Soon we will be celebrating Emma's 5th birthday! Where in the world have the past five years gone? I still cannot believe the first baby we brought home from the hospital who terrified me so much (at the time, not much anymore) is almost 5! In order to properly celebrate Emma's big 5, we promised her a party with all of her friends. We decided after her 2nd birthday party that in our house, birthdays were going to be a family event except at big milestones. In my mind, 5 is a big deal and Emma is all geared up for her big day.
I have been thinking and planning for about a week now, I have so many ideas in my head but then I snap back to reality and remember my due date is 2 weeks after Emma's birthday. Not wanting Emma to be shoved aside because of the baby, I have included her in the decision making. She loves to be in charge (just like her mom) and so far we know we are having a pirate themed party with a bounce house. Now, I just need to iron out the rest of the details and hope bambino numero 3 decides to cooperate and we should be good to go!
Monday, September 5, 2011
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Triage
On Tuesday afternoon I started having some contractions at work. I asked a coworker who has 3 of her own if she ever had Braxton Hicks because I never did with Emma or Josh. I assumed that's what was happening but by dinner time I was having a contraction every five minutes or so. By 7pm, I had tried laying down, drinking plenty of water, and elevating my feet. At 8pm I decided to call my doc and get his take on things. He prompted me to head to the hospital, assuring me that it was probably no big deal but rather be safe then sorry.
Eric and I arrived at the hospital around 9, got checked in and taken up to triage in a wheelchair (completely unnecessary but I guess it's hospital policy). They monitored the baby for 2 hours and ran a few tests to make sure I wasn't in early labor. All the tests came back great and the nurse said the baby looked great too. Thank goodness!
The trip was not a bust in the end though because Eric and I got some really great laughs listening to the other couples around us. Being on number 3, we are professionals at labor and delivery (obviously in our minds) and it was amusing to hear the reactions of first time parents while in triage. Hopefully karma will not come back to bite us in the butt and I can only hope someone 5 years ago found us comical when we were having Emma. :o)
Eric and I arrived at the hospital around 9, got checked in and taken up to triage in a wheelchair (completely unnecessary but I guess it's hospital policy). They monitored the baby for 2 hours and ran a few tests to make sure I wasn't in early labor. All the tests came back great and the nurse said the baby looked great too. Thank goodness!
The trip was not a bust in the end though because Eric and I got some really great laughs listening to the other couples around us. Being on number 3, we are professionals at labor and delivery (obviously in our minds) and it was amusing to hear the reactions of first time parents while in triage. Hopefully karma will not come back to bite us in the butt and I can only hope someone 5 years ago found us comical when we were having Emma. :o)
Friday, August 12, 2011
House of Mouse
During our California trip, we'd planned to take the kids to Knott's Berry Farm but at the last minute switched our plans and decided to go to Disneyland. My grandparents live about 10 minutes from the park so we packed up some food and snacks and headed to the Happiest Place on Earth.
The park was relatively uncrowded for a summer day and the kids were really excited by all there was to see. Eric and I decided to fore-go the pictures at the Mickey Mouse designed out of flowers so that we could head straight to rides. Our first stop was Buzz Lightyear, our favorite ride. We also knew the kids would love it since they are on such a Toy Story kick right now. After that, we stayed in Tomorrowland for a bit and then wandered to Fantasyland. In Fantasy Land, I began to feel pretty warm and dizzy and needed to sit down for awhile. The temperature was only 85 degrees but the humidity was high and I swear air really does not move through that park.
We sat down for lunch at the Village Haus Restaurant and after some food and air conditioning, I felt much better. Frontierland was next on our journey and while Eric and Emma went on Big Thunder Railroad, Josh and I went looking for some Mickey shaped lollipops. Lollipops acquired, we rode Pirates of the Caribbean which both kids were absolutely scared of while on but claimed it was their favorite ride once we were off. Fantasyland and Kind Arthur's Carousel were calling the kids names and after riding again for the fourth time, Eric and I decided it was time to head out. Both kids were exhausted and I was getting really dizzy again. Emma was upset to go but we promised her if she took a good nap, we would put Josh to bed early and come back to the park with her. She agreed quickly and took over a 2 hour nap so we put Josh down for bed at 6 (poor boy was so tired, only taking an hour nap in the stroller at the park and put up no fight going to bed so early).
