Arizona

After a 5 week delay we finally got to take our trip to visit family in Arizona.  Although I started off the trip feeling pretty terrible (bacterial throat infection and pink eye), my nausea was pretty much gone.  Once I got some medicine, I got to hang out with everyone.  Here are some picture highlights:

Addy loves spending time with Grammy!

Our first day together.  For the most part it was spent sitting in two different urgent care clinics, but at least we got to look out and enjoy the lovely sunshine.  :)  It is amazing how much better sunshine alone will make you feel.

Addy and Daddy getting ready to spend the day with family at the Scottsdale Railroad Park.  The park was so great - something for everyone.

The train ride with Grammy and Plumbly.

Love this shot of Addy, enjoying the sunny weather, hair blowing in the breeze.

The whole family together on the train.  I think all the cousins really enjoyed it!

Addy with her cousins Rylee and Taylor. 

Having frozen yogurt (so yum) with her cousins Ethan, Luke and Taylor.

Addy and Daddy enjoying each moment of the sunshine.

Plumbly took us to the Natural History Museum.  We got to see dinasours, solve puzzles, visit jail, pan for gold and watch a flash flood simulation.  It was a really fun day!

Yikes, Addy and Plumbly aren't too sure about this dino.

Solving a puzzle and learning about Native American pottery.

This was so cool - there were two different rooms that allowed you to show up on the TV.  Here Plumbly and Addy are showing up in a video about prehistoric sea life.

When we first arrived Addy was NOT interested in hanging out with her cousin Trevor.  When he tried to talk or play with her she would start crying.  It was so sad.  By the end of the first day Trevor had totally won her over.  I think she's talked more about Trevor then anyone else since we've been home.  She got to do a sleepover with Trevor and Rylee one night and she is still talking about that.  On a side note, I have always thought that out of all her cousins Addy and Trevor look the most alike, so it was fun to see them actually hang out together - they could easily pass for siblings.

Playing in the pool with the girls.

It was a great visit.  I have one more very special part of the trip to show you.  In my next post I will show you a sample of the wonderful photos my very talented sister in law took of Addy.  I can't wait!!

Back to Me

Oh how I have waited for this day!  I can actually say I am feeling better.  The nausea began to let up about two weeks ago, at which time I got terribly ill with a bacterial infection.  After 4 doctor visits and lots of medication I am feeling more like my old self then I have in months.  Woo hoo!!

So thanks to all of you that have put up with me for the last three months and sorry to those that were cancelled on and missed.  It was a miserable time there for a while.

We have our big ultrasound next week.  Accepting prayers and positive thoughts for a healthy baby! Also taking bets on the gender.  Will it be a boy (that is my guess) or will it be a girl (Addy's guess).  Place your best bet now.  Really looking forward to finding out and starting to think about names, the nursery and getting ready.

Meanwhile life is rolling along.  Remember how excited I was about the royal wedding?  Even though I was very sick I enjoyed every minute of the event.  I was home ill on that day so I got to gorge on 12 hours of coverage, between blowing my nose, coughing and mopping at my eyes.  On the day before I got invited to a high tea at work in celebration.  We were encouraged to where hats.  This is the hat I made for the big event:

Try to ignore the purple pajamas and picture a sophisticated brown dress.  Perfect!  How fun is that?  We need to where more hats.

We finally got to take our trip to Arizona.  About 5 weeks after our first planned trip was cancelled.  More on the trip to follow including lots of pics and highlights.

We returned just in time to have Mother's Day brunch with my parents.  Addy was so proud of the card she made Grandma.

 

It was wonderful to feel well enough to celebrate and enjoy the day with my Mom and family.  What a blessed life I have, sickness and all, I have a wonderful motherwho is a constant inspiration to me, a wonderful daughter who lights up my life, a husband who is my best friend and a little one growing inside me that I can't wait to meet.  Happy Mother's Day to all those wonderful mom's I know.

