Ariel is for girls!

Michael is sick.  'Tis the season, right?  At least he's getting past this cold/bronchitis before Christmas this year.  He's had a dry cough for awhile now, and then managed to pick up a cold on top of the bronchitis.  We had quite an adventure at the pediatrician's office yesterday!  Let's just say he was possessed: kicking, screaming, crying, all of it. The poor resident, she may have changed her mind about pediatrics after that visit.  Dr Dan quickly got little Michael settled, though.  It was like magic to me, others may just call it experience.  Anyway.  The pediatrician says he's not contagious, and that medicine wouldn't help at this time. Lovely.  Those are the visits I live for!  Basically, we are left to enjoy the misery of a sick three year old. Couldn't he have slipped a little cough syrup with codeine into my purse?  

In an effort to spoil Michael even more than he already is, I took him to the dinky little movie store here in town.  I'm all excited because Horton Hears a Who is out now, and he could care less.  Michael was in hot pursuit of a new Thomas movie, but he's seen all of the ones at the store.  (It's very, very, very small!)  When I saw Ariel's Beginning on the shelf, I pulled it down and asked him what he though about Ariel.  In a disgusted voice and completely annoyed by the suggestion, he said, "Ariel is for GIRLS, Mom!" Wow. : ) I didn't realize that he is at the age where there is a difference between "girl" movies and "boy" movies.  Guess I missed the boat on getting to watch Cinderella and The Little Mermaid again.  I wanted to call Josh right away, but I don't think he'd appreciate the humor while working on taxes and whatnot.  I'll have to save it for this evening...

My Michael.

Michael is changing and growing just as quickly as Nicholas these days.  Last weekend I took Michael to the town Christmas parade while Josh stayed home with Nicholas.  It was wonderful to spend an hour with just Michael.  We enjoyed waving to the various fire trucks and boy scout troupes, even though it was freezing cold.  He had a blast running out onto the street to grab pieces of candy, which sounds much more dangerous than it actually was!  

The Christmas spirit is certainly alive in Michael B.  Last week (or, was it the week before?) we went to Michael's for a second time to actually shop for the things that I meant to pick up on that disastrous trip.  While we were shopping I noticed a grungy, rough looking man, probably in his mid sixties, wandering around the store.  Instinctively, I held Michael's hand a little bit tighter due to both the crowds and this gentleman.  When we finished up our shopping, I noticed that my Grandmother was right behind us in the checkout line.  Michael was jabbering away to the cashier, talking a mile a minute, while I caught up with my grandmother.  (He was asking the cashier questions like: Do you like your job?  Why do you work here?  What's your name?)  During this time, I noticed the man staring at Michael and listening to him question the cashier.  Again, I wanted to snatch Michael up, even though we were basically touching, that's how close in proximity we were to one another.  The man stayed and listened to Michael for quite some time, and then moved down to another line at the end of the store.  I kept my eye on him, still feeling a little bit anxious. 

While my grandmother was checking out, I gave Michael some change to put into the Good Will bucket outside of the store.  I explained to him why we were giving money away.  As we were having this conversation the man walked up to us.  He stopped and stared again at Michael.  Michael looked up at him and said, "HI!  I'm Michael!  What's your name?"  Without taking a breath, he began to tell the man about giving money away.  He was so proud of the few pieces of change that I gave him to put into the Good Will collection.  This man then reached into his pocket and gave Michael a few quarters for the Good Will bucket.  He asked Michael if he would put money into the bucket for him, too.  After giving Michael the money, this man looked at me and told me what a special little boy I have.  He said something like there aren't many children who would give money away like that.  I smiled at him and said thank you.  And the man moved on.  My grandmother was paying attention to this conversation and so she pulled out money for Michael to give away.  He was so excited!  

The whole experience scared me a little, quite honestly.  I'm not taking both of boys out by myself until the Christmas season has passed.  Once the stores and malls are empty, I'll try again.  Michael is so incredibly friendly and kind, almost to a fault.  But, at the same time, maybe this man was homeless and lonely.  Listening to Michael may have brought him joy and comfort. Who knows if I should have been terrified or proud?  He is such a special little boy, though, and has such a giving spirit.  

Such a Sweetie.

