Looking for Motivation

I am looking for motivation (other than the fear of dying during labor because I am so out of shape). I am seriously worried about pushing out LBF #2 because with Miller, they put me on oxygen and it was a 32 hour adventure. I remember wanting to give up near the end. Not this time. No 32 hours and no giving up thoughts. It's going to be push, push, push and done. Yeah...in my dreams!


I am finally starting to feel better and figure it's time to start getting in shape. I am not talking running marathons or having an aerobics instructor body. I would like to be able to walk without feeling out of breath. I would like to be able to lift, carry, move, etc. around the house without thinking my heart is going to jump out of my chest.

I know the simplist and easiest form of exercise that is doctor recommended is walking. I thought I would get my butt out of bed on the days I work from home and do it before my work day begins. I think this is still my best option but in the mornings, I am not really ready to get moving that early. I would much rather have that extra half hour to sleep. Maybe I can squeeze in a cat nap at lunch time?

My other option is at night and that means after Miller goes to bed and that's too late/dark out. My other quandry is that the neighborhood isn't as easy to map out like the old one. Too many dead ends. I will have to stick to the basics for now.

I am not one for "swimming" but maybe some water walking on the weekends or treading will need to take place. I can't believe how out of shape I have become and it's scary.

My goal is to start this activity next week. We have guests coming tomorrow and no sense starting a new routine on a Friday, right? So, if you find any motivation, send it my way. I am in need.

Desk Culprit Revealed

My not-to-be-named friend was my desk culprit. (Remember I posted about shared workspace ettiquette.) I had lunch with her today and asked her about it. We were in hysterics. I kept telling people she would never be that inconsiderate and here she had been consciously doing it to see if I would notice. She did feel bad about leaving the salad at my desk. What a goofball.

Whirlwind Weekend

We had a fun packed weekend thanks to a great Easter party and a visit from Grandma and Grandpa Sladky. Now I wish I had a few days to relax!

Norah started the weekend off with an egg dying and egg hunt party. The munchkins were so good. They colored their eggs, had snacks, played, and of course, hunted the eggs. Miller took his time opening each egg to check out its contents before moving to the next.

After lunch, he took a nice nap (so did Grandpa) while Grandma and I ran to the mall. We accomplished one of my dreaded chores...finding a prego swimsuit (Hawaii is less than a month away) and some new bras. I won't go into detail but let's just say that after trying 20+ bras, I finally found 2. The sales lady was fantastic and blamed the trouble on my growing baby belly.

We then had some pool time. Miller thinks swimming is really jumping off the steps to whomever will catch him. Grandpa and I are out of shape when it comes to catching 40lb boys so we had to switch on and off. Ryan came home from a day of play and we were off to a nice dinner. We topped it off by watching a little bit of a movie and one tired, happy little boy went to sleep.

Sunday we kicked off the day with a small egg hunt in the house, played with some new Easter loot, and then it was chore time. Ryan and Grandpa started the swing project while my mom and I replanted a ton of plants. Miller was semi-crabby so he played by himself. Ryan came in to get lunch ready and Miller had helped himself to a cold breakfast burrito in the fridge!

 (Tire swing on other side, not finished. Top of tree will have a few modifications but it works slick!)

After we finished our chores, the adults took a dip in the pool, I finished cooking, we ate and then it was more pool time with Miller. We wrapped up evening with him playing with Grandma (cars, books, bubbles, swinging, etc.).

Today will probably be a rough day for Miller as he didn't want Grandma and Grandpa to leave or to go to school. Hopefully he isn't too naughty at school. We could use a few good days there. Too bad his teachers didn't see him this weekend. He would have been a gold star student.

Unfortunate Comparison Started Early

As I tossed and turned last night, I started to think about LBF #2 and how he has already been compared to his big brother. The poor child will forever be measured against Miller, not intentionally, but because he's not the first. This really started to bother me and I was trying to make a conscious effort to NOT do this moving forward. My mind was wandering and this is what went through my thoughts last night (at 3 or 4 am after the 3rd trip to the bathroom).