 Sometimes I look at Addy Bear and it makes my heart squeeze tight.  She isn't going to be my only baby in 5 more months.  I realize most of my friends and family have more then one child and probably think I am crazy feeling so worried about having baby number two.  But it is hard, mostly because I don't want to change the dynamic we have with Addy.  I look at these silly and cute pictures and wonder what life will be like in a year.

 Perhaps it is because we waited so long between kids . . . they will be 5 years apart.  Perhaps it is because I am an only child.  Addy was so cute and grown up today in her green dress and her hair pulled back in the pony tail . . . this just added to my angst that she is growing up and we are starting down a totally new path.

It is with such a strange mix of excitement and worry that I look upon the next 5 months.  I am starting to feel better, health wise.  The last two weeks have brought more and more relief from the constant misery of the nausea.  It is such a relief.  And right in time for the royal wedding!!  YEA!!

Art Show

Addy has been doing a lot of drawing lately.  Here is a very small sampling of the artist.

 Scott and Addy trade a lot of pictures.  He'll draw her a special picture after she goes to bed and will slide it under her door as a surprise when she gets up.  Then she'll make something special for him.

 Addy decided she needed to help us to know whose bathroom is whose.  So now we all have pictures like this on all the bathroom doors.  And she has put us on notice that if we want to use each other's bathrooms we should really ask first.

 I got this card one morning when I work up. 

 This is one of my favorites of the family.

My BFF

Remember in my last post how I commented on how great Addy has been to me?  Tonight she made this very special bed for me to lay down in.  She even included books to read, a baby to snuggle and snacks for me to choose from.  What a sweetheart!!

I love this girl!!

15 weeks

Hi everyone!  Its been too long . . . sorry about that. Wish I could say it is because we are doing very exciting and fun things here or going on trips.  Alas, I am still feeling very sick.  I am in my 15th week of pregnancy and although I have had a couple of days where the nausea was less, 95% of the time I am still pretty miserable. 

I decided to do the more advanced genetic screening testing since I fall into the category of advanced maternal age ( I will be 35 when the baby is born).  Wow - that is depressing.  I think I am the oldest person ever to have a baby, I am always in the waiting rooms with these girls that are so young. :)  We've completed the first portion of the screening and in two weeks we do the final screening and should get our results back.  So far the pregnancy has gone well.  Outside of the sickness, everything else seems like it is progressing as it should.  Looking back on my first pregnancy I was still sick at this stage, but better around the end of April -  I really hope that happens this time.  Cross your fingers.

Did I mention the due date yet?  October 5th . . . that ring a bell for anyone?  Yup, its Addy's birthday.  It doesn't really matter because I have to have another c-section, I will be scheduled a week early, so it looks like the last week of September will be the time.  It seemed like there was a lot of confusion for the doctor's at first regarding the due date so we really didn't have a definitive date we could all agree on until we did the ultrasound as part of the genetic screening.   Scott and I both just burst out laughing when the due date popped up.  What are the chances?  Could you even plan that if you wanted to?

But the one thing about the due date is that it is easy to measure my two pregnancies since they are unfolding at about the same time.  I just hope that the nausea goes away like the first time, I don't think I can survive too much more of this!!

Here are just a few pictures of what we've been up to lately:

Grandma and Grandpa came over and helped Addy decorate the Easter tree.  Grandma brought Addy a pirate costume.  This girl is in heaven.  She runs around in it screaming "aaaaaauuurrrrggghhh" for hours.

 

This is her scary pirate face:

Just Addy.  She has been such a trooper during my tired-nausea-crying-nausea-do nothing stage.  She is very kind to me.  Scott and Addy are such a blessing to me!!!

Oh yeah . . . and look this is my misery spot.  I sit here - a lot.  I swear when this is done you won't be able to pay me to sit down here.  We may have to get a new couch.

