Crazy Days of Summer

Happy Mother's Day!

Let me just say . . . I had a wonderful Mother's Day.  I spent the day with my family and just had a good time eating, laughing and enjoying good company.  Here are some of the highlights:

 

The family wishing Great Grandma a Happy Mother's Day!

 

And aren't these the cutest little girls you've ever seen!

 

And here are those little cuties again with Grandma!

Happy Mother's Day!

Always expect the unexpected!

Well, we set out yesterday just like any other day.  My friend, Annette, had called and wanted to know if we had any plans and if we could all hang out.  So, I said sure.  You see, what I haven't told you is that I've been here on the farm all by myself.  The in-laws have been on a cruise and Hubby has been away at work.  I've been climbing the walls and needing a little adult time.  So, when Annette called, I jumped at the chance to have adult conversation! 

She came over to the house around 2:30 and we set out with the intent on taking the kids to the zoo.  We carefully mapped out our route and loaded up the car.  We made the 45 minute drive with children asking at every turn, "Are we there yet?"  And just as we pulled up to the front gate of the zoo, my little Lulu decided to give us a second look at everything she had eaten that day.  Yep, she  . . . well, how do I say this in a lady like way . . . well, she barfed all over the place!  So, I immediately stopped the car and got out to open her door and check on her.  And there she sat . . .puke everywhere and a big 'ole smile on her face as if to say, "What?  Is there something wrong?"  It took about 10 seconds before I snapped into gear.  In my mind, I playing through the scenarios of how to get her out of the carseat without spreading the mess any further.  At this point, she must have sensed some panic and disgust on my face, because she began to whine, "Mom, I sick."  Of course, it didn't help that Maddy was in her carseat yelling, "Mom, Lulu is sick!  Lulu is sick!  That's yucky!  Mom, can I get out of the car?  Mom, get me out of the car!"  She was less than cooperative!  Anway, I'll spare you all of the rest of the details, but we ended up leaving teh zoo and stopping at the local Goodwill store to get Lulu some more clothes.  Maddy was pretty disappointed that we didn't get a trip to the zoo.  However, we made up for it by renting a Dora movie when we got back into town.  And Annette and I, well, we ordered take out and had a wonderful dinner and chat time together after the kids were in bed.  And Lacy . . . well, she was perfectly fine.  She never complained a bit after that and we haven't had any issues since?!?  Go figure!

Today is the day that I've longed for all week . . . Hubby comes home!!!  And then later this evening, we'll head out to the airport to pick up my in-laws -- who I've also missed.  Normally, when Hubby is away, I can atleast count on seeing my father-in-law every day for some adult conversation.  But this week . . . it was just me.  And it sure was a test of sanity, let me to you!

As far as the pregnancy, I'm feeling ok.  I think I've grown this week.  Even Annette commented that she thought my belly was "sticking out" more since this past Monday.  And I can say that I agree . . . I'm feeling more full.  Like my belly is being pushed up into my throat.  It's hard to sit up straight because it's uncomfortable to breath.  According to the Baby calendar, I'm at almost 24 weeks - the baby is about a foot long.  Which is interesting to me since most babies are born at about 18 to 21 inches in length.  So, looks like we've had a bit of a growth spurt :-)  I'm trying to get daily exercise, but it's hard to fast walk when you have two toddlers who can't keep up.  So, I'm hoping to get some walking in when Hubby gets home. 

School - well, one more week to go.  It's crunch time and I've got a lot to do while Hubby is home and can help with the girls.  I've ordered my cap and gown and my graduation announcements.  I just can't wait to be officially done!  Oh, and the two papers I was working on this past Sunday . . . well, I just received an "A" on both.  Which was quite unexpected, especially since I had the attitude of "I just want to get a C" - just enough to pass.  However, anyone who knows me will tell you I'm a perfectionist -- I just couldn't turn in a paper that wasn't atleast as good as I thought I could do it at that time.  So, three finals and three homework assignments to go!

And as promised . . . here is a recent picture of me and the girls . . .

 

And here is one from Easter . . .

Time is ticking away . . .

And now before I even was aware, the days have slipped by and it's been over a month since I've update.  Needless to say, managing two condo rentals, balancing school, two toddlers, a household, a website and a pregnancy . . . well, I'm juggling the best I can. 

So . . . for some news that some of you may not know, we had our 20 weeks ultrasound a few weeks ago and we're expecting a little girl.  Yep, so Hubby will definitely be outnumbered for a long time!  All the test results came back well and the only issue right now is that I'm losing my immunity to rubella?  How does that happen, you ask?  Well, not even the doctor can explain it.  But, there is an easy fix.  I'll just be re-vaccinated after I deliver the baby.  Other than that - everything is great.  Altogether, I'm at 23 weeks and I've gained a total of 7lbs.  The doctor has suggested that if I keep my weight to a minimum, I may actually pass my gestational diabetes test.  And that would be a first for me! 

Other news . . . my last college classes end in two weeks.  I will walk for graduation on June 20th with a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Business Administration.  Yippee!  I can't believe that I'll actually be done!  So, two more weeks and counting.

Where am I?  Well, currently we are in Ohio.  Yep, we had to take a yearly summer visit a little early this year since we expecting our little addition to our family Sept 1st.  It's been a little colder here than what were had been used to in Florida around this time, but we've adapted.  The girls are really enjoying the farm.  Maddy has accompanied her Daddy on almost every trip he has made around the farm.  In fact, just this past Sunday after church, Hubby took the girls outside with him so that I could finish two papers for school.  When Maddy returned, she told me that she had been playing with a "mice".  Of course, my eyes bugged out of my head and as I was just about to say, "EEEeeewwww" . . . Hubby quickly snapped around and said "Don't discourage her curiousity."  Well, I'm all for curiousity, but A MOUSE?  Seriously?  A MOUSE?  Ugh . . . this Florida city girl has issues with mice!  But, I'm trying to be a little more open-minded.  Notice, I said TRYING.  I can't make any promises. 

Oh - and some other updates . . . Maddy has official been diagnosed with asthma.  And when I told this to Hubby, he was not the least bit surprised.  Well, almost anyone who knows Maddy isn't surprised . . . except for me . . . her Mama. . . who has been in a state of denial since the day the word "asthma" rolled off the doctor's tongue.  How o' how did this child of mine end up with some many allergies and asthma?  Anyone? 

Anyway, they've prescribed her a maintenance inhaler that she uses twice a day everyday now.  We also carry with us a rescue inhaler - which was desperately needed about three weeks ago when we had the incident that prompted this official diagnosis.  So, with the maintenance inhaler, rescue inhaler, benadryl and epipen - my child will be the only one in kindergarten carrying around a diaper bag!  I do have to say, though, that since she's been on this maintenance inhaler, I've noticed a significant difference in her breathing.  So, I am very thankful that we have found something that works for now.

Well, other than that, we're just plugging right along.  Oh sure, there have been other happenings, but just too many to mention for now.  I'm going to try to get some pictures uploaded tonight - Hubby, the girls and I visited the Discovery Museum in Ohio and I captured some pretty cute shots.

Now . . . I'll leave you with this tip for the day . . . when your two year old daughter tells you that she's "keening with peepee water" - you should probably stop what you are doing and check it out!  Seriously!  'Cause what she probably means is that she is wiping down something with a rag that has been dipped in toilet water.  I'm just sayin . . .