I survived!!

Have you ever had one of those weeks that seem so stressful and full of events that when you look back at everything you wondered, "how in the world did I survive that?!" Which is then usually followed by the need to celebrate or do something to pat yourself on the back?!

Well, last week was one of those weeks for me. The biggest thing/event that happened was Evan starting daycare. We've been blessed that John's mom has been watching Evan up until this point, and still wanted to but John and I felt that it was time for him to try new things and start socializing a little now that he's older. I think that I was more stressed out about than Evan was, although there were several mornings and evenings that he tried to convince me otherwise. The first day was pretty rough. When Evan realized I was dropping him off and not staying to play with him he started crying the cry I hate the most (most moms will agree that their child has different forms of crying, Evan has roughly 7 different "cries"). I call it his shrieking cry which comes out only when he's upset or hurt. So, you can imagine how it tugs on my heart strings. It broke my heart to walk away from him when he was that upset and I even teared up leaving day care. Later on that night he decided to let John and I know how upset he was with the drastic change in his schedule by getting so upset that he actually threw up during one of his tantrum/crying episodes. I've never seen him do this before so it made me feel like the worst mom on the planet. The rest of the night I just held him in my arms and gave him lots of jelly beans (I know probably not the best message to send to him, but I felt bad and wanted to make him feel better and who doesn't love a jelly bean?! I ate at least half the bag after he went to sleep that night). The next day was a little bit better, but his crying episode started before we left the house so it wasn't as bad when we got to daycare. The rest of the week went the same, and as the days went on he got a little better with the crying. The one thing daycare has brought on is the comeback of the "witching hour(s)". For some reason at night around 5ish Evan loses it. If one thing doesn't go his way, a tantrum will ensue. I haven't figured out if this is because he's not sleeping as much at daycare, just him letting the stress of his day out, or part of the terrible two's.

On top of that big change in our lives, I had my in depth sonogram appointment with the Fetal Care Center at Baylor because at my last sonogram the doctor saw some fluid on the baby's kidney's. It is a mild case, but my doctor wanted to have a closer look so in I went. I was hoping that I would get the news that the fluid had gone away and all was ok, but I didn't. In fact the fluid had gone up a milliliter (from 3 ml on the right side of the kidney to 4 ml, and from 5 ml on the left side of the kidney to 6 ml.). It is still consider mild, until we hit the 10 milliliter mark, but the doctor's at Baylor didn't make me feel good about it. I know doctor's have to give it to you straight and prepare you for the worst, but I left Baylor in a grumpy mood and not liking life. I did talk to my doctor the next day who assured me everything was fine and that this is very common in boy babies and almost 99% of the time fixes itself before the baby is even born, which made me feel a little better.

John also decided to resign his teaching and coaching position for next year so he can go back to school to get his masters so he can pursue what he's always wanted, which is being a principal. I'm thrilled for this new step in his life as it means he'll be home more to help me out and be around the family, but cut backs in our budget that we will have to do is a little stressful especially with baby #2 on the way. We will be ok, but definitely have to watch our spending, and in the end as long as we have a roof over our heads, food on the table, and a healthy family what more could I really want or need? (thanks to Rev. Rocky for this Sunday's church message that dealt with that. I totally needed to hear it, and made me realize there is more to life than having the new clothes, shoes, or purses).

Needless to say with all of that going on plus work plus having wacked out hormones from being pregnant by the time Friday rolled around I was exhausted and thankful I made it through the week without having a complete mental break down. And true to form to celebrate making it through the week John and I had a date night Saturday where we ate at one of my favorite Mexican restaurants, Mi Cocina, followed by a mani and pedi and complete relaxation. Something John and I both needed and are thankful we have such an awesome support system to allow us to do that.

So, here is hoping this week is better and stress free! Hope everyone has a great week!

Happy 2nd Birthday Evan!!

I've seen several other people do this idea, so I won't claim it but I will say that I think it's great and have decided to start up the tradition myself of writing a letter to my kids on each of their birthdays. Since Evan is turning two tomorrow (where does the time go?) below is my happy birthday letter to him.


Evan,
I almost don't know where to start on the absolute joy, love, and laughter you've brought to your dad and mine lives these past two years. Every day is a start to a new adventure and wonderment as we get to see childhood through your eyes. I'm amazed at how far you've grown and come in the last year. You are now a walking, jumping, laughing, ball of energy that cannot get enough of the world around you. You are starting to assert your independence a little bit but no so much that you don't want me or your dad close by to explain the new thing you've found whether it be a flower, a toy or even a bug.

I look forward to seeing you every day especially after long days at work when you greet me with a boisterous "momma!" followed by a kiss. I love how you want to bring everything you find to us and want to share your most prized possessions like a half eaten jelly bean or cracker with us. I also adore how you are obsessed with tractors and anything construction truck related and how you will yell at the top of your lungs "TRACTOR!" when you see one. I also love how into music you are and how you insist on hearing "Take Me Out To The Ball Game" for the 10th time in a row. I also love to watch you sing and dance to Jack's Big Music Show or any other music that comes on.

I can see both your dad and me in you and your actions. You have your dad's love for sports, especially baseball and one of your favorite past times is throwing the ball to whoever will catch it. You are almost a spitting image of your dad, minus your eyes which look like mine. You have your dad's laid back attitude and take everything in stride. You have my sensitive side and need to make those around you happy. You also have my love for sweet and salty food combinations and nurturing side.

As our family grows over the next year I want you to know you'll always be my baby. I know you are going to be the best big brother anyone could have because you're already the best son any mother could have. Happy birthday my little scooter buggie!

Love you with all my heart and soul,
Mommy

I'm so excited! And I just can't hide it!!

Tomorrow is a day I've been anxiously waiting for since I saw the little blue plus sign on my pregnancy stick the day I found out I was pregnant (which just so happened to be New Year's Day)! What day is this you might ask? We finally get to find out if we will be buying more blue or pink! If we'll have a Barney or a Wilma. If we'll have more snips and snails, and puppy dog tails or sugar and spice and everything nice. If...well I think you get the point.

I must say there is just as much excitement the second time around as the first. There is something about the wonder of it all and being able to talk to John and everyone else about what we think it is and everything that goes with that. This pregnancy has been so different from the last that I honestly don't know what we are having. In my head I think that all our family is going to have is boys since that's all that's around us (no girls anywhere, zip, nadda, zilch). Then there is a part of me that thinks it might be a boy since pregnancy has been so different.

In one of our many talks about it, John said for the first time he thought it was a girl. However, he said that last time and I was more shocked to find out Evan was a boy than when I found out I was pregnant. I was certain he was a girl. I'm happy he wasn't because the joy and energy he's brought to our lives is amazing and I absolutely love how he adores his momma! As every parent to be will tell you, in the end it really doesn't matter what sex the baby is as long as he or she is healthy and I really do feel that way. I'm ok with having all boys around me and being the queen of the family, and I'm ok with having a little mini me. Someone to dress up and have girl's days with.

I think what I'm most looking forward to is getting a start on the nursery. I have some great ideas for both sexes and I'd like to capitalize on my new found energy while I can and while it's here. I'd also like to start getting organized for the little ones arrival, and all of that is contingent on the sex.

So, if you see me today and I seem a bit out of it. My mind is already at my doctor's appointment that is taking place first thing in the morning tomorrow. Stay tuned for the big reveal!