3 Men and a Lady

#3 - Week 38

2012-01-31T22:03:00.000-08:00

Revelation for today...it's okay if I go into labor. If it happens, Jill is fully cooked and ready to go. February 1st is in 2 hours. She will have an amethyst birthstone and share her birth month with Grandma. This is the equivalent of hitting 36 weeks with the boys I suppose. Any extra time is just bonus growth for her. Weird!

I had decent and consistent contractions yesterday for about 2 hours...so much so that I sent out preliminary notifications to those that "needed" to know. After lying down and chugging water like a frat boy chugging beer, they stopped. We were so close to February I just had to do my best. ;)

And so now, we're just waiting. I'm no longer going to be sitting on my butt waiting for February to get here. Alex & Tony are going to wonder why they can't watch as much tv anymore...poor kids...welcome back to "normal" life. It's business as usual until Jill decides it's her birth day :)

#3 - Week 37

2012-01-24T21:54:00.000-08:00

Well this is new...never made it to week 37 before. It has been requested that I wear this same shirt for the duration of my belly pictures for better comparison since there are no other belly pictures to compare it to, so I will do my best to remember. Let's just pretend that my hair isn't down and I'm not wearing old raggedy clothes because I had just gotten home from an MOMs Night Out before Striker had to leave to play hockey. Yeah, we have this tag team thing down...just in time for things to get a little more complicated.

I got my hair done on Saturday (before Striker and I went on my Christmas present date to dinner and IRIS in Hollywood...we had a super awesome time...I should write a post about that...) and my hair lady commented on the freakishly curly patch of hair in the back of my head right along my Chiari scar at the bottom. I just kind of blew her off and said that it had been wavy there since my surgery. Tonight I realized that she wasn't kidding and it is even MORE curly that I've ever noticed. If I have to start straightening my hair in that one spot I'm going to go insane...my hair is wash and go!!! Apparently not only did Jill cure my seasonal allergies that the boys gave me, but she gave me a curly patch of hair...if it all goes curly I don't know what I will do!!! I wonder if that means Jill is going to have curly/wavy hair...that would be odd since no one in our family really does.

I really need to post pictures from the non-showers...and hopefully Jill's room will be finished this weekend so I can post pictures of that as well.

#3 - Week 36

2012-01-17T22:21:00.000-08:00

I don't know if you can tell from last week's photo, but Jill is lower. This means no heart burn. (YAY!) It also means...she's lower. I'm going to the doctor on Friday to get "checked". If there is no "progress", I'll be surprised, especially if her current positioning and activities continue. This little girl needs to stay put until February!!!

And now, the last comparison photo from pregnancy #1, week 36:

Best Thing I Bought This Year: Sterilite Sorting Hampers

2012-01-12T18:49:00.000-08:00

I realize that it's only the 12th, but this also might be one of the top 5 things I've ever purchased for our house.

The Sterilite Sorting Hampers are FANTASTIC!

They are made in the USA
Hold one loads' worth of clothes
Fit underneath the door clearance of the washer & dryer on pedestals
Are super easy to carry (check out those handles...no breaking nails!)
They work superbly with my new laundry schedule!

I bought 6 of these. One for the boys clothes, and 5 for our room: whites, blacks, grays/tans, colors, and jeans. (Yes, I need one more for Jill now). This is just how our loads sort out and how I was washing them anyway. Now I just don't have to spend time sorting or bending over a million times. I can also get rid of all of the random hodge podge of hampers/laundry baskets that never seemed to get emptied due to my avoidance of actually folding clothes. The hamper follows its load from dirty to clean and then makes it easy/motivating to fold a quick load so I can put the hamper back in the closet. I will only keep one regular laundry basket to use for linens on the days I do those.

Once I organize our closest and remove all of the maternity clothes after Jill gets here, they will fit nicely at the bottom under the hanging stuff. I also plan to bust out the Cricut and some vinyl and label them.

Sadly, Sterilite does not have a Facebook page :(

#3 - Week 35

2012-01-10T23:07:00.000-08:00

What a difference a week makes...Jill's room is painted. Her crib arrived today. Her dressers should be here by the end of this week. Her curtains have been hung (though I do need to make a little modification to the valance). We had Grandma, Oma, Opa, and Auntie B over this weekend and they helped us knock out a 17 item to do list...plus watch the boys and do regular chores. So instead of feeling like a procrastinator, I'm going with "working well under pressure"...or efficient. Yeah, efficient, I like that better.

I am measuring right on schedule, maybe a few days ahead. Since the measurement is done while lying down, I can only say that for those of you who repeatedly ask me if I'm sure I'm only 35 weeks, gravity is a not nice thing, and I had two good sized twins 2 years ago so my skin and ligaments are all very stretchy.

However, Jill is no longer pleased with the amount of space she has, and thus kicks my ribs all the time. When I do something ridiculous like sit on the floor to play with her brothers, she'll sort of maneuver into a transverse position, then when she has more room she wiggles back to head down to kick my ribs (again, things are all very stretchy...just not anymore vertical space). Tonight, Alex elbowed her accidentally while trying to snuggle with me on the couch, and then she threw an elbow back, followed by a few kicks for good measure. Alex was looking at the belly, saw all the action and was completely amazed. Great moment in siblingdom.

Enjoy them while they last, pregnancy #1, week 35 (only ONE more comparison photo left!):

#3 - Week 34

2012-01-03T22:33:00.000-08:00

I don't want to say it, because then she'll probably try and do something crazy, but I think Jill is pretty much done somersaulting and turning in circles. I'm pretty sure she has cooperated and assumed the desired position, but again, I'm sure I'm going to regret writing that. I go to the doctor on Friday. We'll ask him to confirm both her positioning as well as my unofficial measurement..I do believe that I am measuring "on time" despite feeling huge. It should also be noted that I have not yet started painting her room (or having Striker paint for me) nor have I ordered her crib or dressers. I plan to do all of that this weekend. :)

Only 2 more weeks of comparison photos left...pregnancy #1, week 34:

#3 - Week 33

2011-12-27T21:44:00.000-08:00

pregnancy #1, week 33:

But there is also this one in the same shirt...suddenly I don't feel so big!

Dahl Christmas 2011

2011-12-25T21:06:00.000-08:00

Though it's odd to call it that since only two of those pictured still have Dahl as their last name. Next year it'll just be one...weird!

There were a few entertaining outtakes to get the photo above, and maybe a little bit of chocolate bribery for the little guys, but hey, no photo shop required!

Lots of food and fun with family! And presents...can't forget the presents...

Christmas Eve 2011 Group Picture...Sort of

2011-12-25T11:44:00.000-08:00

There were 21 total pictures taken before we threw in the towel. I only posted the ones where the flash actually went off. :)

Then I handed Alex the remote...the rest of these were taken by him...

Merry Christmas!

Here's my hack job edit...at least everyone has a face :)

One of Mommy's Gifts from Santa

2011-12-25T11:21:00.000-08:00

The last few years I've been using my camera with timer on a tripod to take the annual Kolbow Christmas Eve group picture (and Thanksgiving picture). Jill has made it a little more difficult to push the shutter button, then take my place in the group. So after Thanksgiving, I asked Santa for a remote trigger. Best thing EVER! Here's Striker trying it out...

We learned how long you have to wait between clicks to make sure you get the flash to go off. :)

Still experimenting with remote placement and flash settings though...

And I'm sure Striker will be thrilled that I've posted all of these :)

Christmas Morning 2011

2011-12-25T11:14:00.000-08:00

He saw the gifts stacked on his table from the stairs and giggled with glee! Then immediately ran over and dove in :)

Must open quickly!!! Help us Dada!

A choo!

Cinnamon rolls for breakfast...of course!

