Hello again

So much has been happening since Josh has come into our lives. I have to pick and choose what things are important to get done during my few and far between hours to myself. It is either sleep, do the chores, or get out of the house for some peace and quiet. I really want to start writing again, but it has been really dificult to find quality time to. For instance, Hannah is having quiet time in her crib because she was not minding me and I couldn't deal with it any longer. Josh is in his bouncy chair just crying at me. It's been one of those days. Brian doesn't get home for another hour or so. Will I make it? I hope so. Maybe Oprah has something great to watch. lol. Anyway, I wanted to vent for a sec. What do you do when your nerves are shot and you just want to get away and chill your brain for at least a couple of hours? Right now I have no idea? I will try to write again some positive wonderful things that are happening even though it might not sound like it right now. = )

Baby Boy !!!

He is finally here. His name is Joshua. He was born Sunday November 27th and weighed 8lbs. 6oz. He is soooo handsome. I completely fell in love with him the moment he was placed on my chest. What an awesome day that was. Plus, my parents were there to witness his birth. They were suppose to leave that morning, but decided to wait out my labor since it was almost 24 hours long. = )

My water broke at 7:30pm. Everyone was sitting there pretty much watching me go through each contraction. My dad couldn't handle it. Poor guy I don't blame him. Brian was frantic and in his own world trying to get everything ready to go to the hospital. We got there and checked in and my contractions sped up to one every 2-4 minutes. They needed my signature for paperwork and to ask me all the questions they asked me when we PRE-REGISTERED!!!! I was soo mad. I was IN LABOR!! HELLO!! Thankfully I had my mom and Brian there to calm me down and hold me back from exploding. he he. Finally they took me to the delivery room were it took me only on hour and a half to deliver him. They weren't expecting me to be ready so quickly. When I got there I was already 6-7 cm dialated. When the doctor came in he was going to check back with me in an hour to see if I would be ready to push. I asked him what that would feel like and he told me. I said I think I feel that way NOW! He checked and I had fully dialated and was ready to push him out. I have to confess I did buckle down and get the epideral at the last minute. I was so afraid that I would scream my head off and say not so nice things if I didn't. It didn't take the whole way cuz of the speed of delivery so I was able to feel the pain and pressure of pushing.

It was such an awesome and painful experience. I swear, when they took me up to the recovery room I had already forgotten about the pain. With Hannah, ah I didn't forget for a LONG time. But with him it was a distant memory. Well worth the effort. Funny huh?

Well, I need to go and feed the little guy. Brian and Hannah are out runny errands. God has just blessed us abundantly. I'll have to tell you how much I saw his faithfulness and love during this whole thing next time. It is amazing!

Just the Three of Us ~

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. What a day this will be. For most of us it will be filled with family, friends, comotion, food, food, food, games, (are there football games on?), and a time around the table to give thanks. For others it might be just a time of reflection, of peace from the normal everyday grind. Whatever it will turn out to be, it will be wonderful. There is so much to be thankful for. God is extremely faithful. I want to make sure that I remember Him today.

No baby yet. = ) I had false labor Monday and Tuesday, but by Weds. it all stopped. I have been feeling like I am only 6 months along again. I went to my doctor's appt. and found out that none of that work did anything to change my progress. I prayed 'please Lord let me have this baby before my parents get here so that they could be a part of this special time.' So I have to be honest it has been difficult not getting discouraged about it. I've tried walking up and down Cosco and my neighborhood, bouncing on my exercise ball, doing chores around the house, cooking a roast, playing with Hannah, eating spicy food. I don't think there is much more I can do at this point. lol. It's so silly how the last days are just up and down with emotions and anxiety and signs of possible labor.

I have a friend who has helped me focus on the positives of this Thanksgiving holiday that has been such a blessing for me because it is easy to slip into an oh poor me attitude right now. She said this might be a good time for us as a threesome to enjoy eachother for the last time before we become four. It's true. Hannah will get lots of attention from her grandparents, Brian and I might catch a movie for a last date night lol, I might be able to go out shopping with my mom and have hang time. Just have time to appreciate the little things and hide them in my heart when I will be up with Mr. boy in the middle of the night for the next six months or so. (See if I put it that way it doesn't seem like such a bad deal does it?) Plus, my mom is going to be making her turkey dinner for us. It will be heavenly.

