Happy Halloween

From:



Kate the Ballerina



Gabby who refused to dress up like a ballerina for Justin's class, but did eventually try on her tutu.



And Ehud the Pumpkin

Phew. It was a bit of a tough day here. Gabby has been a bit off today and Kate was, well more Kate than usual. Justin was convinced that I was just tired and thought that she was a bit more difficult because of that, but after an hour home, he agrees she's been on turbo speed!

We finally figured out what was wrong with Miss Gabby. She started running a fever late this afternoon. Hopefully she'll get over this bug quickly without sharing it with the rest of the house, but I feel horribly because we took the girls to deliver Halloween candy to some of Justin's students. Gabby only came in contact with one person, thankfully, but I hope sincerely she didn't share her illness with the department secretary. Perhaps Kate's getting it too and that's why she's a bit off as well.

Justin let me escape for about twenty minutes this evening before their bath, so I got myself I nice warm Mocha and hope to have a quiet evening and two well rested children tomorrow. We'll see how it goes. They do have great immune systems, so it's possible they will be well by tomorrow, but I'm afraid it may be an at home Halloween. I'll have to come up with some activities to make up for the loss of Trick-or Treat if we're stuck inside, but we sure don't want to make someone else sick.

Girl-isms

Justin asked Gabby what it was doing outside the other day, as it was raining (again).

"The sky leaking."

Kate tells me yesterday: My milk spilled into my cereal and then it was icky (she doesn't like soggy cereal--mother like daughter), so I was trying not to eat it, but my face fell into the bowl.

(huh?)

Happy Friday!

Ack!

I am the organizer in our family. I keep track of receipts, who needs to be where and when. This week though is open enrollment through Justin’s work and I can’t organize that. Whomever put it together either didn’t have everything very organized or someone had difficulty understanding their organization. Needless to say, when you’re nine months pregnant health insurance is the last thing you want hanging over your head.

It took a couple of days to get the paperwork home—I married the epitome of the absent minded professor. Then as we sit down to look through it we find that none of it pertains to health or dental insurance. It’s all life insurance. So we have to try again. The following night we have the information about the policies, but no prices. Why it’s not all together I have no idea, but it isn’t.

That’s okay, we’ll just find it, surely it will be online. Wrong. The place he works doesn’t post this information on their website. Actually there is some information for dental—for the 2006 calendar year! So we get on the provider site, thinking perhaps we can log in there. The site is down for maintenance.

At this point I’m sure I’ll go into labor during the night and we’ll forget the paperwork in all the hub-bub and wind up without any coverage for any of us. Don’t mix up-tight planner, always early for every deadline and pregnant—it’s not pretty. We did finally get all the paperwork we needed and it’s all safely filled out. Including adding the girls to our dental plan, which was the big deal this time, since Kate is now seeing a dentist bi-annually and that’s rather expensive out of pocket for some reason.

That’s life here.

Oh, and I saw the midwife today. All is well, with baby due a week from Saturday. We did discuss when we would look at an induction, since my girls never wanted to come out to play without some prodding. We’re looking at November 19th, just sort of 42 weeks. We’ll see if baby decides to come before that, but three weeks of pregnancy left maximum.

What a Tease

I woke up Monday morning at about one-thirty with pretty strong contractions. I thought I'd try to doze between them. Well, that didn't work out so well. I thought, I'll let every one sleep as long as possible. We'll have the baby later this morning and then I'll take a nap this afternoon.

Five o'clock came and the contractions stopped. You're kidding, right? I doze off until the alarm goes off at 5:30. Justin gets up. I doze until he gets out of the shower. Then I drag myself out of bed and get ready for the day. Surely getting moving will bring the contractions back, right? Nope.

So I spend my day sweeping the floor, doing the dishes, running through a load of laundry, running to the grocery store, and taking Kate to gymnastics (where Gabby decides the restroom, which has no outside door, is a great place to play--resulting in at least two crying fits and a time out in her car seat in the van). Surely in all this activity something will happen, right? Nope. We come home, where I am sure at this point my two children will sleep so I can nap, right? Nope.

In the middle of all of this I find out that my group is supposed to bring breakfast to MOPS in the morning. Will I even be there, I wonder as I make plans for cooking? Before bed I make pumpkin bread and a breakfast casserole. Telling my husband, at least we can give the extra bread to the nurses if we go tonight. He asks, "Are we going?" I sigh. I don't know--I evidently am not a good judge of that!

Off to bed I went, but still no baby. It's not nice to tease, Ehud. Do you hear me?

Girl-isms

Kate, when we've gone out for ice cream: "This ice cream is going home with us--in my tummy!"

Kate on a rainy day in the van: "The water is making pictures on my window. That's so cool!"

Gabby, while attempting to walk backwards like her big sister: "Walking basket"

Gabby, "Wead to me!"