This continued for 3 hours until we realized that Santa had left the Cars GeoTrax in the garage...now we'll probably be playing with that for 3 hours...good thing mommy is well stocked on batteries :)

Kolbow Christmas Eve 2011

2011-12-25T10:53:00.000-08:00

The group picture was an epic fail...I'll post a separate post with that disaster since there are MANY outtakes. But a few highlights...

How cute is this kid?!

The Kolbow boys...this is when the Hexbugs were running around...those things are scary! Notice the little ones' feet safely up off the floor.

Alex distributed gifts to everyone and then expected to be allowed to "help" open them...and by help, he meant open for you. If you look closely, you'll see that this gift is mine...

Tony liked to "help" too...

These are shake and go cars...yeah, they were fun on the drive home ;)

Playing with "Uncle" Art...keep in mind he was having back problems but couldn't resist playing with the munchkins...can you blame him?

I failed to take pictures of the goulash...or desserts...but it was tasty!

Merry Christmas to Jill

2011-12-24T12:26:00.000-08:00

I couldn't very well bring my baby girl home from the hospital in a blue and gray car seat...and since shipping time on these suckers is running 4-6 weeks, I thought I should probably get it ordered. Just enough pink to hopefully avoid the "is it a girl?" question a few times. Striker was baffled that I spent as much as I did on this. While I am frugal, when it comes to something that I will be looking at every.single.day for a year-ish, I want something I love and that will last. :)

#3 - Week 32

2011-12-20T22:10:00.000-08:00

Nothing new to report really...still wearing wedding rings, not swelling, super tired. Going to be the really annoying pregnant lady and ask a ton of questions of the "new" doctor tomorrow. Have I mentioned the heart burn though? Cuz it's awful. Like all day long, but especially bad at bedtime. I've got to eat something absorbent or drink milk (read: eat ice cream) or it kills to be flat. Oddly, I don't really want any sweets with the exception of peppermint mochas...or peppermint mocha cookies...OMG those suckers were amazing! Oh wait, there was also the Oreo pie...Maybe I just have a thing for chocolate...but selectively. Enh, whatever.

Thanks for the predictions...I'm setting the eviction date for 2/7/12...This will be 39 weeks (though 40 according to MY knowledge...screw measurements), our 7 1/2 year wedding anniversary, another 7 birthday, and roughly 10 years after Striker and I first met...technically we didn't start talking until after my 21st birthday in March, BUT I'm pretty certain our class started on or about this date and it's also the birthday of my very first BFF.

Striker pointed out that we were going to run out of comparison pictures in 4 weeks...I'm okay with that. :)

For comparison, pregnancy #1, week 32:

3AM Ramblings of a Crazy Pregnant Lady

2011-12-18T03:25:00.001-08:00

I've been itching to start blogging more than just weekly updates and milestone posts for the boys. And thus, at 3AM when I find myself suddenly wide awake and obsessed with developing and preparing my "when I'm in labor" plan, I'm blogging (from my phone, in bed). I'm not sure why at not quite 32 weeks this is suddenly so important, but perhaps it's a combo of the fact that: I have twin 2 year olds, I've had experience with my water breaking and have somewhat extreme anxiety over that happening again while I am alone with the boys and out in public, I will need multiple contingency plans based on time & day and availability of those best equipped to take care of the boys while mommy, daddy, and grandparents, aunts, and uncles are likely to be at the hospital waiting to meet Jill, I am a list maker and planner by nature and I know that once I have this all written down and communicated to parties involved, I will not worry about it anymore, oh and since I had the boys at 36.5 weeks, I can't quite adjust my head from planning for the worst, but working towards the best (40 weeks), oh and there's the variability of my hospital stay based on the type of delivery...oh geez...maybe I'm not that crazy for wanting to purge all this stuff from my head!

Now that I've written all of that, I realize that I have already had some level of communication with those that will potentially care for the boys and discussed basic plans. Anything else can be worked out as it happens since there are far too many variables. The boys and my car will remain together for whomever ends up watching the boys since it contains carseats and stroller. Along with that obviously goes the keys to both house and car. Potential caretakers are already familiar with the boys needs/routines and/or twin parents themselves (and have ridiculously offered to help out as needed...I seriously have great friends). Plus, there is this super great thing called technology which allows for constant communication (hospital policy whatever...I am going to be a much less of a rule follower this time...I am not new to this rodeo). :) So really, all I need to do now is ensure that there is food stocked in my house for the boys, that their clothes are organized so that friend caretaker can grab what is needed in addition to the bag I will be packing and stashing in my car with approximately 24 hours worth of clothes and diapers, plus a picture of the items required for bedtime (2 Cliffords for Alex, Kitty & Doggy for Tony, 2 bedtime sippy cups, fish tank nightlight, and sound machine).

Ok, I feel better now. :) I just need to get my level 1 responder to commit to keeping her cell phone actually nearby and to audibly receive ringtones from calls from me at all hours of the day or night. Because when it is time, I will actually be making phone calls...in addition to Facebook status and text alerting.

Back to sleep!

#3 - Week 31

2011-12-13T20:16:00.000-08:00

Despite dropping lower last week, Jill continues to explore her accommodations...and by explore, I mean flip, twist, and turn in every direction. Last night she was nice enough to kick my ribs repeatedly. Yeah, that was fun and she probably doesn't even weigh 4 pounds yet...we still have 2 months to experience her full force...I'm so excited. I'm still able to wear my wedding rings...yay! But oh, how the third trimester exhaustion has arrived. Just keep swimming...

In the meantime, let's play that fun game "Guess the Birth Date!". Please comment with your name, date, time, and weight. Thank you for playing. :)

And to think I thought I had a butt this week in pregnancy #1, week 31:

Happy 2nd Birthday Alex & Tony!

2011-12-07T09:59:00.000-08:00

Oh my big boys are TWO! Time flies when you're having fun!

In the last few months, and even in the last few weeks, they seem to have shed all traces of "babies" and grown into "kids". They are running and climbing everywhere now and are such boys! Their language has exploded in the last few weeks, and while Tony is the talker, Alex (in true Alex fashion) will say things that we didn't know he knew how to say. They've gone from learning "words" to just talking in phrases.

Alex is a fast runner like his daddy. He's got a strong throw, but needs to work on his accuracy (though I'll admit, I'm kind of happy he can't aim too well or his brother might be in trouble with the power he has). He's a stereotypical first born, which I've always thought was silly when twins were born a minute apart, but nonetheless, he's orderly, and a rule follower (just like his mama). When something is out of place, he'll usually let me know with an "Uh oh!" This comes in rather handy, and has gotten a furry or his brother into trouble on several occasions. He's a big lover and will always give a kiss and a hug or a high five to anyone who asks...and sometimes even without being asked. He's a snuggler and wraps his arms around your neck to give you a hug and then pats you on the back. He's pretty much given up napping consistently and will now play quietly with his toys while Tony, and sometimes mommy, naps. He makes up for it by sleeping all night after going to bed easily and waking up happy. He had a phase of night terrors, but it was probably a result of a growth spurt since he seemed to grow an inch overnight. After being obsessed with Cars, he's now in love with Thomas and all choo choo trains, but still loves Cars. He also enjoys watching me in the kitchen, and since getting a play kitchen for his birthday, has been "cooking" for me often. He loves reading books and identifying things in them. Still "the thinker", he's more quiet than his brother, but doesn't miss a thing! Striker and I see him being the Scholar Athlete in high school...in other words, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

Tony, oh my Tony. People often say there is "something about Tony" and they're right. He's a little charmer. He's funny. He plays hard to get. He's opinionated. He's the artsy, musician type. This boy is going to break some hearts! He's very into drawing, coloring, music, dancing, and all of that stuff that can generally be said about lefties...and yes, he does most things left handed. He's also got a very accurate throw, and while he doesn't have the power behind it that his brother does, his daddy is very excited about having an accurately throwing lefty. He loves Cars and trains like his brother, but is recently very in love with Mickey Mouse too. He's a talker...boy does he like to talk! My favorites are when he wakes up, looks at me and says "Hi Mama!", and when either he gets hurt or his brother makes him mad, if you ask him what happened, he gives you a full report...most of it is impossible to understand at this point, but you're sure to catch an "ow" or "bad" in there. It's ADORABLE! He's going through a majorly clingy mama stage right now. I love and hate it at the same time. I love that he's so snuggly and loving. I hate that he wants mama, and only mama, all the time. I'm trying to just enjoy it, because soon enough, he'll be a teenager and think his mom is lame. While Alex loves the play kitchen most (after all things choo choo or cars), Tony loves their Jeep (because it plays rock music and he does his version of rocking out), and the "laptop" that teaches them letters and animals and music (pretty much his three favorite things). They both also love the Magna Doodle and playing pictionary with our terrible drawings...it does make Striker and I happy though when they can tell what our pathetic attempts are supposed to be.

