8 things...

I hate to do on a daily basis.

1. Fill up the dog's water bowl over and over and over again
2. Unload and load the dishwasher
3. Straighten the rug in the den as it shifts throughout the day.
4. Make the kids' beds...I don't mind making mine just the kids.
5. The whole getting ready routine..shower, getting dressed, makeup, hair, etc for myself and the kids.
6. The whole decision making process of what to make for lunch and dinner.
7. The opening and closing of the blinds in the morning/evening.
8. The closing of another day since I know it is one summer day gone... making it one day closer to school starting again.

Fashionista vs. Mom Jeans

I'm 30. I'm a mother of 3. Does this mean that I have to toss fashion out the window and put on the mom jeans? I've never been super trendy or always in the latest fashion. However I have always been in the current decade and never far behind the current trends. I am usually pretty conservative and try not to be too out there. After having number 3, I have been perplexed where I fit in the racks at the store. I'm definitely not a "juniors" anymore in size (especially pants) or in style. And I am not a "misses" knit blouse yet ( maybe in 20 years). The problem lies in where I fit not literally. I don't want to look too young but I also don't want to be the object of what not to wear. I think sometimes people my age are pushing the envelope. They are trying to still look like they did when they were 20 and they are late by a decade. Then on the flip side there are others my age who have already given in and have that signature shirt in 7 different colors hanging in their closet. Another problem I have is that I am so stinking cheap when it comes to buying clothes. I don't like to spend more than 10 dollars on a shirt. This severly limits my possiblities. I love earrings and love to accessorize with them. My latest accessory is a headband with flower on it. I told the lady that checked me out that I might be too old for this. She told me that it would be cute. Cute? Am I going for cute?? My 4 year old is cute when she wears her headband. Is that the same cute that I'm going for? 30 is a little old to be cute huh??

So how do I find the balance between mom jeans and fashionista with 3 kids in tow??

4 weeks old

June Bug is 4 weeks old today. She is growing so fast. It is hard to believe that she is already 4 weeks old. It seems just like yesterday that she was born. She is starting to focus more on objects. She loves to be outside.

Attempt #1 at getting her weekly picture...She was not happy about the hat.

Finally after a bath and bottle she was up for getting her pic taken.

3 weeks old

June Bug is three weeks old today!! It is hard to believe that she has been here for 3 weeks already. I wish I could just make time stand still...it is going too fast. I treasure all the time I get to spend with her.

All Checked Up!!

All three kiddos went to the doctor on Thursday. They each had to get their checkups. The nurses did a great job of dealing with all three kids in there. We are getting used to our doctor still. We loved loved loved our doctor back in TW. Our doc here just has a different personality than our other one. Hubs says he is a poindexter with his jean slacks with pleats. He is a nice guy and I really don't have any complaints about him.

Bubby
Weight: 49 lbs (75%)
Height: 46 in (75%)
Vision: 20/30
Hearing check showed he missed some sounds...maybe it is the same tone as mom and dad's voice. That would explain alot.
Overall the doctor said he was healthy and developing fine. He dodged getting any shots which he was happy about.

Buggers
Weight: 42 lbs (90%)
Height: 42 in (90%) **Doc said she is going to be tall**
Vision: 20/30
Hearing was near perfect
Overall the doctor said she was also healthy. We need to get her in to see a dentist..looks like she may have one or two cavities. She was not so lucky on the shots. She had to get two shots to get current. She is a drama queen when it comes to "injuries". She screamed bloody murder but quickly got over it once she found out she could get stickers!

June Bug
Weight: 8 lbs (two weeks ago she was 6lb 12 oz...she is addicted to the milk machine!!)
Length: 20.5 in (she was 19 inches at birth...the nurse thinks they may have measured her wrong at birth...not very likely she would grow an inch and half in 2 weeks)
She checked out perfect too. She is healthy and happy. She will go back at 2 months for the horrible first round of shots.