 

Awkward moment of the week:  I was on the verge of gagging at work.  To be kind to everyone else and save myself the humiliation of people hearing me as I was walking between meetings, I jumped into an empty conference room.  It wasn't empty.  I was gagging before I even was able to realize there were 5 people I'd never seen before eating lunch in the room.  Wow!  They must have been pretty impressed.  As I am gagging I am frantically ripping open a bag of crackers and literally stuffing them into my mouth.  It doesn't make sense to chew too much because I gotta get the food to my stomach as quickly as possible.  Very lady like.  Partial crackers falling to the floor out of my stuffed fist, and crumbs going everywhere.  Typically I am trying to heavy breath to steady myself and squinching my face up to try to hold back the gagging as my stomach clinches.  Sometimes I even moan in misery.  This was all probably going on as well as I am realizing there are people watching me.  I just turned around and left, didn't say a word.  I mean what do you say?  Can you imagine what they were telling their co-workers?  I look pregnant for sure, but not so much so that it is terribly obvious if you aren't looking for it.  So who knows what they might have thought.  Good times.

Arizona or Bust

Well . . . bust it is!  As many of you know we were scheduled to fly to Arizona yesterday to visit family.  All of us were so looking forward to the visit.  Scott and Chris getting to celebrate their birthday together for the first time in like 15 years, Addy getting to see her cousins, meeting Alexie . . . knife to the heart people.  Because it is all my fault that we aren't going.  I am just so sick with nausea I can't hardly function.  So, my family both here and in Arizona were amazingly stand up people and were okay when I panicked Friday night and realized there is no way I can make this trip right now.  Really . . . would you like to see what I spend my time doing?

I sit here.  All the time.  It looks like I peed the couch, thankfully I haven't done that yet.  It is just permanently indented from my butt sitting in the same spot all the time.

Here I am today, off the couch . . . to unpack. :( 

And since I am off work anyway, I lose my leave if I don't take it this week . . . this is what my house looks like on Sunday night.  Seriously.  It never looks like this on a Sunday night.  And as I sit in my spot on the couch and tell myself I have time I don't have to clean it because I am not going to work tomorrow, I am sweating. 

Okay, so that is the sad part of the story . . . its occurred to me that I have been focusing a lot on the sad parts lately.  Kick in the behind to me.  It could be a lot worse.  Look at all the things you have to be thankful for:

I am sick for a very good reason.  Keep your eye on the prize. 

My husband and daughter are willing to give up things they want (like Arizona) to support me in my time of need.  And even sick, my husband will take Addy upstairs to play scoobydoo wii so I can relax.

My parents - bless them!  Every day I am so thankful  to have my parents.  Last week they make St. Patrick's Day so fun for Addy with surprise gifts.  My little girl is so lucky!  They are always willing to help - with anything.  Thank you!

My AZ family - not one word of censure over the last minute decision.  Thank you!  You all are such a wonderful part of our lives and I can't wait to see you.  I am sad we aren't there with you now, but hopeful that soon we will have a wonderful visit.

My friends - who I am neglecting terribly.  I promise I will be better one day and we can hang out and I owe everyone coffee or tea or a martini . . . just knowing you are there is wonderful to my miserable self.

And my Kindle!  Did I tell you Scott got me one for Christmas?  It is my new BFF right now.  I love it, love it, love it.  If you are thinking about it - take the plunge.  So worth it.  I could do a post just about it.  If I can lose myself in a book long enough I can fade away from the constant annoyance of the nausea for a few minutes - heaven.

Looking forward to a restful week.  Perhaps a little work, but also some rest time for me.  I can be a true hermit.  Perhaps I can watch a buffy marathon.  Oh, isn't that a grand idea? 

Milestones

There is nothing like those special milestones . . . not just the fun ones, like walking and talking though.  I really love those difficult milestones that show tenacity and commitment, on the part of Addy and us as parents.  This weekend, even while I was sick as a dog still, Scott jump started Addy on the way to yet another milestone.  And the girl pasted with flying colors.