In an effort to spend some one on one time with each of them, and give them some undivided attention before Jill's upcoming arrival, Striker and Alex will be taking a parent and me introduction to soccer, basketball, and tee-ball class, and Tony and I will be taking a music class next month. We will switch kids and choose different activities for the next round. (For obvious reasons, I'm sitting out the sports class this time...)

#3 - Week 30

2011-12-07T08:05:00.001-08:00

Disneyland Hotel Edition

You may notice Jill is riding a little lower this week...she decided to drop the night before the boys birthday party and before our week at Disneyland...you know, so she would be more comfortable. ;)

pregnancy #1, week 30:

#3 - Week 29

2011-11-30T20:22:00.000-08:00

I'm a day late in posting, but I was in bed and in my jammies before I remembered that it was Tuesday last night...oops!

Had my last OB appointment with my second doctor today and will be meeting the third (and final...I hope) when I go back in 3 weeks. Passed the glucose test! So very happy. My significant eating over Thanksgiving weekend, and 5 pound weight gain in 3 weeks, was not mentioned by either my doctor or I. Ignorance is bliss! I am however once again, slightly anemic. So as if my low blood pressure wasn't enough to cause Striker to hate me, now I'm encouraged to eat more red meat. This also might explain why I've been more tired. I'm going to start taking an iron supplement again...yay.fun. My doctor did talk to me about kick counts...which I just laughed at. 10 kicks in a 2 hour period? Are you kidding me? She does that in under 5 minutes. She has pretty regular active times, and always from 9-10 PM. Should that change, I will be more concerned with actually keeping track of such activities.

And here is pregnancy #1, week 29:

#3 - Week 28

2011-11-22T22:12:00.000-08:00

I haven't heard anything regarding my glucose test, which I'm interpreting to mean that everything was normal. I'm also not crazy enough to call before Thanksgiving. And I think my appointment is next week sometime anyhow, so we'll just assume all is well unless I hear otherwise. Ignorance is carb loaded bliss.

The heartburn has started. Yuck! I'm not miserable pregnant yet, nor am I always tired yet. I walked around Disneyland last night at my multiples club's Mom's Night Out and wasn't miserable. I'm in better shape that I thought! Could be all of the lifting and pushing of my boys in their stroller. My doctor and I have been observing a "don't ask, don't tell" policy in regards to my lifting and activity levels. I figure if it's acceptable to continue normal activity without complications, and that one chick could run a marathon while 30-something weeks pregnant, than having cut back on carrying Alex and never carrying them both at the same time should be sufficient.

Here's pregnancy #1, week 28:

#3 - Week 27

2011-11-15T23:01:00.000-08:00

Here's the traditional belly shot from today:

And for comparison from pregnancy #1, week 27:

And here is proof that I was insane the first time around, and even more so this time, for deciding to do naked belly pics this one and only time at week 27...

Jill:

Alex & Tony:

Observations:
Yep, safe to say that I'm no longer keeping up with belly size from the first time around. Thankfully I won't have to hear "big for one, are you sure it's not twins?" because I thought hearing "small for twins" all the time was annoying...

Yay, I still have a rear end. This makes me happy. :)

Look at all those stretch marks and my appendix scar...I think they're kinda cool...especially since once I am not pregnant anymore and my stomach returns to almost flat, you won't be able to see them anymore. I'm so lucky that my scars fade well.

I decided to go for it and let my twin skin/post c-section skin hang a bit in the side view and not use my jeans to cover it all. I mean it's there. We all have it. Whatever. It makes me laugh that even though the rest of my skin is all nice and tight and firm across the belly, that part continues to hang and sag. I totally get why people want tummy tucks...I'll just never do it. Unless I end up with a c-section with Jill and a doctor that wants to throw in a little "reconstruction"...

#3 - Week 26

2011-11-08T21:39:00.000-08:00

I had another boring OB appointment this week. I go back in 3 weeks, then I get to start going every two weeks. Got the lab slip for my glucose test on Saturday (yay. fun.can hardly contain my excitement.). I thought that I'd had to fast before, but it turns out that I didn't. I will be super careful to avoid carbs this time since I've totally been slacking on the insulin resistant diet I followed religiously the first time. I do NOT want to have to suffer through the 3 hour test. I'd seriously lose my mind being trapped in the waiting room for 3 hours on a Saturday morning.

Jill is still doing flips and somersaults and cartwheels. So odd because by this point the boys were definitely in their final positions. Jill hung out head down for a day or two and just when I thought she might have settled, she spent the next 2 days ALL OVER the place. She's already kicked me really good a couple of times and has hit a few nerves causing shooting pain.

And of course, here's pregnancy #1, week 26:

I think that just in time for the third trimester, my belly is actually starting to grow more slowly than it did with the boys. Which is good. I do not want an 12 pound baby! Also, I'm starting to get more tired again...Can't believe that we're about 2/3 of the way through.

#3 - Week 25

2011-11-01T23:16:00.000-07:00

Only 2 more weeks until the dreaded 27 week, exposed belly picture. I might be slightly anxious over that milestone. Gulp.

On a positive note, I've realized that while I developed seasonal allergies during my first pregnancy, and then was lucky enough to suffer after I had the boys, Jill has cured me! Everyone has been getting allergy symptoms and I have not had a stuffy or runny nose once. Now, I've probably just jinxed myself, but this would be a lovely bonus!

For comparison, here's pregnancy #1, week 25:

#3 - Week 24

2011-10-25T21:03:00.001-07:00

We're on vacation in Palm Springs this week, so I will be editing this post and linking up to pregnancy #1 when we get home this weekend...or at least when I do next week's post. There will be lots of laundry and Halloween festivities when we get home, but next Tuesday is November...holy moly!
My belly button is just about flat now. I'm going to do my exposed belly picture again at 27 weeks, but it won't be nearly as pretty this time....and I can't imagine how it will look in 3 more weeks. Sigh. I'm just embracing it. It's the last time I'm doing this and then I WILL get into my skinny jeans again.

As promised, here is pregnancy #1, week 24:

#3 - Week 23

2011-10-18T20:46:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy #1, week 23:

#3 - Week 22

2011-10-11T21:49:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd wear the same shirt for this week's picture...the shirt has clearly seen better days, but I assure you that it is the same shirt.

Not a whole lot of difference from pregnancy #1, week 22:

I had a doctor's appointment yesterday...boring. Just how I like to be. I get to go to the dentist tomorrow...and surely be laughed at. He has twins...and I vaguely recall saying the last time I was there that we wouldn't be having another kid for a long time, if ever. Then the assistant told me about her friend or someone who had a kid on their own after IVF. Yeah, I'm going to be laughed at...

#3 - Week 21

2011-10-04T21:44:00.000-07:00

Highlights from this week and differences compared to last time:
Jill can do somersaults still...and she's got a mean kick. There have been several times in the last few days when I've seen the belly move...not consistently enough to alert others, but I can definitely see it if I happen to look down in time.

I ate carrots this week. I'm totally not abstaining from eating the food that corresponds to Jill's size.

