E.T.

Wow, I can't believe I haven't posted since Thursday - eek! I'm trying not to stress about it as that is not my purpose of having a blog. I haven't been around much because I'm trying to get everything under the sun listed on E-Bay. Business is booming over there for me. I still have a bunch of baby clothes and maternity clothes to list, but things are selling! I make myself crazy by checking my listings all the time, maybe it's not such a good thing for me to be doing. I sure don't mind the extra money :)

Can you say holy heat!?! I think tomorrow is supposed to start a cool down. I've always been a summer gal, but I can say after this one I think I am becoming a fall kind of person. I went out grocery shopping yesterday and the air was stifling.

My title, well let's just say we have a new member in our family. Yes my friends, Aidan has an imaginary friend and his name is E.T. Ethan never had an imaginary friend so I find it really very cute. Today he also had Kasper the Ghost over for awhile. Where he came up with these I don't know because he's never seen the movie. But, I had to make room for E.T. in the car to go to the doctor's office. Anyone ever dealt with imaginary friends? I'm assuming I should just keep playing along and not worry about it.

I took Ethan shopping over the weekend and got him a new backpack and new shoes for school. He actually picked out a new pair of tennis shoes and they tie, no zippers or velcro. So, he has to learn to tie his shoes because it's my understanding that the teachers will not tie the children's shoes. I made this very clear to him and he said he's ready to learn, so I'm leaving that learning experience up to dad as I'm not sure I would have the patience. But, I must throw in there that he wanted to try in the store while trying them on and while he didn't do it he did have the right idea. So, maybe it won't be to difficult for him.

I'm really upset because he starts school so early - August 24th! Nick is going to be up in Wisconsin taking some classes and we had all kinds of stuff planned. Now the boys and I will have to head back home for school, no fun for mom and dad. :(

I've had this nasty head cold, ick! Of course I can't take anything since I'm still nursing. That just bites the big one. I know I would feel so much better if I could just take some sudafed. It's times like these that make me just want to say the hell with nursing, I'm done. I am reaching, or should say I'm at the point where I want my body back. I'm getting tired of nursing. But, I'm such a cheapo about paying for formula. I guess since I'm not working and I don't have any problems nursing I just can't justify the expense of going to formula. Now that Ian's 7 months old I do keep formula around so if I'm not here for a feeding or there's no frozen milk then he can have some formula.

The post is just a bunch of rambling about nothing really. My life is just so exciting, I know you are just glued here waiting for my next big adventure. Hopefully my next post will bring something more interesting to the table, or should I say screen.

Ebay

I just have to say that I sold something on Ebay and now I'm obsessed. I'm listing all kinds of things to sell now. I'm hoping to luck out as my neighbor did, she sold enough stuff to buy new family room furniture! How fun, at least for now. We'll see if I think it's so fun when I have to start going to the post office or UPS all the time to ship everything.

Ethan's Birth

After the wonderful epidural we just waited for Ethan's arrival. We should've gotten some sleep, but who could sleep we were just so damn excited! The doctor on call (not my OB) wouldn't let the nurses break my water, which to this day is I think so he could get some sleep. The nurses were in such awe that my bag of water wasn't breaking on it's own. I was like a freak show because they all kept coming in to see it because it was just bulging (I guess, I didn't look) out of my cervix.

At about 6:15 am they finally broke my water because I was fully dilated. The nurse wanted me to start doing some practice pushes. She instructed Nick to grab a leg, cause it was time to work. Later he informed me he didn't know if he really wanted to watch, but was glad she had him because he thought it was amazing. Well, after one push my nurse told me to stop, no need for practice pushes it was time for Ethan to join the world! She had kept saying she didn't think she would meet our baby because her shift ended at 7:00 am, after one push she decided she would get to meet him.

The doctor was on his way to the hospital. Everyone was racing around like mad, telling me not to push. My epidural had worked perfect because I felt no pain, but I sure did feel that urge to push. And for those of you that know that feeling know that you can't just not push. It was the first time ever I saw Nick nervous. He grabbed my hand and told me not to push that Ethan was right there and I was going to push him out onto the floor. I told him he better get down there and catch him then because I couldn't stop pushing! I told him to think about if he had to take the biggest shit of his life and someone was telling him he couldn't! I couldn't think of any other way to make him understand what that urge felt like. So, we were just waiting for the doc...

