35 Weeks

I am 35 weeks and counting. If I make it to my actual due date with this one I might pull my hair out. I have been more exhausted this go round, it might be due to the fact that I am chasing two other kids around in the heat of the summer. I tend to forget that I am pregnant and push myself to the limits and then wonder why I am so wiped out later on. One would think I would learn to slow down a bit more, but so much to do and get done. I really think this baby is a girl, and I have no reasons or theories to back it up. I have come very close to breaking down and finding out what the sex it, but Rob helps me stay strong. Welcome to the home stretch, less than 30 days and we will have a new bundle of joy.

Bows Bows Bows

I wish we could have taken a picture of Ellery's face when she saw all of her bows hanging in her closet. She was excited. Rob just gave a oh my goodness, you've got to be kidding me. I am very thankful to Nana's creative ability, and all the money she has saved me in buying bows. Although I think it might have cost her more because I don't think I would have bought this many. Needless to say we love them!
Look out, this is the first bow I made. It isn't as easy as Nana makes it seem, but I was able to master her technique. I think we will still have to rely on Nana for our bows, but at least I can now say I could make them if I wanted to.

Generations

We took Nana and Great Grandma Gray out for dinner for her birthday. I am not sure who enjoyed themselves more. Nana got ear balloons and ice cream from the restaurant along with two little helpers to eat it. She was a good sport and wore them for the happy birthday serenade and then passed them quickly off to the kids. The restaurant was a bit loud so it was hard to chat with everyone, but it was good company.

Happy Birthday Nana

I bet this cake makes everyone wish they had one. It has a lot of endearments from the kids and frosting smoothing due to darting fingers coming in for a taste. The darting fingers stopped when they got their own baggie of colored frosting to help decorate with. It isn't rocket science to figure out who choose blue and who chose pink. The hardest part was waiting until morning to eat it with Nana. She was able to come straight from work and arrived at bedtime and I nixed the cake eating quickly, but not without rumbles and grumbles. The kids were thrilled to see her, but also thrilled it was her birthday and to them that means eating cake. We were happy we were able to celebrate with her.

Playing in the Rain

While Mason's friend Cora was here over the weekend, they requested to play outside in the rain. We didn't see any harm until we saw lightning and then made them come in. They had a great time. They had so much fun that they requested to play in the rain again this morning. They have been warned that things are a bit slicker when they are wet. They discovered the slide was a bit more fun wet. Ellery had come inside and we stripped all her clothes off because she said she was done. Yet, when I went to capture a video of Mason, Ellery snuck back outside and wanted to slide one last time. You will see she loses her footing and the slide is lubed and she flies down. She didn't find this time as fun as all the others, but it sure gave all of us a good chuckle.

Grandma Ellen Passes Through

Grandma Ellen went up to Sioux Falls to meet her great grandson and stopped by our house on her way back home for the night. The kids enjoyed seeing her and I enjoyed the company since Rob was working an over night shift. She did get to witness the slipping and sliding down the slide and even laughed, but was quick to console Ellery on her last slide. The rain did stop and it cleared up so we all were able to hit the pool. Mason was able to show Grandma Ellen how he goes under water and swims while Ellery showed her version as well, but her head never goes under. It is more of a dip our ears and hair in the water.

Happy Fathers Day

I was much sneakier than Rob. Well, not really, I just didn't tell the kids what they got their dad for Fathers Day, so when Rob asked the kids what they got him Mason was only able to answer "a present". We made the picture collage for him to take to work.It has only taken me two years to send a photo to his office. We also got him a beautiful orange shirt and a new Nook book reader. We didn't do anything special. We still had company in town for part of the day, and when the kids took naps we decided we needed one as well. It was nice just having Rob around all day and hanging out with no agenda we had to follow. He is anamazing Father and it really shows how deeply he loves his kids. I know they don'tknow to thank him for all that he does, but I do know we all REALLY APPRECIATE IT!