My aunt painted the boys room this week last time. She's painting our master bedroom beginning tomorrow. Everyone should have an aunt that is off work for a few weeks around the time that they need/want some painting done. :) I bought the paint for our kitchen, dining room, master bath and bedroom right before I found out Jill was on board. The bedroom will complete that phase of painting, and allow me to change our bedding to our pretty Pottery Barn bedding...so excited! Then I will be buying the paint for Jill's room once her bedding arrives. I ordered this set...isn't it cute?! And not pink!

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11330433&fromRegistryNumber=47242047&product_skn=698939

For comparison (of course), pregnancy #1, week 21...

#3 - Week 20

2011-09-27T22:41:00.000-07:00

So the weirdest thing happened this week...Jill was kicking up towards my diaphragm area and I was kinda freaked out. Then I realized that I'd NEVER felt that with the boys because Tony was laying under it, protecting it. Whenever Alex would kick, he'd kick Tony or some other internal organ. And because Tony was laying parallel to it, he never kicked it. So yeah, that was new. And weird. And I am concerned that given the strength of Jill's kicking already that my ribs are in BIG trouble in a few months. Which is fine because that would mean she was cooperating and head down...right now, she seems to be pulling a Tony and laying like she's in a hammock. Great. Of course both Will and I were able to feel her kicking from the outside of the belly the first time I thought her kicks were strong enough, so maybe she'll be cooperative? Crossing fingers. If not, at least we can be pretty sure that soccer is in her future and that she'll be able to kick her brothers' butts!

For comparison, pregnancy #1, week 20. I laughed when I read this post because I complained about having to go 4 weeks between ultrasounds. Um, I'm not getting anymore after 18 weeks this time because I'm normal and healthy. Poor Jill, so few ultrasound pictures compared to her brothers. I guess she'll make up for that with clothes...and hair bows...and frilly socks...yeah, girls have way more cute stuff to buy!

#3 - Week 19

2011-09-20T20:36:00.000-07:00

So, #3 is a GIRL! This makes me happy because it explains why I was so sick this time and wasn't with twin boys. It also explains why I have a rear end this time (at least that's why I'm telling myself...there is no other explanation that makes any sense...except for maybe the fact that I'm not sitting on it all the time).

Striker and I had planned to keep her name a secret until she was born...and that lasted only a few hours until we told my sister in exchange for getting to see her and Shades' wedding bands. She knew the boys' names before they were born, so it wasn't a big deal. And then...within a few days, we just decided that it wasn't worth being hassled by everyone wanting to know NOW, so we decided to start telling people. We are set on her name and it'll be nice to be able to refer to her and her stuff by name so that the boys can start to understand that things belong to her. So, without further ado, her name is Jillian Annaliese. Jillian is a Jenn/Striker's real name combo. Annaliese is a name that Striker suggested and is a combo of Ann and Elise. Elise is short for Elizabeth and three out of our four grandmothers had either first or middle names of Elizabeth. And of course, we went with the German spelling. And like Anton, there is a song "Annaliese"...hopefully Alex doesn't get a complex that he doesn't have a song. She will also have the same initials that I do, which will make her both J.A.K. and Jill! She's probably gonna hate us for that at some point...better start saving for her therapy.

For comparison, Pregnancy #1, week 19 +1 day

#3 - Week 18

2011-09-13T22:21:00.000-07:00

Wow! How'd we get to 18 weeks already?! I mean, missing the first 6 weeks definitely sped things along, but wow! 18 weeks!

It's a busy week for #3 and I. Yesterday was our regular OB appointment, where I've seriously got to be her most boring patient..not to mention I could just test my own urine, weigh myself, and take my own blood pressure - 107/67 if you'd like to hate me like Striker does. If she wanted to hand me the doppler, I could do that too since I can now feel this kid moving pretty regularly, and ended up directing her on where to find the little turkey that kept rolling out of the way. I like being boring though :)

Tomorrow is THE ultrasound! I really don't care either way, just want to know so I can get everything ready and plan accordingly. Pictures and an update will be posted tomorrow night hopefully...I have a busy day tomorrow!

Friday is the 2nd trimester blood draw. Also odd that this is only the 3rd time I'm having blood drawn while pregnant. I rather like being normal. :)

I'm a little disappointed that I get tired so easily...so much to do on my mile long to do list and yet I can only accomplish a tiny little bit at a time. Sigh. I saw a friend that I've known since elementary school yesterday who is due with her second daughter in December and she is MUCH smaller than I am. She barely looks like she might be pregnant. Of course her daughter is already 2 1/2 and she weighed as much as Alex when she was born. I'm giving myself an allowance. :)

For your comparison, Pregnancy #1, week 18

#3 - Week 17

2011-09-06T22:45:00.000-07:00

At the request of my mom, the shoe rack has been removed from the door on the left. You're welcome Mom. :) And who paid off Striker to get some of my head in this picture? Seriously, I'm WAY less OCD with the pictures this time. In anticipation of the gender ultrasound in 8 days, Striker and I picked a boy and girl name for #3. I feel much better now. And no, we aren't sharing the name until number 3 is born and yes, the girl name is different that the 2 girl names I'd picked if we'd had twin girls instead of the boys.

For your comparison...Pregnancy #1, week 17

#3 - Week 16

2011-08-30T21:47:00.000-07:00

This time, last round, I was doing nothing outside of my house. This time, I am always on the go. In the last week I took the boys to the park several times, went on a yoga hike, went to Lake Elsinore, and went with Striker to buy a new truck (Chevy Silverado crew cab 4x4...love it!). Today I took the boys to Pretend City since they had free admission. Oh, and I'm chasing twin toddler boys constantly...and lifting them. It did start to become uncomfortable to bend over this week and I got tired more easily than I'd like.

I've started to feel #3 moving occasionally. Usually when I'm laying in bed at night, though not consistently. It's supposed to be too early to feel movement, and yet, I felt the boys early too. I can't wait for #3 to kick Alex or Tony when they're laying on me. :)

Here is the link to pregnancy #1, week 16. Luckily I am just embracing the enormous size of the belly this time. Sigh. Totally loving the tan though!

#3 - Week 15

2011-08-23T22:21:00.000-07:00

Week 15 is my magical feel better week. I started feeling a little better last week, but yesterday (Monday) I woke up and actually felt "normal" (minus the bump that is starting to get in the way). Last time, week 15 was when I stopped wanting to sleep 21 hours a day...then again, it's also when I started permanent bed/house rest and could sleep 21 hours a day, so I wasn't too hopeful this round.

Yesterday was the first time that a random stranger asked about the baby bump. Looking at this picture, I am clearly pregnant, so I shouldn't be so shocked. Now I'm going to start getting the "that chick is CRAZY" looks...

For comparison, here is pregnancy #1, week 15. The verdict: more belly, more butt this time. This also explains why I'm now in maternity clothes 100% of the time (except for empire waist dresses). Oh, also more tan :)

#3 - Week 14 Belly

2011-08-16T21:47:00.000-07:00

So yeah, 2 month blog hiatus. Sorry. I'm back, if for no other reason that I need to keep track of pregnancy #2/baby #3. Today marks the start of the second trimester and I'm so very happy!!! The morning/noon/night sickness is slowly lessening (meaning I'm not puking every time I change a diaper...yay) and I'm slightly less tired. Hopefully in another week or two I'll be good to go until I get too huge to be comfortable. Hopefully I'll do a first trimester post soon to sort of fill in the gaps a bit.

At the request of many, here is a link to pregnancy #1, week 14 for comparison.

Flag Day 2011

2011-06-16T09:02:00.001-07:00

Surprise!

2011-06-11T23:00:00.001-07:00

Happy 31 1/2 birthday to Striker. Today I threw him a surprise party after the bowling tournament (and yes, if you are keeping track, we were in Vegas at the beginning of the week...yes, I am crazy). We had a great time with friends and family. Thanks everyone!

