Friday Quotables...

So, I have the 3 year old boy back. I haven't had him here since Christmas, and he is back for a one day engagement. It's been interesting to have him back here, especially since the other 2 kids seem to have a love/hate relationship with him. In honor of M-Dog (I am not including his real name...cause I haven't checked with his mom) here are some quotables from the short time that he has been here.

Cal: "M-Dog's" here! Avery..let's hide from him.
Avery: No...we hug him first...then we hide.


(Avery, Cal and M-Dog are playing in the play kitchen)
Cal: Avery, M-Dog...are you thirsty?
Avery: Yes, I have juice please.
M-Dog: I have juice too?
Cal: No, I'll make you a Soy Latte.

M-Dog: I'm playing with Legos.
Michele: Great job M-Dog...you're making that building really tall!
M-Dog: I know...and it has missles!
Cal: I know what a missle is...it's when you miss your mom a little.

Avery: Mommy...I.Love. You!
Me: Thank You Avery....I love you so much!
Avery: You get me milk now?

Cal: Michele, your breath stinks.
Me: What? I just brushed my teeth...and had an Altoid!
Cal: Oops...that was me...I made a stinky toot.

and...for an added bonus, here is a conversation between Cal and his sister Alex and I after picking them up from school....

Me: How was school today kids?
Alex: I had my clip moved up today (it's her teacher's warning system).
Me: Why did you have your clip moved up today?
Alex: Because Logan lied.
Cal: I don't like that Logan, do you want me to take care of this Logan business?
Alex: You can't Cal, because Logan is big and he will wrestle you.
Cal: Oh...I don't want to wrestle Logan. Now, I'm scared. I don't want Logan to come to my class and wrestle me.
Alex: No...Logan is not nice.
Me: Alex, if Logan bothers you again, you tell him "Logan, you are not important enough to bother me."
Cal: And if THAT doesn't work, I'll wrestle him!

Going "Green"

I would like to send a shout out to my friend's blog..."Green Gracious". She is truly making attempts to live her life with the least negative impact on the earth. Willow has taken the time to do a lot of research on some pretty easy ways to lessen our carbon footprint.
With that said...I get pretty annoyed at certain things now. I got frustrated at Christmas time when every gift we got was drowned in so much packaging that it took us hours to break down the boxes, and sort through what was recyclable and reusable. Needless to say, I get really frustrated at the amount of junk mail I get on a daily basis (which I will be canceling), and the HUGE yellow pages book that I found on my doorstep. Luckily, after just mentioning this concern to Willow...she was on it! She linked to http://www.yellowpagesgoesgreen.org, which allows you to opt out of the phone book services. I've already opted out (seriously...I use the internet for everything...why do I need this huge waste of paper?).
So...I implore you to check out some of this stuff too! Check out Willow's blog, and try some of her ideas. Chris and I have already tried her use of honey (to suppress Avery's cough), and I plan to give her "lemon cleaning" a try too. We've cut back on our cleaning supplies to cut out the toxic cleaning stuff, and replace it with products like Method, Vinegar/Water and other more organic supplies. We've changed all of our bulbs in the house to higher efficiency models, and attempt to be a little more educated when making big decisions. It hasn't been hard to make these little changes, but there are a lot more big changes to be made. I hope we're moving in the right direction.

It's so hard to say goodbye....

