Goodnight Moon - Goodnight 2014

This year was pretty good to us... new home in preparation for baby Maryvonne, Rick's graduation, visits and celebrations with family, and overall heath.

Cheers to our little family of 5 for 2015 :)

Fall Activities - October & November

October: We had lots of fun! Pumpkin Patch visits, hay bail mazes, hay rides, pumpkin shopping, feeding animals, corn pit, fall garden, scarecrows, Mall trick or treating, Homeschool Park Parties, Neighborhood trick or treating, Fall Festival with food, games, and bounce houses plus crafts.

November: Continued our activities beginning with our first Day of the Dead gathering and sharing of memories. Homeschool field trip to Color Me Mine (plates), homeschool play at Kid Mania and parks, Multiple visits to the Library, Manser grand kids photo session, 3 Thanksgiving meals (new dish of the year my cinnamon apple pie with dutch/streusel topping - yummm), and a family excursion to see Yo Gabba Gabba.

September Highlights

Activities and learning:
DMA - Fist Tuesday (Kid's Days): Bapcia and I had a wonderful day with Guinny and Adelaide celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month! We made craft and took an art tour. But this time they had a special treat too - a live music and dance performance. Adelaide was totally enthralled :)

 

Swimming
Guinny continues to take weekly swim classes (indoor) and enjoy practicing and playing in our neighborhood outdoor pool and play area, while it's still open. Adeilade and Maryvonne seems to take after her thoroughly enjoying the water. We even had a playdate with Annie and her girls. Lots of fun along with a few scares (little ones jumping in deep waters), but all in all had a great time playing and snaking. Looking forward to getting together again.

Bdays Celebrating
We had Stephan and Sophia join us to celebrate Grandmama. Her strawberry cake with chantilly frosting (ordered from Market Street) was amazing. Grandmama's tummy was happy!
We had chocolate mouse cake (from Costco) for Rick's celebration at home. He received 2 Princess Leia Lego figures from me and a duo coffee maker from the girls.
The girls had lots of fun at Maya's birthday party. It was Day of the Dead themed. And the pinata was a hit ;) Sarah had Gabe go last and he got it good, creating an explosion of candy.
We also finally got together with Grammy to celebrate her birthday. She came over. We enjoyed chicken enchiladas, white cake with chocolate frosting and lots of catching up.

Playgroup
We got together with Adelaide's playgroup again. M' stayed comfy at home with Grandmama while G' and A' enjoyed cookie decorating and outdoor playtime. The weather was amazing and the gathering was relaxed. A' made a run for it - reaching the street. Luckily another faster mom was able to swoop in and help me wrangle her. Ugh, I wrapped things up so we could go after that.

Maryvonne
She is now 4 months old. Growing so fast! She continues to be an easy nurser and wonderful sleeper. She even has started to have a few nights in her pack and play - sleeping through the night. This is way earlier than Guinny (through the night in her crib - closer to 9 to 10 months) and Adelaide (through the night in her crib - about 8 months).

Mama time

Been breast feeding/pumping for 5 months now. With poor posture and wacky sleeping my back and shoulders grew sore and stiff. Today I visited my chiro for the first time in a long time. WOW! I feel wonderful! 30 min massage, adjustment, and mild stretching exercises felt like a total reset both physically and emotionally. I am re-charged and ready to tackle a busy week.

August Highlights

10 year anniversary celebration: mom & dad date night plus overnight at hotel while girls enjoying sleepovers. G learned from Jo how to ride a push scooter. A loved playing with the kitties at Boompa's & Nana's.

Family Staycation: Manser, Phillips, Manser, Manser, plus Michaleks enjoyed a 2-night stay at the Gaylord Texan. Kid centered visiting was full of giggles, play, and treats. It was tiring but well worth it :) Much thanks to Nana for such a great time!

Summer Sleepovers: G had a nice time with Bapcia. It included outside play: soccer and watering plants. G like to play goalie because she can use her hands, she says. She's learning from daddy :) She also stayed at Nana's & Boompa's again. This time she got some quality time with Kyle too. Many games of go fish happened. We also hosted a 'big' sleepover with Jo ans Sophia. Though it had a rocky beginning of home sickness it ended on a hi note with taking Sophia with us to our neighborhood pool (our first trip too). It was lots of fun! One on one with DziaDzia is always a hit. This time she brought playdough! The visit ended with a late lunch with mom & dad at a Vietnamese restaurant.