Side note: I sent Striker on the way home to get ice cream from the grocery store to allow a few more people to arrive for the big surprise...he got 2 gallons of ice cream, a box of popsicles, and oreo cookie ice cream sandwiches...for the 2 of us...

Tony's 13th Tooth

2011-06-11T15:33:00.001-07:00

Future Water Geeks of America

2011-06-11T12:58:00.001-07:00

They were more interested in the water pipes, than playing in the pool with me, KFuj and Kyle.

Happy Half Birthday Alex & Tony!

2011-06-07T09:29:00.001-07:00

This is complete craziness! How are we already halfway to their SECOND birthday?!

They are so much fun and I have such a blast with them everyday, except for the occasional tantrum or day of whining and clinging if they're getting a new tooth.

They are OBSESSED with the movie Cars and Lightning McQueen and Mater. We plan on taking them to see Cars 2 in the theater when it comes out at the end of the month. They're a little young, but we're hoping to get to see half of it.

They regularly "talk" to each other and make each other crack up. It's adorable!

Books, cars/trucks, balls, bubbles, and sidewalk chalk are some of their favorite things. They love animals, especially dogs.

We go to a park just about every single day. The like the slides, but still aren't fans of the swings.

Alex has 11 teeth. Tony has 12. They are both good eaters, though Alex is a tank! I'm afraid of what it's going to take to fill them up as teenagers!

We converted their cribs to toddler beds without any issues. Alex usually naps once a day. Tony will take either one or two depending on what time he wakes up and what we're doing that day.

They are both in 24 month clothes. Alex is 32" and 29.5 pounds. Tony is 31 1/4" and 25.5 pounds.

They are starting to be able to point to various body parts or objects when prompted and can follow directions when they choose to. They aren't "talking" but definitely communicate both with each other and us. Twin language I suppose, but we're working on actual words. Tony will repeat stuff like a parrot (and I really want to know what "oh ship" means). Alex is soaking it all in like a sponge and I expect him to just start speaking in phrases like he did with walking.

And now, we bring the home stretch to turning 2...

Coca-Cola Las Vegas

2011-06-07T08:56:00.001-07:00

After Striker bowled sweeps, and before his banquet, we went to the Strip and visited M&M World and the Coca-Cola store. My phone was dead and Tony was asleep in the stroller, so there are very few pictures, and none of us all together.

The highlight of the trip was the Tastes of the World trays. For $7 you got 16 samples of various flavored Coke products from around the world. We tried:
-Inca Cola from Peru
-Sunfill Blackcurrant from Mauritius (I had to Google this to find out where it was)
-Stone Tangawizi from Tanzania
-Sparletta Sparberry from Zimbabwe
-Vegiabeta from Japan
-Simba Guarana from Paraguay
-Smart Watermelon from China
-Kinley Lemon from England
-Lift Manzana from Mexico
-Fanta Kolita from Costa Rica
-Krest Ginger Ale from Israel
-Ciel Aquarius from Mexico
-Sunfill Mint from Djibouti
-Smart Apple from China
-Beverly from Italy
-Mezzo Mix from Germany

If I ever go to Italy, I'm sticking with wine. Beverly smells ok, looks clear like Sprite, but the taste? Nasty!

The flavors from China were our favorites along with Inca Cola which tastes like banana. Mezzo Mix tastes like our Coke...and was a nice way to kill the taste of Beverly.

We'll definitely do this again when the boys are older, though Alex did try the Apple one, followed by Beverly for our entertainment. What? We don't want him to like soda yet!

Saturday Fun

2011-06-04T21:34:00.001-07:00

Chilling on the patio with their current favorite toy Lightening McQueen and eating grilled cheeses at Striker's double header hockey games.

Albertsons Trip

2011-06-03T20:26:00.001-07:00

Spent: $62.91
Saved: $97.77

Pictured:
14.14 lb watermelon @ 0.39/lb
4 Athenos Greek Yogurts
4 boxes of popcorn*
2 bottles of paprika
Glad trash bags*
2 cans of enchilada sauce*
bottle of hot sauce*
4 pouches of Idahoan mashed potatoes
soft taco sized tortillas
Wacky Mac pasta
Flipsides*
Flatbread crisps*
2 packages of Hormel Natural Choice lunchmeat
2 bags of Ore-Ida hashbrowns
1 bag of sweet potato fries
3 Yoplait yogurts
2 Coffeemate Creamers
2 Foster Farms Ground Turkey
6 bags of Sargento shredded cheese

Coupons/In-store Promos I used:
Buy 10 Kraft items, Save $5*
$0.75 peel off on the Flatbread Crisps
$1.00 off two spices
$0.75 off Mission product
$1.00 off Glad trash bags
$0.40 off Wacky Mac Pasta
Free Coffemate Creamer (2)
Buy 2 get 1 Yoplait yogurt free
$0.75 off Athenos Greek yogurt (2)
Free Ore-Ida Sweet Potato fries
$0.50 off Ore-Ida Potatos (2)
$3.30 off Foster Farms Ground Turkey (2)
$2.00 off Hormel Lunchmeat (2)
$5 off $25 coupon for signing up for Albertsons email list
$1.00 off Doubler found on the back of the Albertsons Book of Savings mailer (the ones in store do not have the Doublers)

My "disclaimers"
-Yes, I have a coupon binder, no I do not bring it into the store with me. I go through the ads, make a list on an envelope, pull the coupons from my binder and sort them into the envelope for each store. I also try not to shop at the busy times as I am considerate of other shoppers...if you're behind me with only a few items you also get to go ahead of me if I have more than a few coupons.
-I almost never have more than 2 of the same coupon.
-I only buy stuff we actually use.
-I usually buy my produce at Henry's or Vons because other stores have a dismal selection of organics.
-I prefer to buy organic or natural products, however, I am very conscious about trying to eliminate any products containing high fructose corn syrup. (good bye Honey Maid graham crackers)
-One day, when my monkeys go to school, I would like to eliminate as much processed food as possible. Unfortunately, there's this thing called "time" that makes that less of a priority. I'd rather spend my time with them than in the kitchen for hours on end.

Memorial Day Weekend...fun?

2011-06-01T14:59:00.001-07:00

After living here almost four years, I finally organized our closet in our master bedroom.

There are no before pictures, because it would be too embarrassing.

Toddler Beds

2011-05-31T13:48:00.001-07:00

The extra stuffed animals are under Alex's bed...he's a crazy sleeper! So far so good though.

My Phone has a Blogger App...

2011-05-30T16:17:00.001-07:00

Does yours?

I finally got a new phone (HTC Thunderbolt) and officially abandoned BlackBerry. I can now write posts with links and labels from my phone (which takes easy to upload pictures AND video), so I won't have any excuses to not blog regularly again.

When Grandma's Away...

2011-05-30T16:06:00.001-07:00

Easter Bunny Donald Goes to Vegas

2011-05-13T16:51:00.000-07:00

Thanks Helga!

Alex Tooth #9

2011-05-03T10:10:00.001-07:00

Finally his first molar poked through on the upper right. The upper left is super close and then he'll finally be halfway! For as much as this kid eats, he could really use a few more teeth.

Multiples Club Easter Party

2011-04-17T18:31:00.000-07:00

Also known as Alex and Tony's first Easter Egg Hunt! (They slept through last year's.)

Hockey Highs & Lows

2011-04-16T23:45:00.000-07:00

Today was Striker's roller hockey team's first game in the Intermediate Division. It was also the Kings 2nd game of the Western Conference playoffs against the Sharks. One team won 4-0. It wasn't Striker's. I don't think they did too bad though. Especially since Striker has been playing less than 2 years and only as goalie for a few months.

Big Boy Tony!

2011-04-14T21:27:00.001-07:00

I finally got to stick my finger in to check his gums and discovered that Tony had in fact cut THREE more molars since I discovered his first one! This brings his total tooth count to 12. Combined with Alex's 8, I'm officially half way through twin teething!!!!