Well, I hope that you have a wonderful long weekend with the ones you love and if you are feeling alone this Thanksgiving remember this could be a great time to spend with God and dwell on His love and comfort. There will always be seasons in our lives, but God is always in them all. We are never alone.

I'm Up, I'm Up, I'm Up!! ~

Okay it is 2:45am in the morning and I can't get to sleep. I went to bed at 9:00pm and now I'm up. Yesterday, I had another downer day. Talked to my dad about it and he suggested I read Phil chapter 4 and dwell on it this week. So here is what I am dwelling on thus far: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything present your requests to God and you will find peace through Christ Jesus."

This is a tough thing to do. I have been anxious about EVERYTHING lately. It's been about me quite a bit this week. So this verse is good for me right now. I have to remember that I can find peace and pure joy in Christ Jesus if I look for it in his word and in spending time with him. I love knowing we are not alone. That the God of the universe cares about every little detail of our lives and comforts us through his presence and promises.

I have my doctor's appt. today in the morning. I hope I've progressed more. I am wanting to stay home more. My stomach is so heavy and sore. Whenever I walk I ache alot. I've had a hard time not being able to pick up Hannah. She is my baby. However, I do find that when I do I pay for it with pain in my back. Oh well, like I said she is my baby. I can't help it.

I found a journal insert from April 2nd, 04' the night I started going into labor with Hannah. It was very insightful and encouraged me that I was at the end now. I was very exhausted and extremely hungry. lol. My contractions were getting very uncomfortable. I really, really hope he comes in a couple of days. I don't know how much longer I can carry him around and still be productive. He is a heavier baby than Hannah I am pretty sure about that.

Anyway, I think that is all for now. I might surf the web for a bit more and hopefully go back to sleep for pete sake.

I Am So Tired ~

Was it just me or were there others who had the case of the moodies? I knew today would be a long day because Brian works til 9:00p at night, but I was tired, bored, couldn't think straight. There were so many things I could have found myself doing, but didn't want to do any of them. My poor daughter must have been extremely bored. We do a lot of lounging and cuddling these days. = )

I had Brian come home for a couple of hours so I could take a nap. Hannah had a good one, but I couldn't go to sleep because of the acid reflux that was disturbing things. I feel like I am such a downer today.

Thankfully, I put Hannah down for bed (she is still awake talking to herself!?!) and now I think I will have that wonderful shower I have been hoping for all day. lol. I hate taking showers, but it's amazing how much better you feel afterwards. It's always a mind over matter thing for me. lol.

Okay, I've vented a bit, feel a little better. Thanks for listening. = )

Not as Big as I Thought ~

I had my doctor's check up and I was almost positive that I had gained 8 pounds since the last visit. Last night I felt like I was carrying a ball n' chain in my tummy! For sure, I MUST be 160 lbs. I stepped on the scale and I LOST a pound. OH BROTHER. I was 150 lbs. So I guess I have an "over-exaggerating" problem. lol.

Anyway, baby and mommy are healthy and still waiting for the big day. It is getting closer and closer. The evenings are the toughest for me. I am tired and achy. My lower back hurts most of the time, especially when I walk. I think to myself, 'how long will I be able to carry all of this weight before I go insane?' I know, when he comes I will be carrying the weight still, but my arms have been getting a great toning work-out with Hannah, however my stomach, well it was just getting over the last baby.

I had a "nesting" episode yesterday with Brian. I told him we had to rearrange the living room furniture, get the baby's room ready with the bassenet up, fold laundry, prepare the guest bed just in case, pack the suitcase, and make sure the kitchen is clean. We did it and now I feel good about things. The last thing on the list is put the carseat in the car. I know Brian will get this done soon or else he'll have to come back home and do it when I am in the hospital. He is really putting up with a lot. A lot of emotions and fatigue. Must be difficult for him. Thankfully it will almost be over and then on to the next faze of sleepless nights and ongoing crying. lol.

There really are joys that go a long with parenting. We took Hannah to ride the carasel at the park and then played in the playground together as a family. Brian brought the camera. It was cold in the 40's, but the sun was shining and we were all together. I loved it!

Well, time to go chill in bed, watch tv, read, go to sleep. = )

The Last Month ~

I am almost onto my 37th week of pregnancy. Two days ago I had some false labor contractions and prelabor symptoms. The contractions were crampy and I had three in an hour. I was kinda nervous. Was this the beginning? Nope. They let up. After calling the nurse and getting anxious I just decided to forget about the contractions until they start to get more frequent and more painful. It's not like I don't know what that feels like. But I have to say that this pregnancy has been different then Hannah's. Everything seemed to happen and progress much quicker. I don't remember having contractions til 2 weeks before she came. They weren't crampy or sore until I was in labor.

