Quick Update

I just wanted to post a few quick updates.

Grace is dry through the night!! She's been doing it on and off the past 2 weeks, and last night was so upset that I was putting a diaper on. I asked her, "No diaper?"
"NO DIAPER!" She wailed.
So I took it off, put on the panties, and she was dry this morning. And even when she had to go it was no big rush to the potty either. Just a small part of her morning.

I took Angelina shopping for new "school" clothes. She got some really cute shoes, and a cute little jean dress to wear with it. She is counting each day that goes by. I will be sure take a picture her first day and post it.

And me, I'm just growing and stretching. I can feel more and more that my skin is stretching as each day goes by. Baby is very active, sometimes enough to make my whole belly move! On Tuesday I'm 29 weeks! Once I hit 30, I'm in the home stretch...so to speak.

That's it for now, I will post some pics at the end of the week.

A few pics

Here is a few pics from the weekend.


1. Our little Hollywood girl catching the rays!




2. A peaceful nap after an afternoon in the sun.

3. A little quiet time and some singing.

4. All packed up and ready to go.

5. Good-bye hugs as we head off home.

Tick tick tick.....

That's what the days and weeks are doing. Slowly ticking by it seems. But then when I look back on it all, I'm like, "Wow, where has the time gone?"
Baby is 28 weeks old now. 'They' say that Baby is just over 2 pounds now, and about 15 inches long. (These are averages. Feels like 10 pounds and 30 inches long at times.:))Also, Baby can see the difference between light and dark. If I stand it the direct sunlight with my belly exposed, Baby can now 'see' the sunlight filtered through my tummy. I've always thought it was cool when I reached this stage with the girls. The baby can see! I am feeling more pelvic pressure as each day goes on, but nothing as bad as with Grace. My skin is also stretching as it grows, and I can feel that. One spot on my tummy will hurt for a day or so, kinda like a scratch, and then, POP, oh a stretch mark! But my overall comfort level is still good, considering I am 7 months pregnant. When I have had a good day, and I don't have any disturbances at night, I get a great sleep.
Daycare is going super good. The kids are all back from summer vacations and program is in full swing. They are enjoying new songs, and crafts of painting, gluing and colouring.
Angelina is signed up for preschool to start on the 13th. It is every Thursday morning, for 2 hours and 15 minutes. She went last winter and luved it. She is very excited about going and asks everyday if this is the day. We are going to buy some new running shoes for her to wear the first day!
Grace is doing spended with the potty! She now tells me when she has to go, by telling me "Mom mom, potty," and as she says it her words fade to a whisper. She pats her bum at the same time. She has 1 to no accidents a day. She is dry during nap time, and most mornings when she gets up. All I can say is, "Way to go Gracey!!"
We had a great weekend camping with Kristyn, Mark and Abby! The nights were not to bad at all, and there was so much food.....I put on a few extra pounds! But really its all baby :) Little Abby hurt her leg, so it was a quick pack up and head home on Monday morning. But reports are that she is recovering quickly.
Mean well Goran was very busy here at home! He did a wash on the deck, fixed the lattes fencing we have, and stained it all. It really looks like a new deck! I couldn't be more happy with it.
Well that's about it for me now. We have a busy evening ahead. The girls and I have a dog waiting for a walk, and then we are going to the library to return some books and get some new ones. So, have a great week and we'll see ya soon!

The Potty Business

I just wanted to make a quick note. This potty thing has gone extremely well. The work and constant peeing with Angelina had me a bit afraid, but Grace has had 2 days, with only 1 pee accident. She was even dry through the night last nigh! This was a feat that Angelina just over came last spring. So Grace is in panties all day, and her accident was today at nap time. She is telling me on occasion, by patting her bum and saying, "Mum, pee pee." I just can't believe the difference in her over all disposition in the last week really. She is communicating more then ever. And if I don't understand what she is saying she gets close to me, and looks me in the eyes, and she will say the word again. Its almost like her little eyes are pleading with me, "Please understand!" Her newest one I think in the last few days has been 'sue sue' for soother. She is just so urgent when she needs it.
We are off to camping tomorrow. Angelina is very excited. We went to buy some groceries today, and she had to have the jelly candies! She was singing through the whole store about the jelly candies, until we found them. Then she was a very happy go lucky girl.

