Thursday, April 12, 2012

Easter

We had such a great Easter this year! Lincoln really enjoyed it! He loved finding all the 'balls', putting them in the basket and then dumping them all out just to pick them up again.

We were able to go to two different Easter Egg hunts this year. First, we attended our ward Easter Party. It started off with a great breakfast made by the bishopric followed by an Easter Egg hunt with all the primary kids. There were so many eggs! Remember, we have 4 nursery's alone!












The Saturday before Easter we went to Aunt Ginger's Easter Egg Hunt. 


Some of the Uncles had fun hiding some of the eggs... nice job guys!









That night we dyed Easter Eggs. James that it was just going to be me and him, but I reassured him that Lincoln was going to dye eggs too....or should I say just break the eggs :)




Linc also painted some pretty pictures for his Grandparents






Easter Sunday was really mellow at our house. James decided he should hold Presidency meeting before our 9 AM church. So, me and Lincoln woke up, I made traditional eggs on toast and opened our Easter Baskets. The Easter Bunny brought Linc a new movie, Ice Age and a new ball. But all Linc cared about were the Pringles in mine and James' baskets. Little stink had those jars open in no time!

Linc also got a cute new Easter Outfit. I was planning on taking pictures of him outside in his new outfit, but he had one explosive diaper and ruined this outfit. I wasn't too happy about it. But the one picture I did get of him is cute enough :) I still can't get over his short hair!











After Church we headed to my parents for Easter Dinner. My mom made a fabulous dinner as usual! It was such a nice evening having my grandparents with us. We sat around the table for hours just talking. It was a perfect Easter Dinner - last one as a family for the next 3 years. (crazy)


Thursday, April 5, 2012

Yes, it's true!

Yes it's true
Lincoln is going to be a BIG BROTHER to his BABY BROTHER!

I will be outnumbered by boys in our home, but I wouldn't trade it for the world.
I am so excited to have my boys only be 2 years apart.
I hope they'll be best friends and will enjoy growing up together.

This pregnancy sure has been a trial for me...one that I wouldn't change for the world...

On December 30th I was out running errands with Lincoln. He was defiantly trying my patience. I was getting beyond frustrated with how naughty Lincoln was being and I knew I had to run to Target real quick to pick up diapers. When I was putting Lincs diapers in the shopping cart he purposely bashed his head against the shopping cart handle. Instant bruise on the forehead. I then thought, how could I do this with two kids?! Then I thought, humm maybe I should buy a pregnancy test :)

I got home and put Linc right to bed. I went in the bathroom and took the test. I called James telling him he should probably come home so I could go meet my mom and sisters for Lunch. After our 2 minute phone call I went into the bathroom and saw the 2 lines (I I). My exact reaction, "Holy Freak I'm Pregnant!" I quickly took a picture of the test and sent it to James' phone. I couldn't wait for him to respond so I called him. He answered and I asked if he got the picture. He responded by a simple no, and then he paused and said, "are you really pregnant?" I told him I was and that I was just as shocked as he was! You see my body hasn't been on a normal schedule for months so I didn't even think about taking a test for another few weeks. When he came home we were both so excited and couldn't stop smiling. We then decided we would try to keep this pregnancy a secret as long as we could :) This is why we are now really letting every one know.



I quickly left to meet my mom and sisters for a little shopping and some Lunch. My sisters kept making joking comments about feeling pregnant because of all the food we have eaten over the holidays. Jana said, holding her belly "Baby #4", Kelli said, "baby #2" and I said "baby #2!" Little did they know I really had a baby in my belly!!

A week later my little brother left on his mission. After he was set apart I pulled him aside and told him he was going to have another niece/nephew while he was gone. We shared a few tears. He's such a great Uncle and I was so sad he wouldn't be around to see this little one. 

The next morning my family went to Market Street Grill for breakfast. My stomach was so bloated I was embarrassed! After the MTC, I met up with my mom and Kelli. Kelli said out of the blue - "so when are you due? I know you're pregnant, you might as well tell me" Well, I tried and tried to lie about it, but I couldn't. I told her I had NO idea how far along I was or when I was even due. My mom and sister were so so so excited! Later that night I told my daddy by saying, "Lincoln is going to be a big brother!" My dad was like, "cool." Then I think it hit him. He was so excited. When we were talking it came to our realization that my parents aren't going to be around for this baby. (Let the tears begin!)

I had my first doctors appointment on January 13th. We had an ultrasound: 5 and a half week pregnant. I swear I was ten weeks - by body was already changing SO much! 

When I was talking to my doctor we were discussing the birth. We are planning on a VBAC! I AM SO SO SO EXCITED!!!!

7 and a half weeks
The next week - morning sickness. It was awful. I was sick morning, day and night. I kept passing out. I couldn't keep anything in. I couldn't go to school, I seriously just laid in bed for weeks.  I remember coming and laying by James on the couch one night. I was in tears. I told him how I hated how I was feeling and I hate that I am being such a bad mom! I hated that Lincoln was being neglected. I hated that I couldn't clean the house or do anything. James was so sweet and reassured me that me carrying this baby was the most important thing for me to do right now. James has helped out so much! I seriously cannot believe how great he has been.

