Snow Pretty to Spring Ahead

In the span of 36 hours we went from no snow to lots of it, then back to no snow! I can tell Spring is on the way!

We have had such a lazy week, thanks to the stomach virus that attacked our household. With the exception of going to my OB appointment on Thursday and visiting my parents yesterday, I haven't left the house. We're usually so busy, so it was nice to take a little break, even if it was due to being sick!

Lexie got sick on Thursday morning, but has been puke-free since. Phew! My skinny minny lost quite a few pounds, though. I'm going to have to share my Ensure! She is still laying around more than usual, but is definitely better! She's even smiling in her sleep!



I mentioned earlier in the week that Dylan was back to normal!



The weather has warmed up a bit, so we haven't had any snow on the ground in a while. On Friday morning, we woke up to at least 6 inches of snow. It was absolutely gorgeous! It clung to everything, and the snow was so heavy that the tree branches touched the ground. I wish I would have taken pictures right away. It was like a winter wonderland!

Dylan had fun waiting for the bus in all the snow, and after he left, Lexie played in it for a few minutes.








That evening, Grant and I worked on a project. We really needed to get a bigger dining room table, so we bought one. We decided to save some money, and assemble it ourselves! It took us four hours, but we did it! We absolutely love our new table and chairs!



Yesterday, it warmed up so much that all of the snow began to melt. By early afternoon, it was all gone!



The kids were eager to see my parents yesterday, so we spent the day with them!

We decided to spend the day at home today. The kids got dressed, but Grant and I are still in our pajamas! It was a nice, lazy way to end our lazy week!





Early tomorrow morning, we get to "see" our little baby! We are so excited to see Nugget again, and to find out if he/she is healthy and growing well. Although it's a bit tempting to find out the sex this time, we're going to stick to the original plan of not finding out. All I want is a happy, healthy baby!

Checking Up On Nugget

I went to the OB today for my monthly checkup.

My dad watched Lexie, because she threw up all over her bed at 6:30 this morning. Even though she's acting perfectly fine now, and finally eating, I didn't want to drag her along. Going alone was nice! I got a much needed break!

I have to admit, I was worried about the appointment. I knew I had lost some weight, but I only expected it to be a pound or two. When the nurse asked me to step back up on the scale to get weighed a second time, I knew it was more than that. I sat back, and braced myself for a lecture.

The doctor was very understanding, but did say that the weight loss is now considered worrisome, and that they have to monitor it closely now. In addition to the daily Zofran, I now have to have a supplemental nutritional drink when I'm least likely to throw it up, and add Carnation Instant Breakfast to my milk. Right now, I'm consuming less than 1000 calories a day (on some days, only a little more than 500), so I need to do anything I can to bring the calorie count up.

I also have to get blood work done again. The last time they did it, my iron and thyroid levels were low. My doctor said that low thyroid levels are common at that stage in pregnancy, but usually are at the correct levels at this stage. My iron is always low, but I sure am hoping that my thyroid is okay. I think prolonged hyperemesis and early contractions are plenty to deal with!

There was a good part of the appointment! My little sweet pea's heartbeat was nice and strong, as usual! It is always a huge relief to hear that!

I am officially under strict orders to gain back at least a few pounds by my next appointment, which will be April 5th. I was supposed to do that by this appointment, but no such luck.

On Monday, we get to see our baby again, at our ultrasound! I am praying that he/she is healthy and growing well. The big ultrasound is always the best part of the pregnancy!

Now...bring on the nutritional shakes!

Battling the Sickies

I am so thankful that my kids rarely get sick, because today was rough! Let me just say, Lexie is not an easy patient!

Luckily, I felt much better today compared to yesterday. I spent yesterday throwing up even more than I already am, and had excruciating stomach cramps. Sure enough, the morning sickness does seem better in comparison (just give me a few days before I take back that statement)!

Lexie, however, threw up again at 4 AM. She was better all day yesterday, so it really surprised me that it started back up again. My only experience with kids stomach viruses was Dylan's one and only 2 1/2 hour stomach bug a few years ago. She went back to bed, but woke up at 8 AM, and began dry heaving. She fell back asleep, and slept until 12:30 in the afternoon. She hasn't thrown up since, but she also hasn't moved from the couch.



She was supposed to have her 4 year well exam today, but I had to reschedule it. She's not sick enough to see a doctor, but this is definitely the sickest she's ever been. She is miserable and so crabby!

She was like a little dictator this afternoon, but I gave in because I felt so bad for her. All she wanted was for me to snuggle with her, so that's what we did. At 5:15, after only being awake for 5 hours, she fell back asleep. She just woke up at 7, and thankfully, seems a bit perkier! Here's hoping that was the end of it!