Michael and I had the best day yesterday. (NO fits!! Hurray!!) He stayed in his pj's until after 3 pm because we stayed home pretty much the whole day. We baked a loaf of bread, which was a first for both of us. We also made a warm pot of potato soup for our dinner last evening. Michael worked on making a handprint turkey out of his hands and feet. We still have some work to do on it this evening, as the finishing touches need to be added. Michael was completely content to play with his "monster trucks" and "animals" all day. It was like he re-discovered his toys. Of course I felt guilty that Nicholas needed so much attention yesterday due to his fussiness, but Michael handled it just fine. To top the day off, Josh took Michael to another middle school basketball game. Our home team played against the school where I used to teach. Michael enjoyed the game and the extra time with his daddy.

Almost Normal...

My mom stayed with us today because Josh needed to get back to work. The morning started out a little rough. Michael threw two fits in the course of about two hours. One being as soon as he got out of bed, nothing like waking to a screaming three year old! ( At least the baby wasn't crying, too.) Naturally, I was a little worried about how the day would go. As it turned out, the day could not have been better. My mom and I took the boys to a local co-op farm, that is full of fun activities for kiddies. We went on a hay ride, picked out four pumpkins, watched a pig race, jumped on a gigantic pumpkin inflated with air, and we played on a toddler/little kids playground. Towards the end of our visit, we bought some hot apple cider and kettle corn. Nicholas cooperated quite well by sleeping throughout the entire outing. 

Today I was so grateful to no longer be pregnant, with a baby ramming my rib cage. I could breathe, I could climb on the gigantic pumpkin with my Michael (though I probably should not have..), and I was able to truly enjoy his laughter and curiosity again. It's been a long, long time since I have felt good enough to truly appreciate his magical age. And, sharing this wonderful day with my mom and Nicholas was quite a delight, as well. We can't wait to take Josh back to this farm, Michael wants to take him back TONIGHT. That's how much fun he had today, and I'm so glad for that. The new baby is kind of taking it's toll on Michael B right now, which is completely understandable and to be expected.  

I am looking forward to more days like this one...

Blueberry Tea Cake!

Michael and I bagged the crafts today. We decided to put a few ounces on the baby instead. We made a delicious blueberry tea cake. This is the recipe that we used, just click on this link. (FYI on the recipe: we used real blueberries, 2 cups, instead of pie filling.)

After the cake cooled, we took a few pieces to my Grandmother's house. She made us a delicious lunch today. And, as usual after lunch, Michael HAD to play in her yard. He has a very special spot in her yard where he likes to line up his cars. It's so precious. It's on a little hill with a patch of dirt and rocks, a little boy's dream! Michael took a soccer ball outside this afternoon, as well, and created his own basketball game with a hanging basket. My job was to reach in the basket and pull out the ball when he made his shots! It's so interesting to watch his imagination grow everyday. He's turning into a little boy right before our eyes.

I'm not feeling the greatest this evening, so this is a short post. : ) My back and ribs are killing me. And, don't get excited, it's just due to the size of the baby--not contractions! I'm ready for the little one to drop, that's for sure. The last few weeks are kind of rough.

Michael at the Dairy Barn

The dairy barn is definitely Michael's favorite barn at the fair! I think that next summer, when I'm feeling more like myself and less like a cow, he will participate in a 4-H program for little ones. There are a number of children just a year older than Michael, who show these beautiful cows. It's very sweet.

Now it's time to start packing for VA-CA-TION!! We're off to the beach tomorrow!! Hurray!! It's about time!! If only someone would come over here and pack for us, and clean our house. Yesterday Michael and I spent a good two hours cleaning out the refrigerator, so that when we return from the beach trip I can head straight to the grocery store. (I haven't been in ages...)

He loves his Mom....

(31 Weeks!)

Last week Michael went to his sitter's house for a day. He certainly did not want his Mama to leave! I felt badly about parting with him for the day, but it was a good and productive day for both of us. Throughout the next year he will continue to go to the sitter's house, which I think will help the transition for NEXT August. : ) It's ridiculous that I'm already thinking about returning to work when I haven't even really started the year of leave! Josh and I have discussed (ad nauseum) the pro's and con's of Michael staying with the sitter or going to a preschool in town. Though, I'm incredibly interested in Montessori schools right now for Michael. I just don't see how we could afford it or make it work for us long term.

When we return from the beach Michael will begin his school year with Ms. Peg! She's such a blessing to us and he loves her (and the other children) so much. The baby will join Ms. Peg and the gang next August. I'm sure Michael will help to take great of his sibling!

He's changed his mind.