Summer Days are drifting away

Summer needs to seriously slow down!! I feel like I'm going to blink and it is going to be August already and we will be heading back to school. We haven't been doing much of anything lately. Just hanging around the house mostly. We are all getting a little bit of cabin fever. I have figured out that I can handle all three kids by myself if we need to get out. I took all the kids to the doctor's for check up all by myself. And for the award winning venture, I took all three to the grocery store for "BIG" shopping. They were all really good in the store. I did feel like people were looking at me. I can only imagine their thoughts..."That lady is crazy for shopping alone with three kids. Ahhhh that poor lady. Super Kids....Super Mom"

I am super bummed that I have a teacher training next week Monday - Thursday. I am giving up four days right now but will get exempt from the staff days in November which will give me an entire week off for Thanksgiving. I'm not ready to be away from June Bug just yet. My mom is going to watch them and all will be fine.

Catching some Friday morning cartoons

Evidence of Cabin Fever....

They even let June Bug get in on the camera action

Splish Splash!!

Small town pools are a summer must! Bubby and Buggers had a blast today at the pool. Bubby loves to swim and shows no fear. However Buggers is alittle more reserved. She doesn't like to go underwater and mostly scoots around the pool by hanging on to the side.

She did go down the slide right off the bat. But after she went underwater she realized she didn't want to do that again. After some convincing from her cousin, she decided she would go down the slide as long as her cousin Piggy would catch her.

She quickly put the brakes on before she hit the water!!

Bubby went down the slide about 100 times.

Then he got up the nerve to jump off the small diving board. I was freaking out a little since he was jumping into 11 ft deep water! YIKES...coming from the momma who is scared of water.

Then he convinced me he was big enough to go off the medium board.

June Bug slept right through swimming. ( I have a picture of Buggers in this same outfit asleep in her stroller at the pool. I will have to find it a post a side by side)

Two weeks old...

June Bug is two weeks old!!! Can't believe it. Time is flying by...slooooooow down. She is much more alert this week. She stays awake for longer periods of time. She is able to focus on your face more as you are holding her. June Bug is starting to sleep better at night. Last night she slept for 5 hours straight!!

One Week Old

The first week with June Bug has been great. She is such a pleasant baby. We are all so smitten with her. The kids love her and constantly kiss and rub on her. I want to document how she is growing. I got this idea from another friend of mine who took a picture in the same chair. I decided to add this special Raggedy Ann that June Bug got from a family friend. I know time is going to fly by and I just want to slow it down a bit. Before you know it they will all be grown and gone. But until them I will hold them as long as I can.

Sleeping Beauties

Everyone has atleast one of these pictures in their album. The ye old sleeping baby on the chest of the sleeping daddy.
I wonder why there aren't any sleeping momma with baby pictures :)

How do people make it through life without a sister? ~Sara Corpening

The bond between sisters is something very special. You love them but you hate them. You love to have them around but can't wait for them to leave. It is a very competitive relationship while growing up and even sometimes in your adult life. Yet it is also one of the strongest relationships that have so many unspeakable bonds. Growing up with two sisters myself I know the ups and downs of sisterhood. However through all the downs I'm sure that Buggers and June Bug will have, I hope to hang on to this sweet image. Especially when June Bug is 13 and Buggers is 17 and June Bug is raiding her older sister's closet.

For those of us who have sisters, you can totally relate to this quote.....

If you don't understand how a woman could both love her sister dearly and want to wring her neck at the same time, then you were probably an only child. ~Linda Sunshine

Thank goodness for postpartum amnesia...

There is something about having a new baby in the house that makes you feel like you are in heaven. The snuggling and cuddling with this new bundle makes you forget about how much sleep you are "really" getting. The first few days to the first week after having a baby is the best example of two completely extreme feelings. The feelings you have towards your newborn vs. the reality that your body just expelled a 7 lb human being from it.

