How could I resist???

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Seriously, people - how could I resist????? 

Also, before leaving for work this morning, Papabear felt the baby for the first time.  It's one thing for me to feel the little swimmer all day long, but such a bigger, more amazing thing for someone outside my body, his daddy, to feel him, still so tiny and safe and tucked away.  I can't explain the wave of warm joy that washes over me just thinking about it.  I hope all of you who read this get to, or have had, that moment of simple shared joy at some point in your life.  (Not necessarily feeling a baby move, but just any shared joy with a person you cherish most in the world.)

Okay, to curb my shopping frenzy, I've decided to register for a few things at BabiesRus.  I don't really need a whole lot - a friend who had a baby last year brought over bags full of nearly new baby boy clothes yesterday... but just to curb that itch to buy new hooded towels and cute onsies and tiny socks....aaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh, somebody lock up my wallet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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The monstrosity

Playset

This is the playset we bought for Littleman and his future brother.  It is in six boxes, currently killing the lawn in our back yard because our original guy said this set was "too difficult" for him to build.  We found a team of guys who literally build five of this exact playset a WEEK!  They cost twice as much and can't get out here until May 13 (three days before Littleman's birthday party, talk about cutting it close).  My only consolation is that these guys will put it together right...and in approximately 4.5 hours. 

I have dreamed of having a swingset for Littleman since he started walking...so spending pretty much every last cent I have on it isn't SO painful.  If I could pay with blood I would.  Parenting sure makes ya nuts. :)

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I'm losing my mind

Everyone knows you CAN'T wear gray pants to the gym or on hot, hot days.  Why?  Well, if you sweat a lot, it's just gross.  I know this.  I have been going to the gym forever and have not donned gray pants since my first membership to a gym ten years ago.  But, for some unfathomable reason, yesterday I chose to wear gray capris to the zoo.  Granted, weather.com said it would 77 and it actually turned out to be 87.  I did not expect it to be that hot.  Needless to say, what ensued was utterly...let's just say humbling.  I went to use the restroom at one point and when I sat down and saw my pants, for a split couple of seconds I was certain my water had broke.  Not a shining moment.  Luckily, I wore a super long t-shirt, so that, along with parking myself behind Littleman's stroller for most of the day, I was okay. 

Anyway, we had a lovely day.  My favorite part was that Littleman insisted on wearing his safari hat and superman cape (yes, LF, D's very one that you passed on to us ages ago).  We did happen upon the elephant exhibit during feeding time and that was pretty cool.  We also saw a hippo sort of "jump" out of the water and snort/honk.  In previous years, I have never seen a hippo do anything except s-l-o-w-l-y surface a minimal amount to get some air and then sink to the bottom of the pool again.  It was actually exciting.  Littleman also really enjoyed the squawking macaws and parrots.  All in all, a very good day at the zoo. 

We ended the day with cheese burgers and fries at Papabear's mom's house.  Littleman played t-ball in her backyard until the sun went down.  (By then my pants had dried.)

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Here are some elephants.

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The very exciting hippo.

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He was moving so fast, I did not get ONE in focus photo of him!  It was windy enough for his cape to "flutter" behind him most of the day.  I'm pretty sure he truly felt superhuman.  His face was glowing.

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A Crazy Thing...

The moment I "published" yesterday's blog with all my back ache woe's...I proceeded to have a completely ache-free day (even after vacuming and mopping the entire downstairs)!!!  Followed by a restful, painless night of sleep AND a morning with no limping!  Bizarre....

So, my brain got to thinking (a rare occurence, I know)...yesterday Papabear's mother remarked at how my belly just seemed to pop out - she had only seen me two days before.  I asked Papabear last night on the couch if he thought I had and when he took a good look at my belly his eyes popped out and he said, "What happened?"

Well, I THINK some organ shifting and what-not occurred.  I was sure I was going to be in severe back pain every day until I gave birth, but after four or five days, it's gone (for now at least), so some things must have been moving around to make cozier accomodations for my little belly bud. 

Last night, lying in bed, I couldn't believe I was comfortable - it was very strange.  This morning, I'm walking around the house in awe - painless.  It's the weirdest thing.  I had resigned to the idea that I'd be in pain every day...and now I'm not.  Well, you know I've just jinxed myself.  But, here's hoping....

