Future Photographer

I have quite a few cute stories dancing around in my head but I just have to tell this quick one!  Yesterday M totally set up a photoshoot for two of her bears and baby Stell-Stell.  I was getting her clothes ready for our upcoming holiday trip and she came in with the camera wanting me to turn it on.  I said, "Honey, our camera isn't a toy.  Mommy doesn't want you playing with it without Mommy or Daddy to help you.  Can you wait for me or go have Daddy help you?"  She chose the later and Daddy on the other hand, said it was ok if she just had it.  I decided to come out and see what she wanted the camera for anyways.  She was putting her babies on the computer chair, turning them this way and that, and saying "Cheese!" as she took pictures (with the camera pointed at her! -- I guess that's the only way she ever sees a camera!)  She didn't stop there.  Baby Stella needed some on her own.  Then the bears had their turns.  Then, she got some props (a blankie and such).  It was so stinkin' cute!  And, I have to admit, it was a great activity for her to do on her own while I finished packing!

Feeling crafty

Alright, I had to show some pictures of the gifts I made.  Because, what is a craft if it isn't shared?  : )  Right?  I love, love, love how my little cookie containers turned out.  I used my cricut -- of course -- and had a border on one side and one big "object" -- stocking, snowman, or tree, depending on the front theme -- on the back.  I embellished the front with my favorite glitter glue from my BFF (so easy and totally finishes a project!).  I punched a tag with my Creative Memories punch and viola!   

Mmmm... and the cookies were delicious, if I do say so myself!  I made my cake mix cookies, colored store-bought frosting red or green and flavored the red almond and the green mint.  Yum-o!


As for the para gifts -- see the drama in an earlier post -- I think they turned out lovely, too!  I made nine different "Holiday" cards (which I didn't take a picture of of course) and attached them to the outside of the bag with ribbon as well.  Remember the phrase was stolen from my wonderful SIL -- I can't take credit!

Step 1: Tie hand lotion and soap with twine.

Step 2:  Oh, check out those cute tags I made last weekend!

 Step 3: Attach tag to twine with pretty ribbon.

Step 4: Put in bag from Bath and Body Works and repeat!

Couldn't Sleep...

Why not win stuff?

It's been a very long while since I've even ventured over to Take It From Me, but I couldn't sleep this morning and thought it was a good use of my... err... time.  JJ and I went to bed early last night (seriously, we started watching MacGruber, both looked at each other, admitted we were too tired, and went to bed about 8:30) - so I do feel well-rested even if I STILL SHOULD BE SLEEPING!

Ok, here are the latest giveaways:

• Sweet Ride jewelry --- I think I would totally get the family tree necklace for my Mom... supercute!  However, it wouldn't be complete with grandkiddos, which would be sweet, but we still haven't decided on THE name (and aren't sure if we're done!).
• EarthLover --- I'll be honest, I'm not an organic freak, but the stuff on this site is beautiful!  AND there's a free frame up for giveaway!
• Gift Skins --- I had NO IDEA what this company would be all about looking at the title.  Actually, I was thinking "skins" for iPods or something.  BUT, it's custom wrapping paper!  How cool is that?!
• Boogie Wipes --- I'm not sure if we'd *need* these because we're currently trying to keep M from taking all the tissue out of the box and using it for her nose --- she DOES throw them away when she's done it's just that they're not really used!  BUT, did you see the chamomile with aloe?  That sounds so sooooothing!
• KinderGlo --- M has the moon and loves it!  I think it's pretty neat too!  They have some new designs -- did you see the angel and the hippo?  CUTE!
• Wikki Stix --- I use these at school, but I think miss M would love them too!  Look at the car trip kit!  Or the card making kit! 
• Trading Phrases --- I love wall decals - they are SO practical.  There are so many great phrases/fonts/colors to choose!  Oh my!
• ShaToBu --- It can't hurt, right?!  : )
• Sharpies AND Rubbermaid!!  --- I'm in Heaven... do you know this about me?  Do you know that I'm an office supply junkie??
• InsideOut --- Love a capella!
• Snowfire Hats --- Who doesn't love a cute winter hat?  I mean really...

It's NOT about the presents!!

And about presents.  JJ and I really go back and forth on this one.  I am NOT all about the presents BUT I am all about the thought.  And I think a lot about people, ok?  : )  For example, the paras I work with.  Priceless gifts.  I could NOT do my job without them.  One of the other resource teachers (CM) put out an email asking if people wanted to do a potluck for them or something to show our appreciation.  Do you know what some people wrote back ??  They didn't have enough money... or para appreciation is in the Spring.  Are you kidding me?  I totally understand about the money (JJ wishes I understood just a little bit more) -- but it's NOT about the money.  Especially in a potluck.  Bake rice crispie bars or bring an easy salad... these ladies, of course, ARE participating in the staff Christmas party (with white elephant exchange) AND the "secret snowman" exchange.  Mmm-hmm.  Enough about that.  It just gets me going. 

So anyways, CM and I asked for WHOEVER was interested to pitch in about $5 or whatever they could spare and we went to Bath and Body Works and got some very lovely gifts --- I made them cards and will wrap them up with fun tags that say "Thanks for giving us a hand." (stolen from SIL LJ -- she said her kiddos traced their hands with the same message and gave lotions to their Sunday School teachers last year!  Supercute, huh?)

JJ's theory on presents is, "If you need something, go get it.  I'll give you something whenever I see that you need something." kind of a thing.  He's really not that Scroogish, but I think he tries to offset my abundant giving attitude a little.  His new line is, "What on EARTH are you going to be doing for Christmas when we actually have some money??!"  So speaking of presents, I asked for a new water bottle for Christmas (oops... I baked one of my other ones in the dishwasher) --- and he gave me a new one yesterday that is perfect!  BUT besides that, he also gave me a BEAUTIFUL necklace.  Have you seen the necklace he gave me for my very first Mother's Day?  It looks like this -- so lucky for me that JJ would be ok checking in on Sportsman's Guide!  Well, totally on his own, he found one with two kiddos.  Ok, makes me cry a little just thinking about it.  What a sweet, sweet man, who knows what I love ---- the THOUGHT behind a wonderful gift!  Next year maybe we'll work on the Christmas time line, but I'm also a sucker for, "Do you want your gift now?"  : )     

'Tis the Season

Christmas.  What does that word mean to you?  For me it's:

• change all the decorations in the house!
• bake tons of goodies (and try not to cause gestational diabetes with sugar overload)!
• buy thoughtful presents and make even more!
• listen to Christmas songs 24/7 --- remembering the "All Christmas, All the Time" radio station when JJ changes it!
• read books/watch movies/talk to M about Baby Jesus and why this time of year is so special!
• start new traditions -- but what?  

I want to create magical memories for my sweet daughter and I feel a lot of pressure (from myself) to do the right things so that this is a special time for her.

One thing we've done is buy a Little People Nativity -- every day she choose ONE MORE thing for the Nativity and we talk about it.  Of course she chose a bunch of the animals first (she LOVES animals) but then we got into the more significant roles.  I call M my precious angel sometimes, and it was so cute when she pulled the Angel from the box and after hearing what it was, declared it a "Precious Angel!"  Yesterday her "thing" was for us to put batteries in the manger.  Now, when the Angel is pushed down, it sings Away in a Manger and M insists that everyone get up and dance in circles like ballerinas.  (I've been kind and refrained from getting Daddy doing this on video...)  : )  I've taken pictures each day and plan to make M a little "My First Nativity Book"... possibly along the lines of "The 12 Days of Christmas"... ?  I don't know, but I have the pictures for whenever I'm ready for that step!

Just some randoms...

JJ had finals week last week (yippee that they're done!) -- plus they were all very successful (100% on one of them if I may brag up my fabulous husband -- it's my blog -- YES I can!) -- SO guess who's home with Miss M for this week and next Monday and Tuesday until I'm done with school?!

M tells knock-knock jokes!!  Randomly yesterday she busted out, "Knock-knock!!" It took me a while, but I eventually figured out what she was saying, so I said, "Who's there?!"  So now she says, "Knock-knock!!  Who's there??"  I told JJ, HEY!  Did you know M tells knock-knock jokes?  He said that yes, in fact, she had been saying them all day!   

Daddy has been super Daddy!  Last night when I got home a delicious supper was cooking.  JJ has been trying to get me to expand my food choices ---- which totally does need to happen.  He made a fabulous meal of pork chops and risotto plus some corn on the side (remember -- half of your plate should be veggies?!).  And.... duh duh duuuuh... it was DELICIOUS!  He used one of my favorites cereals to crust the pork chops, which was a total hit and familiar taste in an unfamiliar dish.  Plus by the time I turned around after M had finished avoiding eating (she only wants cookies, ice cream, or cereal (so she can pick out the marshmallows) lately --- Daddy did say she had a great lunch though), Daddy had cleared the table and put the dishes in the dishwasher!  Wahoo!  Merry Christmas to ME!

More fun with my Med Student...

I had Josh recheck my ears tonight and he said that hey! there was fluid behind my ears. A little while later I blew my nose (for like 10 minutes straight as I have been lately...). JJ said, "Hey! Can I look again?". Cool! The fluid was gone!

M wanted a turn but wanted to watch Daddy look at her ears at the same time... not so possible poor thing. We'll try again some other time!

I always knew he was a smarty...

For a few days now I have been suffering from a cold.  But, c'mon, I"m a teacher, this is not an unnatural occurrence - especially in the winter!  However two nights ago my ear (left one specifically) was killing me to lay down and sleep.  It wasn't better by the time I got home from work, so (and this is the part where having a med. student around is very helpful!  I recommend it!.... or maybe not... never mind... : ) ) I had JJ get out his trusty black bag and check out my ears. 

