Saturday, November 27, 2010
27 Weeks
Here I am at 27 weeks, post Thanksgiving dinner...Probably not the most flattering time to take a photo but it will have to suffice!
Happy Thanksgiving
This year, we had our first Thanksgiving dinner at home, just the three of us. We had planned to have some people over, but we procrastinated extending invitations. Despite our lack of numbers, we still cooked enough food for a small army.
We had a 15 pound turkey, gravy, two dozen rolls, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, green beans, cranberry sauce, stuffing and four different pies--pumpkin, apple, coconut cream and blueberry. I, of course, forgot to take very many pictures.
Our turkey turned out quite lovely and delicious. We did it in a bag this year. We did wish we had a good roasting pan, so we went ahead and bought one at a Black Friday sale.
Abby loves pie just like her daddy. When I asked her what she wanted for lunch yesterday, she said, "PIE!"
We had a fun day spending time together. Cooking Thanksgiving dinner is a big job, especially doing all the dishes. There may still be a few that aren't done yet. Shhhh, don't tell.
We had a 15 pound turkey, gravy, two dozen rolls, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, green beans, cranberry sauce, stuffing and four different pies--pumpkin, apple, coconut cream and blueberry. I, of course, forgot to take very many pictures.
Our turkey turned out quite lovely and delicious. We did it in a bag this year. We did wish we had a good roasting pan, so we went ahead and bought one at a Black Friday sale.
Abby loves pie just like her daddy. When I asked her what she wanted for lunch yesterday, she said, "PIE!"
We had a fun day spending time together. Cooking Thanksgiving dinner is a big job, especially doing all the dishes. There may still be a few that aren't done yet. Shhhh, don't tell.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Terrible Twos?
ALL of last week, Abby was sick with what we believe was a sinus infection. She seems to be prone to them thanks to her daddy and his "world's largest sinus cavities." Sometimes her congestion made her sad, sweet and cuddly but mostly it made her grumpy, bossy and sensitive. Last night, the grumpiness morphed into an intense tantrum.
Now, if you've spent much time around Abby, you know that she is quite pleasant. I don't think I could even convince my closest friends of the level of fury behind her tyraid. I kind of wish I had filmed it so you could really understand.
She decided she didn't want what we were having for dinner, which doesn't fly in our house, especially when I know she likes what we are having. She kept repeating, "Something else" at higher volumes until there was smoke coming out of her ears. Sam put her in a time-out, which only made matters worse. She proceeded to storm around the house, throwing herself on the ground and wailing. I was certain she was going to throw herself right down the stairs.
After what seemed like an eternity, she walked into her room and got her blankey (which doesn't usually leave her crib, but you choose your battles, right?) She came and sat with me on the couch because Sam and I had finished eating at this point. She then went and gave Sam some cuddles and asked him to build towers with her.
As they started to play, I went and sat down at the table and started eating a chip. She looked up at me, walked over to the table, climbed into her chair and proceeded to eat the meal I had prepared. Aren't two-year-olds hilarious? I felt an overwhelming sense of satisfaction for standing my ground. She may have won a small battle, but we won the war! HA!
Now, if you've spent much time around Abby, you know that she is quite pleasant. I don't think I could even convince my closest friends of the level of fury behind her tyraid. I kind of wish I had filmed it so you could really understand.
She decided she didn't want what we were having for dinner, which doesn't fly in our house, especially when I know she likes what we are having. She kept repeating, "Something else" at higher volumes until there was smoke coming out of her ears. Sam put her in a time-out, which only made matters worse. She proceeded to storm around the house, throwing herself on the ground and wailing. I was certain she was going to throw herself right down the stairs.
After what seemed like an eternity, she walked into her room and got her blankey (which doesn't usually leave her crib, but you choose your battles, right?) She came and sat with me on the couch because Sam and I had finished eating at this point. She then went and gave Sam some cuddles and asked him to build towers with her.
As they started to play, I went and sat down at the table and started eating a chip. She looked up at me, walked over to the table, climbed into her chair and proceeded to eat the meal I had prepared. Aren't two-year-olds hilarious? I felt an overwhelming sense of satisfaction for standing my ground. She may have won a small battle, but we won the war! HA!
