April's Little Family

Fone it in Phriday.

2012-01-27T12:47:00.005-05:00

Thanks to my brother, I'm now a teensy bit obsessed with instagram. Are you too? Yay! Join me! As with everything, I'm MommyNamedApril. Can't wait to see what you've been snapping!

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I Want to Take Pictures of Her Constantly. Okay, I Want To Take Pictures of All My Kids Constantly, But She's The Only One That Can't Run Away.

2012-01-24T16:07:00.005-05:00

I know it's only January, but the weather in Florida is cruel and next season is nudging its way into our short winter. My mood gets funky around this time of year. Done with the holidays, headed toward tax season, and alternately sweating and freezing on any given day. Colds are rampant and clutter abounds. It's about time to refocus. So let's dump out the closets, deep clean the grout and get back to the gym. Hoo. Rah.

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We Went to EPCOT. Had Dinner with the Cousins. And Casey Made a Salt Water Crocodile with Playdoh.

2012-01-23T21:06:00.002-05:00

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Baby, It's Cold Outside. Alternately Titled: I Crocheted a Bunch of Blankets. Want One?

2012-01-19T14:32:00.002-05:00

I'm having a small blanket sale on my Facebook page. I'd love if you could take a look!

Click here for the blanket sale!!!

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Some Super Heroes Wear Undies Over Their Pants, But REAL Superheroes Skip the Pants Altogether.

2012-01-11T14:36:00.002-05:00

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Be Still, My Heart(s).

2012-01-08T00:03:00.002-05:00

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Hi My Name Is Josie. Have You Met My Lips?

2012-01-03T11:12:00.001-05:00

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My New Years Resolution is to Not Look Four Months Pregnant By This Time Next Year. Well, Unless I Actually Am. In Which Case, Yay For Me!

2012-01-01T11:42:00.037-05:00

January! We started 2011 off right with the New Year's wedding of some of our very favorite people. I got a new camera (that I LOVE by-the-by), and I told you about the whacky things hubby and I did to keep our long distance relationship fun. Stephen finally learned to walk, but still chose not to, and of COURSE we did our annual family photo.

When February rolled around, my kids were still wearing their Halloween costumes, and I went ahead and explained my general blogging philosophy (hint: rainbows and sunshine abound!). I gave myself an ulcer about whether to home school our oldest, and I took my boys out for a tasty Mexican Valentine's meal.

Then there was a brief departure from my blogging philosophy to talk about our fertility struggles and my need to feel in control. I started Clomid, hoped for the best, and took my kids to the park. Stephen got his first real taste of discipline, and we had an impromptu (and enlightening) picnic at the airport.

In March I showed you a whole mess of pictures from my childhood (yay for sisters!) and we made my dad babysit on his birthday. Stephen sat on a desk looking cute, and Jonathan got (another) black eye. The big boys got awesome haircuts and you folks helped me scrutinize about eightybajillion pee sticks.

The kids were introduced to the wonderfulness of county fairs, and my sweet little Jonathan turned three. We celebrated some more (because birthdays are special) and then finally gave up on winter and pulled out the slip n' slide.

At the end of the month I kicked Wesley out of the house, which may or may not have been related to him introducing our children to video games. And we ended the March on a down note, saying a sad goodbye to our beloved Grandma Bonnie.

April confirmed I was indeed carrying another bean, and that it was exactly what we needed for the family. My sister talked about Lupus and I showed you how ridiculously stylish Wesley and I were as children. Casey worked on his math skills and Stephen worked on his attitude. We celebrated Spring, planted a garden, sang without clothes, and then played some basketball.

May started off with hope and gardening, but took a sudden and terrible turn for the worst. Our anniversary was spent being quiet and thankful and we continued the thankful sentiment with a fun charity walk honoring my sister. Life got back toward normal and I revamped Wesley's office into a prison cell for Kelly. Then Jonathan potty trained and we all did some preparing for the apocalypse.

June brought full blown summer, which meant swim lessons and a visit from Kelly! We hit the beach for a spell and then spent Father's Day in Gainesville. More swimming and a little bit of torture at The History Center.

In July we had a grand celebration for Independence Day then took a jaunt over to Downtown Disney. I passed the pregnancy halfway point and admitted it had been a bit of a rough sail in the beginning. We visited Melbourne and south Florida and finally got a good peek of the new baby's face!

August came out of the gate at full speed with my birthday, Wesley's graduation, and Kelly's departure. We did our best to stay cool and gave The History Center a second try. I took another belly picture, showed you what a horrific dancer I am, and introduced my love of art to the boys.

In September we took an epic road trip. It started with mountains and caves in Kentucky, led to family in Indiana, then friends in Ohio and fish in Tennessee. We rounded things out with animals in South Carolina and landed safely in our beds a week later. I also gave you another peek at the inside of my growing belly, and just for good measure we visited Disney.

October was a race to do as much as humanly possible before the baby arrived. We had a birthday party for my grandfather then panicked about how little time was left. It rained for like eleventybillion hours straight, and I gushed about my husband. There was a whole mess of cooking and then some fun in the tub. More belly pictures and angsting about the impending arrival along with some popsicles to make it all better.

There was a meeting about the baby and my kids blew off steam by learning to bull ride. Stephen turned two (TWO!!!) and there was more talk about the baby. We went to the park, blah blah blah baby, then had one last hurrah at Disney. We ended the month with a spectacular super hero Halloween team.

The month we've all been waiting for, and finally a decision was made! November saw the arrival of OMIGAAAAAHHH!!! A GIRL!!!! Baby Josie, to be exact. Surely the prettiest baby ever, who made one heck of a crazy arrival.

We settled into our new normal and tried on some dinosaur hair to pass the time. Casey turned five (gah. my heart.) and went swinging from the trees to prove that he has indeed grown up SO much. We spent a leisurely Thanksgiving in Gainesville and then celebrated just a teensy bit more.

December proved that I am indeed a terrible mother, with my head all wrapped up in our holiday traditions. Josie slept. A lot. And I gave new moms a whole mess of unsolicited advice. We didn't send out our year-end cards, but we did go to the park again.

Christmas came and we played at the beach. We also took our annual pajama picture, went to a party, ate Christmas Eve dinner and opened some presents. Ate some more dinner, took another picture, and went to another party.

Thank you 2011, you were (mostly) good. Great, even.

But let's make 2012 even better!

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[Want to keep reminiscing? Check out the 2010 recap and the 2009 recap!]

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Last Holiday Post, I Promise. Tomorrow We Welcome the New Year. But Today We Celebrate Once More!

