Our Five Ring Circus: April 2011

Friday, April 29, 2011

What's Going On

I feel like I've been living my life in a daze the past two weeks! For some reason, I've managed to catch every cold/virus that I've come in contact with since the morning I found out I was pregnant! The latest cold has kicked my butt.

On Easter Sunday, I had a feeling something was wrong when I couldn't even breathe through my nose, even after taking Sudafed. Two mornings later, my feelings were confirmed when I woke up feeling as if my sinuses were on fire. I finally decided to call my doctor, which is a huge step for me. I very rarely see my doctor for a sick visit. Sure enough, I was diagnosed with a severe sinus infection. I've never had one before, and I can honestly say that I hope I never experience one again!

I'm really hoping the antibiotics work quickly, because I have been a miserable person to be around. I feel so crappy! Between not being able to breathe, having a pounding headache that won't go away, dealing with the morning sickness and increased contractions, all while trying to live life normally, I feel like I've reached my limit!

I've had a few bad contractions, but I'm still confident that it's normal for me. The only difference is that the intensity and frequency is kicking in much sooner this time around. I've talked to my OB, and I have a regular appointment scheduled next week, so hopefully they won't find anything of concern. Not to worry, though. I've been taking it easy, spending a lot of time off my feet, and paying close attention to what Nugget and my body is doing! Having gone through preterm labor before, I'll know if I need to head to the hospital.

I'm trying to stay positive, and focus on the fact that I should feel a lot better in a few days!!! For now, I have a good distraction:

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Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Spring Sledding

Sledding is a year-round event in this household! We have a really steep hill behind our house that is perfect for sledding, even without snow on the ground!

Grant was off work on Monday, and it was a beautiful day. He, Dylan, Lexie, and my two nephews spent three glorious hours playing outside!

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They all had a great time, and my nephews said that Uncle Grant was the coolest uncle ever!

Just for the record, this girl has no fear. Look at the snake wrapped around her legs! Eww!

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Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Tuesday and a Menu Plan

It has been really warm around here the past few days. Unfortunately, the warm weather brought along the thunderstorms. One minute it's hot and sunny outside, and the next it's storming! I love the 80 degree weather, though, and we've been spending a lot of time outdoors in our summer clothes!

We've had so much rain this month, that Dylan has had only had 3 baseball practices. Opening Day and his first baseball game are on Saturday, so it should be interesting. His team has yet to practice on a real field this year! Practice was canceled again today, due to the storms. It was sunny all day, and then the storms hit around 2. Secretly, I was fine with it being canceled!

I haven't been feeling well for the past week, and I'm completely drained. I caught a cold, and I can honestly say that I have never been this congested before. Most of the time, I can't even breathe through my nose. Being sick really seems to make my morning sickness worse. Today was one of the worst morning sickness days I've had in a while, and I think that's why I'm having so many contractions tonight. I've been off my feet since Dylan got home from school, and I'm chugging water. Grant came home and took care of dinner and the cleaning. I'm praying that they don't get worse!

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Our Menu Plan for the Week:

Monday: We had a ham, potato, and cheese casserole
Tuesday: Grilled Pork Chops, Macaroni and Cheese, and Salad
Wednesday: Soup and Sandwiches
Thursday: Beef cubes and Carrots over noodles
Friday: Dinner with family
Saturday: Bean and Rice Burritos
Sunday: Ham Steak, Baked Potatoes, Baked Sweet Potatoes, and Broccoli

Recipe of the Week: Ham, Potato, and Cheese Casserole

You'll need:
Potatoes (around 6-8)
Ham (I use a ham steak)
Velveeta Cheese


1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Peel and cut potatoes into thin slices. Cut up ham into small pieces. Layer in glass casserole dish, and top with a cover of thinly sliced velveeta cheese. Cover with aluminum foil.
3. Bake for 20 minutes, remove foil, and stir. Bake for an additional 10-20 minutes.

Monday, April 25, 2011

25 Weeks

I can't believe I'm already 25 weeks. It's flying by!

DATE:
April 25, 2011

How far along:
25 weeks!

Total Weight Gained:
I'm guessing I gained a few pounds back from all the weight I lost. I still have a while to go before I reach my pre-pregnancy weight.

How big is baby? Nugget is 13 1/2 inches long and weighs around 1 1/2 pounds.