Friday, November 12, 2010
Please Touch Museum
For our playgroup this week, we went to the Please Touch Museum. Several of the libraries around Philadelphia let you pick up free passes (One pass admits 4 people which would cost ya 60 bucks!) I absolutely love going to this museum! It's in this gorgeous building that was built for a world's fair and it's huge! There are so many fun things to do. We never have the chance to get to everything in one trip.
When we were getting ready in the morning, Abby asked me to give her baby ponytails. Then, she decided that she needed a ponytail too. I was thrilled and quickly took a picture right away anticipating that she would take it out before we even left the house. She actually kept it in all day! I guess our morning routine will have to include a hairdo for her baby more often.
Isn't this little piano (dano in Abby-speak) so adorable? I wish we could have one at our house.
Brooklyn and Abby worked together to operate some heavy machinery.
Abby likes playing with letters at home and the ones at the museum are about four times the size of her magnet letters.
These little racecars were a hit for Abby this time. I had a hard time getting her out when it was time to go home.
I can't wait to go back soon. It's the perfect escape from the cold weather!
When we were getting ready in the morning, Abby asked me to give her baby ponytails. Then, she decided that she needed a ponytail too. I was thrilled and quickly took a picture right away anticipating that she would take it out before we even left the house. She actually kept it in all day! I guess our morning routine will have to include a hairdo for her baby more often.
Isn't this little piano (dano in Abby-speak) so adorable? I wish we could have one at our house.
Brooklyn and Abby worked together to operate some heavy machinery.
Abby likes playing with letters at home and the ones at the museum are about four times the size of her magnet letters.
These little racecars were a hit for Abby this time. I had a hard time getting her out when it was time to go home.
I can't wait to go back soon. It's the perfect escape from the cold weather!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
25 Weeks
I can't believe I only have 15ish weeks left until we add another member to our family. October flew by and with Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner, I know she will be here before we know it.
For posterity's sake, I wanted to write a little bit about my pregnancy so far. I feel like I've already forgotten about some things that I probably would have wanted to write about. I guess that's what I get for being a secret keeper.
It took us quite a bit longer to get pregnant than I anticipated. My body was pretty out-of-whack. We kept thinking I was pregnant when the 38, 39, 40th day of my cycle would come around and then I'd get a visit from my monthly friend at the worst possible moment. It felt like a slap in the face month after month. I was grumpy and bitter and frustrated. Then, I would feel horribly selfish and my heart would ache for those struggling with devastating bouts of infertility. I tried to remember how lucky I was to have already been blessed with a child but I had a hard time understanding what the Lord had planned for our family. After several months, I went to the doctor and had some hormone testing done (which was actually around the time I got pregnant) because I didn't want to wait forever to try and see if something was wrong.
The morning we left for our summer trip, I took a pregnancy test. I think I was at about day 45 of my cycle, but I had learned my lesson and was too nervous to take one any sooner. We were thrilled and relieved but nervous at the same time. I knew I wouldn't be able to have a doctor's appointment until I was about 16 weeks and I was worried that something might go wrong.
We didn't intend to tell anyone until we were able to see a doctor, but by the time we got to Utah, I started having a lot of really bad days(I only had one bad day on our trip to San Diego and I just played it off since nobody knew I was puking). We went ahead and told Sam's mom but her grandma radar had already informed her. I was so grateful to be at my mother-in-law's house while I was sick. I wasn't a particularly fun guest, but it was nice to have someone cook meals for my family when I couldn't even think about eating anything and to have people to play with Abby when all I could do was lay in bed. Sam was so supportive and got to spend a lot of one-on-one time with Abby, which I think was really good for them.
I was feeling mostly better by the time we returned home. I had actually lost some weight and kept getting comments from my friends about how skinny I was looking. It was hard not to laugh when they would ask what I had done during the summer to lose weight. (Oh, you know, just don't eat anything and when you do, puke it up!)