2011-12-31T19:19:00.006-05:00

Does this picture look familiar? You guessed it, we take one every year! Ha! Because it's another AWESOME tradition. Awesome. Now, enjoy these pictures of Christmas evening at Grandma's, games at my parents and the Leftovers Party at Sally's. Enjoy them, dammit.

I love games, but Bananagrams is not my favorite. I think the babies have fried my brain. Charades on the other hand was epic.

Leftover parties are great. Gingerbread houses are awesome. Smashing gingerbread houses is the super BEST. Sometimes it takes a little more muscle than anticipated. And that's why uncles were invented.

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Blah, Blah, Blah... Sappy Holiday Post... Blah, Blah, Blah.

2011-12-30T22:29:00.011-05:00

The holiday season makes my heart so happy. I love any excuse to gather family and friends. To play games and clink glasses. To show people how much they mean to me. (Hey, family? Friends? You mean the world to me.) If it were my choice, we'd all live on a compound and have a party every month. Sunday brunches and Wednesday dinners. Impromptu charades and twinkle lights everywhere.

But also really well insulated walls. Because holy crow, we are loud.

Even when we squabble and expectations aren't met (I'm looking at you, Mom), I still want them near me. Because they are my heart and my soul and the wind beneath my wings.

Okay, maybe not that last part.

(But then again, maybe so.)

Our holiday schedule is packed and harried. It's full of late nights, skipped naps, and more than a few epic meltdowns. It's also rife with hugs and cuddles. With belly laughs and inside jokes. And a whole mess of inescapable traditions. Not that we'd ever want to escape them.

We have Danielle's Nasty Christmas Party on Christmas Eve Eve, then Christmas Eve dinner at Mom and Dad's (which is really more of an afternoon into the late night kind of event), Christmas breakfast at Mom and Dad's followed by our traditional pajama picture. Presents at Mom and Dad's, then the inevitable argument about whether to force naps. (We never do). Off to Grandma's for more presents, then finally naps. Back to Grandma's for dinner and whining, then back to Mom and Dad's for games. This year it was Bananagrams and a home brewed charades-style game. Last year it was Rockband on the Wii. Every year it's fun. We wrap it all up with a leftovers party at Sally's on the 26th where we lament that it will be another whole year before we do it again.

Be sure to check back in tomorrow for pictures from Christmas dinner and the Leftovers Party!

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If You Don't Get Invited to a 'Nasty Christmas Party' Then You Should Probably Throw One Yourself. Because They're Awesome.

2011-12-29T12:57:00.004-05:00

This is not even close to the end of my holiday posts. I know, I know, you're thinking "gosh, for heathens, they sure do a lot of celebrating," and yes, yes we do. Because it's fun and what's better than having a good time with friends and family? Pretty much nothing.

*Last year's Nasty Christmas Party can be found here!

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Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree... Where the BLEEP is the Christmas Tree???

2011-12-28T14:43:00.007-05:00

As someone who clings desperately to tradition. (Seriously, it's kind of an issue for me). You can imagine how ~~crushed~~ incensed I was when we arrived at my mother's house and not only did she get a new Christmas tree with never-before-seen ornaments, but she put the tree in a whole different room. GAH. I still get a stomachache thinking about it.

Fortunately for her, the lighting in this room is awesome. So, I guess I'll let it slide just this once. But next year. Next year I want BOTH trees.

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Sadly, It Wasn't a White Christmas. But We Made Do.

2011-12-26T14:58:00.004-05:00

I often lament the suffocating heat, and have been known to grumble at pictures of idyllic snowy winter adventures. But then we spend a warm December afternoon at the beach and I think about how much it sucks to scrape ice off your car. Plus, we can always take a road trip.

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Merry Christmas.

2011-12-25T13:28:00.001-05:00

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We Went to the Park Again. We Do That A Lot.

2011-12-23T09:19:00.003-05:00

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I'm Not Even Going to Pretend Like I Will Send Out Holiday Cards This Year. Because We're Being Green. Ahem Yeh, That.

2011-12-19T14:58:00.001-05:00

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How About Some Unsolicited Baby Shopping Advice From This Mom of Four Who Seems to Think She Knows It All. (I Don't By The Way).

2011-12-15T11:08:00.041-05:00

Have I mentioned that my sister is pregnant? (I'm super excited.) (I think it's a girl.)

Anyway, she was asking me about registering for the baby shower this morning, which got me to thinking about all my favorite baby items. And how I have gone through so many things that were awful to get to the good stuff. So, I'm going to share with you the things I love. And a few of the items on my own wish list.*

Infant Car Seat:

Britax Chaperone

For the infant option we have (and love) the Britax Chaperone. This seat is a new addition to our family. Our previous car seat (the Graco SnugRide) expired so we went on the hunt for something new. After discovering the rebound effect when installing my niece's SnugRide (I don't know how we didn't realize this with the first three kids?!), we decided to look for something safer.

Combi Shuttle

I was hoping to find a seat that included a rear latch or tether, but apparently these options are not available in the United States (what the heck?!). So our next best option is a seat with a rebound bar. We looked at the Britax Chaperone and the Combi Shuttle. The Britax is bigger and heavier for about the same price, and I like that the rebound bar is incorporated into the base (less chance of getting baby legs tangled), so it's what we went with. And I love it. My only concern was that it wouldn't fit into our stroller, but it does. Perfectly!

Convertible Car Seats:

Britax Marathon

For the next step in car seats, we have the Britax Marathon. Again, safety. It just has great reviews. Also, it's a comfortable seat and my kids love them. We are huge proponents of the five point harness, so I love that these are good until seventy pounds. My only complaint is that they're wide, so we can't put three across the very back row of the minivan (although we can get three across the middle row).

Sunshine Radian

The only seat I've come across that does fit three across the back row of a minivan is the Sunshine Radian, which thankfully is also very highly rated on safety, so it's what we will be upgrading to when the baby grows out of her infant seat. I can't give any personal testimony to the Sunshine Radian, as we don't own them yet, but I do love that it is styled more like a booster seat (perfect for the older boys) and that it is good for children up to eighty pounds (my kids will be rolling up to high school in these bad boys).

Strollers:

Combi Stroller

I cannot say enough good things about Combi strollers. We have the single stroller version as well as the side-by-side double version and we adore both. They are light and fold up tiny, BUT have all the bells and whistles that the giant Cadillac strollers (i.e. lays flat for sleeping, padded seat, front closes for infant use, under carriage storage, large sun shade). Also, it fits other brand infant car seats. This was my biggest concern when first purchasing, since it's a smaller stroller, but they fit fine. In fact, my five year old sits comfortably in the side-by-side when the baby is in her infant seat next to him. (Yes, my five year old still ride in a stroller on occasion. Feel free to judge me.)