The sickness lasted up until about week 11. I then got off my zofran and unisome. I was feeling awesome! I had energy, I slept great, I could eat and I didn't even feel pregnant! It was so great (while it lasted)

2 weeks ago after me and Linc returned home from a trip to Arizona, I got a nasty sinus infection.  On top of that I got a nasty stomach virus.  I couldn't keep water down. I was in tears for days. I finally decided to go to the dr so i could get the sinus infection under control. The doctor was concerned that I couldn't keep any liquids down for the past 3 days. He suggested going to the ER to get fluids and zofran so I could at least start my antibiotics. Well, we did just that. The visit was one of the worst experiences of my life. They did do fluids, but that was it. They weren't helpful, they didn't listen to me and they let me go home feeling worse than I felt when I went in. great.

Between Linc's ear infections and my infection/stomach.
That next morning I called my OB everything that was going on. He had me come right to his clinic. My sweet mom down and picked up me and Linc.  My amazing doctor did another 2 bags a fluid, pumped it full of zofran and also antibiotic for my sinus infection. He seriously saved my life. I felt like I was hit by a train for the next 4 days, but at least I could take my medications and now I am healthy again. What's sad and that all of this wasn't even pregnancy related! 

So here we are now. I am just about 18 weeks along.  I went to my ultra sound appointment yesterday and it was confirmed...BOY! 

At my previous appointment (at 13.5 weeks along) my doctor was doing an ultrasound (I LOVE THAT I GET AN ULTRASOUND EVERY APPOINTMENT!!!) and was taking some measurements. Suddenly, our little guy opened his legs and showed us his goods. My doctor just laughed. He was so surprised by what we saw. He looked at his chart to see how far along I was again, laughed and said, Well, looks like it's a boy! We decided to not announce this right away because lets be honest, my doctor isn't the greatest at telling the gender. He did think Linc was a girl :)

 As of right now, I'm feeling good. Me and Linc keep passing the stomach flu to each other but I think we are finally over it! This pregnancy has been going to so fast. I know I am pregnant but it is a different know of know. When I was pregnant with Lincoln my pregnancy was constantly on my mind. I always thought about it, always knew exactly how far along I was, everything I thought about was baby related! With this one, it's in the back of my mind but it hasn't really hit me yet. I think that's because we are so busy right now and I have Lincoln to take care of. Up until our little guy gets here is absolutely crazy...School, graduation (walking), 7 credits of online classes from may-august 10, brother-in-laws wedding May 8, Family vaca May 9, June packing up BOTH my parents and James' parents for their missions, also farewells, setting aparts, MTC, airport (tears, tears, tears), July - try to stay out of heat :), August finish school, September have a baby!!

We are really so excited for this little guy to get here. There is a lot of work to get done before then. We are in the process of transitioning Lincoln to his twin bed. We need get his big boys room ready, get the nursery ready, and finish putting our house back together (yes, we just repainted our whole house..i LOVE IT!)

Yesterday I was trying to get a picture of Lincoln holding the ultrasound picture so I could post it. He thought it was so funny to crumple it up and throw it. These are the only pics I got. It gave me and Kelli a good laugh :)



And now - randoms about this pregnancy:

My first trimester I could not eat chicken. I can finally eat it again :)
I felt the little guy move at 12 weeks. I can now feel him move all the time. I can tell I'm going to have another Lincoln on my hands :)
I have to eat all.the.time. 
Crackers make me sick
I can't sleep on my back anymore :(
I don't have to nap every afternoon anymore :)
I love watermelon and cannot wait for it to really be in season
I'm not taking zofran anymore
I go to the bathroom at least twice in the middle of the night
My hair is growing!
and unfortunately my pregnancy mask is appearing (great)
My belly button is ready to pop. Any day now and it'll be so noticable
Still wearing my wedding ring. I wore it my whole pregnancy with Linc so I hope that stays the same with this pregnancy.
I love taking baths at night to sooth my back
When I sneeze I get sharp pains (thanks to the C-section)
I have round legiment pains already (thanks again to the C-section)
Linc loves to sit on my baby bump
I'm not in maternity pants yet - although i'm wearing my regular skinny jeans that have an elastic band, and lots of skirts. I'm sure if I tried to get in my button jeans I wouldn't be able to wear them.
We haven't done any shopping yet for this guy. We really don't need to because him and Linc will be exactly 2 years apart so we already have clothes in every seasons for this guy. Although I will need to get new tops. Linc ruined so many of his shirts because of all his drool :)

We love our little guy so much already! September can't come soon enough!

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Just a little update

Life as we know it has been absolutely crazy and busy!

