MORE MUSIC!
Last night was Drew's first grade music program. There are about 250 first graders in Drew's school. They were all crammed on the stage, it was standing room only in the cafeteria and it was a little over an hour long. But, at the end, they had all the students get back on stage and face their parents and the Principal announced the "Canal Winchester Class of 2020". I fell apart! 2020???? I don't know why but that just really got to me! So, then I started thinking...Dawsyn will be 2021, Delaney-2023, Dax- 2025, and this one will 2028. I was born in 1978. Now, my mind is running much slower these days, but by my quick calculations, I will be 50 when this one graduates from high school (see how the pregnant mind can quickly spiral downward into a depressive funk???). I think that is why I truly try to enjoy every moment and not miss a thing. I know I will blink and next thing I know, I will be sitting here and it will be 2020 and I will be planning a graduation party and I will think back to that little curly-haired boy standing on stage with his little clip-on tie (which he put up so much of a fuss about I'm not sure we'll ever graduate to actual ties) and his crooked-tooth smile singing "Oh Mr. Sun, please shine down on me!" and I will cry all over again.
THE WEEKENDS ARE ROUGH
It seems that when I get back to work on Monday, I am totally wiped out! This weekend I went to our annual Women of Faith Conference at Nationwide Arena. It was wonderful, as usual. I felt like the speakers were talking right to me. They even did a skit about body image and struggling with being pregnant and gaining weight! It was amazing. I must say, Shawn is a trooper! While I was at WOF, Shawn had to take all four kids to Drama class, piano rehearsal, football/cheerleading where he helps coach, and get their other usual daily activities done. He was pretty worn out as well! :)
Yesterday, Drew had his first piano recital. We sat through an hour and a half of young children playing their instruments in a hot church, just to hear his 30 second rendition of "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" on the piano. I couldn't have been prouder if he was Beethoven. He is so much like his father, though. We sat there waiting for it to start for about a half hour and literally two minutes before it started, Drew looks at me and says, "oh no" and I see that his nose is bleeding. Shawn, was sweet and volunteered to take Drew to the bathroom, although he really should be the one to deal with these issues since it is one of his "genes" that got passed down to Drew. Apparantly, the two of them will get nose bleeds for emotion! Most people just cry at movies, not my guys! :) Anyway, he didn't come back until the girl before him was half-way through her song. I was a little nervous at this point, but he did great!!!! Then we all went to Pizza Hut for dinner. So, a great, busy weekend. When I had to drag myself out of bed this morning, I reminded myself that there are only 6 weeks of school left! I am really looking forward to Summer Break! Time with the kids, fun activities, vacation, rest (maybe???), but honestly, I am just quickly running out of clothing that fits and can't wait to spend the summer in a bathingsuit (however unnatractive that will be) and flip-flops!!!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Week 8!
NOT THE FIRST TIME I'VE HAD TO DO THIS
Yesterday, Drew took in the ultrasound picture to show his classmates. The teacher said he stood up very somberly, headed to the front of the room, ultrasound in hand, faced his classmates, held the picture up, and then very seriously looked over at the teacher and said, "It's not the first time I've had to do this!" When the teacher relayed the story to me, I thought about how many times a day that quote fits my life. Every load of laundry, every dinner cooked, every dusting, sweeping, reading, shoe-tying, diaper-changing, question-answering, conflict resolving, moment. Yet each new baby is a whole new experience. How can every day be so similiar yet so different at the same time. I am convinced that only happens when you have children running around. The other day I was in the store and someone made the usual comments (I am going to by a shirt that says- "Yes they're all mine, and Yes, I know what caused it!), but I was particularly bothered because he said, "boy, you have your hands full". My kids were all walking nicely beside the cart and we were having a great conversation. I've decided that my new response will be--"if you think my hands are full, you should see my heart!"
HEARTBEAT!