These warning signs, however, have really gotten me motivated to finish last minute things before he comes. I wrote a list of 10 things I wanted to have done before he was born. I showed them to Brian and asked him to help me. He is a sweetheart. And a task oriented person thank goodness.

One of my friends offered to take Hannah for a couple of hours today so that I could get some stuff done. It was great of her to just offer because knowing me I probably wouldn't have asked anyone. So I've decided to try to finish painting Hannah's room. I left the walls white, but started painting flowers and butterflies a while ago. I know exactly what I want to acomplish. She has a Winnie the Pooh and Piglet on her wall too. She needs a border and some finishing touches like a tree in the closet and a little more flowers and then I will be done. So I'm really looking forward to doing that.

I was thinking I would have Brian paint the boy's room a toupe color to make it a bit warmer and then excesserize (spelling, hmmm) with a choo, choo theme. I also told Brian I needed the upstairs to be painted so that we didn't need to deal with the fumes when baby came. Poor Brian so many projects in such little time. He is a good sport though. I thought the nesting thing only happened with the first baby, but not in my case.

Hannah is down for her nap so I thought I would write a little today. I am really on a day by day basis. The baby could come today or past the due date. It is just a mystery. I am soooooo hoping he'll come before my parents get here for Thanksgiving. Wouldn't that be great!!

I'll try to write again, but who knows maybe the next time will be with a newborn in my arms!!

Ok, I Gotta Say ~

That I can't promise to write as much anymore, like I want to. It is just getting too close to "D" day and my body is just wearing down. Last weekend I went to the hospital to be monitored cuz' I had some questionable pains in my abdomen I had never felt before. They started when I was making pizza in the kitchen. Then I laid down on the couch for a bit and when I wanted to get up it was all I could do to roll off the couch. I stayed on all fours for a couple minutes, not moving because I was in pain. It kinda scared me so I called Brian to come home and give me a break so I could rest and he wanted me to get some advice from the doctor. They said to come in.

Thankfully (I think, lol) I wasn't having contractions. I just pulled some ligaments due to stretching and pulling of the uterus. I was a little disappointed that my son wasn't planning to come sooner rather than on time, but I now know to call the doctor when the contractions are realling starting or my water breaks. So relax, relax I say. mmm...

Last night I couldn't keep from falling asleep at 8:00p and getting up at 7:00am, feeling like i could have gone another hour or two. I also had an hour/half nap in the day. Crazy huh? Tonight is the same. I completely wore out after dinner. My left hip is sore and achy, my heart feels like it is racing and I am on my way to go "night, night." All I can say is that my time is very limiting right now. Wierd.

Hannah is doing good. She is a wonderful, beautiful, unreasonable little toddler. I feel like I am a 24 hour a day teacher and guidance counselor. No wonder I am worn out by days end. She has been teething and also getting over a cold. She had her 18 month check up and she's doing fine. They told us all of the shots she would need to take. Some of the risks to them are kinda scary, like the flu shot having mercury corrolates to autism, Chickenpox vaccine has a slim chance of causing seizures and maybe even death??? Did we ever have to take a vaccine for chickenpox? I thought our parents wanted us to get it young so that we would be immune to it as adults. huh. Anyway, very interesting.

Well, til' next time. I'm off to bed.

"Naps" ~

My daughter has started attaching herself to her "naps" blankies and wants to take them everywhere. It is the cutest thing. She doesn't want to call them blankets only naps. I have finally given in and started calling them this and her regular naps "night night naps." It works for her.

I have lots of housework to do today before our study guests arrive. Those bathrooms, when will I find the time to clean those??? If you have any suggestions or advice with a toddler wanting to be whereever you are, please let me know.

I have started to feel very soar and some pressure already and I am only 7 months along. Is this normal? I am going to call the nurse again to get a second opinion. It's been going on for about a week now.

Well, have a good day. I think we will too. = )

Hurry, Hurry ~

Okay, Hannah is eating her snack right now so maybe I will have some time to write something before she comes over...AH she is right here!!!! Oh know. Just kidding.

