Patience is a Virtue

I am so impatient for Emma Jean to get here! I figured I would have her around 37 weeks like I did before but no such luck. I don't think my tummy can stretch any further than it already has. We have accomplished a lot in the last month and I was really starting to FREAK out around 35 weeks because barely anything was done.

I still cannot believe I am having a girl.There is a fear that instead of an Emma Jean it's going to be a Noah. Don't get me wrong, if I was having a boy that would be fine but it would be very difficult to get to delivery day thinking I am having a girl and then to discover it's a boy.I've only had one ultrasound, so I guess it's possible that they made a mistake regarding the identification of the gender. Actually, a lot of the clothes and blankets still have their tags on them just in case. I picked out a few newborn items to wash and the hand-me-down clothes/blankets, of course (should I be admitting this??). I do have a bit of nervousness and excitement about having a girl stemming from my poor relationship with my own mother. On one hand I am looking forward to having a close, healthy relationship with my daughter but then I am also fearful about history just repeating itself.

A big challenge will definitely be nursing a newborn and trying to keep my son happy at the same time. I guess it has been done a million times before so I shouldn't sweat it! I've been doing a little research on the web for activities (started an "activities" binder) and purchased a bulk amount of used board books from ebay.Someone also suggested that I make a special box for Sammy with special toys, snacks, etc. for when I need to nurse.I don't want to just plop him in front of the TV (sooo tempting a lot).

Other then prepping for Emma Jean, I've been hiding out a bit and relaxing (as much as possible with a toddler).

Playing Hard & All Tuckered Out

We got a water table for Sam last summer and he loves it! Now that it's getting warmer I busted it out again and will probably do it more often. I want to get him a little baby pool (our backyard is very small)and little sandbox as well. He loves our dogs (one is not pictured here) and they are so good with him. We also recently acquired a bunny and named him/her "Hip Hop" per Travis' suggestion.I think it's a funny name and quite fitting for a bunny. I believe she will also be called "Hippity".

I've Lost that Lovin Feelin...for Blogging

I know, I'm horrible about blogging. I actually read friends' blogs regularly but when it comes to updating my own I just don't have the zeal for it. Plus, I have a very active toddler who keeps me on my toes. Sitting down at the computer for more than five minutes at a time does not really happen unless he's asleep. Our office, where our computer is located, is a complete disaster and having Samuel in here makes me a bit nervous.As soon as we get this air hockey table out of here I can get some organization going! I'm getting anxious about getting everything ready before Emma Jean gets here. As soon as the air hockey table is out of here, then things will really get into motion. If you could see the chaos in Samuel's room (soon to be Emma's room too) -- Omigoodness! There is so much stuff in there and nowhere to put it. We still need to paint, put a dresser together, organize all the clothes, put stuff up into the attic...omigoodness, just thinking about it is making me panic. Better start the lamaze breathing to calm myself down ;) Sam hasn't been able to pull himself out of his crib yet, so until then I can let his room slide.It's no wonder that he's unable to pull himself out, if you tried to lift him...he's like a ton of bricks!

I can't believe I still have a month to go until she's here (theoretically, but we all know it's a surprise when a baby actually is ready to be born). I look down at my belly and can't imagine it growing any bigger. She must be so cramped in there.My due date is in late June but I actually hope she will be born June 6th -- my birthday!! Whenever I have mentioned that to people, some will say, "Oh, no, I wouldn't want to share my birthday," but I can't imagine a better gift than to share my birthday with my daughter. Besides, I lost zeal for my birthdays after age 21. Age 25 stunk because I was sad about not being married yet. I'm not really stressing about turning 30 (two years from now) because I'm content with my life. I'm a wife and mommy of two! Maybe three by then!

Let's see....what else...Sammy can say: "Doggie", "Elmo", "Mama", "Dada", "Thank You", "Emma", "Ball", "That" (as in, "I want that" with his pointer finger extended), a word that I cannot mimic right now but when he says it I know he means "yes", "Huggie" as in "I want to give you a huggie".

He also does animal sounds: dog, cat (my personal fave), bear, lion,penquin, horse,duck,Cookie Monster (he acts like Cookie Monster all day long), that's all I can think of for now...

He looooooves Sesame Street (especially Elmo and Cookie Monster) and Cailliou (sp?). He also makes a bee line to pens and draws on everything (including himself...mostly himself).He loves eating cheerios with milk and a banana in the mornings. He loves talking on the cell phone and babbles away, but mommy has to be careful because sometimes he dials people, like Round Table Pizza(yes, I have them on speed dial, alright! Don't judge me ;) ). He adores our dogs and loves going outside. When it is time to go outside he will run and grab his shoes, sometimes mommy's shoes too, and brings them to me. Sammy loves books (just like his mommy) and is already showing great athletic skill (just like his daddy and definitely not like his mommy).Today, when I told him to get his football to bring over to grandma's he proceeded to bring me other balls, as well, and then came walking down the hall with about six stuffed animals in his arms.He may make me batty sometimes but there are so many moments that well make up for the tantrums.

