Overheard at the Osborn's

Speaking of babies growing up...

2010-09-07T10:51:00.000-05:00

This is video of my 4 month, two day old baby starting to scoot. Since then Leah's gotten even better at it! We are all baffled! Looks like we'll be baby profing sooner than we thought..

I know I continue to be negligent when it comes to my blog. I've just found that moments where I've got time to kill on the computer are few and far between these days...some day I'll get back into it. In the meantime, the best I can do it update pictures on Picasa. I've just put all our Spring and Summer up there if you want to go take a look!

My first born's big day...

2010-09-07T10:44:00.001-05:00

Today there is a large void in my life caused by my first born's absence in the home. She started preschool today. She was so excited. I was so excited/nervous! She has been talking about it for months, and today her first day of school finally arrived. Last night Kevin gave her a Father's blessing and gave her a brand new Princess Backpack. We went down her "to bring" list and checked off each item before Claire packed it in her bag. Kevin and I climbed into bed with her and read her The Kissing Hand, about a raccoon's first day of school.

This morning we enjoyed breakfast as a family and discussed "What should you do if..." scenarios, hoping we'd instilled everything she needs to know before sending her out into the world. Everything from reaching out to those who may feel left out, to sharing, to washing her hands after she goes potty, to not tattling...there's so much to rememeber!!!

Afterwards we scrambled around the house like maniacs trying to get the hang of our new routine. Leah bawled because she wasn't getting her usual morning nap in, and my plans to give Claire braided pigtails, per her request, were quickly dashed because we were too rushed. I didn't even get a shower. Clearly, we'll have to make some adaptations to our plan tomorrow morning.

We made it to school on time though, and I dropped her off with her other classmates. She walked right into the school without even looking back. She immediately got in line with the other kids and it was ME who had to call her back so that I could get a hug. Needless to say, I think she's ready and I think she'll do great! My baby's growing up!!!

(Claire greeting her teacher.)

MIA

2010-08-02T22:46:00.000-05:00

I know we've been MIA (Missing in Action) lately. We're still kind of in "survival mode" over here at the Osborn home. Life is good, just a little crazy... A friend of mine refers to it as "frenzied monotany"...so it sometimes seems like the same thing each day and yet the craziness doesn't seem to let up.

Leah will be three months tomorrow! She's not as difficult as she was the first couple weeks, but still just a tough baby. She still hates the vibrating seat and the swing. Refuses to take a bottle or pacifier and we've tried every trick and bottle in the book! No date nights for us for a while! She still loathes the car, but will sometimes stay silent for a few minutes while she stares at her toys. She is a real handful! We love her, but she likes to make sure we all know she's in charge! In more positive news, she rolls over, smiles, bats at toys, and coos and talks up a storm. She loves baths and showers, outside, and being in the baby carrier.

Claire's three and half now. And starting preschool in about a month. Yikes! She makes a fantastic big sister. She is so patient and affectionate. One of the advantages to their spacing is that Claire can be so mature. When she needs some TLC she can articulate, "Mom, I need some attention." or "Mom, can you read me a book without holding Leah?" Some might think that sounds selfish, but I love that she's "using her words" instead of acting out and trying to get negative attention. She's getting so big and cracks us up daily.

There's so much catching up to do, but I value my sleep too much to do it right now. So, I've posted my summer pictures on Picasa and you're welcome to go take a peek. Otherwise, here are just a couple pictures and I'll try and blog again the next time I have some down time...HA! Whatever that is!

Overheard at the Osborn's

2010-06-24T15:53:00.000-05:00

It's been a while! I'm sure you've been missing some Claire-isms, so here you go...

"Ali (that's my brother's g/f), will you teach me how to Hoop-a-Loop?"--that's her version of Hoola-Hoop.

"I'm a smart cookie. Leah's a tough cookie."--Claire describing her sister and her colicky behavior.

Me: What's Grandpa's real name?
Claire: James Gandagraf--her version of Van De Graaff
Me: What's his middle name?
Claire: Grandpa!

While at church we were singing the song, "Families Can be Together Forever" with the congragation. Claire turned to her uncle and corrected, "Except for when Daddy goes to work."

Claire: You're the nicest mommy in the whole world!
Me: Aw, thank you!
Claire: Except sometimes you're mean and then you're the meanest mom in the whole world.

Me: Uh-oh, looks like you gave Leah your cold.
Claire: (Touching her nose and feeling that it was still running.) I still have my cold so how did I give it to her?

I bent over to help Claire get dressed and as I stood up I inadvertantly transferred one of the bobby pins from my hair to hers. "Hey, how did that happen!?" I laughed. "My hair pick-pocketed you!" explained Claire. (My dad recently introduced her to the musical, Oliver.)

We were running late to church...as usual...and trying to get everyone in the car. In my hurry to get her buckeled I accidently knocked over Claire's drink onto myself and let a bad word slip. "S***!" I exclaimed, immediately throwing my hand to mouth feeling guilty for swearing in front of the wee one. (What? You don't yell profanities on your way to church? Gotta make sure I've got something to repent for...) Anyway, I climbed in the car and we sped off, moments later missing a light, and which point I muttered, "Suck it." This time, however, Claire threw her hand to her forehead and repeated, "Suck it!" I cringed, and apologized to Kevin, but pointed out, "At least it wasn't the other word!" He laughed, shrugged, and said, "Eh, you win some, you lose some." Sometimes i think it'll be a miracle if our kids turn out with us as parents!

Look what I got for my birthday!!!

2010-06-08T21:25:00.000-05:00

So yesterday I turned 26. It was a great day, spent with people I love, and Leah's colicky/reflux even seemed to take a day off for the most part. And while this wasn't her first smile, it was the first one caught on camera. I couldn't ask for a better gift!

And apologies are in order, because I must have come across as the most whiny ingrate with my last post. I want to set the record straight...I love our "Leah Love". Particularly after what we went through to have her, I want to make sure I scream from the rooftops that we love her, we're so glad she's here, we wouldn't trade her for anything.

And I should also mention...Claire's been incredible--there's been no jealousy, no resentment, no outbursts, no regression, no behavior problems...she adores her little sister and she's the biggest help. That aspect couldn't have gone smoother. In fact, if I could be guaranteed that we wouldn't have fertility trouble in the future, I'd probably PLAN that 3 year spacing in the future...since we don't know though, we're (kind of crazily) not going to do anything to prevent more babies from here on out...but that's a post for another day...

I will admit, going from one to two was harder than I anticipated. I will admit that her upset tummy and resulting reflux and irritability/discomfort has made her kind of a hard baby. At least much harder than Claire (our first pancake on the griddle, as our friends call their first). And so that's made for a bit of a bumpy transition, and maybe not even the instantaneous bonding that I expected and had with Claire. But she's wedged her way into our hearts now and we just love her, and expect that love to only grow from here on out. So please accept my penitence for coming off ungrateful.

Love you Leah Love, and love those smiles--keep 'em coming!

What do you do...

2010-06-05T08:38:00.002-05:00

What do you do when you suddenly have two kids, one who's three and half and for the most part self-sufficient, easily entertained, and delightful...the other who's one month old and refuses to take a bottle or pacifier, refuses to go in the swing or vibrating seat, refuses to sleep anywhere besides right next to you in bed or being held, screams like it's the end of the world whenever she's in her car seat, and bawls for large portions of the day because of an upset tummy and reflux???

I could tell you, but instead I'll just show you...

You make your three year old feel loved by painting her nails.

You take mildly blurry pictures of your wee one wearing cute outfits from her Momo.

You throw crackers, large pieces of sandwich meat and cheese and a plastic knife on a plate and call it "lunch" for your three year old.

You stare at your baby and think how crazy it is that she looks so much like your husband.

You purchase bizarre things off infomercials and spend delightful afternoons trying them out. (Your wait is over--s'mores in the microwave--buy now get a second one free!!!)

You set up a tent in your toddler's room so that naps become more exciting...and then nap when she and the baby nap...and no, the baby doesn't sleep in there with her.

You let daddy take on A LOT of additional responsibilities including dishes, laundry, bedtime routines, and art projects with his three year old.

You try and enjoy the moments when your baby's not screaming her head off...which are few and far between.

You delight when cousins come to town and provide your three year old with some much needed fun and attention.

You figure out what kinds of activities you can do with your three year old while sitting on the couch nursing, including giving and receiving exciting hair-do's, reading a lot, playing computer games, watching you-tube videos, looking up jokes a toddler can understand, watching tv, and perhaps best of all watching your toddler give performances on the fireplace mantle--her make-shift stage.

What you don't do???

You don't go many places since your baby freaks out every time she's in the car seat.

You don't cook too many fancy meals.

You don't unpack your hospital suitcase from a month ago.

You don't do laundry or dishes or bathrooms.

You don't finish planting the garden you started.

You don't shower before 11 most days.

You don't do anything but throw your hair in a pony tail most days.

You don't get around to all the "thank you notes" you've been meaning to write.

You don't sleep in a bed with just your husband anymore.

You don't get more than a three hour block of sleep at night.

You don't call back all the people that leave you messages.

And, you certainly don't blog.

But, for the most part, you don't mind either.

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”

(Ecclesiastes 3:1)

Need a good laugh?

2010-05-20T07:58:00.000-05:00

Nobody quite mentioned how tough going from one to two kids would be...still figuring out this juggling act, and reminding myself (daily!) that people all over the world have more than one kid and survive.

So when my brother-in-law Brandon sent me this link, I got a much needed laugh amidst the chaos that is the Osborn home. I thought this was HILARIOUS! Thanks Brandon!

SWAGGER WAGON

Isn't She Yummy?

2010-05-10T13:49:00.000-05:00

The arrival of Leah Grace Osborn...

2010-05-10T13:38:00.002-05:00

I really did try and edit this down, but I just can't seem to say it all succinctly. So, feel free to read, but know that there's probably way more than you ever wanted to know about Leah's birth...

On Saturday night my doctor called me with some blood work results and to check on how I was feeling. I told her I was in better spirits than the day before, but she still tried to talk me into at least scheduling an induction. She told me I could always cancel it, but that at least it would be on the schedule. I gave her my permission, but told her I'd need to talk to my husband about it (and I really wanted to pray about the decision). I know inductions are common practice, and often nothing to worry about, but I also didn't want to get one just because I was "tired of being pregnant". My doctor thought my being dilated to 3 1/2 with a very ripe cervix would mean that all I needed was a "kick start" and then I could still proceed with things naturally. It was tempting, but I still had apprehensions. And, at the back of my mind I kept thinking, "But, what if I go into labor before then?"

On Sunday I went to church, cranky, modeling my newly acquired cankles, wearing flip-flops since I couldn't fit into any heels, and dealing with everyone's obnoxious comments, "You're still here!?" "When's that baby coming out?" That night we called Kevin's mom and asked her to come out on Monday night so that she'd either be there for the induction or to just help keep us busy until the baby arrived--depending on what we decided. I had another appointment scheduled for Monday morning, at which point we'd see how I was doing, and make a final decision on the induction. Monday actually became a busy day for me, a Dr.'s appointment, a lunch date, I was going to go buy a breast pump, and pick up my mother-in-law from the airport--it was kind of nice to have lots of plans to keep my mind off things. But, this baby had some plans of her own!

On Sunday night I began feeling kind of feverish and nauseous, and I began experiencing some slight contractions--but nothing regular or too painful, and since I'd been contracting on and off for weeks, it was nothing to get my hopes up over.

That night we busied ourselves around the house. A bit more tidying up, packing some of our last things, and getting the house in order. All the while I was contracting, but I still wasn't convinced it was the real deal. I had Kevin--achem--bookend the pregnancy (if you don't catch my drift, I'll tell you when you're older), since that's supposed to help things move along, and then went to bed hoping that night might be "The Night." I began waking up about every hour to a contraction. I'd get up to use the bathroom and then fall back asleep until the next contraction. It was strange because the pains became a part of my dream, and I remember describing to someone in the dream that these were what the contractions felt like last time. So my subconscious new I was in labor before I did! Around 3 in the morning the contractions were about 7 minutes apart and I was too distracted timing them to sleep anymore. I was also finally convinced that I was in labor. So I got up, and for some reason had one last spurt of nesting. I did the dishes, scrubbed out my kitchen sink, sanitized all my counters, sent off a few e-mails canceling some plans I'd made, shaved my legs, and cleaned the tub, did my hair and make-up…it was all sort of surreal. Around 4 a.m. Kevin woke up and asked if I was okay. I told him I was in labor but to go back to bed. I think he tried to sleep for about a half hour longer, but finally awoke because he was too excited to sleep anymore. He asked me how far apart the contractions were and I sheepishly told him, "About three minutes." I think that response caught him off guard. “When were you going to wake me up!?” I just figured I’d try and get as much done as I could before waking him up.

He hopped into the shower, and then called his mom around 4:45, who was miraculously able to make the first flight out. Then I called the on-call doctor, gave him a run down, “I’m 3 days past my due date, expecting my second child, experiencing contractions about 3-5 minutes apart, and positive for Group B Strep.” He told me it was time to go to the hospital! I still kind of took my time getting out the door. I called my parents around 5:15 who came over shortly thereafter. (As Kevin ran around the house, far more frantic than I was, he grabbed the video camera and kept walking outside because he wanted to tape my parents arriving. When I laughed at him, all he could do was smile and tell me how excited he was. It was so cute.) I had a bowl of cereal—pausing here and there to breathe through a contraction; the contractions were all still very manageable at this point. I think the way I was handling them gave me the last boost of confidence I needed to prove to myself that I really could have this baby naturally. I also hopped into bed with Claire for some snuggles—I didn’t wake her or anything, but I just needed to hug her one last time with her being my only baby. My parents arrived and I got a blessing from my dad and Kevin. Then my dad stayed behind with Claire, Kevin and I hit the road, and my mom followed in a car behind us.

On the way there I continued to contract although they were more like 4-6 minutes apart. Kevin drove like a mad man, and I accused him of wanting to get pulled over so that he’d finally have an excuse for his speeding. He almost missed our exit and had to cut across 4 lanes of traffic, and blew one stop sign on the way. When we did arrive he assured me knew where he was going and so we walked into the wrong part of the hospital and had to be escorted to the proper wing…we had a shaky start, but at 6:15 we were calmly and excitedly checking in to the hospital.

After four disastrous attempts at getting an IV in me, they finally got me hooked up and I began to receive the first dose of antibiotics (because of the Group B). They wanted me to have at least two doses before delivering, which takes four hours. They called my doctor who said she’d arrive after they’d begun administering the second dose of antibiotics. The plan was to make sure I’d received the needed medications and then she’d come, check me, break my water, and deliver when I was ready. (Didn’t quite work out that way…but I’ll get to that.)

They got me a nurse who was experienced with natural deliveries and who could provide me with individualized care instead of splitting her time with multiple patients. She checked me and I was at about a 5. I was happy to have at least made some progress. They hooked me up to the telemetric heart monitors (the kind you wear but can walk around with), since continuous fetal heart monitoring are required at my hospital. I was given the option of roaming the halls, but I felt more comfortable contracting and moving in my own room. My mom had arrived shortly after us and snuck me a few bites of food. Last time I wasn’t allowed to eat or drink anything, but this time I was determined not to go hungry. I got my music going and began trying a few positions to see which helped me through the contractions. At first it was just holding onto Kevin and doing figure eights. We tried a few others—some were horrible, but the one we finally discovered to be the best was with the birthing ball on the bed, and me kneeling on the bed leaning onto the ball. Not sure if you can picture that or not… As a contraction would come, I’d kind of sway on the ball, completely letting it carry my weight, as Kevin or my mom held a hot pad on my lowed back and applied counter pressure.

I had prepared a stack of post-its with positive affirmations, quotes, tips, scriptures…everything from, to “Relax your jaw.” to “Breathe.” to “Keep praying!” to “Keep peeing!” As contractions came, I could read or recall one of these notes and it helped me stay focused through the contraction. Actually that last one, proved to be one of the most helpful. In between almost very single contraction I would go sit on the toilet, pee, and just relax and release. It was nice because it meant I could really open up, and let loose during a contraction, without worrying about any other body functions. Sounds weird, I know, but it worked great for me. Anyway, I continued to manage the contractions well. I felt very relaxed and in control.

I began to wonder if I was making any more progress, but the nurse said she wouldn’t need to check me again until it was time to give me the second dose of antibiotics. I thought that was kind of a strange way to do things, but my mom consoled me by saying, “It would be disappointing to be doing all this work, only to find out you haven’t progressed much. Maybe it’s for the better.”

Around 9 a.m. Kevin went to the bathroom and I had a contraction with just my mom that left me in tears. “This one’s different,” I cried. A very brief time later I had another one just as painful, and very low in my back. “The contractions are getting ahead of me.” I cried again. I just wasn’t staying on top of them the way I had before, and they were leaving me breathless, and unable to relax. I began to worry that I wasn’t cut out for the natural thing after all. It had only been a short time since I’d been dilated to 5 cm, and I thought I had hours to go, so I began to question my ability to really do this. The nurse ran in and tried to help me through another bad contraction, and then decided to check me after all. “You’re an 8-9,” she reported, clearly surprised. So was I for that matter! She ran to call my doctor, ran back in and began preparing the room for the birth. At 9:16 another nurse ran in and tried to quietly tell my nurse, “The doctor’s not going to make it in time.” “What does that mean?” I asked! She stayed very calm and said, “It means the on-call doctor’s going to deliver this baby, and that you can have the baby whenever you feel the need to push.” Only, I already felt the need to push. So they ended up grabbing a resident from the hallway, her coat still on and everything, and she ran in.

The pain and pressure got pretty intense at that point. It was more than I felt like I could handle, but I had been counting on that moment where I thought I couldn’t do it anymore, but it was too late to turn back, and the only way to get through this was to get that baby out. So it happened just as I expected! Next, came a bit of animalistic screaming (or so says Kevin), and me yelling, “Ow!” and “I can’t!” Apparently I also prayed out loud for help, covered my mouth when I was about to let a naughty word escape, yelled at the two nurses for telling me to do contradictory things, and yelled at the nurse when she told me to hold my own legs…all that seems like a lot, but it actually happened very quickly and after about three pushes came the babies head, and then came the best feeling in the world, the rest of the baby’s body slipping out.

At 9:24 a.m. Leah Grace Osborn entered the world and joined our little family! The doctor arrived about 15 minutes later, my mother-in-law arrived about a half hour later, Claire arrived shortly after that so she could meet her new sister, and then I was taken to my room. As I was wheeled to my room, carrying my sweet new baby, I couldn’t believe she was finally here and that things had all happened so quickly. (Not having had time to get the second round of antibiotics meant that we had to stay the full 2 days in the hospital and that Leah needed some blood work and slight monitoring...wasn't too big of a deal.)

I can hardly describe how much faster the recovery has been having had a drug free, epidural free, episiotomy free, tear free, forceps free delivery. The delivery was so quick, the recovery was so quick, nursing happened so naturally afterwards, and sweet Leah was wide awake and alert for most of the day. I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. I will without question have all of the rest of my children naturally, and I assure you, if I can do it, you can do it! My pain tolerance is nothing to brag about—just ask the people who’ve had to deal with me as I spent the week engorged as my milk came in. I might even continue to encourage people to get the epidural the first time, but there is just nothing like birthing naturally--it was incredible.

You may have questions...I may have left parts out...but that about sums up everything. Shoot me an e-mail or comment if you want me to talk about other things. Next post will be life after Leah's arrival, how Claire's adjusting, and how mom's surviving two kiddos. Stay tuned...I'm off to nap...

She's here!

2010-05-08T10:06:00.000-05:00

If you follow Kevin or me on Facebook, then you know our bundle of joy has arrived. She came last Monday, May 3rd at 9:24 a.m. She was a tiny 7.1 lbs and 19 inches long. She looks just like Claire! We are in heaven. My next post will be my birth story, but for historical accuracy, I need to include the following:

Last Friday, on my due date, when I went in for my doctor’s appointment and heard I was still dilated to a 3 ½ cm (after nearly three weeks), I was so disappointed. I got home and wrote the following, but never ended up posting it. BUT, for documentation’s sake, here’s what I’d written…

"Me in a nutshell...a large nutshell..."

