Absent

Please do forgive me for my short blogging break. I got completely drawn into the book, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

If you haven't read it, you should. It is unlike any other book that I have read. There are things in there that are hard to read, but the book is fiction. However, it does bring to light that there are things that happen in the world today like it. The first 50 or so pages were torturous. I almost stopped reading, but now I am so glad that I didn't.

That explains my little break, but I am back and will be catching up on everyone else and updating soon!!!

We Finally Know!!!!! Baby #2 is a.....

.........GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So much for my dreams being correct! I have had four that show me a twig and berries. Eli is beyond excited as that is what he wanted. I, too, am thrilled. I am so happy that we know, happy to be able to say "she" when referring to the little thing growing inside me, to have a name to call my little angel girl. I am elated. I am excited to know that I get to use the cute things that were Skylar's again. It is going to be incredible to see this baby in the same cute stuff. I can't wait to get to Babies R Us and start picking things out. Last time I was in there, I wouldn't even look around because I didn't know which way to go!

Oh a name...you guys probably want to know that! The sweet angel girl growing inside me is Miss Sierra Rose Walker!!! :)

This momma is missing he man. He left yesterday after work to go hunting with my family. So it's been just Skylar and I.

Last night we went up to my parents for dinner and we ended up staying the night. It was nice to not be home alone as I am a huge baby when it comes to the dark. That isn't saving me from tonight though. We were invited to stay at my parents again tonight, but I figured I needed to be a grown up and stay at home...especially after not sleeping so well last night and Skylar having a rough night.

Today we had lunch with a great friend and then just had some Skylar and mommy time. Tonight we had to make an emergency run to Walmart as my child has randomly lost her last two binkies somewhere in my house. One is upstairs somewhere between her room and mine and I for the life of me can't find it. That one was lost Thursday night. The last one was lost tonight somewhere in the living room. I have looked everywhere and nothing. So I had to go and buy some more. I don't know how she does it but know that one random day she will come walking up to me with them in her mouth.

Now I think it is time to call it a night. Tomorrow we shall clean so daddy comes home to a clean house and I am busy and not staring at the clock. I hate Eli being gone, but know he is having a great time. He is in his element. Hunting is his thing and he looks forward to it every year. This momma doesn't like when he is a way though. I do pray that I am able to actually get some sleep tonight!!!

Anyone????

Is anyone watching Big Brother this season???

I'm sorry, but this season is awesome. And tonights episode was freaking fabulous! I'm pretty sure that Rachel totally got schooled by Ragan and I loved it.

I seriously wish they had more episodes. This show is awesome!

Baby #2 - Belly Pic 23w1d

All is going well and the same as last week. Looking forward to going to the doctor on Monday. Please keep your fingers crossed taht baby cooperates!!! I want to know whether this baby is boy or girl. I am beyond blessed and happy carrying this child and enjoying every movement!!

I LOVE Old Navy!

A couple weeks ago I went to Old Navy with one of my friends whom always gets me in trouble whenever we go shopping together. She needed something for her. I just went along for the ride. But once there, I decided I could give myself a budget and buy Swae and Seth some school clothes. Everything I got was on sale. I had a budget of $100 and impressively I only went over by $14...we can chalk that up to tax! Not bad. They got pants, they got shirts...and not just a couple. I was so impressed. And I only had to take a couple things back to exchange for a different size.

So today, we headed back to Old Navy to exchange the couple things and we had an extra $100 that we got from Grandma and Grandpa. So the babes walked out with even more clothes and this time even Skylar got a few things to set her up for fall.

I absolutely LOVE shopping for my babies. I would and could spend every single extra dime on them. They deserve it all. What is impressive is that I didn't grab one thing for myself or Eli. I almost got Eli a shirt, but want him to come with next time so he can pick up his own stuff. I am just glad that the kids are all set clothes wise for school. I'm feeling pretty good!

Wild Water Adventures

I have three little fishes on my hands for sure. Skylar will at least come out of the water for longer than 30 seconds at a time. Swae and Seth? Not so much. They come out, say something, kiss me and then are gone again. I have a hard time getting them to sit long enough to eat their lunch. Going back out to play is motivation to get it all down though!! They are all so good and truly enjoy every time we go. They don't get burnt out (which is about where I am...thank goodness school starts soon!).

