the 10th week and some funnies

I am officially 10 weeks and 3 days today.


Wheeeeeeeeee!


I went to the doctor yesterday...wasn't able to hear the heartbeat yet, but the baby was moving. The doctor said she could hear the heartbeat whizzing by the doppler, but couldn't pinpoint it. It appears there may be a busy-body in my body. Either that or the baby already doesn't like doctors. Good thing we saw a strong heartbeat last week!

And FYI, peeing before you are weighed by the nurse doesn't really affect your weight at all. Stupid scale.

I also found out that my risk of getting pre-eclampsia is higher because I've had it before. Really only about 10-15%, but that still seems kind of high to me. I informed the doctor that I CANNOT go on bedrest this time since I will have a 2 1/2 year old to chase around. She laughed at me and said..."Okay, whatever." I can tell we're gonna get along great! She understands me.

My next appt. is April 29th and I'll be approx 14 1/2 weeks. Hopefully we'll get to hear a good heartbeat then.

And now for something COMPLETELY different (but still pregnancy related)...

Nan reminded me yesterday of a funny story from when I worked at the pregnancy care center.

When a woman would come in for a pregnancy test, we would first ask her certain questions and get to know her a little bit. The questions had to do with her periods, if she used birth control, what types of pregnancy symptoms she might have, and then we would start to talk about her support system and how she might feel about a possible pregnancy at that time.

This one client I had wasn't exactly the spiciest Dorito in the bag (if you know what I mean) and was trying to explain some of her symptoms to me. The conversation went something like this...

Me: What kinds of symptoms have you had?

Client (speaking very fast and with a very southern accent): Well, I've been feeling naw...naw...nawsuss...

Me: Nauseous?

Client: Well, yes. I've been vomicking a lot.

Me: (biting my lip and trying hard not to laugh) Oh, so you've also been vomiting?

Client: That's right.


This client also said another funny while I was with her. Often our clients, a good many of whom were unemployed or in desperate financial situations, would apply to receive Pregnancy Medicaid through the Department of Social Services (or DSS). Here's what she said about that.

Client (still speaking very fast and with very southern accent): So, I think I need to get some help with this pregnancy, like with money and all. I think I need to go to the Department of Service Services.

Me: (If I had had liquid in my mouth, she would have been wearing it) Oh, you mean the Department of Social Services? I'll give you a paper that will tell you what you need to take up there to get Medicaid.


She was a very sweet girl - not very well educated, but wanted to do what was best for her baby and I totally respect her for that. And she provided me with a couple good laughs. All in a day's work.


I'll be updating you all about things in the pregnancy and such as we go along. And I think maybe I'll ask the nurse to weigh me like this next time.

That way it will be more accurate.

at last...

The day has finally come where I feel I can announce some news that Mr. Baseball and I have known about for several weeks.


WE ARE EXPECTING BABY NO. 2!!!!!!



We are excited that our family will be expanding on or around October 24th of this year (that makes me 9 weeks and 2 days) and are proud to say that there is only one baby in utero (not that we were worried or anything, but twins have to start somewhere you know).

I have been feeling pretty good, but just lacking a lot of motivation to clean house. This is obviously not a pregnancy symptom since it was here long before I ever got knocked up. I have been tired though, and hungry. Food never tastes as good as when you're pregnant (Note to self: this kind of thinking is what packed on 60 lbs last time!).

I digress. Anyway, here is a picture of "Homer" as we are calling him/her. We will probably find out what the baby's gender is, however until we do, we will call it "Homer". The Redhead has even become attached to this name.

Here's Homer's first picture...

Beautiful!

The only thing not beautiful about this experience was the fact that I had a completely full bladder and the ultrasound tech kept jiggling the wand up and down on my stomach in efforts to get Homer to move. I almost lost my bladder function. She's lucky I didn't. It would have been TOTALLY her fault.

words of comfort...two year old style

This past week my maternal grandmother passed away as she slept. She was my last living grandparent. "Mama Sease" as we called her died a month shy of her 90th birthday. She lived a good life, had a good husband, four children, ten grandchildren, and one great-grandchild who thankfully inherited her red hair! She will be greatly missed.