Also, Mason can finally make a legible S. Hooray!

Mason's First Sleep Over

This might come as a shock, but Mason shared his bed with his friend Cora. In the past if you asked if you could sleep with Mason the answer was always NO. He liked to cuddle with you and get tucked in, but then when he was ready to go to bed he would request you leave. That is why we were shocked when we asked if he wanted Cora to sleep with him and he answered YES. We told the sitter if it was a problem we made a pallet on the floor downstairs for Cora, but when we came home from the wedding everyone was peacefully sleeping with no problems to report.

A Wedding To Remember..

Mr. and Mrs. Curry

Our dear friend Niki, who Rob went through residency in KC with, got married this weekend here in Omaha. She looked beautiful and so in love with her new husband. Our only regret is that they are settling in the DC area rather than moving back to NE. Niki always had a flare for dress up, costumes, and themed parties, and her wedding was no exception. It started off with adorable invitations that looked like a movie ticket that had Admit One on one side and then Starring their names and when the wedding premier was to be etc. She also carried that movie theme over to the reception and introduced the wedding party to different movies and they were dressed with a few accessories from the movie. The happy couple came in to the Star Wars theme.

We also had a great time getting together with other old residency friends. We were able to have everyone over for lunch and afternoon play and then off to the wedding. Kim and I left our kids at home with a sitter. Technically we both had one in tow, but I am not sure it counts if they are in utero? It was fun having another pregger to hang out with at the reception.

T-Ball

Mason had his first t-ball game today and thanks to Papaw and Grandma Debbie he knew how to swing his bat, put the bat down without throwing it, and how to run the bases properly. He was able to be the leader when running the bases as a group because he knew where to run. He is still a bit confused on being in the outfield, but he managed. Basically you get together and play catch then each team takes a turn batting through the whole roster and then they switch. The kids prefer batting rather than playing in the outfield. Ellery enjoyed being a spectator of the sport.

Whole Foods Cooking Class

We ventured out to a Whole Foods cooking class today for something different and Mason seemed to enjoy himself. You have to be 3 to enroll, but Ellery was more than ready to participate. The teacher was very nice and did let her sit around the table and sample what they made.

A Fun Visit

I really should take a before and after pictures when someone comes to visit. I think we wore everyone out, but had a great time doing it. Every night before Mason went to bed he wanted to know who would be at our house when he woke up? I think he is going to be disappointed tomorrow morning. He would wake up every morning and not even come to my room to wake me, he went straight to the basement to find Papaw. When Ellery woke up every morning she would call out for Papaw and say where are you or here I am. She could never grasp she had to get to the basement first before she repeated saying it multiple times. I feel bad for Rob because he had to work all weekend and didn't get to spend much time with everyone, but I welcomed having Papaw and Grandma Debbie around to visit with and help entertain the kids. Right before they left I asked Mason to thank them for his gifts and I know Mason loved the chairs, tadpoles, fishing poles, and new bath towels, but he could only remember to thank them for the cookies Grandma Debbie made and brought up for them. I think they ate a cookie at every meal this weekend and loved every minute of it.

Here Fishy Fishy

Papaw took Mason fishing, we went to the pond not far from our house rather than hit one of the state parks. We should have gone for fishing at the state park because the fish at the pond are over fed and didn't bite at all. We could see them swimming around our bait and hook, but they weren't interested. This is the second time Mason has gone fishing and not caught an actual fish. We aren't sure he realizes when you go fishing you usually catch a fish. Never the less he had a great time and really enjoyed the process. I am excited to see how he reacts someday when we actually catch a fish.

Mason did however get some good quality time with Papaw and all sorts of advice. I wonder if this is how I looked when my dad gave me words of wisdom?

We took Ellery's fishing pole with us, but she wasn't interested in casting it into the water. She did get spooked on the dock when she looked through the cracks and could see water underneath. She had fun just hanging out and wearing Grandma Debbie's rain jacket.