Oh how I love watching them enjoy themselves. The constant smiles on their faces, their laughter. It is good for the soul. We are so blessed that we have been able to go pretty much every week this summer. I am so thankful that Skylar is comfortable with the water and is able to enjoy. It cracks me up how much she tries to keep with up with her big brother and sister. I can just imagine how full my hands will be with her being 2 and the baby being 6 months! New adventures for sure!!!

Wordless Wednesday - Skylar's Favorite Snuggle

Tuesday Adventures

Today we have a full plate.

*Babes were dropped off at 7:15am.
*We have to take my dad the to the dentist at 10.
*Stop and fax some things to get some answers...
*Wild Waters for a few hours
*Go to Target for birthday present for my cousin
*Home for showers
*Birthday party for my cousin - 8yo...I can't believe it!!!

Wish me luck. I didn't get much sleep last night, so I think this momma is going to be super tired and hopefully not at all irritable!

HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I need some help. I can't write about it here, so please visit HERE.

THANK YOU!!!

A Big Day for Sethie

Today our little man decided he was ready to ride his bike without training wheels. I was a little hesitant to take them off since the last time we did he was very timid and scared. He asked a second time and I saw something different in his eyes that told me he was really ready. He didn't want to be a little boy anymore and was ready to keep up with the big kids.

Daddy took off the training wheels and set out to ride. I was blown away. Eli barely held on to him at all and 90% of the time, he was riding on his own without knowing it. He would get scared when he would get off balance, but that is normal and will pass. I couldn't have been more proud. He did so well. There is no doubt that he will nail riding with just two wheels within the next week or two.

Good job Mr. Sethie Man! I love you so much.

*next time I will remember to get my camera to show you how great you did! And to be able to record the memory!!

Today was a fun little family day. Eli had to work early this morning and while he was out, the babes and I went to visit my little sister who was moving into the sorority house. Boy did that bring back a lot of memories for me!! She was so excited and cute trying to get everything unpacked and organized. And the kids thought they were super cool being in her big house and were all sorts of excited over her having bunk beds in her room. This afternoon they ran with their daddy to go look at some custom rebuilt truck...this was also amazing to them.

After a little bit of down time we headed to a nice dinner at Olive Garden and then thought it would be fun to go to the park where the babes could run out some energy. The park is such a great outlet. We got there around 7:30pm and it was packed! There were families everywhere. Kids made new friends and got to play some fun games. Skylar ran around like a crazy monkey and tried like crazy to keep up. I actually got the three of them to stop running for all of 10 seconds and was able to snap the picture below. Yes, I know, Skylar's face is a bit creepy. This is her new posed smile for pictures. It's awesome.

After leaving the park, we came home for jammies, to brush teeth and snuggle. And now, I have three babies all snuggled up and sleeping soundly in bed. Can't beat that at all. This momma will be following them shortly!

I hope everyone has had a wonderful Saturday!

22w1d Baby #2 Belly Pics

This little bean is definitely growing and I am loving every single minute of it. Ok, I will be honest and say I love that baby is growing, but not that my hips and thighs are as well! Comes with the territory and as long as this baby is cooking well and healthy, I will take whatever is thrown my way. I am starting to feel movements and kicks higher than down in my pelvis, so this gives me hope that when we go in on the 23rd, we just might get lucky enough to see what parts this little one has.
Don't get me wrong, baby is still extremely low. There are so many times that this little one moves and I feel as though I am going to pee my pants. Yep, my bladder is a punching/kicking bag for sure. I am seeing more and more from the outside of my belly and Eli is getting to enjoy feeling baby move. The other day Skylar was laying her head on my belly and sure enough got punched or something. Skylar had no idea what happened and didn't move. I wonder if this is a sign of things to come when baby arrives...
I am one happy momma though. I am feeling great. I love food, but can't eat very much at one time. I get hungry so often!! And can eat anything and everything I want. I find myself rubbing my belly all the time. I can't help me. It makes me feel closer to baby...more at ease.
I am telling Skylar that there is a baby in my belly all the time. I am not sure that she really gets it, but she knows what a baby is. And she is actually really good with other babies and gentle. That gives me a glimmer of hope! I worry that Skylar is going to really have a hard time. She is such a mommy's girl. She loves snuggle time and just being close. I can't imagine things being any different. I am sure when baby comes I will be saying I couldn't imagine how life was without baby. Funny how that works.