So. My due date has come and gone.

I've all but stopped contracting. Anytime they do start up again they just last for a few hours and then come to a screeching halt.

I'm rapidly approaching circus sideshow territory on account of my water retention.

And because I'm so determined to have this baby naturally (someone remind me why again!) when my doctor offered to induce me yesterday, I actually said no. Hold on a second while I adjust my halo.

It was so hard to decline being induced. Dr. V checked me and saw that I hadn't progressed at all. That was most unfortunate news to hear. But I tearfully explained how I'd prefer to keep waiting. I've got my reasons why I said no--it doesn't really jive with the whole natural thing, increases the risk of c-section by as much as 50%, and it was Kevin and my 5 year anniversary so it seemed silly to pick that date as your kid's birthday. More so than anything it just seemed kind of impatient of me to try and rush things instead of listening to my body and letting things just happen on their own. In a desperate attempt to remain positive, I should point out how grateful I am for a healthy body that's taking such good care of this baby. She must really like it in there!

So I've got another appointment on Monday where we'll discuss options again. I know she'll try and encourage an induction again. She won't let me go past 41 weeks, so next Friday is the longest things could go, but I've got to admit, that seems like an awfully long time from now.

Keep you posted...just thought I'd clear up any rumors that this baby had come.

In the meantime...

2010-04-27T21:27:00.000-05:00

...I'm sure over-the-moon for the one I've already got...

she's. never. coming. out.

2010-04-27T21:11:00.001-05:00

i don't think i mentioned the lady that found me in a baby boutique and told me that she was trying to build her maternity and newborn photography portfolio and asked is she could take my picture. despite my protests that those pics are best done around 7-8 months, when you're still agile, and not retaining water, and not the size of a house, she insisted she'd love to do a shoot with me. i figured what the heck. i have no business posting them on here...they're a bit risque. don't ever plan on seeing my belly again. but here some are for your viewing displeasure...

and, you've probably figured this out...

no baby yet.

i'm a now a "roomy 3-31/2" cm dilated. whatever that means. the cervix is very ripe and soft. i've dropped as much as i'm going to drop without the baby dropping out of me. and the baby's head is "sitting right there". or at least so says my doctor.

i'm contracting plenty...but nothing regular.

i'm quite sure i'm never going to have this baby. technically i'm still 3 days shy of my due date, so i really shouldn't be complaining. i'm still sleeping pretty well, feeling pretty good--albeit enormous--and scored myself some sweet stretch marks on my belly, despite going 40 weeks with claire, and 38 weeks with this pregnancy without them, but otherwise all is well. my doctor said she's be surprised if i make it to my next appointment on monday, and that any talk of being induced at 41+ weeks is moot.

and yet, all the positive reports and circumstances still leave me feeling hopeless that this baby will ever arrive. and SO HELP ME if i have to clean my bathrooms and kitchen floors again before i deliver this baby.

anyway. baby watch 2010 continues. keep ya posted.

One more "belly laugh"...

2010-04-27T16:19:00.000-05:00

Sorry if you missed out on last week's amazing "Dairy Queen" special. As they celebrated 25 years of 25 flavors, they had a deal where you could buy one blizzard and get the second one for 25 cents! So last Monday night I begged Kevin for some ice cream...I figure I can only play this whole "pregnant woman card" for so long, and I felt completely entitled to send my hubby on a late night ice cream run. After much persistence he lovingly obliged, and was pleasantly surprised to discover their special upon arriving. He called to report the good deal he'd received, and I teasingly told him how my craving must have been inspired. As we devoured our blizzards I half jokingly told him we ought to take full advantage of the special and hit DQ up every night for the rest of the week.

Funny, right?

Only, he thought it was a great idea.

So we did.

Gross, huh?

If by gross you mean, delicious!

So I enjoyed my last week of pregnancy (or at least what I thought was my last week) with a blizzard each night. Then I braced myself for yesterday's appointment, where I'd be weighed and have to come up with some bogus excuse for my rapid weight gain...something about water retention...

"Nice work, Danica. You actually lost a half pound this week."

When Nurse Vicki reported I'd lost weight I about died laughing. She didn't get why I was so amused, but of course I wasn't going to disclose my gluttonous habit of the week, so I merely left it at, "I just took it easy this week, so I'm surprised to hear I didn't put on weight."

I think she bought it.

Kevin on the other hand couldn't believe his ears. Take that Jared, the Subway guy...my diet's got yours beat!

A "Belly Laugh"...while I still have an excuse for a belly.

2010-04-27T16:01:00.000-05:00

Remember how I switched doctors about 6 weeks ago? Well, I've come to learn that every doctors' office does a few things differently. When you reach the stage in your pregnancy when the doctor starts "checking you" they give you a sheet to drape over your nether regions. In my last two doctors' offices there has always been a receptacle in the room to place the sheet in after the visit. On my third visit to the new doctor I tossed my sheet in the metal bin and was about to turn on my way, when I did a double take. Did I just notice that bin was full of trash?! I yanked out the sheet and sure enough it was loaded with garbage. Still not sure how I hadn't noticed that in previous weeks, or maybe I was just one of the first appointments of the day and there wasn't much in there yet. So I dashed to the nurse's office and practically yelled, "Vicki, have I been throwing away my sheet each week?!"

To which she just smiled and said, "Yep."

"I'm so embarrassed! Why didn't you say anything?!"

"I just figured you thought you were helping."

"Have you had to go dig it out each week?!"

To which she just smiled again and said, "Yep."

She must have dreaded my each and every visit! "Oh no, not this idiot again!" she must have thought. So afterwards I went into my doctors office and with great shame I began to ask, "Do you know what I've been doing each week?!"

She just laughed and said, "Throwing away your sheet?"

I was mortified! I must have been the office joke for weeks. Apparently everyone in the office knew all about me, but no one had the decency to give my a heads up. Glad they all got a good laugh at my expense.

Surprise Sprinkle...

2010-04-19T13:56:00.000-05:00

Last week I had a delightful surprise "sprinkle" thrown for me...so not a shower, since it's #2, and I have most everything I need, just a light sprinkling of gifts, more about a girls' night to celebrate the new baby joining the family.

It was SO sweet of these gals. Thanks for a fabulous night--I have the best friends!

Overdue Easter Post...

2010-04-19T13:51:00.000-05:00

My head's in an interesting place as this pregnancy winds down. I am so forgetful and out of it. Kevin just laughs at me as I occasionally slip into jibberish nonsense...last night I asked him to bring the groceries up to our room...by groceries I meant, laundry...naturally. Come on Kev, gotta keep up with me. I also lost our car/house keys somewhere...thought I'd left them in the car, but they haven't turned up. Hmmm...I had other quirky things, but of course, I can't remember them right now.

Anyway. I meant to post Easter pictures a few weeks ago, but am only just now getting to it. Welcome to my life...

Claire and Daddy patiently awaiting the morning Easter Hunt...

Leaving no rock unturned...

Claire's spoils. Note to self--next time have a couple eggs with candy, the rest with pennies. No girl needs that much candy. I also did stickers...many which were then secretly taken back and thrown in the Easter tub for next year. What? The Easter Bunny's just being thrifty.

A bunny dress from Momo. She loved it! She begged for "princess hair" to complete the look. That's toddler girl talk for, "hair pulled back into a bun." And "rapunzle hair" means with a braid or two. Just trying keep you up to speed...

Here we are decorating Easter eggs. In the past it's always been a family affair, but this year we got around to it late, and it became an activity for just the gals.

BABY WATCH--APRIL 2010

2010-04-19T07:31:00.001-05:00

First of all...since people are asking, I thought I'd give you a baby update...

• About a week and a half to go. Poor Claire has been so patient. All along we've been telling her that the baby would come in the Spring. She sees the world a'bloom and asks daily, "Is it Spring?" And I confirm her suspicions, and then she asks, "Is the baby coming today?!" The other day I told her that I knew she was excited and that I was proud of her for being so patient, to which she grimaced and said, "I'm NOT being patient." She's about as ready as I am to get this show on the road!

• Two weeks ago I was dilated to 1 cm with the baby's head sitting real low. That was promising news, but I was dilated to a one with Claire for weeks, so it was nothing to get too excited about. Kevin got the ol' treadmill up and running and I began walking indoors and/or outdoors each day--just to keep things moving. I didn't anticipate much change, however, last Monday I went in for my next appointment and was shocked to find out I was dilated to almost 3 cm and 50% effaced. Now. Let me put this is perspective for you. I went into the hospital last time, thinking I was in labor, and was still only dilated to a one. They sent me home, and I returned two days later only to be almost a 3. I got an epidural at a 3 1/2. HA! So, to be a third of the way done already bodes well for the natural childbirth I'm planning. (More on that in a moment....) I'm continuing to walk a ton, experiencing some contractions, but not as much as I did with Claire. Had my next appointment today, but things were about the same. I wasn't too surprised. At some point I can't dilate much more without actually being in labor. She was going to strip my membranes (sorry, TMI), but my doctor's going out of town this weekend and doesn't want to start anything just yet. So the waiting game continues...

YIKES. Me. Large and in charge.

• I'm nesting like I'm getting paid to do it--seriously, you should see the list of "to do's" I've got for me and Kevin. It's long and color coded--pink for my list, blue for his, and purple for shared responsibilities. I am a nut. My list is now done. Until this weekend, his list hadn't been touched. I was beginning to worry that he was planning on starting his "to dos" when I went into labor. He was very productive this weekend, and I'm in a far better place than I was a week ago.

• I think I'm confusing Claire because I keep grabbing her and clutching her till she squeals "Uncle!"....I can't believe she's not going to be my baby in a few weeks. I am so excited for #2, and yet I feel like I'm mourning the loss of a blissful 3 year, monogamous relationship with my sweet Claire. I don't know if that makes any sense. It's just been the two of us buddies for over three years...hard to wrap my head around someone joining our party. I also worry about our Claire Bear and the way her world's going to be turned upside down--she will love it, she will make such a fantastic big sister, and be so helpful, but I know she can't begin to anticipate what a change it will be. Neither can I for that matter!

• Anyway, I'm sure a lot of you are curious about how I've decided to proceed with my delivery. (I’m also sure a lot of you don't care, so feel free to skip ahead.) What an emotional roller-coaster this decision has been! I’ll spare you the majority of it—I was “pro every drug you’ll allow me” last time around, and I seem to have swung the other way on the pendulum and now I’m going for it naturally! Things won’t be easy…my hospital has policies that essentially work against me (mandatory, continuous fetal heart monitoring, no tubs, little laboring options besides being in bed…); my doctor has a 90% epidural rate (which says something of the way she supports labors…still like her, just not seeing eye to eye with her on some things…); and I tested positive for Group B Strep which means I have to get to the hospital earlier than I’d have liked so that I can ensure at least 4 hours of medication. Grrr. And yet, even with these set backs, I feel so much better equipped and prepared for this labor—I have read extensively, I’ve made my mom read a great book on being a Doula (which is just going to have to suffice since I don’t have the real thing!), I’ve prepped Kevin, I've made my perfect laboring CDs, and I’ve attended Lamaze/Yoga classes that have left me feeling empowered, and with great breathing, relaxing, and positioning strategies. (They’re worth looking into—it’s not your mama’s Lamaze class these days. It’s really a well-rounded approach—taking from the Bradley Method, Hypno-babies, Yoga, and Lamaze—I really had a good experience.) So I'm going to go for it. Now accepting any suggestions or encouragment you might have...

• Anyway. I’m really feeling ready. We’ll keep you posted!

Meet Tux.

2010-03-25T21:41:00.002-05:00

See this cute little morsel? He's named Tux. But don't let his cute, furry, Ewok exterior deceive you.

He is not even close to being potty trained. He is teething and likes to nip fingers and pant legs. He is attention hungry and whimpers until you play with him or hold him. He is tiny enough to squash with your big toe which leads to very precarious step-taking. And, he is living with us until his "mom" gets out of the hospital after some complications from surgery.

It's like having an Oreo that poops all over your house.

A cute Oreo.

And while we're having fun with sweet Tux, we are also relieved that we are merely pet sitters, not pet owners.

Praying for you, Dede...

*Incidentally, two days ago Claire made a wish by throwing a penny in a fountain, and said, "I wish, I wish, we could get a dog. So the next day, we were driving home after picking up the dog from the aforementioned family, and she said "My wish finally came true!" (But, don't worry, she knows this is temporary!)

A visit with (great) Aunt Naomi. :)

2010-03-25T19:59:00.002-05:00

After Wisconsin we dashed back for a few days of game playing and food binging with Aunt Naomi! She was in town for a sister's weekend with my Aunt Tamara and mom, but we lucked out because Naomi got to stay for a couple extra days.

Come back soon!

E-I-E-I-O!

2010-03-25T19:55:00.003-05:00

This past weekend we made a delightful trip to my grandpa's farm up in Wisconsin!

Here's Claire and her great-grandpa (affectionally called "Pappy") coming back from gathering the eggs from the chickens.

What a cute little farm girl, huh!

Here's Claire holding a tiny baby goat--literally born that morning!

A very excited girl holding a sweet kitten. It was precious. (Too bad kittens turn into cats.)

Visiting some calves that were only a few days old--to her delight, it started sucking on her boot.

It was a great weekend! Thanks Pappy and Marion!

Overheard at the Osborn's...

2010-03-18T13:07:00.001-05:00

I was having a rough day recently, and Claire came into the kitchen and asked, "Is there anything I can do for you Mommy." Melt my heart.
"Ugh!" Claire grunted in frustration. "Stickers are so sticky!"
"Look mommy, that lady looks like a pirate!" yelled Claire, pointing at the woman who was clearly undergoing Cancer treatments of some kind and wearing a bandana to cover her bald head. I wanted to be swallowed up by the floor I was so embarassed.
While driving in Florida we were lamenting as we drove through a bit of traffic. From the backseat Claire asked, "Is traffic like a parking lot?"
"Mommy, I love you because of all the nice things you do for me." Seriously. Is it any wonder that I would do anything for this girl!? The other thing she tells me all the time is, "Mom, you're the best!"
*****

Claire: Mommy? Mommy? Mommy? (I was distracted and doing something else.)

Kevin: What do you need?

Claire: I'm talking to mommy!

Me: What?

Claire: Can you ask Daddy to get me a drink of water?

*****

Uncle Nathan: Claire, did you know it's almost my birthday!? Can you guess how old I'll be?

Claire: blank stare

Uncle Nathan: Do you know how old I'm going to be?

Claire: blank stare

Uncle Nathan: Do you know who's older? Me or your mom?

Claire: I'm pretty. (Yikes.)

"My cousins live in Moo-sconsin." (In her defense, there are a lot of cows there...)
"Oh my gosh!" That was my response when when I realized that my skirt had fallen to my knees as I crossed the parking lot on my way into the temple. My bum was there for the world to see--although I'm still not sure if anyone, in fact, saw it. I'd cut the elastic to a pre-pregnancy skirt so that it would still fit. As I dashed out the door I realized it was WAY too big now, but I couldn't find a safety pin, so I used a bobby pin to hold it up. (I know, I know. I'm an idiot.) I paid the price for my rash stupidity...and so did anyone else if they saw me with my skirt around my ankles. Proud moment.

"Were you happy with your birthing experience?"

2010-03-16T08:16:00.005-05:00

[Men, feel free to disregard this post in it's entirety. Gals, you can skip it too, if you don't want the nitty gritty details of my last labor and delivery...]

Last time I began experiencing regular contractions on a Friday night. We'd been out to dinner with friends, and then back to her place so she could highlight my hair--one last hurrah before the baby came. I began feeling nauseous that night, and began throwing up. A call to the hospital confirmed that this was a typical sign of early labor and that they'd probably be seeing me that night. (When will nurses learn NEVER to say this to a pregnant woman. I swear it jinxes things for everyone I've talked to!) We got our last things in order, I showered, did my hair and makeup, and after timing the (what I later learned were very mild) contractions we departed to the hospital. We have video of me walking into the hospital in the middle of the night--I'm practically skipping with excitement and anticipation. I wave and smile to the camera and announce we're off to have a baby. (Sigh.) I was so very naive...

Fast forward a few hours later. We're returning to the car, suitcase in tow, doing, what I call, the "loser walk" out of the hospital. I'd filled out all the paper work, been monitored for an hour, and they'd determined I wasn't in active labor yet so I couldn't be admitted. Oh, the shame.

The next day I tried to stay busy. I made cookies for some people at church, went to the local Walmart where I pushed a cart around, occasionally stopping to experience a bit stronger contraction, but nothing was regular, so I trudged along. That night we went over to my Grandparent's house where everyone else watched a movie while I laid in a ball on the couch, contracting, squeezing Kevin's hand, and practically going in and out of consciousness because I was suddenly so tired. I tried a hot bath, but my back was hurting so badly I couldn't stay in for long. We returned home and I managed to sleep through most of the contractions, not even getting up to do my 8 pee trips I was accustomed to most nights. Around 4 in the morning on Sunday I couldn't sleep through the pain anymore and I had Kevin shower with me so I could hold onto him during contractions. I'd scrub, scrub, scrub, then brace myself, holding on to Kevin for dear life through a contraction, and then rinse, rinse, rinse. Afterwards I collapsed back into bed (no doing my hair and makeup this time!) where Kevin stroked me and held my hand through contractions and tried to talk me into returning to the hospital. "I will sooner have this baby in the kitchen than go back to that hospital, only to be sent home again!" I snapped.

I tried to eat some toast, but I couldn't keep anything down. Except for a few bites of sauce-less spaghetti and bread the night before I hadn't eaten anything since our dinner on Friday night (which had come back up). In retrospect it was so crazy to head into labor so poorly nourished or hydrated...where was I expecting to get my energy from?! As prepared as I thought I was for labor, I wasn't employing any breathing techniques, or working through the labor pains. I had just tensed up. The back pain is probably what surprised me the most, and as I look back, I was poorly equipped with how to handle the back labor. So when I got to the point where I was crying through contractions, Kevin decided it was time to wake up my mom (who was in town) and return to the hospital.

The car ride seemed excruciating and right out of a movie. Upon arriving, I waited out one more contraction and then ran in with Kevin, trying to beat the next one. The next one came as we rode up the elevator with a complete stranger. I felt a little embarrassed to be moaning and swaying next to this random guy, but once my contraction was over, he gently offered, "My wife and I were in the same boat two days ago."

Once again I was hooked up to the monitors where they spent an hour observing my contractions. Laying down was horrible, so I spent most of the hour standing behind the bed, swaying, and occasionally buckling in pain. When they came in and checked me again they announced I was only dilated to about a 3. I was stunned. Was I really the biggest baby in the entire world? Were 16 year old pregnant cheerleaders really more of a woman than I was?! "Please don't send me home!" I sobbed to the nurse. The nurse almost laughed at me, "Oh, you're not going anywhere. We're admitting you to the hospital, we're watching your contractions and you're definitely in active labor."

Not long after, they gave me some pain medication--it really took the edge off, and I felt a whole lot better. But less than hour after that, they were offering me an epidural. Even at the time it was offered, I knew it was early to be getting an epidural, but since I'd gone in to the labor knowing full well that I'd be getting one, it seemed dumb to postpone it. With nothing to prove to anyone I consented. Sweet relief came shortly after that. After that I rested, ate ice chips, longed for a light snack or drink, and waited. I'm aware that epidurals slow labor, but I continued to progress about a centimeter an hour, until around 4 p.m. when they broke my water. An hour later I was a 10, and needed to start pushing. My continuous epidural had spared me any pain, but also made it so that I had zero sensation below my chest. I couldn't lift my own legs to begin pushing, I felt no pressure, I had no idea when to push or even if I was pushing! I relied completely on others telling me what to do. That's when my fever spiked, and the baby's heart rate dropped, and the chaos (for lack of a better description) ensued. The anesthesiologist pushed on my stomach, as the doctor informed me he was going to perform an episitome. The baby was still not out, so he informed me that he was going to be making a second incision. Then he asked Kevin for permission to use forceps. Even amidst everything going on I remember feeling annoyed. "I'm right here, Doc!" I love Kevin dearly, but he wasn't the one who had done the reading or preparation to form an opinion on the use of forceps. Kevin consented, and since I was willing to try anything before having a C-Section, I nodded in approval too. So, it's not that we would've had different responses--it's just the principle of the matter. In many ways, it was just symbolic of the rest of my delivery. The entire labor and delivery felt out of my control.