Playgroup: I took Adelaide to lunch at Olive Garden with her play group. She was wonderful! She tried new foods and stayed in her chair through the meal. She was curious about their salad, loved the croutons (nothing new) and tried the olives (not a fan). Liked their soft warm bread sticks and gobbled the 4 cheese ziti (good to know another winning dish). At the end the kids got up and played and sang next to the table while the moms payed. A' was a bit shy but finally joined the kids right as we were leaving. We are looking forward to more active get togethers :)

Library: In preparation for this season of Library story time and playgroup gatherings, G and I ran up to the Library to get a card. Wow! what a nice set up Frisco has - excited about our up coming visits. G quickly picked out 5 books (1 Cinderella, 3 Barbie, 1 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles)... I had to stop her there and remind her that we will be back :)

Playdate: We had Kristina and Brook over for backyard play and lunch. The girls played so nice together! Love that our girls are friends just like their mommas!

Happy Birthday Adelaide!

We took Adelaide and Guinny to a local/minor legue baseball on A's b-day. Lol, both fun and fits were had! It was on and off sprinkling during the game after a day of heavier rain. The girls didn't mind at all. Jumping in puddles, running/sliding in the grass, and watching the water run out of the gutters were unplanned fun. The girls enjoyed pepperoni pizza, popcorn, ice cream, cotton candy, with water. We sat in our seats before briefly taking cover. Then they decided to walk a lap around the stadium in the light rain. And we ended our trip by visiting/playing with a group of kids playing in the grassy areas. The fit/crying came when the over sugared under rested girls were made to leave just shy of the end of the game. We reassured them that we could come again.

Class of 3...

Short description of our little homeschool class to a homeschool group in Facebook:
We have 3 little girls. G is a caring, gentle, witty 5 yr old. She loves arts & crafts, cooking, and playgrounds. She is fascinating with volcanoes and space. She enjoys learning through books, TV & Movies, playing on her Leap Pad, and worksheets/workbooks. A is a energetic, vocal, strong 2 yr old. She loves animals, dress-up play and playgrounds. She really likes Peppa Pig, Yo Gabba Gabba, Blues Clues, and Simon's Cat. She likes most any handheld electronic device. M is a cuddly mild mannered 2 month old. She prefers the swing over the vibrate chair. :)

Milestones this past week

G: First loose tooth - bottom, center, right.
During dinner Tuesday night, Guinevere complained of her tooth being sore and a little painful again. Off and on for a few days, maybe a few weeks actually, she mentioned her sore tooth during a meal. I've been taking a look to make sure I didn't see anything of concern. Then following up with a brief explanation of the probable cause... it may get loose and soon after fall out to make room for the bigger stronger replacement. Well it happened, wiggling along with a little more soreness and a bit of fear. Awe, Guinny was so cute but worried. I reassured her that it starts off sore but the tooth will continue to wiggle and gums relax. When the tooth comes out the discomfort would be minimal, more like a tickle. I hugged her and kept a smile on my face and congratulated her on growing up. Then to get her tears to dry up, I said I wonder what the tooth fairy is going to bring her... because the first tooth is the most special it might be something extra. Her worries and concerns melted away and she said she hopes it's a gold coin. WOW, I think I got off pretty easy. Now, I need to get organized and get some coins to be ready for that tooth. Little miss is proud of her teeth and loves to brush. She is growing healthy and strong! Yahooooo :)

A: First potty use - pee pee in the toilet.
We have a different approach this time, Adelaide is leading the way. She showed interest in potty training, so we have her sit on the kiddy potty seat on the toilet when she wants. We help her practice wiping and washing afterward. We don't rush her but also don't make it playtime. Well this past Sunday she started her little pp dance so we asked if she needed to use the potty. She said yes and after a brief delay she ran to the bathroom. Grandmama helped her with her first successful potty use! Yahooooo :)

M: First bottle from mommy, First bottle from daddy.
Baby has been doing really well with my mom giving her an occasional bottle while I'm away with G at swim class or what not. Saturday while mommy (me) got to enjoy a ladies night out, daddy cuddled Maryvonne. She slept almost the whole time, but when she did stir and wake he feed her his first bottle. Monday while running errands I brought a bottle along to see if Maryvonne was ok with a bottle on the go and from me. Again, she didn't seem to have any trouble. What a trooper! Yahooooo :)

Bottles

Yesterday, Maryvonne had her first (and second) mama milk from a bottle. She took to it just fine. This allowed Rick and I to step out for a late dinner - date :) Thanks grandmama for watching the girls!