In other news, Striker bowled an 802 series tonight, after bowling his 13th 300 game on Monday.

Baton Twirler?

2011-04-14T19:09:00.001-07:00

Speak softly and carry a big stick?

Well, he's babbling loudly and carrying a big stick...he's managed to clear the floor of furries and humans.

He cut his tenth tooth today (upper right molar) so apparently he's throwing himself a celebratory parade.

Shoe Removal Sequence

2011-04-10T19:14:00.001-07:00

Tony almost always takes off his shoes and socks (using only his feet) in this order:
Right shoe
Right sock
Left shoe
Left sock
While I realize that it's obvious that the shoes come off first, I think it's funny that he removes everything from his right foot first.

Birthday Party Backyard Fun

2011-04-09T22:24:00.000-07:00

Best Party Favors Ever

2011-04-09T19:59:00.001-07:00

Not that Tony plans to let Alex have his back...

Congratulations Lil Dahl & Shades!

2011-04-03T11:45:00.000-07:00

They're FINALLY engaged! Which is good, because it was going to be really hard to get Alex & Tony to learn to say "Fake Uncle Shades". Uncle Shades seems like it'll be easier. ;)

So now that we can stop asking when you're getting engaged, the next question is "when's the wedding?" Followed by "when do I get a niece(s)/nephew(s)?" No pressure...

Molars are AWFUL!

2011-03-31T13:57:00.001-07:00

This is Tony watching Sesame Street after Hyland's tablets* took the edge off his molar pain. He finally had one cut through his gums and the other three are close. He's had a rough 48 hours for this last round...he's been working on these suckers for at least 4 months!
*Yes, Hyland's tablets were recalled in October. No, they are not yet available. KFuj was nice enough to give us a leftover bottle of Kyle's, since he's fine with other methods of pain relief. I've been saving this last allotment for the dreaded molars when even Tylenol wasn't helping poor Tony last night. Since the tablets have kicked in while I was writing this post, he's up and playing happily instead of clinging to me.

First Bike Trailer Ride

2011-03-29T20:25:00.001-07:00

Striker took the boys on their first ride in the trailer while I ran to Target to get Femme Fatale (and yes, that'll be a whole separate post). I failed to get a picture of them, but Striker took this picture as he was taking them out (and after he removed their helmets). Yes, Alex fell asleep. Yes, that is his tummy sticking out of his shirt...I thought that he might still fit in one of the larger 18 month shirts...yeah, he'll just stick with 24 month shirts from now on. Sorry kid! Better pictures next time.

Full of Hot Air

2011-03-29T16:11:00.000-07:00

We received a letter in the mail today from the State Government (on official letterhead with the Governor's name and everything) that is offering Striker and I: a check for $500, a comparable loaner car, pick up and return delivery to work or home, and a washed and vacuumed car with a full tank of fuel in exchange for letting them borrow our three and a half year old car for 1-3 weeks, put 100or so miles on it, and conduct testing related to air pollution.

Thoughts:

1) Isn't the State severely in debt, over budget, and in need of cutting unnecessary programs?

2) Assuming that it was somehow necessary to do our own testing in our own state, couldn't we use the fleet of vehicles owned by government employees?

3) I wonder what the total cost to the state is for testing just ONE vehicle and how many vehicles they test EACH YEAR. Yes, when I was looking this up online to confirm that it wasn't some sort of scam, I found that this program had been in place for at least 2 years.

4) What do they actually DO with this information?

5) We are so going to do this!...I hope that I can convince Striker to go along with this...Yes! He's in as long as I document the process on the blog as I did with the 2010 Census.

It should be noted that the postcard that I get to return indicating our interest is also postage paid. However I can fax, email, or submit our information online. Woo hoo!!! Maybe I'll do all four forms to ensure they know that we are interested...

I intentionally left out searchable terms for now as I don't want to hurt our chances of being selected.

Stay tuned...

Crazy Sleeper Alex

2011-03-29T10:18:00.001-07:00

Alex for the most part has always been a "better" sleeper than Tony (sleeps longer, doesn't wake up as often, etc). In addition to regularly falling asleep in his high chair, car seat, or sitting up, he is a roller and mover when he has the room to do so. We find him wedged into the corner of his crib every morning, uncovered, after he rolls and wiggles his way as far as he can. This morning when I went to pick up Mr Early Bird Tony, Alex had his arm around Tigger snuggling while he slept. I wish I had been able to take a picture without a flash that would have certainly woke him up, so instead, here's his latest "asleep in the high chair" picture.

Green Thumb Update

2011-03-28T12:58:00.001-07:00

Why yes, I think that is some green sprouting!!!! Now if I can just get the rest of my seeds planted, we might be eating fresh veggies in addition to our fresh herbs and strawberries. (I'm pretty sure the sprouts are in the herb container as I planted it before the strawberries in the other one. I can't even begin to guess which herbs are sprouting first. I'm just impressed SOMETHING sprouted.)

Personal Best: Ralphs Trip

2011-03-24T20:03:00.001-07:00

Skippy 2 for $3
Jennie-O B1G1 Free
Cereal $1.18/box after sale and coupon
Blue Moon $11.88/12 bottles
Tri-tip $4.99/lb = $11.88
Haribo Gummi Bears $1 each
Strawberries $1/lb
Mangos $1 each
Green onions 2/$1
Pistachios $1.99 after sale and coupon
Pirate's Booty (not pictured due to 2 little guys stealing the loot) $3.99/10 oz bag

Buy 10, Save $5:
Annie's Organic Mac&Cheese $0.49/box after savings
Ronzoni Healthy Harvest Free after savings and coupons
Country Crock $1.50
Simply Orange 2 for $7
Ritz $2.49
Wheat Thins $2.49

Random things I needed:
Eggs $1.99
Bread $2.99
Bananas $2.21
Tortillas (settled for white flour because wheat were RIDICULOUSLY expensive) $1.99

Spent: $83.77 for 48 items
Saved $105.33 (but Ralphs is super high priced without sales/coupons imo)

If you take out the 2 $12 items that's $60 for 46 items ($1.30 per item)

I aim to beat this...soon!

Brothers

2011-03-23T10:24:00.000-07:00

I love this black & white, because I know what they were doing. They were digging into a bag of Veggie Straws which are right up there on their list of favorite snacks with Goldfish and Yogurt Melts. Plus, how long are their lashes?!

Family Pictures 1/28/11

2011-03-23T10:18:00.000-07:00

We took family pictures at the end of January (keeping up our every 2 month sessions) and I'm finally getting around to posting them. Thanks again "Big" Tony! BTW, when two people in your family share names with your photographer and his wife...it can get kind of confusing.

I love that we took these just a few weeks before they started walking on their own, back when they stayed in relatively the same spot you put them. This also proved that Striker and I are not as strong as we thought...we were supposed to be tossing Alex into the air while lying on our backs...yeah...notice we're just holding him...though we both argue that it was too difficult to toss him and catch him without being able to move. His big head makes him a little top heavy and we didn't want to drop him.

Just Alex

2011-03-23T10:12:00.000-07:00

Just Tony

2011-03-23T10:11:00.001-07:00

My Favorite Deal & Coupon Sites

2011-03-20T16:42:00.000-07:00

I've been requested to share my coupon "secrets"...so here you go:

There are a few deal blogs that I follow...you can subscribe to their RSS feeds, or add them to your Google Reader, or "Like" them on Facebook...if you're just getting started, or not a mom, I'd start with just the first 2-3:
Hip2Save
Southern Cali Saver
A Coupon Chick
Money Saving Mom
Cheap Mama Chick

I watched and waited the deal sites to get a year's subscription to the Sunday LA Times (just for all of the ads and coupons) for $10. Wait for it...it'll likely come around again. In the meantime, just print your coupons.