So these days I teach mom and tot music classes, but I also lead these new mom support groups at a nearby store. It brings me into contact with all these great moms, from all walks of life, and somehow I scored a deal where I'm paid to talk with them and lead discussions. I love it. One of the first get-to-know you questions we ask is, "Were you happy with your birthing experience?" It's a fantastic question--it's so open-ended, it really gets moms thinking and talking. Some women are so pleased with their experience--it was everything they'd hoped for and more. Some even say that it was easier than they expected! Some have humorous stories, some have nightmare nurse stories, some have mother-in-law gripes. Others break down as they recount what a traumatic experience it was for them. Few questions could provide so much insight. Well, I've been forced to ask myself that same question. Was I pleased with my birthing experience?

Needless to say...NO. I have a beautiful and healthy daughter because of it, so I can't be exclusively negative, but it many ways nothing went as I'd hoped or planned. I know now how ill-prepared I was; I know now that I have a disappointingly low pain tolerance; I know now that I didn't advocate for myself enough; I know now that I am one of the 1/5th of woman who adversely react to epidurals (in addition to the fever, and effect on Claire, it also led to me throwing up some more just before I delivered Claire--not that there was anything in my system); I know now that there are so many positions and techniques and even breathing methods I could have tried that would have alleviated the pain; I know now that birth leaves me feeling famished and parched; I know now that Kevin can provide counter pressure on my back and hips to help with the back labor pains; I know now that the labor lasted about 12 hours, but it may have been much shorter without the epidural and that if my water breaks on my own, it' very likely that I could be having a baby within a couple hours.

What I don't know now is what the heck to do differently this time?! I mean I have lots of ideas. I realize it's pretty late in the game to be asking these questions with only 6 weeks to go. I'm reading and researching like a mad woman. I'm talking to Doulas and family members and friends. I'm attending a Lamaze/Yoga birthing class in a few weeks. I'm researching the Bradley method. I'm watching videos on-line. If nothing else I'm trying to educate myself. I'd love to not get an epidural, and I've been strongly convinced of its negative effects, but am I strong enough not to get one? (In its defense, I didn't have any efffects afterwards, like numbness, headaches, backaches, but there's no telling what was being blocked by just pure adrenaline since I was forced to recover very quickly so I could be a source of strength to my daughter in the NICU.) I know so many women who've delivered naturally, but they seem like a different breed of women than me. Could I really do it?! Remember what an apparent baby I am?!

Anyway, I know this is a dreadfully long post, but I am needing to hear from you. Were you happy with your birthing experience? Did you get an epidural? Did you do it naturally? Did you use some other pain medications instead? What are your suggestions? What do I need to read? How should I prepare, knowing that I only have 6 weeks left, I'm not willing to use midwives or change doctors again and I'm delivering at a hospital...?

Help me out moms!

I don't want to forget...

2010-03-12T13:53:00.000-06:00

Claire's 3 and still thinks ducks say "Quank, Quank".
Claire loves playing musical instruments like the "Weasel" (whistle) and the "Tumba" (tuba)...I know I should correct her on all these things, but I think they're so cute.

Claire got her own CD player for her birthday and so we burnt her a lot of CDs so she can play them herself without her scratching the original. She listens and dances and plays music for her babies all day long. It's kind of weird having her know lyrics to songs that I don't know!
Kevin waking up Claire on our first day at Disney World by playing some Sleeping Beauty music he'd downloaded on his I-pod. We had to get an early start, and it was the sweetest way to gently wake her up for our exciting day. Big points, daddy!
The way Claire strokes my tummy, asks if the baby's awake or sleeping, or how she tries to "scare" the baby by yelling "BOO!" in my belly button, or how she makes faces at my belly to make the baby laugh. She is going to make the best big sister.
After a trip to the Doctor, Claire had to get two shots. She winced a bit, but didn't miss a beat as she told the nurse about her recent trip to Disney World. No tears! Afterwards the nurse told her she was the bravest girl they'd had in the office and that all the boys were a bunch of sissies. Claire loved that and repeated her praises to anyone that would listen the rest of the day! The nurse told her she could have two lollipops, one for each arm, to which Claire replied, "I like getting shots!"
Claire is always "acting". It doesn't matter what we're doing, cleaning, eating, driving...she is always pretending she's the mom and I'm the daughter, or she's Strawberry Shortcake and I'm Rasberry, she's the princess and I'm the queen...it can be exhausting some times!
Claire's very in tune with her body, it cracks me up when she says things like, "My tummy's telling me I'm hungry."
She loves watching America's Funniest Home Videos with me. (I know, I know, you can't believe I watch that show...) She calls it the, "Bonk Show." Appropriately title, huh?
She loves hopping on YouTube and watching songs from Disney movies. I think she spent almost everyday this week on the computer while I prepared dinner.
Her favorite song of all time has got to be "I've Got a Feeling" by the Black Eyed Peas--she dances like a but every time it comes on.
We've been doing art projects a few times a week--we've made some big messes, but I love that time I have to spend with Claire.
She's a little writer!!! She can write just about anything if you tell her the letters. I am SO proud of her. Pictures to come...

Hello Doctor!

2010-03-11T13:21:00.005-06:00

I switched doctors and practices at 32 weeks. I may be a little insane, but I'm feeling really good about the decision. The other practice I 'd been going to had 6 doctors, any one of which could be there to deliver the baby. I'd only met three of them at this point, and with the way they'd been scheduling my appointments, I don't know when I would have met the others. Worse still, was that I only liked one of the doctors I'd met so far, and she'd only been practicing for a year, which made me a little nervous.

I had complications during my last delivery, and although I use this term liberally, Claire's birth was a bit traumatic. Her week in the NICU put a fear in me that things can and do go wrong. My post-delivery experience was different than so many other people I know--I spiked a fever moments before giving birth, and the baby's heart rate dropped. They called in the emergency team, and the next thing I knew the anesthesiologist was pushing on my stomach, while the doctor implemented forceps to retrieve the baby. Narrowly escaping an emergency c-section, she was whisked away minutes after being born, I didn't get to hold her until 3 days after her birth, my cute newborn outfits had to wait days before we could get clothes on her because of all the wires and cords, I relied on pumping to make my milk come in because I wasn't able to nurse her for the first few days, I didn't get to have her in the room with me, I was discharged without her...it was all just so unexpected and disappointing. I know there are so many moms out there, who have it far rougher than I do, so I don't want people to think I'm whining. I know a week in the NICU is nothing compared to the months many parents spend visiting their child in the hospital if the baby's born prematurely. It just went so differently than planned.

(Daddy reading to his sweet girl in the hospital. It was sooo hard not being able to hold her, but she was always so comforted by his voice.)

So now, as I'm slowly approaching my due date, I'm starting to experience some apprehension...what if something goes wrong again? I haven't had a relationship with any of my doctors where I could voice some of these concerns, which has just left me feeling more worried. Do I have to tell all six doctors my sob story since any one of them could wind up being there for my delivery? After talking to my dear friend, Carol (holla!), I was convinced that I could still change doctors, even this late into the pregnancy, and that it would be well worth it. She was SO right. The morning after our chat I found a new doctor, she practices in my town, delivers at the hospital I wanted to go to, she has fantastic bedside manner, she sat me down and talked me through my concerns, and really put me at ease. I know I've made the right decision. So my vote is that if you're not happy with your doctor, it may be worth looking into other options, regardless of how far into the pregnancy it is.

Here's hoping for a smooth delivery the second time around!

(In other news...this is me last pregnancy around the same time. I put on a wee too many pounds; in fact, I learned this week that I was TWENTY pounds heavier at this point. Yikes!)

Kissin' Cousins...

2010-02-26T09:08:00.004-06:00

We also took some family pictures while we were down in Texas. The weather really didn't cooperate, so everyone's hair was a windy mess, the kids were freezing, the ground was muddy, the sun was a bit too bright--so not optimal circumstances, but we managed to get a few good ones. (Might I add, professional pictures when you're 6 months pregnant at the time, seems slightly unjust.) Anyway, you'll notice a couple new ones along the side bar. But, this one's got to be my favorite--

And while I'm in a catch up mood...

2010-02-25T18:18:00.005-06:00

Here's a link to pics from our Texas trip back in December. Yikes--overdue! We spent Christmas with the family down there and a had a great time. So don't think my failure to post pictures sooner is a reflection of what I thought of the trip! :)

Actually I tried posting a couple times, but ran into trouble with Picasa's new policy where they cap your storage. Has anyone else ran into that trouble? I finally bit the bullet and paid the silly $5 to upgrade. No more problems though!

And speaking of the holidays...yes, you know those ones nearly 3 months ago...we sent out a card to some family members with this picture...and this one......with the caption, "Have you been naughty or nice this year?" It was completely Claire's idea--we were building a snowman during one of our first snows (you'll notice there wasn't much to work with yet!) and she said she wanted to make a grumpy snowman, and then a nice one. Hence the photos! Don't feel bad if you didn't get one...I just threw it together and sent 10 out...so instead, feel really special if you did get one.

My attempt at a comeback...

2010-02-25T12:46:00.008-06:00

I know. I am a miserable blogger as of late. I don't post. I don't comment. I hardly even browse others' these days.

I have people shooting me e-mails and writing on my Facebook wall questioning my very existence. In many ways I have turned my back on my computer, and I can scarcely tell you how liberating it has been. I check my e-mail occasionally, confirming my survival to a few dear loved ones, browse People here and there, but for the most part, I have turned up my nose to my computer. Take that computer.

So since I last logged on to my blog...

I've gone to a Curious George Live show with my sweet daughter and my dad.

As you can see, Claire didn't have any fun at all.

I've found a new indoor kiddie pool with bath temperature warm water. My maternity swimsuit's a bit snug, so we'll see how much longer that lasts, but it's still been a fun outing each week. Sorry, no pictures. Actually, I should rephrase that: You're welcome, no pictures.

***

I suppose that's another milestone since I posted last. Hit the 31 week mark. It''s possible that this is the longest pregnancy known to man--I feel as though I'm gestating at the speed of an elephant. Could it be the months of trying beforehand that have left me to feel that way? I'd heard subsequent pregnancies went faster. Puh-lease.

But, in related news, nesting has begun to set in with a vengeance. Trying to cram in as much mommy-daughter time with Claire as possible. 99.9% settled on a name for the wee one. Experienced one of those highlight of my life moments as I lie in bed with Claire last night, with her hand on my belly, the baby kicking her hand repeatedly and Claire giggling uncontrollably as I teasingly reprimanded the baby, "Don't kick your big sister!" Please don't ever let me forget that blissful moment.

Earlier yesterday Claire let me know that my belly was getting "sooooo big" and I showed her how my belly button was about to pop out. "Who will catch it?"

"The baby?" I asked, confused.

"No, who will catch your belly button when it pops out?" Glad I could clarify that one for her.

***

I've mentioned on here before that I teach music classes to infants and toddlers at a nearby store. It began as classes for children with special needs, and evolved into something different--it's now solely typically functioning children. I've loved it, but have longed to get back into what I'm passionate about, without having to head back into the school systems quite yet. (My degree was in Special Ed. and I went on to become a certified Musical Therapist for those less familiar.) So I was thrilled when I was asked to help kick off a Family support/play group for infants and children with Down Syndrome. We even had ABC News swing by to do a segment, so I'll be on TV in April! (Link to come!) Picture a room filled with children with Down Syndrome, ranging from ages 3 months to 6 years, and their parents making friends with one another, sharing stories, swapping information, setting up play dates, tearing up as they saw the exciting things their new baby had to look forward to, playing musical instruments, giggling under a parachute, making faces in the studio's mirror, dancing to Jack Johnson...it was perfect. The camera man was in tears, the parents were at ease, I was a sweaty, pregnant mess as I danced around the room with these young kids for an hour. I was in heaven. What an incredible community the Down Syndrome one is--and I feel blessed to have been a part that day.

***

Kevin and Claire have also spent some daddy-daughter time. Check out your local Home Depot, because at most of them, on the first Saturday of each month, they do a fun and free craft or project of some sort. It's becoming a fun tradition for the two. Since the remodel, I try and keep a safe distance from all Home Depots...

***

And last, but certainly not least, since my last post we took a fabulous trip to Disney World. Won't subject you to all my photo's, but if you are the type that delights in viewing other family's vacation slideshows, just click on the picture and you'll be whisked away to our Picasa page.

So that's about as caught up as I'm going to get. Just watch, the next time I post I'll have a 3 week old baby. I'm kidding of course. I'll try and do better. Thanks for hanging in there during my hiatus!

Random Thoughts...

2010-01-26T13:01:00.004-06:00

When you go a long while without blogging your mind begins to overflow with things you're just dying to write about...I scarcely know where to begin! So here's a compliation of randomness for your reading pleasure...or disappointment as the case may be...

Next week I'll be 7 months along and in my third trimester. It was a pleasant surprise to realize I've entered the double digits now. In the last week or so I've begun feeling "Thing 2" a lot more--she's still less active than Claire ever was, but she's finally toughening up enough that she can wake me up at night with her movements. I may have already predicted this on my blog, but I think this one's going to be less feisty than Claire...and for public record, I think this one's going to look a bit more like me. It's still been an embarassingly easy pregnancy.

I had been so good with my weight gain. These last two weeks have left me with an absolutely insatiable appetite, so I'm a little worried about my next check up. Let's hope "Thing 2" is as good of a nurser as her sister was! I'd really like to avoid having to "work off" the weight. (Mostly just kidding.)
Tropicana orange juice (with limited pulp--I prefer not to chew my o.j.) is the drink of the God's. I limit my intake because I try and avoid juice and soda--what a waste of calories when there's Haagen Dazs ice cream to be had, but I still love it dearly. Add Silk Chocolate Soy Milk to that list too...
Pretty sure they didn't have "secret panel" maternity jeans during my first pregnancy, but they do now, and I love them. Refuse to wear anything but now. It's not a patented design or something so you can find them in just about every store, designer jeans, to Motherhood, to Kohl's. How did I ever survive last time around!?
Love me some Vitamin String Quartet!
There were beginning to be some harsh feelings in the Osborn home because of all the baby name trouble we were encountering. It's really hard when you have such good taste and your husband's is so piss-poor and I mean that in the nicest way possible. Last night, miracle of miracles, however, I think we finally found one we both like! But, my lips are sealed. I have shared one too many names with people only to see them respond with a scrunched nose of disapproval...if the baby's already named, there will be little your looks of objection can change. We owe our newfound concurrence to this site...Name Nerds. (Liz, thanks for the tip--nearly a year ago!)
Going to Disney World in about 2 1/2 weeks. SO excited. Okay, so I'm a tad sad I can't go on all the rides, but it will still be a blast. Can nyone recommend a good maternity support belt thingy? My belly's not that big, but I think my back's going to need it with all the walking around. Anyway, I'm in the market, could use your suggestions.
Sometimes people like when I talk about what I've done with Claire latley, so in case you'd like some ideas...we've battled the cold lately by staying indoors--we've water painted, made a mess with glitter glue, made necklaces out of Fruit Loops, she made "Ants on a Log" with her Grandpa, we made "Dirt Dessert", played hide and seek, played school, and lots of board games since she got some new ones for her birthday. That being said, she's such a good self-entertainer and can play with her babies all day practically. She's going to make such a good big sister!

Princess Claire's Party!

2010-01-26T12:42:00.004-06:00

So much for my New Year's Resolution to be a better about blogging...

I'm so bad I didn't even post about my one and only child's momentous third birthday!!!

That's right, last week our sweet angel turned three filling her proud mother's heart with excitement and anticipation AND a twinge of sadness and anxiety over where the time's gone and how our infant has become a sassy, chatty, imaginative toddler. We threw her the Princess Tea Party of all Princess Tea Parties and braced ourselves for the ten fellow three year old girls who danced and curtsied their way around our home for a few hours. (Cuter still was that they all came in full princess attire--c'est magnifique!)

Whoo--I've got to admit, the preparations, and cleaning, and decorating, and shopping, and cooking, and goody-bag making, and baking, and organizing was EXHAUSTING! Before the party had even begun Kevin and I were discussing how next year's party would be Claire, two friends, and a trip to the movie theater. Everyone remind me of that when I start talking b-day party a year from now...That being said, I thought the party was a great success and the star of the show had a blast, so that made things worth it. (It was cute because she didn't know until two days before her party that friends were going to come and give her presents at the party. Party, food, friends, cupcakes AND presents!!!! What an exciting bonus!)

Anyway, if three year old princess parties are your cup of tea, then feel free to check out the rest of the pictures from her birthday party....PRINCESS CLAIRE PICS.

My name's Danica and I'm a horrible blogger...

2010-01-11T22:21:00.003-06:00

...Ugh, I know. I have completely neglected my blog the last month. You know how you miss a week, and then it turns into two weeks, and then you're so behind that it's overwhelming to even think about getting caught up...well, I'm back. Repentant. And I have high hopes to be better.

So, it's time for baby steps. Here's the first half of December in a nutshell. Claire played with her new Nativity...gone are the days where I'm biting off her head every time she steps within a 5 yard radius of baby Jesus...finally one she can play with. (Thanks for the tip last year, Katie!)

Killed time painting with shaving cream. Kevin was a little concerned when he got home from work and the entire house smelled vaguely like Old Spice.

Played sock puppets with the wee one...hope I made it abundantly clear that this is the only time we use markers on our clothes. Nothing like a kiss to end a performance!

Chilling with Santa at the church Christmas Luau (hence Santa's sunglasses). This picture makes Santa look like he's holding a flask...I can't guarantee what Mr. Claus does in his spare time, but I assure you in this picture it's a package of fruit snacks.

My next post will be about our trip to Texas over the holidays! Stay tuned.

I don't want to forget...

2009-12-16T07:38:00.002-06:00

Claire singing "I'm Getting Nothin' for Christmas" for the long line of fellow cranky-waiters at the post office.
when Claire (ach-hem) "passes gas" (or "toots" as we call it) she brushes it off and says, "Oh, that's nothing, that was just my pet frog".
Claire's convinced there's a baby in her belly. She tells everyone she's pregnant too. And will eat or drink something and then rub her belly and ask, "Did you like that baby?"
Claire calls Eggnog, "the yummiest milk in the whole world"...as in, "Mom, can I have some of the yummiest milk in the whole world?" or "Dad, can I have sip of your yummiest milk in the whole world?"

Hmmm, this reminds me that I haven't done any "Overheard at the Osborn's" in a while...I'll get working on it. :)

Gingerbread Part-ay!

2009-12-08T11:03:00.004-06:00

So the Osborn's threw a Gingerbread Making, Ugly Sweater Wearing, Soup Eating party this weekend. Except for way too many people showing up san-sweater, I thought it was such a fun night! I took way too many pictures, so here are the highlights. People got awfully creative, from skyscrapers, to house boats, to ski lodges...we had some really ambitious architects in there!

Thanks for a fun night folks!

(Party attendees, e-mail me if you want some pics!)

Highly recommend...

2009-12-08T10:56:00.002-06:00

...playing grocery store with your toddler. Only, you should be prepared to play for hours and for several days. It's that fun.

Building shelves with your daughter...

2009-12-08T10:53:00.003-06:00

...it ties a daddy over until he has a boy. :) Which won't be for a looong time apparently.

Christmas Decorating...

2009-12-08T10:45:00.003-06:00

...it's good for the soul.

u/s results anyone???

2009-12-03T17:14:00.003-06:00

Kevin and I had a delightful date at the doctor's office this morning for the much anticipated ultra-sound appointment. Here are some pictures of our healthy baby!

foothead-on (cute alien, huh?)

profile

leg

So any last guesses what we're having?

We're sticking with what we know!

It's a GIRL!