Right one: fine, fine. 
Left one: hey!  You're right!  You DO have an ear infection!  Cool! 

Then he quickly showed me on his iPod - of COURSE he would have about 10 apps related to medicine.  Look!  This is what your ear looks like!  They'll give you some amoxicilin - it should be fine during pregnancy.

Coool... so off to Walgreens I went (my family practice doc's office had closed about a half hour before this discovery... boo!).  The NP there declared that hubby gets "An A+ on ears!"  I do in fact have an ear infection.  WELL, come on now, otitis media, acute/chronic, NOS.  Bring on the amoxicillin party...    

More on my big girl...

Last night, M told us she was poopin' (which is interchangeable for going potty right now) - we're working on her saying she has to GO potty rather than she IS going.  But, she did get much praise for telling us - Daddy gave her the ole' pep talk about how proud we are of her and we want her to tell us before so she can go on the big girl potty, etc.  Afterward, I gave her the usual choice of diaper, OR pull-up OR big girl undies (the ones with PRINCESSES on them!).  She chose big girl undies.  A little later JJ decided to take out the garbage and get the mail.  M has become a little clingy about, "Where's Daddy going?  Why's Daddy leaving??" so we just decided to all pile in the van to take this short jaunt.  Leaving our little parking lot we saw some beautiful lights down a street close by.  We did the chore-part of the trip, and then decided to go drive around looking at lights.  It was so much fun!  And it reminds me of many times doing that as a kiddo.  THEN we realized - she's got big girl undies on!  Oh boy!!  But, she stayed dry the entire time - all the way, in fact, until bath time!

THEN, at bedtime, M decided she wanted to sleep in her big girl bed (!!).  What's more, she decided she didn't only want her baby blankie, but she wanted a big girl quilt!  Of course she ALSO wanted Mommy to lay next to her.  I told her that I'd sit next to her on the floor and rub her back for a little bit.  We said our prayers, listened to some lullaby music and kissed Stell-Stell (M's baby).  Any time I rustled, she looked at me sternly and said, "Sit."  I left after a bit and she cried.  I gave her a little time, but it became apparent that she was out of bed.  I went back in and told her that if I needed to come in again, I would be putting her in her crib.  We had one quick cuddle session where I rubbed her back, and then I put her back down and she laid down like a big girl.  I told JJ what was happening and he couldn't believe it.  In the past, she's always begged for her crib.  I'd put her in her big girl bed, rub her back, etc. and she'd cry, "Crib!  Crib!"  On our way to bed, we checked and there she was, just snoozing away in her big girl bed.

About 10:30, she was crying so I rushed in (I wanted big girl bed to be a positive experience!).  She was still in her bed, so I praised her for that, but it seemed like she had had a bad dream.  She had her arms out weird and didn't want me to rub her back, didn't want me to rock her, but she was just crying, crying.  I finally just sat with her in my lap for a little bit.  Then she got out of my lap and crawled right back into her big girl bed and laid down.  She's still there now...

Such a BIG GIRL!

Ice cream and cakey cake!

While I was on maternity leave with the divine miss M, there was a Baskin-Robbins commercial I will never forget: Ice cream and cakey cake!  Ice cream and cakey cake!  Ice cream and cake!  Do the ice cream and cake!

Do you know which one I'm talking about?  Anyways, this was in my head as I was thinking about how little self-control I have (always) but especially when I'm preggers.  Today I just had to have some Cold Stone.  I found a coupon not too long ago that was burning a hole in my pocket.  I don't know if it was worth the trauma to my child as I explained to her that we were just picking it up - we had to have supper FIRST and then we could have a little desert.  But, it sure was cute to sit on the couch as a family and have a little ice cream together as we watched "Fortune!" (Wheel of Fortune, M's favorite TV show).  M has this new crazy cackle when she realizes she's going to get a supreme treat.  Note to self: I need to get that on video...

But, my terrible eating habits were not even the exact reason I got on blogger today.  I wanted to update you on my Points to Blue!  Today, during my lunch, I watched a webinar about eating healthy (did you know about half of your plate should be veggies??).  I swear I actually watched it too, though it was tempting to do just a *little* paperwork on the side.  That webinar was worth 5000 points (!) and put me up to $75!  I cashed in and have a fabulous gift card to Target headed my way! 

HUGE Praise to share!

God is so good!  I just have to share a quick answer to prayer.  We love, love, love M's daycare.  She learns so much, loves her teachers, brings home fabulous projects, etc.  BUT, it's expensive.  And we're living off of my salary here people.  We knew we'd have to make a change before baby boy needs daycare BUT we just found out that a gal at our Church --- and the sister/SIL of the couple that hosts our Bible Study is willing to take M (and baby boy if necessary) through May.  W00t!  Let me tell you how great God is:

1) M's buddy J (son of our Bible Study hosts and I would definitely say "our friends" now!) also goes there twice a week - his mom J works two days a week and one day a weekend as a nurse.
2) Daycare lady (M) has a four year old who: loves playing dolls, singing, dancing and younger kids.  Funny thing.  M is a kiddo who: loves playing dolls, singing, dancing and older kids.  PERFECT!
3) Daycare lady and her family go to our Church - I just like knowing M will be in a Christian home, exposed to Christian things while we can't be with her.
4) Daycare lady won't charge us for any days we aren't there.
5) Oh, and did I mention, daycare lady is about $100 PER WEEK cheaper?  yeah, yeah, yeaaaaaaah!  Hello money for size 1 diapers!  ; )

Change is always tough for me.  Yes, I was the one bawling through the last day of high school.  Not because I wasn't thrilled to go to college, but just because... because it was over!  The last day.  I've been getting weepy thinking of M saying goodbye to her little friends and teachers.  They hardly look at me they are so sad to see M go.  I know that she's always been in good hands and they truly care about my baby girl and I am so grateful for that!  This is a great opportunity for our family and starting in January we will be thrilled with this new place, too, I know!

Traumatizing start to the week

A little while ago I posted about the worst phone call I ever received (when M's elbow was out of joint), well... this morning I had to make the worst phone call I've ever had to make.

Picture this.  7:00ish, I start the van with our automatic starter.  Then I finish getting M and myself ready for the day, get all bundled up, and head out to the van.  Some background info: our starter runs for 30 minutes and then shuts off.  I get M all settled in - get her strapped in, get her car blankie on, get her situated with her traveling sock monkey, and of course, get sock monkey's blankie ready.  Then I close the door.  This is the part that is so crazy it could only happen to me: right about as I was closing it, the 30 minutes expired and the car shut off.  and locked.  My baby inside.  My purse inside ---- which means, my cell phone, car insurance info (you know the guys that will come unlock the car) and most importantly in my purse - my KEYS.  I'll admit.  I panicked.  I tried all of the doors just in case.  Then I realized I had to do something.  Three huge blessings: 1) We don't live in ND anymore!, 2) The car had been running for a half hour and was toasty!, 3) Our neighbors are awesome!

Of course it is JJ's finals week (pray for him!) and he was not available.  I ran to our neighbors - lovely family who happened to still be home.  The mom let me borrow her phone to try JJ (to at least get a hold of our insurance).  No answer.  I left a message: call me at this number!  Then I called my Dad - same insurance and he must be able to do something!  He answered but as I was talking to him, my neighbor had gotten her cellphone and called AAA.  I heard her say, "And there's a baby in the car!!"  I hung up with my Dad and then neighbor said that the time frame was between now and 9:45, but this is a top priority car unlocking situation and they'd be there soon.

It wasn't until I started talking to my Dad that I completely broke down.  I'll admit.  I was bawling.  JJ called our neighbor's phone and I blubbered to him what I had done.  I told him I'd call back ASAP on my cellphone so he'd know we were all good.  In the meantime I hung out by M's car door.  She was SUCH a trooper.  Oh my goodness.  Besides being a stinker and taking off her hat, mittens AND all of her blankies, she sat pretty much content.  We played peek-a-boo, she showed off her boots, and we waved from different windows.  She did start to get a little restless, but I really can't blame her for that!  A person came in seriously under 10 minutes.  I don't even think he said one word and it took him definitely under a minute to get into the driver's side.  I ran around and I pretty much could've kissed him, but instead held back with a weepy, "THANK YOU!"  I unlocked all the doors, grabbed my baby and held her tight, all the while bawling like a little girl.  My neighbors were practically cheering for me as I thanked them up and down.

Poor M did just fine until she saw Mommy all broken down.  She started crying and we went inside our house for a while.  I called JJ back, my Dad (who suggested I have our insurance's number somewhere besides just my purse!) and my Mom (who had been called by my Dad and who had called and left a text wondering what was going on).  Then I called work crying like a baby (and the secretary said, "OH!  I did that once.  That's terrible!  Take a deep breath!  You're fine, your baby's fine, and we'll see you later!).  Next I called M's daycare to say we'd be there but late and what had happened - another very sympathetic response.  Then M and I just cuddled for a little bit.  I decided we really had better restart our day so I got M bundled back up again.  As we got closer to the car, M looked at my sternly and said, "Door."  Yes, honey!  Mommy WILL not lock you in the car again.  Promise!

This evening, at least three times she's said, "M sad."  One of us will ask why she's sad and she'll reply, "Mommy crying."  Oh my sweet, sweet, precious girl. 

So.  Note to self.  NEVER leave the keys in the car under any circumstance!   

Getting back into it...

I'm pretty sure all my titles have ellipses in them... hmmmm... 