1) Morning sickness-the first time was truly morning sickness where I felt lousy in the morning but could control most of it with traditional tactics like eating crackers, snacking, etc. The second time was afternoon/night time sickness, none of the tradtional tricks worked, and I threw up and felt miserable. I am not saying one was better than the other because they both stunk but there you go, an early comparison.

2) Baby kicking-the first time around it was a joy to feel Miller moving (until it was closer to the end and he would dance on my bladder and kick me in the ribs). This time, I was excited to start to feel LBF #2 but last night at 3am when he was dancing, I really wanted him to settle down. That made me think...did Miller make me feel that way too or was it so new I was more forgiving and happy for those dances?

3) Ultra-sound-Miller was not shy and finding out the sex was a breeze. He laid back, sucked his thumb and gave us a view. LBF #2 made us work for a brief snapshot. Will he be more shy than Miller, more stubborn (is that possible), will he be more active?

4) Me-with Miller, I was super excited and nervous to finaly get pregnant. I didn't know what to expect and followed the doctor's orders pretty closely. I was working too much and happy for the break (maternity leave). This time, I am excited but also know what to expect so it feels like it's more of a chore than the journey. I am following the doctor's orders but a little looser on some of the suggested items. If I really want some caffeine, I have it. I haven't taken my vitamins as religiously but other than that...I think it's been the same. As for work, I am not stressed at all. I am looking forward to my leave but this time it's to be with the baby and not an escape from work.

5) The house-last time we had a list a mile long of things we wanted to finish before Miller arrived. This time, the list is very short. We also have so much stuff it's nice to not have to worry about purchasing all the new things we may or may not need.

I know each kid is different and shouldn't be compared. It's hard not to do it. This is when I start to wonder about whether I would be having these same thoughts if we were having a girl. I am pretty sure I would but then I would chalk it up to a sex thing rather than remember, each of my babies is going to be a unique individual. Overly spoiled and loved. I know one thing is the same, I am definitely hormonal. A mother's instinct doesn't change.

Toilet Talk

Keeping the potty training theme...Ryan broke the seat on the toilet the other day! Don't ask me how but I discovered it the wrong way. Sitting down, having it slide, and almost having a heart attack. I have been slightly worried Miller would be a victim with it wiggly but he didn't fall in or crash. Ryan just got home with a new one. Tomorrow will definitely be a "Good Friday." Hee hee!

Shared Work Space

I have my own cubicle at work but since I am only in the office 2 days a week, I know other people sit at my desk. This doesn't bother me as long as people pick up after themselves. Over the past two weeks I have observed the following and am now annoyed.

1) My post-it notes: Use them if you need them but if you use a whole pack, don't leave one for me and not replace them.
2) My Kleenex: Same as the post-it notes. If you used the last of my tissues, either leave me a note or buy me a new box but don't leave the empty box sitting on my desk as a reminder of your presence.
3) Clean-up after yourself: I do not appreciate coming in to find a salad sitting on my desk. Toss it!
4) My daily calendar: Feel free to read ahead but don't tear them off at your own free will. I like to read the ones I missed on the days I was working from home.
5) My chair: Yes, some people adjust my chair and that bugs me too. It's ok if it's a height thing but when you start messing with the back...argh!

I know these are all minor infringements on office etiquette but really? I would prefer to imagine that no one is sitting in my cube, using my headset, using my supplies, etc. Can't you just leave it like it was when you came?

Pics

Decided to load the pictures onto my work computer rather than wait for the wireless piece we are waiting on for our home computer. Enjoy a few funnies of Miller.

Cooling off and cleaning the bird bath at my parents. Why put on swim trunks when you can strip down to your underwear?

 In the fire truck at Uncle Brian's. Pretty darn cool isn't it?

Emergency! Must use the water cannon to blast it.

My new furniture and bedspread. Can't wait for wall knick knacks...



