3-Hour Glucose Test Complete! *SIGH OF RELIEF*

It's DONE!!

I haven't felt THAT relieved after something in a really long time. I was completely worked up about it for the past week-always in the back of my head.

Got there at 8am this morning, there were a lot of people in the lab already. Wasn't expecting that. They took the first blood draw at 8:22am after me fasting for the last 12 hours. The girl who did it was super nice. I told her I just didn't like needles and she understood. She said she could use a kiddie needle on me. I don't know if that made a difference, but it felt like it to me! Had to give blood sitting up. No problems. Right afterwards I drank the glucose (had to be in less than 5 minutes). She told me the first hour is the worst and to try as hard as I could to keep it down or I would have to come back and retake the test. Symptoms could be nausea, dizzies, getting lightheaded, vomiting. Went back to the waiting room to sit for an hour. Had no problems. My stomach hurt for a short time, but it was actually more from the 2 women who came in with the super strong perfume! Ug-it was awful!

The next 3 blood draws were okay, and I felt fine for the rest of the time. The last hour I started to get really thirsty, was a little hungry and was really tired, but it was fine!

Afterwards, Keith and I went and grabbed some bagels and had to run some errands. By the time I got home about 4 I was wiped out and took a nap until 6:30. Keith took care of the boys, made dinner and let me sleep.

SO relieved it's done!! Let's hope the results are okay!

Nickolas Karl turned TWO!

Nickolas Karl turned 2 years old on Saturday!

We had a great time on Saturday night with a family party at our place. People got here at about 5:00. It was Keith's parents, brothers and their families, cousins, my grandparents, Mom, sister, aunt and cousin. The kids played outside a lot of the time. Keith's brother got the boys a ride-on train for the backyard, which they love! We had hamburgers and hotdogs and bbq'd on the grill. It was pretty chilly, but it still worked out. My grandmother made cupcakes and Nickolas opened gifts. He's still at the age where he was the most excited about the tissue paper, but he got some great gifts that he loves. Everyone left by 8:30-the kids were beat!

Happy Birthday Nickolas!

Mueller Baby Shower

Saturday was a wonderful baby shower hosted by Keith's parents and the Greens, for myself and Jenny. Jenny is a close friend of the family, and we are due right about the same time, so we all met up for lunch and a shower.

It was nice to see everyone. Keith's parents, 2 brothers and Eric's family, the Greens, Keith's cousins. It was nice. We all sat and enjoyed lunch and then opened gifts.

We got lots of diapers (MUCH needed) and some photo albums, toys and gift cards. Now that it's getting closer I can't wait to start picking up little things here and there we might need.

I can't imagine if it's a girl and buying my first BABY GIRL OUTFIT! We'll see in less than 8 weeks now!

Christmas 2008

Christmas 2008 was great!

On Wednesday my grandparents, sister and Uncle came over in the morning and stayed through lunch. We had time with them which was nice.

When the boys FINALLY fell asleep on Christmas Eve we got everything out, presents, stocking stuffers. Kolbe and I had made cookies for Santa and left those out. Kolbe was up at 5am on Christmas Day and it was tough keeping him in bed until 7. We enjoyed it here just the 4 of us and then at about 11 made it over to my Mom's. My grandparents, sisters, and uncle were there. It was a lot of fun. Opened presents and ate.

We were pretty worn out the rest of the day, but we were able to come home and relax. It was nice to not travel to so many places this year. I like starting our own traditions and making time just for the 4 of us, because next year it will be just the 5 of us!

I FAILED MY GLUCOSE TEST!

I think this is the worst cartoon ever, so I had to use it!

Last week I took my gestational diabetes test. I knew what to expect, but this time I felt really sick when they took blood. It was a rough test. I left after an hour and wasn't really too worried about it since I never had a problem the first 2 pregnancies-and I got the call today that I FAILED IT!

So now I will find out tomorrow when the 3 hour test will be-probably next Monday or Tuesday.

It's just no good all the way around. I have to fast the night before, be there first thing in the morning and they draw blood right away. Then you drink the glucose, wait an hour, take blood. They end up taking blood every 3 hours for a total of 4 times. She warned me if I get sick during the test I will have to come back and do the whole thing over.

I guess I will take it and go from there-but I just want to get this thing over with and cross my fingers that the results come back normal!

Snow in Texas!

We don't get it here very often!

Tuesday was a big day because it snowed! There was some ice on the roads, and it was a lot heavier in different parts. The picture here is while we were out during lunch break, and at my house we didn't get anything, so the boys didn't even get to see any.

