updates

I feel like it's been years since I last blogged.  Life has been piling up on me and I'm now starting to dig my way out.  Since I have so much to update everyone on I thought I'd do quick little bits for you.

* pregnancy- I had my 36 week appointment today.  Baby's heart beat is strong and "perfect" (according to the doctor.  Love that!)  I think he's dropped because I can now breath so much better when I walk.  Today when I walked to my doctors office I didn't reach the desk huffing and puffing like I did even 2 weeks ago.  I will now officially start going every week until this little man enters this world.  Yeah!  I love weekly updates! I am dilated a finger tip.  It's not much, but it means there is progress.  Thomas has a friend whose wife is into making what Thomas and I like to call "potions."  (we say that term with the most love.)  She mixed up some essential oils for me that I'm to rub on my ankles and feet.  It's meant to help the blood flow and stimulate your uterus.  I can't start until I'm 37 weeks because people have been known to go into labor the next day after using it.  We'll see how it works.

- I had an ECHO (an ultrasound) done of my heart last week.  Everything is good and normal.  The doctor saw nothing wrong.  I have a fast heart beat right now, but he said that it's normal for how far along in the pregnancy I am.  So I guess all the dizziness, lightheadedness, difficult breathing, etc was caused by the heat and lack of fluids.  Oops!  I'm very thankful to be healthy and have not been having any of those symptoms lately.  I'm resting more (mainly because my body is making me) and drinking more fluids.  Which I'm sure is helping.

*this summer- I took the boys to see "The Lorax" at a local movie theater for only $2 per person.  It was a lot of fun.  They each got their own box of popcorn and little pop (for $2 each as well) I've never taken the boys by myself to the theater and I was a little nervous, but they did awesome!  I was so thankful.  The movie theater actually lost power about 3/4 the way through the movie.  The power outage only lasted about 5 minutes and the boys did great.  They stood for a little bit, but didn't get restless or anything.  They just asked questions about what happened.

- Thomas and I took the boys to see Thomas the train a few weeks ago.  We were able to take a train ride with Thomas (the train, not my husband.  Ha!  Ha!) pulling us.  We went to this event last year and the boys loved it.  I think they both enjoyed it more this year.

- This summer has been the summer for things in our house to break.  There was about a 2 week span that I thought if one more thing broke I was going to loose it.  Here's what we've had to fix this summer...

water heater

 furnace

 vacuum cleaner

 toilet

 computer

 suburban tires

 shower (twice)

- Thomas took on a second job for the summer.  He is teaching drivers ed.  He's actually coming to the end of it here next week.  I'm excited yet nervous.  It will be wonderful to have our dad and husband back.  Thomas has been working from about 9 am to 7:15 pm.  It's been hard for us as the boys go to bed at 7.  So we've kept them up until 9 for most of the summer so they could spend time with their dad.  I'm looking forward to having a "regular" routine again.

- Garrison and Thomas went to Valleyfair the other day with a our youth group and a few other youth groups  from our town.  Thomas wanted to have a day with Garrison before he starts school.  Garrison LOVED Valleyfair.  I think LOVED is even an understatement.  I guess Garrison rode most of the rides all by himself- even waiting in line alone.  Thomas said he really enjoyed watching Garrison have so much fun.  They had a great time together.  

- Josiah and I got to spend the entire day together when Thomas and Garrison went to Valleyfair.  Garrison and Josiah have never been away from each other for an entire day- EVER!  I know crazy!  Three years and they've always been together.  I had so much fun with Josiah.  I saw Josiah in a completely different light.  Normally I'm focused on both the boys and it's hard to give each one individual attention for a long period of time.  I learned lots of things about Josiah.  Like he wants things done his way or no way at all and if you don't do it exactly how he wants it he gets pretty mad.  No wonder the boys fight so much!  I feel bad for saying it, but I never picked up on that before.  I now understanding why Garrison gets so mad at Josiah and why they are always fighting.  I'm learning that if I want Josiah to do anything I need to get him to think it was his idea.

- The boys, my sister, her boyfriend and myself went to a family party on my moms side a few weekends ago.  It was nice to see all of my aunts and uncles.  My aunt and uncles have never met Josiah and I'm not even sure they've met Garrison.  My mom comes from a family of 11 kids and everyone, but one was there.  My uncle from Florida even flew in to surprise my grandma.  

- We've also been spending lots of time outside.  A few times we've ventured to a park and had a picnic, but for the most part we've stuck close to home.  This summer has been so incredibly hot that we bought a little pool and the boys have spent many afternoons splashing around.  It's nice for me as I need to sit a lot because it's too painful to do anything else.  So I sit next to the pool, feet in the water sometimes with a book and let the boys have fun.  