The weather was gorgeous once we got back to the park and it was still relatively uncrowded. We had a great time spending the evening with Emma, she was so excited to see the fireworks and we ended the night getting ice cream at Gibson Girl. Back in the car, Emma immediatley passed out but not before asking us when we could go again. I told Eric that I would be ready in another 5 years, I love Disneyland am glad the kids had such a great day but I've gotten my fix and 5 years sounds good to me.
The park was relatively uncrowded for a summer day and the kids were really excited by all there was to see. Eric and I decided to fore-go the pictures at the Mickey Mouse designed out of flowers so that we could head straight to rides. Our first stop was Buzz Lightyear, our favorite ride. We also knew the kids would love it since they are on such a Toy Story kick right now. After that, we stayed in Tomorrowland for a bit and then wandered to Fantasyland. In Fantasy Land, I began to feel pretty warm and dizzy and needed to sit down for awhile. The temperature was only 85 degrees but the humidity was high and I swear air really does not move through that park.
We sat down for lunch at the Village Haus Restaurant and after some food and air conditioning, I felt much better. Frontierland was next on our journey and while Eric and Emma went on Big Thunder Railroad, Josh and I went looking for some Mickey shaped lollipops. Lollipops acquired, we rode Pirates of the Caribbean which both kids were absolutely scared of while on but claimed it was their favorite ride once we were off. Fantasyland and Kind Arthur's Carousel were calling the kids names and after riding again for the fourth time, Eric and I decided it was time to head out. Both kids were exhausted and I was getting really dizzy again. Emma was upset to go but we promised her if she took a good nap, we would put Josh to bed early and come back to the park with her. She agreed quickly and took over a 2 hour nap so we put Josh down for bed at 6 (poor boy was so tired, only taking an hour nap in the stroller at the park and put up no fight going to bed so early).
The weather was gorgeous once we got back to the park and it was still relatively uncrowded. We had a great time spending the evening with Emma, she was so excited to see the fireworks and we ended the night getting ice cream at Gibson Girl. Back in the car, Emma immediatley passed out but not before asking us when we could go again. I told Eric that I would be ready in another 5 years, I love Disneyland am glad the kids had such a great day but I've gotten my fix and 5 years sounds good to me.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Easy come, easy go
About a month ago we transitioned Josh in to Emma's old toddler bed since the new bunk bed had arrived. He did fantastic the first few nights and then everything went downhill from there. First the 5:30 wake up calls started, then the up multiple times a night happened. I figured he was just adjusting and that in time, he would get himself situated. Not so much! Things got so bad I had to block his door with a gate (which I did with Emma but she got the idea after 3 days). Once his three hour naps went down to an hour and I had an actual crying meltdown from lack of sleep, we decided Josh (and the rest of the family) is not ready for the big boy bed yet.
So at this moment, I have no idea what we are doing when the baby comes. Most people say it's no big deal because the baby will sleep in our room for the first few months anyway. Again, not so much. Emma lasted in our room 5 days and went packing, Josh was 2 days. We are not even attempting this one, I just can't sleep with a baby in the same room! Honestly, I am debating on pulling a bed in our room for Emma. Good grief, I should have listened to Eric 5 years ago when we bought this house and made sure we had 4 bedrooms. So much for my they can share rooms mentality, guess we'll see what happens.
So at this moment, I have no idea what we are doing when the baby comes. Most people say it's no big deal because the baby will sleep in our room for the first few months anyway. Again, not so much. Emma lasted in our room 5 days and went packing, Josh was 2 days. We are not even attempting this one, I just can't sleep with a baby in the same room! Honestly, I am debating on pulling a bed in our room for Emma. Good grief, I should have listened to Eric 5 years ago when we bought this house and made sure we had 4 bedrooms. So much for my they can share rooms mentality, guess we'll see what happens.