Not many people can drive well in this kind of weather here-I don't think I'm the best driver in it either. Due to that, the school ended up canceling the kids' holiday concert that night! I was so disappointed (I knew they did it for safety reasons), but I was just looking forward to seeing and hearing them sing. Both boys were going to be in it.

We usually get one more round of this in January, but then that's about it. It's supposed to be almost 70 here on Xmas Day!~

Crazy Texas weather!

Trains at NorthPark Mall

Last Friday my grandmother and I took Kolbe to see the train exhibit at NorthPark Mall. He LOVED it. We were only there for about 45 minutes total, but he easily could have spent hours in there.

They had different setups like Downtown Dallas, The Golden Gate Bridge, New York, etc set up with trains running everywhere. The models were amazing and the detail work was incredible.

Next year we will definitely take Nickolas too so he can enjoy!

Mueller Dinner at Positanos

Last week we had a really nice family dinner at Positanos (a restaurant I had never tried before).

It was Keith's parents, his cousins and Aunt Etta. Aunt Etta was here from Ohio and Cousin Brad was here from California. In for the week to see Adam and Kathrynn graduate with their MBA's.

We were there for several hours enjoying the food and conversation.

The restaurant- EXCELLENT! I had the lasagna which had shrimp, scallops, spinach and incredible sauce on top. I have to say, it's the best Italian place I have been to. Would definitely go back!

http://www.positanodallas.com/

Great night!

The Griswalds-Seriously

This is a house just a couple of blocks over from us. I'm surprised we don't see a glow coming from that general direction at all times.

I am posting a movie as well, because the garage in unbelievable. They stripped the door off and put a glass-paned door so you can see in. The inside has a robotic Santa, a train and who knows what else moving around in there. You roll down your windows and music is going and bells are ringing.

I wonder what this energy bill is like? And can you see it from space?

Watch the Glow in Action

Boys Sharing a Room-PATIENCE!

Patience is key.

Too bad sometimes I have it and sometimes I don't. That's where it helps to have Keith as my partner!

It has been 4 weeks since we moved Nickolas into Kolbe's room. It has definitely had it's share of ups and downs, mostly downs.

• They were in bunk beds.
• Nickolas was scared.
• Nickolas woke up over and over at night.
• Keith and I couldn't agree on when to go in or when to stay out.
• We agreed to sit in there until Nick fell asleep each night.
• That could sometimes take over an hour.
• He began to get used to it and slept without getting up in the middle of the night.
• Decided to try one night without sitting in there.
• The boys played for over 2 hours.
• Split the beds and put them on opposite sides of the room.
• Took out every single toy in the room and put toys in the other bedroom.
• Still sat in there.
• Just tried tonight where we let them play until they were tired.
• Not too bad, only took them about 45 minutes.

In my opinion, they are just playing because they can. If they are not hurting anything or each other, they can do that until they get tired. At least they're not crying-they will start to get bored of it. It's just because it's something new.

I know it wears on my patience though, but better now than when the baby gets here. There will be enough lack of sleep as is (as I sit here at 2am writing this).

Off to bed! Where I will NOT be playing-only SLEEPING!

Visiting Julia & Baby Daniel

On Wednesday during lunch I went to visit Julia and new Baby Daniel!!

Julia used to work at Fossil and is now home with her first baby boy! He is so adorable. It was really nice to hold a little baby again (pretty much my favorite age). It made me realize how close we are to having that around the house again, and how I know this will be the last time I get to enjoy it and take it in.

I need to appreciate what's about to come and not take it for granted!

Julia and Daniel and are doing great, look great and I will definitely be visiting them again soon before my little one gets here!

Taylor's 7th Birthday Party!

On the 7th my sister, Taylor, turned 7! (I know, big age gap). So, last Saturday her birthday party was at Chuckee Cheese (which Kolbe calls Mac 'N Cheese).

It was a lot of fun. It was a 10am, which was early, but nice because not many people were in there, so I wasn't too paranoid about crowds or the kids being everywhere.

We played games, ate and spent time with family. Was a great party!

Picture with Santa-2008

Oh joyous time of year-it's Santa time!

Kolbe did wonderfully! He was SO excited to see Santa, talk to him about trains and tell him how naughty Nickolas has been all year and how good HE has been!

Nickolas on the other hand-didn't really like Santa to say the least. We got him on his lap long enough to snap 2 shots and then he was done. However Kolbe sat around on his lap for a good 5 minutes while I decided which picture to buy-the bad one or the really bad one.

OH, it's not that bad-you have to have pictures like this in your stash-and Kolbe looks adorable in it!