6/16 Added Note: While at our nearby pub the waitress asked how I was... didn't you just have your eighth baby, she said jokely. She went on by telling me that even though she doesn't know Rick's name she knows he likes stouts and that we were expecting another baby soon. Apparently Rick was sharing during previous visits. I was tickled that he fondly thinks and talks of us when we're not there! Kinda neat she remembered too.

Fit and fierce mom - coming soon

At my two week dr check I measured a tad lighter than my pre-pregnancy weight this time around. My heaviest pre-pregnancy and pregnancy peak weight was with G, my lightest was with A. But I gained about the same during each ~ 30 lbs. 

My focus remains on healing from surgery to return to being playful and active with my girls. Once the dr gives me the ok, I do want to start a healthier routine that is realistic for our life. My ultimate goal is to return and maintain my health/size/weight at 30 (my adult healthiest so far). Really my size and weight is secondary to health, strength, tone, endurance, and flexibiltiy. 

After (almost) bedrest, surgery, and now healing I am eager to move and stretch this body!! I want health for me, I want Rick to be proud, and want my girls to be inspired :)

This week in baby news...

Maryvonne is still sleeping excellent! We go to bed between midnight and 2am. But get to sleep in past 9am with 1-2 nursings during the night. She seems to enjoy being clean, not so much the process of getting clean. She latches and nursers easily but won't eat/latch when she wants her diaper changed. She doesn't cry or fuss with every change but does prefer to be warm and snuggled. I filed her nails as suggested by the hospital baby nurse, but couldn't get enough so I carefully used the baby clippers while she slept. Adelaide had a sleepover with Dzia Dzia and without our little alarm clock Rick, M, and I slept in! M and I got up after noon. Her diaper was not able to contain everything so she got her second bath first thing that 'morning'. I'm already getting better at keeping her comfortable... faster than her first bath. And yesterday she lost her belly button. My girls respond to each other so nicely... Lots of love and kisses :)

Bath day!

After Rick washed G and A, Adelaide was put to bed and Guinny got in her PJs. She joined me to help with Maryvonne's first bath/wipe down at home. She was very excited and started by gently patting her feet with a soft damp washcloth. But as I started washing her hair and face M started to cry. With that G decided she was done. I thanked her for the help and explained that Maryvonne is just cold and isn't used to getting washed. I quickly finished and got M dried and dressed. Guinny was happy that little sis was comfortable again. All my girls are fresh and comfy, ready for a restful night and play filled day tomorrow :)

Newest Addition :)

Maryvonne Ethel Manser was born today/yesterday (5/15/14) via scheduled c-section (at 37 weeks 5 days) at 9:44am measuring in at 6lbs 15oz and 20 inches long.

Welcome to the world little Vonne! We love you, XXOO

Guinevere Update

I want to be sure to record some Guinny moments and tidbits before I loose some of these details.