This morning MVJ woke up about 5:30 (I didn't even hear her, but did notice when JJ got out of bed to see what she was up to).  I couldn't fall back asleep (and didn't really want to get back to sleep too much anyways) so I got up and................. exercised!  What is my new motivation you ask?  Well of course I want to have a healthy pregnancy but beyond that our health insurance (BCBS) has a very cool incentive program.  You can attend health things through the district BUT you can also log minutes in say, wiifit, or housecleaning, or taking walks, or even heavy labor!  (Oh... not that heavy labor?)  THEN you can redeem your minutes for GIFT CARDS!  To pretty much anywhere!!  I am up to $40 (we have to redeem by the end of December and then we can load up again until next December, and you can redeem at any time).

Last night I decided to get the wiifit out with MVJ and it was HIlarious!  She just watched me for a while (which was a huge blessing) but then of course she wanted a try ("M's turn!").  I set her up on... I can't remember what the actual game is called, but it's the one where you do kung-fu stuff.  I held the wiimote and nunchuck, and she was on the board.  We tried SO HARD to get her little kicks to register, but they never did and alas, we had to move on.  Next she tried some step aerobics.  I chanted what she was supposed to do "Step up!  Step back!  She really kind of got the hang of it!  It was so cute!  And you know how the little miis bounce?  She was totally bouncing right along!  We set up her own profile (because of course it kept saying "Your weight has changed!  Do you want to continue?") and now we have a cute little crawling baby in our wii fit plaza - she can't register and do any of the activities - but she hangs out with us anyways...

I had not logged in to wiifit since May... and in that time I lost 8 lbs!  Sounds kind of odd considering I am 26 weeks pregnant (tomorrow)... BUT when you add in the physical and emotional stuff with packing and moving not to mention chasing after a toddler, it makes a LOT more sense...  Plus, I have two rooms at my school -- on opposite ends of the building.  I love wiifit, and not just because I can boast that I did some extreme step aerobics with my father-in-law, mom, dad, husband and friend JPJ at 6 am... : )

Just a few things...

Ok, first of all, can you believe it is DECEMBER?!  Crazy! 

M has a new thing she does (that pretty much breaks my heart every time...).  When she is crying she'll say, "M crying.  M sad."  : (  One time over Thanksgiving after a nap, she was crying, so I went up the stairs to get her.  By the time I was at the top she had stopped crying, and started, instead, announcing that she was crying.  It was too cute.  "M crying!  M crying!"  It's also interesting hearing her name herself.  She is called SO MANY things because she has way too many nicknames, but the one's that's stuck for her... well... I guess technically I shouldn't write it on my blog, it it ends in "ie".  : ) 

She does tend to perseverate on things.  We were at the grocery store on Monday and in the car next to us, a puppy was sitting in the driver's seat and the car alarm was going off.  Thanks to her Wheels on the Bus song, M knows all about what horns on the bus do.  Sooooo, for the whole evening just about all she would say is, "Puppy!  Beeping horn!"  I guess sometimes I would kind of egg her on because she's so darn cute.  I would say, "Puppy??  What did the puppy do??"  Anyways, it was an engaging form of entertainment.

Update: M slept through the night.  Plus either she didn't cough at all or I was too much in a deep sleep to hear her cough!      

(check) Lesson Learned

M has had a cough since Monday (I blame the "new" germies in ND!) and has been up at night because of it.  That is zero fun for anyone, especially since I worry about my little girl until I know she's back asleep.  Daddy and I each took a turn last night rocking her because she woke herself up crying and wasn't able to put herself back to sleep after a reasonable amount of time.  You know teethie meddies?  Called by their real name here...  Anyways - they have cold medicine.  We love their teething tablets so much we thought we couldn't go wrong with trying the cold medicine as well.  It does seem to help - and she's always much better during the day.  After hearing her cough all night last night I figured I should give her another does of medicine.  I kept telling myself - the next time she coughs - the next time she needs someone to hug her back to sleep - etc.  Well, finally at about 6 am I decided to make my move.  I should also preface this story with the fact that M looooooves to take medicine.  She immediately asks for more every time (so sad for her that she can only take one dose...) and sucks the dropper right down to the bottom. 

I went into her room after a coughing episode and found her asleep on her tummy.  (sleeping - should've been my first clue...)  I gently rubbed her back and asked if she wanted to take some meddies.  (no response - still sleeping soundly - should've let her continue sleeping) I, instead, lifted her up out of bed and proudly showed her the meddies I had for her.  She went slightly crazy.  She basically started swimming on the floor, crying, and saying, "no, no, no".  After many attempts to 1) calm her, and 2) get her to take the darn medicine so I could put her back to sleep, I started to have to go to the bathroom.  The child was not even letting me hold her - going limp and struggling free of me - so I decided to run to the restroom and maybe a little alone time would help.  She dashed from the room, heading for the living room, and I heard Daddy picking her up and talking to her.  She was telling him, "Sleep!  Sleep!"  He was able to put her back in bed where she fell back asleep for another hour before she woke up for the day.

I know I've done stupid parenting things in the past AND I know I will make several more mistakes before I'm done, but note to self: DO NOT WAKE A SLEEPING BABY. 

Sucker for a good deal...

...and this is the best deal --- FREE!

I've seen this on several friends' blogs, so sorry for the repeat.  BUT, let me tell you about shutterfly and the fun things it has to offer.  And speaking of offers - just by letting you know about some cool things shutterfly does, I get 50 free cards.  Pretty sweet, huh?

But honestly, I would tell you about shutterfly whether I was getting free stuff or not.  I've used shutterfly for both cards and photobooks in the past.  I personally love that I can put multiple pictures on a card or be flexible with photobook pages.  You all know how cheap of a scrapbooker I am -- the more pics I can share on a page the better!  I like the many different colors and icons to choose from.  Check out these selections and prices:


Christmas photocards
Holiday cards
Christmas cards

But of course shuttefly does more than just cards and photobooks.  Look at these cute holiday invitations!  Makes me want to host my OWN party!  I made a photo calendar for my parents last year and they loved it - I made a desk calendar, but the poster might be fun to do with yearly family photos as a keepsake ?  Oh boy - my Christmas shopping is done - I better not get too many new ideas!

Thanksgiving 2010

I haven't written in forever!  It hasn't been for lack of topics to write about!  I'm going to *try* a short recap - especially of Thanksgiving... and it may need to go into a few segments!  ; )

We took our first trip up north since moving to KC in July.  I was apprehensive of the drive to say the least especially since we wanted to hit the road Tuesday night.  We packed up and set out with the intention of driving the whole way unless we absolutely couldn't stay awake OR if M was either crazy or just plain not sleeping.  I took the first shift (the easier one) because the car makes me SLEEPY and if I slept first I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be able to wake up enough to drive. 

We picked up some McD's on the way out -- JJ set up our meals and we sang some tunes and then M was out.  JJ soon followed and I drove until we were on E (Sioux Falls, SD).  When I stopped (around 11:30ish), M woke up and J gave her a quick diapey change.  She had a little water and a little snack and was back out in no time.  JJ hit the road, I quickly fell asleep and we arrived in Fargo around 2:30 am... to a locked house.  I won't go into details of how we got in - ever the internet safety stooge, you know!  ; )  But, we did, and our wonderful hosts, A and LJ (although I'm going to guess this was all LJ!) had their youngest son (A)'s room (with a futon) all set up for us, while he bunked with them in their room.  They have a fabulous walk-in closet, but it still makes me giggle when she says, "You can stay in A's room - we'll just put him in the closet."  We got M situated with Baby Stella, two blankies and her sippy.  She was a little giddy --- Mommy!  Daddy!  Sleep!  --- she's not used to sleeping in the same room as us!  But only a few moments later, she lay down and was out.  We all slept soundly until about 7:30 when M happily woke up (right about her usual time - yay! - so much for all my worry about her getting totally off her routine).

We enjoyed our Thanksgiving week(ish) full of family time.  We got to visit with J's brother A and SIl LJ (and their three kiddos), J's parents (B and CJ), J's brothers B and P, and LJ's parents (D and CM).  MVJ was constantly playing (while making sure I was either right there or holding her).  She loves, loves kids and cousins L, B and A were fabulous with her!  A and L's house is set up perfectly for kids running around more or less independently.  She slept relatively well, ate ok, and didn't do anything too naughty besides cling to me like velcro - very clingy, clingy velcro.  She even had her first experience with snow - last year she was too little and... well... it was 73 in KC the Sunday before we left...  She wasn't quite sure about it, but did get some good kicking and throwing in.  Her gloves left much to be desired, but we should now be ready for the next bout (Christmas at the least)! 

I ate a ton of delicious food, shared some laughs and lively conversation, got in a game or two (including some fabulous Guess Who action with L and B and a very heated Whist game), got to share some gifts with our family, opened some very thoughtful gifts, did a little early morning shopping Sunday (but not crazy shopping - we were up about 5:30 and went to three shops) and just overall enjoyed being with people we know and love!

It was not only a J holiday - my parents also drove up Friday night to visit though Saturday afternoon.  Knocking off about nine hours to visit us was too tempting for them!  M entertained and we even had lunch with Uncle W.

We headed home Saturday evening after our success with the night driving Tuesday.  Though we were about an hour later, it still worked out really well - M did wonderfully and JJ and I were able to take our turns driving while the other at least rested.  I think the best part was having today to recoup.  We can't wait to see our family again in a few weeks for Christmas!

From the mouth of babes...

...about babes

My tummy is growing.  That is not a big surprise.  Although, the rate at which it is growing is definitely different this second time around - which I've heard is pretty typical.  I haven't officially told every student at my elementary school, so I still get lots of interesting looks AND - thankfully for your sakes - some interesting comments.  Here are a few:

When telling my small reading group, one of the 5th graders said, "I thought you were getting bigger."

