A few random thoughts that I want to get down before I forget them today:
1) This morning, as we drove to school, Macie observantly said, "Mommy, it's raining on your window." I confirmed her statement, and Ivie quickly followed up with, "Mommy, turn on your rain poppers!"
It took me a few moments to realize that she was talking about windshield wipers. "Wipers", "Poppers"... Close enough, right?!?
2) I had my 36-week check-up today. Bryce's heart rate was holding steady in the low 140's. Dr. T asked me how big I thought he was going to be. I said, "You tell ME!". He asked how big the girls were (which isn't fair, in my opinion, since even I can estimate based on the two previous children. He's a DOCTOR. He should have some medical way of figuring it out without charging me for an ultrasound.). I told him that they were 7 lb, 7 oz and 6 lb, 11 oz. So he pushed around on my belly for a bit and said, "I think this one's going to be 7 or 8 pounds, but not bigger than that." I hope he's right, as unscientific as his measurement was...
3) I can REALLY say, as of tomorrow, that I'm 4 weeks from my due date! Never mind that I've been saying "4 weeks" in response to the "When are you due?" question for the last week. Now it's for real! I've found that once I hit the single digits in weeks, on the day that I officially become a week closer (which is Thursday this time around), I drop my number by one. So I guess now it's time to start saying THREE!
4) Ivie's 5th birthday party is on Saturday. We're doing Build-A-Bear this year. She's never built a bear, so I think (hope!) she's going to have a blast. And I'm loving that they basically do all the party stuff there, so I don't have to do much in advance to prepare other than buy some juice boxes. Which is right up my alley in terms of effort I'm feeling like contributing these days...
5) Macie has started potty training at school. In fact, I think that, most days, she stays in the same Pull-Up all day. At home, though? She refuses to use the toilet. Unless I threaten to take her paci away right when she wakes up in the morning or right before going to bed at night. I think she's asserting her independence. Or maybe she just likes Miss Madison and Miss D more than me. Yeah, that's probably it. That, and the peer pressure of seeing her friends go in and out of their classroom bathroom all day. She wants to join in the fun.
Whatever it is, she needs to get over it. That energy level I spoke of at the end of number 4 above? It applies to my current desire to potty train, as well...
6) Am I really going to have a newborn in 3 weeks?!? I'm not quite "ready" from the work perspective. Still too many big projects to try to wrap up before I leave.
Which is why I better stop putting these thoughts into words (even though it's technically my lunch break) and get back to it!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Random Acts of Kindness
We've gotten three "real" packages in the last two days. I put"real" in quotes, because the ones that Dale gets on a daily basis for work don't count.
One of the three was expected - it was an order I placed for some kids' clothes through an online sale. So that one probably shouldn't count, either.
But the other 2? Not expected at all. And that's what makes them oh, so fun! So I thought I would tell you about them briefly, mostly because they are proof that, with all of the craziness that goes on in the world, there are many amazing people out there...
1) I got an email the other day from my good friend, Marcia, with whom I've swapped baby boy and baby girl clothes. Her email told me that HER good friend, Robin (whom I've never met), was going to be sending me a package, so I should be on the lookout for it. How cool is that? A woman who knows me only through her friendship with Marcia (and her blog-hopping to Marcia's friends' blogs), packing up little boy stuff and sending it my way for Bryce to enjoy.
And not only did she send some adorable clothes and shoes for Bryce, but she also was so thoughtful to include in the box a couple of princess figurines for the girls. It was love at first sight.
Robin, if you're reading this, the girls are happily in bed tonight, both of them clutching their respective princess. Thank you so much for your kindness. Maybe someday our paths will cross in person!
2) The other package came from my aunt, Chris, in Missouri. She's a frequent blog reader (or at least I think she reads it when she's bored!), as she oftentimes will drop me emails relating to the stories I tell.
The other night, she sent me a text, warning me that Gary, her husband, had put a package in the mail to the girls. Knowing Chris, I knew the girls were going to love the surprise, whatever it was!
Well, it came today. And Chris didn't disappoint.