Time with Papaw and Grandma Debbie

Papaw and Grandma Debbie came up for a visit and of course came bearing gifts. They bought the kids fishing poles and a tackle box with all the essential needs for fishing. The great thing about the fishing poles is that they come with a rubber weight so you can practice casting. Boy did we practice and Mason can cast his line like a champ. They love the poles and request to play with them often.They were going to get to witness a soccer game and Mason's first T-ball game, but it was rained out. We decided to hit Lowe's for a few items and no one wants to ride in my cart when they can ride with Papaw.
Lastly, we were able to drag Papaw out to our neighborhood yearly picnic. I think he was more overwhelmed with the activity than the kids. Grandma Debbie was a champ and stood in line with the kids so they could get some cool balloon art. The spiderman is cool, but the little mermaid is adorable. They also loved getting their faces painted and Mason informed me he wanted to wear his spiderman face everyday.

Ellery has a Friend

A friend of mine and I decided to give each other a break one morning from the kids. We both watched the younger ones while the older ones were in VBS. Ellery was thrilled to have a "baby" around. She is a bit motherly and of course ran to be held every time Mackenzie wanted to be picked up. We also learned Ellery has a lot to learn about sharing with younger ones. She was very interested and wanted to help change Mac's diaper, I also caught her playing with her pig tails. She wasn't pulling them but making a fun noise while she ran her hands over them which made Mac laugh. I think she will be a good big sister.

Spray Park

We hit a spray park after VBS with some friends and I think everyone enjoyed it!

Band-Aids

Band-Aids are a hit or miss in this family. Some weeks we should buy stock and others the stock wouldn't be worth anything. This is a week we should buy stock. I am always amazed at the healing power a band aid holds.
Rob put the kids to bed and Ellery started crying an hour later so I went to give her a hug. I did not prepare myself for what I would see, I was met with a crying toddler with a band aid on her chin. I felt so bad because I burst out laughing. I clearly wasn't laughing with her, but at her and I think she knew it. How could anyone hold a straight face? I also had to question Rob on his lax parenting skills. I am just as guilty giving out band aids when they don't really need one, but just because she wanted a band aid on her chin doesn't mean she needs to get one. She slept with it all night and this is a morning after shot. She usually will wear a band aid until bath time the next night, but I told her she had to take it off when we got dressed for the day and luckily she complied.

Produce

We had to weed the garden tonight and I was excited to see we have some produce. We picked a few radishes and I think Mason was excited. He enjoyed helping pull weeds and was thrilled to pick something. We also were able to make a yummy bok choy salad and eat some green beans with super all from our garden. I was impressed that Mason took a bite of radish. He ate all his green beans, but refused to try the salad. Ellery refused to try the radish, ate her green beans, and tried the salad. When Rob ate his green bean he said it was delicious and that market price would be about $5 a bean at this point. He thinks he is funny. The good news is that we can grow things and we are having fun.

An Overnight Away

Rob surprised me with an overnight stay in KC. We packed just ourselves up which was nice and headed down to KC for some fun and relaxing. We left the kids with one of the PICU/Transport nurses that Rob works with. Julie is expecting her first child and in the early 1st trimester honeymoon phase. I am not sure if it was good or bad for her to watch our kids. I am sure she played more Yahtzee than she preferred, it is Mason's new favorite game, and she did mention her arms getting tired and sore from swinging Ellery so much outside.
We had a fabulous time and stayed at the Raphael Hotel on the Plaza. We couldn't resist the photo opportunities the hotel had to offer. It was fun walking the Plaza and shopping. We also had a wonderful dinner at a new burger joint called Blanc. I highly recommend, it is pricey, but well worth it. We had a Sunday morning brunch followed by more shopping and I had a wonderful massage. While I was getting my massage Rob was on the loose and bought a new desktop. Needless to say it was a costly massage, but much needed.
We also couldn't come to KC an not get my favorite dessert from McCormick and Schmidt's. The amazing chocolate bag. I was a good girl and shared it with Rob. Just typing this is making my mouth water for it. I'll never forget a trip Kim and I took to Chicago and went into McCormick and Schmidt's there for our dessert only to learn that it is a KC signature dessert. It might be the biggest let down I have ever experienced, but at least I had one this weekend. YUMMY!
A BIG THANK YOU to my WONDERFUL HUSBAND!!! I needed the break!