We are thrilled--maybe Claire more than anyone! She can't wait to start playing dress-up, princess, and tea party with her little sister. And, I've got to admit, it is nice having everything we need already! I think I adequately prepared Kevin for another girl, so it wasn't too much of a surprise and he's excited to have another girl too!

Someone suggested abstaining from caffeine for a while before the U/S (which I do anyway) and then having a caffeinated drink the morning of the test to wake the wee one up for the big debut. Didn't work a bit. It was 8:30 a.m. and that little girl was not going to be bothered by anyone! Didn't matter how much jumping around or nudging from the technician, that girl needed her beauty rest apparently. We still got a few kicks and waves, but she wasn't nearly as active as Claire who was using my bladder as a trampoline during her U/S. But, nothing about the two pregnancies has been the same thus far, so why start now! Goes to show that every pregnancy is indeed different!

And after many requests...here's the ol' pooch at 19 weeks...and a very disheveled looking Claire. My mom was sweet enough to watch her this morning during our early appointment.

(And in case any of you were wondering, I mentioned we tried the Intelligender kit at 10 weeks. That said we were having a girl too, so for $30 it's kind of fun to have a fairly accurate guess so early on. You can find them at Walgreens and CVS.)

???

2009-11-24T07:27:00.002-06:00

Catch up...

2009-11-23T13:56:00.008-06:00

Whew! I've been negligent with this blog! It's strange how busy I feel sometimes, and then I look back and can't remember what I've even been doing.

Anyway, here's a bit of catch up...okay, maybe more than a bit...okay, a lot of catch up....

I made some of these...

Claire had her first slumber party while her friend's mom went out of town for a night. I'd say it was a huge success--complete with treats, a trip to the library, a movie and popcorn, and lots of giggles and dress up. Here they are hamming it up before bed... This one's a little better... The next day we went to a place called "Make-A-Messterpiece". It's just what it sounds like. Kids go in and make a mess! They paint and do cute art projects, they can do science experiments, and cooking projects. Claire loved it, although I''m undecided whether I'd go again. It's loud, messy (duh!), and overpriced, but then again, we've got a long winter ahead of us, so we may be willing to go again if we start going a little stir crazy a month or two from now.

We had our friends, the Broughs, join us for a night of homemade pizza and fun. Jospeh was enjoying his pizza far too much to look up for the camera.

But his younger brother Joshua was happy to cooperate! He was so good all night!

And Claire's a mess, but she had a great time with her new buddy! The next week we enjoyed a lovely lunch in the city with my dad. We thought it was high time Claire enjoyed an outing to the Rainforest Cafe. She loved it, but thought it was a tad noisy. :) It's been declared her favorite restaurant.
The following day was our dear friend Molly's birthday. Woop! Wopp! So a brunch with some gals was in order. And I got my first taste of the Bongo Room. (Those are pretzel pancakes smothered in white chocolate and caramel...who thinks this stuff up?!) Oh and did I mention, Molly had a baby only 3 weeks ago! Can you believe how good she looks. She makes the rest of us look bad! ;) Molly was kind and brave enough to let Claire hold baby Griffin. Isn't that precious?! She held him for about 3.4 seconds and then she was bored. But she'll make such a good big sister!Then! Yes, there's more! We celebrated this handome fellow's 30th b-day! His wife threw him a surprise party and it was SUCH a fun night! I've requested that he turn 30 more often. Kevin happily played pool all night with some of these guys...

While I chatted and binged on food and candy with these girls. Well, they chatted, I binged, is probably more accurate.

And you may notice I've gone a shade darker with my hair. I suppose it's kind of hard to tell in this picture. It's my "winter look". Somebody congratulate me for going THREE straight months without having my hair colored...being unemployed is rough on a gal's roots!

Anyway, that's the last 3 weeks of our life summed up in pictures. Actaully there was also a wedding thrown in there, but those pics are still coming. We've a lot to be grateful for these days! Great family, great friends, great food (so excited for Thanksgiving, by the way), a new (to us) car, a new job (Kevin starts Dec. 1), and the first flutterings of a wee one in my belly. Life is good. Happy Season of Thanksgiving everybody!

Random Randomness...

2009-11-07T11:04:00.003-06:00

Apparently some people feel like this is contrary to human nature, but I will not touch any pumpkin dessert with a ten-foot pole. Save your pies, your cookies, and your breads for someone else...I ain't interested. (For that matter, you can hang onto your pumpkin soups and risottos, too. As far as I'm concerned pumpkins are meant to be carved, not eaten.)
I love me some Cool Ranch Doritos. But, how can something so yummy cause such a horrible taste in your mouth for hours to come. Even worse is smelling such nasty breath on a two year old when I share my chips. Might I recommend never eating these chips, and then falling asleep. The taste is your mouth upon waking rivals straight up raw sewage. Trust me one this one...

Kevin got a job!!! Woop, Woop! Looks like Santa's coming after all, kids! Proud of you, babe!
So I'm four months along these days. Awkwardly busting out of everything I own and not fitting into any of my maternity clothes yet--does wonders for your self-esteem. We're finding out the baby's gender in about three weeks. So excited. I have always thought we'd have two girls in a row. Financially speaking, having a girl would be easy, we've got everything we need. And I think it would be fun for Claire to have a little sister to play with and dress up with, and I'd like to think of them being really close over the years. I can just hear the shrieks about who borrowed whose shirt now...
BUT, a boy would be soooo great. One of each, so that it would never matter from here on out what we have. That token boy for Kevin to instill all his macho wisdom to. I picked up some cute decor at a thrift store, that would be perfect in a little boy's room. That handsome little boy that Claire can boss around and make a prince whenever she wants. That little boy that's going to make it so that we don't have to have six kids--according to Kevin, he's willing to have up to six kids in an attempt to get at least one boy. If that's going to be the case, he'll have to take a few turns the last two or three pregnancies. And less jokingly, in the off chance that we encounter more fertility woes in the future, and maybe we're done, we'll have one of each...
But truly, we'll be happy either way. Have I mentioned how wonderful and blessed I feel to be pregnant again at all! We are so excited for this little one, so when it comes down to it, we'll take whatever we can get!
We were suckered into trying the Intelligender kit--a little thing you pee in and it tells you the gender of the baby as soon as 10 weeks into the pregnancy. It boasts 90% accuracy, but we'll have to see. I won't tell you what it said yet...But I will let ya know if this thing's worth buying on your next pregnancy.

Halloween!

2009-11-05T10:27:00.002-06:00

Kevin's sweet Nona passed away last week, and he was fortunate enough to fly down for the funeral. From what I hear, it was a really nice celebration of her life and Kevin really enjoyed visiting with his family while down there. I was so sad I couldn't be there, but I had a number of committments up here. I was really glad he got to be there though. It did mean, however, that Kevin wasn't with us on Halloween. Grandparents to the resuce!

Mima and Grandpa took her trick-or-treating with me, and she came away with quite a haul! She kept explaining to each house, "My bag's not full yet." So next year, note to self, get a smaller bag!

At this time I would like to express my disappointment in mt daughter's selection of candy...I mean, let's be honest, I'M the one who will be consuming her candy! I love her, but good grief, she had the worst taste--she was grabbing smarties, and dum dums left and right. At one house they were giving away GIANT candy bars and she still opted for the dum-dum lollipop. It took every inch of my self-control to just keep quiet and let her enjoy herself. Toward the end, we finally made it a rule, no more lollipops. Which she announced to each family. "My mom said, 'No more lollipops'." What a mean witch I am, huh?

She liked seeing others' costumes, especially dogs that were dressed up in a costume...you know, those people. :) All night she skipped along, never complaining about being tired or cold, and frequently announcing, "I'm a brave little butterfly."

(In reference to some of the scarier costumes and decoration that didn't frighten her.) It was a lovely holiday followed by delicious soup and bread bowls.

Is it weird that I'm kind of sad it's over? Glad I have Thanksgiving and Christmas to look forward to!

Monster Mash

2009-11-05T10:13:00.000-06:00

A girl from church throws an annual toddler Halloween Party. It is always a blast! This year I was in charge of some of the activities. Here's Claire playing "Pumpkin, Pumpkin, Ghost!" (aka, Duck, Duck Goose)
We did some songs and poems, and some wicked freeze dance.

And even turned a mommy into a mummy.I thought the party was a huge success and I know Claire had a blast!

I don't want to forget...

2009-11-03T15:25:00.003-06:00

that Claire rolls up in a ball on our bathroom rug and hides under her towel every time she gets out of the shower or bath. She either insists she's getting warm or hiding. She never comes out until I say, "I'm going to take this pile of laundry to the washing machine" and that she pokes her head out and says, "It's just me, Mama."

I don't want to forget...

2009-11-03T15:20:00.003-06:00

that I have this yard and these colors to look forward to each fall...

Costume Party

2009-10-26T13:50:00.005-05:00

Some friends of ours have an annual Halloween Party--costumes required. Last year we decided to go at the last minute and had lousy costumes, so we wanted to put at least some thought into it this year. (Our dear friend Hannah helped out with Kevin's. Thank you!!!) So here's what we were...

As you can imagine, the person most excited about us being a dalmation and Cruella Deville was Claire.

Here are some of our other favorites from the night...Nicole was a flower just waiting to be pollinated by her hubby, Scott, the bee. :)Our friends Robby and Myra were the couple from Juno--she's 5 mos. pregnant, so their costume was perfect! These friends were the Jabawakies--the dance crew.Here are my parents...don't even get me started. hahaHere's my friend Lisa (aka: Pat) and me. Her costume was hystiercal...wish I had a full body shot of him/her.

A few girls came as the Blue Man Group, and even did a little performance for us. Hilarious! I still don't know who this guy was, but he had a hilarious costume. He came in a group too, and the rest were the other characters from The Wizard of Oz. He won for best male costume.
She won for best female. Her costume was "spot on"--every last detail. And her husband was Dick Van Dyke's character, below. They were darling! It was such a fun night, but getting that crap out of my hair was such a pain!!! It took 3 washes with dish soap, once with shampoo, I slept with conditioner in my hair overnight, and then washed and conditioned again the next morning! Won't be doing that again anytime soon!

Now I've still got to pull Claire's costume together! Hope everyone has a fun Halloween week though! More parties and pictures to come!

Pumpkin Carving!

2009-10-26T12:31:00.005-05:00

Last Wednesday we had a pumpkin carving contest with friends...And here are the finished products! This one's Molly and Landon's bulldog; they gave us a run for our money that night, but doesn't it kind of look like this guy...ha ha j/k

Here's Jessica and Nate's...I think Hannah and Adam kind of threw in the towel early on. hahaAnd guess who won?!

WE did with our pirate! :) We both cleaned it out, I did the sketching/tracing, and Kevin did most of the carving. It was a great team effort.

Thanks for a fun night! Rematch next year?

Weekend Fun

2009-10-20T18:37:00.004-05:00

Technically last weekend started on Thursday night for me. Five other ladies and I met up in the city for some delicious fondue at the Melting Pot. I don't remember me laughing that hard in a long time--it was a riot! Hence this stunning picture of me. (You know how some people are ugly criers? I am apparently an ugly laugher. Awesome.) But, can you tell we were enjoying ourselves?

Among our company was one girl who is in the midst of moving--always stressful. One girl's working and getting her Masters. Two moms have 3 month olds, so it was their first time out since having had the baby. And one mom is due with her first baby any second, so it might be her last outing for a while. So it was a much needed night out for all of us!

Okay. So. I've been commissioned to attempt writing up one of the stories from the evening, although I scarcely know how to put it into words, and surely we'll all think it was funnier than anyone else, but I'll still attempt posting about it...

Now in case you don't know, people of my faith don't drink alcohol. That evening all of us were Mormon, so it made things easy. We don't usually make a big deal about it, so when the server swung by our table we just told him that none of us drank and he took our wine glasses away. We enjoyed our first courses and then it was time for dessert. We ordered a s'more fondue and a Snickers fondue. The server dropped it off at our table and eagerly shared with us that he'd put in some Bailey's to jazz it up a bit. "Is that okay?" he asked.

In retrospect, Jess and I were on the same page. We looked at each other nervously, but before we could respond, the other four girls were thanking him and saying "no problem". When the waiter walked away for a minute my dear friend Carol turns to me and asks, "Is it weird that he's putting bay leaves in our chocolate?" At which point, Jess and I, practically in unison, corrected them, "Not bay leaves, Bailey's! As in Bailey's Irish Cream--the alcohol!" We all about died laughing! Though what does that say about my moral integrity if I'm willing to go along with something if everyone else is? haha! But in all honesty I thought they must know that it cooks out or something. Just as we were discussing that very question, the server was back, this time pouring something clear on our chocolate, and announcing that it was "just some Bacardi". As he set fire to it we were all trying to control our giggles. Bobbi finally got the nerve to ask, straight faced, "How's this for fetuses?" (Since we had one nursing mama, and two preggos.) Naturally that cracked us all up over again.

He assured us it was fine and that it all cooked out because of the high temperatures. ( I know all my non-members friends are thinking, "What a bunch of prudes!!! haha) We explained to him that we thought he'd said "bay leaves" thinking he'd enjoy being in on our joke. Clearly a guy who doesn't do much cooking he responded, "Yep, I went San Francisco Bay and picked you up some leaves and seaweed."

Some how we managed to wait until he'd walked away before we erupted into another round of hysteria. But we weren't going to hold back any longer from enjoying our delicious dessert! We laughed and feasted until our stomachs hurt--though I'm not sure which one was to blame. As we sat and socialized afterwards the server returned once more and graciously offered to bring us some complimentary champagne...he really wasn't getting the hint!

It was a delightful evening, and it's already being thrown around that a girl's night might be on order once a month from now on. Thanks ladies! (Me, Molly, Bobbi, Carol, Jess, and Hannah)

Another fun event from this past weekend included a triple date with our friends the Smiths and the Kestens! (Sorry now pic!) A quick bite to eat and a funny movie were just what the doctor ordered! Thanks for talking us into coming. :) We saw Couples' Retreat which had its funny moments, but I'd recommend just waiting until it comes out on DVD. Let us know when we're going to Panama, Smiths. (WINK! )

Fall Festival

2009-10-20T10:54:00.005-05:00

I have such fond memories of growing up and going to farms every autumn. We'd apple pick, select as big a size pumpkin as my parents would allow, sip cider, make our way through corn mazes, and go on hay rides--I looked forward to it every year. But, that kind of farm seems to be a dying breed around these parts. We didn't do one last year, so this year I was thrilled to hear there was one not too far from us. Here are some pictures from our fun day. Enjoying her first hay ride with Mima and Grandpa.

Sweet corn straight off the cob.

Grandpa and Mima being silly too!

Feeding some animals in the petting zoo...a split second later and I'd have had a picture of Kevin doubled over in pain after being hoofed in the groin. Priceless.

Normally we just see goats and sheep in the petting zoo, but this one had calves, donkeys, chickens, pigs, geese, ducks, rabbits...

... and one very meddlesome llama that would not leave me alone!

Claire's favorite part was getting to ride the ponies. Grandpa let her ride twice! She named both her ponies, one she called "Magic" and the other was "Lucky".

It was such a fun day. The weather cooperated beautifully, there were tons of rides, yummy food, and the best family a gal could ask for! Thanks for helping me rekindle some great memories Mom and Dad!

Belly Laughs

2009-10-19T11:08:00.003-05:00

Sigh, the joys of pregnancy. So Jenny McCarthy wrote a book called "Belly Laughs". Though I've never read it, I know it's a humorous write up of some of the funny on-goings of pregnancy. (Wow, I forgot how much better I prefer her with a bob than this hair...sorry, I digress.) So, I've been thinking up some of my own "Belly Laughs" lately, although the current status of my own belly is no laughing matter... Granted these are probably not laugh-out-loud moments, just things that seem worthy of documentation.

At my first doctor's appointment I had a very confused nurse who tried to add an additional 4 weeks to my pregnancy by giving me the wrong due date. In the end I had two different nurses, and one doctor give me 3 different due dates. The latest is May 1st, so we'll see how that pans out.

At that same appointment, which lasted 3 hours I might add, I was waiting for a nurse to draw some blood. My blood being drawn was the last thing on the agenda and the only thing keeping me from enjoying some greasy cheese fries and lunch. I'd been sitting in the room for nearly 15 minutes when a large and in charge African American nurse with red nails as long as my pinky finger sourly walked into the room. "It's my lunch break." I wasn't quite sure how to respond to that, so I managed a weak, "I'm sorry to cut it short." (It was almost 1 p.m. at this point, and I was ravenous, so my sympathy was waning. If anything, she should have been apologizing for keeping the pregnant woman from her lunch! Though at that point, I was too terrified to sass the large women towering over me.)

"Oh, no it's still my lunch break," she corrected me, her mouth full of food. "Sit there." I quickly moved seats, stammering out more apologies, and rolled up my sleeve. She proceeded to lick some remaining food from her fingers and then began trying to find my vein leaving a streak of saliva down my arm. I turned my face, trying not to let her see my dry heave.

"Are you pregnant?" she demanded. Not wanting to trouble her by having her look at my chart in front of her I quickly said "yes". She made a "Mmm-hmm" sound, and then proceeded to draw my blood. Before the needle was even out of my arm she was already barking orders, "Don't you go taking that band-aid off for at least thirty minutes. Do not pick up that purse with that arm or lift anything with it for at least 2 hours." I nodded, and probably apologized a few times more, just for good measure. I'm really looking forward to my next visit as you can imagine.

Don't get me wrong. I was excited to announce our pregnancy, but I'd still have been fine to hold off a little bit longer. I had everyone pressuring me to tell the world. Kevin was ready to go public at 8 weeks, but I kept him quiet a tad longer. We realized it might be a lost cause when people started guessing.

I went over to help a woman from church with some house projects. As soon as I walked in the door she exclaimed, "Are you pregnant?!"

I stood there stunned for a moment, as I glanced around the room at the other 3 people from church that had just heard her question and whom were now looking at me eagerly awaiting my response. (I was even wearing baggy workout clothes since I knew I'd be getting dirty.) "Um...yes. But not very," I hesitantly replied. So she and the other 3 women start congratulating me.

"You know how some people have 'gay-dar', I seem to have pregnancy radar!" she laughed. We got to work, and it wasn't until a few hours later when it came up again. I mentioned that Kevin could help her move some furniture because he was out of work and had some time on his hands. She hadn't been aware that Kevin had been unemployed for the last 3 months, so she blurted out--mind you, this is in front of a few other people from church--"No wonder you're pregnant! You and Kevin have had plenty of time on your hands to get pregnant!" Which in turn brought 2 more women turning to me and squealing, "You're pregnant?" In the lady's defense, her hands flew to her mouth at that point, and she apologized for announcing my secret...again.

I may or may not have smuggled a small chocolate bundt cake in my purse into the movie theater this weekend. I may or may not have forgotten a fork. I may or may not have consumed it regardless, all the while snickering at the other movie goers and their crappy Snow Caps. Suckers.
Kevin was kind enough to inform me that I have chronic bad breath since getting pregnant this time. That's always nice to hear.
On a likely related note, I nearly lose my cookies just about every time I brush my teeth because my gag reflex is so sensitive.
And speaking of my gag reflex, Claire tooted (yes, that's what we call it) and the smell was so repulsive I was left leaning over her room's little garbage can trying to keep my lunch down. No such smell can be justified coming out of a two year old.
I spent the majority of the morning gathering recipes and consolidating them into one folder on the desktop (to be printed and placed in a binder on a later date). For hours I looked at delicious recipes from the most intriguing ethnic cuisine, to the best of American comfort food. I read fancy french cooking terms like "roux" and "bechamel". (Wink, Hannah!) I found appetizers, soups, main dishes, desserts. By 11 a.m. I was so hungry and nearing sickness if I didn't eat soon, that I literally had to run to my refrigerator. I swung the door open, desperate to prepare something, anything, from the list of recipes I'd just poured over all morning. Nothing was going to be fast enough and I felt my stomach collapsing within me. Finally I found the perfect something to satisfy my famine. Ramen Noodles. Needless to say, I have some very high hopes that dinner will go a little bit better.