A random 2nd grader: "Will you be going to the doctor soon?"
Me (kind of thrown off): "Uhh...?"
R2ndG - meaningfully glancing at my belly.
Me: "Oh!  Are you looking at my tummy?"
R2ndG shyly: "Yes..."
Me: "That was a nice way to ask!  Yes, I am having a baby."
It was then followed up by R2ndG: "So how did the baby get IN your tummy?"
Me: "You'll have to go home and ask Mom and Dad about that one."
I know, I know, missed teachable moment...  but sorry... not going there especially with MY belly big and huge!  Hypotheticals are one thing people!  Also, what would his parents (and the parents of all the kids in the class - whose ears had definitely perked up by this point) want him to know at this point??
R2ndG: "Well, so will it hurt when the baby comes OUT of your tummy?"
Me (cringing slightly): "Yes, it will.  Now I think you should get back to your spelling page."  (stinker)

My high needs kiddo has something new to say every day and yes, there have been some attempts to touch the tum-tum, which have been thwarted... so far...  I'm pretty sure he's discussed me being pregnant at home.  Some of his comments include:
"So... are you going to have a baby?"
"Well, so is it going to be a boy or a girl?"
"Are you going to have the baby like now or soon or something?"
and my favorite -- "Is he going to be cute?"

Here's a little song I wrote for... me...

sung to the tune of "The Bear Went Over the Mountain"

The fifth graders are going on a field trip...
The fifth graders are going on a field trip... 
The fifth graders are going on a field trip.
And I don't have to go!

And I don't have to go!  (everybody now!)
And I don't have to go!

The fifth graders are going on a field trip...
The fifth graders are going on a field trip... 
The fifth graders are going on a field trip. 
And I don't have to go!

What does this mean exactly??  Well.... the only part of my day that does not consist of fifth graders is 1:30-2:50.  SOOOOOOOO oh my... the possibilities are endless.  Last night right before I left I giddily wrote down my to-do list.  File, shred, correct, schedule, make, plan..... OH my!  This is not sarcastic in any way.  I LOVE to do lists and am beside myself with knowing I have some time to get things done.

Happy Friday to ME!

If Daylight Savings Time were a prescription drug...

...it would definitely come with a warning:

*Not for children under five.
*Not for people with such children in their households.
*Not for women who are pregnant or nursing.


I used to LOVE daylight savings time -- well especially the fall one of course!  Gain an HOUR!  An hour of sleep!  An hour of hanging out with friends!  An hour in the morning before Church so I actually did my hair that day!

I can't even blame M too much - it was all me this year.  I woke up about 5 am (with DST adjustment) and could NOT get back to sleep, no matter how hard I tried!  When you try so hard do you find that you're keeping yourself awake that much more??  Anyways, I decided enough was enough.  Baby decided he was hungry.  At about 5:30 am I was eating breakfast and taking care of some computer business I needed to do (pay my student loan... choose a few new books from M's book order... write to our Compassion kiddo... facebook... check my email...).  Even this morning I was up a good hour before my alarm.  It does have some perks - getting a few things done - some laundry here, a clean sink there - but I'll be dragging tonight I'm sure!

M did pretty well... at times... But she also had her moments.  One of them being throwing herself on the floor (down the aisle) at Church and kicking her legs and swinging her arms (not tantrumming, but "floor dancing" to the music).  I was inclined to let it go.  JJ was like, "Take her to the nursery!!"  Another one was when she looked at me with that "I'm SO doing something naughty!  Are you watching this Mom?!" look on her face as she put a big stick in her mouth while we were having a nice conversation about how we don't put such things in our mouths.  Then she also went with us to Bible Study.  Ok, get this, because it is a first for us.  Bible Study with adults... and the leaders' parents come over to babysit downstairs.  What, what, what?!  Perfect!  M had a blast.  They were so quiet that at the end of the study we were all joking that we would find the poor H's tied up downstairs and the toddlers running the place.  The H Grandma runs the preschool that is affiliated with our Church (and nursery during Church), so she definitely has a few tricks up her sleeve!   

It's a BOY peanut!

We are so excited to announce that we are having a BOY! 

Of course I can't just have a quick announcement.  I HAVE to tell you the whole story!  : )  I would include pics this time but our printer/scanner is acting up.  AND JJ is taking some pics with him to school today.  I'm not kidding when I say we have THIRTEEN pics to choose from!  Our ultrasound tech was AWESOME.  When I said I was a scrapbooker she made sure to take extra I think.  The feet ones are just too perfect - I commented that we'd be making that part of our Christmas card, so she quickly shot another one through and took off the word feet.  Besides being so accommodating to my photo "needs" she was (in JJ's words) flippin' good at it too. 

BUT my story doesn't actually start at the ultrasound tech.  Oh no.  I had to get there first.  And we have a temperamental Gar-Gar.  I knew "about" where I needed to go.  Oh - I should insert that my doctor works Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays if you might remember, BUT on Thursdays she works in a different suburb.  So, like I said I had an idea of where to go, but then of course I ran into road construction and Gar was NOT workin' with me.  I missed one exit.  Boo, so I knew I'd have a little bit of backtracking.  Then I could see the Medical Center on my right and knew I was getting close.  I got off and assumed I'd be going right.  Oh no, Gar wanted me to go left.  Being ever trusting, I took a left and sure enough, there I was on a frontage road.  Perfect!  (Also, at this point I was about bursting at the seams with pee - they tell me to drink X oz of water?  I double it!  I want a PERFECT opportunity to see this baby!) 

I quickly pulled into the parking lot, and about peed my pants.  I wasn't in the right parking lot but was right next to the building so I traipsed around the building and ran inside.  No JJ... and... my doc's name is nowhere.  I broke a cardinal rule and used the restroom.  I was flustered and the potty situation was NOT helping.  I called JJ, and he said he WAS in the waiting room so I looked around the building.  It was a Women's Clinic... but not MY women's clinic.  Also when I told JJ the Medical Center was across the interstate he assured me that I was at the wrong place.  I backtracked, got on the CORRECT frontage road and pulled up quickly.  JJ already had filled out my paperwork and we were off to the ultrasound room.  A no-appointment had jumped in front of us so we waited (but for not very long).  The ultrasound tech. apologized up and down but we explained that I had been running late so it really was not that big of a deal.

THE BABY.  OH!  Our first glimpse of our tiny miracle was "the baby" (we didn't know it was a boy at that point) all doubled over playing with "his/her" feet.  It was PRECIOUS.  Then she asked what we thought (after establishing that we WANTED to know).  I said boy right away and JJ agreed.  I mean I don't want to be so... cavalier... but seriously baby boy parts are hard to miss.  Ok?  Ok.  I turned to JJ and said, "What are we going to do with a boy?"  The UT said, "OH!  Boys are much easier!!"  : )   

He was an active little thing - we even saw him with the hiccups!  He stretched and curled up.  He put his hands in front of his face when she was trying to get a face pic.  He put his hand out to look almost as if he was waving.  It was way too amazing.  Too amazing.

Then, I started dancing.  I had to go to the bathroom SO bad.  I had admitted that I had cheated with using the restroom at the other clinic so JJ found it hard to believe I still had to go.  I assured the UT that I wanted as much face time with my baby and would be ok.  She said she was almost done anyways and went it to take a pic of the placenta and all that jazz.  THEN, then she saw my bladder.  I'm not too proud of this fact: I had the fullest bladder she'd ever seen.  She told me that the measurements of the placenta and all that would be off because of the fullness of the bladder so she kindly asked me to relieve myself and I kindly accepted her directive.  I'm pretty sure I ran out of the room with the goo-towel still on my tummy.

After that she noted that my placenta WAS still measuring a little low and far away from whatever it is it should be closer to (JJ already left for school so my anatomy resource has left the building).  Darn.  At my next appointment they have to do another ultrasound.  WELL... I guess if we HAVE to check out that beautiful baby again... I GUESS we can!  ; )

Everything else went well.  And now... to prepare for a BOY!  I'm already planning on going through at least the newborn-3 month bin this weekend... and of course a little shopping is in store!  I think we already know the name...  But, when we were trying it out in the doctor's office, JJ announced that the name might be "too cool" for us.  I'm not sure exactly what that means, but I'm thinking we better keep trying it out to make sure it's "the one"!       

RAVE!: Best baby book!

I definitely have some rants running around in my head, but would way rather share this fantabulous book with you!  My SIL LJ introduced me to this book and I had talked myself into perusing it when we got there for Thanksgiving.  It's just that... well... I became impatient and also decided this is probably not our last baby and so of course we'll need the book for our subsequent pregnancies, right?  Right.

This is the very best baby book I've ever flipped through.  It's like an actual book - not just a list of names.  There are many awesome features, but I think my favorite one is the name genres in the back.  I can say without a doubt that we will probably never choose a name from the "Country and Western" section.  Beau?  Rowdy?  Tex?  Yeah, just probably NOT happening.  M's name was in the "Antique Charm" section and... what can I say?  I just love those names.  Another cool feature of the book is the way it shows a name's trend.  Not only does it tell you it's ranking, but also the year it reached it's highest ranking and a quick graph of the name's popularity from the 1880s to present.  Just one more cool thing about it and I'm done with my blog-infomercial!  While I don't hang my hat on this feature, it is just cool to see: it also gives brother and sister names that would pair well with each name. 

Naming is such an important process.  Will we have a pattern with our names?  All Ms?  All Antiques?  All with cutesy nicknames?  We are sure that the middle name will always carry a namesake.  I'm trying really hard to not commit until we find out if our peanut is a girl peanut or a boy peanut... trying... : )

Worst call ever...

