It's begun...

For updates and news on labor and delivery click here...

Love,

Bartimaeus (guest blogger)

Finally!

Today is the last day of my pregnancy! I went to the Doctor this morning and she'll be inducing me early tomorrow. I am really excited and really freaked out!

But mostly excited for the reasons listed in this post. Speaking of which, my friend Ginger commented that she wanted to know some of the things I LIKE about being pregnant. Well, it's taken me awhile, but here's my list:

1. It's much easier to crush milk cartons since I weigh twice as much now.

2. I can demand insane amounts of food and blame the baby. (I intend to do this while nursing, though, too.)

3. It's fun to watch my belly undulate. (When it's not causing painful contractions or the immediate need to pee.)

4. I get an adorable little baby out of the deal. (Of course, adoptive mothers also get adorable babies AND they get to keep their cute belly buttons.)

So, I guess what I'll miss the most is the ease of bottle crushing.

That's all I've got for ya, G.

I'm sure I'll be back to posting in a few days. In the mean time, WISH ME LUCK (and a small-headed son)!!!

Remembering A Great Day

*Note: I wrote this on Monday the 23rd, but had to scan some photos for it before posting. Today it's raining.

Today is a beautiful day. After weeks of cold, dreary, gray weather, it got up to a record breaking 85 degrees. Driving home from Max's preschool, I had the radio turned way up and the windows down. All of the sudden I remembered a great day from about 10 years ago.

Brace yourself: I'm not known for my concise story-telling style. (But that's why I'm including crappy old scrapbook photos...to keep you interested.)

After my freshman year at UVSC, I took a year off to work. I moved home to Carlsbad and brought Angelique and Lesley (two Brighton H.S.* alumni) with me.

(Me, Lesley, and Ang before our "Super Date" with Heath, Danny, and Spencer.)

We rented an awesome condo from Paul's (Carlsbad H.S. alumni) dad in a very nice gated complex with swimming pool, hot-tub and sauna. (Anna joined us later followed by Fletch who took Lesley's room when she moved home.)

Paul, Rama, and Me contemplating fire and Christmas-y things.

We immediately met and started consorting with numerous guys from the Single's Ward and I started dating a hilarious Will-Ferrell-channeling guy who spoiled me rotten.Basically, we had a freaking awesome time living in one of the most beautiful places on earth. (If you exclude the drama's that come from a bunch of hormonal and emotional females living together who all start getting their period's on the same schedule.)
The majority of my time there, I worked at Adam's Design Group as a receptionist and personal assistant to Nancy Adams, Interior Designer. I felt pretty good about earning $10/hour. Much more than whatever measly wage I was earning in Utah.

My job was pretty plush. Located in a breezy office suite a few blocks from the beach and close to the Flower Fields, I LOVED going to work every day. Sometimes, as part of my duties, I would run a few errands for my boss Nancy.
One day I had to take some paperwork across town to another office. It was 70 degrees and beautiful outside. (as usual) I was incredibly happy to be driving around in the middle of the day and getting paid for it. (Plus money for gas and miles, I might add...) So of course, I had the windows down, the sunroof open, and the radio blasting.

I should mention that this is the one time in my life I've had a cool car. I had a very nice black Honda Accord with a surf rack on top. (Which I never used but which made me look that much cooler. Oh, and there was that excellent "Madness" sticker from Spin Records on the back.)

I remember I was driving North on El Camino and had just come into the area where lights get closer together and traffic starts to slow down. (You know, right around Rama and Wahine's house.)

(Yes, we look goofy, but we were at D-land in this pic...)

Did I mention it was a really beautiful day and I was in a super good mood?

So I'm cruising along and I come to the first red light I've hit in awhile and slow to a stop. Just then, feeling someone staring at me, I turn to look into the car next to me.

I still remember exactly what I saw. A twenty-something man, windows down, staring unabashedly at me with wide, shocked eyes; his mouth literally hanging wide open. At this point I realized that aside from blasting the radio, I was singing at the extreme top of my lungs. And I'm sure I was probably also drumming the steering wheel to the beat.

The thing is, it wasn't like I was belting to Alanis.