My sister Jessica left for England today. Avery and I made a surprise visit to Detroit to see her off. It was nice to be able to watch her walk through security at the airport alone. I think this may be one of the first big things that she has experienced on her own...without mom and dad, and without her twin. There were a lot of tears...we were all sad to see her leave for the next 5 months, but I think we were mostly proud of her. As I write this, Jennifer is sitting on the couch without Jessica...it's odd.
I am so excited for them both. Jennifer leaves for France on Saturday, and I know that both of them will have adventures and experience that will change them forever. I hope that this will change them, but also have them be more secure in who they are. I can't believe how much they've grown up, and how independent they've become.
I can still remember how protective I felt when they went to Kindergarten (which was also the 1st day of my senior year), and how I wanted to stay with them all day, and hold on tight, and not let anyone hurt them. I think it was just as scary for me as it was for them. They both came home on the bus, and were so excited! They had learned a song about Miss Sally and her Steamboat...and sang it word for word...in unison. It's this same excitement for learning that took them to the top of their class (as valedictorian and salutatorian), and both with 4.0 GPAs so far at Grand Valley.
I am anxious for them too. I know that they will be fine, but what if something goes wrong. What if they need a friend? They've always had one another! What if they need family? They've always had one another! What if they need a listening ear (in English), or a shoulder, or someone to "get" their inside jokes? They've always had each other! I think this separation will be good, but I'm still scared for them.
And..I have to admit...I'm also jealous. They are going to have amazing experiences on their own. They are going to learn so much about themselves as individuals, and grow so much! They are going to see England and France, and probably Ireland and Wales and lots of other great places, and they'll get to experience some of that together! They will meet new people, and try new things. They'll spend some time completely out of their comfort zone, and do things all alone. They'll learn all about Independence, and about how to ask for help. They'll learn about a new place, and new cultures. They'll fumble through some really great experiences, and soar through others. They'll laugh in French and English, and cry in both languages too. They are going to be amazed with the world and what they can do with it.
I'm pretty lucky. After everything is said and done, and they come home in June...I'll give them a new niece or nephew 2 months later...and then they will move in with us. I'll get to hear the stories first hand, and live vicariously through them.
I love them so much, and I KNOW that they'll do great! My little sisters are all grown up!

Jessica and Jennifer will both be keeping blogs while they are away....check them out (they are linked to the right). Jennifer's is in the title in French, and Jessica's is called The Rest is still unwritten.

How to Test your Relationship 101

About 3 weeks ago, I was told that I had Gonorrhea.

Do I have your attention?

About a week after my first pregnancy appointment (the one where the baby was hiding in the front of my uterus..when I freaked out...remember that?) I got a call to say that one of my tests came by "positive", and that the Dr. wanted to see me again to retest. I went along with it and scheduled my appointment for a week later. Just before I hung up, I asked "Oh...so, what was I "positive" for?" (I assumed wasn't anything big)...anyways, she answered "Gonorrhea". Um....what? Gonorrhea?...HOW COULD THAT BE? So, I nonchalantly ask "Um...so, this may be naive, but how does someone get Gonorrhea?" I was told that the ONLY way to get this was through an infected partner....CHRIS! And, I know that I didn't have this at my last appointment.

WHAT? So, what I'm being told, is not only that I have a nasty STI, but that my monogamous, and loving husband is the one that gave it to me? Chris is devoted, and is NOT a cheater, and when would he have the time to be with someone else, and it doesn't make sense and... I'M GOING TO KILL HIM!

I wait until he gets home, and I say "So...did you give me Gonorrhea?" He is shocked and stunned, and we spend some time looking it up on the internet. I KNOW that Chris hasn't cheated, but when a doctor calls and says "we have scientific proof that your husband has been with someone else," (at least that's what I heard) It makes you wonder. Now, for the first time, I have .0001 % doubt in Chris. I've never thought about it before. Chris isn't the cheater...if anyone would cheat, it would be me (because I have men falling over themselves to get a glimpse of me in my cartoon pajama bottoms). I KNOW that this isn't true...it can't be.

So, needless to say, the next two weeks were CRAZY! I was able to put it out of my mind for most of the time (because...seriously...this is Chris we're talking about). I did find myself checking the clock a little more after school, and thinking things like "hmm...it's 3:30, Chris is usually home by 3:15...who is he with?", or..."does it REALLY take you 7 minutes to shovel the sidewalk?"

Finally, I had a the appointment, and then had to wait another week before I got the results! WHAT THE HECK!!!! I had a minor breakdown with my Dr. (where I may or may not have told her that I was breaking up with her), and she reassured me that there are false positives all the time, especially in situations like ours.