I admit we've been pretty strict parents when it comes to most things - we never caved on sleeping issues, or let up on schedule issues, even during travel.  The one thing we've been super lenient on is the binky.  Addy still sleeps with one.  I couldn't bear to force her to give it up.  It keeps her a little toddler in my mind.  Really.  Its me.  I am the only mother in the world that didn't want my baby out of diapers.  Another sign she was still little.  Pathetic I know.

So, this weekend Scott and Addy decided it was time.  She made a bag for the her binkies and we put it on the porch for the binky fairy. 

There was the promise of a great gift by the binkie fairy.  And the binky fairy delivered!

Boy, the tooth fairy is gonna have some high expectations.

So even though I bawled at least three times this weekend over my little one growing up, Addy sailed through and was so proud of her big girl status.  Gosh, I love this kid.

Still feeling absolutely horrible sick.  Trying a new medication and that is making it a bit more tolerable.  (I was really sick last time but not quite so severe.  I got sick at the exact same week in my pregnancy.  Unfortunately last time I was sick through about 17 weeks.  What does all this mean?  A boy, a girl?  Hopefully a super healthy baby!!)  Well the weekends are the worst because I am not focused like I am at work.  So today I decided screw the nausea, I am going to do one productive thing!  And I actually did.  Thank goodness, there is nothing worse then going day to day, just doing the bare minimum to get by - watching all the projects and needs pile up.  One tiny item is off the list:  the front flower bed no longer looks like it did above.

It may not be sunny here yet.  Heck it snowed 10 days ago.  But I needed some color!!!! 

Joy.  Color.  A productive hour spent.  And I even got some of my maternity clothes unpacked and ready to go.  Thanks Courtney for bringing them over!!  I am definitely out of regular clothes now.  But I can't have anything touch my stomach so I am in dresses and skirts with no tights - brrrrr.  I am really hoping we have an early spring!

Excitement

I wasn't exaggerating about Addy's excitement about having a baby brother or sister.  Being an only child myself, I have been very worried about having another child.  Would Addy feel bad?  Would she be happy or upset?

I can't ever remember wishing I had a brother or sister - being an only child was great.  So, what the heck am I doing to my little girl?

Well, she is more excited then both of us combined - seriously.  She has now posted this sign on our front door:

The purpose is to ensure that everyone knows we are having a baby!  As you can tell she is definitely thinking that a girl would be perfect.  We aren't sure if we are going to find out or not, we'll have to think about it some.  Addy isn't opposed to a baby brother - but as she points out most of the boys at school are kind of mean, and girls are nicer.  Love her tried and true logic. :)

5 years

I kept asking myself why did it take 5 years for me to commit to doing this again?

OH YEAH!  Now I remember . . .

THE FREAKIN' NAUSEA!!!!!

So, although I am miserable and grumpy, I am happy to announce that we will be having a baby in September.  Addy is so very excited to be a big sister.  We are of course very excited as well.  Did I mention I am miserable and grumpy too?  Good times.

Love, your anti-social, pity party, miserable and grumpy friend, Jessica

PS.  Hopefully in a few weeks I will feel tons better and I can once again be my fun self. 

PPS. I would be okay if it was sooner rather then later.

PPPS.  I have set a date to feel better.  It is realistic, because it is a far ways out.  I really have decided I must be better before the royal wedding.  I have waited 30 years to see a Prince marry his Princess again and darn it, I am going to feel better so that I can enjoy it in all its media craziness!!

PB is the best!

This recipe is interesting.  These are great for a snack for both adults and kids, includes some yum and some hidden healthy items.  But, you do have to love peanut butter to enjoy.


Peanut Butter Blondies


6 Tbsp of butter
1 cup (packed) brown sugar
1/2 cup sweet-potato baby food (stage 1 or 2)
1/2 cup carrot baby food (stage 1 or 2)
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
2 tsp vanilla ext.
2 large eggs
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup oat bran
1 cup flour
1/2 cup peanut butter chips (optional)


Preheat the oven to 325.  Spray 9x13 pan.  Heat butter and brown sugar.  Remove from heat and allow to cool for a bit.  Whisk in baby food, peanut butter, vanilla, eggs, and salt.  Add oat bran and flour until just combined.  Mix in the peanut butter chips.  Pour into baking dish.  Bake for 30 minutes, until toothpick comes out clean.  Allow to cool completely in pan.  You can sprinkle powdered sugar on these, or frost them if you like.