I love, love, love being pregnant. I love growing a little life. I love knowing this baby was made out of love and admiration. I am being sure to cherish every single moment knowing that this is the last time I get to experience all of this. I want every minute to be special and memorable. I want this baby to know how loved he/she is. I am so blessed to be a mommy, to have this life growing inside me.

Wordless Wednesday - Feel the Love

Proud Mama

Yesterday was a day that I just seemed to keep bursting with pride for my sweet little Skylar.

It started out at swim class. Normally, she cries after she gets scooped under the water. However, yesterday that wasn't the case. I scooped her the first time and up she came with no tears...just wiping the water out of her eyes. I was gushing. I was kissing her and telling her good job and showering her with love. I scooped her a few more times and it was the same. It seems we turned a corner for sure! The only time she fussed was when the teacher came to grab her and scoop her to me. But she didn't scoop after the water. Its astounding how a few lessons have changed this little girl.

THEN!!!!! We were getting ready to take a shower and just randomly, I threw her up on the potty. I told her to go potty and she sat there for a short bit and sure enough, she peed...in the potty for the first time. I freaked out with happiness, telling her how awesome she is and she just sat there looking at me like I was nuts. Go figure. Then last night before we went to bed, I put her on again just to see how she would do and again, she went. I am taking it that it might be time to really take the time to potty train this little love!!!

8-9-10 was definitely a big day in Skylar's little life!!! :)

17 months - Aug 6

Little Princess Skylar, where is the time going??? 17 months already? That means you are a month away from being a year and a half. That is just crazy to me. You little miss are becoming more and more independent, but yet you are still the biggest little love in the world. You love trying new things and you love adventure. One of your most favorite things is being outside and you will go where ever there is water. The hose is your best friend and within a minute you are soaked, but loving it.

The last few months have been huge for you and your development. You are talking up a storm saying: mama, dada, sissy, love you, thank you, binky, hello, hi, milk, bye, night night, bed, and I am sure more that I am just not remembering at this point in time. Oh yes, you try to say motor boat because that is what your kick board is called at swim lessons. When you say it, I totally know what you are saying, but I am not sure that others would. You climb on everything and have zero fear at all. You are a tough little cookie. You usually don't cry if you fall and if you do, I know that you are really hurt. You are able to point out body parts - right now your most favorite to show are your eyes and the face you make is absolutely hilarious when you show me where they are. I am thinking it is about time to start potty training because you now try to pull off your diaper when it is time to change you. So that is something that I will be starting with you soon.

This summer you have been in swim lessons. June was your first session and while you were timid at first, you did pretty well. You didn't at all like when it was time to scoop you under water. You would come up screaming. And you don't like at all when your teacher grabs you to scoop you to me. You start crying before she even takes you from me. It might be mean, but I did laugh. Session two was so much better for you. You were comfortable and used to all that goes on. You even started singing along with the songs...even your teachers noticed. Scoops still weren't your favorite thing, but you didn't scream as bad as the first session. This third session is going extremely well. You absolutely love the water. You love playing humpty dumpty and sitting on the side of the pool and dropping in the water. And who would have known that scoops are even getting better. You barely cry at all. This makes me so happy. I am so glad that we put you in lessons and will be doing it again next year as long as I figure out someone to come with so that your little bro/sis can do it too. Swim has helped you be more comfortable at Wild Waters as well. You toodle around like you own the place. And you love going down the slides with your big sissy. You are after all a big girl in your mind.

In the middle of July you went with Mima and Grandpa to California for a night with Swae and Seth. Let me just tell you that mommy wasn't at all happy to see you three drive away. I hate when you all are away from me. But you three had a great night and did very well. Daddy and I met all of you at Six Flags the next day. I wasn't sure that there would be much that you would be able to go on, but I was surprised to find that as long as you could walk, you could go on everything over in the toon area. You rode your first roller coaster and LOVED it. You couldn't even see over the little car we were sitting in, but you enjoyed...even with your head knocking around. You are just like your brother and sissy and love the rush.

Another new thing was jet ski riding with your daddy. At first you were a little timid, but the more speed the better in your mind. I loved when you guys would come fairly close to the beach where I could see you and you were sure to do your little princess wave and smile so I knew that you were in fact enjoying yourself. You were not scared at all. Daddy even stopped in the middle of the lake and was sure to dunk you in the lake off the back of the ski. Even that you enjoyed. You did so great while we were camping. You loved playing in the sand and stealing every ones food. Oh how you love to eat...all the time!!