FERTILE Mertile

2009-10-12T08:15:00.004-05:00

Or in other words…
expectant, great with child, preggers, knocked up, gestating, fruitful, carrying a child, in the family way, prego, expecting, bun in the oven, baby bump, pregasaurus rex, in the motherly way...

Well, it's hardly a secret anymore because so many people know already, but I thought I'd share our blissfully happy news. :) I assume you all assumed I was pregnant since I haven't posted on the topic in a while, but now I can safely confirm your assumptions.

FAQ:

How far along are you? Officially 3 months along, with the first trimester behind us, and lots of excitement for the next two! Or do I still have thirty days to go before I'm out of the first trimester? Is a pregnancy 9 or 10 months...it's all very confusing to me...

What finally helped you conceive? After two years of trying, and 3 rounds of fertility treatments, it was finally two Intrauterine Inseminations (IUI)--2 days in a row--combined with the medications Clomid, daily injections of the drug Gonal-F (into the stomach), and an ovulation inducing drug called Ovidrel. We were willing to do one more round of IUI before the plan was to move onto Invitro Fertilization (IVF). If people want to email me with more questions about the procedures or where we went to have them performed, please leave me your email in the comments sections and I can provide more information.

Of course, I'd be remiss to not acknowledge the countless prayers made on my behalf by us, family, and friends, and some wonderful blessings I received.

How many are in there?! Just one! We had three mature follicles this last round of fertility treatments, and so two separate nurses sat me down and explained the risks of multiples--maybe even triplets--in case we didn't want to go through with the insemination. One nurse was really candid with me, and explained how it might be our best chance to conceive one. I didn't need much convincing, but she confirmed my decision. We were going for it!!! My initial bloodwork numbers came back very high and the nurse basically came right out and said, "It's at least twins." One week later the numbers were still high, but not as extreme. And the following week an ultrasound confirmed just one healthy heartbeat and fetus. I think I'd begun panicking so much about multiples at that point that I was almost relieved, and after a day or two of readjusting to the idea of just one baby, I was completely at peace and excited for just one.

Before we knew there was just one I questioned Claire, how would you feel about two babies? She promptly responded, "Okay. One for me and one for you."

How do you feel? So great! I experienced some nausea with Claire, some major food aversions, exhaustion, headaches, and sinus problems my first pregnancy. This time has been virtually symptom free except that I take naps when Claire does in the afternoon, and eat a lot! I laughed when I saw my friend's blog when she described her second pregnancy as being super easy too, and how everyone told her maybe her second one is going to be a girl. (Liz!) I've got everyone telling me I must be having a boy. I will say I've been craving salty not sweet this time around...who knows!? More on that another day though...

How did you announce to family? Kevin was obviously the first person I told. We were in Utah at the time and he was headed up to Idaho to visit his brother and sis-in-law. I went to the store and bought a bag full of road trip snacks and treats and a jar of Prego Spaghetti Sauce. I threw it all in a bag and brought it to him and asked if he liked my selections. He thumbed through the bag at bit, nodding with approval, and then came to the jar of spaghetti sauce. He looked at me very confused, and I just giggled. He put it back in the bag and continued to look at the rest of the stuff, but then he came back to the jar, and pulled it out again. "I don't get it." And I just smiled and laughed again. Getting no help from me, he took a closer look at the jar and then came across the brand, Prego. His head flew up and he said, "Are you serious?!", at which point we hugged and ran to hide so we could discuss all the details without any family overhearing! It was long awaited news and very exciting for us both!!!

Claire was the first person we told. (Although we won't make that same mistake in the future, because she's spilled the beans a few times.) When I did tell her she spun in a circle and squealed, "I'm so excited!" Then she stopped and asked, "Can I see it?" and went to lift up my shirt. I explained the baby was still growing in my belly. She stuck out her lips as she thought for a moment and then with a nod declared, "You're going to get big and fat" as she rubbed her own belly. She's apparently seen a few pregnant ladies in her day.

Claire announced to my parents. She spent the night at their house, and beforehand we wrote on her belly, "Big Sister!" and asked my parents to give her a bath before bed. Who knows how Claire didn't blurt it out right when we got there, because she obviously thought using a marker on her belly was hilarious. But she kept quiet, and they had a fun surprise when they de-robed her before her bath.

With Kevin's family and my brothers we sent an email with the following picture and caption...

Digital Camera: $150

Coordinating Clothes for Family Pictures: $65

Announcing that there are technically four of us in this picture: Priceless

So it's more info than you ever wanted to know about things, but needless to say we are thrilled to finally be announcing our news. Thanks to you readers and friends for all the encouragment during the long process!!! More news to come! :)

Fun times...

2009-10-11T21:11:00.002-05:00

So if you're still reading after my last arrogant post, here's what we've been up to lately...

Here are my two sioux chefs helping out in the kitchen.

Had to do some decorating for Halloween...more pumpkin pics to come.

Thanks fot these cute art projects, Grandma Patsy!

Then our cousins came into town for the weekend. We visited the local fire station for "Fire Prevention Week".

Driving a fire truck! (With her eyes closed.)

Hi-fiving Sparky the dog!

Posing with papa bear!

Why I'm a Fun Mom.

2009-10-06T08:00:00.002-05:00

With my confessions post offering evidence of my sub-par parenting, I thought it appropriate to try and redeem myself. Now you'll notice, this post is not entitled, "Why I'm a Good Mom"...because surely the two are not the same, but I just thought I'd list some fun things we do around here...

We go to the library every Tuesday and get 2 movies for a $1. One of the movies is reserved for watching on Friday afternoon, after her nap. I make popcorn , we snuggle up under a blanket, and we enjoy some quality time (assuming it's a movie I can stand to be in the room for) and entertainment. It's been fun showing her some of the classics--American Tail, Aristocats, Gummi Bears, Strawberry Shortcake, Shrek, Robin Hood...occasionally I get one that I thought I remembered liking, and it turns out it's definitely not as good as I remembered, for example Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Alice in Wonderland, Feivel Goes West, Dumbo...) Anyway, it's proven to be a fun tradition, allows me to have a lazy afternoon, and seems to incentivize her throughout the week.
I brought my wee one breakfast in bed last week, much to her excitement. We've done it for Daddy in the past, but this was the first time she got to enjoy it. (I served it to her in our bed which required some washing of sheets afterwards...English Muffins with honey, fruit, and milk on Dad's side of the bed don't seem to mix well.)
A month or so ago we went as a family to see our first movie in theaters. We stuffed my purse with candy, smuggled it into the dollar theater, and enjoyed "Up." It was so fun watching Claire have such a good time. She's never consumed more candy in her life, (remember we're talking fun here, not good parenting) and laughed outloud every time they called the big bird "Kevin". I thought she might grow restless, but the movie held her attention the entire time. (As a side note, she was almost disappointed at the beginning when they showed the short film--the way they do before all the Pixar films--and she turned to me and said, "That's it?! It's over?!" At which point we explained that she actually got to watch two movies and that was the short one. She was very relieved to hear that news.)
I paint Claire's nails regularly. The pinker the better! She shows them off to everyone when they're painted and laments to everyone when they begin chipping or coming off.

I bought Claire two foam swords at the dollar store. We promptly took them to the park where we had a big sword fight as we climbed around the jungle gym, and threw acorns at "the bad guys" (who were invisible characters we made up, not other playing children).
Claire and I cook and bake together all the time. We each have our own apron and we refer to each other as chef.
We play school together. We sit down in our rocking chairs--she has one just her size--and we sing songs and read books together. I'm called "teacher", and she's called "class". She loves it!
I do silly things like letting her eat breakfast on the island, or having picnics in our living room. Still not sure why she thinks that's so fun--maybe it's just the novelty.
I let her have complete control over the radio most of the time we're in the car. We're almost always listening to her music. Kevin's not nearly as permissive as I am about it. :)
We have dance parties.
We play computer games together.
We watch funny videos on you tube--cute animal tricks are her favorite.
I let her stay in the bath forever playing.
I use cookie cutters to make her sandwiches into fun shapes.
I let her take naps in a little tent we set up.

That's all I got right now, and since this has been all braggy, please remember I have plenty of less proud mommy moments!

But I want to know, why are YOU a fun mom? I could use some more good ideas.

Fall's in full swing!

2009-09-30T17:14:00.004-05:00

And I'm loving it! This morning we treated ourselves to hot chocolate and donuts to celebrate the cooler temps. Mmm-mmm!

The other day we also went apple picking. The weather cooperated perfectly by dropping a good 15-20 dregrees from the day before.
One of the few remaining perks of still being unemployed...lots of quality time with Daddy!

Running towards the camera...

...there she is! :) Summer's nice. Autumn's better.

Need a good laugh?

2009-09-30T16:58:00.003-05:00

Just got over a cold, and thankfully Kevin dodged it. I don't know if your hubby's like mine when he's sick, but even the slightest of colds seems like things are a bit touch-and-go with him--like he just might not be able to pull through, it's that serious. :) (Kevin I love you!!!) So when I saw this I had to share it--too perfect!

Enjoy "The Man Cold."

Another fun one was sent to me by Brandis. You know how dumb most music videos are? These people delight in pointing out how ridiculous they really are. This is one of my favorites. (If you like it, the Killers one is pretty funny too--just for you Kristen!)

Total Eclipse of the Heart

Overheard at the Osborn's...

2009-09-29T07:57:00.000-05:00

You asked for 'em, here ya go! ;)

Claire seems to have adopted a few minor expletives. The other day Claire forgot that we'd gone to my parents' house in two cars, so as we started heading home, Claire looked around the car and realized Daddy wasn't there. "Dangit! We forgot Kevin at Mima and Ba's house!" She griped about it the whole way home. "He's in big trouble. I'm mad at him because he stayed at Mima and Ba's." On another occasion, Kevin was rushing out the front door when she yelled, "Dangit! I left my purse in the house." I swear it catches me off guard every time, especially because she says it with such vigor! The other one being used occasionally is, "Oh my gosh!" That's another one I'm still getting used to hearing her yell. "Oh my gosh, it's raining. I can not believe it's raining." This girl is way too dramatic for us sometimes.

Claire watched 101 Dalmatians recently, so when I put on her new coat with faux fur trim (sounds trashy, but it's in fact very cute!), she decided she wanted to pretend she was Cruella DeVil. So she started walking around the house yelling, "Get me those puppies!" "I'm going to kill those puppies right this second." Terribly frightening and yet, strangely cute at the same time...

Claire is very committed to the idea that she would like to get married. So the other day she turned to me and said, "Mama, I reeeally want to get married." I indulged her and asked, "Who?" She looked off into the distance, began tapping her little fingers on the table, and thought out loud, "Hmmmm, who should I marry?" In the end she concluded that a little friend named Daniel who be a good suitor. We're planning a June wedding.

We visited our favorite children's museum a few weeks ago with a friend's son. His mommy was on bedrest for weeks, and he was in desperate need of an outing, so we were happy to have him tag along with us. Before we left the museum, however, the kids got to receive stamps from a man at the door, in case we wanted to return later in the day. The man issuing the stamps was, I believe the PC term is a "little person", which would be completely irrelevant to the story except that Claire exclaimed within ear shot of the man, "He's just a little guy!" My trying to ignore her only prompted her to say it again much louder. I have to believe that he's heard everything working at a children's museum, but that didn't make me blush any less or try to get out of there any less quickly!

My dad loves introducing Claire to new movies. The most recent was, "Never Ending Story"...remember that one?! Apparently she enjoyed it until the end...when it ended. "What?! What?! It ended! It's never supposed to end!" You can understand her disappointment.

On Monday nights we have "Family Home Evening". As peoples' lives and schedules get increasingly busy, it's a nice tradition our church promotes, that sets an evening each week aside that's just for family, no distractions, just good ol' fashioned quality time. Sometime we get together with my parents, other times we might go out to eat, sometimes we play games or plan an outing, and other times we stay in and discuss various topics from "sharing", "being nice", "being obedient", "forgiving the boy that wasn't nice to you at the park", or Bible/Scripture stories.
Tonight we talked about a few of the miracles Jesus performed. Our discussion led to the story of Jesus and the loaves and fish. My sweet 17 year old brother led the discussion, posing lots of questions to Claire. "Did they have enough food for all the people? "No. Only 5 loaves and two little fishes." "Right. Can that feed lots of people?" "No, just a little people."
We sat and beamed, as proud parents do when their children get all the answers right, and then came the question, "So what did Jesus do?" "He reached into his pocket and pulled out lots of fish. It was a miracle!" Might need to review that story again. :) Stefan gently corrected her and explained how happy the people were that there were enough bread and fish for all of them, at which point she interrupted with a squished face, "I do NOT like fish!" Trying to stay on topic, he said, "That's okay, you can just eat bread." "And jam!" she added. Then she went around the room taking a survey whether we each liked fish or not while Stefan waited patiently. Quiet for a moment, he began to proceed only to be stopped again as she conducted a second survey, "What about fish sticks?" Needless to say, the lesson was a little more challenging and a little longer than Stefan bargained for, but he did great!

She keeps us on her toes because one never knows what's going to come out of her mouth, but we wouldn't have it any other way!

Movie Review

2009-09-28T12:00:00.002-05:00

Saw this a few months ago...enjoyed it...quirky, but about as mainstream as an Indie Film can get and still be considered Indie. Definitely not a movie for everybody though.

Saw this a few weeks ago. If you like old movies, this is seriously one of the very best I've ever seen. Even Kevin liked it, and he normally falls asleep during every black and white film we watch.

Saw this a coupld nights ago...HATED it. So horrible, but I have the worst habit of finishing off dumb movies against my better judgement. Don't waste your time. Never been less attracted to Matthew McConaughey.

Really want to see this one this weekend. I'll let you know how it is once I see it.

How about you? Any reccomendations?

Confessions...

2009-09-27T21:39:00.001-05:00

A couple of you have made posts like this one, where you share some of your less proud moments. I delight in reading your imperfections and vices! So here's a wee sampling of mine...

I never seem to tire of Cambell's Chicken Noodle, Ramen Noodle, and Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. Quite sure there is no nutritional value in any of these--though I'm known to always add peas to the latter two, if that makes any difference. I guess I must just love me some soduim!
Along the same lines, there are many a days where Claire eats far better than I do. She's got the fruit and veggies on her plate at lunch, and I'm the one opting to skip for just this one meal. Maybe if I started eating with compartmentalized plates like her I'd be more inclined to make sure each spot was filled.
While all of you go lamenting over the summer ending (i.e. Ani!), I am soooo excited for fall. I love cool temps, changing leaves, sweaters, soup, cider, hot chocloate, chili, lower A/C bills, un-shaved legs, rain...so my apologies to the rest of you mourning the end of summer, but I'm thrilled with Autumn's timely arrival. (And I'm going apple picking tomorrow to celebrate!)
I've been known to let the TV babysit Claire so that I can sneak in a little nap or sleep in an extra hour. In my defense, she wakes up at about 6:30. Kevin's been home lately and he's been down right angelic getting up with her almost every morning.
I hear about people who can't stand to have dirty dishes in their sink. I've got no problem with it. In fact, my sink (a deep and large one, I might add) is virtually overflowing right now with all our weekend dishes I didn't get around to...and I'm going to sleep just fine tonight knowing that they're there. I do fully intend on getting to them tomorrow. Somebody hold me to it!
I haven't read a book in a really long time...I always have a hard time starting one. Once I've started, I can't put it down, but it's been a while since I started any...I am planning on reading the new Dan Brown book once Kevin's done with it.
Occasionally I have a really hankering for Trix or Cocoa Pebbles cereal. Judging form this post, it's a miracle that I'm not 300 lbs. right now. I have issues.
I race the women around me on the Elliptical at the gym. I discreetly look at their speed and the calories their burning and make it my personal goal to beat them. Like I said, I have issues. Did I mention I'm going to the gym? Yep, dusted off the ol' membership and my mom and I have been going on our "off-walking" days at least twice a week. The only problem is that Claire's paying the price and seems to come home with a new cold every week after being in the little day care there. I've caught the latest and it's been a doozey.
I tried to save a couple bucks by cutting Claire's hair, despite having zero experience. I even had the audacity to think I could perfrom layers. I successfully gave her the world's worst haircut. Kevin's plan is to attempt fixing it tomorrow...that's how bad it is. Won't be doing that again!
I was going to post pictures to make this post a tad more intersting for my readers, but it turns out I don't care enough. How's that for confessions?!

So now it's your turn to dish! What do you need to confess?

Whatcha watchin'?

2009-09-24T17:50:00.004-05:00

Ah, yes. Fall's Season of TV is now in full swing, and I couldn't be happier. While a few favorite shows have fallen by the wayside (R.I.P. Samantha Who?), the DVR is eagerly awaiting a long list of shows to record. Here's what I'm watching...(Don't judge me, I have a lot of time on my hands and the nice thing about DVR is that I can go and watch them later.)

Mondays: House-but it did have a weak season premiere. Recognize the Bourne Identity chick?

Castle. I never tire of the classic mystery show. The show, Life's not back yet...so I'm not sure if that one was canceled or not, and we're done with all the C.S.I.s, so in the mean time this one's not bad.

Tuesdays: So You Think You Can Dance-naturally.

And the other show is called Shark Tank. Anyone else watching this one? Small business owners go before these 5 m/billionaire investors and pitch their ideas or businesses in hopes of receiving an investment from the "sharks". Very entertaining, and interesting to see how creative some people are, they just need a little backing. Kevin and I both like this one.

We did try NCIS: Los Angeles, with LL Cool J and Chris O'Donnel--only because I liked who was starring in it, but I thought they could have had a better series premiere too, so I'm still on the fence on this one.

Wednesdays: So You Think You Can Dance-results show. Last season was stellar. It'll be hard to top!

America's Next Top Model-a favorite for years...ssh, don't tell, but I can even convince Kevin to watch with me once in a while. Don't go revoking his man-card for that one! This season they're all under 5'7 which makes things kid of interesting.

Tried the new one Modern Family. Apparently if you like The Office and Arrested Development, this is a show you should be watching...at least says one magazine I read. There were quite a few laugh-out-loud funny moments.

Another one is Glee, but it's weeks are numbered for me...not really liking the direction it's headed, which is sad, because I was originally really excited about it.

Thursdays: Why do they pack so many shows in on one day?! Grey's Anatomy is officially off my DVR. So over that show. I gave them a much longer chance to get good again than anyone else I know, but they just couldn't pull through, so it's over. It's been replaced with an equally, if not more, embarrassing show. The Vampire Diaries. Please make me feel better about myself! Is anyone else watching this? haha The good news is that it's on while Kevin works at the temple, so I don't have to suffer his ridicule!

Another oldie but goody is Project Runway, although this is actually my first season watching. Thoroughly enjoying myself though.

Kevin's interested in giving the show, Community a shot, so we'll see how that one goes. And of course two other favorites are The Office and 30 Rock, although where's that one been? Miss me some Tina Fey.

Weekends we take a break from TV, although I do catch a Monk now and then. And Amazing Race returns this week, which Kevin and I both love. Of notable mention is this season has its first contestant with Asbergers.

Anyway, there's my embarrassingly long list. What are you watching?

mommy moments...

2009-09-09T20:17:00.006-05:00

proud mommy moments...

Claire being potty trained...finally! Woo-hoo!
Claire can get herself dressed now with very minimal help. Here's an example of an ensemble Claire put together entirely on her own...I am officially that mom who lets her kid show up at the grocery store wearing a superman costume. She wanted to be sure I captured her shoes in the picture...hence the praying mantis move.
Claire asking, "What's a happy meal?" one day when we went to McDonald's after a day at an amusement park and just needed something fast. Still not sure why I was so proud of that--just made me feel like I was doing something right by keeping her in the dark.
Walking about 2 miles a day 4x a week...I know, I know, you a triathlon every weekend...I was as sedentary as a rock until about 2 weeks ago, and I'm making baby steps!
Daddy getting up his first time wake boarding!
Claire helping her daddy work in the yard!

less proud mommy moments...