Tenth Reason Why I Can't Go to Bed

Mason has come up with a new excuse on why he can't go to bed.
I had a bad dream.
He states this before he has even fallen asleep.

My Eyes

I went back for a check-up yesterday on my eye and all is looking good. I went in last week as well and checked out good. I did learn that I have a 10% chance of having another retinal tear after the first one so that is why I am getting checked out so often. I feel like a bug looking into the bright light all the time now, yet I am not drawn to it. Maybe it is a lighthouse light keeping me safe?
I wanted to share my new sexy eyes with you. I seem to be sporting this look once or twice a week, I might be able to start a trend if I keep it up.

Baby Chaplin Gender Bracket

Baby Chaplin Gender Bracket Pool!
Here are the rules.

1) $10 per entry…enter as many times as you would like. Winner takes all.

2) Here is what you need to enter

a. Sex

b. Day of birth

c. Time of birth (hours and minutes including am or pm)

d. Weight (pounds and ounces)

To make this fun and as Mandi has always loved The Price is Right, we are playing by those rules, so…

1) The correct sex is mandatory to win

2) The closest person to the correct date without going past the actual date will win.

3) If several people have the same closest day, then we will move to weight.

a. Again, it will be the person closest to the correct weight without going over who will win.

4) If there are several who have the same day and weight, then we will move to time.

a. The person closest to the closest correct time….without going over will be the winner.

5) If there is still a tie, we get the cash! Actually at that point the baby pool gods are just too confused and we’ll have to split the cash amongst the winners.

Here is the scoop from our previous births. Mason (is a boy) and was born two weeks before his due date weighing 8 pounds 7 ounces on 7/12/2006 at 10:40pm. Ellery (the girl) was born one week before her due date and weighed 7 pounds 13 ounces on 2/26/2008 at 11:44pm.

Current official due date is August 3^rd.

You will not be officially entered into the contest until payment is received. Please post a comment or email me for our address for payment.

Satchel Vs Purse

Satchel Versus Purse

Due to having a younger sister Mason is into carrying a "satchel". We call it a satchel due to Rob. Mason walked up to Rob the other day and said look at my purse and Rob corrected him and told him it wasn't a purse. He explained to him that girls carry purses and boys carry satchels. I think if it were up to Rob, Mason wouldn't carry anything, but this was the best he could come up with. I had to take the kids to my OB appt today and Ellery requested to take her purse. I gave the green light and Mason asked if he could bring match box cars in his satchel. Enjoy, I think it is precious.

Zoo

We went to the zoo yesterday with some friends and had a great time. They just opened a Madagascar Exhibit with a lot of lemurs on display. You can walk up close enough to the lemurs you could touch them. The temptation was almost too strong for Ellery.
We also took a train ride. Mason was super excited and he sported his ventriloquist smile through most of it. Ellery enjoyed it, but would cover her ears because she thought it was a little loud at times. She would uncover her ears to point out animals she spotted on the ride. We also hit the gorilla exhibit and Ellery remembered she wasn't fond of them. She would cry if I drove the stroller to close to the glass and caught glimpses of the gorillas. Yet, when we read a book and it has a gorilla in it she has to point to it and retell her gorilla story of it hit hitting the glass.

Bubbles

Not sure what age we will have to give separate baths, but currently they have a wonderful time bathing together. It is fun to give bubble mustaches or just lay in them and be a bubble head.