Printable Coupon Sites:
www.coupons.com
www.redplum.com
coupons.target.com (can be stacked with manufacturers!)

I'd also recommend visiting the websites or Facebook pages for your favorite/expensive items to see if you can find any coupons before making your purchase.

You can be a dork like me and create a coupon binder which I have sheet protectors for each store or category of coupons...organization is key to help you stack them and maximize your savings.

Lastly, Groupon is my friend...check it out, sign up, and wait for deals on places or activities you want to try.

Sleeping Tony/Happy Birthday Mr KFuj!

2011-03-19T22:12:00.001-07:00

Today we went to a surprise party for Mr KFuj's 30th birthday which is next month. (Yes, the best way to surprise someone is to do it a month early.) Tony slept for over an hour and a half and missed his chance to say "Surprise!" Not that he would have...he can't say it, and he'd probably have cried since cheering crowds scare him. I can only hope he outgrows that as fast as he did his fear of the ice maker.

Fell Asleep Sitting Up

2011-03-19T22:09:00.000-07:00

It's those super comfy blue couches!

Hit Me With Your Best Shot

2011-03-13T19:31:00.001-07:00

My favorite is the one at the top of the head through his hair ;)

NOT J.A.K. Bauer

2011-03-13T13:29:00.001-07:00

While most of my shots were on the target (and some very good ones), I did hit the ceiling three times(Striker only saw it twice) and I hit the "death blow" to a piece of wood in the rafter causing it to fall to the floor. The best part is that the girl next to me thought she did it. :)

Other highlights/things to note:
-Lil Dahl and I liked the .38 Special (we called it the sissy gun).
-Shades also brought two .40 Smith & Wessons which we weren't fans of, but the boys liked them. I did shoot pretty well with them though.
-There was an IDIOT shooting a 357 Magnum that scared the crap out of the 3 newbies and of course he was right next to us.

It was fun and I'd totally do it again. I might even load my own bullets next time.

Thanks Shades/Shrek and Lil Dahl!

Lunch Date

2011-03-10T20:58:00.001-08:00

Our plans for today were cancelled this morning, so I ran an errand that took us to The Shoppes around lunchtime. I decided we'd share a salad from Chipotle and enjoy Pinkberry while watching the splash pad. I'm fairly certain that our eating on Chipotle's patio was the first time just the 3 of us ate out together - yay us!

The boys enjoyed watching the water, but were too chicken to get wet, though I'm sure that will change soon enough. Instead they explored the shade by Victoria's Secret...or maybe they were looking for supermodels? It should be noted that Alex is moving quick now...I can't wait until Tony starts moving just as quickly in the opposite direction and my real fun begins.

Alex has decided this week that he likes bananas, blueberries, peas and carrots after all. Tony has decided that he pretty much just likes carbs and cheese. It's like they switched eating habits. Though Tony still refuses to eat anything he can't feed himself. Guess they're just trying to keep me on my toes.

15 Month Stats

2011-03-07T18:51:00.000-08:00

Alex:
28.5 lbs
31"
8 teeth

Tony:
25 lbs
30.5"
Still just 8 teeth...and really, the molars just need to break through already so the drool and pain and suffering can stop

12 Month Stats

Alex & Tony's First Kings Game

2011-03-06T05:02:00.001-08:00

It was also Bailey(the mascot)'s birthday and Shades' first hockey game. Alex and Tony ate or napped through the entire game. The rest of us ate (some more than others). The Kings lost to the Canucks, but there is an awesome shot of one of the Sedin twins making a pouty face that will likely haunt him the rest of his career.

Dinner at Wood Ranch

2011-03-05T23:24:00.001-08:00

My mom locked my aunt's purse in her trunk so she couldn't pay. Striker won the battle of who paid the check by giving our server his card with his drink order (yes, we have to do this before we order our meals now). The Canadian (specifically referring to my cousin's husband) had the best "zing" as a result. Shades/Shrek heard "The Acapulco Story". Alex fell asleep on the table while eating mac n cheese. Tony broke a plate on the floor. Our server was terrible. The busboy/sweeper guy was awesome. The food was tasty!

Birthday Fat Fest

2011-03-03T21:03:00.001-08:00

Baked potato
Churro
Cookie
Mickey pretzel
Chocolate covered strawberries
Chocolate covered bananas
Cheddar fries
Toucan

I do not want to begin estimating the number of calories consumed. I will be attending Kiss My Abs at 5:30 AM as retribution.

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30 is Awesome!

2011-03-03T08:23:00.001-08:00

My aunt is 20 years older than me (technically 19.5) and I distinctly remember when I was 10 and she turned 30 and thinking "wow, 30 is OLD". And now here I am at 30 and it's totally NOT old...but 50? Wow, that's OLD! ;)

No main event planned for my birthday, but I've somehow managed to stretch the celebrating out over 2 weeks or so.

Today: Disneyland with my mom and Alex and Tony, dinner with Will tonight.

My crazy Canadian relatives are in town this weekend with lots of eating and shopping on the agenda with a Kings vs Canucks game to attend on Saturday afternoon...Go Kings Go!

Next weekend Lil Dahl and Shades/Shrek are taking me to a shooting range and then we're having dinner with all of the local family.

I've successfully managed to not cook dinner all week and eat out at Mimi's Cafe, The Cheesecake Factory and Panda Express ;)

There will be consignment sale shopping and more eating thrown in as I see friends over the next few weeks.

I will also be more likely to remember this birthday than last year's...I actually had to read the post because it was all a sleep deprived blur.

Alex and Grandpa Bills

2011-02-27T14:13:00.001-08:00

New Shoes

2011-02-25T20:54:00.001-08:00

I cannot remember the last time I bought shoes with heels...it's been at least 2 years, since I bought flats while pregnant and have only worn flip flops, Fuggs, or sneakers since. After getting a bunch of dresses from Striker's Godmother, and therefore not needing to buy anything for the weddings we're going to this summer, I decided that I would buy a new pair of pumps. DSW sent me a $5 coupon for my birthday, and that was all the arm twisting that I needed. Meet these bad boys...bright red, shiny satin pumps with a sassy little ruffle action...I can't wait to wear them!

My Quote of the Day

2011-02-22T13:35:00.001-08:00

"With the large number of unemployed people in this country, you'd think those with jobs would try a little harder to be competent at them."
-Me, 2/22/11 (such a fun date!)

Caught Red Handed

2011-02-19T11:27:00.001-08:00

Direct violation of rule # 1: toddlers shall not open the cabinets containing the TV equipment and video game systems. This is rule #1, because it is the one that I need to remind them of most frequently.

The best part? He was either a) putting his toys away (Striker's theory) or b) hiding them from his brother who was napping (my theory). I'm sure he turned around and gave his daddy a mischievous grin after he took this picture.

Super Cautious UPS Man

2011-02-17T19:43:00.001-08:00

What? Doesn't everyone put huge boxes under their welcome mat like this?

2 Weeks to 30

2011-02-17T11:48:00.000-08:00

So I made a list of things to do to celebrate my 30th birthday 2 weeks ago.

My Progress:
-Learn to shoot a gun (at a shooting range, under supervision) scheduled
-Take sewing and quilting classes scheduled
-Give running another try (and hope that I don't get "static") Haven't attempted...I'm chicken
-Try some Yoga/Pilates/Yogalates classes...my core needs to look like my arms before bikini season Taking Kiss My Abs on Sunday
-Start family bike rides on Sundays and after Daylight Savings Time starts Looking for a bike and trailer on Craig's List
-Read at least 2 books a month before my brain starts rotting Got my Nook and read 2 books in 48 hours...still reading a third
-Have at least 2 dates a month with Striker...cuz really, we need them Unless you count staying up all night with puking kids a date, our first will be on Saturday

Blew His Brains Out

2011-02-16T20:36:00.001-08:00

I was upstairs doing laundry tonight when I received a BBM from Striker: "I just blew my brains out." Um, WHAT?! I ran downstairs, and found that Striker had finally put his hot air to good use ;)

I'd asked him to blow this ball pit up using the air pump, but apparently it had died. Being the good Dad that he is, he blew it up anyway.