All along Michael has wanted a baby sister named....Norah.  (Not...Nora, Josh.  : ))

Today he saw a baby outfit that I bought last summer for someone (whoops! little late on that one, eh??), and was very intrigued by the cars on the romper.  He asked if HE could wear it.  I said no, and told him that he is too big for baby clothes.  

He continued to check it out, both the front and the back.  

He put it down and said, "I want a boy, Mom.  What we could name him???"  : )

   

I said, "What do you think about William, Michael?"  

Our Sweet Boy.

Last evening, after our family walk, the four of us (including D.) were laying around in the family room, while Michael played with his cars. I told Michael that he could bring the cars to the hospital when Mommy has the baby. He listened. And, then he responded by saying, "I don't think the baby could hold the cars, Mom."

I then said to Michael, "Did you know that Mommy is going to the hospital to have the baby?" Again, he listened and thought about what I said.

He stood up, walked over to me and touched my belly. He looked me in the eye and said, "Are they going to take the baby out, Mom? " Naturally, I said, "Yes, Michael. The doctor is going to take the baby out."

Again, he thought about the baby coming out of my body and asked, "Is it going to hurt, Mommy? Will it hurt you?"

I smiled and said, "Yes. Just a little bit. But, I'll be okay."


Love, love, love this sweet boy of ours....

Open Your Heart.

During yesterday's mass, the priest mentioned the importance of opening one's heart during his homily.  Michael caught wind of this one sentence, that was repeated a couple of times by the priest.  With a confused face, he looked at me and said, "He wants to open my heart, Mom?!?"  I couldn't help but snicker at Michael, so he repeated his question.  "Why does he want to open my heart, Mom?!?!"  He seemed a little bit more stressed the second time he asked, so Michael (Granddad M.) leaned over and whispered into Michael B's ear, "He wants you to listen.  He wants you to listen."  Michael seemed satisfied with Granddad's answer and then moved on to another question.  

Every once in awhile Michael catches wind of a sentence in the priest's homily that strikes his interest.  I remember one morning Michael heard the priest say something like, "Be Quiet!"  And Michael completely understood that one sentence of the homily.  In fact, he repeated it and told me that, "HE  said to BE QUIET, MOM!!!"  

I sure do love this little guy....

My Pool Boy

Ever since tax season has been over, Josh has been in charge of the bath time routine with Michael.  It's a bonding time for the two of them.  I enjoy hearing Josh play these little games like "the car wash" with Michael, as he dries him off after his bath.  From the way I remember things, Michael ALWAYS cries when I dry his hair off after the bath.  There's hardly any laughter or funny games.  

Over the past few evenings, I've heard lots and lots of clapping and cheering coming from Josh during the bath time routine.  Being the nosey individual that I am, of course I asked what was going on in the bath tub.  Josh exclaimed that Michael likes to dunk his ENTIRE head under the water!  Which, really is a BIG deal!!  Until the past week or so, Michael would put just his face in the water and a little, tiny bit of his hair.  Now, he's submerging his WHOLE HEAD. 

All of this brings me to today's topic:  Michael and the swimming pool!  Last summer Michael was  like a cat at the pool.  He didn't have much use for the pool at all.  From what I remember he enjoyed throwing things into the pool,  he did NOT enjoy putting his face into the pool water or getting dunked, and he really did not have ANY use for any type of flotation device.  Over the past few visits to the pool, I've noticed a miraculous change.  

This afternoon we spent a large part of our time in the "big" pool, in the two feet section.  Mainly, I wanted to explain to Michael how swimming lessons are going to work next week and I wanted to show him  where he would stand during the lesson.  We also played some swimming lesson games, like Ring Around the Rosie.  And, WOW!  Did he have a blast with our little games!!  It was the sweetest thing ever.  He blew bubbles, AND he went completely under the water!!  I honestly could not believe my eyes.  It was this huge transformation from just a week ago.  We played and played in the big pool this afternoon, and we had so much fun together.  For the first time in the past three years, I felt like I was playing with a CHILD, not a toddler or a baby.  : ( We pretended to play hide and seek, though that game terrified me because I refuse to turn my back on him in the pool.  We played games, and boy did we laugh!

I give Josh a lot of credit for this transformation.  I think bath time with Dad prepared him to be brave and to dunk his head under the water.  I just wish Josh could have been there with us today.  We'll just have to do a family swim date this weekend, to show off these new-found skills.  