Friday, July 22, 2011
California 2011
A few weeks ago our family headed to California to spend time with my grandparents. We packed up the car Friday night and headed out on Saturday morning. The drive was good minus the mini meltdown Josh had when he needed to use the bathroom 15 miles from Blythe. We were all exhausted when we got to my grandparent's house and spent the rest of the day taking it easy.
Sunday morning we headed to church at the parish I grew up going to when my family visited. Though very Catholic, this church truly makes me thankful for the community that we have at our church. Mass was a struggle to get through but with enough fruit snacks and coloring books, the kids made it. In the evening we headed to Laguna Beach to meet up with family from Eric's side. I haven't been to Laguna since I was a child and forgot how crowded it can get especially on the weekend. We ended up in a not so crowded spot once on the beach and the kids had a great time. I personally HATE California beaches, but they are a little harder to hate when watching the pure enjoyment on your kid's faces as they play in the sand and water. After the beach, we went to Ruby's Diner for dinner and then headed back.
Emma contemplating the water
Getting in after a little persuasion from her cousin Kate
Josh checking out the water (later he and Eric got in but of course I didn't think to take a picture) and me with my huge stomach and awful beach hair :o)
Monday was July 4th and after naps we met back up with Eric's family for a picnic in the park. Their mommies club had reserved a spot in a nice park and rented a bounce house. Everyone brought tons of food and there was also a ton of kids for Emma and Josh to run around with. Around 6:45 we got on our way and I assumed we would put the kids down when we got back. Little did I know that my grandpa had sent my cousins off to buy fireworks and that the entire neighborhood comes out at dusk to start lighting off their own fireworks. Emma and Josh were so excited watching the neighbors that we allowed them to stay up late and be a part of the festivities.
My grandpa and Josh (my grandpa really likes Josh, he hardly ever smiles for the camera)
I love their faces, such awe
After the 10th time, they were old pros
The next day we took an impromptu trip to Disneyland which I will blog about later!
On Wednesday we left for home after spending the morning with my grandparents. I hate saying goodbye to them, it gets harder every time I do it. Despite the sadness, it makes my heart happy the kids have the opportunity to know their great grandparents and that we will be able to share these memories with them as they grow.
Sunday morning we headed to church at the parish I grew up going to when my family visited. Though very Catholic, this church truly makes me thankful for the community that we have at our church. Mass was a struggle to get through but with enough fruit snacks and coloring books, the kids made it. In the evening we headed to Laguna Beach to meet up with family from Eric's side. I haven't been to Laguna since I was a child and forgot how crowded it can get especially on the weekend. We ended up in a not so crowded spot once on the beach and the kids had a great time. I personally HATE California beaches, but they are a little harder to hate when watching the pure enjoyment on your kid's faces as they play in the sand and water. After the beach, we went to Ruby's Diner for dinner and then headed back.
Emma contemplating the water
Getting in after a little persuasion from her cousin Kate
Josh checking out the water (later he and Eric got in but of course I didn't think to take a picture) and me with my huge stomach and awful beach hair :o)
The kids discovered the Frisbee in my grandpa's shed and played every day with my grandma
My grandpa and Josh (my grandpa really likes Josh, he hardly ever smiles for the camera)
I love their faces, such awe
After the 10th time, they were old pros
The next day we took an impromptu trip to Disneyland which I will blog about later!
On Wednesday we left for home after spending the morning with my grandparents. I hate saying goodbye to them, it gets harder every time I do it. Despite the sadness, it makes my heart happy the kids have the opportunity to know their great grandparents and that we will be able to share these memories with them as they grow.