Needless to say...I don't have Gonorrhea (seriously, how many times can I type that word?). Chris and I are able to laugh about it, and it's behind us. I'm more sure than ever that Chris will never cheat on me...especially when I told him..

"If this next test comes back positive, then Gonorrhea will be the least of your penis's concerns."

Potty Training

We are in the throws of potty training (insert sympathetic sigh here). It's an interesting process. I have to be more consistent and diligent than I've ever been in my life. I have to remember to check her every 30 minutes, and then try to talk her into stopping whatever she is doing to go potty. Then, the pomp and circumstance that comes after she pees in the potty is only short of a wedding celebration. There is dancing and singing, and M&M eating. It's a regular party! She seems to do much better when we let her go commando, but when you also have a 4 year old roaming around...it's not exactly appropriate.

I feel like we are so close. She is interesting in the potty and goes whenever I put her on it. It's just a point of getting her to recognize when she has to pee vs. me telling her when to pee. And...pooping on the potty is non-existent. In fact, if she isn't wearing a diaper, she yells and screams, and says "change my diaper"...or "diaper on", just so she can head to a corner and work out stone henge.

The only consistently positive response we get is when my mom is around. For some reason (other than the fact that my mom is Avery's favorite person...ever), Avery is willing to go potty for Franma no matter what.

So, any suggestions, rants or raves about potty training? I'll take anything!

Like Vs. Love

This isn't the typical post regarding this topic. You know, the like v. love conversation that your parents probably had with you (as they did with me) when I had my first boyfriend. "But mom...I LOVE him!"..."You don't know what love is...you're only 13." Anyways, this post is something quite different.

I want to write about something that's been on my mind for the past few days. I've realized recently that I have the capacity to "love" someone, without "liking" them much. I won't say names, but there are people in my life that I wouldn't necessarily choose to have in my life, but because they are (whether through relation or not), I love them. It's an odd feeling to realize this, and I'm not sure how to explain it. For instance, I don't want to hang out with these people, but I also know that I love them, and wouldn't want anything to hinder their happiness or health. I wouldn't call the "love" that I have for them a passionate love, or a deep love like I feel for my husband and Avery and parents and others, but it's more of a responsible love.

According to Wikipedia (one of the best, but least reliable sources out there):
Love is any of a number of emotions and experiences related to a sense of strong affection.^[1]love can refer to a variety of different feelings, states, and attitudes, ranging from generic pleasure ("I loved that meal") to intense interpersonal attraction ("I love my wife"). This diversity of meanings, combined with the complexity of the feelings involved, makes love unusually difficult to consistently define, even compared to other emotional states.

As an abstract concept, love usually refers to a deep, ineffable feeling of tenderly caring for another person. Even this limited conception of love, however, encompasses a wealth of different feelings, from the passionate desire and intimacy of romantic love to the nonsexual emotional closeness of familial and platonic love^[2] to the profound oneness or devotion of religious love.^[3] Love in its various forms acts as a major facilitator of interpersonal relationships and, owing to its central psychological importance, is one of the most common themes in the creative arts.

So, according to this source, I think see that there are different levels of love. I wouldn't be cold enough to say that I love a person in the same what that I love a meal, but it's difficult to describe the way that I love them.

This is probably a random ramble to you, but it's been something on my mind. What do you think? Are there people in your life that you "love", but don't "like"?

Crying...

I started a blog yesterday that attempted to chronicle all of the feelings that were building up inside of me. I sat on the floor with Avery and Cal, each sitting on my lap. I cried. I mean, I didn't just get teared up...I cried, big ole' huge tears that made my chest hurt and my throat close. It was the best feeling in the world. On the other hand, it's hard to type with two kids on my lap and through tear-filled eyes.

So, here is the blog that I intended yesterday. I imagine that you could do a quick search in blog-world and find about a million blogs specifically dedicated to this topic.