We got to go to see the midwife again yesterday. Since we were having an ultrasound Justin came to go with us. The baby is facing my back, so there aren't any pictures this time. That's good news for delivery though, since Kate was so difficult facing forward. The baby that appeared to be so big, is estimated to only weigh six pounds right now. The midwife said that my fundal height continues to be high, so apparently I'm just carrying out in front and high. My weight, blood pressure, and baby's fluid levels all look good, so we may be waiting to meet this baby until he or she is evicted at 42 weeks, since there is no reason to rush him or her along.

Justin was assured that in the six years that she had been at the practice that no babies had been delivered on the side of the road, but that some did come within 10 minutes of arriving at the hospital. She told him that babies born that quickly were nearly always healthy and we could just call 911 for help. He didn't seem to think that was of much reassurance though.

Gabby's Birthday Celebration

Miss Gabby turned two years old on Sunday! She chose a chocolate cake, which I decorated with her favorite color (pink) roses. And I even got her name right--see yesterday's post.



We had a dinner of meatballs, corn, rolls, and mashed potatoes. She didn't approve of the mashed potatoes "don't like it!" She did like the cake and even managed to blow out one of her candles.



She enjoyed all of her presents. She is much slower to open her packages than one of the more boisterous members of our family, so it was driving her sister a little crazy to watch her open the packages.



She received many lovely things--a viewfinder, Noah's Ark, a Little People school house, a dress up dress, a tiara, two stuffed animals and her annual Precious Moment's figurine.

Happy birthday two my beautiful Gabby Girl!

Not Me Monday

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.


Not me...

I didn't let my nearly two year old leave the doctor's office without her jacket, despite temperatures in the 50s, while making her sister don hers because she'd just gotten a shot. I always make my children wear appropriate outerwear.

I didn't leave a chicken baking in the oven when we left the house on Saturday to go to a pumpkin patch. It didn't take until Justin had gone to get the van from a quarter of a mile down the road so we could load our pumpkins and girls before I realized this error, because I would never be so careless! Thankfully the chicken was just fine, since I had intentionally left it to roast while we were gone--that's it!

I didn't forget to put icing between the two layers of Gabby's birthday cake. I would never do that! I wasn't so scared by my recent at my absentmindness that I was afraid that I would put someone else's name on it when I got it decorated!

Gabby's Two!

I can't belive it, but Gabriella's turning two today! She's such a fun little girl. She and her sister are alike and so different in many ways. It's amazing to see those contrasts and similarities.

Many people have commented that Gabby's name doesn't fit her, because she tends to be more on the quiet side. Even in the delivery room she was more diminutive in her cries, but she has found her voice this past year. While she won't talk much to other people, she tells us about all sorts of things here. She has lots of opinions, most specifically that she wants to do it herself. "Gabby do it," is her favorite phrase at the moment.

Gabby has a love of babies. She loves baby dolls, she pretends stuffed animals and even robotic Elmos are babies, and most of all she loves the real thing. I'm not sure how this will bode for our new addition, but I know she will love him or her. She likes to "help" with toys, pacifiers, and feedings. She's quite the little mama.

Gabby also loves doing whatever it is that her sister is doing, so long as Kate didn't ask her too! She's been enjoying acting like animals lately, especially dogs and cats. She has always been a Mama's girl. I love her sweet snuggles. She loves to sit with me and she comes to me whenever something goes wrong--which happens a lot at this age, when you run headlong into walls and spin until you're too dizzy to stand.

It's hard to guess her favorites, but here's trying...

Top two favorite books: Hippos go Berzzerk and Sweet Dream Kisses

Favorite toy: Baby Dandiel (Daniel)

Favorite restaurant: McDonald's

Favorite color: pink

Favorite food: cheese

Pumpkin Patch

It was a cool crisp fall day today and it has finally stopped raining, so we took the girls to a pumpkin patch.

We got had a nice lady take a picture of the four (five) of us.



We took a little ride on the wagon to the pumpkin patch.

We waded our way through the muddy patch of pumpkins for the girls to each choose their pumpkin. They really wanted pumpkins that they could carry, but the field with the smaller pumpkins was made inaccessible by the bog created by the recent rain, so they each choose rather large pumpkins. Kate could pick hers up, but not really carry it around.

We got treats as we were leaving too. Kate got popcorn, which she had been eying when we came in, Justin and Gabby each got a cookie, and I got some warm cider.

Things I Love Thursdays

I love the portrait packages from Target. I get coupons mailed directly to my house, but you can also print out your own from their website. We can either get portrait packages or $3.99 sheets. The packages are a great deal for us on the yearly pictures of the girls. With 2-8x10s, 2-5x7s, 4-3 1/2x5s, and 16 wallets we can have a few for us, plus some to send to the grandparents, my sister, our grandmothers, and even a few friends.

If you order the package though, do be aware the additional sheets are not $3.99, but $10. So add up what you want ahead of time to figure out which deal is best for you, but for us the packages are great.

If you'd like to participate in Things I Love Thursday, then click over to The Diaper Diaries.

Not Me Monday

I would never have to stifle laughter at 2 AM as my oldest tells me about her nightmare. I would, of course take all her fears seriously, even if it was that a lady bug got into her room and she couldn't smash it.