Friday, July 15, 2011
BFF
This blog is an ode to my BFF, we are a bit distant right now. Summer time is my favorite time for us to hang out, especially when the days are really hot, which in AZ is everyday. I know in a few months we can be together again but for now whether from Pita Jungle, In N Out, Starbucks, or Sonic, I miss you!
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Half way there
The bad news is, my summer vacation is half way over. The good news is, I still have a month off. We have been keeping ourselves pretty busy and the time is flying by.
Eric was promoted at the end of May to branch manager is now making a much longer drive to work then ever before. He is hoping to get an assistant in his new branch soon but probably not before the summer is over. In the middle of June, he helped work the Life Teen Convention at the Scottsdale Double Tree and we were lucky enough to spend a night at the hotel with him. Emma and I also made it back one day for lunch and swimming at the hotel. He says doing the convention is work but I still think he has too much fun doing it to call it work. For his birthday, the kids and I, Eric's family, and my parents all went in together and got him the reloading press he's been wanting. My dad also gave him a giant work bench to mount it on so he has a pretty decent set up. Since starting his new job, Eric hasn't had much free time and has skipped playing Ultimate Frisbee which he normally does on Wednesday nights. He also hasn't had much time to go out shooting or hunting but I am sure that when he gets more settled at work, he will.
Emma and Josh have both been in swim lessons all summer long and are making terrific progress. Emma is starting to swim (actually swim) independently for the first time and Josh no longer screams his head off when we go to a pool. We have been catching up on play dates with friends we don't see as often as we used to and attending our summer movie club on Fridays. The new bunk beds were delivered 2 weeks ago and Emma loves sleeping on the top bunk. We are going to move Josh from the crib to the toddler bed in the next few weeks and he seems eager to sleep on the new bunks too. The kid's Ya-Ya got them matching sheet sets for their new beds which they love. Both are at a stage right now where they are each others best friend one minute and worst enemy the next. They play together so well at times, laughing and being silly and other times I can't keep them from screaming at each other or pounding on each other. Can't wait to add another one to the mix!
Emma is still as sassy as ever and is the strongest willed thing I know. My mom laughs and says she is just like me, fantastic. She is so smart and has a memory unlike any 4 year old I have met. I truly am not being bias either, I have worked with children for too many years now and know the difference. She loves school and misses her preschool teacher and friends a great deal. Every day she asks me when school starts again, I can only hope this love for learning is always in her. Lately she has been making up new words to songs she knows and loves singing to herself when she thinks no one is listening. She has learned most of the songs we frequently sing at church and can be very good during mass. She loves her new sister and rubs my stomach often. She likes to feel the baby kick and continually asks when she will be here. She is always suggesting names for the baby but seems stuck on Rosie right now.
Josh is our crazy little guy. He is so sweet and lovable but the terrible two's continue to get in the way. He is definitely trying to find himself and figure out what he can and can't get away with right now. He loves rough and tumble play and loves to make Emma scream. He goes after her with everything he's got just to have her run away, I swear if she stood up for herself that he'd leave her alone. He is very loving to other children smaller than him but often in a rough way, you can tell by his face he means to be sweet unfortunately it comes in the form of a squeeze to strong. Josh's best buddy is Eric and when dad is around, I am practically invisible. I am amazed at how bright Josh has turned out to be too, he is already using words correctly that most 2 and 1/2 year old don't say, like actually. What 2 year old says actually and uses it right? At the beginning of summer vacation I began potty training him and after one terrible week, he had it down. He wears underpants all day long and only occasionally has a small leak but will tell you right away he needs to go. Josh talks about the new baby often but I know he's got no idea what's in store, he will be a great big brother though.
As for me, I am 25 weeks along now and feel very pregnant. I can't complain much though, its been nice being off from work and spending a lot of time in the pool. My belly is huge even though Eric says it's no bigger than with Josh, I think he's just trying to be nice. I haven't done much with my time this summer beside the normal day to day stuff. I have been planning my little sister's baby shower (she is due 3 weeks before me) and getting together with friends for girl time, so I guess I've been busy enough.