We'll try again next year-it will be much easier with 3, right?

Ligament Pain! Ouch!

Last week at my regular check-up I was having some slight pain, so the doctor checked me since it was right before Thanksgiving and we were making a drive, and all was good.

Then again yesterday I started having some really uncomfortable cramping type pain down really low and in my stomach a little. I had felt it before, but never this soon in my pregnancies. Called the doctor this morning and she said to take Tylenol and get rest (well, I was at work so I didn't exactly rest), and to call back at 1:30. Called back and she said to come in.

The doctor checked me and asked a lot of questions. When she felt my stomach she said the baby was positioned a little awkwardly, and she decided to do a sonogram. Good news is everything is good with the baby. Fluids and everything are okay. She said the baby gained almost 2lbs in a little over a month-that's a lot. My ligaments are stretching VERY quickly since they are stretching for the third time, and that it's tough when you're on the go and picking up a toddler. It can cause a lot of pain.

Solution: Keep taking Tylenol. Rest as much as possible (but no bedrest-YEAH!) Don't pick Nickolas up (that's a hard one). Give the baby time to turn and hopefully end up in a better position instead of feet kicking down in between my legs all day long!! =)

Help Me Disconnect From Work!

It's Day 4 of me being home for a little "mini-vacation" if you will for the holiday.

It's also Day 4 of me checking my work email, answering work phone calls and constantly thinking about WORK!

How can I disconnect?

I don't typically post about work on here, but lately it has consumed my thoughts, even with everything else I have going on. I think it's been a downward spiral since all the meetings and talks began about the "economic crisis". Keith has CNN on 24/7, so that doesn't help.

It seems like there is more work with less hope. And I find myself struggling because I should be thankful I have a job, but I feel like I'm working harder and harder with less rewards. I suppose most people would say the reward is the steady paycheck, but when you're working every other night until 12am with no relief in sight, there is a problem.

How can I disconnect?
HELP!

Happy Belated Thanksgiving!

Turkey Day 2008!

We had a busy a nice holiday. We got up and kind of took our time getting ready to head down to Keith's parents house. We left about 9:30 and the boys slept on the drive down, which I wanted them to because lunch was at 2:00-right during their normal nap. They were excellent while we were out there. Played well. Nickolas is VERY attached to Opa right now. Keith's cousins and brother were there.

At about 3:15 we left and drove back up here to have dinner at my grandmother's house. Had aunts, uncles, cousins and my Mom and them there. Lots of good food and the weather was nice enough the kids could play outside. We stayed there until almost 7:30, and then came home and got the boys in bed and both crashed.

Tiring day.

This weekend we will be spending most of it working on the house and putting up Christmas decorations. We already have the tree up with a train around it. Kolbe is extremely excited about Christmas and is already singing songs.

It's an exciting time of year!

26-Week CheckUp

Well, today was the check-up with the big double digits! 10 lbs gained in 1 month. It was bound to happen. I'd like to blame it all on the large Mueller babies, but the daily chocolate and ordering pizza 3 times in one week might contribute slightly.

Baby is doing great. Blood pressure was still slightly low but nothing to worry about. She did an exam because I was having a lot of pressure and some slight cramping. She said no signs of pre-term labor which was a relief because that's what I had with Kolbe. She gave me a prescription for heartburn. I have my glucose test in 2 weeks and from here on out will go for check-ups every 2 weeks instead of every month.

My gut tells me it's a girl again.

It's going to be a tough holiday season if I don't want to gain 60lbs again with this one!

12 weeks to go!

Verizon Sucks...Can You Hear Me Now?

Let me preface, this is not my car. But I'm not opposed to doing this TO my car.

My Story (I'll try to get to the point)

• 2 months ago, my credit card expired, they can't run auto-pay.

• I make a manual payment from my checking account, pay twice the amount.

• On next bill (through email), states I owe $0.

• Don't pay the next month (says $0 due).

• Cable and internet get blocked.

• Try to call to un-block and pay over the phone.

• Automated system says I need the 4-digit code off my statement to proceed in automated telephone call.

• Don't have 4-digit code-SIGNED UP FOR PAPERLESS BILLING TO SAVE TREES!

• No customer service rep except for the hours between 10am and 4pm.

• Can't get 4-digit code from internet because the internet is blocked since I didn't pay my $0 owed.

• Have to wait until the next day.

• Get online at work and pay bill (which is somehow now twice what it normally is).

• Call and get cable and internet unblocked.

• They sign me up for a gazillion movie channels.

• Have to call and cancel those.

• Anticipate next bill which says I owe $0.