Houston, we have a heartbeat!!! I decided not to wait it out and found a place nearby that does ultrasounds. I paid $75.00 for some peace of mind and it was well worth it! The tech was great and really thorough. She checked all over for two--but only baby for us! The heartbeat was 167 and the baby measured a little ahead--back to where I originally thought I was. So, I am officially in week 8! This put the due date at November 29th! We even got a dvd of the ultrasound. The kids were so excited when I came home and told them I had a movie of the baby. I put it in and then just watched their faces as they contorted their smiles, turned their heads sideways and squinted their eyes. Finally, Drew said, "uh, mom--I think you're having a jellybean!". Dawsyn got very emotional and wanted to know what was wrong with our baby and why it didn't have arms, Delaney thought it was cute and went skipping along her merry way and Dax just kept pulling up my shirt and looking from my belly to the tv with a confused look on his face. Ahhhh, signs of things to come. I can't wait to see what they think of the whole birthing experience! Shawn's response was classic-Shawn. He smiled, gave my belly a little rub, left for the kids' music class and came home with a pack of newborn diapers. His little way of saying, "I'm ready for this."
Yesterday, Drew took in the ultrasound picture to show his classmates. The teacher said he stood up very somberly, headed to the front of the room, ultrasound in hand, faced his classmates, held the picture up, and then very seriously looked over at the teacher and said, "It's not the first time I've had to do this!" When the teacher relayed the story to me, I thought about how many times a day that quote fits my life. Every load of laundry, every dinner cooked, every dusting, sweeping, reading, shoe-tying, diaper-changing, question-answering, conflict resolving, moment. Yet each new baby is a whole new experience. How can every day be so similiar yet so different at the same time. I am convinced that only happens when you have children running around. The other day I was in the store and someone made the usual comments (I am going to by a shirt that says- "Yes they're all mine, and Yes, I know what caused it!), but I was particularly bothered because he said, "boy, you have your hands full". My kids were all walking nicely beside the cart and we were having a great conversation. I've decided that my new response will be--"if you think my hands are full, you should see my heart!"
HEARTBEAT!
Houston, we have a heartbeat!!! I decided not to wait it out and found a place nearby that does ultrasounds. I paid $75.00 for some peace of mind and it was well worth it! The tech was great and really thorough. She checked all over for two--but only baby for us! The heartbeat was 167 and the baby measured a little ahead--back to where I originally thought I was. So, I am officially in week 8! This put the due date at November 29th! We even got a dvd of the ultrasound. The kids were so excited when I came home and told them I had a movie of the baby. I put it in and then just watched their faces as they contorted their smiles, turned their heads sideways and squinted their eyes. Finally, Drew said, "uh, mom--I think you're having a jellybean!". Dawsyn got very emotional and wanted to know what was wrong with our baby and why it didn't have arms, Delaney thought it was cute and went skipping along her merry way and Dax just kept pulling up my shirt and looking from my belly to the tv with a confused look on his face. Ahhhh, signs of things to come. I can't wait to see what they think of the whole birthing experience! Shawn's response was classic-Shawn. He smiled, gave my belly a little rub, left for the kids' music class and came home with a pack of newborn diapers. His little way of saying, "I'm ready for this."
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Week 7!
PREGNANCY IS A LITTLE LIKE BEING ON AN ACID TRIPOK, so I have never been on an acid trip, I've never even been drunk, honestly, not so much as a buzz, unless you count the time Father Steve put a little less water in the wine at church on Sunday, but even then, I can't say it really counted. As my brother would say, I am an old stick in the mud, but I have to imagine that had I ever been on an acid trip, it would be something like the crazy thoughts that go through your mind when you're pregnant! For instance, I was folding some laundry today and Dax came up to me and wanted to help. I looked down at his sweet, innocent little face and the only thought that came into my mind was, "My God, you look just like a "Kewpie" doll!!!" I couldn't get this thought out of my mind, so I found a picture of a kewpie doll and, excepting the lack of clothing (although Dax would willing be "nakey" if we let him), they are twins! Had I not been pregnant, my next thought would probably have been to think it was cute and continue with the laundry. However, hormones are a monster and the next thing I know, tears are stinging my eyes and I am holding my squirming 2 year old saying, "I'm so sorry you look like a kewpie doll". At this point I am certain that he has a future of starring in some reality TV show that is only on cable at 2 in the morning. Shawn quickly tries to remedy the situation by pointing out that I am being irrational and that Dax is adorable and just needs his hair trimmed. My quick response is that he is finally getting hair and there is no way I am going to cut it now! This does the job, I am officially off the "kewpie doll" kick and now frantically thinking, "yeah--why doesn't he have more hair by the way?" and "why is he so small"? Is he talking enough? He only knows 4 of his colors and he can't write his name!!!!! How is he ever supposed to pass the SAT at this rate?????? I have obviously failed as a mother. When I finish with my tirade there are 5 sets of eyes staring blankly at me. Delaney finally breaks the silence with "is a Kewpie doll candy?" See? I think the creators of Alice in Wonderland, Willy Wonka, and Jesus Christ Superstar weren't really on acid trips--they were probably pregnant or working close proximity with someone who was. At least I am able to look back and realize that it is the hormones that caused me to go from Kewpie look-a-like to failing his SAT's in a matter of 10 minutes. I am much better now, much more relaxed--until the next thing catches my attention. But, seriously, is it just me? He really does look like Kewpie!!