The redhead, since he's only 2 and a half, doesn't yet understand death and that's okay. I told him Mama Sease (who he most likely doesn't even remember) is in heaven with Jesus.

Tuesday night, my Aunt Emily and I were talking about how one of the saddest things is that Sarah, my sister is just 3 weeks shy of giving birth to a baby boy named after my grandfather Jack, Mama Sease's husband. Mama Sease wanted the baby's sex and name to be a surprise and passed away unaware that the baby carried on a family name. I commented (in the redhead's presence) about how Sarah must be sad about this fact and that I was sad for her. The following is exactly what was said by my most loving child.

Me: I know that Sarah must be sad that Mama Sease didn't get to meet Jack.

Redhead: Sarah, sad?

Me: Yes, Aunt Sarah is sad about Mama Sease and mommy is too.

RH: Mommy sad? Hug you. All better.



Upon hearing this, I cried. How could I not? My little redhead is so loving and compassionate and obviously sensitive to the feelings of others. I love it. What a blessing.

And what a blessing to have a grandmother who passed on a legacy of loving the Lord, working hard, serving others, and the importance of family. I'm thankful to have had so many years and so many memories with her. She will be greatly missed.

4 Generations (L-R): Mama Sease, me, my mom, and the redhead
July 2008

bad words...according to kindergartners

You know how when you are little, there are certain "bad words" that you're not allowed to breathe for fear of getting your mouth washed out?

Words like "stupid", "shut-up", "darn it", etc.

When I was in kindergarten I often went to play with my little friend Claire who lived in our neighborhood. One day I came home in tears and the conversation went as follows:

Me: "Mom, I didn't want to do it. I really didn't, but Claire made me say it."

Mom: "Caroline, what did Claire make you say?"

Me: "I can't tell you - it's too bad. It's a bad word."

Mom: "Caroline, you can tell me...just tell me."

Me: "I didn't want to do it mom, I just didn't, but she made me say it."

Mom: "WHAT DID YOU SAY?"

Me: (in tears) "She made me say...Oh God!"


I wish I could say that's the worst thing I've ever said.

In other things funny, little Caroline told me a "bad word" the other day. She and I were petting my dog Lijah and she mentioned the movie "Marley and Me". I asked her if she had seen it and she said yes ( I thought this was a more grown-up movie) and that I wouldn't like it because of the ending. (Spoiler Alert) I asked her if the dog died in the movie and she said yes and that it was sad. (End of Spoiler Alert) She also mentioned there were lots of bad words in the movie and proceeded to mouth one that I couldn't quite understand. I said..."What?", and she reluctantly said in a hushed voice - "Sexy."

So, there you have it. Ranking up there with all the other "real" four-letter words are "Oh God" and "Sexy".

I'm just trying to help you keep it clean.

promised cake pictures

Last Saturday was one of my sister Sarah's baby showers. She has about 4 more weeks before Baby Jack will enter this world, thus changing her life forever. We are more than excited about meeting this little bit of preciousness. And I will be posting pictures.

But until then, you'll have to enjoy these pictures of the shower. She has most of them on her camera, but I did manage to take a few.

Here's the cake I made for my sweet sister. It was an almond-flavored poundcake with real buttercream icing. And it was yum.

The redhead helps Aunt Sarah open one of her gifts.

I tried to get a sweet mother/son picture, but the redhead wouldn't cooperate. At least its a decent picture of me!

Sarah, the redhead, my mom/"Nano", and me

We had a lot of fun - I got to see friends from college I haven't seen in a while, some family that I haven't seen in a few months, and chow down on some yummy food, all while celebrating my sister! I love you Sarah and I'm so excited for you and LeGrande to enter into parenthood!

so much for a comeback

Normally I don't lie. I don't really even like fibs. But I did lie. In a recent post about feeling stretched, I wrote...and I quote...