• She enjoyed gymnastics once a week for a year and a half. She participated in one in-house meet and earned her first (participation) trophy. She can flip herself over a low bar, complete a somersault, small hops and jumps, and has come a long way with her bridge. Her balance and larger hops/jumps was a challenge. We decided to take a break and focus on her swimming.
• She's been also taking once a week swim classes for the last year and a half. She's advanced quickly (skipping one class). She likes to play and show what she can do on her own. But with encouragement to focus and pay attention to her teacher she's able to continue progressing. She loves the water and remembers her water safety lessons. We are continuing her classes and are excited with achievements and interest.
• Now that G is 5, we consulted MDA. Though my doc doesn't routinely (or officially) diagnose children she completed a quick exam to address my concerns of no/little arch development... (brought up by gym coach). Looked at her walk, run, reflexes, and foot upward and downward strength. She has no worry and encouraged us to keep G active. Also, instructing us to watch G over the next few years, if she falls behind her peers (physically) consult MDA child specialist. Since most of the time it's obvious by this age, we are relieved but will keep our eyes open.
• We are trying to help her with her temper, disappointment and frustration (as I practice my own cool down practices). She is sharp and seeks more independence than is allowed right now. We encourage and acknowledge her good days and positive attitude. I know these attitude challenges is the flip side to some of her strengths like being bold and protective. We are learning how to teach and guide her to a better balance.
• All that said she is very loving toward babies. She is gentle and sweet, moving slow and giving smiles and talking quietly. She asks the parents before touching or kissing and loves to tickle those little feet. She is excited about another baby in the house and about teaching Adelaide how to be a big sister :)
• Her current movie interests: Back to the Future, Frozen, Pirate Fairy, Muppets, Super Heroes (Thor... Hulk...)
• Favorite TV: How It's Made, Food Factory, Money Saving Meals (the cocktail-mocktail show), Jake and the Neverland Pirates, Teen Titans, Peg Plus Cat...
• Her top song requests: Still likes 'Rumor Has It' and 'This girl is on fire' as well as Rock and Roll - particularly daddy's, and occasionally will also ask for Ballerina Music - like grandmama plays on her computer.
• Other interests: Deepening interest in volcanoes and space as well as a budding interest in gardening as we continue to learn about different foods and cooking. She also is aware and concerned with the environment - thanks in part to her School House Rock - Environment Video. She in very familiar with the concepts of reuse, recycling, and free-cycling.
• She has known the Alphabet, letter recogniction, and sounds for a long while now (since around 2), but we are still buildling on those fundatmentals in her pursuet of becoming literate.
• She enjoys counting to 100, she is very close to doing this completely on her own.
• Birthday Party! We did a 2 part birthday this year. First we had the family join us at a Fire Station. The kids got a safety lesson and a tour before cake and presents. Then we migrated to a park where friends joined us for cupcakes and play. Fun-fun-fun!

Adelaide Update

With baby sister coming tomorrow, I want to capture a quick run down of some of Adelaide's -isms and experiences that my soon-to-be sleep deprived brain may forget.

• Her hand movement meaning all gone (similar to jazz hands), she no longer does.
• However she frequently uses up turned hands and a shoulder shrug with a squeaky "Ugh" to ask I don't know - or- where is...?
• She requests mom's (my) singing of the Alphabet, Numbers (to alphabet tune), and/or Twinkle songs. She points to the singer(s) of choice and starts 'singing' - Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah to the tune. Often times continues her singing with me. So cute :)
• Her word vocabulary is small but she has known many animal sounds for a while. Cat, Dog, Rooster, Chicken, Monkey, Sheep, Cow, Elephant, Horse, Owl, Pig, Duck... But recently her Meeeow has transitions to Maw-oo to Baoh to Babo-Babo. HAHAHA!
• She's getting pretty consistent using 'Thank you' - Adelaide's pronounces as Na-na. Also, Banana, Nana (Margo), are called  Na-na.
• I am called Mama most often but now Mom pops up too. As well as "Mama, No"
• Other songs she requests are from the movie Frozen. "Let it go" and tongue clicking to request 'Do you want to build a snow man'. Clicking is to mimic the singer and the grandfather clock part.
• When she's old enough for an independent class (vs with parent) we hope to get her into Gymnastics. Seems like she would really enjoy it! Unprompted she bends over to peek thru her legs then sometimes continues in a side ways somersault, climbing, jumping (like a kangaroo), and now even practicing head stands on the couch corner (supported by back and arm). She also dances and sways to music.
• She shows interest in using the potty. She wants to sit, wipe, flush, and wash hands like everyone is. So far no potty success but with toot and giggle on the big toilet with jr seat. Btw, she also thinks burps are funny.
• Her current favorite activities: drinking Kambucha (fermented tea), taking/playing in the bath or shower, and playing and running outside. She still really enjoys both yogurt and cheese.
• She is pretty observant. When she sees people getting their shoes on or otherwise getting ready to go, she grabs her shoes too. And then insists she's coming along. For the most part this happens when Mom, Dad, or Guin are leaving.
• She waves and blows kisses at nap time and bed time.
• She helps with diaper changes - She's familiar and mostly cooperative with "legs up," "legs down", "lay down", "on your back"
• Favorite toys: Mama Kitty, Big Kitty, Black Cat, small med large Hello Kitty's
• Duplo play is often. She likes to both build and separate. She also enjoys the read-along duplo story board books.
• Oh my, she loves to play with electronics especially my phone. So much so we dug out Rick's old iPhone and put a few apps on it. We got a toddler protector case (looks like a mini steering wheel). She still tries to get her hands on other's electronics.
• Though she is interested in babies she is still learning to be gentle... recently she sat still and watched her new cousin Leilani, but then ended up poking her in the eye. Not with aggression but out of curiosity/interest.
• Though I'm taking it easy, we ventured out to the airshow in Fort Worth. I used my wheel chair to get around and we were lucky to enjoy the shade under a wing. We had a good time and Adelaide was very aware and excited about the planes, before and after her nap that is. She abruptly would point and ooooh'd and aaaaaah'd! The rest of the family were surprised she could sleep there, but Rick and I weren't surprised just relieved.