Closer shot of the cool headboard that allows me to store fun things. And, my socks and undies are in the drawer next to my bed just like Mom and Dad's.

And my big boy dresser. Pretty slick isn't it?



Week 20

I hope this is really the magical week 20 that turns me back into a semi-human pregnant lady. I don't want to jinx myself but I haven't thrown up in 1.5 weeks. I have felt icky but no where near as bad as I was feeling 2 weeks ago. The actual realization I might be feeling better...I ordered hot honey garlic wings last night for dinner and ate them without any issues. Then, I ate the left overs this morning at 10am. Granted, they weren't hot and good like In Field Pub wings but they were still chicken wings. So, spice and meat were back in the diet. You probably have no idea how much that excites me.

Now, if I could only sleep better and get some energy back then I would be in tip top shape (well, not physically but at least mentally).

Cross your fingers things continue to get better on the 2nd half of the pregnancy side. In addition...when is my stupid internet wireless thing-a-ma-bobber going to show up so I can post some pictures? I have firetrucks, new bedroom furniture for Miller, etc. to show off.

My Lil' Boy's a Big Boy!

Today Miller exhibited big boy behavior that melted my heart. Potty training has been going super well. This afternoon he got up from playing, went to the bathroom, did his #2 business all by himself and came back to tell me. I was so proud of himself (pulled down pants, pooped, wiped, flushed, put pants back on). Normally he wants help.

We also got a big boy bed today. Besides wanting to quit watching a movie so he could go to bed, he got up and went potty by himself. Now he's back at it with a poop (it's all a ploy but he's being independent). He has the biggest smile on his face. He gave me the best hug and kiss too. I am so proud of him. I have a feeling bedtime tonight is going to drag on a couple hours later than normal with this new found freedom but he's at least trying it all out and in good spirits.

PS-since I sat down to write this, he's been up twice and his underwear are on inside out and I think backwards...oh well.

Tomorrow I hope to post some pictures of his fire truck trip at Uncle Brian's and his new bedroom furniture.

Friday Tidbits

Hopefully this will not jinx me but I have been feeling a little better. I haven't worshipped the porcelain god in a week and I have been able to eat more in the afternoons/evenings. I hope things are making a turn for the better. It's about time!

Miller had a pretty good week. He was listening better at school and overall, been a little better at home too. Ryan bought him a model fire truck to put together. Each night if he eats his dinner and has been good, we spend 15 minutes working on it. Tomorrow he gets to go to Uncle Brian's and check out the real deal. I hope to get some good pictures. I have a feeling he is going to think it's awesome (and it will keep Uncle Brian in the top spot for a while as the coolest Uncle).

I have plans on getting a haircut (it's been months since I had one) and hopefully we get a big bed for Miller tomorrow. Sunday includes plans to attend Devon's third birthday party. The weekend is already full and will be over before it even starts.

As for work, I spent the morning backing up files and loading some new software. It turned me into a crabby witch. That stuff always takes so long. I hope I can cut out a little early today. Although I am feeling better, today I am feeling pretty tired and would like a nap or an early evening of relaxing. That's all for today. Just some random tidbits on the Froyd household.

LBF #2 Will Be Wearing Blue

Disclaimer to this post...our home computer is not cooperating so all my pictures are stuck there. Eventually I will get some posted.

Yesterday morning we headed to the doctor for "The" ultrasound. We were all excited in anticipation of what sex would be revealed. We were the first appointment of the day so we got in relatively quickly. Miller tried to be a good boy but after the 20 or 30 minute mark he was done. The tech was having one heck of a time getting Jr. to cooperate. I thought she was going to give up. She mentioned us making her work for her second cup of coffee and she actually sighed and took a minibreak mid pushing and rolling. Finally (close to the 40 minute mark), he showed us his boy parts and we were done. It was not as clear as Miller but I trust and believe it's a boy.