"Bear with me as I get myself back to normal and back to blogging."

Um...yeah, whatever.

Clearly, life is not back to "normal" (whatever that means) and I'm not back to blogging the way I want to be.

I feel terrible that I haven't popped in on all my friends and left fun comments in a long time - I miss you all and I miss our communication.

So, for now, I'll give what I can give. I have some exciting ventures on the horizon which I will share with you in further detail in the near future. However, I will tell you that the MOPS group I'm starting here in town is kicking into full swing (this is what would be eating away my free time) - and I'm really excited about it!

I am also seeing another passion of mine develop...cake decorating. You remember I did this for the redhead's 2nd birthday in October? (I even impressed myself!)


Well......I'm making another cake next month for my sister's baby shower. I've got the idea and with the help of my wondermous sister-in-law (who is the cake lady extraordinaire), I purchased some necessary supplies. She encouraged me to test my skills a bit further, so for this cake I will be entering the world of..............fondant. Oh yes, this should be good! Stay tuned for photos (coming the first week of March).

So, that's what's up with me in a nutshell. Hopefully I shall return in a fortnight to keep you abreast of the happenings!


Oh, and Happy Valentine's Day!

do you mind if i ask what you were smoking at the time?

Dear Jessica Alba,

While I don't consider myself big fan of yours, I've seen some of your work and I'll give you your props. I mean, acting isn't just a walk in the park I hear. And being in the media spotlight can't be all that fun either, what with cameras stuck in your face, rumors being spread about you, and kamikaze paparazzi stalking your every move.

You may not think you have a lot in common with me, but actually you do. For starters, we're both married and we both have cash - only yours is in the form of your real husband and millions in your bank account, and mine, well, let's just say I'm hard up to scrape together 4 quarters for the Sunday paper.

We are also both mothers and have both birthed children without surgical intervention. I know that each woman has her own birthing story special to her - some go without drugs, other choose them, some don't push for long, some push for hours, etc. However, most women do get to experience contractions, whether pitocin induced (like mine) or natural and this is wherein my issue with you lies.

I have already outed myself as a celebrity gossip devotee so that's neither here nor there. As I was reading People.com this morning, I saw a statement that intrigued me...

"What wasn't so tough for the Fantastic Four star? Surprisingly, childbirth itself." "Contractions aren't that bad," she (Alba) says. "If you've ever had bad cramps? That's what they're like. But that moment when they put the baby on your chest – that's deep. It's a deep experience."


Dear heart, I have had some bad cramps. Some really bad cramps. The "curl up in a ball I have taken seven million alleve and they didn't work so shoot me right now" kind of cramps. Lemme tell ya', they in no way touched childbirth contractions - and mine were pitocin induced with no drugs. My back was wracked with a mind-numbing pain and with each contraction I couldn't move. I felt nauseous, I got chills, I wanted to quit and I have an extremely high pain tolerance. I am no quitter.


Bad cramps my a**!


But you, you had to have been on something to say that contractions weren't that bad. Yep. That's the conclusion I'm coming to. But in the end, we both had the same result. We both had healthy babies and got to experience that deep moment where we looked into our babies eyes and knew that we were made for motherhood.



Best wishes with little Honor Marie. I'm sure you're a wonderful mother.


Sincerely,
Caroline

self-diagnosis

The redhead knows two languages. He's brilliant, what can I say?

I wish I could take credit for his academic prowess - we've spent hours reading books and discussing colors, numbers, and thoughts.

However, these two languages seem to be most commonly spoken amongst "his peeps".

The two languages I am referring to are English (in Big Boy Voice) and Whiny English.

The latter is what this post will focus on.

It seems this is his language of preference as of late. Even when I tell him to use his other language, he opts for Whiny English. He knows my disgust for all things whiny.

Unfortunately, he gets this language honest. In a way, he did learn it from me. I think it was imprinted on his genetic code upon conception just to get me back for speaking Whiny English to my mom when I was younger.

No matter where it came from, it must be nipped in the bud. I have no patience for such nonsense.