I was soooo tired last night. I went to sleep at 9:00 and didn't get out of bed until 7:00am. 10 HOURS!!! Awesome!

Brian is off to work. I've saved my chores for today and tomorrow so I will have stuff to keep myself preoccupied. I am really believing that to be true. Let's see if I follow through and self motivate myself. = )

We are teaching a bible study tomorrow. I am really looking forward to it. There will be four young couples here at our house. We will be going through the "40 Days of Community" by Rick Warren. Should be fun. I love having people over and getting a chance to connect. It is so much fun for me.

Today looks like it will be nice. I think Hannah and I will run a couple of errands before the day is through. Maybe I will leave the stroller at home and let her walk. Nope. Not ready. Maybe I will leave the stroller at home and let her walk to the mailbox with me and back. Yep I think I can handle that adventure.

Well til next time.

Where does the time go! ~

Okay, I am working up to posting something everyday. = ) I am sitting here shopping online. Ebay, craigslist, amazon, the web, I need to go get some ice cream and chill my brain. Today I feel like we have tons of money to spend. However, deep down I know the truth, I'm just denying it right now. I've also been into garage saling. I've found some fun toys for Hannah that were cheep, cheep, cheep. That is the best.

Hannah and I went for a drive to pick up a used double stroller. It was such a nice day to get out. It is in good condition and for $50.00 how could you go wrong?

Baby is kicking now. This is his time when he pretends he is able to run and jump and kick already. Should I really give him ice cream right now? hmmm... But it sounds sooo good with fudge toping. You know what I am going to choose to do right? he he.

No Topic ~

There has been so much to write about that I've just felt overwhelmed by it all. When the evening comes around I am pretty run down and so to write what's on my mind (which is always a lot lol ) looks like a daunting task. So my goal is to each day write a little summary of what went on and call it a day. = )

I am only two months away from having this baby. It's crazy. He is now starting to become a part of my life. Before I knew he was inside me, growing, but I just went on like everything was still the same as usual. Now I am 20 pounds over weight, waking up three times a night, hot as can be. He does summersults in my tummy whenever I am resting lol, I can't see my toes, when I bend down I stay down usually to get some momentum to get back up. lol. It feels like it is coming to the end now. I am excited I think and believe it or not a bit scared. You would think I would be ready to face the pain and work of labor, but I'm not. I can't believe I am putting myself through this again. It is becoming a reality more and more.

We are thinking of getting his room started soon. Have a choo choo theme picked out. It will be cute. We have already received so many awesome clothes for our little guy, I think he's all set to go. So happy about that! We are very blessed to be apart of such a great "family" of friends at our church. So blessed.

Hannah is growing and growing. I love to listen to her talk. Brian showed her how to jump the other day so she practices a lot and can now jump a half an inch in the air. She feels so proud. She has taken yogurt and rubbed it in as sunscreen lotion on her hands, arms and face. = ) She loves to read anything with writing on it in her own language. I wouldn't be surprised if she becomes a public speaker on day. We play nose kisses and just make up our own fun most of the time. I am really starting to enjoy being around her. When I let go of stress and anxiety of being the best mom and let the day play out we both relax and just have fun. On the other side of things we are dealing with hitting when mad or frusterated, screeming, and grabbing things out of our hands without saying please oh and standing up on things. Time outs have become a reality. I still can't tell if they are working, but I'm sticking to them.

Brian is doing well. Caught a cold last week and it is still lingering a bit. He rarely gets colds. He is getting excited about doing little projects around the house. He is very handy and gifted. I can't wait to see what he does. We are wanting to really focus on our family time together. I'm glad. We always enjoy being together (for the most part lol )

Well, I could go on and on and on, but I must stop. Goodnight.

I'm Back!

Hey it's been awhile. = ) I heard that there are actually people out there who are reading this. How exciting! I do apologize for taking some time off. I got lazy there and wanted to watch tv, browse the web, or sleep with the little time to myself that I've had. It finally clicked a couple of days ago that I was really wasting away my time. I don't know about you, but I get in these moods where I boycout things that I love to do, but take to much effort. How dumb.