Due to my extensive work in a professional office environment, I'd become accustom to listening to KYXY 96.5 at work. (You know...Easy Listening with No Repeat Work Days!?) I guess that carried over to my mid-day errand, because instead of pumping 91x, I was indeed blasting KYXY (pronounced: Kick-see).

I don't remember exactly, but I'm pretty sure the song was of the Toni Braxton "Unbreak My Heart" variety. As opposed to, say, something respectable like "Black Hole Sun". (I mean, you can really get into both of those if you turn them up high enough!)

Luckily, I was in such a good mood, I just started smiling and kept right on singing to his face until the light changed and I was once again on my way.

THAT was a GREAT DAY!!!

Now, add 10 years to my age. Take away the cool car and mini-skirt and replace with a mini-van and too tight maternity shirt. Replace ex-boss Nancy with current boss Maxwell; funny ex-boyfriend with fabulous husband. Switch from Southern California to Rhode Island and you have almost an exact replica.

Because TODAY was another GREAT day!

*I moved from S.L.C., UT (where I attended Brighton High School) to Carlsbad, CA (where I graduated from Carlsbad High School) in the middle of my Junior Year.

Book Review

Super Husband takes really good care of me. About once a week, he takes Max to the library and they come home with a whole slew of books and Books-on-C.D. for the whole family. Usually, for me he picks something he thinks I'll like, something he knows I'll like, and something that has a cool cover.

So the other day, he brought home "The Mermaid Chair" on C.D. by Sue Monk Kidd, saying "Isn't this one you wanted to read?" YES! I'd been wanting to read it ever since it came out, but hadn't gotten around to it. The reason I wanted it is because I absolutely LOVED "The Secret Life of Bees". THAT is one of those books that leaves you depressed because you've finished reading it and there is no sequel. It was SUPER good and I loved it.

So, I was excited to get Mermaid Chair on C.D. (I love having something to listen to in the kitchen.) Let me just say right now, I was SO hugely disappointed. Right from the beginning I was annoyed at the premise and annoyed at the main character's incredible narcissism, self-justification, and lack of a single moral fiber! The only thing that made me keep listening was the fact that there was a mystery involved. (Very secondary sub-plot to the s.e.xual musings and antics of the main character.) Unfortunately, I CANNOT stop reading a book without knowing how the mystery is solved. So I had to settle for skipping past the numerous s.e.x scenes (WITH A BLOODY MONK, no less!) until the end when the truth came out and the mystery was solved.

Therefore, for what it's worth, I give "The Mermaid Chair" two thumbs way down. And I'll give Sue Monk Kidd a swift kick in the pants and a lecture if I ever get a chance to meet her. If this is a book you loved, don't tell me. I don't want to know.
NEXT!

"Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer
I didn't know before I got this one that it falls into the "adolescent/teen" category. Therefore, I was surprised at how many adults had recommended it to me. (I thought Doug and I were the only ones who LOVE books geared to this age group.)

Anyway, I finished this not too long ago and loved it. Like "Secret Life..." it leaves you wanting 200 more pages. It really was extremely entertaining and engaging and I was sad when I finished it. I'm looking forward to the sequel which I believe is called "New Moon". (We requested it from the library last night.) In conclusion, two thumbs up!

I'd keep going down my list of just finished books, but I think I'd better pop in Doug's latest library gift and get to work on my messy kitchen! Hooray for BOOKS!!!

Well, I NEVER!!!

My husband is getting more and more into blogging...and I don't know if it's a good thing. His latest post is quite snippy! I think he's just been biding his time waiting for a chance to get back at me for the "He Said, She Said" post.

Punk!

Prego Musings

It ain't pretty...it's my body.

Things I wont miss about being 8 months pregnant

• Hair LOSS on my head, hair GROWTH on my face and stomach. (Some good waxing will be in order shortly after I give birth.)
  
• Linea Negra (As if my stomach hasn't suffered enough with the ignominious belly-button.)
  
• Not being able to lean over or bend down without extreme discomfort and lots of grunting.
  
• The feeling of suffocating every time I lay down at night.
  
• Acid reflux every time I lay down at night.
  
• Once in bed at night; not being able to roll over, not being able to sleep in any 'ol position, not being able to sit up, and not being able to sleep through the night due to frequent potty breaks.
  