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Funny Littleman

I wanted to post this conversation we had with Littleman at dinner last night before I forgot.

Papabear: Today is Earth Day.

Littleman: My birthday?

P: No, EARTH day.

Me: Your birthday is coming soon, though.

L: That sounds nice, say it again.

Me: Your birthday is coming soon.

L: Oh mom, that's great.  Now say it in Spanish, please.

I KID YOU NOT.  That is EXACTLY what he said!  Papabear and I cried.  We really did.

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Hormones, glorious hormones!

I'm in that delightful stage of pregnancy when the hormone surges provide me with super long, luxurious nails.  Ahhh...the only other time in my life I had nails was when I was pregnant with Littleman.  I knew the pregnancy was coming to an end in the ninth month when they all broke down to their usual pitifully short length.  For now, I am basking in the glory of attractive, feminine-ish nails.  I am also hoping my hair will grow a few inches.  The down side to all this "growth" is that I have to shave my legs nearly every day!

So it's hot.  It's been in the low 90's the past two days.  I have to admit that I must be acclimating because it really was quite pleasant on Tuesday.  Yesterday, however, was another story.  I took Littleman to a park with no shade and I was pretty uncomfortable.  It's only APRIL!  I can't get over how hot it will get and how large I will be! Yikes!  Luckily there are pools and splash grounds on every corner.  I'm trying to stay positive. Really.

Littleman picked out a cuddle bear for his baby brother.  It was cute watching him decide which would be best (the one with the most blue because "it looks like mine.").

Yesterday I went through all the baby clothes I had saved.  I was under the impression that I had tons and tons...but alas...I must have chucked quite a lot through out the moves.  I had one box and about a third of it was worn and stained beyond re-wearability (in Papabear's opinion).  A good portion of the box was "special" clothes - hand knitted wool sweaters and things that just won't be needed here.  I'm not really concerned about this, just surprised, because I saved so much more.  A Texas baby (born in August) is going to wear only onesies until October for the most part anyway.  I saved all the bassinet and crib sheets, so there's one less worry.  It seems a little early to start all this...but Littleman only has 5 weeks of school left - so I need to really take advantage of those hours when I have the house to myself.

I've really enjoyed this pregnancy up until now.  (Okay, the first three months weren't so great, but they weren't awful, either.)  My back is in agony just about every day.  By the time Papabear gets home from work I can barely stand.  It really stinks.  I feel so bad for Littleman because I am literally incapable of running after/playing with him.  Luckily, he's the kind of kid who's just as happy being tickled to death on the couch or sitting on the floor with a pile of cars or legos.  Also, he has his buddies to run around with and I am grateful for their regular presence in our lives.  The belly belt/band arrived yesterday, but I don't think it's really all that helpful...it's especially uncomfortable to sit when it's on, so I am taking it off all the time.  I've spoken with a lot of friends and most of them confirmed that the pain will go away when the baby is born...so...that's about 4 more months.

Well, I'm glad I got that off my back (ha ha).  Now when you ask me how I'm doing and I say that I'm fine, you'll know that my back is in agony but I'm sick of bitching about it.  I mean, who wants to hear four months of, "Oh, my aching back!"????  No one, not even me. 

Okay....off to enjoy another glorious hormoned-filled day with my Littleman!

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The skinny

So, I feel like I haven't been posting a lot these days. We've had a birthday party every weekend this month and that seems to make the days slip by even faster.  I'm in the mood to list things, so here goes.

-This baby MOVES - I cannot believe the amount movement I am feeling!  Mostly flutters, lots of them, but I am definitely feeling little kicks as well.  He was especially active during my massage yesterday.

-I bought my belly buddy a onesie yesterday.  It says, "little brother."  Papabear made fun of me for "shopping" already.  "Shopping????"  What a man!  One onesie does NOT constitute shopping.  Still, I really wanted to buy something...just a tiny little something.  I have SO much of Littleman's stuff to go through.  I think I saved EVERYTHING, even stained clothes - which Papabear abhors. 

-I gave Littleman a job.  His job is to find a "cuddle bear" for his little brother.  I will take him shopping soon.  Littleman loves his cuddle bear, so I thought he would enjoy choosing one for our new buddy.