Newborn Sleeping:

Graco Bedroom Bassinet

If you're going to be nursing, then you'll want the baby as close to your bed as humanly possible. Trust me. Minimize the amount of moving you need to do at night. I've done it with the baby across the room, and I've done it with the baby next to me. Not moving is so. much. better. I like a lot of pillows and blankets in the bed, so a co-sleeper doesn't work, fortunately though Graco makes the Bedroom Bassinet which is wonderful.

Graco Travel Lite

The Bedroom Bassinet is perfect height that allows me to have baby right up against the bed, but also provides enough protection that my blankets and whatnot won't fall in and smother her. The sun shade is great too because it allows me to watch television after she's gone to sleep without the flickering lights bothering her. Also, I can reach over and pluck her out with almost no effort. They also have the Travel Lite Crib which is very similar (and less expensive), but doesn't provide the storage below.

Clip-on Fan

We are also huge (HUGE!) proponents of white noise. Baby is used to all kinds of noise in utero, so it helps them sleep. And you're probably not used to all the snorts and chortles of a new baby sleeping next to you, so it helps you sleep too. I know a lot of people recommend white noise machines, but we find a simple small fan near the baby's bassinet works great. Also, it's been shown that having a fan in the room reduces the incidence of SIDS. So, bonus.

Snuza Baby Movement Monitor

Speaking of SIDS, I am completely paranoid. With my first three babies I would get up every hour or so and stick my finger under their nose to make sure actual breathing was happening. Not a great system. I learned after the fact about the AngelCare Monitor, and fully intended on getting one with baby number four... until I discovered the Snuza. It's so simple. Clip it onto the diaper and it monitors baby's breathing and movement. If something goes awry, the alarm goes off. Small, simple and easily portable. I do not miss my old system.

Travel Sleeping:

Graco Pack 'N Play

When baby is little, the Bedroom Bassinet is great for travel sleeping because it folds up just like a traditional Pack 'N Play, but as kiddo gets bigger you're going to want another alternative. Like... a traditional Pack 'N Play. Seriously, it's a great buy. My kids have all slept in them until age three when we traveled.

Travel Crib Mattress

My only suggestion for improvement is to purchase a mattress, as they are not soft surfaces. I can say from experience that my kids sleep much better with the added mattress.

Swaddling:

Aden + Anais Swaddling Blankets

There is no better blanket or swaddler than the Aden + Anais muslin swaddling blankets. They're big, light, breathable, soft, and amazing. I have about ten. And I want more.

Swings and Seats:

As much as you love your baby. And you will love your baby. You are going to want to put her down. You've carried her for nine months, you deserve a break. I have three newborn 'seating' options: the swing, the bouncer, and the rocker. Each one is deserving of accolades. Baby girl swoons and scorns each one on varying occasions. I am very glad to have all three.

My Little Snugabunny Cradle 'n Swing

The swing we're using, is the Fisher-Price My Little Snugabunny Cradle 'n Swing. It's borrowed, but oh how I wish it were mine. If we have more kids I will buy my own. It's amaaaaaazing.

Fisher-Price Infant-To-Toddler Rocker

Our rocker is the Fisher-Price Infant-To-Toddler Rocker. It gets a lot of use here because the big boys like to flip it to rocker position and sit there while they watch television. (Yes, my kids watch television. Continue to judge.)

Fisher-Price Rainforest Bouncer

My beloved bouncer is sadly no longer on the market. This Fisher-Price Rainforest Bouncer is very similar though.

Soothing:

Soothie Pacifier

Pacifiers. Get one of every size and shape. You don't know which they will like, but at 3 am when sissy's been fussing for two hours straight, you'll be darn glad you bought a smorgasbord to try. My little one actually prefers different pacifiers throughout the day. She's a hot mess like that.

Mylicon Infant Gas Drops

Mylicon. There will be gas. You will want this.

Diapering:

Dr. Smith's Diaper Ointment

Dr. Smith's. Best diaper cream ever. I know, it's expensive. But it lasts a long time and it really really really works.

Baby Clothes:

Baby Pajamas

I am a firm (FIRM!) believer in jammies for pretty much the first six (maybe nine?) months of life. Make it easy on yourself and comfortable for baby by just getting a truckload of footie pajamas. Not kidding. My personal favorites are the ones with buttons or zippers up only one leg, that way you can do it in the dark (or half asleep) and not totally screw up.

Feeding:

Avent Twin Electric Breast Pump

I know there are legions of moms who swear by Medela breast pumps, but I'm just not one of them. I've had the Avent Twin Electric Breast Pump and the Medela Freestyle Double Breast Pump. The Medela is solidly good, but the Avent is great. It's comfortable, super customizable, and considerably less expensive. Additionally, its parts are interchangeable with the hand pump which I also love.

Boppy Feeding Pillow

Your lower back will thank you for the Boppy Pillow. Aside from nursing and bottle feeding, it's also great for another place to stash new baby. And it will come in handy again when she's learning to sit up and you want to help keep her from falling backward. But seriously, your back needs this pillow.

Diaper Bags:

SkipHop Diaper Bag

I generally just carry a purse large enough to shove a few extra diapers in, but if you must have a diaper bag (and who am I kidding, of course we all need at least one diaper bag), I highly suggest the SkipHop bag. Lots of pockets, easy to clean fabric, and best of all it has special clips to attach to your stroller. Good stuff. Oh, and it's cute.

Carriers:

Ergo Baby Carrier

We have the Evenflo Snugli front and back carrier, and we genuinely like it. But, I won't lie to you. I'm seriously coveting the Ergo Baby Carrier. Seriously. Coveting. All the folks I know who have it say it is the most comfortable carrier ever and I love that it's rated up to eighty (eighty!!!) pounds. Can you imagine?

High Chair:

Rainforest Healthy Care High Chair

Check your vanity and sense of style at the door. Get whatever has the most bells and whistles on it. Much like the swing and bouncer, this will be one more place to park your kiddo while you try to get things done. Or maybe just have a glass of wine. Regardless, get something that is bright and colorful and entertaining. Trust me. I would tell you to get the one we have (it's pretty great), but unfortunately they no longer make it. If I were currently in the market for a high chair though, this Rainforest number by Fisher-Price would be at the top of my list.