• Pea-sized bladder that always feels full.
  
• Pea-sized bladder with fluid retention issues.
  
• Spider veins blossoming/exploding across my legs.
  (Some women get horrible varicose veins which are even worse.)
• Needing at least 45 minutes to shave my legs.
  
• Stretch marks.
• Freaky belly-button.
  
• Skin discoloration in the form of random brown spots on my stomach.
  
• Hot flashes. (I've actually had to sleep WITHOUT socks for the last week!)
  
• Extreme sensitivity to smells. I can smell garlic from the next county. (Diaper changing was no fun either.)
  
• Tiny flashes of light always in my peripheral vision. (Someone told me it's an optical migraine?)
  
• Really needing a pedicure but not being able to reach my feet.
  
• Having to rely on my 5-year-old to put my socks on for me. (sometimes he just doesn't WANT to!)
  
• Sudden food cravings that seem to be a matter of life or death.
  
• A voracious appetite that has not only caused exponetial weight gain, but severe g.i. issues as well.
• Being kicked so much that my stomach is actually bruised...on the inside.
  
• Thick ankles.
  
• Not being able to walk through a doorway with a laundry basket.
  
• Serious mental illness in the form of memory loss. (Like not being able to remember if I've already conditioned my hair in the shower...)
• Contractions that feel like there's an elephant sitting on my stomach.

I could go on, but the list gets pretty graphic from here on out. Let's just say I can't wait to meet this little guy, and sooner would be preferable to later!

I have to go now because preschool starts in an hour and a half and I need to start the process of getting my socks and shoes on. Wish me luck.

Superstar

My friend Fabulous Photographer Jen, has once again done an awesome photo shoot!

(Of course, she does awesome photo shoots like every day of the week, so it's not like this is a new thing.)

This time, however, instead of my kids being the subjects,
I am the (somewhat uncoordinated and slow moving) superstar!!!

If you'd like to see me in all of my 8.25 months of pregnant glory, click HERE!

And if you'd like to read about how I totally rocked the Saturday Morning Eggs Benedict cookoff against Doug, click HERE!

(And please leave a comment because he has low blog-esteem and is threatening to quit posting all together.)

I HEART BOOKS

I've started a new blog!
Yes, that's right...being the savvy business woman that I am, I've decided to promote my highly unprofitable business. (Unprofitable, because I spend every thing I make on more books.) Anyway, here it is. I'll update it about once a week. Enjoy!!!
http://ilovekidbooks.blogspot.com/

Quote of the Day

Said by Sammy while hugging both Doug and I:

"HAMMY FUGS!!!"

Translation: "Family hugs!!!"

Penguins

Anyone out there remember Billy Madison? It came out in 1995 but I don't remember seeing it until the summer of 1996. Now, even fans of movies that are admittedly "Dumb Funny" will probably admit that this movie falls more into the "Dumb" category. (You can see what's running through Adam/Billy's mind in the above picture: "Doi duh doi doi doi...") I only vaguely remember certain scenes, ("Nooo...condeetionah is bettah...eet makes the

haiah soft and seelky!") and those not very clearly.

But I do remember there was a very random, very large PENGUIN. Adam Sandler is evidently very drunk and hallucinates about a penguin while laying by the swimming pool. (I think.)

Anyway, the other night I walked around the corner and saw this out of my peripheral vision:

I let out a loud "AHHHHHH!!!"
Can you blame me for being slightly alarmed? I mean, how do I know pregnancy doesn't induce penguin hallucinations? Last I saw this gargantuan art project it was hanging discreetly on the side of the fridge...nowhere near Max's door. (Which doubles as an ever changing art exhibit.)

The lesson here is, if you're going to have giant penguins in the house, warn your wife before changing their location. Give a pregnant girl a break once in awhile!!! (We have weak bladders!)

Sweet Samuel

This evening after Easter Dinner, I snuck out and made a quick trip to the hospital to see my friend Diane who just had her baby*. When I got home, the boys were in bed but Sammers, who took a late nap, was still awake. He must have heard me talking to Doug because he started yelling for me.