Can you hear me now?

Night #3 in Big Boy Bed

We took the plunge and moved Nickolas into the bottom bunk in Kolbe's room on Sunday night. *Gulp

About 2 weeks ago there was a bad thunderstorm, and then the time change and it really through Nickolas out of whack with his sleeping schedule. Before then, he had been sleeping until 7:30-8 in the morning (heavenly). After the storm, he's be up between 5 and 6 and sobbing (like a scared scream) when we would leave him in his crib.

Time for change.

Switched to the big boy bed for several reasons. That being one of them. Another was that I can't pick him up and lay him into the crib as easily. Also, I want him to be transitioned and comfortable in there before the baby gets here so it's no big deal that the baby now has that room.

I had been dreading this move.

I have to say, I'm surprised at how well he's done. First night took about an hour for bedtime routine. Tonight it took about 30 minutes. It's nice because we can get them both to bed at the same time. Brush, read a book, song then bed. We have been sitting in the room until Nickolas pretty much asleep, which is pretty quick, and he doesn't try to get out of bed. The biggest challenge is keeping Kolbe quiet in the top bunk and crossing our fingers he won't have to get up to go potty 10 times and wake Nick up.

So far so good.

Lots of changes for Nickolas this week. Moving rooms, bed and now a new classroom at school He's having a tough week! Wait until #3 comes!

Anniversary Weekend!

This past weekend was Keith and I's 15-year anniversary from when we started dating, so I thought I would take advantage of the weekend.

We had intended on just having a date night Saturday night, but I had planned with Keith's parents months ago to keep the boys both Friday and Saturday night and surprise Keith. So, I ran around like a mad woman with Kolbe on Friday morning packing the boys up, grocery shopping, running errands, then met Keith's parents to drop them off. Came home and packed us up, got ready, left a card and note for Keith to meet me at the Embassy Suites in Frisco and made my way over there.

It was a nice relaxing weekend. We spent time at the hotel-nice dinner, room service for dessert, great breakfast and lots of quiet resting time. No worry about time or having to be anywhere. Took Saturday very easy and saw the new James Bond movie, did a little shopping and went out to eat Mexican food for dinner.

Got the boys back Sunday.

I can't believe it's been 15 years. I can still remember every moment of our first date, what we did, what Keith was wearing, things that were said. It's funny how back then we had dreams and visions of what time together and weekend plans would be once we were "grown up", but when it comes down to it, when we get the time now we revert back to the simple things that seemed so minimal a long time ago. Just sitting and eating together, a movie, time to relax.

Just the time together-that's what matters.
Here's to another 15 years.

Pet Peeve

I have a list of pet peeves that have not changed too much over the last couple of years, and there's one that I am constantly reminded of in social situations, the work environment and even around family.

Pet Peeve #1: People do not ask questions!

Also, as a sub peeve, they do ask questions, but they really don't care what the answer is, they are just making conversation to bide the time.

As I've gotten older, I have noticed I am much more drawn to people that I can have an equal conversation with. I prefer it when we can both go back and forth between questions, answers, stories, small talk, topics, etc. And the topper is-to find someone you can have this with, and then have it again a few weeks later and the other person actually REMEMBERS something you told them the time before. I cannot emphasize how many times I have been around people for 3-4 hours at a time, and they don't ask a single question about what's going on in my life. Work, family, hobbies, etc.

I've talked to Keith a lot about it and just asked him if he realized how hard it was to find? I can only think of a very, very small handful of people in my life who I have this with, and I am very grateful for it.

It shows a real genuine person to do this-caring, attention to detail and listening skills. Also, social skills. Just something I like to keep note of, a mental tab if you will, of what I want to surround myself with and have as a part of my life.

Kolbe's Birthday Party

Last Sunday was Kolbe's 4th birthday party!! We had gone to a friend from school's birthday party at Pump It Up last year and had been looking forward to Kolbe's party ever since!

The place is great. 40 minutes in each bounce room ( 2 of them), then 40 minutes in the party room. The best party is, it's all private. Just the people you invited so you don't have to worry too much about the kids.

Everyone got along great, no injuries and it was great to see everyone. I think the kids had a good time. We had pizza and cake and visited.

Afterwards, Keith's brother and family stopped by for about an hour or so and the kids played and they got to see the house. Kolbe opened his packages. There was a lot going on that day-but it was a great day!

Koble is growing up so fast!

Halloween 2008

Halloween this year was so much fun! It was a busy day.