*what we're preparing for-  Garrison starts 4K in less than 2 weeks.  Today his teacher came to our house and played a board game with him and interacted a little with him.  She said she's amazed at how clear he can talk and how well he can follow directions.  She said he's definitely ready for school and will probably have no problem reading by the end of the year.  He loves to spell things.  He's always asking me how to spell different words so he can write them.  He knows how to spell his name and dad and mom without being told.  He can also spell Jo of Josiah, but then asks what letters come next.  I'm looking forward for him to start school, but of course I'm also very nervous.  It's hard to believe he's old enough for school.  Tear.  

- We (well me for sure) have been in baby mode lately.  I have a list of at least 26 things to do before he arrives.  I'm trying to get Thomas to help me, but he's not as enthusiastic about it as I am.  We have finally narrowed down 2 or 3 baby names that we like.  I'm a fan of one, but Thomas isn't as big of fan and vise versa.  I can't believe that he'll be here in 4 short weeks (or earlier :) or later...)  

- Josiah turns 3 on September 24- only 2 days after my due date.  I'm praying that I'll be home to celebrate with him.  He has decided that he wants a Spiderman theme.  I can't believe he's almost 3.  

- Thomas turns 32 on September 12.  

Our September is going to be extremely busy and I can't wait!

My boys

Here are a few funny things I've been hearing from my boys lately...

Josiah:

In a Jamaican accent... "No problem man."  Yes, he loves Cool Runnings.

"Is that crazy or what?"

Garrison:

"Sometimes I crack myself up."

"Mom, your hair is sort of fuzzy."


"I'm cleaning up these stinking mirco machines."

Josiah: "Garrison, get in your (car) seat."
Garrison: "I'm getting in.  Chill out!"

Me:  "Ow ow ow."

Josiah: "What is it?"
Me: "It just hurts to walk right now."
Josiah: "Oh, you should do this..." (proceeds to get down and crawl)
Me: "Do you think that will help?"
Josiah: "I'll help." (comes running over and pushes underneath my belly to hold it up)
Josiah: "Can I see him?"
Me: "Nope he's inside my belly. Pretty soon he'll come out and we can see him."
Josiah: "How does he come out?"
Garrison: "He comes out your belly button. It's a door and he just opens it and pushes his way out."

32 weeks

I am 32 weeks!  Yeah, only 8 weeks left.

I had an appointment last week and everything with the baby looks good.  He's active, has a great heartbeat and is measuring right on track.  I, however, have been having some issues with dizziness, pressure on my chest, blood rushing to my hands, head and feet, heart racing and heartburn.  

The nurse practitioner had some concerns after hearing my symptoms and listening to my heart.  She picked up a heart murmur and wanted me to see a cardiologist.  

Today I headed in to my cardiology appointment and had a EKG done.  Everything looks good and the doctor saw no concerns whatsoever.  He said that all pregnant women have a heart murmur and everything sounded good when he listened to my heart.  Just to be on the save side I'm having an ultrasound done of my heart in two weeks just to make sure that my heart is "squeezing" (his words) like it's supposed to be.  He has no concerns that it's not.

I do have one continuous theme running throughout this pregnancy... my doctors keep telling me to leave the laundry, the dishes and the floors.  I should be resting more and taking naps.  If it only were that easy.  

I'm getting VERY excited now that I have only 8 weeks left.  I'm starting to make a list of everything that needs to be done before he arrives.  #1- find a name.  I don't know why I'm so antsy to find a name.  Thomas likes to look through the whole baby names book one letter at a time and write down all the names that jump out to him.  As of today, he's on letter K and has about 20 names written down.  My list is about 8 names.  Most of them Thomas doesn't really like.  Bummer.

I'm also starting to plan for Garrison's first day of 4K, which will start only a week or two before his baby brother arrives (that's going to be a whole new ball game for us.) and plan Josiah's 3rd birthday (which I'm really hoping to be home for).  September is going to be a crazy month for us!

   

Fourth of July weekend

For 3 days the boys and I took a little trip to see family while Thomas flew to Colorado for a wedding.  It was fun to get away and to not be by myself with the boys.  They definitely loved spending time with their cousins.

We saw everyone from both sides of the family.  I'm not sure when the last time that happened was.  The boys and I even received a bonus visit from my Grandma and Aunt.   

The only downfall from our trip (besides coming home to reality) was that our truck got a flat tire at some point.  Luckily, we made it home without any problems, but by the next night it was completely flat and bending the rim.

Garrison and Thomas in Uncle Nate and Aunt Kathy's pool

 Josiah not really sure if he wants to get in...