Remember this post? Where Ivie had the meltdown because we didn't have any ice cream cones on-hand? Well, Chris had the perfect solution in mind...
When the girls opened the package, this is what they found:
Along with a note that told them that next time Mommy didn't have cones, they could use these bowls/spoons instead.
And, "if they were in the mood for sharing with Daddy" instead, they could use the BIG cone that she sent, too:
Seriously, is that not the "sweetest" gesture?!? Chris, had we not just gotten home from Kids' Night at Chick-fil-A (complete with ice cream cones instead of the toys), I'm certain the girls would have insisted on filling those bowls up right then and there! Thank you for encouraging their (and MY, let's be honest) ice cream habit.
Here's to the blogosphere connecting me, my girls, and my stories to wonderful people "out there" who find it in themselves to engage in "random acts of kindness", even when no one is watching...
By the way, Dale, if you're still reading this (u-n-l-i-k-e-l-y), you are NOT going to be happy with the state of the recycle bin when you get home... Blame it on these package-senders, not me!
One of the three was expected - it was an order I placed for some kids' clothes through an online sale. So that one probably shouldn't count, either.
But the other 2? Not expected at all. And that's what makes them oh, so fun! So I thought I would tell you about them briefly, mostly because they are proof that, with all of the craziness that goes on in the world, there are many amazing people out there...
1) I got an email the other day from my good friend, Marcia, with whom I've swapped baby boy and baby girl clothes. Her email told me that HER good friend, Robin (whom I've never met), was going to be sending me a package, so I should be on the lookout for it. How cool is that? A woman who knows me only through her friendship with Marcia (and her blog-hopping to Marcia's friends' blogs), packing up little boy stuff and sending it my way for Bryce to enjoy.
And not only did she send some adorable clothes and shoes for Bryce, but she also was so thoughtful to include in the box a couple of princess figurines for the girls. It was love at first sight.
Robin, if you're reading this, the girls are happily in bed tonight, both of them clutching their respective princess. Thank you so much for your kindness. Maybe someday our paths will cross in person!
2) The other package came from my aunt, Chris, in Missouri. She's a frequent blog reader (or at least I think she reads it when she's bored!), as she oftentimes will drop me emails relating to the stories I tell.
The other night, she sent me a text, warning me that Gary, her husband, had put a package in the mail to the girls. Knowing Chris, I knew the girls were going to love the surprise, whatever it was!
Well, it came today. And Chris didn't disappoint.
Remember this post? Where Ivie had the meltdown because we didn't have any ice cream cones on-hand? Well, Chris had the perfect solution in mind...
When the girls opened the package, this is what they found:
Along with a note that told them that next time Mommy didn't have cones, they could use these bowls/spoons instead.
And, "if they were in the mood for sharing with Daddy" instead, they could use the BIG cone that she sent, too:
Seriously, is that not the "sweetest" gesture?!? Chris, had we not just gotten home from Kids' Night at Chick-fil-A (complete with ice cream cones instead of the toys), I'm certain the girls would have insisted on filling those bowls up right then and there! Thank you for encouraging their (and MY, let's be honest) ice cream habit.
Here's to the blogosphere connecting me, my girls, and my stories to wonderful people "out there" who find it in themselves to engage in "random acts of kindness", even when no one is watching...
By the way, Dale, if you're still reading this (u-n-l-i-k-e-l-y), you are NOT going to be happy with the state of the recycle bin when you get home... Blame it on these package-senders, not me!
Friday, March 25, 2011
Macie's (A)Musings (#6): On HER Time...
This morning on the way to school, Ivie was playing with Dale's iPad. At one point, Macie said that she wanted "to see the doggies on the iPad", referring to one of the games wherein you can place several puppies into the picture.
I explained to Mac that Ivie was playing a different game (I think it was Barbie at the time), but that when she was finished, maybe she would show Macie the doggy game.
About 2 minutes later, the following conversation took place:
Ivie (turning the iPad toward Macie): Look, Macie, it's the doggy game!
Macie (deliberately turning her head AWAY from Ivie to look out the window instead): Noooo, I'm too BUSY right now. I'm looking at all the cars out there."