*this post is just riddled with affiliate links.

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Five Weeks Young.

2011-12-11T21:12:00.001-05:00

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Walking In A(n Arificially Constructed) Winter Wonderland.

2011-12-09T13:57:00.003-05:00

I am a creature of habit. Lover of traditions. Possibly a bit OCD. So when Light Up UCF came around again, you can bet I was all over it like white on rice. Or, like whole grain on rice in these parts.

This year the ice slide was all the rage.

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There's a Fine Line Between Being the 'Fun Mom' and Being the 'Really Bad Mom' I'll Let You Decide Whether We Crossed It.

2011-12-05T12:13:00.005-05:00

Speaking of friends who are no longer friends, but actually family, we took an afternoon jaunt to Melbourne yesterday and visited Erin, Nick and Merrick. It's so nice to know people who's home feels like your own. No pretenses.

While the men were being manly with beer and football, Erin and I loaded the boys in the car and headed to the beach for some sandy fun. We made it very clear on the way over that it was much to cold out to go in the water. BWAHAHAHA.

The kids had a blast, but while watching them scream into the wind and skip along the (not at all warm) tide, we agreed good moms probably would have thought to bring warm drinks, some snacks and maybe a change of clothes.

Or, at the very least a towel.

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It's Begining to Smell a Lot Like Christmas!

2011-11-30T13:34:00.007-05:00

Cinnamon Applesauce Holiday Ornament Ingredients:

1 container ground cinnamon, 4.12 ounce
3/4 Cup unsweetened applesauce

Cinnamon Applesauce Holiday Ornament Directions:

Combine cinnamon and applesauce in a bowl, knead into a dough.
Roll dough out to desired thickness (if you have problems with dough sticking, you can 'flour' the surface and rolling pin with more ground cinnamon). Cut shapes with a knife or cookie cutters. Use a straw to make string hole.
Bake at 200 degrees for 2 - 4 hours, turning each hour. Allow to cool on a wire rack. Alternatively, you can air dry for 2 - 4 days, turning each half day.
Decorate and hang!

Yields approximately 8-10 ornaments made with standard sized cookie cutters.

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Another Birthday Post. Because Birthdays are a BIG DEAL.

2011-11-28T11:08:00.004-05:00

I got an unexpected reminder about the fragility of life this morning. So, I'm telling you. Celebrate birthdays. Strike that. Celebrate DAYS. And family. And friends. Give your kids a hug.

Happy birthday, Casey. Happy birthday, Ellie.

Let's all grow old together.

Okay?

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I am Thankful to NOT Be Shopping on Black Friday. Okay, I Totally Shopped. But It Was In My Jammies From My Computer. Totally Not the Same.

2011-11-25T13:27:00.004-05:00

I am also thankful for: Curious little boys. Sweet smelling baby girls. On demand television. Big families. Digital cameras. Doting husbands. Okay, just one of those. Battery operated infant swings. Play-doh. Grandparents. Sleep. Not that I get much these days. Holiday music. Good food. Yarn. Friends. Friends that really aren't friends any more, but actually family. Family. MY family. And, of course, coffee.

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Adventures in Growing Up.

2011-11-23T12:10:00.008-05:00

As we all know, Casey is afraid of pretty much everything. So about six months ago when he asked to go zip lining for his next birthday we all laughed it off, gave him a "Sure, Kiddo," Major Eyeroll and completed it with a patronizing pat on the head.

Well, low and behold, this week he turned five. And he took our sorry selves to task on that zip lining promise.

Go you, Casey.

Go YOU.

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Happy Fifth Birthday, Casey!

2011-11-21T18:55:00.004-05:00

Casey wanted everyone to see that he picked out a cheetah for his birthday. So, there. His cheetah.

I don't know why fifth birthdays are different than other birthdays. But they are, and I've been sad about it all day. The postpartum hormones probably aren't helping matters, but I believe I'd be a little melancholy regardless of my pregnancy status.

Five is a paradox. Loves roller coasters and zip lines, also needs his blankie and night light. So much the big kid, but also still quite small and new. We're entering unfamiliar territory of school and friends and cautious independence.

I'm not sure I am ready, but I suspect he'll do just fine.

Happy Birthday, Casey.

We love you.

So. Very. Much.

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Four Kids Four and Under... Well, At Least Until Tomorrow.

2011-11-20T18:43:00.003-05:00

Remember when I though three was crazy?

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Hey, Mom! Can We Have Dinosaur Hair?

2011-11-16T15:02:00.001-05:00

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When Blue Met Pink.

2011-11-14T17:51:00.016-05:00

I am having a total mental block writing Josie's birth story. Total. Mental. Block. Possibly because even though it was one of the absolute best days of my life (tied for first place with three other days, as a matter of fact) the actually delivery was particularly awful. And that's coming from someone who's had 24 hour labors, three emergency c-sections and a mid-labor uterine rupture. So, I consider myself pretty much an expert on craptastic deliveries. But, in the end, awesome result. So, really that's all that matters.

It all started off well enough. On Wednesday evening I received a text from my obstetrician saying that the secondary screen of amniotic fluid came back as mature, so we were good to go for delivery. He scheduled me for Friday afternoon at 12:30 and we were told to be at the hospital by 10:30 for pre-op prep. I was really happy about this because I had started to get uneasy about stretching my uterus for another week. Also, my November 10th section was scheduled so early in the morning that the big boys would've still been asleep when we left for the hospital. And that just didn't sit well with me.

So we spent the morning together, I let the boys empty an entire can of shaving cream in the shower, and we took our traditional "this is what our family looks like right before we get one person bigger" picture. Then it was on.

At the hospital things went quickly, we were sent upstairs to the scheduled c-section waiting room, and then ushered to the scheduled c-section pre-op area, which by-the-by is so much nicer and calmer than the unscheduled c-section pre-op area. Who knew? But this is when things began to go awry.

Right off the bat I warned the nurses I am notoriously difficult to get an IV started on and that they may want to call their most skilled IV inserter for the task. I made it very clear I was not joking. Four blown veins later, they finally heeded my advice. Then the nurse anesthetist came in and asked if I've ever had any problems with epidurals. Yes, actually. My last three have been in increasingly difficult. It takes a lot to get me numbed. In fact the anesthesiologist at Stephen's delivery remarked that he couldn't remember the last time he put so much medicine in someone my size. Regardless, she was up for the challenge and I wasn't too worried, since I've always eventually gone numb.

Not so much this time.