When the doctor arrives he's whistling away washing his hands and getting scrubs on. I finally crack and yell "I really need to push". He told me to go right ahead, he sat down in the chair and out came Ethan's head. One more push and the rest of him just slid right out, oh can you say RELIEF!!! Nick said he was no longer afraid to hold a newborn after the way he watched the doctor flip him around. He knew he wouldn't break. :)

Ethan cried for all of 15 seconds and then was as quiet as could be. We just sat there looking into each others eyes, I will never forget those first few minutes as long as I live. The nurse couldn't believe he was so quiet and alert. She kept saying "he sure does know your voice". Well, he should, he'd been listening to me for nine months! I had talked to him a lot while driving in traffic to and from work.

Now my first born is 5 years old and going to start kindergarten soon. This is for me so sad, exciting, and I'm sure will be one of the proudest days of my life. I am ready and so not ready for that first day to watch him get on the bus.

Ethan

I thought I would provide a little history on my children. :) I will start with my first born, Ethan.

We started trying to get pregnant in May of 1999. Just after our third anniversary (July 6th), I took a pregnancy test that turned out positive. I really didn't expect it to happen so quickly, but was very happy and grateful that it did happen. I took the test by myself on a Friday night, Nick was out working in the yard. He had wanted me to wait until the weekend was over, but I just couldn't stand waiting any longer. When I saw that second line starting to appear I thought my heart was going to burst right out of my chest. I quickly ran out and gave Nick the news. I then quickly called my good friend and co-worker, as we were both trying to get pregnant.

My pregnancy was really uneventful. I had awful 24 hour "morning sickness". I think I only threw up once or twice, but felt nauseas ever other hour. I was working on getting my bachelor degree at the time and was thankful we were on a break (it was set on trimesters). So, I was able to come home from work and SLEEP! Anything to avoid feeling sick all the time. I had my first ultrasound at about 8 weeks and loved seeing that heartbeat. Seeing that somehow made it all seem real. At about 28 weeks I had a second ultrasound where we found out we were having a healthy little boy!! I just knew it was a boy, can't explain it, just knew. Nick was so excited, he wanted a boy so badly.

At the end of my pregnancy I swelled so much, it sucked!! One week I gained six pounds of fluid! But, I never had any other problems. I started dilating around 37 weeks. By the end of 39 weeks I was 3 cm and Ethan's head was "right there" as my doctor put it. She put me on the schedule to be induced the next week, as I saw her on a Thursday. My due date was Saturday and she didn't think I would make it the following Tuesday for induction. I felt like I was going to be pregnant forever! I couldn't wait to me my baby boy!!

Friday night Nick and I got some movies. I wasn't really hungry, so I opted to have a Frosty (big one at that) from Wendy's. We started the movie at around 10:00, about an hour into the movie I noticed I was having pains in my lower back. I told Nick about it, but thought it wasn't contractions because I couldn't feel anything in my belly. Well, he started timing my back pains and sure enough figured I was in labor. He was worried we wouldn't make it through the movie. I was supposed to call the answering service and wait for a doctor to call and give the green light to head over to the hospital. Well, just my luck, the answering service wasn't answering!!

I wanted to wait, but Nick insisted that we head to the hospital. It was just before midnight. We got to the hospital close to 12:30, still not having any major pain. Checking in the nurse asked my due date, which I happily replied "today"! She said "well, you're still smiling, let's check you and see how far along you are", indicating that I probably wasn't far. Well, much to everyone's surprise I was 5 1/2 cm! The nurse putting my IV in couldn't believe that he was my first baby. She offered my and epidural since I was so far along already. No pain yet, but bring it on!!

Later, I finish my story. :)

Guess I'm getting old

So, I went to the doctor yesterday because I've been having some problems with my left knee. She said I haven't done any major damage - yet. I've started a tear in a tendon or ligament. So, no running, jogging, lunges, or any other exercise that puts a lot of pressure/weight on my knees. I have to build my already BIG THIGHS to compensate and take the weight off my knees.

Even when I was really thin in high school I always felt I had big thighs. They just seem to keep following me wherever I go, I just can't get rid of them. Now my doctor wants me to work them more - yikes!! She told me I could try by myself for awhile, but if it doesn't get better she suggested I go to physical therapy.

My body is falling apart and I turn 32 next month - ick!! I don't know why I have such a hard time getting older. It was like once I left my 20's it wasn't fun anymore.