 ... didn't like it!

Storm Trooper Josiah.  

He loved wearing this helmet, but was afraid of it if someone else wore it.

Papa (my dad) giving piggy back rides to Adeline and Josiah.

Building sand castles while visiting my mom.

Pontoon time!  

They each got a chance to drive and blow the horn.

They were pretty excited!

  

My mom with Garrison and my Grandma.

Aren't they precious when they sleep?!

29 weeks

Weeks along: 29!

Baby:  Is doing good.  Measuring where he's supposed to be, has strong heartbeat, active as ever.  I'm actually a little nervous as to how active he is.  The other two boys were never this active.  I'm thinking this little guy is going to always be on the go.  I'm tired already thinking about it.  :)

Me:  I've gained 30 pounds.  I'm already looking forward to working it off... maybe not.  I've been experience light nose bleeds.  Nothing major- there's just always a little blood in my nose.  My back pain comes and goes.  I still have good days and bad.  I've been trying to surround myself at night with pillows and that seems to be helping some.  I keep telling myself to get out my brace, but I keep forgetting to put it on.  

Doctor appointment:  Had one today.  The doctor says everything is good and I will now start going every 2 weeks.  I can't believe I'm already to this point.  I also had the glucose test for gestational diabetes today and failed the test.  I've never failed this test before so I'll be going on Friday to take the 3 hour test.  I'm praying that I don't have gestational diabetes, but I know that God's hand is in this and everything will work out to his plan.

Food cravings:  Food.  I'm actually not craving anything.  I'm just enjoying food- especially fruit.

Extras:  This poor little guy still doesn't have a name.  We don't even have one in the lead.  We figure we still have some time so we're not stressing.  Josiah wasn't named until 2 weeks before his birth. 

Garrison and Josiah are talking more and more about their baby brother.  I'm pretty sure it helps that they can see my belly getting bigger and bigger.  They do ask often if they can lift up my shirt and see him.  If only it were that easy.   

This little guys room is ready.  All his clothes are washed and put away.  His car seat and crib are sitting and waiting for him.  I wanted to be a head of the game as I didn't know how I'd feel towards the end.  I'm also hoping to be potty training Josiah soon and didn't want to overwhelm myself.  Now we just wait until we get closer to having him before I head out and buy him diapers.  Then we'll really be ready.

I cannot wait to meet this little guy!

picnic

I love picnic's and my boys are starting to share the same love.  They're normally spur-of-the-moment decisions that end with fun memories.  For our first picnic of the summer I decided to grab some McDonald's and head to a local park.  The boys could hardly eat they were so excited about the park.  They did manage to get some food in the bodies before they ran off.

Our second picnic happened today thanks to Garrison.  He suggested going outside to eat our lunch.   Great idea!  We had hot dogs, sandwiches, carrots with ranch dressing and juice.

We kept the dogs inside (so we could actually enjoy our picnic instead of spend our time fighting for it.)  Of course, the dogs hated that idea and barked or scratched at the door almost the entire time.  (We are out of sight, but they could still tell we were close by.)

After a few seconds of Aza, our chocolate lab, barking Garrison turned to the house and yelled, "Be quiet you fools!"  I almost chocked on my food.  I love the things that this kid says sometimes.

A little later I was trying to tell Josiah something, but he wasn't hearing or understanding me.  So after the third time of repeating myself I finally told him to never mind.  He responded to me by saying, "Oh, were you talking to yourself?"  He's only 2 1/2 years old.  Where does he come up with these things?!

I love the memories I'm making with these boys.  Garrison told me today that it was such a good idea to eat outside.  I hope they remember these moments like I remember moments of my childhood.

cleaning my microfiber chair

We bought a microfiber rocking chair right before Garrison was born.  Now five years later with two (soon to be three) little boys around you can only imagine how dirty our tan chair is.  I was actually embarrassed by this chair.

 I really wanted to clean it, but had no idea how to do that.  So one day while looking at Pinterest I came upon a solution to use rubbing alcohol.  I didn't have any rubbing alcohol on hand so I decided to try what I did have which was hydrogen peroxide.

 Here's what I did...  

I put the hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle and sprayed the area that I wanted to clean.  With a clean, never used before white rough sponge I scrubbed the area.  I was a little paranoid that it wouldn't work so I scrubbed it quite often while it dried.  After it had completely dried I went back over it with a clean, white bristled brush and "fluffed" the area back up.  It was a little crunchy after it dried, but a little brushing and the fabric felt just like it did before I cleaned it.  It was so easy and I can't believe how well hydrogen peroxide can clean microfiber.

Here are the before and afters...

Before

After

Before

After

 Before

After

 Before

 After