When Whiny English is spoken here, we tell the redhead to stop being a "whinypants" and to use his big boy voice.

The other night, redhead was taking a bath and assumed the normal position of laying on his tummy in the water. I had given him fair warning of the impending ceremonial draining of the water and expected him to comply. Notsomuch. He began whining and I began ignoring him and looking away. Several moments later, as he was still whining, I glanced at him and the only word that came out of his mouth was...............................

"whinypants".

I couldn't stifle my laughter.

If only we could use this amazing gift of self-diagnosis at more critical times. For instance, he could tell me, "mommy, pneumonia", or perhaps, "mommy, need antibiotics". Heck, we could quite possibly bypass the doctor's office altogether...and maybe save some money doing so.

At least he's got a good sense of humor.

feeling stretched

Remember him?

Yeah. This is what I've felt like life has been doing to me lately. Bear with me as I get myself back to normal and back to blogging.

Oh, and if you have any brilliant ideas of things I could write about, please let me know.

a snowy kind of day

Every year, central NC waits on pins and needles to see if the forecasters predictions of snow will actually prove true. More times than not we wake up to the see the same brown grass of winter. But not this time. This time, Van Denton got it right and we received about 2-3 inches of the white stuff. I won't even go into how dysfunctional NC gets about snow. With the sighting of the first flake (this may only be a slight exaggeration - but its mostly true), business close their doors, school buses cease to run, and the whole city (with the exception of the necessary emergency personnel and Wal-Mart) closes down. It's downright humorous.

Truthfully, we just don't have the equipment to handle large amounts of snow (and yes, 2 inches does seem to qualify as a large amount of snow). I can hear you laughing Tracey P. Go ahead and get a good chuckly on our account!

No matter how much snow we get, you can be sure to find us out in it. This wasn't the first snowfall we've had since the redhead was born, but this is the first he might remember. After his nap and a trip to the potty, we bundled up and headed outside to play. By this time the snow had stopped falling and it was the warmest part of the day - even if it was a cool 27 degrees outside.

As we were frolicking in the farthest nether-regions of the yard, I hear the dreaded words...

"Mommy. Pee-pee."

At this point, I think I said a cuss word in my head, and rushed him to the house. Fortunately, the redhead didn't have to pee, but in our world, "pee" also means poop, and he had pooped a little in his pants. Ofortheloveofallthatisholyandgood!!!! This was the 6th - yes - 6th time that day he had done a shadoobie in his drawers! I know, who in the free world goes 6 times in one day? Needless to say, we stayed inside. There was no way I was going to put all those clothes back on him and go tromping around outside only to have another accident happen.

But the snow was fun and he had a good time - and that's probably what I'll remember moreso than the shadoobie that took us away from the beautiful snow.

a penny for my thoughts...cause that's probably all you'd pay

Its been a full week since we began our potty training adventure and I'm exhausted. Its not like newborn baby exhaustion though - I still remember that all too well, but nonetheless, I'm bushed! We have had our ups and down, poops and pees, good times and bad, but he's potty-trained. The last diaper worn was the one I removed last Monday morning. My brain can't function enough to calculate the savings thus far on not having to buy diapers, but I'm sure it is a lot!

This process has probably been one of my biggest challenges as a parent so far. It might have been the method that we used (http://3daypottytraining.com) - it was very intensive in that I had to be by his side and watch him like a hawk for the whole 3 days (something I'm not used to and worried how it would happen cause I LOVE my space!)

However, despite the constant physical proximity to an underwear-wielding toddler, I learned quite a bit about both of us.

* The redhead is very smart - this I already knew, just got to see again firsthand. He picked up on telling me he had to go potty by the end of the first day.

* He has a wonderful spirit and a great sense of humor - this I already knew too, but got to appreciate again as we spent much time in the bathroom (check out his angel face as we wait out another pee).



* Only God can give us patience and He showered it on me this past week in an incredible way. I was able to be supportive and encouraging in the middle of the night while changing wet bedsheets and a urine-soaked toddler.