After several doses of medicine and many tinkerings with pulling the epidural in and out (yes, just as awful as it sounds), we only ever got the right leg numb and the left leg a wee bit tingly. Belly? Totally un-numb. Pretty much the complete opposite of our goal. So she called in the resident anesthesiologist. Who actually had done his thesis on antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, and was quite excited to have me as a patient. Despite his eagerness, he only managed to make my left leg a bit heavier feeling and my belly a little tingly. Enter the Chief of Staff. More tinkering and then the decision to bring me back into the operating room in the hopes that the epidural would finish kicking in by the time they were ready to start surgery.

Except? Not so much.

So the Chief of Staff gave me the option to be put under, or to pull the epidural out and try a spinal as a last ditch effort. With the understanding that if it didn't work, then I would have to be put under, and also that if the surgery took longer than expected and the spinal wore off then I would have to be put under. He strongly encouraged me to give the spinal a try so I would be able to remember the delivery. We went for it. The nurses propped my semi numb self up, promising not to drop me, and the Chief of Staff went to work. It only took four tries. From the guy who apparently never misses.

And finally. FINALLY. Numb.

Unfortunately, they had put so much medicine in me that my blood pressure went all wonky and I got dizzy and nauseous and was pretty much horrifically miserable. So, they pulled the baby out, took a couple of quick pictures and insisted that I was so full of anti-nausea medication that I surely wouldn't get sick. One Major Round of Puking later they did me a solid and knocked me out.

I woke up on the way to recovery feeling awesome. No joke, it was like I slept for a week. As they wheeled me toward my bay, the Chief of Staff warned my nurse that I would be in recovery for a very long time because they put so much numbing medication in me that I wouldn't be able to lift my legs for at least the next several hours. In response? I lifted both my legs.

Needless to say, it's a really good thing the surgery finished when it did. And if we go for number five? They're going to have a special meeting about me. Because apparently I'm special.

But, hey. When I got to recovery? She was there. Perfect. And absolutely nothing else mattered.

(One of the) Best Day(s) Ever.

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38 Weeks. Alternately Titled: (Nearly) One Week Old.

2011-11-10T08:50:00.004-05:00

Birth story coming soon.

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Watch me grow: twenty-two week belly, twenty-seven week belly, thirty-three week belly, thirty-four week belly, thirty-five week belly, thirty-six week belly, thirty-seven week belly.

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Pretty Baby Josie. Nom Nom Nom. Sorry, My Head is Too Cloudy For a Post With Words.

2011-11-08T15:56:00.002-05:00

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It's a...

2011-11-04T15:06:00.002-04:00

GIRL!!!!!!
Introducing Josephine Rey!
Six pounds eleven ounces and nineteen inches of perfection.
Born today, 11-4-2011 at 1:28PM.
We are so in love.

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Thirty-Seven Weeks.

2011-11-02T22:22:00.006-04:00

So, I went ahead and had the amniocentesis this afternoon. I've been having a lot of contractions, and the doctor I saw yesterday kind of put things into perspective for me when he asked what the point of risking another week is, if we know the baby is healthy and ready to come out. Touche, touche.

I called my regular OB after the appointment and asked what he thought... okay, actually I asked what he would want his wife, mother, or sister to do if they were in my situation. Without hesitation he said "do the amnio and get the baby out." So, that answered that. Guess I just wasn't asking the right question before.

The procedure wasn't bad at all. In fact, my daily shots are often a lot more painful. Mostly the idea of what exactly they were doing was the awful part. And I kept my eyes closed the whole time anyway. The biggest kick in the gut was that everyone I talked to about doing the amnio said it would be a quick thing! In and out! Fifteen minutes from prep to done! Except they all forgot to mention that you have to be monitored for nearly an hour after the procedure.

Oh HEY! That would have been really nice to know! I probably wouldn't have dragged my kids with me! You know, because AGHHHHHH. Thankfully my friend Maribeth came along and was a pro kid wrangler. She pretty much deserves a medal for today.

But here's the really fun part. The results came back transitional, which means I still don't have a definitive answer. Because, seriously, this all started out as a guessing game, so why would it end any differently?

My bet is on Friday. Two PM'ish. Boy. Seven pounds. What do you think?

p.s. We're back to the kids bathroom again.

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Watch me grow: twenty-two week belly, twenty-seven week belly, thirty-three week belly, thirty-four week belly, thirty-five week belly, thirty-six week belly.

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The Super Hero Halloween Brigade.

2011-11-01T07:56:00.007-04:00

In a fun, last minute, turn of events yesterday, my sister Sally's sister-in-law came to town with her lovely family, so Sophia was able to join us for trick-or-treating. And even better? She showed up as Super Girl! The perfect addition to our super hero brigade.

In not so fun news, my sister Jessica was really sick, so we weren't able to trail the neighborhood with her kids for fear of cross contamination. We did see them ever so briefly though, so all was not lost!

Casey ultimately declared it "THE BEST HALLOWEEN EVER!"

And, yes. So far, it was.

Woot!

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A Pregnant Chick Walked into Disney World... And Boy Did It HURT. badump-ching!

2011-10-31T06:00:00.000-04:00

Four days at Disney World. Four Parks. (Almost) four children.

Casey had a panic attack before every. single. ride. (okay, except Thunder Mountain Railroad, because seriously???), but then wanted to re-ride everything fifteen times after discovering that Disney is not, in fact, scary. Okay, except the Snow White ride. Disney, come on, what's up with that? Thankfully there were essentially no crowds, so we were able to ride repeat until their hearts were content.

Jonathan loved pretty much all the rides, except he didn't get his preferred color on Dumbo, so that was a bit of karmic fiasco. Fiasco because, oh the crying and carrying on... and karmic, because apparently Hubs pulled the same stunt with his parents nearly thirty years ago. Ack. Thirty years ago. We sound old now.

Stephen just wanted ice cream.

I just wanted to get to EPCOT for the food.

Wesley just wanted a nap.

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This is Probably Cruel, But I Thought it Was Pretty Funny to Take Pictures of My Kids in Pitch Dark When They Were Full-on Terrified. BWAHAHAHA.

2011-10-30T22:16:00.003-04:00

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Stephen Had a Birthday. There Was a Lot of Singing and Blowing Out of Candles. He Kind of Loves That.

2011-10-28T21:53:00.005-04:00

I never know what to write on these birthday posts. I feel like they should be all touching and poignant and full of wistful nostalgia. But, I'm just not that type of writer. Hah. Even referring to myself as a writer at all sounds ridiculous. But still, I want to say something.