MORE ABOUT TIREDNESS!!!
The fact that I am already a day behind in writing this is probably going to sum up week 7. I am TIRED!!! Yesterday, I laid on the couch in the evening and watched TV. I NEVER do this, which was obvious by the kids' reactions. They were flipping out. They kept asking if I was o.k. or if I was going to be alright. They certainly aren't used to seeing Mommy sit, let alone lie, on the couch. Now, would everyone take a minute to remember that this is #5. I think of my stomach as a deflated balloon. After Drew's birth, it was like a little water balloon that had shrunken back down after use. After Dawsyn's birth it was more like a large party balloon, by number 5, I am thinking it is like a large punching bag that certainly knows the routine!!! Not to mention that little fact that I once weighed 250 pounds!!! So, consequently, my stomach is huge. I pulled out our pictures from Daxton's pregnancy. My stomach is about the same size at 7 weeks that it was at about 12 weeks with him! Thus, the "twin" talk has begun. Yes, my mom is a fraternal twin, yes I am over 30 this time, yes this is my fifth pregnancy, yes my HcG numbers are off the chart, yes I am definitely more sick and tired this time than last. Regardless, I am POSITIVE there is only one in there. At the first ultrasound they weren't even sure they could see one, so I'm sure there isn't two. If one more person makes the twin joke, I might use my pregnancy hormones as an excuse and punch them!!!!
If I am fortunate enough to make it to my first ultrasound, which is scheduled for May 14th (isn't that your birthday, Julie?) I also just realized that is the day I found out I was pregnant for Dax, I will come back with pictures to show everyone that it isn't twins--I am just fat! YAY!
Also this week, the kids are having fun with the name game--so far our suggestions from our four angels consist of: Darth or Dooku (that would be our Star Wars Fan-Drew), Dacey, David, Dana, Loofa, Jumpala and http://www.richard.com/ (that was from Delaney--yeah, we don't know either, I caution you if you actually choose to click on the link, as I have no idea where it may take you!)
If I am fortunate enough to make it to my first ultrasound, which is scheduled for May 14th (isn't that your birthday, Julie?) I also just realized that is the day I found out I was pregnant for Dax, I will come back with pictures to show everyone that it isn't twins--I am just fat! YAY!
Also this week, the kids are having fun with the name game--so far our suggestions from our four angels consist of: Darth or Dooku (that would be our Star Wars Fan-Drew), Dacey, David, Dana, Loofa, Jumpala and http://www.richard.com/ (that was from Delaney--yeah, we don't know either, I caution you if you actually choose to click on the link, as I have no idea where it may take you!)
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Week 6!
EASTER--Let the exhaustion begin!
