Indian Princess

Tommy does "Indian Princess" with Madelyn and they have had their first campout planned for this past weekend for quite some time. Madelyn has been counting down the days. Yet another reason I was worried about Micah arriving so early and on the day they were supposed to leave, nonetheless! I had already decided that I was going to make them go even if Micah came. . .

Thankfully, I didn't have to make that call! After dance on Friday, Tommy and Madelyn headed to Lake Ray Roberts for their first Indian Princess camping weekend.

They came up with their Indian names: Tiger Feather and Thundering Cloud (hehe), set up the tent, and then mingled with the rest of the daddy's and daughters.

Tommy sent me pictures throughout the day on Saturday with all of their different activities. After hearing stories and seeing some of the pictures, it appears that Madelyn's name should have been "Climbing Bear" because she was climbing every tree on the camp grounds!

A hike and walking stick search . . .

After picking out her walking stick - they painted them . . .

It looks like Thundering Cloud needs some picture taking guidance . . .
Group shot of the girls on Saturday night before the big bonfire and initiation of new tribe members. . . Just before bedtime on their last night . . .

Marek was so excited to see his big sister on Sunday!


I got to hear all the stories and fun that she had with her daddy. These are memories that she'll carry with her forever. Thank you daddy for being so wonderful and taking such good care of my girl.

Fabrics and Hospital stay . . .

So, I thought Micah was going to make her debut the day after Mari's birthday. On Thursday I had lunch with my boss and Susan at La Hacienda Ranch. I've been craving Tortilla Soup with my friend Susie Q for quite sometime so I finally got my fix. It was a bit spicey but I didn't think anything of it. Durning lunch, I thought Micah was doing some strange and very uncomfortable posing in my uterus (a.k.a her personal jungle gym).

I got home and was working at my computer when I noticed that what I thought was uncomfortable acrobatics were actually contractions and they were happening pretty frequently. So I started timing them at about 3:00 - 9 min, 6 min, 7 min, 9 min, 6 min, etc . . . I decided after about an hour of those that I should lay on my left side like a good little preggers and see if they subsided. 5 min, 6 min, 5 min, 4 min. . . Ok so I'll call the doctor because I know with Marek they didn't want me to labor/contract with a previous c-section scar.

The nurse said "ummm - you need to head to the triage and have them check you out". I said, "ok - no one is home right now so I'll just wait for someone to get here to take me". To which she replied "You need to call 911 and go". Geez. I couldn't get ahold of Tom for over an hour (grrrr) so I waited for Mari to get back from dance with Madelyn. It was about 5:30ish when she got home. I was walking around crying and finishing packing my hospital bags. Poor Mari was white knuckled the entire way to the hospital which isn't close . . . Nana and Papa had come up to the hospital and Tommy showed up soon after.

They got me all hooked up at the hospital and the contractions were steady at 4 - 5 min apart then went to 2 - 3 min apart. They decided to admit me and keep me overnight for observation. I declined any pain pills and tried to tough it through the night. I think I would have needed the pain medicine for the hospital mattress and pillows. It's amazing how you forget how uncomfortable they are . . .

Mari took the kids home and got them all ready for bed. :)

Through the night my contractions subsided and I was dismissed at 7:00 that morning. I got home just in time for a conference call. :)

Mari said that when she woke Madelyn up for school, she popped right up and said "Is Micah here?!" It normally takes a good 5 minutes to get her going in the morning.

We talked to Mimi and Dziadek on the way home and upon hearing of our near birth, Mimi headed out her door in Houston to come help!

So no Micah yet but I'm glad she's still safe and sound and moving and stretching like she owns my uterus . . . I guess she kind of does for the time being . . .

I had mentioned in an earlier post that I found the materials for Micah's bedding. Well - here's a sneak peak at all the fabric samples.

Mimi has already started and has finished the dust ruffle! It's so beautiful! I can't wait to see everything finished and put together!

Mari's Birthday & 36 Weeks!

On Maris' birthday I was exactly 36 weeks! I'm feeling every bit of it let me tell you . . .

For Mari's birthday we did the "traditional" (2nd time now) dinner at Boi Na Braza.

Here's Mari blowing out the candle on her banana bar (with a little help from Madelyn) at home after dinner . . .

Here I am in all my largeness . . .I try to take comfort in the fact that I've done this twice before and I know that the weight eventually comes off and my nose will eventually be back to it's normal size . . . some day . . . hopefully soon . . .

Beautiful Weather

We've been experiencing some absolutely beautiful days here so last Sunday we walked to the nearby soccer park and let the kids run around and score on daddy . . .

Marek does not match - at all. I choose to pick my battles with him. I love that he's so independent and wants to pick out his own clothes and dress himself. I will say I was, and still am, a bit more strict with Madelyn. She's a girl - that's my excuse. . .

Yes - she did score . . .

I'm especially loving this weather! :)

Oley Nephew

Well, we're finally getting a cousin on the Oley side! Jessica and Brian just found out on Tuesday that they are expecting a little boy! She's due on February 1, 2010. We are so excited to meet our newest nephew!