-I feel so huge, so the opposite of skinny.  I dread the coming months of growth. I've gained 10 pounds in 21 weeks...about half of what I should gain in this pregnancy...My back is killing me and the extra weight will only make it worse.  I am still going to the gym, but I'm keeping it low...I am hopeful I can keep the weight gain to a healthy minimum.  I have not found a suitable maternity bathing suit and I will need one SOON.  Ug.

-Littleman started a new preschool a few weeks ago.  He is doing amazing.  I can't believe how adaptable he is.  He made friends quickly and is comfortable there.  I really can't ask for more. They close for the summer, but I am hoping that this positive "introduction" will make September that much easier. 

-Littleman is still taking swim lessons and is quite the little fish.  I hate to brag (NOT), but he really is the best in his class. 

-The swallows outside my office window are building a nest under our porch.  It has been amazing to watch them these past few days.  It looks like their nest is almost done.  Littleman is so excited that there might be a bird family there.  It is fun to have nature "happening" right under our noses...but not fun to have bird poop all over the porch.  Oh well, the price we pay...

-Our medical insurance blows.  I'm just going to leave it at that.

-OH, we bought one of those mega-wooden swing sets on Sunday and tomorrow my yard man is coming to build it!!!!  I canNOT tell you how excited I am to have a playground in my own back yard.  Littleman is beside himself.  All the boxes are in the garage and he keeps asking, "When is Felippe coming to build my playground???"  This cracks Papabear up.

-I'd like to say I'm proud of the "puppy party" we are having for Littleman's b-day (two weeks early b/c we'll be travelling for his actual birthday).  However, he came up with it himself.  We are going to fill paper sandwich bags with dog noses, Scooby Doo (graham cracker) dog bones, and dog ear head bands for favors!  How cute is that???  Okay, we had help from Oriental Trading Co, but still, I think it's going to be pretty adorable.  I was so scared he was going to want a Spiderman party - it seems he is out growing that obsession.  He "likes" Spiderman, has actually suggested we name the baby that, but isn't CRAZY about it anymore.

-Oh, this is just an FYI thing - Papabear and I decided not to get a land line for now, so the one I sent out via email a couple of months ago never got hooked up.  We are a cell phone only family, at least currently.

Well, I think that's enough for now, don't you?  Here's a funny pic Littleman and Papabear sent me.

Coaster

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It's a boy!

Boy2

So, if you're not sure what that arrow is pointing to...um...well....only boys have 'em!  Just about everyone was wrong about this little guy!  Nearly everyone guessed girl AND that damn chinese chart managed to fool us, too!  It was correct for Littleman, but not for this little buddy....well, now we know - two totally different pregnancies can still yeild the same gender.  And for the record, my brother, Will, said BOY, way back on Christmas eve when I told him I was pregnant.  Go Will!

Did I want a little girl?  Sure, it would have been nice to buy dresses and have someone to color with until I was in my late forties, but I am not disappointed.  The baby is healthy, proportionate, 13 ounces, and chugging along "perfectly," as stated by my OB.  Can a person really ask for more?  I think not. A brother for Littleman...I can't wait to tell him when I pick him up in a few minutes.  Papabear was with me this morning and did not seem the least bit surprised.  Well, no more surprised than had they said, girl.  He really did not care one way or the other.  He was just happy to see things are moving along as they should.

Don't ask about names.  I have one but Papabear is insisting we "do it right."  What does that mean????  I guess he means make lists and such.  Needless to say, we probably won't tell until the baby comes.  Hey, stop laughing.  I mean it.  I am NOT telling a soul.  I know all you girls back east are chuckling none too softly.  Seriously, my lips are sealed.  Seriously.

And finally, this little guy is a kicker!  Well, at this point, they are not really kicks, more like flutters, but he is fluttering A LOT!  He wasn't still for more than a millisecond during the ultrasound.  Waving his arms, kicking his legs...hmmm...and I thought Littleman was active....oh boy.  :)

Boy2a

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My big little boy

Littleman is getting so big.  Yesterday he started a new preschool.  It's the school he'll be attending in September, but I didn't want him to start a brand new school after getting a brand new sibling.  SO, I pulled him out of the place he loved dearly so he could get acclimated.  It's amazing how the strings of my heart were tugged.  I felt guilty and anxious - but for what?  Over and over, throughout my journey as mommy, it amazes me how events that will ultimately barely register as blips on the radar seem monumental at the moment.  It's easier now to step back, but I think it took me the past three and a half years to do so...which has me wondering what things will be like for my little belly buddy.  (Is this why first borns are so anal and the younger siblings so much more mellow?)