Alex was looking at the camera, but was distracted repeatedly by Jeopardy. So I gave up on getting all 3 of them to look.

Note to self: buy a new air pump before it's warm enough to blow up the crab pool.

14 Months 1 Week and 1 Day

2011-02-15T21:02:00.001-08:00

Alex and Tony started the morning off by climbing and balancing on various toys. I reminded them that it was 2 weeks and 2 days until my birthday and they'd better be walking by then. And then, shortly thereafter, Alex was walking back and forth between the couches, completely unprovoked. I ignored him to see how long it would last. Later, Tony walked from the couch to the center of the room. When Grandma arrived, they repeated their performances. When Striker got home, they again repeated their accomplishments and we officially declared today The Day They Started Walking. Who's a happy mommy? Me!

Family Word Search

2011-02-15T12:00:00.000-08:00

I've been looking for something to hang on the wall in our family room for a LONG time. After seeing a version of this artwork last week, I figured I could make it for WAY less. And make it a little more fancy. The almost completed result:

Materials:
20x20 Canvas - $6.50 (after a 50% off coupon at Michaels)
Ribbon - $0.33/spool and $2.50 for the "frame" ribbon
Paint - leftover from the boys' growth charts (did I ever post those?)
Letters - Cricut borrowed from KFuj, cartridge used for Alex & Tony's first birthday party invitations
Paper - In my "inventory"
Total: About $10

The $145 version can be found here.

I do need to get some glue to stick all the paper to the painted canvas, but then I'm done and this sucker is going on the wall. Can you find all of the names/words?

Happy Birthday Grandma!

2011-02-13T13:09:00.000-08:00

We love you!

XOXOXO,

Alex and Tony

Baby Chaos in the Kitchen

2011-02-12T23:00:00.000-08:00

Two 14 month olds, a 10 month old and a 9 month old. I would totally do it again in a heartbeat...we need to set up a babysitting/date night swap. One couple goes out, the other 2 couples watch the 4 kids. KFujs? Iowans? (Is that what you call people from Iowa?) And by date "night" I mean afternoon/evening...you know, so we can catch Happy Hour and still be home to put each baby in their own crib.
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Quick Custom Frame

2011-02-11T12:27:00.000-08:00

I've been working pretty hard core on getting the playroom ready for Alex and Tony and their friends all week. It started Monday with a trip to IKEA where I found several things that I'd been looking for, with the exception of an 11x14 frame in a "fun" primary or bright color to go with the fun artwork I'd ordered from Children Inspire Design and the other (cheap) frames I'd found. At some point, I had the idea to get a boring frame and dress it up in the fun colored duck tape. Super easy and it took me less than 5 minutes!
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I Love My Nook Color

2011-02-10T12:50:00.000-08:00

I've already read 2 "quick read" books on it and a couple children's books for Alex and Tony. I love that it's wi-fi, tablet-like (allegedly I can do some hocus pocus stuff and make that happen), user friendly, intuitive, AND a touch screen. This is my gateway device to a touch screen smartphone. I think. I'm just significantly slower on a touchscreen keyboard than my trusty BlackBerry keys. Did I mention that it's Android based? I slapped an anti-glare screen protector and a hot pink silicone cover on it to protect it from my life. I plan to sew my own pouch for it so that it doesn't get squished in transit somewhere, is exactly what I want, and costs me less than $30-50. I was able to read while getting a pedicure today and for the last 2 nights in bed while Striker slept peacefully, not bothered by a light. After reading "Not Ready for Mom Jeans" and "Sh*t My Dad Says", I'm going to
go for something with a little more substance next, though I did literally laugh out loud at parts of each of them. Highly recommend them for some light, feel good reading. Oh, and have I mentioned that I love my Nook Color? I feel so gadgety and "with it" again. (Insert happy sigh of glee here).

Barefoot & Happy

2011-02-09T11:48:00.001-08:00

Tony has been taking his shoes or socks off EVERY chance he gets lately. Doesn't matter what kind, he'd rather be barefoot.

Mountain Climber?

2011-02-09T11:41:00.001-08:00

Mr I-"can't"-walk-but-i-can-climb

Chatterbox Tony

2011-02-08T11:45:00.000-08:00

Every picture I take of this kid is blurry unless he's passed out like this. While at WalMart today, Tony was "talking" as we cruised the aisles. He continued talking to the lady who cut some fabric for me and she mentioned that she heard him earlier when we passed by several aisles away. Yeah, he's going to be that kid. I apologize to his teachers, but at least he'll always participate in discussions (something I NEVER did).

My Little Nerd

2011-02-08T11:40:00.000-08:00

On his 14 month birthday, 2/7, Alex (finally) cut his 7th tooth. He also enjoyed seeing what he could fit into various boxes. I love toddlers!

Safe on Higher Ground

2011-02-07T10:19:00.001-08:00

...For now

Thoughts on the Super Bowl

2011-02-06T23:34:00.000-08:00

Wow, I only took 3 pictures...on my phone. (Alex taking a pre-game nap, a football shaped Oreo on top of the pool, and the odd attire worn by the commentators - purple and pink ties? Really?)
Wow, I ate a LOT.
Juan Pollo potato salad, while oddly containing carrots, is really good. Just not as good as Shades' Brother's. Which I'm sure isn't as good as their mom's.
My mom's house is a great location for family gatherings. She's totally hosting Super Bowl every year.
Alex and Tony are finally old enough that I can relax and have fun while everyone else plays with them.
Shades ran a fun pool, even if I didn't win and won't get North Woods Inn.
Shades' new nickname is Shrek.
Was it really Striker that sat and watched the ENTIRE game, commercials, AND halftime?! I think 3 out of the 15 of us did. He had the very important job of keeping the official score for the pool. Shades was grilling.
Did I really skip halftime to run to the store with the Lils? Can I really call women in their mid-twenties Lils? Given the Facebook commentary, it appears skipping the halftime show was a good choice.
My plan to skip the first half and talk to the familia de Shades and catch the important parts (screw ups and good commercials) on YouTube later was genius!
The weather today was awesome!
The second half of the game (which is all that I watched) was really good. The commercials that I saw? Not so much.
Yay! Green Bay won!!!

4 Weeks Until 30

2011-02-03T10:15:00.000-08:00

Things I want to do to celebrate turning 30:
-Learn to shoot a gun (at a shooting range, under supervision)
-Take sewing and quilting classes
-Give running another try (and hope that I don't get "static")
-Try some Yoga/Pilates/Yogalates classes...my core needs to look like my arms before bikini season
-Start family bike rides on Sundays and after Daylight Savings Time starts
-Read at least 2 books a month before my brain starts rotting
-Have at least 2 dates a month with Striker...cuz really, we need them

Coconut Dreams

2011-02-02T21:48:00.000-08:00

These are basically Girl Scout Samoas...available year round...for less than $4 per package...which includes 3 more cookies in it...uh oh...

Grandma Magic

2011-02-01T01:42:00.001-08:00

When I posted this picture on Facebook, Striker asked why Alex and Tony never sit like that with him when he reads to them. I told him that it only lasted a minute, which was about 55 seconds longer than it lasts with either of us. Grandma is apparently magical like Santa or the Easter Bunny, except they. screamed on Santa's lap this year, but you get the idea.

Just Call Me Huck Finn

2011-01-30T08:36:00.001-08:00

See the little yellow sign on the gate? It provides instructions on the proper way to care for the gate...the most important of which is to paint/stain it every two years. We'll have lived here four years in June. The portion on the left is the "after" and how it looked four years ago. Given that the gate was one of the better looking parts, I'd have to say that staining every two years probably is a good idea. Let's see if I keep that up. ;)