We just got back from 5 days in California with my grandparents and luckily Eric gets another week off in August before I go back to work. I am enjoying being home and excited to see what the rest of my break will bring us.
Eric was promoted at the end of May to branch manager is now making a much longer drive to work then ever before. He is hoping to get an assistant in his new branch soon but probably not before the summer is over. In the middle of June, he helped work the Life Teen Convention at the Scottsdale Double Tree and we were lucky enough to spend a night at the hotel with him. Emma and I also made it back one day for lunch and swimming at the hotel. He says doing the convention is work but I still think he has too much fun doing it to call it work. For his birthday, the kids and I, Eric's family, and my parents all went in together and got him the reloading press he's been wanting. My dad also gave him a giant work bench to mount it on so he has a pretty decent set up. Since starting his new job, Eric hasn't had much free time and has skipped playing Ultimate Frisbee which he normally does on Wednesday nights. He also hasn't had much time to go out shooting or hunting but I am sure that when he gets more settled at work, he will.
Emma and Josh have both been in swim lessons all summer long and are making terrific progress. Emma is starting to swim (actually swim) independently for the first time and Josh no longer screams his head off when we go to a pool. We have been catching up on play dates with friends we don't see as often as we used to and attending our summer movie club on Fridays. The new bunk beds were delivered 2 weeks ago and Emma loves sleeping on the top bunk. We are going to move Josh from the crib to the toddler bed in the next few weeks and he seems eager to sleep on the new bunks too. The kid's Ya-Ya got them matching sheet sets for their new beds which they love. Both are at a stage right now where they are each others best friend one minute and worst enemy the next. They play together so well at times, laughing and being silly and other times I can't keep them from screaming at each other or pounding on each other. Can't wait to add another one to the mix!
Emma is still as sassy as ever and is the strongest willed thing I know. My mom laughs and says she is just like me, fantastic. She is so smart and has a memory unlike any 4 year old I have met. I truly am not being bias either, I have worked with children for too many years now and know the difference. She loves school and misses her preschool teacher and friends a great deal. Every day she asks me when school starts again, I can only hope this love for learning is always in her. Lately she has been making up new words to songs she knows and loves singing to herself when she thinks no one is listening. She has learned most of the songs we frequently sing at church and can be very good during mass. She loves her new sister and rubs my stomach often. She likes to feel the baby kick and continually asks when she will be here. She is always suggesting names for the baby but seems stuck on Rosie right now.
Josh is our crazy little guy. He is so sweet and lovable but the terrible two's continue to get in the way. He is definitely trying to find himself and figure out what he can and can't get away with right now. He loves rough and tumble play and loves to make Emma scream. He goes after her with everything he's got just to have her run away, I swear if she stood up for herself that he'd leave her alone. He is very loving to other children smaller than him but often in a rough way, you can tell by his face he means to be sweet unfortunately it comes in the form of a squeeze to strong. Josh's best buddy is Eric and when dad is around, I am practically invisible. I am amazed at how bright Josh has turned out to be too, he is already using words correctly that most 2 and 1/2 year old don't say, like actually. What 2 year old says actually and uses it right? At the beginning of summer vacation I began potty training him and after one terrible week, he had it down. He wears underpants all day long and only occasionally has a small leak but will tell you right away he needs to go. Josh talks about the new baby often but I know he's got no idea what's in store, he will be a great big brother though.
As for me, I am 25 weeks along now and feel very pregnant. I can't complain much though, its been nice being off from work and spending a lot of time in the pool. My belly is huge even though Eric says it's no bigger than with Josh, I think he's just trying to be nice. I haven't done much with my time this summer beside the normal day to day stuff. I have been planning my little sister's baby shower (she is due 3 weeks before me) and getting together with friends for girl time, so I guess I've been busy enough.
We just got back from 5 days in California with my grandparents and luckily Eric gets another week off in August before I go back to work. I am enjoying being home and excited to see what the rest of my break will bring us.
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