My little man is feeling much better! He only had to deal with diarrhea for a day. I kept him home from school on Monday to rest, because he seemed so tired, but he went back yesterday. I'm so glad he didn't get the same thing Lexie has. He's back to normal, for sure!



Thanks to their strong immune systems, they should stay healthy for a while! I, on the other hand, seem to catch everything I'm exposed to! I'm just hoping that this virus is gone for good. Dealing with it once every few years is plenty enough for me!

Tuesday Tidbits

Tuesday Tidbits is my way of remembering all the cute and funny things my kids say and do!

{1} I asked Dylan if he was hungry. He replied, "I can feel my belly to see if there are any empty spots." After a few seconds of patting his belly, he added, "There's one right here!"

{2} Recently, Lexie greeted me in the morning with, "Hi, Mom! You're my best girl ever!"

{3} Dylan snuggled up to me today, and said, "You're the best girl I know!"

{4} The baby I watch coos a lot while he plays. When he does this, Lexie says, "The baby is gaggling!"

{5} Dylan's new obsession is Harry Potter. This is his impersonation:



{6} My sweet baby girl had her first stomach virus last night. She puked all over her bed and floor, then all over the bathroom floor, and finally made it to the toilet the third time. After a good night's sleep, she was much better today, but I still made her rest!



Now? I have the same virus. Hyperemesis + stomach virus = a whole lot of sickness. I'm just thankful that my kids are better. In the spirit of staying optimistic, at least my morning sickness won't seem as bad once this passes!

18 Weeks

DATE: March 7, 2011

How far along: 18 weeks

Total Weight Gained: All loss so far.

How big is baby? Nugget is 5 1/2 inches from crown to rump and weighs 7 ounces! He/She is about the size of a bell pepper.

How baby is growing: Nugget is busy flexing his/her arms and legs. The blood vessels are visible through the thin skin, and the ears are now in their final position.

Maternity Clothes: No, my regular pants are still loose.

Sleep: I'm sleeping well right now, but when I wake up to use the bathroom, my bladder is so full that it hurts!

Best Pregnancy Moment of the Week: Feeling my little sweet pea move around more.

Movement: Nugget is getting stronger!

Food Cravings: Nothing.

Food Aversions: Everything. Grape juice is the newest thing that makes me sick immediately after drinking it.

Morning Sickness: I still have hyperemesis. The extreme, never-ending nausea is starting to drive me crazy!

Gender: Unknown, and not finding out! We've had the names picked out since I was 6 weeks along.

Symptoms: Nausea morning to night, gagging, vomiting, fatigue, stretching of the round ligaments (I keep pulling them!), and braxton hicks contractions.

Exercise: Doing an uphill/fast paced walking routine on the treadmill 4-5 times a week. If I break into a run, my contractions kick in more, and I constantly have to pee. I miss it!

What I miss: Eating and feeling normal!

What I'm looking forward to: My 18 week appointment on Thursday (I love hearing the heartbeat), and my big ultrasound on Monday!

18 Week Picture:

I know these are boring until my baby bump shows. There is one area that is rapidly growing, though...I have to go bra shopping for the second time this pregnancy! This picture was taken by Lexie...my usual photographer is under the weather today!



We've had a laid-back day today. I kept Dylan home from school, because he was really lethargic this morning. He has been laying on the couch all day, which is not like him at all! I guess Lexie didn't want to feel left out, because she stayed in her pajamas all day. I, however, kept busy. The baby that I watch was here all day, and I watched my nephew all morning. I'm so used to having multiple kids in my house (literally, 4 times a week!), that going from two to three isn't going to feel like a huge change!

Weekend Recap and Menu Plan

This weekend...

...I went shopping with my mom.

...I almost passed out at the gas pump when it took $45 to fill my tank.

...I went to a bridal shower with my sisters.

...I took a nice Saturday afternoon nap.

...We had our friends over to hang out. They brought pizza, the kids had fun playing, and I gave my friend a tutorial on her new D90! (She's going to love it!)

...Grant and I finished watching the entire series of "Gilmore Girls" for the 3rd-maybe 4th-time.

...Dylan woke up with an upset stomach, but felt better by the afternoon.



...We made brunch, after sleeping in.

...We visited with my in-laws.



...We had a relaxing Sunday evening at home.



Our Menu Plan for the week:

Monday: Chili and Cornbread Muffins
Tuesday: Steak, Potato & Cheese Pierogies, Broccoli
Wednesday: Sweet & Sour Chicken over Rice
Thursday: Soup & Grilled Sandwiches
Friday: Dinner at my parent's house
Saturday: Hamburger Helper and Green Beans (Dylan's choice)
Sunday: Baked Chicken Legs, Mashed Potatoes, Stuffing, and Corn

A Few Of My Favorite Things

{1} My kindle. It was a Christmas present from my wonderful hubby, and I use it all the time! It's going to really come in handy for all those upcoming feeding sessions!