* I truly enjoyed not blogging, but instead spent precious time playing with my son and seeing his imagination and creativity.

* I also saw the importance of both parents in this process. I had two appointments I had to keep last Monday and Tuesday and it worked out that Mr. Baseball could be home with the redhead. He picked up right where I left off and did a great job while I was gone.

* I learned that M & M's are a great reward for potty-training. They're also a great reward for tired mommies!

* It feels GREAT to have a potty-trained child. Each day gets better as he continues to "get" it. Our night have been good too - he just woke up dry for the 4th morning in a row. Of course we still have had to get up in the middle of the night with him when he needs to pee.



Redhead, your daddy and I are so proud of the big boy you've become and we're soooooooo proud of you for using the potty! We love you!

the scoop on the poop

Well, we've made it to day three sans diapers! Here's a small recap of each day:

Day One - definitely the toughest so far!

* All 19 pairs of underwear/boxer briefs were wet within the first 4 hours.
* Cleaned up lots of pee-spots on the carpet and couch
* Stayed dry through naptime (1.5 hours) - this was big!
* Finally started to "get" that he had to tell me when he needed to potty - usually it was when he couldn't hold it any longer.
* Had a crying fit prior to a HUGE pee; received a matchbox car for being so brave
* I got so frustrated at one point in the day I slammed my hand down in karate kid fashion on the floor whilst whispering the F-word. No permanent damage sustained. This moment was not witnessed by the redhead.
* Two accidents over the course of the night, a small disruption in sleep
* No poops

Day Two - much better than day one

* Only went through about 6 pairs of underwear
* Got pretty good at telling us when he needed to potty
* Still got a little scared when he felt the real "urge to go" - lots of encouragement and praise will be needed for a while on this issue
* Kept underwear dry for longer intervals
* Stayed dry for another 1.5 hour long nap
* We got poops! - his reward was a meal from Chick-Fil-A!
* Only had one accident overnight (we did wake him up to take him potty)!!

Day Three

* so far so good - no accidents
* one Big pee with another one expected any moment.

Thanks for all the positive encouragement. Even though it is a 3-day program, his training is far from over. It is still going to take a lot of diligence on my part to keep him in line. I'll post another update soon.

** Since I've been chasing the redhead around all day and rushing him to the pot, I haven't had the chance to take any pictures of his cute tushie in underwear, but maybe I can get one soon. It is adorable!

it's go time...literally speaking

Today is a momentous day in our household.

Today my baby boy will set out on his quest to become a big boy and it will all begin by exchanging these...

with these...

That's right friends, today begins our 3-day potty training adventure. I'm excited and the redhead is too. I've been telling him all week that babies wear diapers and big boys wear underwear and pee-pee and poo-poo on the potty. I've read up on what I need to do and I'm ready to do it. Underwear a plenty has been purchased (19 pairs in all), rewards and treats are at the ready (stickers and M & M's along with Matchbox cars for those really proud moments), and I've got the potty chart all set to go to track his success.

By the time you read this, he'll already have his big boy pants on and there will not be a diaper/pull-up to be found in our abode.

Accidents...oh I know they will happen - and often over the next couple days.

Frustration...it will come, but I can't let it show - this is all about positive reinforcement.

One thing I am absolutely sure of is that failure is NOT AN OPTION. I refuse to look back. He's ready and I'm ready, so off we go!

I'll only be able to check back in and give updates/pictures while he's sleeping since I have to watch him like a hawk the rest of the time. Hopefully, I'll be able to share the whole rundown on Thursday at some point.

BTW, if you're curious about what method I'm doing, here's the website...

http://www.3daypottytraining.com

I covet your prayers and encouragement, especially from those of your who have been in my shoes. And Nan, we'll probably be talking at some point over the next three days. Be prepared!

polishing a piece of the past

Next Wednesday will mark one year that my precious grandmother has been in heaven. Even though she is sorely missed, I am thankful to know that she is no longer living with Alzheimer's Disease, not knowing the faces of those who were closest to her. Now all she sees is the face of Jesus and those she loved who preceeded her entry into heaven.