Growth Spurt!

We visited the OBGYN for the last time before next week's surgery. The appointment began with the sonogram. Baby girl is lowering into position head down. Haha, she wasn't shy; She moved and bumped the sono techs reading device. Her current estimated weight is 6 lbs 9 oz. Last time we had a sonogram (4/15, I think) she measured 4 lbs +. Her growth is above the average of 1/2 lb per week. If this trend continues for one more week she may be above 7 lbs at birth... even with being weeks early! Advanced movement, growing fast, and getting in position - seems like she's getting ready too :)

As for mama, I am pretty stationary these days. I use stairs as little as possible, I haven't driven anywhere since my baby sprinkle/shower on Sunday (which was awesome!! - more to come on that :))... I lay and sit as much as I can to minimize pressure, pain, numbness (new as of yesterday), and indigestion/heartburn/nausea. I started to read Strategies for a C-Section Mom. Given a little time to process as well as attend my hospital's c-section class, ask my doc questions, consult my friends and family with experience in this area, and talk to Rick I actually feel like I'm pretty prepared.

Excited to meet my youngest baby girl - next Thursday!!!!

Resting for mom and flip, flops, and flutters for baby

Counting down to baby 's birthday on Thursday May 15th. We are determined to get there as healthy as possible. Baby is still doing great with lots of movement. 

With the marginal Previa diagnosis and dr orders, I am weary to push myself. So more and more I'm house/bed bound as the pain is more often/more intense. Rick has been awesome, but don't think we'd make it without my mom, especially the last few days. I didn't drive since Tuesday  and didn't leave the house yesterday... Actually was only mobile to go to the bathroom. 

We are surprised how different this pregnancy is and have a greater understanding/appreciation of other women's pregnancy challenges. 

Baby's coming earlier than expected

This past Tuesday G accompanied me to a GYNO & sono appointment. She got to watch the 'black and white baby movie'. It was sooo exciting! The little one was blinking, swallowing with obvious tongue movement, and moving and stretching. Baby gave us both profile and face forward views. It was the most clear sonogram I've seen. When they swallowed we got to watch the liquid enter the mouth proceed down to the stomach. Crazy strange :) The tech said my abnormally high amounts of water made it much easier to see.

After that I shared with the nurse what I've been experiencing: occasional  intense heartburn, frequent pressure and groin pain, fatigue... She took the standard tests and measurements of blood pressure, weight, and urine. She made notes for the doctor and then I waited.

Lastly, I saw the doc. We listened to peanuts heartbeat. Then she explained that my increased discomfort was related to my low placenta and growing baby applying pressure. And further explained that we have shifted from being early in pregnancy - watching the placenta and hoping for upward movement TO preparing for no positive change thus scheduling a c-section. So when I ask. She said at 38 weeks. My inner voice screemed WHAT - YIKES, but I said Oooooookay?! She explained that they   do NOT want labor to start, that they want to avoid hemridging and birth complications. Also that I should be taking it easy! Don't make me put you on bed rest, she added. So we are now considered 'high risk' though both baby and I are currently healthy and growing on target. That darn placenta >:( wish my body was cooporating as well this time as the last two pregnancies. I'm frustrated, disappointed, sad, and scared. Oh, not to mention really anxious.

To sum up: baby growing on target with advanced moving and responses, I have high water levels and a low placenta, at this point in pregnancy (33 weeks) c-section is the plan (for 38 weeks), due date was stated as 5/31 (vs 6/2), so  c-section is trying to be scheduled for Friday 5/16 or Thursday 5/15, and lastly I'm still stuck in my emotional reaction.

Watermelon!

Adelaide wanted more but I told her she needed to wait a few minutes until I'm done on the computer. 