Sam: MOOOOMMY!!!
(I walk in the room)

Sam: Dat you Mommy?
--Yeah
Sam: Whewe’d you go?
--I went to see Diane at the hospital.
Sam: NOOOO!
--I’m home now. I’m all done!
(I lay down on the bottom bunk next to him)

Sam: Dat you Mommy?
--Yeah

Sam: You wub my tummy?
--You want me to rub your tummy?
Sam: Yeah.
--Okay!

*"J.J." arrived yesterday weighing 10+ pounds and is adorable with silky black hair and chubby cheeks. Congrats Diane and Steve!!!

Florida Thursday through Sunday

Since writing my last post, the weather has taken a decidedly unSpring-like turn. It's been gray and cloudy and chilly and rainy. This has basically made me lose my desire to accomplish anything, let alone come up with a new blog post. But in an effort to pull myself out of my crappy-weather-induced slump, I've decided not only to post, but to finish posting about my vacation. I figure I need a little reminder of sunshine and blue skies right about now. (And white sand beaches, for that matter.) So, here it is: The rest of our trip. As you can see, we spent a lot of time at Destin Beach. And why not? It was astoundingly beautiful! It was hard for me to believe, even while digging my swollen little toes into the sand, that I was in Florida and not in some far off exotic local. Not only was the sand white, it was incredibly soft and fine. Imagine really fine sugar. Same color, same texture. The boys played for hours and would have slept at the beach if we'd have let them. Max and Beach Dad even made a sand Alligator!The time inbetween trips to the beach was spent in full armor. For Max, Sam and Curtis, at least. Curtis has an awesome weapon collection and Maxwell was in heaven. Since Max got to sleep in the toy room, he was in full armor each morning to greet us. They played Knight-in-Shining-Armor and Pirate alternately. Much emphasis was placed on costume and fancy footwork. Like I said: Heaven! On Saturday we did a few different fun things since Joe wasn't at work and could come with us. First stop was the Eglin Airforce Base Airplane Museum. The bomb below is called "The FAE bomb". Since my mom's name is Fae, and she is most definitely "the Bomb" I thought this was extremely cool.
After the museum, it was time for a special lunch at "Fudpuckers". (Try saying that ten times fast. But not in front of your kids.) The extremely cool thing about Fudpuckers is, surprisingly, not that the name can make you swear, it is that they have a whole pond full of alligators right on sight. You can even attempt to feed the alligators if you spend $3 on a little bag of wannabe meat (the color and texture of a Pink Pearl eraser). You won't have any success, (what sane alligator wants to eat an eraser?) but you may have fun trying to bonk them on the head with the bait. Lunch was great despite our inability to induce a feeding frenzy.
Who knew even MORE fun was to be had in the parking lot!?! As you may recall from this post, Max has three goals in life. Or rather, one goal to acquire three different things. They are all vehicles and he's saving change and birthday dollars in his Pooh-Bear bank for them. They are: A motorcycle, a convertible, and a stretch limousine. (Pronounced "stwehch li-ni-ma-za-neen") Anyway, parked next to us when we were headed to the car was a man just about to leave on his motorcycle. Max walked right up to him and matter-of-factly said "I want a motocycle when I get big!" The driver was evidently impressed and asked if he'd like to climb up for a minute. Max did, and then proceeded to rev the engine very loudly and frighteningly. (Frightening to a reformed-speeder mother with a little boy who really wants a motorcycle when he grows up.) Very nice guy. Very cool for Max.

Of course, our next stop was the beach to play for the last time.

BUT, not the beach you see below. Now we're on to Sunday. Sunday, of course, we went to church. After church we needed something reverent and solemn to do. So we went to another beach. Okay, not really, we actually took a drive to Seaside. This is the extremely perfect town where "The Truman Show" (with Jim Carrey) was filmed.

We walked around a little, but this is as far onto the beach as the boys got before being reined back onto the more righteous sidewalk. It is a BEAUTIFUL and quaint little town and it was really fun to check it out. My only regret was that we couldn't buy ice cream.
Monday morning, we reluctantly started our trek back to Orlando and from there, to Providence. All in all, it was a perfect, PERFECT trip. Thanks to my dad for helping with the first two nights, and then mostly to Angelique and her wonderful husband for pampering us the rest of the trip. It was hard to come home. And we still miss it.