As for me, I'm really just tired. I am starting to feel the tiredness of pregnancy, and just can't seem to catch up on my sleep. Baby is getting quit exaggerated in movements. Angelina was laying against me the other day, and she even felt the BUBOOMB! I know that last 3 months are the most uncomfortable, and its gets more and more so as each week goes by. But I know it is all well worth it in the end.

Hope you have a great weekend, and I will blog again next week with camping pictures!

A Foot!!

The other night (my day with the girls) I was on the couch, and my belly was popping out here and there, as Baby was feeling rather energetic, (that's were all my energy went!) and kicking every which way. I could see one particular spot, close to the top, that baby was aggressively kicking, and seemed to be favoring. So after a few minutes of this, I decided to show Baby who's the boss. Baby kicked, and I pressed my fingers into the spot Baby kicked and said, "Hey you!" Bong! Right back into my fingers, still pressed to my belly. And I could feel Baby's foot!! I was in awe!! Each pregnancy is new. You forget about all these things until it happens again. So instead of being annoyed at my energetic child, we 'played' for a few minutes. Baby kicking, and me pressing down, feeling that wee little foot. And then suddenly Baby decided enough was enough, and limbs 'disappeared' and Baby was still. Tired I suppose and catching a cat-nap. Preparing for his/her 12:00am 'Awake time':)

The last week or so, maybe 2, I've had a hard time relaxing and falling asleep. I'm tired. Oh so tired. But I'm excited. I am actually excited about the birth. Who's all gonna make it here in time? How long will it be? Will I have all the back pain? How am I going to handle it? Will I be able to focus and stay in control? I know that last one depends alot on weather the kids will be able to manage my labor. If I'm in good control, and keep my verbal sounds to a minimum, they will view it all in a much more positive light, then if I'm screaming, and carrying on. So I really want to be able to do that, for both of them. And then the big question, what gender is Baby? Will the first outfit be the blue one, or the pink one? And I'm so excited about cuddling, and holding, and nursing my baby.

So anyways onto the apt. today. Everything is going great. I am still measuring large, in the 90%. But my babies so far have been in the 90% in their own weight so it really makes sense. And its still within normal range, just high, normal. We talked about if the midwives don't make it on time and Goran and I end up delivering on our own (which I think would be very exciting) . In that case the midwives recommend calling the paramedics, and they will assess and monitor Baby and me until the midwives get there. My concern was going to the hospital(which I really really don't want to do). The only reason they would take me in is if there was an emergency situation, such as Baby not breathing, or myself hemorrhaging. But in that kind of situation, I would be very grateful for the help:). Babys heart rate was in the 150's today. This is normal, but the girls always dropped, until about 120 or so, and I think 150 is up from last time (maybe a sign of a boy?). Baby was laying with its bum/back left of my belly button, and Lisa and I were both quit certain baby is head down. Grace didn't do this until 36+ weeks! So Yeah! Baby already knows which way is out! I had a hunch the last few days that Baby was head down, because I have had some extra pelvic presure. So it everything is going really well.

A bit about the girls. One of the other girls I care for, was away last week. This made Angelina very sad, as they are close in age and play together alot. Well this week she came back, and every day this week at circle time I ask Angelina,
"How are you today, Angelina?"
"I am very happy that Alexis is back this week!"has been her reply every day so far.
And for Gracey, the big thing is the potty training. She definitely understands the hold and release part. She can be very stubborn, and will sit for a very long time. I got her up from her nap today and tried to put her on, but she told me, "No Mommy, no."
"Ok," I said, "but no pee pee in your panties,"
And this went on all afternoon. We went to the midwives and I tried her on the toilet there before and after my apt. "No Mommy, no." This didn't surprise me to much, as she is afraid of the big toilet. "No pee pee in your panties," I told her.
"Ok," she said.
We got home at almost 6:00pm. I told her she had to go pee pee, and I had no argument from her. She went to the potty, sat down, and did she ever go!! It had been since about 1:15pm.
So she really is getting the concept, and understands alot. I'm hoping by the end of the week, we are just about done.

I am going camping with the girls and Mark, Kristyn, and Abby this weekend. We have a family re-union at Byng Park, and decided to make a weekend of it.
Hope you all have a great Labor Day weekend!

A Beautiful Day with my Girls!