Demonstrating, once again, that it's Macie's way, or the highway. Literally.
I explained to Mac that Ivie was playing a different game (I think it was Barbie at the time), but that when she was finished, maybe she would show Macie the doggy game.
About 2 minutes later, the following conversation took place:
Ivie (turning the iPad toward Macie): Look, Macie, it's the doggy game!
Macie (deliberately turning her head AWAY from Ivie to look out the window instead): Noooo, I'm too BUSY right now. I'm looking at all the cars out there."
Demonstrating, once again, that it's Macie's way, or the highway. Literally.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Trampoline Footage
The girls wanted to get some video tonight of them jumping on the trampoline. So that they could then, as Ivie told me, "watch it on your computer". So I got out the Flip and started recording, and the girls took turns jumping. I apologize that they're only in their underwear. We had pasta for dinner. 'Nuff said.
For those of you that have been blog followers for a while, you know that when I start recording, I generally like to introduce the videos, specifically to get the date "on record" for future viewings. This time though, in hindsight, I should have just let it ride. I've clearly got pregnancy brain settling in in full force, since I incorrectly identify the trampoline as a treadmill. Trust me, you all, I know what a treadmill is. There's one in my bonus room. That I haven't used but a handful of times during this pregnancy. But no need to discuss the fact that my exercise levels have decreased exponentially as I've made my way through three pregnancies. It's not something I beat myself up about, or even let cross my mind very often. Clearly.
Where was I?!?
Oh, yes, this TRAMPOLINE video. I didn't notice that I had used the word "treadmill" until Ivie and I were watching it on the computer afterward, and she said, "Mommy? Why did you call the trampoline a treadmill?!?" I questioned her, but, of course, when we went back and watched it again, she was right.
Anyway, enough lead-in. Here's the video. Ivie's favorite part is when she SCREAMS, and her second favorite part is Macie's initial reaction when I ask her to sing us a song.
My favorite part is when I call the trampoline a treadmill. On camera. In a place where I can't really crop it out. Making myself look like an idiot. For the whole world (or at least my 23 followers) to see. But I'm over it now. Clearly.
For those of you that have been blog followers for a while, you know that when I start recording, I generally like to introduce the videos, specifically to get the date "on record" for future viewings. This time though, in hindsight, I should have just let it ride. I've clearly got pregnancy brain settling in in full force, since I incorrectly identify the trampoline as a treadmill. Trust me, you all, I know what a treadmill is. There's one in my bonus room. That I haven't used but a handful of times during this pregnancy. But no need to discuss the fact that my exercise levels have decreased exponentially as I've made my way through three pregnancies. It's not something I beat myself up about, or even let cross my mind very often. Clearly.
Where was I?!?
Oh, yes, this TRAMPOLINE video. I didn't notice that I had used the word "treadmill" until Ivie and I were watching it on the computer afterward, and she said, "Mommy? Why did you call the trampoline a treadmill?!?" I questioned her, but, of course, when we went back and watched it again, she was right.
Anyway, enough lead-in. Here's the video. Ivie's favorite part is when she SCREAMS, and her second favorite part is Macie's initial reaction when I ask her to sing us a song.
My favorite part is when I call the trampoline a treadmill. On camera. In a place where I can't really crop it out. Making myself look like an idiot. For the whole world (or at least my 23 followers) to see. But I'm over it now. Clearly.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Wordless Wednesday (#48): The Trampoline from Grandma's
(Please don't let us break any bones on this thing.)
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Bryce's Room - Sneak Peek!
Bryce's room is almost finished! I'm waiting (p-a-t-i-e-n-t-l-y) for his letters to arrive so we can hang his name above the crib for the last step.
Until then, I thought I'd go ahead and show you all how it's looking. You likely won't be surprised to hear that the only thing we actually had to purchase for the room was the 4-foot tall Rameses wall "peel" (LOVE IT!), along with which came the other decals you see on the wall to the left of the crib. Every other piece of decor already existed in our home, much of it crammed into Dale's office (aka, the bonus room).