'Don't worry mom, I got this' - pics

Proud of papa

We are sooooo happy for daddy and proud of his hard work and dedication! His course work is complete, now we have to figure out his graduation. I assume it will be very soon :)

April 11th, Facebook Post from Rick:
Got the notification this afternoon that my final college (or collage, I always mess that up) paper passed. After three and a half years, my school work is done, and I am about to own a BS as well as spew it. My wife and kids have let me hibernate nightly, been patient when I missed dinner, and miss out on all sorts of play time. I thank them for their patience and support, and now I will be around more often (might not be a good thing, I am pretty annoying). Oh, and I am going to get a bunch of beer somewhere tonight, so if you want to hang out with a hippie at a bar, drop me a line.

Up to my ears in heartburn!

After an active day of a photo shoot, extra swim class for G, a bit of cleaning, and lots of play yesterday, I battled contractions/soreness and heartburn today. Through the day the soreness decreased as the heartburn, possible acid reflux, increased. So much so my chest, neck, ears, head and even my

back hurt/throbbed/burned. Ugh, I really don't like heartburn!!! I know, I know - who does :/

Low energy...

...Most likely due to a dip in iron. After almost a week of exhaustion and daily naps (different from sugar crashes that I've dealt with), I consulted my doctor and searched the web. I was relieved it didn't sound more serious! I checked my pregnancy vitamins and behold - 0% iron. I was taking the gummie over the counter ones since they didn't bother my sensitive (to vitimins/suppliments) stomach. So I switched to a liquid with iron and shifted my diet. Feeling better but still tire easily as well as get winded. Bending over and lifting is getting harder. I think being home with my girls makes this my most active pregnancy; Even with all Rick's and my moms help. Overall, I think the baby and I are back on track with being 31-ish weeks along.

At the last check-up, dr encouraged me to stick with the more robust vitimin and the better/more varied foods. The baby's heartbeat and activity is excellent. I'm not swelling or having any bleeding. We are healthy. The only thing we still are watching is the placement of the placenta. Next appointment will be another sonogram. We are hoping for continued movement - to have full clearance for baby's path. More updates to come. :)

My mini-me

I think Adelaide's 5 or so teeth coming in are getting to her finally. She wakes happy and energetic, but before her nap and bedtime fatigue and gum/sinus soreness result in demands of Juice-sicles or frozen fruit. She is a pro at throwing a fit.

Here is dads take:

Family Movie Date

After a grumpy/feisty day (by all) we went ahead with our movie plans. Running around getting ready: socks, shoes, diaper change, jackets, diaper bag, snacks, water cups... But no keys. Ugh, looking, searching, trying to remember when they were last used... Over 10 minutes of searching and re-looking they were found at the bottom of the diaper bag under the support bottom. Trying to rush out the door to make our movie didn't happen. But after taking a breather and calming down we left. In pouring rain we grabbed some quick BBQ and headed to a later showing at a different theater. We all enjoyed the majority of the Lego Movie. However, Adelaide grew restless fighting off sleep or reacting from a sugar high from a sweet treat. Rick took her out to the lobby to run around and look at the posters. They missed the rest of the movie. Big sister Guinny and I really enjoyed it! After, she asked to watch it again. I reassured her we will, but may just wait to purchase it on DVD. She then saw a few kids dancing to the credits/music. She joined them up front next to the screen. Soooooo cute :) We left the theater;The rain had stopped. We all were in a much improved mood. Very glad we pushed through the frustration and enjoyed the evening!

~This was Adelaide's 2nd theater experience and Guinny's 4th.

Something cool for those gums...

And boy does Adelaide enjoy those juice-sicles! She runs to the kitchen every time she hears the freezer open. And she's fast - not only at her run but also her reach and grab for those frozen treats!

       

Big sister is enjoying this time too! She gets to partake in the frozen sweetness while sitting with Adelaide.

Pregnancy

Got Glucose test results back - everything looks good. They tested for high blood sugar (indication of gestational diabetes) and anemia. During, I felt nauseous and light headed, so they thought I would measure low. But ended up measuring normal. After, it took me the rest of the day to feel normal. I rested, napped, ate and drank. Woke up the next day feeling fine.

We have a sonogram next time we go in to check on my placenta location. Hoping it moved out of the way of the baby's escape route!

Feeling good. Last weekend, it really hit me - Wow, I'm pregnant and feeling it! :)

With that I allow myself as many naps as I can sneak. 

We started to plan, shop, and cook again. Oh, it tastes so good and feels so much better! I want to get my freezer stocked in preparation for the baby's arrival... and with that our decreased energy and time for the kitchen. 

How's Adelaide

She is great! 