How baby is growing: Nugget is beginning to exchange his/her long, lean look for some baby fat. He/She is also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture. babycenter.com

Maternity Clothes: I'm still wearing my regular clothes, but I've been wearing some empire waist items to show off my belly more!

Sleep: I'm starting to wake up more frequently to use the bathroom, and a few times a night, I get woken up by braxton hick's contractions.

Best Pregnancy Moment of the Week:
Showing off my belly to my family. They finally believe there's a baby in there! Also, we've been putting new baby stuff around the house...new spoons in the kitchen drawer, baby wash and lotion in the bathroom closet, etc. It's starting to feel real!

Movement
: Nugget is constantly moving! Lots of tumbles, kicks, and punches!

Food Cravings: No cravings yet.

Food Aversions:
I'm still not a big fan of any food, but my appetite is bigger.

Morning Sickness:
Zofran is still a daily staple.

Gender:
We didn't find out!

Symptoms:
Strong and frequent Braxton Hick's contractions, nausea morning to night, gagging, vomiting, (TMI one-still extremely constipated thanks to the Zofran, Iron, and Prenatal Vitamin), and mood swings.

Exercise: Getting moderate exercise 4-5 days a week.

What I miss:
Feeling normal. I honestly forget what it's like to not feel sick!

What I'm looking forward to:
My 26 week appointment, and getting the glucose test (the following week) over with!

25 Week Picture:

I'm going to cheat, and post a picture that Grant took last night. When we got home, Nugget was curled up into a tight ball, and sticking straight out of my belly. It was so cute!

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Easter 2011

We had a fun and busy Easter weekend!

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After running around all day on Friday, we decided to spend the day at home on Saturday. I still had a nasty cold, and was hoping that a quiet day would help. It was our first Saturday without plans in many months, and we needed that break! That afternoon, the kids and I baked some cut-out cookies.

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The kids were so excited to sit out their baskets for the Easter Bunny to hide. Dylan left a picture and a cookie for the Easter Bunny in his basket.

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In the morning, they both immediately spotted the evidence that the Easter Bunny had been here!

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The kids woke up early, but they were too excited to go back to bed!

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They followed the trail of footprints, and found their baskets of goodies!

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We always start off Easter Sunday with the Easter service at church, but had to skip it this year. I was so congested, and was having a really rough time with the morning sickness. We ended up having a quiet morning while the kids played with the new toys the Easter Bunny brought.

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We spent the rest of the day visiting our family. I honestly felt miserable all day, but I put a smile on my face, and tried my best to enjoy the day. It was really nice to see everybody!

The kids had a great time playing with Grant's cousin's kids at their Great Grandma's house!

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They all crowded around Great Grandma Ross to see something really cute!

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Dylan and Lexie loved snuggling with their grandparents and great-grandmas!

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We went 4 different places yesterday, and despite a few bouts of acting hyper, they did really well!

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We had a lot of candy and goodies to bring home from all those stops! Even Nugget got a basket!

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We didn't get home until way past bedtime. The kids quickly got ready for bed, and we settled down to read "The Easter Story." Grant and I finally collapsed on the couch, and spent the rest of the evening watching Jesus Christ Superstar. It was a great way to end our Easter Sunday!

*A big congratulations to our good friends Gary and Tracy, who welcomed their beautiful baby girl, Charlotte, at 1:45 AM on Easter!

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Visions of a Rainy Day

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It has rained almost every day this month! It's not much fun being cooped up indoors, but I'll take it over the snow that other parts of the country have been getting!

Yesterday was another rainy day, and I was sick, so I struggled to keep the kids busy. I really hope all the April showers bring May flowers and really warm, sunny weather!!!

Our rainy Tuesday:

Morning snuggles with a lucky hamster.

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A casual breakfast in the living room.

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Post-breakfast tickle fest.

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Babysitting.

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Dress up.

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Treadmill time while the baby napped and Lexie played Barbies.

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Waiting for the bus.

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Moon Sand.

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Playdoh, Max and Ruby, and indoor bike riding.

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Trying to relieve my sinus congestion the natural way.

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Strawberry Shortcake.

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Room cleaning and playing after school.

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Reading.

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I finally caved, and my sweet hubby brought me home medicine. Sweet relief.

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An adorable dish-washing assistant.

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Short DVD before bed.

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Early bedtime!

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