The girls think the room is pretty cool. Ivie's only concern is that the big Rameses on the wall might scare Bryce. I told her that he'll see it multiple times every day, beginning the day he comes home from the hospital, so it's likely that he'll get used to it fairly quickly! She seemed appeased by that explanation.
So here you go. We think Bryce will love it. Hope you do, too! (No comments from you Duke fans, please. GO HEELS!!!)
Until then, I thought I'd go ahead and show you all how it's looking. You likely won't be surprised to hear that the only thing we actually had to purchase for the room was the 4-foot tall Rameses wall "peel" (LOVE IT!), along with which came the other decals you see on the wall to the left of the crib. Every other piece of decor already existed in our home, much of it crammed into Dale's office (aka, the bonus room).
The girls think the room is pretty cool. Ivie's only concern is that the big Rameses on the wall might scare Bryce. I told her that he'll see it multiple times every day, beginning the day he comes home from the hospital, so it's likely that he'll get used to it fairly quickly! She seemed appeased by that explanation.
So here you go. We think Bryce will love it. Hope you do, too! (No comments from you Duke fans, please. GO HEELS!!!)
Monday, March 21, 2011
Macie's Turn (#8): Donald Duck, the Easter Bunny
The Easter decorations, including Donald Duck, the Easter Bunny, have been pulled out of the pastel-colored bin to make their appearance in our house yet again.
For those of you that have an uncanny knack of remembering random Show-and-Tell posts from the two-and-a-half years of this series, this won't be new to you. For the rest of you, it might be, so here's the post from last year when Ivie brought Donald to school. Thankfully, last year I got a video of it in action, so I didn't need to do that again this year... Instead, just a few pictures of Macie dancing with, and showing off, Donald the Easter Bunny.
For those of you that have an uncanny knack of remembering random Show-and-Tell posts from the two-and-a-half years of this series, this won't be new to you. For the rest of you, it might be, so here's the post from last year when Ivie brought Donald to school. Thankfully, last year I got a video of it in action, so I didn't need to do that again this year... Instead, just a few pictures of Macie dancing with, and showing off, Donald the Easter Bunny.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Show-and-Tell, Round 61: Notre Dame Leprechaun
On St. Patrick's Day for Show-and-Tell, Daddy had the wonderful idea of digging the Notre Dame Leprechaun out of the stuffed animal bins (we have 3 of them, packed full) for Ivie. She was thrilled - what a great idea, Daddy!
Dale got this for Ivie when he went to South Bend for the UNC-Notre Dame football game in November of 2006. Iv was almost 7 months old at the time. Even though the Tar Heels lost by 19 that day (45-26), Daddy had a great trip to the school rich in football tradition.
And, as a result of this gift, Ivie had the perfect 2011 St. Patrick's Day Show-and-Tell! And she wanted me to be sure to show and point out to you all how "funny the leprechaun's shoes are!". See?!?
Dale got this for Ivie when he went to South Bend for the UNC-Notre Dame football game in November of 2006. Iv was almost 7 months old at the time. Even though the Tar Heels lost by 19 that day (45-26), Daddy had a great trip to the school rich in football tradition.
And, as a result of this gift, Ivie had the perfect 2011 St. Patrick's Day Show-and-Tell! And she wanted me to be sure to show and point out to you all how "funny the leprechaun's shoes are!". See?!?
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Happy St. Paddy's Day!
Ivie and Macie's school made a big deal out of encouraging the kids to wear green today. So much so that Ivie was terrified of forgetting and being "pinched".
Thankfully, we remembered.
Macie was very proud to show off her green M&M shirt for the camera.
And Iv thought it was pretty neat that the saying on HER shirt talked about "luck".
And I thought it was a good opportunity to share another prego picture with you all. So Happy Saint Patrick's Day from the Herman girls (and Bryce at 34 weeks in utero!).
Thankfully, we remembered.
Macie was very proud to show off her green M&M shirt for the camera.
And Iv thought it was pretty neat that the saying on HER shirt talked about "luck".
And I thought it was a good opportunity to share another prego picture with you all. So Happy Saint Patrick's Day from the Herman girls (and Bryce at 34 weeks in utero!).
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