I am in awe. I am completely and utterly stuck in that wonderful moment. I explained to both Avery and Cal that something very important was happening. We were not only getting a new president, but a new start. I told them that because this great man was elected by a lot of grown ups, that the future will be better for THEM. I hugged Avery and told her that she can be and do whatever she wants with her life, and for the first time, I believed it! I think Avery was a little confused to see me crying. She asked..."Mama, why eyes crying?", and I told her that I was crying because I couldn't hold all of my happiness inside, so I had to let it come out in tears. I cried the same way on my wedding day, and on the day she was born.

I built up such an anticipation in the kids that they watched intently and quietly as the TV announced all of the former presidents and first ladies..and finally President Obama was there. He stood so regal and serene and confident and reflective, all by himself on top of those few steps. Cal asked, "Is that brown man the new King?". I said "yes, and this is a very good time for us!" Avery asked "Where is Bawack's O Mama". When she spotted him, she said, "Oh...pretty".

I watched as Joe Biden, and then Barack Obama were sworn in, and I thought "THIS, this is MY President."

I cried, and I cried, and I cried some more as he spoke about our children's children looking back at our generation and recognizing how we persevered. I was moved beyond belief. I held on too tight to Avery and Cal, and cried as I thought about all of the things that I can do better for them both. I realized that the hope that President Obama brings to this nation, is just what we need to provoke good action. I recognized that it is not his responsibility alone, but all of our's to be responsible and accountable to our kids. I know that he will make some wrong decisions, and that over time President Obama make take a misstep or two, but I also know that he will attempt to do his job with integrity, and with a good heart and strong mind. I feel hopeful, and confident in him. I know that if we as a country are able to stand up to the same moral responsibility as President Obama has sworn to, then we will all be better people and a better collective country.

I'm so glad that Chris, Avery and I get to experience this all as a family too. Our new baby will never know of a time, where prejudice and discrimination kept someone from the White House. Chris wrote a sweet letter to Avery on his blog. Check it out if you want at www.captaincmb.blogspot.com.

Now, I am watching Avery and Alex and Cal play in our living room, and I see the future in them. I thank Barack Obama and the people that voted for him, because just his presence has chipped another hole in the glass ceiling, and has opened up another world of possibilities for Avery and all other kids.

Random things that gross me out on a Saturday night....

Ha ha...I said "gross me out", "like gag me with a spoon". I just had a flashback to 8th grade.

Anyway, here's shortened list of all things that I find gross or creepy, or just give me that heeby-jeeby feeling in my stomach...


The words moist, dollup, and anything referring to the female genitals other than their proper name (vagina...or pee pee if you're Avery).

Really Long Hair- Like the kind that comes past your butt and is unhealthy and stringy at the bottom and comes to a V.

Anything related to the mucous that comes from your nose. Avery can puke in my hands, and I'm completely cool, but to watch her pick her nose sends me over the edge.

Fear Factor Eating Challenges- I could NEVER eat a fermented pig's uterus or live spider.

Really, really, really, full/messy cars- Oh...it really creeps me out to see the junk piled up to the windows. The McDonald's cups, and old paper towels and random cans of green beans....yeck. There's a problem if no one can ride in the car with you.

The smell of BBQ sauce...and wet washclothes...and weird combinations of food...and dirty diaper pails mixed with Lysol....blech.

Changing a 3 year old's poopy diaper...makes me dry heave.

The random line of dust that lines the walls where the vacuum doesn't reach.

Dirty ears, especially if you can see the dirt/wax...yuck!

Dirt under finger nails.

I'm sure there's more. I have no idea why I decided to write this post...just a random thought that popped into my head. What grosses you out?

Friday Quotables...part 2.

Things were a little slow over the holidays. Not that there weren't funny things said, it's just that I forgot to write them down and quickly forgot them. So, I'm attempting to remember them now...here's a few gems for you.