Having a guy behind us at the grocery store comment on all the "carbs" we were buying.
Putting music on my ipod specifically for Claire so that she'll be entertained on our walks, instead of helping her to just appreciate the outdoors. In the mean time, I'm the one having to walk in silence. Can two year olds have their own MP3 players?
Nearly having a nervous breakdown trying to make sugar cookies for a BYU football game party--they were just SO sticky, I couldn't deal with it. Had to turn the job over to Kevin who did a marvelous job!
Letting Claire eat a cupcake like this at a birthday party (it was at a lake house hence the sweet hair-du). Too bad there aren't any "after pictures".

Good thing kids are resilient! I think she'll turn out alright. :)

Time for some more "Overheard at the Osborn's"

2009-09-03T13:32:00.002-05:00

Granted some of these might not be that amusing to you, but I've got to write them down, so that I never forget them...

After Kevin got Claire buckled into her car seat, before she and I ran some errands. "Dad is one crazy kid."

After drinking almost all of her drink using a straw, she was trying to get the last drops and making that annoying slurping sound. "I'm making my drink snore."
After begging to go to my parent's house while they were out of town, I asked her, "What would do there since Mima and Ba aren't even home? "We could just go hang out." Something really cute about hearing a 2 year old use "slang".
If someone's trying to tickle her or chasing her around she always runs to my arms and sighs, "Foo, that was close." Pronounced just liked "food" without the "d", instead of "phew".
I asked Claire to clean up a mess. Unhappy about it, I asked, "You're not whining about it are you?" "No, I'm grumbling about it." We about died!
You know that strange eye trick the moon plays with you where it seems to follow you sometimes? Driving home the other night Claire asked, "Is the moon coming home with us?"
Claire could be referred to as, "Princess Back-seat Driver". Second in line to the throne behind me, the "Queen Back-seat Driver." So we're always getting comments from the back-seat, like, "You're driving too fast/slow." Or, "Kevin, you're driving crazy!" And now she always wants to know why we're stopping. So, the other day we stopped because it was a school zone and a crossing guard had us stop. "Why are we stopping?"
"That lady is called a crossing guard, and she helps the kids cross the street safely so they can go to their school." A few blocks later we saw another one and I pointed out, "See, there's another crossing guard."
Puzzled, she asked, "But why are they wearing life vests?" :) And then I explained how, "They look like life vests, but they're actually just bright jackets that make it so the drivers in cars can see them well, so no one gets squished by a car."
Claire has decided she's going to marry her Uncle Stefan. She knows what song she's going to sing to him when it happens, ("Sleeping Beauty" song ) and has already decided what she's wearing. "I will wear a beautiful white dress." Then my dad asked, "What will Stefan wear?" She thought for a moment, and then decided, "Not a white dress!"
And I know I've talked about this one before, but because I never want to forget, can I just say how hilarious it is that Claire calls her daddy, "Kevin". She even tried "Kev-o" the other day. She doesn't do it disrespectfully or even to be funny. I think she just hears everyone else call him Kevin, so she's adopted it too. For a long time Kevin would correct her and ask, "What's my name?" and then she'd say "Daddy". But last week he finally gave up. It won't last long, I'm sure, and for now, it's so funny to hear him bossing him around, and saying things like, "Here ya go, Kevin." or "Kevin, come eat dinner." She's always good for a laugh!

Just got back from a lovely week in Utah...

2009-08-26T21:09:00.005-05:00

My gorgeous cousin got married last week in an equally gorgeous wedding wearing a gorgeous dress at a gorgeous Temple! So the whole family made a trip out there. I also went to some lectures at Education Week (it was my first time, but seriously, you need to go next year! My mom and I are going to make a yearly habit of it from here on out. Meet me there!)

We also hung out with long lost friends, whom we miss dearly! Not a single picture of any of them--are we lame or what?! But here are some pics of the bride and groom...(although they're in a really random order...) And here's a pic of us on the way to the wedding after my aunt and uncle got a flat...Kevin to the rescue!!! Not to say you couldn't have done it Vince, just that Kevin could do it faster. ;) And here's Claire and her uncle, Nate the Great, as she calls him, waiting for the bride and groom to come out of the SLC Temple. Here are some family pics at the reception. Rehearsal dinner with Kevin, and my Aunts Naomi, and Tamara...and about 40 others not pictured.After the reception, my mom posed with her equally silly sisters. After a long day exhaustion was clearly setting in. (That's them wearing bows and wrapping paper from gifts.)Claire proudly posing with her masterpiece. Claire enjoying herself with cousins.

Definitely didn't take enough pictures, because I have none of the VDG side. SOOOOO sorry! Guess that means another trip out to see you is in order! :)

Overheard at the Osborn's...

2009-08-10T13:57:00.002-05:00

It's been a while, so here ya go!

We were at church when Claire turned to me and asked, "Is it time for the snackrament?" (That's where they pass us the bread and water, so it's no wonder where she came up with that name!)
We were playing a game and singing Disney songs. I started singing the song Jimmeny Cricket sings in Pinocchio, "Give a little whistle...And always let your conscience be your _______" and then I paused so she could finish the line. It was supposed to be "guide", but the word she completed the phrase with was, "Wife." ha ha! Looks like I'm teaching her well!
While drawing with crayons, "Mommy, my white crayon's broken!"
While my sister-in-law was in town we spent lots of time fantasizing about what we'd name all of our kids. Finally we asked for Claire's input. "What would name your baby sister?" we asked. "Ariel." Of course. "And how about a brother?" "Alma". (A prophet from the Book of Mormon.) Then we moved onto her cousin Callan and asked him the same questions. Apparently he'd name his sister, "Mommy." (After his favorite girl, no doubt.) And he was stumped on a brother's name. So Claire interrupted with a tone that implied, "Duh!" And said, "Baby Landon!" (Which is already the name of his little brother--no hypothesizing needed, DUH!)
I'd bought Claire this little Beauty and the Beast finger puppet set at a garage sale and set it down when I got home. I got distracted and hadn't showed it to Claire yet. I was in the basement when Claire ran to the top of the stairs and called down, "Mommy, come, I found something wonderful!" It was the word "wonderful" and her sing songy tone that had me cracking up. (Have I mentioned that my daughter lives in a whimsical little life?) I asked her what it was and she said, "It seems like it's toys for me!
Which brings me to my next cute Claire-isms. "It seems like..." and then fill in the blank. I'm not sure where she picked it up exactly, but she uses it all the time, "It seems like this tastes spicy." "It seems like it's hot in the car." "It seems like I'm hungry." She is a riot with all her funny sayings.
She suffered a minor injury yesterday, and so Kevin ran to her rescue to comfort her. As she calmed down she suggested, "Maybe if I eat something I'll feel better." This girl will use any excuse she can to convince us how hungry she is! In fact, last week we got her first, "I'm starving!" I highly doubt that...
One of our not so proud parenting moments came this morning when Kevin exclaimed, "What the crap?!" about something. Claire immediately followed up, "What the crap's wrong with you, Daddy?" Ah, yes, nothing says "A+ parenting job" like hearing those words come out of your two and a half year old's mouth...though I've been asking myself the same question for years... Just kidding!!!

Summer Lovin'!

2009-08-09T18:03:00.007-05:00

I've got so much catching up to do! Where has the summer gone?! I swear time is just flying by!!!

A few weeks ago my brothers, Kevin, and I all went to see Coldplay in concert. It was a fantastic show! I'm not a big concert-goer, and there are few I'd actually pay to see, but this concert was so worth it. They really put on an amazing show--so glad I went.

Raining, but still smiling!

Then my mother-in-law, sister-in-law and two nephews came to town. Claire and her cousin Callan are only 3 months apart, and so they always look forward to playing with each other...even the they fight like cats and dogs once they are together. Here are some fun pictures, but the rest can be seen here on our Picasa page... They quarrel a ton, but they definitely love each other, and love being around each other...as seen here. We went up to the Wisconsin Dells with everybody and did a few days at this really fun indoor/outdoor water park and amusement park. The weather could've cooperated a tad more, but otherwise it was awesome!

There was plenty of good eating on the trip. One night, while we were out at a Mexican restaurant, towards the end of the meal, Claire started playing with her food. She came up with this (ketchup, guacamole, chips, and french fries) and started singing, "Happy Birthday". She is so imaginative!

Claire was practically braver than I was when it came to all the rides. Although this one was pretty harmless.

Alright, clearly this isn't that great of a picture, but it says so much about the two's relationship. Claire seems to think she is Callan's mommy. She was constantly bossing his around, washing his hair in the bath, threatening to spank him, telling him he was a "cranker" or a whiner", and as seen in this picture, trying to turn his head towars the camera. She was also such a little tattle-tale. I can't wait to see the dynamics of their relationship in years to come. She is ALL girl and he is ALL boy. Once we were back in town we went a favorite place of ours called, "Lamb's Farm", where we fed animals, and went on a train ride.

Playing in their "boat".

We lucked out and also had our city's carnival in town, so my parents took everybody and we got to go on more rides, play in a park, have a picnic, and eat Gryos and ice cream. What a life these kids live!

Thanks for a fabulous couple of weeks Tracy and Ashley! 'Til next time!

Infertile Mertile--Continued...

2009-08-07T12:29:00.005-05:00

Not pregnant yet, but when I am, I can't wait to shop at this new site: Milan Maternity! Way affordable and so cute. One more reason to be baby hungry! :)

In related news...After Colimid, Gonaf-F injections for five days, and then an HCG trigger shot (right in the tuchus!) I had 3 mature follicles this cycle and then a few other follicles that were measuring in the 14 mm range. I think they were a little nervous about proceeding because I had so many mature follicles, because my estrogen levels are higher than they've been in the past, and because of my age. So the nurse and the doctor talked to me separately, making sure I was aware of the risk of multiples. They've said that before though, so I'll believe it when I see it! ;) One nurse pointed out that this may be my best bet to have one baby. So we went for it! I don't even know what to hope for at this point! We had the first insem this morning and another one tomorrow. Now another 2 week wait commences. Keep ya posted!

Infertile Mertile--Part Lost Count...

2009-08-03T12:20:00.003-05:00

Lest you think my avoidance of the pregnancy topic has meant I'm prego...think again! Just not much to report!

Last month we did another cycle on Clomid, and an HCG injection. We also did two inseminations to try and "cover our bases", but I only had one mature follicle, so my chances weren't too great. A week later, after bloodwork, they determined that I had low progesterone levels so they had to put me on supplements--as I understand it, the low levels would have meant that even if I had gotten pregnant I wouldn't have been able to sustain a pregnancy. Anyway, it didn't end up mattering either way, because our second round of IUI still didn't work.

So, prayerfully, we went back in for another cycle. There are a lot of negative side effects with Clomid, (often it actually hurts your chances of conceiving), so they put me on a lesser dose of Clomid and combined it with three days of injections. The injections are supposed to cancel out some of the negative effects of the Clomid while continuing to stimulate follicles. I just couldn't bring myself to administer a shot into my stomach, so I've made Kevin do it. It was frightening allowing someone so highly unqualified give me a shot. :) I'm a little concerned by how much fun Kevin seemed to have doing it--but we all had a good laugh at my expense. Hardy Har Har.

As of this morning, my follicles were all measuring small, but it's also early in my cycle so I'm not too worried. But, one of the effects of Clomid is that it thins Uturine lining--which it appears to have done. Apparently like to see it measuing at least a 7 (of some measurement) and I've got a 4. Now I'm waiting to hear back if I'll do some more shots, and whether or not they want to put me on medication to "beef up" my lining. Ugh, it seems endless!

If things don't work this month, that we're resorting to the last step before IVF. We're going to do a few month of pure injectables and leave out the Clomid. Higher success rates, and higher multiple rates...exhibit A, some family friends in Houston who are currently expecting sextuplets. Yikes! I told Kevin if we conceive 6 we can do our own relaity show called, "Dani and Kevin + Seven!" J/K! Anyway, it's hard to know what to do, but it's still not invasive as IVF, so we'll likely try it for a few months.

So, there you have it! We'll keep ya posted. But keep your fingers crossed and the prayers a'comin'!

(Pics of life as of late to come soon. In-laws are in town, and we're having a blast!)

Girl's Camp

2009-07-20T10:28:00.003-05:00

Well, it's that time of year again...

I'm off to girl's camp. [Insert big long sigh here.]

It always ends up being more fun than I think it will be, but I can just never get excited about it. And yet, they invite me back to be a leader year after year. I've got to curb my personality a bit, and maybe I'd be asked to do less. :)

In my absence do yourselves a favor and watch this delightful French farce. Loved it!

(Click to watch the trailer...looks a little risque, but it's actually very mild. I watched it with my parents if that says anything. We all loved it!)

Farmers for a Few Days

2009-07-17T14:15:00.007-05:00

A mere 3 hours from our home lies "tranquility" at its finest. My Grandpa's farm is in Argyle, Wisconsin, and we went up there for a few days this week. Just one of the many luxuries when your husband's been let go from work. More fun trips to come...eat your hearts out employed folks. ;)

In addition to going up there so we could visit with my Grandpa and my uncle, we were there to work--well Kevin was, at least. I just played the role of "cook", so I got off easy! Especially when all the guys had been toiling away outside all day--they'd have eaten anything! Their project was a this beautiful stream and pond on their building on his property...we actually had to leave before it was completely done, but here's one before/after shot.

That gives you an idea of the project anyway. Busy beavers, huh!? It will have turtles and fish in there once it's done. I think we're going back next month to see the final project.

But while they worked, Claire and I played!

We also got to see our fair share of wildlife--(Great) Unlce Rick brought in a big toad to show Claire before she went to bed. Claire hopped around the room following the poor thing. But eventually we let him go back outside again--he had lots of work to do, catching all those darn mosquitos. The bugs were HORRIBLE!Then Daddy graced our presense with a snake. Blech. Claire thought it was pretty cool though. There were also chickens to feed, eggs to collect, cows to milk (at a neighbor's farm), calves to feed, and tractors to ride. Claire felt like a real farmer!

We tuckered her right out! Here she is passed out literally less than 60 seconds into the car trip home! It was really a fun couple of days! Thanks Pappy!

ZZZZ!

2009-07-17T14:02:00.003-05:00

Watching a friend's kids. Five year old girl and two year old boy.

Two year old went down for nap at the same time as Claire.

I went to entertain five year old.

Thirty minutes later, hear noises upstairs.

Go upstairs to find Claire out of her bed, playing in the room where the little boy was sleeping.

Toys everywhere! She must have been playing in his room the whole time. Quickly check on the boy to make sure he's still sleeping. Still sound asleep but wearing a tiarra! Claire had climbed on the bed and put a crown on him, played around him for a long while, made plenty of noise, and broke down in tears and sobs when I caught her (not that she was being very stealthy) and this little boy still managed to stay asleep.

See why I need a second kid?! Swear it makes it so that your kids can sleep through anything!

The Game of Life...

2009-07-08T15:59:00.007-05:00

It has been said that blogs seem to only portray the blissfully happy moments in life.

Isn't my kid cute/smart/gifted?! He said/did/made this...

Look at my new car/new house/new haircut/new diploma/new tan/new baby bump!!!

Wasn't our vacation FAB-U-LOUS!?!

Look at our family photos--aren't we the most attractive family?!?

Didn't I handle this nightmare of a situation beautifully?! See me picking dog poo out of my kids hair and still managing to look hot?!

Try this way easy recipe I made today--it only took 8 hours, required a $100 pairing knife, and 2 tsp. of cocoa grindings from the most Southern part of Chile! It's a must-have at your next party!

Did I leave anything out?

I will be the first one to admit that I can make a check mark next to about every one of those. Guilty as charged! My blog is one big self-indulging, self-congratulating, and self-stimulating narcissistic mess.

But, part of me thinks that's what people want to read when they turn to a blog. They want to hear that you're doing well. They want to hear your life's little successes. And frankly, you want to document the happy moments in your life and not dwell on the rotten. So I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing that we all post about our lovely lives' loveliness.

There appear to be some naysayers out there, however. People who think that my blog is demonstrative of my lack of self-confidence. An interesting thought.

Do I find individuals' comments on my blog affirming? Yes. Does my my most major sense of validation and self-worth stem from the number of comments I receive per post? Of course! Do I begin questioning my significance in the world when I fail to receive as many "Amens!" after a post as I'd like. Naturally. But me lacking self-esteem? Puh-lease! (Please tell me you know this last paragraph was all tongue in cheek!)

So I suppose I owe some of you an apology for making every post seem like a trip down "Candy Land Lane"...and here I thought I was being too negative sometimes! But for your reading pleasure...here's a glimpse of the Osborn reality at the moment...

Kevin was let go yesterday. He really enjoyed working for the company, but the company's faced some difficult challenges with the economy's downturn and as a consequence they've had to let go nearly half their employees globally. Kevin just saw them through a very successful audit, but there won't be another one for four years so he correctly predicted that his position may be terminated, as the company tries to stay afloat.

What this means for us...

The company provided him with a very fair severance package. And we will continue to be insured for a little while...that means now the baby-making's really got to count! Contrary to what some of you may have thought, we are not going thousands of dollars into debt with our fertility treatments, nor are my parents funding it...Kevin's firm offered incredible insurance. I haven't heard of anyone with such amazing coverage and it has proven to be such a blessing. We've had 100% maternity and fertility coverage. We've had $10 copays, and medications to buy, but otherwise the insurance has covered it all. Needless to say, that's partly why we've been as aggressive as we've been with our fertility treatments, and why we might get even more aggressive these next couple months while we still have the coverage. Obviously, now we're really hoping to conceive, because in truth, there's no way we could afford to pay for these treatments on our own. So here's crossing every finger and toe that things work out! And hopefully that dispels some rumors that have been going around.

The good news is that this may all be a blessing in disguise. I am not currently permitted to discuss the matter...a gag-order from the hubby...but there is a promising "Plan B" in the works. So more news to come. In the mean time, Kevin's home with us the next couple days, finishing our basement, spending time with us, and won't have to take off work for the next fertility appointment!

So, how's that for "Chutes and Ladders"! Our life is full of ups and downs like the next person. I think our faith is God and in His plan for us helps us to stay positive admist trials and helps us to be grateful admist blessings. So lest any of you think we're getting to skip around the board and collect $200 with nary a bump in the road, we're living real life too, just choosing to post the happy rather than the sad. And that's all I'm going to say on the matter...well, that...and isn't my kid talented?

"Daddy"

By Claire Osborn

You know your day's off to a good start when...

2009-07-08T15:34:00.005-05:00

...your toddler wakes you up by saying, "I put this in my hair." I groggily opened my eyes and saw a huge blob...nay, dollop...of this: smeared into her hair. Awesome.

So I threw her into the shower and washed her hair once with shampoo and once with a bar of soap. Then I had to run off to a Dr.'s appointment while my brother watched her. When I returned an hour later, her hair still looked wet. Au contraire. Turned out it wasn't wet, just really greasy. Sick.

So I took her to park, fed her a popsicle, and let her play with the hose outside so she'd be dirty enough to warrant another bath. This time I used another healthy dose of cheap shampoo and when I still wasn't convinced I was rid of the Vick's I turned to:

If it's good enough to degrease oil covered birds, it's good enough for my wee one.

That finally did the trick! So in the off chance that your child ever does the same thing, now you'll know just what to do. You're welcome.

Happy Fourth of July Weekend!

2009-07-05T21:47:00.011-05:00

Thursday night we grabbed dinner with friends here...'cuz we're classy like that. ;)

Then we came home and made some smores in a little firepit the previous owners left behind......not sure if the fire was legal, but they sure tasted good!

We camped out in a ridiculously small tent...note to self, time to get a bigger than two-man tent! Grandpa stopped by to drop off my camera and pretended he was a bear. Claire was less than convinced, in fact, she explained to us that it wasn't a bear, but a chipmunk trying to get in. Guess he needs to work on his acting skills. ;)

Friday was spent doing yard work, cleaning up our house, and emptying our basement of lots of junk since we're about to finish it. Very productive. (Before and after pics to come once we're done.)

Friday night we barbequed and celebrated my mom's birthday, but the pics are on her camera, so just use your imagination here. My dad went all out--there were only 6 adults, but my dad felt the need to prepare 8 chicken breasts, one hot dog (for the Claire Bear), 4 cheeseburgers, 2 lamb chops, and 4 steaks. What?! Needless to say we were eating lots of leftovers the next few days. But if stomachs are the way to someone's heart, then it's safe to say we all felt very loved! So thanks dad!