The past few weeks have been going pretty well. I have had some problems with back pain, but not as bad as I had it with Abby. I have been having a hard time sleeping already which has been frustrating. My circulation is really bad and I am constantly losing feeling in my extremities. But, I get to feel my sweet girl wiggle around and that makes it all worth it.
My belly hasn't been growing as fast as I anticipated. I actually think I'm smaller than I was with Abby at this point. That might change quickly if I keep eating so many treats. Dang that Halloween candy that KEEPS being on sale. I've had to make up for the time I lost during the first trimester when most sweets were totally repulsive.
Sorry about my lack of head in this picture. The self-timer and I weren't getting along very well.
When all is said and done, I know the timing of things is what was right for our family right now. I'm not really sure why and I don't know if I'll ever understand but I have faith that my Heavenly Father knows me and knows what's best. I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to bring children into the world. I know everyone doesn't get to have that experience and it breaks my heart but I know that Heavenly Father has a plan for those women just as he does for me.
For posterity's sake, I wanted to write a little bit about my pregnancy so far. I feel like I've already forgotten about some things that I probably would have wanted to write about. I guess that's what I get for being a secret keeper.
It took us quite a bit longer to get pregnant than I anticipated. My body was pretty out-of-whack. We kept thinking I was pregnant when the 38, 39, 40th day of my cycle would come around and then I'd get a visit from my monthly friend at the worst possible moment. It felt like a slap in the face month after month. I was grumpy and bitter and frustrated. Then, I would feel horribly selfish and my heart would ache for those struggling with devastating bouts of infertility. I tried to remember how lucky I was to have already been blessed with a child but I had a hard time understanding what the Lord had planned for our family. After several months, I went to the doctor and had some hormone testing done (which was actually around the time I got pregnant) because I didn't want to wait forever to try and see if something was wrong.
The morning we left for our summer trip, I took a pregnancy test. I think I was at about day 45 of my cycle, but I had learned my lesson and was too nervous to take one any sooner. We were thrilled and relieved but nervous at the same time. I knew I wouldn't be able to have a doctor's appointment until I was about 16 weeks and I was worried that something might go wrong.
We didn't intend to tell anyone until we were able to see a doctor, but by the time we got to Utah, I started having a lot of really bad days(I only had one bad day on our trip to San Diego and I just played it off since nobody knew I was puking). We went ahead and told Sam's mom but her grandma radar had already informed her. I was so grateful to be at my mother-in-law's house while I was sick. I wasn't a particularly fun guest, but it was nice to have someone cook meals for my family when I couldn't even think about eating anything and to have people to play with Abby when all I could do was lay in bed. Sam was so supportive and got to spend a lot of one-on-one time with Abby, which I think was really good for them.
I was feeling mostly better by the time we returned home. I had actually lost some weight and kept getting comments from my friends about how skinny I was looking. It was hard not to laugh when they would ask what I had done during the summer to lose weight. (Oh, you know, just don't eat anything and when you do, puke it up!)
The past few weeks have been going pretty well. I have had some problems with back pain, but not as bad as I had it with Abby. I have been having a hard time sleeping already which has been frustrating. My circulation is really bad and I am constantly losing feeling in my extremities. But, I get to feel my sweet girl wiggle around and that makes it all worth it.
My belly hasn't been growing as fast as I anticipated. I actually think I'm smaller than I was with Abby at this point. That might change quickly if I keep eating so many treats. Dang that Halloween candy that KEEPS being on sale. I've had to make up for the time I lost during the first trimester when most sweets were totally repulsive.
Sorry about my lack of head in this picture. The self-timer and I weren't getting along very well.
When all is said and done, I know the timing of things is what was right for our family right now. I'm not really sure why and I don't know if I'll ever understand but I have faith that my Heavenly Father knows me and knows what's best. I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to bring children into the world. I know everyone doesn't get to have that experience and it breaks my heart but I know that Heavenly Father has a plan for those women just as he does for me.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Abby Turns 2
Until Abby decides otherwise, Halloween festivities end on October 30 at our house. October 31 is a much more important day of celebration--the day we celebrate Abby's birth!