*******************************

Me: (Stepping funny on kitchen floor...it squeaks and sounds like someone passed gas)

Cal: Hello Chris

Me: Cal, Chris isn't here (it's 10:15am)

Cal: Oh, I thought I heard him toot.

********************************

Me: Avery, time for lunch

Avery: I not hungry.

Me: You have to be hungry, you haven't eaten anything all day.

Avery: I eat Play-Doe

Me: (Great...another rainbow diaper to change...seriously, how can she LIKE that stuff?)

******************************

Cal: Michele, are you the boss of this house?

Me: Yes Cal, I am. (ask Chris)

Cal: My mom is the boss of two houses now.

Cal: So, she is more important.

Me: Thanks Cal.

*********************************

Avery: Cal, you in my chair.

Cal: I was here first.

Avery: No, I was here first. Get up RIGHT NOW. I count to three.

Cal: No

Avery: ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR, FIVE, SIX, SEBEN

**********************************

(EVERY DAY)

Avery: Mommy, I watch Da-da-da-da-da-Dora? (no, she doesn't have a stutter, she just thinks that's Dora's name..because of the song.)

*********************************
Me: Avery, let's go pee pee on the potty.

Avery: No, I no need to go.

Me: Avery, it's time to go potty.

Avery: No, Mommy, I just making lots of toots. (Why do so many conversations revolve around gas?)

I know that there are a lot more out there. I really have to remember to write these down.

Completely Sweet....

I stole this from one of the other blogs that I read. dooce.com. If you've never read her, you should check her out. I've linked to her in my right hand menu bar. She is HILARIOUS, and quite poignant. Anyways, I dig her...and want to be her friend.

I love the last line "If they can do it, what's our excuse?" Thanks Dooce for another gem!

Finally....

Not exactly the same as the Walmart chocolate covered nuggets of joy, but they did the trick.  I stopped at three (donettes, not bags)...but it took every fiber in my being not to eat the whole bag.  I might have to throw them away tomorrow if I can't control myself.  I know it's wasteful, but eating a bag of Hostess Frosted mini donettes is not good for my girlish figure.

The Laundry Room...mission complete.

Now, all I have to do is the laundry....yuck!

Well, it only took us (mostly Chris) a couple of days to complete, but I am completely happy with it. Ever since our friend Trevor bought his house with lime green walls in the laundry room, I knew that I wanted something a little more "fun" in that room. I mean...laundry SUCKS...so it should be done in a more happy environment.

This room seriously needed an overhaul. It is also one of the three bathrooms in the house, so it needed to be a little more open, and a little less...laundry-ish.

Here are the before pictures.
Before, there was little to now room between the toilet and the dryer. It was a little convenient, to sit down and fold clothes, but it wasn't exactly comfortable.

There were also open, cheap wire shelves that made the room look messy. We needed the storage, but didn't want all of the cleaning supplies and stuff showing. We also needed someplace to put the cleaning supplies that was up high, and away from the kids, and our "make-shift" old kitchen cabinet was NOT doing the trick. We took all that stuff out before the pictures were taken, but I think you get the idea.

So, we changed it. We painted it a dark blue color, added the white cabinets and counter top. I made the curtains for under the counter so we can put our laundry sorting system out of the way.

Finally, I put Avery's "coming home" dress in a shadow box (thanks for the idea Brandie), and have another box for baby #2's outfit too.

We might add a shelf and hanging rack above the counter...for some additional basket storage and a place to hang wet clothes, but we'll see. We're also planning to change out the vanity and putting in a deeper sink so it can be more of a utility sink, but that's a little further down the road.

So...this project is done..now we need to get going on the rest of our never-ending to-do list, which includes:
Finish Basement (starting this spring...this is going to be a big one!)
Paint Front Porch (also this spring/summer)
Rearrange Avery's room to accommodate the new baby
Spring/Summer landscaping

I'm sure we'll add more soon!

Little Chocolate Covered Nuggets of Joy

I always laugh when people asked me if I had cravings while pregnant with Avery. I don't think I had run of the mill cravings per se, but was more influenced by the power of suggestion.