I have been asked a million times leading up to this what I wanted; boy or girl. Each time I reply with a healthy baby. A boy would be great because we know what we are doing with one and have so many boy things already. A girl would be fun for a new challenge and of course, I would love to have a girl to dress and shop with. The reality is I think having a girl would have been a terrible mix for me once the teen years hit. Plus, let's face it. I am not a girly girl. I would much rather burp and fart in public and laugh about it. I also prefer blue or green over pink or purple.

Now it's time to haul out all of Miller's old stuff. Look through what can be reused and make a list of the new stuff I want. I know I have some items that we never used with him (he outgrew them too quickly or we had so many of the same thing) so they will be new to the baby and to us. I also have to decide on a room theme. Good thing we have time for all of this.

The house dynamics will leave me the queen bee of the house. Ryan on the other hand is thrilled that there is equality in the house when you count the pets; 3 boys, 3 girls. Just to one up him, I am going to find another female pet...maybe. :)

Weekend Recap

Friday we got up and headed for my parent's house about 8:45am. After a few bathroom breaks/stops and lunch, a stop and go segment of traffic, we finally made it in the 6 hour mark. Uff! Everyone was sick of riding in the car at that point.

We brought Miller's 4 wheeler so he could drive it in the drainage area behind my parent's house. It was perfect for him. He even took a tumble (rolled it on top of him) and got back on. Then he moved onto playing soccer. He's quite the show off. We had to force him to chill out since he was out in the hot sun for so long. He took to cleaning the bird bath (down to his underwear-I will post a pic later) to cool down. Silly kid. Then he turned naughty with being overly excited and overly tired. Bedtime was a challenge. He then woke up several times in the night. Everyone was tired the next morning.

Saturday he was up too early. We did some stuff around the house and then headed out ot the beach for a picinic. The beach we wanted to go to was full so we stopped somewhere else for our picinic. It was cool. We got to see some manatees swimming near us! Then we headed to the river so Miller could get some swimming in. He loved it! Of course that ended in a fight to get him to go home. We made the mistake of stopping by the pool to see how warm it was. He wanted to swim but it was freezing. Then he told us he had to poo so we wanted to pack up and get him home. More tears. He tested all of us that evening since he didn't really nap much and was overly tired and excited for Sunday's trip to Busch Gardens.

Saturday he slept better and was ready to go Sunday morning. My mom claims he had a few moments but eventually he was a good boy. He rode a new ride by himself and got to ride his favorites. He played in the water and had a good time. They had to tear him away to go home and when he found out he was going home with us and not back to their house, more tears. It's hard to be an almost 3 year old. He had a great time and I am pretty sure my parents did too.

Ryan and I stayed home Sunday morning. We took our time getting packed up and then made a trip to Tampa. We forgot we had Annie with us so we had to make it short and keep the car running. We had lunch, made the exchange and headed home. The drive home was a little quicker and both Annie and Miller slept for a couple hours. *Annie had fun there too. She got to chase squirrels for hours on end and watch birds.

Three Day Weekend!

Ryan and I took Friday off (originally for different reasons but his plans fell through). We are headed to my parents. It's my mom's birthday Friday and Miller has been begging to go to Busch Gardens. Hopefully I can get us packed tonight or first thing in the morning. Our plans are to hit the beach on Saturday and have my parents take Miller to Busch Gardens on Sunday before we head home.

I am feeling too cheap to buy a ticket since I can't go on any rides and it's going to be blistering summer soon. After the little one is born, I don't foresee a lot of trips up there right away so I think I am making a wise decision.

Last week Miller was TERRIBLE at school and home. We decided he saved up his terrible two's for the last couple months of his tenure as a two year old. We have been threatening him he can't go to Busch Gardens unless he listens. We have even had to put in a few pretend calls to Grandpa to tell him to take his tickets back. It's worked most of the week so hopefully we get a good report for today.

My biggest concern/worry...hoping he doesn't have to poo while we are on Alligator Alley. Not a lot of options for stopping. As he gets older, some planning is easier. Some is more strategic.