Anyways, enough about me. Hannah has just been growing and maturing right before my very eyes. She graduated today to the 18 to 2 1/2 year old room from being in the nursery. She was a little, big girl now. I almost cried. lol. She was playing with a play kitchen and crib with baby dolls, having the greatest time. I went in to check on her, but she really didn't need me. She was having fun with her friends. lol. During one of our breakfasts last week she did the most adorable thing ever! I was feeding her yogurt and she thought it looked like sunscreen lotion so she put some on her hands, arms and face and rubbed it in so delicately. It was the cutest! How could I tell her that we eat yogurt not nurture our skin with it. = )

Tonight before bedtime I was getting ready to put her jammies on and she took my arms to get my attention, looked me in the eyes and gave me a kiss. I totally melted. Usually I ask for one and either she says "no" or she'll give me a quick one. The joys of being a mother, eh?

What words is she coming up with now? So many. She has over 50 words in her vocabulary now. Let's see: horse, all gone, open, she says "bye, bye brush" when she's done brushing her teeth, she says, "bye, bye" to her specific toys or things that she is leaving, shoes, Austi for our dog Austin, apple, orange, beep for grape, nana for banana, bark for fork, spoo for spoon, bow for bowl, dance for music and dancing, cars, trucks, plane, rain, ish for fish, crackers, aisens for raisens, crayons, gaw for draw, pen, yes, elp for help, mommy, daddy, night-night, nap for her blanket. She is also starting to put words together to tell us what she wants like: Austi, go, ball, down, for "Can we go play ball with Austin downstairs?" (I'm using this space to document all these things. Sorry if it is boring. = ) )

Hannah's personality and character is just coming out so much these days. She is definitely a joy to be with.

The other little one in my tummy is kicking most of the time. He rolls and jerks my stomach way more than Hannah ever did. I am already starting to feel the braxton hicks. Everything seems to be happening much earlier than I remembered it. I am due November 27th. I'm hoping he'll come early so my parents will be in town. I registered at the Baby Depot the other day cuz' a friend suggested it. Oh my gosh I didn't realize I hadn't even thought about a theme for his room. So I had so much fun looking at all of the bedding. TOO CUTE~

Hmmm...what else. Well we are pretty busy this month. The summer flew by and now it is on to fall. Amazing. I am actually looking forward to cooler weather. I was beginning to think I would melt away in those 90 degree days we had.

So onto another week. I'll write again sooner rather than later. Too many fun things to talk about these days. Goodnight~

We're Off ~

We are getting ready to go camping tomorrow, just the three of us and the dog. It is a much needed break to get away with just the family. We will be staying on the lake. I bought a so called maternity swim suit or should I say a large two piece. = ) I am so exited. I really want to swim and be in the water with Hannah.

I am enjoying the pregnancy right now. Baby is kicking a lot and I have a hearty appetite, mmmm......... I love this stage. I also don't have to sleep as much so I feel more productive.

Next week we'll be getting ready to go up to see my parents for a couple of weeks. Now I am excited about summer! Summer is suppose to be all about vacations, right?

Well, hope you are enjoying yours. = )

Peaches ~

Yum, peaches~ I am eating sliced peaches with ice cream..um...I mean I just ate peaches with ice cream. lol. They went by quick. This pregnancy I've been craving fruit, lots and lots of fruit. Peaches are on the top of the list. I used to be a veggie gal. I have changed my ways. = )

Summer is here and is beautiful. Brian, Hannah and I went to a nice park, played in the water and with tons of rocks. It was so nice to be together. Sometimes it is really easy for us to be focused on work, daily routines, etc that we forget to have fun.

The baby is kicking more and more. I am getting more and more fat! It feels like that anyway. I look cute in some clothes, but in others I look like a whale with a tiny head. lol. I tried telling Hannah about her baby ________ and pointed to my belly then she pointed to her belly to say that __ was in there. It was cute.

She has been very loving and needing my affection lately. She is starting to put two words together. Not a lot. Like "bye bye wa, wa" or "dada go" I find the more quality time I give her, the less screaming she voices. Go figure. I definitely have lost some MORE screws up top. I'm not at the place, though, where I am identifying with the blond jokes yet. Thank goodness.

I know it has been 10 days since I last wrote. I find it hard to write with dial-up as well as always needing to catch up on my sleep. My free time is very limited. It is split up between my husband, my daughter and now another baby. When I do find those times for myself I try to drink it all in.

Well, til next time. I hope everyone is having a good summer. Hey a note, I found out that taking a cold shower and sleeping infront of a fan does wonders to cool a pregrant person down in 90 degree weather. Just thought I would let you know. = )

Sunday ~

Well another week has gone by. Quite a few things have happened this past week that have made my emotions feel like they've been on a rollercoaster ride. Weird...