WOW

It's very weird to think that there is a baby inside my tummy. I know that sounds silly to say, but I'm still in awe. At this point (27 weeks) she could be outside my tummy and potentially thrive (let's pray that she doesn't come out YET).It's just the craziest experience and I feel more in tune (I'm not sure if that's the word I'm looking for) with this pregnancy than my first purely because I understand better all the movements that I'm feeling. And then I look at Sam and I'm just in awe that at one time he was in my tummy. The big difference between this pregnancy and the previous one is that Emma is way more active! All day long she kicks and squirms! When I find a spot on my tummy where she is at, I press my hand down gently and she pushes back (Oh No! Is this a sign of things to come??). I keep trying to picture how I think she will look. The way Sam looks is very much like I pictured him (Well, that was easy because I pictured him looking similar to Travis and lo and behold!). I picture her with dark, curly hair, big blue eyes and chubby cheeks (like her mommy :) ) Well, except the curly hair. Hmmmm...I wonder if curly hair is a dominant or recessive gene??

Update

I know, I'm horrible. I never update my blog. I think I lost my motivation and zeal for blogging. Well, I still read friends' blogs but when I think about updating my own I just feel as though, in the moment, there are bigger priorities that I need to get accomplished.

I finally have done it! I feel very proud of myself. I finally made a cake that looks somewhat edible. I don't know if you recall the cake I made for Trav's birthday a couple years ago, but it was horrible. So horrible in fact that it has taken me two years to muster up the courage to attempt another one.I ended up not buying enough of the German chocolate cake coconut frosting, but I did make some chocolate buttercream frosting to add a little decoration and to fill in the gaps. I thought the decor ended up looking like little turds.Travis was impressed with my turd dropping cake (can't you tell by the picture?) and scarfed it down over the course of a few days. Okay, I helped.I gave Sam a little slice, which was a mistake. Sam is a VERY busy toddler and all that sugar made him into CRAZY-BUSY toddler. I learned my lesson.

By the way -- if you need a cake for a wedding, baby shower,bah mitzvah, anniversary,whatever...give me a call! -- hahahahahah just kidding!

A handful of nights ago I went out to the garage to do laundry and there was a black widow spider (it might have just been a male one) right by the door. Did I tell you I loathe spiders? Oh, yeah, I loathe spiders. So, I went and grabbed a weapon -- bleach spray. I sprayed, and sprayed, and sprayed some more. He was a tough little bugger and with great struggle he crawled under the trash can. You would think that I would just get the job done and smash him. But no, I am too chicken for that (afraid that he will bounce or jump back at me). Now, I am wondering if he recovered and is probably just waiting for the right moment to attack. I have been too scared to go out to the garage and laundry is piling up.I'm gynormous compared to a little 'ole spider and yet I'm letting him/her win.

I am about 6 months along now! She is very active and kicks me in my bladder on a daily basis. I don't remember Samuel being this active and he's a VERY active toddler now. I'm hoping that she will do a reversal once she gets out of my tummy and will just be sweet, quiet and perfect -- just like mommy -- hehe.;) There is so much I need to get done around this house before she arrives! We have picked a ladybug theme for her and the room. Whenever I have thought of the name "Emma Jean" I have always correalated it with ladybugs. I guess it is fate for her to have a ladybug theme. I always picture a little chubbycheeked toddler with dark brown curly hair, running around in a little outfit with ladybugs on it. I may be surprised though, she may come out blonde. My sister and aunt are blonde, so it's possible.

So, I've just been busy running...waddling...after a very active toddler and attempting to get stuff done when possible. He's going through a separation anxiety stage now and whenever Travis and/or I leave the room he starts crying and chases one of us down. He also has started waking up, screaming bloody murder. I wonder if he is having bad dreams or if he just notices that mommy and daddy come quicker.I'm going to do some research and figure out the best way to handle these situations. Any suggestions?

My Baby

It's a...
GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
She's going to be Emma Jean!!!!! We've had it picked out for awhile...even before I was pregnant. I don't like the fact that it's such a popular name right now, but, oh well!

Happy New Year!

I know, I've been horrible about blogging. I check other blogs often but never seem to have motivation to actually sit down and update my blog. Quick update...

I was silly for being worried about not feeling sick (look at previous message)because at around 6-7 weeks I FELT it! I was down for the count until I reached 13 weeks, approximately. It's very difficult to be sick and have a toddler to take care of.I'm so thankful to be out of that part of the pregnancy. I admire all those mothers out there who are sick during most of their pregnancies but still continue to have a lot of children. I know I'm a baby when it comes to pain and sickness.All of this is worth the little baby I get to eventually hold in my arms.

My husband gave me lots of books for Christmas!!

The Fulfilled Family, by John Macarthur
What the Bible Says About Parenting, by John Macarthur
Becoming a Woman Who Pleases God, by Ennis & Tatlock
"Don't Make Me Count to Three!" By Plowman
Living With Passion & Purpose (devotional on Luke), by Elizabeth George
Teach Them Diligently, by Priolo
Instructing a Child's Heart, by Tripp
Withhold Not Correction, by Ray
A Mom After God's Own Heart, by George

He went overboard! I was not expecting this much at all! He wanted to know what books I wanted and I gave him a list of options...I wasn't expecting to be this blessed!

Has anyone read any of the parenting books? It will be interesting to see all the different viewpoints. I never realized how difficult parenting could be until I became a mom! I have this hope/vision for who I want my son to become (i.e. kindhearted, servant's heart, godly,compassionate)and I just hope and pray I can foster those characteristics in him (and work on developing them more in my life as well).