Claire spent the night at my parents, so Kevin and I got a nice break! We live just over 2 miles from my parents so Saturday morning, even though it was drizzling a bit, we decided to run to my parents house. After a nice run we devoured a delicious pancake breakfast my dad made.

Kevin went and played softball with my bros.

And then we braved the city's parade even though it was raining. (It's a great one every year--too good to miss!) It was Claire's first parade and she loved it, especially all the candy they threw to her!

Saturday night we saw the fireworks with friends, and let Claire stay up extra late to watch with us. Claire's got her first sparkler here, but you can't really tell in this picture.
Sunday was relaxing and lovely! Spent together and with a nice barbeque...again...for dinner.

A perfect weekend. Hope everyone had a great 4th. God bless America.

Infertile Mertile

2009-07-05T21:28:00.002-05:00

Apparently some of you remain interested in our...hmm...fertility endeavors...shall we call them. Not much news to report...so feel free to skip this post!

There have been people who've suggested that we're not conceiving because I'm stressing too much or thinking about it too much...if that were the case, I think I'd have gotten pregnant this past month when we were off gallavanting through Eastern Europe. I took a month off from charting and temp taking, I didn't pinpoint when I was ovulating, truly, I saw it as a month off and didn't think about it much, (and we had carefree and plentiful "you know what")...all to no avail.

Thus begins the next round of IUI (which is another term for Artificial Insemination for those just joining us). I don't know if this is our last attempt with this procedure before we move on to IVF or if we'll give it one more try...we'll consult witht he Dr. after this cycle. IVF still seems so "major"...the big leagues of infertility, if you will. I may still be content to play in the minors for a bit. Obvisouly some prayerful and informed decisions will preceed the next step.

Anyway, I completed my last dose of Clomid the other day. No major side effects except the hot flashes. I begin the OPKs (Ovulation Predictor Kits) today. This week I'll begin the frequent ultrasounds where they monitor my maturing follicles. So when I know something, I'll let you know something! Thanks for the prayers and encouragement. I really am pretty mellow about things right now...not so much pessimistic as I am peace-amistic. Clever, eh?

I'll report again soon...as long as you act interested I'll keep talking abouy it, but please let me know if the topic ever gets tiresome...you can even post anonymously so I won't get mad at you. :)

Overheard at the Osborn's

2009-07-04T17:01:00.007-05:00

It appears that I've disappointed a number of you by not updating my blog. Didn't realize some of you even looked at it! I don't even have a good reason for not blogging lately...just kinda "over it" right now, and don't have anything interesting to say, but I will try and get back into the swing of things. What better way to start than with some "Overheard at the Osborns"...

I came around the corner the other day and must have surprised Claire. "Diet Coke!" she yelped as I startled her. Still not sure where she picked up that explicative?!

After a family reunion last week with nearly forty people, Claire got accustomed to having people everywhere at all times. So when Monday morning came around and most everybody was back on the road and heading home, Claire walked into my parents' family room and demanded, "Where are all the people?"

There were a lot of "lesser known" family members at this reunion, like 2nd cousins we'd never met before. So Claire seemed to have a hard time keeping everyone straight. We went out to dinner one night and on our way out Claire was doing impressions of mean witches for her amused cousins. Hoping for some more attention she turned to say, "Come here, my precious," in her best witch voice and with a little beckoning pointer finger--the only problem is that she was doing it to some strangers not with our party! Oops!

Kevin and I absolutely love our Tivo/DVRit, but it's made commercials (or "mommy shows" as Claire calls them) a foreign idea to Claire. So in the off chance that Claire does watch some live tv and there are commercials, she doesn't seem to understand that her show will come back on in 2 minutes and freaks out. "I don't like this show!!! Why's this show on?" Child of the digital age!

We've been getting some "Spanish" lessons from Claire lately. The first one's a little nasty, so forgive me in advance. While at church the other day I took Claire to the bathroom (we're trying to potty train once and for all--that's a post for another day...) and after going she said, "Plop! That means poo-poo in Spanish." I was glad there wasn't anyone in the bathroom with us at the time. The other Spanish lesson came while we were camping in our backyard the other day. At first Claire kept calling the S'mores, "Smokes". Eventually she got the name right and excitedly called my mom the next day to tell her about our night camping. "We made S'mores! That means marshmallows in Spanish." Watching a movie while we camped...roughin' it, huh? It was hot so we even ended up bringing a fan outside and pluggin it in. We are ridiculous. We won't be camping again until we find a bigger tent.

Claire put some fuzzy socks of mine on her legs and arms and walked around the hosue telling people, "I'm Barney." Quite the imagination this one!

"I made us breakfast," Claire told me one morning. At first I was concerned by what that could entail, but I came to learn it meant she'd picked out a cereal for her, and grabbed the cereal I often eat and set both boxes on the table. Just cute!

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggedy Jig

2009-06-22T12:32:00.005-05:00

(The title comes from an old nursery rhyme my mom used to quote all the time, in case you were wondering...)

Okay, so actually it's Monday and we got home last Wednesday, but I think I've been recovering too much to post. Laundry, sick girl, Father's Day preparations, errands, and house cleaning as we gear up for a VDG family reunion. I have nearly 500 pictures from our trip...not going to subject you to that, but if you'd like to see some picutres from our trip please visit our Picasa page! Right now I've just got pictures up from our first leg of the trip...

Needless to say the trip was AMAZING! First, we spent a week in Bulgaria. Kevin served a mission for our church there for two years and had been back once to visit, but he was eager to return. It is a beautiful country (I'd been once before too) and the whole trip had a really good pace to it--lots of down time, quite a bit of driving, but still time to see lots of people, grab the food Kevin's been missing, and even 3 nights at this fantastic resort along the Black Sea. The week flew by!

After Bulgaria we flew into Vienna where we met my parents and brothers. My one brother has been serving a mission in the Czech, Prague Mission, but his specific call was in Slovakia. He's been there for two years and just finished up, so the whole trip was built around being able to pick him up as a family. We had a nice big van rented which we used to drive around Slovakia--another gorgeous country, think Swiss Alps meets Aspen Colorado kind of pretty. While there we got to meet various people Nathan helped, taught, and baptized and got to see the different cities he lived. The last couple days there we went to this area in the mountains, known as the "Tatras" and stayed at this hot water spring resort and spa. Fabulous! We all decided we'd gladly go back.

Perhaps the best part of the whole trip was how well Claire did. I went into the trip stressed. We were going to be doing a lot of driving, we were going to be upheaving her routine and nap schedule, there was the jet lag to deal with, the different food, the language barrier, the numbers of strangers that would be picking her up and holding her and kissing her...I went into the trip excited, but kind of planning on not having fun or being able to relax because it was all going to be too stressful. WOW, did Claire prove us wrong. She was amazing! She weas flexible, angelic, slept wherever and whenever, ate whatever, talked and hugged whoever, may have cried about something twice the whole trip, and that wasn't until the end when the sleep deprivation was starting to catch up with her. So I don't know if it was an answer to prayers or a fluke or what, but it made us all want to travel more since she was so cooperative! So parents take note--travel while you can--I'm sure it's easier and cheaper when there's just one kid, so squeeze a "vacay" in before the other kiddos start coming!!! And on that note...kind of glad I wasn't prego for the trip...I think I enjoyed myself a lot more because I wasn't.

Anyway, glad to be home, but even gladder that my brother's home!!! Welcome back, Nate!

"Overheard at the Osborn's"

2009-06-03T21:15:00.002-05:00

Claire was put to bed around 8:30. An hour later we still heard sound coming from her room. I sent Kevin updatirs to investigate, at which point she dove into her pillow with her little bum in the air, trying to "hide". "Busted!" said Kevin. Claire realizing the gig was up, sat up in her bed with a twinkle in her eye and said, "You're right Daddy, I am busted." Way to butter Kevin up so that he wouldn't be upset about her shinannigans!

Another night as Kevin was putting Claire to bed when she asked to do "nosey, nosey". (That's an "Eskimo Kiss" in layman's terms, and if you don't know what that is either, than you must live a very sad life...) Even though he knew what "nosey, nosey" was, he asked her, "What's that?" To which she replied, "It's like a kiss, but not so much."

I cut Claire's bangs the other day and as I brought the scissors up to her forehead she pulled away and said, "You almost cut my brain, Mommy!" Ha Ha!

This morning Kevin asked Claire to look after me and be nice to me today since I was sick...but not before dashing to the store to get me some Gingerale and Chicken Noodle Soup first! (Sweet hubby, huh?) He aso instructed Claire to keep her distance because he didn't want her to get sick too. So we had a lazy day...more TV than usual, but Claire was near angelic and so good about playing by herslf most of the day. She asked me to read her some books, and so I pulled her up onto the bed with me. She went and got comfortable on Kevin's side, and I mentioned to her, "You're sitting so far away." She looked at me hesitantly, and asked, "Aren't you still sick?" I had to laugh, becuase she was the one being more responsible at that point...smart girl.

As I was getting Claire out of the car the other day I told her I was hungry and she said, "Me too. My tummy's talking to me."

She loves being quizzed as we eat; she's always asking for Jesus ?s, or Animal ?s, or Disney ?s, Opposites...today the questions were about what animals give us..."What animal gives us milk...eggs...bacon?" "What do bees give us?" Then she wanted to ask me some questions. She repeated some of mine and then started coming up with her own, "Who gives us watermelon?" I guessed a garden, but I was wrong--the correct answer was "Farmer". And then she asked, "What gives us bananas?" To which the correct answer, according to Claire, was, "Monkeys." Duh.

Others worth mentioning...her using "Certainly not," today. She told me she liked peaches, I replied, "Me too," and she replied, "Me three," which she's been saying a lot lately. And opening the back door today and announcing, "It's a brand new day. A brand new day of spring!" I don't know where she gets some of these things! I think she thinks she lives a very whimsical life!

Shedd Aquarium

2009-06-03T20:56:00.006-05:00

We leave on Friday to Europe...the stress that leads up to a trip is beginning to set in. So, as my last day of folly we went with some friends to the Chicago Shedd Aquarium. I absoutely love that place! They've redone it since I was last there, and there are tons of interactive play areas now where kids can touch things, play, slide, try on penguin constumes, walk over a glass floor filled with sting rays, play in a submarine...Nice work Shedd! Claire had a blast with her little friend, Araleigh, and I enjoyed some "mommy-time" with Brandis. Thanks for the invitation!!!

In other news...

What's the best way to lose those last few pounds before going on vacation? Getting the flu of course!!! So much for getting a ton of stuff done today, I was up all night sick, and had to spend most of today in bed. I suppose it's better to be sick at home than while we're away, but I just didn't have a day to lounge around with everything I need to before I leave...and yet, here I sit, blogging. Go figure. Worst of all, I had to cancel my pedicure today. I may still attempt one tomorrow if I'm feeling better--these toes are not allowed to be in sandals on the beach otherwise. Don't want to be the outbreak monkey, but naturally, I've got to wear sandals...

Okay. One more post and then I'll bid adieu till I return in 2 weeks.

Go Reds!

2009-06-03T19:47:00.004-05:00

If you can't brag on your blog, where can you brag?! Normally I brag about Claire, but today I'm going to change it up a bit and tell you about a friend of mine...

One of my best friends growing up was a guy named Adam Rosales. Adam's a baseball player...probably in the truest sense of the word...loves the game more than anyone I've ever met, had always dreamed of becoming a professional player, worked and trained tirelessly, and longed to someday play at Wrigley Field (although he's now accomplished that...) I spent many-a-cold-springs sitting in the bleachers shivering under a blanket with his mom, watching Adam play baseball. So you can imagine my excitement as Adam has followed his dreams and gone from playing high school ball, to college, to the minor leagues, and now to the majors.

Adam and I have kept in touch over the years, always a phone call on birthdays and the other occasional chats here and there. He texted me when he got the great news a few months back that he'd been brought up to play for the Cincinnati Reds. My whole family was so excited for him. Well, Kevin's friend, McKay, was in town for the weekend and we wanted to catch a Cub's game. As we were looking on Craigslist for tickets, I get a text from Adam letting me know that he was playing the Brewers in Milwaukee that night and wanted to know if we wanted to come! Milwaukee's about an hour away, so we were thrilled, eagerly said yes, and headed off!

I felt pretty special getting to go to the VIP Will Call line to pick up our tickets!

Our seats were amazing--about 20 rows behind home plate!

Adam getting ready to bat.Afterwards we got to go downstairs near the locker rooms and wait for Adam. Here's McKay and me feeling like hotshots!Signing autographs! haha It was such a fun night and so fun to say, "I knew him when..." Thanks Rosy!!!(Ladies he's single!!!!!)

Vocabulary

2009-05-31T21:07:00.003-05:00

Alright. Time to brag.

Claire has an incredible vocabulary--she's constantly amazing us with the things she says. In fact, my dad took her to the park the other day, and this little girl was dumbfounded with Claire as she talked up a storm. "Is she in kindergarten?" asked the girl. My dad explained, "No, she's only 2 1/2." "How can she talk so good? Is she a midget or something? Can she even walk?" Ha Ha! I'm sorry I missed that conversation!

The other day Kevin turned off the music in the car and Claire pointed out, "The music disappeared." Kevin was impressed with her using that word, and so he asked her, "What does disappear mean?" She paused for just a moment and then said, "It means to go somewhere else." So she not only knows words, but can define them too--she just astounds us some times.

Occasionally, however, Claire decides to make up her own words, where she'll use a made up word in a sentence and I have to ask her to define it. Here are some of the ones she's come up with...

earro=too much water in her ear (like when I'm bathing her) "That's too earro!"
prayert=to line up toys "I'm making a prayert."
waterfault=a hose
stopping my word=interrupting "Grandpa, you keep stopping my word!"
kiss-iss...this is my personal favorite. Claire shouted it up the stairs to me the other day after I'd been barking some orders to Kevin. "Stop being a kiss-iss, Mommy!" So Kevin asked her, "What does that mean?" She replied, "It means being mean to Daddy." Needless to say, Kevin loved his daughter standing up for him. :)

Rarely dull around the Osborn home!

I've got one more post coming and then I'm going to be completely "preparing for trip mode". We leave on Friday! Yikes!/Yea!

Infertile Mertile-Part 7

2009-05-28T15:57:00.003-05:00

Lest you think I'm at home crying myself to sleep each night, I should make sure I point out that I'm fine. It's kind of this way each month to be honest...the day I realize I'm not pregnant is kind of a bummer, and then the next day I'm over it, ready to start a new month of trying. Okay, I shouldn't say over it, clearly I'm not over it or I wouldn't be talking about it as much as I am, but I guess the worst of the sadness subsides, if that makes sense. I probably blogged about it a little too soon after finding out that I wasn't...so that last ferility post carried with it some raw emotions.

I'm not sure why this month was so much harder than the other 23 months we've been trying. Maybe just because I'd gotten my hopes up since we involved the treatments, medications, and doctors, but in case I didn't point this out before, IUI really only ups your chances by about 20%, so the odds still weren't all that great that we'd conceive, particularly not after the first month. Anyway, I'll be more careful to get my hopes up next time around, now that I know perfect numbers don't necessarily equate a pregnancy. I'm shooting for "pessimistically optimistic".

Yesterday was another Debbie Downer post...so I thought I'd post two cute things Claire said...turns out she's eager for a baby too!

Claire was throwing a fit yesterday because I told her she couldn't watch TV. After a nice 10 minute tantrum in her room she approached me and sniffly asked, "Can I ask you a sad question?"

I said "sure".

"I'm sad because I don't have a baby brother or baby sister." (Yes, I realize that's not a question.)

As though suddenly that was the reason she'd been melting down...it had nothing to do with Elmo...riiiight. I told her Daddy and I were working on it.

"What would you do if you had a baby brother or sister?"

"I'd share my toys with him and give him baby food."
Sweet, huh? So today she started singing "We are a Happy Family", which I love by the way, especially when she starts singing it when you're snuggling her. It makes me happy that she recognizes happy family moments. Anwyay today she starts singing, "I love sister, she loves me..."
I interrupted her and said, "But, you don't have a sister." Maybe not the kindest thing to say, now that I reflect back on it.

She thought about this for a minute and then said, "You and daddy need to make me a sister so I can play with her."

"How do I make you a sister?" I posed, this was the first time she seemed to realize it was something that Kevin and I would have to "create".

"In the family room."

So even Claire has ideas how we can spice things up. Add it to our list of suggestions. :) Which, by the way, is growing...also add yoga, Robitussin, and keeping my feet in the air for at least 30 minutes after you know what. (Not going to say I haven't tried a number of these...still sometimes weird hearing them from people at church, grandparents, and near strangers...)

The doctor thought a trip was good for us, and that "taking a month off" might be just what we needed--might even result in a pregnancy. I chose not to explain that Claire would be sharing a room, sometimes even a bed with us while on our trip,

Then I cleaned up the mess.

2009-05-26T21:39:00.011-05:00

We had a great weekend. Our Memorial Day weekend included gardening, house projects, the biggest score of a garage sale ever (probably the best $20 I've ever spent!), a picnic, eating out (an increasing rarity for us), a barbecue with friends, ice cream--lots of it!, and plenty of time hanging out with Kevin and Claire. So perfect! I was sad to see it end. I only have one picture to show for it, and I've spent 20 minutes trying to get it to flip on its side without it working, so just forget it...wasn't that great of a parade anyway.

Then came yesterday (thanks for all the thoughtful emails and comments, by the way!) But now let me tell you about today! Ugh! I think this is the Lord's way of just distracting me from my wallowing in self-pity!!! Mind you, the following all occurred before 11 a.m.

Got Claire some cereal. As she's eating I started doing the dishes that I never got around to yesterday. I turn around just as she's pouring herself another bowl of cereal...or perhaps I should say, pouring the table a box of cereal. Then I cleaned up the mess.

Checking my kind e-mails from you after breakfast. I send Claire upstairs to get a game for us to play. She gets side-tracked. I dash upstairs when I hear her gagging! I arrive to find she's squeezed half a tube of pink lip gloss into her mouth, around her lips and chin, and down her front. Then I cleaned up the mess.

Claire likes to go pretend shopping in our kitchen. We have a little plastic shopping cart that she pushes around from cabinet to cabinet, and stocks up on canned goods, and other items from my pantry. I was watching her "shop" and turned around for a minute. I spun around a second later when I heard glass shattering. An unopened bottle of steak sauce (truly the only glass thing in there so I totally forgot about it!) had dropped to the floor and shattered. Steak sauce was everywhere (a really yummy kind you can only get in Utah, that my Grandma had "imported" to me for Christmas--SOB! Hmm...I meant that as in me crying out in anguish, but if you'd like to interpret SOB the other way, that'd be appropriate too.)! It was all over this book that had been lying on the floor, which I may or may not have just thrown out since it wasn't good enough of a book to try and wash off. And in the end I tossed out the rag I used to clean it up too. Remember, I'm green-ish, emphasis on the "ish"! I wiped Claire down and sent her out of the kitchen. Then I cleaned up the mess.

Tired of smelling like a steak I announced to Claire I was going to shower. I invited her to come along with me (judge all you want...we still shower together sometimes...chalk it up to me being green...ish.) She came in to join me at which point I saw her foot.

"Claire you're bleeding!"

"No, it's marker," she explained.

Doubting that to be true--I try and keep a 100 mile buffer zone between Claire and any marker at all times--things always end disastrously when the two of them get together. So I rubbed her foot carefully and then discovered the nice cut along her toe where the glass bottle must have sliced it. Awesome mom that I am I cared more about my spilled sauce and soiled floors than my daughter's poor appendage and hadn't seen the cut earlier. After the shower I played medic and not two minutes later the band aid had already been torn off, so it's safe to say that she's going to make it. But a bit later I returned downstairs to find little bloody toe prints trailing from the kitchen to the living room where I'd banished her. Then I cleaned up the mess.