I was a bit disappointed when Goran told me he was going fishing, all day. Home all day by myself, and on top it all off, he needed the van so I couldn't take the girls out anywhere. But its turning out quite pleasant. The girls are both relaxed, and enjoying one on one mommy time. Something they don't get everyday. This is also a great opportunity to work with Grace and her potty skills...which she is doing ok with. (An accident a day's not to bad.) I have some extra time, as well, to get some organizing done, and get my work week planned out.
I was listening to the girls play. Grace was sitting on the potty and Angelina was busy leading her in song, and reading stories. As I listened I realized she was mimicking me at circle time. She was being the teacher, and Grace was her student.
"Do you want to do circle?" she asked.
"Yeah," Grace replied.
"What week is it? Do you know?" Angelina continued.
Grace answered something in toddler gibberish, I couldn't make out.
"Its Monday!" Angelina exclaimed.
"Monday!" Grace copied excitedly.
To which Angelina began singing some version of the 'There are 7 Days of the week', song.
Ok, so she doesn't quit have her weeks and days figured out, but the play was amazing to listen to. They were co operating together, and listening to each other, and waiting for their turn to talk. Angelina does understand weeks and days go together, and she is teaching Grace. And through it all she taught Grace to say a new word, "Monday".
The day is quickly coming to an end. Although the weather has been unpredictable, we did get out for a walk this morning and this evening. The wind was blowing nice warm air from the south, and the tress were swaying in the wind. It was making fall seem along way off yet. Both the girls were pretty quiet. Each busy with their own thoughts, I guess.
We are all looking forward to a fun day with Kristyn and Abby tomorrow!! I am going to buy a few maternity shirts. I was hoping to be able to get a way with extra large t-shits, but they aren't covering my baby belly anymore, and I have 3 months to go. So, it looks like I will have to hit the stores! Yeah for shopping! The girls always enjoy a day at Aunt Kristyn's. Good company, and good food!
So the day turned out to be great. In fact, I'm really glad I had this day with the girls!

Here they are, ending the day with a joyous bubble bath!!




Have a great Sunday!

There is never enough time

Here is Angelina with her Chachie.

Here Angelina is painting with a cotton ball.

Here Grace is painting with a cotton ball.

Here is the big girl sitting on the potty!

And here is #3, growing, growing....

There are so many things I'd like to write. But never enough time. I would like to post all the family happenings in here, but there is so much, it feels like sometimes I am just rambling. And I don't want to seem like I favor one child over the other, by writing more about one then the other. They are at very different stages, both growing and changing so much, really with each passing day.

Well I will write a tid bit about one and then the other, and then Baby.

So Angelina. She has been a bit hesitant about the whole 'home birth'. Not sure if she wants to be there, or upstairs, if she wants to watch, and a few times she even suggested I go to the hospital! (Imagine my dismay! Haven't I taught her anything?) But yesterday we were watching A Birth Story on TLC, and the lady and her husband were getting into the car to go to the hospital. It was dark. She mentioned that is wasn't very nice that they had to go in the dark. I agreed. A few moments passed and she says, "Its good we're having the baby at home and you won't have to go anywhere in the dark." Maybe its just some unknown fear of the dark, but my heart filled with pride and I thought, 'I have taught you something.' I thought maybe giving her a job would make her feel more useful, like she is doing something to help. A few weeks ago I hurt my back and Goran was rubbing it alot, trying to get the knot out. Angelina picked up on this and one day got the stool, (while I was doing dishes) got up behind me and started rubbing my back. She said, "Does that feel better, Mommy?" (my heart melts again. I have, somewhere along the line, taught her empathy!) This is where the idea of giving her a job come into mind, so I asked her, "When Mommy is in the pool, in labor would you like to come in and rub my back?" She agreed this was a great idea, and she wants to do that. I really want her to be part of the birth, and witness it. It is our families that we learn the concept of family, and the importance of the bonds that we share. This put my mind at ease, for now.

She is growing leaps and bounds in other ways as well. We are doing crafts almost daily, and she is getting super good at painting, and gluing, and cutting with scissors. She asks daily what friend are coming to play, and voices disapproval, or approval, depending on my answer. She is always disappointed when its the weekend, and no friends are coming, unless we have plans to visit cousins or grandparents. She loves her dad! She luves Sunday mornings, because Daddy is home! Mondays and Thursdays are great evenings as well because I go swimming and she gets special Daddy time when Grace goes to bed. She calls him, Chachie, and gets jealous when Grace is on his lap and there isn't room for her. She shares her bed with Grace now. It usually doesn't work to put them to bed together, but most mornings they come groggy eyed, and messy haired together to me. Most times she luves her little sister. She gritters her teeth together and tells me, "I luv my big sister!" To which I reply, "You luv your little sister. You're the big sister." Then she nods and says "Yep." and off she runs.