Anyway, our little boy is getting so big.  We've upgraded him to the big boy booster seat - apparently after 30 pounds and three years of age they can go in one (this was very recent news for me).  The sooner he can buckle his own seat belt the better!  He is such a big helper - he opens and holds doors for me, can get himself a drink and snack from the fridge on his own, and make it through a first day at a big new school with only a few tears. (The new teachers told me he had a super day, but 30 min. into rest/nap time he started to cry and say he missed mommy.  I'm sure he'll get used to that down time quickly.  The program is from  9 to 2, before he was only going from 12 to 2:30, so the longer day is an adjustment for him.)

At the beach, Littleman had no fear - he kept walking further and further out into the ocean.  I can't take my eyes off him.  As nice as it was when he was sand-bound, I love that he's not afraid to run, splash, and ride the waves with his mom and friends.  I LOVED the beach at that age and I am so happy that he does too.  I still love the beach, but it's so different when you are fearless and little.

Well, I really am just blathering.  I just can't believe how big my little boy is.  I'm glad he's still little enough to want to be cuddled and sang to (the singing only at bedtime).  I love that he still smells delicious and wakes up as warm as a cinnamon roll coming out of the oven.  Mmmm...cinnamon rolls...I think I'll go have breakfast.

I am missing one of my favorite gym classes this morning because the garage doors need to be fixed - they are still under warranty, which is good, however, the guys come "between 8 and 12," which stinks. There goes my day.

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Where's the beach, Mommy?

This weekend we drove to Galveston, TX for some beach fun.  We rented a house with two other couples and had a blast.  Five kids all under the age of five, sand, ocean, food, who could ask for more? 

The drive to Galveston is about 5.5 hours.  We stopped in Houston (an hour from Galveston) to have dinner with my cousin and his family.  Littleman has been a great little traveler...but I regret to report he has entered a new phase...the "are-we-there-yet" phase.  Except, his question was slightly more specific.  Even with headphones on and a movie, he'd still ask, every ten or so minutes, "Is this the beach?"  "Where's the beach?"  "When will we see the beach, mommy?"  I definitely have a high threshold for endless kiddie questions, but I was tested this time around.  It's hard to lose your temper, though, with a little one who is as excited as you are to see the ocean.  He was much quieter on the way home...exhausted, I presume. 

Galveston reminded me of many beach towns on the Jersey shore, like Avalon.  Anyway, here are pics from our fun weekend.

The deck of the house.  It was a very short walk to the beach - a block and a half.  You could hear the waves from here.

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Although it was overcast, it was warm.  The sun did peek out from time to time.  Just enough to give a bit of color.

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Here is a shot of one of the beach front homes wrecked by hurricane Ike.  The shoreline remains pretty devastated.  Many homes are still in such condition or worse.

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The only drag about the wonderful beach house was the dangerously spaced railing.  Didn't take the kids long to figure that one out.  We did get a nice photo op...and spent the entire weekend holding our breath waiting for one of the kids to fall through the top - thankfully, all of our children are brilliant and no such event occurred. 

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Mmmmmm....ice pop!

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This was taken late on Sunday afternoon.  The wind was brutal and we only stayed on the beach a little while.  Just long enough to jump through few waves, freeze, and then get sand in our eyes.  Littleman was ready to head back.

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Here's a pier along the sea wall that was wiped out by Ike.

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The kiddies enjoy a lobster.

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Okay, seriously?  They couldn't make a sign that said, "Speed Bumps?"  Papabear wondered what the curbs do.

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And finally, we could not resist taking a photo of this:

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Sadly, no hot dogs or chicken wings in sight...actually, it looks like there's a whole lot of nothing in Buffalo, TX.  As a matter of fact, in case those of you back east are wondering, there's a whole lot of nothing between Dallas and Houston!  This state is so big.  There are huge cities overflowing with people and houses and shopping malls and then absolutely NOTHING inbetween them! 

Well, I am beat.  Load of laundry beckon. 

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