I'm not sure all this reminiscing has improved my mood. Now I have to get back to reality (my unattended children upstairs) and the cold weather.

Thank goodness for vacations!!!!

April Showers...

Yesterday felt to me like the real first day of Spring. I know, I know...it was supposed to be last week sometime but we've had a snow storm since then so obviously Mother Nature doesn't consult her calendar enough.

But YESTERDAY...yesterday made up for a multitude of horrendously cold Rhode Island days. When I woke up it was to find we'd had some rain. The ground was wet and the air smelled clean and heavy. Then the temperature proceeded to rise to a blissful 70 where it stayed almost all day...despite intermittent clouds. Not only was it warm, but things are actually starting to bloom. I saw crocus in the neighbors yard and a few tulips popping up in ours.

The boys played outside for hours and turned the bath tub black when they finally came in. THEN, they were so tired they were both in bed and asleep by 7 p.m.!!!

The biggest bonus, though, is that I was motivated to clean the house! (And that doesn't happen every day!) So today we all woke up to more sunshine and a sparkling kitchen!

Hooray for SPRING!!!

CraigsList and Crepes

Yesterday I picked up a table I found on CraigsList. It was a bargain at $50 despite having only 3 chairs. The best part, though, was that the nice Indian couple I bought it from included a FREE GIFT for Sammers!!! A HUGE stuffed Lion. This isn't any old lion, he is BRIGHT yellow (except where he's dirty) with a HOT PINK mane (that really sheds!!!), and a large TURQUOISE nose. I believe he falls into the Amusement-Park-Ring-Toss-Prize catagory as he seems to be filled with shredded aluminum as opposed to, say, cotton.

Now if I could only find a way to sneak "YION KING!" into the garbage without Sam noticing. I have a severe aversion to other people's dust mites and used stuffed animals in general. Gross.

On a cleaner note, last night some very generous friends threw a
double BABY shower
for me and another friend, Diane. (She is having her third a few weeks before me.) It was fun and relaxing and they served Crepes which I happen to LOVE!!!

It's nice to know Gabriel* will have a few CUTE NEW clothes and toys that haven't gone through two brothers and numerous boy cousins!!!

All in all, it was a fabulous day filled with awesome gifts!!! Now here's a little gift for you:

A simple Crepe Recipe in case you're looking for something easy and extremely unhealthy for dinner tonight!

Crepes
Combine in a batter bowl in this order:
2 cups milk
2 cups flour
1 tsp. salt
Stir until perfectly smooth. (Some people like to do this step in the blender, but I find adding the milk to the bowl first and using a hand mixer works just fine.)
Next add:
4 eggs
1/2 cup sugar
Beat thoroughly. Pour about 1/4 to 1/3 cup batter into pre-heated pan. (I usually have the stove on Medium. Make sure the pan is non-stick and have "Pam" on hand if you need it.) Tilt pan so it spreads out thin and forms a circle to the edge of the pan. Cook until edges start to look rubbery. Loosen edges. Turn. It will be pretty well cooked, so it only needs to stay on the second side a little longer. I usually turn the oven on "warm" and pile them on a plate in there until we're ready to eat.
Serve with any or all of the following:
Nutella
(or) Hot Fudge
Peanut Butter
Jam
Bananas
Applesauce
Berries, Fresh or Frozen
Whipped Cream
Ice Cream
Powdered Sugar
Powdered Sugar and Lemon Juice
Syrup
or anything else you can think of!!! Enjoy!!!


*I'm set on Gabriel, but PickyDad isn't so sure. We'll see what happens when we get to meet the little guy.

Think Green

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

Pic 1: A Leprechaun visited and turned the milk and pancakes green!

Pic 2: It snowed here again so the boys spent all day outside building a sledding run and an igloo.

(See Doug's blog!)

Pic 3: My monthly belly shot wasn't supposed to include my face. I am 7 months along now. (And obviously thrilled with myself.)

Florida Vacation: Day 3

We left Orlando on Wednesday to head to Ang's house in Niceville. On the way we stopped at Crystal Springs State Park to look for Alligators. We're quite sure there were tons, we just couldn't see them. Next time we'll bring our own Glass-Bottom Boat.It may look like I'm not helping with the kids at all, but I really am. I'm holding Sam's hat for him. Oh, and Doug had to carry the camera... Sam really likes sun glasses. Especially if they have a little bling.