So, Stephen. You are an unbelievably difficult child. Like, really really hard. But my heart is bursting at the seams with love and affection for you. You nuzzle and cuddle and charm like no one's business. You can talk me into cookies for lunch and ice cream for dinner. You always steal my coffee and you love spicy foods. You like to mush my face and give me violently awesome "BIG kissies!" Pretty much you're fantastic. Like all my kids. Thanks for being you. And Happy Birthday. I'll gladly sing to you any day.

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Thirty-Six Weeks. Also, This is What My Thirty-Six Week Fetus Looks Like. In Case You Were Wondering.

2011-10-27T19:42:00.009-04:00

This afternoon I had three honest to goodness contractions in a period of twenty minutes, so I whipped out my phone and downloaded a contraction timer. They promptly stopped. I can't decide whether to be sad or happy about it. My parents are ~~out of town~~ ~~out of the country~~ off the continent until tomorrow, Wesley has his engineering boards on Saturday, and Monday is Halloween. So, I guess it's better this way. But still. I WANT IT OUT.

At my appointment yesterday the high risk doctor offered to do an amnio so I could consider having the baby removed post haste. I declined. But mostly just because we had plans to go to EPCOT's Food and Wine Festival that evening, so really inconvenient timing. I do NOT like to miss the Food and Wine Festival. If he asked me today though, I might not be able to say no.

In any event, he had me make an amnio appointment for next Wednesday. I don't have to keep it (his words), but he thinks I will. We shall see. We. Shall. See. Even though I needle myself in the belly twice a day, somehow an amnio just sounds terrible. He assures me it's not. But still. UHG.

In more interesting news. Or not really interesting per se, but different. If only slightly. The baby weighed in at 6 pounds, 9 ounces and is in the 80th percentile. Also, head down. Like really far down. Legs? Not down. Entangled in my rib cage. Which feels just about as awesome as it sounds.

(Still a hairy beast too.)

Seven Week Ultrasound, Six Week Ultrasound, Twenty-three Week Ultrasound, Thirty Week Ultrasound.

p.s. Hotel bathroom. Level of grossness significantly lower.

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Watch me grow: twenty-two week belly, twenty-seven week belly, thirty-three week belly, thirty-four week belly, thirty-five week belly.

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Arrrrrr, Matey. This Pirate Family is Babymooning at Disney. Thieves and Pillagers Take Note! We're Local, So Don't Bother.

2011-10-25T21:27:00.003-04:00

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Gratuitous Pictures of My Family at the Park. Crying, Whining, and Complaining Edited Out, Because Who Wants to Remember THAT Part?

2011-10-23T16:59:00.005-04:00

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Thirty-Five Weeks.

2011-10-22T06:05:00.011-04:00

My team of ~~doctors~~ superheroes told me they would gladly take the baby out as early as 36 weeks. But, obviously it's better for the baby to cook longer. And I would have to undergo an amnio if I opted for earlier than 38 weeks.

These men have been working with pregnant women for like eightybajillion (combined, of course) years. DON'T THEY KNOW YOU NEVER TELL A PREGNANT WOMEN SHE CAN HAVE THE BABY EARLY UNLESS YOU REALLY REALLY MEAN IT. Which, they obviously DON'T, since my c-section is scheduled for November 10th, NOT October 27th. Which in theory is good! Great! Baby cooks longer! Grows more! Is so healthy and perfect!

Except. EXCEPT. I just keep looking at the calendar thinking... 'huh, I *could* be done with all this nonsense in five days.' DONE. (Okay, okay, not really done. I am completely cognizant that a newborn brings with it a whole mess of new! challenges! But seriously, LALALAICANTHEARYOUBECAUSEICOULDBEDONEINFIVEDAYSLALALA).

DONE.

You guys. I am so conflicted. And uncomfortable.

Mostly uncomfortable.

p.s. Different bathroom. Pretty much same level of grossness.

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Watch me grow: twenty-two week belly, twenty-seven week belly, thirty-three week belly, thirty-four week belly.

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Happy Second Birthday, Stephen!!!

2011-10-20T11:40:00.005-04:00

Oh, Stephen. You won't be the baby for much longer, but you will always be Mommy's little peanut. We love you forever and always and then quite possibly, a little bit more. Happy Birthday, buddy.

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This is What Happens When You're Nine Months Pregnant and Try to Take an Overhead Food Shot.

2011-10-18T15:50:00.017-04:00

Jonathan woke up at 10pm last night in a feverish delirium asking to go outside and play. "Don't worry, Mom. It's okay because I will be on the PATIO, not in the yard."

Ummm, right. No.

Thankfully, I remembered to pick up more play-doh yesterday and also Leap Frog cartridges were on sale, so my impulse buy of two new learning games has been our saving grace today. You know, since we are awesomely confined to our house yet again. Thanks Target for making it ~~nearly~~ impossible not to overspend.

I also broke down and *finally* bought one (very small) package of newborn diapers, as we are slowly coming to the realization that there may actually be another human being joining us shortly. I'm still on the fence about things though, I could just be bloated.

So, as I type this post, in a fit of "PLEASE. PLEASE. PLEASE. don't let this plague ruin our plans to visit Disney one last time before the impending arrival of "YOU WILL NOT LEAVE THE HOUSE DURING COLD AND FLU SEASON WITH A NEWBORN," I am roasting two and a half pounds of garlic cloves and drinking vitamin C infused grapefruit juice by the half gallon.

Wish I were kidding.

On a funnier, and yet somewhat alarmingly dangerous note, Wesley introduced the kids to bull riding. Which resulted in this:

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So Apparently Some Doctors Had a Meeting About Me. And Now We Have A(nother) Plan!

2011-10-17T13:28:00.016-04:00

I like to believe each of my pregnancies is super special and totally unique, but I am beginning to think I may be mistaken. Wesley assured me last night that I have complained about the same things every time. It would seem I always have trouble, eating, sleeping, bending and being nice. And apparently I have a habit of mentally breaking down around week 34. Yay!

Not only that, but my doctors have the same debates about delivering, and my kids... well they apparently all think they're the same fetus. Case in point? At my last high risk visit (34 weeks) the doctor estimated the baby's weight at 5.5 pounds and said I'm measuring a week ahead. They couldn't seem to decide whether to deliver me at 36, 37 or 38 weeks. This morning there was a meeting between my doctors and it was decided that I would aim for 38 weeks (November 10th) with the VERY! STRONG! CAVEAT! that I am to go to the hospital immediately if I feel like there is anything at all whatsoever funky going on.

