Miss Independence

The last couple of months Alyssa has definitely started to show her independence. She no longer will crawl down the stairs but insists that either you walk down with her or will now walk down by herself. For her birthday, although only a few days ago, she received her own chair with footstool and she insists on sitting in that and watching her morning cartoons with her blanket and milk. I have noticed when I take her somewhere either the park or museum she is now fine wandering around by herself and doesn't want or need me to be right on top of her, although I'm always close by. I have been giving her options to choose from as far as activities to do or what to have for lunch and she seems to enjoy this.
She is doing wonderful in her big girl bed. I'm so glad that we got this taken care of before Baby Deuce arrives. Nothing more to say on the potty training front. I'm not pushing it and still don't feel like she is quite ready for it yet but hopefully within the next six months or so. Her favorite words are now "mine" and "no." She has thrown some nice tantrums and like her doctor said everyone goes through the terrible two's and if they say they don't they are lying! I so agree.
Well my doctors appointment went well today. Everything is progressing normally. My BP was up but nothing they were to concerned with at this point and my cervix is soft. So now I'm just counting down and hoping for a St. Patty's day baby. We can't wait to meet this little man and get going with life.

I'm two!

Happy Birthday to Miss Alyssa who is now 2! What a great birthday she had surrounded by her friends and family. It makes Cory and I so happy at how loved she is by so many people. On Saturday we threw her a party for her friends and her at our gym. They had a pretty good set up. We had the bounce house in the gym for 45min and than time up in the "yoga" room for dessert and gifts. Alyssa had around 10 friends there and they all had so much fun in the bounce house. Talk about a work out! I probably shouldn't have been in there but who could resist?! Afterwards baby Deuce was letting me know though that it was too much. Once we got back to the house Alyssa laid down on the couch and took a nap for several hours.
That night at our house we had family over for a nacho/taco bar. It worked out really good and I think everyone enjoyed it. We just had Alyssa's left over Elmo cupcakes that I made for dessert and we opened presents. Cory and I got Alyssa a play kitchen for her bedroom and she got lots of stuff to go along with that along with tons of other stuff. One of her favorites her cousin Nicole got her which was a couple of bracelets. Alyssa is so funny with them and she is the first to tell you that they are hers.
She has been having a very busy week and I'm thankful for that since now we are on the countdown for Baby Deuce's arrival. She has her 2yr check up tomorrow and I'm anxious to find out her stats. Her gymnastics class has been wonderful for her and I can already see a big difference in her and how she loves to practice her somersault's at home.

A week behind and forward

February is the shortest month and for some reason seems to be the busiest for us. This last week was actually our "slow" week. We went out on Friday and had dinner with Nicole to celebrate her birthday. It was nice to get out and be among adults only something that I no longer take for granted. We had a good dinner and conversation and after went to get dessert at the Melting Pot but only because Nicole wanted it ; )

Saturday was such a beautiful day. We spent it hanging around the house outside and getting it cleaned up and ready for spring. Which can't come quick enough. Alyssa played on her tricycle and later on we barbecued for the first time this year. Nothing is better than the smell of a grill!

We are all recovering from colds, which couldn't have come at a worse time for us. Cory got to go to Alyssa's gymnastics class and I think he enjoyed seeing what she does. I know he is glad that I keep her so involved in activities. We also had her playgroup at the house this week. It was crazy having 7 kids plus the moms inside the house at once, and not even all of them were hear today, and the chaos it brings. For those of you who know how big our house is you would agree. One of the ladies and I are both having another one so that will be ten kids among us all! I'm so glad Alyssa is involved in this. I feel it's so important for young children to be able to interact on a regular basis with children their own age. They learn so much from children that they don't get from adults. I maybe wrong for this but I think you can tell a big difference in children who aren't around kids than those who are.

The rest of the week is filled with my doctor appointments, lunch with friends, a Valentines cookie decorating party (for Alyssa) and my ladies night out. Next week is filled with more of the same along with a great weekend of birthday celebrations!

Im a big girl now!

Alyssa is home from her vacation at Grandma and Grandpa Simmons and I don't know who exhausted who out more! I'm in the process of getting her back onto her normal routine. It was very cute when she first saw me. She was sitting on her grandma's lap and her eyes got big, smiled and came over to me, giving me a huge hug and kisses. I sat down with her on my lap and she kept looking at me smiling and hugging me. I always wonder if she will remember or miss me but no worries, she did!