Curtis and Max are both little monkeys. When Max got down he had a huge, swollen bite on his back from some unknown insect. Whoops!

Florida Vacation: Day TWO

Our first full day in the Magic Kingdom. We made it to the park early to pack in as much fun as humanly possible. Of course we had to take the classic picture right inside the front entrance.

Yes. I forced my husband and sons to wear matching shirts. Sue me! They look so stinkin' cute, it's worth the mockery I can hear running through your collective minds!!!

The first ride to be a huge success with all four kids was the Indy Racers. Sammers had this look on his face the whole ride. When we got off he said

"We do dat 'gain, Momma? (He's a huge fan of "Cars" the movie.)

The crazies in the car right behind me had to promise no crashing. I didn't want to go into premature labor. (At least not at D-world.)

Joe and Curtis

That's right. They got to wear non-matching shirts. (I care not what you think...)

Ang and Claire

Claire wasn't entirely sure what to think of some of the rides, or how she felt being surrounded by so many wild boys. But I choose to believe she had fun anyway.

Three buddies: Curtis, Sammers, and Max pushed by lady with hideous belly-button. (Yes. If you zoom in you can actually see it through my clothing. SICK!)

Aarrh, Matey!!!

"Hey look! I'm dangerous too! My mom and dad finally caved and I got to pick weapons for my souvenirs!!! Now I sleep with my hook on and sword by my side! Aren't you proud Captain Hook?"

("I learned it from watching YOU Dad!!!)

The highlight of Doug's day: The Femullet*

*Spelling has been corrected.

Florida Vacation: Day ONE

We're home from Florida, and I have to say...it is now on my list of places I could possibly live long-term without dying of Seasonal Affective Disorder. So far, the "list" includes Carlsbad, CA.

(I suppose Arizona could also possibly make it on the list, but I've never spent more than three days there so I can't calculate what affect the lack of ocean might have.)

Anyway, back to the vacation. The first two nights we stayed at the awesome and very atmospheric Disney's Boardwalk Resort. My dad has a time-share there and was generous enough to let us, and our friends, use two nights each. (Waiting for the Shuttle Bus. Max kept busy by picking me flowers.)

After checking in, we went straight to the Magic Kingdom for the rest of the day. At first the boys were a little groggy and mellow due to being awake since 6 a.m., but before long, they got into the spirit of things and were excited to be there. One of our first stops was Pirates of the Carribbean. Both boys are totally obsessed with the movie even though they've only seen one five-minute segment. (Doug let them watch the 'Captain Jack vs. Will Turner' blacksmith shop sword fight.)

The ride dumps you directly into a gift shop filled to the brim with every imaginable deadly weapon and pirate accessory . Fortunately, by depriving Max of all toy weapons for most of his life, he has an aversion to violence and had no desire to participate in anything remotely pirate-ish. After making it through the gift shop, limbs tenuously still attached, we happened upon a pirate show. Max got picked out of the audience to learn a bit about being swarthy from Captain Jack Sparrow himself.

Here he is getting some pointers about how to strike, distract, ("Look! It's the Govenor's daughter!") and then run away. He had the striking part down pat.

Now he's swearing allegience to Captain Jack and being sworn into his crew. (Notice his top-button is un-done and his skivvies are hangin' out.)

Next stop: SPLASH MOUNTAIN

The next ride Doug wanted to try was Splash Mountain. Maxer was barely tall enough and I was worried he'd be completely traumatized by the big drop at the end. Turns out, while I was waiting with Sammers and worrying, Max was having a blast and begged to go on the ride again immediately after...which they did since there was NO line that day! For more complete details, see Doug's version of events.Both Dad and Max were giddy when they met up with us at the tot play place, and Max is now a huge fan Brer Rabbit, Fox, and Bear, and the Briar Patch.

When we got home that night, my friend Angelique had arrived at the hotel with her two kids. (Her husband joined them late that night.) It's been about two years since I've seen her, so it was great to get caught up in person! She has two kids, Curtis and Claire and my boys loved them both instantly.

It was a great day, but day two was even better!!!
Stay tuned...