Because Easter was so late this year, we had our Spring Break the week before Easter. So I am back to work today and sooo tired! On the plus side, we had a great Easter. Court-a-ney (as Delaney affectionately calls her) came for the weekend. The kids were so excited to see that the Easter Bunny brought her a basket too! On Friday we had friends over and colored 10 dozen Easter Eggs! Dax and his buddy Lance looked like they were going for their auditions for "Blueman group". They were covered. It was chaotic, loud, messy, and absolutely wonderful! :) On Saturday, we went to the Easter Vigil at church. When we got there and Drew realized that this was the service where we light candles and hold them, he quickly checked all the fire exits and then proceeded to inform the family which way to get out in case someone "wasn't too careful with their candle!" Easter Vigil at our church is a 3 hour service that doesn't start until 9:00 PM. All four kids were asleep half-way through the first reading. Luckily, Courtney was there. Between Mom, Cassie, Josh, Courtney, and Shawn, I was able to stay only in charge of "tie-breaker" which is good, because I was very nauseous throughout the entire service. After the service, they have a reception for all those who became Catholic. Since Mom and Dad are both very involved with the RCIA at our church (Dad even sponsored someone this year), we decided to go to the reception for a little while, much to the dismay of Drew and Dawsyn who were convinced that the Easter Bunny would come while we gone and we would interrupt him when we got home and he would leave and take all of his goodies with him. These are the moments when, only for a moment, the thought crosses my mind that I am really screwing with my kids' heads with all of this holiday stuff, but then I quickly think, Oh well, it's fun!
The kids were up and ready to go by 7:00 AM. Delaney just kept saying that Easter is so much better than Christmas because of all of the candy! So, today I head back to work with the house covered in candy wrappers, and enough Easter grass to reseed our yard (by the way add Easter grass to my list of male inventions!), but we had a great time and I really felt that this Lent was the first time that Drew and Dawsyn are starting to "get it". When we did our Bible readings, and kept track our "kind acts" (the paper chain we wrote them on now wraps around our kitchen!), I could tell they were understanding the concept of what Jesus did for us. Delaney is at least to the point where she knows what she is supposed to say, and Dax even got in on the action when I was reading them a book on Good Friday and he saw a picture of Jesus with the crown of thorns, and yelled, "Hey--I like that guy!". Yeah, Dax--me too! :)
It's a Man's World
I should officially be at week 6 today. I still haven't heard from the doctor. When I called today, the nurse acted like she had no clue what I was talking about and tried to tell me that my blood work wasn't back yet. Which really means she didn't feel like looking for it. I am still waiting to hear back from her.
It has also become quite apparent to me that men have historically run the world--and, even more obvious that they don't have a clue as to what they're doing! For instance, men must have invented panty-hose, eyebrow waxing, and those little annoying square, powder packages that come in shoes that all I know about them in 31 years is that you aren't supposed to eat them! On top of these things, I can tell you that a man must have coined the term, "morning sickness". There is no morning about it--at least not this time! Maybe it is because it is number 5, maybe it is because I am now over 30, or maybe it is God's way of saying, "Alright, little lady--this is absolutely it"! Whatever the reason, I am absolutely nauseous all day long this time. It really started on Sunday and hasn't ended yet, except for when I am sleeping.
To this point, I must also add, that men, who at their worst have to do what? Turn their head and cough???? PUHLEASE!!!! And these are the humans we call the stonger sex??? If men didn't run the world, I am positive we would have come up with something better than a pap smear! I mean look at the world and the advancements we have made--people regularly travel into space, I can get on the internet and get a live feed of any spot on earth, not to mention, that amazing "shamwow" thingy--I mean really, it can absorb anything!!! Add to that the advances in medicine we have made--they can transplant just about any organ in the body, they are saving people from horrible accidents and diseases every day! Yet, no one can think of something better than a giant plastic speculum???? Seriously, at my last pelvic exam it literally fell apart half way through and the doctor had to screw it back together. Not to be too graphic, but you really don't want to hear the doctor say, "Wait a minute, I need to screw this" in the middle of your pelvic exam!!!! Then, once everything was back together, he says to the nurse, you have to raise the table up for me, this is hurting my back. At which point, I could no longer contain myself and piped in saying, "Well, by all means, please do--we wouldn't want you to be uncomfortable at a moment like this!" Poor guy, what a rough day for him--Hopefully he doesn't have to turn his head and cough for awhile!!!!