For instance, when I was only about 8 weeks pregnant, Chris and I were watching Gray's Anatomy, and during the obligatory "eating in the cafeteria" scene, I saw George eating a sandwich. Well, next thing you know, I'm also eating a sandwich. Chris looked over at me, and couldn't believe his eyes. He asked "um...where did you get that sandwich?" I said, "George is eating one, so I wanted one too?" Apparently...I'm a ninja sandwich maker...Chris didn't even see me get up from the couch.

I also remember shopping at Meijer, and watching a little girl eat a Blue Moon ice cream cone. I had to fight the urge to snatch it from her hands. Chris and I immediately needed to go to the front of the store, buy a cone. I only took one bite, and was done.

As some of you may know, I stopped eating red meat and pork when I was 16. Until recently, I never purposely ate it for over 15 years. I decided this past summer to start eating lean meat again for iron purposes. Well, during this pregnancy, the want for red meat has hit an all-time high! I have not had one, not two, not three, but 4 meals this week that included red meat! I even ordered a BACON CHEESEBURGER from Red Robin, and a FILET from Carabbas. I have cooked it at home, and have been a beef eating machine. I think I can feel my arteries choking as we speak. Cravings or not...this has GOT to stop. When I was pregnant with Avery, I craved McDonald's Cheesburgers. I attempted to eat one, took a bite and threw it away...

The pineapple craving is back too. But, it has to be fresh pineapple..not canned (I can taste the tin). Unfortunately, Avery also loves pineapple, so it's a little harder to keep in the house. I guess since I've been eating so much red meat, it's good to point out that I have had three lunches that consist of sliced pineapple, avocado and a little cottage cheese....maybe my body will even it all out.

I think the worst cravings are the ones that are unattainable. My friend Brandie introduced me to these tiny chocolate covered donuts that they sell at Super Walmart. Now, let me stop and say...I hate Walmart. I hate what they stand for, and for a lot of their practices. We still shop there occasionally, but I always dip myself in sanitizer when I leave, and say a little prayer to absolve me from my shopping indiscretions. Well, we received a gift card for Walmart for Christmas, so last night was one of our few trips. I figured...why not make the most of it...I'll pick up some of those yummy little donuts while I'm there. (Seriously, these donuts have the perfect amount of chocolate to donut ratio...with no waxy taste involved...delicious.). The only problem? We didn't go to SUPER Walmart, but instead...the boring ole' neighborhood Walmart with sticky floors, mud coated entrances and creepy eyeglass area. So...no donuts. I almost bought the Hostess ones, but I knew that I would be disappointed. I came home, still thinking about those dang donuts. I attempted to eat one of the kids' chocolate chip Pop Tarts, but it didn't do the trick.

So, that's why I am writing a post about cravings. I'm sitting here, frothing and foaming at the mouth, STILL wanting a chocolate covered donut...and attempting to deal with it.

Maybe I'll go make a George Sandwich...with meat...and pineapple....oh yeah...with a TALL decaf sweet tea to drink...gotta go...bye.

CADASIL

As some of you know, my dad had a stroke in summer 2007. Luckily, it wasn't debilitating, and he is still able to speak and get around. Although, he hasn't really been the same since. He is more emotional, and has some significant memory loss....especially short term memory loss.

Well, right before his stroke, we learned of a genetic mutation in our family called CADASIL. CADASIL is basically the premature thinning of blood vessels throughout your body. Because the brain is most sensitive, this effects CADASIL patients neurologically most often. It also explains the history of strokes, epilepsy and migraines in our family. Because it is genetic, there is a 50% chance that the child of a CADASIL patient will also have it. We know now that my Grandpa Dick must have had CADASIL, although he died before we ever knew about it. We also assume that my Uncle Jay (who had strokes and epilespy) must had had it. So, all in all, 4 of 5 of my dad's siblings have CADASIL...including him. We learned definitivly that my dad has it in an appointment last Monday. We are really fortunate to have a CADASIL reasearcher on staff in Ann Arbor, and even luckier that he spends one day a week at the Veteren's hospital there (where my dad goes). Dr. Wang leads the ONLY funded CADASIL research team in North America, so it's truly amazing that he is so close and accessible to us. Basically, there is no cure for CADASIL. It's something that can start as early as late 30's, although, my dad didn't have any symptoms until his 60's. I do have cousins in their 40's that had strokes and are struggling with CADASIL.