I'm in my room with a student working at about 9:30 when my phone rings.  Really, my phone never rings and I have it on a very low setting so it was kind of shocking I registered that I was getting a call at all.  My student happened to be on "reward time" so I just happened to be at my desk.  It was all as if it was meant to be!  We have caller ID, so I saw that it was the main office.  I figured I'd better answer.  When I picked up, it was M's daycare.  "Hello, this is *Assistant Director* at *M's school*.  She has been crying all morning and we think we have it narrowed down to her arm.  She hasn't been moving her right arm all morning and cries at the slightest movement.  We tried giving her her sippy just to her right arm and she wouldn't take it."  Poor baby!  I went across the hall to get the school nurse (who knows my student well) to see if she would cover me for a minute so I could call M's pediatrician and Daddy (who was home sick this morning with my stomach stuff... ewww!).  She said, "No, you just need to go right now.  Just go right to urgent care." 

I made the fastest arrangements I've probably ever made and headed out the door.  I left a quick message on JJ's phone on my way out the door.  Smart me I had programmed M's pediatrician's office into my cellphone and called them on the road to daycare.  They said they had an opening immediately (with the other ped. in the office) and could see her for that type of health concern.  When I got there the Director of the daycare met me at the door with M crying.  She looked miserable.  We got her into her coat.  Wailing.  I got her into her carseat.  Screaming.  Poor sweet baby girl.  I kept telling her that we were going to the doctor and he would make it all better.  When she heard doctor, she said, "No more monkeys!  Naughty, naughty monkeys!"  (That's what she knows of doctors right now: Momma called the doctor and the doctor said, "No more monkeys jumping on the bed!")  As I was gingerly getting M into her carseat, Daddy called and said he was heading out a little later to do vision screenings at a school with his class - he had missed morning class but felt better.  He would meet us at the clinic to see what we should do the rest of the day.

We beat Daddy to the clinic and she was just absolutely worn out from crying.  She was worried as the nurse tried to weigh her and resigned to a little cuddle time as the nurse took down "the story".  JJ was the next to arrive, thank goodness.  Daddy just brings a sense of calm to intense situations.  I *try* it's just when my baby is crying like that I want it fixed yesterday... you know?  Daddy felt M's arm and told me exactly what he thought was wrong.  Subluxation of the radial head (of the elbow).  Uh-huh... EXACTLY what I was going to say...  Doctor came in.  He again wanted to know the scoop.  He wanted to know a specific incident last night or this morning.  I totally believe my daycare that they were twirling her around by her wrists or anything like that!  I think it definitely was a case of a kiddo grabbing her wrist and she wanted to go one way and he wanted to go the other or a good bonk that went unnoticed until she tried to move it or whatever.

He felt her arm - to M's discomfort and pain.  I'm sure she was also worried and anxious at this point.  All this hullabaloo, pain, unfamiliar situation, not in the routine, etc. He said he wanted us to take a little time - read a book or two and see if she would start moving her arm on her own.  If not, he wanted her to have x-rays done.  Sure enough.  It was crazy!  We read one, maybe two pages, and she completely started using her arm again.  No more tears.  Laughing and playing with Mommy and Daddy.  It was such a miracle.  JJ looked at us reading and said, "THAT is why I want to be a doctor."

Now whenever MVJ hears the word "better" (as in - "You're so warm, let's take off your sweater.  There, that's better.") she says, "Doctor.  Better."  We are so happy she has this positive association with doctors.  Maybe the sucker at the end of the visit helped... : )

Weekend Woes

I refuse to get used to this.  Every weekend it seems like I'm down and out.  Last weekend it was the head stuff.  THIS weekend I was throwing up all day Saturday and near it all day Sunday.  : (  Baby?  Bug?  Either way it was not fun for me.  It seemed like I was fine until I ate leading me to believe it was bug.  But then I get so nervous about taking in enough food for the baby.  At one point I felt like I hadn't felt the baby in a while and asked JJ to intervene.  A few good pokes (with some "help" from M) and the baby poked him right back.  At about 3 am... I guess it would be Monday morning... I woke up completely well rested... and starving.  So goofy.  I hope I'm not overdoing it during the week and it catches up to me on the weekends.  I guess we'll find out what the doc says this week...

COMPANY!

I have lots of blog topics floating around in my head, so stay tuned this week!  I promise to be better at updating than I was in October!

This week we were absolutely blessed to have our good friends C and M (and cute as a button daughter N) A visit us all the way from I-wa.  Pronounced that way in the sawth.  C is an air traffic controller and his weekends are Thursdays and Fridays right now.  Ever since we moved here we rooted around for the perfect time for them to visit and this last weekend was IT!  With parent-teacher conferences M-W evenings and all day Thursday, we had Friday OFF!  Also, JJ had a blissful week off due to his outstanding test scores.  Well.... not EXACTLY a week off... he did take an elective course - one of a few he has to take before he gets out in the "real world" of rotations.  But, this class was Monday and Wednesday morning only.  Oh, also making his week less blissful was my to do list!  But that's another story!

So anyways, we enjoyed so much having friends visit.  Like M noted, it's just nice when people already know you!  Conversations and fun can start RIGHT away without all that awkward trust building and such.  We hung out Thursday evening and watched the girls get to know eachother.  M is about three months older than N and they just absolutely hit it off.  We (Moms) were a little worried because they both seem to have ... errr... strong personalities, but they were both SO good.  N is the epitome of petite.  Even when she appears completely ticked off (which happened like twice I think), she gives a little squeak.  She is pure joy. 

Friday we ran some errands, hit up Noodles, took naps (ME included!) and did the required Deanna Rose (What can we say?  It's the perfect kiddo place!).  N is so brave - she was feeding goats like nobody's business.  I guess her auntie has a farm so she does get in some extra practice.  Good thing Daddy C was able to save li'l N's arm from the INSIDE of a rather big goat toward the end!  I only regret not quite getting it on film!! 

M, N, M and I (can you keep track?!) went on a short walk to get the mail and the girls held hands.  Can you say priceless?!  When the A fam had to leave Saturday - C worked in the afternoon - M was so sad.  All day she said, "N-n... bye-bye." and even cried after they had pulled away.  I guess that means that we just have to go visit them soon!   

Happy ... errrr.... Fall?!

We don't do Halloween.  We just don't.  When M begs and begs to get a chance to dress up maybe we'll find some sort of happy medium.  For now we're just definitely not encouraging it.  I did buy some Halloween stickers to hand out like I always do.  Kids get enough candy.  End of story.

Today are the Halloween celebrations at my school.  (with outrage from the Muslim community - allowing kids to dress up?  in school?!)  Many teachers are dressing up and most of my kids wanted to know what I'm going to be for Halloween.

While we don't do Halloween, I just can't help myself.  I think I'm going to casually go to school with jeans (because we CAN!) and an orangish top.  If people ask, I'm going to tell them I'm a pumpkin patch and point to my little punkin...  < insert cheesy awwwww >

Proof she's a BIG GIRL

I am amazed that M is becoming such a big girl in all facets.  She went potty on her big girl potty chair on Friday.  She slept in her big girl bed Monday night.  She pushes her own grocery cart (when we can locate an unused mini one in a reasonable amount of time).  She sits through longer books and peruses cookbooks.  She tells us what she wants... and... namely what she doesn't.  Sometimes these changes work out well.  Other times it would be nice if she was back to the lumpy little thing that I could manipulate!  : ) 

For example, she has become super picky about her clothes lately.    I am not prepared mentally to battle my child already.  Terrible Twos?  How about 20 months!  I had to talk her into the purple pajamas with the CUTE LITTLE BUTTERFLIES on them just tonight.  We had already made one change.  AND the little stinker can take her clothes off now.  We've found her naked in her crib on more than one occasion.  Good thing she leaves her diaper on still.... knock on wood.  Tonight she also would not sleep in her big girl bed.  Pick your battles, right?  We're just getting used to the big girl bed, so this is not a non-negotiable at this point. 

Baby must be on a growing spree...

I have felt pretty terrible all weekend.  I have been having really bad headaches - right at my temple and my head just throbs with every pulse.  JJ put M to bed and I was laying on the couch for a good half hour when I realized that my pulse was pretty high -- above 80 bpm and like I said, I was just laying there.  I'm so wary about medicine during pregnancy - even armed with a list of meds I can take from my doctor - but I started taking extra strength tylenol and got some relief.  Not complete, but lots better. 

Sunday morning we got up and I made some FABULOUS banana bread french toast.  I asked for this recipe after seeing it on a friend's status update on facebook.  We love banana bread!  We love French Toast!   So what do you do?  I later told JJ about it - - and how easy it was to make it!  You just make banana bread and then, get this, you USE it instead of bread with the french toast batter.  He was totally rolling his eyes at me.  I guess it was pretty obvious, huh...

JJ was kind of looking at me like I was crazy.  I think that *sometimes* when I'm sick - I think this is especially true when I'm pregnant and not feeling well - I try to barrel through it.  Carry on.  Live life and trick myself into feeling better ?  JJ said, "When I'm sick I want to do nothing.  When you're sick you want to do everything."  And off we headed to Church.  MVJ had on the CUTEST outfit, I must add.  A pink polka dot fleecy sleeveless dress with a long-sleeve pink onesie, pink tights, and get this, PINK BOOTS.  Oh my, oh my.  While I was in the shower, JJ added piggy tails and a pink bow.  Seriously.  So cute.  I made it through a song when I started feeling woozy.  I sat down and tried to let the feeling I was going to faint pass me by.  Back up again.  Back down again.  Three times.  I finally told JJ that I was not feeling well so we snuck out of Church fearful that I would completely pass out.