I took the boys to daycare because they had a lot of activities going on, and of course, lots of candy! While they were there my grandmother and I did our last Meals on Wheels trip for the year. We handed out Halloween cards that were made by students at a local school with their meals. Afterwards we did a little shopping and then had lunch.

I had to make a phone call into work, then picked up the boys early and ran Nickolas to the doctor because his sinus infection had not cleared. Did some grocery shopping then went to my Mom's for trick or treating.

We had a good group of people and it was fun. Nickolas was so cute and was following all the other kids. Both the boys were great! Best of all, they got a lot of great candy for me to eat this week!

Boy or Girl?

Last Thursday was my 22-week sono and appointment.

Baby is doing so good. Measuring about a week ahead and already over a pound. My blood pressure was once again very low, 100 over 55.

We didn't find out the gender (it was very difficult to not find out). During the sonogram I felt like the baby looked a little masculine. The more I go back and look at it, and compare to the old ones of Kolbe and Nickolas-I think it might be a girl.

It's always fun to try and guess!! The time we find out will be here before we know it!

Reflection on 4 Years Ago!

This was Kolbe the day he was born!

Sometimes, when he gets really upset now, I see resemblances in this picture. The mouth definitely looks the same. Hard to believe that up until that day we had no idea he was even a boy, what he looked like, what color his hair was, what he sounded like, his personality, his facial expressions-and now I know him like the back of my hand.

Nickolas looked just like him the day he was born. I wonder all the time what the new baby will look like-every little thing. Is it a girl, a boy, how big, the looks, the sounds. Now is the time when we are still pondering all those things, awaiting 3 1/2 months from now when we will forever know them all.

HAPPY 4TH BIRTHDAY KOLBE!!!

Today is Kolbe's 4th birthday!! He was so excited when he woke up this morning, and the first words out of his mouth were "Next time I'll be 5!" (Where's the patience?)

Every birthday is a milestone, and always gets me thinking back to the day he was born. I had checked out of the hospital the night before, and had to be back the next morning at 5am for them to induce. I had been having contractions for weeks, and not progressing and they were concerned with how big he might be.

Induction started at 7am and I went until almost 3pm until getting an epidural (after they manually broke my water). I still hadn't made any progress after almost 10 hours, and Kolbe's heart rate dropped suddenly and within 10 minutes they had me in for a c-section to get him out.

I can't say the surgery was the best experience, but I would do it 10 times over again to have that single moment where he came out and the doctor said "It's a boy!" The best moment of my life.

I can still hear all the sounds, the smells and remember it like it was yesterday. And now it's already 4 years later.

Thank you to my little boy for bringing such joy into my world.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KOLBE!

Thomas the Train Ride

On Saturday we drove down to Rusk to ride Thomas the Train with Oma and Opa. It was their birthday gift to Kolbe. Of course, the boys absolutely loved it. It was a little different than last time and only ran 30 minutes, which was really good timing with Nickolas there. We walked around and let the boys play, then took the train ride and then had a picnic afterwards. The weather was beautiful and the fall colors in the trees were so pretty. It was a great time to go and they did great in the car ride too. Slept the entire ride home which was almost 3 hours!

Must have been planet alignment that day, everything went off without a hitch!

We Saw SAW V!

On Friday Keith and I were able to relax for a bit and we saw "Saw V"! How can you NOT see this during Halloween month? Plus, we've seen each one in the theatre.

Of course, I was a sucker for it, and really liked all the blood and guts while enjoying my popcorn and peanut M&M's. It was a lot of the same stuff from the other 4, and it got kind of confusing when they started backtracking to clips from the others, but overall it was worth taking the time to go see it.

I can't account for about 10 minutes in the middle when I dozed off, but the rest I give 2 thumbs up!

Camping 101 with Kids

Last weekend we went camping down at Inks Lake-it was was, how shall I say...an adventure!

Kolbe had soccer on Saturday at noon, so we headed out right afterwards, which was perfect timing because that's the time the boys nap. They did really well on the way out, they had a snack and slept about an hour or so, and Nickolas kept dosing off and on the rest of the way. We only stopped one or two times. It took us a little under 4 hours to get there, and that was with the time it took to find the campsite-which was awhile.

Keith's parents, brother and his family (including his kids, 4 and 2 year old) were already there and had slept there the night before. It was nice because we had an RV and tents. It was kind of close to the water which made me a little nervous, lots of people and bathrooms close by. The evening went well because it was new. The kids played, we went to the park, ate dinner, talked. Kolbe slept in the tent with Eric and Dorys and their kids. We slept in the RV with Keith's parents and put Nick in the daybed in there. He did GREAT! I was impressed. One of the kids accidentally hit the power button and we didn't know what the problem was so there was no electricity all night, but it worked out. Everyone was up about 7 and the chaos started!