I think he's either saying a.) his Aunt Jacque is #1, b.) he's threatening to pick his nose, or c.) he's doing his best impression of the "check me out" pose in tight quarters . . .

Isn't he CUTE?!

Congratulations, BJ!!

Brown Bear

My littlest reader . . . hehehe

More Pregnancy Comments

Just because it's funny to share (but not funny at the time) - here are some more comments I've received from dumb people. This is how stupid some people are:

From a VERY large woman at a store last week/weekend:

"Girl, you are WEARING that dress" (I was wearing this dress)

Mind you, she was so large that she was sitting at the front of the store waiting on whomever she was "shopping" with because she couldn't walk around. I'm serious - I really don't think she could take a good 10 to 15 steps before having to sit. Seriously?!?!

Ok so that one is not so bad - actually made me giggle a little.

Here are some doozies (and by the way, NOT ok to say to a pregnant woman - EVER):

• At the home depot a few months back from the tallest woman I've ever met who was also very large.

large lady: (when she saw me) "Whoa! You look
miserable. When are you due?"

me: "Thanks. October"

large lady: "What?! . . . Oh my . . . Twins?"

me: "Nope."

large lady: "Are you SURE?"

me: "Quite."

large lady: "you are big, girl"

Really? Really? Thanks, large lady. So are you.

At Market Street getting groceries from a very ditzy (and heavy) teenage check out clerk about a month or two ago:

clueless clerk: "Oh, wow." (said very sweetly with head
cocked) "When are you due?"

me: "October" (with a big smile)

clueless clerk: "Wow! I would have guessed much
sooner."

(smile gone)

I bet you would have. Maybe you should call Pro Active. It worked
for Jessica Simpson.

Seriously. I shouldn't be so hateful I just don't understand dumb
people.

Here are some of the nice comments I've received. These are very
acceptable to say to pregnant women (even if it's a lie!):

• "You look SO beautiful!"
• "You are the cutest pregnant person I've ever seen!"
• "Your belly is so precious. You're really just all belly."
• "When are you due? Awwww, you look so good."

These were said by men and women: One of Madelyn's school friends' mom, someone at church, someone at grocery store, etc. These are all ok to say.

Why is that so hard to understand??

First Bento Lunches!

So I jotted down lists of different ideas for the kids' lunch items this weekend and stole most of them from my cute friend Michelle.

Here is what I made this morning - nothing cute and fancy but rather nutricious!

• Tortilla wraps made with whole grain tortillas, turkey (no nitrites) and cream cheese.
• Edamame
• Kiwi and pluot
• Fig bars and yogurt pretzels

They were just so excited about their new lunch boxes! So was I. :)

Soccer!

Well, my little man did a trial soccer class last Friday and that's all it took. He's hooked and can't stop talking about it!

First of all, before we even got to the class - he had to find and wear a shirt that had a soccer ball on it. Thankfully, we have a few. :)

When we got there he stood frozen staring at the field in shock/amazement/excitement.

As soon as I said "ok" he ran onto the field and started running and kicking any ball in his path! It was too cute - I giggled the entire time.

GOAL!

Stretching before class with his "team" . . .
Doing some warm up excercises . . .

Here is a video clip of Marek's very first soccer practice . . .

A few of my favorite video moments:

• his celebrations after his goals,
• his unnecessary coughs,
• and his nervous giggle when his coach kicks his ball.

My little man.

BIRDS AND BEES?!?!

So as I was fixing Madelyn's hair for school today and she casually asked me how I got the baby in my belly in the first place. That's a very reasonable question that sent me into complete shock. I knew this day would come, I've talked to other moms about it, I've had a general statement and idea of the conversation in my head but I realized this morning that I am SO not ready to have that conversation with her! I need advice from other moms:

• What age was your child when they started getting curious about these things?


• What did you say? I have some ideas but need advice!

I couldn't just dismiss her question completely so I told her that daddy helped me make baby Micah. Sounds good, right? She said "He did?! Is he a doctor?"

I love their sweet innocence. I lamely responded "No, honey. Mommy and daddy love each other very much and wanted to make a baby. He helped mommy make you and Marek, too." It seemed to satisfy her curiousity for now. I just didn't have enough time for "THAT" talk this morning. Besides, she had "twins day" at school (pick a friend and dress the same) and I didn't want her telling her friend all about it, either! That's all I need is to have some angry mother calling me about that the third week of Kindergarten.

Anyway - here are a few pics of Madelyn and her "twin" from this mornings drop-off:

Dash 4 Cash

Madelyn's school had a fundraiser (already - oh boy) this morning called "Dash 4 Cash". You could pledge an amount per "lap" or just a flat pledge amount. Well, one of the mom's said she thought it was on an actual track so I pledged $5 per lap. Well, it wasn't - it was a set a cones they had to run around. They capped it at 36 LAPS! Well - fastest $180 I've ever spent! Madelyn was so excited to see daddy and I both there. She was one of the first to complete all 36 laps! It was so fun to watch and see her excitement.