When she was gone we finished getting some stuff done around the house that needed to be and I changed over her bed into a toddler bed. I wasn't sure how it was going to work out but she has actually done pretty good. The first time in it was at night time so I was a little more concerned but she did good. I did find her on the floor when I let the dog out and put her back into bed and then another time she was crawling back over to it. I don't know if she fell out or what but I put her right back in and she was fine the rest of the night. The following morning she did great in crawling out and going to her door and came on out. Nap time was another story. She did get up a couple of times and after the third time she was down and out! Hopefully this is all a good sign at how easy the adjustment is going to be. This picture was of her just getting up from her nap. Now let's see how the potty training goes!

This month is so busy for us and of course it's the shortest month at that. This is my slow week, so I'm going to try and get some rest and any loose ends caught up. I also need to figure out what I'm going to do for Alyssa's cake. Alyssa started her gymnastics today and did great. She really liked playing on the balance beam and did great putting her food in front of another. I guess some kids have trouble with this. I will get some pictures next week when Cory comes with us.

Little girl growing up

A few weeks ago we went out and were visiting Great Uncle George and Great Grammy and I came across these pictures that were taken. Lately every time I look or watch Alyssa I see her doing something that amazes me and makes me realize how quickly she is changing. The pictures that I got of her with her backpack on I love but made me sad to think soon she will be running off to school! I get to see her tomorrow after being gone for a week. Although it's been nice to catch up on stuff uninterrupted I sure have missed her!

Baby Deuce's baby shower and week ahead

Last weekend Nicole and I headed to Longview where her and my mom gave me a baby shower. It turned out fantastic and they went to a lot of work. The food was fantastic like always, my mom is a wonderful cook! I got to see two of my Aunts whom I haven't seen in a very long time along with an old friend from high school. It was great seeing her and catching up. I got lots of great gifts for Baby Deuce as well as diapers. We headed back up to Seattle afterwards and Alyssa stayed down in Longview with her Grandma Gail for the week. I have been missing her like crazy but it's been nice to get some stuff on and to try and catch up on some much needed rest!

We turned Alyssa's crib into a toddler bed and I can't wait to see how she does in it when she comes home. Im sure it will take some getting used to but hopefully she is not getting up too much! We also moved the changing table out of her room and into the baby Deuce's room. I thought about starting to potty train her but I don't feel she is ready for it yet. We read books on it and she flushes the toilet and stuff but to fully start I think would be pushing her at this point. Although it will suck having two in diapers it will only be for a little while.

Baby Deuce's room is all done! I still have some things to get, as for a new monitor, clothes hamper and some baskets to put stuff in. Other than that we are ready to go and anxiously awaiting his arrival. I had my doctors appointment today and everything is look very good. Im so thankful for that. Although I wished I was done Im going to really try and enjoy these next few weeks, which are going to fly by!

Alyssa's second birthday is coming up and Im so excited for it. I can't wait for her to get her birthday present which she is absolutley going to love and for her party. Cory and I got her a play kitchen for her room. She has so much fun playing with all this stuff when we go to her friends house or the museum. I just hope it fits ok in her bedroom! I still can't believe she is going to be two years old and what a remarkable little girl she is becoming!

All about ME!

We are almost a month into the new year and I have decided that this is the year that I'm going to start making things about me. Some of you may be laughing especially knowing we have a toddler and another baby on the way. Obviously my children come first but I have decided that I'm not going to get lost in that mix and have made several resolutions that are about ME and my well being.

The first thing that I vow to do is get into really good shape. Since I'm a SAHM I have absolutely no excuse to get into the gym at least four times a week if not more. One of the things I want to start doing is running. Again for those of you who do know me, your probably laughing because I hate running. A friend of mine took it up this last year and is doing amazing. My goal with this is to run a half marathon and work my way from there. Especially since this is on my list of things to do before I'm 40. I think chasing after two little ones will also burn some calories. The other thing that I'm vowing to do, which is going to be crazy impossible, is to keep junk food out of the house. Although good, we don't need any of it. My downfall is going to be that I love to bake and I love chocolate. So maybe I will just say to cut back.

Secondly at least once a month I'm going to take time to pamper myself. Now I'm not talking extravagant outings to a Spa Resort that will break the bank but anything from taking an hour or so for a hot bath, with no int eruptions such as "mama" or questions from the husband, to getting a pedicure, facial, massage, hair cut etc. I don't consider myself a real girly girl BUT I do love to get pampered.
The other thing that I guess would fall into this category is to look put together every time I leave the house. I'm excluding working out from this. I know with having two kids your clothes get spilled on, spit up on and etc. but I want to at least look like I have it going on even if the inside I'm a scattered mess!