Her eating has not slowed though her gums are stretched and teeth are coming in. Her top two back/molars have broke through and a bottom one has too. I felt her gums and it feels like more are coming. (Current total of 6 on top, 3 on bottom.) She giggled, so I guess it tickled or felt odd more than sensitive or sore. I'm glad. She is stuffy/runny nose but otherwise pretty regular... Best teether ever :)

Other than that she's been increasing her awareness and wanting to help. She assists with the dishes - handing me the clean silverware and dishes from the dishwasher. It's pretty nice not to have to bend over as much, especially with #3 growing! Adelaide also throws tissues and food items away, but also recycles. Gets it right almost every time (haha, we are working on not recycling her yogurt spoon in the morning).

One more thing she is learning to brush her teeth. She keeps her toothbrush in her mouth a good while and is able to move it around. At the end I still help her brush her teeth and gums to ensure some cleaning happens.

Adelaide rubs and kisses my belly but mostly climbs me and uses it as a cushion. I remind her to be gentle, but still working on that. On the other hand when she sees babies she moves slower and is quieter... Seems to calm down and show a gentler side. Adelaide will learn and join Guin in the great big sister club, I'm sure! :)

Proud mama bear

Guinny has illustrated leadership, conflict resolution skills, boldness/bravery, and general awareness. She's 4 and has a lot to learn but I feel she's developing a strong character. She has been protective of Adelaide around other kids. She encourages Adelaide to play and participate but when others are rough, careless or rude they have to answer to big sister. (This isn't always the case, they often play independently). Recently when G was playing with peers (2 girls her age) she suggested that the girl with all the toys share. When one girl was unhappy with her playthings, G recommended they take turns and trade. And then when they grew bored G gathered different items and offered up a new game. 

She is awesome!

Cartwheels

As I watched Guinny at gymnastics today I realized the growing baby has been doing cartwheels, round offs, summersaults... Maybe practicing synchronized swimming type moves. This little one seems to move, stretch, kick/punch more than they rest! Sometimes leaving me short of breath from upward pressure toward my lungs, sometimes gives me a sharp pain or nagging ache, but mostly funny little twists and bumps and tickles :) could be the most active yet.

Pirate Mommy

Adelaide kneed me in the face while mommy climbing last night; ugh, right in the eyeball. I've had an eye/headache since. Plus my eye is a little red from some broken blood vessels. After trying both a cool pack and Tylenol without improvement I'm just taking it easy today.

Growing

Waddling and short of breath but feeling great overall! Excited and happy preparing the house and the girls for the coming baby. My regular blood sugar troubles continue to be a bit exaggerated; honestly I think this may be harder on everyone else dealing with me and my often abrupt requests/demands. I get grumpy, dizzy spells, leg tingles, ravenous hunger... Rick and my mom deserve many thanks!

Phew...

Packing, cleaning, moving, started unpacking, free-cycling away, G getting the flu, A getting the flu, Rick and I getting the flu, drs visits, ER trip, pharmacy visits, grocery deliveries by dad, dinner delivery by Rick sr, DMV to renew my license, and then my birthday celebration. (Sigh) that sums up the last 2 weeks.

It's moving day!

The girls are excited for the new but are eager to return to some normalcy (like having all their toys accessible and not 'packed'). Guinny keeps asking - are we taking this, that, and the other... And this morning she asked if the movers were taking her bed. I said yes, and she replied - well where am I going to sleep. I reminded her that she would sleep in her bed in her new room at our new house after she returns from her sleepover at Bapcia's house. Oh, oh ok she said as she shook her head yes in approval.

Btw, the girls decided to keep sharing a room and let the baby have their own room (for now anyway). That's good because that's what we were thinking of doing anyway :)

Last morning waking at their first house:

Big-big sister felt baby

Guinny felt the baby's movements this week. Just like when Adelaide was in there, she commented. So cute :)

Frankie Farewell

Yesterday, with many tears and hugs we said good-bye to our beloved furry family member, Frankie dog. He lived with us for almost 7 years. Don't worry he is alive and well! He is currently taking a road trip - on his way to his new home where there is an abundance of love, cuddles, and play waiting! Though our hearts ache, we're happy for him!

Sharing a delightful memory - He excitedly helped us welcome home Guinny. And not too much later we found that he was eager for her to play so he would pull her around in her walker. She enjoyed the ride and often laughed and smiled at his antics.