The kids were crazy. We went fishing, took a walk, played, ate and tried to keep them entertained. They just got worn out so quickly and our boys were ready to go by noon! We headed out about 1:00 anticipating they would be so exhausted they would sleep the whole way home-that would be a no.

What should take about 3 hours, took 5 1/2! We stopped at least 6 times to get gas, for Kolbe to go potty, get water, let Nickolas stretch, you name it. The boys didn't sleep until we were about 15 minutes from home and they were NOT happy in the car. Needless to say, it was not the greatest car ride as we were all exhausted and ready to get home.

Camping.

Worth it-but in short periods and close to home! Just my advice.

Goal Complete: Have Lunch with Someone New

On Tuesday I had lunch with Kathryn, Keith's cousin's girlfriend!

She's actually lived here for about 2 1/2 years, and we have seen each other at family gatherings, we've been to their house and out to dinner, but I have never had lunch one on one with her.

She made her way over to Fossil and we went out and had sushi. It was really nice to sit and talk about work, family and just chit chat.

We plan on seeing each other in December for a family get together and hopefully we can have lunch more often!

School Pictures

It's that time of year again-school pics!

This is the first time they have been able to get theirs done together (granted, Nickolas has only been in daycare for a year), but it's still nice to have them both in the same shot.

I was SO happy with these. I love the background. I think it's cute how they have their shoes off and they are both smiling so sweet. Good thing Keith was home the day we had these done, because I kept reminding him the night before to get them dressed halfway decent, and by morning I had forgot!!

Keith remembered-whew!

Painting of Nickolas

My birthday present from Keith was a wonderful painting of Nickolas (the one on the right)! He had done one for me for Christmas of 2006 right before Nickolas was born, and I was always hoping he would do one about this age so they would each be close to 2 years old in the picture.

I love the style ad differences in color. It's been difficult to find a frame, but I can't wait to get it hung in the living room next to Kolbe's and then he has another 2 years of rest before the next one needs to be painted!!

Birthday Melon

It's been a week, but better late than never. Last Monday my desk was decorated by the team for my birthday!

The theme: FRUIT!

I think we all know how bad I am about leaving fruit on my desk, never to be eaten and gradually rotting and becoming a waste.

So this year my card was replaced with a honeydew melon!~ What a great concept! A fruit decorated crown and lots of pictures of bananas, oranges and so forth hung all around.

Great lunch at Posadas with a small group of people and a very happy day!

My Birthday on Saturday!

I was definitely treated like a princess! (Or at a minimum, a tired Mom who needed a break!)

On Saturday morning Keith got up with the boys and got them out of the house, so it was completely peaceful while I was sleeping in. I got up at about 9:30, and the boys had picked up breakfast and had a present for me. Keith also painted a picture of Nickolas that we could hang next to the one of Kolbe.

Keith took care of almost everything for the day. We had a nice dinner out and he got the boys in bed, and then we watched a movie and relaxed.

I couldn't have asked for a better day!

Couples NIght Out!

On Thursday night Keith and I had dinner with Jennifer & Ian, Nikki and Nate and Jenn L! (Byron was out of town for work).

Since 3 of our birthdays are in October we decided to get out and enjoy dinner together.

It was nice. Maggiano's is so good-we enjoyed appetizers, pasta and dessert, and good company.

Congratulations to Jennifer and Ian who just closed on their house! And Nikki is glowing (18 weeks pregnant too). Jenn's job sounds fabulous!

Thanks for a great "birthday" night out!

Flowers From Mom

A flower cake!!

I've never seen one, much less received one.

When I got into work on Thursday the operator called and said I had a delivery at the front desk. I went down there and saw these beautiful flowers. My first thought is that they were from the boys, but when I looked at the card, they were from my MOM!

What a sweet gesture that she sent them for my (early) birthday and remembered that I would not be in the office on Friday!

How thoughtful!

18-Week CheckUp!

The baby is doing wonderful!

I thought they were going to do a sonogram this time around, so my grandmother came with me, but they didn't. Good thing I wasn't anxious to find out the gender!

Everything looks good. Baby's heartbeat is good, I'm measuring on target, I gained 5lbs and my blood pressure is up but still a little low. It was 115/60, which is a lot better than 80/60. I'll find out the results of the triple screen next week I'm sure.

I set up all my appointments for the rest of the pregnancy. The next appointment will be the sonogram, then the glucose test at the one after that, so 2 more months until bloodwork thank goodness!