(These pictures are from the baby pool last week.  Taking pictures was virtually impossible in the big pool today! ) 

First Day of the Summer Break

The first day of summer break was spent organizing Michael's closet and drawers!  Michael has outgrown all of his PJ's and many of the tops that are tightly packed in his dresser.  Every morning and every evening Josh complains that nothing fits, and that "we" need to go through his dresser. : ) (You know what "we" means...) My mom spent the day playing with Michael, so that I could sort through his things and so that I could scrub the bathrooms.  

After visiting at my parent's house,  Michael and I went to Big Lots to buy a couple plastic containers to stow away the 2T clothes in the basement.  We found all sorts of "treasures" in Big Lots!  I think that I will be frequenting Big Lots quite a bit in the next year, or so.  

It certainly wasn't an exciting day, by any means, but it sure did feel good to take a shower in a clean bathroom this evening!  And, I know that Michael had a blast with my mom and my brother, Daniel.  He sure does love to spend time in the country!  

Here's a picture of Michael wearing the PJ's that no longer fit.  (Poor kid, his mom is such a penny pincher.)  Don't worry- we changed him out of these ridiculously tight pajamas before he went to bed.  

His very favorite gift:

Carrie, Jason, and Jacob gave Michael this Lightning McQueen camping set for his birthday, and he is in absolute heaven!  The little backpack has not left his back ALL day!  As soon as Michael wakes from a nap, he grabs his backpack!  Josh took Michael out to do some shopping this afternoon, and Michael wore his backpack into every single shop. 

 And, the sleeping bag?  Michael pretended like the sleeping bag was his nap mat from the sitter's.  He took his afternoon nap on the sleeping bag, on the floor.  How incredibly comfortable, right?! The sleeping bag is on his bed this evening, instead of the floor.  Michael has also taken great pride in carrying around the water bottle all afternoon.  He's so proud, and it's clear that this gift made him feel like a real, big boy!  

Watching him walk around with a backpack on his back makes me want to cry, though!  He really does look like a big boy!  And, in just a few years he'll be walking into the doors of an actual school, with a backpack on his back.  At least, he's giving us a little practice with watching him carrying a backpack.  Maybe I won't cry as much on his first day of kindergarten?  (Yeah, right!)

Only ten and a half days of teaching middle school students for a year!  YIIIIKES!  I'm so ready for summer break! My house, particularly my closets, desperately need to be organized.  

Picture Time!

Finally... The PICTURES! If you click on the collage, you can see the photos better. Our friends sure do have some beautiful children! Michael is pretty wiped out today. He is now taking a nap, at 11:15. I am hopeful that it will be a long one. We're going to stay inside for a good bit of the day, or at least until it cools off. Michael has had an amazing birthday weekend!

The Big Birthday Party!

Today was the special "birthday party day" for Michael B! Our friends and family were able to join us this afternoon for some delicious BBQ (made by Mr. B's--Yummy!!), birthday cake, and homemade ice cream. We had an absolute blast. Michael enjoyed having his friends over to play; while Josh and I enjoyed having company over to help celebrate our three years of parenting!

We're so thankful for the support of our parents and to have such wonderful friends. Most of our friends here this evening have been our friends since childhood, which is just incredible. What an amazing gift we have in these friends! I love that we have spent special days like prom and basketball championships together, and now our children's birthdays!

I am so thankful that we are able to spend such special days like these with the ones we love. Thank you to everyone who came this evening. You made our day, and Michael's, too!

Pictures to come tomorrow! Blogger is NOT cooperating!!

This is what 19 weeks looks like:

Here we are, at 19weeks already!

Wednesday is our big ultrasound, the one where you can possibly find out the gender. I am reminding myself that this is the ultrasound that lets us know if the baby is healthy and growing as it should be at this point. At the last appointment we received information about the impending ultrasound. The instructions included the amount of water I am supposed to drink before the appointment, as well as something else that has struck a chord with me. The instructions read something like, "this is ultrasound is NOT to determine the gender of the baby, it is to monitor the health and the development of the baby."

I keep telling Josh that something doesn't feel right about finding out the gender this week. I'm just so grateful to God for the opportunity to carry another baby, that all I want to know is that the baby is healthy and is growing. Gender makes no difference to me. Pink rooms, blue rooms, pink clothes, blue clothes; who cares? Just as long as this baby is healthy, that's what I care about.

Those CRAZY Running Parties!

