Cranberry Chutney Yankee Candle (My most favorite thing ever), awesome new cookie sheets (that I desperately needed), Christmas PJ's, and a new perfume, Pure by DKNY. He is such a thoughtful and loving husband and tries so hard to make my birthday special every year! He had worked the night before so he got some rest and my dad watched my kids and my sister's kids for a little while so we could have a girls lunch at Olive Garden. Isn't that so sweet? We had a great time! My mom met us, along with my brother's wife. Then, for dinner, we had a party at my parents' house with steak and twice baked potatoes. It was a very special day! The best part was that John took that night off so we came home and watched a movie by the Christmas tree.
Adrienne had her 18-month appointment the other day. She weighed in at 22 pounds, 10 ounce and she was 31.5 inches tall. She's only in the 25Th percentile for weight and in the 50Th for height. She's a little peanut! She got 2 shots but didn't take it too hard and she wasn't even grumpy afterwards. Usually all hell breaks lose after her shots but we lucked out this time!
I'm very excited because tomorrow we're leaving for New York City!! We only live about 3 hours away so I'm going to go to church and play the piano and everything and then we'll leave. We're staying outside of the city in a beautiful Hyatt (that we got for $50 on Price Line!) and going to Bobby Flay's restaurant!!!! Can't wait! Then, on Monday, my parents are driving up super early and picking us up at the hotel where we'll meet and drive into the city together. We didn't want to go to the city without people who knew that they were doing but we didn't want to have to get the girls up so early so this was a happy medium. It's going to be a great trip! John's never been so I'm mostly excited for him.
Well, speaking of our trip, I better finish up our packing. It's so much work to be the mom when you're going out of town. Lol. It's all worth it though:-)
Thursday was my birthday and I was thankful because that was one of the few days this week that wasn't tainted by sickness. John made my morning very special with a beautiful card and some awesome presents... 4 maternity shirts, a Cranberry Chutney Yankee Candle (My most favorite thing ever), awesome new cookie sheets (that I desperately needed), Christmas PJ's, and a new perfume, Pure by DKNY. He is such a thoughtful and loving husband and tries so hard to make my birthday special every year! He had worked the night before so he got some rest and my dad watched my kids and my sister's kids for a little while so we could have a girls lunch at Olive Garden. Isn't that so sweet? We had a great time! My mom met us, along with my brother's wife. Then, for dinner, we had a party at my parents' house with steak and twice baked potatoes. It was a very special day! The best part was that John took that night off so we came home and watched a movie by the Christmas tree.
Adrienne had her 18-month appointment the other day. She weighed in at 22 pounds, 10 ounce and she was 31.5 inches tall. She's only in the 25Th percentile for weight and in the 50Th for height. She's a little peanut! She got 2 shots but didn't take it too hard and she wasn't even grumpy afterwards. Usually all hell breaks lose after her shots but we lucked out this time!
I'm very excited because tomorrow we're leaving for New York City!! We only live about 3 hours away so I'm going to go to church and play the piano and everything and then we'll leave. We're staying outside of the city in a beautiful Hyatt (that we got for $50 on Price Line!) and going to Bobby Flay's restaurant!!!! Can't wait! Then, on Monday, my parents are driving up super early and picking us up at the hotel where we'll meet and drive into the city together. We didn't want to go to the city without people who knew that they were doing but we didn't want to have to get the girls up so early so this was a happy medium. It's going to be a great trip! John's never been so I'm mostly excited for him.
Well, speaking of our trip, I better finish up our packing. It's so much work to be the mom when you're going out of town. Lol. It's all worth it though:-)
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