I'm feeling the baby move a lot, although no one else has felt it yet. It's the ideal time because the movements have yet to hurt and are increasing in strength. I'm noticing little things to come, like getting out of breath faster, my stomach becoming harder and therefore noticing it more when I sit down and the struggle to find clothes that fit halfway decent.

I'm very tired a lot of the time, but enjoying this last pregnancy tremendously.

Monday-Wednesday: Nickolas' First Break

Monday Night: I pick Nickolas up from school and he is screaming. I can tell it's him before I even see him around the corner. The ladies said he had been crying for about 15 minutes and that he's constipated because he won't walk and stiffens up. They said he was fine up until then and they saw him in the corner crouching like he needed to "go".

I take him home and he won't walk the rest of the night. He's obviously in pain and Keith runs out and gets some food to help him try to go to the bathroom. He makes it through the night and sleeps great.

Tuesday: Nickolas slept so great I had to wake him up at 7:15 so I could get to work by 8am for a meeting. I get him up, and uh oh, he still won't walk. I feel horrible dropping him off at school and tell them I'm having my grandmother come and get him to keep him and try and get him into the doctor. I get to work and all 3 meetings I found to be very important, didn't happen. I'm overwhelmed and frustrated with work, and feeling guilty that I am not with Nickolas. The doctor wants Nickolas to get an x-ray. I leave work about 3:00 and get him to the x-ray place. He did great. He starting to walk on it a little, but limping a lot. It's hard to watch him try and walk on it.

Wednesday: Get a call for the results and Nickolas has a fractured tibula. We also found a bruise on his left butt cheek. The doctor wants him to see an orthopedic pediatrician. Keith takes him in and he says it is fractured, and if he's limping after a week he'll need a cast. We get him home that night and he's doing so much better. He limps occasionally, but is back to playing and is very active, although the doctor said to try and get him to take it easy.

Needless to say, those 3 days were extremely hard, but I am so thankful Nickolas is doing better. I don't blame the school, I don't think anyone did anything to him, but it's scary to think that something like that happened when we weren't there for him.

Review: LakeView Terrace

Samuel L. Jackson doesn't disappoint!

Everyone knows I'm no good at describing what movies are about. You know, this is the one where the inter-racial couple moves in next door and Samuel L. is just not happy about it.

Lots of "wow, did he just say that?" and "oohs" and "ums". I thought it was really good, while my Aunt just thought it was "okay". I would definitely see it again.

Is it worth the popcorn-YES! Double butter please.

Cool T-Shirt

I'm a sucker for those one-off cooky tees-and this is the latest!

I really want one of these shirts! Too bad they probably don't have one in maternity. Maybe I'll get one in 6 months.

Where To Buy

Review: Milky Way with more Caramel

Okay-I have to admit- ever since I started eating chocolate again I haven't gone a day without it. So last week, I really wanted a 3Muskateers at work. I even had to borrow change to try and get it because I had NO cash in my wallet. Found the money, and went to 3 vending machines in the building and no luck.

Finally resorted to Milky Way with MORE caramel. Big mistake. I mean, I like Milky Way bars, but not particularly caramel, but I needed a fix.

When it came down to it, I can't say the candy bar was worth the splurge. So if you're ever looking for something chocolate-y, this is not my suggestion. Stick with a regular hershey bar if you have to.

DayCare Update

When Keith came home on Wednesday of last week with the boys, he said Kolbe's teacher at school was fired.

When you hear that you throw up a red flag immediately.

We found out the next day that she was let go because she was too "harsh" with the children. (4 & 5 year olds)

The school was asking me what I thought of her (after the fact) and I kind of thought why didn't they ask before? I always thought she was great. Kolbe loved her and always gave her hugs and she would tell him she loved him and he talked about her a lot. I thought she was good with the kids and disciplined them when needed.

It really makes you stop and think, you only see them interact with the kids for what, 15 minutes a day, tops. What are they really saying and how are they saying it? Would your child really tell you at the age of 4? Is it really any worse than when I lose my patience at home? What's worse, a parent losing patience or a teacher?

Keith and I have been contemplating putting the boys in 5 days a week so that as I get farther along in the pregnancy I can have options come Fridays. Take them both in and get a break, or only keep one, or if I'm having a good day keep them both home like I've been doing. I'm really torn. Friday is MY time with them, and I would feel guilty taking them in when I'm right down the street at home. It's been a mental battle for the last couple of weeks.

We'll see in the upcoming weeks, and in the meantime the teacher they moved over for Kolbe is one I really like, so it should be good for Kolbe.