Because Easter was so late this year, we had our Spring Break the week before Easter. So I am back to work today and sooo tired! On the plus side, we had a great Easter. Court-a-ney (as Delaney affectionately calls her) came for the weekend. The kids were so excited to see that the Easter Bunny brought her a basket too! On Friday we had friends over and colored 10 dozen Easter Eggs! Dax and his buddy Lance looked like they were going for their auditions for "Blueman group". They were covered. It was chaotic, loud, messy, and absolutely wonderful! :) On Saturday, we went to the Easter Vigil at church. When we got there and Drew realized that this was the service where we light candles and hold them, he quickly checked all the fire exits and then proceeded to inform the family which way to get out in case someone "wasn't too careful with their candle!" Easter Vigil at our church is a 3 hour service that doesn't start until 9:00 PM. All four kids were asleep half-way through the first reading. Luckily, Courtney was there. Between Mom, Cassie, Josh, Courtney, and Shawn, I was able to stay only in charge of "tie-breaker" which is good, because I was very nauseous throughout the entire service. After the service, they have a reception for all those who became Catholic. Since Mom and Dad are both very involved with the RCIA at our church (Dad even sponsored someone this year), we decided to go to the reception for a little while, much to the dismay of Drew and Dawsyn who were convinced that the Easter Bunny would come while we gone and we would interrupt him when we got home and he would leave and take all of his goodies with him. These are the moments when, only for a moment, the thought crosses my mind that I am really screwing with my kids' heads with all of this holiday stuff, but then I quickly think, Oh well, it's fun!
The kids were up and ready to go by 7:00 AM. Delaney just kept saying that Easter is so much better than Christmas because of all of the candy! So, today I head back to work with the house covered in candy wrappers, and enough Easter grass to reseed our yard (by the way add Easter grass to my list of male inventions!), but we had a great time and I really felt that this Lent was the first time that Drew and Dawsyn are starting to "get it". When we did our Bible readings, and kept track our "kind acts" (the paper chain we wrote them on now wraps around our kitchen!), I could tell they were understanding the concept of what Jesus did for us. Delaney is at least to the point where she knows what she is supposed to say, and Dax even got in on the action when I was reading them a book on Good Friday and he saw a picture of Jesus with the crown of thorns, and yelled, "Hey--I like that guy!". Yeah, Dax--me too! :)
It's a Man's World
I should officially be at week 6 today. I still haven't heard from the doctor. When I called today, the nurse acted like she had no clue what I was talking about and tried to tell me that my blood work wasn't back yet. Which really means she didn't feel like looking for it. I am still waiting to hear back from her.
It has also become quite apparent to me that men have historically run the world--and, even more obvious that they don't have a clue as to what they're doing! For instance, men must have invented panty-hose, eyebrow waxing, and those little annoying square, powder packages that come in shoes that all I know about them in 31 years is that you aren't supposed to eat them! On top of these things, I can tell you that a man must have coined the term, "morning sickness". There is no morning about it--at least not this time! Maybe it is because it is number 5, maybe it is because I am now over 30, or maybe it is God's way of saying, "Alright, little lady--this is absolutely it"! Whatever the reason, I am absolutely nauseous all day long this time. It really started on Sunday and hasn't ended yet, except for when I am sleeping.
To this point, I must also add, that men, who at their worst have to do what? Turn their head and cough???? PUHLEASE!!!! And these are the humans we call the stonger sex??? If men didn't run the world, I am positive we would have come up with something better than a pap smear! I mean look at the world and the advancements we have made--people regularly travel into space, I can get on the internet and get a live feed of any spot on earth, not to mention, that amazing "shamwow" thingy--I mean really, it can absorb anything!!! Add to that the advances in medicine we have made--they can transplant just about any organ in the body, they are saving people from horrible accidents and diseases every day! Yet, no one can think of something better than a giant plastic speculum???? Seriously, at my last pelvic exam it literally fell apart half way through and the doctor had to screw it back together. Not to be too graphic, but you really don't want to hear the doctor say, "Wait a minute, I need to screw this" in the middle of your pelvic exam!!!! Then, once everything was back together, he says to the nurse, you have to raise the table up for me, this is hurting my back. At which point, I could no longer contain myself and piped in saying, "Well, by all means, please do--we wouldn't want you to be uncomfortable at a moment like this!" Poor guy, what a rough day for him--Hopefully he doesn't have to turn his head and cough for awhile!!!!
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