We celebrated the Fourth of July at a wonderful friend's home. They invited us to be apart of their family and made us feel very welcome. They had a panoramic view of the valley. We watched 3 to 4 different firework presentations. It was relaxing and beautiful.

Then to hear about the London bombings a couple of days later was such a contrast. My heart went from content and peaceful to perplexed and heavy. Another terrible act of hatred was displayed.

From there our little family went to the doctor's office for my checkup and ultrasound. Guess what we found out??? lol.

When we got back home my brother called from his cell asking what our exit was because they were on their way to visit. I was excited, but also wasn't ready since I thought they would show up at mid-night or the next day. They didn't care and I was able to clean up the place before too long. My nephews were the cutest. Hannah liked the company, however let them know when they were crossing her boundaries. That was funny. They stayed the night and the next day we went to the park and to lunch. After they had said their goodbyes I was so sad to see them go. There just isn't anything like family. I don't know what it is, but a deep connection and hopefully a trust that has been built over the years makes it uniquely special.

Brian and I then finished the first season of "24." I had to stay up past my bedtime to watch it. That show really pulls you in. It's amazing.

Lastly, today was church. After all of the highs and lows of this past week I found myself coming back to my constant relationship with God. No matter what happens around me or to me he never changes. His promises never change. I can count on his peace, love, and faithfulness. He has proven himself over and over again through so many things. This week I asked for peace and my heart felt peace. I asked for His comfort and my heart felt comforted. I asked for his faithfulness and he proved himself faithful. Hey, I am no saint. I forget this often and find myself farther away from him then I'd like. That is why this hit me so hard. I realized my relationship with Him was the number one most important thing in my life. I can always run to Him and give all of my emotions to him and feel peace. It was so nice to remember this today. = )

July 2nd ~

Today was my birthday. = ) Another day older, more mature and more adult. However, all of that faded into the background when my husband and I went to the city and had a date night. It was like we were newly married again and on another little adventure, discovering new things as a couple in love. We did talk about the kids, but they weren't the focus. The focus was us. I think it was a good reminder of how much we loved eachother and enjoyed eachother's company. Hannah was safe and well taken care of. I didn't need to worry at all. I really felt special today. So to be 28 is really not so bad when you spend it with the people you love who love and care about you, who know how to make you feel like you are important and cherished.

I Get Lost In The Wind ~

The steady breeze is blowing through the windows escaping down the hallway. When I feel the touch of the wind I get caught in a trance. Does that ever happen to you? It reminds me to stop and breathe. It speaks calmness into my soul and for a moment I feel like this day is going to be manageable. It whispers all of the positives that have happened during the day, reminding me to look up and get out of the slump I'm in. You can probably tell I am pretty meloncholy at times. = ) I'm telling you I find that when I am pregnant my moods exaggerate. I'm either so high on life or I'm blue and can find a million things why. This blog is not ment to be a downer. I promise there have been some wonderful times this past week that I will share. It's just I love having a place to lay my thoughts down. I need a place to be honest and real; a place to be me. Thank you.

Being at home full time has had it's ups and downs. For the most part I wouldn't change a thing. However, there are times when I feel like I am the lead character on "Groundhog Day." That is such a disturbing movie for me. Brian loves that movie. It's one of his faves. For me it makes me cringe because to do the same things over and over again is torcherous. I try to live freely with Hannah doing different things during the day, planning it as it comes. But for the most part we are managed by her sleep and eating schedules. She is such a happier baby when she goes to sleep at regular intervals throughout the day and I am much more sane, but also much more bored. I either sleep when she sleeps or try to figure out what I could do for me that would be fun.

I got hooked on the first season of 24 when Brian rented it out. I feel for any of you who had to watch only one episode at a time waiting what might have seemed an eternity til the next one. My heart is with you. We have been staying up watching like 3 or 4 episodes a night. It's a soap opera in a way, but much more intense. = ) So this has been a fun way to escape from the regular routine. I also decided to focus on the backyard, prunning and weeding. I have to be careful with my pregnancy and allergies, but Hannah plays in her playpen and I am one with nature. I'm also trying slowly to get back on the piano. I know I need to do it. I love it when I start, but it is such a struggle to get on that bench. I'm such a perfectionist and when I make too many mistakes for my liking I quit and don't want to try again. Silly huh?