Be My Valentine

 Addy was so excited for today, she made us promise to get her up super early so we could exchange gifts this morning and not wait until after school.  She helped Scott shop for the valentine's gifts and she was very excited to give me my presents.  When I went into her room to wake her up she was sound asleep, but when I mentioned it was V-day she popped right out of bed.  I got her into the kitchen and she looked like this.  She informed us that sometimes in the morning her eyes are all sticky and wet and she has to rub them to make them work.

 

 Quickly she was "awakened" by the excitement of the Valentine's day extravaganza awaiting her!

 She wasn't waiting to get her new puzzle going.

 Holy smokes, check out the stash she got at school?!  It was like Halloween all over again.  She scored big time.  I was a little jealous and found myself negotiating what I might get to try. :)

She even had a present waiting from Grandma and Grandpa on the porch when we got home!

My favorite part of the day?  Addy helping me unwrap the beautiful necklace and bracelets she picked out for me all by herself - she was so proud.  And getting to take an afternoon to spend a couple hours having a late lunch with Scott.  Priceless!

A.D.D.Y.

It feels like it has been way too long since I did an update just about our Little.  She isn't so little anymore.  She is going on 4 1/2 and she is very tall for her age.  She is not quite the tallest in her class but very close.  Here are some random things about Addy:

She still loves Scooby Doo - I would say out of all the shows and cartoon characters she likes this is still her go to.  She knows all the songs and silly parts and begs me to watch her very favorite scenes with her.  She'll laugh in anticipation of a most silly fall, scramble or funny face the gang makes.

I heart U - she is so loving.  A day doesn't go by that she doesn't tell us how thankful she is for her parents, grandparents, family and friends.  She'll even say something sweet like "know what I like even more then Scooby Doo and playing toys?"  "My family."  Ahhhhh, so sweet!

Arts and Crafts - Addy still enjoys painting and coloring.  She draws the best people, with nice big belly buttons and she loves to have people's hair falling out in a shower of raindrops around them.  She colors in the lines very well and always has a fantastic story to go along with each creative picture.  Grandma and Grandpa supply Addy with a ton of activities - and she thoroughly enjoys each one.

(This last one here was so fun.  It was for ages 6+, but I had to concentrate to get it together.  Addy cheered me on "good job Mommy, you are getting it together."  Cupid's house is ready for V-day.) 

Why?  All day long, every day.  Morning. Noon. Night.  She is so curious and you never get away with a simple answer.  Do you ever find yourself completely speechless by the 4th or 5th why?

Performer - Addy loves to preform for those she is close with!  She loves to do dances, play in a band, sing or storytell.  She has a vivid imagination and uses it to ham it up and entertain us.

Independence Day - She does have her moments . . . we've coasted pretty good for about 6-8 months, but I am noticing she is getting more and more bossy and independent.  We're having daily battles of will right now.  As frustrating as it is, I do get a kick out of seeing this side of her personality.  I know she won't be a shrinking violet in life.  But there are moments that I am not sure I can take another moment of miss sassy pants.

Silly Quotes:

"Did my bug get from my toes to your toes and then into your tummy?"  Trying to understand how she could pass her stomach bug to me.

"Lets rustle up some grub" - when I said lets start making some dinner tonight.

"When I meet a boy and I want to love him I will do this."  Turning to the side, clasping her hands, tucking down her chin and batting her lashes - watch out boys!!

"Mommy, its okay you always lose.  Being a loser is okay since you are a good cleaner" After she beat meet at a game.

What a blessing Addy is to us!!  Love you Little!!