{2} Zofran. Unfortunately, it's not a miracle drug, but it keeps me from throwing up more than I already am.



{3} Bath and Body Works Hand Sanitizers. I keep one attached to my purse, in it's handy little holder, at all times!



{4} Softlips lip protectant/sunscreen. It's my favorite lip balm, so I always have a stash of them!



{5} My water bottle. It goes wherever I go, because I'm determined not to get an IV for dehydration!



{6} Vaseline. I keep a jar in the living room, and a jar in my bedroom. I use it all the time on my lips and under my eyes!



{7} My Nomination charm bracelet. It is always on my wrist! My favorite charms are the ones for my kids!

Wacky Wednesday

This week, Dylan's school has been celebrating Read Across America week. Each day, they have a special Dr. Seuss theme. Dylan has been having a fun week, considering how much he loves to read!

Monday was "Fox In Sox" Day. The kids were supposed to wear the craziest socks they had to school. That may be easy for a girl, but not so much for a boy. Dylan's socks are rather plain! The only solution I had was to put 2 different colored socks on him!

The next day was a bit trickier. The theme was "Oh the Places We Will Go." The kids had to wear a shirt from somewhere they've been. We didn't have anything! I'm not a fan of souvenir shirts, so I just don't buy them. This is all I could come up with:



Now, I realize we live just miles out of Pittsburgh. But he has been there. So technically, it worked! I'm just going to keep telling myself that! ;)

Today was a no brainer. Even I couldn't mess this one up! The theme was "Wacky Wednesday" and the kids wore their shirts backwards.



I can't mess tomorrow's theme up, either. It's "One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish" and the kids are supposed to wear their favorite color or number. Definitely easy! Now, I just have to find a crazy hat for Friday!

Speaking of Wacky Wednesday, I can't believe Lexie wore pants! Willingly! Okay, so maybe not completely willingly. She threw the I-have-to-wear-a-dress-or-skirt argument at me, and was adamant about it, until I told her she'd look just like me in her jeans and sweater. She pondered that, and moments later, I had a mini-me. A very grown up mini-me.



With that, I'm off to read a huge stack of Dr. Seuss books to my kiddos!

17 Weeks

This pregnancy seems to be flying by! I was very sick with both Dylan and Lexie, but it seems like I'm even sicker this time. It doesn't feel real yet. I mean, I have all the symptoms, I've seen the baby, heard the heartbeat twice, and I can feel Nugget moving around, but I don't have a baby bump. I can see a difference, but people that don't know I'm pregnant have no clue that I even am. I can't wait until it's noticeable!

DATE: February 28, 2011

How far along: 17 weeks

Total Weight Gained: All loss so far.

How big is baby? Nugget is 5.1 inches from crown to rump and weighs 5 ounces! He/She is about the size of a turnip.

How baby is growing: Nugget's skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone, and the umbilical cord is growing stronger and thicker. He/She can move his/her joints, and the sweat glands are starting to develop.

Maternity Clothes: No, my regular pants are still loose.

Sleep: I can't complain! I'm sleeping well right now.

Best Pregnancy Moment of the Week: Feeling my little sweet pea move around more.

Movement: The movements are getting stronger!

Food Cravings: Nothing.

Food Aversions: Everything. Still eating to survive.

Morning Sickness: I still have hyperemesis. I'm really hoping I start to improve, at least a little bit, soon!

Gender: Unknown, and not finding out! We've had the names picked out since I was 6 weeks along.

Symptoms: Nausea morning to night, gagging, vomiting, extreme fatigue, stretching of the round ligaments (I keep pulling them!), and braxton hicks contractions.

Exercise: I'm going to start back this week, once my cold goes away. I took a break all last week to get better.

What I miss: Enjoying my meals!

What I'm looking forward to: Seeing Nugget at our big ultrasound next month!

17 Week Picture:

Party Time!

This Saturday, our family and friends gathered at our house to celebrate Lexie's 4th Birthday!

As usual, the house was crowded and loud, and kids were everywhere. That's how we roll! At the end of the night, the house was trashed, but it was worth it!



Lexie is very serious when she opens presents. She doesn't like it when all the attention is on her, so Grant had to assist! Lexie was thrilled with all the wonderful gifts!





Lexie loved spending time with some of her favorite people! (There were plenty more, but mommy is too lazy to edit pictures!)







She loved her cake this year! My mom makes the birthday cakes, and this year she made tiers of Disney Princess cupcakes and Lexie's very own Princess Aurora cake.






One of the favorite gifts was a Disney Princess pop up tent, big enough for all the kids to play in!





Lexie had a great time with her family and friends. She is blessed to have so many wonderful people in her life!

We love our special girl!






Today, she had a birthday party hangover! I think we all did!