We've spent some great evenings together as a family lately. Brian adores Hannah. He chases her around the house and she tries to get to "mama" because she knows "mama" will keep her safe. lol. She loves to scream for attention more and more. The books say to ignore it til this faze ends or whisper back so she can see your mouth move, but can't hear what you are saying or say 'use your inside voice' and deter her attention to something else. We're trying. Her new words are: "on", "out", "bye bye", "ovv" for off, and "bubba" for bubble, and "baba" for baby. It has been so fun to talk to her. That's our biggest thing I guess.

So the wind has subsided and I must get ready for bed. = ) I want to spend some much needed quite time with the Lord. So goodnight.

One more thing as a side note to my Aunty Mel. Please send me your email address. I would love to write back to you more. Love ya!

Hmmm...A Title ~

I could put down allergies or exhaustion again for my title, but I will spare you. lol.

Hannah and I did go to a park with some other moms for the morning. We had a nice time. The weather was suppose to be very warm, however when we got to the park the wind chill factor was like 40 degrees. = ) It was nice and sunny there. I was able to connect with some friends I haven't seen in a while.

I think Hannah is probably too young yet to really appreciate the park. She liked the swing for 5 mins and then wanted up. She slid down the slide a couple of times, but I didn't really see any excitement in her facial expression. She did, however enjoy eating the bark off the ground. She thought that was pretty funny since I kept on throwing them away and saying, 'Yuk Hannah.' What ever happened to sand? I just haven't found a sandbox she can play in yet.

I'm telling you that little outing to the park wore me out. I slept for two hours with Hannah and still had to sit on the couch like a zombie till Brian got home. He has encouraged me that I was the same way with Hannah. That makes me feel a little more normal. I've felt the baby kick a bit the past couple of days. I go in to find out what it is July 8th. We'll see. We don't really care either way. We're pretty casual about the whole thing.

Till next time. It is almost my bedtime. lol.

Costco ~

I had a nightmarish thing that happened to me at Costco the other day I thought I would share. Hannah and I had been in the house for about two straight days so I wanted to bring her along with me to Costco to give her another perspective on life. We got there, found my card, strapped her in, had my grocery list, and started loading up the cart. I was very proud of myself because I didn't stop to browse or pick up things I wanted that weren't on the list. It was a quick trip and got everything we needed. Hannah was a dream baby, just looking at everyone and everything, drinking it all in.

When we got to the register the cashier found something wrong with my card and had a gal go check it out. Hannah was on the other side of the register in the cart which made me a little nervous. The gal took about 10 mins to get back. She said that my card had expired and that I needed to get a new one before they could ring me up. I asked how this could be that I was using it for 9 months and it was fine. She said that our old church discontinued our membership the 28th of last month. I was frusterated because there was a line of people right behind us, Hannah wasn't in my arms, I did not get a notice in the mail about the change. The gal said to go to the membership area and ask if our new church has signed us up yet. I said why would they do that if our old card was working for months?

In my frusteration I took Hannah, they put my cart to the side and went to see the gal at membership. They looked up our info and found nothing. Hannah decided then to jerk and want down. I out of my embarrassment and frusteration shook her a little to get her attention to stop. I felt like one of those moms that you see in store making a scene with her child. I then started to cry, not knowing what to do. I had our dinner in the cart.

I went back to the register, told the girl they couldn't find anything. I said I don't understand how Costco could not have any flexibility with customer's that have been faithful for years? All she could say was sorry. I asked her if I could speak to a manager. I thought I would need to call later when I got back home, but she found one right away. I sat at the tables with Hannah in my arms with tears streaming down my face. I asked him how Costco couldn't look at these situations case by case. That our card has worked for four years. That when you go to Costco you more then likely fill your cart to the rim. And how embarrassing it is to get to the register at be told you can't buy anything you had just because of a exp. that happened days ago. I couldn't believe how much I was crying. He asked me how I was going to pay for it, I told him with cash. So he overrided the system for me and let me get through this one time. I was so thankful and so embarrassed. I was not out to get Costco in anyway and this whole episode took about 20 mins.

The reason why I am telling you all of this it to maybe offer some advice, some encouragement. I learned to always talk to the manager before you take no for an answer. Also, even though I love my little daughter I learned I will not take her on those kinds of outings again. = )

I need to get going, but I am hoping to write again tonight. Hope you all have a wonderful summer's day.