Goal Complete: Visit Dr. Ardman

My intention with visiting Dr. Ardman (who was a counselor for Keith and I back in 2006) was to actually just visit and bring the kids. But with the chaos and struggles in being pregnant again, we decided to start going to her every 2 weeks or so and just talking about day to day struggles, communication and anything on our minds.

It was great to go and get an hour of adult conversation. Always nice to see her and of course to sit and talk to Keith and talk about how each of us are doing and feeling.

I think it will really help as we get ready for another big change in our lives in 5 months!

Blowin' Up Stuff

Long story longer:

When I was on maternity leave with Nickolas, I accidentally left an apple out-for 3+ months! The group decided to hang onto it and we saved it for quite awhile, eventually storing it until the nats got in and then disposed of it.

Back in February, I accidentally (once again) left fruit out-this time an orange (I think). We tubbed it and gradually added a banana and an apple.

On Friday night we decided to head on over to Keri's for a small cookout (food of both sorts). Burger, hot dogs, corroded fruit and so forth. It was very safe and sanitary. Lots of documentation which I will post shortly. Very much worth the wait and anticipation. Although we burned the evidence, there was no blowing up of anything.

Safety first!

Bloody Noses

Friday was a really busy day!

In the morning we ran a lot of errands-Dallas Gold & Silver, the grocery store, the bank and we all went and got our flu shots. Came home and the boys played outside while I made lunch. They laid down for a nap while I cleaned. Then when they got up it was right back to playing.

This time, playing included Nickolas falling out of the laundry basket hitting the BACK of his head on the hard wood floor. I picked him up and rocked him for a minute, not even looking at his face because he hit the back of his head. After only a minute or two he was fine and got down and started playing. I went in the kitchen for a few minutes and when I came out I saw this!!

He must have really knocked a few things loose with that fall!

BOYS!

Help Pass Senate Bill 1738—The PROTECT Our Children Act

You would not believe the horrific facts on Oprah today about internet pornography and children being abused and the pictures and movies being passed around online by predators like trading cards.

It's making me sick to my stomach just typing this, the statistics and the things being done to these children, some of them as young as 6 months old.

I went to the Oprah site, and she has information and a sample letter on how to get this Bill passed through your senate. I sent a letter to the senate using her directions.

PLEASE take a look.

http://www.oprah.com/article/oprahshow/20080911_tows_predators
http://www.senate.gov/

Julia's Baby Shower

Today was Julia's Baby Shower!

It was at a really nice apartment clubhouse with great atmosphere, lots of Russian food and Julia's friends! I was happy to see some old friends from Fossil-Julia, Bhavini and Sara. It was nice to catch up with them and see how things were going.

Julia is due in about 6 weeks and I am hoping the best for her and the least amount of pain possible in delivery. ;)

It will be wonderful when her baby boy arrives!

Flower

Friday morning when I came out to the car with the boys, there was a flower on my seat! I asked Kolbe where it came from, and he said Nickolas got it and put it there (I knew that wasn't true).

Then I remembered Keith went out the night before and got some things at the store, and he took my car!

Friday ended up being an up and down kind of day with the kids, running errands and my headache- and Keith made my day by leaving the flower!

What a great husband!

Group Outing and Cafe R+D

Thursday afternoon we had a group outing at work in celebration of launching several sites. It was a rather large group, and we had a city scavenger hunt and then dinner at Cafe R+D (which I had never been to before).

The hunt was fun. It was slightly exhausting and hot, but fun. Dinner was great (especially since it was no money out of my pocket). Great appetizer, dinner was steak, veggies and potatoes, and fruit dessert with ice cream. Dinner was a lot of fun!

I highly suggest Cafe R+D, but I don't think I would pay for it on my own.

Goal Complete: Finished Knitting a Scarf

This year I thought I would make note of all the goals complete, and move them to a new column as I check them off as well.

This one was quite relaxing. I had been crocheting a baby blanket that I started before Nickolas was even born, and decided to switch over and make a scarf. Only took me about 3 hours and I can work on it while I sit on the couch and watch TV-nothing beats that!

Now I'm back on a crochet kick and started another baby blanket-I'm shooting for pink this time!

Happy GrandParents Day!

Last night we had Keith's parents, my Mom and family, my grandparents and my aunt and cousin over for dinner in celebration of GrandParents' Day today!

We are so lucky to have them in Kolbe and Nickolas' life, and that they are so involved. It has effected who they are and who they will become. It's also so nice to have people to rely on to help out with the kids and influence them-family that we can trust.

GrandParents are very much appreciated!