Huh. Well, if that sounds familiar, it's because they said the exact. same. thing. at my 34 week appointment with Stephen. The only difference being, at Stephen's appointment I was told he had big ears, and at this appointment they said the baby has a whole mess of hair.

So, short story long, November 10th. Unless it happens sooner. Which last time it did. So, who really knows. Surely not me.

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On Pregnancy and Popsicles and Doing What You Can.

2011-10-16T12:08:00.006-04:00

I've hit that point in pregnancy where I just can't. It's not that I don't want to, I just can't. I can't think straight. I can't walk quite right. I can't sleep through the night. I can't eat comfortably. I can't bend. I can't keep my patience. And I can't believe there's really a baby coming in just a couple of weeks.

But I can still shower my little boys with love and popsicles and apologies for all the things I can't.

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Thirty-Four Weeks.

2011-10-13T11:35:00.013-04:00

In hubby's defense, I didn't even ask him to take a picture this time. You've seen the bathroom, it's gross, we can all move on.

Still no answer on when baby will be here, and my appointment with the high risk maternal fetal medicine doctors made things about as clear as mud. Short story is they would feel very comfortable doing an amnio and delivering at 36 weeks. BUT. Since I went to 37 weeks with Stephen and my scar was intact at the time of delivery, they would let me make the call. In fact, if I *really* want, they'll consider letting me go as long as 38 weeks.

I would have liked to talk to the doctor about it more, because I was getting the distinct impression that 36 or 37 weeks is really the right answer in their eyes, but oh hey! We're all sick! And I had the three kids with me since Wesley did overnight duty yesterday! And Stephen screamed the entire appointment! So, the environment wasn't exactly conducive to a grown-up conversation. Or, really, any conversation whatsoever.

Hopefully tomorrow's appointment with the regular OB will yield something more concrete. Or not, whatever.

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Watch me grow: twenty-two week belly, twenty-seven week belly, thirty-three week belly.

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Mark Your Calendars. For On This Day In History, I Was a Cool Mom. And It Probably Won't Happen Again.

2011-10-12T13:28:00.002-04:00

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Recipe Roundup.

2011-10-11T11:47:00.004-04:00

I've been in the kitchen again lately. Not sure if it's in preparation of new baby, or in avoidance of doing other things (read = cleaning and sorting) related to new baby. Regardless, here's what I've been up to recently. Please feel free to click through for the recipes!

Three Ingredient Slow Cooker Crock Pot Apple Butter

Spiced Apple Cider Cake with Salted Caramel Icing

Ten Minute Coconut Curry Chicken Noodle Soup

Easy Fried Pickles

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This Dude Let ME Sleep In On HIS Birthday. He's Pretty Much The Best Person EVER.

2011-10-09T10:50:00.005-04:00

I have no idea how I got so lucky with this guy. Seriously, he amazes me almost every day. (I would say every day, but let's try to keep it real). Just this morning, on HIS BIRTHDAY, even though he was exhausted and has to work all weekend, he let ME sleep in. Because he's THAT AWESOME.

Also lucky? My kids. He gets up with them every morning. He leaves work at five every. single. day. so he can get home to play with them. Even if it means he has to go back to work when they're in bed. He loves them SO MUCH.

Happy Birthday, Wesley. Sorry this is so cheesy. I'm trying to keep the mush to a minimum, but it's just oozing out all over my keyboard.

I love you.

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It's Raining It's Pouring...

2011-10-08T17:09:00.004-04:00

We are going on twenty-one (possibly two?) straight hours of rain with no end in sight. It's a bit surreal. I'm so thankful we have good neighbors and a covered patio. Also, on-demand television. (And delivery pizza.)

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Thirty-Three Weeks.

2011-10-05T14:29:00.006-04:00

Do you know what happens when you ask your husband to take a belly picture while he is playing online RPG's? Nothing. Nothing happens. Which is why we're all stuck looking at a terrible self-portrait in my kids' gross bathroom mirror. Blame him, not me.

So, thirty-three weeks. Sounds like pretty far along. Enough to be uncomfortable, but no so much that we need to get all frenzied. Because pregnancy is a leisurely forty weeks. And forty weeks is like, forEVER away. Except that I keep putting out of my mind the fact that I get delivered at thirty-seven weeks. Which is only four weeks away. Oh, and my doctor mentioned something about maybe thirty-six weeks this time. Which is three weeks away. As in BEFORE HALLOWEEN. As in, REALLY REALLY SOON.

I'm kind of starting to panic.

FYI.

twenty-two week belly, twenty-seven week belly.

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This 'Doing Stuff' Thing Is Like a Snowball Effect. I Just Can't Stop. Soon I Will Be Running For President. Or, Laid Up In Bed. Probably the Latter.

2011-10-04T09:08:00.009-04:00

Because a 2,500 mile road trip, visit to Disney World, and being uber freaking pregnant aren't enough, we also recently went down to south Florida for my Grandpa Joe's birthday party. When asked what sage advice he had, now that he's turned 87? He said, "Live to 100!" Sounds like a good plan to me.

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It Has Come to My Attention That The Closer I Get To Having a Baby, The More I Feel Compelled To Do.

2011-09-30T15:00:00.006-04:00

Okay, for starters, can you BELIEVE my nephew turned two? TWO?! Seriously, I just told you he was born like ten minutes ago. He cannot possibly be two already.

And yet, he is.

So, we went to the Magic Kingdom for his birthday. Because the Magic Kingdom is awesome. Even when you're eightybajillion months pregnant.

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Road Trip Adventures... Part IV

2011-09-28T20:02:00.010-04:00

For our last leg of the trip, driving from Gatlinburg back to Central Florida, we decided there was no way we could do it in one long stretch. Nor did we want to! Our whole trip had been filled with adventures and new places, so we couldn't end on a full day of boring driving. Back to the maps it was, and after a little searching, we found that The Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, in Columbia, South Carolina, was right on our way.

We lucked out, because our Central Florida Zoo passes gave us a 50% discount to the Riverbanks Zoo, so for a measly $16.00 we had a fantastic time at this really awesome attraction. We didn't tell the boys what our plan was, and they were completely thrilled to find out or pitstop was a zoo rather than another Chik-fil-A playground. It made for an exceptionally long day, and we rolled back into our driveway late and tired. But pleased. So very pleased.

Wondering what on earth I'm talking about? Check out Part I of our Road Trip Adventure, Part II of our Road Trip Adventure, and Part III of our Road Trip Adventure!