I took what would become the first of two big naps Sunday but nothing seemed to make me feel better.  I was also drinking boatloads of water by this point.  Getting up to go to the bathroom made my head throb.  Blowing my nose was killer.  I did have very similar experiences -- of going to Church and having to leave -- when I was pregnant with MVJ but I don't remember the headaches being so bad.  JJ said they were - I'm sure he'd remember!  We're hoping it's just a stage.  I was trying to describe the head feeling -- it's like when you take a really big drink of water and after your gulp you start breathing again.  Sometimes you get that rush to your head because you haven't taken regular breaths ?  That's how I've been feeling all weekend.  I'll be calling my doctor today, but like I said, I (we) think my body's just adjusting to having to share O2 with a sweet little thing in my tum-tum.

I also did something I don't *think* I did with my last pregnancy - JJ can correct me - but I sent him on a cravings run.  I wanted NEEDED a banana split milkshake from Robeks AND either cupcakes with frosting or cookies with frosting.  He looked at me like I was crazy, but the crazy in my voice must have won out because he packed up MVJ and they headed out and came back with my goodies.

Gunshots rang out like a bell!

JJ is wondering why I am quoting Vanilla Ice.  Well, let me tell you a little story.

Friday night we had put M to bed but were still on a high of sorts after seeing JJ's awesome musculoskeletal finals weeks scores.  We were chatting when all of a sudden we heard a noise.  I thought it sounded like tires popping or perhaps fireworks.  JJ said he thought it sounded more like shots fired.  I quietly began singing Vanilla Ice and we laughed it off until the next morning.  JJ was looking at the news when we realized they were actual gunshots - a high speed chase did not end well for someone after a deputy had to shoot at him.  Yikes!

She dances too!

M-girl has always been a mover and groover - really from the time she was in my tum-tum.  That is yet another way this pregnancy is different.  This new little person (well... while still only 18 weeks along) is pretty laid back.  I'll feel a bump or two but not to the extent M was always all over the place wiggling and bouncing around.

Anyways, back to big sister!  So M has always loved to dance and beebop around.  Now she's adding singing to her repertoire (YES, spelled right without spell checker!! I think I always forget the second "r" or something...).  I think the unit at school this month... let's see, it's only the 19th... I probably should've figured out the unit before now.  Bad, bad Mom.  WOW.  I am off track a lot this post.  Sorry... I'm claiming preggo brain!

OK.  I think the unit is music.  M sings wherever she goes.  She'll start the ABC song, which will inevitably turn into Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.  She also sings The Itsy Bitsy Spider (or did for a while, now when I try to get her started she'll look at me very seriously and say, "No Spider.") complete with actions - if you're lucky.  Another favorite is Baa Baa Black Sheep.  Randomly she'll belt out, "Yes, sir!  Yes, sir!" OR "Baa, baa black sheep." but usually not together.

Her teachers at school, too, have noticed her vocabulary shooting up.  She is quite the talker.  We love, love the fact that we can tell her, "Use your words." and she does!  Most of the time anyways.  Communication by hitting or scratching still occurs... strangely usually about 20 or so minutes before sleepytime...

You'll be happy to know...

MVJ and I got right back up on the horse again and we cooked together this weekend.  Actually, we performed my preference and baked.  Mmmm, we made some yummy blueberry muffins - that M keeps calling waffles.  Has she had one too many blueberry waffles in the morning ... ?  Maybe.  But seriously they are so easy to transport eat if we're in a hurry.  Anyways.  They turned out great, no teener palms were burned in the process and she actually did help dump and pour ingredients.

Oooh, and I cooked breakfast Sunday morning that was a hit with both Daddy and MVJ -- scrambled eggs and bacon.  But, alas, I can always find negatives with my cooking.  1) We ran out of eggs and I only had three to work with; 2) I accidentally knocked over the bowl once and so some of the precious little amount of eggs I DID have was lost; 3) I forgot to butter the frying pan... JJ quickly said it's ok because it's nonstick anyways -- the butter just adds flavor and he added a little bit to the already started eggs. 

I wouldn't know.  I don't eat eggs or bacon... : )

Our Neighbors... : (

Our fabulous neighbor family of five girls had to move.  : (  I was commenting to one of the girls that I liked their Halloween decorations and then one of them said, "Yeah, but we have to take them down.  We're moving." 

I asked the Mom about it later and she said, "Actually we're being evicted."  I was like oh jeez, how do I ALWAYS get in conversations where I feel like my foot should be ten inches down my throat?!  I was all, "You don't have to share the details!  I'm sorry I'm being so nosy!" 

She explained, "No, no, it's ok, we are getting housing through my husband's company - they have a housing finder that relocates families and they set us up here.  BUT apparently there are rules about how many people can live in each apartment and we exceed a three bedroom by one person." 


Basically the place we live should've been aware how many people were moving in -- this family was never trying to hide anything.  The Mom was upset, too, because her husband is gone Monday through Friday anyways (he sells orthopedic equipment in a five-state region).  I told her that we'd take a kid every weekend if that would help!  Anyways, they had to move, and they had to move fast.  The place we live only gave them two weeks to move (ridiculous).  Hubby's company was going to be helping them move, but still you have to do a lot of work to get that process taken care of - and with five kiddos.  Oh my!  AND it was by NO fault of their own.  My frustration with the situation didn't help anything, but I really feel for the family. 


Then, later we found out that the place they were supposed to move to was a total dump.  The Mom (and Dad I'm assuming -- I just know the Mom much better because the Dad is always gone for work) decided to move the family into a hotel for two weeks so they could sort everything out.  OUR place wouldn't give them an extension in any way.  Creeps.  I really hope nothing goes wrong with us because they certainly don't seem to want to help out in any way...

This and That

One of my students [my high needs student] told me the other day, "Thanks for calling me dude."  I call all my kiddos dude and they usually do get a kick out of it, but no one has personally thanked me for it.  I said, "You're welcome bud!"  He said, "Just dude is fine."  : )  hehe

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I totally reorganized my craft area -- and even moved it!  M is getting ready for the big girl bedroom and I just don't want any of my scissors or various other fun (read: dangerous) tools to get in her precious hands.  Also, if I craft it's usually after she's gone to bed, so that's just not convenient!  We went to Michael's AND Target today to get some necessary supplies and my new little nook now resides in our room.  On an organization spree, I even figured out how to set up the little temporary nursery in our room.  We have an over the door shoe holder that is only holding JJ's dress shoes right now, which is only the top two rows.  I am totally going to use the other shoe spots for baby powder, outfit changes and maybe even teeny tiny diapers (I forget how small they are!!).

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I never know what to dress M in on school days.  We've been beginning the day in the 40s and usually end in the 70s.  (80s today!)  Ugh.  She has several changes of clothes at school that represent different possible temperatures, but still.  I usually have about three jackets there too, because I'll send her in one and then she definitely doesn't need it in the afternoon and I usually forget to bring them home.  It's not a problem to dress myself-  my room (and most of the building) is FREEZING!

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Project Runway!  Next episode we get a peek at the collections of the four possible Fashion Week finalists!  I keep falling asleep halfway through my PR Friday night catch-ups via the internet.  Good thing it IS on the internet so I can just rewatch it at a later date.  Spoiler alert: I DID think April would be going.  Gretchen just gives me a bad taste in my mouth.  Like she would HAVE to say, "I'm just glad the judges gave me the second chance YOU ALL have gotten."  Pretty sure your butt has been on the line before, too, woman.  : )  Enough of that drama!

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Busy day... and bonus time!

Today we had a district day to have training in the morning and time to work on grade cards in the afternoon.  BUT, lucky me, since I have a new(ish) kiddo on my caseload with high needs, I got to attend a full day of CPI training.  I DID have the training in ND, but here teachers has to be re-certified every year.  Yippee...  It wasn't the worse use of my time, it's just that I happen to have 14 other kiddos that I have to prepare grades/progress reports/print graphs from AimsWeb and easycbm.  [Hey!  You spedies -- have you seen easycbm?  I love it!].

Ok, so anyways, because it was training, we did get out a little early and it felt like a heavenly gift to be able to pick M up almost an hour early.  She was so surprised.  She pointed to me and yelled, "MOM!" to her teacher.  It was so cute!  We went for a nice walk, played with M's "new" kitchen (our neighbor girl decided she was too old for her kitchen set - that even makes boiling and frying noises!), and had a great snack all before we would normally have been home.  Gift.  Total gift.

In the meantime, I decided to launch into a new recipe.  Ugh.  I feel like such a failure in the kitchen.  First of all the recipe (Baked Potato Soup) called for... you guessed it... baked potatoes.  JJ has taught me several times how to bake a potato but I've never had to do it on my own.  I'm not too proud to admit I had to do a quick google search for step-by-step directions.  Did you know they take like OVER an hour to cook?  Ridiculous.  Completely ridiculous.  Anyways, I got them going some time into our *bonus* time so that my soup could be ready by around 5:30.

SO, while the dumb potatoes cooked, M helped me vacuum and sweep.  Then I thought she could help me measure the spices to go into the soup so we could have them ready when... you know... the dumb potatoes would be ready.  I kept telling M that the oven was hot.  HOT.  Don't touch.  Careful.  Hot.  She knows hot - when we say food is hot she blows air and waves her hands.  Then I had the brilliant idea to get the base going so I could just add the hot potatoes to it.  I got the burner going with a big pot on top and added the three cans of soup, milk and spices.  The [insert expletive here] potatoes still weren't done and now the soup was bubbling.  I kept turning the burner down, down, down, until I turned it completely off and removed the pot from the burner, leaving the burner exposed.  I told M again (who was now happily going through the measuring cups and spoons in the "baking" drawer) that everything on the stove was HOT.  The potatoes came out and I began trying to cut them when I glanced over to see her hand hovering over the coils.  I most likely yelled, "NO!" and startled her, but in any case, she made contact and started screaming. 