I also would not have to drag my 23 month old daughter kicking and screaming outside while her sister was in gymnastics class three times because she wouldn't let go of a baby's bottle, refused to stop playing with someone else's stroller AND wanted to reach in and touch the two month old little girl who was being placed in her car seat. As I was leaving and someone asked if I needed help, I certainly did not reply, "Only if you want to take her for a little while." Not me!

I also didn't totally goof on when my midwife appointment was and tell everyone I was going today. I wouldn't have packed the girls snacks, books, and toys, and prepped Kate before looking at my appointment card and noticing that my appointment was indeed for next week. Not this well organized Mama.

DMV

I gathered up the girls to run errands this morning. This started off really well *sarcasm*, as Kate tells Gabby to run in the driveway. Then, as I'm dropping the papers into the front seat Gabby climbs into the far back with Kate. The girls find this hilarious. Gabby refuses to come out, so I (remember I'm quite pregnant) have to drag her out kicking and screaming. I place her in her car seat and strap her in--the whole time she's trying to wiggle out. She screams and screams and screams some more. I get Kate's seatbelt fastened and we listen to Gabby the whole way to the post office to drop off our mail and then to the DMV.

Here I free the poor creature who I have so unjustly strapped into her state mandated carseat. We walk up to the door. It doesn't open. There is no sign on the door, but no sign of life inside either.

I take the two girls back to the car. Repeat my horrible abuse of Gabriella and again help Kate with her seatbelt. Gabby is again screaming as I call my husband to find out where on earth they moved the DMV to. I drive while we wait to hear back. Pull into a parking lot after the crying is down to a whimper and call back to find out that they have moved alright, but that it's not posted on the website. Justin had to call the DMV. There the woman told him he was about the 50th call of the morning. Gee, I wonder what on earth would cause that, except, oh yes--there is no other way to find out this information. Perhaps in the future they should change their phone number when they move so no one can find them.

The girls and I finally arrive at the new DMV site. By now it's lunch time, but we're on a mission. I take our number and look at the automated system--19 minutes. Last year it was five, so fine. I wasn't really prepared, I hadn't brought books or toys, but we could pass 20 minutes. Then the number jumped to 38 minutes. It took an hour for us to be called and get out the door.

Oh, and to add insult to injury, in addition to the new site being unadvertised they didn't improve efficiency or even gain any space. The lobby had a concrete floor and they brought over the same old church pews and old scuffed up chairs. Why move?

Down to Weeks...

Less than a month until this little one is due now. That seems so unreal. I feel so unprepared this time. I know I have everything that we need--the carseat is installed, the clothes are hung, we even finally chose a name. I can't quite figure out what it is I feel like I'm missing. I have a couple of projects I wanted to finish, so perhaps that's it, but as time goes on, it seems less and less likely I'll get those completed. I'm just getting too big to pin quilts in the floor right now.

The girls are getting excited too. I'm not entirely sure how much Gabby understands, but she does pat my tummy and talk about baby. Kate is very excited. She switches the gender occasionally, but she typically predicts a little boy, since, "I already have a sister."

The midwife I saw today (the one I typically see was out due to a death in the family) is estimating that baby will be 8-1/4 lbs at term. She did order an ultrasound for next week, just to be on the safe side. Everything is going well though, no concerns. She said she expects me to still be pregnant next week--I laughed. I have several things I scheduled for next week, since I figured it was still too early for delivery, besides that my girls were not known for their prompt arrivals! I sure hope I'm still pregnant next week. The baby can come after Gabby's well visit Friday afternoon.

Saturday Morning

I have sometimes found myself longing for the days when my girls can go down stairs, pour a bowl of cereal, and entertain themselves briefly on a Saturday morning. Perhaps it's the realization that soon life will be changing again for us, but I actually enjoyed having Gabby join us in our bed for a few minutes Saturday morning. Though maybe some of it had to do with the fact that she did sleep until after seven, which is now our definition of "sleeping in." It was kind of nice to have that quiet, lazy time with just her before Kate woke up.

Gabby-isms

Things Gabby's been saying:

Awfuls (Waffles)

Change Biaper (Diaper)

God, Amen (her version of grace)

Pokey Pokey (Hokey Pokey)

Strap Gabby In (I want to strap myself in)

Wake up Sleepyhead!

Happy October

Rain, rain go away. I don't mind an occasional sprinkle, but the downpours I can do without. It's one of those days to stay home and do nothing. Thankfully no grocery shopping, gymnastics, or appointments are scheduled for today!

I prefer a nice spring or fall day with moderate temperatures and warm sunshine. But here in Kansas, we spend three-fourths of the year with harsh winds (at least to this Kentucky girl). We did have a lovely, mild summer. I'm very thankful for that.

With the crisp fall weather, we get to do things like take a trip to a pumpkin patch,

Last year's pumpkin

bake with yummy apples, and pull out the warm sweaters.

Last year's warm sweater!

Maybe I'll get the things to make s'mores and well roast marshmallows in the fireplace. Oh, and of course this means that baby will arrive next month!



P.S. Who replaced my little gals with this huge children?