I return upstairs to get Claire dressed and to do her hair. I think I hear sounds coming from downstairs, but don't give it much heed. I run back downstairs to grab something and am nearly overpowered by the distinct smell of poo. I look around for some stashed diaper and that's when I hear the scary sounds coming from our hall bathroom. Though I must have missed the spectacular geyser I was fortunate enough to see the remaining results. Gross things in the toilet that words can scarcely describe. Water dripping from the wall and all over the floor. A soggy full roll of toilet paper, and further scary sounds coming from the toilet. I ran upstairs to grab a phone and hurriedly ask Claire if she flushed something down the toilet? She said, "no". And I believed her, because she's still very honest at this point, (give it a year) and then I promptly called Kevin.

"Our toilet's making weird noises and there's poo water all over the bathroom," I hollered into the phone.

He did what any sensitive husband would do. He laughed. Less amused, I put him on speaker phone and held the phone up to the toilet so he could hearing the whirring sounds it was emitting. Then he told me he'd call the city. He called back a while later and told me he'd left a message.

"A message?!? I have poo water all over my bathroom! They're going to get back to me?!" Then I hear some village trucks pull up on my corner and I storm outside.

"Ugh, hi, excuse me?" I call over their loud machinery and the workers' laughter. My toilet just exploded shiz water all over my bathroom. Is that your doing?!" (Yes, those were my exact words...man it's hard being a Mormon and not swearing sometimes...though surely the circumstances warranted a nice stream of profanity.)

The burly city employee looked at me nonchalantly and explained, "Yeah, we're cleaning out the neighborhood's sewage lines to prevent blockage." He pulled the computer screen towards me and showed me some camera's footage. "See, that's a nice clean line now."

"Great. I'm sure that's because it's all over the floor and walls of my bathroom now."

"Yeah that happens sometimes."

AND???? I wanted to scream! What are you going to do about it?!?! I have someone else's poo in my bathroom!

Realizing I was still awaiting some sort of apology or response, he asked, "Would you like to speak to a supervisor?"

Flustered at this point, all I said was, "No. But are you done? Is it going to happen again?"

"Yeah, we're done now." And apparently that was that.

I've thought of plenty things I could have and should have said, but instead I went into my house, put on my gloves, pulled out my plunger, and then I cleaned up the mess.

Kevin was a sweetheart and called to "check up on me", as he put it. Though his concern seemed to merely involve a lot more laughter at my expense and the offering of a corny joke, "You're having a crappy day...literally." Probably took him all afternoon to come up with that one. High five, Kev.

So that's been my day. Half way through the writing of this post our electricity turned off. Seriously. At that point what are you going to do, but laugh?! And that's just what I did...and so did Kevin as soon as I called him.

Infertile Mertile--Part 6

2009-05-26T10:02:00.002-05:00

Negative.

I had a dream the other night that I was at the Dr.'s office getting an ultrasound and the technician said, "I'm sorry. I just don't see a baby in there." So as much as I hoped it wasn't true, I awoke yesterday and began preparing myself for bad news today.

I could hear the nurse's tone as soon as she called...that must be the time when she hates her job the most. But, she delivered the crappy news, and I've got a consult with my Dr. today where he'll try and explain to me why my perfect cycle, and perfect numbers, and two perfectly healthy bodies can't make a baby.

We leave in about a week and a half to Europe, so I'll miss a month of treatments because of the trip. We'll have to schedule our next IUI attempt in July, which seems like a really long time from now, even if it's not really.

So I'm bummed. Hoped I wouldn't cry if I psyched myself out enough yesterday, but I can't seem to help it. I'd really hoped...

I prayed last night for strength today and for continued help turning things over to God. With the perfect cycle, and numbers, and follicles, and everything else that "went so well" this month, I have to believe that it's just not the right time for us. I know God knows what's best for us and for our family, and I know things will work out how and when they are supposed to...just wish it had been this month.

Sorry about the pity party. I'll post something happy tomorrow.

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

2009-05-21T14:01:00.006-05:00

Alrighty, you begged for it. Here ya go! But first, to remind you, THIS is what I wanted...And THIS is what I got. Do you see ANY resemblance whatsoever?!?! (This is a picture pre-fix.) Notice the chunks missing? And here's an attempt at capturing the color fiasco...this picture really doesn't even do it justice. Streaks and stripes the wrong way, super brassy blond in some spots and ashy in other spots. Nightmare.Here it is now. Excuse the ridiculously corny and lame self-portrait...good hair days don't come around that often, so I figured I'd better capture it. I just about always open my mouth like I'm saying, "Heeeeey!" when I take a picture of myself, like it somehow says, "Just me being silly!" If you look closely enough you can almost hear me say it...Heeeey! Anyway...I lost about 9 months on my "grow out" as I look back at pictures, but I'm telling you my friend performed a miracle as she fixed the damage that had been done.

So ladies, treasure your hair, because you never know when it's going to be your last day with it. It could be a sticky wad of gum, a malicious or overly-ambitious haircutter, it could be bottle of dye from the grocery store (But, it looked so good on Heather Locklear!)it could be a harmless request for bangs, which actually translates to mullet in Slovakian...all I'm saying is that THIS could happen to you.

I'm all about spreading awareness.

Visitors...

2009-05-21T08:25:00.008-05:00

Yesterday I got to watch some friends' kids while they made a trip to the Chicago Temple--they have a boy who's exactly the same age as Claire (same b-day!) and a sweet little 3 month old. They live in Madison, WI, so we don't get to have play dates as often as we'd like, much to Claire's disappointment. The two played great together, taking turns, jumping off stairs, pretending to take naps, playing house, swapping homemade popsicles, drawing chalk...it was all really cute. When they'd left I was putting Claire down for her nap and asked if she'd had fun with Theo (who she called "Queo" most of the day). She replied, "Theo's my best friend in the whole wide world." Isn't that sweet?! After her nap she approached me and whined, "I can't play by myself! I miss Theo." (Sigh) Young love...

We had another visitor last week--my Grandma Patsy! Claire loves when she comes to visit because she knows she'll have Grandma's undivided attention whenever she's around. Here are a few pictures of the two of them at the Children's Museum.

Grandma Patsy had me take a picture of these dolls, because she said, "Look, it's your future nursery!" haha Let's hope not! Besides I don't know how I'd explain that dark baby on the right...

A Brief "Infertile Mertile" Update

2009-05-20T10:50:00.003-05:00

Had some quick blood work done this morning and just got my results back. They were looking at my progesterone levels to confirm ovulation and to make sure my body had enough progesterone to sustain a pregnancy. I needed at least a 14 or 15 and I had 36.4! So yeah! I ovulated! Yeah, my numbers are good if I am pregnant! And yeah I don't need to take an supplements!

I was told to take a home pregnancy test on Friday and Saturday and to call the office with my results. They'll do a blood test on Tuesday to really confirm whether I am or not, but it looks like my "2 week wait" just got shortened by a few days! Yeah!

But here's the last thing, and then I've got to to dash...I'm debating whether or not to announce the news on here right away. I know the suspense is killing you too, but it just seems nuts to announce to people at 4 weeks. I suppose the reason people don't announce too early on in a pregnancy is because they're apprehensive about miscarrying. But, truth be told, as honest about everything as I've been, I'm sure I'd post about miscarrying too. So I'm a little torn. Maybe what I need to do is get the results this weekend or Tuesday and then when I get back from Europe, mid-June, I'll announce one way or another...whether the IUI was successful and all is going well, or if I'm headed back into the office for more treatments. If I am prego I'd almost be having my 8 week appointment around that time, so I could just announce then and post U/S pictures.

Aah, I'm getting ahead of myself...

Anyway, I'll get back to you after I've decided...feel free to try and sway my decision, but it'll have to be a pretty convincing argument...

Grumpy Randomness...

2009-05-19T20:46:00.003-05:00

I was standing behind a lady at Walgreens the other day who was wearing sandals. I looked down and noticed that her toe nails were soooo long that I'm sure she had to buy at least a half size bigger shoe just to fit those puppies in. It was repulsive. I should've said something.
The "2 week wait" is killing me!
I'd categorize myself as "greenish" when it comes to environment. I recycle, I use eco-friendly light bulbs, I'm a huge thrift store and garage sale shopper, I never litter, I planted a garden, I don't shave my legs as often as I could...or should...surely that makes me environmentally friendly right? But, stores that only provide you with blowers to dry your hands and no paper towels make me SO angry. Hear me now stores!!!! For every store I find without paper towels, I will come home and flush an entire roll of paper towels down my toilet! That'll show you! [Insert me shaking my fist here.]
Picked up a Disney classic the other day from the library. Came home and excitedly watched it with Claire only to find that they'd removed all the songs from the movie. It was supposedly a Special Edition, but surely that's not what made it "special". I was ticked.
People that don't signal while driving really bother me.

Now I'm off to watch part one of the American Idol finale...if Adam wins, I'll have one more reason to be grumpy.

Another Installment of "Overheard at the Osborns"...

2009-05-18T15:55:00.005-05:00

We planted our first garden this weekend. We're starting small as this is all new to me, but I got my zucchini, cucumbers, tomatoes, beans, and fresh herbs all planted. Claire helped me with the pole beans, and after dropping a few seeds into each hole, she dusted off her hands and declared, "Now that's how you plant a garden."

***

Pancakes for dinner on Sundays have kind of become a semi-monthly tradition in my parents home. We absolutely love it--my dad makes the best, tailored to order, pancakes, with every fixin' you can imagine! So we went over there for dinner yesterday and as they walked in Kevin sang, "We're going to go eat pancakes." Without missing a beat Claire sang, "And I'm gonna go get messy!"

***

"Mr. Raccoon, get out of my house!!!" Also, "Mr Raccoon, see this? This is my baby Susan." Claire and I often throw out stale bread out onto the patio for the birds to enjoy, only this time, a raccoon meandered over and started chowing down. Claire was freaking out with excitement and showing it her toys, and waving to it. She only got upset when it started going into her little play house! It provided us with free entertainment for a solid half hour.

***

Me: "What do you want to wear, your red shoes or your blue crocs?"

Claire: "My red ones 'cuz they're more beautiful." (To be read with a "Duh!" tone.)

***

So the other day I'd been up for a while, run some errands, been to the doctor, and so it felt like it was almost lunch time, only it was only 10:03 a.m. But I reeeeeally wanted some cheese fries. I know. Weird craving, and I'm not even pregnant yet! After a brief and superficial internal struggle I decided to drive by my favorite place and just see if they were open. They were! I had to stop.

"Want some cheese fries?!" I enthusiastically asked Claire.

"No thank you."

Too bad, I thought as I dragged her along in with me.

As we approached the counter Claire announced, "We want two hot dogs."

"Please disregard that order, we'll take some cheese fries." The hairy man behind the counter hesitated as though this was going to be a hold up or something, like we must be shady characters to be ordering fries so earlier in the morning. Finally he obliged, even throwing in a free drink, and then returned to his Rock of Love rerun.

We found a table and I began devouring the fries while Claire looked on. She peered up at the wall where there were dozens of athletes and B-list celebrities with head shots and autographs mounted. "He needs a shirt. He's nakey." Claire said, pointing to a picture of Hulk Hogan.

"Are you sure you don't want any cheese fries?"

"No thank you." She again replied, just happy to give me another squirt of ketchup on my napkin whenever I requested.

Another man walked in and went to order. "I'll take a burger and a drink."

"A booger!?" Claire squealed with delight.

"No, a burger," I corrected.

"No he said, booger," Claire insisted. I conceded, clearly not going to win this one.

As he waited for his food, he turned to us and said, "Nice breakfast."

"Breakfast of champions," I explained as we cleaned up our table and prepared to leave.

"Come back soon!" the employee called after us as we left.

"Oh we will!" I assured him. All I need is a little + sign on a stick, and I'll have the excuse I need to eat second breakfast there at least once a week. Can't wait.

P.S. Thank you for all the condolences on my hair mishap. I feel like such a drama queen crying over something as dumb as hair when there are real problems in the world. The sweet lady let me come to her house on Saturday night, where she worked tirelessly for 5 hours trying to correct the damage done to my hair. It was a loooong process. But around one in the morning I headed home feeling relieved and with a few scraps of self-esteem restored. It's short, but I knew I'd have to go short in order to fix it. I'm not going to put a picture of my hair right now, but I'm sure one will pop up here in the coming weeks and you can all "ooh" and "aaah" about the new do and try to make me feel better about myself.

Haircut from Hell...

2009-05-16T13:01:00.004-05:00

I shall call her "Girl X". I asked Girl X to come cut and color my hair. She's a girl whose mom I know from church and I was told she'd gone to hair school. I knew the salon she'd worked in, and it was a well-known, reputable salon, which left me feeling confident that she could do my hair. I was thrilled to hear she did "house calls" which was great because I didn't have to find a sitter, and Claire could just nap and play while Girl X did her thang. She arrived at 11 a.m., and the next six hours, yes you read that right, six hours rapidly turned into the haircut from hell.

I showed her exactly what I wanted using 13 pictures from various angles and on various celebrities. We dicussed in depth that I'd been trying to grow my hair out for a year now, and that my hair grows very slowly, but I was finally able to pull it into a half pony tail. Something very exciting for me, because of my upcoming trip to Europe. I explained to her that my hair was a little blonder than I normally like it, and maybe some hi-lights and lo-lights would help. Just an a-line bob. That's all I wanted. NO length taken off from the front, just shortened, and stacked a bit in the back. (Dear Lorie, my sweet friend and hair stylist in Utah, would've known exactly what I meant...)

The coloring began. I quickly realized she was doing full hi-lights instead of partial. So, she already hadn't listened. If only I'd stopped her then and there...But, I let her proceed.

Hair processed and washed it was time for the cut. I knew immediately things were not going well as I saw the inches of hair fall to the floor. I closed my eyes and recited to myself, "I can rock whatever haircut she gives me. I can rock whatever haircut she gives me." She asked me to feel the back and see what I thought. As if feeling the back of my head is going to be some good indicator that the haircut's going well. She asked me a few other time during the haircut to feel and see what I thought! But, all I felt was shortness. In a final attempt at optimism I convinced myself that it could still be an a-line, so I reminded her no length off the front. More and more hair fell to the floor. Massive layers were performed. The large snips from the scissors echoed in my ears as I sat in silent horror.

She styled it and then followed me to the bathroom mirror for the "unveiling". Some times I'm too nice. This was one of those times. "Wow! It's great," I lied.

"It's such a cute pixie cut!" She shrieked.

How it is possible that I said "a-line bob", and she heard "pixie cut"?!?!?! I wanted to swear. But, instead I whipped out my checkbook eager to rid her out of my house so I could break down. It was no 5 p.m. and I needed to be heading into the city in 30 minutes for a double date. As I wrote the check she proudly examined her workmanship and declared, "It turned out even better than I thought!"

Still trying to maintain my niceness I encouraged, "Well don't say that!"

"Well I just mean, I didn't think I'd be this good at cutting hair since I've never done it before."

My mouth dropped. If there'd been a record playing it would've screeched to a stop...you know that sound I'm talking about? "Didn't you go to hair school?" I stammered.

"Well yeah, but at my school there were different departments so that we become more specialized. I'm only trained in color."
I sat dumbfounded.

"And makeup," she added...like that somehow added to her haircutting credentials.

Still trying to process what I'd just heard, I clarified, "So you don't normally cut hair? I mean when you worked at ______ Salon, you just colored hair?"
"Yeah. But I mean, I've seen it done before."
I wanted to scream, "Well so have I!!!!! But it doesn't mean I'm going to go start cutting people's hair and charging them exhorbant amounts for it!!!!!!!!

I handed her the check. Hugged her. Let her out. Called Kevin and prepared him for the worst. Then I wet my hair and tried to style it again. It was then, on closer inspection, that I began finding the tiger stripes, the areas where she'd colored but not to the root--like right in the front where it looks like I already have a month's re-growth, brass colored lo-lights, a big upside down "V" cut into the back of my hair right along the hair line, and big chunks of hair missing. Perhaps the reality of my haircut hadn't set in yet. Perhaps it was the adrenaline as I tried ot get ready on time. But I just scrambled around the house getting dressed up for our date and tried not to think about my hair.

This morning I awoke and was reminded of my newfound disastrous hair as I stumbled into the bathroom. I immediately called my usual hair lady, waking her up, in fact. I started to explain to her what had happened and couldn't help it...I broke down. I felt so dumb. I mean it's just hair. I've had bad cuts before, although this is definitely top 2. But I've been trying to grow it out forever and now I'm back to square one. It's already so short, but in order for this woman to fix it I'm going to have to go even shorter. Sweet lady that she is, she's letting me come to her house at 8 o'clock tonight to try and salvage my do.

I know you all want to see a picture...I just can't bring myself to do it. I've got to wait until it's "fixed". Sweet Kevin has been very encouraging. He acknowldged it's awfulness and insisted I call my lady and pay (a second time!) to have it fixed.

The other night I had a nightmare that I had to get braces again, and I awoke feeling so relieved that it was only a dream. A haircut like this seems just as horrific, only I can't just wake up to make this one go away. [Insert me sobbing over something I fully ackowledge is silly here.]

Infertile Mertile--Part 5, Section D.

2009-05-14T17:04:00.004-05:00

In case you're been wondering why all the strange titles, I've been trying to keep this whole cycle as "Part 5". So, if things don't work this month, I'll finally move on to "Part 6", but I'm hoping I won't need to!!!

The Dr. performed the IUI today. Kevin's #s were all fantastic--all the ideal numbers... (143 million sperm count (they want at least 20 mil), 94% motility, and 3/4 on the last thing they look at, possibly directionality, but I can't remember...fellow "trying-to-conceivers" might be interested in the numbers so I included them.) which left Kevin feeling like a hotshot; in fact, he thanked the nurse for the self-esteem boost.

Kevin did his business, then while the lab washed and prepped his business, we enjoyed a lovely Mexican lunch together followed by some Gelato, and then we went back for the insemination which probably took 12 minutes start to finish. So if you think about, it was really just an expensive date...

As the nurse showed us into the procedure room she smiled and said, "Great day to get pregnant!" Let's hope so!!!

By the way...

2009-05-13T20:55:00.002-05:00

...thanks are owed to my sweet hubby who brought me doughnuts in bed on Mother's Day. Now that's love.

Infertile Mertile--Part 5, Section C

2009-05-13T13:51:00.005-05:00

[Edited Post--since the first time around was too graphic according to Kevin...or as he put it, "Porn". My apologies if you read this post the first time around...]

Two nice, plump, 21 mm follicles were ready and waiting today! Yeah!!! The U/S technician exclaimed, "Twins!" and then seeing the look on my face (I believe it was one of panic), quickly back pedaled and said, "Oh, I don't know. I'm just saying that."

You can't do that to me, lady! Very emotionally vulnerable chica here!

Then she hurriedly tried to change the topic to Dancing with the Stars, which I don't watch, but you'll find that when you're pantless and uncomfortable, you'll really talk about anything. So I listened attentively while she told me all about how that one gymnast from the Olympics has really let herself go, and she couldn't believe how big her thighs had gotten. (Of course that lead me to conclude that it was my own large thighs that reminded her, but I carried on the conversation with her.) But I was really too proud of my ripened follicles to care what she had to say.

So, they have me my HCG injection (Ovidrel) to trigger the ovulation. (Ever gotten a shot directly into your stomach? Needless to say, it was awesome.) I'm dealing with some sweet residual cramps and pains right now because of it, but I'd like to think that means it's doing its job. Tomorrow Kevin and I head into the office for the insemination. But we're also encouraged to have plenty of "you-know what" in the coming days, just to cover our bases. Doctor's orders! A week from today I'll have some blood work done, and 2 weeks from yesterday I'll know if I'm pregnant or not. I go into the office to confirm and then I have a consult with Dr. R, at which point he'll congratulate me or we'll discuss the pros and cons of this cycle and talk about what we're going to do differently in July after I've returned from Europe.

So that's the latest...let the "2 WW" commence!

And thank you again for all the enouraging words and prayers--I've really felt them, and to tell you the truth, I really feel at peace with whatever happens, even if this round of treatments doesn't work. I'm in a "good place" right now, and I'm just going to try and maintain my optimism regardless of what happens. I'll keep ya posted!