Ugh.  Not only can I not cook but I also don't know how to cook while also caring for my child.  : (  Really sad day.  I abandoned my soup to care for my baby, who, thank goodness, loves ice cubes.  The rest of the evening she was grumpy and sad.  Even during her bath, which is never hot, she gingerly held her hand above the water saying, "hot".  : (  Poor honey.  We ended up just having baked potatoes and pears for supper.  I did not even want to look at the stupid soup.  : )

To Do List

I am a list person.  I LOVE lists.  However, my To Do List just seems to get longer and longer.  When I get home I just like to spend time with M.  She is a helper - so we usually get a load of laundry done if needed as well as loading or unloading the dishwasher.  While I maybe get a thing or two crossed off my list, it seems like ten things get added.  M does go to bed somewhat early (7:30ish so I don't feel too bad about her wake up time!), but then I usually have "homework" and of course need to catch up on facebook and my bloglist!  Priorities!  ; )  JJ comes home beat from his crazy schedule.  How do people do it?  As it stands, a lot of things get saved for Saturday morning (and then sometimes we have an outting planned or JJ is able to be home for a brunch before heading off to school)... so that usually turns to Saturday nap time (and then sometimes I want to take a nap too)...  so that usually turns to Saturday after M goes to bed (and then I get quite a bit done but I can't get it all done in one evening).  So back to the piling up...   

Fashion ? What fashion?

I am seriously lacking in the fashion department.  I am all about comfort.  Seriously - if you see me in makeup you know it's picture day.  But beyond that I just don't know what looks good together so I just go with what feels good.  But, I see all these cute chickies wearing leggings around my school and I decided enough is enough.  I'm getting myself a pair of leggings.  Now may NOT be the best time to start jumping on the fashion bandwagon -- with my ever-growing belly and all.  But what the heck?  Old Navy was having a big sale --- 40-50% off clearance -- holla!  So, I snagged a pair along with a few other "essentials".... like a baby boy outfit or TWO (I'm feeling boy, ok?  And if we have another girl, I know like 30 preggers again so one of them is BOUND to have a boy). 

So I tested out my leggings today with an oversized-ish sweater.  My first critique - JJ --

Me: What do you think of my outfit?
J: It looks nice.
Me: But, really, does it make my legs look fat?  Am I too short for this outfit (usually the case)?  Am I just looking pathetic and pregnant?
J: No, really, it makes you look skinny.

And with those magic words, off to school I skipped (hey - I'm not even waddling yet!).  Then, at school, several people gave me comments.  One lady, who was walking behind me, caught up to me and said, "You don't even LOOK pregnant!"

So.... is everyone lying to appease the "trying too hard" preggo?  OR are these in fact magic pants?  AND if it's the latter, how often is TOO often to wear these??!  : )

Appointment

The patient: MVJ, 20 months
The symptoms: cold that started with a snotty nose, progressed to a crusty nose with a cough that continued to get worse and lasted for more than four days, waking up in the middle of the night, appetite seemed affected, fingers in mouth constantly

Appointment with a NP, Monday at 4pm
The tests: interview with patient's mother, chat with patient : ), checked oxygen level, checked throat, checked ears, (brave) finger sweep of mouth, listened to chest and heart

Momma's fear: some kind of chest cold (one of M's teachers at school - the one there right away in the morning for an hour or two - who is VERY kind but not super-duper intelligent said that, "Oh yeah, one of M's classmates had been out sick with a coughing disease..." WHAT coughing disease?  Whooping cough???  Anyways, not a good bug to put in a Mom's ear when I say that M's been coughing all weekend - I'll be calling at noon to see if she seems to have gotten better or worse to know if I should make a doctor's appointment.

NP's diagnosis: MORE TEETH.  I thought she had them all the way M's mouth is full of teeth and the way it seems like she's always getting them.  Plus, which seems to happen most of the time with new teeth, she has an ear infection in her left ear and fluid on her right one.  Good thing M LOVES taking medicine and always asks, politely of course, for more please!!

Out with the Old!

I get so sad every time M changes clothing sizes.  Boo.  I think I've posted about this before.  It is something that just keeps coming up as our baby grows and grows and grows into a big girl!  : )  M has all these super cute size 18- and 24-month clothes so I shouldn't be so sad about it.  One funny thing I've noticed is that the lovely miss M has quite the tum-tum.  Because I'm not a good Mommy that tries her clothes on her frequently, she has completely outgrown some of her 18-month pants before she's even worn them.  Boo.  Also, she doesn't like jeans or khakis yet.  Of course the sped-y that I am jumps to sensory issues...  No, I think she's just not used to a button at her waist but also I may have been trying on pants that truly didn't fit her and did hurt her tummy.  Also, hey, what would I rather wear??  Comfy stretchy pants (if I looked as cute as M in them!) or jeans?  Yeah... sweats EVERY time.

We have been totally fortunate in the clothing department.  I'm still finding clothes given to us by our old upstairs neighbors (HEY!  They have their own blog now!).  M has a girl cousin a few years older than her (with two brothers and no girl cousins on her Mom's side of the family).  Have I mentioned that this girl cousin is also blessed with a Grandma who sews beautiful clothes?  I hardly feel comfortable putting her in these fine clothes, but we've done a few for pics anyways!  ; )  Then there's a gal at work who brings me a bag a week (I swear!) of fun new things for M (including TWO, count 'em TWO fancy Christmas dresses, tights and black patent shoes!).  Lastly, our dear, dear neighbors.  I love them.  They have five girls -- all names starting with H!  Their youngest, twins, just started preschool.  And the other day they came with two bags full of clothes.  M tried on about four shirts (at the same time) on the spot.  One funny thing is since their youngest are twins, there are several doubles or matching outfits.  I may have to pass these on... or have backups for school ??  We'll see if I turn generous or greedy...

But, along with M's changing wardrobe, alas, mine sadly is changing as well.  I am marking today as my last work day of "normal" clothes.  Monday I'm breakin' out the maternity!  I have TOTALLY pooched - check out week 17 photos to be taken tomorrow if you want proof.  I LOVE my maternity wardrobe, it's just that when I go there, I know I won't be back to the land of "Misses" until after Mr. or Miss thing makes his or her appearance.

16 Week Appointment

It finally came!  My first appointment!  First of all, I could not have a better OB.  Love her.  Only downside I see is that she works three days a week - but she has kiddos that go to my school and she's often at my school days she's off (Wednesdays and Fridays -- so baby -- this is your Momma talking -- no funny business except possibly on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays).  Which, I guess doesn't do anything for ME except show that she's a committed Mom who loves her kids.

My adventure began running (of course) a little late out the door of school.  I knew *about* where I was going but had never been there before, so I plugged it into my "trusty?" Gar-Gar.  Sure enough, I was at the right spot, but Gar wanted me to go through a whole medical campus to get to my destination.  With one ways and random inlets, I decided the Garster was possibly being my ally this time and I followed the directions.  Right to a surgical center.  Not wanting surgery today, thank you, I did a u-ey in the parking lot and headed out.  I thought I saw a sign for the Women's Clinic, so headed back around the whole medical campus.  Fun times.  I was supposed to be 15-20 minutes early and was bordering on 10 at the moment... Saw the sign, which pointed me to... the surgery center.  I got out my very quickly jotted notes from when I set up the appointment and sure enough, the clinic WAS located in the surgery center.  I found a close parking spot and ran in.

Being the obedient preggo that I am, I was prepared.  Make that OVERLY prepared to pee in a cup.  So when I got in I asked the lady as demurely as one can in that situation if I could do that FIRST.  Seeing my desperation she sent me back there immediately.  When I returned after that fun experience she asked if I had all of my paperwork that they had sent me.  I told her no one had sent me any paperwork and she looked a little displeased.  She simply stated, "Well, you're going to have a lot of it then."

I sat down to begin my task.  First of all: four bubble sheets of history, including (which made me chuckle being the immature person that I am) if I have ever been sexually active.  Well, I AM pregnant with my second child... soooo...  Then insurance and OB history (liver problem - check, blood transfusion - check, blood pressure - check)... hey my past pregnancy gave me a more interesting history if nothing else.  While I was waiting in the waiting room I noticed that it was a half hour past my appointment time and then I was called back to the office.

The nurse was awesome - funny, kind, informative.  I even got a bag of goodies!  Woohoo - I'm a sucker for free stuff!  Then the doctor came in.  Like I said - she's awesome.  She told me there's hope after HELLP.  She said that many women have a very "normal" delivery after HELLP syndrome however there is a trend starting of it happening in subsequent pregnancies.  She assured me that all that meant is I would be watched VERY closely.  With that she gave me an official due date of March 20th and listened to the baby's heartrate.  I *think* it was 132 - something like that.  It sounded so strong and healthy!  Then she sent me for labs and... AND... an ultrasound!  Woohoo!  She said that since I was considered high risk with my last pregnancy she wanted to double check my due date and check to make sure everything looked good.

While I was waiting for my labs the nurse came back and gave me a flu shot.  Then I had four vials of blood drawn (where I heard all about the phleb's recent trip out of town with her dog...) and was ushered off to an ultrasound lady.  She got me prepped with the goo and away we went.  Oh.  My baby!  My precious baby!  She asked about finding out the sex and I said that we DEFINITELY want to find out - but that I wanted to share the experience with my husband, who was coming along to the next appointment.  She told me to look away a few times so I'm pretty sure she found out.  She did say that the baby had his or her little feet tucked up and the arms were crossed too - the baby was just all cuddled up.  I was tearing up because it is just SO amazing.  Even at 16 weeks you can see SO much - it's amazing!  She said, "Ooh!  Is this your first pregnancy?"  : )  No... but STILL precious!  : ) 

National Card-Making Day

Last night.

7pm: Daddy down for the count (not feeling well).
7:20pm: M down because she was too crabby to make it to between 7:30 and 8.