I am going to school full time, along with doing my practicum for school so I can FINALLY graduate.  And not to mention i'm chasing a little, crazy, rambunctious toddler around all day, every day.  Boy, i'm tired and worn out!

James is busy with work at Ameriprise.  He is also busy with the young men in our ward. Busy busy!

In one of my classes last week we talked about 'burnout'. By the end of class I was in tears as i realized i am officially burnt out!  I keep thinking,  'in a month my life will settle down.' ha NOPE! not a chance. 2012 is going to keep up b.u.s.y!

Along with all the craziness. Both our parents received their Mission Calls!! YAY! We FINALLY know where our parents will be serving for the next 3 years!!

My parents were called to the Charlotte, North Carolina Mission.


 After my parents told us where they were called, me and my mom stayed up for a few more hours and google mapped the Charlotte area! Their house is soooo cute!! They will be living in a 4 bedroom house that is at the end of a long, beautiful, lined with trees road.  The city looks beautiful and there seems to be so much to see and do there.  More than anything is looks absolutely gorgeous!  It is going to be so much for to go and visit!

My in-laws were called to the Porta Legra Mission.  ( I know I butchered the spelling on that one) What's cool about my in-laws mission is that that is the exact mission my father in law served 40 years ago!




We are so so so excited for our parents! It will be such a great experience and we are sooo proud of them!

Lincoln has been so much fun (and busy)! He is a 17 and a half months. 2 more weeks til he's a year and a half...and 2 more weeks until nursery!! I CANNOT WAIT! All you mothers out there know exactly how I feel!

Linc is learning so much! He is talking lots and is able to understand the things we say to him.  He can say...ma (he usually yells it) dadda, bottle, please, thank you, NO, olive, moo (for cow), amen, count to 3 then says go, Nana, and he'll try to repeat anything you say.

These are the few cute things he does these days:

When it's time for family prayer we will tell him, "Lincoln it's prayer time." Linc will stop what he's doing a kneel down and be quite for prayer then finish with an amen.

He gives the best kisses and says "muawah!"

When he wants something he'll come grab my hand and take me to what he needs/wants.

We started using TIME OUT with Linc.  The other day he was starting to do something naughty.  I told him that if he kept doing it and if he broke it (the backdoor curtains) he would go into time out.  Linc immediately stopped, ran to the hall, sat down against the wall and said "No, No." yes, he put himself in time out. He then continued to out to 3. it was ones of those moments I wished I had on camera.

When we tell Lincoln to say sorry he rubs his head. I don't know where this came from exactly! I think it might be because everytime he bonks his head he'll come to me and I say something to the point of, "rub it, owie, kisses and SORRY."  It's pretty cute he has associated getting an owie with sorry.

Lincoln loves his kindermuzic class. He knows all the songs we sing along with the actions.

He 'gives bones' then makes a big wave with his arm and says "wow" (thanks mom!)

When he dances he moves is elbow up and down like a chicken.

He is left handed. yep...I have a left handed child! He does everything with his left hand. colors, eats, plays, throws..everything! If he's holding something with his right hand, he'll quickly move it to his left hand.

He loves to have all the doors closed.  If I door is open he'll quickly grab the knob and close it.

He loves outside.

Loves loves loves MILK! Between linc and James we go through 4 gallons of milk A WEEK! yes 4!!

Loves sesame street.

Loves to feed himself. He is so picky in what he eats though. He'll easily try new foods, but when it comes to foods he's use to he has to pick what he wants to eat. For instance, the other day he picked and only wanted top romen for breakfast.  Yes, he is 100% james' son.
 

Sadly the only pictures I really take these days are of Lincoln and they are on my phone. But oday I just figured out how to upload those pictures to my computer. I took 217 pictures since August - So here are some ... i mean a lot ... of pictures of our little man and the things he does.  (these are the most recent ones...as in from September to now...I wont bore you with ones from last summer

The Zoo for Lincoln's 1st Birthday!




He figured out how to take that precious diaper off. What a cute little bum!

I found Linc like this after one of his naps. His poor thighs got stuck. haha

Lincolns FAVORITE thing to play with...the air vents. Half his toys are down there

And he loves to make messes

And take off his diaper during nap time and make a BIG mess for me to clean up. Thanks bud

He loves water so much....

....he'll jump in the tub with all his clothes on

Linc loves driving with Daddy

And climbing...


YAY! Me and Pots before the MTC! Miss you!

I love my little bro


First Hair cut



My little 'princess.' James's Brother and his wife were watching Linc one night and he threw up while we were gone. My sis in law only had Mimi's pjs to put on Linc. With his curly hair and flower jammies he is such a little girl! haha


yep- gotta get that fixed.. thanks again bud!

Did I mention he loves water and he loves to flood our kitchen?!



LOVE THIS PICTURE! He was so tired he actually fell asleep in the stroller. Those who know Linc you know he ONLY sleeps in a bed. This was epic!

I love my big, brown eyed boy



I hope to keep blogging once a week :) Let's hope I really can!!