On a different subject, Aidan just won't poop on the potty for me! He will do it no problems for Nick, but not for mom. :( I've bought some of his favorite chocolate bars in hopes that it will give him a little motivation to work with me. But, at least he still goes pee with no problems. I don't even have to remind him to go, unless we are leaving the house. :) So, that means he can start preschool next month - yeah!!!

More later, I've got to get to the gym while Ian's still in good spirits.

Shopping, riding, pedicures and more

I have had such a great weekend! Aidan is still using the potty and doing #2 on it!! I think I am more thrilled than he is about the whole thing. I guess I was right in making the decision to give him a little shove to do it. Here's to only having to change one child's diaper now!

Saturday my mom and dad came down for a visit. My mom, Ian and I went down to the Chicago Premimum Outlets. It was hot, but we had a great time. My mom got some much needed clothing. It's so nice to see her buying some nice things for herself. When we grew up we didn't have a lot of money and I know my mom sacrificed a lot for us, so it's good to see her treating herself nicely. I find it so funny to see me becoming my mom and watching my mom become my grandmother. She was buying a blazer at the J. Crew store and I was watching her and her movements, mannerisms, etc. were just like my grandma. I told her as we left the store that she was going to hate me for saying it, but I said "you are turning into grandma". She laughed and said she knows. She said when she does her weekly conditioning treatment to her hair and puts her shower cap on my dad always says "hello Margaret" ( my grandma). It's nice to spend a relaxing day with my mom. :)

I have to talk about how rude people were at the mall. I was floored!!! No one, not one single person said excuse me, no body held doors for each other, nothing. I opened the door coming out of one store for my mom, as she was pushing the stroller, and this woman shoved the stroller aside and barged out of the store. Sometimes I can still be shocked at how uncivil, rude and down right mean people can be sometimes. I hope my boys grow up with many more manners.

After we returned home from shopping they had to head back home. Nick had picked up the babysitter and was ready to take me out. He recently purchased a new "used" motorcycle. So, I was getting to go out for a ride, dinner and see a band. I haven't been riding on the new cycle or his old cycle I think in over 5 years!! Once Ethan came along that just went out the window. It was so much fun. We had a good dinner with friends and watched a band of someone he works with. We didn't get home until almost 1:00 in the morning!! Yikes, very late for me. I can't believe I'm still awake.

The salon on go to has this program that I joined, yes another "member" card to carry. They have a service where you can check daily on-line for open appointments. If you call in and book one of those open appointments you get 30% off the service. A good friend of mine has always told me to get a pedicure that I would love it. I've never wanted to waste money on one, I can paint my own toe nails thank you. Well, they had an opening for one today, so at 30% off I thought I would try one. It was great! Not something I will do all the time, as we don't have money to throw around on those kind of things. But, it's nice to keep in mind when I'm going to splurge a little bit or when asked for gift ideas I now have a good one. I have to add that my feet are really ticklish and I thought I wouldn't make it through a pedicure. I'm glad to say that I only giggled twice. :)

Wow, am I writing a novel or what?? Dinnertime will be approaching soon. I'll have to start rounding all the boys in soon. It's just as hard to get DH in from outside as it is my kids. I still have to finish laundry, but I've come to the realization that laundry just never ends.

Making progress

I am happy to report that the potty training is coming along nicely. While Aidan still won't poop on the potty, we have had no accidents and he's already coming to me and telling me he needs to go - yeah!

We went to the mall and Target today. He used the potty at the mall, no problem. I can't believe I can already take him out and not have to worry about an accident. See, I knew he was ready.

Hopefully Nick will help him handle the #2 situation this weekend and then we can move onto overnights. Nick can tackle that one while I'm out shopping with my mom. :)

I'm excited for my mom to come down tomorrow and go shopping. We are headed down to the outlet mall in Aurora. I've only been there once and I really liked it. I'm going to have to try and behave myself. It's so hard when you enjoy shopping as much as I do.

Andrea, I know you're on EST so you probably have your book by now. I hope you are enjoying it!!

Another day, just a bunch of stuff

So, day two of no diapers - except bedtime. Yesterday we had two accidents, today we had no accidents - yeah! But, I kid you not the child only peed three times all day!!! How is that possible?? I think I sounded like a broken record following him around all day asking him if he needed to go pee-pee.