I'm a tired gal!  The running girls have these amazing little running birthday parties, which begin at 5:30 am!!  Crazy, right?  We run a few miles, sing to the birthday girl, eat cake, and open presents--all before 6:30, or so!! Sometimes we run a little late...with the eating and chatting, not the actual running part.  

In order to make it to the party, I had to get up at 4:45 this morning.  That's very early! However,  it is completely worth the loss of about fifteen minutes of sleep.  Absolutely worth it.  I love my running friends and would do anything for them...so waking a little extra early is fine by me. The girls make me laugh and laugh, I'm on a little birthday party high for the rest of the day.  However,  I'm now very tired now and ready for bed.  

Michael, it seems, does NOT like the running parties!  I didn't come home between the party and school today, so I was not around for the good morning routine.  Each morning we hug, sometimes we rock, and sometimes I just hold him.  We really like our morning snuggle time.  Michael actually refused to go to the sitter's today, I think, because he did not understand why I wasn't back from running!  He knows I run in the morning, but I always come home and we have our routine.  Josh said he cried and made numerous excuses about why he shouldn't leave.  He has never, ever, ever done this before!  He never made mention of the fact that I wasn't home, but he knew that something wasn't right.  Once he got to the sitter's he was quite happy and was ready to play cars. 

So intuitive...and such a sweetheart of a son....

Good Night!  

How could I be mad?

When seeing this:

Because he made room so he could sit quietly in the basket and do this:

Michael is a reading fool these days! He remembers story lines and then repeats the story back to himself while quietly nestled in his little playroom.

What joy he brings to our lives!

Fun in the Parking Lot.

Our son can make anything fun!  Honestly.  

The locked keys in the trunk saga continued today because we were not able to find the spare key last evening, I just have the valet key on my ring for Josh's car.  Because Josh's non-billable time is quite precious these days, I offered to meet him at the dealership to switch cars.  I was going to sit with Michael while the key was cut, so that Josh could quickly get back to the office.  We decided upon a time and Michael I happened to get there twenty minutes early.  So, I called Josh and told him to HUSTLE because I was waiting in a parking lot with a two year old.

As a special treat, I took Michael out of his car seat and put him in the front passenger seat.  This was a HUGE deal for the little guy!!! HUGE, Huge, huge.  He played and played and played.  We danced to the children's CD, we danced to the Christmas CD's, we pulled things out of the glove box, and we also ate a few mini cadbury eggs.  (YUUUMMMY!)  After playing for about twenty minutes, Josh pulled into the lot.  He ran into the service station to prove that the car was in his name and to show the mechanics his ID. 

Michael and I waited.  We continued to dance, play with the CD's, and sing.  (We did the Hokie Pokie in the front seat.  He's in training to be a Hokie, just so you know...) Josh came out, about twenty minutes later.  With a NEW KEY in his hand.  He opened the trunk and pulled out his key chain.  I was in disbelief.  I wanted to say, "What in HECK have Michael and I been doing in this blessed car for forty minutes????" I didn't.  Instead I thought to myself: "Wow.  That had the potential of being a miserable forty minutes, but it wasn't!"  Michael and I had fun, and I enjoyed spending the time with him...in a parking lot.  (Very weird, right?)  

Michael isn't feeling well, he's got a little cold.  That's par for the course, though.  This week continues to be entertaining... What will tomorrow bring?

Two for Two.

Well. The mornings just continue to get more and more interesting around here, I tell you what! 

Yesterday was the mother of all temper tantrums.  Today Josh locked his keys in the trunk. THis meant that he and Michael were not able to drive to work/the sitter's, nor were they able to get inside the house!  

I'll spare the specifics, but it was another interesting morning in our household.  I'm wondering where we will find ourselves tomorrow!  There is one little part of the story I would like to share:  I called the dealership to find out if they could "slice a key" for us.  When I finished explaining the scenario, this man says to me, "Well.  Did you know there's a little latch that you can just pull on next to the door?"  In a short voice I said, "Yes I know about the latch, SIR.  THE LATCH IS LOCKED AND MY KEY WON'T WORK, SIR. "  He seemed to figure out what I was saying by that point, but my goodness was I irritated and ready to bite off his head.  

We'll get things taken care of, I know.  It's really no biggie, it just made for an interesting morning.  Michael sure has been talking about it all evening.  All he can really get out is, "DAD LOCK! KEYS! Mom. Because he did."  Gosh, does he make us smile.  Our little sugar....