And then we have Grace, our soon to be middle child. 19 months is such a time of extreme mental growth for them! I luv to sit and watch her thinking and working things out. She can be very demanding, and stubborn. But I realize that is a developmental phase she is going through too. The last few days she has been following me to the bathroom and wants to sit on the potty with me. So I oblige. Yesterday I suggest she wear big girl undies. She thought that was great. She's been dry since then, (except night time)and she can hold it for hours! Like 2-3 hours at a time. She did have a BM after her nap, which I wasn't too happy about. But her concept of it seems to be there, and I'll just keep rewarding her. She gets quit excited when I tell her, "You go pee pee and Mommy will give you chocolate." "YEAH!" she replies. She still takes her soother to bed, but knows it should stay there. She will often leave it in her bed, or bring it to me in the morning. If she is having a bad time of something during the day, she will go to her bed herself, and suck on her soother for a bit and lay down. She sleeps through most night. If she does wake up, I get up, give her the soother, and she's quiet again. But those nights that she's up 4-5 times, I'm not happy by the 4 time, and I can be pretty crabby. She has a real thing for shoes. She wore the soft soled Robeez for along time, but this summer, she kept swiping Angelina's sandals, so I thought it was time for her own. And since she has started wearing them her feet have grown! Her first pair were a size 3, and now in the last 2 months, she has gone up to a size 5. (I should mention here, Angelina wears a size, 6-7)She brings her shoes/sandals to us many times through the day to go outside. I like to go on my super walks in the evening, but she doesn't like to sit anymore. She wants out, and cries and cries! At 19 and 1/2 months she has loads of words. No thank-you, juice, crackers, more, all done, mommy, daddy, Bobby, Callie, Duke, are a few. We do a circle in the morning, and sing songs. So she is picking up tunes, and words from that, and will often 'sing' away during the day, on the potty, or while they are sitting in the wagon together. We are still nursing on demand. Its been a few days since she last asked. Every time she does this, I wonder, is that it, is she done? And then suddenly she has a 'catch up' day, and she will nurse 10 times to build the supply back up. When she wants to nurse, she climbs up onto my lap and points to a breast(usually the left), and says something that sounds like milk. I say to her, "Show me with you hands." She will then use sign language, and 'show' me what she wants. I never thought I would nurse at all. Before I had Angelina I thought I would bottle feed. But my mom convinced my to try, and it was amazing. Gazing into their little eyes, watching them fall asleep so peacefully... and after doing research, I've learned, this is one of the best things I can do for my children. For their health, and even their emotional well-being. The bonds and security they learn from breastfeeding can not be mimicked by anything else. And it turns out to be very good for myself as well. It cuts my chance of breast cancer way down, and after a birth, it helps your hormones regulate quicker, and your body get back to shape.

Well onto #3. We are 26 weeks now. Baby is 2-3 pounds, and about 15inches long. Movement are becoming more pronounced, and maybe a wee bit uncomfortable. When I'm laying down, I can see Baby kick. My side will pop out, or baby will be sitting a certain way, and we can see a bum sticking out to one side. As far as I can tell, baby is still turning and moving all over the place. My Internet info says many babies begin resuming the head down position already, but as Grace didn't do that until 36 weeks, I'm not to worried, yet. Many of the ladies at my swimming class are quit concerned that I'm showing large, and I'm going to deliver early. I remember with Grace I was HUGE! It looked like a beach ball at the end. But I went 2 days before my due date. So I reassure them telling them, "It gets much bigger." And I know it will. But for the most part, I can't complain about pain, or discomfort. By the end of the day I'm tired, but I'm very busy as well. A few weeks ago, I was feeling really good, not tired at all. I thought to myself, "Why are women in such a hurry to give birth, really, its great!" But I remember now, from the two girls, the tiredness I feel in the evening now starts to catch up with you, and you feel that way all the time. But in the mean time I will enjoy it as much as possible. All to soon its over.

I see Lisa, my 3rd midwife next week and will post after that.

Thank you so much for reading!