Me... twiddling my thumbs.  I decided it was time.  Time to go into the craft room closet.  I originally thought I would organize my photos.  I felt like I had lost some and didn't even know where I had left off in the THREE albums I keep going.  (Our family album, M's 2nd album which has yet to be started but is here complete with a lot of fun paper and accessories to use!, and my Dad's album that I gave him as a present a while ago and just keep filling little by little).  While rummaging around the closet I found a CM kit to make Christmas cards that I had bought like two years ago... I had a magical thought that if I made them now I wouldn't get so busy at Christmas time that I missed yet another chance to use them.  I got myself all settled in in front of the TV with all the supplies I needed to complete my craft.

I learned a few things.  #1: I have ENOUGH supplies that I don't need to buy kits to make cards.  #2: Kits are kind of finicky (i.e. Cut a 4x5.25 piece of dark blue paper.).  #3: I am way too Type A to not follow the directions, including the exact sticker saying they used on each card --- what if one I chose to replace it was needed elsewhere?!  #4: Using a kit, however, takes the guesswork out of it - follow steps and viola!  You have a card (or 18).  #5: After cards are made, you can still add your own flair -- for me the glitter glue (I have ALL THREE packs!) my BFF gave me for last Christmas... or two Christmases ago ??  I can't remember now but I love them so much and use them all the time!

Today I found out that yesterday was in fact National Card-Making Day.  I guess it was meant to be. 

Corrected by Kiddos

Twice now I have been corrected by kiddos because they don't "understand" my accent. 

The first time it happened was during a second-grade session.  I am so lucky to have in my schedule time to be IN a second grade classroom with the most wonderful second grade teacher ever.  The group is wonderful (most of the time) and I have two unique kiddos that I get to monitor especially closely.  The other day we were doing some ketchup and relish time (you know - "catch up" time for kiddos not quite finished with something and free time to "relish" for those all done with everything) and one of my students had some morning work to finish - a crossword puzzle with clues.  This particular student is very interesting.  He is very low in reading and takes considerable time to process, but when he does, he comes up with very detailed answers.  That doesn't really come in to play with this scenario, but he's just a very interesting kid!  Anyways!  The clue was "married to your aunt" (pronounced ah-(as in open your mouth and say ahhh)-nt).  I read the clue to him so it would take the pressure off decoding so he could work on comprehension and choosing the word that worked.  He was so confused.  I tried to rephrase - you know - these people go in a pair, your aunt and blank.  Do you have any aunts?  Are any of them married?  What do you call that person?  Several clues here --- with ample wait time.  Still nothing.  Finally one of his table partners helped him out -- she means married to my AUNT (pronounced ant).  Then he got it right away...

The next time came with a small reading group of fifth graders that comes to see me.  We were talking about palm trees - their fronds, coconuts, trunks and roots (r/u/ts).  They all cracked up and said I was saying it wrong!  The absolute only way to say that word is roots (r-ooo (rhymes with boo)-ts).  Teachable moment!  Teachable moment!  Let's talk about dialects and accents and more than one possible pronunciation.  And how the teacher is NEVER wrong.  (heehee -- just kidding -- definitely always teach my kids the opposite of that statement!)

Sneaky Mommy

I did it.  I bought the Sneaky Chef cookbook (the blue one).  I couldn't resist and it was in a book order M brought home.  How cute is that?  I had to order.  The funny thing is most of the time I feel like I need the sneakiness - not M as much!  Although, lately she has been a picky little thing - like with the spitting things out overtly and the eating cereal instead of yummmmmy Italian food at our friends' house.   

So anyways- Sneaky Chef.  You've heard of her, right?  Her ideas seem revolutionary yet doable.  It seems like there're a lot of steps involved because she has 13 methods and 13 make-aheads and other information beyond that, but I think a lot of it blends together.  So I'll share with you some of the things I learned reading the cookbook -- yes, I read it cover to cover.  THEN we'll see if I can put some of the ideas into practice - for M's health as well as baby #2, J and I.

The guiding principal is sneaky nutrition into every day foods kids love.  In fact, method #1 is pureeing superfruits and veggies to add to things like macaroni and cheese, spaghetti and french toast-- kid appealing foods.  Along with purees there are some sneaky ways to add in things like wheat germ, whole wheat flour, and even just nutritious broth or green tea instead of water in some recipes.  The recipes - even the make-aheads (the purees, flour blends, etc.) - seem simple enough -- and if they're still too complicated, the Sneaky Chef even shows some quickie in-a-pinch substitutions like baby food.  I *may* go that route for my first trial run - French Toast planned for Saturday morning -- just to get a feel for it before I go overboard and have a freezer full of purees.  I have visions of baking up a batch (or doubling it) and freezing it in ice cube trays like my SIL did with baby food.  We'll see if it gets that far... : )  I'm good about starting a fad... not quite as good at following through-- alllll the way through.  Like poor, poor DDR and then Guitar Hero and then sadly Wii Fit.  : (  Just thinking about that makes me sad.      

A "funny"?? story

MVJ has major eating issues lately.  We are so not impressed, but she will put something in her mouth, and emphatically spit it out.  She has to get every last tiny particle out of her mouth.  It is so rude and bad-mannered, but of course, she doesn't see our arguments as valid.  We were at the grocery store the other day, Hy-Vee [not IV Auntie L ; )], and  M managed to get a bite out of a muskmelon -- the outer part of the muskmelon.  She immediately began spitting it out and even grabbed my fingers to sweep her mouth to get all remaining offending scraps.  Then, she went prone on the floor (thank you JJ for all the medical terminology floating around in my head!).  This may seem weird, but I assure you this is a common occurrence.  M thinks she is hilarious by "going nuh-nigh" at various places.  Like on the stairs.  Or in her high chair.  Or on the living room floor.  Or in a restaurant.  I was about to tease her about putting her to bed when I realized this particular floor laying episode was completely nefarious; she was being naughty, not just silly.  Before I could stop her she licked the floor (remember she's still trying to get rind out of her mouth).  SO embarrassing not to mention disgusting!!   

Taking Toddler Walks

The evenings have been so. fabulous. lately.  Not so sweltering hot like it seems it's been since we've been here and definitely not cold yet either.  MVJ and I have taken to walking to get the mail in the evenings.  Simple task, right?  Let me try to help you take a little walk with us.

First of all we have to descend the steps of our home.  M's preferred mode is probably me carrying her, which I'm trying to stymie (I think I used that correctly... English majors?  Anyone?).  Her next favorite is going tummy first (as opposed to on her tummy which I think would be the safest).  She is almost tall enough to reach the hand rail, so she has one hand on the rail and one in my hand.  Down the stairs.  Shoes on.  Help Mommy open the door, help Mommy shut off the lights and finally help Mommy close the door.  Steps outside - here she can hold on to the rail, but with the cement, I always try to hold her hand too. 

THEN, we have to get past all the cars.  She wants to touch all of the hoods and of course drive them all.  I try to tell her they may be hot.  She sometimes walks up to them and fans her hands to cool them off while saying, "Hot."  Occasionally a friend or two is playing in the grass.  (A family with FOUR little girls moved in close to us as well as a family with two kiddos from India.)  She doesn't quite want to "play" yet but loves to watch them!  Then, there's the grass, sticks, trees, berries (that she tries EVERY TIME to put in her mouth.  EVERY TIME.  Every one.), close to the sidewalk.  There's the temptation to go into the parking lot.

Once we pass the cars and kiddos, we've almost made it to the pool area (our cut spot), we of course have to touch all the plants, try out all of the lounge chairs close by, and say hi to everyone out sunbathing.  One poor guy was sleeping as M yelled across the pool area a very emphatic and friendly, "HI!!!!"  THEN we pass the workout facility.  M looooves pressing her little nose to the window and waving at everyone there.  Thank goodness no one has fallen off a treadmill yet...  After the workout place comes the pop machine, on which M just has to try the buttons.  Maybe she'll get lucky with an orange soda one of these days...

Next is the tennis court.  I've given up trying to walk past it.  We go in and M runs around for a while.  She scoots herself under the net and tries to also sneak under the chain link fence.  At least at this point, Mommy can sit down if she wants.  M is fenced in.  What harm can come?  ; )

Back onto the sidewalk.  Sometimes we're lucky enough to see a dog at this point.  M has become much more friendly with dogs.  She still will not pet one, but I don't have to be holding her the whole time.  She loves saying, "Hi" and "Bye bye" to her canine compadres.  Then we have to cross the busy-ish street to get to the mail kiosk.  M HAS to hold my hand.  If she refuses, I pick her up, kicking and screaming and all.  Mommy's rules.  I tell you what.

NOW we've reached the mailboxes.  NOW M has to try a key - generally our van key (I'm guessing because it's the longest and fattest) on every mailbox within reach.  Sometimes, when I have all my wits about me, I've already unhooked the mailbox key from the set before letting her loose on this task.  Then she usually notices what I've done and gives me the stank eye.

This is only half of our trek people!  We still have the return trip!  Variations I've tried:
a) putting M in her stroller.  She really does well with this and sits the whole time, but what fun is that?  I want her to explore and be a toddler.  It's also good for her to take a walk and get some exercise.  What am I saying?  She runs around nonstop from the time she is awake, till her head hits the crib mattress.  But anyways, the exploration point.  Yeah, that one is valid.
b) bringing M's stroller with her baby so she could walk it.  I thought that would give her a distraction for at least the cars and berries.  Not so much.  I ended up carrying her darn stroller most of the time.  At least it was a holder for my cellphone and keys...
c) if it times right - and it's a miracle when it does - M and I will get to the mailbox and Daddy will pick us up on his way back from school.  We've also done this some Saturdays and then headed out to run errands or whatever.  That nice walk usually calms our crazy baby a little when let loose in a store.