Jazzy

Normally, Jazzy wants nothing to do with any humans. Today, the darn cat won't leave me alone. She's following me around, rubbing up against me, meowing, etc. She has food and water and doesn't seem to be in any pain or distress. Is she finally turning into a real pet? I won't hold my breath. Stupid cat.

Baby Shower Success

Sunday I hosted a baby shower for my friend Jess. It was a sprinkle shower for baby #2. It was fun to put a little twist on the traditional baby shower theme.

In usual Erin style, I prepared enough food for 20 people (there were only 7 of us) but we made a decent dent. I forgot to take a picture of the spread (I was pretty impressed with my display of goodies-I got to use some new dishes I received for my birthday and Christmas).

I also forgot to take pictures during the game we played (notice a theme starting because it carries through the gift opening). I had planned on only playing a real game (Catch Phrase) since we hadn't had a game night in ages. A friend from work mentioned a baby game she recently played and it was one I had never participated in. It was all about multitasking with baby #2 (hanging laundry, talking on the phone, holding the baby). It was fun because the real challenge was trying to hold a conversation (and very funny). Leave it to the two friends without kids to multitask at top notch speeds. We may have to try this a few years from now once they have a little one or two under their belts :)

The best part of any shower is watching the gift opening. Jess received a ton of great outfits that are so darn adorable and a few other fun items. We ooohhhed and aaahhhhed over the soft, cute clothes and of course had to touch all the great blankets.

Caleb will definitely be welcomed with a ton of loving "Aunties" who can't wait to meet him. These kids are so spoiled and lucky to have each other (so are their parents).

Counting

Today I earned my domestic goddess award. In final preparation for Jess's "sprinkle" shower tomorrow (2nd kid, you sprinkle them with love since you have already showered the first kid), I have a few counts to deliver rather than a checklist.

• 1 Gas station
• 3 Stores
• 8 Gift bags stuffed
• 1 Bouquet looking nice on my counter
• 47 Cupcakes baked (the package said 48 muffin tins but there were only 47 unless some lucky person figures out where I doubled up)
• 47 Cupcakes soon to be frosted before bedtime
• 12 Deviled eggs prepped
• 1 Pasta salad with multiple chops and ingredients added
• 1 Red onion sliced for tomorrow
• 2 Tomatoes sliced for tomorrow
• Too many to count strawberries to be prepped along with some other fun fruits
• 2 Toilets cleaned
• 3 Loads of laundry

I think I am about to call it a day. I am pooped and really hoping to sleep well tonight so I can enjoy tomorrow. I still have floors to clean and more cooking/prepping to be done in the morning. Ryan hopefully will be my floor man and also pick up the balloons.

Hopefully everyone brings empty tummies because I have a ton of food! I have a feeling there will be to go plates for all.

Finally Friday

Yesterday felt like a Monday so thank goodness today is Friday! I can't seem to shake the cough I picked up in Tulsa and now have a full blown runny nose to go with it. Ick.

Miller has had a rough week at school. He's in a "not listening" phase and is rebelling about potty training at school. We are going to have to buy him new shoes since his smell like pee. They have been washed but I think it's a combo of cheap man made material and urine. They don't mix. I think he's been fighting a cold (he's had a little runny nose) and he hasn't been going to sleep at a normal time. He's been challenging us with staying up later than normal and won't go to sleep at a decent time. His teacher thinks he's bored in her classroom. He's supposed to move up in May. Maybe they will let him go earlier since this seems to be his pattern. His birthday just doesn't mix with his readiness.

Let's hope today he does better. He went to bed at his normal time and fell asleep rather quickly. He appeared to be in a good mood this morning too. Plus, who doesn't love Fridays with Tumble Bears as part of his schedule?

I have a lot to do and need to get to a store to finalize my baby shower hosting duties. Then it's cleaning, cooking, and baking time. Too bad I have to actually work today. It would be nice to play hookie but I need my days for maternity leave.