I was also worried he would have a BM in his underpants. He usually goes, like clock work, in the morning. When nothing happened as I followed him throughout the day I was always sniffing for an unpleasant present. Nothing happened until this evening, when Aidan came to me asking for a diaper. I put him on the potty and thought he was going to have a BM, but he stopped pushing and asked again for a diaper. First I said no, but when he came back to me an hour later asking again I gave in and let him go in the diaper. I don't want to go through the whole thing of having him hold it and become constipated and cause worse problems. So, I'll tackle one issue at a time.

I feel like such a pig! I think I ate all day today and did no exercise. This will not help me lose those 15 pounds I would like to drop! I get so upset when I have days like these, but all I can do is say I'll do better tomorrow.

I was doing really good in the exercise department, but the last week or so I've begun to really slack. But, I'm so VERY tired and I don't know why. I have a doctor's appointment on Monday to have my knee looked at and I'm going to ask her to check my thyroid. I'm getting pretty good sleep and I always thought exercise was supposed to give you energy, so I don't know. Maybe I should go out and get a Mocha Frappachino from Starbucks - YUMMY!!!

So, my BIL is getting married this September. My future SIL is a total hillbilly. I know, so not nice to say, but I can say it here and it won't get back to her. Now don't get me wrong, my BIL is no prize. Between the two of them they have five children!!! They each came into the relationship with two and they had one together. They have major issues and it's not nice to say, but I don't think that they'll make it.

Anyway, I have to attend two showers for my future SIL. I don't understand why my DH's step-mom's family is giving her two showers. We just got the invitation to their wedding and I'm dreading sending the response card back. She is going to give me the riot act because I will NOT be bringing our children to the wedding and reception. She keeps insisting that I have to bring them. My husband is the best man, so he will not be able to assist at all with the kids. I am not going to try and tackle all three of them by myself. Besides, my parents, who we will be staying with, is only 20 minutes from the wedding and reception place will be taking care of the kids for us. The kids will have much more fun at their nana and papa's house, rather than having to sit and be quiet during a wedding. To be a little selfish, I want to be able to relax and have some drinks. And as stuffy as it my sound, I will not drink in front of my children. Does that seem stuffy?

Potty training woes

When my first son potty trained he did it late, 3 1/2, but he did overnight and through the day all at once. Like I said, he was late but it was very easy once he decided to do it. Now I'm working on Aidan and he is just stubborn about the whole thing. He is approaching 3 1/2 and I know he is very ready.

I decided yesterday to take his diapers away, except for bedtime. He has gone on the potty before, just hasn't been consistent. Well, I've vowed to stay home until he gets it. No matter how many loads of laundry I need to do. For awhile I thought he didn't understand the feeling of needing to go. But, lately when he's been getting out of the bathtub he starts asking for a diaper because he's going to "tinkle" (as he says). So, I know he knows when he needs to go, he's just being bull headed! He's known for quite some time when he needs to have a bowel movement, so that shouldn't be any problem. Crossing my fingers!

I guess I'm feeling a little guilty for just yanking his security of diapers away. But, he's supposed to start preschool at the end of August. Not only that, I think he's just needs a little nudge to get going.

Here's hoping things go well and I'm not screwing him up by forcing the issue.

Here I am....

So, I’ve been inspired by the many others who have started blogging that I’ve decided to join. Not that I really think that I’m that interesting, but it may be good for me to get my words out. I’ve tried journaling the old fashioned way, pen and paper, and just couldn’t find the time to keep up.

Let me start by saying I’m a horrible writer. You will probably come across many grammatical errors, sorry. I am a numbers person, always have been. I think that’s been my big reason of taking so long in starting a blog. There are many that I follow and the people who write them have awesome writing skills.

I currently stay at home with my three beautiful little boys, Ethan (5), Aidan (3), and Ian (6 mos.). They do keep me on my toes. I will have lots of tales to tell of my boys. I’m sure that Aidan, especially, will provide some good humor. We really have to watch our conversations around him as he really listens and repeats everything. For example, my husband just had a vasectomy on Friday and was telling me it really wasn’t bad. He was explaining to me that the numbing process was all that bothered him as “it felt like I got kicked in the nuts”. Well, we weren’t really thinking about the kids listening when I later heard Aidan telling Ethan “daddy got kicked in the nuts, he did”.

Personality wise you could say that I am shy, but once someone starts the conversation with me I can talk for hours. I’m just not very good at first meeting others. And if you can’t tell by now, I tend to ramble.

There is a little introduction about myself. I’m looking forward to posting all kinds of thing here. It is not just about my children, it’s about my life.