You are so happy that your little one is here.

---However you are cringing at the thought that you might sneeze or need to do the unthinkable #2.

You marvel in the sight of this perfect baby that you and Hubs created.

---However your reflection in the mirror shows the horrors of labor and delivery...in my case blood vessels in my face that popped given me a nice purple hue to my complexion. It's funny how quickly that "glow" leaves your face only to be replaced by dark circles under your eyes.

The sweet newborn cry is music to your ears (even at 3 am).

---However that sweet little cry turns your boobs into niagra falls only to have scratchy bulky nursing pads catch the flow.

Sitting on the comfy couch snuggling with the sweet baby is as close to heaven as you can get.

---However just sitting down on your sore bum is excrutiating and the thought of having to get up makes your abdominal muscles scream in revolt.

The magic of breastfeeding is so rewarding knowing you are providing your child with wonderful nutrition.

---However the sharp pain of latching on by a vigorous sucker or when your boobs become so engorged that an adult movie star would be jealous...you begin to question the natural act.

It is hilarious that you are so excited to see wet and dirty diapers because you know that your baby's systems are functioning and your milk is "doing a body good."

---However your bathroom routine after birth consists of a squirt bottle, Tucks, Dermoplast spray, pads the size of a twin mattress, and mesh panties.

I really think there is a postpartum amnesia that happens. Because if you truly remembered what all you go through to bring that baby into the world you would rethink ever getting pregnant again. It is funny how you remember (if this isn't your first) when you are going through it again.

As I'm writing this, Macy is asleep in her sleeper right next to me. As I look at her sweet face, I realize I would go through all of this 10 times over just to have her. She makes all of it worth it and bearable!

The Stork Delivered!!

At 1:09 pm on June 28, 2010 we welcomed our sweet baby girl. She weighed 7 lbs 1 oz and measured 19 inches long. She is absolutely perfect!! She looks so a lot like her big brother. She has the same face shape and nose. I can tell she is going to be a go getter since she took to breastfeeding like a champ. Her temperment is very mellow and she loves to be snuggled. The only thing she does not like is her diaper changed. You can guarantee a small crying fit with each change.

The labor and delivery was absolutely perfect. I don't think it could have gone any better. Actually the only thing that would have made it better would be if Hubs family could have been there. I was in labor about 6 1/2 hours and only pushed for 17 minutes or so. We had a little excitement when I told the nurse I was feeling pressure and she checked me and I was complete. She was caught off guard that I progressed so quickly and she rushed around getting everything ready. Also Hubs had stepped out of the room and I could not get ahold of him to tell him to come back. We finally tracked him down ....he was in the cafeteria and had just gotten him some lunch. He took one bite and ran back to the room.

One of my favorite moments was when Bubby and Buggers saw the baby for the first time. Bubby said he had never seen something so cute. And the smile on Buggers was the best smile ever. We spent a little bit of time with just us 5. It was a special time for me. It is amazing to me still the little family Hubs and I have made. It is perfect in every way.

Bubby and Buggers waiting patiently for baby sister to get here

Here she is!!!

Proud Poppa!!

Momma and Baby!!

Their smiles say it all!!

Last Party of Four Weekend

Well this is the last weekend we will have as a family of four. Tomorrow we welcome our new party member. We wanted to make this weekend special for us and the kids.

On Saturday, we started the day off right with donuts!! Then we headed off to the movie theatre for the first showing of Toy Story 3 in 3D. The kids really enjoyed it. Not sure if Buggers really like the 3D effects but Bubby sure did. And of course they both loved the cool glasses. After the movie we ran to Rosa's and got some delicious lunch. Then it was off for some not so fun stuff like oil change and haircuts for Hubs and Bubby. All that action called for naptime. Then we were off that evening to my parents for game night. We played Phase Ten and Yahtzee. I felt a little bad for beating my dad at his favorite game, Phase Ten but he had on his big boy pants so he will get over it.