Since they can't treat CADASIL, the only thing they can do is offer the same preventative measures that they would do with stroke, such as; watching blood pressure, cholesterol, taking aspirin etc... So, since my dad has this, my brother and sisters and I have to decide whether we want to have the genetic test to see if we have it. I have already decided (for my kid's sake) that I definitely want to know. Since the researchers have determined the specific mutation in our family, all I have to do is send in a blood test (not the MRI and skin biopsy that my dad had done).

So, we'll see. I don't know what would be worse, find out that I have it, or finding out that my brother or sister's have it. Either way...it's scary. If you want to know more about CADASIL...check out wikipedia...or just do a google search. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CADASIL

Passing Stonehenge

Jenny McCarthy wrote a very realistic depiction of pregnancy in her book "Belly Laughs". One chapter in particular was called "Passing Stonehenge". Just to set your mind at ease...I will not be talking about my constipation issues on here.

Instead, I'll talk about my daughter's.

Seriously...if she does not get the perfect balance of fruit, dairy, protein, and fiber....we're all in trouble. She cries...I cry, and we sit together, holding hands, and praying for her to poop. It's painful to watch, and I'm sure it's even more painful for her to experience. She'll complain about her bottom hurting for about 2 hours, and will need to be held...cuddled...have her belly rubbed, and finally end with another dose of apple juice. Then, she'll come over, with red eyes, and want to hold hands while she gets in a semi-stance and her face turns red. Finally, about 5-10 minutes later, we have blast-off, but not without struggle.

I hate it when this happens. I know it hurts, and I hate it for her. It sucks even more, because there isn't much I can do for her. I mean, I guess I could go "John and Kate Plus 8" and help her pull it out, but I don't know if it's what either of us wants.

Now, that we are both relieved, she won't let me change her diaper...so, the house stinks...arghhh. I don't know how I'm going to get this kid to poop on the potty!

Any suggestions are welcome! Have I turned you off of my blog yet?

THE News...

I think the shirt says it all......

Yup....we're pregnant, well, more accurately, I'm pregnant. I'm about 10 weeks along, and feeling pretty good. Avery is excited and will tell me that I have a "baby baby" in my belly (sometime she says that the baby is in my butt...which I don't appreciate!). She's going to be a great big sister.

We had a good time telling our families over the holidays, and now get to experience all the joys of pregnancy again. My due date is officially August 4 (Happy Birthday Uncle Tom and JD), so I have another long summer of swollen ankles ahead of me. I've been feeling ok, but have had heartburn and more nausea this time around.

We have an important decision to make over the next few months. I've said since I had Avery that I would prefer to have a VBAC for the next kid. I feel like had some circumstances been different, I could have had Avery naturally, as opposed to the C-section. Well, the doctor explained that I have a narrow pelvis (I was like...seriously??? I think my pelvis is the ONLY part of my that is narrow), so I can't have big babies (which Avery wasn't...she was small), but the baby also has to be in the perfect position. So, I can still have this next one naturally, but all of the stars have to align for me. On the other hand, being able to wake up one morning, take a shower, do my hair, and have the baby (without the 20 hours of labor) sounds appealing too...so we'll have to see.

We've also decided to not find out what we are having this time. I figured that since we knew that Avery was a girl, it might be fun to be surprised this time around.