You my dear are also now sleeping in a big girl bed. Why you want to know? This would be because you decided that you didn't like being in your crib anymore. One day I put you in and you decided you were going to take it upon yourself to get out. Doing this meant you fell to the floor. I heard the thud and my heart sank. Thank goodness you were alright but my heart was crushed. I tried putting you in it a couple other times and hung outside your door and caught you twice up at the top ready to topple over. It was then that I decided I just couldn't take that chance anymore. You love your bed and you stay in it all night. What you don't like it when I first lay you down in your bed. You definitely have a melt down. You will run to your door where the gate stops you, but then you go back to your bed and crawl in and cover up. And then you sleep there for the whole night. I couldn't be more proud. The first night we put you in your big girl bed though was funny. At one point during the night I went to check on you and I found you sleeping on the floor next to the gate at your door. I moved you to your bed and come 7am, you were on the floor next to your bed. But you never cried.

Skylar you are the best daughter in the entire world. You are so fun, so full of life. You are most always happy and have the most gorgeous smile. Your happiness is extremely infectious. I love your love for life. You love being outside and seeing the world. You are such a little love. I love that you still are such a little snuggler and that you will take time out of your playing to come give me a kiss. I love when you blow kisses when you are leaving. I love when you have something to say and you try with all your might to formulate words and a sentence but all that comes out is babble. Soon little love, soon. I feel you are trying to grow up so fast and I miss you being my little baby girl. Little do you know, you will always and forever be my little baby girl...no matter how big you get. Skylar, I love you with all of my heart. You are complete perfection and I absolutely adore you.

10 Years

This weekend is my 10 year high school reunion. Yes, I graduated in 2000...and yes, that is ten years ago. Holy oh my. It is crazy hard to believe that ten years have passed since that time in my life. And because I haven't wanted to really face it, I have ignored pretty much all the emails that went out about it because I wasn't ready to completely accept it has been that long...that I am that old.

I never committed to going either. I didn't decide until yesterday afternoon that I wanted to go to the deal last night. There was a get together at our local ball park. It was $10 for appetizers and the keg. I didn't get to enjoy the keg, but I did munch on some yummy nachos. And while my classmates reached their buzz and some their drunken point, I got to pay $3 for a soda. Last night was enjoyable. I got to spend time with Jen who I haven't seen since last summer and is always a treat. I got to see other people that I enjoyed seeing, but to me, it wasn't anything phenomenal. I don't miss high school. I love my life now. I love my friends. I have stayed close with people from school and didn't need a reunion to reconnect.

Today was family day at the park. I didn't go. Eli had to work. And my babies are with their mom this weekend. Yes, it would have been incredible to show off my sweet Skylar, but I just didn't want to go. And I couldn't bring myself to go to the deal that was going on tonight. There was to be a dessert bar, a raffle, a scavenger hunt, a cash bar, band, and not sure what else. I know that there were people going tonight that didn't go last night, but last night was enough for me. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate anyone from my class, I just didn't want to go.

Is that weird????

Baby #2 - Belly Pic 21w3d

Skylar was being quite the ham when I was trying to get a good picture. There is one other where we ae both laughing, but it is super blurry...bummer!

This week has been great. The little one is definitely getting stronger for sure. The kicks and movements are bigger and stronger and I am loving it!! Last night I sat on the couch and just watched my belly responding to the kicks. Truly amazing.

Not having any specific cravings and no food aversions at all. I am still noticing a lot of pressure down low, but that is nothing new and not surprising since baby is low. I am feeling some movements farther up...I'm thinking this is because baby is getting bigger?? I am not able to eat big portions of food at all. I get full super fast. This didn't happen with Skylar until much later. It is definitely different!

I am still beyond anxious to know whether this little one is a boy or a girl, but it isn't killing me as bad as it was. I am comfortable knowing baby is healthy and enjoying feeling all the kicks, punches, and rolling!

Wordless Wednesday - No Fear

My Sweet Love - Swae

I can't believe this sweet little angel is not so little anymore and 8...going into 3rd grade this year! Time is flying and quicker and quicker it seems. I am so impressed by this little girl. She has the biggest heart of anyone I have ever known. She is so very advanced for her age and I really am not just saying that. She is incredible at all things - school, sports, being a sister, being a daughter. Seth and Skylar are so very lucky to have her. She is so patient and so kind, so giving and thoughtful. I am one lucky mom and burst with pride!