The start of her 1st lap!

She ran so fast! They marked their laps on their shirts at each end . . .

She was so determined . . .

Getting some love from daddy after her big finish!

Here's a video of our star in action . . .

34 Weeks - Micah Update

I went into see my doctor on Wednesday because I had lots of contractions Monday night (3 - 5 min apart), a headache for 3 days, and gained 5 lbs in ONE week. That's right - I said it. 5 lbs. I'm so swollen I feel like I'm unrecognizable.

Speaking of - I love the comments I get from total strangers - usually women:

At the fabric store in Dallas from an older and heavier woman: "Wow. When are you due?" me: "I feel like any second but not until October." I know EXACTLY what is coming at this point. woman: "Oh, my. I thought you were going to say this week. Are you having twins?"

Seriously?? When is that ever ok to say to someone. I didn't say to her: "How old are you? Really?! You look SO much older."

Hmmmm - not a bad idea. . . or

"when are you due? Oh, you're not pregnant, too? Sorry."

Ok - I'm losing it. I'm really not that hateful.

Might I digress . . .

So I was worried about pre-eclampsia because I was pre-eclamptic with Madelyn. Those are a few of the signs. Doctor said I looked ok but to call or come back in if I have more contractions that won't go away after laying on my left side, blah, blah.

He then said that if I went into labor in a week he wouldn't stop it. That freaked me out a little. I printed out my "Hospital Bag Checklist" and started packing that night. I'd only be 35 weeks! I am going to try to hold this little girl in there for at least 2 more weeks so she's FULLY cooked. I really can't wait to meet her, though!

Marek's First Day of School

Marek started school today - he's such a pro.  He walked right in like he owned the place!  He's such a big boy - no tears.  I got some pictures on the pick up with him and his nap mat. 

And no, I don't normally have him wear socks with his sandals but they played in "the cube" (this giant play room) and he needed socks.  Mommy gets an "F" for the day - Marek an "A".  :)

Nap Mat

I woke up early this morning and started on Marek's nap mat (for school tomorrow) so I could have it done by the time he got home. Tom and Marek were in Leakey for part of last week and the weekend for a father/son trip and last hoorah before school starts. Madelyn and I stuck around here having girl time since she has school and dance. On Saturday, after dance, we went fabric shopping in Dallas for Micah's bedding and then visited Brian and Jessica. Yesterday we hit JoAnn Fabrics to get Marek's nap mat materials.

I found this site with this tutorial for making nap mats. I'm definitely a novice at sewing but was able to follow along her very simple instructions!

Here is the finished product:

I couldn't find a Spiderman pattern and he absolutely LOVES Scooby Doo so it was the next best thing . . .

I'm happy with how it turned out - with the flaws and all!

It's a good thing I started early because I was literally tying the knot on the last button when they pulled into the driveway at 5:00! Marek LOVES it - he wants to sleep on it tonight in his bed. :)

Sigh

My long crazy week/month is over. Just this week I had two parent/teacher nights, a "Kinder Curriculum" night with 3 nights of company dance and piano lessons in between.

One question I did ask at Madelyn's Kinder Curriculum was about President Obama's speech that will be broadcast at schools on September 8th. I listen to talk radio (660 KSKY) and it was the only place I had heard about this speech. I really don't think the mainstream media was "advertising" this topic. I was very concerned about this and what the agenda was. I was glad to hear that our teachers had decided NOT to air the speech during school but to put a link to it on the school's website if we (the parent's) chose to listen and/or allow our children to listen.

Double Sigh. :)

More crazy weeks/months ahead . . .

(my guess is that Micah will arrive around October 7th!)

California Caramel Company

So I forgot to mention the great party favors I had at my dad's retirement party. Here they are:

Caramel and chocolate dipped pretzels. So yummy.

Here's the story behind them . . .

The lady that does my eyebrows in Dallas had gone to California to visit her sister and who had these great caramel and chocolate covered pretzels as favors for her daughters graduation or birthday party (whatever). She brought home some extras because they were so stinkin' good. She shared one with me and I'm not sure if it's because I'm pregnant or what but they are RIDICULOUSLY good. Needless to say I ordered them for my dad's party. They personalize them for you, too (for an extra charge, of course!). They were a hit. :)

Check them out: http://californiacaramelcompany.com/

Food for Thought

Madelyn's little dance friend's mom (whew!) created this blog site: http://foodiefootsteps.blogspot.com/

I've added it to my favorite blog roll to the right . . .

She is so creative and has come up with the cutest ideas for healthy lunches! Check it out.

I've already ordered my "Laptop Lunch" boxes for Madelyn and Marek. They can be ordered here: http://secure.laptoplunches.com/AMAZING/index.asp?url=IND

I ordered the "BENTO SETS, SYSTEMS, SLEEVES (2.0) NEW" in the black with pink flowers for Madelyn

and the alien set for Marek! Also - found a coupon at my favorite coupon site for 20% off!! http://www.retailmenot.com/

Just type in laptoplunches.com. The coupon code was ideal55.