Over Christmas, my dad and mom, along with redhead and I, spent one night (it would have been two if it hadn't been for the dreaded stomach bug...again) at my grandparents home. The house holds many memories for me - staging childhood plays with my cousins, playing piano for a captive audience of aunts and uncles, my first viewing of "Pinwheel" on Nickelodeon (we didn't have cable when I was younger), the list could go on and on.

Once vibrant and full of life, the house now stands dark and lifeless. The two that made the house their home have passed on from this life into the next and now it simply holds their precious belongings, most of which are slowly being divided amongst their four children and 11 grandchildren.

I have been fortunate enough to receive several items of great sentimental value from my grandparent's home. My collection includes three paintings that hung in various rooms of the house, a salad plate from their everyday china that we always ate off of, a crystal serving platter and vase, and some necklaces from my grandmother's collection. All of these items hold tremendous meaning, but three items in particular are the most special - a Revere Ware stock pot and two frying pans.


I realize it probably seems a little odd for me to cherish pots and pans as sentimental items, but allow me to explain. These pots and pans are by my best guess at least 30 years old, but probably older than that. They are the only ones I ever remember my grandparents using.

I can still picture my grandfather in his bathrobe and slippers, hair unkempt from a good night's sleep, standing at the stove scrambling eggs and frying bacon in the frying pans. He always made cooking a big breakfast a priority when we came to visit and by-gosh even if you weren't hungry for a big breakfast, you were going to sit down at the table and eat something.

After breakfast was over, someone - either my grandfather or grandmother would get right back in the kitchen and scrub those pans for their next usage.

To say the pans have been well-worn is putting it mildly.

This past weekend my mother-in-law and I were in her kitchen when I noticed that the pots and pans she was using looked similar to the ones I had just inherited, with the exception being that the bottoms of her pans boasted a shiny copper color. I asked her about it and she said that her mother was meticulous about shining her cookware. And I have to say, for about 50 years old, these pans looked almost brand new. I asked about products to bring back the shine on my pans and she shared with me her secret weapon, which I immediately tried to find when I arrived home. I wasn't able to find exactly what she had, but what I did find did the trick (even if it did feel like it was singeing the top layer of my corneas).

Here is what the bottom of the large frying pan looked like before:

and here it is in a side-by-side comparison with the polished stock pot:



Here is what about 30 minutes of scrubbing and several rounds of cleaner can do (please excuse the terrible lighting):




It was a major difference.

I feel as if I have revived a piece of my past and in a strange way, honored my grandparents by loving something that was theirs, no matter how simple or mundane. To someone else, these pots and pans might be mere cooking tools, but to me they represent the passing from one era into another - the making of something old into something new again.

new year's mish mash

Happy New Year! - at least to the two people who read this blog. I kind of feel obligated to write something today 1) because its New Year's, and 2) because I've been gone quite a while.

But I have no idea what to write.

I could write about all the things I learned in 2008, but it's too early to think that deeply - and besides, its a holiday.

I could write about all the things I hope 2009 will bring, but Obama's already told us.

I will say though, I am quite enjoying being able to fill up the Jeep for only $30.00. Glorious.


We were visited with another round of the stomach bug while traveling over Christmas. Thankfully, nothing exited unexpectedly from my body or the redhead's, but I still felt a bit crummy.

And thanks to my parents and other family playing with the redhead 24/7 over the week we were gone, his expectations of me have become somewhat skewed. He needs a sibling...

We are traveling again this weekend to do Christmas with Mr. Baseball's family, so I'll be back in full force on Monday. Next week (or the following week) will bring some new challenges as we enter the realm known as........................................................................................Potty training (cue music - duh duh duh...).

I think he's ready - at least I've got two things going for me. He doesn't like his diaper changed, and he HATES for his clothes to be wet. We'll see...

I'm off to play with my tot, but Happy New Year to you all! What's going to be new in your '09?