Next I'm going to start writing again. Now, Nicole don't think I'm copying you because I'm really not. I used to write a lot, wrote for the school newspaper and even considered a career in journalism but several things changed my mind with that. I have several ideas for some short stories etc. Besides writing this blog I really miss it, even if it's just me that will be reading them.

Reading is something that I also want to get back into. I have joined a book club and I'm enjoying that so much. We take turns picking books and for the most part I have been very happy with the selections. There have been several I would have never read and have enjoyed so much. It's really opened my mind to other authors and topics than what I normally would read.

There are several other things such as, golf, cooking, gardening (no comments from anyone on this one), not driving and talking on cell phone etc. that I want to improve on. As well as being the best wife, mother, daughter(in-law), sister(in-law),friend, person that I can possibly be. We will see where this list of things takes me. Hear is to another wonderful challenge that will probably be out the window within the next hour or so!

Ten to go and counting

I had a check up on Wednesday and was anxious for it because I was going to find out the results of my three hour glucose test and to talk with the doctor about how I had been feeling. Everything checked out normal so I was really excited about that and all my other issues are just normal pregnancy issues that I just need to deal with. I did inform the doctor that I was done and he just laughed and said well the baby wasn't and I would have to stick it out a little longer. Im currently 30 weeks along, almost 31. It's starting to feel like anytime now and Cory keeps reminding me he needs to pack his bag. I laugh because I don't know what he is so stressed about but that's my OCD husband for you!

Baby Deuce's heartbeat was nice and strong like normal. I haven't been sleeping well again. I wake up when Cory goes to work around 2 a.m. and than I'm up for awhile before I fall asleep only to get up at 6:30. Thankfully Alyssa doesn't get up until around 8 - 8:30. I have been getting lots of Braxton Hicks contractions, which I don't think are a big deal at all. Granted they can be uncomfortable at times but are nothing like the "real" thing.

Alyssa went to Gymboree on Monday and played at their open gym time. She had so much fun there. She amazes me how she is growing and turning into a little girl. I have her birthday already planned and can't believe she is going to be turning two! She has also been enjoying feeding her little brother. It's kind of funny. She will bring me her tea pot and pour into my belly button. Than she will hug and kiss my belly. She is going to be a great big sister.

We are heading down to Longview on Friday for my baby shower on Saturday. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone, especially those I haven't seen forever. My friends in Alyssa's playgroup gave me and one of the other ladies in the group a shower last week. It was so much fun. We just went out to dinner but they showered us with some amazing gifts.

Random thoughts and happenings

So not too much is going on but getting back into our routine. Which pretty much consists of busy weeks! I'm working on plans for Alyssa's second birthday, which I'm looking forward to and trying to figure out what to get the kid who has everything, well almost!

I have been having all these thoughts lately about people parenting and kids. One of my biggest pet peeves is parents who do not discipline their own children. Than just blame it on their gender! What!?! Just to let you know it has nothing to do with gender. Yes there is a difference in how little girls and boys play and such but if they misbehave, like they all do, discipline them for gods sake!

My friend Jamie, who is in our playgroup, is having a little girl in February. Her and I decided to swap clothes since she already has a boy who happens to have been born in March. So our children of the same sex will be born in the same months and it worked out perfectly! I was so excited when I saw all the clothes. Our little Deuce is going to be a well dressed kid. I have realized that I'm pretty picky when it comes to my children's clothes. Something I knew with Alyssa but didn't think I would be with a boy, but I am. Thankfully I have a little while when I still have control over it. The clothes that Jamie gave me where just to my liking!

Last week after Christmas I was exhausted and started feeling pretty sick. I had talked with a nurse who wanted me to go into Triage and get checked out. I was pretty nervous but everything came back OK. My blood pressure was up but it eventually went back down. I'm still pretty nauseated and feet hurt. I was told that I need to take it easy and I probably over did it during the holidays, and if I didn't it could lead to bed rest. UGH! Anyhow, I go back to the doctor next week and we will see how everything looks. I have to go back on Friday for a 3hr glucose test. Which is horrible. I was so hoping I didn't have to but am not surprised. I was high with Alyssa too but after the 3hr one was OK. They just want to double check because I came back high this time as well. Which leads me to my other thought. I have been getting all these fun pregnancy related things and the onething I have really wanted I haven't got, big boobs! Now why couldn't I have to deal with that!?!?!

With all that being said I'm just very thankful that both my children and husband are healthy and we had a great 2009. We are very excited for 2010 and all the things that we have planned in the coming year!