Sunday is the last official day before the baby comes!! I thought it was funny this morning as Hubs was questioning if he was ready for this or not. Ummm...little late now buddy! Ready or not here she comes! We headed out this morning for our "official meal before baby come" at Luby's. I was induced with each of the other kids and the day before I went to the hospital we went to Luby's. So to follow tradition we did the same today. Luby's is not a big favorite of ours but for the sake of tradition we headed out to the last one in the Waco area. Afterwards we headed to Clifton to the Cliftex Theatre to see the new Shrek. Several months ago I was given gift certificates for free admission and kid snack packs. We felt this would be a great afternoon to go check out this historic theatre. We also browsed around an antique shop while waiting for the show.

We will head over to my parents tonight to drop the kids off. My sisters, one from Houston and one from Illinois, will be coming in tonight. The kids are going to stay with my parents while we are in the hospital. Hubs wanted to know what we were going to do tonight when we get back...I said go to SLEEP! He said he won't be able to. May have to slip him some Ambien in his dinner. :) Actually I think we will get a movie just to keep our minds on something else.

We have to be at the hospital at 6 in the morning!! Can't wait to get the party started and welcome our new little member!

The opposite of calm is????

Anxious...Scared...Nervous...Happy...Excited...Impatient...all these feelings are rattling around in my head.

Can I handle 3 kids?
Will I have the stamina to keep up with them?
Am I going to remember what to do with a tiny little baby?
How am I going to balance having a 5 year old, 4 year old, and newborn?
Am I going to remain sane when school starts back in August and I'm carting 3 kids around?

I am getting more and more nervous the closer the day comes to having her. The realization that another human is going to be dependent on me is getting me a little anxious. I feel somewhat stretched with the 2 kids and the hubby. I have not ever really been one that needs alot of "me" time or needs scheduled GNO (Girls night out). I feel like when I took on being a mother that my time is my family's time. I know there are many mothers out there that feel like they need that "me" time to survive. I guess I need my kids to survive.

I know all this anxiety will be completely gone once I see her adorable little face and feel her sweet touch. I almost feel like a first time mom again even those this is number three. I'm sure all mom's go through this. I bet Michelle Duggar gets a little anxious before the next baby comes out the shoot.

So in 3 days our little party of four will become a party of five.

Packing in the Summer

We have been busy around here trying to do as much as possible before the baby comes. It is so different this time around being pregnant with two active kids. I don't want them to suffer because all I want to do is lay on the couch and prop my belly up on a pillow. We have been to the library several times for story time. They have really enjoyed the puppet shows and I have to say I have too. The puppeteers have been pretty impressive and funny. We will go tomorrow then that will probably be it for a few weeks.

We have also gone to the museum which was nice since it was inside and we beat this sweltering Texas heat. They have a really neat Lego exhibit right now.

We have gone to the splash pad. Not sure what possessed us to go since it is sooooo hot. The kids had fun but Nana and I were miserable!! That is definitely a get up and go in the morning activity.

We have also gone to open jump at Jumping Party. This is by far one of my favorite summer activites. The kids are completely contained and they have seating for the parents. So I grab a book and read while the kids jump and jump and jump. Then one of the best things is they are so pooped when they get home it's nap time! Best 12 bucks you can spend.

Last Saturday we went to the Waco Water Park for the afternoon. It is different than we are used to back in The Woodlands. However for Waco standards it is great. The kids really had a good time. I enjoyed just being in the water with it being so hot. Hubs always makes friends with the pesky teenage lifeguards questioning their reasons behind their rules and cringing at the 50,000 whistle blows. I know they are trying to keep everyone safe but seriously if the parent is watching them with an eagle eye and the parent has enough sense to put a life vest of their child don't you think they are capable of making sure their little heads stay above water. Geesh!! I know they are just doing their $7 an hour job but dang it's annoying.