I've had my first appointment and everything is good, although we did have a little scare. During the ultrasound, the doctor couldn't find the baby. So, she said either it was a bad angle or not a viable pregnancy. So, I was escorted (half naked) across the hall for another, higher powered ultrasound. Still, the tech couldn't find the baby...so she started checking my ovaries and tubes (I assume to see if it was an ectopic pregnancy). Finally, she decided to do an external ultrasound, and sure enough...there was the baby, chilling in the very front of my uterus...hiding....stinker! So, we were able to see the baby, and see the heartbeat (which was 169, exactly was Avery's was when we first heard her...another girl?). Avery was in the room the whole time, and now points to the ultrasound picture and says "Avery's baby?"

So, this blog may take a turn in the next 7 months. You might hear more about heartburn than you've ever wanted.

A different kind of Christmas list.

Well, I think it has been proven that I am not a professional "blogger". I have an uncanny ability to find something (anything) to do instead of blogging. It's not that I don't like it, it's just that I have sooo much that I want to write that I could spend hours and hours rambling on and on...and that wouldn't be good for you, me, or for the housework and snuggling that needs to be done.
So, following my friend Amanda's lead, I will get "listy", and give you some fun little tidbits, just to get caught up.

1.) Christmas-Came and went....and holy cow, it was a whirlwind! We had 4 different "Christmas's". The first was on December 14 with the Bookie family. We decided to only exchange gifts with the kids this year, and since there are only 2 little girls, they came home with LOTS of loot! It was a really great afternoon that was stress-free and a lot of fun!

Christmas 2 was the Lobbezoo Christmas on December 20 at our house. We had over 20 people in the house, with about 1/2 being kids. It was crazy and great! Tons of food and lots of presents. We have turned our basement into a temporary playroom, so the kids had a blast hanging out down there, and being as loud as they wanted. The hit of the night was the present we got for Andy (we choose names), which was an Air Hog helicopter. With our tall ceilings, it was the perfect place to try out the new toy.

Christmas 3 was our special family Christmas on Christmas Eve morning. You see, Santa called Chris this year and asked if he could come to our house a day early, and of course we said yes. So, on December 24th, we woke up to find that Santa had finished off his cookies and even drank the milk (this was VERY exciting for Avery), and left us lots of presents. Avery received Play-Doh and paints and a big Mickey Mouse and a Cabbage Patch and a dance-along camera that hooks up to the TV, and clothes, and ...and...and....the list goes on! After opening gifts and packing up the car, we headed to Romulus for Christmas #4.

Christmas in Romulus was wonderful again. We spent the night and woke up to find an insane amount of gifts. I mean, we are really blessed. Avery is so loved, and enjoyed hanging out on everyone's laps while opening her gifts and helping everyone else open theirs. Grandma Cox and Uncle Sean and Aunt Stephanie came over early in the morning, then everyone else (cousins, aunts, uncles, Grandpa Wilcox) came over for dinner and dessert. It was a houseful of fun and love. All of our Christmas's were so fun and relaxing...exactly the way we like it.

2.) Returning home...to the plague!- We came home on the 29th and woke up on the 30th sick as a dog. Avery was well, but Chris and I were nasty. Luckily, my parents and sisters were heading up that afternoon, so Mom took care of Avery, while the rest of us took turns throwing up...totally disgusting.

3.) New Years Rockin' Eve- We spent another New Years in elastic. I've decided that it's the best way to party. My parents and sisters were in town, and our friends, the Tenneys and Christians came over. We made big pots of spaghetti, ate snacks, played games and wore our jammies. The kids had fun playing and watching movies, and we banged pots and pans at midnight....great way to escort in 2009.

I think I can speak for all three of us when I say that we are not excited to get back into the work/wake up/run around routine again. It's been really nice to have Avery wake up at 8:30, only to climb into bed with us as we all sleep in until 10:30am! Living with no showers, eating leftovers and wearing pajamas has been just what the doctor ordered.

Well, that exhausts the holiday list...I might have to do one or two more lists in order to get completely caught up. I promise to blog more regularly, so stay tuned. Plus....I get the boys back starting tomorrow, so there should be some funny stories to come.