Sam had to be to the church early, so I was flying solo in the morning trying to make her day special while trying to bake her cake/cupcakes before heading to church. I pre-measured everything the night before (I know, I'm a psycho) so the baking went off without a hitch. Abby entertained herself with my Halloween costume turned birthday party decoration while I sang Happy Birthday to her incessantly. She loved it!
Isn't she just the cutest two-year-old you've ever seen?
After church, we put Abby down for her nap and got to business in the kitchen. We were making brinner (breakfast for dinner) for all of the party guests. The two hours between getting home from church and the guests arriving was completely insane. But, being the birthday Nazi that I am, the party had to be on her real birthday.
After Abby woke up from her nap, she opened her gifts. She got clothes, Duplos, a train set, books and some play food. She wanted to play right away which gave us the chance to get things finished up for dinner.
The dinner preparations went pretty well, other than the fact that I dropped about half a dozen eggs on the ground. Luckily, it was after I was done using eggs so I said good riddance and threw them in the trash.
Here are some lovely candid shots of our guests. The kids played in Abby's room until it got too dark (yeah, we don't have a lamp in there, weird, I know).
I made a butterfly and some lady bugs. I am lacking in cake decorating skills and I was really lacking in time but I think the deliciousness made up for the sloppiness. Who doesn't like homemade butter cream frosting?
Whenever I asked Abby about her upcoming birthday, she would always tell me that she was going to blow out her candles. So, she was pretty excited when it was time for the big event.
After some failed attempts (the girl is just so dainty), one of her friends came in and finished the job.
For the game, I printed off a picture from each month of Abby's life and everyone had to try and put them in order. It was really hard! Sam won with 14/24 correct.
We had such a fun day celebrating our little girl. I can't believe how quickly the past two years have gone by, but at the same time, I can't fathom how I ever lived life without her. She is such a sweet, loving, fun little girl. Other kids love to be around her because she is so easy-going. She can be a shy little wallflower or a spunky little firecracker depending on her mood. She amazes me every day with the things she is learning. We are so lucky to have her.
We love you Abby!
Sam had to be to the church early, so I was flying solo in the morning trying to make her day special while trying to bake her cake/cupcakes before heading to church. I pre-measured everything the night before (I know, I'm a psycho) so the baking went off without a hitch. Abby entertained herself with my Halloween costume turned birthday party decoration while I sang Happy Birthday to her incessantly. She loved it!
Isn't she just the cutest two-year-old you've ever seen?
After church, we put Abby down for her nap and got to business in the kitchen. We were making brinner (breakfast for dinner) for all of the party guests. The two hours between getting home from church and the guests arriving was completely insane. But, being the birthday Nazi that I am, the party had to be on her real birthday.
After Abby woke up from her nap, she opened her gifts. She got clothes, Duplos, a train set, books and some play food. She wanted to play right away which gave us the chance to get things finished up for dinner.
The dinner preparations went pretty well, other than the fact that I dropped about half a dozen eggs on the ground. Luckily, it was after I was done using eggs so I said good riddance and threw them in the trash.
Here are some lovely candid shots of our guests. The kids played in Abby's room until it got too dark (yeah, we don't have a lamp in there, weird, I know).
I made a butterfly and some lady bugs. I am lacking in cake decorating skills and I was really lacking in time but I think the deliciousness made up for the sloppiness. Who doesn't like homemade butter cream frosting?
Whenever I asked Abby about her upcoming birthday, she would always tell me that she was going to blow out her candles. So, she was pretty excited when it was time for the big event.
After some failed attempts (the girl is just so dainty), one of her friends came in and finished the job.
For the game, I printed off a picture from each month of Abby's life and everyone had to try and put them in order. It was really hard! Sam won with 14/24 correct.
We had such a fun day celebrating our little girl. I can't believe how quickly the past two years have gone by, but at the same time, I can't fathom how I ever lived life without her. She is such a sweet, loving, fun little girl. Other kids love to be around her because she is so easy-going. She can be a shy little wallflower or a spunky little firecracker depending on her mood. She amazes me every day with the things she is learning. We are so lucky to have her.
We love you Abby!
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