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This is What My 30 Week Fetus Looks Like. In Case You Were Curious.

2011-09-26T13:28:00.005-04:00

Possibly (but probably not), you are thinking to yourself, "Gosh, Self, I really thought she was farther along than 30 weeks! I must go check my calendar, STAT." Well, you would be right. I'm actually more like 32 weeks along. But I got so caught up with our vacation postings, I completely forgot about these pictures of my little chunk-a-monk.

So, what do you think? Girl or boy? I'm still guessing boy, but Casey is absolutely sure he's getting a sister.

Seven Week Ultrasound, Six Week Ultrasound, Twenty-three Week Ultrasound

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Road Trip Adventures... Part III

2011-09-25T16:39:00.035-04:00

Following the memorial service, we hopped back on the road toward Ohio to spend the night with Brittany and her family. Not too many pictures because the kids did not. stop. moving. from the time we entered her house. (Sorry Brittany). But I guess that's what happens when you invite a mess of car strapped children to your home. On a positive note, we went out to lunch before leaving and the kids were all awesome. I'm not even making that up, a stranger totally told me so.

After Ohio (which by-the-by is the farthest north Welsey has ever been!) we headed southward toward Tennessee. This part of the trip was totally unplanned. We learned there was no real reason to head back to Indiana as was our initial intention, so in a fit of nostalgia Wesley suggested we go to Gatlinburg for a few days.

A couple hours before heading out I borrowed some wifi from Brittany and booked a place to stay. The listing said it was a beautiful two bedroom, two bathroom condo in Gatlinburg. It was absolutely a beautiful two bedroom, two bathroom condo. It was not, however, in Gatlinburg. It was, instead, precariously placed on the side of a mountain about ten miles outside of Gatlinburg.

We got in very (very) late and nearly turned around and drove home in seething frustration after losing our cell and GPS signals and nearly driving off the side of an unlit cliff. But after a little bit of therapeutic screaming, we decided to try one more time and actually managed to find the place. It really was nice, and we would totally (hopefully) return. Just not in the middle of the night.

The next morning we decided to venture into town and risk our lives on the Ober Aerial Tramway. Unfortunately, after arriving, we learned it was closed for the two days we were visiting. The amusement park at the top was still open though, so we drove on up to check things out. It was a little outdated (read = last refurbished around 1972), but still perfect for the kids. A few hours of climbing at the playground and riding the miniature train was just what they needed.

After running everyone ragged, we snapped a few obligatory mountainside pictures and then headed back to the hotel for some much needed rest. That evening we went out on a limb and took our (normally asleep by 7pm) kids to a late dinner and visit to the local aquarium.

Mellow Mushroom in Gatlinburg was a little on the pricey side, but totally worth it for the experience. Their booths would easily fit ten adults (major bonus when hanging with spastic kids), and the food was spectacular. The wait-service and ambiance was super calm and there was so much leftover food that we had midnight snacks and lunch the next day. I don't normally gush about restaurants, but this one is worth seeking out if you make it to Gatlinburg.

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies was equally gush-worthy. We were visiting during off-season and went at night (around 8pm), so we practically had the place to ourselves. It was amazing. Ahhhhhh-mazing. The exhibits were well kept, child friendly and just plain awesome. If you visit Gatlinburg and can only do one thing? Do this.

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Wondering what on earth I'm talking about? Check out Part I of our Road Trip Adventure, Part II of our Road Trip Adventure, and be sure to stay tuned for Part IV!

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Road Trip Adventures... Part II

2011-09-22T10:30:00.012-04:00

After our pit stop at Mammoth Caves, we hopped back on the road toward Marion, Indiana to meet up with the everyone for Grandma Bonnie's Memorial Service. I would be lying to you if I didn't admit it was a seriously depressing little town, but there was a beautiful park and seeing the family made it totally worthwhile.

Getting into the hotels late at night, knowing the kids would be up in just a few hours was probably our biggest struggle on this trip. But, truly, they were so well behaved about getting straight to bed, it wasn't so terrible. If only they would sleep in, then it would've been golden!

Matter Park in Marion was honestly spectacular. It had an enormous kids play set, ponds, picnic areas and even a game room. I've heard that it once even housed a small zoo! The weather was warm, but not painful like Florida, so we were able to take full advantage and spend plenty of time outdoors burning off energy.

Naps were so crucial for maintaining our sanity. Before the trip we stressed a lot about how we would coordinate them, knowing all of us in one room would likely present a challenge, but as it turned out everyone was so exhausted by afternoon that no one (not even Mommy!) put up a fight.

The service was equal parts sad and lovely. We sat in the room adjacent to the pictures and video, because I was on the verge of ugly crying pretty much the whole time. That and it was closer to the food. The boys had fun running around being hooligans and hopefully lightened the mood a little bit for everyone. Tracey made sure to remind me that horizontal stripes probably aren't my friend at this point in pregnancy. She was totally right, so I'm sparing you the photographic evidence.

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Wondering what on earth I'm talking about? Check out Part I of our Road Trip Adventure, and be sure to stay tuned for Part III and Part IV!

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April's Little Family

Fone it in Phriday.

I Want to Take Pictures of Her Constantly. Okay, I Want To Take Pictures of All My Kids Constantly, But She's The Only One That Can't Run Away.

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Some Super Heroes Wear Undies Over Their Pants, But REAL Superheroes Skip the Pants Altogether.

Be Still, My Heart(s).

Hi My Name Is Josie. Have You Met My Lips?

My New Years Resolution is to Not Look Four Months Pregnant By This Time Next Year. Well, Unless I Actually Am. In Which Case, Yay For Me!

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Merry Christmas.

We Went to the Park Again. We Do That A Lot.

I'm Not Even Going to Pretend Like I Will Send Out Holiday Cards This Year. Because We're Being Green. *Ahem* Yeh, That.

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Thirty-Five Weeks.

Happy Second Birthday, Stephen!!!

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Thirty-Four Weeks.

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Thirty-Three Weeks.

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It Has Come to My Attention That The Closer I Get To Having a Baby, The More I Feel Compelled To Do.

Road Trip Adventures... Part IV

This is What My 30 Week Fetus Looks Like. In Case You Were Curious.

Road Trip Adventures... Part III

Road Trip Adventures... Part II

I'm Not Even Going to Pretend Like I Will Send Out Holiday Cards This Year. Because We're Being Green. Ahem Yeh, That.

A Pregnant Chick Walked into Disney World... And Boy Did It HURT. badump-ching!